What's New at Walnut?
January 16, 2022
Principal's Message
As opposed to COVID news, I am happy to devote this newsletter to good things that are happening on campus. I also want to thank Walnut staff and families for all you do every day to make sure our children feel safe, valued, and excited about learning. Yes, times are challenging, but I feel inspired every day as I watch people going over and above to support one another as well as our students. As we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. tomorrow, I'm reflecting on a few of his quotations that I see in progress with the people of Walnut, both big and little:
"The time is always right to do what is right."
"Life's most persistent questions is, 'What are you doing for others?'"
"I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality."
"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."
I look forward to seeing you on Tuesday morning. --Mrs. Wall
Dance and Movement Studio
Thanks to a generous grant from TO Arts, a carpeted room filled with obsolete desktop computers is now a dance/movement studio--complete with a dance floor, barres, and mirrors. Mrs. Wilcox teaches a 30-minute class each week for students in TK-3rd grade as part of our PE program. She teaches to the CA Visual and Performing Arts Standards and incorporates themes students are learning in their regular classes as well. Students know it's fun and great exercise! Our 4th and 5th grade students are each participating in a semester-long, 30-minute session weekly with Dancing with Our Future Stars in addition to their regular PE program. We are excited to offer this enhancement to our arts focus at Walnut.
CLU Kingsmen Team Visits
The Men's Basketball Team from Cal Lutheran volunteered their time to provide a lunchtime basketball clinic for our students on Friday, January 14th. Students in grades K-5 all had the option to work on skills with the team during recess. If any Wildcat families would like to watch a CLU Basketball game this season, the schedule is here: Men's Team: Schedule. Women's Team: Schedule
Register Now for Spring Chorus
The spring session of Walnut Chorus begins on Wednesday, January 26th, and will continue through May 18th. Chorus is led by our music teacher, Mrs. Ruth Drossel, and it is open to all 1st-5th grade students. Rehearsals are held each Wednesday from 1:35-2:15 (early dismissal day). Students will be preparing for the All-District Chorus Festival! For more information, see the flyer attached below. Register Here
Theme Weeks
In December, students had the opportunity to reflect on ways to include others during Inclusive Schools Week. As a culminating project, all students and staff members contributed a paper brick to the "I Am" bulletin board in the multipurpose room. The project celebrates the myriad of strengths we all have. We have similarities, we have differences, and our uniqueness is reason to celebrate! The last week of January will be Kindness Week. Look for more details to go home soon about ways we will recognize this important week. Walnut is a Certified Kindness School and takes the Kindness Challenge each year. We want to thank the PTA for supporting theme weeks and give a special shout out to retired teachers, Mrs. Roth and Mrs. Hoffman, who have organized the activities this year!
PTA Fundraiser at Panda Express
Our next PTA Restaurant Fundraiser will be at Panda Express in Newbury Park on Wednesday, January 26th, from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Mention Walnut and the PTA will receive 20% from your order. Drive-thru orders count! Restaurant fundraisers are a fun and easy way to support PTA.
Upcoming Parent Education Classes
There are three upcoming parent education opportunities in the next few weeks:
- Dr. Jose Villareal is the featured speaker for the "My Identity" conference on January 20th at 6:00 p.m. on Zoom. His topic is "Life Paths Are Not What I Thought They Were." The registration link is in the flyer below. This presentation will be in Spanish with English translation optional.
- Speakers from Phoenix Project/Interface will share strategies to keep your children motivated and engaged with their schoolwork. Presentations are approximately 30 minutes with time available afterwards for questions and answers. Mark your calendar for the English presentation on February 16th at 6:30 p.m. and the Spanish presentation during ELAC on February 3rd at 6:30 p.m.
Walnut Elementary School
Walnut is a neighborhood school with a BIG heart, where every student is valued and encouraged to develop a lifelong love of learning. We believe in developing the whole child, so we invest in the visual and performing arts, technology, and physical fitness in addition to traditional academics. We were recently one of five schools in Ventura County named as a California Honor Roll School. We are committed to our mission statement, Academic Excellence for All in a Safe, Enriching Environment. Walnut has an active PTA, School Site Council, and English Language Advisory Council. Each of these groups of parents and community members would LOVE to have YOU join them in making sure Walnut provides the best possible learning environment for students and families. Please contact us if you'd like to know more. --Mrs. Wall, Principal
Email: awall@conejousd.org
Website: conejousd.org/walnut
Location: 581 Dena Drive, Newbury Park, CA, USA
Phone: (805) 498-3608
Facebook: facebook.com/WalnutBEAT
Twitter: @WalnutAWall
Thank You to Our PTA Olympian Sponsors!
El Sancho Loco Taqueria
2271 Michael Drive, Newbury Park (805) 376-8226
Pinnacle Estate Properties
(805) 390-3986 and (805) 490-0488
Smiling Sea Pediatric Dentistry
(818) 991-0978 32144 Agoura Road, Westlake Village