Walters Junior High School Newsletter
August/September 2012
Walters Jr. High School
39600 Logan Drive
Fremont, CA 94538
Brian W. Weems, Principal
Jana Holmes, Vice Principal
Tracy Clark, Secretary
Cheryl Baldwin, Registrar
Alana Sumbler, Attendance Clerk
Principal’s Message…….
Welcome to the 2012-13 school year. This is my
third year as Principal at Walters. I receive rewards
every day as I see students learn and our community
grows as one unit. My main priorities are to make
sure our students are safe, come to school every
day, and are ready for high school.
We have many exciting events and programs for
everyone to participate. I want to encourage all
parents and guardians to be involved in the many
committees we have for our community (PTSA,
SSC, ELAC, DELAC, and other volunteer
opportunities).
Information for all of these
committees will be provided in this packet, during
MAZE day, and on the Walters website
www.fremont.k12.ca.us/walters.
I am eager to start another productive year for our
students and community. Our staff is dedicated to
educate and inspire as our students move towards
high school and beyond. Working together as a
team will increase our ability to succeed.
Brian W. Weems, Principal
Email: bweems@fremont.k12.ca.us
Phone: (510)-656-7211 x28150
DROP OFF ZONE AREA
Please note that the student drop off/pick up
area is at the south side of the school. The
parking area is reserved for staff only and
should only be used for office business.
Phone (510) 656-7211
Fax (510) 656-4056
www.fremont.k12.ca.us/Walters
Vice Principal’s Message…….
Welcome to the 2012-2013 school year at Walters
Junior High School. I am excited and honored to
become a part of the Warrior’s team. As a new
Vice Principal, I bring a commitment and passion
for academic success. In order to ensure this, my
goal is to provide a safe learning environment for all
students.
My background includes a B.A. in English from UC
Davis and a Masters Degree in Education from
Seattle Pacific University. My work experience
includes school counseling at both the junior high
and high school levels. I began work in our district
as an English teacher at Kennedy High School.
Most recently, I was a high school Assistant
Principal.
I enjoy working with young people and my
counseling background enables me to build
relationships with students.
I value open
communication, and will listen and follow though. I
look forward to working with the Walter’s Junior
High students and parents. Do not hesitate to
contact me via e-mail or phone with any concerns.
Jana Holmes, Vice Principal
Email: jholmes@fremont.k12.ca.us
Phone: (510) 656-7211 x28151
PROOF OF RESIDENCY
If you moved during the summer, proof of residency
must be established before school starts. Your child
cannot attend classes until this paperwork is provided.
Please contact our registrar, Mrs. Baldwin, at extension
28162, as soon as possible.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER CALENDAR
August
28
MAZE Day (in the Gym) - (NO SCHOOL)
Students to arrive at times indicated below
(Alpha, by last name)
A-D
8:00 AM
Lunch 11:00 AM
E-J
9:00 AM
R-T
12:30 PM
K-Q
10:00 AM
U-Z
1:30 PM
Doors Close 3:00 PM
September
3
Labor Day – No School
5
First Day of School – Minimum Day 12:19 PM
14-28 Science Dept. Fundraiser
19
Collaborative Day – Early Release 12:19 PM
PTSA Association Meeting – 6:30 PM
26
Picture Make-up Day
Back to School Night - 6:00-7:30 PM (in MPR)
October
3
Site Council Meeting (2:45)
17
Collaborative Day – Early Release 12:19 PM
18
Vision & Hearing Screening
31
Collaborative Day – Early Release 12:19 PM
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
On September 26 at 6:00 p.m., parents are invited to
attend our "Back to School" night presentation. We will
meet for exhibits, introductions, and information in the
multi-use room - followed immediately by classroom
visitations. Be sure to obtain a copy of your students’
schedule. You can visit each of your child's teachers for
a brief explanation of course content, teacher
expectations, and website information. We are looking
forward to meeting you on the 26th.
R.E.A.D. (Read Each Afternoon Diligently)
The R.E.A.D program provides ten
minutes of quiet reading time daily
immediately after lunch. Students
are expected to provide their own
books. However, we would like to
have a supply of sufficient books in
each classroom. If you have any
books, which are appropriate for
junior high students, please consider donating them to
our school.
BE AT MAZE DAY
ON Tuesday, AUGUST 28, 2012
MAZE Day takes place in the gym/multi-purpose room
and consists of various “stations” that must be visited to
accomplish all the prerequisites for receiving a class
schedule and being ready to begin school at Walters on
Wednesday, September 5, 2012. The stations are listed
on the “Maze Day Packet Form” included in this
newsletter.
