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Don’t Let Scammers Steal Your Holiday Cheer!
🎁 A Holiday Deal Too Good to Be True As we enter the holiday shopping season, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of finding the perfect gift, especially when the deals look irresistible. But it’s also the time of year when online shopping scams are at their peak . Meet Maya. She was thrilled to find her favorite brand of wireless headphones advertised at 70% off from what appeared to be a reputable online store. The website looked professional, she received a confirmation email, and everything seemed perfect — until her order never arrived. Later, she discovered her credit card had been used for unauthorized purchases. Maya had fallen victim to a fake online shopping site , one of many scams that target shoppers during the holidays. 🛍️ Stay Safe While Shopping Online Cybercriminals often use fake websites and ads with “too good to be true” discounts to steal money or personal information. You can protect yourself by following these simple tips. 🔒 Before You Buy Shop with trusted retailers. Choose online stores you know and have used before, and consider bookmarking them for easy access. Be cautious of deep discounts. If a deal is significantly cheaper than what you see elsewhere, it’s probably a scam. Check for contact information. Legitimate websites list a phone number, email address, and return policy. Avoid sites that provide none. Examine the web address carefully. Scammers often use look-alike sites, such as “aamazon.deals” instead of “amazon.com.” Search for reviews. Type the store’s name or web address into a search engine along with words like “scam,” “fraud,” or “fake” before buying. Be careful with payment methods. Avoid using wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Credit cards or secure payment services such as PayPal offer better protection. 🧾 Protect Your Accounts Use strong, unique passwords for each online account, and consider using a password manager to help keep them organized. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) or passkeys whenever possible to add an extra layer of security. Regularly check your credit card statements and set up alerts for new charges. Report any suspicious activity immediately to your credit card company. Use credit cards instead of debit cards when shopping online. Credit cards typically offer stronger fraud protection and make it easier to dispute unauthorized charges. 💡 Final Tip Scammers get more creative every year, especially during the holidays. Taking a few extra moments to verify a deal or check a website can save you money and stress. Stay safe, and happy shopping! 🛒✨
Monday, Nov 03 2025
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Building a Cyber Strong America: Help Us Protect Aga...
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and Westminster School District is proud to join this international initiative to keep our people, data and systems safer online. The campaign reminds us that simple actions can make a big difference. Together, we can help protect against online threats and protect the systems we rely on every day, including critical infrastructure. Join us as we celebrate the Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025 theme: B uilding a Cyber Strong America. This theme highlights the need to strengthen the country's infrastructure against cyber threats, ensuring resilience and security. You can help by taking these four essential steps: Update software : Install updates promptly on all devices. Don’t click “Remind me later.” Updates patch vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. Turn on automatic updates whenever possible. Use strong passwords and a password manager : Use long, unique passwords or passphrases of at least 16 characters whenever possible. When a site requires it, include a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters , but prioritize length and uniqueness over unnecessary complexity. Avoid easily guessable words, common patterns, or passwords that have been compromised. Use a password manager to generate, store, and autofill passwords for you securely. ✅ Example (complexity required): SummerSun!42RiverTrail (long, unique, contains uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and a special character). Turn on multifactor authentication (MFA) wherever possible : MFA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. Use it everywhere it’s offered, and choose the most secure method available, such as a passkey or authenticator app. Recognize and report phishing : Stay alert for suspicious messages. Always verify the sender before clicking links or opening attachments. If you spot a scam, use the platform’s “Report Phishing” tool (if available). We’ll be sharing more tips and resources throughout October. Watch your inbox for updates. For more information about ways to stay secure online visit cisa.gov/cybersecurity-awareness-month .
Tuesday, Oct 14 2025
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Student Device Insurance Open Enrollment is Going on...
