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*** Newsletter *** Hilda Walker Intermediate School – January,
2012
Letter from the Principal
Dear Parents/Guardians,
The middle of the school year is approaching with the end of
the
second grading quarter on January 10th. Report cards will be
issued January 20th
.
The second testing period for the NWEA–MAP test (Northwest
Evaluation Association – Measures of Academic Progress)
begins
on Tuesday, January 10th and continues through January 27,
2012. This test provides the school district, teachers, parents
and
students with valuable information relating to each
student’s
ACADEMIC GROWTH. The academic areas to be assessed are
reading, language arts and math.
Your child’s teacher has specific dates and times scheduled
for
the test to be administered each week. Each student will be
taking
the online tests in one of the computer labs under the direction
of
the classroom teacher. It is important that each student
understands the purpose of this testing, and that he/she takes
part
in monitoring his/her ACADEMIC GROWTH. We know that our
Walker parents/guardians will provide the support needed to
ensure that our students do their best on the NWEA-MAP tests,
as
you always do, by making sure your children:
Attend school each day
Arrive on time (in the classroom by 8:20 a.m.
ready for instruction)
Get plenty of rest
Eat a nourishing breakfast
Have a positive, can-do attitude
Understand the importance of monitoring “academic growth”
We encourage you to visit www.nwea.org and search for Parent
Toolkit.
Sincerely,
Ms. Jan Zevkovich, Principal
[email protected]
Mr. Jeff Libowitz, Assistant Principal
[email protected]
_________________________
Parent-School Contact Procedure Flow:
1. First, contact the teacher. 2. If you want to schedule a
conference, please call or email
the teacher to make an appointment to address your
concerns.
3. If you need further assistance after you have had a
conference (or phone conference) with the teacher, then
contact the principal or assistant principal.
General Information Hilda Walker Intermediate School
19900 S. 80th Avenue
Tinley Park, Illinois 60487
Phone: 815-464-2285
Student Attendance Hours: 8:20 A.M .to 2:50 P.M. School Office
Hours: 7:55 A.M. to 3:55 P.M.
Teacher Attendance Hours: 8:10 A.M. to 3:10 P.M. For your
information…
The after school activity bus departure time from Walker is
3:55
p.m.
There is no activity bus service on Tuesday, January 10th
.
Important Dates
1/9 - First Day (After Winter Break)
All School PBIS Assembly (@ 9:00 a.m., wear spirit wear
or school colors)
1/10 - End of Qt. 2 Reporting Period
No Activity Buses
1/11 - B.O.E. Meeting @A.C. (7 p.m.)
1/13 - HWSCO Treat Day
1/16 - No School (in Observance of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Day)
1/23 - SHEF Meeting @HW (LC @ 7:00 p.m.)
1/24 - Half Day School (Dismiss @11:30)/P.M. Teacher
Institute
1/25 - B.O.E. Meeting @A.C. (7 p.m.)
1/27 - HWSCO Hot Lunch
Athletic Booster Event, Staff vs. Walker Basketball
Teams (@6p.m.)
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]
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Hilda Walker News p2
IF YOU RECEIVED THIS NEWSLETTER VIA
EMAIL…you are on the District 161/Walker School emailing list.
If not, please email Ms. Zevkovich ASAP and she will
add you to our emailing list so you can receive important
school
notices quickly (and paperless!)
If you do not have access to email, we will continue to send
school notices home with your child.
Jan Zevkovich, Principal
Walker Intermediate School
[email protected]
_______________________________________
Walker Students Raise Money for Children with Cancer
In November the students of Walker Intermediate School in
Tinley Park, Illinois, raised almost $5,800 for the Leukemia
and
Lymphoma Society to benefit children with cancer. The
fundraiser titled, “Pasta for Pennies”, was held for eleven days
in
November. Every classroom competed to contribute the most
“pennies” to help cancer patients. Walker students and their
families were extremely generous, and four classrooms raised
over $500. They were the sixth grade classes of Ms. Leah
Satalic
and Mr. Jason Kantor, and the fifth grade classes of Ms.
