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Important Information for Incoming Students: 2025-2026

May 30

Congratulations on completing your school year...Parents and Children!

I hope you have an adventurous summer break. Be an IB Risk Taker and explore new opportunities to learn and grow.

Read your summer book as a family, then talk about it together. Enjoy your experiences of serving others. Post the Walker Honor Code on the refrigerator and make

the IB Learner Profile attributes part of your daily life at home.  Have some fun and make beautiful memories.

 

This is my last email to you. In July, you will be on the Walker ParentLink and will receive information from our Head of School, Sarah Caldwell. Then in August, you will be able to access school news through Canvas.  It has been my pleasure to guide you through the transition into our IB MYP World School. 

 

IF you haven't already... mark your calendars for OPEN HOUSE on Friday August 8 and the 1st Day of School on Monday August 11.

 

Welcome to the Walker Wolf Pack ❤️

"For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack." 

 

Attachments:
IB at Home
Walker Honor Code
IB Basics Parent Series Slides
Summer Checklist

May 28

Summer Checklist
JUNE 
 
JULY 
  AUGUST                                                                                   
  • Open House: Friday August 8 
    • Details will be sent to you! 
  • 1st Day of 2025-26: Monday August 11 
 
 
*printable checklist attached

May 21

Summer is a great time for completing your Service As Action hours!
Service As Action (SA) is doing something to help make the world a better, more peaceful place! Service As Action is part of being a Middle Years Programme (MYP) student.  Even more importantly, it is part of being a caring, responsible member of your school, local and global communities. In the MYP, service as action starts in the classroom and extends beyond it, requiring you to take an active part in the communities you are a part of.
 
At Walker, the expectation is that Year 1 students will complete 5 hours of service; Year 2 students will complete 8 hours of service, and Year 3 students will complete 10 hours of service + the required Community Project.
Only hours earned from June 1, 2025 - May 3, 2026, are eligible to submit for the 2025-2026 school year. You are required to keep track of your hours submitted - Click here for a record keeping tool At the end of each grading period, you will receive a notification of the hours submitted. 
Note: National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) members must complete a minimum of 10 hours of service each year. NJHS Candidates must complete the required 10 hours BEFORE given an invitation to join - the deadline is Friday, January 30, 2026, at 11:55pm.
 
For more information visit the Walker website:Service As Action
 

 

Walker Wolf Camp

 

Summer STEM Camp

Summer Academic Support 

  

· Summer Book Club is offered to support your child's summer reading assignment. Students will come together to read the grade level book and have interesting discussions.     Questions? Email: claudia.williams-smith@hcps.net     

· Summer Math Tutoring Help your child avoid the summer slide with focused, small-group math tutoring sessions designed for rising 6th and 7th graders with Ms. Matos.  Each session meets three times and reinforces key math concepts to keep skills sharp, build confidence and get a head start on the upcoming school year through engaging, small group sessions. Private tutoring also available.

Questions? Email: natasha.matos@hcps.net  

 

 

 May 14

Printable "Starter" List of Supplies is attached! Course & Teacher specific lists will be shared at OPEN HOUSE on August 8.

·                     Details about the OPEN HOUSE will be shared later in the summer - the message will come from "Walker".

 

 

 

· Walker students do not need to bring their own devices to school. We have computers and laptop carts available in all classrooms.

o Smart phones and Smart watches are not required, but they are allowed.

o Suggestion: students could benefit from wearing an analog watch: know how to tell time, time management, can be worn during testing!

 

· Cell Phones  

o Per District policy, cell phones are allowed on campus, but they must remain turned off at all times during the school day.  The District allows students to carry cell phones for use before or after school.  Devices are only to be used at the direction of the teacher or administrative staff.

 

·Cell Phones and Electronic Devices - Policies

 

 

Required Summer Reading Assignments

· All Walker students are required to complete the Summer Reading Assignments due in August 2025.

o Directions for turning in your IB Learner Profile and Global Context summer reading assignment for a Language and Literature grade will be shared when you return on August 11.
o  An IB Interdisciplinary Unit (IDU) incorporating the summer reading book will have the students participating in lessons in each of their eight IB Subject courses during the first weeks of school.
 
·Walker Website: Summer Reading Assignments
·IB Basics Parent Series - Summer Reading - Wednesday May 28: Walker Parents: IB Basics - Parent Series
 

Summer Academic Support

  

· Summer Book Club is offered to support your child's summer reading assignment. Students will come together to read the grade level book and have interesting discussions. Questions? Email: claudia.williams-smith@hcps.net     

 

· Summer Math Tutoring Help your child avoid the summer slide with focused, small-group math tutoring sessions designed for rising 6th and 7th graders with Ms. Matos.  Each session meets three times and reinforces key math concepts to keep skills sharp, build confidence and get a head start on the upcoming school year through engaging, small group sessions. Private tutoring also available.

Questions? Email: natasha.matos@hcps.net  

 

 Did you accidentally delete an email or want to share this information with additional family members?

  • Please feel free to forward the weekly email 
  • or direct them to our website: Important Information for Incoming Students: 2025-2026 (hillsboroughschools.org)
    • Please understand that I can not add any emails to my distribution list - the email you entered in the magnet application is the only email I can use
    • In July, you will receive information directly from Walker/ParentLink using the contact information listed in the HCPS database/emergency card.

