Westminster Christian School News The Standard for Excellence in Christian Schools

Save the Date for the Color Wars MS Family Mixer

1/17/2025

Celebrate the Win, Stay for the Fun!

Mark your calendars for the Color Wars Middle School Family Mixer on Thursday, March 13. After an exciting day of friendly Color Wars competition, join us after school for a time of food, music, and family fellowship.

More details will be shared soon!

Heart-4-Heart Fundraiser at Basketball Games on Jan. 23

1/16/2025

Support the annual MAS Foundation fundraiser for Heart-4-Heart at the Boys and Girls JV and Varsity Basketball games vs. Florida Christian on Thursday, Jan. 23, at 4:30 p.m. (JV Boys), 6 p.m. (V Girls), and 7:30 p.m. (V Boys). There will be raffles, silent auction items, and so much more.

This collaboration provides a child in need with a lifesaving surgery that the family would not otherwise be able to afford. Please help these children become survivors and enjoy the gift of life!

The Boastful Axe

1/14/2025

It’s about to be Super Bowl weekend again. Of course, I’m writing this in June, so I have no idea who is in the Super Bowl this year. But for the purpose of this article, let’s assume it’s the Dolphins and the 49ers. Why not?

Obviously, the Dolphins will win the Super Bowl and they’ll get rings. But did you know that for most teams, the owner, the general manager, the whole coaching staff, managers, even athletic trainers, get rings too? Everyone gets one.

Is that fair? None of the support staff could win the championship without players, so do they really deserve one? On the other hand, could the players win without the owner, the general manager, the coaches, or even the athletic training staff? It’s hard to say.

Share Your Acceptance Moment with Us!

1/14/2025

Did you capture the excitement when you received your acceptance to Westminster? Whether it’s a joyful video, a candid family photo, or a fun celebration of this milestone, we’d love to see it! Share your special moment with us by sending your photos or videos to itorres@wcsmiami.org, and you could be featured on the school’s social media. Be sure to include the student’s name and graduation year along with your submission. Don’t miss the chance to showcase your excitement with the Westminster community!

ES Athletics Spring Season Dates: Feb. 24 - May 10

1/10/2025

Registration for the ES Athletics spring season begins on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 6:30 p.m. The spring season will run from February 24 to May 10.

Monday/Wednesday Sports
Grade 2 Boys Basketball
Grade 3 Boys Basketball
Grades 2 & 3 Girls Basketball clinic: No Games
PK4 Co-ed Soccer Clinic: No Games
K5 Boys Flag football
Grade 1 Boys Flag football
Grade 4 Co-ed Flag Football: 2 teams
Grade 5 Co-ed Flag Football: 2 Teams
PK4 - Grade 5 Co-ed Tennis

Tuesday/Thursday Sports

K5 Girls Soccer

Grade 1 Girls Soccer

Grade 1 Boys Basketball

Grade 4 Boys Basketball

Grade 5 Boys Basketball

Grades 4 & 5 Girls Basketball clinic: No Games

Grade 2 Co-ed Flag Football

Grade 3 Co-ed Flag Football

PK4- Grade 5 Co-ed Tennis

Grades 4/5 Co-ed Flag Football Information

1/10/2025

ES Athletics is excited to announce that for our fourth and fifth grade flag football teams will now offer two team options for each grade: Green Team and Gold Team. Both teams will be co-ed and will provide a fun, competitive experience for all players.

Please note that during registration, you will be required to select one team. Once teams are set, we will not be able to move players between teams after registration closes.

This structure allows us to better manage team sizes and have more athletes participate. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we continue to grow our program!

All our flag football teams will play games this season during the JPS league.

Visit the After School Resource Board for more information.

Preschool Soccer Update

1/10/2025

ES Athletics will be offering a new option for your youngest athletes this spring! This season, we’ll be hosting a PK4 Soccer Clinic to introduce PK4 students to the fundamentals of soccer in a fun, engaging way without the commitment of weekend games for our families.

Led by Coach Spencer Swindoll, the clinic will take place twice a week on the ES Field during the spring season. This is a great way for your child to learn the basics of the game, build confidence, and have fun with their friends. Visit the After School Program Resource Board for more information.