Dena
Ciccone and Mr. Kyle Fischer. The Olive Garden Restaurant
co-
sponsored the fundraiser and will provide a special lunch for
the
classrooms that contributed the most money. Walker teachers
Mrs. Maureen Fisher and Ms. Dena Ciccone organized this
fundraiser.
_______________________________________________________
Computer Club
Computer Club will begin on Wednesday, January 11, 2012.
Students interested in learning to use new programs, the
digital
camera and a scanner, exploring Google Earth and other fun
websites are invited to join. Pick up a sign up sheet from
Mrs.
Fisher in the Computer Lab.
Maureen Fisher
Technology Teacher
[email protected]
PBIS – Assembly Tuesday, January 9th
We thank our Walker families for encouraging The Walker Way
at
home. We believe that if students are responsible, respectful,
and
safe it will promote a positive learning experience for
everyone.
On January 9th
students will have their knowledge of The Walker
Way tested by participating in the game show, "What is The
Walker Way". The show will put the 5th
grade against the 6th
grade
in a competition to answer questions, physical challenges,
and
demonstrations of The Walker Way. Students and staff are
encouraged to wear PBIS t-shirts, Walker Spiritwear or
Walker
colors
Submitted by Mr. Acevedo
Be Respectful
Be Responsible
Be Safe
___________________________________
From the Committee for Children
Steps to Respect: A Bullying Prevention Program
Bullying behaviors are unfair, one-sided and repetitive.
Bullying happens when someone keeps doing or saying things
to
have power over another person. Some of the ways children
bully
include:
Physically hurting or threatening someone
Socially excluding or isolating someone
Insulting someone (written or verbally)
Name-calling
Spreading mean gossip and false rumors
Inappropriate touching or physical contact
Showing or drawing inappropriate pictures to someone
Cyber bullying
If your child is in a bulling situation, PBIS steps to use
are:
S Stop
W Walk
A Away
If the behavior continues and they still feel threatened:
T Tell a Teacher
NATIONAL NO NAME CALLING WEEK –
January 23 – 27, 2012
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]
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Hilda Walker News p3
Video Club In Action
Walker Video Club members are being trained to use the video
camera and tripod by student, Tyler Orloff, and sponsor,
Mrs.
Dianne Mears-Mustafa (Students left to right are Emma
Thielen,
Valerie Ryba, Tyler Orloff, Henry Harrington, and Colin
Curatolo) Having finished their training to use the
videocamera
and MovieMaker software, Video Club members are ready to
work on school and personal projects. Some students have
already
filmed and edited the Walker's Veterans Day Assembly, which
was shown on Frankfort Channel 6 TV station. They have
completed a "Stop Bullying" video to aid our school PBIS
team,
and a "Walker Way" video on expected behavior in the
library.
Future projects are the school play, Holiday Assembly,
Step-up
Day video to introduce fourth graders to Walker School, and
the
annual Talent Show. Video Club members will also produce
videos of various class activities as requested by classroom
teachers.
Maureen Fisher
Technology Teacher
Walker Intermediate School
[email protected]
_____________________________________
Hilda Walker SCO
Fun Night
Mark your calendar - Walker’s next Fun Night will be on
February 10, 2012.
[email protected].
January Art News
Second Quarter Art to Remember
Our school, in conjunction with Art to Remember, is offering
a
program that reproduces your child’s personal artwork onto a
variety of colorful products. Some include: magnets, key
chains,
quilt blocks, beverage insulators, matted prints wall
calendars,
bookmarks, ceramic mugs, sports towels, mouse pads, heart
ceramic ornaments, journals, art sketchbooks, placemats, CD
cases, stainless steel travel mugs, pillows, teddy bears with
T-
shirts, tote bags, ceramic tiles, aprons, and T-shirts.
Your child will create artwork following the art class
curriculum.
Order forms will go out in January for Second Quarter Art
Students.
