Timberwolf Team,

Maya Angelou penned the poem Caged Bird, a metaphor of the struggle against oppression and the triumphant spirit that perseveres against all odds. In the spirit of Angelou’s verses, I encourage every member of our EDW & PWM family to reflect as we honor Black History Month.

In the face of challenges, the human spirit longs to break free, soar to new heights of understanding, empathy, and unity. Our school community is committed to fostering an environment where every student, regardless of background, can spread their wings and reach their full potential. It is within these diverse perspectives that we find strength, resilience, and the ability to create positive changes.

Throughout this month, let's engage in meaningful conversations, explore diverse narratives, and celebrate the achievements of Black trailblazers who have left a mark on history. Together, as educators and mentors, let’s inspire our students to embrace their unique voices and perspectives, empowering them to soar beyond their wildest dreams.

Albert Briones

Assistant Principal, E.D. Walker Middle School

In this issue, look for . . .

• #BeTheLight: The Week in Review
• #1Pack1Goal: The Week Ahead
• E.D. Walker Middle School
• Prestonwood Montessori
• Athletics
• Calendar and Events

Shoutout to Ms. Cortney House who hosted the Teach for America DFW Board for a classroom observation and spoke, along with Mr. Albert Briones, in a roundtable discussion about the support of the TFA coaching model.

We had so much fun celebrating the 100th day of school! Ms. Locklear planned an amazing showcase in the library where student presenters shared their class' list of 100 things. Ms. Duran, Ms. Bryant, and the sunshine committee brought joy to students and staff searching for 100 pups across campus!

Shoutout to Ms. Diana Zavala! Five Walker orchestra students all earned a Superior rating at their recent Solo and Ensemble orchestra competition!

Students in Ms. Devon Journee-Singleton’s 8th Grade ELAR classroom are laser focused on crafting their best Extended Constructed Response. They respond to the ECR prompt, evaluate sample responses, and provide meaningful feedback while referencing the ECR student-friendly Rubric.

Ms. Journee-Singleton goes above and beyond to provide a rigorous learning environment to diverse learners by differentiating instruction. Emergent Bilingual students apply their knowledge of the English language and their creative skills by responding to a TELPAS prompt.

As students work on their assignments, she calls on individual or groups of students for small group instruction to ensure everyone is on the right track.

House Friday competitions keep the house spirit alive! Thanks to our staff who competed in this Friday's push up competition - Coach Laura Hall, Coach Carleton SzeTo and Coach Mason Weir!

Students in Ms. Alexandria Organ’s 6th Grade Science Honors class are reviewing their most missed PDOL question and talking in groups about their rationales. They are also highly engaged while learning about the solar system through a think challenge. They reflect on the think challenge and then participate in a differentiated escape room for celestial bodies!

Shout out to Mr. Jose Guerrero who is finding creative ways to teach mental math in the FLS classroom! Group competition helps students encourage each other and push each other to do their best work!

Shout out to Ms. Jeanne Bowman who facilitates small group and peer tutoring in 6th Grade Math that turns frustrating moments into "ah ha" moments, better conceptual understanding, and smiles!

Prestonwood Pups had a blast at the Glow Party! Thank you Ms. Castillo, Ms. Duran, and Ms. Newton for helping create glow in the dark art for decorations. Thank you Ms. McKay for teaching our pups dance moves so they were ready to tear up the dance floor. And thank you to all the staff who attended and volunteered at the event -- Nurse Saxton, Ms. Jessi, Ms. De Leon, Ms. Simmons, Ms. McKay, Officer T., Ms. Littlefield, and Mrs. Madlock!

We were excited to host the annual Withers Elementary Variety Show on Friday night! Strengthening our feeder pattern relationship and making sure our feeder elementary families feel at home on our campus is amazing!

Congratulations to Ms. Shanna Crawford, Mr. Michael Keeton and the Robowolves for their top 10 finish at Saturday's VEX IQ Competition at the Dallas ISD STEM Expo!

Upcoming Events

Library Schedule

Monday, February 19 has been designated a Virtual Professional Development Day for most staff. More details about the schedule to come soon!

Black History Month Celebrations!

E.D. Walker Middle School

Upcoming All in Learning Tests

Click here or on the image below to access the deck with links.

Please continue to follow district calendar for kinder through second grade Eureka and Amplify assessments.

Upcoming State Testing

Now that these dates have been announced they are Blackout dates, please do not request time off on any of these dates. More information will be shared about the STAAR field test and TELPAS as PD on Thursday, February 1st.

Upcoming PLC and PD

Click here or on the image below to access the deck with links.

Black History Month

Celebrating Black Futures Month 2024, the B-FAM (BIPOC Family Alliance for Montessori is thrilled to announce our upcoming Black History Month program - Black Futures Month.

1. Daily riddles and Close Reading for the month of February. Close Readings are rolling out this week!
2. Living Museum: February 29, 2024 in the library. Stay tuned for more information and details.
3. Black History Month Program: February 29, 2024; 2:00 - 2:24pm; PWM/EDW Auditorium. Stay tuned for more information and details.

The Black Futures Month planning committee includes representation from PWM staff, EDW staff, and families -- thank you for your hard work and planning!

Our girls basketball season ended in the semifinals. We are so proud of this group. We are beyond thankful our paths crossed. This season was FULL of challenges but we never made excuses. Even though we fell just short of our goal, we grew exponentially. We cannot wait to see all of the accomplishments these girls will have in their bright future.

Now that winter sports season have officially concluded. Spring sports will begin this week. Check out the schedules below and come support our student athletes!

Devon Journee-Singleton February 5

Alahir Villasenor February 6

Ty Rhodes February 12

Jose Lema February 16

Janet Rodriguez February 16

Torri Hancock - February 17

Lin Lim - February 28