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Walker Wildcat News
November Edition
Hilda Walker Intermediate School
19900 S. 80th Avenue
Tinley Park, IL 60487
www.summithill.org PHONE (815)464.2285 // FAX (815) 464.2160
PRINCIPAL’S PAGE – Ms. Goebel
Dear Parents & Students:
Time is surely flying as we’ve already gotten through our first quarter
of the 2016-2017 school year! We’ve had a wonderful start to our
year; the students are in the groove of their daily routines and have
become well acclimated to their academic routines, too. They are
collaborating, learning and having fun in the process!
Report cards were sent home on 10/28 in addition to PARCC results
from the spring. Here you will see the effort your child has put in as
well as the dedication of the staff. If you have any questions,
concerns, or comments about your child’s progress, please contact
his or her teacher(s). Please do not feel as if you need to wait until
conferences in November to do so. We strive to keep
communication strong and welcome you to contact us sooner
rather than later.
This year our Parent-Teacher Conference sign-ups will be held
through our online system for 5th and 6th grade. Directions for this
process were sent to you a few days ago. Conferences may be
scheduled with specialists and specials teachers as well through our
online system.
During the month of November, many reflect and give thanks for
daily blessings. We would like to say we are truly thankful for our
wonderful students, fantastic community, motivated and studentfocused staff, supportive parent organizations (thank you HWSCO,
Band Boosters, Athletic Boosters, and SHEF!), and wonderful
parents. The combination of all of these things makes Walker such a
positive environment for our students. Thank you for your continued
Wildcat News- November 2016
Upcoming Events
November 7
Veterans’ Day
Ceremony/Lunch
November 8
Election Day/No School
November 10
SCO – Treat Day
November 14-16
SCO Gift Card Fundraiser
November 17
SCO/PBIS Popcorn Day
SCO Open Gym 4-6pm
November 18
SCO Hot Lunch
November 21 & 22
Parent/Teacher Conference
– NO SCHOOL
November 23-25
Thanksgiving Break/NO
SCHOOL
November 28
SCO Gift Card Fundraiser
Ends
November 30
Progress Reports via
PowerSchool
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support and for sending us students that are our number one priority!
We are excited to honor our veterans on 11/7 during our annual
Veteran’s Day Assembly. This is one of the most moving
programs. Our Veteran’s Day Committee is led by Mrs. Pamela
Tucker who gives 100% preparing for this day. We thank her and the
entire staff for their commitment. The veterans are truly appreciated
for their service and the students are able to witness firsthand how
important they are to our country.
Happy Fall!
Kindly,
Ms. Laura C. Goebel, Principal
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL’S PAGE – Ms. Carroll
Important
Announcement
SCO Treat Day, Nov. 10
(Wendy’s Jr. Frosty)
PBIS Popcorn Day, Nov. 17
Dear Parents & Students,
Welcome to the Second Quarter! I want to take this opportunity to
talk about the importance of regular attendance to school each
day. Obviously as the winter and cold and flu season approach the
occasional day off of school due to illness is to be expected. Please
be sure to notify our school office no later than 9:00 A.M. on the day
of your student’s absence. We thank you for your assistance in this
matter!
Occasionally, students begin to develop a pattern of many absences
or frequent tardiness to school. If your student is struggling to get to
school on time each day or is resistant to coming to school, please do
not hesitate to reach out to us for assistance. Regular, timely, daily
attendance is a crucial component to a student’s academic
success. We are fortunate to have many resources at our disposal
that may be helpful in getting your student’s school attendance back
on track.
SCO Hot Lunch, Nov. 18
(Culver’s grilled cheese,
chips, vanilla frozen
custard and fruit snack)
In the Community
Board of Education
Meeting @AC Nov. 9 and
Nov. 19
SHEF
Thank you to all that
participated in the
Haunted Hustle 5K on
Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016.
In the spirit of the upcoming holiday season, I would like to share how
thankful I am to be working with the students, families, and staff here
at Walker School. I have enjoyed meeting many of you during the
past few months and hope to meet many more of you in the
upcoming weeks! Enjoy what remains of our beautifully, warm Fall
Wildcat News- November 2016
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weather and see you at Parent-Teacher Conferences on 11/21/16
and 11/22/16!
Remember to be Respectful, Responsible and Safe! It’s the Walker
Way!
