Windsor Charter Academy Elementary School
2025-26 Back-to-School information
We are excited to start preparing for the 2025-26 school year! To ensure a seamless start, families are asked to review the following information carefully and complete each action step before returning in August. This webpage serves as a single point of communication for everything our Firebird families need to know to begin the school year!
Important Dates
Please download our 2025-26 School Calendar for all official dates. Important upcoming dates are:
August 7th:
Kindergarten Parent Information Night from 4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.—Elementary School
August 11th:
K-5 Back-to-School Open House from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.—ES Gymnasium and Various Classrooms
Last Names A through M - 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Last Names N through Z - 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
August 13th:
First Day of School for Kindergarten
August 14th:
First Day of School for 1st through 5th Grade Students
August 27th:
Picture Day
Formal Dress Uniform Required with French Toast Tie
Ties should be purchased prior to picture day, either online or at the front office.
Ties will not be sold on Picture Day.
1st through 5th Grade Parent Information Night (Choose One Session)
Session 1: 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Session 2: 5:45 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Summer Office Hours
The elementary school front office will be closed from June 2nd through August 1st. While our offices are closed to the general public, families may have questions about enrollment. For questions, please email our registrar, Tammy Fagler, or call 970-833-5190 ext. 2006. Our Registrar’s Office will be closed from June 20th through July 14th.
Back-to-School Open House
On August 11th, our Back-to-School Open House events will be split by last name.
Last Names A through M from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Last Names N through Z from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Families are invited to visit their student’s classroom, meet their teachers, and drop off school supplies. They are also welcome to visit our information booths to learn more about volunteer opportunities, food services, Infinite Campus, purchase formal uniform ties, and pay registration fees. We can’t wait to see you there!
5th-Grade Students Only: Fifth-grade students will be assigned a locker at the Open House on August 11th. Students and parents need to complete the 5th Grade WCA Locker Agreement before the event and bring their combination lock.
K-5 Parent Information Night
Parents/guardians are invited to attend our Parent Information Nights! This event is for parents/guardians only. Each year, we invite our families to come meet their student’s teacher and learn more about our curriculum, classroom procedures, expectations, and volunteer opportunities in an adult-only setting. Kindergarten will have one session, and 1st - 5th grade will have the option to choose a session time. The same information is shared in each session, allowing parents/guardians with multiple students to attend.
August 7th: Kindergarten Parent Information Night
4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
August 27th: 1st through 5th Grade Parent Information Night
Session 1: 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Session 2: 5:45 to 6:15 p.m.
School Supplies
The 2025-26 Student Supply List is available for all families!
This year, we also have a school-wide Health & Wellness Amazon Wish List to help provide our students with necessary health and wellness products. If you purchase from this list, you can ship all items to the school by entering our address (Windsor Charter Academy, C/O Central Administration, 810 Automation Drive, Windsor, CO, 80550). For questions, please contact Sara Sanders, Director of Communications.
School Fees
School fees for Windsor Charter Academy students are due at the start of the school year. The Executive Board approved the 2025-26 Student Fees. Fees can be paid online through Infinite Campus or by dropping off cash or a check at the office. New Windsor Charter Academy families can pay their fees at our back-to-school events. Fees may be waived or reduced for families that qualify for our Free and Reduced-Price Benefits Program. For more information on how to apply to this program, please click here.
PARENTSQUARE
Make sure to stay connected to school communications with ParentSquare! ParentSquare is a comprehensive tool that enables families to communicate with teachers and coaches, track volunteer hours, and register for events. To learn more about how to use ParentSquare, click here. New Windsor Charter Academy families will receive an email invitation to register!
required for all families: Submit Parent Agreement Form
Each year, families are asked to complete an Elementary School Parent Agreement Form for each student enrolled. To make the process convenient, everything is in one place. This agreement gives permissions and acknowledgments for the following:
Acceptable Use of Technology
Student Data Privacy
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
Student Attendance
Library Checkout Email Notifications
This is a new addition to the Parent Agreement Form this year. Please review our webpage for more information.
Walking Field Trip Permission Form
Dress Code
Code of Conduct
Once you have reviewed our Windsor Charter Academy Parent & Student Handbook, please complete the Elementary School Parent Agreement Form.
