Gayle Newsletter

Week 10: October 13 to October 17

Dear Gayle Middle School Families,

Parent-teacher conferences will take place on Monday, October 13. Most conference slots have now been filled, and we understand that some families may not have been able to schedule an appointment. If you were unable to book a conference this time, please remember that you can contact your student’s teachers or counselor at any point during the year to request a meeting. Starting the conversation directly with your child’s teacher is the best first step, and your student’s counselor can assist if needed. Staying connected helps us work together to support your child’s learning and growth.

Our school-wide fundraiser was a great success. We are so grateful to all the families who participated and supported this effort. In the coming weeks, we will share more details about the total amount raised, how the funds will be used for our Field Day event at the end of the school year, and our collaboration plans with the PTA.

Please mark your calendars for the next PTA meeting on December 2, where we will provide these updates and discuss volunteer opportunities for Field Day. All planning will take place in partnership with the PTA, and we encourage families to join and get involved. It is a wonderful way to stay connected to our school community.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our Panthers.

Sincerely,
Deanna Fierro Kin
Principal
T. Benton Gayle Middle School

Stafford County Public Schools is committed to keeping families and students informed and engaged in the learning process. ParentVUE and StudentVUE are secure online platforms that provide real-time access to important student information, including grades, attendance, and schedules.

ParentVUE allows parents and guardians to stay connected with their child’s education, while StudentVUE empowers students to track their own academic progress. Both tools support our shared goal of ensuring every student is prepared to excel.

Use the links and resources on this page to log in, get support, and make the most of these powerful tools.

ParentVUE and StudentVUE Access

View the Complete How-To Document

Stafford County Public Schools is proud to offer TranslateLive, a tool that allows families to communicate in their native language—whether visiting a school office or calling from home. TranslateLive ensures every family feels heard and supported, making it easier to ask questions, report absences, schedule meetings, and more.

Watch our step-by-step English tutorial to see how it works.

Want to explore TranslateLive in other languages?

Check out the full TranslateLive Tutorials playlist on our YouTube channel, featuring English, Spanish, Dari, Pashto, and Urdu.

Stafford County Public Schools has negotiated discounted pricing for Chromebook Laptops insurance.

We recommend purchasing the insurance within 30 days and before any failure, damage, or loss to the device. The policy only covers losses after the insurance is purchased. The policy does not cover any loss due to intentional damage, abuse or misuse.

Save $100 - $300 every time your child drops, racks or spills liquid on a device. With insurance the cost is about $2/month. The policy covers Accidental Damage, Extended Warranty, Covers lost, or misplaced device including AC Adapters, Covers loss from flood, fire and Vandalism, & Covers theft & burglary of the device including AC Adapters.

Learn more by clicking the image below.

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

Mark your calendars! The next PTA meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025. We welcome teachers, staff, parents, and community partners to share ideas and get involved.

The PTA makes a lasting impact by supporting student learning, enhancing school programs, and fostering strong connections that enrich both our children and the wider community while supporting the success of all Gayle students.

Panthers of the Week

6th Grade

William A.

Emily A.

Zoey L.

Mackenzie S.

7th Grade

Cy'asia W.

Christiana M.

Austin H.

8th Grade

Chloe L.

Daniel K.

Mehranullah S.

Our Field Hockey, Volleyball, and Football teams have been playing their hearts out this season. As the year winds down, we’re proud of their hard work, teamwork, and Panther PRIDE on and off the field. A special thank you to our coaches for their time, dedication, and support of our student-athletes.

Last week, our students and staff turned the halls into a wave of pink to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Together, we stand strong, show support, and raise awareness because Panthers always stick together!

Our mascot, Gayle the Panther, raced against mascots from schools across the county, run by one of our very own teachers, Mr. Zachary Knerr.

Huge thanks to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office and all of the community partners who made this fun, family-filled event possible.

A big thank you to our amazing custodial team at T. Benton Gayle Middle School!

They work tirelessly every day to keep our school clean, safe, and beautiful. We appreciate all that they do to make Gayle shine, inside and out!

The Quarter 1 grading period ended on October 9, and Parent-Teacher Conference Day will take place on Monday, October 13, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

While most conference appointments have already been scheduled in ParentVUE, we understand that some families may not have been able to secure a time slot. If you were unable to schedule a conference, please reach out directly to your child’s teacher or school counselor to arrange a meeting on another date that works for your family.

If you need any additional support, don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teachers.

We at Gayle Middle School warmly invite you to a special gathering just for Afghan mothers.

Join us for a friendly and enjoyable time to meet other mothers, share experiences, and take part in light activities for both you and your children.

We will also talk about how the school can support you and your child, while giving everyone a chance to relax, connect, and feel part of our school family.

Representatives from the Stafford County Public Schools Department of Academic Programs will be joining us:

• Nargis Afzali Zadran
• Benish Nejrabi
• Robina Kabiri

They will be here to support the gathering and to work with us in ensuring your child’s success.

Also, we will have HALAL food for you to enjoy the gathering.

You are very important to us, and we hope you can join!