Important Information Regarding Senior Class Trip to New York City

1/9/2025

*This information is for families who have already secured their child’s spot on the Senior Class Trip to New York City (March 12-15, 2025) by paying in full. Please note that registration for the trip is now closed, and students who have not completed payment will be unable to attend.

To finalize your child’s participation, please complete the registration process with our travel partner, ETA Adventures. The registration deadline is Friday, January 17. Follow the steps below to officially register:

How to Complete Student and Chaperone Registration:

Visit the ETA Adventures Website: Go to https://www.etadventures.com/.
Login to Your Account: Click the green “Login” button at the top of the page.
Enter the Trip Code: When prompted, enter the trip code: westminsternyc25.
Create or Access Your Account: If you’ve already created an account with ETA, simply sign in with your existing credentials. If you have not yet created an account, select "Access Account" and follow the prompts to create one using either your email address or Google account.
Add New Reservation: After reviewing the trip itinerary, click "Add New Reservation" to begin completing the required forms and acknowledgments.

What You’ll Need to Do After Logging In:

Complete the registration forms, including emergency contact information, medical details, and any special dietary requirements.
Review and submit the forms to confirm your child’s participation.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact Mrs. Jennifer Pino, director of student life, at jpino@wcsmiami.org.

We are looking forward to an unforgettable trip to New York City with your child!

Important Reminder: How Step-Up Funds Will Be Received and Applied

1/9/2025

Funding

Step Up will receive funding from the Department of Education on the following projected dates: September 1, November 1, February 1, and April 1.
Step Up will deposit the funds on a quarterly basis in the student’s EMA account.
School invoices will be generated in EMA (Education Market Assistant) for schools and parents/guardians to approve. Parents must approve quarterly payments in EMA.
Once approved by the parents/guardians and the school, Step Up will initiate quarterly payments to the school within seven (7) business days.

Distribution

Parents will still need to make payments to Blackbaud Tuition Management in accordance with their preselected payment plan. Westminster will apply the scholarship funds to the Blackbaud tuition accounts within 15 days of receipt from Step Up and will be deducted from your next scheduled payment.

What Does This Mean?

For Monthly Payers: The amounts received will be applied as follows:

September funds will be deducted from your October tuition payment.
November funds will be deducted from your December tuition payment.
February funds will be deducted from your March tuition payment.
April funds will be refunded in May 2025.

For Semiannual Payers: The amounts received will be applied as follows:

September funds will be deducted from your November tuition payment.
November, February, and April funds will be applied to your Blackbaud account and refunded in May 2025.

For Annual Payers: A credit to your account will be posted as the funds are received.

In May 2025, the credit balance will be refunded.

Please remember that scholarship funds are designated exclusively for the school year in which they are awarded. As a result, refunds for any tuition overpayments will be issued at the end of the 2024-25 school year.

Thank you for your support and patience as we navigate this new process together. If you have any additional questions, please contact Leyma Matozinho in the Business Office at lmatozinho@wcsmiami.org or 305-233-2030, Ext. 1251.

The Borrowed Axe

1/7/2025

About 10 years ago, my family was invited to stay with some friends in a Lakehouse near Charlotte, NC. We were having a great time on the pontoon boats and jet skis.

One morning, I needed to stay back and get some work done while the family went out on the boat. A few hours later, just before I jumped on the jet ski to catch up with everyone, I had the thought, “I should add some gas.” So, I did, and took off after my family.

At the end of the day, my friend was driving the jet ski back and it started sputtering. Eventually, it wouldn’t drive anymore, and we had to tow it back. When I explained how I’d filled the tank with gas and pointed to the can I used, my friend’s face looked horrified as he said, “That’s the wrong fuel!” We told the owner and after taking it to the shop, he let us know it was ruined. I tried to pay for it, but the owner refused my offer leaving me with no way to make it right. I was mortified...

Taste of Westminster: Saturday, Jan. 25

1/7/2025

Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025

7:30 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Student Activities Center

Sample some of South Florida’s best restaurants and beverage vendors at the Taste of Westminster! Enjoy unlimited sips and samples all while supporting Westminster Christian School. You can also pick up some great finds at the spectacular silent auction. It’s a night you don’t want to miss! Proceeds from the Taste of Westminster will benefit the addition of a café in the Learning Commons.

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