Principal Ventura's Weekly Update: 03/31/2025

Good Evening Tiger Family,

This is your Principal Mr. Ventura with a few important announcements and updates for the week ahead.

I hope you all had a restful and enjoyable spring break. As we transition back into our academic routines, it's time to prepare for the next phase of our journey. With the end of the school year approaching and SOL testing on the horizon, it's crucial that we prioritize focus and determination.

Q3 Report Cards Distributed on 4/1

Due to school not being in session on Friday 3/21, Q3 report cards will be sent home with students on Tuesday, 4/1. Please take a moment to review them with your child.

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.

Parent Teacher Conferences

Parent Teacher conferences will be on Thursday, April 3, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Please call (540) 372-1145 by Wednesday, April 2, so that we may schedule appointments with your child's teachers.

Student Recognitions and Awards Assemblies

Join us in celebrating our students' achievements for Quarter 3! Parents and guardians, we invite you to attend as we recognize their hard work on the following dates:

6th Grade Friday, April 4 @ 9 AM
7th GradeTuesday, April 8 @ 9 AM
8th Grade — Wednesday, April 9 @ 9 AM

We look forward to celebrating our students' dedication and success with you!

Afterschool Clubs

Afterschool clubs will meet this Friday, April 4, from 3:00 - 4:30 PM.

Spring SOL Testing Schedule

The Spring SOL testing dates are included in today’s email, with a printable copy attached. We appreciate your continued partnership in helping our students succeed. Please mark your calendars, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further support.

Thursday, April 3

8th Grade: Integrated Reading and Writing Test

Tuesday, April 15

6th, 7th, 8th Grade: Reading

Wednesday, April 23

6th, 7th, 8th Grade: Math

Tuesday, April 29

7th Grade: Civics

8th Grade: World Geography

Thursday, May 1

8th Grade: Science

Friday, May 9

7th Grade: Algebra I

8th Grade: Geometry

🔗 2025 W-GMS Spring SOL Testing Dates

Super SOL Saturday Sessions

We're excited to offer Super SOL Saturday Sessions on April 5, 12, and 26 from 9:00 Am to 12:00 PM at WGMS. These sessions will help your child strengthen their skills in Language Arts, Math, and Science through fun and interactive activities. It's a great opportunity to boost your child’s confidence and readiness for the upcoming SOLs. 

 

To register, please use the QR Code or link attached to this email message.

🔗 Super SOL Saturday Sessions Registration Link

Important Notes:

  • Transportation to and from WGMS MUST be provided by parents/guardians.

  • Breakfast and a snack will be provided. Students will NOT receive lunch.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Frye at kfrye@cityschools.com. We look forward to seeing your child there!

Lost & Found — Claim by 4/4

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

Chipotle Spirit Night — Support the WGMS PTO

Skip the cooking and support Walker-Grant Middle School PTO this Saturday, April 5, from 4:00 - 8:00 PM at Chipotle! 25% of all sales will go back to our school, just mention WGMS PTO at checkout or use the online code on the attached flyer.

Grab dinner, give back, and make a difference! We hope to see you there!

🔗 Chipotle PTO 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

5th Annual Doug Carter STEM Fair

Get ready for the 5th Annual Doug Carter STEM Fair at Walker-Grant Middle School! Join us on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 10 AM to 12 PM for an exciting showcase of student innovation. Open to grades 4–8, with cash and prizes for top projects in grades 6–8. Please see the attached flyer to this email message for more details!

🔗 Doug Carter STEM Fair

Upcoming Dates to Remember

4/1: Students and staff return to school
4/1: Q3 Report Cards sent home
4/3: Q3 Parent/Teacher Conferences @ 4:30 - 6:30 PM
4/4: 6th Grade Q3 Awards Assembly @ 9 AM
4/4: Afterschool clubs @ 3:00 - 4:30 PM
4/4: Lost & Found items donated
4/5: WGMS Band travels to Busch Gardens for Music in the Parks
4/5: 🔗 Super SOL Saturday Session (Language Arts) @ 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
4/5: 🔗 PTO Spirit Night at Chipotle @ 4:00 - 8:00 PM
4/7: RCD Family Information & Feedback Night at JM @ 5:00 - 6:30 PM
4/7: April School Board Meeting at Walker-Grant Center @ 7:30 PM
4/8: 7th Grade Q3 Awards Assembly @ 9:00 AM
4/9: 8th Grade Q3 Awards Assembly @ 9:00 AM
4/12: 🔗 Super SOL Saturday Session (Math) @ 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
4/18: No school for students or staff
4/21: No school for students or staff
4/25: Afterschool clubs @ 3:00 - 4:30 PM
4/26: 🔗 Super SOL Saturday Session (Science) @ 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
4/26: 🔗 5th Annual Doug Carter STEM Fair @ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Athletics

Get ready to cheer on our Tigers as they hit the track and take the field! 

  • Track & Field is on the road Tuesday, April 1, battling the Louisa Bobcats then on Friday, April 4 face King George — both meets start at 4:30 PM. 

  • Girls’ Lacrosse will play at SGHS on Thursday, April 3 — game time is 4:30 PM.

  • Softball travels to Prospect Heights on Friday, April 4 and the start time is 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.

🔗 W-GMS Spirit Gear

Arts

Come support our student performers as they hit the road this month and showcase their talents!

 

  • WGMS Band will rock out as a part of the “Music in the Parks” showcase held at Busch Gardens on Saturday, April 5.

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.

 

Online Code: YB32293

 

🔗 WGMS Yearbook 2024 - 2025 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 (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 I & Math

Ms. Pam Diggs

Mr. Tony Lewis: English

(540) 310-0029

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!