Good Afternoon Tiger Family,
This is your Principal, Mr. Ventura, with a few announcements and reminders. As we step into October, let’s embrace the month with energy, focus, and optimism! Every effort counts, and every challenge is a chance to show perseverance, empathy, accountability, and respect.
Here’s what’s coming up this week:
School Closed 10/2:
Reminder, this Thursday, FCPS schools will be closed in observance of Yom Kippur. There will be no school for students or staff. We wish our families observing a meaningful holiday.
Student Laptop Use:
Please remind your child that their school laptop is for their use only. Students should not share, log into, or handle another student’s device. Sharing laptops creates security risks and can compromise student information. Thank you for helping us reinforce this important expectation at home.
Phone-Free Schools Policy:
At W-GMS, cell phones must be turned off, secured in Yondr pouches, and kept away. Administrators will conduct checks, and any phone not properly stored will be confiscated and returned only to a parent or guardian.
See the attached flyer for the full policy and more information.
Join the Student Council Association (SCA):
Your student has the exciting opportunity to join the SCA! They can develop leadership, plan fun events, support fundraisers, and share their ideas with the school community.
Applications are available in the cafeteria during lunch waves or online. Completed applications, including two recommendations, are due Friday, October 10th to the Front Office or Mr. Padilla.
Encourage your student to get involved and help make Walker-Grant an even better place!
The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) Kids Run – 10/25/25:
Kids ages 5–12 are invited to a one-mile fun run at the North Pentagon Parking Lot in Arlington! The event includes games, entertainment, mascots, and family-friendly activities, with eight start times between 9:20 - 11:40 AM.
Bonus: Schools with the highest participation can win the $1,000 Healthy School Award! Interested?
Register here: MCM Sign up
So, lace up your sneakers, get out there, and get moving!
Support the PTO:
Your time or donation helps fund teacher appreciation, student events, and programs that bring our community together. Every hour or dollar you give goes directly back into our school to benefit students, families, and staff.
Support Our 8th Graders:
We’re so grateful for your support in making our 8th graders’ year unforgettable! Every donation helps fund field trips, dances, graduation, and special opportunities, bringing us closer to creating lasting memories for our students.
Donate here: 8th Grade Fundraiser
Support Our Chorus & Gifted Performing Arts (GIPA):
Help our students shine by ordering gourmet popcorn through our fundraiser! Use code #60260 at checkout. Your support helps fund travel, competitions, fees, musicals, costumes, and more for our Chorus and GIPA programs.
Thank you for investing in our students’ music and performance experiences!
Quick Links for Families:
Please see the Quick Links Flyer attached for easy access to important resources, forms, and information to support your student and stay connected with Walker-Grant.
Parent Square:
If you haven't already done so, please activate your ParentSquare account to stay up to date on all of the happenings at W-GMS. You can access ParentSquare on any device by downloading the free mobile app or by visiting www.parentsquare.com.
Athletics:
Come cheer on our student-athletes! This week’s events:
Girls’ Field Hockey:
Oct. 1 vs. Holy Cross – HOME at Gladys West, 4:30 PM
Girls’ Basketball:
Sept. 30 vs. Caroline – HOME, 4:30 PM
Oct. 2 vs. Prospect Heights – HOME, 4:30 PM
Football:
Oct. 2 vs. King George – AWAY, 4:30 PM
Reminder: Students cannot stay after school to attend events without a supervising adult.
Field Hockey & Cheer Picture Retakes:
Athletic picture retakes for Field Hockey and Cheer are scheduled for Monday, October 14.
More details will be shared next week.
Spirit Gear:
Show your Tiger pride with our school spirit gear! Grab yours today and wear it proudly. Tigers Win!
Title 1:
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 |
Gladys West Elementary School | Mrs. Courtney Wheeler | Mr. Tony Lewis Mrs. Connie Malmgrem
| |
Hugh Mercer Elementary School | Dr. Brenda Russ | Ms. Sarah Cook Ms. Zuleyne Izquierdo | 540-372-1115 |
Lafayette Elementary School | Dr. Jacinta Calzada-Mayronne
| Mr. Matthew Bailey Ms. Pam Diggs
| 540-372-1135 |
Walker-Grant Middle School | Mr. Stephen Ventura | Mrs. Emma Brown Dr. Kisha Frye | 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!