Sincerely,
Ms. Maura Carroll, Assistant Principal
IMPORTANT NEWS…
Nov 8 beginning at 10am, Emergency Broadcast Alert (testing of
system) will occur via Superintendent Barb Rains
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]
Progress Reports
Quarter Two: 11/30
Quarter Three: 2/15
Quarter Four 4/28
Report Cards
Quarter Two: 1/20
Quarter Three: 3/24
Attention Veterans!!!
Hilda Walker proudly announces that they will be having their annual
Veterans’ Day Ceremony on Monday, November 7th. The ceremony
will be honoring the Purple Heart veterans with veterans being able to
speak in the classroom and eat with the students. The lunch will be
provided by the school. Invitations and more information was given out
in September. We are looking forward to sharing the day with you!!!!
Quarter Four: 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.
Wildcat News- November 2016
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From the Nurse
NOVEMBER IS DIABETES AWARENESS MONTH
For a small number of children, flu-like symptoms may be the first sign of diabetes.
Symptoms of diabetes in children include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Feeling very tired
Heavy, labored breathing
Increased thirst and hunger
Frequent urination and new bedwetting
Sudden weight loss
Blurred vision
If you notice that your child continues to complain of flu-like symptoms and has additional
symptoms from the list above that seem to be getting worse, you may want to ask your
pediatrician or healthcare provider to perform a simple blood and/or urine test to check for
diabetes. In most cases your child’s complaints are caused by a virus, but be aware of the less
common symptoms that could be the first sign of diabetes. Additional information can be found at
http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/parents-and-kids/
For further information or action to take, call your pediatrician or healthcare provider.
Hilda Walker Teachers Are Seeing Pink
For the sixth year in a row, the teachers from Hilda Walker Intermediate School in Tinley Park have
joined Bears Care and the Chicago Bears in promoting breast cancer awareness during the
month of October.
Wildcat News- November 2016
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Red Ribbon Week
(Submitted by: Red Ribbon Committee)
During the week of October 24th – 31st, Walker students participated in Red Ribbon Week. Various
activities were held to spread the message of being drug free! To kick off the week, the Walker staff
members brought in pictures of themselves from when they were in 5th or 6th grade for the “The
Walker Teachers Are Living a Drug-Free Life” contest. Throughout the week, students were
encouraged to guess which picture belonged to which teacher. Other weekly activities for the
students included learning about the history behind Red Ribbon Week and signing a Drug-Free
Pledge.
On Monday, everyone at Walker wore red. On Tuesday, students and staff celebrated “our future is
too bright” and said no to drugs by wearing bright neon colors to school. Red Ribbon Week
continued on Wednesday, with the students and staff wearing their school colors to show that they
are “paws-itively drug free.” On Thursday, students and staff showed that “it’s crazy to do drugs,” by
wearing crazy socks to school. On Friday, students were encouraged to “stay in the game,” and
to wear their favorite sports jersey/t-shirt to school. To end Red Ribbon Week, students and staff said
“BOO,” to drugs on Monday, Oct 31st by wearing orange and black.
The students in the pic from left to right are:Allison Surdel,
Delanie Dodd, Rhya Johnson, and Jack Vlamakis
PBIS
Walker School celebrated their accomplishments for the 1st quarter of school with our Tug of War
Tournament: Never Give Up. Students were divided into teams and did their best to advance in the
tournament. In addition to the Tug of War students heard about the importance to Never Give Up
and to follow the Walker Way
Wildcat News- November 2016
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Video Club
5th and 6th grade Video Club has started out the year by working on their first project, “My Favorite
Thing”. This project entails finding pictures on a favorite sports team, food, music, dog, anything that
interests them. In the project students have the creative freedom to add music, captions, and
effects to make their project unique.
Cross Country
The Hilda Walker Cross Country team finished the season strong and the following runners were able
to be a part of the Summit Hill Conference Team. Those runners were; Kevin Chomiak, Josh
Norkiewicz, Jack Norkiewicz, Jackons Lewandowski, Salam Zayed, Tizo Landeros, and Chester
Bumma. Those runners represented Walker with pride and everyone on the team had an impressive
season.
Safety Patrol
Congratulations to the following students who have decided to help make Walker School a safer
environment: Janie Clifton, Olivia Cocco, Abby Favorite, Thea Gerfen, Taylor Harte, Nathan Irace,
Patrick Irace, Kenny Kubik, Luka Kvstulovich, Blake Milbourn, Sebastian Vega, Matthew Nowak, Rylie
Peterson, Alex Revell, Joshua Reyes, Sarah Sanderson, Kayleigh Schwarz, Peyton Shaw, Ava Schulz,
Alizahy Silva, and Cody Weinert. These students have already been busy making poster and making
announcements about being safe on Halloween and will start exploring safety and winter survival
skills in the month of November along with hosting a contest as to what the student body knows about
winter survival. The Safety Awareness Team is in hopes that the “Yellow Dots” will be available soon so
that the families that signed up for the program will get their charts and yellow dots. Stay Safe!