May 7

#WalkerWednesday - IB MYP Culture of Honor  

is a system Walker has created to promote positive behavior through the attributes of the Learner Profile which enhances a strong sense of social awareness and caring actions. This includes our PBIS Plan,  IB Policies, and Magnet School Compact.

 

Walker PBIS Plan

The Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) plan at Walker Middle Magnet IB World School was developed by a multi-disciplinary committee devoted to encouraging students to actively demonstrate the IB Learner Profile.  The PBIS plan is reviewed quarterly each year. The plan creates a culture of honor which increases instructional time and positive behaviors. Students are rewarded for exemplifying the IB Learner Profile attributes. These values guide our IB world school and are the key components of our daily Honor Code Pledge:

Students earn Wolf Coins when exemplifying these values. Examples of some ways Wolf Coins can be spent:

  • Quarterly:
    • Raffles
    • Snow Cones
    • Popcorn
  • In the classrooms:
    • Homework Passes
    • Treats
    • Special Privileges
  • During lunch period:
    • Play time at the PTSA Park
    • Lunch on the Patio with friends
    • VIP Game Lounge
  • Once a week before homeroom:
    • Shopping at the Wolf Coin Store (Newly Remodeled for 2025-26)

 

Walker IB Policies

Walker Middle Magnet is an International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) World School. IB World Schools share a common philosophy-a commitment to improve the teaching and learning of a diverse and inclusive community of students by delivering challenging, high-quality programmes of international education that share a powerful vision. Every year, Walker's IB Pedagogical Leadership Team (IB PLT) reviews the policies and invites our stakeholders (students, parents, teachers, community members) to give input.

  • Academic Integrity Policy

  • Admission and Access Policy
  • Inclusion Policy
  • Language Policy
  • Assessment Policy
  • Complaints Procedures
 

HCPS Magnet School Compact

The privilege of being a part of the Walker Middle Magnet IB MYP to which you have been accepted comes with certain responsibilities. 

In accepting this Magnet School placement, you have agreed to be mindful of the following:

 

Students will:

  • Be aware of and follow all school rules, routines, and procedures.
  • Be aware of and follow all transportation system rules, routines, and procedures.
  • Arrive on time every day prepared with all necessary supplies, books, and materials.
  • Complete all classwork and homework assignments.
  • Follow the dress code and uniform requirements established by the school.
  • Actively contribute to a positive, safe, and cooperative school environment.
     

Parents/Guardians and family members will:

  • Be aware of and follow all school routines and procedures.
  • Be aware of and follow all transportation system routines and procedures.
  • Monitor the timely completion of homework assignments.
  • Ensure students follow dress code and uniform requirements established by the school.
  • Communicate with school personnel in a civil manner.
  • Provide accurate and up-to-date contact information.
  • Contribute to a positive, safe, and cooperative school environment.
     

All of the above must be honored to ensure that your student’s Magnet School assignment and/or the privilege of Magnet bus transportation is maintained throughout the year. Working together means we will ALL have a fun, safe, and successful school year!

 

Visit Walker's Webpage for details on the 2024-2025 Plan: IB MYP Culture of Honor / Walker Middle Magnet

  • This will be updated in August for the 2025-2026 School Year

 

 

 

April 30 - TODAY - "Welcome"

"Welcome to Walker Ice Cream Social" TODAY!
 
The "Welcome to Walker Ice Cream Social" starts in the Gym for every session:​
​
  • Session 1   starts at 5:00pm – ends at 5:45pm BLUE wristbands​
  • Session 2   starts at 5:30pm - ends at 6:15pm  RED wristbands​
  • Session 3   starts at 6:00pm - ends at 6:45pm  YELLOW wristbands​
  • Session 4   starts at 6:30pm - ends at 7:15pm  ORANGE wristbands
 
Be Early, But Not Too Early, and Don't Be Late!
  • Please plan to arrive on campus no more than 15 minutes before your session begins and depart when your session ends!
  • The gate and door to the gym will close at 6:30pm and no one else may enter... so don't be late! No additional tours will be scheduled.
Walker Assistant Head of School, Henry Lefler, and his team of Walker Teachers will be in the parking lot to assist you with parking! Please follow their directions. After parking, walk to the far-left gate when looking at the office; student greeters will direct you from the parking lot to the Gym! You will see your Walker Head of School, Sarah Caldwell, just inside the gate while you are headed into the gym. The IB MYP Coordinator, Josephine Corder, will hand the incoming student a color wristband according to your Session time. 
 
Inside the gym you will visit with students sharing their Year 3 Design and Community Projects. Meet the Year 1 Team Leaders and watch a PE/Sports slideshow. Walker teachers will help you get into groups and the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) tour leaders will escort you and your family members through Walker. They will share information about our IB MYP school from a student's perspective! 
 
The final destination is the Cafeteria where the PTSA will be serving ice cream bars to our incoming students with wrist bands, teachers from all 8 IB Subjects will be by their subject boards, and club members will tell you about some of the groups you can join next year!
 
I know you will be excited to stay and talk, but we will need you to exit the cafeteria and parking lot on time so that the next set of families can find a place to park! Walker Assistant Head of School, Andria Franks, will make an announcement when your session has ended.
 
We are excited to meet YOU!

