Principal Ventura's Weekly Update: 04/27/2025

Good Afternoon Tiger Family,

I hope you all soaked up some sunshine and found a little time to recharge this weekend! As we step into Week 3 of SOL testing, I just have to say how proud I am — our students showed incredible heart, focus, and determination last week! Let’s keep that momentum going strong. Every day is a chance to push a little harder, believe a little more, and finish this season with pride and power!

Spring SOL Testing Schedule

The remaining SOL testing dates are included in today's weekly principal email. Please review the schedule and go over any test materials with your child. If you have questions or need more information, feel free to reach out — we're here to help!

Remind your child to get a good night's sleep, eat breakfast, bring a fully charged laptop and charger, arrive on time, and do their best each day.

Tuesday, April 29

7th Grade — Civics

8th Grade — World Geography

Thursday, May 1

8th Grade Science

Friday, May 9

7th Grade Algebra I

8th Grade Geometry

🔗 2025 WGMS Spring SOL Testing Dates

Tiger Paw Academy & ASPIRA Afterschool Tutoring

Both Tiger Paw Academy and ASPIRA Afterschool Tutoring continue this week! Selected students are strongly encouraged to attend, and transportation will be provided.

Reminder: End-of-Year Behavior Expectations

As we approach the end of the school year, please encourage your child to uphold our core values of Accountability, Perseverance, Empathy, and Respect. Students must consistently demonstrate positive behavior to participate in exciting end-of-year activities.

Mental Health, Wellness, and Safety Resource Fair

Please join us at the upcoming Mental Health, Wellness, and Safety Resource Fair, which will take place at JM on Saturday, May 10, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. There will be tons of providers, informative sessions, fun activities, and FREE LUNCH!

To register for the event, please register: 2025 FCPS Mental Health, Wellness & Safety Resource Fair — Participant Registration

Important Notice Regarding Yondr Pouches

Please check with your student about the status of their Yondr pouch. A $30 replacement fee will apply if the pouch is lost or damaged. All pouches and fees must be submitted by May 21, 2025, to participate in Field Day on May 22, 2025.

For questions, contact Dr. Kisha Frye.

We Want Your Input!

We're collecting feedback to help guide our Title I supply purchases for next year. Your thoughts and preferences help us ensure our classrooms are stocked with what your child needs to thrive.

🔗 Feedback Form

Thank you in advance for your input!

Responsibility-Centered Discipline Follow-Up

Attached to this message is a follow-up letter from our April 7 meeting. Please take a moment to review it: WGMS April RCD Response Letter

Upcoming Dates to Remember

4/29: 7th grade Civics SOL and 8th grade World Geography SOL
4/29: Spring Concert at JMHS
5/1: 8th grade Science SOL
5/2: Afterschool clubs 3:00-4:30 PM

Looking Ahead

5/5-5/9: Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week
5/5: May School Board Meeting 7:30 PM @ WGC
5/9: 7th grade Algebra SOL & 8th grade Geometry SOL
5/10: FCPS Mental Health, Wellness & Safety Fair 11:00 AM-2:00 PM @ JMHS
5/16: Last afterschool club meetings of the year
5/16: JMHS Graduation at 7:00 PM @ Anderson Center, University of Mary Washington
5/19: 8th grade Promotion Ceremony 8:30-10:00 AM @ WGMS Gymnasium
5/21: Students Speak Out 8:45-10:00 AM @ WGMS Cafeteria
5/22: Field Day (Rain or Shine)
5/23: Last Day of School (Early Dismissal @ 12:00 PM)
5/23: End of Q4 Grading Period

Athletics

Get ready to cheer on our Tigers as they hit the track and take the field!

  • Softball: The team will travel to secure the win in Louisa on Monday the 28th and then off to Caroline on Thursday, May 1st. The tip-off for both games will be 4:30 PM.

  • Lacrosse: On Tuesday the 29th, our Lacrosse Tigers will venture across town to battle Holy Cross at 4:00 PM.

Please check out the full schedules below:

🔗 2025 Track and Field Schedule
🔗 2025 Baseball and Softball Schedule
🔗 2025 Girls’ Lacrosse Schedule

Spirit Gear

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

🔗 WGMS Spirit Gear

Order Your 2024-25 Walker-Grant Yearbook!

Don't miss the chance to capture this year's memories! Yearbooks are available for $25, with optional personalization for an additional fee. Supplies are limited, so order now using the website and online code information linked to this email message.

www.strawbridge.net
Online Code: YB32293

🔗 WGMS Yearbook 2024-25 Flyer

Student Laptop Charger

Is your student in need of a new laptop charger? If so, please use the link attached to this message to purchase a replacement: https://fxbg.link/3w9Z2Hv

ParentSquare

If you haven't already, 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 (English)

Getting Started Guide (Spanish)

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

Hugh Mercer Elementary School

Mrs. Courtney Wheeler (Interim): English

Mrs. Malmgren: Title I

Ms. Sarah Cook: Math

(540) 372-1115

Lafayette Elementary School

Dr. Jacinta Calzada-Mayronne: Title I & Math

Ms. Pam Diggs

Mr. Tony Lewis: English

(540) 310-0029

Walker-Grant Middle School

Mr. Stephen Ventura

Mrs. Emma Brown: English

Dr. Kisha Frye: Title I & Math

(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!