Walker Bulldog News
February 26, 2021
Dear Families,
We would like to thank all of our families for recently completing the survey related to hyrbid and remote learning from the district. Please know that we understanding making these decisions are difficult and personal to each family. We value and respect your responses. Earlier this week, in reviewing the districtwide results, it was determined to remain in remote learning for the time being. Families will be issued another survey related to hybrid and remote learning prior to Spring Break as we work to support our students in the best way possible. Please know that your child's educational growth remains our top priority.
Below you will find information about the 5 Essentials Survey from the state of Illniois. School districts across the state are issuing this survey to families to gain insight to guide school's continued work related to increasing student academic growth and school improvement. Please take a few moments to complete this important survey.
As always, should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us. Your ongoing support continues to strengthen our Walker Bulldog family.
All the best,
Ms. Amanda Venegonia, Principal
Mrs. Sara Leone, Associate Principal
Mark Your Calendars!
3/8: Board of Education Meeting at 6:00 PM, Pre-K hybrid learning begins
3/12: Supply pick up (9:00 AM-12:00 PM), Report cards mailed home
3/25: Parent Teacher Conferences (3:00 PM-8:00 PM)
3/29-4/2: Spring Break
4/5: No School (Easter Monday)
Important District Communication
What is the 5 Essentials Survey?
The 5 Essentials Survey identifies five indicators that lead to improved outcomes for all students, including improved attendance and larger test score gains.
The five indicators that positively affect school success are:
- Effective Leaders
- Collaborative Teachers
- Involved Families
- Supportive Environments
- Ambitious Instruction
Research derived from the 5 Essentials for School Success has proven that schools strong on at least three of the 5 Essentials are 10 times more likely to improve student outcomes.
Schools across Illinois participated in the eighth annual 5 Essentials Survey of Learning Conditions: Organizing Schools for Improvement this past academic year. This survey generates valuable data that districts can use to guide their ongoing efforts to improve schools and to offer students an excellent education. The survey is another improvement tool that allows districts and the state to share data as a means to inform parents and community members about the school’s learning environment. The Illinois 5 Essentials Survey is administered online by UChicago Impact at the University of Chicago on behalf of the Illinois State Board of Education.
Source:https://www.isbe.net/Pages/5Essentials-Survey.aspx
Virtual Announcements
Black History Month
Mardi Gras
Walker All School Read Aloud
Stella Diaz Never Gives Up is a story about a shy Mexican-American girl, who become passionate about the environment and making a diference. On a trip to Mexico, she becomes aware of the impacts of pollution on the marine life.
Students will listen to one chapter a day. Feel free to ask them about Stella and her adventures. Here are some ideas of questions you can ask.
What happened to Stella in the story today?
What do you think Stella will do in the story tomorrow? Why do you think that?
What was your favorite part of today's reading? Why?
Yearbook Interest Survey
Student Health Updates with Nurse Bianca
Hello parents and students,
A few things I wanted to bring to your attention as we prepare for the possible return to in-person hybrid learning.
- Please make sure you have turned in a current history and physical with immunizations if your child entered kindergarten or if your child was new to our district for the 2020-2021 school year. If we should return to in-person learning and I do not have these documents, then your child will be excluded from in-person learning until I have them.
- If you have not done so already, please familiarize yourself with the Illinois Department of Public Health's safety guidelines for school reopening. The nurses in the district will be using these guidelines to determine the safety of all our students and staff that come into the building.
- Also, please practice with your child how to properly wear a mask as well as discuss its importance while attending in-person learning.
- Lastly, we recently had our dental bus visit our Heritage middle school parking lot in the beginning of February. While we did have a great turn out despite the cold and snowy weather, we are hoping to have them return sometime in April. Upon each student's visit to the dental bus, they will receive a free and complete dental exam. This will serve as a requirement for your child's dental exam for kindergarten and second grade. If your child is missing a current dental exam or if you would like to plan for the following school year, this is a great resource to take advantage of. I will make you aware of when the dates become available and if appointments will be needed.
Thank you for all your cooperation as we try to provide the best and safest learning environment for your child.
Bianca Vazquez MSN, RN, PEL-CSN
District 104 School Nurse
Walker Elementary
Parent Teacher Conferences March 25th
First grade parents, please note that Mrs. Sanchez or Mrs. Kladis will be contacting you directly to schedule conferences.