K8 Community Memo

As we settle into the fall season, I am excited to continue connecting with your children and supporting their learning and growth. Thank you for your continued partnership and for the many ways you actively engage in our school community. Your involvement helps strengthen the connection between home and school and supports our students’ success.

Across our building, we are maintaining consistent routines and a steady rhythm for teaching and learning. Teachers are working closely with their Professional Learning Teams to review instructional units, examine classroom assessments, and implement clear, targeted interventions. This collaborative work helps us respond to students’ needs and keep them actively engaged in meaningful learning.

This memo highlights important upcoming events and opportunities to connect, participate, and celebrate together. We encourage every family to take an active role—by attending events, staying connected with teachers, and talking with your children about their learning. Together, we create an engaged learning community where every student and family belongs.

~ Mr. Joachim

Our school will celebrate Red Ribbon Week, October 26–29, with the theme “Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free!” Students and staff are encouraged to wear red on Tuesday, October 27, and classrooms will decorate their doors with a superhero theme. Together, we will promote healthy choices, kindness, and leadership as we build a stronger, drug-free community.

We look forward to a fun fall celebration on October 29! Many classrooms will enjoy themed dress-up activities and parties, with our school parade at 2:00 p.m. and classroom parties at 2:30 p.m. Please watch for details from your child’s teacher and review the costume guidelines below to help make the day safe and enjoyable for everyone.

1. Students are allowed to wear customs to school, but they should not include violent or bloody projections. It is okay to look "scary," but there is a difference between frightening and gruesome.
2. Masks will be permitted during the parade, but not during the teaching and learning time.
3. Eye and face masks are acceptable (make sure that vision is not impaired).
4. Please make sure that your child's costume has nothing hanging below the wrist or ankle. Tripping and/or getting materials caught is a major concern.
5. Props (if any) must be manageable, particularly if students ride a bus.
6. Weapons of any kind are not permitted.

A school immunization and flu shot clinic will be held at Mary Walker K–8 on November 3, 2026, from 1–3 p.m. Students must have a signed parent or guardian consent form to receive a vaccine. Contact Nurse Rima at 509-258-4534 to obtain a form or discuss your child’s immunization needs. Adult flu shots will also be available for those with qualifying insurance plans; see the flyer for details.

Please join us on November 10 for our K–8 Veterans Day celebration as we honor those who have served. We warmly welcome all community veterans to enjoy a special breakfast provided by our PTO at 9:00 a.m., followed by our assembly at 9:30 a.m. Families and community members are invited to join us in showing our gratitude for our veterans’ service and dedication.

We are grateful for the Springdale Chargers PTO and the time, care, and energy its members give to support our school, students, and community. Their efforts help create special experiences and bring families together. We invite you to join in—attend a meeting, share an idea, or volunteer at an event. Every contribution makes a difference! The next meeting is November 19, from 5:30–6:30 p.m. at the Springdale K–8 building. Thank you for helping our Charger community thrive!

Mark your calendars! We look forward to connecting with families at these upcoming events.

OCTOBER

• October 28 - MS 2nd Quarter Starts

• October 29: Fall Celebration — School parade at 2:30 p.m. and classroom parties at 3:00 p.m.

• October 29: NEW Health Mobile Dental Clinic.

NOVEMBER

• November 2–5: Scholastic Book Fair.

• November 3: School Immunization and Flu Shot Clinic — 1–3 p.m.

• November 4–5: Fall Parent–Teacher Conferences.

• November 10: Veterans Day Celebration
  — PTO breakfast at 9:00 a.m.
  —K–8 assembly at 9:30 a.m.

• November 11 - 15: Fall Break, No School

• November 18: Native American Heritage Culture Day.

• November 19: Family Night Out Turkey Bingo.

• November 19: PTO Meeting

DECEMBER

• December 3: PTO Meeting

• December 10: Family Night Out — Santa STEM Workshop.

• December 16: K–5 Christmas Concert with Mrs. Bates — Performances at 2:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Watch for additional details as each event approaches. We encourage every family to join in and stay connected with our learning community!

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