Gayle Newsletter
Special Reminder: Please Check Your Email
Gayle Families, please take a moment to check your email for an important message from Stafford County Public Schools leadership regarding the Devereux Student Strengths Assessment (DESSA).
During the 2026–2027 school year, middle school students will complete a DESSA self-assessment focused on identifying students’ strengths and life skills, as well as areas where additional support may be helpful.
The division email includes additional information about the assessment, sample questions, student privacy, parent resources, and the process for families who wish to opt their child out of the screener.
Please review the SCPS email carefully so you are informed before the assessment is administered.
Membership is quick and easy! Simply scan or click the QR code to register and become part of this impactful organization. Together, we can continue to make a positive difference for our Panther Pride!
Purchase Spirit Wear Here! Click here for details.
Registration Link: https://tbgmspta.givebacks.com/store/items/875037
Middle School Redistricting Community Meetings
To balance enrollment and ensure equitable resources across all schools, the Stafford County School Board is reviewing boundary change scenarios that affect each middle school in our division.
Detailed maps of the proposed new boundaries, along with other relevant information, are available on our Redistricting webpage. Please note these scenarios are for consideration only, and may change as we become closer to opening the rebuilt school. Should the options change, we will notify families.
Family and community input is vital to the redistricting process. Our primary goal is to maintain a focus on what is best for all students while minimizing disruptions. Join us to discuss redistricting options to accommodate the reconstruction of Edward E. Drew Middle School, projected to open in the fall of 2028.'
The next community meeting is Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at Colonial Forge High School from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
In addition, the Falmouth and George Washington District Town Hall will be held October 14 at Drew Middle School at 6:00 p.m., hosted by our School Board representative Dr. Sarah Chase (Falmouth) and Ms. Susan Randall (George Washington).
Hispanic Heritage Month Continues!
Our Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations continued with 6th grader Anthony B.C. leading a morning announcement and our latest trivia winners, Kelsi T., Anastasia P., and Ryker A.!
Enter the America's 250th Anniversary Art Contest!
Stafford County is celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary with an art competition themed “What America Means to Me.” The contest calls for artists to express what America means to them in any medium. There are two divisions – youth and adult – with a grand prize for each division plus three runner-up prizes. Winning artwork will be displayed in the lobby of the George L. Gordon, Jr., Government Center.
The contest deadline is October 15, 2026. Full details are available at: www.staffordcountyva.gov/artcontest.
Take the Special Education Parent Involvement Survey
Families of students receiving special education services are encouraged to share their feedback through the Special Education Parent Involvement Survey.
This survey provides an opportunity for parents and guardians to share input on their experiences and help improve services and support for students with individualized education programs (IEPs).
Parents may access the survey using the provided link. Families with more than one child receiving special education services are asked to complete a separate survey for each child.
Deadline to complete the survey: December 11, 2026
Your voice is important in helping us continue to strengthen our programs and better serve our students and families.
Clear Bag Practice
The following list of events require implementation of the Clear Bag Inspection Process: All ticketed events at Middle and High Schools, including sporting events and graduations. This ensures a consistent, effective, and transparent approach to enhancing security and safety for all students, staff, and visitors during school-sponsored events.
Rally Towels for SALE at the game! $10 (Cash)
Cash only and while supplies last. Funds raised support our athletics teams.
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
Car Rider Pick-Up & Drop Off Procedures
To ensure safety and efficiency during arrival and dismissal, please review and follow the guidelines below:
Morning Drop-Off
Drop-off begins at 9:00 AM. Please do not drop off students before this time, as staff supervision is not available.
Use the front loop of the school for all morning drop-offs.
Remain in your vehicle and pull forward as far as possible before letting your child out.
Students must exit from the passenger side only and walk directly into the building.
Do not use the bus loop or parking lot for drop-off.
Afternoon Pick-Up
Dismissal begins at 3:50 PM.
Car rider pick-up takes place in the front loop, the same location as morning drop-off.
Remain in your vehicle and pull forward when directed. Staff will assist students as they locate their rides.
For everyone’s safety, students may not cross the traffic line to enter vehicles.
Avoid prolonged parking or idling in the yellow emergency lane prior to dismissal. This area must remain clear for emergency access.
Safety Reminders
Do not use your phone while in the car rider line.
Follow the directions of staff members at all times.
Only individuals listed on your child’s approved pick-up list will be allowed to pick them up.
** Walkers will be dismissed last for safety. Due to high levels of traffic during dismissal, walkers are now dismissed last, once traffic is reduced to safe levels.
Early Dismissal Procedure Update
For safety reasons, we will no longer pull students from class in advance based on a phone call from a parent or guardian. All adults entering the building for early dismissal must present a valid photo ID at the entrance before the student will be called from class.
Please plan your arrival time accordingly, as it may take a few minutes for your child to be dismissed once you arrive. This process helps us ensure that every student is released safely. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Medication Drop Off & Required Immunizations
Medication Drop-Off Instructions
If your child requires medication during the school day, it must be brought to the clinic by a parent or guardian. All medications must be in their original, labeled container and accompanied by the required Stafford County Public Schools medication form. Students may not carry medications on their own unless specifically authorized for emergency use (such as an inhaler or EpiPen). Please contact our school nurse for any questions or to schedule a drop-off time.
All rising or new 7th grade students must have proof of required immunizations on file.
Per the Virginia Department of Health’s School and Day Care Minimum Immunization Requirements, students entering 7th grade must have received the following after their 11th birthday:
Tdap booster
First dose of Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine
HPV vaccine series (Parents/guardians may choose to opt out after reviewing approved educational materials.)
Submit proof of immunizations to:
Email: Nurse Fleming – flemingal@staffordschools.net
Fax: (540) 373-8856
Failure to provide documentation will result in the student being unable to attend classes on the first day.
Interested in Becoming a Classroom Observer in Canvas?
Parents and guardians can create a Canvas Observer Account to stay connected with their student’s learning.
As an observer, you’ll have read-only access to your student’s courses, allowing you to:
View course materials and announcements
Check assignments, due dates, and grades
See teacher feedback
Observers cannot submit assignments, take quizzes, or participate in class discussions.
Follow these step-by-step directions to set up your account: GMS Parent & Guardian Canvas Account/Observer Creation
