Walker Wednesday News

Dear Walker Parents,

Thank you for all of your warm appreciation this past week and recognizing me during Principal Appreciation Day! I loved how so many students dressed like me. It's very humbling to see yourself through the eyes of so many children! Also, thank you for collecting fresh produce to donate to the People's Resource Center (PRC)--especially the leadership and coordination of our PTO! The PRC expressed such gratitude for our collection!

Our 5th graders had a great outdoor education field trip on Friday at Camp Manitoqua! I observed so many of our students try new things, test their limits, struggle and persevere, and support each other through the day. This is what outdoor ed is all about!

US News and World report just ranked Walker School as the #12 Best Elementary School in Illinois! Read below for more information and the linked article.

Halloween is Friday. The weather foracst calles for about 50 degrees with mixed sunshine and clouds. Be sure to dress your child appropriately and note the expectations for costumes and the parade below.

Reminder about Halloween costumes:

Please help your child choose a school appropriate costume for Halloween--nothing that depicts blood or violence, and no weapons or items that look like weapons as part of the costume. Students' faces must be visible to identify them throughout the day. All costumes must be able to be worn throughout the school day and should not pose a significant learning distraction; for example, Sumo wrestler inflatable costumes should deflate after the parade. Students are welcome to dress in costumes for the day, but they should be able to safely and independently maneuver--sit at desks, get up and down stairs, and go to the bathroom.

Halloween Parade Plan

Following our regular arrival on Halloween, we will hold our parade at about 8:50 AM, just after we take attendance in homerooms. The parade route is as follows:

• Students exit doors by blacktop, process down the sidewalk, past the playground and toward the Harris and Walker Ave. crosswalk
• Cross eastbound at the Harris Ave. crosswalk
• Process northbound up Walker Ave
• Cross Walker Ave by Ridge Ave. and process southbound
• Returning to school at main entrance

Parents are asked to clear the sidewalks for us and line up in the parkways or on the Walker Ave street, which will be closed during the parade. If weather is poor, we may shorten the parade route--likely a game-time decision. NOTE: After the parade, students (only) will attend an all school assembly hosted by our PTO and featuring the "Headspin Guy" (breakdancing).

Change in weather and traffic

Also, as the weather changes, we anticipate more car drivers at arrival and dismissal. Please be patient with increased traffic and be sure to allow more time to wait in line so that we can operate our procedures safely at these peak times. In the AM, have your child ready to exit your vehicle with their backpack, lunchbox, etc., on the sidewalk side of your vehicle only. Also, be sure your vehicle displays your family last name to make our process for uniting your child with you at dismissal faster and more efficient. NOTE: When the school bus stop arm is extended, drivers must stop and wait for the bus to load/unload students without passing. *Do not leapfrog cars in front of you unless directed by a Walker staff member. It takes all of us to keep our children and staff safe at these busy times!

Reminder: Car NAME PLACARDS

By now, all new families should have received a NAME PLACARD for your vehicle. Please be sure to display these NAME PLACARDS at pick-up to help more efficiently unite your child with their ride home daily. Thank you for pulling all the way to the top of the traffic loop to make our arrival/dismissal process more efficient. We expect more traffic when the weather turns later this fall. Contact the main office if you need a (new) NAME PLACARD.

REMINDER: please note the change in reporting child absences and access the new link below.

Keep scrolling down for after school enrichment opportunities, which will be advertised in each of these weekly newsletters. These offerings will be updated weekly.

Upcoming SAVE the DATES:

10/31 Halloween Parade at 8:50 AM

11/3 Institute Day (No school)

11/11 Veteran's Day Assembly at 2:00 PM

11/17 PTO General Meeting at 2:00 PM (Principal State of the School Update)

11/24 and 11/25 Parent-Teacher Conferences (more info to come re sign-up slots)

12/19 Giving and Sharing (Winter) Assembly at 2:00 PM

Mrs. Sciaccotta's Upcoming Musical Programs

Nov. 11 - Veterans Assembly @2:00

Dec. 5 - 3rd Grade @1:45

Dec. 19 - Giving & Sharing Assembly (Choir performance) @2:00

Feb. 25 - 1st Grade @2:15

Apr. 17 - Kindergarten @2:15

May 1 - 2nd Grade @2:00

May 7 - Choir Performance @7:00

Your partner in education,

Mr. Eric Chisausky

Walker School Principal

Even if you have received text messages from us in the past, you may need to confirm your subscription to ensure you are still in the system.