Families are asked to complete one form for each student enrolled before the start of the school year. Students must have a signature form on file by the last day of August to avoid having their Google account access revoked.
Required for all families: set up or update Infinite Campus account
Infinite Campus, commonly referred to as IC, is a student information management system used by the Weld RE-4 School District and Windsor Charter Academy. All families have an IC account, which includes one for each parent and one for each student. Windsor Charter Academy uses IC to assess student fees, post grades, track attendance, send report cards, and verify emergency contacts for pick-up. It is essential that families frequently access their IC accounts and keep their contact and emergency contact information up to date. If you have questions regarding your IC account, please contact Tammy Fagler or Paula Ridout.
Infinite Campus Links: Please bookmark the links below.
New Families: At our back-to-school events, Windsor Charter Academy families that are new to the Weld RE-4 School District will receive information on creating an IC account and be issued an activation key. Once the key is issued, please visit our website for details on setting up your account.
Returning Families: All returning families are asked to verify that their contact information is up to date in IC. Instructions on updating this information can be found on our website.
Required for all Families: Review important information
School Start Time: The school day begins at 8:00 a.m. Students arriving after 8:00 a.m. must enter through the front office to receive a tardy pass to class. Parents/guardians must walk students into the building and sign them in after 8:00 a.m. Students arriving after 8:00 a.m. will be considered tardy.
Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures: Please review our drop-off and pick-up procedures. Pick-up times are based on the first letter of your family’s last name.
Dress Code: Please review the Elementary School Dress Code.
Health Services: If your child has experienced a change in health status since the last school year, please contact Sara Ibarra, School Nurse.
Student Attendance: Student attendance and tardy policies will be strictly enforced. Please review Executive Board Policy JE: Student Attendance.
Update to Cell Phone Procedures
Beginning next school year, Windsor Charter Academy will implement a revised procedure for the use of personal technology devices by students. A Personal Technology Device (PTD) includes any privately owned electronic device such as:
Cell phones, tablets, laptops.
Smartwatches, wireless earbuds/headphones.
Cameras, video/audio recorders, or players.
Virtual reality devices and other portable communication or storage tools.
We recognize that PTDs can serve as valuable tools for learning and communication, especially during emergencies. However, their use must be managed to prevent disruption to instruction, preserve student and staff privacy, and maintain a safe and productive learning environment.
To support focused, engaging educational spaces, Windsor Charter Academy will implement the following expectations for PTD use on school grounds, in school vehicles, and at school-sponsored activities.
Grades K–8
Kindergarten through eighth-grade students may not use PTDs during the school day. The school day includes all instructional periods, breakfast, lunch, recess, transitions, and school-sponsored activities during school hours. All devices, except for smartwatches, must remain turned off and stored in backpacks or lockers throughout the school day. Students may wear smartwatches; however, communication functions and notification features must be disabled throughout the school day.
We appreciate the partnership of our families as we work together to foster a culture that supports student success and well-being!
BACKGROUND CHECKS & Fast Passes
Windsor Charter Academy welcomes family members and friends to volunteer or participate in all our schools' exciting activities! We require all visitors who come during school hours to have a current background check on file and be listed in Infinite Campus. All new parents and parents who need to update their background checks must complete a Colorado Bureau of Investigations (CBI) Background Check form.
Fast Passes
Fast Passes are issued to elementary school visitors only. Fast Passes allow visitors to enter large elementary school events quickly.
If you are new to Windsor Charter Academy this year, we encourage you to apply for a Fast Pass by October 14th. After October 14th, Fast Passes will only be issued if they are expired or need to be replaced.
To receive a Fast Pass, please:
Ensure that the school has a current CBI Background Check on file.
Complete the Fast Pass Request Form.
Once these two steps are complete and the background check is certified, a Fast Pass will be printed and sent home with the student. A lanyard and plastic sleeve will be provided for all Fast Passes.
Visitors will be asked to show a photo ID along with their Fast Pass. We recommend photocopying your driver’s license, cutting it out, and placing it in the plastic sleeve behind the Fast Pass.
