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Dear Walsh School Families,
It is hard to believe we are already heading into October! September was a busy and exciting month at Walsh, filled with learning, relationship building, and so many opportunities for our Bulldogs to show their PRIDE.
Throughout the month, our students continued building strong classroom routines and demonstrating what it means to be Prepared to Learn, Responsible, In Control and Safe, Doing Their Best, and Earning and Giving Respect. It has been wonderful to see our students becoming more confident and independent as they settle into the school year.
Our Kindergarten and First Grade students also completed their fall FastBridge assessments in reading and math. Our teachers have been working together to review this information, along with classroom performance and other student data, to celebrate areas of strength and identify opportunities for continued growth. This information helps us make thoughtful instructional decisions and ensure students receive the support they need.
As we move into October, we have another exciting month ahead! From learning and celebrations in our classrooms to family opportunities and our upcoming Monster Mash on October 21, there is plenty to look forward to. Please take some time to read through this month's Walsh Community Update so you don't miss any of the important dates, reminders, and opportunities to get involved.
We also love giving families a glimpse into the fun happening throughout our building! If you haven't already, be sure to follow the Walsh Facebook page, where we regularly share photos, celebrations, and examples of our Bulldogs learning and growing.
Most importantly, thank you for continuing to partner with us. Please remember that your child's teacher is always your first point of contact when you have questions about classroom routines, instruction, or your child's progress. We value open communication and want our families to feel connected and supported throughout the year.
We have had an incredible start, and I can't wait to see what October brings!
Believe in PRIDE. Believe in Yourself. Believe in Each Other.
With Bulldog PRIDE,
Mrs. Megan Urban
Principal, Walsh School
#BeABulldog!
Halloween Party Volunteers Needed
We’re looking for parent and guardian volunteers to help make our Halloween parties a spooktacular success!
Our Walsh staff will plan a variety of fun, age-appropriate Halloween activities for students to enjoy during their celebrations. The best part? We do the planning and prep, you just come ready to have fun with our Bulldogs! Activities will be prepared and ready for volunteers to lead.
If you're interested in joining us, here are a few important details:
-Volunteers will be asked to arrive 10 minutes before their scheduled party time.
-All activities and necessary materials will be prepared by Walsh staff.
-Only parents or guardians are eligible to volunteer.
-Please make other arrangements for siblings, as siblings are not permitted to attend or volunteer during classroom parties.
-To ensure we have the appropriate number of volunteers, families interested in helping should complete the Halloween Party Volunteer Form by the deadline listed below.
Halloween Parade/Party Date & Schedule:
Preschool and Kindergarten Outdoor Parade - 9:20-9:50am
Preschool Party in the Gym - 9:50-10:20am
Walsh, Tyrell, Lefferson, Smith Party in the Gym - 10:20-10:50am
McMillan, Bruecks, McAllister Party in the Gym - 10:50-11:20am
Preschool and First Grade Outdoor Parade - 1:15-1:45pm
Preschool Party in the Gym - 1:45-2:15pm
Wilson, Rey, Carter, Frankwoski Party in the Gym - 2:15-2:45pm
Gauthier, McPherson, Dudek Party in the Gym - 2:45-3:15pm
Volunteer Sign-Up Deadline:
October 16th at 3:30pm
We’d love to have you join us in making this a fun and memorable Halloween celebration for our Bulldogs!
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Monster Mash Candy Donations Needed
Monster Mash is right around the corner on Wednesday, October 21st, and we need your help making it extra sweet for our Bulldogs!
We are asking Walsh families to consider donating bags of individually wrapped candy for the event. If you're out shopping and spot a great candy sale, we'd greatly appreciate you grabbing an extra bag for Monster Mash!
Candy donations can be:
Sent to school with your child
Dropped off at the Walsh School office
Shipped directly to Walsh School
Please send in all candy donations by Tuesday, October 20th so we have plenty of time to prepare for the big night.
Every bag helps! Thank you for your generosity and for helping us make Monster Mash a fun and memorable evening for our Bulldogs and their families!
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Wear It Wednesday: Crazy Sock Day
Get ready to show off your silliest socks! Wednesday, October 7th is Crazy Sock Day at Walsh!
