Walker Howler
February 19, 2021
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Dear families,
We are so excited to welcome some of our children back on campus in March! As you might imagine, we are working hard to plan for every last detail to ensure adequate supports are in place for the safety and well-being of everyone in our community.
Next week, I will send critical information about pick-up/drop-off times and locations, class locations, and safety parameters. It is imperative that you read this information closely as there will be many changes. To be completely honest, the planning and logistical considerations are proving to be quite a challenge. It is going to take all of us working together to ensure our student safety and success.
Thank you, Walker Wolfpack, for working with us to make this transition a success! This has perhaps been one of the most difficult situations we have encountered and I cannot think of other folks who I would choose to be in community with. I am deeply grateful for each and every one of you.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly with questions or concerns. I will respond as soon as I am able.
Please see below for more information.
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.
All Things Hybrid!
Hybrid Schedule Begins in March
If you indicated hybrid on the survey, we are planning on your child attending in hybrid. If you indicated CDL, we are planning on your child attending remotely. If you indicated that your child will need transportation, their bus route will be posted on the District Website.
Students in K-2 will begin in-person instruction on March 1.
Students in 3-5 will begin in-person instruction on March 8.
(Students in grades 3-5 will have CDL from 8:30 - 11:00 and virtual instruction from 12:40 -3:10 during the week of March 1-5.)
Kinder - 5th grades Hybrid Schedule:
8:30 - 11:00 Virtual instruction from home
12:40 - 3:10 In-person instruction at school
Core Math and English Language Arts instruction will remain virtual in order to maintain consistency and access for all students. Therefore, it is imperative that all students attend the virtual learning every morning, even if they are attending in-person.
What will take place on campus?
Extension of core academic instruction from virtual session
Unit Studies (integrated social studies, science, art)
Reading and Math Intervention Supports
English Language Development Services
Special Education Services
Social interactions
PE and Music
On-site COVID testing for symptomatic students and staff
What type of face masks do students need at school?
Students returning to campus must wear a mask that fits their face, covering both their nose and mouth at all times. Bandanas, gaiter style face coverings, or face shields only are not permitted. (Students may wear face shields in addition to their masks.)
We are hiring!
Unfortunately, we cannot have volunteers in the classrooms once we return, BUT if you would like apply for an educational assistant position, we have the need! Please visit our website here and click on "Substitute Educational Assistant". The positions range in hours up to 6.5 hours/day.
Some Support from the Department of Feelings!
Dear Walker Community,
Many of us are looking ahead toward the change of returning to school for some hours each week for the first time in many months. I imagine this change might bring up lots of different thoughts and feelings for families and students – excitement, relief, worry, resistance . . . It is the latest in a long series of adaptations we, as humans, have been navigating for the past year.
I am attaching a link to an article (https://copingskillsforkids.com/calming-anxiety) full of ideas about helping/teaching children to cope with anxiety and develop skills to calm themselves down. As you read it, you may find some of the things you’re already doing echoed and maybe you’ll find a new strategy or two.
The article outlines great ideas for things that can be done at home and some that can be taught at home for children to use while at school. It is important to find a balance between offering skills (tools) and talking about what is real. When we meet our children’s anxiety at a place that is real, they feel seen and heard. That might sound like saying something like the following, that feels authentic to you:
· “There are rules Walker school and all schools who have welcomed children back in the building, have to follow to keep them safe.” Wear a mask, maintain physical distance and wash your hands.
· The schools wouldn’t be welcoming students all over the world if it wasn’t safe.
· It is scary and it will take time to get used to being back together.
