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Westminster School District | April 2026 Newsletter
Westminster School District Newsletter Monthly News and Updates April 30, 2026 Dear Westminster School District Community, April has been a month of momentum — and across WSD, that momentum is visible in our students' achievements, our staff's dedication, and the strength of the partnerships we are building together. We are proud to celebrate Stacey Middle School's recognition as a 2026 California Distinguished School in the "Achievement Gap Closers" category — a testament to our educators' commitment to equity and high-level learning for every student. At the same time, our students continue to benefit from expanded pathways in Career Technical Education, college readiness, and hands-on learning experiences that connect the classroom to the real world. Our work on behalf of students extends well beyond our school walls. From advocating for student needs and local control at the national level in Washington, D.C., to honoring the history rooted right here in our community at the Mendez Freedom Trail dedication, WSD continues to show up where it matters most. We also welcomed Officer Vanessa Campos as our newest School Resource Officer, deepening our commitment to safe, welcoming campuses for every child and family. Behind each of these moments are the people who make them possible — our classified staff, administrators, teachers, Board members, community partners, and families. As we recognize our 2026 Classified Employees of the Year and Administrators of the Year, we are reminded that excellence in a school district is always a collective achievement. As we move through the final weeks of the year, I am deeply grateful for your continued trust and partnership. Together, we are building a district where every student is known, supported, and prepared for what comes next. Kind Regards, Gunn Marie Hansen, Ph.D. Superintendent Academic Excellence and Recognitions WSD Celebrates Helen Stacey Middle School at the 2026 California Distinguished Schools Ceremony WSD was proud to stand alongside the Helen Stacey Middle School community on April 24 in Anaheim as the California Department of Education honored the school as a 2026 California Distinguished School — Achievement Gap Closer. This marks the third time Stacey has earned this recognition, having also received it in 2021 and 2024. Of the thousands of middle and high schools across California, only 408 earned this distinction in 2026. Read the full Stacey Middle School award article. Warner Teacher Awarded Grant for Arctic Expedition Warner Middle School science teacher Renee Balboa has been awarded a nearly $5,000 grant to attend the Arctic Discovery Educators Expedition this July in Utqiaġvik, Alaska, where she will learn from scientists and Iñupiaq experts and bring real-world climate learning back to WSD classrooms. Superintendent Joins National EdLeaders for Digital Promise On April 21, Superintendent Gunn Marie Hansen, Ph.D, joined fellow Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools leaders for a LinkedIn Live conversation on how district superintendents are using this national network to address complex challenges and drive innovation in education. Student Care, Success and Innovation WSD Takes Student Priorities to Washington, D.C. Trustee Frances Nguyen represented WSD at the 2026 Coast2Coast Federal Advocacy Trip in Washington, D.C., bringing the district's priorities directly to the national stage. She advocated for student needs, local control, and critical issues including Career Technical Education, student privacy, and the responsible integration of AI in education. WSD Secured $2.39 Million for Taxpayers WSD received over $99 million in orders for the $28 million in available bonds — a subscription rate of 3.6 times the amount offered — drawing interest from 15 unique investor groups and individual retail investors. Strong finances are one measure of a healthy school district. But they point to something larger: a leadership team that is accountable, forward-thinking, and deeply committed to the community it serves. Read the full bond article in the district newsroom. WSD welcomes Officer Vanessa Campos as its newest School Resource Officer WSD warmly welcomes Officer Vanessa Campos as its newest School Resource Officer (SRO). Officer Campos brings dedication and a commitment to student safety that will make a meaningful difference across our schools and community. Community Connection and Culture WSD Celebrates the Opening of the Mendez Freedom Trail On April 14, the City of Westminster officially dedicated the Mendez Freedom Trail — an outdoor learning space along the Hoover Street Bikeway, that brings the history of the Mendez family and the landmark Mendez v. Westminster civil rights case to life for all who walk it. Read the full Mendez Freedom Trail dedication article. 2026 Black April Remembrance Ceremony The City of Westminster invites our community to its annual Black April ceremony on Thursday, April 30, at 10 a.m. at Sid Goldstein Freedom Park, 14180 All American Way. The program will include remarks from elected officials, a wreath ceremony, and additional tributes honoring the lives lost during the Vietnam War. All are welcome to attend. Strengthening Community Partnerships Through Enrollment Initiatives WSD continues to meet families where they are through community-based enrollment events, library outreach, and local partnerships—making access to high-quality education more seamless and inclusive. Learn more about WSD enrollment and opportunities. Connect with WSD on Social Media Stay connected with Westminster School District and see how our schools inspire students every day. Follow WSD on social media for the latest news, student achievements, events, and stories from across our campuses. Follow on IG | Follow on Facebook | Connect with WSD on LinkedIn | Visit the District Newsroom Contact information If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out via the following links: 714‑894‑7311 ext. 1004 jqiao@wsdk8.us wsdk8.us