To Opt-In:
Using the cell phone that you have on file with the school, send a new text message with the word "Y" (or "Yes") to our district's short code: 67587.
You should receive a confirmation text back almost immediately.
If your mobile number has changed, or if you have any trouble with this process, please contact your schools main office so we can update your contact information.
Thank you for helping us make sure we can reach you with important news!

Last week, we kicked off our Walker Way Spirit Day Initiative. Each trimester, students can earn poms for following the Walker Way and vote on a special spirit day celebration (i.e. Pajama Day vs. Movie at Lunch) to be held at the end of the trimester. For this first trimester, we are focused on showing "We Are READY to LEARN." Students can earn the coveted glitter poms for demonstrating outstanding kindness and leadership. Each week, we will highlight our Walker Way leaders during Friday morning announcements and the next Walker Wednesday News!

This week's Walker Way leaders are Kanae Matsuno, Eliana Gernot, Henry Anderson, Jacob Snow, Daniel Boutwell, Naira Sanagauarapu, Cameron Osacky, Eleanor Bogenschutz, Reid Slocum, Will Grzelakowski, Smith Hoffman, and Amina Shakeel.

Did you see that US News and World Report released its list of best schools (in Illinois)? Walker is ranked #12 Best Elementary School in Illinois! NOTE: the proficiency measures are based on 2023 state assessments. Our 2024 proficiency results are even higher! School state report cards and summative designations go public later this month, and (4th and 5th) grade families should have received their their IAR student reports by now.

Did you see that Niche released its list of best schools (in Illinois)? Walker is ranked #8 Best Teachers and #12 Best Elementary School in Illinois! NOTE: the proficiency measures are based on 2023 state assessments. Our 2024 proficiency results are even higher! School state report cards and summative designations go public later this month, and (4th and 5th) grade families should have received their their IAR student reports by now.

We will hold our annual Veterans Day Assembly on November 11 at 2:00 pm. Families are welcome to invite veterans to be be honored during our assembly. If you are inviting a family veteran, please RSVP by sending a brief email with your veteran's name and connected family to Mrs. Salach so we can be sure to reserve their seat: gsalach@d181.org

Also, we are planning to share a slideshow of our veterans during the assembly. Please share any photographs of American veterans to Mrs. Sciaccotta by Friday, October 31st. You can either email her at jsciaccotta@d181.org or bring in a hard copy. All photographs will be returned promptly.

CALLING ALL GIRL SCOUTS and BOY SCOUTS!

In Walker tradition, Our Girl Scouts/Brownies and Boy Scouts lead a Color Guard Procession to introduce our Veterans Day assembly. All Scouts are welcome to meet with Mr. C to practice this ceremony on Monday 11/10 at 8:00 AM in the gym. All Scouts are invited to dress in uniform for the Veterans Day assembly on Tuesday.

We want to see your WalkerFest photos! Please send your favorites to yearbook@walkerpto.com OR upload your photos directly to the WalkerFest Yearbook Google folder, using the link here. **Please note that by uploading photos to the shared folder, the photos will be visible/accessible by all. The shared folder will be deleted once the yearbook is complete at the end of the year.**

Thanks for helping to fill the yearbook with fun memories from this 2025-2026 school year!

Hello 4th Graders - Eco Club is a 4th grade club that focuses on learning about the environment and making a difference around Walker. At our meetings, we'll do various tasks like picking up litter, composting, teaching others about reducing plastic waste, and gardening, to name a few. We meet 1x a month during lunch recess. If your child is interested, please fill out this form. If you have any questions, reach out to Mrs. Karrow at skarrow@d181.org

Skyward Family Access provides parents access to important student information. From grades and attendance to schedules and contact information, Skyward is a valuable tool for staying connected to your child's education.

Link to Skyward Family Access: https://skyward.iscorp.com/Community181ILStu

This link can also be found at the top of the D181 website, as well as through a mobile app. When downloading the app, search for "Hinsdale CCSD 181".