 

 
 

April 23 - Community Engagement

Community Engagement Through Service
IB learners strive to be caring members of the community who demonstrate a commitment to service—making a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment. Students take action when they apply what they are learning in the classroom and beyond. Service as action helps students develop their personal understanding, their emerging sense of self and their developmentally appropriate responsibility in their community by engaging them in-depth inquiry that leads to action. Teachers use service learning to make abstract subjects real for students. From the classroom to the community, IB emphasizes community-based learning and service. Your children will need to find rewarding places to work alongside community members and make positive contributions.
 
Service As Action
Service As Action (SA) is doing something to help make the world a better, more peaceful place! Service As Action is part of being a Middle Years Programme (MYP) student.  Even more importantly, it is part of being a caring, responsible member of your school, local and global communities. In the MYP, service as action starts in the classroom and extends beyond it, requiring you to take an active part in the communities you are a part of. 
 
  • At Walker, the expectation is that Year 1 students will complete 5 hours of service; Year 2 students will complete 8 hours of service, and Year 3 students will complete 10 hours of service + the required Community Project. Students selected for National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) are required to complete a minimum of 10 hours of service each year.
 
  • Summer is a great time to start thinking about service! These hours will count towards the new school year. The online Service As Action Reflection can be completed starting on August 1, 2025. Students have to log in with their school number in order to complete the reflection questions and upload their creative project.
 
  • Each year, the IB Coordinator meets with all of the students to review the expectations for completing the Service As Action Reflection and works with the students to understand what they can do to make a difference in the world. You can watch the video of this year's presentation: Service Presentation Video
 
REMINDER: Save the Dates - Sign Ups 
 
Accidentally deleted an email?
 

April 16 - Clubs & Sports

  • Agriculture Club - Mrs. Dukes jodi.dukes@hcps.net and Mr. Doss  avery.doss@hcps.net
    • We meet every Tuesday from 3:25-4:30pm.
    • Annual Dues are $50 which includes an Ag. Club T- shirt
    • Cultivating leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
    • We will build benches, greenhouses, animal shelters, bird houses, aquaponic fish habitats and recycled garden planters. We care for our schools' gardens, learning how to weed, trim, fertilize and care for the different types of plants we have. 
    • We will learn to feed, water and care for Walker's livestock. We have sheep, goats, mini pig, tortoise, turtles, rabbits, chickens, ducks.
    • Our schools FFA and Ag program will be showing at the county and state fair as well as the Strawberry festival. Please join us and watch us grow. 
      • We are looking to start a booster club
      • We are looking for partners to help fund our program
      • We are looking for a livestock trailer
  • Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) - Mr. Makinster joseph.makinster@hcps.net
    •  A club open to students of all faiths.  As the largest Christian sports organization in the world, FCA focuses on Integrity, Serving, Teamwork, and Excellence and provides a powerful medium for athletes and students to impact the world and grow mentally, spiritually and physically. FCA focuses on serving local communities by equipping, empowering and encouraging people to make a difference.
      We will meet on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 3:30-4:30 in the gym. The students will be picked up in the front circle following the meetings.
      Our meetings will include:
      • Guest speakers 
      • Devotions
      • Worship music
      • Games and activities
       
  •  Friendship Club Ms. Stevens jeannine.stevens@hcps.net  Mrs. Boyer erica.boyer@hcps.net 
    • Do you want to exhibit kindness, compassion, and be an inclusive IB learner? Join Friendship Club! 
    • We meet monthly to promote meaningful friendships between students in general education and ACCESS classes through games, crafts, and fun. Students are matched with a 1-1 peer.
             Members include:
    • 6-8th graders on ACCESS Points Curriculum (Teachers: Durden, Belanger, DeLeon)
    • 6th -8th grade students on a standard curriculum (limit 33)
                  All meetings are on campus, after school from 3:30-4:30
  •  Future Business Leaders of America - Ms. Voigt melissa.voigt@hcps.net  Ms. Norlin elizabeth.norlin@hcps.net   
    • FBLA is the largest Career and Technical Organization in the country. The goal of FBLA is to develop the skills necessary to become successful business leaders. Students will participate in a variety of leadership and teambuilding activities during the General Business Meetings every other Wednesday.
    • Competitions take place at the district, state, and national levels throughout the year. Members must be in 7th and 8th grade and be enrolled in or have taken a business technology or computer science class. Dues must be paid at the beginning of each school year. 
       
  • Girls Who Code - Ms. Voigt melissa.voigt@hcps.net
    • Girls Who Code is a club for 6th-8th grade students to join a sisterhood of supportive peers and role models using computer science to change the world. Club members build coding skills and community as they complete coding projects. It is completely free and offers fun activities through a flexible curriculum that adapts to our students’ unique needs. It will take place every other Wednesday from 3:30pm – 4:30pm.  
       
  • Green Team - Ms. Voigt melissa.voigt@hcps.net
    • Green Team is a student-led club that participates in projects that support the Environment in our community. 
       
