Walker News

Dear Walker Families,

We hope you and your family are enjoying a wonderful, restful three-day weekend! Extended weekends are a fantastic opportunity to unwind, spend quality time together, and recharge for the busy weeks ahead. We hope your child came home sharing the fun memories made at the BMX assembly Friday afternoon. Just a reminder, the success of the recent Read-a-Thon fundraiser made this possible -thank you!

A Big Thank You for Our Storybook Pumpkin Contest Participants!

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to every family who participated in our annual Storybook Pumpkin Contest. We were blown away by the outstanding creativity, artistry, and literary enthusiasm on display throughout the school. Seeing our students' favorite storybook characters brought to life brought so much joy to our library and inspired a love of reading across all grade levels. Thank you for your time, effort, and support in making this event such a success!

Gear Up for Red Ribbon Week & Spirit Dress-Up Days!

Looking ahead to next week, we are excited to celebrate Red Ribbon Week—a special time dedicated to encouraging healthy choices, positive habits, and strong character.

• Oct. 27 — Achieve Your Dreams

  • Theme/Dress: Wear Pajamas

• Oct. 28 — Staying Healthy Every Single Day

  • Theme/Dress: Sock hops, tie-dye, neon, and Y2K: Choose a decade to represent (from the 1950s to current)

• Oct. 29 — We Are Red-Y to Be Healthy

  • Theme/Dress: Wear red to school

• Oct. 30 — Be a Great Character

• Theme/Dress: Dress as a book character

• Important: No scary costumes or masks – no props

McKinney ISD Election 2026

Early voting has started and we encourage our community to get out and vote! McKinney ISD has 5 propositions this election. Proposition A is a Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE) that if approved by voters, would provide additional funding for teacher compensation and student programs. Propositions B through E will fund safety and security, fine arts, athletics, technology, facility upgrades and new schools. McKinney ISD's total tax rate will still be 3.79 cents lower than last year, and all 5 propositions can be funded within this tax rate.

We invite you to learn more about both proposals on the district’s website: https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/election-2026

Election Information Video: https://youtu.be/yX47LGN2jQE?si=Vorbo0q-5Y1kySp1

Growth in McKinney Video: https://youtu.be/NJXVUWLpPxc?si=YweWSdW7zsL3dBed

Ballot Language Video: https://youtu.be/gflMx32TTmA?si=BztettxuGM6F7ANY

Have a wonderful week,

Michelle Baumann, Principal & Melanie Adlof, Assistant Principal

Walker Elementary

Walker Year At-a-Glance

Google Calendar (can sync with your online calendar)

Dear Walker Families,

I would like to share that my husband has received military orders, and our family will be relocating to Florida. As a result, this will be my final week at Walker.

I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of your children’s musical journeys and for the wonderful memories we have shared. It has been a privilege to serve the Walker community.

Kind Regards,

Lexi Johnson

RED RIBBON WEEK

LEAD A HEALTHY LIFE: CELEBRATE HEALTHY CHOICES!

Schedule & Daily Themes

• Oct. 27 — Achieve Your Dreams

  • Theme/Dress: Wear Pajamas

• Oct. 28 — Staying Healthy Every Single Day

  • Theme/Dress: Sock hops, tie-dye, neon, and Y2K: Choose a decade to represent (from the 1950s to current)

• Oct. 29 — We Are Red-Y to Be Healthy

  • Theme/Dress: Wear red to school

• Oct. 30 — Be a Great Character

  • Theme/Dress: Dress as a book character

  • Important: No scary costumes or masks – no props

CELEBRATE A HEALTHY LIFE WITH ME

STORYBOOK CHARACTER PARADE & 3rd Grade Specials Showcase

Walker Live Assembly

Friday, Oct. 30th

2:30pm

Reminders: Bring tennis shoes for recess and PE ~ No scary costumes or weapon props

Walker is Thankful for Families (Family Lunch Week)

• Dates: November 16th – 20th

• Details: Families are invited to join their Star student for lunch any time during the week. You are welcome to bring food from home, grab takeout, or purchase lunch from the cafeteria.

• School Menus URL: mckinney.schooldish.com/SchoolMenus

• Action Item: Scan the provided QR code labeled "RSVP - Fast Pass" on the flyer.

