As Walker continues to celebrate our 50th anniversary, I am pleased to see so many individuals, all who have had a positive impact on the school, return to campus. Homecoming was especially exciting, with a record turnout from our alumni. As the year progresses, we will have more opportunities for our students to celebrate our 50 years as a school. Read my recent article to learn more about our upcoming WOW groups and how our students will be involved.



IN THE COMMUNITY

Annual Red Cross Blood Drive

Mark your calendars! The Walker School Blood Drive is scheduled for Dec. 3 from 2-7 p.m. Reservations are required and you can sign up for time slots by calling Peter Sullivan at 770-427-2689 ext. 2542. 


AROUND CAMPUS

WSA auction: A Birthday Gala

Have you seen the Walker 50th anniversary birthday cake around campus? The theme for the auction is "A Birthday Gala" and the slogan "Giving . . . It's a Piece of Cake" will be used. This birthday gala will be held on March 29, 2008 at the Cobb Civic Center with a tent outside for the silent auction. This event is instrumental in providing valuable educational tools for the classroom by fulfilling the needs requested on the teachers' wish list. Check out the website at http://www.thewalkerauction.org. Look for more updates as the birthday celebration rolls out! (Click here for a letter from the auction committee.)

Homecoming: Celebrating 50 years of excellence!

On Nov. 2 approximately 400 alumni and parents of alumni attended homecoming this year and cheered our Wolverines on to a 27-20 victory! Alumni attendees watched the game from outside the alumni tent where they enjoyed food catered by The Varsity. The homecoming queens and kings from the past, including Ellen Amis Stilwell ('81) and Greg Maynard ('81) (both seen above right), were recognized and Gannon Gingrey Manning was awarded the Alumni Community Service Award at the game. A special thanks to Betsy Grome ('98) and Maria Croley ('98) for all of their work decorating the alumni tent.

Prior to the game, 120 former trustees, administrators, 20+ year faculty members and Platinum Patrons enjoyed a 50th Anniversary Dinner. Highlights of the evening included the return of several Walker alumni from 1988 - 2006, including David Strother ('88), Russ Hedden ('89), Alexis Davis Goetcheus ('92), Stuart Fleming ('96), Guarav Patel ('00), Anna Hairston ('02), and Jeffrey Bloom ('06),who spoke about how a Walker education helped them succeed in their varied career paths as well as in life. Hank Manning Jr. ('19) and Elena Thornton ('18), both current students, spoke about what Walker means to them. Congressman Phil Gingrey also presented Don Robertson with a flag that was flown over the nation's capital in honor of Walker's 50th anniversary. Special thanks to Walker parent Jenny Broderick for her amazing transformation of the Dining Hall for the evening's event! (click here for photos)

WSA's Fall Festival fun for all

The Fall Festival was an enjoyable event thanks to the many parent volunteers, student organizations and community representatives present.


Order your Christmas tree today

With the holidays fast approaching; don't forget the Christmas tree! The Walker School Booster Club is taking orders for fresh, beautiful Fraser Fir trees along with wreaths and garland. Pick up day is Dec. 1 between 8 a.m. and noon. To ensure the freshest trees, we must pre-order from the farm. Please complete the order form along with your check payable to The Walker School and return it by Nov. 21. Profits from the sale support all sports programs at The Walker School. If you have questions or would like to volunteer to help with the sale, please contact Howard Walker.


Booster Club Golf Tournament a success!

The annual Walker Booster Club Golf Tournament was held at Bentwater Country Club in Acworth on Oct. 15. The tournament provided over 100 golfers an opportunity to support the athletic teams at Walker while enjoying a fun day of golf. The funds raised cover expenses and materials that are outside of the regular athletic budget through the athletic wish list. This year’s event brought in over $20,000. Here we offer a special thank you to all of the sponsors for this year's tournament.
 


Booster Club tennis tournament

Congratulations to Drew Locandro and Kim Baynes on their first place wins at the Nov. 9 Walker Booster Club tennis tournament. Special thanks to our sponsors and volunteers. (read more)


The Walker School is going greener 

Some Walker faculty and staff members have joined together with a mission to promote a “Greener Walker." We have many environmentally friendly ideas and goals, however the initial focus is on creating and expanding recycling programs school-wide to include paper and plastic bottles. We are currently in the process of acquiring collection bins for every classroom. We are collaborating with our students and invite any parent who has similar interests or ideas to join our consortium. Together we can make a difference. If you are interested, please contact Denise Mullins at mullinsd@thewalkerschool.org or by phone at 770-427-2689 ext. 2533.


