Walker News

September Message from Walker Administration
Dearest Walker Families,
We are so proud of how quickly our Walker Stars are learning the routines and procedures while consistently practicing The Walker Way! Ours Stars make Walker a very special place.
We have the opportunity to further enhance Walker through your support of our annual fundraiser. We have a BMX show scheduled to celebrate our success and fun ways for our READERS and EARNERS to be rewarded.
Read-A-Thons actually get your reader excited about reading and it gives friends and family the opportunity to encourage your child to read even more.
Our Read-A-Thon starts Friday September 4, 2026. We created an overview of how these funds are used to support our school community - let us know if you have any questions.
We have sent home instructions on how to activate your reader's personal page. This is where you will be able to view and record their progress. Another copy is coming home on Friday, Sept. 4th.
We encourage you to activate your reader’s account today by clicking on https://www.read-a-thon.com/readers/r/IJuiSD/1?utm=email and following the simple instructions.
We've chosen Read-A-Thon because it will not take much of your time, gives your child a reason to read and helps in the development of stronger reading skills. We hope EVERYONE participates.
We hope having all the information in one place helps. Condensing the newsletter into a once a month format is new for us - let us know your thoughts. We hope the text reminders are helpful and being able to have events on Facebook and the Google Calendar (that you can sync) is helpful. We want you to feel informed and connected.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Michelle Baumann, Principal & Melanie Adlof, Assistant Principal
Walker Elementary
Google Calendar (can sync with your online calendar)
Read-A-Thon Prize Patrol Sign up to activate your child's Read-A-Thon page—they get to add their name to the Galaxy Wall in the cafe! Participation Rewards 1. Send 10 Texts: Make the Announcements 2. Post on Facebook: Bookmark Reading Goal Rewards 3. 100 Minutes: Lunch with a Friend 4. 250 Minutes: Treasure Chest Item Donation Goal Rewards 5. $100: Drawing on morning announcements each school day during fundraiser (9/8–9/18). Each $100 earns a ticket into drawing for a custom 3D print project! 6. $150: Lunch with the Principals (Mrs. Baumann & Mrs. Adlof). You bring lunch; we bring bubbles, music, chalk & fun! VIP Stars! Top Earner & Top Reader (each grade level): Front row seating, individual pictures, meet & greet with BMX performers, poster, and custom lanyard. Top 50 Kinder–5th $$ Earners (min. $200, siblings can combine earnings): Front row seating, group picture, poster, custom lanyard. Lone Star BMX Assembly: Oct. 23rd at 1:30 PM Prize Patrol & Fundraiser Details Lunch Prize Patrol Dates: Sept. 8, 11, 14, 16, 18 Primary Projects Funded: Campus Culture & Environment, Book Vending Machine Books, Spotlight for Stage, Microphones, Campus Safety (Walkie-Talkies), Staff Lounge Improvements, Soccer Goal Nets, and 10% of each grade level's proceeds to offset field trip transportation. Student Catalog: Students keep 15% of their earnings to shop online at the read-a-thon.com prize catalog.
Seeking Prize Patrol Volunteers!
Volunteers will be given a list of students who have earned a prize through donations or reading minutes. Students will visit the Prize Patrol cart during their lunch where our Prize Patrol staff will distribute the prizes. What an exciting way to be a part of the Walker Read-A-Thon FUN!!!
Join the Read-A-Thon today! Featured Initiatives & Items Indoor Recess Kits Star Store SkyDome Planetarium 2 New Refrigerators for Staff Lounge Sound, Lighting, and Walkie-Talkie Equipment Your fundraising dollars help us to support: Small Group Intervention & Enrichment Safety & Security (Walkie Talkies) Book Vending Machine & Student Incentives Sound/Lighting for Stage Indoor Recess Kits & Soccer Nets Field Trip Transportation Supplement Staff Support & Appreciation Hospitality Student Programs Campus Culture Community Events
PARENT COMMUNICATION AT WALKER ELEMENTARY
Monthly Parent Newsletter: Stay informed! A comprehensive newsletter with school-wide updates, upcoming events, and important news, sent directly to your email inbox once a month.
