Dear Walgrove Families and Staff,
Please log into the Parent Portal (or Teacher/Staff Portal) to take the LAUSD Calendar Survey.
https://lausdapp.lausd.net/auth/landing
Let your voices be heard on what day school should start, which weeks should be vacation weeks, and more.
Dear Walgrove Parents and Caretakers,
Please join me for a special Coffee and Diet Coke with the Principal where we will address Tweens (and Teens) and Social Media.
TONIGHT 7pm in my Zoom room
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Here are a few factoids about attendance, tardies, and our morning and afternoon gates:
Attendance is compulsory for students 6 and up but hugely important for all students. It leads to learning and deep friendships AND is what funds the school.
Students who miss 10% of the school year or more are considered "Chronically Absent." We get dinged as a school, both financially and otherwise, and kiddos miss learning and bonding.
Excused absences don't make the absences disappear. An excuse just tells the state the reason for the absence. This distinction between "excused" and "truant" absences becomes important during times of domestic strife and with increased vigor later on in middle and high school.
Tardies don't carry as much weight, but they do matter. Students miss out on routines, learning and bonding. Teachers and classmates are interrupted. And tardies can be used against one parent or the other during domestic disputes.
We strive to be generous here at Walgrove. We understand that parenting is hard, co-parenting is hard, traffic is trafficky, and our clientele here on the Mar Vista-Venice border is composed of creatives with very lively brains and busy lives.
So, we close our morning gates five minutes after the bell rings. School starts at 8:05. We close all three gates at 8:10. After that time, students must enter through the front office and be marked tardy. But that five minute grace period is something that most schools don't offer.
Here at Walgrove, we do what we can to be as generous as we can within the confines of State and Federal bureaucracy. We also offer morning supervision starting at 7:30. We encourage all to drop off kiddos early so as to beat the rush!
If you will be taking a vacation outside of the allotted times per the LAUSD calendar please let your teacher know at least three days in advance so you can pursue Independent Study, which is when we give you some work to do (typically related to the vacation, like photos, journal entries, stories, a bit of math and physical exercise) and we get to mark you present (not absent!). This is for vacations of 3-14 school-days in duration.
Regarding the robocalls you might receive for absences and tardies, I DO NOT SEND THOSE. Even though the message might say "This is the principal" or something like that, IT IS NEVER REALLY ME. I NEVER SEND ROBO MESSAGES ABOUT ATTENDANCE OR TARDIES.
I might call you directly from my cell phone (323) 363-1934 to inquire and to see if you need support of some kind (transportation, food bank, mental health services, connections to other services, etc). But, I won't call to harass you or make you feel shame, guilt or fear.
I hope this is helpful information.
Please let me know if you have any questions, concerns or cool ideas.
Thank you for your partnership!
Dr. K
Dear Walgrovers,
Please remember:
Walk (don't run) in the Quad, which is a high-traffic area
Stay on the ground (not in the trees or on the fence) while in the Quad and surrounding areas
During morning supervision, stay in the area of the Quad that is in and around the tables because that is where LAUSD supervision is centered (please don't stray beyond the central Quad)
At least one attendant at each gate in the morning and afternoon should wear an orange safety vest
It is preferred that:
> Grades UTK-K arrive and depart on Morningside
> Grades 1-3 arrive and depart on Walgrove
> Grades 4-5 arrive and depart on Appleton
Older siblings may accompany younger siblings at their respective gates
Please no u-turns or 3-point turns during drop-off or pick-up
No gates should ever be unlocked and unmanned
No doors should be propped open and unmanned
Staff should keep phones on and at the ready but never in recreational use
Kiddos should keep their own phones and technological devices off and out of use until 6pm
Thank you for helping to keep Walgrove safe and happy!
Dear Walgrove Families and Staff,
A giant thank you to those who volunteered yesterday. Ms. B., Farmer Adam and I hosted an incredible gaggle of very gung-ho folks who accomplished more than their share! Thank you, thank you, thank you to those who came from UCLA, Walgrove and beyond to weed, mulch, plant, water and dream!