The library is excited to offer a number of elective reading programs for students to participate in throughout the year. Students will learn about these programs through their English classes. All programs are optional, and students may elect to read any of the books in each program. To see a list of books in each program, click here.

SAVE THE DATES: High School Discovery Nights! for current 8th grade students (rising 9th-grade) and families

Our successful High School Discovery Nights! return for the 2025-2026 school year. This is an opportunity for rising 9th-grade families to learn about Specialty Centers and Regional Schools, as well as provide an opportunity for current high school students to explore secondary travel programs and offerings unique to each high school. The following dates have been reserved at each school.

Discovery Nights Schedule (6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.):

• December 2, 2025 - Mountain View High School

• December 4, 2025 - Brooke Point High School

• December 8, 2025 - Colonial Forge High School

• December 10, 2025 - Stafford High School

• December 11, 2025 - North Stafford High School

Breakout sessions will be scheduled for each night to include: CHAMP Center, EPIC Center, LEAPS Center, BIT Center, North Stafford High School Center (name TBD), Hartwood High School Center (name TBD), the Academy of Technology and Innovation at the University of Mary Washington (ATI-UMW), and Commonwealth Governor’s School (CGS). Other secondary programs, core and elective courses, and student services specific to each high school will host information tables.

Key student application and selection system dates include:

• December 2, 2025 - Secondary Programs Application System Opens

• January 23, 2026 - Secondary Programs Application System Closes

• February 24, 2026 - First Parent/Student Program Selection Notification

Counselors will be working with students.

Save the date: Stafford Schools will host the 4th annual division-wide Multicultural Fair on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Mountain View HS from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Families are invited to assist in hosting a table showcasing their culture and heritage. Students and families are also invited to perform dance, music, theater, and other performance art to demonstrate student talent and culture.

Celebrate your culture and learn about others from around the world at this year’s Multicultural Fair!

Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025
Location: Mountain View High School
Cost: Free and open to all families and ages

Transportation: Space is limited. Students who need a ride must sign up early to reserve a seat. Those who do not sign up in time will need to provide their own transportation.

If you have a talent, items, clothing, or food that represent your culture, we would love for you to participate. Some examples include:

• Art

• Cooking (if bringing food, please provide a list of ingredients or copies of recipe cards that others can take home)

• Traditional clothing

• Toys and other cultural items
  
  

Audition required for performances:
Date and Time: Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 4:30 to 5:30 PM at Gayle Middle School

Students must have a ride home at 5:30 PM.

Performance examples include:

• Music (instrument or singing)

• Dance

If you are interested in participating and representing your culture, please let one of these Gayle Middle School teachers know:

• By Wednesday, October 15, if you would like to audition for a performance
  
  

• By Wednesday, October 22, for all other items and food displays

Mrs. Reyes - reyesre@staffordschools.net

Mrs. Navarro Lopez - nnavarrolopezmt@staffordschools.net

Mrs. Akhtar - akhtarb@staffordschools.net

Mrs. Bogue - boguets@staffordschools.net

Mrs. Shaver - shaverbk@staffordschools.net

This week, T. Benton Gayle Middle School will take part in The Great SouthEast ShakeOut, an annual earthquake drill that helps students and staff learn how to stay safe during an earthquake.

On Thursday, October 16, our students and staff will join millions of people around the world in practicing the key steps of earthquake safety — Drop, Cover, and Hold On.

Families are encouraged to talk with their students about the importance of being prepared and to learn more together at www.shakeout.org/southeast.

The following is our regular bell schedule. Students are assigned to lunch based on their 3rd Block teacher. If your student has different teachers for 3X and 3Y, their lunchtime may change depending on the day. If you need to drop off a lunch for your student, we recommend doing so at the start of 3rd Block to help ensure it reaches them in time for their scheduled lunch.

For information about applying for Free and Reduced Meals or to learn more about meal prices, visit the Stafford County Public Schools website at www.staffordschools.net/families/nutrition-services.

Click below to learn more about the resources and services available through SCPS Middle School Gifted Services.

Tryouts will be held Tuesday, October 21st through Thursday, October 23rd from 4:10pm to 6:00pm. Tryouts are not open to the public, and students must have a completed VHSL Physical to participate—no exceptions. Parents should be at GMS by 6:15pm to pick up their students.

The final roster will be posted on Friday morning, October 24th, followed by a parent meeting at 4:30pm to share all important information for selected athletes. Students will be evaluated on foundational skills, including shooting, passing, dribbling, speed, agility, and lateral quickness.

Equipment & Attire:

Students must wear proper basketball attire—T-shirt and appropriate-length shorts, PE uniform is acceptable. Basketball shoes are required to prevent injury. Please bring a labeled water bottle to stay hydrated.

