The Bulldog Briefs

Thank You, Walker Families!

Thank you to all of our Walker families who joined us for Curriculum Night! We truly appreciate you taking the time to come into school, meet your child’s teacher, learn about classroom expectations and curriculum, and become a part of your child’s educational journey.

Your partnership and involvement make a tremendous difference in the success of our students. When families and schools work together, we create a strong community where every child can learn, grow, and thrive.

Thank you for your continued support of our students, staff, and Walker community. We are looking forward to a wonderful school year together!

If you were not able to attend, please view the presentation below.

Go Bulldogs! 🐾

Mr. Jeff Moore, Principal

Students can wear any Walker Spirit Wear during the school week. Please use the link below to order. To save on shipping, please select "send to school."

Deadline to purchase is September 14th.

11: BARK Bash

16: Late Start (8:50 AM)

18: Picture Day!

21: MAP Testing Begins for 1st-5th Grades

25: BARK Bash

30: Late Start (8:50 AM)

October 2nd: PBIS Celebration (Details Below)

Walker Curriculum Night will be held on Tuesday, September 8th 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!

We celebrated students on September 11th that demonstrated Excellence in Classroom Behavior.

We also celebrated our Lexia Superstars!

Great job Bulldogs!

*Picture will be posted after BARK Bash on 9/11/26

Every month, students have the opportunity to earn a PBIS Celebration. Students will work towards a universal goal. Our goal for the month of September is "Excellence in Following Directions." If students exhibit positive behavior with this expectation, students will participate.

Students will not participate when they receive:

3 minor referrals or 1 major referral from September 11th through October 2nd.

We are Popping Into a Successful School Year with a Bubble Assembly!

K is learning how to properly and safely use school supplies and science tools through modeling followed by demonstration.

1st is identifying SMART devices we use daily, illustrating their own idea for a SMART device and exploring transparency and illumination using the fair test method.

2nd is discovering matter in different states through making predictions prior to experimenting with this process using different materials.

3rd is learning the art of research as we explore unique characteristics of biomes to be used in biome presentations and models.

4th is being introduced to robotics and will begin the build of their Scout Robots.

5th is learning to plot and identify coordinates and how this applies to grids on digital displays. We will prepare to program and build Tech-a Sketches.

Transitional K will be building fine motor skills through hands-on tasks like tracing patterns, cutting for symmetry, lacing, etc.

Transitional 1-5 will be learning about what scientists do and the tools they use in their work. Students will use science tools to perform observations.

SPECIAL NOTE: Whereas good attendance is always encouraged, it is particularly important for assembling and programing robotics in 1st, 4th and 5th grades!

Kindergarten: We are practicing our prior patterns and introducing new rhythm patterns. We are talking about the ways to use our voice.

1st: We are continuing to practice steady beat by listening, moving, clapping, playing instruments. We are reviewing the ways to use our voice and talking about how we group beats in music.

2nd: We are continuing to discuss meter: what it is, how to figure it out when listening to a song, and moving to the beat.

3rd: We are continuing to create patterns as a class in different meters, learning what an Ostinato is, and looking at how to write our own rhythms through Quaver.

4th: We are practicing our new rhythmic notes and incorporating them into the patterns we already know. We are also moving to using the beat numbers instead of note names as we clap.

5th: We are continuing to practice patterns using our new meter and creating our own in Quaver.

Barban K: We are exploring music. We are echoing my clapping patterns, we are listening to music, moving to music, using the songs to reinforce numbers, colors, animals, etc. Whatever the song is about, we use that material to help them practice identifying it and answering questions about it.

Garcia 1-5: We are exploring music. We are practicing steady beat and rhythm. They are writing their own rhythm patterns after we clap patterns together. We are moving to the music and listening for the steady beat. We may get into our student Quaver accounts to explore.

Kindergarten

1st Grade

2nd Grade

3rd Grade

4th Grade

Review routines and procedures of class and introduce the kickball unit and group fitness activities.

5th Grade

August and September bring the close of summer with sunflowers in their glory so students across all grade levels will be learning about the Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890). He is famous for heavily brush-stroked oil paintings like Sunflowers and The Starry Night. We will use Visual Thinking Skills (vtshome.org) when we look at his paintings. Students will be asked to answer three questions: What is going on? What do you see? What more can you say?

Also, students will be learning about making artists’ statements. First grade through 5th graders will practice showing their artwork to the class with a document camera and briefly tell what they made, what media they used, and what they wanted to convey with their artwork.

This year I hope to encourage and inspire students’ creativity while giving students freedom to express themselves, opportunities to try different art media, and time to find their own styles. Teaching for Artistic Behavior/TAB (teachingforartisticbehavior.org) will be the format for creating art.

For all art lessons the Illinois Visual Arts Standards (isbe.net/Documents/Visual-Arts-Standards.pdf) are used. Here are the standards for the first trimester Pre-K through 5th Grade:

VA:Cr1.1.PK Engage in self-directed play with materials.