Follow the links below to learn more about the features of Family Access

• Skyward Family Access Overview
• Adding Optional Fees
• Food Service (middle school only)

New this year is the ability for families to report student absences directly in Skyward. We encourage families to report absences directly into Skyward Family Access to ensure timely and consistent communication to teachers and office staff.

Please follow the link below to learn more about this new feature. Also, it would be helpful to email your absent child's teacher and Secretary Mrs. Salach: gsalach@d181.org

Reporting Student Absences in Skyward Family Access

Order your 2025-2026 Walker School Yearbook by 10/31 to receive 10% off + free shipping! Go to www.treering.com to place your order! Parents who have ordered yearbooks previously can use the same login and account information as in years past. New Walker families can set up an account by visiting TreeRing.com/validate and entering school code 1014640967574313. Yearbook purchases include two free pages you can customize for your child (additional pages available for purchase). Email yearbook@walkerpto.com with any questions.

We want to see your Back to School photos! Please send us your Walker Back-to-School photos (& any other school related photos) to yearbook@walkerpto.com for this year's 2025-2026 Yearbook! Thanks in advance for your help and support in contributing photos for the yearbook this year - we appreciate it!

Parents,

If your child comes to school with an ortho device (walking boot, wrist brace, finger splint, etc.) please be sure to obtain a doctor's note indicating wether he/she can participate in PE and recess. For the safety of your child--and his/her peers--we typically require students to sit out from PE and recess while in such a device. Email emellens@d181.org as needed.

IMPORTANT: The previous online absence reporting link is no longer active. Please use the link below to report your child's absence:

Reporting Student Absences in Skyward Family Access

School Day Information

Kinder - 5th School Day - 8:40 a.m. - 3:05 p.m.

Kinder-1st-2nd Lunch 11:25-11:50 AM

Kinder-1st-2nd Recess 11:50-12:15 PM

3rd-4th-5th Recess 11:25-11:50 AM

3rd-4th-5th Lunch 11:50-12:15 PM

• Student Arrival will begin daily at 8:30 a.m. (12:15 p.m. if going home for lunch). Please do not drop your child(ren) off before this time as we do not have adult supervision prior to these times.
• Student Dismissal will begin at 3:05 p.m. (Primary teachers will escort students outside prior to 3:05 bell.)
• We recognize the need for appointments and understand that situations may arise that require you to pick your child up early from school. We ask that you please try your best to schedule appointments OUTSIDE of the school day and not pick your child up early from school, as to not disrupt the learning process.

Arrival/Dismissal Guidelines

All Kindergarten through 5th graders will line up on the blacktop in grade level-marked areas. (NOTE: Kindergarten will no longer line up at the Kinder/Main Entrance doors). Students will be dismissed from these same locations. No entry/dismissal on the north teacher parking lot side of the school.

• Dismissal time: 3:05 (Grades K-5)

• Classroom teachers will lead their grade levels to the blacktop (grades K-5).
• WALKERS and CAR RIDERS: Reunite with families at the top of the traffic loop/blacktop or at other designated meeting spot.
• ALL students will be guided to load vehicles at the TOP of the traffic loop.

On the first day of school, dismissal supervisors will ask for your last name and child’s grade level and will dismiss in the same manner. Thank you for your patience, as this process may take a few extra minutes on the first day.

INCLEMENT WEATHER PLAN: In the case of inclement weather, students will wait inside classrooms and hallways and be dismissed as parents arrive at the top of the traffic loop.

1. Please make sure to CLEARLY display your family display card in your windshield on the CURBSIDE so that we can effectively and efficiently dismiss your child(ren). NEW families will be provided a display card.

2. Supervisory staff will be calling to dismiss your child(ren) once you are in the car line and your family display card is visible.

Note the following for safety and traffic flow:

· Implementing these safety protocols will likely impact traffic congestion. It is recommended that families walk to/from school to alleviate such congestion. Thanks in advance for your patience.

· Extra staff will be available for supervision and to assist children in locating vehicles during pick-up after each session. Children will wait for their ride along the sidewalk at the top of the traffic loop.

· Similar to the drop-off, students only enter vehicles between the two white signs along the upper area of the traffic loop. Students in grades K-5 will not be allowed to enter vehicles by the office doors area. This should keep the traffic flow moving with greater ease.

