Werner Weekly

• Jan. 19- No School-Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Jan. 22- Guitar Club, 8:00-8:45, Music Room
• Jan. 27- Rollerland Fundraiser, 5-8 pm (sponsored by PTA)
• Feb. 13- Valentine's Parties
• Feb. 19- International Night, 5-7 pm
• Feb. 20- Science Fair

• Jan. 19- Just a friendly reminder that there is no school on Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Have a nice weekend!

• Science and Engineering Fair- Our Science and Engineering Fair will be February 20. Please see the flyer below for more information.

• International Night- Our 3rd annual International Night is scheduled for Feb. 19. Please see the flyers below calling for help to present and to RSVP for the event.

• 2026-27 Budget Prioritization Survey- Each year, we ask our staff and community to give us feedback on their priorities for staffing for the upcoming school year. Please take a few minutes to give us your feedback on this important matter. The survey will be open until Feb. 6. Survey link: https://forms.gle/184Rmay18nhKuyRq9.

​Welcome to the School Counseling monthly resource on RESILIENCY, parents and guardians! Each month a new resource for Resiliency will be created for families to help build resilience and self-confidence. Please look at Werner’s site under Learning Pages Counselor for more information.

We want to share information about Habits and Building a Resilient Mind.

“A habit is a regularly repeated behavior, often performed automatically and without conscious thought. It's a tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up.”

Seven Habits for A Resilient Mind

https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbescoachescouncil/2021/04/06/seven-habits-for-a-resilient-mind/

Make a new healthy habit:

• Decide on a goal that you would like to achieve for your health.

• Make it easy and start small.

• Choose a specific time of day and where to start each day so that it is easy to remember.

• Make it something you connect with and are motivated to do.

Again, I am a big believer in Love and Logic. The following article is from their subscribed email. Developing the habit and letting kids be their own problem solvers is a huge gift. Chores are also a great habit to instill in our children. There are many resources about appropriate chores for all ages.

How to Overcome Entitlement and Build Responsibility: Teaching Kids Accountability and Self-Control

There seems to be an epidemic of entitlement in kids. When kids are held captive by the beast of entitlement, they must be encouraged to take positive risks that provide opportunities to develop different beliefs. The only way to see the benefits of personal responsibility is by doing something positive and experiencing the intrinsic joy it provides.

Entitled children must also experience difficulties so they learn that they can overcome challenges through perseverance. Love and Logic helps parents replace the sense of entitlement in their kids by guiding them to develop healthy expectations. Here are some examples of how you can help your kids shift from a sense of entitlement to healthy expectations.

Expect Kids to Solve Their Problems

Whenever kids encounter difficulties, ask lots of questions like, “What do you think you’re going to do?” and “What’s your plan?” You can also add, “I’m interested to see how you solve this.” As kids experience challenges, convey the expectation that they will work through them. This will prevent them from expecting someone else to solve all their problems.

Expect Kids to Contribute

Chores are the #1 antidote to entitlement. Kids who contribute appreciate what they have and are far less likely to take the contributions of others for granted. Get them contributing to the household and family, and watch entitlement disappear.

Expect Kids to Earn the Things They Get

This doesn’t mean we don’t give kids gifts or commit unsolicited acts of love. But for things they often ask for, we can ask how they plan to pay for them or earn them. From purchases, to playing sports, to driving, avoid making things free. Instead, expect kids to work to earn all or part and see if they don’t appreciate those things the most.

When kids expect others to solve their problems, entitlement grows. One of the most effective ways to shift that mindset is by giving kids the tools to think for themselves. (This is a great habit to form while children are young and to build resiliency.)

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Throughout the year, we ask our community for photos that could be used for our yearbook and/or social media. This relates to school events only (e.g. classroom parties, field trips, school events, spirit days and enrichment opportunities). You can upload pictures to our 2025-26 Werner Photo Album throughout the year. Please be mindful to not include photos of students that may not have permission.

We often get questions about what are some of our favorite things for staff. You can find out more at this Staff Favorites link. This is also located under the "About Us" tab on the Werner website.

• Jan 27th: Werner Fundraiser Night @ Rollerland! (5:00-8:00 pm)
• Feb. 19: International Night (5:00-6:45 pm)

Check it Out: https://wernerpta.givebacks.com/

January 16, 2026

Dear Poudre School District Community,

Student achievement is always a focus for the Poudre School District community, and that dedication to success is again evident in the class of 2025’s record high 89% graduation rate; this marks the second consecutive year of record high graduate rates. PSD students continue to outperform their peers across the state with a graduation rate more than 3 percentage points higher than the state average.

