TIGER TALK

Walker-Grant Middle School O N E L E A R N I N G L A N E . F R E D E R I C K S B U R G , V A 2 2 4 0 1

P H O N E ( 5 4 0 ) 3 7 2 - 1 1 4 5 F A X ( 5 4 0 ) 8 9 1 - 5 4 4 9 W E B W W W . C I T Y S C H O O L S . C O M

Principal’s Letter 1

Spring Pictures 2

PTA News 3

6th Grade News 4

7th Grade News 5

8th Grade News 6

Awards & Activities 7

Health Insurance 8

Menu 9

Calendar Back

Inside This Issue:

Dear Walker-Grant Family:

Wow…I can’t believe its April. This time of year is certainly one in which students

and staff members suffer from fatigue. April 18 marks the start of Spring Break, and I

think I speak for the entire Walker-Grant community in saying that we all welcome the

forthcoming period of rest.

The April calendar is relatively free of activities; however, May will usher in any

array of events and initiatives that we have spent weeks preparing for. Very soon the 5th

graders at Lafayette will be visiting with us for an orientation to Walker-Grant. May is

also the month in which we hold our SOL Rally in advance of the SOL testing that will

comprise roughly half of the month. Our second “Scientist for a Night” program will be

held, and interims will be distributed at the mid-point of the final marking period. Last-

ly, we will hold our Sports Award Reception to conclude our athletic activities for the

year. So much of what we are able to accomplish is attributed to the amazing and dedi-

cated staff we have at Walker-Grant.

One of the most important aspects of my job is hiring excellent professionals.

Over the years, due to our accomplishments, we have attracted some of the most crea-

tive, hard-working, and committed professionals. From our distinguished faculty within

the Mathematics Department; to the English Department who have excelled consistently

over the years; to our exceptional and technology-proficient History Department; to the

intellectually inquisitive Science teachers; to the caring special needs staff; to the effi-

cient and professional front office personnel; to the organized Counseling Department; to

the creative and eccentric elective teachers; and to our tireless custodial department,

these are the individuals that epitomize excellence and are the reasons why Walker-

Grant is the best.

In closing, I am hopeful that all will enjoy Spring Break. Upon our arrival back,

there will be approximately eight weeks of school remaining. SOL testing will start on the

16th of May, and we are confident our students will perform quite well. On behalf of our

faculty and staff, enjoy the pleasant spring days of April.

Sincerely,

Harry R. Thomas, III

April 2011

SPIRIT WEEK

April 11—15

Monday—Future

Tuesday—50s Wednesday—60s

Thursday—70s Friday—80s

Dance on Friday

$4

504 ACCOMODATIONS AND SPECIAL EDUCATION

If your child has any type of learning or physical problem, he/she may qualify for accommodations under 504 or special education services. Please call the Walker-Grant Counseling Office at 372-1145 if you have any questions or would like to refer your child for screening and possible assessment.

No otherwise qualified handicapped individual in the United States shall, solely by reason of his/her handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits, of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: The Rights of Individuals with Handicaps Under Federal Law.

IN THE MATTER OF NONRESIDENT STUDENT ENROLLMENT

The Fredericksburg City Public School Division does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in its educational programs or activities.

Any questions should be referred to Pam Steinkoenig, 200 Gunnery Road, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401 or by calling (540) 372-1127.

SEX OFFENDER STATEMENT

The Fredericksburg City Public School Division recognizes the danger sex offenders pose to student safety. Therefore, to protect students while they travel to and from school, attend school or at school-related activities, the Fredericksburg City School Division shall request automatic electronic notification of registered sex offenders in the same or contiguous zip codes as any school within the division. Such request and notification shall be made according to the procedures established by the Virginia Department of State Police (State Police). The Superintendent shall serve as the contact person with the State Police for receipt of the registered sex offender information.

Page 2

Spring Portraits

will be taken on Tuesday, 4/26.

Packages will be ordered from proofs.

PREPAYMENT FOR INDIVIDUAL PICTURES

IS NOT NECESSARY.