Grade-Level Lunch Schedule

• Kindergarten: 12:50 PM – 1:20 PM

• 1st Grade: 12:15 PM – 12:45 PM

• 2nd Grade: 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM

• 3rd Grade: 12:50 PM – 1:20 PM

• 4th Grade: 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM

• 5th Grade: 12:15 PM – 12:45 PM

Lunch Special Notes & Security Policy

• GT Lunch Alternate Schedule: Students participating in 3rd–5th grade Gifted & Talented (GT) will have alternate lunch times on their GT days:

  • 3rd Grade GT: Monday

  • 4th & 5th Grade GT: Thursday & Friday

• Visitor Policy: All visitors must be listed as a parent/guardian or emergency contact in the school's electronic registration system.

• Front Office Contact: 469-302-4600

3rd–5th Grade Walker Stay & Play

• Date: Tuesday, November 3rd

• Time: Following dismissal

• Location: Hilltop Playground

Pizza & Signs Picnic (Star LORDs Event)

• Event Name: Pizza & Signs Picnic @ MISD Stadium (Hosted by Star LORDs)

• Date: Thursday, November 5th

• Time: 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM

  • 6:30 PM: Walker Students on the field for group picture

• Location: MISD Stadium Parking Lot (CORRECTION - HOME Side)

• Cost: $1 per slice (Cash only)

• Details: Create a THANK YOU / WELCOME sign for the Veterans Day Ceremony (sign materials provided).

• Important Notes:

• RSVP is requested (Scan the "Pizza RSVP" QR code).

• Child supervision is not offered at this event.

World Diabetes Day

• Date: November 13, 2026

• Activity: Wear BLUE! Sparky says, "Let's all wear BLUE to honor our friends with Diabetes!"

Veterans Day Observance & Ceremony

• Date: November 11, 2026

• Location: Walker Elementary

Schedule of Events

• 8:00 AM: Welcome & PTA-Hosted Breakfast for Honored Guests (8:00 AM – 8:30 AM)

• 8:30 AM: Veterans Day Ceremony

• Special Performances: MHS ROTC, Faubion Band

Related QR Codes

1. Star LORDS Help (Volunteer assistance signup)

2. Veterans Day Honor Video (Video submission/link)

3. Veterans Day RSVP (RSVP form for attending veterans/guests)

Walker Elementary Fall Book Fair

• Dates: November 16th – 20th

• Hours:

• Monday – Thursday: 8:10 AM – 3:10 PM

• Friday: 8:10 AM – 1:30 PM

Volunteer Opportunities

• SignUpGenius: Scan the "SignUpGenius" QR code on the flyer to sign up for volunteer opportunities.

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.

Drama Kids INTERNATIONAL®

The difference is dramatic!

WE SET THE STAGE FOR SUCCESS!

NOW ENROLLING FOR FALL!

We do drama different. Enjoy an exciting mix of theatre games, improvisation, scripted work, and more in a safe and fun environment. Boost self-expression, social skills, and creativity with us!

Program Details

• Grades: K – 5th

• Location: @ Walker Elementary

• Schedule: Thursdays, 9/10 – 5/6 | 3:20 PM – 4:20 PM

• Cost: $75 / month

Whether your child is destined for the stage or the boardroom, we...

• ✔ Build confidence.

• ✔ Foster creativity.

• ✔ Develop social skills.

• ✔ Grow emotional-intelligence.

• ✔ Strengthen public-speaking.

• ✔ Embrace individuality.

Contact Information

• Website: dramakids.com/tx5

• Phone: 214.592.4066

• Email: dramakidstx5@gmail.com

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!

We will update the newsletter when we receive the menus.

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.

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.

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

president@walkerstarspta.net

Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/WalkerStarsPTA

Walker Elementary PTA Star Gazer – October 2026 Newsletter

Header Information

• Organization: Walker Elementary PTA

• Publication: Star Gazer (October 2026 Issue)

• Motto: Home of the Stars PTA (Established 2000)

Thankful For Our Staff! (Pie Drive)

• Overview: It's about time for Walker's annual "Thankful For Our Staff" pie drive! Make the Walker staff's day sweet by taking holiday dessert off their to-do list.

• Collection Window: Bring a homemade or store-bought pie to school between 8:00 AM on November 19th and 10:00 AM on November 20th.

• Distribution: Pies will be distributed to every staff member before the Thanksgiving holiday break.

Meet the Volunteer of the Month: Volha Kan

• Recognition: The PTA is recognizing Volha as our Volunteer of the Month! Her willingness to jump in wherever she's needed makes such a difference and helps our school community thrive.

• Contributions: Volha went above and beyond for Fall Fest, stepping up in a big way to help with both setup and cleanup. Thank you, Volha, for your time, dedication, and continued support of our school. We appreciate you more than you know!

