Walker Wildcat News
December Edition
Hilda Walker Intermediate School
19900 S. 80th Avenue
Tinley Park, IL 60487
Upcoming Events
www.summithill.org PHONE (815)464.2285 // FAX (815) 464.2160
December 1-11
PRINCIPAL’S PAGE – Ms. Goebel
Start of STAR Testing
(12/1-12/11/15 @ Scheduled
Times)
Dear Parents & Students:
Thank you to everyone who made it to Parent-Teacher
Conferences! It was such a rewarding feeling to have joined in on
some of these conferences as many were very uplifting! I certainly
hope that conferences were productive and gave positive insights
to your child’s progress beyond report cards and PowerSchool
checks. Even though conferences are over, please continue to
check PowerSchool and communicate with your child’s teacher(s)
throughout the year. We were able to celebrate all these insights
during American Education Week, too. Walker is lucky to have the
best educators out there!
The winter weather season is upon us! Please encourage your
child to wear appropriate outerwear and dress for the weather.
Our Veterans Day Celebration was such a memorable and
moving event. We continue to be amazed by the number of
veterans able to attend, the heartfelt program designed by Mrs.
Tucker and fantastic staff, and the students’ absolute awesome
behavior throughout the entire program. Hoping the day helped
instill positive patriotism in addition to promoting respect for all the
men and women that have served and continue to serve our
country. Thank you to all who supported the event and an extra
special thank you to our veterans.
With that being said, and the holiday season upon us, please know
how thankful I am for our terrific students, supportive parents, and
positive community. While we enjoy this festive time of year, we
Wildcat News- December 2015
December 3
Progress Reports via
PowerSchool
December 10
PAWmart (during Lunch)
December 14
SHJH Band Holiday Tour
6th Grade Orff Concert
@7pm
December 16
Beginning Band Concert
@7pm
December 21
First Day of Winter
December 18
Walker Holiday Program
Last Day
December 21-January 1
No School/Winter Break
Page 1 of 29
do have a ton of learning to adhere to in December! We need to
continue balancing work and play through this season; and
continue to follow The Walker Way.
Have a warm, wonderful December!
Kindly,
Ms. Laura C. Goebel, Principal
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL’S PAGE – Mr. Hantson
Dear Parents & Students,
The past month has definitely been a busy one here at Walker. The
Veterans Day Celebration that was held earlier in the month was
by far one of the most touching things I have ever experienced. It
was a great way to recognize those who have sacrificed to protect
our freedom. One of the most important freedoms we have is
access to public education. From November 16th- 20th, we
celebrated American Education Week. This week was designed to
celebrate all the people who help to ensure every child gets a high
quality education. Finally, we ended the month with ParentTeacher Conferences. I would like to take this time to thank
everyone who came out to discuss their child(ren) with us at
Walker. Conferences provide the opportunities to collaborate with
staff and help enhance the education your child is receiving. So
thank you so much for taking advantage of that opportunity!
As we move into December, we will continue to push forward in
challenging your students. The Winter STAR assessment will begin on
December 1st and the results from this assessment will provide
valuable data on how your child is progressing. Please share the
importance of this assessment with your child and make sure that
they are prepared by having plenty of rest at night. Also, please
don’t forget that Study Hall and Academic Assistance are
available to all students. The goal of these programs is to provide
students with the extra time and additional support to supplement
their regular classes.
I am sure this month will fly by just like the others have, but please
remember to take time to look at our school website to check out
the many things we have going on. These activities include: our
HWSCO sponsored Hot Lunches and Treat Days, the Walker Band
events, and of course our Boys’ Basketball team whose season is in
full swing.
Important
Announcement
SCO Gift Card Sale Ends
December 2
SCO Treat Day, December 3rd
(Mariano’s Vanilla Long John)
SCO Cookie Dough/Bags/Gift
Cards Pick-up , December 10
from 3:15pm to 5:30pm
PBIS Nacho Day
SCO Hot Lunch, December
18th (Salina’s Chicken Strips
(4),mashed potato, carrots &
dip, fruit snack & Icee treat)
In the Community
SHEF
Congratulations to this
year’s tablet winner: Nathan
Visser, a student at Hilda
Walker. Thank you to CDW
for donating the tablet and
to all who bought raffle
tickets to support SHEF.
*Erins Law/Social Media
Presentation on December
2nd from 6:30-7:45pm @SHJH
Thank you for all that you do to support your child(ren) and
everyone here at Walker!
Mr. Don Hantson, Assistant Principal
Wildcat News- December 2015
Page 2 of 29
IMPORTANT NEWS…
Remember if you need to contact any of our staff, please email
them using the first letter in their first name and full last name
[email protected]
Veterans’ at Walker
WOW!!!! Walker filled their gymnasium with 100 veterans and
guests on Friday, November 6th for their annual Veterans Day
Ceremony. Veterans were led down an Honor Tunnel lined with
flags where they were warmly greeted by the Walker
Community. Students set the POW/MIA Table in honor of those
still unaccounted for. The veterans were divided into their
branch of service and Walker students read poems that not
only welcomed the veterans, but honored the five branches.