Buddy Pictures

are available through advance order.

Groups may include 2 to 10 students.

BUDDY PICTURES MUST BE PREPAID.

Page 2

Page 3

Mark your calendar!

Pastries for Parents May 20, 7:00 AM

Breakfast pastries,

juice & milk will be served compliments

of the PTA.

Songs from the Soul

The PTA brought Theatre IV to

W-G for a performance of “Songs

from the Soul.” This African musical

revue includes slave songs, jazz,

blues, rap, and hip-hop, providing a

musical lesson in history and culture.

Math

Mardi Gras Day was held in March, with students rotating to different “classroom stations” for mini les-

sons on all aspects of measurement. Go to the sixth grade blog for more information and pictures. For the re-

mainder of the month students were busy finding the area of squares, triangles, and quadrilaterals. While it is not

required that students memorize the formulas, they are expected to understand how to use them and what they

mean. We have also been learning about the difference between the US Customary system and the Metric System

in measuring length, weight/mass and volume. If you have rulers at home, please have your child demonstrate

what they have learned regarding measurement. You could also have them demonstrate their

knowledge of “conversion” with measurement by pointing out Net Weight and Fluid Ounces on

packages in your home or at the grocery store. We are beginning our unit on data, graphs,

statistics and probability. Don’t be surprised if your child begins interpreting the various

graphs and other representations of “data” we see in our newspapers, advertisements, stores,

etc. You can assist them with learning how to analyze and interpret data by pointing out

examples you see in your everyday life. Thanks for your support!

History

History classes will be finishing World War II soon. We have been discussing causes of the war, major bat-

tles, the Holocaust, and the atomic bomb. We will be taking a field trip to the Marine Corps Museum to see many

of the things we have studied. The next chapter deals with the rebuilding of Europe after the war and the estab-

lishment of the United Nations. This chapter will include a discussion of communism and the Cold War. We will

move forward into a unit on Civil Rights at the end of April.

English

In English we continue to work on the reading comprehension strategies of non-fiction/informational text,

which will help bring our students success in reading and on the SOL Reading test. These strategies include mak-

ing inferences, drawing conclusions based on what is read, finding facts, and using context clues. We have prac-

ticed using graphic organizers such as Venn diagrams to compare and to contrast information, time lines to show

chronological sequences, and chain of events organizers to emphasize cause and effect. The graphic organizers ena-

ble students to create a mental picture of the information. We are also working daily to review key words stu-

dents need to know to be successful test takers. Students should be reviewing these words weekly in preparation

for weekly quizzes. Our next unit will involve a return to fiction with an emphasis on books which will enhance our

Social Studies curriculum, such as The Breadwinner. Please continue to encourage your child to read each and

every night!

Science

Science classes have been learning about weather. The beginning of the unit focused on the atmospheric layers. Stu-

dents got to design a game to help them learn about the layers of the atmosphere. They also participated in activi-

ties involving the causes of weather, types of clouds, and types of storms. We spent time charting the weather and

looking at weather maps. During the month of April the focus shifts to the unique properties of water and water-

sheds. Our annual field trip to Alum Spring Park is coming up. Students will attend one of two days, either April

29 or April 30. Further information will be distributed after spring break.

6th Grade News

Page 4

Life Science

Life Science classes have been continuing to learn about comparisons among the Six Kingdoms of Living Organisms. Stu-

dents enjoyed a study of the kingdom Protista. Students viewed live organisms after studying various structures and adaptations

of plant-like, animal-like, and fungus-like protists. Euglena, paramecia, amoeba, volvox, and the lovely stentor were some of the

specimens shipped live for exciting microscope labs. The next kingdom of discovery is the Fungus Kingdom containing mushrooms,

molds, yeast, and mildew. Students will continue their investigations by entering the Plant Kingdom. Areas of study will include

adaptations for land survival, photosynthesis, respiration, methods of seed dispersal, and tropisms.

