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Hilda Walker

Intermediate School

Wildcat News May 2014

Mr. Ruffalo, Principal – Accomplishments

Over the last two years the HW staff, students, and administra-

tion has collaborated together to meet the ever changing needs of

our students. We have gone through a metamorphosis to better

serve our students for years to come. Here are a few of our ac-

complishments over the last two years.

The Walker Way Learning Together Hand in Hand Theme is in

our main office and throughout our school.

Students and staff hand prints are on murals in the main office

as a visual reminder of The Walker Way.

The theme is repeated during announcements, instruction and

assemblies on a regular basis.

The mascot PAW print is painted through out the building.

Be Respectful Be Responsible and Be Safe paintings are every-

where in the building.

Students earn PAWS for positive behavior and cash them in

monthly at our PAW Mart.

Two School Signs are now on our building.

6th grade staff are now core subject specialists.

Teachers are placed on Teams and students switch among these teams.

Teams recognize students on a regular basis for their accomplishments.

Through teaming we have created small schools within a very large school.

Teachers meet together weekly to address student needs and plan for instruction.

Student Discipline referrals have decreased.

The number of student’s missing homework assignments have decreased.

Fun Nights have been recreated and scheduled for after school hours.

Parent Pick-Up procedure have been created by the Tinley Park Police Department.

This procedure have increased safety and decreased waiting time for parents.

The Honors Program has been reviewed and re-created into the Summit Program.

Higher expectations have been given to the Summit Program students.

The Multi-Tier System and Supports Federally Mandated procedures have been initiated.

Common Core Standards have been reviewed and unpacked in Reading and Math.

A Math Interventionist was added to our staff to meet the needs of Tier 2 Math students.

Intervention Strategies and services are now provided for Tier 2 and Tier 3 students.

We have created Check In Check Out Tier 2 interventions for qualified students.

We piloted the Wildcat SURFACE Project with our 6th grade Honors Students.

Our knowledge from this Wildcat Pilot will be effecting all students and staff in our district as

we move toward utilizing tablets in all classrooms next year and in the years to come.

Page 1 Ending Strong

Page 2 Mr. Ruffalo, Mrs. Wright

Page 3 Dates to Remember and Nurse

Page 4 Team Incredible 5-1

Page 5 Team Superman 5-2

Page 6 Team Ninja Turtles 5-3

Page 7 Team Buzz Light Year 6-1

Page 8 Team Incredible Hulk 6-2

Page 9 Team Iron Man 6-3

Page 10 Art and PBIS

Page 11 Career Day, Computers, and Garden Club

Page 12 PE, Track, and Safety Patrol

Page 13 Social Work, Counselor

Page 14 Photos

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From Principal, Mr. Ruffalo– PARCC continued

From Assistant Principal, Mrs. Wright

It’s hard to believe we are in the final stretch of the school year! It’s imperative that each student finish the year strong. It’s not uncommon this time of year for students to become unmotivated, lose focus, lack the desire to continue their best work, or even show up for school. Most students are looking to summer vacation. However, there is still a fountain of information that students need to learn and teachers need to continue to teach to prepare students for success. In an effort to continue your support for your child’s education, consider the following to help them finish the year:

Send your child to school. It’s easy to let them stay home when they don’t want to get out of bed or the weather is nice, but this sends them into a hard cycle to break. By sending them to school you are sending the message that school is important and they have a responsibility to attend.

Keep the routines. Children need the consistency of their routines for bedtime and homework. Over the summer there will be many opportunities for late nights. This time of year, we can lose track of time and before you realize it, your student is up past their bedtime and will certainly struggle to focus the next day. Continue the homework regimen, so they understand school may almost be over, but the reinforcement of knowledge continues to the last day.

Praise your child’s efforts and celebrate their moments of success. While the school year may be nearing an end, they still need you cheering them to the finish line.

Let your child know you will continue to support their teacher and the hard work that has been put in each day to sup-port and nurture their learning. They need to know you will continue to have a united front with their teacher to the last day of school.

