Family News

New York State requires public and nonpublic schools to conduct at least one "Go Home Early" or early release drill per school year, to test emergency transportation and dismissal plans. Schools must release students at least 15 minutes early.

Key Requirements for NYS Early Release Drills:

• Purpose: To prepare for emergencies requiring the evacuation of the entire school, such as severe weather or gas leaks.
• Timing: Conducted once a year.
• Dismissal Time: For WCCS dismissal will be at 1:45. Students are dismissed no more than 15 minutes before their regular time.
• Notification: Parents and guardians are notified in advance.
• Procedures: These drills test the early dismissal of staff and students, including bus transportation and after-school programming.

This drill is part of the 13 mandated emergency drills (1 early release, 4 lockdowns, and 8 evacuations) required each school year.

Now Accepting Applications for the 2026–2027 School Year (Grades K–8)

We are now accepting applications for students entering Kindergarten through Grade 8 for the 2026–2027 school year. Limited spots are available in Grades 1–8.

All students who are not currently enrolled must submit an application, including siblings of current students.

Lottery Preference is given to:

• Siblings of currently enrolled students

• Students residing in the 14215 zip code

We encourage you to share this information with your family and friends who may be interested in joining our school community.

Refer A Family

WIN BIG!

Help grow our school community and get rewarded

How It Works

1. Refer a family to WCCS

2. They list your name on their enrollment form

3. When they enroll, you earn entries and rewards

TWO Ways to WIN

Every enrolled referral = 1 entry into our week drawing

Prizes: Tops gift cards, school uniform shirt or school swag

The more families you refer, the more chances you have to win

OCTOBER ENROLLMENT BONUS

If your referred student is enrolled by October 1, you earn:

A $50 gift certificate

Why Families Choose Westminster Community Charter School

ü Strong academics

ü Safe and supportive environment

ü Caring teachers and staff

ü A community that feels like family

START REFERRING TODAY!

April 15 - Science Exam, Good For the Neighborhood 4:30-6:00

April 17 - End of Quarter 3, Early Release Drill 1:45

April 21 - PAC Meeting 5:00, Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83528350620?pwd=HPfQzAzIDjMozORJNmyP5bkeUaYYMJ.1

April 22-23 - ELA Exam

April 24 - Middle School Sneaker Dance (PAC)

April 28 - Graduation Pictures, Grade 8 and Kindergarten

May 5 - Multicultural Night, Recruitment Open House

May 5-6 - Math Exam

May 19 - PAC Meeting 5:00, Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83528350620?pwd=HPfQzAzIDjMozORJNmyP5bkeUaYYMJ.1

May 25 - No School Memorial Day

Get ready for a fun night of music, dancing, and fresh kicks!

📅 Date: April 24

📍 Location: WCCS Gym

💲 Tickets: $5, tickets can be purchase in the morning or at Lunch

👥 Who Can Attend:

• Current WCCS students in Grades 6–8 only

📌 Expectations:

• Students must be in good standing
• No more than 3 referrals between April 1 – April 23

👨‍👩‍👧 Supervision:

• Parent chaperones will be present, if you are willing to volunteer please reach out

🎓 Purpose:

This event is a fundraiser supporting the 8th Grade Class Trip and Dinner Dance

❓ Questions?

See Ms. Gerchman

As we approach state testing in Science, ELA, and Math, we want to partner with you to help your child feel confident, prepared, and supported.

Testing Dates:

• Science: April 15
• ELA: April 22–23
• Math: May 5–6
• NYSESLAT May 4-22

Here are some simple and effective ways you can help at home:

1. Keep routines consistent -A good night's sleep and a calm morning routine make a big difference. Aim for consistent bedtimes and ensure your child arrives at school on time.

2. Encourage effort over perfection -Remind your child that doing their best is what matters most. Praise their effort, persistence, and positive attitude.

3. Create a calm space for practice-If your child has homework or practice materials, provide a quiet, distraction-free space and short, focused work times.

4. Ask them to explain their thinking- Have your child talk through how they solved a problem or understood a passage. This builds confidence and deepens understanding.

5. Limit stress and keep perspective -Reassure your child that these tests are just one way to show what they know. Your support and encouragement help reduce anxiety.

6. Promote healthy habits- Nutritious meals, hydration, and regular breaks from screens all support focus and stamina.

7. Stay positive- Your attitude matters. When students hear calm, confident messages at home, they carry that mindset into school.

We appreciate your partnership in supporting your child. Together, we can help them feel ready and confident for testing.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.

https://forms.gle/BWy5c6GEiRomCo1C7

Any parent who wants to chaperone a field trip, must complete the volunteer application.

PAC Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 5:00 pm. The next meeting is on April 21.

The meeting is in person as well as on ZOOM, https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83528350620?pwd=HPfQzAzIDjMozORJNmyP5bkeUaYYMJ.1

At our school, student safety is always our top priority. Throughout the year, we practice different types of safety drills—such as fire, shelter in place, and lockdown drills—so that everyone knows what to do in an emergency. Each year we need to conduct:

• Fire Drills - We have completed 6 successful drills.
• Lock Down Drills
• Early Release Drill
• Shelter in place Drills

Please reassure your student that these drills are to practice, and nothing to be afraid of.

A lockdown drill helps us practice what to do if we ever need to secure the building from a threat. This is most like a safety concern in the school building. During these drills, teachers guide students to move away from doors and windows, stay quiet, and wait calmly until it’s safe.

We take care to explain each drill in a calm, age-appropriate way so that students understand it’s a practice and not something to be afraid of. Our goal is to help everyone feel prepared and confident, not scared.

Thank you for talking with your child about the importance of these safety routines and reassuring them that these drills are simply one of the many ways we work together to keep our school safe.

We conducted a drill on 4/2 that went very smoothly.

Join us on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WestminsterCCS

X: https://twitter.com/WestminsterCCS

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

Scan the code to join all three.

Check out our updated website: https://www.westminsterccs.org/

With your support, we look forward to building on our school’s 30-year history

of educating our community’s children. With your help, we can grow our pride!