“At the Poudre School District, we strive to ensure that every student is not only succeeding but excelling in their academic journey. That is evident in these strong graduation outcomes,” said Superintendent Brian Kingsley. “I am so proud of the hard work and dedication that our schools and staff put in, and I am eager to continue improving our graduation rates year over year.”

While the overall graduation rate increased, gaps remain. Graduation rates for students supported by an IEP and students who are economically disadvantaged continue to trail those of their peers. However, graduation rates increased over the past year for students supported by an IEP and for economically disadvantaged students, and graduation rates for English language learners remain higher than the state average.

Closing these gaps remains a priority. PSD is invested in addressing these disparities and will continue implementing its strategic plan, which includes a focus on preparing all students to graduate with options.

“Our increasing graduation rates are certainly worth celebrating, but we also have to make sure that all students are getting what they need to be as successful as possible,” Kingsley said. “I can assure our community that at PSD we are constantly working to improve student outcomes to ensure that every learner is getting the support they need to walk across that stage and accept their diploma!”

More information, including a breakdown of graduation rates, can be found on PSD’s Research and Evaluation website.

Thank you for your continued partnership,

Poudre School District

January 13, 2026

Dear PSD Community,

In Poudre School District, we believe our community deserves clear and honest communication about the forces shaping our schools. I want to share information that provides context about current enrollment trends and what they mean for our school district community.

For several years, PSD has experienced a gradual but steady decline in student enrollment. This year’s October Count shows another decrease districtwide. PSD enrolled 25,013 students in 2025-26, compared to 25,526 the year before; this is an enrollment decline of 513 students. The largest enrollment drop is in our elementary schools, which collectively serve 479 fewer students than last year.

While some individual schools experienced modest growth, the broader picture is clear: this trend is not simply about families choosing one school over another. There are fewer school-aged children living within our district boundaries.

This pattern reflects larger demographic shifts across Northern Colorado, the state, and the nation. Data from the Colorado State Demography Office show that birth rates in Larimer County have declined for more than a decade. While there was a brief, modest uptick in births following the COVID-19 pandemic, overall fertility rates remain well below replacement levels, and current projections do not indicate a sustained rebound in the near term.

The Common Sense Institute’s recent demographic study of Fort Collins reinforces this. It also indicates that just 23% of households in Fort Collins have school-aged children. Their analysis also finds that net migration into our region — people moving here from elsewhere — is significantly lower than it was before 2020. While a short-term uptick in net migration is projected, long-range forecasts show that migration will decline again and remain lower for decades to come. It is also important to note that even when migration increases, it does not necessarily translate into growth in the school-aged population.

Rising housing costs, fewer young families moving into the region, and long-term demographic shifts are all contributing to this reality. These forces are larger than any one school district, yet they directly affect us. Public schools rely on a stable population of children and families. When birth rates fall and fewer families move into an area, enrollment declines. This happens even when our schools are strong, high-performing, welcoming, and deeply valued by their community.

I want to acknowledge something directly: conversations about enrollment bring understandable anxiety in our community. Two years ago, PSD engaged in discussions about potential school consolidation. Those conversations were postponed, but I know many people still feel the weight of that experience.

Let me be clear: this message is not announcing school closures.

However, it is important that we work together to determine what we want PSD to look like over the next several decades and that we all begin from a shared understanding of the data and the challenges before us. Avoiding these realities now would only make future conversations more difficult and more unsettling. My commitment, as always, is to be transparent, proactive, and student-centered as we navigate this together.

Here is what the data consistently show:

• Enrollment has continued to decline and has not stabilized.
• Current projections do not show a rebound in student enrollment in the foreseeable future.
• Birth rates remain low, and fewer young families are moving into our region. Birth rates are not anticipated to rebound in the near future.
• Rising housing costs and slowing migration are reducing the number of school-aged children in this area.
• This is a regional and statewide demographic trend, not unique to PSD and not solely a matter of school choice.

In Colorado, school district funding is largely based on student enrollment through the state’s School Finance Act. As enrollment declines, the funding districts receive also declines. While state policy has historically allowed districts to use multi-year enrollment averages to soften the impact of year-to-year enrollment losses, that averaging is being phased out in the coming years. This means that enrollment declines will more directly affect district budgets moving forward.

For PSD, this creates real financial pressure. Fewer students and reduced funding have already led, and will continue to lead, to the loss of many jobs and fewer staff available to support student learning, resulting in larger class sizes and some teachers being shared across multiple schools. It also means fewer program offerings for students, including reduced access to specials like art, music, and physical education. As a result, the district must carefully evaluate how resources are allocated, which will affect our ability to sustain the same level of programming, staffing, and services families have come to expect. This makes long-term planning especially important.

