Weekly Principal Message - 21 September 2025

Good Afternoon Tiger Family,

This is your Principal, Mr. Ventura, with a few announcements as we welcome the first day of fall and our 6th week of school. The season is a reminder of growth and new beginnings, and we look forward to fresh goals, renewed focus, and celebrating our students’ progress.

Here’s what’s coming up this week:

Short Week Ahead – Rosh Hashanah Holiday

This upcoming week will be a short one. Please note that Tuesday, September 23, is a Staff & Student Holiday for Rosh Hashanah.

Hispanic Heritage Month – Spirit Week Next Week

Next week, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Walker-Grant will host a Spirit Week! Students are invited to participate and celebrate the cultures, traditions, and contributions of the Hispanic community.

If your student would like to join in, please see the flyer linked to this message for details: Hispanic Heritage Spirit Week

Q1 Grade Interims

Grade Interim reports were sent home with students this past week. Please review these reports with your student(s) and contact their teachers if you have any questions or concerns.

Safety & Behaviors

Families, please talk with your child(ren) about resolving conflicts respectfully. Play fighting or any behavior that looks like fighting is not allowed, as student safety is our top priority. Thank you for helping us keep Walker-Grant safe and respectful for all students.

Support Our 8th Grade Fundraiser

8th graders will be bringing home fundraising packets this week to support their class. Our October trip to The National Zoo is currently $40, but with your help, we hope to reduce that cost! Just provide a list of 10 contacts, and we’ll help your student set up their account.

🔗8th Grade Fundraiser Flyer

Quick Links for Families

Please see the Quick Links Flyer attached for easy access to important resources, forms, and information to support your student and stay connected with Walker-Grant.

🔗Quick Links Flyer

ParentSquare

If you haven't already done so, 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 (English)
🔗
Parent/Guardian - Getting Started Guide (Spanish)

Athletics

Come cheer on our Student Athletes! This week's events:

  • Girls Field Hockey: Sept. 23 vs. St. Gertrude HOME (Gladys West) — 5:00 PM

  • Girls Basketball: Sept. 23 vs. Culpeper AWAY — 4:30 PM

  • Football: Sept. 24 vs. Culpeper AWAY — 4:30 PM

  • Girls Basketball: Sept. 24 vs. FT Binns AWAY — 6:00 PM

  • Girls Field Hocket: Sept. 26 vs. St. Catherine AWAY – 4:30 PM

Reminder: Students cannot stay after school to attend events without a supervising adult.

Spirit Gear

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

🔗 WGMS SPIRIT GEAR

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

Gladys West Elementary School

Mrs. Courtney Wheeler

Mr. Tony Lewis

Mrs. Connie Malmgren

(540) 372-1140

Hugh Mercer Elementary School

Dr. Brenda Russ

Ms. Sarah Cook

Ms. Zuleyne Izquierdo

(540) 372-1115

Lafayette Elementary School

Dr. Jacinta Mayronne

Mr. Matthew Bailey

Ms. Pam Diggs

(540) 372-1135

Walker-Grant Middle School

Mr. Stephen Ventura

Mrs. Emma Brown

Dr. Kisha Frye

(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!