Good Afternoon Tiger Family,
As we head into the first full week of May, we're excited to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week — a special time to say thank you for the dedication, care, and daily impact our teachers have on our children.
A kind note, quick email, or simple "thank you" can go a long way in making our teachers feel seen and valued.
Let’s show our Tiger Pride and make this week extra special for the amazing staff who help shape the hearts and minds of our Tiger family!
And now, here are a few important announcements and updates for the week ahead:
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.
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.
Friday, May 9 | 7th Grade — Algebra I 8th Grade — Geometry |
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🔗 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.
8th Grade Celebration
We’re excited to celebrate our amazing 8th graders and all they’ve accomplished during their time in middle school! Join us for a fun-filled afternoon as we send them off in style.
DATE: Thursday, May 8, 2025
TIME: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
THEME: Beach Luau — think tropical fun, games, and treats!
TRANSPORTATION: Will be provided for all students
Important: Students must have guardian permission to stay after school. Permission slips linked HERE, and paper copies are available in the front office.
Want to help? If any parents would like to donate snacks for the celebration, you are more than welcome! Every contribution is appreciated.
Let's make this a memorable event for our students as they get ready to take the next big step to high school. We can’t wait to celebrate with them!
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 - 2:00 PM. There will be tons of providers, information sessions, fun activities, and FREE LUNCH!
Register: 2025 FCPS Mental Health, Wellness & Safety Resource Fair
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 kfrye@cityschools.com.
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.
Take our survey: Classroom Wish List
Thank you in advance for your input!
Responsibility-Centered Discipline Follow-Up
🔗 WGMS April RCD Response Letter
Upcoming Dates to Remember
5/5-5/9: Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week
5/5: May School Board Meeting 7:30 PM @ WGC
5/8: 8th Grade Beach Luau Celebration 3:00-4:30 PM
5/9: 7th Grade Algebra SOL and 8th Grade Geometry SOL
5/10: FCPS Mental Health, Wellness, and Safety Fair from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM @ JMHS
Looking Ahead
5/16: Last Afterschool Clubs meetings of the year
5/16: JMHS Graduation at 7:00 PM @ the Anderson Center of the University of Mary Washington
5/19: 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony from 8:30-10:00 AM in the gymnasium @ WGMS
5/21: Students Speak Out from 8:45-10:00 AM in the cafeteria
5/22: Field Day (rain or shine)
5/23: Last Day of School (early dismissal for students @ 12:00 PM)
5/23: End of Q4 Grading Period
Athletics
Get ready to cheer on our Tigers as they hit the field this week!
Girls Lacrosse: The team will host Holy Cross on Monday, May 5, for their final game of the season, starting at 4:30 PM.
JM Cheerleading Interest Meeting
Calling all dancers, tumblers, and gymnasts to the floor! Join us for the JM Cheerleading Interest Meeting on May 5 at 3:30 PM in the Health Room at James Monroe High School. All rising 8th-12th graders interested in sideline and competition-style cheer are strongly encouraged to attend. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the energy and excitement!
Spirit Gear
Show your Tiger pride with our school spirit gear! Grab yours today and wear it proudly.
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.
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 1; 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!