Walker Howler
June 2020 - Fun Week, Materials Pick Up, & Book Return
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Dear Walker Families,
I can't believe we are finally at the last week of school! Our staff is looking forward to a fun and engaging week of activities to help celebrate and bring our school year to a close. Please find the guide to this week's spirit days, virtual field days, and STEM activities below in the Walker Fun Week section.
One of the spirit days that we have scheduled next week is Wacky Hair Wednesday. When planning, we neglected to recognize that this themed day can be inherently problematic and racist. It can also encourage microaggressions. We apologize for the impact this had.
A courageous parent brought this to our attention and reminded us that when Walker learned “My culture is not your costume” during our Indigenous People’s Day celebration a few years ago, we didn’t cancel Halloween costumes. We trusted our community to behave appropriately.
After much thought and discussion, we decided to continue with the spirit day as planned. We want to proactively prevent any implicit or explicit racism that could be reinforced in a spirit day such as this one. Historically and presently, Black and Indigenous children and adults have been unjustly punished for their hairstyles. We ask that children not wear hair styles that perpetuate cultural appropriation, stereotypes, and aggressions. We do not want to convey the message that any hairstyle is abnormal.
Our teachers will utilize this learning opportunity and engage in conversations with their students prior to Wednesday. We encourage you to do the same at home.
Walker strives to create a community where all of our students feel safe, included, and celebrated. We are committed to continuing our anti-racism efforts and we appreciate your partnership today, next week, and in the years to come.
Please see below for more information on this week’s activities, materials, and the yearbook pick up. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns.
In Community,
Tiffany
Principal
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Mission Statement: The Walker Community values diversity, empathy, and perseverance. We honor the entire learning process from mistakes to academic mastery. We teach our students to advocate for themselves and others. We nurture kindness, creativity, and wonder.
Walker Fun Week!
Fun Friday!
On Friday, June 6th, our amazing teachers and staff members are offering super fun zoom parties for students as a way to connect, have fun with schoolmates and say goodbye to each other for the year. Our virtual parties will include a Harry Potter Jeopardy Party, Teddy Bear Picnic, Art Party, Virtual Bingo, Name That Tune Party, Would You Rather Party, Under the Sea Party and more! You may visit more than one party, and Zoom Expectations will be reviewed and agreed upon in order to participate.
Details and zoom invites will be available on our Walker Community Team Page under the Last Day of School Parties channel so check out all the fun options.
We love our Walker families and are looking forward to seeing you on our last day of this extraordinary school year!
Materials Pick Up & Book Returns Thursday, June 4th 10 am - 6 pm
We have student materials, artwork, books, and yearbooks ready for pick up!
Please come by the library loop door on Thursday, June 4th between 10am-6pm to pick up your child's materials in a safe and socially-distanced manner. You can drop off books and Read at Home bags during this time.
There is also a secure Library Book Return box in the library loop so you can drop them off anytime through June 6th. Thank you for returning your books - it ensures that future families will have access to our wonderful library and resource collections!
Right now, we are all dealing with the impacts of the Covid 19 Pandemic. While we are all in the same storm, we are not in the same boat. Many of our families are struggling due to the loss of jobs, income, and stable housing. Walker has been working hard to support our families with a weekend food program. Our current funding sources are running low, and we could use your help!
Please visit: https://donate.ashland.k12.or.us/wolfpacksupport/ to donate today.
100% of donations will go directly to purchasing food and supplies for our families in need.
If you are a family in need, please reach out directly to your child's teacher, or Tiffany.
Families are eligible for financial support to replace meals children usually get at school
With children at home due to COVID-19, many families are struggling to replace meals that would have usually been provided at school. To support them, the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) announced that children eligible for free or reduced-price meals will get cash benefits for the meals they would have received at school.
This policy change will benefit more than 351,000 students receiving free or reduced-price school meals in Oregon. This includes nearly 147,000 students already receiving Nutrition Assistance. Households will receive $5.70 per child for each normal school day for the months of March, April, May and June. This is the equivalent of one lunch and one breakfast.
Families who have experienced significant income loss may now be eligible for free or reduced-price school meals. There is still time to apply. Apply online or contact your local school.
DHS will continue to work with federal partners to provide help to Oregonians in need. To apply for Nutrition Assistance, visit needfood.oregon.gov or call 2-1-1.
Do you need help paying your electric bill?
If you need help paying your electric bill, check out the Oregon Energy Fund. It provides funds for energy assistance to more than 30 partner agencies and nonprofits in Oregon. Visit the website and enter your county or zip code to find out who has energy assistance in your area and how to contact them. (Note that the office does not provide direct assistance but connects people in need with available local resources.)
Walker School
Mission Statement: The Walker Community values diversity, empathy, and perseverance. We honor the entire learning process from mistakes to academic mastery. We teach our students to advocate for themselves and others. We nurture kindness, creativity, and wonder.
Email: tiffany.burns@ashland.k12.or.us
Website: www.ashland.k12.or.us/walker
Location: 364 Walker Avenue, Ashland, OR, USA
Phone: 5414821516
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Walker-Elementary-School-178914108167/?ref=bookmarks