Walker-Grant Middle School

Good Afternoon Tiger Family!

As we head into a new week and the start of February, I'm excited for the opportunities ahead. Let’s continue working together to make this a successful month for our students!

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

WIDA Testing

This week, WGMS will begin WIDA testing, a comprehensive assessment system for supporting English Language Learners.

Early Dismissal on 2/6/25

On Thursday, February 6 students will be dismissed at 12pm.

Q3 Grade Interim Reports

Q3 Grade Interim reports will be distributed to students on Thursday, 2/6. Parents, please review the grade reports with your students and contact their teachers if needed.

After-School Clubs on 2/7/25

Clubs will meet this Friday 2/7. Students who have brought in a signed permission slip and been assigned to a club may attend.

Tiger Paw Academy

Tiger Paw Academy will continue this week. Only students who have been invited and returned their permission slips may attend.

Be Present, Be Powerful: Grade-Level Attendance Challenge

The Grade-Level Attendance Challenge is back! The grade with the highest daily attendance rate through February 12 will earn a dance celebration on February 14 from 3 – 4:30 PM. Your support makes the difference—encourage your child to Be Present, Be Powerful and help their grade take the lead. Let’s work together to make every day count!

Support Our Behavior Challenge

Families, we need your support! The grade level with the fewest discipline referrals by February 28 will earn a pizza party. To participate, students must stay referral-free and keep up with their assignments. Let’s work together to help our students start and finish February strong!

Kindness Poster Contest

We're excited to announce the Kindness Poster Contest! This is a great opportunity to showcase your creativity and spread positivity around our school. We encourage everyone to participate and help make our hallways shine with kindness! For more details, please review the attached flyer to this email message. Kindness Poster Contest Flyer

Taki-Grams

For Valentine’s Day this year, send your friends a sweet message and a spicy treat with Taki-Grams! Make sure you have your friends first name, last name, 6B class and $1 cash for each Taki-Gram you want to send. Taki-Grams will be sold during morning arrivals starting Monday, February 10 through Wednesday, February 12. PTO Taki-Grams Flyer

Valentine's Day

As we approach Valentine's Day, we kindly ask students to refrain from bringing Valentine's Day gifts or candy to school. Instead, we encourage students to focus on creating a positive atmosphere by expressing appreciation for one another through kind words, gestures, or simple acts of kindness.

Upcoming Dates to Remember

2/3: February School Board Meeting at 7:30 PM at the Walker-Grant Center
2/4 – 2/24: WIDA Testing
2/6: Early dismissal from students at 12:00 PM
2/7: After-school clubs from 3 – 4:30 PM
2/13: Kindness Posters due to the Counseling Office
2/13: February PTO meeting from 6 – 7 PM in the library
2/14: Grade-level attendance winner school dance from 3 – 4:30 PM
2/17: No school for students and staff (President's Day)
2/18: Track and Field Team Tryouts – Must have a current VHSL Sports Physical

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 supporting your child’s success. If your child is healthy, please ensure they are present and on time.

Attendance Notes

Afternoon Pick-Up 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

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.

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.

Reminder: Face and Head Coverings Policy

This is a reminder of our current policy regarding face and head coverings to ensure a safe and secure learning environment. Face and head coverings are not permitted on school property. This includes facemasks, gators, ski masks, hoods, caps, and hats.

Exceptions to this rule include:

• Religious purposes 

• Health/medical needs (e.g., masks for COVID-19) 

• Educational purposes (e.g., safety goggles)

If you have questions regarding exceptions, please call us at (540) 372-1145. Thank you for your cooperation.

SpeakUp for Safety

The new Speak Up 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.

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

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.

Intentional Computer Damage on the Rise

Please partner with us in encouraging students to handle their laptops with care. 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

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

Athletics

Come out and support our student-athletes this week as they compete in two big games!

2/3: Boys’ Basketball away game against Culpeper at 4:30 PM