Gladys West Elementary School

💚🖤 Dude. Be Nice Week is coming to GWES! 🐊
We’re excited to announce that Gladys West Elementary will be participating in Dude. Be Nice Week, happening December 8th–12th! 🎉

The Dude. Be Nice campaign encourages kindness, positivity, and treating yourself and others with respect—values we proudly celebrate here at GWES! 💫

👮‍♂️ Ofc. Cash has planned a fun-filled week for our students and staff to celebrate and spread kindness throughout our school and community.

🖤💚 We’re also selling exclusive GWES “Dude. Be Nice” T-shirts to wear on Friday, December 12th during our Pep Rally! Order forms are being sent home today and should be returned by November 3rd.

Parents, guardians, and GWES supporters are all invited to join in on the kindness! 💚🐊

#DudeBeNice #GWESGators #BeKind #KindnessMatters #SchoolSpirit #SpreadKindness #PepRally #GladysWestElementary

About Our New Logo

Our new logo reflects the many dimensions of Fredericksburg City Public Schools, a system defined by connection, growth, and purpose. The interwoven lines represent the process of learning itself: dynamic, evolving, and rooted in the creation of new connections. Just as synapses in the brain build understanding through interaction, our students, staff, and community strengthen and expand through shared learning experiences.

The geometric framework also symbolizes the physical spaces where learning occurs across our city. When overlaid on a map of Fredericksburg, each blue point of connection aligns with one of our schools. The larger point indicates a shared site, emphasizing collaboration and shared purpose. All lines represent pathways connecting our schools across the City of Fredericksburg.

Together, these interconnected elements capture the essence of our division: We are a community of learners, growing through connection and commitment to Educating and Inspiring Every Child, Every Day.

☀️⚾ Last week, students from all 3 elementary schools had an amazing day at Sunshine Ballpark! 💚💛🖤

Students enjoyed outdoor games, running the bases, cheering each other on, and sharing lots of laughter. It was a wonderful chance to reunite with teachers, classmates, and friends from across the schools. 🐊✨

A perfect day filled with sunshine, teamwork, and fun! 🌟

#GWESGators #ElementaryStrong #CommunityConnections

Next week is Gator Spirit Week! 🐊🎉 Join us as we celebrate Attendance Awareness Month with fun spirit days. Let’s show our Navigator pride and remember—every day counts when it comes to learning and growing! 💚🖤 #GatorSpirit #AttendanceMatters #GladysWestElementary

Please Note: We will be moving from daily updates to weekly updates starting next week.

Beginning Monday, September 15, Fredericksburg City Public School’s Transportation updates will be delivered through ParentSquare to bus route-specific groups. We created this mechanism internally and have tested it to be sure it works as designed. While we do not expect any issues Monday, there may be some as this is the first official roll-out. Our goal is to efficiently communicate with you.

All bus updates will be pushed as Alerts, which means all updates will be instantaneous.

Parents/Guardians and Secondary Students should expect to see a text message from 66458.

Please contact your child’s school if any additional recipients (Guests) need to be added to your child’s ParentSquare Alerts list.

📢 Reminder for Families!
Tonight is Orientation Night at all three of our elementary schools! 🎉

🧸 Kindergarten Only: 4–5 PM
📚 All Grades: 5–7 PM

We can’t wait to see our students and families as we get ready for a fantastic school year! 💙🍎

Have you caught the City School Cafe Truck for our Summer Food Service Program? There are still a few weeks left. 📍 Please note: Some times and locations may vary, so be sure to check for the latest updates. 📲 Download the app or visit www.cityschoolscafe.com to find a site near you and stay informed. A few details to know: ▶ Program runs 6/9 - 7/18, Monday through Friday ▶ All children (1-18) are eligible ▶ All children MUST be present to receive a meal ▶ All children must eat the meal at the served location ▶ Parents are NOT permitted to pick up meals While you're here, share this post! 🙌 #FXBGSchools #SummerMeals #FuelForLearning

Students entering kindergarten, 7th grade, or 12th grade this fall may need required immunizations before school starts. These routine vaccines help keep kids healthy and in class. The Fredericksburg Health Department offers immunizations at no cost to families. Call (540) 899-4142 to schedule an appointment. 📢 Link in bio!

All lanes of I-95 North and South are shut down in the area of the 130.2 mile-marker due to power lines down across the highway, and power is out in some nearby areas. Please be safe and plan your travel accordingly when picking up students from Summer Programs.