The “Maze” opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 3:00 PM.
If a student does not attend the Maze and pick up their
schedule, they will need to go to the school office as
soon as possible with all the paperwork listed below
(fully completed) before receiving their schedule of
classes.
 Parents are welcome to accompany students to the
“Maze” but it is not necessary for them to be there as
long as both have read the newsletter and have
prepared the various materials (signed the forms,
written checks for any purchases, etc.). Unless
otherwise noted, all payments must be made by
exact cash or separate checks payable to “Walters
Junior High”.
The following are included in this newsletter and
should be brought to the Maze. They must be turned
in to receive the student’s class schedule.
 Emergency Information Card
 Maze Day Packet Form
 Signatures Pages
Please fill out all forms completely. We MUST have two
(2) phone numbers for immediate contact!! We need to
be able to reach someone who is responsible for making
decisions for your child between the hours of 8:00 AM
and 3:00 PM in case of an emergency. (This is a State
Education Code and District Board Policy
Requirement.)
If there are any changes to the
information on this form during the school year, we must
be informed IN WRITING immediately.
AGENDA/ASSIGNMENT BOOKS FOR SALE
Each year, Walters has professionally produced
agendas available for student use. These books include
daily calendars for students to log class assignments.
The books also include our student handbook, discipline
policy, dress code, general information such as tables of
number facts, and much more.
We expect each student to maintain an assignment
log. Having the Walters agenda will provide the
additional information needed to be a successful
student.
These books cost $10.00 each and can be purchased
during MAZE day on August 28, as well as during the
first week of school. Thank you for your continued
support of a strong academic program at Walters.
P.E. CLOTHES/LOCKS
In order to protect the health and
safety of your child in class, the
Physical Education Staff requires your
child to dress in clothing appropriate
for physical activity. This includes a Tshirt, shorts, socks and a pair of
athletic shoes. Warm-ups or sweats are optional, but
handy to have during cold weather. Clothing must be
loose enough to allow a full range of motion yet not so
baggy as to affect participation. T-shirts must be tucked
into shorts or sweatpants at all times during physical
education class. Acceptable colors are solid purple, gold,
or grey. It is recommended that the students purchase a
Walters P.E. uniform from the P.E. department. The
uniform and locks will be on sale at MAZE Day, during
the first week of school, and throughout the school year.
EARLY RELEASE DAYS
(Collaborative & Minimum Days)
School will end 12:19 p.m. on early release days. Many
of these days are collaborative planning days that allow
our teaching staff some much needed discussion time
for planning future lessons and for developing new and
improved programs to better serve our students. Refer to
the bell schedule included with this newsletter for more
detail.
Early Release Days for this year are:
September 5
January 16
April 10
September 19
January 25
April 24
October 17
January 30
May 8
October 31
February 14
May 22
November 14
February 27
May 24
December 12
March 13
June 18
December 21
March 28
June 19
The items offered are as follows:
Shirts
Shorts
Sweatshirts
Sweatpants
Locks
$ 9.00
11.00
13.00
13.00
4.00
Please remind your child how important it is to lock their
PE lockers at all times to prevent theft.
YEARBOOK INFORMATION
Walters produces an annual yearbook of memorable
people and events from throughout the school year. You
can purchase a school yearbook at a discounted price of
$35.00 at MAZE. The price will increase to $40.00 after
MAZE day.
You may also order online at
www.yearbookordercenter.com then enter order #6803.
Actual books will be distributed during the last days of
school in June.
DISASTER SUPPLIES
The School Safety Committee is requesting a $5.00
donation for each child enrolled in Walters. The funds
will be used to purchase food, water, and other supplies
necessary during a disaster. Money can be turned in at
MAZE Day at the PTSA Table.
All students at Walters will have six class periods each
day. A warning bell rings at 8:10 a.m. and Homeroom
begins PROMPTLY at 8:15 a.m. Homeroom is the first
five minutes of 1st period. School concludes at 2:29
p.m. Strict punctuality is expected. Consequences of
detention and/or parental contact for each tardy will
begin immediately. STUDENTS ARE NOT TO ARRIVE
ON CAMPUS BEFORE 7:50 A.M. Those students who
must arrive earlier must report to designated classrooms
or to the multi-use room.