       
  • IB a World Traveler - Mrs. Corder josephine.corder@hcps.net
    • When students travel, they expand their knowledge of the world around them, discover more about themselves, and grow more confident. These skills are critical for creating the global citizens of tomorrow. The International Baccalaureate (IB) aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.  We are excited to offer this international travel opportunity, and we would love to have your student join us on this adventure.
    • Students that join a summer travel adventure through EF Tours, spend the year before travel attending a monthly club to get to know your fellow travelers, share tips for world travel, and learn about the country's language, culture, famous landmarks and more!
    • Lagniappe "a little something extra" adventures on the weekend help travelers to prepare for the travel experience while learning more about the Tampa Bay region!
  •  
     
  • National Junior Honor Society - Mrs.Corder, Adviser josephine.corder@hcps.net and Mrs. Smith, Meeting Leader claudia.williams-smith@hcps.net 
     
    • Membership in the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) is one of the highest honors that can be awarded to a middle school student. Our chapter has worked hard to bring the accomplishments of outstanding students to the attention of parents, teachers, peers, and the community. Our chapter strives to give practical meaning to the Society’s standards of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. These five ideals are considered as the basis for selection. No student is inducted simply because of a high academic average. The National Junior Honor Society strives to recognize the total student—one who excels in all of these areas.
    • The standards used for selection are:
      Membership, however, is more than an honor. It is an ongoing responsibility and an obligation to continue to demonstrate those outstanding qualities that result in a student’s selection. Membership also carries a responsibility to the chapter. If our NJHS chapter is to be effective and meaningful, each member must become involved.
        • Scholarship: 3.5 GPA in all eight(8) IB Courses  
        • Character: No referrals resulting in ISS or OSS
        • Citizenship: "A" conduct grade in all eight (8) IB Courses 
        • Service: Service As Action Reflections Completed - minimum of 10 hours by March 25
        • Leadership: School and Community Activities
      • Obligations of Membership
        • Individual Service Hours - IB Reflection completed for minimum of 10 hours each year (does not include the NJHS Service Project or Community Project)
        • Walker's NJHS Service Project participation
        • NJHS Meeting attendance
        • Annual Dues $20 
           
  • Robotics - Mr. Nelson blake.nelson@hcps.net  & Ms.Strano jennifer.strano@hcps.net 
    • We compete in FIRST Lego League Challenge where students design and code student created robots that must complete challenges in a specific time frame. The competition also includes researching real world applications of robots and brainstorming modern solutions to modern problems that students then get to prototype and test.
    • Thursday after school 3:30-5:30 plus weekend competition dates. Students are picked up in front of the office after meetings are over.
 
  • Walker Sports Teams
    • Girls & Boys Basketball  
    • Girls & Boys Volleyball 
    • Girls & Boys Track 
    • Girls & Boys Soccer
    • Girls & Boys Flag Football
      Visit the Walker Athletics page for the Forms & Eligibility for Middle School Sports Walker Athletics / Walker Athletics
 
REMINDER: Save the Dates - Sign Ups 
  • March 26 - May 28: IB Basics - Parent Series Sign up for one or all evening Zoom sessions https://sugeni.us/VoUQ
  • April 30, 5:00pm - 7:15pm: Welcome to Walker Ice Cream Social Sign Up for your start/end time https://sugeni.us/VoeW
  • July 29 or 30, 7:30am -12:00 noon: Walker Wolf Camp & Parent 101 (8:00am - 9:00am). Camp is one day, choose one date https://sugeni.us/VoUm
  • August 8: Walker Open House - details will be sent to you in July - message will come from the school
  • August 11: First Day of 2025-2026 School Year
 

 

Big News! We are going to Peru: Land of the Inca in Summer 2027, and you’re invited!
Peru is an awe-inspiring portal to the world of the Inca, one of the world’s great ancient civilizations. Travel with your Walker classmates and family members to see spellbinding sites like Machu Picchu, informative exhibits at Larco Museum, and monuments like Sacsayhuaman bring it all into focus. The Peruvian culture of today is no less compelling—get a glimpse at one of its colorful markets. We will visit Lima (birthplace of Mrs. Corder), Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cuzco, Iquitos and Amazon Lodge. I can't wait to share all of the details with you!
 
We are working with EF Tours, our educational travel partner. Please be sure to register for this info session to be considered for this opportunity: https://bit.ly/41XDWfM
When students travel, they expand their knowledge of the world around them, discover more about themselves, and grow more confident. These skills are critical for creating the global citizens of tomorrow. The International Baccalaureate (IB) aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.  We are excited to offer this international travel opportunity, and we would love to have your student join us on this adventure.
 In this info session, we’ll talk about:
  • ·    How this opportunity will benefit your child
  • ·     What we’ll see and do on our trip
  • ·     Everything that’s included in this experience
  • ·     How your child can earn academic credit
  • ·     How we’re keeping this safe and affordable
  • ·     How to enroll on this trip (before it fills up!) & qualify for EF’s risk-free enrollment period
 There are limited spots on this trip, so we would love to have you attend this meeting to learn more about this exciting opportunity! Students and their families are welcome to travel with our team of IB educators!
 
 Your IB a World Traveler Group Leader ❤️ Josephine.Corder@hcps.net
 
This tour is run by EF/Educational Tours and is not directly associated with Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS). 

 

 April 9
 

Subjects at my neighborhood middle school:

  • CORE/Required Subjects: Math, Science, ELA/Reading, Social Studies
    • These subjects must be taken every year.
  • Elective Subjects: PE, World Language, Band, Art, Computer (these courses are different at each school)
    • Students can "opt out" of PE if they are involved in a sport outside of school that is the equivalent of a semester. 
      • NOT an option at an IB School.
    • Students can select any 2 electives. 
       

