Gayle Newsletter

Week 14: November 10 to November 14

Dear Gayle Families,

As we settle into November, I continue to be grateful for the way our school community supports one another. Our students, families, and staff show every day what it means to care, to serve, and to make Gayle a place where everyone belongs.

With the fall and winter breaks approaching, we also know this time of year can bring added stress for some families. To help, Stafford County Public Schools’ social workers have put together a flyer with information on local resources for food, clothing, mental health services, and other types of assistance. We have included that flyer with this week’s message.

Here at Gayle, our school social worker, Ms. Brooke Peters, along with our counselors, are available to help connect families with support or answer questions about getting assistance. If your family needs guidance in any way, now or as we move into the holiday season, please reach out to Ms. Peters at petersba@staffordschools.net

Thank you for your continued partnership and for all you do to support our students. Together, we make Gayle a school where every child knows they are valued and cared for.

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.

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.

Our Gayle chorus students, under the direction of Mr. Howard, gave two wonderful evenings of music on Thursday, November 6, and Friday, November 7. Their hard work, passion, and professionalism were evident in every performance. Thank you to Mr. Howard and to the families who came to support our students. Moments like these show how important the arts are to our school community.

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

Paige A.

Justin W.

Kelsey M.

7th Grade

Mohammad R.

Kinsley E.

Ainsley M.

8th Grade

Abygail G.

Rylin M.

Kelianyse DJD

We are excited to partner once again with the health department to offer voluntary school-based vaccination clinics for eligible students. More details and consent forms will be shared with families as the event approaches.

Important Information for Families:

• The most up-to-date consent forms in English, Spanish, and additional translated languages will be provided.

• Only students with signed consent forms will be vaccinated.

• Vaccine Information Sheets (VIS) for each vaccine are available in multiple languages at the following links:

  • HPV: immunize.org/vaccines/vis/hpv

  • Meningococcal (MCV4): immunize.org/vaccines/vis/menacwy

  • Tdap: immunize.org/vaccines/vis/tdap

To ensure student safety, any change to a student’s normal dismissal plan must be requested by a parent or guardian listed in the student’s information profile. These requests must be made by email, phone call, or written note before dismissal.

For example:
If a student who normally rides the bus or is a car rider has been given permission to walk home, the front office will issue a green slip once the parent request has been received and verified. Students must have this green slip to leave campus as a walker.

Please note:

• A green slip does not allow a student to ride a different bus.

• A green slip does not allow a student to ride a bus if they are not assigned to one.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain safe and accurate dismissal procedures.

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.

Throughout the month of November, seventh-grade students will take part in the SOS Signs of Suicide program during their 1Y class. This lesson helps students recognize signs of depression, understand suicide prevention, and learn what to do if they are worried about themselves or a friend.

Students will watch age-appropriate videos, participate in a guided discussion, and complete a brief confidential screening. School counselors will follow up with any student who indicates they would like to talk with an adult.

Families who would like more information are encouraged to refer to the emails sent earlier in October about this program. If you have questions or would like to opt your student out, please contact our seventh-grade school counselor, Ms. Clemo, at clemova@staffordschools.net or 540-373-0383.

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.

We want to make families aware of two concerns that have recently increased in our building and ask for your partnership in addressing them.

Restroom and Property Misuse
There has been an uptick in discipline referrals involving intentional messes and misuse of the boys’ restrooms. While some of these incidents may seem minor, they are beginning to approach vandalism, which can carry more serious consequences if the behavior continues.

Horseplay and Personal Boundaries
We are also seeing an increase in unsafe horseplay—primarily among some 8th grade boys—that is beginning to cross personal boundaries. Behavior that makes others feel uncomfortable or unsafe is not acceptable and does not reflect our Panther PRIDE expectations.

We are addressing these matters directly with students. They have been reminded that consequences for these behaviors may include in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, Saturday school, fines for property damage, and in more serious situations, disciplinary action in coordination with outside agencies.

This information is being shared not to alarm families, but to invite your support in reinforcing respectful behavior, personal responsibility, and care for our school environment. With your partnership, we can help students make positive choices and maintain a safe, welcoming school for everyone.

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

Cash only and while supplies last. Funds raised support our athletics teams.

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 (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