Good Afternoon Tiger Family,
On this beautiful Mother’s Day, I want to express my deep appreciation for all the mothers and caregivers who support our students each and every day. Your love and commitment have a lasting impact on their success.
With just 10 days left in the school year, let's encourage our children to stay focused and continue upholding the values that make our community great. Together, we’ll finish the year strong, celebrating our growth and supporting each other along the way.
And now, here are a few important announcements and updates for the week ahead:
Student Laptop Collection
Student laptop collection will take place over the next two weeks in students' social studies classes. Please see the schedule below:
Monday, May 12 — Ms. Edleston
Tuesday, May 13 — Ms. Fitzgerald
Wednesday, May 14 — Ms. Curran
Friday, May 16 — Mr. Clark
Monday, May 19 — Ms. Talley
Tuesday, May 20 — Ms. Avery
Important Note: Any students who are taking expedited retakes will keep their laptops until after completing the assessments.
We Belong Spirit Week
Next week, we’re kicking off the We Belong Spirit Week! It’s a week to celebrate inclusion, belonging, and the strong connections that make our Tiger family AMAZING! Let’s come together, create lasting memories, and show that WE ALL BELONG!
Check out the attached flyer for all the exciting themes and activities each day!
May 2025 Calendar Update — Early Dismissal Days
The FCPS School Board has added early dismissal days on Wednesday, May 21, and Thursday, May 22. These are in addition to the already scheduled early dismissal on Friday, May 23.
WGMS students will be dismissed at 12:00 PM on all three days: May 21, 22, and 23. These are half-days for students and workdays for staff.
Monday, May 19, and Tuesday, May 20 will remain full school days.
SOL Testing Update
All major SOL testing has been completed. We will now focus on make-up tests and expediated retakes for students who qualify. Thank you for your continued support in preparing your child.
ASPIRA Afterschool Tutoring
ASPIRA Afterschool Tutoring continues 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, Perseverence, Empathy, and Respect. Students must consistently demonstrate positive behavior to participate in exciting end-of-year activities.
Get Purpled Up Color Run
Join us for an afternoon of fun, fitness, and community spirit! Run, walk, and dance through clouds of purple powder at the Get Purpled Up Color Run, hosted by the Student Ambassador Program on 5/20.
Schedule:
6
th Grade: 12:00 PM
7th Grade: 12:45 PM
8th Grade: 1:30 PM
For more information, please contact our Student Support Specialist, Mr. Wishard. twishard@cityschools.com.
🔗 Get Purpled Up Color Run Flyer
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.
Thank you in advance for your input!
Responsibility-Centered Discipline Follow-Up
Attached to this message is a follow-up letter from our April 7th meeting. Please take a moment to review it.
🔗 WGMS April RCD Response Letter
Upcoming Dates to Remember
5/14: Spring Sports Banquet from 5:30-7:00 PM in the cafe
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
Looking Ahead
5/19: 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony from 8:30-10:00 AM in the Gymnasium @ WGMS
5/20: Get Purpled Up Color Run (🔗 Color Run Flyer) — 6th Grade @ 12:00 PM, 7th Grade @ 12:45, 8th Grade @ 1:30 PM
5/21: Students Speak Out from 8:30-10:00 AM in the Cafeteria
5/21-5/23: Early Dismissal for Students @ 12:00 PM
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
Yearbooks
Pre-purchased yearbooks will be handed out during the last week of school. The deadline to order is over, but starting June 1, you may place an order online with a $10 shipping fee attached in addition to the cost of the book. The yearbook will then be mailed directly to your home address using the information given.
🔗 Parents - Strawbridge Studios
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 (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!