Many thanks to our PTO for the lovely snack cart of deliciousness that they "drove" around Walker the week before winter break!!

Throwback to some Twin Day pics...  (You can't really see it, but Dr. Gentry was "twinning" quite excellently with Mr. Taylor!)

Here are the updates and information for this week:

1.  Executive functioning skills update - We know that January is a wonderful time to refresh or restart routines. Please work with your child to ensure they start the second semester strong. Walker can support you in many ways, including replacing school items like backpacks, notebooks, agendas, etc. Students will also be taking their second MAP tests in January. This is a great opportunity for them to show what they've learned. PLEASE encourage your child to take the test seriously because it can help them understand progress toward their goal for the year. 

2.  Quarter 2 report cards - Teachers are in the process of finalizing grades for report cards.  As such, you will be unable to view your child’s grades in the PowerSchool Parent Portal at this time.  Grades will be viewable to families in the Parent Portal on F 01.15.26, and report cards will also be sent home via ParentSquare on this date.

3.  January menu - Here is the menu for January!

4.  Walker visits CMS in January!! (repeat) - We are excited to take our 5th and 6th graders over to CMS in January for a tour of the school, to meet CMS teachers and administrators, and to support them in beginning to acclimate to the next chapter in their school lives (😭).  Students will go with their grade levels and teachers on the dates below.  No permission slips will be sent home for this visit, but if you do not wish for your child to attend, please contact the main office. 

• M 01.12.25, 9:15-11:30 - 6th Grade to CMS 

• R 01.15.25, 12:00-1:45 - 5th Grade to CMS

5.  Winter MAP testing (repeat) - Our winter MAP testing will begin shortly after winter break according to the schedule below.  Please see this letter from Mr. Taylor, and reach out to him if you have any questions!  Schedule:

• W 01.07.25 - 5th Grade Reading MAP assessment

• R 01.08.25 - 6th Grade Reading MAP assessment

• T 01.13.25 - 5th Grade Math MAP assessment

• W 01.14.25 - 6th Grade Math MAP assessment

6.  Golden Apple Award nominations remain open (repeat) - Nominations for the Golden Apple Award are now being received!  The nomination window is from now through M 01.26.26.  Please consider nominating one or more of your child’s teachers to receive this award!!  Please note that if a teacher received the GAA in the past three years, they are not eligible to receive one this year.  Here is the CCS form!!

7.  Information from community partners - 

• [None]

Much love,

Summer Thompson

Principal

UPCOMING EVENTS AT WALKER M 01.05.26 - Teacher Work Day (no school for students) T 01.06.26 - Students return from Winter Break W 01.07.25 - 5th Grade Reading MAP assessment R 01.08.25 - 6th Grade Reading MAP assessment F 01.09.25 - BLUE Day M 01.12.25, 9:15-11:30 - 6th Grade to CMS  T 01.13.25 - 5th Grade Math MAP assessment W 01.14.25 - 6th Grade Math MAP assessment R 01.15.25, 12:00-1:45 - 5th Grade to CMS M 01.19.25 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day (no school for students)