Thursday, Apr 30 2026
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WSD and WTA Negotiations Update: Corrected Copy
WSD/WTA Negotiations Update On Wednesday April 22, 2026, Westminster School District (WSD) and Westminster Teachers Association (WTA) Bargaining Team Members engaged in meaningful dialogue and discussed Health and Welfare and Wages. This marked the tenth meeting between the bargaining teams. Discussion Items • Article 12 and 13: Health and Welfare and Wages o Both parties considered and reviewed 24 options regarding Health and Welfare and Wages. o At the conclusion of the April 22, 2026, IBB session, consensus was not reached. o Provided below are the details of the most recent total compensation options: 04/22/2026 WTA Option #23 WSD Option #24 WSD Option #21 (2 Year Agreement) OnGoing Salary Increase 2.85% Ongoing salary increase (retro to July 2025) 2.5% Ongoing salary increase (retro to January 2026) 3.0% Ongoing salary increase (retro to January 2026) Off Schedule 2% Off-schedule 25/26 2% Off-schedule 25/26 1% Off-schedule 25/26 Mandated Policy Acceptance $300 one-time MOU 26/27 $300 one-time MOU 26/27 $300 one-time MOU 26/27 Benefits District contribution of $740,000 District contribution of $740,000 District contribution of $740,000 Class Size Reduction 28/29 - 26:1 K-2* 29/30 - 24:1 K-2* 30/31 - 24:1 K-3* *Contingent on GSA funding Extend current class size reduction MOU through 2028-2029 26:1, K-2 Extend current class size reduction MOU through 2028-2029 26:1, K-2 *Contingency language to negotiate 2029-2030 We extend our sincere appreciation to all members of both teams for their thoughtful contributions, leadership, and continued commitment to a collaborative process. Together, this work supports Westminster School District's vision to lead as the premier PreK-8 school district in Orange County.
Thursday, Apr 23 2026
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Johnson Middle School Open House
We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Open House on Wednesday, April 15th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our students' hard work and connect with the JMS community. Evening Schedule: 5:00 PM: We will kick off the evening in the for a brief Welcome Address and information with our monthly PTA meeting. Following the welcome: Families are invited to explore the school and enjoy our featured events: Math Fair: Interactive displays and student achievements in mathematics. Poetry Reading: Live poetry from our talented student writers. Science Labs: Hands On Science labs Food & Fun: Take the night off from cooking and support the school by purchasing items from the fantastic food trucks parked on-site, including: The Feisty Fish Poke Amazing Dessert Trucks All students and family members are welcome to attend. We look forward to seeing you in the gym at 5:00 PM on the 15th for a great night of community and celebration!
Thursday, Apr 02 2026
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Welcome to Stacey MS – Important Upcoming Events & E...
Dear Incoming Stacey Families, We are excited to welcome you to Stacey Middle School! This week, our team had the opportunity to visit students at Clegg, Eastwood, Schroeder, Webber, and Willmore to introduce them to life at Stacey. We loved connecting with our future Cougars! Here are a few important upcoming events and reminders: Incoming Student Visit – Tuesday, March 31 (8:45–11:00 a.m.) All incoming Stacey students are invited to join us on campus for a fun field trip experience! Students will: Attend a high-energy pep rally Tour the campus Enjoy lunch on the lawn Transportation is provided for Clegg, Eastwood, Schroeder, Webber, and Willmore students. Open House Showcase & Multicultural Fair – Wednesday, April 1 Students and families are invited to join us for an evening on campus: 5:00-5:20 p.m. – PTSA Association Meeting 5:20–6:00 p.m. – Principal’s Message (learn more about Stacey) 6:00–7:30 p.m. – Open House Showcase & Multicultural Fair Meet our teachers Learn about our academic programs Visit student multicultural booths Enjoy student performances Elective Selection for 2026–2027 School Year It’s time for students to select their preferred electives! Please review the following resources with your child: Elective Slideshow: LINK Elective One-Pager: LINK When ready, submit your selections here: Elective Choice Google Form: LINK Deadline to submit elective choices: Friday, April 3 We look forward to partnering with you and supporting your child’s success at Stacey. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Welcome to Stacey—where we ensure all students learn at high levels! Warm regards, Dr. Rick Nichols Principal, Stacey Middle School #WeAreStacey
Friday, Mar 27 2026
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Westminster School District Educators Honored at Vie...