Weekly Teacher Email: Receive a friendly check-in from your child's teacher each week. Contains classroom-specific news, curriculum updates, and student reminders.
Text Message Reminders: Never miss an event! Automated text reminders for school activities, sent at 5:00 PM the day prior to the event.
Walker Website: Your 24/7 online resource! Find the school calendar, forms, staff directory, news, and student resources.
Walker Facebook: Join our online community! See daily highlights, event photos, school spirit updates, and friendly reminders.
School Marquee: Check the sign! A quick reference for major school events, dates, and community announcements right in front of the building.
Text Alerts: Emergency Drills: Urgent Notifications. Parents/Guardians will receive a specific text message to notify them of school-wide emergency drills.
Please pack an extra change of clothes for your student in his/her backpack.
Accidents happen to all age groups, and it’s not always a bathroom accident that requires a quick change of clothing.
Food and drink spills, dirt/mud, and other situations can lead to a student needing a change of clothing.
Our goal is to avoid long periods of time away from class waiting for clean clothes.
Thank you for helping keep your student in class ready to learn with a simple change of clothing packed in their backpack.
Lunch Guests - Aug. 31st
Lunch Guests – We are so glad you are able to come to school to eat with your child. We will begin welcoming visitors on August 31, 2026. As a special guest in our cafeteria, we ask that you and your child eat lunch at the guest tables on the stage and enjoy your time together. Thank you for understanding that only your child may dine at the guest table. You are welcome to bring food or buy from the cafeteria.
SEPTEMBER EVENT FLYERS
Texas Roadhouse – Dine to Donate Location & Contact Phone: (972) 547-6688 Address: 3101 S. Central Expy, McKinney, TX 75070 Event Details Beneficiary: Walker Elementary School Date: Wednesday, September 2nd Time: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM Service Options: Dine-In or To-Go Donation Info 20% Donation Night: Present this flyer to the McKinney location and Texas Roadhouse will donate 20% of your total purchases to Walker Elementary!
PLEASE JOIN US FOR A SPECIALS SHOWCASE
FEATURING OUR 2ND GRADE STARS!
Date: Friday, September 4, 2026
Time & Location: 2:30 pm in the Walker Gym
Details: Please use the QR code/link to RSVP & bring your valid photo ID
CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Each Wednesday in September our Stars are invited to wear GOLD in recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Walker Grandparent & Grand "Friend" Lunches
Sept. 8th - Sept. 11th
Invite a grandparent or grand "friend" to join your child for lunch between Sept. 8th - 12th in honor of Grandparents' Day. You are welcome to bring a lunch or buy lunch from the Walker Cafe. We ask that you plan on arriving 15 minutes before lunch to allow for parking and signing in at the office. All visitors must be listed as a parent/guardian or emergency contact in our electronic registration system. If you need assistance, please contact the front office at 469-302-4600.
Lunch Schedule:
2nd grade & 4th grade: 10:30–11:00 am
1st grade & 5th grade: 12:15–12:45 pm
Kinder & 3rd grade: 12:50–1:20 pm
Cafeteria Meal Prices:
Elementary student lunch: $3.20
Adult lunch: $4.50
Combo meal: Entree + at least one fruit, veggie, or fruit juice option.
Students participating in GT-Alpha have adjusted lunch schedules on their Alpha days (3rd grade on Monday and 4th & 5th grades on Thursday & Friday). Please consider visiting on another day.
Picture Day is Coming Event Details Picture Day: SEPT 9 School: WALKER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Preorder Information Offer: Preorder Now & Save! Website: Scan the QR code or visit Shop.LegacyStudios.com Online Code: 7405F27 Support Questions? Chat with us at LegacyStudios.com
Roy Lee Walker Elementary 4000 COCKRILL DRIVE ~ MCKINNEY FIRST RESPONDER Appreciation Event Details Date: SEPT. 11, 2026 Time: 8:00 AM Event Schedule & Refreshments Walker welcomes First Responders to be recognized on our morning announcements at 8:05, followed by a hallway parade in your honor. Coffee & Light Breakfast Please extend an invitation to First Responders connected to our Walker Family.
