Having smaller class sizes and providing additional support in every classroom (Teacher’s Assistants and Instructional Aides) is critical to a child’s academic success. Our funding helps to lower student to teacher ratios, allows for more individual attention, and facilitates small group learning and differentiated instruction.

All students, in all grades go on class field trips. This provides engaging educational experiences, which are tied to curriculum, in a different learning environment. By seeing real-life applications of the lessons that they are learning in school, children are more likely to understand and appreciate the importance and relevance of what they are studying. Friends of Westminster funds transportation and in some cases subsidizes or pays for admission fees.

The Garden Program is 100% volunteer-run and is financed predominantly by WE Garden fundraising under the umbrella of Friends of Westminster. Our Gardens offer students outdoor learning laboratories to deepen their understanding of environmental studies, nutrition, mathematics, science, and history.

Westminster prepares students for a technology-based future. The innovative Planet Bravo technology education curriculum is offered in a designated STEM Lab, which is maintained and updated through resources provide by the Booster Club. A full-time technology teacher is provided thanks to the generosity of Snap

FOW has committed to fund a large portion of our music enrichment program, provided by Elemental Music. All students in grades UTK-5 at Westminster will have quality music instruction during the 23-24 school year. Children who study music have higher self-esteem, improved memory, strengthened hand-eye-coordination, better critical thinking skills, and learn to work collaboratively.

Students receive a collaborative, hands-on arts education at Westminster, which includes learning every phase of the mosaic art process in small groups. Friends of Westminster provides materials and supplies for the program and has funded the installation of some of the completed projects.

FOW pays for half of the cost of the school’s full-time PE program and provides sports/playground equipment. Regular physical activity can help children improve cardiorespiratory fitness, build strong bones and muscles, control weight, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and reduce the risk of developing health conditions. Studies show, students who are physically active during the instructional day also have improved academic performance, higher concentration levels, more positive classroom behavior, and better school attendance.

Yoga helps kids connect with their thoughts while building strong, confident bodies. It improves strength, flexibility, focus, motor coordination and body awareness. Simple meditations, breathing and relaxation techniques help students manage stress and to stay calm and focused. Friends of Westminster fully funds weekly yoga, meditation and mindfulness instruction which all students participate in during the school year.

FOW often funds projects to maintain and beautify the school. As needs arise to improve facilities, we help pay for a wide range of expenses such as a fresh coat of paint on classroom doors, a staff lounge makeover, a new gate for added security, a library update, tree-trimming and more.

The Booster Club hosts or contributes to several events throughout the school year which help build a strong school community. WE Fall Family Gathering, Movie Night, refreshments, decorations at culmination, celebration ceremonies, holidays and performances, and school-staff appreciation luncheons are all examples of how FOW funding makes the school experience at Westminster more enjoyable for all families.