Wildcat News- November 2016
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Team Ohio State University
Mrs. Amy Bednarz, Mr. Michael Doody, Mrs. Colleen Maranto, & Mrs. Nicole Rafa
The fifth grade recently visited the Science and Industry Museum. The students were able to explore
how aircraft and spacecraft transform our world. They also investigated nature’s power in the
Science Storms exhibit. The best part of the trip was navigating through a mirror maze. Everyone
had a wonderful time! Thank you to our chaperones who came with us.
In math, students have just finished learning about place value and multiplication and have moved
on to Chapter 2 which explores division. Please remember to keep practicing those basic facts!!
The students in social studies are learning how the French and Spanish have influenced our nation
throughout history. The British have just won the French and Indian War and now the colonists are
beginning to explore the idea of freedom. More action is coming!
In Science, the students are exploring physical science. They are learning about atoms, molecules,
the periodic table, and the states of matter. Many visual demonstrations are helping students
understand these topics.
Olivia Boswell explores the human body exhibit.
Wildcat News- November 2016
Landon King, Austin Bjes, and Zachary
Schwarz test out the flight simulator.
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News from Team Alabama
Mrs. Chikerotis, Mrs. Gallagher, Mr. Klosak, Mrs. Milazzo, and Mrs. Pelkowski
Team Alabama recently had the opportunity to visit the Museum of Science and Industry. The
400,000 square feet exhibit provided a variety of learning, engaging, and hands-on science
experiences that sparked the imagination of our young wildcats.
Wildcat News- November 2016
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TEAM ISU
Mrs. Boudreau, Mrs. Cramer, Mrs. Davault, Mrs. Schaefer, Mrs. Stokoski, Mrs. Zitkus
Team ISU thoroughly enjoyed their field trip to the Museum of Science and Industry. The students
were excited about the various learning experiences as they visited the many exhibits the museum
had to offer. Some of their favorites included the avalanche simulation which taught the students
that different forces such as gravity, friction, collisions, and centripetal force are all factors that
scientists have to take into consideration when evaluating the possible triggers and causes of an
avalanche. Another favorite was an exhibit replicated a tornado. It showed the students that a
tornado is a massive spiraling air vortex. It mimicked how wind speed and direction influence the
shape of tornadoes in nature.
The exhibit pictured above (left) were the Tesla Coils. This simulated a giant spark of lightning based
on electrical charge. Positive and negative electrical charges separate and then join together again
in an intense mix of heat, light, and sound to create this “shocking” display for all to see and hear.
We also had a blast in the 1,800-square-foot mirror maze! Here we found ourselves in a sea of
equilateral triangle chambers that repeat in a dizzying array of mirrors. Do you think you can navigate
the maze to find the secrets within? (Top right picture)
All in all, we had a blast on this field trip and we genuinely appreciate all the volunteers that took time
out of their busy schedules to join us on this fantastic journey! Thanks so much for your continued
support!
This month has been, and will continue to be, super busy with our field trip, Walker’s 20 th birthday,
fundraisers for SHEF, club meetings, Anti-Bullying promotions, Red Ribbon Week, as well as our annual
Bear decorating contest! Stay tuned next month for updates on our Red Ribbon Week, as well as the
winners of our annual Bear decorating contest!
Wildcat News- November 2016
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Notre Dame Team
Mrs. Sajewich, Mrs. Mc Farland, Ms. Mittelstadt, Mrs. Dermody and Mrs. Dempsey
Mrs. Sajewich’s/Mrs. Mc Farland Reading/Language Arts Classes
We continue to work on our novel, Flush. All students love reading this story! The big problem
(pollution) is driving the plot, but also many other smaller conflicts are keeping the pages turning.
We will be focusing on writing skills with both our RACES response method and narrative writing.
Summit has finished their novel, Freak the Mighty and is moving on to literature groups. They will
also be writing narratives.
Ms. Mittelstadt’s Math
In math, the students have been working on Module 3: Rational Numbers. They have been
comparing and ordering rational numbers, putting rational numbers on a number line, writing
opposites and absolute value of rational numbers. Next, the students will be starting Module 4
which focuses on fractions. We will be reviewing adding and subtracting fractions. Then we will
move on to multiplying and dividing fractions including drawing models.