The ceremony was dedicated to the memory of Pvt. Aaron
Toppen, a graduate of Lincoln-Way East who was killed while
serving in Afghanistan. His mother, Pam Toppen, accepted a
special poem “Soldier” and a certificate in his honor. Students
were taught a special lesson when retired teacher, Gail Klein
shared the story “The Desks”. Mrs. Klein shared the lesson that it
is the veterans that have earned the right for students to sit at
their desks at school not the students. WWII veterans, Ms.
Josephine Bogdanich, Mr. Wilbur Lewis, and Mr. Jessie Martinez
helped with the lesson. After the ceremony the veterans spoke
to students in the classrooms and shared lunch and
conversation in the lunchroom. The Walker School Community
would like to thank all of the veterans for coming to our
ceremony and all those who helped in one way or another to
make the day a success! Bless our veterans.
Wildcat News- December 2015
Progress Reports/
Report Cards
Quarter Two: 12/3, 1/29
Quarter Three: 2/19, 4/8
Quarter Four: 5/2, Last
day of school
*Check PowerSchool
weekly for updated
student grades as well as
teacher websites at
www.summithill.org
A Good Idea…….
Some students need to call
home from time to time: A
good idea would be to jot
down parent’s cell phone
numbers and work numbers
on a note card. The card
can be placed in a small
zipper area of your student’s
back pack and will be
readily available to them
when needed.
Page 3 of 29
From the Nurse’s Desk…
4 Steps to Better Sleep for Your Family
We know that nutrition and exercise are important for good health, but sleep is just as important.
So how do you add sleep to the list of priorities for your family? It’s as easy as R.E.S.T.
ROUTINE- We all need cues that it’s time to wind down and ready our bodies for sleep. This can include
a warm bath, reading, or quiet activities to unwind.
ENVIRONMENT- A good sleep environment should be dark and slightly cool. White noise may also be
helpful. Removing clutter and toys from bedrooms keeps distractions to a minimum, making it easier to
fall asleep.
SCHEDULE- Our sleep is regulated by our circadian rhythm which can also be thought of as an internal
clock. It’s this clock that tells our bodies when it’s time to sleep and time to wake. Sleeping according to
our circadian rhythm is essential to restorative sleep. When people sleep at the wrong times we see
them have a difficult time falling and staying asleep.
TECHNOLOGY -Screen time before bed is a major cause of poor sleep for families. The use of electronics
too close to bedtime can lead to difficulty falling and staying asleep. Blue light emitted from electronic
devices stimulates the part of the brain that needs to be quiet in order for us to fall asleep. Shutting off
screens at least 60 minutes before bedtime is a great rule to implement for the entire family
More information can be found at http://www.superhealthykids.com/4-steps-better-sleep-family/
Video Club
Video Club has started to plan out their biggest project of the year, The Walker Orientation Video.
Students have been given assignments and have started to record their part. Students will soon
begin to edit and voice over the footage. Students have been giving a lot of creative ideas for the
format of this year’s video. We are excited for the 4th graders to view this year’s final production.
Computer Club
Both 5th and 6th grade Computer Club has done an outstanding job understanding “Computer
Code” with the use of Skratch and Code. These online programs have been a great introduction
into the world of Computer Science. Students were able to learn and create with the use of these
programs.
Wildcat News- December 2015
Page 4 of 29
Safety Patrol Team
Greetings from your Walker Safety Awareness team! At our last safety patrol meeting we spent
some time out on the Internet beginning to gather information to share with other students
and our parents on safety during the winter months. We thought we would start a Part One
story on how to keep the family car safe. We will include other information in our letter next
month.
Helpful Hints for Winter
Keep your headlights clear with car wax.
Just wipe ordinary car wax on your headlights. It contains special water repellents that will
prevent that messy mixture from accumulating on your lights.
Squeak proof your wipers with rubbing alcohol.
Wipe the wipers with a cloth saturated with rubbing alcohol or ammonia.
Ice-Proof your window with vinegar! Frost on its way?
Just fill a spray bottle with three parts vinegar to one part water and spritz it on your window at
night. In the morning the windows will be clear.
Fog-proof your windshield with saving cream!
Spray some shaving cream on the inside of your windshield and wipe off with paper towels.
De-ice your lock in seconds with hand sanitizer!
Just put some hand sanitizer gel on the key and the lock!
We hope you try these hints out. Please check our newsletter next month for other winter hints.
Wildcat News- December 2015
Page 5 of 29
Hilda Walker Intermediate Learning Center
We now have all of the 2016 Rebecca Caudill Young Reader’s Book Award in the Walker Learning Center.
