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.

No School on 10/14

School will not be in session tomorrow, Monday, 10/4.

Bullying Prevention Month

October is dedicated to Bullying Prevention Month, and our school counselors and teachers have planned a variety of activities throughout the month to engage students in meaningful discussions and actions against bullying.

We encourage you to have ongoing conversations with your child about being part of a bully-free school. Your involvement is essential to our efforts in achieving this goal.

Bullying Prevention Spirit Week

Next week, we are excited to kick off Bullying Prevention Spirit Week as part of Anti-Bullying Month! This is a great opportunity for our students to come together and show their support for kindness, empathy, and respect in our school community.

Please see the attached flyer for more details about the themes and activities each day. Spirit Week Flyer

Intentional Computer Damage on the Rise

We are seeing an increase in the number of intentionally damaged computers in grades K-12. Please be aware families are responsible up to $560.00 for a replacement computer when intentional damage happens. Please review the linked school board policy for more information. Policy JN

No Play Fighting

We prioritize student safety at Walker-Grant Middle School and want to remind everyone that play fighting is not acceptable. While we understand that children may engage in playful activities, any physical behavior that resembles fighting will not be tolerated.

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

Upcoming Dates to Remember

• October 14: No School (Student Holiday)

• October 17: Sports picture day for football, girls basketball, and field hockey

• October 23: Report cards issued

• October 24 @ 4:30-6:30 PM: Parent/Teacher Conferences

• October 28 @ 5-6:30 PM: SEAC Meeting @ LES

• October 29-30: 8th Grade World Geography National Zoo Field Trips

• October 30 - November 1: 6th Grade Science Friends of the Rappahannock Field Trips

• November 5: No School (Election Day)

• November 11: No School (Veterans Day)

Tiger Paw After-School Tutoring

After-school tutoring continues this week. All are welcome and transportation will be provided. Tiger Paw Permission Slip

FCPS Mental Health Resource Website

Please take a moment to explore the FCPS Mental Health Resource Website. It provides helpful information and access to community resources to support our students and families. Your awareness and sharing of these resources can make a difference!

SpeakUp for Safety

FCPS is pleased to announce the launch of a new SpeakUp for Safety tipline for students in Grades 6 through 12. This confidential resource allows students to report bullying, threats, or safety concerns via email, text, or phone. Monthly reminders will be emailed to students with more details. For questions, please contact FCPS Safety Coordinator Angie Roenke.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Starting Friday, November 1, all WGMS students must use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to access FCPS student accounts from personal devices outside the FCPS network.

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 2:15 PM.  No student pick-ups will be able to be honored after 2:15 PM. Transportation Form

Athletics

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

• October 15 @ 4:30 PM: Girls' Basketball at King George

• October 16 @ 4:30 PM: Girls' Basketball at Culpeper Middle School

• October 16 @ 4:30 PM: Girls' Field Hockey at home against St. Catherine's

• October 17 @ 4:30 PM: Boys' football at home against Culpeper 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. 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 W-GMS. 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

Free Dental Day

On Saturday, November 9, from 9 AM to 2:30 PM, Family First Dental will host its annual Give Back to the Community Free Dental Day, providing free dental care. Please consider stopping by if you’re in need!

Family First Dental
4425 Plank Road, Suite B  
Fredericksburg, VA 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