These challenges are significant, but our community has always shown the ability to come together and approach complex issues thoughtfully. We share a common vision: that every student deserves the resources, relationships, and support they need to thrive. Educating every child, every day requires people, time, and the capacity to focus deeply on students. Shaping how we sustain that work is something we must do together.

In the months ahead, we will continue to share information and engage with our community about what these trends mean for PSD’s long-term planning. Our focus will remain clear and unwavering: providing the highest-quality learning experiences for every student, every day.

Thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your continued commitment to our students.

With appreciation,

Brian Kingsley
Superintendent
Poudre School District

January 8, 2026

Dear Poudre School District community:

Explore the new Choose PSD website and learn more about the excellent schools and programs across our district.

The second of two school choice application periods for the 2026-27 school year opens at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at this link. The second round differs from the first round in the following ways:

1. Second-round applications are based on submission time and priority ranking - not a lottery system.
   • Second-round applicants are placed on the waitlist after any first-round applicants within the applicable priority ranking.
   • Seats are offered when space becomes available.
2. The second round is for families who:
   • Missed the first round.
   • Declined or didn’t respond to a seat offer and wish to reapply to that school.
   • Want to apply to more schools.

Helpful Information:

1. If your student is waitlisted from the 2026-27 first round application period, you don’t need to reapply in the second round. They remain on the waitlist until a seat is offered or the waitlist is purged, which occurs annually. Please continue to check your email and the Family Dashboard frequently to see if a seat becomes available.
2. If your student is waitlisted for the current 2025-26 school year, you must reapply for consideration in the 2026-27 school year. Applications for 2025-26 do not carry over to 2026-27.
3. The second round will run through early May 2027. However, applications should be submitted as soon as possible, as the number of available spaces will decrease over time as seat offers are accepted.
4. Students who currently attend a school through school choice do not need to re-apply to continue at that school in 2026-27.
5. For questions regarding space availability at a specific school, please contact that school directly.

For more information about school choice or to access resources, please visit the School Choice Process page on psdschools.org.

Kindergarten Registration Reminder

Online registration for the 2026-27 school year began Nov. 3, 2025.

Families must register kindergartners at their designated neighborhood school, even if applying for School Choice. Registration helps schools plan for staffing and available school choice seats. Please refer to District Policy JEB for age requirements for kindergarten in PSD.

• Registering at your designated neighborhood school does not impact a pending school choice application or potential seat offers.
• It is encouraged to register as soon as possible, however, online registration will still be available for families throughout the school year.
• Learn more about kindergarten registration here.

Sincerely,

Poudre School District

Dear PSD Community,

At the Dec. 9, 2025 Board of Education meeting, the board approved the school calendar for the 2026-27 academic year. We want to ensure families and staff are aware of the changes, particularly the later start to the school year, so you can plan ahead.

2026-27 School Calendar Important Dates

The calendar reflects feedback from employees, families, and past community surveys, as well as state requirements and PSD’s employee agreement. Key updates include:

• A later first day of school for all students: Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026
  • The 2026-27 school calendar pushes the start of school later by one week. Beginning later helps reduce potential heat-related impacts at a time when temperatures in early August can be highest. Staff will begin the year with several non-student days clustered in mid-August for planning, professional learning, and building preparation.
  • A transition day is scheduled for 6th and 9th graders on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.

• Fall break and winter break
  • The calendar preserves a five-day fall break in November and a two-week winter break in December—both consistently identified as community priorities.

• Non-student contact days spaced strategically
  • Workdays, professional learning days, and exchange days are grouped to ease childcare challenges, support staff professional learning, and balance instructional time across semesters. Elementary-specific days are included for conferences and end-of-year preparation, while secondary schools maintain consistent semester transitions.

• Semester timing designed to meet state requirements
  • The first semester will run Aug. 19 through Dec. 18 to ensure the semester ends before winter break.

A full overview of the non-student contact days, including building/work (B/W) days, workdays, conference days, and professional learning days, is available in the attached materials.

What comes next

The calendar will be published on the PSD website in January. School- and department-specific calendars will follow in the spring.

Thank you for your partnership as we plan ahead for the 2026-27 school year.

Poudre School District

December 4, 2025

Dear Poudre School District community:

A reminder PSD is now accepting both school registration and first-round school choice applications for the 2026-27 school year.

Explore the new Choose PSD website and learn more about the excellent schools and programs across our district.