From Principal, Mr. Ruffalo – New Assignment for 2014-2015

On April 28, 2014 the School Board assigned me to Dr. Julian Rogus School for the 2014-2015 school year.

I have enjoyed the challenge of leading Walker School through this time of great change in it’s life. As

listed above the Walker Staff and students have undergone a great metamorphosis over the last two

years. The Walker staff is to be commended for their ability to adjust to the cavernous change in educa-

tion. Our staff has been creating a curriculum connected to the Common Core. They have begun to under-

stand the Danielson Teacher Performance Evaluation System, while implementing a Multi-Tier Systems and

Supports to better meet the needs of our students. The staff is continuing to place the needs of their stu-

dents above their own needs.

As the new leadership is identified for the coming years. I will be working with them to continue the suc-

cess that Walker School staff and students have begun. If I may be of any service to you as you plan the

needs of your child for next year, please do not hesitate in talking to me. Thank you for your support over

the last two years. My time at Walker School has provided me with opportunities to grow in a variety of

ways that I would not have experienced anywhere else.

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Office Hours-

7:30 a.m.—4:00

p.m.

Teacher Attendance

Hours: 8:10 A.M. to

3:10 P.M.

From Mrs. Hjort, Mrs. Hein and Mrs. Malas– Office Staff - Important Dates

5/1-Progress Reports Via PowerSchool

HWSCO Meeting, 3 pm

5/2–HWSCO Treat Day (McDonald’s frozen custard)

5/7-Garden Club Field Trip

5/12-6th Grade Band, Strings and Orff Concert @Walker, 7 pm

5/13-Student Council/Ambassador Field Trip

5/14-HW Band Picnic, 3-4:30 pm

B.O.E. Meeting @A.C. (7 pm)

5/15-5th Grade Band Concert @Walker

B.O.E. Meeting @A.C. (7 pm)

5/23-Teacher Institute/NO SCHOOL for Students

5/26-Memorial Day/NO SCHOOL

5/28-B.O.E. Meeting @A.C. (7 pm)

5/30-Career Day 1-2 pm

From Mrs. Santefort– School Nurse HEALTH AND DENTAL REQUIREMENTS

For the 2014/15 school year, all students entering 6th grade are required to have a physical and be current on their

immunizations.

There is a new immunization requirement of Tdap vaccine and 2 doses of varicella.

This is to be completed before the first day of 6th grade.

This physical can also be used to meet the sports physical requirement if they choose to participate in intramural or

sports activities.

6th grade students are also required to have a dental examination. This is due May 15, 2015.

It is valid for any dental exam within 18 months before that date.

Students entering 5th grade do not have any health or dental requirements, BUT if they choose to try out or partici-

pate in sports or intramurals, they will need a sports physical. The sports physicals are good for 1 year, and will be

required every year through high school if your child participates in any sports or intramural activities.

If any student requires medication at school, please have a Medication Authorization Form completed by your doctor

and yourself. This is needed for any prescription, over the counter medication, inhalers, etc.

All the required forms are available on the district website, under the tab "For Parents and Students" and then

"Forms".

6th grade Illinois State Physical form

http://www.summithill.org/Documents/Ctrl_Hyperlink/PhysicalExamFormFINAL_uid12320131139411.pdf

6th grade Dental Form

http://www.summithill.org/Documents/Ctrl_Hyperlink/State_Dental_Examination_Form_uid12320131137541.pdf

5th grade Sports Physical Form

http://www.summithill.org/Documents/Ctrl_Hyperlink/Athletics_Eligibility_Physical_uid12320131146081.pdf

Medication Authorization Form

http://www.summithill.org/Documents/Ctrl_Hyperlink/Medical_Authorization_Form_uid12320131145101.pdf

For your infor-

mation…

After school ac-

tivities end at

4:00 P.M. unless

otherwise noted.

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TEAM Incredible ews

Mrs. Pelkowski’s Reading/Language Arts Class

The students in Mrs. Pelkowski’s reading class are beginning work on Literature Circles. Students will take on several different tasks

as they read novels in their small groups. The students’ novel choices included: The Phantom Tollbooth by Norman Juster, Hatchet by

Gary Paulsen, and Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech.