Advanced English

Advanced English 7 students are continuing their study of major poets and their works in conjunction with the creation

of their own original poetry collections. They also will begin an examination of realistic fiction during the month of April. Gram-

mar and vocabulary work are ongoing.

English

By now we have dealt extensively with informational, persuasive, and narrative writing and are in the midst of working

on poetry and the related terminology. As the year continues we will begin preparing extensively for the Reading SOL test, to be

given in May, and working on how to do research and use materials appropriately in informational texts. Students have been

working on novels this quarter. We have mapped the plot, analyzed the characters, written poems based on the themes, and act-

ed out the main ideas. Analyzing and writing poetry has also been our focus. Maya Angelou, Robert Frost, Edgar Alan Poe, and

Langston Hughes are some of the children’s favorite authors. We have been writing poetry, using lots of different types of figura-

tive language. These student-generated poems have been real eye openers because they are writing about their deepest emotions

and private thoughts and then reading these poems aloud to each other. Our students are great writers! If you want to see any

of these dynamic poems, look for our ninth annual seventh grade poetry book which will be coming out at the end of this year.

Civics

In Civics we are learning about economics in the United States. We have learned about economic choices, how consumers

make decisions, and other types of economies that exist throughout the world. We are moving now to the various types of busi-

ness structures, how their structure allows them to operate, and the risks involved with owning a business. Soon we will be taking

all of this knowledge and explaining how it all relates to the flow of our economic system and to us as citizens. Please remember

to check the blog site for weekly updates as they are available!

Algebra I

This month we will look at how Algebra can help interpret data. Our statistics unit will incorporate new statistics con-

cepts and topics from the first semester. The graphing calculators will help us a lot in this unit. Ms. Liskom will continue to post

homework assignments, test dates, etc. on her blog: blogit.cityschools.com/eliskom.

Math 7

Parallelograms, kites, rhombi, nonagons…these are some of the things that students have been studying this nine weeks.

The students have also been challenged by comparing similar polygons and triangles, finding missing interior angles using Algebra,

memorizing the types of quadrilaterals, and translating and reflecting figures from one quadrant of the coordinate plane to an-

other. This unit on Geometry and the coordinate plane has been rewarding and fun as we try to relate seventh grade math to

the real world and the jobs of the future. To reinforce math skills at home, try to find math problems everywhere. Ask your

child to double a recipe. Look for polygons on bridges. Read a map together. Make a math master out of your child. Remember:

it takes a village….

Page 5

7th Grade News

Page 6

SPRING SPORTS SCHEDULES

April 7 Softball and Baseball Games at Caroline, 4:30 PM

April 9 King George Invitational Track Meet, 8:30 AM

April 11 Baseball Double-Header at Fredericksburg Christian, 4:00 PM

April 13 Home Track Meet vs. King George & Caroline, 4:00 PM

Softball Game at Caroline, 4:30 PM

Baseball Game at Caroline, 5:30 PM

April 27 Softball Double-Header at Prospect Heights, 4:30 PM

May 2 Softball & Baseball Double-Headers at Locust Grove, 4:30 PM

May 7 Orange Invitational Track Meet

8th Grade News

The VGS Geography Fair was held at Riverbend High School in late March. Entries were sub-

mitted by the 8th grade World Geography classes and by individual students. Walker-Grant’s winners

were:

Nye Lott—1st Place Individual Poster Display (Human Impact on the Wetlands)

Rachel Baxter—2nd Place Individual Globe

Ms. Devine’s 4th Period—2nd Place for SOL Geography Vocabulary Dictionary

Ms. Devine’s 3rd Period—3rd Place for SOL Geography Vocabulary Dictionary

Mrs. Black’s 3rd Period—3rd Place for Sub Saharan Scrapbook

Mrs. Black’s 5th Period—Honorable Mention for Geography A to Z Dictionary

Page 7

The 6th Grade and Intermediate Orchestras attended the District XV Orchestra

Assessment at Mountain View High School on March 23, receiving ratings of

“excellent” and “superior” respectively. Participants included Mary Wallace Baker,

Tristan Cooper, Connor Davis, Autumn Gibbons, Klaus Haraldsson, Noah McKinney,

Trezure Moore, Briget Rabatin, Nicole Talbert, Allison Slominski, Bradley Brown, Sa-

vannah Brown, Monica Dit, Derrineisha Early, Eboni Edler, Cherna Frederick-Brown,

Amireeh Fripp, Orieon Gray-Bradley, Edward Hoffman, Katia Jackson, John Leahy,

Adam McKinney, Yenifer Portillo-Marin, Miguel Soto-Pellot, and Jossue Zamora-

Pena.