Farm-to-School Food Services Program
Important Update Regarding Healthy School Meals for All Program
The Colorado Senate passed legislation to refer two ballot measures to Colorado voters regarding the Healthy School Meals for All program. Under the current funding, breakfast and lunch will remain free for all students through December 2025.
In November 2025, voters will decide on two ballot measures proposed in HB25-1274 that aim to address funding shortfalls and potentially extend the availability of universal free meals. The outcome of this vote will determine whether school meals remain free beginning in January 2026. Families who qualify and apply for Free and Reduced-Priced Benefits will not have to pay for school meals, regardless of whether the ballot measure passes. For families who qualify, it is imperative to apply to the program.
Linq Connect School Lunch Accounts
Windsor Charter Academy uses Linq Connect to manage student meal accounts. Students are asked to have active accounts on Linq Connect. Breakfast and lunch are free to all students from August through December 2025.
Although breakfast and lunch are free for the fall semester, keeping funds in your student’s meal account is recommended for purchasing an extra entree, milk, cookies, and other a la carte items. If a student does not have a Linq Connect account, they will need to pay for these items with cash.
To Create an Account:
New Families: If your student is in kindergarten or new to Windsor Charter Academy, they will not be listed in the Linq Connect software system until a few days before the start of school. Once they are listed in the system, families can create an account.
Click here for instructions on setting up your family portal. Please enter “Windsor Charter Academy” as the school district.
Please note that students will receive a free breakfast and lunch regardless of whether they create an account. Additionally, families can access the menu without needing an account.
Returning Families: Your Linq Connect account funds will automatically transfer from the previous school year.
Free or Reduced-Price School Benefits
Although meals are free, it is essential for families who qualify to still apply for the Free or Reduced-Price Program to access additional benefits. Eligible families can apply for the Free and Reduced-Price Benefit Application. Once on the site, click “Start Meal Application” and follow the registration prompts. Please enter “Windsor Charter Academy” as the school district on the application.
Once your application is approved and the letter is received, please submit a copy to Lauren Miller, Business Manager.
Please note that if your family has been approved for this program in the past, you are required to reapply every year. Paper applications and instructions are also available at the front desk of each of our schools. For questions, please contact Jeannine Davison, Director of Food Services.
Food Allergies
Students who need their school meals modified to accommodate food allergies or preferences are required to submit a Meal Modification Form signed by their medical provider. The Food Services Department will only modify meals if this form is completed.
Picture Day
Picture Day is scheduled for August 27th. Students are required to wear formal dress uniforms for Picture Day. Families must purchase a French Toast school tie for their student to wear to all formal dress events. A limited number of ties are available for purchase at our back-to-school open house events, at the front desk before picture day, or can be ordered via the links below:
Order Uniforms and spirit wear
Families can purchase uniforms at any store, but all garments must comply with our Dress Code Policy. Families generally purchase uniforms at Old Navy, Target, Kohls, Costco, or A Children’s Place. Items can also be purchased online through our official WCA French Toast Online Store.
K&W Firebird Spirit Wear
Elementary and middle school students are allowed to wear school spirit wear tops in lieu of uniform shirts. Windsor Charter Academy spirit wear can be ordered online from K&W Printing. The K&W Printing online store will open on July 7th. Orders placed by July 28th will be delivered to your child’s homeroom teacher by August 11th at our Back-to-School Night.
New This Year: After the first day of school, the K&W Printing Online Store will now be open year-round. Items ordered from K&W will be delivered to your child’s school within two weeks of the order date.
BSN Sideline Store
In addition, Firebird Fan Apparel can also be purchased from our BSN Sideline Store. Purchases made through this site are shipped directly to your home.
Please note that all spirit wear worn during the school day needs to comply with our Dress Code Policy. For instance, sweatpants or hats may be sold in our spirit stores, but may not be allowed to be worn during the school day.
AVID T-Shirt Orders
Windsor Charter Academy is proud to be an AVID National Demonstration School! Our teachers incorporate AVID strategies into their daily classroom instruction. To help promote the importance of AVID with our students, families are invited, but not required, to purchase an AVID T-shirt for their students. Students can use the same AVID T-shirt throughout their elementary school experience. Please click here to order a t-shirt.
Cost: $12.50 per shirt
T-shirts will be delivered to the school in September.