 Subjects at Walker Middle Magnet IB MYP World School:

 

The 8 Required IB MYP Subjects and the district (subject) names:

1.  Mathematics (Math)

2.  Sciences (Science)

3.  Language and Literature (English Language Arts and Reading)

4.  Individuals and Societies (Social Studies: US History, Civics, World History)

5.  Physical and Health Education (PE)

6.  Language Acquisition (World Languages: Spanish, French)

7.  IB Arts (Electives)

o        Agriculture

o        Art

o        Band

o        Computer/Technology

o        Culinary

o        Orchestra

o        Robotics

o        Yearbook                                  

8. Design (Unique to IB)

o        Year 1 Design - IB Design Cycle projects incorporated into the year long Science course

o        Year 2 Design - IB Design Cycle projects incorporated into the semester long Computer course

o        Year 3 Design - IB Design Cycle projects Incorporated into the semester long Computer course

 

Design Cycle

Year 1: Sample Schedule for the Fall/Semester 1:

 

schedule

Year 1: IB Arts, Language Acquisition, Physical and Health Education, Design

 

  • Students rotate through the IB Arts courses (Art, Band, Computer, Culinary, Orchestra, Robotics) in the fall semester.

    • Students rank the IB Arts courses and then are placed in ONE of them for the spring semester.

      • In the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP), students develop through creating, performing and presenting arts in ways that engage and convey feelings, experiences and ideas. At Walker, we take a new perspective on traditional electives and focus on how they fit into the categories of performance and visual arts. Students have opportunities to function as artists, as well as learners of the arts.
    •  

  • Language Acquisition (Spanish and French) is paired with Physical and Health Education for the year on an "A Day" and "B Day" schedule.

 

  • Design is incorporated into the Earth and Space Science Course.

Year 2 and Year 3: IB Arts, Language Acquisition, Physical and Health Education, Design

 

Incoming Year 2 and Year 3 students will be contacted by the Assistant Head of School for Curriculum, Andria Franks, to select their IB Arts course and Language Acquisition. 

Students may select ONE of the IB Arts courses for 7th grade and the same or different course for 8th grade. There are options for HS credit.

 

In the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP), students develop through creating, performing and presenting arts in ways that engage and convey feelings, experiences and ideas. At Walker, we take a new perspective on traditional electives and focus on how they fit into the categories of performance and visual arts. Students have opportunities to function as artists, as well as learners of the arts.
 

  • Year 2 IB Arts courses: 

    • Agriculture: Fundamentals of Ag. Systems​
    • Art: Exploring 2D & 3D Art
    • Band​ 2
    • Computer: Digital Discoveries​
    • Culinary: Fundamentals of Culinary Careers​
    • Orchestra​ 2
    • Robotics: Exploring Robotics​
    • Yearbook

 

  • Year 3 IB Arts courses:

    • Agriculture: Agriscience Foundations HS Credit
    • Art: ​Studio Art 1 HS Credit
    • Band 3​
    • Computer: Digital Information Technology ​HS Credit
    • Culinary: Nutrition and Wellness and Principles of Food ​HS Credit
    • Orchestra​ 3
    • Robotics: Foundations of Robotics​ HS Credit
    • Yearbook
 
  • Language Acquisition: The students select either Spanish or French for 7th and 8th grade. Each are year long courses. There are options for up to two courses with HS credits.
  • Design is paired with Physical and Health Education: each course is a semester long, one in the fall, the other in the spring.
 
 April 2
Walker Uniform Policy
  • Only white, forest green, and black collared polo shirts shall be worn. Collars must be visible.
  • Outerwear such as hoodies, jackets or sweaters must be appropriate; not disruptive or offensive.
  • Outerwear should not be longer that the "bottoms".
  • Only khaki/beige and black jeans, pants, shorts or skorts may be worn.
  • Hemlines no shorter than fingertip length. (7 inch inseam recommended)
  • Blue jeans are allowed on special, designated days. Rips/holes are discouraged. No skin may show through rips/holes.
  • All "bottoms" must be worn at the waistline and be a solid color without logos/prints.
  • Pajama pants and sweatpants are not acceptable.
  • Official Walker spirit shirts may be worn on Fridays with uniform bottoms.
  • Skate shoes & bedroom slippers are not acceptable.
 
Uniform and Spirit Store Links 
B&B Sports is proud to be working with Walker Middle Magnet to provide Student Uniforms for the school.  The store will be open on a rolling schedule. Typically, ordering windows are on or about the 1st - 15th of each month. The uniform link shuts down at the end of the ordering window to process the orders for delivery, then it will re-open. So, if you click on the link and see "This store has expired", it means the B&B Store is processing orders and you will need to come back. 
  • PLEASE NOTE: There is a line for HOMEROOM on the order form; since incoming students don't have a HR yet, just type in NEW STUDENT. 
 
We will have a number of ordering windows to allow you to get what you need. https://walkermiddlestudentuniforms1.itemorder.com/sale
Families can pick up orders placed in June and July in the main office from Friday August 1 - Friday August 8.
Once school starts on August 11, students will be given their order during lunch in the cafeteria. 
  • You are not required to purchase a uniform shirt with a logo.
  • You are required to buy PE uniforms with logos. 
B&B PTSA Spirit Store: https://walkerspiritstore1.itemorder.com/sale
Walker PTSA Store: https://walkermiddlemagnetptsa.memberhub.com/store?limit=21&live=true
 
REMINDER: Save the Dates - Sign Ups 
 
Accidentally deleted an email?
March 26
What is an IB Education?
Imagine a worldwide community of schools, educators, and students with a shared mission to empower young people with the values, knowledge, and skills to create a better and more peaceful world. This is the International Baccalaureate® (IB).
 
