Walnut Creek Weekly Newsletter
8/7/26
Walnut Creek Weekly Update - 8/7/26
Dear Walnut Creek Learning Community,
It's August, and we're in full back-to-school mode at Walnut Creek! We're excited to welcome everyone back to school in just a few weeks!
As we gear up for the start of a new school year, I want to take a moment to talk about one of the most important factors in our students' success: their mindset.
We consistently see that the students who find the most success in middle school are the ones who walk through our doors with a positive outlook. A Positive attitude is the very first pillar of our Hawk P.R.I.D.E. Habits for a reason. It sets the tone for everything else. But, that positive mindset doesn't just spontaneously happen. It begins at home, in the everyday conversations you share with your child.
Your children are always listening, and you have the greatest impact on how they view the world. When you speak enthusiastically and positively about the upcoming school year, they internalize that energy. If they hear you expressing confidence in their teachers, their school, and their ability to tackle new challenges, they will adopt that same confidence.
Here are a few tips to help model and re-direct your child toward a positive mindset:
Validate, then pivot:
When they say, "I hate school," respond with empathy first. Try saying, "I hear you're nervous, but let's focus on one small thing we can look forward to about the start of the school year."
Check their "silent conversation":
If they say, "It’s too hard," help them reframe their internal monologue. Try saying, "Instead of saying it's impossible, let's tell ourselves, 'This is a challenge, but I can figure it out.'"
Focus on what they can control:
If they are anxious about their class schedule, their locker assignment, or other things that are outside of their control, gently redirect them. Try saying, "We can't control who is in your math class, but we can always control our Positive attitude today. We can't control who will be assigned to the locker next to you, but we can control our mindset about the start of the school year."
I'm excited to see everyone back soon!
Thanks,
Seth Taboh
Principal
Walnut Creek Middle School
NEW INFO In this week’s edition:
- Back-to-School Checklist
Back-to-School Checklist - NEW INFO
I'm hoping that this is helpful for everyone!
REQUIRED TASKS:
- Complete the back-to-school online packet - DUE 8/17:
- Login to skyward to compete the packet (link below):
- If you do not know your login, click the lost/forgot password button
- email FamilyAccess@wlcsd.org if you are unable to login
- Students will not receive their class schedule/begin the school year until the online packet is completed.
- If you have a language or technology barrier we will help you complete the online packet during Creek Connection on 8/18!
- Attend Creek Connection (ALL Students) - 8/18/26:
- There is not a make-up date for Creek Connection. We will have a picture retake day after the school year for students who do not attend Creek Connection or are not happy with their photo.
- Schedules and locker assignments will be available on skyward beginning 8/19/26 IF you have completed the required back-to-school online registration packet.
- Attend W.E.B. Day (6th grade only) - 8/17/26:
- There is not a make-up date for W.E.B.
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED TASKS:
- Join the PTSA! See below for details!
- Purchase your yearbook today for the lowest price all year (part of the back-to-school online registration packet, but not required)
- Purchase the optional Chromebook Insurance policy ($25) for this school year (part of the online packet through skyward) - accidents happen often.
- Review Bus Stop Information - The district transportation department will have all bus stop information posted in skyward by August 14th. If you have any transportation related questions, please reach out to the transportation department directly by following the link below:
- 8th Grade Families - Sign up for the Washington DC Trip. There are limited seats available before we will be required to start a waitlist. Please see below for details.
- Review the school supply list, linked below:
- Planning on joining the Cross Country or Volleyball Teams in the Fall? Schedule a physical with your doctor (or head to an urgent care). Physicals are required to participate in Athletics!
- W.E.B. Leader Student Families (8th Grade Students) - Remind your child to review updated information on the 8th Grade W.E.B. Leader Google Classroom
- NJHS Student Families (8th Grade Students) - Remind your child to review the NJHS Google Classroom for updated Volunteer Opportunities
Join the PTSA - NEW INFO
Please consider taking just two minutes to join our PTSA today!
I want to assure you that simply joining the PTSA means you are NEVER required to volunteer at any events. However, your membership support is exactly what makes it possible for us to say "yes" to students in need throughout the school year. Your contribution directly funds school supplies, field trip and athletics scholarships, clothing, hygiene supplies, weekend food, and so much more for our kids.
Thank you for your incredible support and Empathy for our school community.
Chromebook Distribution Plans - Previously Communicated
6th Grade Students:
All WLCSD Students in Grades 6 - 12 will be required to utilize a district provided Chromebook to access school materials and resources beginning this school year. No outside devices will be allowed in any secondary schools including personal laptops, iPads, personal Chromebooks, tablets, etc.
Walnut Creek will distribute Chromebooks to 6th grade students during our scheduled WEB day on August 17th. Our WEB day is scheduled from 1 - 3 PM. When families arrive at 1 PM, students will be welcomed into the gymnasium to begin their scheduled activities. Parents will be directed to our media center to collect student Chromebooks.
Parents will only be able to accept their child's Chromebook, so if you have arranged a car pool for the event, you will not be able to collect Chromebooks for friends and neighbors. Any 6th grade student that does not receive their Chromebook during WEB day will be able to collect their Chromebook during Creek Connection on August 18th.
7th and 8th Grade Students - Chromebooks will be available for collection during Creek Connection on August 18th.
Any student that is unable to attend WEB or Creek Connection will receive their Chromebook during the first week of school.
WEB and Creek Connection Events - Mark Your Calendar - Previously Communicated
As we look ahead to the new school year, please mark your calendars for two important kickoff events to get our students ready and excited to return to the building.
WEB Day (6th Grade Students Only)
Date: Monday, August 17th
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
This event is for ALL incoming 6th-grade students. Our WEB program is a crucial part of the transition into Walnut Creek Middle School. Because we are so highly focused on mentorship and building strong relationships from day one, this event is designed to help our newest students feel welcomed, supported, and confident navigating their new school environment.
Creek Connection / Registration Day (All Families)
Date: Tuesday, August 18th
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
This event is for ALL Walnut Creek students and families. Creek Connection is your one-stop shop to get completely set up for the school year. During this time, students will:
Receive class schedules and locker assignments
Take school photos and receive student IDs
Sign up for clubs and extra-curricular opportunities
Learn about our sports offerings
Purchase yearbooks and more!
We can't wait to see everyone and get this year started off right.
2027 Washington DC Trip Information - Previously Communicated
Thank you to the families that joined us at our informational meeting last evening. Attached below are all of the documents and information that was shared at the informational meeting.
The registration for the trip is NOW OPEN. Please follow the instructions on the registration document (attached below) for directions on how to register for the 8th grade trip.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Mr. Ossenmacher at RyanOssenmacher@wlcsd.org
Morning Announcement Script - Previously Communicated
Each morning, we start our school day with morning announcements. After we recite the pledge of allegiance, announce birthdays, and make other reminder announcements, Mr. Taboh reads a morning message to students. To see Mr. Taboh’s morning message, you can always check the document linked below which is updated weekly:
Mr. Taboh’s Morning Message Script - 25/26 School Year
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out!