Mrs. Maranto’s Science Class

In Science, Mrs. Maranto’s students are finishing up their unit on weather and preparing to take off into outer space. The children

will travel throughout our galaxy as they explore and learn about Earth’s orbit, the moon, and what makes up our solar system. Dur-

ing this unit her class will discover how moon craters from as they experiment with dropping different sized objects into a mixture

of flour and water. The students will also research stars and planets to create, “Planet Postcards,” which they will share with the

class.

Mrs. Bednarz’s Reading Class

Students in Mrs. Bednarz’s reading class are quickly approaching our Scoops for Books goal of 100 books read. Awesome job working

together as a class! We have also begun reading the novel entitled, Night of the Twisters. Night of the Twisters is a fictional ac-

count of the devastating tornadoes that hit Grand Island, Nebraska in 1980. This real event is told through the eyes of a fictional

twelve year old boy. Even though the novel is considered fiction, students are able to understand the very real events of that night

in June. This topic will tie in nicely with the weather unit we will be studying next in science.

Mrs. Stokoski's Reading/Language Arts Class

Poetry! Mrs. Stokoski's class started "Interactive Poetry Notebooks" just before spring break. They have been reviewing figura-

tive language and have been finding examples in song lyrics and poems. The students will continue to build their poetry notebooks

and explore how poetry is structured. They will study several different types including limericks, haikus and free verse poems.

What they learn will also tie into their language lessons as they write some of their own poetry in

the weeks to come.

Mrs. Stokoski’s students are shown working on their interactive poetry notebooks. Students shown include: Myles Olagbegi and Colin Visser (pictured left) and Makenna Krylowicz, Juliana Arciszewski, Kaleigh Ritter and Taylor Zawacki (pictured right). Mr. Doody's Social Studies Class

Greetings from Mr. Doody’s class - Room 226. Students have been diving deeply into the Revolutionary War. Two assignments al-

lowed students to learn and present new information about events, people and battles related to the war. First, students had to

research an important person and create a research paper. Next, students collaborated with a partner and created a PowerPoint on

the person they researched. Over the course of a couple days, students would then present their presentation to the class. Togeth-

er, we learned about: Paul Revere, George Washington, Betsy Ross, Elijah Clarke, Thomas

Jefferson, Boston Massacre, Boston Tea Party, Bunker Hill and King James III. Students

were very creative and enthusiastic during their presentations.

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TEAM SupermanNews

We are extremely proud of our students this year! Their responsible attitudes, respectful behavior,

and safety practices in and out of the classroom have been demonstrated during each school day.

Our team continues to expect educational excellence from our students as we begin the final stretch

of 5th grade. We are working on critical thinking, reading projects, implementing the eight “Mathematical

Practices” in our daily math lessons as well as cross-curricular research activities.

Additional Information:

Wednesday, May 14th, Team Superman will take a field trip to The Morton Arboretum. The cost of this

trip is $6 per student. We will be hiking and eating lunch at the Arboretum. Please dress appropriately

for the weather, wear comfortable shoes, and bring a completely disposable lunch. Kindly sign the permis-

sion slip and return it, with payment, to your child’s teacher by May 7th.

A HUGE THANK YOU to HWSCO for providing the cost of bus transportation for this field trip!

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Team Ninja Turtle News

As we finally spring into May and the nicer weather, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "dig

deep" into Science and the Common Core standards. Teachers are planning and implementing lessons

that incorporate Common Core standards with the human body and its systems as a focus. For example,

students are using their textbooks to read informational texts, determine main ideas, and explain key

details. Graphic organizers are used to support this standard. Students are recognizing and analyzing

the relationships between body systems. This standard is supported by hands-on activities such as 3-

dimensional human-size drawings. In addition, students are determining the meaning of domain-specific

words in texts through class discussion, graphic organizers, note-taking, and flashcards. Finally, stu-

dents are drawing on information from digital sources through short, scientific clips. Bill Nye videos are

a common feature in our science classes to support this standard. Students absolutely love Mr. Nye's

real world connections! In conclusion, as the school year comes to an end, students and teachers contin-

ue to work hard and keep learning!

