Weekly Principal Message

Good Afternoon Tiger Family,

Happy Presidents' Day! Thank you for supporting our students as they come to school ready to learn, engage, and shine. Your partnership makes all the difference! Enjoy the long weekend with your loved ones—we can't wait for another great week of learning together.

Here are a few important announcements and updates for this week:

WIDA Testing

WIDA testing continues this week. This assessment helps us support our English Language Learners as they grow and succeed.

Families & Community — Pathways to Success Night

Join us this Wednesday for the Families & Community: Pathways to Success Night. Discover Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways through hands-on demos, meet community partners, and connect with instructors. We can't wait to see you there!

Are you interested in partnering with us? Email dclaytonfulcher@cityschools.com.

📢 PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS NIGHT FLYER
📝 REGISTRATION FORM

PTO Fundraiser at Silver Diner

The WGMS PTO invites families to the Run the Diner Fundraiser at Silver Diner on Thursday from 4:30 to 7:30 PM. 20% of participating sales will support our school when families dine in or order to-go using the code Tiger0128. Thank you for supporting our PTO and Tiger community!

Grab-and-Go Meals During Ramadan (2/18 – 3/19)

During Ramadan, children may pick up grab-and-go breakfast and lunches at Walker-Grant Middle School to help ensure continued access to meals.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Brian Kiernan, Director of School Nutrition, at bkiernan@cityschools.com.

Save Lives with the American Heart Challenge

We've kicked off our American Heart Challenge, and we're excited to have your support! Join Walker-Grant's team by downloading the free AHA Schools app or visiting www.heart.org/schools and completing Finn's Mission. Students can earn 8 service hours and be recognized as Heart Heroes.

REGISTER TODAY, and let's work together to make a difference and save lives!

Tips for Success! Check to see if your employer has a matching gift program—it could double your donation! Follow the steps and forward the confirmation to MatchingGifts@heart.org.

Upcoming Dates to Remember

2/16: President's Day (Staff/Student Holiday)
2/17: Track & Field Team Tryouts — must have a current VHSL Sports Physical
2/18: Afterschool Clubs meeting @ 3:00 – 4:30 PM
2/18: Families and Community: Pathways to Success Night @ WGMS from 5:30 – 7:30 PM (Register HERE)
2/19: PTO Run the Diner Fundraiser Night @ Silver Diner from 4:30 – 7:30 PM — rescheduled date
2/25: Digital Learning Day

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.

Getting Started Guide for Families (English)
Getting Started Guide for Families (Spanish)

Late Work & Homework Guidelines

Please review our schoolwide Late Work Guidelines and Homework Protocols and Expectations.

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 properly stored will be confiscated and returned only to a parent or guardian.

📱 FCPS PHONE FREE POLICY

Punctuality and Consistent Attendance

Attendance and punctuality are critical to supporting your child's success. If your child is healthy, please ensure they are present and on time.

ATTENDANCE NOTES

FCPS Mental Health Resource Website

Please explore the FCPS Mental Health Resource Website. It provides helpful information and access to community resources to support our students and families. Your awareness and sharing of these resources can make a difference!

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE WEBSITE

Support & Outreach

If your family is experiencing hardship, please reach out to our school counseling team and/or social worker. We are here to support you and can help connect you with resources.

You can find information about community organizations and services on our website:

LOCAL RESOURCES TO KNOW | FREDERICKSBURG CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
LOCAL RESOURCE QUICK GUIDE

Student Laptop Charger

Is your student in need of a new laptop charger? If so, please use the link below to purchase a replacement.

USB-C LAPTOP CHARGER

Yearbook Now on Sale

Yearbooks are now on sale and will be published in a hardback format to commemorate Walker-Grant's ground-breaking year at our new home.

BUY YOUR YEARBOOK

Athletics

Walker-Grant Track & Field Tryouts

Is your student ready to run, jump. and compete this spring? Track & Field season is almost here, and we are excited to welcome both new and returning athletes. Tryouts will be held on February 17 after school, with pick-up at 5:00 PM at WGMS.

Important Reminders:

  • Students should wear athletic clothing and running shoes.

  • A current sports physical must be file or brought on the first day.

  • Come ready to give your best effort and have fun.

To sign up for tryouts, please complete the form here: 2025-2026 Track Sign-Up

For questions, contact Head Coach Alyson Edleston at alyson.edleston@icloud.com.

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 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.

School

Principal

Assistant Principals

Phone

Gladys West Elementary School

Mrs. Courtney Wheeler

Mr. Tony Lewis

Mrs. Constance Malmgren

(540) 372-1140

Hugh Mercer Elementary School

Dr. Brenda Russ

Ms. Sarah Cook

Mr. Brian Cannavo

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) 372-1135

Thank You

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

Go Tigers!