Walker Bulldog News

While it seemed as though we had escaped winter up to this point, Jack Frost showed up this week to prove otherwise. As snow blanketed the start and end of our week then frigid temperatures blew into the area midweek, we were promptly reminded that we still have some time to go before temperatures start warm up.

Thank you for your patience this week as we navigated challenges with transportation delays. The district continues to be in constant communication with our transportation provider as we navigate bus routes to ensure students get picked up in the morning and after school as quickly and safely as possible.

As we look forward to February, we are excited to celebrate Black History Month, Lunar New Year, 100th Day of School, 101st Day of School, Valentine's Day, President's Day, and Twosday. We certainly have a busy month ahead of us!

Warmest regards,

Ms. Amanda Venegonia, Principal

Mrs. Sara Leone, Associate Principal

February is Black History Month

2/1: Lunar New Year

2/2: Groundhog Day

2/4-2/20: Winter Olympics

2/7: Board of Education Meeting 6:00 PM

2/8: 100th Day of School

2/9: 101st Day of School

2/14: Valentine's Day & Spring Picture Day

2/21: No School President's Day

2/22: Twosday

Students will be outside for recess if the temperature with wind chill is above 20 degrees. Please send students to school dressed appropriately for them to play outside. Consider the following cold weather items for your child: hat, gloves/mittens, scarf, and winter jacket. While students do enjoy their time outside for recess, we want to ensure students are staying warm.

On February 4th, the opening ceremony for the Beijing Olympic Games will be held. Click the link below for all your Olympic news and results.

The 100th day of school is February 8th. This will be a nonuniform day for students. Students are encouraged to create and wear shirts celebrating 100 days of schools. Below are examples of shirts for inspiration.

For the first time this year, we will also celebrate the 101st day of school on February 9th, where students can dress in black and white inspired by the 101 Dalmatians

February 22 falls on Tuesday this year. This date has earned the name Twosday (2/22/22). To celebrate this fun day, we are hosting a unique nonuniform day for students called Tutus, Ties, and Tennis Shoes.

February 1st starts Black History Month. To kickoff the month, below is a short video on how February was determine to be Black History Month.

On behalf of the Illinois State Board of Education, the Illinois 5Essentials Survey will be administered online by UChicago Impact at the University of Chicago. The survey gathers data related to five indicators that can predict important student outcomes, including improved attendance and larger test score gains. These five indicators that affect and predict school success are:

• Effective Leaders
• Collaborative Teachers
• Involved Families
• Supportive Environments
• Ambitious Instruction

Prior research in more than 400 schools has shown that schools that were strong on at least three of these “5Essential” indicators were 10 times more likely to improve student learning gains in math and reading than those that were weak on three or more Essentials.

If at least 20% of our parents complete this survey, a parent supplement report will also be generated. The parent data will not be reported on the State Report Card.

Your participation in the parent portion of the survey will help us understand the conditions at your child’s school and guide improvement. Your identity and survey responses will be kept completely confidential and will never be connected to you or your child.

Previously, snow days were called for emergency closings related to weather. As each students has a district issued device and is familiar with accessing assignments on Seesaw, in the event of extreme weather an E-Learning Day could go into effect. E-Learning Days are different than remote learning as these are often unplanned, short term emergencies related to weather. The district E-Learning plan is located on the district website. Parents would receive communication that E-Learning is taking place. Outlined below is essential information, should an E-Learning Day be called.

* Teachers will post assignments to Seesaw by 8:30 AM if school is cancelled

* Student should be able to complete the work on their own without assistance from a parent

* Teachers will have set office hours that will be communicated to parents on Seesaw.

* Students have until the day AFTER they return from an E-Learning Day to submit assignments. Assignments can be turned in via Seesaw