Good Afternoon Tiger Family,
I hope you all enjoyed a restful and joyful Easter holiday with your loved ones. As we return, I want to take a moment to celebrate our incredible students. Last week, they demonstrated outstanding focus, perseverance, and pride during SOL testing. Their hard work and determination were truly a joy to witness!
As we continue testing this week, let's keep that momentum going strong. Here are a few simple ways we can support our students each day:
Ensure they get a good night's sleep
Help them arrive at school on time
Remind them to eat breakfast — either at home or here at school (we offer free breakfast to all students)
Make sure they bring their fully charged laptop and charger
Encourage them to put forth their best effort
And now, here are a few important announcements and updates for the week ahead:
Spring SOL Testing Schedule
The remaining SOL testing dates are included in today's weekly principal email. Please take a moment to review the schedule and go over any test materials with your child. If you have any questions or need additional information, don't hesitate to reach out — we're here to support you!
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 WGMS Spring SOL Testing Dates
Reminder: End-of-Year Behavior Expectations
As we approach the end of the school year, please encourage your child to uphold our core values of Accountability, Perseverance, Empathy, and Respect. Students must consistently demonstrate positive behavior to participate in exciting end-of-year activities.
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.
Spring Fling Dance — April 24!
The WGMS PTO is excited to host the Spring Fling Dance on Wednesday, April 24, from 3:00 - 4:45 PM in the cafeteria! All 6th-8th grade students are welcome, but space is limited to the first 300 students who RSVP on ParentSquare. There will be music, snacks, and lots of fun — so encourage your child in something fun and school-appropriate and come dance the afternoon away! Don't forget to RSVP!
Afterschool Clubs
Afterschool clubs will meet this Friday, April 25 from 3:00 - 4:30 PM.
Grand Finale Alert — Super SOL Saturday (Science)
Join us at WGMS this Saturday, April 26, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM for our final Super SOL Saturday Session! Get ready for an exciting morning of hands-on science fun that will boost your student's confidence and get them test-ready for the Science SOL or Quarter 4 assessment.
Don’t miss out, sign up using the QR code or link below!
🔗 Super SOL Saturday Sessions Registration Link
Important Notes:
Transportation to and from WGMS MUST be provided by parents/guardians.
Breakfast will be provided. Students will NOT receive lunch.
5th Annual Doug Carter STEM Fair
Get ready for the 5th Annual Doug Carter STEM Fair at WGMS! Join us on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 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!
Mental Health, Wellness & Safety Resource Fair
Please join us at the upcoming Mental Health, Wellness & Safety Resource Fair, which will take place JM on Saturday, May 10, from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM. There will be tons of providers, informative sessions, fun activities, and FREE LUNCH!
Please RSVP here: 2025 FCPS Mental Health, Wellness & Safety Resource Fair - Participant Registration
🔗 Mental Health, Well, & Safety Resource Fair Invitation
Important Notice Regarding Yondr Pouches
Please check with your student about the status of their Yondr pouch. A $30 replacement fee will apply if the pouch is lost or damaged. All pouches and fees must be submitted by May 21, 2025, to participate in Field Day on May 22, 2025.
For questions, contact Dr. Kisha Frye kfrye@cityschools.com
Upcoming Dates to Remember
4/23: 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Math SOL
4/25: Afterschool Clubs @ 3:00 - 4:30 PM
4/26: Super SOL Saturday Session (Science) from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM @ WGMS
4/26: 5th Annual Doug Carter STEM Fair from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
4/26: WGMS Band Music in the Parks performance at Hershey Park
Looking Ahead
4/29: 7th grade Civics SOL and 8th grade World Geography SOL
4/29: Spring Concert at JMHS
5/1: 8th grade Science SOL
5/2: Afterschool Clubs @ 3:00 - 4:30 PM
5/5: May School Board Meeting 7:30 PM @ Walker-Grant Center
5/9: 7th grade Algebra SOL and 8th grade Geometry SOL
5/10: FCPS Mental Health, Wellness & Safety Fair 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM @ JMHS
5/16: Last Afterschool Clubs Meetings of the year
5/16: JMHS Graduation 7:00 PM @ Anderson Center of University of Mary Washington
5/19: 8th grade Promotion Ceremony 8:30 - 10:00 AM in the cafeteria
5/21: Student Speak Out 8:45 - 10:00 AM in the cafeteria
5/22: Field Day (RAIN OR SHINE!)
5/23: Last Day of School (Early Dismissal for students @ 12:00 PM)
5/23: End of Grading Period
Athletics
Get ready to cheer on our Tigers as they hit the track and take the field!
Track: The team will travel to King George on Thursday, 4/24 for a meet against the Foxes and Eagles. Start time is 4:30 PM.
Softball & Baseball: Both teams will travel to King George on Tuesday, 4/22 for 4:30 PM games. Then, on Thursday, 4/24, they’ll head to Locust Grove, also for 4:30 PM games.
Girls Lacrosse: The team will host Fredericksburg Academy at home on Wednesday, 4/23 with a 4:00 PM start time.
Please check out the full schedules below:
🥍 2025 Girls’ Lacrosse Schedule
Spirit Gear
Show your Tiger pride with our school spirit gear! Grab yours today and wear it proudly.
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
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.
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 from 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!