🍽️ FCPS Summer Meals Are Back! Fredericksburg City Public Schools is proud to once again offer our Summer Food Service Program🌞 📍 Please note: Some times and locations may vary, so be sure to check for the latest updates. 📲 Download the app or visit www.cityschoolscafe.com to find a site near you and stay informed. A few details to know: ▶ Program runs 6/9 - 7/18, Monday through Friday ▶ All children (1-18) are eligible ▶ All children MUST be present to receive a meal ▶ All children must eat the meal at the served location ▶ Parents are NOT permitted to pick up meals While you're here, share this post! 🙌 Let’s make it a healthy, happy summer! 🥗🍎💪 #FXBGSchools #SummerMeals #FuelForLearning

🍽️ FCPS Summer Meals Are Back! Fredericksburg City Public Schools is proud to once again offer our Summer Food Service Program🌞 📍 Please note: Some times and locations may vary, so be sure to check for the latest updates. 📲 Download the app or visit www.cityschoolscafe.com to find a site near you and stay informed. A few details to know: ▶ Program runs 6/9 - 7/18, Monday through Friday ▶ All children (1-18) are eligible ▶ All children MUST be present to receive a meal ▶ All children must eat the meal at the served location ▶ Parents are NOT permitted to pick up meals While you're here, share this post! 🙌 Let’s make it a healthy, happy summer! 🥗🍎💪 #FXBGSchools #SummerMeals #FuelForLearning

📣 Thinking about a career change? Your next chapter could be in the classroom—and we’re here to help you get there! We welcome career switchers and offer pathways to earn your teaching license. 💼➡️🍎 Explore open positions: 👉 https://www.applitrack.com/fredericksburg/onlineapp/ Do you have questions or want to see if you qualify? Call Human Resources at (540) 372-1130. #TeachFXBGSchools #CareerSwitch #NowHiring #MakeADifference #FutureTeacher

📢 Reminder: This Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are early dismissal days for students. 🧒 Preschool Programs will follow their usual staggered early dismissal times. If you’re unsure of your child’s dismissal time, please contact their program directly. 📍 Dismissal Times by School: 🔹 Hugh Mercer & Lafayette – 12:45 PM 🔹 Walker-Grant & James Monroe – 12:00 PM Thank you for your attention and cooperation!

🎓FCPS is seeking representatives from each grade to participate in the beginning of the JMHS graduation event on May 16 at 6:15 PM at the UMW Anderson Center. Interested families should submit one form per child no later than Friday, March 28 (during Spring Break) at the link below. Representatives will be randomly selected and notified during the week of April 1-4, 2025. 👉https://forms.office.com/r/ecijYnmRC5

🌟 Join Us for the Mental Health, Wellness & Safety Resource Fair! 🌟 📅 Date: May 10th ⏰ Time: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM 📍 Location: James Monroe High School, 2300 Washington Avenue, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 We are excited to invite you to a FREE school wide event dedicated to promoting mental health, wellness, and safety! 🌈💚 🎉 What to expect: • Mental Health & Safety Vendors offering valuable resources • Free Haircuts 💇‍♂️💇‍♀️ • Yoga Sessions 🧘‍♂️🧘‍♀️ • Student Athlete Mental Health Discussions 🏅 • Managing and Living with Grief Sessions • Yoga, journaling & much more! This event is open to all students and families of Fredericksburg City Public Schools! Let’s come together to support one another and prioritize our well-being. 💬 Link to register: https://forms.office.com/r/wsHR6qud09

🎓FCPS is seeking representatives from each grade to participate in the beginning of the JMHS graduation event on May 16 at 6:15 PM at the UMW Anderson Center. Interested families should submit one form per child no later than Friday, March 28 (during Spring Break) at the link below. Representatives will be randomly selected and notified during the week of April 1-4, 2025. 👉https://forms.office.com/r/ecijYnmRC5

Mental Health Series Parenting Through Anxiety & Depression March 12, 2025 Two sessions: 7 PM and 9 PM Click this link to register 👉https://parentguidance.org/mhsindex/

🐊GLADYS WEST UPDATES🐊 We’re excited to share some updates with you! We’re currently working on purchasing CTE materials, PE, and fine arts equipment. In a joint effort with Follett, a company that provides library services, software, and educational content for schools, FCPS is currently working to weed out older books and expand the diversity and language options at all three libraries (Hugh Mercer, Lafayette, and Gladys West). The library is on track for an early June move-in, as scheduled. The k- grade 2 playground is nearly finished. We’re waiting for the rubber surface to be installed. The new grade 3-5 playground is up. 🏀Basketball and 🎾pickleball courts will be installed soon.

🌟 Join Us for the Mental Health, Wellness & Safety Resource Fair! 🌟 📅 Date: May 10th ⏰ Time: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM 📍 Location: James Monroe High School, 2300 Washington Avenue, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 We are excited to invite you to a FREE school wide event dedicated to promoting mental health, wellness, and safety! 🌈💚 🎉 What to expect: • Mental Health & Safety Vendors offering valuable resources • Free Haircuts 💇‍♂️💇‍♀️ • Yoga Sessions 🧘‍♂️🧘‍♀️ • Student Athlete Mental Health Discussions 🏅 • Managing and Living with Grief Sessions • Yoga, journaling & much more! This event is open to all students and families of Fredericksburg City Public Schools! Let’s come together to support one another and prioritize our well-being. 💬 Link to register: https://forms.office.com/r/wsHR6qud09

🎓FCPS is seeking representatives from each grade to participate in the beginning of the JMHS graduation event on May 16 at 6:15 PM at the UMW Anderson Center. Interested families should submit one form per child no later than Friday, March 28 (during Spring Break) at the link below. Representatives will be randomly selected and notified during the week of April 1-4, 2025. 👉https://forms.office.com/r/ecijYnmRC5