July 2026 - Back to School Edition
JULY/AUGUST EVENTS
(click to open our calendar of events online)
| DAY | DATE | EVENT |
|---|---|---|
| THU | 7/16 | Drop in summer garden hours 5:00-7:00 PM |
| THU | 7/23 | Drop in summer garden hours 5:00-7:00 PM |
| THU | 7/30 | Drop in summer garden hours 5:00-7:00 PM |
| FRI | 7/31 |
Vitalant Blood Drive 1:00-5:00 PM
Back to School Night 4:00-6:00 PM
Meet & Greet Administration and Board Members in Amphitheater at 4:30 PM
7/8 family meeting in 7/8 POD at 5:00 PM
High School family meeting in HS POD at 5:30 PM
|
| MON | 8/03 |
First Day of School K-9th Grade
Boo Hoo, Woo Hoo Breakfast for Families
|
| TUE | 8/04 |
Q1 Club Preview
|
| WED | 8/05 |
Q1 Club Registration
|
| WED | 8/05 |
First Day of School for 10th Grade *see HS schedule below
|
| THU | 8/06 | First Day of School for 11th Grade *see HS schedule below |
| FRI | 8/07 | First Day of School for 12th *see HS schedule below |
| MON | 8/17 |
FRCC Classes Start
After School Clubs Start
|
| MON | 8/31 | 5th & 6th Overnight Field Trip to Keystone Science School Aug 31-Sept 2 |
BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS
ONLINE CHECK-IN GOING ON NOW
How to Start/Complete Online Check-In
- To begin online check-in, log in to your Infinite Campus (IC) parent portal account. *Keep in mind, only parents/guardians in the primary household can complete the process.
- An IC parent portal account is necessary to complete online check-in. If you don’t have an account, create one create an account here or contact the District OLC Support Desk at (720) 972-2003 for assistance. If you forgot your login information, you can reset your username and/or password.
Things to Note
- In order to receive class schedules and teacher assignments prior to the start of school, parents/guardians of returning students must complete the online process.
- Only parents/guardians in the primary household can complete the process.
- We are partnered with Adams 12 Five Star District and use Infinite Campus. Learn more Learn more here.
- It is necessary for all enrolled families (new and returning)
- Please complete check in by August 3.
- Includes verification or update of primary household information
- You will need a valid email address
- Log in to your Infinite Campus (IC) parent portal account
- If you don’t have an account, create an account here or contact [email protected] for assistance.
- If you have an account but have forgotten your login information, reset your username and/or password.
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SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Did you know that your school fees cover your student's school supplies? You do not need to purchase school supplies and will not find supply lists for Westgate Community School at the local stores.
To make it easier for you Westgate provides individual supplies for each student.
Suggested items to get that are not provided by Westgate are:
- Backpack
- Water Bottle
- Lunch Box
*Kindergarten note: Please provide an extra set of clothing in a plastic bag for your student. Accidents happen. We want your student to be comfortable with a change of clothes if needed.
STUDENT FEES
Student fees at Westgate cover a number of things including:
- all school supplies for the year
- laptop computers
- software and licensing
- most field trips, activities and guest speakers
Student fees for the 2026-2027 school year are staying the same as last year.
- K-8 fees are $260
- High school fees (9-11) are $250
Fees will be assessed in Infinite Campus in the coming weeks.
The preferred method of payment is through your student's Infinite Campus account.
This way your fees get recorded in a timely manner.
Payment can also be made by cash or check. You can drop this off during our Back to School Night event, or drop off at the front desk or vestibule mailbox once school has started.
If needed you can also pay online using Westgate's payment portal, but again using the IC account will register your fees as paid more quickly.
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FREE LUNCH AND BENEFITS FOR THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR
As a reminder, Westgate has a school-specific link that our families must use to apply for free and reduced benefits for the upcoming school year. If you think you qualify, we ask that you to fill out the application form.
