Good Evening Tiger Family,
This is your Principal, Mr. Ventura, with some exciting updates for the week ahead. As we roar into the 8th week of Quarter One, it’s the perfect time for our Tigers to focus, review, and shine in every class! Parents, reviewing student schedules, staying on top of assignments, and preparing for upcoming assessments now will help our Tigers finish the quarter strong.
Let’s keep the momentum going together, we can make these last two weeks of Quarter One count and celebrate every success!
Quarter 1 Benchmark Tests
Students will be taking their History and Reading Q1 Benchmark assessments this coming week. Please make sure that your child brings their charged laptops to school every day, so that they can show what they have learned.
Below is the schedule for benchmark testing:
10/8: History
10/9: Reading
10/10: History and Reading Make-Ups
10/13: No School
10/14: Science
10/15: Math
10/16: Science and Math Makes-Ups
10/17: Any remaining Make-Ups
10/17: End of Q1
RCD Dare: Strengthening Student Responsibility:
Get ready for some fun! The 30-Day RCD Family Challenge invites Walker-Grant Middle School families to bring Responsibility-Centered Discipline (RCD) into their homes.
Each day includes a short statement, a “dare” (action step), and a quick reflection to help students build responsibility, character, and ownership of their choices.
Families who submit the weekly form by Sunday night will be entered into a Monday drawing. The challenge runs from October 2nd–31st, with new dares released every Sunday evening.
Let’s build stronger families, responsible students, and school pride together!
Questions? Contact Dr. Felicia Burkhalter at fburkhalter@cityschools.com
Will you accept the challenge? I dare you!
Aerosol Sprays or Perfumes/Colognes at School:
Families, please remind students that aerosol sprays, perfumes, and colognes are only permitted to be used in locker rooms, not in classrooms or hallways. Their use in enclosed areas has caused health concerns for others.
Items used inappropriately will be confiscated and must be picked up by a parent or guardian. Thank you in advance for helping us keep everyone safe.
Safety and Behaviors
Families, please continue to have conversations about conflict resolution with your child(ren). At W-GMS we do not settle conflict by using hurtful words or physical touch.
Phone-Free Schools Policy:
At W-GMS, cell phones must be turned off, secured in Yondr pouches, and kept away. Administrators will conduct checks, and any phone not properly stored will be confiscated and returned only to a parent or guardian.
See the attached flyer for the full policy and more information.
Reminder: Join the SCA:
Encourage your student to apply for the Student Council Association to help lead events, support fundraisers, and share ideas.
Applications are available in the cafeteria or online and are due Friday, October 10th to the Front Office or Mr. Padilla.
Reminder: Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) Kids Run – 10/25/25:
Kids ages 5–12 can join the one-mile fun run at the North Pentagon Parking Lot in Arlington. Enjoy games, entertainment, and family activities from 9:20–11:40 AM.
Schools with the most participants can win the $1,000 Healthy School Award!
Register here: MCM Sign up
Get Involved with the W-GMS PTO:
Join us for our PTO meeting this Thursday, 10/9, at 6:30 PM in the Media Center! Bring your ideas, meet other families, and help make our school an even better place.
Can’t make it? You can still support the PTO! Your time or donation helps fund teacher appreciation, student events, and programs that bring our community together. Every bit counts!
Support Our 8th Graders:
We’re so grateful for your support in making our 8th graders’ year unforgettable! Every donation helps fund field trips, dances, graduation, and special opportunities, bringing us closer to creating lasting memories for our students.
Donate here: 8th Grade Fundraiser
Support Our Chorus & Gifted Performing Arts (GIPA):
Help our students shine by ordering gourmet popcorn through our fundraiser! Use code # 60260 at checkout. Your support helps fund travel, competitions, fees, musicals, costumes, and more for our Chorus and GIPA programs.
Thank you for investing in our students’ music and performance experiences!
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.
Parent Square:
If you haven't already done so, please activate your ParentSquare account to stay up to date on all of the happenings at W-GMS. You can access ParentSquare on any device by downloading the free mobile app or by visiting www.parentsquare.com.
Athletics:
Come cheer on our student-athletes! This week’s events:
Girls’ Basketball:
Oct. 7th vs. Locust Grove –HOME, 4:30 PM
Oct. 9th vs. Louisa- AWAY, at 6:00 PM
Football:
Oct. 8th vs. Caroline - AWAY, 5:00 PM
Reminder: Students cannot stay after school to attend events without a supervising adult.
Field Hockey & Cheer Picture Retakes:
Athletic picture retakes for Field Hockey and Cheer are scheduled for Monday, October 14.
Spirit Gear:
Show your Tiger pride with our school spirit gear! Grab yours today and wear it proudly. Tigers Win!
Student Laptop Charger
Is your student in need of a new laptop charger? If so, please use the link or QR code attached to this message to purchase a replacement.
Title 1:
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 Malmgrem
| |
Hugh Mercer Elementary School | Dr. Brenda Russ | Ms. Sarah Cook Ms. Zuleyne Izquierdo | 540-372-1115 |
Lafayette Elementary School | Dr. Jacinta Calzada-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!