COLLEGE WEEK SEPTEMBER 14 - 18, 2026
Daily Schedule
DayThemeAttire
MondayFollow Your Dreams!PJ day
TuesdayHeading Toward Success!Crazy Hair or Hat Day
WednesdayColor Me InspiredWear Your Teacher's College Colors
ThursdayTeam up for College!Wear college gear
FridayThe Future is Bright!Wear bright or neon colors
STEAM
science • technology • engineering • art • math
JOIN US FOR A FUN-FILLED FAMILY NIGHT!
Activity Stations:
Science: Cool Science Experiments!
Technology: Tech Corner: Coding & Robots!
Engineering: Building Challenges!
Art: Art Creations Station!
Math: Math Games & Puzzles!
Event Details:
Hosted By: Family Night hosted by the Walker PTA
Date & Time: Tuesday, September 15th | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Walker Elementary School
Admission: Free event for all Walker students & their families!
OCTOBER - SAVE THE DATE
Headline: SAVE THE DATE
Event: WALKER FALL FEST
Host: HOSTED BY THE WALKER PTA
Date: OCT. 2nd
Time: 6-8pm
Announcement: TICKET INFO & DETAILS COMING SOON
AFTERSCHOOL TUITION BASED PROGRAMS
Dynasty Dance!
What: Dynasty Dance
Who: Walker Stars, Grades K-5
When: Tuesdays from 3:20 - 4:30 pm
Cost: Regular Session is $179 (no recital), Performance Session is $285. There is a $25 Registration Fee for all students and a $55 Costume Fee (Performance Session Only).
Regular Session runs September 8-November 3
Performance Session runs September 8-December 8
*No class on 10/13 or 11/24).
Recital date is TBA
REGISTER NOW! Register online. All payments and forms must be completed 48 hours before class begins. No new registrations will be accepted after the first class. No refunds after the first class. Payment plans are available for performance sessions only.
Enroll at www.ddatexas.com
Questions? Call/text 682-557-5458 or email ddatexas.com@gmail.com
Parents will pick up at 4:30 in the carpool line. There is a late pick up fee of $1/min.
Walker Elementary School Presents: Science Club
Hands-on experiments and projects to take home!
Program Details
Target Audience: Grades 1–5
Schedule: Wednesday Afternoons, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Dates: September 16th – May 19th (Join anytime)
Cost: $114 per month
Activities & Experiments
Play with Lightning
Make a Tornado!
Build a Zip Flyer
Build a Robot
Atoms & Molecules
Chemical Explosions
Make Slime!
Hold a Bubble!
...and much, much more!
Registration
Limited seats available.
Register today at www.aosci.com.
Arrival & Dismissal Times
8:10AM - 3:20PM
We value morning announcements as a vital piece of our school culture. By starting at 8:05am we can review the lunch menu, weather, celebrate student birthdays, achievements (encouraged to bring trophies, medals) and have student co-hosts. These can occur without interrupting the instructional day. Mandatory components of announcements will be conducted from 8:10-8:15am.
Students are marked tardy if not in the building by 8:10am
DISMISSAL BELL RINGS AT 3:20PM, CARPOOL SHOULD BE MOVING BY 3:22PM
2026-27 Master Schedule
Families are encouraged to complete the School Meal Benefits Application for the current school year. Not Sure If You Qualify? Apply Anyway!
Even if you are unsure whether your household qualifies for free or reduced-price meals, we encourage you to submit an application. The process is confidential, and qualifying may provide important benefits and resources for your family and your child's school.
Applying is easy:
Online: Visit MySchoolApps.com
Paper: Request a paper application by contacting 469-302-6378.
