After a week of winter weather disruptions, I hope you're all enjoying this beautiful Sunday!
Thank you for your flexibility and engagement during our remote learning days. Your support helped keep our students on track and learning.
Now, here are a few important announcements and updates for the week ahead:
Quarter 3 Benchmark Testing
Students will begin taking their Quarter 3 Benchmark Tests this upcoming week.
Tuesday, 2/25 — English Benchmark
Wednesday, 2/26 — Science Benchmark
Thursday, 2/27 & Friday, 2/28 — Makeup testing
How Parents Can Help:
Ensure your child gets a good night's sleep before each test.
Provide a healthy breakfast at home or encourage them to eat at school.
Make sure they arrive on time each day for a smooth testing experience.
Remind them to bring their fully charged computer to school daily.
Schedule any necessary appointments in the afternoon to avoid disruptions.
If your child will be absent, please notify the school so we can arrange a makeup test.
Thank you for your support in helping students do their best!
Tiger Paw Academy
Tiger Paw Academy continues this week! Transportation is provided for invited students who have returned signed permission slips.
ASPIRA Afterschool Tutoring
ASPIRA Afterschool Tutoring continues this week! Selected students with signed permission slips may attend. Have questions? Contact Dr. Noboa at abdinnoboa@comcast.net.
5 Days Left! Let's Win the February Behavior Challenge!
Families, we’re in the final stretch! The grade level with the fewest discipline referrals by February 28th wins a pizza party! Every student plays a part!
Help us finish strong by encouraging your child to make positive choices, stay referral-free, and stay on top of their work.
Let’s make these last five days count!
Sweet Treat for a Great Cause!
Join us for a PTO Fundraiser at Sweet Frog on Thursday, February 27, from 3:00–7:00 PM!
Enjoy a delicious treat while supporting our school! A portion of the sales will go directly to the PTO. Be sure to mention Walker-Grant Middle School at checkout!
Check out the attached flyer for more details. We hope to see you there!
Updated Date for CTE Pathways to Success Night
We're excited to announce the new date for CTE Pathways to Success Night — Thursday, March 6, at Walker-Grant Middle School from 5:30-7:30 PM. This event is designed for or rising 5th, 6th, and 7th grade students and their families to learn more about career and technical education opportunities.
Additionally, a separate session for rising 9th grade students will be held at James Monroe High School on Thursday, February 27, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM.
Grade-Level Attendance Challenge Update
Additionally, a separate session for rising 9th grade students will be held at James Monroe High School on Thursday, February 27, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM.
Grade-Level Attendance Challenge Update
Congratulations to our 8th graders for winning the Attendance Challenge!
Important: Permission forms have been sent via ParentSquare only to 8th grade parents and must be completed by February 27, 2025.
If you have trouble accessing ParentSquare, please email Mr. Padilla mpadilla@cityschools.com.
Upcoming Dates to Remember
2/3 - 2/28: WIDA Testing
2/24 - 3/6: Quarter 3 Benchmark Testing
2/24 - 2/25: Resume Track Tryouts — Must have a current VHSL Sports Physical
2/27: CTE Pathways to Success Night for rising 9th graders at JMHS from 5:30-7:30 PM
2/27: PTO Spirit Night at Sweet Frog (Eagle Village)
2/28: Attendance Challenge Dance (8th graders) 3:00-4:30 PM
3/3 - 3/5: Baseball, Softball, and Lacrosse Tryouts — Must have a current VHSL Sports Physical
3/3: March School Board Meeting at WGC at 7:30 PM
3/6: Q3 grading period ends
3/6: CTE Pathways to Success Night for rising 6th, 7th, and 8th graders at WGMS from 5:30-7:30 PM
3/7: No school for students. Emergency Preparedness Professional Development for staff
3/21: Q3 Report Cards distributed
3/24 - 3/28: Student/Staff Holiday Spring Break
3/31: Student/Staff Holiday Eid al-Fitr
Athletics
WGMS Tigers are Championship Bound!
We are thrilled to announce that the W-GMS Boys Basketball Team has earned a spot in the Battlefield Middle School Athletic Conference Championship!
With all of the weather delays and closings last week, the opponent and game details are still being finalized. We’ll share updates as soon as they’re confirmed. Stay tuned and get ready to cheer on our Tigers!
Reminder: Students may not stay after school for sporting events unless supervised by an adult.
Spring Sports Information
If your student is interested in participating in Spring sports, please review the information attached to this message. If you have any additional questions, please contact our Athletic Director Mr. Turner dturner@cityschools.com.
2/24 - 2/25: Resume Track Tryouts
3/3 - 3/5: Baseball, Softball, and Lacrosse Tryouts
Spirit Gear
Show your Tiger pride with our school spirit gear! Grab yours today and wear it proudly.
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.
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.
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.
Poppin' Popcorn Fundraiser for WGMS Band
Attention families, the WGMS Band is hosting a Poppin' Popcorn fundraiser and needs 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!
Join the American Heart Challenge!
Tiger families, our American Heart Challenge is underway! Help us make a difference while having fun.
Register: www.heart.org/schools
Complete Finn’s Mission to learn about heart health and earn prizes.
Participants could win 2 tickets to the 2026 Super Bowl!
Let's become Heart Heroes together! Check the linked info for details.
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 (Spanish).pdf
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
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 | Mrs. Courtney Wheeler (Interim): 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!