Walker Howler
October 23, 2020
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Dear Families,
Thanks so much to everyone who was able to attend our first Walker Community Night! We all enjoyed playing, singing, and connecting as a community! No worries if you missed it, we plan to hold more virtual events this year.
While we are all still working to find our rhythm, it would be most helpful for us to hear from you about what is working and what could be improved. If you haven't already, please please please complete this short survey on Comprehensive Distance Learning.
We are hoping to see you for our Walker Staff Halloween Parade on Wednesday, 10/28 from 10:30 -11:30 am! Please find the details below.
Please see below for more information. Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns. I will respond as soon as I am able.
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 Events & Activities
Site Council 10/26 3:00 - 4:00
Walker Staff Halloween Parade 10/28 10:30 - 11:30
You are welcome to come by the school so we can wave to you in our Halloween Costumes! Please enter the library loop on Holmes, then turn right onto Walker and proceed through the bus loop. If you are driving, please stay in your car. If you walk, please stay on the grass as you go through the parade. Everyone must wear a mask, maintain 6 feet of distance, and follow all physical distancing procedures.
We will have class from 8:30 - 10:00 on the 28th. There will be no small groups after the parade.
No school: 10/29 for Conferences
As with most things this year, conferences are going to look a little different. In order to provide the additional training time needed for teachers prior to school to be ready for Comprehensive Distance Learning, we had to make the difficult decision to reduce the number of conference days, and therefore the number of individual conferences we are able to have.
We regularly review progress and attendance for all our students to ensure that they are on-track academically, their individual needs are being met, and they are making positive behavioral choices.
While we wish we were able to conference with each family, this is not possible this fall. Teachers will reach out to some families to set a conference for 10/29. The goal of this conference is to team with your family to put supports in place for increased success moving forward.
As always, if you have a specific question or concern you would like to discuss with your child’s teacher, please do not hesitate to reach out to them via e-mail or office hours.
Please find the updated ASD calendar below.
No School: 10/30 for Teacher Inservice
Monster Dash!
The 12th Annual Monster Dash Run for Education has gone VIRTUAL this year!
What does that mean?
Register for the race of your choice, get your “in the bubble” friends and family together for your own mini-Monster Dash event! Run your own course, at a time of your choosing from Oct 23 to Nov 1.
Online Contests for registrants: Costume Contest for kids and adults – even your pets! Best race or finish line photos, and best video submissions, too. And just by uploading your time you’ll be eligible for prize drawings.
Online Auction! Check out the many gift cards and auction packages available for bid at the Monster Dash Online Auction (on event website) – even if you’re not participating in the race! Open Oct 16-31.
Race Packets will be given out at our drive-up Packet Pick-up events. Everyone’s packet will include a race bib, crepe paper finish line, and finisher’s medal – plus kid’s packet will include some Halloween activities and a trick-or-treat bag of candy and Halloween toys.
Giveaways: Each youth is eligible to choose a science kit or realistic sea or land creature from Blue Marble! Adults: choose a hat from Sunday Afternoons, while they last.
Check out the website below for more info and ideas – we’re still adding details and ideas so check back often!
Register:
- Online at www.ashlandmonsterdash.com
- Youth 18 and under cost $10 for any race
Adult registration fees range from $15-$25 depending on race - Race t-shirts may be pre-ordered thru Oct 21
Website: www.AshlandMonsterDash.com
Email: asf@ashland.k12.or.us Phone: 541-482-8197
Walker & Community Information
All Things E.Q.
Walker loves El Tapatio!
Rogue Valley Farm to School Food Equity Weekend!
$$$ for Walker!
The more approved Free and Reduced Lunch Applications we receive, the more money we get for Walker Elementary!
The Ashland School District has just received a waiver from the federal government to continue serving free meals to all children, ages 1-18, through December 31, 2020. Any adult can pick up meals for children at the AMS cafeteria from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Monday - Friday.
Application for free or reduced meals can be found at: https://family.titank12.com
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are all families who qualify enrolled?
- No, many families qualify and they are not in enrolled in the program.
Do students who qualify have to eat hot lunch?
- No, enrolled students do not have to eat hot lunch.
Why should we apply?
- The more approved applications we have, the more money Walker school receives.
- It also makes us eligible for state and federal grants.
What programs rely on this funding?
- Reading Intervention, Child Development Specialist, Student Advocate, Educational Assistants, Peer Mediation, Student Leadership, Family Fluency Library, Math Intervention Materials, Summer School, Art Room, and other programs
Windows and Mirrors Library Spotlight
Indigenous Peoples are an integral part of Southern Oregon culture, and we honor their history and stewardship of this land.
This month, check out our Indigenous Peoples Page in the Book Talk section of the Library course for articles, videos, information and books. Learn about Grandma Aggie and the Takelma and Shasta Peoples who are the original stewards of the land the city of Ashland is built on. Understand why Indigenous Peoples Day is important to celebrate and how our city council adopted it. Check out the many beautiful books our library has that recognize and celebrate Indigenous Peoples and read a zine full of photos, maps, games and more created especially for our students by SOU.
Our Walker Library Canvas Course is full of wonderful resources for our students and their families. Check back often for more Windows and Mirrors experiences at our Library!
Technology
If you need tech help, please reach out directly to our amazing Tech Department here to request help or give them a call 541-201-2600.
If you need to borrow a device from the District to access Distance Learning, please complete the recent survey emailed to you. If you already filled out the District survey, you should hear soon for a time to pick up a device. If you have not completed the survey or your tech needs have changed, please contact Cheryl for assistance.
Fresh Schools
What is FreshSchools?
FreshSchools is an Online Directory and a PTO Database to simplify communication with families in each classroom and across the school.
How do I log into FreshSchools?
You should have received an email directly from FreshSchools. If you have not, please log in by clicking https://freshschools.com/app/users/sign_in. You may opt out of making contact information visible school-wide, but still receive information with the “Private” option. We are striving for 100% participation to make teacher, room parent, and volunteer communication easier.
Is there an iPhone or Android app for FreshSchools?
Yes there is an iOS and Android app available. These apps are for families and staff after you’ve signed up for FreshSchools.
Do you share my information?
FreshSchools takes privacy very seriously and does not share your personal information with any third-party organization.
If you have any questions, please contact: Jennifer Pelzer at jenniferpelzer24@gmail.com or 408-685-8296
Volunteers
Even though we are in Distance Learning, we could still use volunteers to help teachers via Zoom. All volunteers must complete a background check every year. You can access the form at https://www.ashland.k12.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=1536. Forms can be submitted with a copy of your driver's license to the school office or the Ashland School District Office. Teachers will let you know when they are ready for you to begin joining their classes.
Our Wolf Pack Needs Your Help!
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.
Financial Support
Families who have experienced significant income loss may now be eligible for free or reduced-price school meals. 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. Read the full details here.
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. Find more information here.
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