K&W is offering this discounted price to Windsor Charter Academy families for the entire school year!
Registering for Extracurricular Activities
Our elementary school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities. Please visit our website for registration details. Our activities tend to fill up quickly, so please mark your calendar for the day registration opens. If you have questions, please contact Anne Watson, Dean of Students.
Kindergarten-Only Information
Join our Class of 2038 Facebook Group!
Windsor Charter Academy kindergarten teachers have put together a summer packet for our incoming kindergarten students. Please note that completing this packet is optional and does not need to be submitted at the start of school.
Download our Kindergarten Readiness Packet
Download our Top 20 Skills to Help Your Child Prepare for Kindergarten List
Email lists and facebook groups
All families are automatically subscribed to our email list during enrollment. Relatives can also subscribe to receive newsletters by joining here. If you would like to confirm that you are on our email list, please contact Sara Sanders, Director of Communications, with your name, email address, and the school with which you are affiliated.
Parents and legal guardians can join our private, grade-level WCA Facebook Pages. To request admission to these groups, please complete the three-question membership form.
Parent Volunteer Hours
We have a strong service culture in our schools. Every family is expected to volunteer 35 hours per school year, which can be logged into their ParentSquare account.
A few important points about volunteering:
A 35-hour commitment is required per family, not per student. Grandparents or other relatives can help fulfill a family’s service commitment.
If you plan to run for Windsor Charter Academy’s Executive Board in the spring, hours need to be tracked individually. Service hours must be fulfilled by the candidates and not by other family members. All volunteer hours will be verified.
Donating to the school can count toward your family’s volunteer commitment. Every $12 counts towards one volunteer hour. In other words, a one-time donation of $420 would cover your volunteer hours for the year.
Board & Support Committees
Board Committees
Board Committees support Executive Board members in their governance and oversight work. Each committee has one Executive Board member liaison and a committee member who serves as the chairperson.
Safety Committee: The Safety Committee’s purpose encompasses various areas, including—but not limited to—physical safety, environmental safety, internet safety, and emotional safety. The committee focuses on diligent exploration and research to develop appropriate options and safeguards to increase our schools' safety.
Safety Committee Meeting Dates:
August 25, 2025
December 8, 2025
April 13, 2025
Education Committee: The Education Committee is responsible for enhancing the school's overall educational program. This committee assists the administrator and teachers in providing students with the highest quality educational program possible by 1) researching new and existing curricular and instructional approaches, 2) evaluating and synthesizing information, and 3) sensing parent and school/community needs.
Education Committee Meeting Dates:
October 23, 2025
November 6, 2025
December 4, 2025
School Accountability Committee (SAC)
If you are interested in serving on the School Accountability Committee, please email Dr. Rebecca Teeples, Executive Director of Schools.
Finance Committee
If you are interested in serving on the Finance Committee, please email SarahGennie Colazio, Director of Finance & HR. Members of this committee need to have a background in finance. This committee is by invitation only.
Election Committee
The Election Committee oversees the annual Executive Board Elections. If you are interested in serving on the Election Committee, please email elections@windsorcharteracademy.org.
Support Committees
Support Committees support the day-to-day work of staff at Windsor Charter Academy. A staff member in a leadership role leads each committee. Parents and stakeholders, as members, collaborate with staff to support the committee's work.
Parent-Teacher Club (PTC): Our PTCs support our students with memorable activities throughout the year, such as Supper with Santa, Trunk-or-Treat, After Prom, Field Day, Firebird Fest, and other special events. If you are interested in joining the PTC at any of our schools, please fill out the Committee Sign-Up Form or visit the PTC webpage.
High School Booster Club: The High School Booster Club supports our extracurricular activities. If you are interested in joining, please fill out the Committee Sign-Up Form or visit the Booster Club webpage.
If you are interested in serving on any of the above committees, please sign up below.
Transportation
Families interested in joining our Way-to-Go Schoolpool carpool program can register online! Join Windsor Charter Academy’s Schoolpool program to connect with other families to drive, walk, or bike to school together. This is a free service with no obligation to participate. Schoolpool is a service of Way to Go, a federally funded program of the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG).
Before and After-School Care
Families interested in before- or after-school care can register with ABC Bright School-Age Centers.