· Please remember to place the name placard in your right-hand dashboard starting on Wednesday, August, 21 (or as soon as you receive your placard if new); our staff will use this name placard to call children to the loading area as their rides idle along the curb during pick-up.

· If you need to purchase or replace a name placard for $2, you can do so by contacting the school office: 630-861-4600.

11:25 – 11:50

Grades K-1-2 Lunch in MPR

Grade 3-4-5 Recess outside

11:50 – 12:15

Grades 3-4-5 Lunch in MPR

Grades K-1-2 Recess outside

Health Forms Reminder

Just a reminder that student health forms are due soon. State law requires these forms on file for your child to remain in school:

• Physical exam with updated immunizations – Due October 15th

• Vision exam – Due October 15th

• Dental exam – Due May 15th (we’d appreciate receiving these early so our records stay up to date)

If your child transferred in from a different school, I’ve attached a Release of Records form. Please complete the form and email it to Mrs. Mellens (emellens@d181.org) and she'll submit it to your child’s prior school to request their school and health records.

If your child transferred from out of state, please note that Illinois requires the physical and vision exams to be completed here.

Forms may be emailed or dropped off at the nurse’s office. Attached are the physical, vision, and dental forms as well for your convenience. If you’ve already submitted your forms - thank you so much!

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For the specific groups listed below, please either email or deliver your health forms to the Walker School office prior to the start of school. Forms should be directed to the attention of the Walker School nurse, Emily Mellens: emellens@d181.org

• Kindergarten Students
• Physical Exam form (parents please complete the yes/no questions on the back; sign and date)
• Dental Exam form (completed on or after Nov 15th, 2024 is acceptable)
• Eye Exam form (dated within one year of the first day of school)
• Second Grade Students
• Dental Exam form (completed on or after Nov 15th, 2024 is acceptable)
• Students new to D181
• Physical, Dental and Eye exam form.

o Copies of forms submitted to previous Illinois schools are acceptable.

o Students from out of state will need to submit new Illinois forms.

When you visit Walker, you need to enter through the main doors only and be ready to provide your ID and phone number.

Serving Grades K-5, the Before and After the Bell Programs are a safe environment for your child to be with friends before and after the school day. Your child will do fun activities, gym time, enrichment activities, outdoor play, homework assistance, and organized games. A light snack will be provided for both programs. You can customize your experience by signing up for one day, week, month, etc! Click here for more information!

Before/After the Bell follows School District 181 calendar and typically runs Monday-Friday 7:00am-8:35am and 3:05pm – 6:00pm.

Depending on interest and enrollment, Before and After the Bell may be held onsite at Walker School and The Community House.

Announcing the Community Speaker Series lineup for the 2025-2026 season! We are thrilled to welcome these top experts to our community this school year.

Our first event is on Wednesday, October 8 at 7:15pm at Hinsdale Middle School: Ethan Kross, PhD - Shift: Managing Emotions So They Don’t Manage You. Register here.

The Community Speaker Series is committed to fostering a sense of community through hosting in-person and virtual events that inform and inspire. CSS is funded jointly by District 86 and District 181 and is supported by the D181 Foundation. Our events are free and open to the public. We encourage everyone to join our events, connect and learn together.

Ready to LET IT GO and take the stage?

BAMtheatre is heading back to Walker this fall with a magically cool after-school theatre adventure!

Get ready to journey into the world of Frozen! In this session, students will sing, dance, and act to all their favorite songs from the beloved story. From Anna’s bravery to Olaf’s charm, there’s something magical waiting for every performer!

Classes begin on Thursday, starting September 18, and each week features a flurry of theatre games, skill-building activities, and rehearsals—leading up to a final showcase for friends and family to enjoy.

Spots melt away fast,—so don’t wait to sign up! #AfterSchoolTheatreMagic #FrozenFun #BAMinArendelle #LetItShow

Registration is set to open on Friday, August 29 at 10am. Families can register at this link.

Thanks,

Abriella Caravette

Managing Director

BAMtheatre

she/her/hers

www.bamtheatre.com

Email: echisausky@d181.org
Website: https://www.d181.org/schools/walker-school
Location: 120 Walker Avenue, Clarendon Hills, IL, USA
Phone: 630-861-4600
Twitter: @WildcatsWalker