Please use the Charter Choice Collaborative Form.
Scan the QR Code to get there quickly on your phone.
Westgate students and families receive the same benefits as those enrolled in district schools:
- Westgate can receive additional funding to enhance the educational experience for all students.
- School fees can be waived or reduced.
- Students in grades 9-12 can receive assistance with post-graduation planning, scholarships, state and national testing.
- Families can qualify for additional resources, such as medical, food and cash assistance.
- Families must reapply each school year for free and reduced benefits.
You will receive your eligibility letter in the mail or by email. United States citizenship or immigration status is not a condition of eligibility for free and reduced benefits. Once you receive your eligibility letter, please notify the Business Office so they can update your account.
For more information and to order lunches for the month, go to our website at: https://www.westgateschool.org/apps/pages/lunchprogram
Please email [email protected] or call (303) 452-0967 if you have any questions.
Westgate families will have the option to order school lunches at no cost; you must order/reserve a free lunch for your student or they will not receive a lunch
Lunch Program Ordering
In order for your student to receive a hot lunch, orders must be placed using the links below. Although lunches are free this year, only students who have pre-ordered a lunch will receive a hot lunch. Click on the following link to get to the lunch ordering page for information on menus and links to order.
- Click on the links to place an order for that week.
- Submit a separate order for each student.
- Ordering closes at 9:00 PM on Monday for the following week.
- August menu and ordering links coming soon!
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SPIRIT STORE - GET YOUR WESTGATE GEAR!
- Order team t-shirts and 'soon to be favorite' gear!
- Delivered directly to your door.
- Order confirmation with tracking will be emailed to you.
- Get T-shirts delivered in time to wear to Back To School Night
- 20% off all items until August 7th!
Team T-Shirt Colors:
-
- Kindergarten - Purple
- 1/2 - Red
- 3/4 - Green
- 5/6 - Blue
- 7/8 - Gray
- HS - Black
- Visit the Westgate Spirit Store
- *Kindergarten will automatically receive a free Class of 2039 T-shirts on the first day of school
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VITALANT BLOOD DRIVE
In the spirit of service and community, we are so excited to partner with Vitalant to get blood donations for our surrounding neighborhoods. July is a hard month for healthcare workers to secure blood donations, so please consider giving back to the community. Our goal is to get 36 units donated!
WE CAN TOTALLY DO IT! Families are welcome to sign up between for times on July 31st from 1:00-5:00 PM. The staff will allow donors to come in for their donation time.
Here is the blood drive link!
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Back to School Night & Open House - JULY 31st!
There's a lot going on at Back to School Night, make sure to read the list to know what all is going on and what all you can do!
- SAVE THE DATE: Friday, July 31st, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Students are encouraged to wear their grade's team T-shirt color. Order a Westgate shirt from our spirit store.
- Enjoy hanging out on the playground and grabbing dinner at one of the food trucks all evening (you can pay the food trucks directly)
- Food Trucks: Come for dinner!
- Colorado Taco Truck
- The Snowy Churro
- Sip Fantasia (non-alcoholic dirty sodas)
- At 4:30 PM meet the administration team and board members in the amphitheater
- At 5:00 PM the doors to the school will officially open
- Visit grade level pods to see your student’s assigned advocacy class and meet the teachers
- 7/8 students and parents will meet in the 7/8 pod at 5:00
- At 5:30 PM HS students and parents will meet in the high school pod
- Drop off medications with the school nurse, Mrs. Kirsten Hopson
- Purchase student parking passes for High School students
- Pay your student fees - pay via your IC account at the payment station
- Pick-up carline car tags
- Get Westgate window stickers
A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR FOOD TRUCKS FOR SUPPORTING WESTGATE!
NOTE: Families unable to attend BTS Night will receive an email on Friday evening with advocacy classroom assignments.
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FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
Please note the start dates as listed in the calendar.