Dear Westminster Families, As the new school year rapidly approaches, please remember to purchase insurance for your student's device. This protection covers accidental damage, theft, loss, and vandalism, ensuring uninterrupted learning and avoiding unexpected repair or replacement costs. By purchasing insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing that your child's device is protected, and you won't face unexpected expenses of up to $329 for a full replacement if something happens to the device. Enroll now at Securranty to ensure uninterrupted learning. In addition to single year plans, Securranty also offers multiple year options. For questions, contact our support team at (714) 894-7311 Ext. 1051. Note: New for the 2025-2026 school year, our TK students will be using iPads. All other grade levels will be using Chromebooks. For more information on student devices, please visit our Student Device Take Home Program resource page for Frequently Asked Questions, Insurance and Care & Responsibilities. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter and welcome to the 2025-2026 school year. Warm regards, Westminster School District
Thursday, Aug 14 2025
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Superintendent Community Letter Regarding Immigratio...
Dear WSD Families, As the school year comes to a close, we want to reaffirm Westminster School District's dedication to protecting the legal rights of all students and maintaining campus environments that are safe, welcoming, and equitable. We understand that recent federal policy changes and reported immigration enforcement actions have raised concerns within our community; please be assured that WSD will continue to provide support for our students and families during this time. In alignment with established law, Board Policy 5145.13 (a) , guidance from the Westminster Police Department , and the California State Attorney General, we continue to uphold protocols for our school administrators and staff to follow if immigration authorities request access to our schools and campus events. If you have any questions or concerns about these protocols, please reach out to your school principal. As we commemorate the achievements and milestones of our students, we wish to remind everyone of the following protocols to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all students and their invited guests. • All promotion ceremonies are closed to the public. • Entry to these events is by invitation only. Our schools are places of learning, celebration, and growth, and we will continue to uphold this standard across the district. I am grateful for your ongoing support and partnership, and am proud to serve this community. Together we will remain committed to the well-being and success of every WSD student and family. Sincerely, Gunn Marie Hansen, Ph.D. Superintendent Attached is the official letter in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
Wednesday, Jun 11 2025
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Empowering Children with Bilingual Superpowers: WSD ...
At Westminster School District (WSD), we are redefining bilingual education by immersing children in multiple languages as early as four months old. Our dedication to fostering multilingualism and cultural awareness has earned us prestigious accolades, enhancing WSD’s role as a national leader in early dual-language learning. These awards not only highlight our excellence but also reinforce our commitment to high-quality bilingual education and community engagement. About CABE The California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting bilingual education and equity for multilingual learners in California. Each year, CABE hosts a statewide conference that brings together educators, administrators, and policymakers to share best practices, showcase successful bilingual programs, and recognize outstanding achievements in dual-language education. The conference features workshops, school site visits, student performances, and award ceremonies to celebrate excellence in bilingual learning. Celebrating Excellence in Bilingual Education The CABE conference recognized WSD’s groundbreaking efforts by creating an inaugural award specifically to honor our leadership in early dual-language learning. Our commitment was further celebrated through key awards: DeMille Elementary received the CABE Legacy & Visionary Board Award , recognizing its outstanding contributions to bilingual education, and Land Early Learning Center earned an honorable mention for the CABE Seal of Excellence , highlighting its innovative dual-language programs. Showcasing Our Model Schools WSD took center stage at the CABE conference, where attendees had the unique opportunity to visit Willmore Language Academy and DeMille Language Academy . These tours demonstrated how our dual-language immersion model helps students thrive by not only mastering two languages but also developing as globally aware citizens. Parents witnessing these successful programs firsthand gain confidence in enrolling their children, knowing they are investing in a high-quality, award-winning education. Engaging Families Through Cultural and Academic Excellence Beyond academic achievements, WSD celebrated cultural diversity through engaging performances and interactive workshops at CABE. Highlights from the CABE conference included: - Student Performances: Stacey Middle School Folklorico, Willmore Danza Group, and Warner Middle School VACC students captivated audiences, showcasing the vibrancy of bilingual education. - Educator-Led Workshops: WSD staff members shared best practices, effective teaching strategies, and curriculum insights, reinforcing our district’s role as an innovator in dual-language learning.