K8 Community Memo

As we enter our third week of school, the season is beginning to shift toward fall, and our students are settling into the routines and rhythms of a new school year. Classrooms are buzzing with learning, friendships are growing, and our community is finding its stride.

At the heart of our work is the belief that every child can learn, grow, and achieve. Our teachers, paraeducators, specialists, and support staff work closely as a learning team to understand each student’s strengths and provide the support, encouragement, and interventions they need to be successful.

Learning is strongest when it happens through collaboration. Each day, our students are learning to listen to one another, share ideas, solve problems, take healthy risks, and celebrate progress. These experiences help them grow not only as learners, but also as thoughtful and caring members of our community.

Most importantly, we want every student to know that they belong here. Each child brings unique gifts, experiences, and possibilities to our school. When students feel known, valued, and supported, they are empowered to participate fully, embrace challenges, and discover all they can achieve.

We are excited to partner with our families throughout the year. By working together, communicating openly, and supporting one another, we can create meaningful opportunities for every student to thrive.

We look forward to welcoming you to our Open House this Thursday, September 10, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. This will be a wonderful opportunity to meet your child’s teachers and support team, learn more about classroom routines and expectations, tour the school, ask questions, and strengthen the connections that make our community stronger together.

We are proud of the strong start our students have made, and we cannot wait to see you Thursday!

~Mr. Joachim

About 50% of our students have had their First Day Packet completed. Thank you to the families who have already finished this important annual process! If you have not yet completed the packet, please do so by September 30, 2026. A separate packet must be completed for every student enrolled in the Mary Walker School District.

The First Day Packet allows us to:

• Update student and family contact information

• Confirm emergency contacts and medical information

• Collect required permission forms

• Gather information required for district and state reporting

How to Complete the First Day Packet

1. Visit marywalker.org.

2. On the home page, click Skyward Access, located just below the picture of the school.

3. Sign in with your Skyward username and password.

   • Your username is the first five letters of your first name followed by the first five letters of your last name.

   • If you have forgotten your username or password, click “Forgot your Username/Password?” below the sign-in button and follow the instructions.

4. After signing in, look for the message: “First Day Packet Information is now open until 09/30/2026.”

5. Click the blue link that says “Go to First Day Packet Information for (Student’s Name).”

6. Complete and submit the packet.

If you have more than one student enrolled in the district, please complete the First Day Packet for each student. Having accurate, up-to-date information helps us communicate with families and care for students throughout the school year. If you have questions or need assistance accessing your Skyward account, please contact your school office.

Thank you for helping us reach 100% participation!

We are proud to recognize Vicki, one of our dedicated daytime custodians. Throughout her years with Mary Walker School District, Vicki has served in several roles and now takes the lead in keeping our K–8 building safe, clean, and welcoming for students, staff, and families. She is an exceptionally caring and committed member of our team who also supports her colleagues through her involvement with our classified employees’ union.

Vicki recently enjoyed a few well-deserved days away for an unforgettable birthday weekend in California, where she attended her son’s Marine Corps boot camp graduation and participated in Family Day. What a meaningful milestone and an incredible reason to celebrate!

Congratulations to Roy, a recent MWSD graduate, on this tremendous accomplishment. Vicki—and the entire MWSD family—could not be prouder!

Our kitchen staff is dedicated to providing students with healthy, nutritious, and delicious meals each day. Pictured is our new homemade breakfast casserole, served on Wednesday, August 26! This year, students will be treated to several new homemade breakfast items, and they are already enjoying the fresh and flavorful additions to the menu. We appreciate our kitchen team’s creativity and commitment to helping students begin their day ready to learn!

Thank you to everyone who completed the Transportation Registration Form for the 2026–2027 school year! Your timely responses helped us create transportation assignments for our students.

We strongly encourage all bus-riding families to activate and use the BusRight Parent App. It is the easiest way to:

• View your child’s transportation information

• Receive important transportation updates

• Keep bus information conveniently available

If you have not activated your account, please look for an invitation from BusRight in your email. Be sure to check your spam or junk folder as well.

Still need to register your child for transportation? Please complete the Transportation Registration Form.

Thank you for helping us keep transportation communication timely and reliable!

• Mary Walker School District's Webpage
• K8 Student Handbook Link
• Springdale Charger Athletes Page