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Walker Upper Elementary:
School Profile

Welcome to Walker!

Walker Upper Elementary School is focused squarely on academics in the context of the crucial age group it serves. Children in grades 5-6 enjoy a balanced curriculum that maintains a focus on learning, while also nurturing spontaneity and curiosity. Since early attitudes about school often pave the way to higher education, Walker teachers guide students in their progress toward high school graduation and beyond, delivering support and challenges as needed by the student.

Students at Walker are organized into teams so that students strengthen relationships with teachers and peers. Staff continually assesses what children are learning and what can be done to support them. Midterm tests, benchmark assessments, and reading inventories regularly gather information on student progress and mastery.

Fine Arts

Fine arts are important at Walker! Each child chooses one enriching art as a focus. Over 2000 art works have been posted on Artsonia (www.artsonia.com). Students enjoy the benefits of a very active music program, including orchestra, band, jazz band, and chorus. Drama acquaints students with performing and production skills.

Guidance Programs

C.A.M.P.U.S. (Creating a More Positive and Unified School) assists students in their character development. Each month features a different character trait to practice such as Making Friends and Setting Personal Goals; Dealing with Bullying in Proactive Ways; and Awareness of Disabilities and Accepting All. Classes conduct C.A.M.P.U.S. meetings each week to reinforce positive behavior and explore options in problem-solving. C.A.M.P.U.S. lessons are continually revised to reflect the needs of our students and community so no two years ever look the same.

Walker's guidance team encourages students to resolve conflicts with peers in a peaceful manner through mediation. Mediations take place during the students' lunch periods with adult supervision.

Walker students have the opportunity to transport classroom knowledge to the real world while helping others and building character. Walker has partnered with Teens GIVE, a community program that specializes in service-learning and character education programming for youth.

Walker is the After-School Place to Be!

Walker offers an exceptional variety of activities as part of the EDGE (Extended Day Generates Excellence) program, an after-school program that offers recreational and academic activities.

Parent Involvement

The Walker PTO supports the school in fostering community and providing financial assistance for community-based initiatives. Community Night is an opportunity for parents and kids to socialize and share a meal. Open mike session offers kids a chance to perform. Bingo/Silent Auction nights help raise funds for school projects. Math and Science Night engages parents and kids in math games and science experiments that their children have used in class.

Volunteering helps parents connect with their child's school and teachers. As one parents says, “My engagement in the PTO truly helped provide me with a sense of what was going on at the school--to get to know teachers, the administration, and many of the children. The school was no longer a building, but a positive learning environment with committed teachers, administrators and great kids."

Meet the Principal

Principal Vernon Bock joins Walker after serving as Principal of Johnson Elementary since 2007. He has a B.S. from Shenandoah University in Mathematics, an M.S. from Shenandoah University in computer science and educational technology, and an M.S. from Shenandoah University in Educational Administration and Supervision. He taught math for five years and was an assistant principal prior to becoming principal. He is married and has two daughters and a son. He enjoys spending time rock climbing, backpacking, and hiking with his family.

 

What Parents Say about Walker

My daughter feels empowered and supported at Walker and it seems tailor-made for her needs.”

"Walker has been a great school for our kids. My child's teachers were excellent and communicated very effectively via e-mail and in person.”