You will have the opportunity to purchase a variety of
products
featuring your child’s artwork. You are under no obligation
to
purchase. However, we believe you will be excited by these
unique personal keepsakes and a portion of the proceeds is
donated to the Hilda Walker Art Program. They make great
gifts
for family and friends. We are excited to share this unique
art
program to promote your child’s art!
Ms. McCarthy
Art Teacher
[email protected]
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]
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Hilda Walker News p4
Physical Education News
Congratulations to the November PE students of the month.
These
students have displayed outstanding effort, enthusiasm, and
sportsmanship in physical education. They are 6th
graders Declan
Carr and Elyse Panzella. 5th
graders Jarret Jacobs and Delaney
Jacobson.
Just a reminder, that the Hilda Walker PE Department is
collecting Box Tops for Education. The box tops given help
to
enhance the physical education department at Hilda Walker.
Thank you to those families that have contributed.
Parents please help your student remember to complete their
PE
homework. It is due every Tuesday in their homeroom's PE
box.
Homework is worth 15% of their overall grade. Downloads to
the
weekly homework are available on Mr. Acevedo's webpage
through the Hilda Walker School website.
Please remember if your student wears boots to school
to bring a pair of gym shoes on their PE days. Students
who do not have the proper footwear will have points
deducted and will be unable to participate.
Martin Acevedo, Physical Education Specialist
[email protected]
____________________________________________________
WALKER SIXTH GRADE ATTENDS A CHRISTMAS
CAROL
On Dec. 8th
, the sixth grade of Hilda Walker traveled to Oak
Brook, Illinois to see a performance of Charles Dickens’
classic
novel, A Christmas Carol. The play, performed by talented
actors
and actresses, was interesting and exciting for all. Many of
the
children commented that they were impressed by the special
effects used when the various “Ghosts of Christmas” appeared
on
stage. The performance very aptly portrayed the story of
Ebenezer Scrooge, the wealthy miser who refused to be
concerned
with or involved in aiding those less fortunate than he.
After
visitations from the Ghosts of Christmas, Scrooge realizes how
his
life could still be enriched by generously loving and giving
to
others. This classic story never gets old. The message rings
loud
and clear to all.
Submitted by Mrs. Klein, 6th
Grade Teacher
Choir, Orff, Dance News
The Holiday Program was fantastic! It was so wonderful to
see
such hard work paying off in a very entertaining
performance.
Over 135 Walker students participated in this event. The
choir
sang three songs, a gospel tune called "Each of Us Has a
Light",
an upbeat Christmas tune called "Christmas Everywhere", and
a
traditional winter carol called "Sleigh Ride". The Orff
Ensemble
impressed the crowd with three traditional holiday carols
"Rudolph", "We Wish You a Merry Christmas", and "Jingle
Bells", which got everyone in the holiday spirit! Finally,
the
Walker Wildcat Dance group closed the performance with a
hip-
hop routine to the song "Jingle Bells-a Hip-Hop Carol" by
Kyle
Massey. Everyone did a fantastic job! Thanks for all of your
hard
work!
Mrs. Jill Lewkow, Music teacher/choral director
Summit Hill and Hilda Walker
[email protected]
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]
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Hilda Walker News p5
Book Club
After completing the first book of the year, Magellan Voyage
Project, The Walker Book Club created a story quilt. The
story
quilt depicted Adam Story's journey throughout the time
zones
across the world.
Lacey Schmidt, Reading Specialist
Book Club Sponsor [email protected]
Students pictured left to right are: Amber Brooks, Suvidhi
Shah,
Jennifer Guo, Andrea Simpkins, Cassidy Tanner, and Tayo
Omoniyi.
__________________________________
SHEF
Students, Staff, and Parents – Start looking for that spare
change
as the SHEF Fundraiser will be here soon. Students can earn
extra
allowances by doing more jobs around the house and then earn
tickets to “toss a pie at a teachers face!” More news will
follow as
this spring fundraiser gets closer (February).
