Walden Weekly
School News You Can Use
Hello Walden Families!
We had a great week at Walden School! Our 4th graders were able to listen to the beautiful sounds of the band and orchestra instruments this week with Mr. Schwartz and Mr. Friel, our band and orchestra directors. This demonstration allowed students to listen and decide which instruments they may be interested in selecting next year in 5th grade. Our instrumental music program in Deerfield is wonderful and allows students to explore something new. For all 4th grade families, feel free to ask your child about the demonstration from earlier this week!
Also, this week we celebrated Veterans' Day at Walden School. Students in every classroom spent time participating in different activities to remind them of the important work that our Veterans have done and how grateful we are to have brave men and women protecting our country. Thank you to the Veterans in our community and beyond!
Have a great weekend and we'll see you on Monday!
-Stephanie Strenger
Take 5 Minutes To Answer One Big Question... and help Define 109!
Our community ThoughtExchange is open and runs through next Friday! We want to hear from you on this one question: What is the most important skill that students today need to have for them to live fulfilling and meaningful lives? You are allowed to leave as many thoughts as you want and rate as many as you want. It's all anonymous! If you've already participated, log back in and leave or rate new thoughts that have come in!
COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Registration
There are spots open at the clinics being held by Passport Health at Shepard Middle School starting next week. Due to a number of cancellations, please feel free to share the below link with families that do NOT have a DPS 109 student. The last thing we want are unused spots! Please note these clinics are ONLY for 5-11 year olds. Click here to sign up your child.
District 113 - Future 113 Highland Park High School Tour - 2nd Opportunity
Did you miss the opportunity to tour the HPHS facilities on October 5 as part of the District 113 long-term planning and sustainability discussion? If so, a second tour will be offered on Wednesday, November 17 from 6 to 7 p.m. The tour will begin in the HPHS Cafeteria. Park in the West Parking Lot and enter through the H20 (pool) doors. This event is only a tour of the facilities. The tour will provide a high-level overview of the building's facilities needs. Please note that face coverings are required. For more information, go to https://www.dist113.org/future113
Social Emotional Learning - Community Connection (2nd Posting)
During the month of November we will be launching our school-wide community connection for Leader In Me. This month, we will be focusing on Habit 1, “Being Proactive.” Feel free to try one or all of the activities listed below. After completing this month’s activity, please fill out this Google form by Monday, November 29th.
We will be sharing the opportunity for Habit 2, “Begin with the End in Mind,” in December. Our hope is that we have many families that choose to complete the activity we send out each month for all 7 Habits, which will earn you status as a “7 Habits Family.”
OPTION 1
Roleplay different situations where your child(ren) can think before they act and use proactive language instead of reactive language.
Scenario Suggestions:
Disagreement with a sibling
Not wanting to comply with homework/bedtime
Disagreement about getting ready for school or after school activity
OPTION 2
Fill out the T-Chart on a separate sheet of paper about what we have control over in our lives and what we do not.
OPTION 3
Every family member will put a post-it on the fridge explaining what they will do to be proactive in preparing for Thanksgiving. This activity can be done whether you are staying in town for the holiday or traveling.
By participating in this activity, you and your family are on their way to being recognized as a “7 Habits Family”. The Google form is due back to us by Monday, November 29th, 2021.
A Message From the Art Room (2nd Posting)
Hello! I am happy to share that Artsonia will be utilized in the Art room again for this school year! Artsonia is a digital portfolio website where students can upload their artworks to share with friends and family. Each student's work stays in their Artsonia account throughout their time at Walden, so it is a great way to see student growth from year to year. The website also allows students practice visual arts presentation skills such as cropping, titling, and writing artists' statements about their work. Students' digital portfolios can be shared with friends or family who live far away, and allows them to comment on your student works. There is also an Artsonia gift shop where you can purchase items customized with your student's artworks. There is absolutely no obligation to make purchases, but Artsonia donates 20% of any purchases back to Walden.
Today, only students who have not yet registered with Artsonia will be bringing home a personalized handout with their name and Artsonia account information. If you have already registered your student in previous years, your account is still active.
I am happy to answer any questions or problems with your account, and can be reached via email at Lsummers@dps109.org
Walden Lost and Found (2nd Posting)
FAMILY ACCESS UNAVAILABLE (2nd Posting)
Skyward Family Access will be unavailable between now and November 19th so that grades can be entered. If you have any immediate questions, please contact Kristin Neu (kneu@dps109.org).
Looking To Opt Out Of A Week of SHIELD Testing?
Click here to access the form.
We share the same form each week. If you'd like to opt your child out each week, the form will need to be filled out on a week-by-week basis.
Forms are due by Tuesday at 3pm.
Upcoming Dates
Nov. 22 - Parent Teacher Conferences (Evening Only)
Nov. 23 - No School - Parent Teacher Conferences (Daytime Only)
Nov. 24-26 - Thanksgiving Break
Dec. 20-31 - Winter Break