Veterans Day Events & Ceremony

Walker Elementary and the PTA have several activities coming up to recognize and celebrate Veterans special to our Stars.

1. Pizza & Signs Picnic (Hosted by Star LORDS)

• Date & Time: Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 5:30 PM

• Location: MISD Stadium Parking Lot

• Host: Star LORDS (League of Responsible Dads)

• Activities & Cost: Create a poster/sign to welcome honored guests for the Veterans Day Ceremony (sign materials provided). Pizza is available for purchase by the slice for $1.

2. Veterans Day Ceremony & Recognition Breakfast

• Date: Tuesday, November 11, 2026

• Schedule:

  • 8:00 AM: PTA hosts Recognition Breakfast for honored guests (8:00 AM – 8:30 AM)

  • 8:30 AM: Ceremony begins

• Special Performances: MHS ROTC and Faubion Band

• Slideshow Feature: Families may include their honored Veteran in a ceremony slideshow.

PTA Membership

• Overview: There's still time to join the PTA! Funds raised through membership dues directly benefit our students and faculty at Walker Elementary through funding enrichment programs, technology, tutoring, and more. The PTA provides family events, student programs, class parties, student enrichment, and so much more. No commitment to volunteering or meetings is required—simply sign up and know you're helping our school!

• Current Membership Stats & Goals:

  • Current Memberships: 158

  • Staff Involvement: 100%

  • Dues Raised: $1,620

  • Goal: 250 Memberships

October General Meeting Recap

• Summary: The PTA's fall General membership meeting was held on October 7th. Guest speaker Jeff Banner discussed topics related to the upcoming MISD bond. Stay tuned as the spring meeting date will be announced soon.

Fall Festival Recap

• Theme: Family Fun for our Walker Stars!

• Summary: The PTA kicked off fall by hosting the annual Fall Festival in the Walker parking lot on Friday, October 2nd. Over 530 tickets were sold for the event, with Stars and their families enjoying inflatable activities, carnival rides, food truck treats, and lots of indoor games and photo buttons. The night was an overwhelming success, thanks to Walker family volunteers and Faubion NJHS volunteers.

Upcoming November Dates

• Nov. 5: Walker Night @ MISD Stadium with Pizza Picnic (PTA Sponsored / Partnership Event)

• Nov. 11: Veteran's Day Ceremony – Wear Red, White, & Blue (PTA Sponsored / Partnership Event)

• Nov. 16–20: Fall Book Fair, Thankful for Families Lunches

• Nov. 23–27: Thanksgiving Break (No School)

Volunteer Opportunities

• Overview: Volunteers have a special role in making Walker Elementary great! We can always use help making copies for teachers, preparing for parties, creating craft kits, and more!

Order your Walker spirit wear from Home Team Prints:

https://hometeamprints.net/store#!/Walker-Stars/c/56566168

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

• 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.

Buddy Up with a McKinney Boyd BRONCO Baseball Player this season!

DO YOU LOVE BASEBALL? This is an amazing opportunity for current MISD 1st-5th graders (and hopefully FUTURE BRONCOS) to become a Baseball Buddy with one of the players!

Cost: $100

Registration:

• Scan the QR Code to Sign-Up! Spots are Limited!

• Don't Miss Out! Registration Begins Sept. 28th!

Play Ball! Cheer on the Broncos!

What's Included:

• BRONCO BUDDY SHIRT

• PHOTO WITH BUDDY

• ON FIELD FOR NATIONAL ANTHEM

• MEET AND GREET - RUN THE BASES & PLAY CATCH

• WIFFLE BALL TOURNAMENT

• FREE ENTRY TO HOME GAMES FOR BUDDY + 1 PARENT

• MENTORSHIP

Contact:

• Questions? Email: 4broncobaseballbuddy@gmail.com

• This is a program of McKinney Boyd Baseball & Boyd Baseball Booster Club.

Childcare Programs is excited to invite students in Kinder–5th grade to our annual Daddy/Daughter Dance for an evening of dancing and fun!

• When: November 7, 2026
• Where: McKinney Boyd High School Cafeteria
• Time: 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.

Registration and Cost

Parents may register through the Childcare Programs Eleyo website beginning October 2, 2026.

• Admission: $25 per person
• Corsages: $12 each
• Boutonnieres: $10 each

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

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.

mbaumann@mckinneyisd.net

madlof@mckinneyisd.net

469-302-4600

Share your ideas and feedback about Walker

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