Need Help: Contact 469-302-6378. We can answer any questions you may have about filling out the application form or any other questions throughout the process.
Don't assume you won't qualify. Apply today!
Breakfast & Lunch at Walker
2026-2027 MISD CALENDAR
MISD School Safety
MISD School Safety
A critical ingredient in the safe school recipe is the uniform classroom response to any incident. Weather events, fires, accidents, intruders and other threats to student safety are scenarios that are planned and trained for by all McKinney ISD schools and District Administration and staff. Historically, schools have taken this scenario-based approach to respond to hazards and threats. Each McKinney ISD classroom is furnished with the Standard Response Protocol poster that provides teachers with readily accessible response procedures and provides information during a crisis event. The attached handout explains Standard Response Protocol that is taught to students, faculty, and staff.
Please this link to view the Standard Response Protocol parent information.
Club 360 After-School Program
Walker PTA
SUPPORT WALKER ELEMENTARY WHY PTA? #1 PTA ENRICHES STUDENTS Academic assemblies & programs, literacy initiatives, celebrations/parties, talent showcase, playground reources, and more! #2 PTA ENGAGES FAMILIES Family festivals, spirit nights, community involvement, parent education programs, communications #3 PTA SUPPORTS TEACHERS Tutoring support, staff luncheons and recognition, volunteer support, breakroom resources & supplies HOW YOU CAN HELP SUPPORT WALKER: Become a Member Be a Volunteer (variety of ways to help!) Scan the QR code to discover more & join the PTA. Contact membership@walkerstarspta.net with any questions.
Message from our PTA President...
Hello Walker Families,
Welcome to the 26-27 school year! On behalf of the PTA, we're excited to partner with our incredible students, families, teachers, and staff to make this a year filled with connection and memorable experiences. Our PTA is committed to supporting our Stars through programs, volunteer opportunities, and events that help every student thrive. Whether you're a returning family or new to our community, there's a place for you to get involved in whatever way works best for your family. Your time, talents, and support make a meaningful difference. Together we can accomplish great things for our students. We look forward to seeing you at PTA events throughout the year and working alongside you. Watch your email and follow us on social media to learn more about PTA opportunities throughout the year. Facebook: WalkerStarsPTA, Instagram: @royleewalkerpta
Here's to a fantastic school year!
Ashley Sine
President, Walker Elementary PTA
Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/WalkerStarsPTA
💙⭐💚Show your Walker Pride!💙⭐💚
Order your Walker spirit wear from Home Team Prints:
McKinney ISD Gifted & Talented: ALPHA Instructional Dates 2026–2027
Below are the important instructional dates, testing schedules, and holidays for the McKinney ISD Gifted and Talented ALPHA program for the 2026–2027 school year.
1st Semester
August 13th – August 21st: No ALPHA — ALPHA Testing & Home Campus Routines/Procedures
August 18th & 20th (Walker Elementary): Supply and Say Hi Night | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
August 24th, 26th, & 28th: 1st Days of ALPHA Classes 26-27
August 25th, 27th, & September 1st: No 4th & 5th ALPHA due to MAP Testing on Campus
December 1st, 2nd, 3rd, & 8th: No 4th & 5th ALPHA due to MAP Testing on Campus, as well as Dec 2nd GiftED26
December 7th, 9th, 10th, & 11th: Last Days of ALPHA 1st Semester
2nd Semester
January 5th – 8th: No ALPHA — ALPHA Testing & Home Campus Routines/Procedures
January 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, & 15th: ALPHA Resumes
Week of January 11th: Newly identified K–2 students join their Alpha classes
January 19th @ 7:00 PM: K–2 New to GT Teams Meeting with Mrs. Dressel & Mrs. Stevens
February 12th: Elementary & Middle School Teacher Collaborative Time (PLC) — No 4th & 5th Grade ALPHA
April 7th – 8th: No ALPHA Due to STAAR Reading
April 13th – 14th: No ALPHA Due to STAAR Science
April 20th – 21st: No ALPHA Due to STAAR Math
May 11th, 13th, & 18th: No ALPHA due to MAP Testing on Campus
May 17th, 19th, 20th, & 21st: Last Days of ALPHA
As a service to McKinney ISD students and families, the district provides the Community Folder for school related, non-school related, and non-profit organizations. Electronic communication has become standard and is preferred by many parents; the schools are sharing more and more information via email as a convenience to parents. This also cuts back on paper coming home in folders. Information posted and accepted must be youth-oriented and will be reviewed and approved by the Communications Department. Updates will be posted often, so we ask that you check back for the latest opportunities and information from our community.
