The Bulldog Briefs- Back to School!

Welcome to the 2026-2027 School Year at Walker!

We are excited to welcome both new and returning families to the Walker school community! Below, you’ll find all the essential information to help you prepare for the start of the school year.

Please be sure to:

• Review the school supply lists

• Carefully read our arrival and dismissal procedures

• Please register your child if you haven't done so already.

Important Dates:

• First Day for 1st–5th Grade: Wednesday, August 19th

• Kindergarten Orientation/Screening: Thursday, August 20th & 21st

• First Full Day for Kindergarten: Friday, August 21st

Summer Office Hours:
Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Phone: 708-458-7150

Please visit the links below for everything you need to get ready for the new school year. We look forward to a great year ahead!

Enjoy your wonderful weekend and we will see you soon!

Mr. Jeff Moore, Principal

13: Principal in the Park with Popsicles (See Flyer Below)

15: Back to School Bash (See Flyer Below)

19: First Student Day (1st - 5th) - Late Start/Early Dismissal;

19-20: Kindergarten Orientation/Screening

21: First Day of Kindergarten/ PBIS Expectation Rotations/Tropical Sno Welcome Back Celebration

21: School Celebration: Tropical Snow and Splash Pad

Walker Curriculum Night will be held on Wednesday, September 9th from 6:00-7:30. This is a great opportunity for parents to visit the school, meet the teachers and staff, and learning about the curriculum and expectations implemented at Walker. Hope to see you there!

Please see below for the names of your child's teacher.

The Board of Education has adopted a mandatory school uniform policy for all students in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade. Please note that any article of clothing or accessory considered to be disruptive to the educational environment or that poses a danger to any student may be disallowed at the discretion of the building principal. Students may wear any approved spirit wear attire or school athletic uniforms on any day.

SHIRTS/TOPS

Plain maroon collared polo or dress shirt with long or short sleeves is required. Plain black or white undershirts may be worn under the maroon collared shirt. Shirts must extend to waistline. Plain black or maroon sweaters, sweatshirts, or hooded sweatshirts may be worn over a collared maroon polo or dress shirt or a plain white or black undershirt. Hooded sweatshirts must be worn with the hood down.

PANTS

Pants must be black or khaki and worn at the waist. Solid leggings may be worn, but only when a shirt extending to mid-thigh is worn as well. -

SHORTS/CAPRI PANTS/SKIRTS

Plain black or khaki, knee length shorts, Capri pants, skirts or jumpers may be worn.

Students are expected to wear appropriate clothing while on school property and/or in attendance at school sponsored activities. Students are to use discretion in their dress and are not permitted to wear apparel that causes a substantial disruption in the school environment.

Uniform shirts can be purchased at the main office for $12

Students are prohibited from using electronic devices, except as provided herein. An electronic device includes, but is not limited to, the following: cell phone, smart phone, audio or video recording device, personal digital assistant (PDA), ipod©, ipad©, laptop computer, tablet, Bluetooth listening devices, smart watches, or another similar electronic device.

During instructional time, which includes class periods and passing periods, electronic devices must be kept powered-off and stored in backpack/locker unless: (a) permission is granted by an administrator, teacher or school staff member; (b) use of the device is provided in a student’s individualized education program (IEP)or 504 service plan; or (c) it is needed in an emergency that threatens the safety of students, staff, or other individuals.

Students are allowed to use electronic devices during non-instructional time, which is defined as before and after school.

Electronic devices may never be used in any manner that disrupts the educational environment, violates student conduct rules or violates the rights of others. This includes, but is not limited to, the following: (1) using the device to take photographs in locker rooms or bathrooms; (2) cheating; and (3) creating, sending, sharing, viewing, receiving, or possessing an indecent visual depiction or nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images (i.e., sexting) (4) audio/visual recording made without consent.

The school and school district are not responsible for the loss, theft or damage to any electronic device brought to school.

Students in violation of this procedure are subject to the following consequences:

1. First offense –A verbal warning will be assigned. The student will receive the device back at the end of the day in the school office.

2. Second offense-The The device will be confiscated by school personnel and picked up by parent

3. Future offense(s) – The device will be confiscated. A detention may be assigned. The student’s parent/guardian will be notified and required to pick up the device in the school office.

Cell Phone and Wearable device agreements will be distributed the first week of school. Please review, sign and return if you are providing your child a personal electronic device during school hours.