Speaking of dreams, as we embark up on this autumnal holiday season -- Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Indigenous People's Day, Halloween, Days of the Dead, Diwali, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and more, I invite us all to embrace the Holiday Spirit as the Holiday Spirit embodies acceptance of all who celebrate all. Coming together in diversity is, in itself, a dream and something to celebrate!
AND ON THAT NOTE...
Let's gear up for the 3rd Annual Walgrove International Food Fest, Saturday, October 19 1-4pm. Bring your favorite dish from your most cherished childhood memory (or cookbook or travel log). This day will be about expanding perspectives and palates. I can still taste last year's dishes from Tunisia, Iran, Sweden, the Phillipines, New Orleans, Mexico, Chicago and beyond...
In the meantime, while you are salivating, here is some of what is coming up this week at Walgrove:
MON
Mrs. Flanagan at Bernstein High School for the Yearly Emergent Bilingual Meeting 8am-3pm
Advanced Math Rm 20. Prepare to engage in an easy but potent multiplication game 2:40-3:30pm
TUE
Angel City Youth Chorale (sign up here) 1:45-3:00pm
Staff Meeting and PD in Rm 19 1:45-3:45pm
WED
Chess day 2 (before school, during recess, during Lunch, during school, and after school)
Vision Screening for Kinders -- all day until completed, I imagine
THU
Learning, growing, seeing, adventuring, experimenting, challenging, analyzing, reflecting, creating in all rooms, including outdoor classrooms, all day long
FRI
Prospective Parent Tour starting in the Quad then moving to the Auditorium 8:00-10:00am
Friday morning assembly in the Quad. Ms. Zeena's class to lead the Pledge. Ballet Folklorico to perform 8:05-8:20am
Violin with Ms. Danielle Villalobos in the Library (sign up here) 2:35-3:30pm
Let's have a great week, Walgrove!
Dear Walgrove Families and Staff,
I hope your weekend was as fabulous as mine. I was at bluegrass jam camp all weekend singing songs about lonely times, broken dreams and freight trains and loving every minute of it!
Reminders about things like courteous habits during drop-off and how to check out PE equipment during PE and recess will come tomorrow when my head is not so full of song.
Here is some of what is coming up this week at Walgrove:
MON
PBIS Assemblies in the Auditorium
> 8:30-9:00 Gr 2-3
> 9:15-10:00 Gr 4-5
Advanced Math in Rm 20 2:40-3:30pm
Beyond the Bell uses our auditorium for their cluster meeting 6pm
TUE
ALL-DAY ILT MEETING RM 24 - Principal, APEIS, Ms. B, Mr. G, Ms. Lima, and Ms. Legg
LACOE Williams Textbook Audit in the Parent Center 8:00am-12:00pm
First day of THEATER with Bryan Staggars (we will fix any problems with the schedule Monday)
Staff Meeting and PD in Rm 19 1:45pm
Angel City Youth Chorale in the Auditorium 1:45-3:00
Coffee and Diet Coke with the Principal in Dr. K's Zoom room TOPIC: LAUSD Parent Info about Safety. "Every School Safe." 6:30pm (I will also send the video/slide deck/materials)
WED
First day of CHESS with Jonney Machtig (we will solidify/fix the schedule Monday and Tuesday)
Dr. K has a tooth pulled in DTLA (thankfully by a dentist, but BOO!) 1:45pm
THU
NO SCHOOL - ROSH HASHANAH
FRI
Friday morning assembly in the Quad. Ms. Luis' class to lead the Pledge. Ms. Gardenia to present info on this year's Day of the Dead altar.
Coffee and Diet Coke with the Principal in the Parent Center 8:30am
Violin with Ms. Danielle Villalobos in the Library 2:30-3:30pm
SAT
Volunteer Day in the Wildlands and Edible Garden. UCLA to send 30+ volunteers. WE need Walgrove peeps to show them how it's done! 9am-1pm
Let's have a great week, Walgrove!
