The Bulldog Briefs
February 23rd, 2024
Walker Families.
Thank you to all the families who participated in our Walker Family Night on the 22nd. We had such a great time. We will have out final family night sometime in April.
IAR Testing begins March 6th for all 3rd-5th grade students. State Science Testing begins the week of the 18th. Please see below for more information and test tips.
Lastly, please see the message below regarding a staffing change for our Art classes.
Mr. Jeff Moore, Principal
Calendar
February Dates
2/27: End of 2nd Trimester
2/29: Dental Days/ Leaping into Friendship PBIS Rockstar Event/Black History Month Assembly
March Dates
3/4: NO SCHOOL- Casimir Pulaski Day
3/5: Field Trip to Library K-3rd/ 3rd-5th IAR Rally
3/6: IAR Testing Begins
3/10:Daylight Savings Time
3/14: Spring Pictures
3/15: IAR Testing Completes/IAR Celebration
3/17: St. Patrick's Day
3/19: Science Testing Begins for 5th Grade
3/22: Early Dismissal/PBIS Celebration
3/25-3/29: Spring Break- NO SCHOOL
Walker Communications
Lunch Monitor Needed
We are hiring 1 lunch monitor to supervise our students and support the building for the remainder of the school year. The hours are 10:30-12:30. If interested please apply online.
Art Teacher Staffing Change
Beginning the week of February 26th, Mrs. Mercado will begin teaching art to all of our kindergarten-5th grade students at both Walker and Walsh Elementary Schools. Mrs. Shepka will be returning to her role as a paraprofessional at Walsh School. Our vacancy in Art has been posted since the summer of 2023. However, we have not been able to find any qualified teachers. Mrs. Shepka did a tremendous job filling the vacancy as an art teacher. However, her licensure requires us to make a staffing change due to the maximum number of days she can teach. Please reach out to the building administration if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your understanding
IAR Testing Begins March 6th for 3rd-5th Graders
We will begin testing students in the Illinois Assessment if Readiness starting March 5th:
Students in grades 3rd and 4th will take three assessments in Math and three assessments on reading. These are all computer based.
Students in 5th grade will take three assessments in Math and two in reading.
Positive Parent Messages for IAR
3rd-5th Grade students were sent home the below paper for parents to complete for their children. We will be displaying these on each of the students lockers. Please send to back by March 1st!
State Science Assessment
5th grade students will be testing in science the wee of March 19th. There are three assessments.
More information regarding scheduling and test tips will be available on our February 23rd newsletter.
Erin' Law Student Presentation
Permission slips went home for the state mandated Erin's Presentation. Please complete permission slip and return to school.
Erin's Law Parent Presentation
HOW TO KEEP YOUR KIDS SAFE
When: Tuesday, February 13th, 7:00 pm-7:30 pm
Presented by: Michele Clark, Heritage Middle School Social Worker
Thelma Rodriguez, Heritage Middle School/Graves School Social Worker Where: https://zoom.us/j/94968545865?pwd=Q0JjR1ZQUU5JT251NnhRRi8wVTlQdz09
Meeting ID: 949 6854 5865
Passcode: 12345 Any Questions? Please email Michele Clark,mclark@sd104.us or your school social worker.
Presentación de Padres de la Ley de Erin
COMO MANTERNER A SUS HIJOS SEGUROS
Cuándo: 13 de febrero 7:30-8:00 PM
Presentado por: Michele Clark, Trabajadora social de la escuela intermedia Heritage
Thelma Rodriguez, Trabajadora social de la escuela intermedia Heritage Dónde: https://zoom.us/j/94968545865?pwd=Q0JjR1ZQUU5JT251NnhRRi8wVTlQdz09
ID de la junta: 949 6854 5865
Contraseña: 12345 Cualquier pregunta por favor mande email a Maggie Fletcher,mfletcher@sd104.us
5 Essentials Survey
Kids Heart Challenge
In PE, students have the opportunity to participate in the American Heart Associations: Kids Heart Challenge. Students received a form for home. Please see details below.
Walker Upcoming Events
Field Trip to the Bedford Park Library
Walker students will betaking a walking field trip to the Bedford Park Library to celebrate Read Across America Week! Permission slips will be sent home. Students will eat lunch at Walker.