In an effort to increase safety at Walker Elementary School, with cooperation with the Bedford Park Police Department and the Village of Bedford Park, we will be implementing a student drop-off line for all families traveling by vehicles. This drop-off line will be monitored by school personnel, and supported by the Bedford Park Police Department. This line will be available from 7:25 AM to 7:50 AM and is located at 66th place, adjacent to Walker Elementary School. When dropping off students, please proceed to marked area. Drivers will remain in their vehicle, and students will exit out the passenger side of the vehicle. Students will be assisted by school personnel. All families wishing to walk their students to the school, please park your vehicle in the public parking area located on 67h Street in front of the Swanson Center.. Parking on residential streets is prohibited and will be strictly enforced by the Bedford Park Police Department. Please see below for detailed map and instructions. We thank you for your cooperation and support.

Arrival Procedures

• Please utilize student drop of line if dropping off by vehicle. Breakfast begins at 7:30 am. Please enter through door 1.
• Students Walking to school can enter through door 4.
• Parking is only available in the parking stalls on 67th street in front of the Swanson Center
• No parking on 66th Place

Dismissal Procedures

• Students will be dismissed at 2:50 each day.
• Door 1 (MAIN OFFICE): SPED Transitional Classroom K-5
• Door 4 (FRONT of SCHOOL): Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd
• Door 5 (BACK of SCHOOL): 2nd, 4th, and 5th
• No Parking on 78th Ave

Transportation registration was completed when you registered your child for school. If you did not select transportation during the registration process a link will be provided. Please visit the transportation link below for all questions. Bus times and routes are below.

Welcome back, Walker families and a BIG HELLO to those who are joining us for the first time this school year!

My name is Bianca Vazquez, and I am excited to serve as your student's school nurse for the 2026–2027 school year. This marks my 12th year as Walker's school nurse, and I look forward to partnering with you to help create a safe, healthy, and positive learning environment for every student. As we prepare for a great school year, please review the following reminders.

Attached, you will find guidelines to follow when to keep your student home due to illness and the procedures to follow when reporting an absence. Your partnership helps keep our school community healthy.

In addition, students who require medication in school should have a medication authorization form completed by your student's physician as well as an action plan for those who have health conditions such as asthma, anaphylaxis and seizures. These forms can be found on the district's website, Health Services.

Furthermore, all kindergarten students and new students entering the district must have the following on file:

• An Illinois physical examination
• Updated immunization records
• A dental examination
• An eye examination

These requirements are mandated by Illinois state law. Kindergartners and new students who do not provide proof of immunizations, a completed Illinois physical examination, or an approved medical/religious exemption will be excluded from school beginning Thursday, October 15, 2026. Please submit all required health forms to the school nurse as soon as possible.

Lastly, the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile will be returning to Graves/Heritage school on Monday, August 24th. The Care Mobile provides physical exams, immunizations, and sports physicals for students ages 4–18 who have Medicaid or are uninsured. All eligible students are encouraged to participate. Please contact Walker's main office to schedule an appointment and complete the required consent form.

Thank you for taking the time to review these important reminders. I wish you and your family a safe, healthy, and successful school year!

If you have any questions, please contact Walker's main office at 708-458-7150.

Sincerely,

Bianca Vazquez, MSN, RN, PEL-CSN
Walker School Nurse

Welcome Back!

I am so excited to welcome all of our students and families back for another wonderful school year! A new school year is a fresh start filled with opportunities to learn, grow, make new friends, and create amazing memories together.

I know that for many students—and parents, too—the first days of school can bring a mix of excitement and nervousness. New classrooms, new teachers, new routines, and new faces can feel like a lot. Whatever you're feeling, please know that those feelings are completely normal, and you are not alone. I am right there with you, each new year brings lots of new feelings for us all.

As we begin this year, let's remember that we are one school family. We will support one another, encourage one another, and face each new challenge together. Every student belongs here, every family is valued, and together we can make this school year one filled with kindness, confidence, and success.

As your school social worker, I am here to support not only our students but our families as well. Whether your child needs a listening ear, help navigating big feelings, support with friendships, or simply someone to cheer them on, I am here. My goal is to help every child feel safe, connected, and ready to learn, while partnering with families every step of the way.

I can't wait to see all the incredible things our students accomplish this year. Here's to a fantastic school year—we're stronger together, and I know it's going to be an amazing one!