Walker-Grant Middle School

Good Afternoon Tiger Family!

As we wrap up a great week to start the second semester, I want to thank you for your continued support. Students have shown incredible enthusiasm and are energized for all the learning ahead. We’re excited to build on this momentum in the weeks to come!

Now here are a few important announcements and updates for the week ahead:

MLK Holiday

A friendly reminder that on Monday, January 20, is a holiday for all students and staff in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. School resumes on Tuesday, January 21.

Q2 Report Cards

A friendly reminder that Monday, January 20, is a holiday for all students and staff in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. School resumes on Tuesday, January 21.

Q2 Report Cards

2nd quarter report cards were sent home with students on Friday, January 17. Please review your student's grades and reach out to their teachers if needed.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Parent/Teacher Conferences will be on Thursday, January 23, from 4:30-6:30 PM. Please call Ms. McWhirt this week to schedule appointments with your child’s teachers.

Tiger Paw Academy Tutoring Resumes This Week

As we shared last week, Tiger Paw Academy is now by invitation only, based on benchmark performance and specific needs. Only students who have returned their permission slips may attend.

If you have any questions or want your child to be considered, please contact their school counselor.

Course Requests for 2025-26

Students will begin registering for next year's classes starting next week. Please review the WGMS 2025-2026 Course Catalog with your student. A link to the catalog is included here: WGMS 2025-2026 Course Catalog

DCJS School Safety Survey

Students in grades 6-8 and staff will complete the Virginia School Survey in January and February 2025, focusing on support, engagement, discipline, and safety.

If you prefer your child not to participate, please contact their school counselor. For more details, refer to the attached letter.

DCJS School Safety Letter

Free Vaccination Clinic on 3/12/25

The Virginia Department of Health will visit WGMS on March 12 to administer required vaccines for 7th grade entry. Permission slips must be submitted to the front office by January 29. For questions, contact the school nurse. Vaccination Consent Form

January SEAC Meeting

The next Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) meeting will be held on January 28 from 5-6:30 PM via Zoom. The link to join the meeting will be sent out closer to the date.

Please mark your calendars!

Upcoming Dates to Remember

• 1/20: No School, MLK Holiday

• 1/21: Sports Pictures (Boys' Basketball & Cheer)

• 1/23: Parent/Teacher Conferences @ 4:30-6:30 PM

• 1/27: 6th Grade Q2 Awards Ceremony @ 9 AM

• 1/28: 7th Grade Q2 Awards Ceremony @ 9 AM

• 1/29: 8th Grade Q2 Awards Ceremony @ 9 AM

School Closing and Delays

We encourage all families to stay updated on school closures and delays. For detailed information and resources, please visit the FCPS website. School Closures and Delays Link

Punctuality and Consistent Attendance

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

Reading Makes Cents

WGMS is participating in the statewide Reading Makes Cents reading program. This challenge is sponsored by Virginia529, who will be awarding 14 lucky students with a $529 college savings account.

For more information, please review the linked flyer: Reading Makes Cents Flyer

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.

Afternoon Pickup Procedures

Please notify the school office if your child's afternoon procedure changes. Use the link provided. No changes are accepted by phone, and all changes must be submitted before 2:15 PM. Transportation Form

Intentional Computer Damage on the Rise

Your support in keeping our technology safe is vital. Please be aware students/families may be responsible for up to $560 if devices are intentionally damaged. For more information, please review the linked school board policy for more details. Policy JN

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

School Safety

At WGMS, safety is our top priority. I want to remind everyone that “play fighting” is not acceptable. Any behavior resembling fighting will not be tolerated.

SpeakUp for Safety

The new SpeakUp for Safety tipline for students in grades 6 through 12 is now live. This confidential resource allows students to report bullying, threats, or safety concerns via email, text, or phone.

If you have an urgent concern, you can call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you witness or have information about a crime or potential crime, you can text "FPD Tip" to 847-411 to send an anonymous tip to Fredericksburg Police.

School Dress Code Reminders

Students are not permitted to wear pajamas, slippers, or bring blankets to school. If students arrive with these items, they will be asked to change, and blankets will be collected for parents to pick up in the front office. If your student(s) is in need of warm weather clothing, please reach out to their school counselor.

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

Kindergarten Registration

Fredericksburg City Public Schools Kindergarten Registration will be hosted on the following dates, times, and locations:

Thank You

Thank you for your continued support in creating a safe and uplifting learning environment for all students.

Go Tigers!