In Summit Math, we started Module 4 which focuses on rates and proportions. The students have
been working on finding unit rates and comparing using unit rate. They will also be working on
finding rates of change and writing equations for proportional relationships. Finally, they will be
graphing proportional relationships.
Wildcat News- November 2016
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Mrs. Dermody’s Social Studies
In social studies we will be studying Ancient Egypt. We will focus on the Nile Valley and how the
fertile land along the Nile River supported the Egyptian civilization. The students will also learn
about hieroglyphics, Egypt’s writing system that combined picture symbols and sound symbols.
They will also learn about Egypt’s social classes, family life and different pharaohs and their roles as
rulers in Ancient Egypt.
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, we 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- November 2016
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Team University of Michigan
Mrs. Anita Becker, Mrs. Tracy Decesare, Ms. Marianne Hourihan, Mrs. Dawn Krueger,
Mrs. Jen Medendorp & Mrs. Tucker
Mrs. Becker and Ms. Hourihan’s Reading and Language Arts Classes
Team Michigan students will be completing the novel Flush by Carl Hiaasen. In this unit, students are
learning how to identify a variety of literary elements such as foreshadowing, flashback, suspense,
cliffhanger, allusions, symbolism, imagery, as well as figurative language. Students have continued
to work on annotation skills for each chapter and how to restate for short response questions and
support with text evidence.
The students are enjoying the book and making connections.
Students have been actively learning about different types of Figurative Language. We have been
annotating these in our novel. In addition, we have been completing an assortment of assignments
that incorporate figurative language. Students will have a summative on figurative language in
Quarter 2.
The next novel will be the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. All students will need their own copy and
the book is still available on Scholastic. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in purchasing or
checking out the next novel.
In November, Language Arts classes will be focusing on the writing process and writing a Narrative
Paper. Students will be working on prewriting, peer editing, setting writing goals, and how to revise.
Writing goals have focused on using strong transitions, incorporating descriptive details, including
feeling words, and using strong verbs.
Students will also begin Unit 4 Greek/Latin Roots.
Wildcat News- November 2016
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Mrs. Krueger’s Social Studies Classes
We recently finished our study of the first civilizations and empires. The Ancient Egyptians will be the
next civilization we learn about. While studying the Ancient Egyptians students will discover the
benefits of the Nile River and the need for a government. They will also analyze Egypt’s social
classes and describe their way of life.
Mrs. Medendorp’s Science Classes
The scientists on Team Michigan have shifted their focus to Earth Science. Students are learning how
weathering processes shape the surface of Earth. Students completed a project on the two types
of weathering – chemical and mechanical weathering – and learned the specific processes
involved in these two types of weathering. Using pictures, students worked to identify the specific
type of weathering process by using clues in the picture and specific features on the rock.
Weathering of rocks is vital to soil formation, and the students will discover the importance of soil
conservation through a soil investigation project. Our Earth has a very small amount of usable
soil….ask a Michigan student to tell you exactly how much of the Earth’s soil can be used to grow
crops and support livestock!
Limestone rock
Limestone rock chemically
weathering from a weak acid
(vinegar) – the acid reacts with the
calcium carbonate in the limestone
rock and carbon dioxide gas is
released. A limestone rock will
dissolve in a weak acid like vinegar.
Wildcat News- November 2016
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Mrs. DeCesare’s Math Classes
As we head into November, we will start working on FRACTIONS! During the unit, we will be using
manipulatives to solve fraction operations along with the traditional algorithm. Module 4 will take
us into multiplying right away, but we will first review adding and subtracting fractions before
moving on to multiplying and then dividing fractions. Don’t forget if your child is having any
difficulty with any of the lessons, they can attend “Monday Math Club” until 3:30 pm every
Monday. All I need is a note or email stating that your child will be staying after to attend.
([email protected]).
Michigan Student of the Month
Congrats to Michigan Students of the Month for September for showing positive
behavior by following the Walker Way. Way to go!
PAW-riffic
Pictured from left to right: Jenan Halawa, Grace Hoban, Justin Quirk, Jacob Garcia and
Kemedy Hauser.