All classes from Kindergarten through 9th grade will start on August 3rd at 8:00, doors open at 7:45. As this is a special day, families can park and drop off their children. We will have areas to take photos and we encourage parents to come early and stick around to attend the Boo Hoo, Whoo Hoo breakfast.
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HS FIRST 2 WEEK SCHEDULE
| DATE | GRADE | TIME |
|---|---|---|
| 8/3 | 9th | 8:00-11:30 Half Day |
| 8/4 | 9th | 8:00-3:30 |
| 8/5 | 9th &10th | Full Day |
| 8/6 | 9th, 10, 11th | 9th Full Day, 10th & 11th leave at 11:45 |
| 8/7 | 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th |
9th-11th Full Day
12th arrives at 12:45
|
| 8/10 -8/14 | All grades | Follow student schedule |
**If you are registered to begin at FRCC this Fall, you will need to secure transportation to leave at 11:45am during the week of 8/10/26, since college classes do not begin until the following week**
If you are not starting with FRCC this Fall, please look at your student schedule to see what classes you will have in the afternoon each day. You will not be leaving early during the week of 8/10/26.
Reach out to Mrs. Novello at [email protected] for any questions or clarifications!
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Boo Hoo, Woo Hoo - Parent/Guardian Breakfast & First Day of School
August 3rd from 8:00 - 9:00 AM
We encourage parents and guardians to join us outside for coffee and pastries as your students find their classrooms on the first day of school!
We know that first day of school can sometimes be a difficult one.
Please drop off your child in car line and then park in our parking lot area. Come on over to the pavilion and network with fellow parents and guardians and have coffee, juice and morning goodies on us!
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SAVE THE DATES
5th & 6th Grades Outdoor Education
Please mark your calendars for this exciting adventure:
- Dates: August 31 – September 2, 2026
- Location: Keystone, Colorado
- Trip Fee: $340 per student
Detailed email coming with forms!
7th & 8th Grades Washington Trip
Don't forget to RSVP to the Washington DC trip info night Tuesday, July 28th at 6pm! Email Mrs. Dewar if you need the link sent again.
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Q1 CLUB SIGN UPS
Families will have the opportunity to preview clubs a day before sign ups to see what is being offered. Here's what you need to know:
August 4th: Q1 Club Preview
August 5th: Q1 Club Registration Begins
August 14th: Q1 Club Registration Closes
August 17th: First Day of Q1 Clubs
September 30: Last Day of Q1 Clubs
More information will be available online on our Clubs Page soon!
CAR LINE
The first few days of school can be especially busy as new families and our youngest students learn the procedures. In addition, ongoing construction on and around campus may affect traffic flow and cause delays during arrival and dismissal. We encourage families to allow extra travel time, arrive a few minutes early, follow all posted signs, and adhere to staff directions. Our returning families play an important role in setting a positive example and helping the process run smoothly. With everyone's cooperation and patience, the car line becomes a safe and efficient system for all.
We understand that some families may find it more convenient to drop students off or have them walk to and from school from another location. That is perfectly acceptable, provided your student can safely do so. However, families choosing this option must notify the school office so we can keep that information on file and ensure we are aware of each student's arrival and dismissal plan.
The first few days of school can be especially busy as new families and our youngest students learn the procedures. We encourage you to arrive a few minutes early, follow all posted signs, and adhere to staff directions. Our returning families play an important role in setting a positive example and helping the process run smoothly. With everyone's cooperation and patience, the car line becomes a safe and efficient system for all.
Arrival & Dismissal Times
- Car line opens for drop-off: 7:40 AM.
- School doors open: 7:45 AM
- Car line opens for pick-up: 3:30 PM
Please review the diagrams and read the information below.
You can pick up your carline number on Back to School Night that will allow you to pick up your student. This number tag can be displayed inside your windshield, and Westgate staff will communicate your arrival to your student's classroom.
Each household will receive two hangtags with your family number on it.
Your family number will remain the same each year!