Westminster School District Educators Honored at Vietnamese Language Teachers Celebration Westminster School District educators were recognized for their dedication to Vietnamese language education during the Vietnamese Language Teachers Honoring and Year of the Horse 2026 Celebration, hosted by the Union of Overseas Vietnamese Language Schools (TAVIET). The celebration took place on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at White Palace in Westminster, bringing together Vietnamese language educators, community leaders, and supporters of bilingual education to honor teachers who have made lasting contributions to preserving Vietnamese language and culture. Two WSD educators were honored for their excellence in Vietnamese Language education: Huong Dang , a Westminster School District educator, was honored for 20 years of service teaching Vietnamese, recognizing her long-standing commitment to helping students develop language skills while deepening their understanding of Vietnamese heritage and culture. Tuy Truong was recognized as Westminster School District’s Vietnamese Dual Language Immersion (VDLI) Teacher of the Year, celebrating excellence in bilingual instruction and dedication to student success. “Teachers who dedicate themselves to preserving language and culture play an extraordinary role in shaping the next generation,” said Superintendent Dr. Gunn Marie Hansen. “Through our Vietnamese Dual Language programs and partnerships with organizations like TAVIET, Westminster School District is proud to support students in developing strong academic skills while staying connected to their cultural heritage.” The Union of Overseas Vietnamese Language Schools (TAVIET) is a nonprofit organization that supports Vietnamese language schools outside of Vietnam and works to preserve Vietnamese language, culture, and traditions among younger generations in the Vietnamese diaspora. Westminster School District maintains a strong partnership with TAVIET and participates in the annual UOVLS TAVIET Summer Symposium, where Vietnamese language educators collaborate on professional learning, curriculum development, and instructional strategies to strengthen bilingual education programs. “Events like this remind us how important language and culture are in bringing communities together,” said Trustee Frances Nguyen, Westminster School District Board Clerk. “We are incredibly proud of our educators and grateful for the partnerships that help preserve Vietnamese heritage while supporting students’ academic success.” Westminster School District remains committed to supporting biliteracy, cultural understanding, and educational opportunities that prepare students to thrive in a diverse and globally connected world. Helpful Links: Visit the Westminster School District website to learn more about our programs.
Thursday, Mar 12 2026
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Westminster School District’s Warner Middle School R...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Westminster School District’s Warner Middle School Receives 2026 CABE Seal of Excellence Award Westminster, CA – March 6, 2026 – Westminster School District proudly announces that Warner Middle School has been recognized as one of the 2026 CABE Seal of Excellence Schools by the California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE). The prestigious award recognizes schools for their vision of biliteracy, multicultural competency, and commitment to educational equity, as well as their efforts to prepare students with the skills needed to succeed in the 21st century. Warner Middle School will be formally honored at the CABE 2026 Seal of Excellence Banquet on Friday, March 6, 2026, held during the CABE conference at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis, San Francisco. Superintendent Gunn Marie Hansen, Ph.D., and Mrs. Frances Nguyen, Board Clerk, will attend the conference and receive the award on behalf of Westminster School District with Warner Principal Dr. Kenneth Lopour. This recognition builds on Westminster School District’s continued leadership in Dual Language education. In the 2022–2023 school year, DeMille Elementary School and Willmore Elementary School were honored with the CABE Seal of Excellence Award. More recently, in the 2024–2025 school year, DeMille Elementary School received the CABE Visionary Board Award for launching California’s first Vietnamese Dual Language program, and Land Early Learning Center earned the CABE Seal of Excellence Award for its dual language infant, toddler, and preschool programs. Westminster School District remains committed to expanding opportunities for students to develop biliteracy, global awareness, and the skills needed to thrive in a diverse world. For more information, please contact Westminster School District at (714) 894-7311 or visit the Westminster School District website. Contact: Joy Qiao PR and Marketing Consultant Westminster School District Phone: 341-209-1301 Email: JQiao@wsdk8.us
Saturday, Mar 07 2026
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LAST CALL Stacey Jersey Order
Stacey Families, LAST CALL for Stacey Middle School Jersey Orders! Orders close Friday, March 6 at the end of the day. Don’t miss your chance to show your Cougar pride with a fully customized Stacey jersey featuring your name and jersey number on the back. Cost: $40 Estimated School Delivery: April 1 — just in time for Open House! Order here: https://thesublimationshop.com/products/ols/products/sms-sublimated-full-button-baseball-jersey Support our PTSA and represent Stacey at games, events, and spirit days! #WeAreStacey
Thursday, Mar 05 2026
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