Lincoln’s Grave Robbers
Golden Boy
Will In Scarlett
Cameo Girl
Chomp
May B
A Monster Calls
Three Times Lucky
The Rithmatist
Mountain Dog
Rump
The Prisoner of Cell 25
Hidden
Shadow of the Mountain
Titanic: Voices From the Disaster
See You At Harry’s
Cinder
The President Has Been Shot
Enjoy these books and many other great books in the Hilda Walker Learning Center.
The Walker Learning Center also has some ebooks ready for checkout. The easiest way is to download the
free app on your device.
First, go to the App store or Google Play Mart on your device and download BryteWave K-12 edition (free).
Next, it will ask your school, password and username information. Type in Hilda Walker Intermediate Frankfort,
IL . Your user name will be the same username for your Destiny search log in (your first initial capitalized
followed by your last name capitalized. Example: DMolitor your password is student).
That’s all you have to do. You should now be logged in and ready to check ebooks in and out yourself.
Enjoy!
PBIS
Our PBIS booster assembly will be held when the students return from break on Monday, January 4th,
2016. This kick off assembly will reinforce being respectful, responsible, and safe for the new year.
PAWmart will be on January 14th. Our cool tool for November reinforced homework completion and
organization.
Wildcat News- December 2015
Page 6 of 29
Student Council News
This year the Hilda Walker Student Council has been very busy helping out around the school with
a variety of different projects and events. In October the students made posters to advertise dress
up days for Red Ribbon Week. In November they made posters to welcome veterans that were
visiting for the Veterans Day Celebration. Also in November they did a collection drive for PAWS.
They were able to collect over 200 rolls of paper towels for the shelter, and small toys for the cats
and dogs. They also helped out with a variety of assemblies and help run the school’s PAWmart for
the students.
This year Student Council has also adopted a unit at the Illinois Veterans Home in Manteno. So far
they made goodie bags out of their donated Halloween candy, thank you cards for Veterans
Day, and Thanksgiving and Winter ornaments. For the holidays they will be stuffing stockings full of
donated gifts.
Their final project for 2015 will be a toy collection drive for the Treasure Chest Foundation. They are
asking that each student bring a small $5.00 gift to donate for kids that get treatments for cancer.
They are encouraged to bring a gift for a pre-teen or teenager. Gift cards will also be accepted.
Wildcat News- December 2015
Page 7 of 29
Team Ohio State University
Mrs. Amy Bednarz, Mr. Michael Doody, Mrs. Colleen Maranto, & Mrs. Nicole Rafa
TEAM OHIO STATE CELEBRATES STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
AND THE END OF THE FIRST QUARTER
Team OSU students enjoyed a game of, “Shoe Shuffle” as part of their first quarter reward
celebration. During the celebration, students from each homeroom were recognized for their
accomplishments and great effort they put into their work during the first quarter.
Fifth grade students from Walker School in Tinley Park received the Jr. Buckeye award at Team
OSU’s first quarter recognition celebration. Pictured above are Chester Bumaa, Brooke Imhof,
Josh Safarik, Kelly Raslavicz, Caroline Beaudin, Matt Sebik, Brianna Hearn, Wisam Abughoush.
Wildcat News- December 2015
Page 8 of 29
AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK
Team OSU Students invited a special guest for a library visit during American Education Week. The
students also wrote thank you letters to their favorite teachers to show how much they appreciated
what they learned in elementary school. Pictured below are students from Mrs. Maranto’s
homeroom enjoying time at the library with their special guests.
Olivia Vuckovich and her mom.
Kelly Raslavicz enjoying time with her grandparents.
Alexis Gidley having some fun with Mom and Dad.
Wildcat News- December 2015
Page 9 of 29
TEAM OSU CURRICULUM UPDATE
We are pleased with our students’ progress this year and enjoyed getting to meet with all of our
parents during parents conferences. This month in math the children will continue to work with
decimals. They will learn about decimal place value and begin adding, subtracting, and
multiplying with decimals. Please, continue to reinforce math facts at home with your child.
In Social Studies our students are enjoying learning about the American Revolution and the
formation of our country. This is an exciting unit that the children really enjoy. To compliment the
social studies curriculum and reinforce the reading skills’ we will use throughout the unit our
reading instruction that will focus on stories related to the American Revolution and those reading
skills.
In Science our students are learning about Forces and Motion. They will participate in many
hands-on activities to help them develop these concepts.
Veterans Day Celebration
Students honored our veterans with an all school assembly followed by lunch. After lunch,
veterans shared their stories and answered questions.
Veterans pictured above from Mrs. Bednarz’s room:
Mr. Safarik (Desert Storm), Mrs. Bogdanich (World War II), and Mr. Gudausky (Vietnam).
Wildcat News- December 2015
Page 10 of 29
News from Team Alabama
Mrs. Chikerotis, Mrs. Gallagher, Mr. Klosak,
Mrs. Milazzo, and Mrs. Pelkowski
Team Alabama is partnering with
Scholastic Reading Club for a Pajama Drive!
