Gayle Newsletter
Dear Gayle Middle School Families,
We are entering our fourth week of school, and with each quarter lasting only nine weeks, this is a good time for students to check their grades and make sure they are staying on top of assignments.
We encourage students to communicate with their teachers if they need help completing work or understanding an assignment. Families can support this by reviewing grades together through ParentVUE and coaching students on how to email or speak with their teachers when they need support. Learning to advocate for themselves is an important skill for middle school students to develop before they enter high school.
This week is also Picture Day on Wednesday, September 2, and Thursday, September 3. Student photos will be taken during PE classes on those days.
Please remember that school will be closed Friday, September 4, and Monday, September 7, for the holiday weekend.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
With Panther PRIDE,
Deanna Fierro-Kin
Principal, T. Benton Gayle Middle School
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
Hands-On in Science
Our 8th grade scientists spent part of the week strengthening the skills used in real scientific investigations! Students practiced reading thermometers, rulers, beakers, graduated cylinders, and scales while carefully recording observations and using the correct units of measurement.
These hands-on experiences are helping students build important skills in observation, accuracy, and scientific thinking that they will use throughout the year and beyond.
Great work, 8th grade scientists!
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.
Car Rider Safety Reminder
Please remember to follow all posted traffic signs, directions, and applicable traffic laws while on school property, especially in our car rider lanes. All occupants should be properly buckled whenever a vehicle is moving. Our School Resource Officer is a Stafford County Sheriff’s Office deputy and may take enforcement action, including issuing traffic citations when appropriate. Thank you for helping keep our campus safe.
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.
Bus Transportation Updates
Bus routes for the 2026-2027 school year are now available in the MyRide K-12 app. Drivers have not yet been assigned, but we encourage all families to download the app to track updates in real time.
If you used MyRide K-12 last year, you do not need to re-register. You do need to re-link your student(s) to make sure your information is correct. [Watch this short video] to learn how to set up or update your account. Staying up to date in the app means you’ll get the latest information on your child’s route and driver.
Daily transportation updates will also be posted on the Bus Delays & Notification Dashboard. If you have an issue, the quickest way to get help is by using our Issuetrak online form.
A few reminders as the school year begins:
Pickup and drop-off times may change during the first few weeks while routes are adjusted for efficiency.
Check the app often for the most current pickup, drop-off, and route details.
Times shown are when the bus will arrive at your child’s stop. High school drop-offs may be slightly earlier, and elementary drop-offs may be slightly later.
Please be patient as families and drivers get used to new routines.
Be sure to review the 2026-2027 School Year Calendar and X/Y Calendar to help plan ahead and make sure students attend every day.
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
Community Opportunities for Families
The disAbility Resource Center (dRC) is hosting its Fall Family Festival on Saturday, September 19, from 11:00 AM–4:00 PM at the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds. Families can enjoy 80+ vendors, live music, entertainment, and free family activities. Learn more about the Fall Family Festival.
Families supporting a young adult with a disability may also be interested in the Journey Podcast and Online Forum, a series focused on the transition to adulthood, including postsecondary education, employment, and independent living. A live virtual family forum will be held on September 8 from 3:30–5:00 PM for families to ask questions, connect, and learn more.