To view the latest information posted in the Community Folder- CLICK HERE
Fall Community Resource Night
Connecting Families with Community Resources
Date: October 27, 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: McKinney High School, 1400 Wilson Creek Parkway, McKinney, TX 75069
Parenting the Digital Generation
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Event for parents only. In partnership with The Children's Advocacy Center.
Registration will be required for those needing childcare for PreK–5th grade students. Link: [https://tinyurl.com/MISDCRN26](https://tinyurl.com/MISDCRN26)
A supervised activity will be provided for secondary students during this time.
Childcare and activities are provided to support families in attending this important event.
Food Truck
Complimentary food provided to the first 1,000 people.
Improving and sustaining the quality of life for students and families in McKinney ISD.
📣 McKinney High School Mini Cheer Clinic 🦁💙
Calling all future cheerleaders! Join the McKinney High School Cheer Team for a fun-filled morning of learning, energy, and spirit! Participants will have the opportunity to learn cheer skills from our MHS Cheerleaders while building confidence, making new friends, and experiencing what it’s like to be part of the MHS Cheer family.
✨ WHAT: McKinney High School Mini Cheer Clinic
📅 DATE: Saturday, September 19, 2026
⏰ TIME: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 LOCATION: McKinney High School Gym
1400 Wilson Creek Pkwy, McKinney, TXParticipants will enjoy:
⭐ Cheer instruction
⭐ Stunt training
⭐ Jump technique training
⭐ Games and team-building activities
⭐ Snack
⭐ Mini Cheer Clinic T-shirt
⭐ Opportunity to perform with Varsity at the MHS Varsity Football Game Pre Game Performance on Thursday, September 24th at 7 PM at the MISD Stadium!Choose the package that works best for you:
💙 Standard Package — $55
Includes clinic experience, T-shirt, snack, games, and pre-game performance opportunity.🥉 Bronze Package — $65
Includes everything in the Standard Package plus a custom cheer bow and MHS Cheer button!🥈 Silver Package — $75
Includes everything in the Bronze Package plus pom poms!🥇 Gold Package — $100
Includes everything in the Silver Package plus:
📸 Printed photo keepsake with Lea the Lion
🦁 Exclusive opportunity to cheer for 2 quarters during the MHS Varsity Football Game on September 24!🎟️ Registration Link:
https://forms.gle/ED8WdHxRwJR6TCqv6💳 Payment Link:
https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/mckinneyisd/L2VtYmVkL2V2ZW50LzEyNTU=We can’t wait to welcome our future Lions and share the excitement of MHS Cheer! 💙🦁
Fall 2026 Mini Bailadora Dance Clinic and Middle School Bailadora Prep Clinic
The Boyd Bailadoras are hosting their annual Fall Youth Dance Clinic for students Pre-K (age 4 or older) through 5th grade AND their Middle School Bailadora Prep Clinic for dancers in grades 6th-8th concurrently on October 3, 2026. The clinics will be held at McKinney Boyd HS in the Gymnasium.
When: October 3, 2026
Mini Bailadora Clinic:
Time: 8:00-11:00am
11:00am Parent Showoffs in MBHS Gymnasium
Middle School Bailadora Prep Clinic:
Time: 8:00-11:00am
11:00am Pickup
Cost for each clinic: $40
-pay via Zelle - boydbailadoras@gmail.com or bring cash or check, made out to MBHS BPO, the day of the event
Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScLDoEMjhAAXvoSv_GK7zdyAFb5yiMHgZurZbkj1KNv7rD9fA/viewform
Pre-registration due by September 21st.