Students are being asked to donate a new pair of pajamas to school, any size, from newborn to
adult to their teacher by Friday, December 11, 2015.
Scholastic Reading Club will be matching each donation with a brand-new book. The Pajama
program will deliver the pajamas and books to children living in homeless shelters for a warm and
cozy bedtime.
Our team goal is 50 pairs of pajamas. If we reach our goal, we will celebrate with a reading
pajama party! Thank you so much for all of our generous donations so far!
During the month of November, students worked on their creative writing skills. Disguising a turkey
so he wouldn’t be eaten for Thanksgiving dinner was one of the activities that students from Team
Alabama participated in during English class.
Wildcat News- December 2015
Page 11 of 29
Parent/Teacher conferences are an important time of our school year. This is where we have a
great opportunity to discuss your child’s progress so far this school year. The students on Team
Alabama have been showing excellent growth and progress this year. Thank you so much to all of
the parents and guardians that have taken time from their busy schedules to come talk about
your child(ren) with us. We truly value all your support!
Wildcat News- December 2015
Page 12 of 29
TEAM ISU
Mrs. Boudreau, Mrs. Cramer, Mrs. Davault, Mrs. Schaefer, Mrs. Stokoski, Mrs. Zitkus
Team ISU had a busy month in November. We thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to
welcome our veterans and their families on Veterans’ Day. The students and staff were overcome
with gratitude on November 11th as they learned about their many sacrifices during their time
spent in the service. Our annual ceremony and the classroom presentations that followed were
spectacular, as always. Special thanks to our veterans, their families, and the men and women
who are currently fighting for our freedom. We appreciate you!
In addition to Veterans’ Day, we were lucky to have some family members join us during our
assigned library times for American Education Week. The students and their family members
seemed to enjoy this opportunity to read together. Thank you to those who were able to make it.
We enjoyed your company!
Wildcat News- December 2015
Page 13 of 29
The teachers from Team ISU thank you, parents/guardians, for taking time out of your busy
schedule to meet with us during Parent/Teacher Conferences. We appreciate your continued
support and love knowing that we can only be the most successful when we work together as a
team. Keep up the good work!
As stated in last month’s newsletter, the results from the Bear Contest are in! Congratulations to
the following students (in no specific order):
Mrs. Boudreau’s Class: Jonathon, Fatena, and Natalia
Mrs. Cramer’s Class: Riley, Mike, and Tyler
Mrs. Schaefer’s Class: Katie, Marielle, and Abby
Mrs. Stokoski’s Class: Claudio, Haley W., and Tommy C.
Mrs. Zitkus’s Class: Morgan, Kaylee, and Olivia
Overall Bear Champion for Team ISU: Brianna from Mrs. Boudreau’s Class
Nice job to all students for their hard work and effort. Our next contest will be in December. We
will be having a Gingerbread House contest. Be thinking about your design now. Winners will be
announced in the next newsletter. Best of luck to all participants!
Wildcat News- December 2015
Page 14 of 29
Notre Dame Team
Mrs. Sajewich’s/Mrs. Mc Farland Reading/Language Arts Classes
Summit reading class has been working on myths and learning about the Greek gods and
goddesses.
They will be creating resumes for their favorite god/goddess. We will then be starting
to read the novel, The Giver. This novel is a Newberry Award winning book. It is set in a society
which at first appears as an utopian society but then later revealed to be a dystopia one as the
story progresses.
In ELA classes we will begin our next novel, Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief, soon. The
Lightning Thief is a fantasy-adventure novel based on Greek mythology, written by Rick Riordan. It
is the first novel in the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, which charts the adventures of
modern-day twelve-year-old Percy Jackson as he discovers he is a demigod, the son of a mortal
woman and a Greek God. Percy and his friends Annabeth Chase and Grover Underwood go on a
quest to prevent a war between the gods Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades.
Ms. Mittelstadt’s Math
In math, the students just finished operations with fractions. They focused on drawing models for
dividing fractions and mixed numbers. In the pictures below, the students are using pattern blocks
to help them create models for dividing mixed numbers. Students just started Module 5 which
focuses on operations with decimals.
In Summit Math, the students finished rates and proportionality. The students learned about finding
the constant of proportionality, writing equations for proportions, and creating graphs. Students
just began Module 5 which focuses on proportions and percents. The students will be learning
about percent increase and decrease, applying percents to discounts and markups, and finding
interest.
Wildcat News- December 2015
Page 15 of 29
Mrs. Dermody’s Social Studies
After learning about the different aspects of life along the Nile River students collaborated with
classmates to create a drawing of the Nile River or an advertisement about settling on the Nile.
Once the projects were completed the students created a commercial encouraging others to
settle along the Nile River.