PRESCHOOL

Celebrating 50 years

The Preschool faculty showed their school spirit on Oct. 31 by dressing up in 50's attire to celebrate the school's 50th anniversary. The Preschool students also enjoyed a visit by former Walker teacher, Mrs. Marie Smithweck, at the Preschool's 50th day assembly on Oct. 23 where the students learned about the 1950's.

Nationally performing cellist, Wolfgang Laufer, visits Preschool

On Wednesday, Nov. 14, Walker grandparent Wolfgang Laufer, grandfather of Sarah Laufer ('21) and Benjamin Laufer ('18), performed for the Preschool. Professor Laufer has performed solos throughout Europe and the Americas. He currently performs internationally with the Fine Arts Quartet and is in residence at the University of Wisconsin as Professor of Cello.


LOWER SCHOOL

Safety Appreciation 

Lower School students expressed their appreciation for our public safety officers at a special assembly on Oct. 3, during Safety Appreciation Week. Students from each grade level presented the officers with hand-made cards, posters and gifts to express their thanks for all of their hard work in the community. Shown here (from left to right) are Edwin Gordon, Lynn Benfield, Mike Hathaway, David Lee and Marty Farrell, all in attendance at the assembly.


Fifth grade community service project

Our fifth grade students led a community service book fair that was held this month at local Barnes and Noble stores. This service project, coordinated by fifth grade parent, Karen Pittinger, supported our sister school, Escuela Santa Mattilde in Nicaragua. The proceeds supported the purchase of books in both English and Spanish for the school. The entire Lower School community participated in the fun activities all week toward this effort. Students enjoyed hearing stories from guest readers at the pajama party night at the Barnes and Noble locations in the area.


MIDDLE SCHOOL

Duke TIP

This year 61 of our seventh graders qualified for the Duke TIP (Talent Identification Program) program - the highest number ever! It is based upon students' performance on the Stanford 10 standardized achievement test, where a student has to score in the 95 percent or higher on one of several subtests in order to qualify. Those students are then invited to take the PSAT and to enroll at various honors courses held at Duke University in the 7th-8th grade summer. 


Our kids speak out about Kid Nation

On Sept. 20 CBS 46 news anchor, Stephany Fisher interviewed several of our Middle School students to get their thoughts on the new hit TV reality show Kid Nation. Several of our students were featured on the evening news and expressed their reactions to the show itself and what they thought of the 40 kids on the show. (Click here to view the footage that aired on CBS 46.)



Community Service

This year the Middle School Advisory Program has a new curriculum that has a central theme of community service. Click here for more details about the many projects our students have already been involved in, or will be involved in later this year.


Wax Museum

From Bono to Cousteau, our Middle School students provided a very entertaining evening on Oct. 9. The annual Wax Museum, organized by Kitty Drew, has become a valued tradition that has proven to be educational and fun for Walker families. (Click here for photos.)


UPPER SCHOOL

Wolverines victorious at homecoming game

The homecoming game was a special one for Walker senior football players.  Not only because it was a win for the team, but it was also the last home game for the seniors. The Wolverines beat Avondale 27-20.

“It seems to be an annual affair that goes right down to the wire," said Coach Frank Cuda. “It was a great win for our seniors; we dedicated the week to them." (more football features)


The cast of The Yellow Boat wins awards at region competition

The cast and the crew of The Yellow Boat did an amazing job at the GHSA 6-AA regions on Nov. 10. They came in second place, won Best Props, Best Set, and Steven Touchton and Evan McLean were selected for All Star Cast (recognized with 12 other students for outstanding acting).  The play was directed by Upper School drama teacher, Katie Arjona.

The playwright, David Saar, who is also the Artistic Director at Childsplay Inc., visited Walker on Sept. 27 to talk to the student body about Theatre for Young Audiences and the importance of theatre education. 


DEVELOPMENT

2007-2008 Annual Fund update

To date, the Annual Fund has raised $120,000 toward our $625,000 goal. As the end of 2007 approaches, it is a great time to make your contribution to Walker and take advantage of year end tax savings at the same time.

And don't forget...An Atlanta foundation has issued our school a challenge grant which means that Walker will receive an additional $1 for every $2 we receive from members of our own community. Please take a moment to make your gift or pledge today!

Alumni are presented with a special challenge this year to raise $50,000 in honor of the school's 50th anniversary. Alumni and parent of alumni support of the Annual Fund honors Walker's history and continues to advance Walker's mission.