Wildcat News- November 2016
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Team University of Illinois
Mrs. Lauren Driscoll, Mrs. Leah Fischer/Mrs. Jen Hodys, Mrs. Kelly Higgins,
Mrs. Tammy Johnson, & Mrs. Julie Nance
Mrs. Driscoll—Social Studies
We are wrapping up our study of Mesopotamia and the First Empires. Students did a great job
showing their understanding through a few different project summatives including, booklets of the
Mesopotamian civilization, and advertisements of Sumerian advancements in the form of posters,
Power Points, or videos.
Speaking of “wrapping up” we will begin our study of Ancient Egypt shortly. Students will learn
about the geography of Egypt and the Nile River. Students will discover that the Nile was both a
“giver” and “taker” of life. Students will also learn about the other characteristics of Egypt’s
civilization including their government, art, writing, technology, religion stable food supply, and
social structure.
Mrs. Higgins and Mrs. Johnson—ELA
Students are continuing to dig deep into our class novel Flush by Carl Hiaasen. Students have been
analyzing the novel by identifying indirect characterization, symbolism, figurative language, irony,
and story devices such as flashback, foreshadowing, cliffhanger, and suspense. We will continue
our novel study until the end of the month. We then be incorporating non-fiction from our 6th grade
Reading book Collections prior to starting our next novel.
As we wrap up our English Unit, we will be beginning to brainstorm for our first large writing piece.
Through the writing process, students will be creating narrative stories that will incorporate all the
skills learned throughout our English unit, as well as different story devices. In addition, we will be
focusing on the six traits of writing while including all the necessary story elements of a short story:
exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. We will be utilizing the tablets to assist
in our writing.
Mrs. Nance—Math
We are wrapping up Unit 1 and will begin Unit 2 – Number Operations. In this unit, students will be
doing operations with fractions and decimals. In Module 4, they will be adding, subtracting,
multiplying and dividing fractions and mixed numbers. They will represent real-world quantities as
fractions, and will solve problems using the appropriate operation. In Module 5, students will use
Wildcat News- November 2016
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operations with decimals to solve real-world problems. They will also use models to represent sums
and products.
Mrs. Hodys—Science
We finished up the electricity and magnetism unit with “shocking” labs and hard work. Students
learned so many things related to solenoids, electromagnets, magnetic and non-magnetic items,
and static electricity.
After electricity, we quickly moved into weathering and rate at which items weather based on
location, climates, and elements (wind, rain, ice, etc). Students created before/after pictures
showing how weathering affects the environment. As we continue our weathering unit, students
are practicing writing/research skills by completing a research project. Students are researching
facts about the different types (mechanical and chemical) of weathering and will write/type their
findings.
Looking forward, we will end weathering with the formation of soil and why soil is important.
Students will then be introduced to the rock cycle and identify between igneous, sedimentary, and
metamorphic rocks.
Team University of Illinois students enjoyed the Stingray Touch exhibit at the Shedd Aquarium on
Friday, October 21st.
Pictured: left to right, Jake Kustak, Olivia Vuckovich, Sebastian Vega, Carson Young, Abby Powless,
Nick Karana, Conor Koehler, Amira Mahdi, Makenzie Ramos, and Makenzie Mikols.
Wildcat News- November 2016
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P.E. Team
The past month of Walker PE has been kicking with excitement. We started the month of October
with our soccer unit. We taught the students the skills of soccer dribbling, passing, trapping, and
defense. We worked both inside the gym and outside on the fields during this time. We ended the
unit with a soccer dribble and pass assessment. Right as soccer wrapped up we had a special visit
from Family Martial Arts. Master Kim, instructor Blake, and instructor Krista stopped by Walker PE to
teach our students some basic balance and taekwondo exercises. They led the class in various
martial art activities. There was a smile on almost everyone’s face as we were kicking and punching
our troubles away. We ended the month of October with our bone themed week. We taught the
students the location of the bones, the functions of the bones, and the location and functions of the
joints. We will wrap up bones week with an in-class assessment. We will be starting our bowling unit
on Halloween day.
Stay informed and sign up for the Wildcats Physical Education Remind. In order to sign up with your
phone, enter this number 81010 with the text @wildcatspe or email [email protected].
All phone numbers and emails are never shared.
Attention families, the PE Department is still collecting Box Tops for Education. The Box Tops collected
are used to enhance your students Physical Education Experience by providing them with the latest
fitness and health equipment. Thank You to all of the families that have contributed. Every Box Top
Counts!!!
Thank you for reading. Stay fit!
-Hilda Walker PE Staff
Wildcat News- November 2016
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November Art News
Mrs. Dominik
Art Room News
First quarter is over but the productivity is gearing up in the Art room. Both Grades are delving into
printmaking, the art creating multiples of an image. The fifth graders are working in groups
exploring images of fall. They will be making copies of a combined group image. After
printmaking, we will be looking at Pop art and illustrating onomatopoeia.