Ms. Dempsey’s Science Class
Students have just begun the study of Earth Science and are currently working on weathering and
soil formations. Throughout this chapter, students will cover the rate at which rock weathers, the
difference between mechanical and chemical weathering, as well as the different methods used
for soil conservation. From this chapter, we will move on to agents of erosion and deposition. This
will include shoreline erosion and the effects of wind, ice, and gravity on soil. Continue to have
students review vocabulary throughout the week and ask questions if there is something that they
are having difficulty with as we work our way through the chapter.
Wildcat News- December 2015
Page 16 of 29
Team University of Michigan
Mrs. Anita Becker, Mrs. Tracy Decesare, Ms. Marianne Hourihan, Mrs. Dawn Krueger,
Mrs. Jen Medendorp & Mrs. Tucker
Mrs. Becker’s and Miss Hourihan’s Reading and Language Arts Classes
This month, we finished off the Novel Flush. Along with a final test, students created character
sketches. Students were to use detail from the novel to create a sketch of what they imagined
their character they chose to look like. They had to also provide character traits with support from
the novel. They turned out great and were displayed in the hallway for conferences.
Soon Team Michigan will begin reading our next novel of the school year. As a Language Arts
department, we have decided to read the novel, Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief by Rick
Riordan. It is the first novel in the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, which charts the
adventures of modern-day twelve-year-old Percy Jackson as he discovers he is a demigod, the
son of a mortal woman and the Greek God Poseidon. Percy and his friends go on a quest to
prevent a war between the gods Zeus, Poseidon and Hades. We are asking that each student has
his/her own copy of the book when they return to school Monday, November, 30th.
Chloe Friend, Peyton Anderson, and Katherine Zofkie reading and annotating in Flush.
Wildcat News- December 2015
Page 17 of 29
Zach Zawlinski and Bobby Rice working on a project together for Flush.
Mrs. Medendorp’s Science Classes
The Mad Scientists on Team Michigan have moved to a new unit in science – Earth Science.
Students will learn about rocks and the rock cycle, investigating how different conditions and
factors throughout the rock cycle affect rock formation. Students will learn how rocks are
classified using the texture and composition of the rock. In addition, students will become
geologists and look at many different types of rocks and identify unique characteristics to classify
the rock as sedimentary, igneous or metamorphic rocks.
Mrs. DeCesare’s Math Classes
Team Michigan math students just completed a unit on Fraction Operations. During the month of
December, students will move into Decimal Operations. During this unit, students will complete a
store task where they will have a budget for school supplies. They will work on finding how much
the supplies cost and if they have enough for the supplies. Following Module 5, Decimal
Operations, we will be starting Proportionality: Ratios and Rates.
Mrs. Krueger’s Social Studies Classes
Students recently wrapped up with Ancient Egypt. Students discovered the importance of the Nile
River, how pharaohs were all powerful rulers, and the different achievements that took place
during the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms. Ancient Greece will be the next civilization to study.
While in this unit, students will understand how the geography of Greece influenced the Minoans
and Mycenaeans. Students will also discuss how the Spartans focused on military rule while the
Athenians were more interested in establishing a democracy.
Wildcat News- December 2015
Page 18 of 29
Team Michigan Student of the Month: October
During the month of October, students were chosen from each classroom that displayed
exceptional character by following the Walker Way of being respectful, responsible, and safe. The
students (left to right) are: Christopher Yiakos, Katherine Zofkie, Joseph Stein, Robert Weiss, and
Sukhpreet Singh. Great job Team Michigan! Go Blue!
Wildcat News- December 2015
Page 19 of 29
Team University of Illinois
Mrs. Lauren Driscoll, Mrs. Leah Fischer, Mrs. Kelly Higgins, Mrs. Tammy Johnson, & Mrs. Julie Nance
Mrs. Driscoll—Social Studies
In Social Studies, students are learning about the characteristics of Egypt’s civilization. A lot of time
was spent learning about their geography including the importance of the Nile River, the Nile
Delta, and the Sahara Desert. Students created a map of Egypt focusing on these geographical
features. Students have also started learning about Egypt’s government and social structure.
Students have discovered that the pharaoh is the most important person in ancient Egypt. What
the pharaoh says is law and must be obeyed without question. Recently, students simulated an
archaeological dig and took on the role of pharaoh and other members of Egypt’s social pyramid
as they uncovered “The Greatest Archaeological Dig in History”. They created and presented
their team’s findings in an Evidence Folder. When students return from Thanksgiving break, they
will learn more about mummification and the purpose and process of building pyramids. Students
will also learn about several significant pharaohs throughout Egypt’s history. Students will be able
to act as these pharaohs and create diary entries depicting the pharaoh’s lives and actions taken
as pharaoh of Egypt.
Above photos include: Ryan Martin, Luqman Zayed, Malachinski, Peyton Lamphear, Ava Angone,
Sultan Frehat, Evan Chonarzewski, Sophia White, Alisia Salman, Kaitlyn Tasker, Sarah Welker,
Andrew Eldridge, Emma Borgens, Ashley Miles, Zeke Urcino, Diego Zavala, Madi Glaum, Zoe
Huntoon, Michael Cialdella, Evan Hazelip, and Amanda Meagher.
