The Hurricane Tracker
Joan Walker Elementary
IMPORTANT
CALENDAR CHANGES
Please note that the SCPS School Board has approved a plan to change the calendar for the 2015-16 school year. In short, the calendar has moved up a week, with the first day of school now August 17th. All Walker beginning of the year activities have therefore moved up a week as well. These new dates will be published in our summer newsletter. The full SCPS calendar is accessible on the SCPS website. Below are some important Walker Elementary dates to note for 2015-16.
Aug. 11: Kindergarten Camp
Aug. 13: Kindergarten Parent Night
Aug. 14: Meet and Greet the Teacher
Aug. 17: 1st Day of School
Dual Language Immersion Program
Walker is currently recruiting students to take part in its Dual Language Immersion Program multi-year language program. In 2015-16, two kindergarten classes and two 1st grade classes will be instructed in both English and Spanish, with the objective that students will learn Spanish as a second language, while supporting those students who speak or have families that speak another language. Those students currently enrolled in our Kindergarten Dual Language Program will get priority in our 1st grade Dual Language Program, while we will have open enrollment in Kindergarten Dual Language. If interested in Walker’s Dual Language Immersion Program, please notify Mr. Pfeiffer directly by letter or email: (). An information night for all interested families has been scheduled for Thursday, April 30th, at 6:15 p.m. As there is limited space in this program, please contact us at your earliest convenience to reserve your spot.
Walker VPK and Pre-K Program
Walker Elementary will continue to sponsor its highly successful combined inclusive VPK and Pre-K VE program in 2015-16! We are now actively recruiting 4 year old VPK students. If you or someone you know has a 4 year old child and would be interested in attending Walker's VPK program in 2015-16, please contact the VPK office for registration information at 407-320-0463.
Teacher Requests 2015-2016
To clarify, Walker Elementary does not accept specific teacher requests. As Walker is blessed to have outstanding teachers in all of its grades and classes, and as we are continuing to evolve exemplary instructional practices, we feel that all of our students will be placed with an amazing teacher. General letters reflecting teacher traits that would best match with your child’s learning/behavioral traits will be accepted and are always considered. Please do not include a teacher’s name, as often that leads to parent/student disappoint if we do not honor that request. Often teachers who are requested may no longer be in that particular grade level due to moves, leaves, or transfers. Specific student characteristics or needs (Dual Language Immersion Program, PRIMES, Gifted, ESOL, ESE, health issues, 504 accommodations, learning styles, etc.) will be taken into account when scheduling students.
Extended Day Registration
Extended Day will begin to register students for the 2015-16 school year on May 8, 2015, from 3:15 -6:00 p.m. Families will need to complete the registration form and make a payment for the 2015-16 school year. Payment consists of the first week of service needed and a registration fee.
Order 2014-15 Yearbooks Now!
There will a limited number of yearbooks on sale in the front office for $20 (cash or check). Please make checks out to Walker Elementary. There are no more online sales at this time.
Music News
The Hurricane Harmony Orchestra will present a concert for Walker families on Thursday, May 7th, at 6:00 p.m. Student musicians will perform on instruments including xylophones, metallophones, glockenspiels, steel drums, congas, and five sizes of recorders! The concert is free and all are invited. Day concerts are May 6th:
9:00 a.m.: K, 1st, 2nd
9:30 a.m.: 3rd, 4th, 5th
Talent Show
On May 14, 6:30 p.m, Walker will be hosting its first ever talent show! Mark your calendars and we hope to see you there for a wonderful night showcasing Walker’s talented students!!!
Fairy Tale Ball
The 2nd grade team will be hosting their Fairy Tale Ball May on May 15th. In coordination of reading a unit on Fairy Tales, our “Lords and Ladies” will celebrate their success during a medieval banquet. We remind parents and grandparents planning to attend that they must be on the approved Dividend list to participate and attend.
Arts Alive
Walker would like to thank SCPS Arts Alive for their generous donation of $569 to Walker’s “ARTS” programs. The Arts Alive program is a renowned showcase for the most talented students in Seminole County. Money raised from that night’s event is donated to each school to support the arts. Thank you SCPS School Board, and Mrs. Dede Schaffner, for your continued support of a well-rounded education!
AR Challenge
The AR challenge continues through Friday, May 8th. A snow cone party for those individual students who met the challenge will be provided.
1st Grade: 5 non-fiction books
2nd Grade: 1 chapter book and 4 non-fiction books (you may add to this number)
3rd Grade: 1 chapter book on level and 5 non-fiction books
4th Grade: 1 Sunshine State book (Sunshine State sequel or 6-8 Sunshine State book) and 4 non fiction
5th Grade: 1 Sunshine State book (Sunshine State sequel or 6-8 Sunshine State book) and 5 non-fiction.
