Frequently Asked Questions

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Q. When does the school year begin/end?

A.  2023-2024 School Year Calendar

 

Q. Do you provide transportation?

A. Yes, busing is provided for students residing more than .7 miles away from WBCS. Busing is provided by the Buffalo Public Schools and its contracted company, First Student. 

 

Q. Is there a school uniform?

A. The uniform consists of sneakers, khaki bottoms (pants, shorts, or skirt; not cargo pants), and a navy blue polo shirt from any vendor. Shirts must have a WBCS patch attached. Patches must be purchased at the front office for $1 each.

On Fridays, students may wear an outfit of their choice. All students must wear sneakers daily. 

Lands End - School Uniforms

 

Q. What is the teacher-to-student ratio and what is the typical class size?

A. Each classroom is capped around 20 students for grades K-4.  Each of those classrooms has 2 teachers, resulting in a high teacher-to-student ratio.  Grades 5 and above have 25 students per room.   WBCS believes in a small, safe learning community.

 

Q. What is your total enrollment?

A. WBCS’ current enrollment cap is 500 students in grades Kindergarten - 8th.

 

Q. What are the school hours?

A. Students coming by bus arrive at 7:15 AM. Students receiving a ride to school other than the bus should be dropped off at the entrance on Lafayette Ave between 7:15 and 7:30 am.  After this time students will need to enter through the main entrance on Barton.  The school day officially ends at 3:00 PM.

 

Q. What are dismissal procedures?

A. Instructional time ends at 3:00 pm.  If you find it necessary to pick up a student before 2:30 pm, please report to the Main Office, sign the dismissal log, and show identification.  The student will be called to the Main Office to meet you.  A request to have a student excused from school early should be sent with the student the morning of the dismissal.    

 

 

Q. What is your philosophy of education?

A. All of our teachers are trained in the research of Dr. Jane Bluestein and the Win-Win Classroom. We believe that we must meet the individual needs of our students in order for learning to take place. In short, we meet students where they are and work hard to develop the whole child.

At West Buffalo Charter School, we believe in finding “win-win” solutions for our students and staff. We do not support a reward system or humiliating punishment system to manipulate student behavior. Students should be intrinsically motivated—external rewards such as candy, stickers, points, tokens, and promises of free time actually work against building a child’s intrinsic motivation. All behavior is motivated by needs. We make every attempt to meet the needs of our students in a positive, proactive manner through engaging instruction and relationship-building. If a child is struggling with behavior, he or she would be addressed privately and individually.

 

Q. What other services do you provide?

A. WBCS offers English as a New Language, Special Education, and Related Services (Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Therapy) based on the individual needs of each student. Also, all students participate in a unique program called Language to Literacy, taught by a WBCS Teacher. Finally, the WBCS staff includes a full time social worker and school nurse.

 

Q. When do you conduct tours?

A. Tours are scheduled throughout the year as families request them. Please call the office at (716) 923-1534 to schedule a tour.