Wildcat News- December 2015
Page 20 of 29
Mrs. Fischer—Science
As half-way point of 2nd quarter begins, Mrs. Fischer’s science classes will be starting Book F-Inside
the Restless Earth! Students will begin with the rock cycle and move into the different types of rocks.
Through this, students will be digging into our Earth’s amazing past and learning about fossils. The
students will be experimenting with different rocks and fossils and learning about how they were
created.
Mrs. Johnson—ELA
Students are starting the novel, The Lightning Thief, by Rick Riordan. The Lightning Thief is a lighthearted fantasy about a 12 year old boy who learns that his true father is Poseidon, the Greek God
of the sea. The novel provides a high-interest, humorous introduction to the Greek myths. While
reading the novel, students will explore the classical heritage of Greece as it applies to modern
civilization and analyze the elements of the hero’s quest rendered in a modern day story. Students
will discuss relevant issues as learning disabilities, the nature of family, themes of loyalty, friendship
and faith.
Students are still working on verbs in unit three of our English textbook. The first part of unit three
covers: action, main, helping, direct objects, and tenses. Students will write and present a class
president campaign speech that focuses on verbs. In the current root packet, students are learning
about chron, temp, and loc.
Macey Opel, Rachel Littlejohn, Taylor Mainwaring, and Brigid Costello had a SPOOKTACULAR time
in Mrs. Johnson's Spooky Reading class!
Wildcat News- December 2015
Page 21 of 29
Mrs. Higgins—ELA
Students concluded the month with presenting commercial book reports. Reports focused on
literary plot elements, while students used propaganda techniques to persuade their audience to
read their book. Students also incorporated a prop within their commercials that symbolized their
novels. Students focused on using appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear
pronunciation when presenting their reports.
Students all had the opportunity to create a narrative short story based upon the drawings of The
Mysterious Harris Burdick. As a class, we went through the steps of the writing process including
prewriting, drafting, conferencing, revising, editing, and publishing. Students focused on adding
dialogue and figurative language into their stories, as well as having a developed exposition, rising
action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
Pictured above: Andrew Eldridge, Nicole Magdziasz, and Kellen Tanner
Mrs. Nance—Math
When students return from break, they will begin working on Module 5 – Operations with Decimals.
Students will start by reviewing rounding whole numbers, estimating quotients, and dividing whole
numbers. This module will include all four operations with decimals. Students will explore using
models to represent addition, multiplication, and division. Students will end the module by
interpreting word problems. Throughout the module, students will represent real-world quantities as
decimals.
Wildcat News- December 2015
Page 22 of 29
P.E. Team
Attention families, the PE Department here at Walker School has been on a roll! This past month in
PE the focus has been all about bowling. Our students have been working hard to learn the three
step approach to the underhand bowling roll, and have reviewed how to properly release the ball
while stepping in opposition. Our Wildcats have done a great job, and have done so by showing
awesome teamwork and cooperation. Each bowling team required members to set pins, return
the ball, keep score, and most importantly encourage one another. Our all-star bowlers have also
learned how to score a game of bowling without the help of the fancy computer at the bowling
alley. This allowed students to use their established mathematic abilities within PE class. The bowling
unit ended with a fantastic and fun candlelight bowl. The students had a blast bowling in a dim lit
gym with rope lights, lots of music, and glow in the dark props (and so did the staff of Walker!).
While all of that awesomeness was going on inside of the gym there were groups of different
students each day working hard in our brand new fitness room! Our new fitness room allows the PE
staff to present the students with various activities and workouts that promote individual growth
within the five components of fitness. Most people think about cardiovascular activities, like
running or swimming, when they picture exercise. There are actually five elements of
fitness: flexibility, muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular/cardiorespiratory
endurance, and body composition. Our new fitness room allows us to present to the students new
ways to be physically active while enhancing their personal fitness levels.
Up next in PE class is PICKLEBALL!! What is pickleball? Good question! Pickleball is a paddle sport
created for all ages. The rules are quite simple and the game is easy for beginners to learn, but
can develop into a quick, and fast paced, competitive game. It is a fun sport that combines
elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. According to the USAPA, Pickleball was invented
in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, WA. Three dads Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell,
and Barney McCallum -whose kids were bored with their usual summertime activities, are credited
for creating the game. We are excited to share our knowledge and excitement of the game of
pickleball with our students!
Stay active and stay happy!
- Hilda Walker PE Staff
Wildcat News- December 2015
Page 23 of 29
November Art News
Mrs. McCarthy-Weglewski
Art to Remember
Our school, in conjunction with Art to Remember, is offering a program that reproduces your
child’s personal artwork onto a variety of colorful products. Some include: magnets, key chains,
quilt blocks, beverage insulators, matted prints wall calendars, bookmarks, ceramic mugs, sports
towels, mouse pads, heart ceramic ornaments, journals, art sketchbooks, placemats, CD cases,
stainless steel travel mugs, pillows, teddy bears with T-shirts, tote bags, ceramic tiles, aprons, and Tshirts.