Our Bulldogs are invited to wear their craziest, funniest, brightest, or most mismatched socks to school.
We can't wait to see Walsh showing off some serious sock style!
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Fire Safety at Walsh
Do you have a family action plan in case of a fire at home? This October, our Bulldogs will have the opportunity to learn important fire safety skills from our Lockport Fire Department and EMS representatives!
Wednesday, October 7th: Kindergarten & Morning Preschool
Thursday, October 8th: First Grade & Afternoon Preschool
After your child's visit, be sure to ask them what they learned! Talking about and practicing fire safety at home is a great way to reinforce these important lessons.
Together, we can help our Bulldogs learn how to stay safe during a fire—at home, at school, and in our community!
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National Apple Crunch Day
Join us in celebrating National Apple Crunch Day on Thursday, October 8th! Our Walsh Bulldogs will take part in this fun and healthy tradition by enjoying a crisp apple together.
Thanks to our district, apples will be provided for all students to enjoy during lunch as we celebrate healthy choices and school community—one big CRUNCH at a time!
We can't wait to hear Walsh CRUNCH!
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Picture Day is Coming
Picture Day at Walsh School is Tuesday, October 13th! Get those smiles ready!
Families can place their orders online at mylifetouch.com using the Picture Day ID provided by Lifetouch. Order before midnight on Picture Day to receive FREE shipping!
Students may also bring their completed picture flyer with cash or check on Picture Day. After Picture Day, all orders must be placed online through Lifetouch.
Picture Day: Tuesday, October 13th
Picture Retake Day: Friday, November 13th
Additional Picture Day information and ordering details will be shared with families through Lifetouch.
We can't wait to see all of our Bulldogs' smiles!
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Bags of Hope Food Drive
Each week, Bags of Hope provides backpacks filled with non-perishable food items to students and families in need throughout the Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Joliet, and Lockport communities. Their goal is to continue supporting these families while expanding the program to reach even more students—and Walsh School is excited to help!
To support the Bags of Hope program, Walsh School will be hosting a food drive!
Families who would like to participate are invited to send donated items to school with their child during our collection. Every donation, big or small, can make a difference for a local family!
Requested non-perishable items include: canned vegetables, canned fruit, pasta and pasta sauce, canned tuna or chicken, soup, oatmeal, ramen noodles, macaroni and cheese, ndividual snacks such as fruit snacks, granola bars, and cereal bars and peanut butter and jelly
Thank you for helping our Bulldogs demonstrate what it means to Earn and Give Respect by taking care of others in our community.
Together, we can help “Feed Tomorrow’s Minds Today!”
Monster Mash: Know Before You Go
Monster Mash is almost here! To help the evening run smoothly and allow our Bulldogs to enjoy all of the fun, families will receive a Monster Mash Guide showing where to begin and how to move through the event. Please be sure to start at the station assigned to you at the front door to help us prevent crowding and backups.
Throughout the night, families will make their way through trick-or-treating in the First Grade hallway, spooky stories in the Media Center, face or limb painting in the Music Room, Halloween games in the gym, and a photo opportunity in the lobby!
We'll end the night together with a dance party in the gym! Please head to the gym during the final portion of your assigned time slot, as the other stations will close for the last 10 minutes.
We can't wait for another spooktacular Monster Mash with our Walsh Bulldogs!
Red Ribbon Week: October 26–30
Walsh School is excited to celebrate Red Ribbon Week from October 26–30! This year’s theme is:
“Make A Difference. Be A Hero. Stay Drug Free.”
At Walsh, Red Ribbon Week provides an age-appropriate opportunity to encourage our young Bulldogs to make healthy, safe, and positive choices. Throughout the week, we’ll celebrate with some fun spirit days!
Monday, October 26 – Bathrobes & Slippers Day
Get comfy and wear your favorite bathrobe and slippers!
Tuesday, October 27 – Construction Worker Day
Dress like a construction worker!
Wednesday, October 28 – Tie or Bowtie Day
Dress it up with your favorite tie or bowtie!
Thursday, October 29 – Neon & Sunglasses Day
Light up Walsh with your brightest neon and favorite shades!
