Principal Ventura's Weekly Update

Good Afternoon Tiger Family,

The final countdown to Spring Break is on! Let’s make these last few days fun, focused, and full of Tiger spirit! We’re so lucky to have such an amazing FAMILY OF LEARNERS—let’s finish strong!

Now, here are a few important updates before we head into recharge mode:

Spring Break

FCPS will be closed for Spring Break from Monday, March 24 through Monday, March 31. Students will return to school on Tuesday, April 1.

Spring Vibes Spirit Week

Show your school spirit and celebrate the season with us! Join in the fun by dressing up for each themed day:

  • Monday: Keep Calm & Shamrock On — Wear shamrocks or green

  • Tuesday: Seeing Twos-day — Dress like twins with your bestie(s) 

  • Wednesday: Tie-Dye Day — Wear tie-dye or bright colors 

  • Thursday: Tropical Vibes — Rock tropical or floral patterns

  • Friday: Color Wars — 6th (White), 7th (Orange), 8th (Black)

Let's bring on the Spring Vibes and make it a week to remember!

Spring Spirit Week Flyer

MySaebers Assessment This Week

This week, students will complete the MySaebers assessment to help us understand their social, emotional, and academic needs. Please ensure your child brings their charged laptop to school.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the counseling department.

Tiger Paw Academy & ASPIRA Afterschool Tutoring

Both Tiger Paw Academy and ASPIRA Afterschool Tutoring continue this week! Selected students are strongly encouraged to attend, and transportation will be provided.

Q3 Report Cards Distributed on 3/21

Q3 report cards will be distributed and sent home with students on Friday, 3/21. Please take a moment to review them with your child.

Upcoming Dates to Remember

3/17 - 3/21: MySaebers Assessment
3/21: Spring Pep Rally @ 12:30 - 2:20 PM
3/21: Q3 Report Cards distributed
3/24 - 3/28: Student/Staff Holiday Spring Break
3/25: Urban Air Spirit Night @ 4:00 – 8:00 PM
3/31: Student/Staff Holiday Eid al-Fitr
4/1: Students and staff return to school
4/3: Parent/Teacher Conferences @ 4:30 - 6:30 PM
4/4: Afterschool clubs @ 3:00 - 4:30 PM
4/4: Lost & Found items donated
4/7: RCD Family Information and Feedback Night @ 5:00 - 6:30 PM @ JM

Lost and Found — Claim by 4/4

Our Lost and Found is overflowing! Please check for your child’s belongings before unclaimed items are donated on April 4.

Athletics

The wait is over — spring sports action starts this week! Get ready to cheer on our Tigers as they hit the track and take the field!

  • Track & Field is on the road Thursday, March 20, baattling the King George Foxes at 4:30 PM

  • Baseball & Softball defend our home turf against Prospect Heights on Tuesday, March 18, and face King George on Thursday, March 20 — both games start at 4:30 PM.

Please check out the full schedules below:

🏃‍♂️ 2025 Track and Field Schedule
2025 Baseball and Softball Schedule
🥍 2025 Girls’ Lacrosse Schedule

Spirit Gear

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

🐯 WGMS Spirit Gear

Spirit Night at Urban Air on 3/25

Come out and join us for a fun-filled Spirit Night at Urban Air Adventure Park on Tuesday, 3/25, from 4-8 PM! It’s a great way to have fun and support our school.

For more details, please check out the attached flyer. We hope to see you there!

🔗 Urban Air Spirit Night Flyer

FCPS Responsibility-Centered Discipline (RCD) Family Information & Feedback Night

We'd love to connect with you at our FCPS RCD Family Information & Feedback Night on Monday, April 7, from 5:00 - 6:30 PM at James Monroe High School.

Let’s come together to share ideas and learn how we can support student success. Dinner will be provided, so please RSVP using the link in this email message.

We can't wait to connect with you!

✉️ RSVP Form

Order Your 2024-25 Walker-Grant Yearbook!

Don't miss the chance to capture this year's memories! Yearbooks are available for $25, with optional personalization for an additional fee. Supplies are limited, so order now using the website and online code information linked to this email message.

www.strawbridge.net
Online Code: YB32293

WGMS Yearbook 2024 - 2025 Flyer

Support the Youth Mental Health Taskforce!

Buy a t-shirt to help raise awareness and support mental health initiatives in our schools. All proceeds fund workshops, events, and materials promoting mental health and peer support. Get yours today! Fundraiser end 3/21!

For more information, please review the flyer and website linked to this email message.

👚 T-Shirt Link
🔗 Fundraiser Flyer

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

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.

Getting Started Guide (English)
Getting Started Guide (Spanish)

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 1; 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!