Four teams of W-G students competed in the Regional Odyssey of the Mind

Tournament, and two teams advanced to the upcoming State Tournament at T.C.

Williams High School on April 16. Earning 2nd Place for Long-Term Problem was

Mr. Sean Bonney’s team of: Cable Bonney (LUES 5th grader), Allison Slominski,

Megan Lam, Anna Katherine Bowles, and Edward Hoffman. Winning 2nd Place

overall was Mrs. Aude Mann’s team, including: Annie Taylor, Cameron Woodard,

Jesse Dominguez, Shamia Mayfield, Gregory Mann, Zion Latney, and Camila Medina.

Placing 1st overall and advancing to state were Mrs. Janet Thomas’ team of: Skye

Thomas, Emma Dolby, Emily Deschambault, Jake Rehm, Finn Blakesley, Lindsey Ha-

berman, and Maggie Stoffel; and Ms. Holly Dunwoody’s team consisting of Hannah

Sky Wilson, Rebekah Stone, Ricki Rodriguez, Katie Jenkins, and Summer Dunwoody.

Congratulations to Mrs. Connie Orgeron, who has been named an Educator of

Distinction by the National Society of High School Scholars. Mrs. Orgeron teaches

French at both W-GMS and James Monroe High School.

Yanni Fallon was runner-up in the Regional Spelling Bee. This is the second

year in a row that Yanni has represented Fredericksburg City Public Schools as our

Division Champion.

Sixth grade Band and Choir/Performing Arts students were invited to perform

for and demonstrate class exercises to the Lafayette Upper Elementary 5th graders.

TIGER CALENDAR FOR APRIL

Monday, April 4 -Theatre IV Performance “Songs from the Soul”

-School Board Meeting @ City Council Chambers, 7:30 PM

Tuesday, April 5 -School Committee Meeting, 6:30 PM

Wednesday, April 6 -Gifted Education Advisory Committee Meeting, 4:00 PM

Thursday, April 7 -Home Baseball & Softball Games vs. Caroline, 4:30 PM

Friday, April 8 -Teacher Workday / SCHOOL NOT IN SESSION

Saturday, April 9 -Track Team at King George Invitational

-Debate Competition at Freedom Middle School

Monday, April 11 -SCA Spirit Week (Future Wear)

-Baseball Double-Header at Fredericksburg Christian, 4:00

Tuesday, April 12 -SCA Spirit Week (50’s Day)

-District SV Solo and Ensemble Festival @ Massaponax H.S.

Wednesday, April 13 -SCA Spirit Week (60’s Day)

-Mrs. Spears’ Class Trip to Marquee Theatre

-Home Track Meet vs. King George & Caroline, 4:00 PM

-Baseball & Softball Games at Caroline, 4:30 PM

Thursday, April 14 -SCA Spirit Week (70’s Day)

-6th Grade Field Trip to Marine Corps Museum

Friday, April 15 -Report Cards

-SCA Spirit Week (80’s Day)

-80’s Dance, 3:00—4:15 PM

April 18-22 -Spring Break—SCHOOL NOT IN SESSION

Tuesday, April 26 -Spring Portraits and Buddy Pictures

Wednesday, April 27-Softball Double-Header @ Prospect Heights, 4:30 PM

Thursday, April 28 -6th Grade Field Trip to Alum Spring Park

-Spring Sports Pictures, 3:00 PM

-PTA Meeting, 7:00 PM

Friday, April 29 -6th Grade Field Trip to Alum Spring Park