VA:Cr1.1.K Engage in exploration and imaginative play with materials.

VA:Cr1.1.1 Engage collaboratively in exploration and imaginative play with materials.

VA:Cr1.1.2 Brainstorm collaboratively multiple approaches to an art or design problem.

VA:Cr1.1.3 Elaborate on an imaginative idea.

VA:Cr1.1.4 Brainstorm multiple approaches to a creative art or design problem.

VA:Cr1.1.5 Combine ideas to generate an innovative idea for art making.

Transitional K-5th: Students are working on developing their ability to listen, attend, and follow directions through structured social work activities. We begin by listening to a story together, encouraging students to focus and engage with the group. Students then practice following directions by completing a tracing sentence and a related cut-and-paste sequencing activity. These activities help students strengthen listening skills, attention, task completion, and their ability to follow directions in the correct order. Positive reinforcement and support are provided throughout the lesson to encourage participation, independence, and success.

K-2nd: Students are working on developing their ability to listen, attend, and follow directions through structured social work activities. We begin by listening to a story together, encouraging students to focus and engage with the group. Students then practice following directions by completing a tracing sentence and a related cut-and-paste sequencing activity. These activities help students strengthen listening skills, attention, task completion, and their ability to follow directions in the correct order. Positive reinforcement and support are provided throughout the lesson to encourage participation, independence, and success.

3rd-5th: Students are working on identifying and understanding different emotions and recognizing that all feelings are okay to experience. The focus is on helping students understand that while we cannot always control how we feel, we can control how we choose to react to those feelings. Students will practice naming their emotions, recognizing what their bodies may feel like when experiencing different emotions, and identifying safe and appropriate ways to respond. Through discussion, modeling, and practice, students will learn that our reactions and choices are what count, and that using coping strategies can help us make positive choices even when we are experiencing big or uncomfortable feelings.

Hello Walker Families!

Take a look below for some important reminders:

Required Health Records

All kindergarten students and new students entering the district must have the following on file:

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

These requirements are mandated by Illinois state law. Students who do not provide proof of immunizations, a completed Illinois physical examination, or an approved medical or 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.

Ronald McDonald Care Mobile

The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile will be returning to Graves/Heritage on Wednesday, Sep 30th. 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, 708-458-7150, to schedule an appointment and complete the required consent form.

Illness Guidelines

Please review the attached Welcome Back Parent/Guardian letter. This letter outlines when your child should stay home due to illness and the procedures to follow when reporting an absence.

Your partnership helps keep our school community healthy.

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

This month, our PBIS focus is Following Directions, and we have been incorporating this important skill into our Social Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons. We are practicing what it means to listen carefully, understand what is being asked of us, and follow directions successfully.

During SEL, we are taking this skill a step further by talking about the importance of follow-through. Following directions is not only about listening—it is also about completing our work and following through with our actions. Students are learning that their choices and actions help them become more responsible, independent, and successful at school.

We are also spending time learning about feelings and emotions. Students are practicing how to identify and understand different emotions while learning that all feelings are okay. We may not always be able to control how we feel, but we can work on controlling how we react and respond to those feelings.

One of our important messages this month is:

“Our reactions and choices are what count!”

Through stories, discussions, SEL activities, modeling, and practice, students are learning to pause, recognize how they are feeling, and make a positive choice about what to do next. We are also practicing coping strategies that can help when feelings become big or uncomfortable.

By connecting following directions, follow-through, emotional awareness, and positive choices, we are helping students build skills they can use not only in the classroom, but throughout their school day and beyond.

Skills We’re Building:

• Listening and following directions

• Following through with tasks and actions

• Identifying and naming emotions

• Understanding that all feelings are okay

• Choosing safe and appropriate reactions

• Using coping strategies when emotions feel big

• Taking responsibility for our choices and actions

Also please remember that attendance is key to overall academic as well as social emotional success and strength. Please help your students to get to school each day and on time, and if you are ever experiencing any challenges with it do not hesitate to reach out to me so I can help you in any way that I can. If we all work together we will continue to make this a very successful school year!

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

A copy of the permission slip is below.

Just a reminder that students should be taking care of their technology devices, especially when they take them home.

The district will assume the cost of parts and labor associated with all repairs deemed due to natural failure. If the technical department determines a failure due to damage, the student will be responsible for any hardware costs needed to return the device to a functional state. The district will assume all labor costs associated with damage repairs. Cosmetic damage will not be charged or repaired.

• Sleeve/Cover Replacement ($10)
• Charger Replacement ($25)
• Keyboard Replacement ($25)
• Touch Screen Replacement ($115)
• iPad Replacement: ($300)
• Chromebook Replacement:

- $250 for a new device, Year 1

- $200 for a device that is 2 years old

- $150 for a device that is 3 years old

- $100 for a device that is 4 years old

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.