Dear Walgrove Families and Staff,
Thank you to all who came out to the 2024-2025 Welcome Bash last night at the Fahlsing's house. Thank you to the Fahlsings and the whole FOW team of folks who put together an incredible back-to-school party. The food was incredible, as were the beverages, the music, the take-home swag, courtesy of Thrive Market, and, of course, the company. So much fun was had by all!
Let's have a great week, Walgrove!
Dear Walgrove Families and Staff,
What a week it has been!
During our fifth week, we had our first Gr 4-5 assembly to discuss behavior expections (kindness, empathy, generosity, upstanding and when someone messes up and says something unkind, even potentially very unkind, we stand up for ourselves and one another but we don't shame the shamer. We give classmates the opportunity to earn back trust.
We also had our first (and hopefully last) monkey-bars injury resulting in a call to 911. That's why the fire department was here at the end of the day Friday. A kindergartener fell off the monkey bars and injured her arm. So many teachers, parents, nannies and Special Education assistants swooped in to assist. This very brave and fantastic kindergartener has been in excellent hands and is making a swift recovery. We may share a bit more info on this in the coming days along with a huge thank-you to all who swooped in and a few safety tips!
Thank you to all who came out to Volunteer Day yesterday!
We accomplished so much!
Our next Volunteer Day will be October 5 replete with a couple dozen UCLA students.
In other news...if you have not yet taken this Enrichment survey, please do so here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3F5MXFP
Here is some of what is coming up this week at Walgrove:
MON
First week of Hispanic Heritgage Month
First Advanced Math Cohort 2:45-3:30 in Rm TBD. All those in grades 4-5 who earned a 3 or 4 on last year's SBAC were sent an invite. Check your SPAM folder
TUE
No Staff Meeting. PD: Asynchronous GATE Book Study
First day of Angel City Youth Chorale 1:45-3:00. SIGN UP HERE
Back to School Night 4:30-6pm with classroom visits 5-6pm. There will be pizza, tables set up for HIF forms, Parent Portal registration and LSLC Info. This is adults only (the Open House in the Spring is for the whole family)
WED
Dr. K at all-day Principal meeting at Pio Pico Middle School 8-4
THU
SAS Coordinator Meeting for Dr. K 4pm
FRI
Friday morning assembly. Ms. Lima's class to lead the Pledge. Liam Blatchford to perform. 8:05-8:20
FOW Community Meeting in the Parent Center 8:30am
First Day of violin with Danielle Villalobos for kiddos Grade 1+. 2:35-3:15 SIGN UP HERE
SAT
FOW Welcome Bash (FREE ADULT PARTY) 6:30pm. RSVP HERE
A FEW UPCOMING DATES:
Tuesday, September 24:
> First day of Theater class during the school day with PS Arts Teaching Artist Bryan Staggers
> LSLC Elections (asynchronous)
Thursday, September 26: First LSLC meeting in Dr. K's Zoom Room at 3:15pm
Tuesday, October 1: First day of Chess before, during and after school
Monday, October 7: First day of Tutoring for certain kiddos in grades 3-5. 2:45-3:15pm
Let's have a great week, Walgrove!
LA County and LAUSD guidelines are, in summary:
If you have COVID, isolate at home until at least 24 hours have passed since your fever broke (without the aid of fever reducing medication) and your symptoms have improved.
Then return to school or work and wear a tight-fitting mask for the remaining days up to a total of 10 days from onset OR until you test negative two days in a row.
Also, remember that the new vaccine is available through most doctors and pharmacies including CVS, and Paxlovid treatment is available and is effective if started early on.
Be well!
Dear Walgrove Families and Staff,
Congratulations on 18 days of school. Tomorrow marks Day 19. So much learning and enthusiasm!
Thank you, APEIS Mrs. Flanagan, and Special Education service providers, for a great Meet and Greet on Friday! If you have any lingering questions, please reach out to Mrs. Flanagan at yod2490@lausd.net
Regarding the heat, while things don't heat up on the West Side quite as much as they do in the North, East and South, should things heat up too much, we will hold an optional indoor recess as we did this past week. Please drink plenty of water, and wear hats and sunscreen, as needed/desired, and monitor your exertion. We will monitor as well!