IB programmes aim to provide an education that enables students to make sense of the complexities of the world around them, as well as equipping them with the skills and dispositions needed for taking responsible action for the future. The Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP), and Career Programme (CP) provide an education that crosses disciplinary, cultural, national and geographical boundaries and that champions critical engagement, stimulating ideas and meaningful relationships.
 
All four IB programmes have shared values and shared emphasis on developing students who are lifelong learners and who are able to not only make sense of, but to make a positive impact on our complex and interconnected world. These aspirations are summed up in the IB's ambitious mission:
 
  • The International Baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.​
  • To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.​
  • These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.
 
 
Learn more about Walker's IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) through our IB Basics - Parent Series
 
Tonight, we will discuss the IB Learner Profile that places the student at the centre of an IB Education. The 10 attributes reflect the holistic nature of an IB Education. They highlight the importance of nurturing dispositions such as curiosity and compassion, as well as developing knowledge and skills. They also highlight that, along with cognitive development, IB programmes are concerned with students' social, emotional, and physical well-being, and with ensuring that students learn to respect themselves, others and the world around them. Our IB educators help students to develop these attributes over the course of their IB education, and to demonstrate them in increasingly robust and sophisticated ways as they mature. The development of these attributes is the foundation of developing internationally minded students who can help build a better world!
 
  • Balanced​
  • Risk-Taker​
  • Inquirer​
  • Caring​
  • Knowledgeable​
  • Communicator​
  • Principled​
  • Open-Minded​
  • Reflective​
  • Thinker
 
 
Sign up for one or all sessions: Walker Parents: IB Basics - Parent Series (signupgenius.com)
    • March 26: IB Learner Profile
    • April 2: Approaches to Teaching and Learning
    • April 9: International Mindedness
    • April 16: Broad, Balanced, Conceptual Curriculum
    • April 23: Service As Action
    • May 7: IB Culture of Honor
    • May 14: IB Policies
    • May 21: Year 3 Community Project
    • May 28: Summer Assignment
 
 
March 19
We hope you are having a fabulous Spring Break reading a good book ❤️
 
World Water Day....Summer Reading Announcement!
World Water Day | UN-Water
World Water Day is on Saturday March 22 We celebrate water and raise awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water. It is about taking action to tackle the global water crisis. A core focus of World Water Day is to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030. This year the theme is Glacier Preservation. 
 
All of the Walker summer reading books are connected to Water!
  • Year 1: Flush
  • Year 2: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
  • Year 3: Dry or The Water Wars
     
And all of the activities we will do while we read connect to the IB Learner Profile and the Global Contexts...I will share detailed information in May. Then in August, all eight of your IB Subject classes will have lessons & assignments that connect to your Summer Reading Book!
 
The IB MYP develops inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through education that builds intercultural understanding and respect.
 
Want to learn more about IB? Sign up for the IB Basics - Parent Series Walker Parents: IB Basics - Parent Series (signupgenius.com)
 
March 12 - IB Subjects
 
The IB Middle Years Programme curriculum framework comprises eight subject groups, providing a broad and balanced education for early adolescents. 
The 8 Required IB MYP Subjects and the district (subject) names:
  1. Mathematics (Math)
  2. Sciences (Science)
  3. Language and Literature (English Language Arts and Reading)
  4. Language Acquisition (World Languages)
    • Spanish
    • French
  5. Individuals and Societies (US History, Civics, World History)
  6. Physical and Health Education (PE)
  7. Arts (Electives)
    • Agriculture
    • Art
    • Band
    • Computer/Technology
    • Culinary
    • Orchestra
    • Robotics
    • Yearbook                                  
  8. Design (Unique to IB)
    • Year 1 Design 
    • Year 2 Design 
    • Year 3 Design 
More information: MYP curriculum - International Baccalaureate® (ibo.org)
 
FOCUS ON MATHEMATICS- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
 
FAQ #1: What math tracks are available at Walker?
 
Middle School
Accelerated
Double Accelerated
Year 1
6th Grade Math
6th Grade Math Advanced
Pre-algebra (8th grade skills/standards)
Year 2
7th Grade Math
Pre-algebra 
(8th grade skills/standards)
Algebra Honors (HS credit)
Year 3
Pre-algebra
Algebra 1 or Algebra Honors 
(HS credit)
Geometry Honors (HS credit)
 
FAQ #2: Does Walker have a regular track?
·         The Middle School track is designed for students to take the grade 6-8 level math courses in middle school.
·         Students will take HS credit math courses as a high school student. 
o   This track allows students to start Algebra 1 during the 9th grade year of high school.
 
FAQ #3: Who is eligible to take the Accelerated math track?
·         All students that scored level 3, 4, or 5 on the 4th grade 2023-24 PM3 - Progress Monitoring 3 will be placed in the Accelerated track.
o   Level 4 and 5 students will be invited to learn more about the Double Accelerated track, but parents can choose to stay in the Accelerated.
o   Accelerated track allows students to take Algebra 1 or Algebra Honors (HS credit) in Year 3.
o   Grades earned in HS credit courses taken during middle school count toward your High School GPA.
o   Accelerated track allows students to take IB, AP, and Dual Enrollment courses during high school.
 
