Walker Middle Magnet IB

Greetings Walker Families,

Welcome to the 24-25 school year! We look forward to welcoming our students and families back to school. As we move into our Year of the P.A.C.K., we will encourage Positive Attitudes, Active Engagement, a Caring Community, and Kindness in Action.

Congratulations to our students, staff, and families! Walker earned another "A" grade, topping all middle schools in Hillsborough County for number of points earned!

Our IB Learner Profile Attribute for August is RISK-TAKER.

We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.

Please take time to read through each area of our opening newsletter below. There is important information that will guide you through the first weeks of school.

Sincerely,

Heather Holloway

Principal/IB Head of School

You may exit vehicles and buses beginning at 7:50. Where you go when you arrive on campus depends on your grade level and whether you are eating breakfast.

Year 1 Students

Report to Cafeteria whether you plan to eat breakfast or not. (Free Breakfast Available). At 8:10 all Year 1 students transition to the patio, where you will sit down until the 8:25 warning bell rings.

Year 2 /3 Students

You may only report to the cafeteria if you are eating breakfast. If you are not eating breakfast, you report to the gym. At 8:10, all Year 2/3 students who are done eating transition to the GYM by way of the bus ramp walkway. When you arrive in gym, you should be seated.

If you aren't sure where to go or don't know how to get there - just ask! There will be plenty of staff members around to assist you! See the arrival procedures by grade level document below. Also attached is activities scheduled for the first days of school.

If you student has a schedule error, please use the link below to request a correction.

Definition of a Schedule Error:
1) Missing a class period.
2) Duplicate class period.
3) Placed in incorrect CORE course - Math, Science, ELA, Reading, Social Studies

Please Note!!!

• All elective courses are full. Elective changes will not be made.
• Teacher changes will not be made.
• Schedule CORRECTIONS will ONLY be considered if there is one or more of the above 3 errors on the schedule.

REQUEST A SCHEDULE CORRECTION HERE

ESE Access Students & Families - 12:00 - 1:00 - Report to Cafe to meet ESE Team

Year 2/3 Students & Families - 2:00 - 3:30 (Open-campus style)

Year 1 Students & Families - 4:30-6:30 (Will follow a bell schedule beginning at 5:00pm in Homeroom)

• All Families will report to the Cafeteria upon arrival to campus to find your homeroom using the posted Homeroom Locator (alpha by grade level).
• Map of campus will be available.
• Your Homeroom Teacher will provide you with your schedule and individual Activation Keys for Canvas access.

Visit the Cafeteria until 5 pm for info on the items below!

• PTSA Membership
• PTSA Spirit Wear
• Student Nutrition Services
• Uniform Pick-Up
• Immunization Drop-off (no medications accepted at Open House)
• HOST
• Clubs
• Athletics
• Canvas/Here Comes the Bus (apps)

Once you receive your ACTIVATION KEY PRINTOUT at Open House on 8/8, you will be able to create or log in to your ParentVUE and Canvas accounts.

Click HERE to learn more about ParentVUE and Canvas and to create your accounts. You will need both accounts to access all of your student's information.

Download the ParentVUE App on your phone!

Download ParentVUE iPhone

Download ParentVUE Android

Download the Canvas Student & Canvas Parent Apps on your phone!

Download Canvas Student iPhone

Download Canvas Parent iPhone

Download Canvas Student Android

Download Canvas Parent Android

Canvas Support:

https://bit.ly/hcpsstudentguide

https://bit.ly/canvasfamilyguide

Also, See SIMPLIFIED Canvas Log In & Password attachment below. Use CHROME or EDGE when logging into Canvas.

Students will only be able to walk/bike off Walker's campus after a parent request is submitted and approved.

• Only students who are within walking distance of the school will be allowed to walk home from Walker's campus.
• Your address on record will be verified and mapped and we will contact you once your request has been approved.
• Students who walk home from school will be provided with a lanyard that allows them to leave campus on foot or bicycle. This will be delivered to their homeroom class.
• Students will be able to walk/bike home on the days you identify in this form.
  
• Submit one form per child.
• Students should pay attention to surroundings (not on electronic devices) while walking or biking.
• Please note that there are no crosswalks, crossing guards or supervision in the roadways near Walker.

Submit request for your student to walk/bike home from Walker Middle School HERE.

The district Transportation Office will post bus stops HERE. If you have questions about your bus stop information, email patricia.kephart@hcps.net

“Here Comes the Bus” is an easy-to-use app that enables parents to see the location of their child’s school bus on their smartphone. The app will notify parents when the bus is within a mile of their bus stop.