___________________________________________
Scholastic Bowl
Congratulations to the 2012 Walker Wildcat Scholastic Bowl
Team. The following students were chosen to represent Hilda
Walker this year: Grace Arnold, Josh Bonovich, Brennan
Browning, Jared Bruni, John Dillon, Patrick Kaminski, Andy
Kim,
Sydney Koehne, Jake Lukacek, Myles Montaque, Carlie Parrish,
Nick Perch, Ty Styrsky, Devin Walles, and Amanda Wilson. We
are looking forward to a great year! Our first match is
against
Hadley Middle School in Homer Glen on January 25th
.
Ms. Schmidt, Scholastic Coach
[email protected]
Drama Club Information
The Walker Drama Club is getting ready for the big show at
the
end of March. Auditions were held recently and Mrs. Pfeiffer
and
Mr. Buoscio were so impressed that nearly 90 students
attended
auditions and did their best to earn a spot on this year’s
team!
Since so many students attended auditions, and since the
talent
base was so impressive, it was very difficult to select the
group
this year.
The title of the musical this year, written and choreographed
by
Mrs. Pfeiffer, is “Kid’s Court” - which offers a variety of
shenanigans in a courtroom setting by children and adults as
well.
Members selected for this year are: Sophia Akin, Julianna
Borgia,
Brooke Bradich, Reese Burghard, Megan Greenberg, Samantha
Grobmeier, Adrian Gutierrez, Allison Hefner, Alexis
Heneisen,
Courtney Hill, Wesley Janicki, Briana Knight, Willow Kuech,
Jonathan Leppert, Noah Marron, Taylor Mondragon, Rachel
Newton, Christine Oludemi, Amanda Pohrte, Sean Raslavicz,
Alex Rodriguez, Brandy Rozak, Raquel Schimanski, Xavier
Sevcik, Miranda Standish, Tessa Sucharzewski, Tara Tischer,
Abby Torres, Max Tsilis, Grace Weber, Cailey Whittinghill,
and
Samantha Youngren.
Rehearsals begin in January and will be held on Tuesdays and
Thursdays until March when additional rehearsals will be
factored
in to the schedule.
Congratulations to the 2011-12 Drama Group!
Thanks for your cooperation!
Mrs. Pfeiffer and Mr. Buoscio
[email protected] and [email protected]
_______________________________
Weather
With winter upon us, this is a good time to review your
safety
plan for cold weather, winter storms, etc. There is a
Publication called Winter Storm Preparedness from the
Illinois
Emergency Management Agency that you can access on their
web site: www.state.il.us/iema
Summit Hill District 161 will post school closing
information
online at www.EmergencyClosings.com
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.state.il.us/iemahttp://www.emergencyclosings.com/
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Hilda Walker News p6 Be Aware of Peanut Allergies
We are asking your cooperation in providing a safe learning
environment. It is important to know that just a tiny amount of
the
allergen is enough to cause a reaction that will threaten the
life of
these children. To reduce the risk of exposure, we are asking
that
food products containing peanuts, tree nuts, or lentils not
be
brought to school. Please be aware of product labels that
read
“may contain”, “shared equipment with”, “processed on”, or
“contains trace amounts” and that indicate peanuts or tree
nuts
may be present in the food product.
Food products sent to school for class activities such as
birthdays,
holiday celebrations, etc. should follow the Healthy Snack
Guidelines established by Summit Hill School District 161.
Treats
should be store bought and individually wrapped with the
original
ingredient label affixed. School staff will check all
ingredients of
any food item sent in for the classroom. Treats containing
peanuts
or tree nuts will be sent back home and not allowed in the
classroom.
The safety of all children is a priority at Hilda Walker School.
We
appreciate your cooperation in ensuring a safe school
environment
for all students.
______________________________
Food for Thought
It is very important to remember that if toys which can be
mistaken
for a weapon (squirt guns, plastic toy knives/swords, etc.)
are
brought to school or on the bus, a serious discipline
consequence
may be issued. It is the responsibility of the parent to
search
backpacks and pockets to make sure these items don’t
accidentally
come to school.