Mrs. Schaefer's class uniquely recreates the body systems!

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Mrs. McFarland’s Reading/Language Arts Class

In May, Reading students will be finishing up their novel studies. We will be working on some final projects with

the novels they have read. They will also be creating book brochures on their book challenge they have been

working on all year long.

In English we will be working on proper usage of pronouns.

Mr. Klein’s Reading/language/Arts Class

On May 1 each of my students will be presenting their final book report of the year. The class has been asked

to create a novel pyramid, in which they will create four scenes from their novel in the four pyramid “windows.”

They will also write a full paragraph explanation under each scene that will summarize the action of their novel.

In Reading, after a study of 20th century history, we have begun our novel study of Daniel’s Story, a Holocaust

novel set in Europe during World War II. Students will each be assigned a topic from the

World War II era on which they will have to present a research report to the class. These reports will be pre-

sented the first week of June.

Ms. Mittelstadt’s Math

During the month of May, we will be starting the geometry chapter. The students will be finding the area and

perimeter of different shapes. They will also be finding the surface area and volume of three dimensional

shapes. In honors math, we will be finishing up our study on linear equations. Then we will be moving on to right

triangles. The students will be reviewing square roots. Then we will be working with the Pythagorean Theorem,

plotting right triangles on the coordinate plane, and learning about special triangles like the 45, 45, 90 and 30,

60, 90 triangles.

Mrs. Dermody’s Social Studies

In Social Studies we will continue learning about Rome. We will describe the Roman Republic’s political develop-

ment and the defeat of Carthage. We will also discuss the cultural achievements of the Romans and describe

their daily lives. We will then move on to why the Roman Empire fell and discuss the rise and cultural accomplish-

ments of the Byzantine Empire

Mrs. Dempsey’s Science Class

In Science, we are beginning to wind down our study of Earth Science with regard to erosion and deposition.

After break, we will move back into life science and the study of animals. We will study animal behaviors and

social relationships between them. In addition, we will look more closely at invertebrates and their impact on

the animal kingdom. Thanks to all the parents and students that were able to come to Common Core Night. It

was nice getting to see everyone and we hope that you enjoyed it.

Team Buzz Light Year News

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Mrs. Becker’s and Mrs. Higgins Reading and Language Arts Classes The Honors Reading Class will be reading the novel True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi. This book is an adven-

ture/historical novel set in 1832. The author writes about complex issues that young people faced in an adult world in a

narrative style that relies heavily on suspense with a texture rich in emotion and imagery. The students will be able to

note this style in characterization of the main character, Avi images of the ship, the sea, and his development of the sto-

ry’s mysterious events. Suspense, vivid details, the believable characterization of the characters, and emotional impact

of its ending have earned this novel a must read.

Hulk Team will also be reading the novel Old Yeller. To read this eloquently simple story of a boy and his dog in the Texas

hill country is an unforgettable and deeply moving experience. Widely acclaimed, this Newbery Honor-winning story of the

love shared between a boy and his dog secured Fred Gipson's place as one of America's most renowned authors. Old Yell-er remains one of America's most loved classics.

Mrs. DeCesare’s Math Classes As we wind down the school year, students on Team Hulk math will apply and extend previous understandings of addition,

subtraction, multiplication, and division to add, subtract, multiply and divide rational numbers (integers). Following inte-

gers, students will then solve equations using all operations. In between solving integers and equations, students will take

their final NWEA of the year on May 6-7.

For the honors students, they will continue to work on percents by finding markups, tips, sales tax, and discounts and end

the chapter with a team project using restaurant menus. We are looking for different take-out menus if you have you

would like to donate to the class. Students will also take their final NWEA May 6-7.

Mrs. Krueger’s Social Studies Classes Students are currently learning about the rise and fall of the Roman Republic. By discussing various concepts of the Re-

public we discover how it has influenced governments for thousands of years. The Republic eventually weakened and

turned into an empire under Augustus. Through his efforts to expand the military and government, he created an era of

prosperity. We will also describe how Rome’s system of roads, aqueducts, ports, and currency made the empire rich.

