Principal Ventura's Weekly Update:04/13/2025

Good Evening Tiger Family,

This past week has been incredibly challenging, but I am so proud of how our school community has come together with resilience and strength. We’ve faced difficult moments, yet we ended the week with pride and unity.

This week marks the beginning of SOLs for all grade levels! Please encourage your learners to give their best effort. They have worked hard all year, and we are confident they will do great!

We also ask that you encourage your child to stick to a study routine, stay relaxed, and ensure they are well-rested and on time for test day.

No School April 18 - April 21

This is a friendly reminder that there will be no school on April 18 and April 21 in observance of Good Friday and Easter Monday. We hope you enjoy the holiday break with your family!

Spring SOL Testing Schedule

The SOL testing dates are included in today’s weekly principal email. Please mark your calendars, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Tuesday, April 15

6th, 7th, 8th grade Reading

Wednesday, April 23

6th, 7th, 8th grade Math

Tuesday, April 29

7th grade Civics

8th grade World Geography

Thursday, May 1

8th grade Science

Friday, May 9

7th grade Algebra I

8th grade Geometry

🔗 WGMS Spring SOL Testing Dates

Reminder: Super SOL Saturday Sessions

Kudos to the 31 amazing students who crushed the Math SOL session this past Saturday! Now it’s time to take on SCIENCE! Join us at WGMS on Saturday, 4/26 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM for fun, hands-on learning designed to help your student feel confident and prepared for their Science SOL or Quarter 4 test.

Don’t miss out, sign up using the link: Super SOL Saturday Sessions: Prep, Power, and Play!

Important Notes:
  • Transportation to and from WGMS MUST be provided by parents/guardians.

  • Breakfast will be provided. Students will NOT receive lunch.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Frye at kfrye@cityschools.com. We look forward to seeing your child there!

Tiger Paw Academy & ASPIRA Afterschool Tutoring

Both Tiger Paw Academy and ASPIRA Afterschool Tutoring continue this week! Selected students are strongly encouraged to attend, and transportation will be provided.

8th Grade Awards Assembly Update

The 8th grade Q3 Awards Assembly has been rescheduled for April 17 at 9:00 AM due to the FCPS delay on April 9. Thank you for your understanding — we can’t wait to celebrate our 8th graders!

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.

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, Perseverance, Empathy, and Respect. Students must consistently demonstrate positive behavior to participate in exciting end-of-year activities.

5th Annual Doug Carter STEM Fair

Get ready for the 5th Annual Doug Carter STEM Fair at WGMS! Join us on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 10 AM to 12 PM for an exciting showcase of student innovation. Open to grades 4–8, with cash and prizes for top projects in grades 6–8. Please see the attached flyer to this email message for more details!

🔗 Doug Carter STEM Fair

Mental Health, Wellness, and Safety Resource Fair

Please join us at the upcoming Mental Health, Wellness, and Safety Resource Fair, which will take place at JM on Saturday, May 10, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. There will be tons of providers, informative sessions, fun activities, and FREE LUNCH!

Please RSVP here: 2025 FCPS Mental Health, Wellness & Safety Resource Fair - Participant Registration

🔗 Mental Health, Well, & Safety Resource Fair Invitation

Upcoming Dates to Remember

4/15 - 5/9: SOL Testing
4/17: 8th Grade Q3 Awards Assembly @ 9:00 AM (Rescheduled Date)
4/17: Q4 Grade Interims Distributed
4/18 - 4/21: No School (Good Friday and Easter Monday Holiday)
4/25: Afterschool Clubs 3:00 - 4:30 PM
4/26: Super SOL Saturday Session (Science) from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM @ WGMS
4/26: 5th Annual Doug Carter STEM Fair from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Looking Ahead

5/2: Afterschool Clubs 3:00 - 4:30 PM
5/5: May School Board Meeting 7:30 PM @ Walker-Grant Center
5/10: FCPS Mental Health, Wellness, and Safety Fair from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM @ JMHS
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 
5/19: 8th grade Promotion Ceremony from 8:30 - 10:00 AM in the gymnasium @ WGMS
5/22: Field Day (Rain or Shine)
5/23: Last Day of School (Early Dismissal for Students @ 12:00 PM)
5/23: End of Grading Period

Athletics

Get ready to cheer on our Tigers as they hit the track and take the field!

  • Our Softball team will battle Locust Grove on Monday, April 14th at 4:30 PM. The game will be held at JMHS.

  • The Girls Lacrosse team will host St. Gertrude at Walker-Grant on Wednesday, April 16th at 5:00 PM.

Please check out the full schedules below:

2025 Track and Field Schedule
2025 Baseball and Softball Schedule
2025 Girls Lacrosse Schedule

Spirit Gear

Show your Tiger pride with our school spirit gear! Grab yours today and wear it proudly.

🔗 WGMS Spirit Gear

Order Your 2024-25 Walker-Grant Yearbook!

Don't miss the chance to capture this year’s memories! Yearbooks are available for $25, with optional personalization for an additional fee. Supplies are limited, so order now using the website and online code information linked to this email message.

Online Code: YB32293

🔗 WGMS Yearbook 2024 - 2025 Flyer

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.

🔗 Amazon.com: Universal Chromebook Charger

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 (English)

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!