- If you have multiple students, use the line that corresponds to your youngest student's grade.
- If you set up a carpool or have someone pick up your student, you should provide them with the extra hang tag.
- Please contact us to provide pickup authorization prior to release if they do not have the hang tag - you can email [email protected] to notify the school of pickup changes to make it easier.
Your student may ride a bus. Each bus that comes to Westgate is given an ID tag and arrival is communicated to all classrooms.
Students who walk or drive will be dismissed from classrooms at the normal dismissal time.
PARKING
- Student and visitor parking is only allowed in the FRONT parking lot.
- High School students who drive will need to fill out a Parking Permit Application.
- No parking is allowed in the Staff parking lot
ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION SUCH AS SCHOOLPOOL AND RTD OPTIONS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR TRANSPORTATION PAGE
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BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE
If you need to drop you child off early or need to pick them up a bit later than 4:00 PM, registering your child with Champions can extend the time that your student can be at the school if you need a later pick up time.
Champions operates separately from Westgate and you will need to contact them to sign up your child for their before or after school programs. Champions at Westgate in Thornton, CO | Before and After School Programs
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VOLUNTEERING
Are you interested in Volunteering at Westgate?
We love to have parent volunteers! If you're working around students or chaperoning events, you'll need to get your background check completed before you can volunteer.
We need volunteers for:
- Committees: School Accountability Committee, Grants Committee, Events Committee
- Event Volunteers for: Scholastic Book Fair, Trunk or Treat, Kindness Week, End of the Year Carnival
- Classroom Volunteers
- Field Trip Volunteers
- Garden Area Volunteers & Chicken Tenders
All the information and links for getting your background check scheduled are on our Volunteer page!
Find information: Volunteers & Visitors - Support WCS - Westgate Community School
Have you Volunteered Before?
If you have volunteered before and need to check the status of your background check or update your volunteer form, please contact Ashleigh Dewar at (303)452-0967 or via email at: [email protected]
Consider joining a Committee:
School Accountability Committee: This committee helps to provide strategic direction in support of the school’s mission and vision outlined in the Unified Improvement Plan (UIP).
Monthly meetings are virtual and are usually only 1-1.5 hours starting at 6:00 PM.
This is an advisory committee, and discussions range from monitoring and supporting the Unified Improvement Plan, providing input on school programs, initiatives, and policies, and advising on school budget.
Events Committee: This committee helps to develop and organize family events! Help the team plan restaurant and activity nights, organize key yearly events like book fairs, holiday shops, and the end of the year Carnival!
Meetings are once a month in person at Westgate usually in the afternoons before pickup (skip the carline and come help the events team!)
Grants Committee: This committee assists Westgate in garnering and managing grant applications. No experience required, but a general desire to help Westgate! Writing skills helpful
Next Newsletters
With the start of school less than a month away, we'll have more information coming out in a newsletter the first Thursday of every month!
IN THIS EDITION:
- Event Calendar
- Online Check-in
- School Supplies
- School Fees
- F&R Benefits/Lunch Ordering
- Spirit Store
- Blood Drive
- Back-to-School Night
- First Day, HS Schedule & Boo Hoo, Woo Hoo! Event
- Save the Date: 5/6 and 7/8 trips
- Q1 Clubs Info
- Car Line Expectations & Parking
- Before and After School Care with Champions
- Volunteer at Westgate
Social Media
Follow Westgate at:
Facebook: @westgatecs
Instagram: @westgatewild
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Have you joined the parent Facebook group?
Find on Westgate Community School Parents' Group on Facebook and ask to join. Once we verify that you are the parent or guardian of a student at Westgate, you'll be approved.
This is a parent run page where you can find information about parent groups, events, and even create your own parent gatherings.
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POINTS OF CONTACT
General Questions/Comments: [email protected]
Enrollment and Registration: [email protected]
Front Desk: 303-452-0967
Enrollment and Registration: [email protected]
Front Desk: 303-452-0967