DAILY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE: A MUST
Daily school attendance is extremely important. Be
aware that only illness, doctor/dentist appointment or
bereavement are seen as excused absences.
If an absence of any kind occurs, a phone call
(656-7211, then press 1 ) or a note is required by the
State of California Educational Code.
PHYSICAL EXAMS NEEDED
FOR AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS
All students participating in our after school
(interscholastic) sports program MUST have a
physical examination within the past year. A form for
physicals is available from the coaches or the office.
Tryouts for girls’ volleyball will begin in September. It is
recommended that all required medical verifications be
completed as soon as possible.
Please have your student bring the note to the office
before school on the first day they return from an
absence. The attendance clerk will make every effort to
clear such absences daily, calling home and/or work if
necessary. Please call the absence in by 9:00a.m.
STUDENT SIGN OUT
PROCEDURES
If your student must be dismissed
early from school due to illness,
appointments, or other reasons you
must sign them out in the office. Only adults listed on
the emergency card are permitted to sign your student
out. If you are unable to pick your student up, you will
need to fax or send a note with your signature
authorizing release of your student to another adult or
giving them permission to walk home.
Verbal
permission to release a student will not be sufficient.
Students will not be signed out between 2:15 and
2:29. If you need to pick-up a student for an
appointment, please do so prior to 2:15.
MEDICAL AND DENTAL
APPOINTMENT/ABSENCE
Please send your student to the office in the morning
before the start of school with a note indicating the
reason and the time he or she needs to be picked up.
The student will receive a PASS that allows him or her to
leave class and meet you in the office where an adult will
need to sign them out. This saves time (especially if the
student is in PE and needs to change clothes) and also
minimizes interruptions to the classrooms (which is
naturally our highest priority).
If it’s a last minute arrangement, even a call ahead to
the office will assure that we can send a PASS out to the
class with a minimum of disruption.
Adults do need to sign students out in the office when
leaving but when a student returns from an appointment,
the adult does not need to sign. The student does,
however, need to come to the office to get a pass so
they can return to class.
MAKE-UP WORK
When a student is "legally"
absent from school, they have
the opportunity to make up
missed work. For your assistance and information,
make-up work requests are appropriate when the
anticipated absence is 3 or more days beyond those
days already absent. Students have as many days to
make up work as they were absent.
Parents should allow 24 hours notice when requesting
make-up work. Please call the attendance clerk, Alana
Sumbler, at extension #28101 to make requests, or
speak directly to the teachers. Students on suspension
may or may not receive make-up work. By State
Education Code, assigning make-up work for suspended
students is at the discretion of the teacher.
MESSAGES TO STUDENTS FROM HOME
In an effort to keep from disrupting classes, messages
are only delivered directly to students in emergencies.
The following are
NOT CONSIDERED EMERGENCIES:
1) Forgotten lunches or lunch money, books, homework,
papers, etc. (Alert students to stop by the office and
inquire if these items have been dropped off for them.)
2) Transportation arrangements. (These should be
arranged in advance.)
Emergency requests sent to classrooms are classified
as real family emergencies. Thank you for assisting us
by preplanning emergency strategies with your student.
CLASSROOM INTERRUPTIONS
FORGOTTEN LUNCHES/ITEMS
If your student forgets his or her lunch, homework, book,
or other items, instruct your student to go to the office to
pick it up between classes or on the way to lunch. If you
need to get an item to your student, please drop it off in
the office and remind them to check for it between
classes. Please do not use the office as your regular
lunch drop off. This procedure is for emergencies. Our
goal is to minimize classroom disruptions as much as
possible as it interrupts instruction.
BREAKFAST & LUNCH PROGRAM
Each school day a breakfast and lunch program is
provided by the District Child Nutrition Services
Department for our students.
Before school each
morning, students can purchase breakfast for $2.25. In
addition, lunch can be purchased for $3.25 and includes
a beverage.
On-line prepayment is strongly
encourage and available beginning August 15 for
school meals and can be accessed by going to the
FUSD homepage Quicklinks and click on Child Nutrition
Services.
*Please Note* Your students nine digit Student ID number
is required. Add zeros at the beginning of the number if
your child's student ID number does not have nine digits.
This number will be printed on each student’s class
schedule that they receive on MAZE day.
