Good Afternoon Tiger Family,
As we "spring forward" this weekend, remember to set your clocks and get some extra rest! Let's start the week strong, focused, and ready to embrace new opportunities. School is a place to learn, grow, and stay engaged—let's focus on our studies, positivity, and supporting one another.
Here are a few important announcements and updates for the week ahead:
Quarter 3 Benchmark Testing
Students will begin taking their Quarter 3 Benchmark Tests this upcoming week.
Tuesday, 3/10: Reading Benchmark
Wednesday, 3/11: History Benchmark
Thursday, 3/12 & Friday, 3/13: Makeup testing
How Parents Can Help:
Ensure your child gets a good night's sleep before each test.
Provide a healthy breakfast at home or encourage them to eat at school.
Make sure they arrive on time each day for a smooth testing experience.
Remind them to bring their fully charged laptop to school daily.
Schedule any necessary appointments in the afternoon to avoid disruptions.
If your child will be absent, please notify the school so we can arrange a makeup test.
Thank you for your support in helping students do their best!
Afterschool Tutoring
Afterschool tutoring continues this week. If your child was invited, we strongly encourage them to attend. These sessions offer valuable support to help them grow and feel more confident.
Snacks and transportation are provided. Thank you for partnering with us to support your child's success.
March PTO Meeting
Join us for our March PTO Meeting on Thursday, 3/12, 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!
🏫 WGMS PTO
Lost & Found
Our lost and found is overflowing with misplaced clothing. If your child is missing any items, please stop by the school to retrieve your child's belongings. All unclaimed items will be donated on March 27.
6th Annual Doug Carter STEM Fair
Get ready for the 6th Annual Doug Carter STEM Fair! Join the Tau Rho Chapter Omega Psi Phi at John J. Wright on Saturday, April 18, 2025, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM for an exciting showcase of student innovation. The event is open to students in grades 4-8, with cash awards available for top projects. Please see the attached flyer for more details!
Upcoming Dates to Remember
3/9 – 3/19: Quarter 3 Benchmark Testing
3/12: March PTO Meeting @ 6:30 PM in the Media Center
3/17: Q3 grading period ends
3/20: Student/Staff Holiday (Eid al-Fitr)
3/21: James Farmer Scholars Saturday Session @ JM, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
3/30 – 4/3: Student/Staff Holiday (Spring Break)
4/6: Student/Staff Holiday (Easter Monday)
4/9: Q3 Report Cards distributed
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 WGMS Homework Guidelines.
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.
Please see the attached flyer for the full policy and more information.
Bus Behavior
Proper behavior is required on the school bus to ensure everyone's safety. Failure to follow bus rules will result in loss of bus privileges.
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 service on our website: Local Resources to Know | Fredericksburg City Public Schools
Student Laptop Charger
Is your student in need of a new laptop charger? If so, please use the link below to purchase a replacement.
Yearbooks Now on Sale
Yearbooks are now on sale and will be published in a hard-back format to commemorate Walker-Grant's ground-breaking year at our new home.
Athletics
Baseball Parent Meeting
A parent and player meeting will be held Monday, 3/9, at 5:00 PM in the gym. Please park in the back staff lot and enter through Door #6. Coaches will share key information, answer questions, and kick off our Baseball Family for the season.
Winter Sports Banquet
The Winter Sports Banquet will be held Tuesday, 3/10, at 6:00 PM in the auditeria. Please park in the back staff lot and enter through Door #6. We look forward to celebrating our student-athletes and their accomplishments this season.
Spirit Gear
Show your Tiger pride with our school spirit gear! Grab yours today and wear it proudly. Tigers Win!
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
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 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) 372-1145 |
Thank You
As always, we want to thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to another wonderful week ahead.
Go Tigers!