Good Afternoon Tiger Family,
This is your principal, Mr. Ventura, with a few important announcements and updates for the week ahead.
As we step into the fifth week of school, I want to applaud your dedication and effort. Your commitment to learning and growing together is truly remarkable. Each new day brings fresh opportunities, and I'm confident that our FAMILY OF LEARNERS will continue to shine.
Holiday School Closure
WGMS will be closed on Monday, September 2, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.
Learning Lane Closure
As Learning Lane continues to be closed for repairs, all Walker-Grant parents, staff, and buses will use Lafayette Blvd. to Pender St. for arrival. Exit by taking Pender St. to Rose Ave. to Hotchkiss St.
7:35 AM Start Time
Please be reminded that our instructional day begins promptly at 7:35am. Any student arriving after this time will be marked tardy and will need to be checked in at the front office.
Back-to-School Night
On September 5 from 5-7pm, we will be hosting our annual Back-to-School Night. On this evening, teachers will share course syllabus information, further explain the course curriculum, and answer questions you may have about what your student(s) will learn this upcoming year.
Tiger Paw After-School Tutoring
After-school tutoring continues this week. All are welcome and transportation will be provided.
Attendance
Please use our attendance notes link to communicate any absences. We encourage all students to be present, be powerful, and remember attendance matters because you matter!
Afternoon Pick-Up Procedures
Please notify the school office if your child's afternoon procedure changes. Use our transportation form: Attendance Notes | Walker-Grant Middle School (fxbgschools.us) If you fax or email (mpadilla@cityschools.com and cmajormitchell@cityschools.com), please call the office to confirm receipt. No changes are accepted by phone, and all changes must be submitted before 2:15pm. No student pick-ups will be able to be honored after 2:15pm.
Ensuring Respectful Use of School Restrooms
Unfortunately, we have recently experienced some issues with vandalism in our student restrooms, which is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Please take a moment to remind your child about the importance of respecting school property and using the restrooms appropriately. By working together, we can maintain a safe and respectful environment for all students. Thank you in advance for your support.
Athletics
We are excited to officially kick off the WGMS fall sports season with boys' football, girls' basketball, and girls' field hockey. As we prepare to kick off our fall sports season, please remember that students are not permitted to stay after school to attend sports events without a supervising adult. Students are welcome to attend events only if accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Walker-Grant Spirit Wear Fundraiser
Are you looking for some new Walker-Grant Spirit Wear to wear to work, school, or afterschool events? Consider supporting our Walker-Grant Middle School student athletes by purchasing apparel from our official WGMS fundraiser shop. A percentage of every item purchased goes toward the Athletic Program at WGMS.
Mark Your Calendars
Sept 2: WGMS is closed
Sept 3: Girls' Basketball game at home against FT Binns 4:30pm
Sept 5: Girls' Basketball game away at Caroline 4:30pm
Sept 5: Boys' football game away at FT Binns 6:00pm
Sept 5: Back-to-School Night 5-7pm
Sept 9: Q1 Grade Interims will be distributed
Sept 10: Bus Evacuation Drill
Responsibility Centered Discipline (RCD)
Please review our school-wide foundations with your child. Grasping and embracing these foundational principles are crucial for ensuring an effective and inclusive educational experience for all students.
FCPS Cell Phone and Personal Device Policy
Please take a moment to review and discuss the new FCPS Cell Phone and Personal Device Policy with your student.
ParentSquare
If you haven't already, please activate your ParentSquare account to stay up to date on all of the happenings at WGMS. You can access ParentSquare on any device by downloading the free mobile app or by visiting Unify All Communication Tools - ParentSquare.
Parent_Guardian - Getting Started Guide (English).pdf
Parent_Guardian - Getting Started Guide (Spanish).pdf
What I Wish My Parents Knew
Registration closes soon! Please join us Tuesday, September 17 at 5:30pm for a special viewing of What I Wish My Parents Knew. What I Wish My Parents Knew is the first film by Tell My Story, a project designed as a mental wellness program to help parents better understand how to support their children's mental health.
This is an adult-only viewing, and there will be no children admitted to the film.
Refreshments will begin at 5pm. Registration closes on Tuesday, September 11, at noon.
What I Wish My Parents Knew (English)
What I Wish My Parents Knew (Spanish)Register: https://forms.office.com/r/2sVZZXYrDf
Suicide Prevention Month
In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, Fredericksburg City Public Schools will be sharing wellness resources to support our learning community. We want to take this opportunity to highlight the significance of suicide and the importance of reducing the stigma of reaching out for help, knowing how to talk to others about suicidal thoughts, and understanding what resources are available for those in need. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call/text 988 or visit 988Lifeline.org for free and confidential help.
8th Grade Coffee Fundraiser
We're excited to announce that our 8th Grade students are partnering with Java Joe's for a coffee fundraiser! This is a fantastic opportunity to support our students, are 40% of the profits will go directly back to the school. If you're interested, please see the attached flyer and link for more details. Thank you for your support!
Student Laptop Charger
Is your student in need of a new laptop charger? If so, please use the link to purchase a replacement: https://fxbg.link/3w9Z2Hv
Title I
Title I is the largest federal aid program for elementary, middle, and high schools. Through Title I, the federal government designates money to school districts around the country based on the number of students in need in each district. Each district uses its Title I money for extra educational services for children, such as:
Class size reducation
Additional teachers and paraprofessionals
Parent resources
Instructional materials and supplies
Tier 2 and Tier 3 support services
The focus of the Title I program is to ensure all students meet challenging content and achievement standards. Title I also authorizes federal grant programs that provide funds for reading instruction, services to migrant children, services to neglected and delinquent children, comprehensive school reform, and dropout prevention.
All FCPS students in grades K-8 are eligible to receive programs funded through the Title I grant.
School
Principal
Assistant Principals
Phone
Hugh Mercer Elementary School
Dr. James Snyder — English
Mr. William Wishard — Title I
TBD — Math
(540) 372-1115
Lafayette Elementary School
Mrs. Courtney Wheeler — Title I; Math
Ms. Pam Diggs
Mr. Tony Lewis — English
(540) 310-0029
Walker-Grant Middle School
Mr. Stephen Ventura
Mrs. Emma Brown — English
Dr. Kisha Frye — Title I; Math
(540) 372-1145
Thank You
As always, thank you for your continued partnership and involvement in the Walker-Grant community. Wishing you all a wonderful Sunday evening and a fantastic week ahead.
Go Tigers!