Child Nutrition Applications (English and Spanish) for the
free/reduced lunch program are now available on the
district website: www.fremont.k12.ca.us Please note:
only one application needs to be submitted per
family, regardless if other students within the family
attend FUSD schools. They need to be returned to us
as soon as possible. Students who ended the year with
free or reduced meals will receive free or reduced meals
for the first ten days of this year. Call 659-2587 for more
information.
Please remember that all junior high campuses are
closed campuses. That means that students may not
leave school once they arrive for the day. This includes
going home for lunch.
MEDICATION FOR STUDENTS
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
If your student is required to take medication during
school hours, a doctor's signed form must be on file in
our office. These "Medication at School – Form D"
forms are available in our office. This applies to
prescription drugs as well as OVER-THE-COUNTER
medications such as aspirin/Tylenol, cough drops,
decongestants, bronchial mists, INHALERS, etc.
Medications must be kept in the office.
On the first day of school, the following supplies are
recommended:
1) A three-ring binder**
2) Binder paper
3) Pencils with an eraser
4) Pens
5) A sturdy book bag or backpack
6) A book for our Silent Reading period
**Some teachers may require a SEPARATE three-ring
binder for their class only.
IF YOU HAD A “MEDICATION AT SCHOOL – FORM
D” ON FILE IN A PREVIOUS YEAR, IT NEEDS TO BE
RENEWED EACH YEAR. If medication changes during
the year, we need a new Form D letter filled out.
Students are NOT to have any medications of any
kind on their person.
SEVERE ALLERGIES AT SCHOOL
We have several students that are allergic to foods,
especially nuts. When exposed to nuts and nut oils
(especially by eating them, but sometimes just by
touching or breathing the oils), these students may break
into hives, or even have their airways swell up and they
could stop breathing!
Please notify the office, our nurse and your child’s
teacher if your child has, or develops, such allergies.
PLEASE help us to keep all of our students safe and
healthy at school.
1. Talk to your children about not sharing or trading their
food, lunches, etc. with other students unless an adult
permits it.
2. If you bring, or send, food to school for parties, etc.
please do not send any foods that have any nuts or nut
products. Read food labels for nuts or nut derivatives.
Sometimes even plain M&Ms, gummy bears, peanut
butter jelly beans, pudding (pistachio etc.) may have
nuts or nut oils.
3. If your child will need medication at school to handle
allergies, please make sure you have a current
permission form completed by parent and doctor. If your
child requires an EpiPen at school, contact our nurse or
the office as there are other forms that will need to be
completed.
SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL
The Walters School Site Council is composed of
administrators, teachers, parents and students. The
function of this council is to act as an advisory board in
the development of school wide policies and procedures.
Site council also approves the spending of School
Improvement Funds and the School Improvement Plan.
This year’s council needs to elect parents and student
representatives. We are looking for at least one bilingual
representative to act as spokesperson for our English
Language Learner program. Any parent interested in
being a School Site Council representative should
contact the principal, Mr. Weems at 656-7211.
We do not have lockers at Walters Junior High.
Students must carry their materials from class to class.
Many of our classes have enough class materials so that
your students may be able to keep copies of their
textbooks at home.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
Walters Junior High has a clearly defined discipline
policy. It is detailed in writing and is a part of our agenda
book. We ask that you review its contents with your
child. It will also be discussed at school, and parents
and students will be asked to sign and return a notice of
understanding. This policy is regularly reviewed and
updated. Any revisions will be forwarded to you as they
occur.
RESPONSIBILITY CENTER (RC) &
ON CAMPUS SUSPENSION (OCS)
The purpose of the Responsibility Center (RC) is to
provide a place and a program to send disruptive and/or
irresponsible students in order to promote an
environment in which the teacher can teach and the
remaining students can learn. A further purpose is to
provide an alternative to off-campus suspension which
enables the students to stay in school. This program is
designed to modify inappropriate behavior and
strengthen appropriate behavior. While in the RC,
students will:
 complete assignments in silence
 undergo screening for appropriate referrals
 obtain assistance in conflict resolution, anger
control, and other interpersonal skills
 receive material to build and enhance basic
academic skills
Students who are sent to the RC may also receive
consequences ranging from a warning, lunch or after
school detentions, or a referral to the Vice Principal.
Any student with 6 or more RC referrals will be sent
to the Vice Principal and may be assigned other
consequences including an on-campus suspension.
The goal of the RC/OCS staff is to assist students in
returning to class promptly with the interpersonal skills
and attitudes necessary for them to be both productive
and successful.