School Choice Timeline for 2026-27 school year

• First-round applications opened Monday, Nov. 3, 2025.
• Deadline for first round: Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
• Seat offers sent: Week of Jan. 4, 2026.
• Families must respond within five (5) weekdays or the seat offer will be automatically declined. Day one (1) starts on the weekday the notification is sent. Holidays and school closures still count as weekdays. Weekends do not.

Helpful Information:

• First-round applications are processed via lottery, not first-come-first-served. A priority ranking system is used in this process.
• Families may apply to multiple schools but must submit separate applications for each school for each student and cannot rank them in order of preference.
• Applying does not guarantee enrollment and acceptance depends on space availability and eligibility.
• Students who currently attend a school through School Choice do not need to reapply to continue at that school in 2026-27.
• Waitlisted students from 2025-26 must reapply for consideration in the 2026-27 school year. Applications for 2025-26 do not carry over to 2026-27.
• Updating existing school choice account: If prompted, you may need to update your student’s information before starting a new application.

A second round opens mid-January 2026 and uses a different process (based on submission time and priority ranking) – not a lottery system.

• The second round is for families who missed the first round, declined, or didn’t respond to a seat offer and wish to reapply to that school, or want to apply to more schools.
• Second-round applicants are placed on the waitlist after any first-round applicants within their applicable priority ranking. Seats are offered when space becomes available.
• If your student is waitlisted from the first round, you don’t need to reapply in the second round. They remain on the waitlist until a seat is offered or the waitlist is purged, which occurs annually.
• Visit the School Choice page for more details.

Registration for New/Returning Students in PSD

Online registration for new or returning students opened Mon. Nov. 3, 2025. Learn more at the PSD registration page.

Kindergarten Registration

Online registration for the 2026-27 school year began Nov. 3, 2025.

Families must register kindergartners at their designated neighborhood school, even if applying for School Choice. Registration helps schools plan for staffing and available school choice seats. Please refer to District Policy JEB for age requirements for kindergarten in PSD.

• Registering at your designated neighborhood school does not impact a pending school choice application or potential seat offers. We transfer all the information over to the school you choose.
• It is encouraged to register as soon as possible, however, online registration will still be available for families throughout the school year.
• Learn more about kindergarten registration here.

Learn About PSD Schools

Many schools host informational sessions, tours, and open houses. Please contact your neighborhood school(s) and/or schools of interest for details about their events. Visit www.psdschools.org/schools or view our PSD at a Glance guide to schools in English, Spanish, or Arabic.

Sincerely,

Poudre School District

Stay Covered This Winter

· Keep your contact information current with Health First Colorado by setting up an account on PEAK or visit your local Human Services office to update.

· Need help managing your Medicaid case? Reach out to PSD’s Outreach and Enrollment Specialist by filling out a referral form. Learn more about the program services here.

· Know your nearest urgent care and their holiday hours.

· Open Enrollment on the Connect for Health Colorado marketplace is happening now through January 15, 2026. Contact Larimer Health Connect to learn your health insurance options.

Mantengase cubierto este invierno

· Actualice su información de contacto con Health First Colorado (programa de Medicaid) por medio de su cuenta en PEAK o visite su oficina cercana de servicios humanos.

· ¿Necesita ayuda con manejar su caso de Medicaid? Comuníquese con la especialista de inscripción y divulgación en PEAK a través del formulario de referido. Aprenda más sobre el programa aquí.

· Familiarizarse con la sala de urgencias más cercana y conozca los horarios en los días festivos.

· La inscripción abierta en el mercado estatal oficial de Colorado está abierta desde ahora hasta el 15 de enero 2026. Comuníquese con Larimer Health Connect para aprender cuales serían sus opciones de cobertura.

Calling all members of the Poudre School District community: Your superintendent and Board of Education want to hear from you!

Superintendent Brian Kingsley and directors of the Board will hold numerous Community Engagement Sessions at schools across the district throughout the 2025-2026 school year. The goal of these meetings is to allow Superintendent Kingsley and Board directors to personally meet with the district community and answer any questions or concerns.

Superintendent Kingsley and the Board will be holding separate sessions from September through April 2026 at schools across the district.

One of many ways information is shared is through the PSD Insider community newsletter, which features timely information about the latest happenings in the district. This is emailed to families and interested community members that sign up. To sign up, or review past newsletters, go to the PSD Communications website.

Email: hcamp@psdschools.org
Website: https://wer.psdschools.org/
Location: 5400 Mail Creek Lane, Fort Collins, CO, USA
Office Hours: 8:00-4:30

Phone: (970) 488-5550

Attendance: (970) 488-5551
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wernerwildcats/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/werner_elementary/