Download Here Comes the Bus iPhone

Download Here Comes the Bus Android

8/8 - Access Open House (Families of Students w/ Disabilities), 12:00 - 1:00 pm

8/8 - Year 2/3 (7th/8th Grade) Open House, 2:00 - 3:30 (Open Campus Style)

8/8 - Year 1 (6th Grade) Open House, 4:30 - 6:30 (Follow a Bell Schedule)

8/12 - 1ST DAY OF SCHOOL! 8:30 - 2:25 (Mark your calendar for an EARLY RELEASE DAY at 2:25!)

8/12 – 8/23 – Walker Water Bottle Fundraiser - Order Yours HERE!

8/14 - Year 3 Positive Behavior Assemblies thru Science

8/15 - Year 2 Positive Behavior Assemblies thru Science

8/16 - Year 1 Positive Behavior Assemblies thru Science

8/16 – $1 Jeans Day-Wear jeans/SOLID colored gray/black bottoms (Benefits Lang. Acquisition)

8/19 – 8/23 - Summer Reading Lessons in All Subjects - Access Summer Reading Info HERE

8/19 – 8/26 – Animal Club Fundraiser – World’s Finest Chocolate

8/19 – 8/20 - Lockers Rental During Homeroom - $5 - Rent HERE

8/19 - Year 1 Boys Basketball Tryouts - Gym, 3:45-5:15 - Online Paperwork Due by Friday 8/16

8/20 - Year 2/3 Boys Basketball Tryouts - Gym, 3:45-5:15 - Online Paperwork Due by Friday 8/16

8/20 - Girls Basketball Tryouts - Gym, 3:45-5:15 - Online Paperwork Due by Friday 8/16

8/21 - School Advisory Council (SAC) Meeting – In Person (Media Center), 7:30-8:10

8/21 - Year 3 Act Now Assembly thru Individuals & Societies (Social Studies)

8/22 - Year 2 Act Now Assembly thru Individuals & Societies (Social Studies)

8/22 - Fall Pictures (more info to come)

8/23 - Raise the Flag Friday - All students & staff may wear a Bucs T-shirt!

8/23 - $1 Jeans Day - May wear jeans or SOLID colored gray/black bottoms (Sunshine Fundraiser)

8/23 - Year 1 Act Now Assembly thru Individuals & Societies (Social Studies)

8/26 - Summer Integrated Unit Reading Work Due to ELA Teachers

8/27 - State Progress Monitoring (PM) Assessment 1 – Year 1 ELA

8/28 - State Progress Monitoring (PM) Assessment 1 – Year 2/3 ELA

8/29 - State Progress Monitoring (PM) Assessment 1 – Math All Grades – No Algebra or Geometry

8/30 - State Progress Monitoring (PM) Assessment 1 – Year 3 Science

8/30 - $1 Jeans Day-Wear jeans/SOLID colored gray/black bottoms (Benefits Lang. Acquisition)

8/30 - Robotics Club Parent Mtg, 5:30-6:30, Cafeteria

Assistant Principals

Andria Franks

AP for Curriculum (all students)

Student Support (Last Names A - K)

andria.franks@hcps.net

Henry Lefler

AP for Administration, Athletics, Facilities (all students)

Student Support (Last Names L - Z)

henry.lefler@hcps.net

School Counselors (Schedules, Peer Relations, Mental Health)

Student Last Names A - K - amanda.edl1@hcps.net

Student Last Names L - Z - monica.ode@hcps.net

ESE Specialist - jeannine.stevens@hcps.net

Join the Walker PTSA to stay informed, to volunteer, to connect with other caregivers and to help support student programs and activities. Become a member! Join PTSA HERE!

Order PTSA Spirit Gear HERE.

PTSA Website

PTSA Facebook Page

We are always in need of volunteers at Walker! If you think you will serve as a volunteer at anytime this year, please register as a volunteer at HERE.

Our PTSA coordinates all volunteer opportunities. See link below.

Get Involved - Walker PTSA

Please see the attachments below for important details on our car line. Safety is our top priority in the car line.

Please find your supply lists by Year HERE.

Walker Uniform Policy

District Dress Dode Policy pp. 51-52

Order Spirit Gear Here

Order Uniform Polo & PE Uniforms Here You are not required to purchase polos with a logo. You may purchase polos in the colors of Hunter Green, White, or Black at local stores.

Uniform Pick Up Dates

The Athletic Department at Hillsborough County Public Schools hosts their Pre-Participation Athletic Forms online at www.PlanetHS.com . This digital platform will allow you and your student(s) to complete and access athletic forms via computer, tablet, or mobile phone. It is HIPAA, COPPA and FERPA compliant.