ELAC/DELAC MEMBERSHIP
DRESS CODE REMINDER
Attention EL students and parents… we are looking for
YOU and hope that you will join the Walters’ English
Language Advisory Committee (ELAC). Membership
involves attending after school meetings, helping make
decisions that directly affect our EL students and sharing
your ideas regarding our program. We are also looking
for additional parent representatives to attend the District
ELAC meetings. Please call Jacyln McClintock at (510)
656-7211 ext. 28014 if you’re interested in representing
Walters!
All Fremont school students must comply with a
District-wide dress code.
Although our school Dress Code will be discussed with
students as we review our discipline policy with them,
we're printing a reminder here to help guide you through
clothes shopping and planning for school. As always,
we appreciate your cooperation.
1. Only hats with full brims around them are
allowed.
2. No pajamas or sagging pants. (Pants must be
worn at waist level in a manner which does not
expose underwear.)
3. No bandanas, gang insignias, colors or tagged
items.
4. No wallet chains.
5. No spiked jewelry or clothing.
6. No slippers, flip-flops, opened-toed or backless
shoes.
7. No drug, alcohol, tobacco, sex-related, hate or
discriminatory symbols may be inscribed on any
item worn, or brought to school.
8. No hairstyles or colors, or other physical
alteration of hair or body which is so distracting
as to interfere with the learning process.
9. No article of clothing which exposes any part of
the body from mid-thigh to shoulders.
-Shorts must reach the end of fingertips (when
standing with arms at side)
-No tank tops
-No spaghetti straps
-No exposed midriffs
-No muscle shirts
-No holes in clothing which expose breasts,
buttocks, or crotch area
-No low-cut necklines
10. “Roller” tennis shoes must have the rollers
removed. It would be preferred if students did
not wear roller tennis shoes to school. Thank
you!
11. No markings on backpacks/book bags other
than name
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Per Fremont Unified School District Board Policy:
Students in grades 7-8 will be allowed to carry cell
phones and/or pagers at school with the stipulations
listed below. Exceptions may be made at the discretion
of the administration.
a. Students bring electronic devices on campus at
their own risk. The schools are not responsible
for call charges or lost, stolen, or damaged
electronic devices or accessories.
b. Cell phones and/or pagers are not to be used
during instructional time.
c. Cell phones and/or pagers are to be shut off
completely at the start of school and may be
turned on again at the end of the school day.
d. Students that use cell phones and/or pagers
at any time during instructional periods shall be
subject to the following progressive
discipline:
1. First
offense
–
confiscate
the
instrument, send it to the office, call
parent to pick up the instrument from the
school and have parent sign a contract
that clearly states the steps of the
progressive discipline process now in
place
2. Second offense – the student loses the
privilege of carrying the instrument for
the remainder of the school year
3. Subsequent offense(s) – suspension
from one to three days
 Volunteers are always needed and appreciated. We
have a variety of tasks ranging from campus patrol to
individualized tutoring to office work to teaching
assistant. If you have some free time and the
interest, please give us a call or complete and return
the enclosed volunteer form to the MAZE.
THINK SAFETY




Bike Riders – Please discuss bicycle safety and
laws with your child. Remember all bike riders
must wear a helmet. Once on campus, our
students must walk their bikes from the side.
The school is not responsible for loss or damage
to bikes. However, using the bike rack by the
office and having the required lock and chain will
help.
Pedestrians - should only cross in crosswalk
areas. Jaywalking is dangerous and illegal, and
could cost you a substantial fine. Also students
walking to school must stay on sidewalks. Also,
walking with a friend or group is better and safer
than walking alone.
Passengers in Cars - must be dropped
off/picked up in designated drop-off zone. Adult
drivers should drive to the most forward space to
drop off or pick up students. The curb in front of
school IS NOT for loading/unloading students.
California Helmet Law
In California, anyone under the age of 18 must wear a
helmet that is properly fitted and fastened when riding a
bicycle, scooter, skateboard, or when using inline
skates. This includes children being towed in a trailer
behind a bicycle. Please model and follow this law for
the safety of our children.
STUDENT INSURANCE
If you are interested, you may go online to check out
student insurance coverage through Pacific Educators
Insurance Service at www.peinsurance.com/signup or a
paper application is available in the school office.
REMINDER
Tdap immunizations are required
prior to the first day of school. You
WILL NOT receive your schedule
unless we have received your proof
of immunization. If parents do not
provide proof by the first day of
school, September 5, 2012, your
student WILL NOT be allowed to
attend.