Mini Bailadora Clinic Registration includes:
October 3rd Dance Sessions
1 snack on October 3rd
Clinic T-shirt
Invitation to perform with the Bailadoras at pregame of the McKinney Boyd football game at MISD Stadium on October 16, 2026
Middle School Bailadora Prep Clinic Registration includes:
Clinic T-shirt
October 3rd Jazz & Kick Technique Dance Sessions
Q&A with current Bailadoras & Coaches
If you have any questions, please contact Caris Dunn at cadunn@mckinneyisd.net
NorthStars Dance Camp
The McKinney North High School NorthStars are excited to welcome dancers aged Pre-K - 8th grade for a morning full of dance and fun!
When; October 3rd from 9am to 12pm
Where; McKinney North High School
A parent showcase will take place at 11:45am in the main gym before pick-up.
What Campers Will Learn
Pre-K - 5th Grade
Dance Technique
Games
Jazz or Pom style dance
6th Grade - 8th Grade
Dance Technique
Games
Hip Hop style dance
What Campers Will Get
All campers will receive;
A t-shirt,
A snack,
Two dance routines, and
A performance opportunity on October 9th.
Registration and Cost
Parents may register their campers using our Dance Camp Registration Form.
$40 on or before September 21st.
$45 after September 21st and at the door.
McKinney Boyd High School Cheer Mini Clinic
Learn. Cheer. Have Fun!
Join the McKinney Boyd Varsity Cheerleaders for a morning of cheers, skills, games, and lots of Bronco spirit!
Event Information
Date: Saturday, October 24
Location: McKinney Boyd High School Gym
Who: Students in grades K–6
Cost: $35 per participant
The $35 registration fee includes:
- Cheer mini clinic
- Mini clinic T-shirt
- Snack
Schedule
8:45 AM: Doors open
9:00–11:00 AM: Cheer Mini Clinic
11:00–11:15 AM: Parent Showoff
Parents are invited to watch participants show off what they learned during the clinic.
Football Game Opportunity
Mini clinic participants will be invited to cheer with the McKinney Boyd Varsity Cheerleaders at the football game on October 30.
Registration
Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit:
www.boydcheerbooster.com/mini-clinic
Registration link:
https://www.boydcheerbooster.com/mini-clinic
A T-shirt size is required during registration.
Optional Sweatshirt
An optional sweatshirt is available for $30.
Purchase the sweatshirt here:
https://mckinneyapparelcompany.square.site/shop/mckinney-isd-mckinney-boyd-high-school/LEB2SK4ED2GNNDKKVUIM4SKN?page=1&limit=30&sort_by=created_date&sort_order=desc
The sweatshirt purchase is optional and is not included in the $35 clinic registration fee.
Visitors & Volunteers
A valid state or government issued photo ID must be presented each time you visit, volunteer, or pick up a student. Please be prepared with your ID upon arrival. Photos of ID will not be accepted.
A background check is required each school year for people wanting to volunteer in McKinney ISD. This includes making copies, lunch duty coverage, classroom parties, field trips, and any other volunteering that takes place in our building or on our campus. We encourage you to complete your volunteer application as soon as possible to avoid any delay in the processing.
Volunteer Application
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT. WE WELCOME YOUR IDEAS AND FEEDBACK!
We always welcome your feedback. Connect with us via email, phone or schedule a meeting with Mrs. Baumann and/or Mrs. Adlof. Below is also a link to provide feedback, appreciations, compliments, concerns, or suggestions as we continue to ensure we are doing our very best at Walker.
469-302-4600
Walker Elementary School
Email: mbaumann@mckinneyisd.net
Website: https://mckinneyisdtx.sites.thrillshare.com/o/wes
Location: 4000 Cockrill Drive, McKinney, TX, USA
Phone: 469-302-4600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/walkerelem