FAQ #4: Who is eligible to take the Double Accelerated math track?
    This track is for students who ❤️ Math, it comes easily to them, and they have the maturity and organizational skills to handle a high school course load while in                  middle school.
  • Parents of incoming 6th grade students that scored a level 4 or 5 on the 4th grade Math 2023-24 PM3 - Progress Monitoring 3, will receive an invitation to the Double Accelerated Informational Meeting in a separate email. The Assistant Head of School for Curriculum (APC) and the Mathematics Department Head (SAL) will address the requirements and expectations of the Double Accelerated Track at this meeting. 
  • If your child did not take the Florida 2023-24 PM3 - Progress Monitoring 3, we will contact you in a separate email.
  • Please note that these emails will not be sent until after we have all of the updated information from HCPS Mathematics Department which we anticipate will be no later than April 4.
        FAQ #5: What about incoming Year 2 /7th and Year 2/ 8th grade students ?
·   Students will be placed based on the level of math completed at their current middle school.
 
Save the Dates:  Double Accelerated Math Program 
  • Double Accelerated Informational Meetings on Thursday April 17 https://sugeni.us/Vqco
    • 9:00am - 10:00am on Zoom
    • 1:00pm - 2:00pm on Zoom
    • 5:30pm - 6:30pm in the Walker Cafeteria
  • Double Accelerated Math Testing at Walker Sign up will OPEN on April 17 at 6:30pm
    • Friday April 25
      • Begin arriving at 4:15pm, MUST be in room 401 by 4:25pm
    • Saturday April 26
      • Begin arriving at 8:00am, MUST be in the cafeteria by 8:25am
 
March 7 - Walker STEM Summer Camp $
 
Register for STEM Summer Camp: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScUtw3U3EM4ApKyk3cmUnwHWgjEmBJaMr79ntay3aQ6VRvzmA/viewform
This camp is open to current & incoming students!
Camp
 March 5 - Ice Cream Social & Wolf Camp
 
Welcome to Walker Ice Cream Social
This is an opportunity for our incoming students and immediate family to visit Walker's campus. The evening event starts at the gate to our Gymnasium where you will be greeted by Walker's Band. Inside the gym you will have the opportunity to learn about the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) Community Engagement requirements. Walk through the gallery of projects and hear students share information about their Year 3 Community Service Projects and Service As Action creative reflections.  Then you will be matched up with National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) Tour Guides to walk through the campus as they share their student perspectives of Walker. As you reach the cafeteria patio, you will hear Walker's Orchestra playing and say goodbye to your student tour guides. Inside the cafeteria, PTSA volunteers will be serving Ice Cream Bars to our incoming students, Teachers from all 8 IB Subjects will be available to talk with families and representatives from Sports and Clubs will share information on how students can get involved. From start to finish, the event is 45 minutes.
 
 
 
Walker Wolf Camp and optional Parent 101 Meeting
Walker Wolf Camp is a one day, 4-hour opportunity for NEW Walker students to meet some of the Year 1 /6th grade teachers and to make some new friends before the 1st day of school! Parents have the OPTION to stay for Parent 101 at 8:00am - 9:00am in the MEDIA CENTER on the date their child is attending the camp. The last camp session ends at 12:00pm. Parents should pick up their children in the car line (close to the flag pole in front of the school) NO Later than 12:30pm.
           Sign Up CLOSES on Wednesday July 9, 11:59PM
February 24 - Get Involved
 
Myth: Children don’t need their parents as much in middle school.
Some parents get to middle school thinking their kids know all about the school routine, so they don’t need to be as involved. But the evidence says otherwise. Even at the middle level, parents still play an important role. Research from Harvard University’s Family Research Project shows that the children of involved parents tend to do better in school across a number of measures, including a higher overall GPA, better scores on standardized tests, and an increased likelihood of enrolling in college. Even though students may roll their eyes about moms helping at school, parents can be reassured that their involvement has long-lasting positive effects on their children’s academic motivation and performance.  Excerpt from: MiddleWeb - All About the Middle Grades 
 
 
Ways to Get Involved at Walker!
 
HCPS District Family and Community Engagement
  • District Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Academy, Saturday March 1 at Tampa Bay Tech
    • FACE Academy aims to uplift and inspire families by providing essential resources and tools to help every child excel both academically and personally. Come learn strategies and tools that support your child's success, strengthen your voice as an advocate, and more. Explore family resources centered around education, employment, finance, health, wellness and more.
    • Event Details: FACE Academy / Overview
February 19 - Transportation
 
Bus Transportation
  • Hillsborough County Public Schools offers free bus transportation to Walker through the magnet bus system for most of our families. When you applied for Walker, it stated whether transportation would be provided.  
  • IF transportation is provided; The 1st bus will pick up the K-12 magnet children in your neighborhood and drive them to one of four bus ramps. From the bus ramp they will transfer to a 2nd bus that will bring your child to Walker. The same process is reversed in the afternoon. See the HCPS website for more information about the locations of the bus ramps: Magnet Schools / Transportation  
     
  • This is the Magnet Transportation phone number: (813) 982-5500
    • You can call them, but they won’t have any information about magnet bus routes at this time. They will tell you to call the school, but we don’t have more information about buses than the transportation department.
    • The magnet bus routes are the last ones planned each year because the routes are based on the families that accept magnet school offers. Typically, families are notified about 2 weeks before school starts with bus stop locations and times. The fastest way to find out about the magnet bus stops in your neighborhood is to talk to your neighbors and observe; if you see multi-age students waiting for a bus early in the morning, they are probably going to a magnet school.
    • It would be great if the district offered direct buses from our closest neighborhoods to save on transportation costs and time spent riding on a bus; we have asked, but it hasn’t happened yet. Perhaps this is an opportunity for parents to participate in “IB Service As Action”, which includes research and advocacy.
 
