Principal Ventura's Weekly Update

Good Evening Tiger Family,

This is your principal, Mr. Ventura, with a few important announcement and updates for the week ahead.

As we enter the 8th week of the quarter, I encourage you to discuss with your child the important role that school and teachers play in their learning. Our team is dedicated to providing a quality education, and we know some tasks can be challenging.

By embracing our core values of Accountability, Perseverance, Empathy, and Respect, we can support students in overcoming obstacles. Remind them that it’s perfectly okay to ask for help and to keep trying!

Safety and Behaviors

Families, please have conversations about conflict resolution with your child(ren). We are working to establish the expectation for WGMS that we do not settle conflict by using hurtful words or physical touch.

Attendance

Regular attendance is crucial for success. If your child is sick or there’s an emergency, please submit notes online. Remember, all students are encouraged to be present and powerful. Attendance Notes

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Starting in November, FCPS will require multifactor authentication (MFA) for all middle school student accounts, just like for high school students. Over the next few weeks, students will set up multifactor authentication (MFA) during class using their phones under the supervision of the Department of Technology. Those who don't set it up may lose access to personal devices for schoolwork once multifactor authentication (MFA) is mandatory.

Upcoming Dates to Remember

  • September 26: First early dismissal day of the school year (school day ends at 12pm)

  • September 30 - October 11: Quarter 1 Benchmark Testing

Tiger Paw After-School Tutoring

After-school tutoring continues this week. All are welcome and transportation will be provided.  However, please note that there will be no tutoring on Thursday 9/26 due to the half day. Tiger Paw Permission Slip 

Afternoon Pick-Up Procedures

Please notify the school office if your child’s afternoon procedure changes. Use the link provided. 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. Transportation Form

Athletics

Come out and support our student athletes. This week's sports events are:

  • September 23 @ 4:30pm: Girls' field hockey at home against St. Patrick

  • September 24 @ 4:30pm: Girls' basketball at home against Culpeper

  • September 26 @ 6pm: Girls' basketball at Floyd T. Binns

  • September 26 @ 4:30pm: Boys' football at Locust Grove

  • September 27 @ 4:30pm: Girls' field hockey at Collegiate

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.

Spirit Gear

Show your Tiger pride with our school spirit gear! Grab yours today and wear it proudly. Tigers Win! W-GMS Spirit Gear

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 www.parentsquare.com.

Parent_Guardian - Getting Started Guide (English).pdf
Parent_Guardian - Getting Started Guide (Spanish).pdf

Student Laptop Charger

Is your student in need of a new laptop charger? If so, please use the link or QR code attached to this message 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 reduction

  • 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

Ms. Sarah Cook — 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!