Here is some of what is coming up this week at Walgrove:
MON
Last Day of ELPAC exam (Dr. K administers to remaining potential English Learners K-5)
TUE
Early dismissal 1:32
Staff meeting and PD in Rm 19 1:45-3:15pm
WED
GATE Testing for those referred last Spring (reminders sent to those folks tomorrow!) 8:45am
THU
Robust instruction and planting of seeds for lifelong love of learning!
Dr. K at Data Dig meeting with Dr. Collier 11:30-4:30pm
Friday morning assembly. Mr. Victoria's class to lead the Pledge. Maren A to perform. 8:05-8:20am
DIBELS due
NORM DAY - Enrollment on this day determines staffing
SAT
Volunteer Day in the Wildlands, Edible Garden (and beyond) 9am-1pm
UPCOMING DATES
Monday, September 16:
> First Day of Advanced Math Club for Gr 3-5 invitees and their guests 2:45-3:30pm
Tuesday, September 17:
> Constitution Day - Teachers teach lessons before, on and after this day on the US Constitution
> First day of Angel City Youth Chorale (sign up here)...1:45-3:00pm
> Back to School Night. Walgrove Quad (and classrooms) 4:30-6pm
> LSLC Info/Orientation Meeting. Learn about the school's decision-making body as it is distinct from, yet complements, the Friends of Walgrove booster club at Back to School Night
Saturday, September 21: Walgrove Welcome Bash. Parent party at a parent's house replete with food, drink and fun! To find out more, check your Fresh Schools or talk to FOW Board Members Danielle Barto, Sharon Beam, Cass Young, Lindsey Rosenberg, Emily Barton and so many more! 7-11pm
Monday, September 23: First day of Tap for TK-2 (sign-ups imminent) 2:45-3:15
Tuesday, September 24:
> First day of Theater class during the school day
> LSLC Elections (asynchronous)
Thursday, September 26: First LSLC meeting in Dr. K's Zoom Room at 3:15pm
Tuesday, October 1: First day of Chess before, during and after school
Monday, October 7: First day of Tutoring for certain kiddos in grades 3-5. 2:45-3:15pm
Let's have a great week, Walgrove!
Dear Walgrove Families,
Each year, we strive to offer multiple opportunities and methods for parents to receive information about and provide input on Gifted and Talented Education. Tonight, I will share some info and take questions on Gifted and Talented Education (GATE), Gifted Magnets, and Schools for Advanced Studies (SAS schools). Walgrove now is a School for Advanced Studies.
Please join me. We will consider:
>> Students in LAUSD may be designated Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) in 7 categories:
Intellectual Achievement (K+, tested by LAUSD psych, once during K-12. Outside tests may supplement but not supplant)
High Achievement (OLSAT in Gr 2 OR two consecutive years of high achievement in reading AND math by earning 4's on the SBAC in both ELA and math)
Specific Academic Ability (three consecutive years of high achievement in reading OR math by earning a 4 on the SBAC in either ELA or math)
Creativity (gr 2+, portfolio showing extraordinary visionary inventions and innovations)
Leadership (gr 2+, portfolio showing exemplary leadership, problem-solving, purpose and direction)
Visual Arts (gr 2+, portfolio and live audition showing exemplary visual artistry)
Performing Arts (gr 2+, live audition)
>> Students may qualify in more than one category.
>> The process at Walgrove involves: All second-graders take the OLSAT test in the Spring, the results of which determine GATE designation in the category of High Achievement (though, not the only way to be designated in the category of High Achievement)
>> AND each year, each teacher marks any/all categories of potential GATE designation for each of their students on a school-wide roster. Dr. K (Walgrove's GATE coordinator) follows up to make sure those students are eventually referred in MiSIS and evaluated/approved by the SSPT (Student Support and Progress Team) and that their parents are informed so they have the opportunity to take the next steps, which may include participating (along with the school) in portfolio development.
