Walker-Grant Middle School

Good Afternoon Tiger Family,

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

I hope everyone enjoyed a restful weekend and is ready for another week of learning. Families, please remind your child of the importance of being focused and ready to learn. Our core values of Accountability, Perseverance, Empathy, and Respect are key in every setting. These values help create a positive learning environment, and when students embrace them, our school community thrives. W-GMS Foundational Principles

No School on 10/3

School will not be in session on Thursday 10/3. We will resume with our normal schedule on Friday 10/4.

Quarter 1 Benchmark Tests

Students will be taking the Reading and Science Benchmark assessments this coming week. Please make sure that your child brings their charged laptops to school every day, so that they can show what they have learned.

Below is the schedule for benchmark testing:

• September 30: Reading

• October 1: Science

• October 2: Reading and Science Make Ups

• October 3: No School

• October 4: Reading and Science Make Ups

• October 7: Math

• October 8: Social Studies

• October 9: Math and Social Studies Make Ups

• October 10: Math and Social Studies Make Ups

• October 11: Any remaining Make Ups

Vaccination Reminder for 7th Grade Students

As mandated by the state, all 7th Grade students must have received the Tdap, Meningococcal, and HPV vaccinations to attend school. Students who have not provided proof of these vaccinations or submitted written verification of an upcoming doctor's appointment to the school nurse by September 30, 2024, will be sent home until the required documentation is received. If you have any questions, please contact our school nurse.

Bullying Prevention Month

As you may know, October is Bullying Prevention Month. Our school counselor have prepared various activities to engage our students in meaningful discussions and actions against bullying. We are excited to kick off the month on Tuesday with the entire school signing a Bullying Prevention Pledge.

We encourage you to talk with your child about what it means to be part of a bully-free school and how they can contribute to creating a supportive and inclusive environment. Your involvement and support are crucial in helping us achieve this goal. 

Thank you for your cooperation.

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 on Friday, November 1, all WGMS students will be required to use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) when accessing FCPS student accounts from non-school issued devices when outside of the FCPS network. A text verification code will be required to verify student identities in order to access these accounts. This will only apply when using personal devices and when outside of the FCPS network. Students will be setting up MFA during school throughout the month of October.

Upcoming Dates to Remember

• September 15 - October 15: Hispanic Heritage Month

• September 30 - October 11: Quarter 1 Benchmark Testing Window

• October 3: No School (Student Holiday)

• October 1 - October 31: Bullying Prevention Month

• October 7 @ 7:30pm: School Board Meeting at James Monroe High School

• October 10: Q1 grading period ends

• October 14: No School (Student Holiday)

• October 23: Report cards issued

Tiger Paw After-School Tutoring

After-school tutoring continues this week. All are welcome and transportation will be provided.  However, there will be no tutoring on Thursday 10/3 with school being closed. 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:

• October 1 @ 4:30pm: Girls' basketball at home against Caroline Middle School

• October 2 @ 4:30pm: Girls' field hockey at home against Holy Cross

• October 2 @ 4:30pm: Boys' football at home against Louisa Middle School

• October 3 @ 4:30pm: Girls' basketball at Prospect Heights Middle School

** 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 to purchase a replacement. https://fxbg.link/3w9Z2Hv

Free Dental Day

On Saturday, November 9, from 9am to 2:30pm, Family First Dental will be hosting its annual Give Back to the Community Free Dental Day. At this event, Family First Dental will provide free dental care, including cleanings, fillings, and extractions for uninsured patients and those in a non-patient status.

Family First Dental
4425 Plank Road, Suite B
Fredericksburg, Virginia 22407

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