Walker Student Awards
Walker congratulates three of its 5th grade students as school wide award winners in the following categories:
Disney Dreamer and Doer (Civic Service, Leadership, Imagination): Sara Stricklin
SASA Phoenix Award (Overcoming hardship and Achieving Success): Allie Ungaro
SASA Student Leader of the Year (Overall School and Community Leadership): Isaac Franklin
These students will now be submitted to compete at the district level!
Dividend of the Year
Walker congratulates and honors Walker’s Dividend of the Year! We thank all of our Dividends who have supported our school throughout the school year!
Dividend of the Year: Renee Cushman
Youth Dividend of the Year: Kristina McDowell
Senior Dividend of the Year: Frances Douglas
Dividend Reminders
We have had several Dividends of late going to their child’s classrooms with younger children or trying tovisit their child’s classroom during instructional time unannounced to meet with teachers to hold an impromptu conference. We gently remind and ask our Dividends to adhere to Walker procedures. Siblings may not be present while a Dividend is volunteering due to liability reasons. Lastly, parents that are participating in end of year events must be approved Dividends.
Art News
Walker’s final student art show of the year at Seminole Towne Center Mall was a success. Artwork was featured from students all over the county and Walker was represented by the following students:
Kindergarten: Sophia Clark, Shreya Suresh, Ashlyn Hamman, Ashley Keefer, Addison Stewart
1st Grade: Erin Bartholomew, Alaina David, Alex Cushman, Garrett Brice, Ely Leslie, Jacob Rayburn
2nd Grade: Caitlin Welch, Tanner McMillan, Keona Klutz, Valentina Fernandez, Caleb Bundy, Natalie Cazeau, Nicholas McNeill, Zachary Zampella, Diana Marie Alfonso
3rd Grade: Ansley Howell, Nicole Chmilnitzky, Abigail Gutierrez, Mela Persuad, Evan Lusher, Luke Everson, Libby Ruplinger
4th Grade: Gabby Witherite, Desiree Snell, Emily Finn
5th Grade: Sara Stricklin, Emily Simmons, Cristina Garrett, Sarah Garan, Chelsea Lochner, Gabriella Conde, Molly McGrath
Student Medication Reminder
All medications must be signed out in the clinic by a parent or guardian on or before May 27, 2015. All remaining medication will be disposed of after that date. Medication Authorizations will be sent home if you plan to have medication at school during the 2015-16 school year. Authorizations may be turned in at Open House or the first day of school. If you have any questions, call 407-871-7306.
“Spring Fever”
As the weather begins to warm up, some of our students are experiencing a little “Spring Fever”. Walker reminds all parents and students to follow the dress code: no spaghetti straps, tank tops, midriffs, hats/bandanas in buildings, flip flops, or “low rider” pants. Also, hats are not permitted inside the building (unless it is crazy hat day). The complete dress code can be found in your Student Code of Conduct. We also remind our students the importance of adhering to the rules and continuing to work hard on completing assignments and homework.
Lunch Last Three Days
The Food Services Department is unable to extend credit. If your child does not have money in his/her account or you do not send your child with money for lunch, Food Services will assume you have made arrangements for your child to eat at home or at their day care.
Early Dismissal
The last three days of school are EARLY DISMISSAL DAYS. Walker will dismiss all students at 1:00 P.M. Please make sure all students are picked up at the new time.
Important Dates
May 4 Staff Appreciation Week
PTA Board Mtg, 9:30 a.m.
May 5 PTA Staff Appreciation Lunch
National Teacher Day
May 7 BOGO Book Fair Starts
5th Grade to LCMS
Walker Music Concert, 6:00 p.m.
May 8 All Library Books Due
4th Gr. Gem Mining
May 12 5th Grade Glow-Out Party
SECME Club, 3:15 p.m.
May 14 AR Snow Cones
Talent Show, 6:30 p.m.
May 15 BOGO Book Fair Ends
2nd Grade Fairy Tale Ball
May 18 Battle of the Books
Sunshine State Book Celebration
May 21 1st Grade Awards and Luau
May 22 Kindergarten Awards
1:00 p.m. Dismissal
May 25 Schools Closed
May 26 Pre-K Music Program Graduation, 9:00 a.m.
4th Grade Awards, 9:00 a.m.
3rd Grade Awards, 10:30 a.m.
1:00 p.m. Early Dismissal
May 27 5th Grade Awards, 9:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Early Dismissal
Report Cards Go Home
Last Day of School
May 28 Teacher Work Day
May 29 Teacher Work Day