Mrs. Medendorp’s Science Classes Students on Team Hulk are continuing their studies in Earth Science by learning about weathering, soil formation, erosion

and deposition. Students have already discovered first hand how rocks are weathered mechanically and chemically by

performing some in class demonstrations. Students will continue to study the effects of weathering by investigating how

elevation and climate contribute to this process, as well as how soil is actually formed and the importance of soil conserva-

tion. Students will then focus on how different processes on our planet contribute to erosion (the transport of soil and

sediment from one location to another) and deposition (the soil or material deposited or left behind as a result of ero-

sion). Students will learn that water, wind, ice and gravity all contribute to erosion and deposition. We will simulate some

of these processes in the classroom using models to better understand these two mechanisms that shape our

Earth. Students will create shorelines, waves, wind, and even mini glaciers to better understand the different agents of

erosion and deposition.

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Mrs. Aye’s Reading Language Arts Classes

We have just started our Independent Reading Talk using the novel, Hunger Games. This unit incorporates reading strategies, literary terms, and independent reading all in one unit of study. Students will meet once a week in literature circles to discuss this novel.

They will take on various roles in their literature circles such as discussion leader, word wizard, illustrator, and summarizer.

We will also finish up our mystery novel, The Westing Game. Some Common Core areas that the students have been focusing on

while reading this novel are analyzing story elements, categorizing information through note taking, and conveying ideas using appropriate

vocabulary. After finishing the novel we will view the movie version of The Westing Game. The students will then do a compare and con-

trast activity of the novel and the movie. In Language Arts, they will continue their biography PowerPoint presentations. They have been

doing a great job with their PowerPoint presentations, and we are all learning some interesting facts on various people like Steve Jobs

and Betsy Ross.

Mrs. Johnson’s Reading and Language Arts Class

Team Ironman is making lessons educational and fun using kites! Flying a kite is a classic childhood activity. There’s nothing

quite like spending a breezy day outside, running and laughing with friends. But did you know that 90% of early elementary school chil-

dren have never flown a kite? Well, we’re bringing back the joy of kite flying! The kite kits are user friendly and very well designed. It’s

a thrill to see the expression of delight on each student’s face, when their personalized kites take flight. They will have a wonderful ex-

perience – allowing them to apply the knowledge and skills learned in class. Our kite unit has creative teaching aids that intrigue and

inspire the students. Kites are used as a vehicle for lessons on history, physics, earth science, aerodynamics, mathematics and even crea-

tive uses of graphics and colors. Kiting opens the mind of kids to the greater world of scientific discovery and technological inventions,

while contributing to more social dimensions of learning, and above all, to the experience of life in nature.

Students are currently working on creating the own children’s story focusing on word choice. To prepare them for this writing

activity, we read Bullfrog Pops! In this story each page ends with an active verb that leads to a twist in the story on the next page. Af-

ter they complete their story, students will work on completing a biography book report.

Mrs. Nance’s Math Classes

In May, we will continue writing and solving inequality statements involving rational numbers. We will also be reviewing the coor-

dinate plane. Students will be tested on these concepts before moving on to percents. Chapter 9 will involve solving percent problems

and circle graphs. Students will also be calculating discounts, markups, sales tax, tips, and simple interest. Students will be taking the

NWEA Spring math test on May 5th and 6th.

Mrs. Driscoll’s Social Studies Classes

We will continue our study of Ancient Rome. Students will learn about the beginning of the Roman civilization by comparing and

contrasting the geographies of Rome and Greece. Students will also learn about the different aspects of Rome’s government, the Roman

Republic. Students will learn about the Twelve Tables, Rome’s first public laws, and debate whether the laws were fair or cruel. Stu-

dents will also compare these laws to our laws today.

Mrs. Fischer’s Science Classes

During the month of May, Mrs. Fischer’s science classes will be finishing up Earth’s Changing Surface then diving into Animals.

We will be studying animal behavior and the different species that roam our earth. The students will be learning about different social

relationships that exist among animals as well as the differences between invertebrates and vertebrates. If there is enough time, we

may even dissect owl pellets.

