Happy Super Bowl Sunday! As we cheer for our favorite teams, let’s also cheer for our students as they tackle another week of learning. Teamwork, perseverance, and dedication—on the field or in the classroom—help us all succeed.
Now here are a few important announcements and updates for the week ahead:
WIDA Testing
This week, we’ll continue with WIDA testing to support our English Language Learners. Let’s work together to encourage all students to do their best! If your student receives ELL services, they will participate in this important evaluation. Should you have any questions about the WIDA ACCESS test, please feel free to contact your student's ESOL teacher.
Kindness Spirit Week
Celebrate Virginia Kindness Week by joining students and staff as we dress up each day with a different theme while intentionally being kind to others! If you're interested in participating, please review the flyer linked to this email message. Kindness Spirit Week
Tiger Paw Academy
Tiger Paw Academy will continue this week. Transportation will be provided for participating students. Please note that only those who have received an invitation and returned their signed permission slips may attend.
ASPIRA Afterschool Tutoring
ASPIRA Afterschool Tutoring kicks off this week! This is an incredible opportunity for our selected students to grow, learn, and shine even brighter! Remember, only students who have been selected and returned their permission slips can attend.
Got questions? Reach out to Dr. Noboa at anoboa@aspiradc.org.
Taki-Grams
Looking for a fun way to spread the love? Consider sending your friends a Taki-Gram! For just $1 each, you can send a sweet message along with a spicy treat. Be sure to have your friend’s first name, last name, 6B class, and $1 cash ready for each Taki-Gram.
Taki-Grams will be available for purchase during morning intake from February 10 through February 12 and will be delivered on February 14.
Let’s make Valentine’s Day special at WGMS! PTO Taki-Grams Flyer
Be Present, Be Powerful: Grade-Level Attendance Challenge
The Grade-Level Attendance Challenge is heating up! The grade with the highest attendance by February 12, 2025, will win a dance celebration on February 14 from 3:00–4:30 PM.
Encourage your child to "Be Present, Be Powerful" and help their grade shine.
Even if their grade doesn’t win this time, no worries—everyone will have a chance to dance and have fun at our upcoming Spring Fling Dance in March!
WGMS PTO Meeting – All Are Welcome!
Join us for the PTO Meeting on Thursday, February 13th, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM in the WGMS Library. Whether you’re a returning member or joining for the first time, we’d love to see you there!
DATE: Thursday, February 13
TIME: 6:00 – 7:00 PM
LOCATION: WGMS Library
Valentine's Day
As we approach Valentine’s Day, we kindly ask students not to bring gifts or candy to school. Instead, we encourage everyone to share the spirit of the day through kind words and thoughtful actions.
Support Our Behavior Challenge!
Families, we need your support! The grade level with the fewest discipline referrals by February 28 will win a pizza party! To participate, students must stay referral-free and stay on top of their assignments.
Together, we can encourage our students to make February their best month yet!
Join the Mission to Save Lives with the American Heart Challenge
Dear Tiger families we’ve just kicked off our American Heart Challenge, and we’re excited to have your support! This is a great opportunity to make a difference while having fun. For more details, please check the information linked to this email message.
Here’s how to join:
Register at www.heart.org/schools.
Complete “Finn’s Mission” to learn about heart health and earn prizes.
Everyone who participates could win 2 tickets to the 2026 Super Bowl!
Let's work together to make a difference and become Heart Heroes!
February SEAC Meeting
The next Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) meeting will take place on Thursday, February 13th, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM via Zoom. Please mark your calendars—we look forward to seeing you virtually!
Join Zoom Meeting: https://cityschools-com.zoom.us/j/85752821742?pwd=HhbblsbPYzTyDYWKdcyFO0GvEEhwyi.1
CTE Pathways to Success Night (2/20)
Join us next Thursday, February 20, for Families & Community Night: Pathways to Success. Discover Career and Technical Education pathways through hands-on demos, meet community partners, and connect with instructors.
See the attached flyer for details and registration.
CTE Pathways to Success Flyer
Upcoming Dates to Remember
2/10-2/14: Kindness Spirit Week
2/10: Boys Basketball home playoff game vs Prospect Heights at 4:30 PM
2/13: February SEAC meeting via ZOOM 5:00 – 6:00 PM
2/13: February PTO meeting from 6:00 – 7:00 PM in the library
2/14: Grade level attendance winner school dance from 3:00 – 4:30 PM
2/17: President’s Day Holiday (No school for students and staff)
2/18: Track & Field Team Tryouts (Must have a current VHSL Sports Physical)
2/20: Families & Community Night — Pathways to Success from 5:30 – 7:30 PM
School Closing and Delays
We encourage all families to stay updated on school closures and delays. For detailed information and resources, please visit the FCPS website.
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.
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.
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.
Intentional Computer Damage on the Rise
Please partner with us in encouraging students to handle their laptops with care. 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
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
School Safety
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.
School Dress Code Reminders
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.
Athletics
Don’t miss the action! This Monday, 2/10, at 4:30 PM, come cheer on the Boys’ Basketball team as they take on Prospect Heights in a home playoff game! Let’s pack the gym, bring the Tiger pride, and get ready to cheer loud, Tiger family—our team needs YOU!
Reminder: Students may not stay after school for sporting events unless supervised by an adult.
Spirit Gear
Show your Tiger pride with our school spirit gear! Grab yours today and wear it proudly.
Track Team Tryouts
Any 6th, 7th, or 8th grader who likes to run, jump, or throw is encouraged to attend track tryouts, no experience is necessary. A sign-up sheet and informational flyers are in the front office. Tryouts begin on Tuesday, February 18.
Poppin' Popcorn Fundraiser for WGMS Band
Attention families, the W-GMS Band is hosting a Poppin' Popcorn fundraiser, and need your support! With every bag sold, you'll be helping our talented students achieve great things—like purchasing new instruments and funding exciting band activities.
Visit our fundraiser page to check out the delicious popcorn options: Poppin' Popcorn Fundraiser
Let’s pop our way to success! Thank you in advance for supporting the WGMS Band!
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 student 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 | Mrs. Malmgren: Title I Ms. Sarah Cook: Math | (540) 372-1115 |
Lafayette Elementary School | Dr. Jacinta Calzada-Mayronne: Title I & Math | Ms. Pam Diggs Mr. Tony Lewis: English | (540) 372-1135 |
Walker-Grant Middle School | Mr. Stephen Ventura | Mrs. Emma Brown: English Dr. Kisha Frye: Title I & Math | (540) 372-1145 |
Thank You
As always, we want to thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to another wonderful week ahead.
Go Tigers!