Your child will create artwork following the art class curriculum. Order forms will go out in March.
You will have the opportunity to purchase a variety of products featuring your child’s artwork. You
are under no obligation to purchase. However, we believe you will be excited by these unique
personal keepsakes and a portion of the proceeds are donated to the Hilda Walker Art Program.
They make great gifts for family and friends. We are excited to share this unique art program to
promote your child’s art!
Walker Art Club
Good news! Every student that turned in a form for Art Club was accepted in. Art Club will meet
on Thursdays for 5th Grade or on Tuesdays for 6th grade in either the Science Lab or the Art Room.
Please have students listen to announcements at school on the day of Art Club for the materials
that you will need to bring to club that day. Students will be experimenting with different materials
and techniques each time they meet so that they can experience the various aspects that the art
has to offer.
Art Club is after school until 3:55 PM. Students can arrange for a ride with parents in the front of
the school. Please arrange pickup with your student prior to starting Art Club. Thank you in
advance for your help in this matter.
5th Grade Art Club will meet on Thursdays this year from December 3rd-February 8th.
6th Grade Art Club will meet on Tuesdays this year from December 1st- February 16th.
Picture: Mr. Doody’s students took
advantage of the last days of nice
weather by going outside to let
nature inspire them. The students
worked with watercolor, oil pastel or
colored pencil.
Wildcat News- December 2015
Page 24 of 29
5th Grade Technology
In 5th grade technology
class, we wrapped up
our Anti Bullying Posters
and spent a little time
learning about
Veterans’ Day with a
web-search. The
students then learned
how to place columns
in Microsoft Word! To
practice this new skill,
students created lists of
areas he or she felt they
do well in school and
areas they want to
make improvements.
Students did well
adding columns and
put a lot of thought into
their lists.
In Technology
Integration for 5th
grade, classes have
been busy working
away on different
projects. One group has
been researching, while
another class is working
on an ongoing project
with safe-blogging.
Multiple classes have
also been utilizing
SpellCity to practice
those spelling words!
Technology Times
6th Grade Technology
6th graders have been
hard at work doing
web-searches and
using their new copying
and pasting skills to
insert pictures and links.
Students then moved
onto reviewing the
steps of copying and
pasting with a group
activity. In the following
weeks, the students
spent time learning how
to insert columns into a
Word document.
Students then used
those columns to
create a two-column
list about what he or
she does well in school
and what they want to
work towards improving
in school. Students put
a lot of thought into
these lists and have
some really great goals!
Next, we will move onto
evaluating web pages
for reliability!
Word(s) of the Week- tab, crop, format, accuracy, browser, graphic, link, and URL
Wildcat News- December 2015
Page 25 of 29
Reading Strategy of the Month
Ms. O’Dell and Mrs. Stupay, Reading Specialists
Retelling
Have your child read the selection aloud to you. After your reader has finished reading a piece of
text (story, chapter, article, etc.) or at any good stopping point along the way, have your child
pretend you were not there listening and have him/her retell you what he read.
If he/she has problems retelling all of the text, stop him/her after shorter intervals and retell what
has been read so far. The reader can also make predictions about what will happen next. Ask
probing questions to help them along if need be. Do not ask questions that only require a one
word or brief answer.
The retelling strategy will give you a good indication whether the reader has comprehended what
they have read. The more readers are asked to retell, the better they will become.
Math Strategy of the Month
Mr. Cronin, Math Interventionist
One common misconception about mathematics is that it only involves numbers. Although
numbers and calculation are the foundation of the age-old subject, math is really about
explaining your reasoning while you problem solve.
Encourage your child to give explanations. When your child is trying to solve a problem, ask what
he or she is thinking. If your child seems puzzled, ask him or her to tell you what doesn't make sense.
Talking about their ideas and how they reach solutions helps children learn to reason
mathematically. Suggest that your child act out or draw a problem to solve it. Have your child
show how he or she reached a conclusion by drawing or acting, as well as using words. Treat errors
as opportunities to help your child learn something new, and show them that, even as adults, we
may make errors too. And last but not least, think aloud when you help solve a problem because it
demonstrates questioning, choosing what steps are needed, and rationalizing your answer to a
problem.
Wildcat News- December 2015
Page 26 of 29
PPS Team – Mrs. Linke, Mrs. Rybczynski and Ms. Collins
School Break Survival Tips and Ideas
Children often get restless and bored during school breaks, which can be stressful for
everyone. Parents often find themselves at their wits end trying to keep them entertained. Here are
a few quick tips and ideas for surviving the upcoming school breaks.
Tips




Reduce your stress- schedule in quiet time, limit your events, chill out and do less to
connect more.