Team Iron Man News

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Art News

Dear Parents,

As your students may have told you I am going on maternity leave. My last day will

be April 17th. I will not be back until the middle of first semester next year. I plan to check my

email regularly, so if you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact me. Thank you

for your support this year. In my absence, Mr. Jim Campian will be filling in to work with

your children in the art room.

Mrs. Alison T. McCarthy-Weglewski, amccarthy@summithill.org

Hello there! I am Jim Campian and I am very excited to have this opportunity to teach

Art at Walker School! I graduated in December from Eastern Illinois University and student

taught in New Lenox School District 122. I was also a substitute teacher in District 122 prior

to arriving at Walker School. I am very enthusiastic about getting to know all of the students

and collaborating with you as their parents. I have a lot of creative ideas and projects in

store for the students before the end of the year! I have been observing Mrs. McCarthy and

her classroom habits in order to make a flexible transition for Art this trimester. Please feel

free to contact me at any time for further questions at 815 464-2285 or through my email be-

low! It is a pleasure to meet you!

Mr. Jim Campian, jcampian@summithill.org

Fauvism Landscapes

The 5th Graders are currently working on a Fauvism Landcapes. “Fauvists” or wild

beasts were known for using crazy colors and distorting shapes. The students worked on a

study of 4 different landscapes before choosing their most successful for their final copy. They

worked hard to shade with color and create a different view of the world.

PBIS

As the year ends students continue to follow The Walker Way each month an incentive has been created to

motivate and recognize students to be respectful, responsible, and safe.

Paw Mart will be open every Thursday during lunch and students are encouraged to bring tickets to pur-

chase items.

Connor Kubik Jenna Wiltjer Macy Rea

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Career Day Wanted

Parents and Guardians to be speakers for Walker’s Annual Career Day held on Friday, May 30th. We are

interested in all careers and would be interested in you joining us for the afternoon, starting at 12:45. If

you can assist us with Career Day please email ptucker@summithill.org for further information and a regis-

tration form. Registration forms will be e-blasted and given out to students. Thank you for your time and

assistance.

Computers News

All students in Computer Classes are learning about Internet dangers and ways to stay safe. Every

day a new internet danger is discovered. It could be a virus, worm, or spyware that infects your computer,

or a new phishing scam or software flaw that allows criminals to steal your personal information. It could be

an internet stranger that tries to befriend you to cause you harm.

Whatever the danger, it is important that students learn about ways to identify the dangers and

what to do if it happens to them. They should never give out personal information such as, name, address,

phone number, school or activities they are involved in. Passwords should be kept private and be a combina-

tion of numbers, letters and characters. Everyone should be careful about anything they post online, be-

cause the Internet is forever. Once something is online, it can be copied, forwarded, stored and tracked by

others. One of the most important things children can do to stay safe is to talk with their parents about

what they are doing online and report anything that makes them uncomfortable.

Hilda Walker Garden/Horticulture Club—Spring 2014 News

The Garden Club has been active this spring session. We have several projects in the works. For the past

four years our focus has been on butterflies and their habitat. We have started several pots of seedlings

of ‘butterfly friendly plants’ in the Horticulture room. As weather permits, we will be transplanting them to

help the summer butterflies find a good source of fuel before their long fall migration. The Garden Club

members have taken a leadership role in recycling programs at Hilda Walker. Members collect paper, plas-

tic bottles, ink cartridges and plastic bags for recycling. Over 75 pounds of materials are recycled each

week.

In the next few weeks, the Garden Club will sponsor a “waste free lunch” and a plant sale. Proceeds from

the plant sale will allow us to purchase additional milkweed plants so that we can expand our butterfly habi-

tat.

The Hilda Walker Garden Club has earned its sixth Earth Day Award. We have been invited to attend the

Earth Award Celebration on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet.

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PE The Students of Hilda Walker have just concluded the Spring Fitnessgram Testing. Fitnessgram is an

educational tool that helps students learn--as part of a high quality, standards-based physical education

curriculum--how it feels to become more physically fit, and how to value a physically active lifestyle.

