Walden Weekly
School News You Can Use
Hello Walden Families!
We had a great week at Walden School! Mrs. Berwick and I kicked off a fun new initiative at school called P.E.R.K which stands for Principals Enjoy Reading to Kids! We were welcomed into many classrooms already and love being able to connect with students in this special way. We have been selecting books from our recently purchased diversity, equity, and inclusion library, in order to bring some new perspectives to our students. The discussions that we are having with classes are interesting and thought-provoking for students (and for us)!
Have a great weekend and we'll see you on Monday!
-Stephanie Strenger
Social Emotional Learning - Community Connection
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.
109 GIVES BACK FOOD & SUPPLY DRIVE!
One week down, three days to go! We are accepting donations to benefit the West Deerfield Township Food Pantry. Even though each school has been given some items to focus on, we will accept all non-perishable donations! Monetary donations will also be accepted. Look for a link at www.dps109.org/109givesback.
A Message From the Art Room
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
FAMILY ACCESS UNAVAILABLE
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. 11 - No School (Veterans Day)
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