Parent and Family News

Lions are the only cats that live in large social groups called “prides.” The pride has a close bond and works together to ensure the success of all members. Living in pride makes life easier. Hunting as a group means there is a better chance that the lions have food when needed, and it is less likely that they will get injured while hunting. Lion researchers have noticed that some activities are “contagious” within a pride. If one lion yawns, grooms itself, or roars, it sets off a wave of yawning, grooming, or roaring!

WCCS’s goal is to be a PRIDE. We work together for the betterment of all members. Unity and family bonds are a source of strength and the foundation of a fulfilling and meaningful existence. Belonging to pride provides social benefits to the members. It fosters bonds among pride members. These social bonds create a network that supports cooperative learning, caring for members, and defending against outside threats.

May 1 -2 - NYSED ELA ASSESSMENT Grades 3-8

May 4 - Super Saturday, 9:00-11:30

May 9 - Spring Showcase 5:00 pm

May 14-15 - NYSED MATH ASSESSMENT Grades 3-8

May 22 - Prospective Student Open House, 5:00 pm

May 22-30- Spring iReady

May 31 - Moana Junior - 7:30 pm, tickets on sale at https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/westminster-community-charter-school/660046ebe390cc0e3c76d437

June 1 - Super Saturday 9-11:30, Moana Junior - 7:30 pm tickets on sale at

https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/westminster-community-charter-school/660046ebe390cc0e3c76d437

June 14 - Grade 8 Awards and Dance

June 18 - Field Day

June 20 - Kindergarten Graduation, 8th Grade Graduation

Help your child understand that school is their very first job!

• Make great school attendance a priority for your child.
• Talk to your child about the importance of daily attendance in every class and how it helps his/her learning.
• When students miss so much school, they will not be prepared for kindergarten, learn to read by the third grade, fail courses in middle school, and drop out of high school.

Help your child develop good habits

• Help your child practice good daily habits like:
• finishing homework and placing it in his/her backpack
• laying out clothes and the backpack in the evening
• having a regular bedtime for a good night's sleep
• leaving early enough in the morning to get to school on time.
• turn off electronic devices one hour before bedtime.
• Help your child build responsibility skills by reminding them to make up any missed school work after an absence.

When your child is sick

• Only let your child stay home if he/she is truly sick. Sometimes, complaints of a headache or stomach ache might be a sign of anxiety and not a reason to stay home. Contact the administrator for support if you think this might be happening.
• If you are not sure if you should keep your child at home due to illness, please call and talk to the nurse.

Appointments and vacations

• Make every effort to schedule doctor, dentist, and other appointments after school hours.
• If your child must be out of school for an appointment, get him/her back to school for at least part of the school day.
• Plan vacations when school is not in session.

Please make sure your child gets a good night's sleep and eats a healthy breakfast.

Many teachers report that students who don't do well on tests haven't gotten enough sleep and haven't eaten breakfast on the morning of the test. Doing both will ensure that your child is working at full capacity (Narang, 2008).

Make sure your child is prepared.

Some schools may supply your child's tools for the test, such as pencils, an eraser, paper, and a calculator. Others may require the students to bring those materials themselves. Check with your child's teacher to see if you need to provide your child with any of these materials. Also, check whether your child can make up the test if she is sick on test day (Narang, 2008).

Remain positive

Staying calm will help your child stay calm. If they get nervous about the test or are likely to experience anxiety during it, help them practice relaxation techniques, and they can try them once they take it (Narang, 2008).

The Grades 3-8 English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics Tests and Grades 5 & 8 Science Tests are administered in the spring to students across New York State. These annual tests for students in grades 3-8 are required by the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015. Public and charter school students enrolled in Grades 3–8 are expected to take the ELA, mathematics, and science tests administered for their grade level. The tests are designed to measure how well students are mastering the learning standards that guide classroom instruction and are a valuable tool used to help ensure students have the support needed to succeed. The tests can also help identify any learning needs a student may have. The annual tests are one measure used to assess student learning and is one tool of many used by educators to ensure students are getting the services and supports they need to prepare for career, college, and civic readiness.