PARENTS MAY ALSO REFER THEIR OWN CHILDREN FOR GATE. For info, visit LAUSD.
While all referrals happen all year long on a rolling basis, the District does set deadlines in mid to late April and October for Fall and Spring, which is especially pertinent in the categories of Visual and Performing Arts, which require auditons.
>> Benefits of being designated GATE include, but are not limited to, having access to certain classes, such as honors classes (especially in middle and high school); certain programs, such as honors programs; and certain schools, such as magnet schools, Schools for Advanced Studies and schools for the Highly Gifted.
Magnet schools are typically schools with very particular foci, such as visual and performing arts, media studies, civic involvement, science, etc.
Schools for Advanced Studies are schools that have applied for that particular designation (the process happens every five years). As part of the application process, schools must show a consistent commitment to training their teachers in strategies designed to meet the needs of gifted students. The school must be deemed "exemplary" by the GATE office. Walgrove was just designated an SAS school. We will be listed in E-Choices in the Fall of 2024 as an SAS school. All students who qualify, and whose parents approve, will be designated as SAS students, which comes in handy down the line.
>> While students who are already designated GATE automatically qualify for many magnet and SAS schools, students do NOT have to be designated GATE in order to attend such schools. Once a parent applies for such a school during during the E-Choices Unified Enrollment period, their child's name appears in a database. The current principal logs into that database by a specific deadline (usually in January) and places a "YES" or "NO" next to each applicant's name based on certain criteria and teacher evaluation.
>>There is no need to attend a magnet or SAS school in order to enjoy a robust GATE education. All LAUSD schools (and all schools in the nation, actually) are required to meet the needs of Gifted and Talented students, and your neighborhood school might have much more to offer than a gifted magnet.
There are so many things to consider when choosing the right school.
For more GATE info, please attend Coffee and Diet Coke with the Principal, which happens one Friday morning per month in person and one Tuesday evening per month via Zoom.
To translate this message, open in Chrome or Safari, right click and choose "translate." Para traducir este mensaje, ábralo en Chrome o Safari, haga clic derecho, y elija "translate."
Dear Walgrove Families and Staff,
Happy Labor Day!
I hope you enjoyed a weekend full of splendor and love (and not too much ironic work)!
Farmer Adam is back, the STEAM Studio is in swing, the library is full of books, and chess and theater are imminent!
A few folks have asked what it means to be a School for Advanced Studies -- what this portends for us this year and beyond. What does this change for us here at Walgrove?
Well, just a few things:
We were chosen by the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Office to be a School for Advanced Studies (SAS) in large part because of the robust programs we already had in swing before this year, but we were lauded as being exemplary this year for several reasons, including the following:
Walgrove SAS students enjoy the same benefits of SAS students at any other SAS school, which is a priority pathway to the myriad Gifted and SAS programs at Gifted and SAS middle and high sschools. To find out more about what it means to be a Gifted Magnet and/or an SAS school, please attend my GATE Zoom tomorrow at 7pm in my Zoom room.
Here is some of what is coming up this week at Walgrove:
TUES
Grades K-5, please complete iReady and DIBELS assessments
TEACHERS: STEAM and Library enrichments in swing this week. Garden starts later this week (or early next, per Adam). Chess, PE and theater start in a couple of weeks. The schedule is linked in my email signature. Feel free to edit as desired.
Early dismissal 1:32
Staff Meeting and Professional Development meeting 1:45 in Rm 19
Gifted and Talented Education Pathway Info Session 7pm in Dr. K's Zoom Room.
WED
Dr. K at Mark Twain for Instructional Rounds
THU
Well-rounded instruction, high student-engagement, and much opportunity to play and be yourself
FRI
Friday morning assembly. Ms. Chin's class to lead the Pledge. Performer(s) TBD
APEIS Yinka Dallas Flanagan and service providers host a Special Education Meet and Greet following the assembly - 8:30am in the Parent Center
Let's have a great week, Walgrove!
