Windsor Charter Academy Early College High 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 begin the school year!
Important Dates
Please download our 2025-26 School Calendar for all official dates. Important upcoming dates are:
August 11th:
Back-to-School Open House from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Fall Sports Begin
August 13th:
First Day of School for 9th Graders and New Windsor Charter Academy Students
8:15 to 8:30 a.m.: Student Check In
8:30 to 9:00 a.m.: Assembly - Parent/Guardian Attendance Required
August 13th:
MS/HS Fall Sports Meeting @ 5:30 p.m.--HS Gym
August 14th:
First Day of School for 10th, 11th, and 12th Graders
August 26th:
Picture Day
Summer Office Hours
The high 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 or registering for classes. 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.
If you have course registration questions, our middle and high school counselors and early college academic advisor will return to the office on July 21st. If you would like to set up a meeting with our counselor or advisor, please email:
Serena Seneca, High School Counselor
Josie Ringlein, Early College Advisor
Schedule Changes
Ms. Seneca and Mrs. Ringlein will be available on August 12th and 13th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to meet with students regarding schedule changes. Please note the grade levels below:
August 12th: 10th & 12th Graders
August 13th: 9th & 11th Graders
Back-to-School Open House
Our Back-to-School Open House is one of our favorite events of the year! It is a time for students to meet new teachers, rekindle old friendships, and prepare for a new school year. The High School Back-to-School Open House will be held on Monday, August 11th, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Families can also stop by our informational booths to learn more about volunteer opportunities, committees, food services, Infinite Campus, complete their background check, and pay registration fees. We can’t wait to see you there!
Freshman & New Student Orientation
Our Freshman and New Student Orientation will be held on Wednesday, August 13th, during their first day of school. Student check-in for orientation will begin at 8:15 a.m. We ask that all parents join us for our kick-off assembly from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. Freshmen will participate in orientation activities throughout the day, from 8:15 a.m. to 3:21 p.m. New 10th-, 11th-, and 12th-grade students will be asked to attend orientation from 8:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and will then be dismissed for the day.
Freshmen and New Student Orientation aims to help students acclimate to their new school and form relationships with fellow students and staff. This event is an integral part of every student's development and transition into the high school environment.
We will need student and parent volunteers to assist with some volunteer projects from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up here.
School Supplies & College Textbooks
The 2025-26 Student Supply List is available! If your students are enrolled in concurrent courses, they may be required to purchase their textbooks. Instructors will provide more information on these textbooks and where to buy them during the first week of class.
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.
Students will pay approximately $25 per academic semester for Aims Community College administrative fees, which are paid directly to Aims Community College. Other specific course fees may apply and are the student's responsibility. These additional fees typically range from $0 to $200; however, students should verify the exact amount before enrolling in these courses.
Students who participate in specific electives or clubs will be required to pay additional fees. Once students receive their class schedules, families can see which electives their students are registered for and the associated elective fees. Fees will be applied to Infinite Campus accounts approximately two weeks after the start of school, when schedule changes are completed and all schedules are finalized. Any outstanding fees must be paid before students can register for a new fee-based elective or club.
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!
StudentSquare
Students also have the option of using StudentSquare. High school students will receive an email invitation to register, but participation is optional. Students who download the app can stay up-to-date with communication regarding school sports, clubs, and other activities. Click here to learn more!
Required for all parents: submit Parent Agreement Form
Each year, families are asked to complete a High 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.
Student Cell Phone Numbers in Infinite Campus
Walking Field Trip Permission Form
Dress Code
Code of Conduct
Once you have reviewed our Windsor Charter Academy Parent & Student Handbook, please complete the High 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 Parents: 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 Policies & Procedures
Start and End Times for MS/HS Students:
Start Time: 8:15 a.m.
End Time: 3:21 p.m.
Parking Permits: All student drivers are required to complete a Parking Permit Registration Form. Once the registration form is approved, the student will be issued a parking permit.
Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures: Our drop-off and pick-up procedures are available on our website.
Background Checks: Windsor Charter Academy welcomes guests to visit or volunteer at our school. 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.
MS/HS Backpack Policy: As stated in the Windsor Charter Academy Parent & Student Handbook, students are allowed to bring backpacks, string bags, purses, and lunch boxes to school. However, these bags must be placed in student lockers at the start of the school day. For the safety of students and staff, bags are not allowed in the classroom.
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 9–12
Students in grades 9 through 12 may use PTDs during lunch periods and passing times; however, such use is discouraged to encourage healthy peer interaction and engagement. During instructional time from bell to bell—the entire duration of scheduled class periods, including open blocks and study halls—PTDs must be turned off or fully dormant at all times and stored in designated areas. “Dormant” means all vibration alerts, alarms, ringtones, flashes, and other notification methods are completely disabled. Students may wear smartwatches; however, communication functions and notification features must be disabled during instructional time.
We appreciate the partnership of our families as we work together to foster a culture that supports student success and well-being!
FARM-TO-SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE 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.
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. In addition, families can access the menu without 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.
Navy / Green Day Schedule
Our high school has a rotating block schedule. Navy and Green Days will rotate daily. The new schedule can be downloaded here.
Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO)
All 9th-11th grade students will be assigned to an ELO class, and attendance will be taken. We kindly ask parents to refrain from checking their students out of the building during ELO time. Content teachers will draft students into their classroom for additional teaching or enrichment on a rotating basis. If students are not drafted, they will use their ELO as an additional study hall to work on homework.
Athletics
We are excited for our Firebirds to participate in middle school athletics! The 2025-26 MS/HS Season Dates list important dates for each sport. To register for a sport, please complete the Athletics Registration Form. For more information, please visit our athletics webpage. For questions, please reach out to Mrs. Boyle, Athletic Secretary.
Gate Fees: Gate fees will be charged for all high school athletic events. Passes will be sold during our back-to-school events.
Order spirit wear
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.
Email lists & 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.
Service & Volunteer Commitments
Community service is an integral part of the Windsor Charter Academy culture, and all high school students are required to complete 25 volunteer hours each school year. Students record their hours on the Community Service Form, also available at the front office. Forms are due on May 1st. Service hours can be accrued between May 1st of the current year and April 30th of the following year.
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 WCA’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).