Gayle Newsletter

Week 1 - AUGUST 11 - AUGUST 15

Dear Gayle Middle School Students, Families, and Staff,

The first day of school is here, and we are ready to roar into another incredible year at T. Benton Gayle Middle School! I am thrilled to continue serving as your principal and can’t wait to see our hallways filled with the energy, curiosity, and Panther PRIDE that make our school such a special place.

Standing alongside me are our amazing assistant principals,

Dr. Keana Butler and Mrs. Katie Hawkins. Together, we are here to cheer you on, challenge you to reach new heights, and support you every step of the way.

This year, we proudly carry forward our school motto:

PRIDE stands for Personal Accountability, Respect, Integrity, Determination, and Effort, the values that shape who we are and guide how we learn, grow, and treat one another.

At Gayle, we believe every day is a new opportunity to achieve excellence, strengthen our community, and create a safe, supportive environment where everyone belongs. When students, families, and staff work together, amazing things happen, and this year, we’re aiming higher than ever.

Let’s make this a year to remember!

With Panther PRIDE,
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!

Registration Link: https://tbgmspta.givebacks.com/store/items/875037

To ensure safety and efficiency during arrival and dismissal, please review and follow the guidelines below:

Morning Drop-Off

• Drop-off begins at 8:55 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.

** NEW: 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 routes for the 2025–2026 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 2025–2026 School Year Calendar and X/Y Calendar to help plan ahead and make sure students attend every day.

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.

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.

We are excited to share that this year the school division has purchased brand new Chromebooks for all students. To help us take great care of these devices, a Student Device Loan Agreement Form will go home with every student on the first day of school.

The form helps ensure that students, parents, and guardians understand the expectations for using and caring for the Chromebook.

While waiting for a Chromebook, students will still be expected to complete all assignments, including any posted on their teachers’ Canvas pages.

Thank you for partnering with us to make sure our Panthers are ready for a great year of learning!

Please ensure that all forms sent home are signed and returned.

Student Device Loan Agreement Form

Counseling Opt-Out Form (Hardcopy)

Gayle Afternoon Transportation From

Gayle Photo Release Form

Science Safety Form (Hardcopy)

All rising 7th grade students must have proof of required immunizations on file before the first day of school, Tuesday, August 12, 2025. Students without proper documentation will:

NOT be permitted to start school.

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.)

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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.

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.

Our 2025–2026 School Supplies List is now available! Having the right materials helps students start the year organized and ready to learn. You can view and download the list on our school website or through the link shared in your email.

If obtaining supplies is a challenge for your family, please reach out to our main office so we can help. We want every Panther to have what they need for a successful start to the school year!

Need a translated version? Use the links below:

English: https://tinyurl.com/SchoolSuppliesListGMS1

Farsi: https://tinyurl.com/GMSschoolsuppliesfarsi

Spanish: https://tinyurl.com/GMSschoolsuppliesespanol

Dari: https://tinyurl.com/GMSschoolsuppliesdari

Pashto: https://tinyurl.com/GMSschoolsuppliespashto

It’s time to get ready for Panther athletics! Below are the dates, times, and requirements for each sport’s tryouts.

🏈 Football (7th & 8th Grade Only)

• Starts: Thursday, August 14 | 4:00–6:00 PM

• Bring: Water bottle, gym clothes, athletic shoes (cleats if available)

🏐 Volleyball

• 4:00–6:00 PM

  • Monday, August 18: 7th & 8th Grade

  • Tuesday, August 19: 6th Grade Only

  • Wednesday, August 20: All Grades

  • Thursday, August 21: Students who made the first cut

• Bring: Water bottle, gym clothes, athletic shoes, knee pads (optional)

🏑 Field Hockey

• Starts: Monday, August 18 | 4:00–5:30 PM

• Bring: Water bottle, gym clothes, athletic shoes (cleats if available)

• If you have them: Field hockey stick, mouthguard, goggles, shin guards

• Don’t have equipment? We have some available to borrow for tryouts.

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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)

Date: Tuesday August 26th & Wednesday August 27th 2025

Pre-order Online: https://shop.imagequix.com/g1001268974

Images Available: Approximately two-three weeks after picture day

Questions about Ordering? Email us at underclass@vosphoto.com

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 [Insert attendance email here]

• 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

Monday–Friday: 8:55 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

• Joshua Graves, Office Manager – gravesjo@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