Friday March 1st- 4th Grade-5th Grade
Tuesday March 5th- Kindergarten - 3rd Grade
Walker Family Night-Loteria Bing Night
Thank you to all that came out for our Walker Family Night. Students were read a story, participated in a craft, and played Loteria. Every student was also able to take home a game to play with their families! We had such an amazing time! Thank you to Walker's Building Leadership Team for organizing this event!
Community Oppurtunities
Notes from the Nurse and Social Worker
Walker Families,
Hello Walker Families,
The Loyola Pediatric Mobile Unit will be visiting Heritage Middle school on Tuesday April 9th. Families who do not have private health insurance are encouraged to sign up and take part in student school physicals with immunizations along with other services. Please contact Walker's main office to make an appointment.
Walker will host Dental Day on Thursday, Feb 29th. Please complete the consent form that was sent home or scan the QR code for easy sign up (see attached flyer).
In addition, hearing and vision referrals were sent home for students who did not pass a screening. Please make an appointment with the appropriate physician and return the completed medical paperwork as soon as possible.
Also, please refer to the attached letter of when to keep your child at home as well as how to inspect your child's hair for possible lice. This should be done frequently throughout the school year.
If your student tests positive for COVID-19, please contact the school nurse. Students who are covid positive need to isolate for 5 days and masking is recommended on days 6-10.
Furthermore, please do not send medication with your child to school unless the nurse has received a completed medication authorization form from your child's physician. This includes all over-the-counter medication such as cough drops, throat lozenges, etc. Please refer to chapter 5 of the student handbook for further information.
As always, our goal is to ensure a healthy and safe environment for all students. Please contact the nurse or Walker's main office with any questions. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!
https://www.sd104.us/page/health-services
Bianca Vazquez MSN, RN, PEL-CSN
District 104 School Nurse
Walker Elementary
708-458-7150
Ext: 7301
5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise
Grounding techniques are mental exercises to help redirect thoughts away from negative feelings.
The 5-4-3-2-1 exercise is a simple and effective technique that children of all ages may benefit from. All you have to do is activate your senses and count backward from 5 to identify each of the following:
5 things you can hear
4 things you can see
3 things you can touch
2 things you can smell
1 thing you can taste
In gratitude,
Mr. Chris Hofer
Walker Celebrations and Events
Walker Rockstar Celebration February 29th- Leap into Friendship
On Thursday, February 29th, students will participate in a glow dance party. We are practicing appropriate language to our peers. Students who receive referrals for negative and inappropriate language will miss some or part of the celebration.
Student Recognition Rally
Every Monday, Walker School has Student Recognition Rallies. This is a time the entire school is together and we recognize the hard work of our school community. We will celebrate both academic and social emotional achievements.
Those students who were recognized on February 12 are below. Great job students!
Curriculum Corner
Reading Curriculum Pilot Programs
Starting February 5th, students and teachers will be participating in pilot programs for a new reading series. The district reviews curricular resources and updates to ensure students are receiving current and appropriate instruction. Benchmark Advance 2.0 and Wonders are the programs being field tested across Walker, Walsh, and Wharton. A recommendation for adoption will be made later this spring. Please reach out if you any questions. Thanks.
School District Events
School Information and Procedures
E-Learning Plan
Please reference the E-Learning Plan below if you have any questions regarding eLearning.
In summary, students will independently work on assignments on SeeSaw provided by the students teachers. Assignments, should be completed that day by 3PM. If assignment's are not completed, that student will be marked absent. If a student does complete their assignments at a later time but no later than 7:50 AM on the day after returning to school, the attendance will be modified to present.
Please reach out to the teacher via SeeSaw and building principal if you have any questions.
Thank you.
School Treats
Just a reminder, no birthday treats are allowed. Treats are limited to all school celebration parties. Please see school policy if you have any questions.
Arrival/Dismissal Times
Arrival
Students are to be dropped off no earlier than 7:30 AM at door 1 (8:30 on Wednesdays). Breakfast is served from 7:30-& 7:50 AM. Please do not park on 78th Ave.
Dismissal
Students will be dismissed at 2:50 each day.
Kindergarten-1st- New office area.
2nd-3rd- Door 1
4th-5th Grade will exit from door 5 (adjacent to playground)
Please use the link below to register for the bus and view transportation schedules.
Breakfast Lunch Menus
Please use the link below for all breakfast/lunch menus.
Parent Resource Page
Please us the link below for parent resources and information regarding our district.