Weekly Principal Message

Good Evening Tiger Family,

As Thanksgiving approaches, I want to sincerely thank each of you for the care, support, adn dedication you bring to our WGMS family every day.

I hope your holiday is filled with love, laughter, and meaningful moments with those you hold dear.

Here are a few important announcements and updates for the short week ahead:

Upcoming Dates to Remember

11/25: Early dismissal for students at 12:00 PM

11/26 - 11/28: Thanksgiving Break (No School for Students/Staff)

12/1: December School Board Meeting at 7:30 PM at Walker-Grant Center

12/9 - 12/19: Q2 Benchmark Testing (Q2 Benchmark Testing Calendar)

12/19: End of Second Nine Weeks

12/22 - 1/2: Winter Break (No School for Students/Staff)

1/5: Staff Workday (No School for Students)

1/6: School Reopens and Second Semester Begins

Early Release on 11/25 and Fall Break

Please be reminded that Tuesday, November 25, is an early dismissal day, and students will be released at 12:00 PM.

FCPS will be on Fall Break from November 26-28, and students will return to school on Monday, December 1.

Phone-Free Schools Policy

A gentle reminder that at WGMS, cell phones must be turned off, secured in Yondr pouches, and kept away during the school day. Phones not stored properly will be confiscated and returned only to a parent or guardian.

Please see the attached flyer for the full policy and more information.

🔗 FCPS Phone-Free Policy

Quarter 2 Benchmark Testing

Quarter 2 Benchmark Testing will begin on Tuesday, December 9. To help your child do their best, please encourage them to review and study the material covered in class. Additionally, ensure they bring their fully charged laptop to school each day to demonstrate all they have learned.

🔗 Q2 Benchmark Testing Calendar

Safety Drills

As we continue to practice safety drills throughout the year, we appreciate your continued support in speaking wi9th your student(s) about the importance of these drills. These practices keep our Tigers safe and prepared.

Late Work & Homework Guidelines

If you haven't already, please review the updated schoolwide Latre Work Guidelines, which are now in effect, along with the WGMS Homework Guidelines. For full details on expectations and procedures, see the Late Work Guidelines and Homework Protocols and Expectations documents linked below.

🔗 WGMS Late Work Guidelines
🔗 Homework Protocols and Expectations

Supporting Our Families

As we move through the school year, please remember that FCPS offers a variety of local resources to support families.

You can find information about community organizations and services — including food, housing, and family support — on our website: Local Resources to Know | Fredericksburg City Public Schools

Our schools are more than classrooms; we're a caring community. If you or someone you know needs extra support, please explore the link in the message or contact your child's school counselor.

Together, we can continue to care for one another and help every child and family thrive.

🔗 Local Resource Quick Guide

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 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)

Volunteer Information

If you're interested in volunteering at any point this school year, please fill out the attached volunteer form and TB screener and return them to the main office.

📃 FCPS Volunteer Form
📃 TB Screener

Spirit Gear

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

🟠 WGMS Spirit Gear

Student Laptop Charger

Is your student in need of a new 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.

🪙 NEW Charger

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 the 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.

Thank You

As always, we want to thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to another wonderful week ahead.

Go Tigers!