Walker-Grant Middle School

Good Afternoon Tiger Family and Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a restful winter break with loved ones. Let's bring our energy and focus into 2025 as we build on our successes and create valuable opportunities for our students.

Our focus for this semester remains clear: fostering a learning environment rooted in Accountability, Perseverance, Empathy, and Respect—the core values that guide our FAMILY OF LEARNERS.

The new year brings fresh opportunities, and we're excited to support your student's success together. Here's how you can help:

BUILD MOMENTUM: Encourage goal-setting and celebrate progress.

STAY CONNECTED: Check our website and ParentSquare for updates and events.

PARTNER FOR SUCCESS: Support good attendance, study habits, and off encouragement.

Here's to an incredible year ahead! Now, here are a few important announcements and updates for this week.

Upcoming Dates to Remember

• 1/13: 6th Grade Spelling Bee

• 1/14: 7th Grade Spelling Bee

• 1/15: 8th Grade Spelling Bee

• 1/20: No School, MLK Holiday

• 1/21: Sports Pictures — Boys' Basketball & Cheer

• 1/23: Parent/Teacher Conferences, 4:30-6:30 PM

• 1/27: 6th Grade Q2 Awards Ceremony, 9 AM

• 1/28: 7th Grade Q2 Awards Ceremony, 9 AM

• 1/29: 8th Grade Q2 Awards Ceremony, 9 AM

School Closing and Delays

Fredericksburg City Public Schools will extend winter break by one day due to forecasted snow and potential icy conditions.

Here's the updated schedule:

Monday, January 6: All buildings will be closed.
Tuesday, January 7: Staff Workday (no school for students).
Wednesday, January 8: Students return to school.

We encourage all families to stay updated on school closures and delays. For detailed information and resources, please visit the FCPS website.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we prioritize the safety of our school community.

School Closures and Delays Link

Punctuality and Consistent Attendance

Attendance and punctuality are critical to supporting your child’s success. If your child is healthy, please ensure they are present and on time.

Attendance Notes

Reading Makes Cents:

WGMS is participating in the statewide Reading Makes Cents reading program. This challenge is sponsored by Virginia529, who will be awarding 14 lucky students with a $529 college savings account.

For more information, please review the linked flyer.

Reading Makes Cents Flyer

Bus Behavior

Proper behavior is required on the school bus to ensure everyone’s safety. Failure to follow bus rules will result in loss of bus privileges.

Intentional Computer Damage on the Rise

Your support in keeping our technology safe is vital. Please be aware students/families may be responsible for up to $560 if devices are intentionally damaged. For more information, please review the linked school board policy for more details.

Policy JN

No Play Fighting

At WGMS safety is our top priority. I want to remind everyone that “play fighting” is not acceptable. Any behavior resembling fighting will not be tolerated.

Pajamas, Slippers, and Blankets Not Allowed at School

Students are not permitted 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 for parents to pick up in the front office. If your student(s) is in need of warm weather clothing, please reach out to their school counselor.

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.

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 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

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.

Transportation Form

Athletics

The Walker-Grant boys' basketball season is well underway! Please consider coming out and supporting our student athletes.

This week the team will battle in two games:

• On Tuesday, January 7, WGMS will have an away game at Culpeper with a 4:30 PM tipoff.

• On Thursday, January 9, W-GMS will have an away game at FT. Binns with a start time of 6:00 PM.

Please remember that students are not permitted to stay after school to attend sports events without a supervising adult.

Spirit Gear

Show your Tiger pride with our school spirit gear! Grab yours today and wear it proudly.

WGMS 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 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.

Thank You

As always, thank you for your unwavering partnership and support. Together, we can make 2025 a year filled with growth, learning, and success for every student.

Go Tigers!