• Access Points Program

    Walker ESE Specialist: Jeannine Stevens jeannine.stevens@hcps.net 

     

    The Access Program at Walker Middle Magnet IB MYP World School is a comprehensive educational hands-on approach aimed at supporting students with various needs by providing specialized instruction across multiple areas. This holistic approach is designed to help students develop academic skills, independent functioning abilities, social emotional learning, and access to necessary therapeutic services.

    • Academic Instruction: Focuses on core subjects like reading, writing, math, science, and social studies, tailoring the approach to meet individual learning needs.

    • Independent Functioning: Helps students develop critical life skills such as daily living tasks, career preparation, organization, and self-advocacy, which are essential for independence.

     • Social Emotional: Supports students in understanding and managing emotions, building relationships, and improving their overall mental and emotional well-being.

    • Related Services: Provides access to therapies like speech, language, occupational, and physical therapy to ensure students’ diverse needs are met.

     

    Access Point Electives

    The Access Point Program's electives offer a wonderful opportunity for students to engage in hands-on learning while building both individual and collaborative skills! It’s great to see such a variety of activities that focus on different aspects of development. 

    • Physical Education: PE provides a way for students to work on teamwork and physical coordination. It’s awesome that it’s adapted to meet students at their level of participation, ensuring everyone can engage and build confidence.

    • Robotics: Hands-on activities with Legos allow students to explore concepts in a fun and creative way. Building systems promote problem-solving and teamwork, while also sparking interest in technology.

    • Drama: What an exciting way to develop communication skills, confidence, and creativity! The end-of-term performances are a great way to showcase what the students have learned. Performing in well-known productions like Aladdin, Moana, The Wizard of Oz, and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory gives them the chance to express themselves and work collaboratively on a larger scale. These electives help students discover new interests, build self-esteem, and develop important social and communication skills.

    Current Elementary Students

    Access Program elementary students zoned for Ben Hill, Martinez, or Smith Middle Schools, based on neighborhood boundaries for access programs, your child may be assigned to Walker. Check with your current ESE specialist at your neighborhood school.

    If you are zoned for any other middle school, you must apply for Walker's Access Program through the CHOICE application. For more information about the lottery: Choice / Overview  or call (813) 272-4692

     

    Varying Exceptionality (VE) Students with an IEP are supported in general education classes through co-teaching and support facilitation providing specially designed instruction in areas such as reading, language arts, and math. Walker also offers a special education resource class designed for students who need assistance with organization and self-advocacy skills. Students receive individualized instruction as outlined in their IEP, and case managers ensure that all classroom and testing accommodations are effectively implemented.

    VE students must apply through the MAGNET application.