

Walker Elementary
September 26-30, 2022
Dear Walker Families and Caregivers,
Student Involved Conferences - We can't wait for you to hear about all the great things your child has been working on during our upcoming Student Involved Conferences on Monday, September 26th or Tuesday, September 27th. Your child's scheduled time came home in the Purple Walker Folder on Monday, September 19th. Please let your child's teacher know or call the office if you can't attend your scheduled time. You will want your child to be with you during the Student Involved Conference. They will be sharing their assessments, learning, and their goals with you during this time.
Scholastic Book Fair - Our book fair is open! Purchases can be made in school and online. The online site is linked below. The book fair will be open to families during both late nights next week during conferences, Monday, September 26th & Tuesday September 27th
Free and Reduced Lunch Information
The grace period for having reduced or free lunches is ending soon. If you think you may qualify or if you qualified last year, please complete the application by following the link below
Springdale Family Literacy Program - Walker Elementary Springdale Family Literacy Program is back and ready for parents. SFLP will be on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30-11:00.
Important Dates
September 19-30 - Book Fair in Library
Monday, September 26th & Tuesday September 27th - Student Involved Conferences
Tuesday, September 27th - Red Door Grill Fundraiser night (10% of sales will go to Walker PTA)
Wednesday, September 28th - KKids Blood Drive in the gym1:30 -6:30 pm
Friday, September 30th - PTA Fun Food Friday (Snacks for sale $1.00 each)
Tuesday, October 4th-Walker Food Pantry from 2:00pm-5:30pm. You will be required to show your blue car tag to receive the food unless you only have a PreK child. Any family who has a child at Walker is welcome to come.
Wednesday, October 12- Fall Individual Picture Day
Thursday, October 13- Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day
Friday, October 14-No School (Teacher PD Flex Day)
Mrs. Lynn Ryan, Principal, lryan@sdale.org
Mrs. Carrie Farris, Assistant Principal, cfarris@sdale.org
ESL Office Supports for Families
If you need an interpreter our ESL office available 8 am - 4 pm. Ms. Gaby is also able to answer questions in Spanish at Walker from 7:30-4:00. We have a school program for parents to learn English while also learning how to support their child's learning needs. Please see the information below to join our Springdale Family Literacy Program. Our Springdale Family Literacy Program will start the year online. If you or someone you know is looking for classes in English, check out the information linked at the bottom of this newsletter.
ORDER SPIRIT WEAR AND SUPPORT WALKER PTA
We're excited to introduce our new spirit wear website! Visit www.walkerspiritwear.com to check out all of the options. You can choose from several types of shirts, pants, and even accessories. AND, there are 12 designs available, including 6 glitter ink designs!
Shipping is free any time you spend $50+! Go check out the site and find the Walker Wear that you and your child would love to have for this year!
Sleep is a Big Deal
Can Lack of Sleep Create Big Problems for Children?
According to an article found at healthline.com titled “ Only Half of U.S. Children Get Enough Sleep: Why That’s a Serious Problem” only about half of all children in the United States get enough sleep nightly. Children need at least 9 hours of sleep each night. Experts say that not only does sleep affect school work,it can also affect obesity and long term health problems.
Some risk factors for lack of sleep include adverse home life environments, mental health, and screen time. Lack of sleep has even shown a correlation in a weakened immune response when it comes to fighting off those germs at school. Per a study performed by Duke University, sleep deprivation can actually affect the development of a child's frontal lobe (this part of the brain is responsible for decision making skills). The frontal lobe is still developing through the teen years. If the frontal lobe does not fully develop, it can lead to permanent problems such as impaired decision making, decreased memory and a shortened attention span.
Additional studies have shown that lack of sleep does not only affect brain development, it can also affect behavior, academic problems and other mental problems. Too little sleep in children has also been linked to suicidal ideation and self harm.
Sleep is kinda a big deal! The research says it all. We all could probably use a little more sleep than we get. It is especially important for our children.
In-School Counseling Services
Arisa Health / Ozark Guidance Counseling (OGC) has partnered with us to provide school counseling services for students and families. If you would like to get your child into these services you can either call our school counselor, Mrs. Erin Waterman or call the service provider directly and ask to schedule an intake appointment. If you call directly, remember to say that your child attends Walker Elementary in Springdale. OGC (479) 750-2020
School Day
School Hours
Our school office hours will continue to be from 7:00 am - 4:30 pm. Our school day will start at 7:45 am every day. On Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays students will be dismissed at 3:10 pm. On Wednesdays, students will be dismissed at 1:50 pm to allow staff time to meet in teams. More information about this change can be found below including an informational video.
Arrival Procedures
All students in kindergarten through fifth grade will need to be in their classes ready to learn by 7:45. All students will need to unload from the passenger's side of the car (no exceptions). This ensures that we do not have children walking in the area where cars drive. Please have your child unbuckled with their backpack on and ready to hop out of the car when you stop Adults may not get out of the car during our drop-off. Parents can not park and walk their child to the crosswalk unless they are a pre-k parent who needs to sign your child in.
Arrival and Dismissal
Students may be dropped off between 7:15 and 7:44. Students are tardy if not in class at 7:45 am. Students who are tardy will need to be checked in by a parent using our online form. Dismissal of students begins at 3:10 pm. If you do not have your car tag hanging from your mirror, you will need to pick up your child in the office and show your ID.
Walkers will be walked to the crosswalk and helped across the street. Duty staff do not walk students any further than our campus. Car riders must be picked up by 3:20 or you will need to make arrangements with our ASP program for child care.
Attendance
We are so excited to serve your child and family as we learn together each day. We need your at school every day in order to ensure learning for all. Please communicate with us if your child has to miss school. It’s Arkansas state law for your child to attend school.
Connect to Walker Elementary on Social Media
About Walker Elementary
Email: lryan@sdale.org
Website: http://walker.sdale.org/
Location: 1701 S 40th St, Springdale, AR 72762, USA
Phone: (479)750-8874
Twitter: @WalkerWildcats1