Gayle Newsletter

Week 12: October 24 to October 31

Dear Gayle Families,

Today we held our first Panther Assembly, and it was absolutely awesome. The excitement and joy filled the building as students and staff came together to celebrate one another’s hard work and accomplishments.

We recognized the efforts of all students, especially those who earned A and A/B Honor Roll this quarter and received their certificates in class this morning. During the assembly, we also celebrated recipients of our academic awards, Grade-Level Attendance Awards, and our overall Grade-Level Panther PRIDE.

We are so proud of our students for setting the tone for a successful start to the year. We cannot wait to see their continued growth, perseverance, and achievements as we celebrate together again at our next assembly at the end of Quarter 2.

If your student did not receive their award or recognition, please reach out to their school counselor for assistance.

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

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.

A huge thank-you from the Gayle PTA to all our students and families who participated in this year’s Penny Wars! Your Panther PRIDE and generosity made it a huge success. Congratulations to our 6th graders, who took the win! They’ll enjoy a special recess and treats next week to celebrate their victory.

Each month, teachers at every grade level take turns nominating three students who consistently go above and beyond in demonstrating our school’s PRIDE values: Personal Accountability, Respect, Integrity, Determination, and Effort. These students serve as shining examples of what it means to be part of the Panther community.

6th Grade

Kole M.

Noula D.

Dalton D.

7th Grade

Lyla C.

Abi R.

Cali F.

8th Grade

Eden R.

Chloe L.

Theodore F.

Check out some of the highlights for out pep-rally!

We’re so proud of our very own 8th grader, Nasiya L., who was selected to participate in a division information video! 🎥

In the video, Nasiya shares an important message about the Federal Impact Aid Survey — that green form your student brought home. This quick survey helps Stafford County Public Schools secure over $1 million in essential federal funding for resources like books, technology, and special programs.

• Only one form per household (for up to five children)
• Complete both sides, sign, and return by December 5
• Every form counts — the information is confidential and vital to our students’ success!

Be sure to watch the video and help us make sure every family completes their form!

The Gayle Dungeons & Dragons Club kicked off today with an amazing turnout, with 30 students signing up to join the adventure. The first meeting focused on planning and logistics as students prepared to embark on epic quests together. The club will meet every Friday after school under the guidance of our sponsor, Mr. Byrne. Let the adventures begin!

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.

Gayle families, CRRL's "Launch It!" Trebuchet Contest is coming to Gayle on Saturday, November 1st. Gayle students have many teams ready to compete in this STEM competition. The contest will be held on the Gayle sports fields starting at 9:30 AM and the Gayle PTA will be selling snacks throughout the morning. See https://www.librarypoint.org/launch-it/ for details. Come out to support the pack!

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.

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 include a list of ingredients or provide recipe cards for others to take home)

• Traditional clothing

• Toys and other cultural items

The audition date for performances has passed, but students who are still interested in participating can speak with Mrs. Reyes or Mrs. Navarro-Lopez to learn how they can take part in the Multicultural Fair.

We look forward to celebrating the many cultures that make our community so special.

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

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.

We ask all parents, guardians, and students to please follow the directions of our staff on car rider and traffic duty each day. Their guidance ensures that traffic continues to move smoothly and, most importantly, that everyone remains safe. Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us keep arrival and dismissal times orderly and secure for all Panthers.

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.

• 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.

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 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

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.

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.

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