Try to keep everyone on a regular schedule as much as possible- especially for eating
and sleeping. This will help them stay happy and healthy.
Bring an activity backpack on your outings with things your child finds comforting and
enjoyable. This might include a stuffed animal, a few books, small toys, or music. Snacks
are a great idea, too.
Create a weekly calendar or write down any upcoming travel or special events; kids do
well with visuals.
Ideas
*Go to the library. They offer many programs for kids to keep them
entertained. You can rent movies or books on tape.
*Plan a trip to the zoo.
Lincoln Park has Zoolights December 4-6 and nightly from Dec 11 to Jan 3. Hours are 4:30pm9:00pm. The admission is free.
Brookfield Zoo has a light festival featuring over one million twinkling lights, animated
light displays and a laser light show. Stroll the zoo at night, enjoy caroling to the animals, ice
carvings and entertainment each night.
*Go ice skating. Millennium Park has free admission and if needed, skate rental is $12. Arctic
Ice Arena in Orland Park offers public skate at various hours through the week and weekend.
*Go swimming. Lincoln Way North has open family swim on Sunday afternoons
from 2-4. $5 for adults, $2 for children.
Most of all, whatever you do, enjoy your family time!
Wildcat News- December 2015
Page 27 of 29
EXPECT RESPECT … Be respectful, Be Responsible, & Be Safe, The Walker Way!
Anti-Bullying Program
Where and When Bullying Happens
Bullying can occur during or after school hours. While most reported bullying happens in the school building,
a significant percentage also happens in places like on the playground or the bus. It can also happen
travelling to or from school, in the youth’s neighborhood.
The Roles Kids Play
There are many roles that kids can play. Kids can bully others, they can be bullied, or they may witness
bullying. When kids are involved in bullying, they often play more than one role. Sometimes kids may both be
bullied and bully others or they may witness other kids being bullied. It is important to understand the multiple
roles kids play in order to effectively prevent and respond to bullying.
Importance of Not Labeling Kids
When referring to a bullying situation, it is easy to call the kids who bully others "bullies" and those who are
targeted "victims," but this may have unintended consequences. When children are labeled as "bullies" or
"victims" it may:



Send the message that the child's behavior cannot change
Fail to recognize the multiple roles children might play in different bullying situations
Disregard other factors contributing to the behavior such as peer influence or school climate
Instead of labeling the children involved, focus on the behavior. For instance:



Instead of calling a child a "bully," refer to them as "the child who bullied"
Instead of calling a child a "victim," refer to them as "the child who was bullied"
Instead of calling a child a "bully/victim," refer to them as "the child who was both bullied and bullied others."
Kids Involved in Bullying
The roles kids play in bullying are not limited to those who bully others and those who are bullied. Some
researchers talk about the "circle of bullying" to define both those directly involved in bullying and those who
actively or passively assist the behavior or defend against it. Direct roles include:

Kids who Bully: These children engage in bullying behavior towards their peers. There are many risk factors that
may contribute to the child's involvement in the behavior. Often, these students require support to change their
behavior and address any other challenges that may be influencing their behavior.

Kids who are Bullied: These children are the targets of bullying behavior. Some factors put children at more
risk of being bullied, but not all children with these characteristics will be bullied. Sometimes, these children may
need help learning how to respond to bullying.
Wildcat News- December 2015
Page 28 of 29
Even if a child is not directly involved in bullying, they may be contributing to the behavior. Witnessing the
behavior may also affect the child, so it is important for them to learn what they should do when they see
bullying happen. Roles kids play when they witness bullying include:

Kids who Assist: These children may not start the bullying or lead in the bullying behavior, but serve as an
"assistant" to children who are bullying. These children may encourage the bullying behavior and occasionally
join in.

Kids who Reinforce: These children are not directly involved in the bullying behavior but they give the bullying
an audience. They will often laugh or provide support for the children who are engaging in bullying. This may
encourage the bullying to continue.

Outsiders: These children remain separate from the bullying situation. They neither reinforce the bullying
behavior nor defend the child being bullied. Some may watch what is going on but do not provide feedback
about the situation to show they are on anyone’s side. Even so, providing an audience may encourage the
bullying behavior. These kids often want to help, but don’t know how.

Kids who Defend: These children actively comfort the child being bullied and may come to the child's defense
when bullying occurs.
Most kids play more than one role in bullying over time. In some cases, they may be directly involved in
bullying as the one bullying others or being bullied and in others they may witness bullying and play an
assisting or defending role. Every situation is different. Some kids are both bullied and bully others. It is
important to note the multiple roles kids play, because:

Those who are both bullied and bully others may be at more risk for negative outcomes, such as depression or
suicidal ideation.

It highlights the need to engage all kids in prevention efforts, not just those who are known to be directly
involved.
Wildcat News- December 2015
Page 29 of 29