When we practice skills, it is good to do so at a low or “no” anxiety moment. This builds the muscles of these great ideas and makes them more accessible in the harder moments. A few of the strategies that might help students transition back into school and also continue to navigate the stressors of life are:
· Take deep breaths (of course!) and use a phrase like, “breathe in like you’re smelling a flower and out like you’re blowing a candle flame”
· Imagine your favorite place or animal
· Use an object to increase calm when away from home (like a necklace, pin, or sticker, that the child could wear to school to remind them of things like love/courage/connection)
· Become aware of the senses; the article names the 5-4-3-2-1 practice (which is great and could be a tool used with guidance at home or school). I like a simple practice of tuning into one sense for 30 seconds or so – for example, no matter where I am, if I am feeling anxious or stressed, I can simply tune in to my sense of sound for a bit, listening and hearing the big and small sounds in and around me. After doing that I feel more present and calm.
Wishing each of you good health and all the calm you can cultivate,
Mary Giancarlo
She, Her, Hers
Walker Elementary School
Child Development Specialist
Walker Events & Activities
Walker School is Building Belonging!
We had an incredible Black History Month assembly today with our guest speaker, Matthew Reynolds. We learned about Ruby Bridges and what it means to belong and not just "fit in." We encourage our students to visit the Library Canvas Page to record a flip grid video, using the prompt: "I am crafting a world of belonging . . ." Additionally, Matthew shared some essential questions to help guide discussions. We hope the questions below are helpful for you as you engage in conversations at home with your families.
Essential Questions to guide Building Belonging:
What is the difference between “fitting in” and “belonging”?
Brené Brown quote for guidance of discussion: “Fitting in is about assessing a situation and becoming who you need to be to be accepted. Belonging, on the other hand, doesn't require us to change who we are; it requires us to be who we are.”
Where are some places that you felt you belong?
What is needed for everyone to feel like they belong?
What is community to you?
What words come to mind when we talk about community?
What does a community, that everyone had a sense of belonging, look like? Physically?
When you are in a place where you feel like you belong, what feelings come up?
What does it mean to you to be your biggest, fullest, and brightest?
How can we support others in being their biggest, fullest, and brightest?
What does accountability mean?
How do we help hold each other accountable?
How do we hold ourselves accountable?
Site Council: 2/22 3:00 - 4:00
Site Council is a great way to get involved in our school’s instructional program to ensure success for all students. Our Site Council is continuing to focus on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Site Council is open to all Walker families! Please email Ky Ferguson, if you plan to attend and she will send the meeting Zoom link.
We hope to see you all at our next Site Council meeting. At this meeting, we will meet with Christine McCollom, our Director of Programs, to gather your feedback about funding from the State Student Investment Account. This meeting is open to everyone. For security purposes, the link will be sent prior to the meeting.
Please see below for the minutes from the December meeting in both Spanish and English.
PTO: 3/4 6:00 - 7:00
We hope to see you for our next PTO meeting!
All Walker families and staff are welcome to attend monthly PTO meetings. Our focus this year is to continue to strengthen our community and support our children at Walker School. PTO Questions? Please email PTOWalkerWolves@gmail.com.
For security purposes, the agenda and zoom link will be sent via email and Fresh Schools prior to the meeting. Fresh Schools is our PTO communication system. Please contact Stephanie Valence steph7439@gmail.com or (541) 622-4771 for more information.
Please see below for the minutes from the last meeting in both Spanish and English.
Walker & Community Information
Walker Staff Stars
Library Spotlight
Please take a moment to check out the Library Canvas page to see the incredible resources Ms. Julie has compiled for us about Black History Month and Lunar New Year!
Did you know that you can still check out Library books during Distance Learning? We want you to have real books in your hands! Go to the Library Canvas Course, Book Checkout button to learn how to check out library books! Questions? Contact Ms. Julie through Canvas Inbox.
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!
Black Youth Leadership Summit!
Need Technical Help?
Call us:
Email us:
Submit a Support Ticket:
Counseling Services for students with OHP
Do you think your child could benefit from counseling services? We have partnered with Family Solutions and have a limited number of available counseling services for students who currently have OHP. If you would like to pursue these options for your child, please contact Mary.Giancarlo@ashland.k12.or.us
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.
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://or-ashland-lite.intouchreceipting.com/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.
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