• FOOTBALL, VOLLEYBALL, AND FIELD HOCKEY - Contact Coaches for Finals Schedule

• November 13, 2025 – Girls’ Basketball: Dixon-Smith Middle School @ T. Benton Gayle Middle School (5:00pm)

• November 17, 2025 – Girls’ Basketball: Rodney Thompson Middle School @ T. Benton Gayle Middle School (5:00pm)

• November 19, 2025 – Girls’ Basketball: Stafford Middle School @ T. Benton Gayle Middle School (5:00pm)

• November 24, 2025 – Girls’ Basketball: A.G. Wright Middle School @ T. Benton Gayle Middle School (5:00pm)

Important Requirement for ALL Athletes:
A current VHSL Sports Physical (dated May 1, 2025 or later) must be on file before tryouts. The form was updated in April—please make sure we receive pages 1, 2, and 3.

(Form attached)

Middle Schools

There is no charge for softball or track (except for the county meet)

• Adults - $3.00

• Students/K-12 - $3.00
• Wrestling Tournament & County Track Meet - $5.00
• Pre-school - No charge
• Senior Citizens - No charge
• Employees + one - No charge, includes tournaments and play-offs
• VHSL Pass - No charge

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.

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.

Email: Nurse Fleming – flemingal@staffordschools.net

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.

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

This month, Gayle Middle is highlighting suicide prevention through kindness, connection, and supportive activities.

During Suicide Prevention Week, students will participate in events that encourage reaching out, supporting friends, and knowing that help is always available. If you prefer your student not participate in certain activities, or would like a counselor to connect with them individually, please contact:

• Tracy Williams – 6th Grade | williamstd@staffordschools.net
• Virginia Clemo – 7th Grade | clemova@staffordschools.net
• Adam Fulton – 8th Grade | fultonam@staffordschools.net

Together, we can create a safe and caring school community for all students.

We’re excited to have you volunteer and contribute to our school community! Below is an overview of our volunteer procedures to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all.

Background Check Requirements:

Most volunteers do not need a criminal background check but will go through our RAPTOR system for screening against sex offender registries. Background checks are required only in specific situations.

Volunteers Who Need A Background Check:

• Volunteer coaches.
• Chaperones for overnight field trips.
• Volunteers supervising students independently, without an SCPS staff member present.

Volunteers Who Don’t Need A Background Check (RAPTOR Check Required):

• Helping in the front office, cafeteria, or during events.
• Reading or assisting in classrooms.
• Day field trip chaperones where SCPS staff members are present.

Process For Background Checks:

For the small number of volunteers requiring a background check:

1. Pick up a Fingerprinting Request for Volunteers form, signed by a school administrator.
2. Provide valid identification, such as a driver’s license.
3. Contact Mayra Torres to schedule an appointment.
4. Background checks usually take 48-72 hours but may take up to three weeks in some cases. Please plan accordingly.

Regular attendance is essential for student success. If your child will be absent, please notify the school before 9:00 AM by:

• Calling 540-373-0383

• Emailing commanderas@staffordschools.net

• Submitting the absence online at: https://psp.staffordschools.net/PXP2_Login_Parent.aspx?regenerateSessionId=True

Please include your child’s name, grade, reason for absence, and your name. If the absence is due to illness lasting three or more days, a doctor’s note may be required.

Stay Connected With ParentVUE!

Want an easy way to check grades, track attendance, and stay in touch with teachers? ParentVUE puts everything you need at your fingertips—on your phone, tablet, or computer!

Already Registered Online?:

Good news! Your ParentVUE account was likely activated during registration—no extra steps needed!

Need An Activation Code?:

Contact your student's school. For security reasons, we can’t give codes over the phone, as this code grants access to sensitive student information.

Get Started Today!:

Download the ParentVUE app or visit the website to log in. Stay informed, stay connected!

#ParentVUE #StayConnected #ElevateStafford

For questions or concerns:

Mary Beaven, LCSW – 540.205.0502

Application:

2025 Camp Rainbow Application

Return completed application packets to:

griefsupport@mwhc.com

Date: Sunday, October 5, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Location: Mott’s Run Reservoir, 6600 River Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22407

Camp Rainbow is a special grief retreat for children ages 5–12 who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Offered at no cost to families in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline County, this retreat provides a safe and supportive environment where children can learn healthy, positive ways to cope with their loss—while having fun.

Activities include:

• Art Therapy
• Music Therapy
• Pet Therapy
• Remembrance Activities
• Canoeing
• Group Sharing
• Games & Crafts
• Creative Writing & Journalism

Details:

• Snacks and all activities are provided.
• Parents/guardians must provide transportation for drop-off and pick-up.
• Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to new participants and those in ongoing programming.
• Application Deadline: September 26, 2025

Monday–Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:20 PM (Phones Line Open)

Monday–Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:20 PM (Building Open)

Main Office Phone Number: 540-373-0383

Call or email ahead if you need to stop by:

• Deanna Fierro-Kin, Principal – fierrokind@staffordschools.net

• Dr. Keana Butler, Assistant Principal – butlerks@staffordschools.net

• Katie Hawkins, Assistant Principal – hawkinskd@staffordschools.net

• Judy Basluke, Registrar – baslukejl@staffordschools.net

• Tracey Williams, Counseling Director – williamstd@staffordschools.net

Website: https://gms.staffordschools.net/

Facebook: GaylePanthers

Instagram: @gaylepanthers

X: @Gaylepanthers

Phone: 540-373-0383