“It’s an honor to work alongside such a dedicated and passionate team of educators, administrators , parents, and staff who believe deeply in the power of multilingualism. Their support and commitment to providing academically rigorous and culturally rich experiences for all students is what makes Westminster School District so special. Being recognized by CABE is an incredible honor that reaffirms the impact of our work and the importance of multilingual education. As we look to the future, we remain focused on expanding access, embracing new languages, and empowering our students to thrive as confident, culturally aware global citizens,” said WSD Chief Academic Officer Michelle Watkins. - Superintendent’s Address: Dr. Gunn Marie Hansen delivered a welcome speech, reaffirming WSD’s deep commitment to bilingual education and community engagement. “Westminster School District (WSD) is committed to multi-lingual learning and rich cultural and linguistic experiences and I am immensely grateful to our dedicated teachers and staff and the supportive families who partner with our schools to ensure a premier educational experience,” Hansen said. “In the future, WSD will expand the award-winning dual immersion programs to two additional schools and introduce more languages that are guaranteed to put our students at the forefront of college and career opportunities in our global society." Strengthening Enrollment Through Recognition By leveraging our achievements, WSD continues to attract families seeking the best bilingual education for their students. These award-winning programs not only provide academic and cultural enrichment but also assure families that their children are receiving a top-tier education backed by local and national recognition. As we move forward, WSD remains committed to expanding its impact to ensure that more students benefit from the power of bilingual learning. Through continued excellence and recognition, Westminster School District is setting the standard for bilingual education—one award, one student, and one engaged parent at a time.
Friday, Apr 04 2025
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Every Middle School in Westminster School District E...
Triple Crown for Westminster: Every Middle School Earns Coveted 'Schools to Watch' Title! Westminster, CA - Westminster School District (WSD) proudly announces that all three of its middle schools— Johnson, Stacey, and Warner—have been designated as 2025 California and National Schools to Watch. This prestigious recognition highlights the schools' exceptional implementation of programs aligned with the four key domains: Academic Excellence, Social Equity, Developmental Responsiveness, and Organizational Structures. "This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our students, teachers, and staff," said Dr. Gunn Marie Hansen, Superintendent of Westminster School District. "Our middle schools have consistently demonstrated their commitment to providing a rigorous and engaging academic experience that prepares students for future success. This recognition reaffirms our position as the premier Pre K-8th grade school district in Orange County." With this accomplishment, WSD joins an elite group of districts in California where every middle school has earned the Schools to Watch designation. The schools will be honored at the California League of Middle Schools Annual Conference in March 2025, where they will share best practices with other top-performing middle schools across the state. Jeremy Khalaf, Board President of Westminster School District, expressed his pride in the district's achievement: "This recognition is a reflection of our collective commitment to educational excellence. It underscores the innovative and inclusive learning environments we've developed in our middle schools, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive." The California Schools to Watch program, supported by the California Department of Education, the California League of Middle Schools, and the California Middle Grades Alliance, in partnership with the National Forum, requires schools to undergo a rigorous application process and on-site evaluation. To maintain this status, schools must reapply every three years, demonstrating their continued commitment to excellence. For more information about Westminster School District and its Schools to Watch designation, visit https://www.wsdk8.us/ .
Thursday, Mar 06 2025
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REMINDER: Chromebook Insurance Open Enrollment is Go...
Dear Westminster Families, As the new school year rapidly approaches, please remember to purchase Chromebook insurance for your student's device. This protection covers accidental damage, theft, loss, and vandalism, ensuring uninterrupted learning and avoiding unexpected repair or replacement costs. By purchasing insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing that your child's Chromebook is protected, and you won't face unexpected expenses of up to $275 for a full replacement if something happens to the device. Enroll now at Securranty to ensure uninterrupted learning. For questions, contact our support team at (714) 894-7311 Ext. 1051. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. NOTE: If you have coverage from School Device Coverage, it remains valid until August 28, 2024, after which you can switch to Securranty. Warm regards, Westminster School District
Tuesday, Jul 23 2024