• Middle school athletic procedural requirements/getting started guide: Student Forms and Eligibility
• How to complete the online process: https://youtu.be/br-L5eNOmhc

Students will not be able to participate in athletic activities, including practices, until this information is submitted and approved online by school staff. Completing the required paperwork does not guarantee making the team but does cover all sports for the entire school year. For assistance with online registration, please use the help/support feature within the program or contact Mr. Lefler @ Henry.lefler@hcps.net.

Information on BASKETBALL & VOLLEYBALL tryouts will be on Canvas soon. If you plan to try out, complete online paperwork NOW!

Lockers will be rented to students on 8/19 & 8/20 through Homeroom. The $5 rental fee will be collected through My Payments Plus. Please be sure you have created an account. If you have an existing account from last year, you can use that account. My Payments Plus

Find details HERE.

Cell phones/electronic devices should be turned off and placed in backpacks upon student arrival to campus. They will not be permitted in the cafeteria, at the car line or in classrooms unless teachers give permission and use supports curriculum. Visible cell phones/electronic devices will be confiscated and must be picked up by a parent in the main office. Please discuss this policy with your student.

• Each Monday is an EARLY RELEASE DAY - school begins at 8:30 dismisses at 2:25 on early release days.
• Each Tuesday-Friday, school begins at 8:30 and dismisses at 3:25.

• Students should arrive on campus no earlier than 7:50 and no later than 8:25.
• Both regular bell schedules are attached, as well as special bell schedules for the 1st two weeks of school.

• Office Hours are 7:30-4:00.

Walker Middle Magnet PTSA hosts the private Facebook group as a courtesy to our Walker families. It is a place for coordinating transportation options for Walker Middle Magnet. To join this group, please visit the private Facebook group Walker Middle Transportation Forum. Be sure to use caution and fully vet the people you carpool with.

Additionally, if you are interested in carpooling for the 24-25 school year, you can email ptsainfo@gmail.com.

Please see information on our HOST program below. HOST will be available beginning Wednesday, 8/10 Register for HOST HERE.

AM: 6:15-7:50 AM

PM: 3:25-6:00 PM

To officially change your address: Email patricia.kephart@hcps.net

Please contact Nurse Natasha Munn at natasha.munn@hcps.net if your child has special medical or medication needs.

Year 1/6th Grade - 4th Period

Year 2/7th Grade - 5th Period

Year 3/8th Grade - 6th Period

Students will have an assigned table in the lunchroom. Electronics are not permitted in the cafeteria. All electronics should be off and in your back pack when you arrive on campus.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING SCHOOL MEALS!

• ALL STUDENTS will receive FREE BREAKFAST & FREE LUNCH this year.
• Add money to your student's account for ala carte items HERE.

Total Number of Students: 1078

Year 1/6th Grade - 404

Year 2/7th Grade - 354

Year 3/8th Grade - 320

Vision: Empowering students to take what they learn and make the world a better place.

Mission: Equipping internationally-minded students through rigorous, service-based learning in an atmosphere of creativity, inquiry and fun.

All schools will implement systems and structures of accountability that ensure all students

master learning, at the depth and breadth of the standards or better, in all classes.

School Safety is ALWAYS in the forefront our minds at Walker. As we move into the new school year, I want to assure families that the safety of our staff and students is our highest priority.

• We practice our evacuation and active assailant drills monthly, and our shelter in place drills twice during the year.
• All building perimeter gates and interior/exterior doors remain closed and locked at all times. During AM arrival, open gates are monitored by a staff member.
• We have 14 security cameras, which allows our School Resource Officer and school staff to better monitor the safety of our campus.
• All staff wear an GPS/Automated Centegix badge that allows them to engage a lock down from any area of the school.
• We are a closed campus. This means that anyone visiting campus must sign in through the main office. Parents are not permitted to walk students to classrooms.

FortifyFL is a suspicious activity reporting tool that allows you to instantly relay information to appropriate law enforcement agencies and school officials. Report suspicious activity here: getfortifyfl.com

Below are the current vacancies at Walker. We are seeking individuals who are positive, student-first thinkers.

• Paraprofessional - Email jeannine.stevens@hcps.net

Website: https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/Page/443
Location: 8282 North Mobley Road, Odessa, FL, USA
Phone: (813) 631-4726
Instagram: @WalkerMiddleIB

Hillsborough County Schools Website

District Parent & Family Resources