About
About
School Hours
Doors Open: 9:00 AM
Instructional Day: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Dismissal: 4:00 PM
We serve approximately 550 students in Grades Pre-K through Fifth. Geographically, our school is located in one of the smallest districts in the school system, providing our students with a supportive, close-knit learning community.
The Westminster Elementary School Community welcomes you to our school. The staff is committed to providing quality instruction for all students. The home/school relationship plays a crucial role in achieving this commitment. Honest and open communication contributes to a positive school experience for our students and families. If questions or issues arise during the school year regarding classroom routines or instruction, parents/guardians are encouraged to contact the teacher first with any concerns.
The federal "Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)" of 2015 requires all school systems to notify parents of their right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of their child's classroom teacher and any paraprofessional providing services to the child. If you would like information regarding the certification and/or licensure qualifications of your child's teacher(s), please visit this Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) site . If you are unable to access the link or need information regarding your child's paraprofessional(s), please submit a written request to the individual listed below:
Director of Human Resources
Department of Human Resources
Carroll County Public Schools
125 North Court Street
Westminster, Maryland 21157
Mission & Vision
Westminster Elementary Mission
The mission of Westminster Elementary School is to provide a nurturing school environment where students are inspired to take risks, problem solve, and respect others.
Westminster Elementary Vision
The vision of Westminster Elementary School is to prepare a community of mindful and motivated lifelong learners.
Panda Pride
Westminster Elementary is an active participant in the Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies (PBIS) Program. PBIS is a school-wide process of helping students learn positive behaviors and strategies to help them achieve important social and academic goals.
School-wide behavior expectations are modeled and demonstrated in the Panda Pride program. Students show their Panda Pride by being:
Responsible, Respectful, and Ready to Learn
PBIS Goals
1. Be consistent with the way we teach positive behaviors.
2. Use data on a regular basis to make decisions about how to improve support to increase positive behaviors.
3 Establish and implement a process for reinforcing behaviors.
4. Promote a safe, learning environment for each student by increasing instructional time.
REWARDS
When a student demonstrates PBIS behavior, he/she may receive a Panda Buck. Students may earn Panda Bucks in all settings throughout the day. Panda Bucks are used to earn individual rewards. Class rewards are earned monthly through a point system that aligns with our Panda Pride behaviors. Points are earned as a class during Specials and Lunch towards monthly point goals and a mutually determined award by the class and teacher.
One student in each class has the opportunity for recognition each month for demonstrating the monthly Character Trait. In addition to a certificate, students are recognized by having their name posted in the hallway and announced monthly on the Morning Announcements.
Every quarter, students and staff will have a PBIS celebration pep rally to acknowledge students showing Panda Pride. These pep rallies will also allow students and staff members to participate in fun activities or complete projects relating to a character trait theme. During this pep rally, 3 students from each class will be recognized for demonstrating one of the 3Rs - Responsible, Respectful, Ready to Learn.
Please look forward to your child earning recognition for positive behaviors through Panda Bucks, Character Trait and Panda Pride Certificates. When your child earns a reward, please take time at home to celebrate his/her positive behaviors. Ask your child to tell about the positive behavior that was demonstrated.
WES History
In 1950, the original Westminster Elementary was built on North Street close to downtown Westminster. The building now serves as an annex to the Carroll County Government Offices located across the street.
The current Westminster Elementary on Uniontown Road was completed in 1975 to include an open-classroom design. To meet the needs of a growing community and the evolving full-day program, a Kindergarten wing was added in 2005. During the late-2000s, renovations included classroom enclosures and a redesigned courtyard for outdoor instructional use. Throughout the years, improvements have been made to the school's exterior, landscaping and grounds.