Private Bus Transportation 
  • Families that attend Westchase Elementary were sent information about Recreation Express.  A Walker parent living in Westchase set up this transportation option that picks up and drops off at the Westchase Golf Course.  Tampa School Bus Rentals ~ Tampa Bay Bus Tranportation, Tampa FL (tampa-schoolbus.com) This private bus is not connected to HCPS. I am sharing this information with you as a service to our families. Please contact Recreation Express with questions, not Walker Middle Magnet.
 
Car Transportation
  • Most of our families drive their children to school. Please read: SAFETY INFORMATION: Car Line Procedures
    • Carpools are an option we would like you to consider so we can reduce the number of cars on campus and, as a “FL Green School”, we want to reduce carbon emissions.  Walker’s PTSA typically helps families connect through a private Facebook page and online form submission. PTSA board members will be at the April 30 Welcome to Walker - Ice Cream Social with more information!
    • The HOST program enables families to drive their children to school while avoiding the “rush hour” in the morning and afternoon. HOST is a fee-based HCPS program run by Walker teachers. The morning session opens at 6:30 am and the afternoon session closes at 6:00pm. Space is limited, so when registration opens this summer, you must sign up right away!  HOST (Before and After School, Summer Care) Programs / Overview
    • Access Points: Families of our special needs students will drop off/pick up students in the area that the buses unload. No other vehicles are permitted in the bus area. They will have an ESE Drop Off/Pick Up car line tag in the vehicle—please allow them to merge and pass as needed. Access Points students will be met at the car starting at 8:10am by a teacher or paraprofessional that will escort them into the school.
 
Walkers and Bike Riders
  • We have a few families and teachers that live within walking and biking distance. These students will be given special passes and safety instruction at the beginning of the school year.
 
#IBaWorldTraveler
Transportation around the world on planes, trains, subways and boats! Students may travel with or without family members. Follow the links to learn more about our international travel program and IB a World Traveler Club IB a World Traveler .
 

February 12, 2025 - Welcome & Important Dates

 

Congratulations and Welcome to the Walker Wolf Pack!

We are so excited that you accepted your child's offer to attend Walker Middle Magnet IB World School for the 2025-2026 school year!

Walker was recently recognized by Magnet Schools of America as a 2025 Top National Magnet School of Excellence ❤️

Now that you have "ACCEPTED":

  • Follow Walker Middle Magnet IB World School on X/Twitter @WalkerMiddleIB 
  • Follow Walker Middle IB on Instagram @walkermiddleib 
  • Follow Walker IB Coordinator on X/Twitter @jmscfla
  • Bookmark our website Walker Middle Magnet / Homepage (hillsboroughschools.org)
  • Add josephine.corder@hcps.net to your contacts so you don't miss important emails. I will be your point of contact until the 2025-26 school year begins.

 

#WalkerWednesday: 

  • I will send you an email every Wednesday, starting today, February 12 and ending on May 28 !
  • Every email subject line will start with #WalkerWednesday and end with - the topic for the week. 
  • I will answer ALL of the FAQs in weekly "chunks"!

Save the Dates - Sign Ups 

  • March 26 - May 28: IB Basics - Parent Series Sign up for one or all evening Zoom sessions https://sugeni.us/VoUQ
  • April 30, 5:00pm - 7:15pm: Welcome to Walker Ice Cream Social Sign Up for your start/end time https://sugeni.us/VoeW
  • July 29 or 30, 7:30am -12:00 noon: Walker Wolf Camp & Parent 101 (8:00am - 9:00am). Camp is one day, choose one date https://sugeni.us/VoUm
  • August 8: Walker Open House - details will be sent to you in July - message will come from the school
  • August 11: First Day of 2025-2026 School Year

#IBaWorldTraveler: 

You may have heard that as an IB World School, Walker students and families have educational opportunities to travel the world.

  • In June 2026, we are traveling to Japan on the "Robotics, Engineering, and Future of Cities in Japan" tour. We have only 13 traveler spots left!
  • Want to travel with us? Follow the links below to Sign Up for an informational meeting!
  • This tour is run by EF/Educational Tours and is not directly associated with Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS). 

 Want to share this information with additional family members? 

 

 

 

Josephine S. Corder, M.Ed.

IB MYP Coordinator

SAC Chair

Walker Middle Magnet IB MYP World School

International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme

 

8282 N. Mobley Road            Odessa, FL 33556

Office:  813.631.4726 x259    FAX:   813.631.4738

Website: https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/walker

Twitter: @WalkerMiddle IB

 

Walker

                
    A 2025 Top National Magnet School of Excellence

            2024-25 The Year of the Pack

                        Positive attitudes

                       Active engagement

                      Caring community

                      Kindness in Action