Also, please speak to your children about not making threats
to
students. Students may not say, write about or draw pictures
which
are violent in nature. Even when a student says to another
student,
“I’m going to kill/hurt you” (or similar comments) we, as a
district,
take this very seriously and severe consequences can be
issued.
Safety and security is our priority and even if these comments
are
made in jest…the school will act on them. Students hear
comments
such as these and may get frightened and worried. We’d like
the
students to concentrate on their academics and socialization
rather
than inappropriate, harmful or threatening comments. Thank
you
for your help and support in this matter.
____________________________________
A Good Idea…….
Since some students don’t take activity buses often, there
is
sometimes confusion when they need to. To put your child at
ease,
a good idea would be to go over the Activity Bus list with
your
son/daughter ahead of time and decide which activity bus
your
child should take and what stop is closest to your home. Put
the
information on a note card and place it in a small, zipped area
of
his/her backpack. This way he/she will always have the
information
on hand. This would also work well for work and cell
numbers.
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Hilda Walker News p7
Reminders…..
Buses:
In order to provide safe transportation for all of our
students,
children must ride the same bus to and from school each day.
They will not be able to switch buses without written
permission
from the school office. Permission will only be granted for
emergencies, which do not include babysitting arrangements
or
going to a friend’s house. Students also need to use their
designated bus stop for boarding and drop off each day.
Car riders:
Please remember that the building is not open for students
until
8:00 am each day. Please do not drop off your child before
this
time. Our primary concern is the safety of your child.
All student pick-ups are in the front of the building at the
main entrance only.
All drivers picking up students must enter the parking lot
using
the east entrance that is nearest the baseball field. Please
follow
the driveway along the outside of the parking lot. Vehicles are
to
form a single file line stopping at the sidewalk in front of
the
main entrance to the school. Your student(s) may not cross
the
parking lot to get into a vehicle. All vehicles must exit
the
parking lot using the west exit. Vehicles are not to drive
across
the parking lot to use the east exit for departure (as it is
designated a one-way entrance during school hours). If a
driver needs to enter the building to pick up their
student(s),
please park in the middle of the lot and walk towards the
main
entrance. During pick-up times, students are not permitted
to
cross the parking lot without an adult. Drivers picking up
students (or absent work from the office) are asked not to park
in
the spaces adjacent to the sidewalks. Parking in these
spaces
poses a danger for a collision during this time. If your student
is
not outside when your vehicle is the lead one, the driver will
need
to pull around and go back through the pick-up line of cars.
Visitors:
For the safety of our students and staff, all visitors must sign
in at
the main office. This includes before, during, and after
school
hours. Please have a picture ID available when you check in.
We understand that you will periodically need to talk with
your
child’s teacher. You are always welcome to do, but we do ask
that you arrange for a date and time in advance with your
child’s
teacher. This will ensure that they are available to talk with
you
when you arrive.
Cell Phone Use:
The use of cell phones at school is detrimental to the
academic
climate because it takes valuable time away from instruction
and creates disciplinary problems. Students’ cell phones
should
be turned off and NOT JUST SILENCED while inside the
building before, during, and after the school day. Cell
phones
must be stored in backpacks and not in student possession
during the school day. Students who violate this policy will
have the cell phone confiscated and will receive
disciplinary
consequences.
Dress Code reminder….
With winter weather upon us, please remind your child (ren)
of
the appearance code as stated in the handbook.
Students’ dress for school must be appropriate.
Pants with excessive shredding or holes are not appropriate.
Skirts and shorts must be to the fingertips regardless of
additional leg wear underneath.
Necklines must be 3” from the collarbone area.
Pajama pants (blanket fleece and flannel pants included) may
only be worn on designated spirit
days.
Outerwear, such as coats, jackets, gloves, sunglasses, hats and
other head coverings may not be worn during
the school day unless the student is directly entering or
leaving the building. Fingerless gloves are not permitted
while in the school building.
You may consider sending your child with a sweatshirt or
sweater to keep at school in case they get cold during school
day.
______________________________
Be Respectful
Be Responsible
Be Safe