The sixth graders are printmaking skulls for the Mexican holiday, the day of the dead. They are
exploring personal identity and remembrance. Each student will be making copies of their
artwork to trade and share with their peers. Following Printmaking, the 6th grade will be exploring
typography as well as linear perspective.
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, and T-shirts.
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 is 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
Art Club meets on Tuesdays for 5th Grade or on Thursdays for 6th in either the Science Lab or the Art
Room. Please listen to announcements at school on the day of art club for the materials that you
will need to bring to class that day. We will be experimenting with different materials and techniques
each time we meet so that you 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. Thank you in advance for your help in this matter.
5th Grade Art Club will meet on Tuesdays this year from December 13th-March 21st.
6th Grade Art Club will meet on Thursdays this year from December 8th- March 2nd.
Wildcat News- November 2016
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Tech Bytes with Mrs. Boers
“Believe in your #selfie” is underway! Please bring in a selfie to be put on our #selfie wall. Make sure
your name and homeroom is on the back of your selfie if you’d like it back at the end of the year.
This month in tech we are reviewing basic Microsoft skills. 5th grade students are taking Microsoft
Word to a whole new level. Ask your child to share his/her work with the family.
The 6th grade classes are exploring Microsoft Excel. Graphs, charts, and spreadsheets are being
created using the various tools in Excel.
Our Summative projects will use Microsoft Word and Excel to tie into various classroom learning
targets.
Wildcat News- November 2016
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Reading & Math Tips of the Month
Linda O’Dell - 5th grade Interventionist
Heather Stupay – 6th grade Interventionist
Useful Strategies to Assist your Child with Reading
Establish a routine at home for reading: It could be before bed, on a Sunday night or whenever
works best in your schedule. You could even have a regular reading night where the whole family
gets together and reads. This is one of the best ways for developing a lifelong positive attitude for
reading.
Be a role model: Let them see you reading. Take the family to the local library and take an interest
in what types of books they borrow.
Praise every effort: Especially when confidence is low, and even when confidence is high. Help
your child feel good about reading.
Q: Why didn’t two 4’s want any dinner?
A: Because they already 8!
Math Tip:
The 11 Rule
You likely all know the 10 rule (to multiply by 10, just add a 0 behind the number) but do you know
the 11 rule? It is as easy! You should be able to do this one in your head for any two-digit number.
Practice it on paper first!
To multiply any two-digit number by 11:





For this example, we will use 54.
Separate the two digits in your mind (5__4).
Notice the hole between them!
Add the 5 and the 4 together (5+4=9)
Put the resulting 9 in the hole 594. That's it! 11 x 54=594
The only thing tricky to remember is that if the result of the addition is greater than 9, you only put
the "ones" digit in the hole and carry the "tens" digit from the addition. For example, 11 x 57 ... 5__7
... 5+7=12 ... put the 2 in the hole and add the 1 from the 12 to the 5 in to get 6 for a result of 627 ...
11 x 57 = 627.
Wildcat News- November 2016
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PPS Team – Mrs. Linke, Ms. Rybczynski and Ms. Pall
October was anti-bullying awareness month. Students learned the different forms of bullying
(Physical, Verbal, Nonverbal and Cyber) and the difference between mean, rude and bullying
behaviors. When someone says or does something unintentionally hurtful and they do it one time, it’s
rude behavior. When someone says or does something intentionally hurtful and they do it one time,
it’s mean behavior. When someone does something intentionally hurt over and over again, it
becomes bullying behavior.
Students learned the Walker Way of dealing with bullying-to Stop, Walk and Talk. They were
reminded of the difference between tattling and telling, and how reporting a bullying situation is not
tattling. They were taught to be up-standers when they are bystanders to bullying. If students see
someone being bullied, there are various strategies to put an end to it by taking a stand and speak
up for the person being targeted. Some other strategies learned were to speak kindly to the person
being bullied, include that person, spread kindness, don’t participate in gossip, and tell an adult.
Students spread kindness in chalk to combat bullying by writing kind words outside of the school
entrance.
Wildcat News- November 2016
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EXPECT RESPECT … Be respectful, Be Responsible, & Be Safe, The Walker Way!
Enjoy the following pictures taken at Hilda Walkers 20th Year Celebration- #20.
Wildcat News- November 2016
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