Results will be emailed home at the end of the year.

The PE Department will be attempting to go outside for the remainder of the year. Scheduled activi-

ties include relays, Disc Golf, and Bean Bags.

Attention families, the PE Department is still collecting Box Tops for Education. The Box Tops collected

are used to enhance your students Physical Education Experience by providing them with the latest fit-

ness and health equipment. Thank You to all of the families that have contributed. Every Box Top

Counts!!!

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.

Track Track season is underway! This season the team has been doing their best to improve at every meet.

Even though the weather hasn’t always been the best the runners continue to Power Through and make

each other better. The final meet of the season will be May 7th at Summit Hill Junior High School.

Safety Patrol Jaxon Lambrigger, Payton Blanchard, Jaylen Jordan, Jacob Fisher, Jimmy Wall, Temitope Alabi, and

Teddy Peters are busy preparing a power point on skateboard safety. These gentlemen are including the

history of skateboarding, a list of some of the more famous skateboarders and their moves, along with

the proper equipment and places to skate. The power point will be presented to the study body on

Wednesday, May 7th. While in the wings, Ashley Helwig, Kailey Orkowsksi, Taylor Zowocki, and Mckenzie

Kalkis are busy preparing a letter asking that Officer Melissa Bonarek to visit school again to discuss

bicycle safety. Officer Bonarek works for the Tinley Park Police Department and can be found patrolling

Tinley Park on her bicycle. These ladies will be asking Officer Bonarek to share her knowledge with stu-

dents on Wednesday May 21st.

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Mrs. Bullion / Mrs. Mears-Mustafa– Social Worker and Mrs. Linke– Counselor

Student Ambassadors will be giving tours at Hilda Walker School to all fourth graders the

week of May 5th. These Step-Up days are scheduled for Wednesday morning, May 7th (Arbury

Hills and Indian Trail) and Thursday morning, May 8th (Frankfort Square and Julian Rogus).

Fourth graders will travel around the school and will have an opportunity to have questions

about Hilda Walker answered.

Students Ambassadors are selected at the end of fifth grade to represent Walker School in sixth grade. They give daily announcements and tours to new students throughout the year. They also assist with assemblies and Paw Mart during lunch times. Helping to promote our school wide theme: Be Safe, Be Responsible, and Be Respectful is their main objective. Present sixth grade ambassadors are: Kaitlin Burke, Grace Colby, Shannon Cornfield, Kelsey Crittendon, Mia DeMeo, Chloe Gunkel, Sam Hauser, Sydney Kuczero, Meaghan Mirabella, Keto Nkemeh, Gar-rett Peterson, Lizzy Rush, Dominic Tobin, David Vargas, Gerald Vetter, and Ben Zinsky. Student Ambassadors for next year have already been selected and will assist the sixth graders with the Step-Up tours.

Not pictured: Shannon Cornfield and David Vargas

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Sixth Grade Common Core Theme Night

Thank you to all of the families that came out to our first Common Core Theme Night on April 9,

2014. The students and staff were very excited to show parents and community members all of the pro-

jects that they had worked very hard on over the previous weeks. Students created activities related to

one of three ancient civilizations; Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, and Ancient Rome. Students’ activities

were completed in all subject areas and were displayed in a museum gallery-like setting. Special thanks to

the Student Ambassadors who volunteered to work the event as “docents” and guide our visitors. You did

a great job!

Wildcat Photos

Good and bad Roman Emperor display Student Ambassadors Meaghan Mirabella and Shannon Cornfield and fellow sixth

grader Sophia Martello greet visitors to Common Core Theme Night and hand out

passports

Mrs. Dermody stands in front of her class’ Egyptian Museum Cards

Students explain their Olympic athlete biographies

to their parents Mrs. Klein stands in front of her class’ Egyptian postcard

descriptions Student Sean McLaughlin watches the

Roman poetry video with his mom

Mrs. McFarland’s class displayed their projects using the Surface tablets

Student Bruno Cap gets his passport stamped by Mrs. Johnson

Student Ambas-sador David Vargas acts as a docent and welcomes visi-tors to Ancient Greece