Walker-Grant Middle School

Good Afternoon Tiger Family, 

This is your Principal, Mr. Ventura, with your weekly update. As we enter another exciting week at Walker-Grant, I would like to share some important updates and reminders with you.

Halloween at WGMS

With Halloween just around the corner, I want to provide some guidelines to ensure that students can safely and creatively participate in the fun. Please review the following rules for Halloween at Walker-Grant with your student:

• No violent or bloody imagery is allowed.

• Face masks and face paint are not permitted.

• Props resembling weapons of any kind are not allowed.

• Costumes must meet the school's dress code.

• Distributing candy, cupcakes, or other food items will not be permitted.

To promote a positive and inclusive environment, we encourage students to dress as their favorite book characters.

Please note: Students may not bring treats to share at school. Any shared candy will be confiscated and can only be picked up by a parent.

Report Cards

Quarter 1 report cards were sent home with students on Wednesday, October 23rd. Parents and guardians, please review your student’s report card.

Student Recognitions Awards Assemblies

Families are invited to our grade-level student recognition assemblies on the following dates:

• On Monday, October 28, at 9:00 AM, we will honor our 7th Grade students

• On Tuesday, October 29, at 9:00 AM, we will recognize our 6th Graders

• And on Monday, November 4, at 9:00 AM, we will have our 8th Grade awards assembly.

Bullying Prevention Month

As we wrap up Bullying Prevention Month, I want to thank our school counseling team and staff for promoting unity and kindness. I hope the lessons learned this month inspire our students to stand against bullying and embrace acceptance. Let’s continue making our school a safe and welcoming place for everyone! Thank you, families, for your support.

Digital Citizenship Month

To wrap up Digital Citizenship Month, teachers are focusing on news and media literacy. Students will learn to identify credible sources, respond thoughtfully to "breaking news," and understand fair use, copyright, and public domain.

To support this at home, please share these five tips from Common Sense Education on spotting misleading news.

6–12 Family Tips: News & Media Literacy | Common Sense Education

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 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.

Pajamas, Slippers, and Blankets Not Allowed at School

Please note that students are not allowed to wear pajamas, slippers, or bring blankets to school. If students arrive with these items, they will be asked to change, and blankets will be collected and stored in the front office for pickup. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Attendance

Daily attendance is crucial for student success. Thank you for your support in ensuring regular attendance and notifying us of any emergencies.

Attendance Notes

Upcoming Dates to Remember

• October 28 @ 9 AM: 7th Grade Awards Assembly

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

• October 28-29: 8th Grade World Geography National Zoo Field Trips

• October 29 @ 9 AM: 6th Grade Awards Assembly

• October 29 @ 7 PM: Halloween Orchestra Spooktacular Concert @ JM (Musicians need to report by 5:45 PM)

• October 29-November 1: 6th Grade Science Friends of the Rappahannock Field Trips

• November 4 @ 9 AM: 8th Grade Awards Assembly

• November 4 @ 7:30 PM: School Board Meeting

• November 5: School Not in Session (Election Day)

• November 11: School Not in Session (Veteran's Day)

Tiger Paw Afterschool Tutoring

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

SpeakUp for Safety

The new SpeakUp for Safety tipline for students in Grades 6 through 12 is now live. This confidential resource allows students to report bullying, threats, or safety concerns via email, text, or phone. For any questions, please reach out to FCPS Safety Coordinator Angie Roenke at aroenke@cityschools.com.

If you have an urgent concern, you can call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you witness or have information about a crime or potential crime, you can text "FPD Tip" to 847-411 to send an anonymous tip to Fredericksburg Police.

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!

Mental Health Resource Website

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Starting Friday, November 1st, 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

Boys Basketball Tryouts:

Dates:

• 6th Grade: Tuesday, October 29

• 7th & 8th Grades: Wednesday, October 30

• Final Tryout Day for All Grades: Thursday, October 31

Time: 3-4:50 PM

Bus: Activity Bus @ 5 PM

Requirements:

• Current VHSL Sports Physical

• Grades: No “F” and no more than two “D” grades in core classes (Math, Science, Social Studies, and English) on your Quarter 1 report card

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

• October 30 @ 4:30 PM: WGMS Girls' Field Hockey - final game at home against St. Patrick

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 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

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.