Walker Middle Magnet IB
The Year of the P.A.C.K. ~ #IBinthePACK
2024-2025 Opening Newsletter
August 5th, 2024
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
Where should I go when I arrive on campus? What can I expect on the first day?
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.
What if my schedule is missing a period? Has a duplicate period? Or has more than one course assigned to a period?
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.
Open House - Thursday, August 8th
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)
Stay connected through ParentVUE & Canvas!
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 the Canvas Student & Canvas Parent Apps on your phone!
Download Canvas Student 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.
Request for Your Student to Walk/Bike Home from School
- 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.
Bus Stops & Here Comes the Bus App
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.
Important Upcoming Events
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
Administration, School Counselors & ESE Support
Assistant Principals
Andria Franks
AP for Curriculum (all students)
Student Support (Last Names A - K)
Henry Lefler
AP for Administration, Athletics, Facilities (all students)
Student Support (Last Names L - Z)
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
PTSA Supports our Students & Staff!
Register to Volunteer!
Our PTSA coordinates all volunteer opportunities. See link below.
Car Line Procedures
Please see the attachments below for important details on our car line. Safety is our top priority in the car line.
Walker & PE Uniforms
District Dress Dode Policy pp. 51-52
Forms & Eligibility for Middle School Sports
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 Coming Soon
Walker is a "NO CELL PHONE ZONE"
School Hours & Bell Schedule
- 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.
Carpooling
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.
Need before or after care for your child?
AM: 6:15-7:50 AM
PM: 3:25-6:00 PM
Need to Change Your Address?
Does Your Student Have Special Medical Needs?
When do I eat lunch?
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.
FREE BREAKFAST & LUNCH @ WALKER
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.
Our Student Body
Year 1/6th Grade - 404
Year 2/7th Grade - 354
Year 3/8th Grade - 320
Where is Walker taking our IB Learners? Our Vision & Mission...
Mission: Equipping internationally-minded students through rigorous, service-based learning in an atmosphere of creativity, inquiry and fun.
Hillsborough County Schools Instructional Priority
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 & Security
- 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.
Report Suspicious Activity
Staff Vacancies at Walker
- Paraprofessional - Email jeannine.stevens@hcps.net
Contact Us & Follow Us on Twitter
Website: https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/Page/443
Location: 8282 North Mobley Road, Odessa, FL, USA
Phone: (813) 631-4726
Instagram: @WalkerMiddleIB