Friday, October 30 – Halloween Apparel Day
Wear your favorite Halloween shirt, colors, or festive apparel!
Participation is always optional. We can’t wait to see our Bulldogs having fun while celebrating the importance of making a difference, being a hero, and making healthy choices!
Halloween at Walsh: Parade & Celebration Information
We are excited to celebrate Halloween with our annual Walsh School Costume Parade! With beautiful weather in the forecast, we are excited to take our parade outdoors this year!
Costume Parade Information
-Please plan to park and make your way to the back of Walsh School to view the parade.
-Preschool and Kindergarten Parade Start Time: Students will begin exiting the building at approximately 9:30am through Door 10, near the First Grade hallway.
-Parade Route: The parade will be led by Mrs. Tyrell. Students will walk around the back of Walsh School and re-enter the building through Door 6.
-Family Viewing Area: Parents and guests are invited to stand along the parade route between Door 10 and Door 6 along the back of the building. Please remain in the grass.
-Seating: There will be no seating available, so please plan accordingly.
We can't wait to see our Bulldogs dressed up and showing off their Halloween spirit!
Classroom Celebration Reminder
As we prepare for our Halloween festivities, we also want to remind families of our District Wellness Policy. In alignment with this policy, please do not send food or candy for classroom celebrations or treat bags.
This helps us maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all of our students, particularly those with food allergies and dietary needs.
Families who would like to contribute to classroom celebrations are welcome to send non-food items, such as stickers, bookmarks, pencils or erasers, mini notepads or activity books, bubbles, fidgets, or other small toys.
Thank you for helping us make Halloween at Walsh safe, inclusive, and FUN for all of our Bulldogs!
Halloween Costume Reminders
Students are welcome to wear their costumes to school on October 30 if they choose! To help us keep the day safe and appropriate for all of our young Bulldogs, please keep the following in mind:
-Weapons or other inappropriate costume accessories should remain at home.
-Masks may be worn during the Halloween parade and party only and should not be worn during the regular school day.
-Please consider costumes that allow students to comfortably and safely participate in their regular school activities throughout the day.
Important Lunch Reminder – October 30
On Friday, October 30, students will eat lunch in their classrooms as part of our Halloween celebration schedule. Because of this change in our regular lunch routine, we will not be able to accommodate lunch visitors on this day.
Thank you for helping us make Halloween at Walsh a safe, fun, and memorable celebration for all of our Bulldogs!
If Your Family Does Not Celebrate Halloween
We understand that not all families celebrate Halloween, and that is absolutely okay! If your child does not participate in Halloween activities, please let your child’s teacher know. During the Halloween parade and party, we will arrange for your child to come to the office, where they can enjoy alternative activities and have some fun with our staff. We want every Bulldog to feel comfortable, included, and supported throughout the school day.
Operation Support Our Troops
Upcoming Events in October
October 2nd - Custodian Appreciation Day
October 5th - Wear Blue for World Day of Bullying Prevention
October 7th - Wear it Wednesday - Crazy Socks
October 7th - Fire Drill/Assembly with Lockport Fire Department (Kindergarten/AM Pre-K)
October 7th - Art Club after school (Wednesdays through Nov. 4th)
October 8th - Fire Drill/Assembly with Lockport Fire Department (1st Grade/PM Pre-K)
October 8th - Lego Club after school (Thursdays through Nov. 5th)
October 9th - SIP Day - Early Dismissal at 11:55AM
October 12th - No School - Columbus Day
October 13th - Fall Picture Day
October 14th - Wear it Wednesday - Wear Pink - Pink Out Day
October 21st - Wear Orange - Unity Day
October 21st - Monster Mash 5:30pm-7:30pm
October 23rd - 1st Grade Field Trip to Heap's Pumpkin Farm
October 29th - Erin's Law Parent Presentation 5-6pm
October 30th - Halloween Parades and Parties
Red Ribbon Week Spirit Wear ~ October 26th-October 30th
October 26th - Wear Bathrobes and Slippers
October 27th - Dress like a Construction Worker
October 28th - Tie or Bowtie Day
October 29th - Neon/Sunglasses Day
October 30th - Halloween Apparel
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