Windsor Charter Academy Elementary School
2026-27 Back-to-School information
We are excited to start preparing for the 2026-27 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 2026-27 School Calendar for all official dates. Important upcoming dates are:
August 6th:
Kindergarten Parent Information Night from 4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.—Elementary School
WCA 101: A Guide for Firebird Families from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.—High School Firebird Facility (810 Automation Drive)
August 10th:
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 12th:
First Day of School for Kindergarten Students
August 13th:
First Day of School for 1st through 5th-Grade Students
August 26th:
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 1st through July 31st. While our offices are closed to the general public, families may have questions about enrollment. For questions, please email our registrar, Mrs. Fagler, or call 970-833-5190 Ext. 2006. Our Registrar’s Office will be closed from June 19th through July 13th.
WCA 101: A Guide for Firebird Families
Whether you're new to Windsor Charter Academy or simply want to learn more about our school, we invite you to attend WCA 101 on Thursday, August 6th, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Windsor Charter Academy Firebird Facility (810 Automation Drive).
This informative session will provide an overview of what it means to be part of the Firebird Family. Topics include academics and curriculum across our elementary, middle, and high schools; our AVID program; dress code requirements; arrival and dismissal procedures; athletics and clubs; Infinite Campus, ParentSquare, and StudentSquare; volunteer opportunities; and much more.
Whether you're preparing for your first day or looking to better understand all that Windsor Charter Academy has to offer, WCA 101 is a great opportunity to get your questions answered and connect with our school community. We look forward to welcoming you!
Back-to-School Open House
On August 10th, our Back-to-School Open House events will be split by last name.
Last Names A through M: 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Last Names N through Z: 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 Open House on August 10th. 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 6th: Kindergarten Parent Information Night
4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
August 26th: 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 2026-27 Student Supply List is available for all families!
We also have a school-wide Health & Wellness Amazon Wish List to help provide our students with necessary health and wellness products. All items on this list will be shipped directly to our school. For questions, please contact Mrs. 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 2026-27 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! For questions about ParentSquare, please contact Mrs. Sanders, Director of Communications.
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
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 signed 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 will 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 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 Mrs. Ibarra, School Nurse.
Student Attendance: Student attendance and tardy policies will be strictly enforced. Please review Executive Board Policy JE: Student Attendance.
Personal Technology Devices
Windsor Charter Academy has implemented a procedure for students' personal technology devices. A Personal Technology Device (PTD) includes any privately owned electronic device, such as:
Cell phones, tablets, and laptops.
Smartwatches, wireless earbuds/headphones.
Cameras, video/audio recorders, or players.
Virtual reality devices and other portable communication or storage tools.
AI wearables and accessories.
We recognize that PTDs can serve as valuable tools for learning and communication, especially during emergency situations. 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 from the first to last bell of 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 our families' partnership 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 the exciting activities at all our schools! 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 visitors and visitors who need to update their background checks must complete a Colorado Bureau of Investigations (CBI) Background Check form.
Fast Passes
Fast Passes are issued only to elementary school visitors. 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 your 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
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 for the school year.
Although breakfast and lunch are free, keeping funds in your student’s meal account is recommended for purchasing an extra entree, milk, cookies, and other à 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 Mrs. Miller, Finance 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 Ms. Davison, Director of Food Services.
Food Allergies
Students who need their school meals modified to accommodate food allergies or dietary preferences must submit a Meal Modification Form signed by their medical provider. The Food Services Department will only modify meals if this form is completed.
Volunteer Opportunities
To volunteer in our kitchens, cafeterias, or our organic garden, please contact Mrs. Barraza.
Picture Day
Picture Day is scheduled for August 26th. 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 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 school students may wear school spirit wear tops in lieu of uniform shirts. Windsor Charter Academy spirit wear can be ordered from the K&W Printing Online Store. The store will open on July 7th, and all orders placed by July 24th will be delivered to the school by Back-to-School Night. All orders placed after July 24th will be delivered approximately two weeks after that.
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 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 to 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 Printing 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 Ms. Horvath, Dean of Students.
Kindergarten-Only Information
Join our Class of 2039 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 Mrs. 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.
Donating to the school can count toward your family’s volunteer commitment. Every $12 counts toward one volunteer hour. In other words, a one-time donation of $420 would cover your volunteer hours for the year.
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.
Board & Support Committees
Board Committees support Executive Board members in their governance and oversight work. Board Committees include the:
Safety Committee
Education Committee
School Accountability Committee (SAC)
Finance Committee
Election Committee
Support Committees support our students with memorable activities throughout the year, including:
Snapshots with Santa
Trunk-or-Treat
After Prom
Field Day
Firebird Fest
To learn more about each committee, click here. If you are interested in serving on a Board or Support Committee, please sign up here.
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.