Principal Message

2020-21 School Update
Posted on 08/10/2020
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What Will School Look Like This Fall?
While parents, staff and (mostly) students hoped for a traditional opening of school this fall, the real threat of COVID-19 is forcing us all to be flexible.  By now, you've likely heard the news that our district has opted to begin the school year in an online learning format.  This decision was made collaboratively, prioritizing student safand following guidance from medical experts. Once this reality sunk in for your family, you likely began to ask a series of questions, that have large implications for your life, and the lives of your children this year.  For Walker families, we will work hard to address the most pressing questions you have in the lead up to our 2020-2021 school year.  

First, let's answer the most common question parents have at this time:  "What will School Look Like This Fall?"
Here is What We Know:
  1. School will start 8/31/20 online only. There won't be any in-person class meetings to begin with.
  2. Students will be expected to attend class daily. Consistent attendance and effort will ensure continued learning. Attendance will be taken.
  3. The school day will be 360 minutes in total.  Students, grades TK-5th, can expect 240 minutes of live teaching, in a combination of whole group and small group. An additional 60 minutes will be dedicated to student work time. Early learning (preschool) will include 30 minutes of live, whole group instruction, 45 minutes of small group instruction and an additional 105 minutes of asynchronous learning.
  4. Students will receive additional support, including small group instruction and individual support (office hours).
  5. Students will receive instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, and the arts.
  6. All students, preschool through 5th grade, will receive a computer and use it to access daily school instruction and activities. Students who already have a district computer will use that one in the fall. If your child's computer is not functioning properly, visit this page for support.
  7. The first week of school will focus on training students and families to use online platforms effectively.
  8. Families that are new to San Diego Unified will need to complete enrollment paperwork, found here. 
  9. Learning management systems will be limited to Googleclassroom and Seesaw to simplify student and parent navigation.
  10. Meal distribution at Walker will continue into the new school year.
  11. Online learning will look and feel even better this fall. We've learned from the successes and failures of distance learning in the spring. We've taken in valuable feedback.  Online learning will be even better.
Here is What We are Working to Solidify in the Coming Days:
  1. Daily start times for the school, grade levels and classes will be solidified with input from teachers.
  2. Class rosters will be developed to ensure optimal delivery of instruction and individual student support.  You can expect an email with your child's classroom assignment before 8/29/2020.
  3. A safe return to campus will be guided by medical experts from UCSD.  See the criteria here.
We are excited to get back to teaching your children.  We are asking for a deeper partnership with parents this school year.  And while we face significant challenge, we are confident that together, we will see your your children learn, grow and #experienceSUCCESS!  
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Justin Phillips  
Principal
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