Gayle Newsletter

Week 7 - September 22 to September 26

Dear Gayle Middle School Families,

Thank you for the incredible support you’ve shown. Our school-wide fundraiser is off to a strong start thanks to you! We’re grateful for the generosity and participation that continue to strengthen our community.

We also appreciate your partnership in reinforcing Chromebook care at home. Students have been responsible with their devices, and your reminders help minimize disruptions to learning.

A quick reminder: the first quarter ends on October 9. Now is a great time to check grades online and connect with teachers about any questions or opportunities to make up missing assignments so every Panther can finish strong.

Finally, a heartfelt thank-you to our wonderful PTA for their ongoing care and collaboration. With National PTA Appreciation Day on September 26, please join us in celebrating all they do for our students and staff.

Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership.

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

We are thrilled to share that our Panthers are already halfway to our $10,000 goal! So far, 54 students have helped raise funds, and participation prizes will be sent home this week as a thank-you. Families who haven’t joined in yet can still support us using the code PLMKM and the link provided in the flyer and newsletter. Every contribution makes a difference, and together we can reach our goal for Field Day and other student activities!

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.

6th Grade:

Jessen G.

Piper B

Myles L.

7th Grade:

Ben F.

London C.

Janelle R.

8th Grade

Elle T.

Abygial G.

Kaden S.

Gayle students participated in our annual bus evacuation drill this week to practice safe, efficient procedures in the event of an emergency. Drivers and staff guided students through front and rear exits, safe assembly points, and quick accountability checks. We’re proud of our students’ calm, respectful behavior and teamwork. Thank you to our Transportation partners and staff for keeping safety a top priority at Gayle.

This week, our Panthers took their learning outside of their seats and into the halls! Students engaged in collaborative, hands-on activities that brought lessons to life and encouraged teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking. We love seeing our students active, engaged, and excited to learn in new and meaningful ways.

Gayle students are invited to learn how to use the library's 3D printers by designing their own creations this year. Students can attend a lunchtime session to learn more about 3D design and printing by signing up for the class in their student email or visiting the library. Lunch sessions will begin next week.

Date: Thursday, October 9th, 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

Join us for the Pathways to College and Career Conference - a free, half-day event designed just for military-connected and DoD middle/high school students (8th–12th grade) and their parents/guardians. Experience informative workshops and participate in a resource fair that will help you plan for college, career, and life after high school. Students and parents will follow separate tracks, each packed with tips, tools, and real-world insight to support your path.

WHO: 8th-12th grade military-connected and DoD students and parents/guardians

WHERE: Crossroads Elementary School - 3315 Purvis Road | Quantico, VA 22134

HOW: To register visit link on the flyer or scan QR code on flyer.

TIME: Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. Workshops will start at 9 a.m

Free breakfast and lunch will be provided to the students and families.

Families must register by Thursday, September 25th. Space is limited.

See attached flyer for additional information about the event.

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.

• September 22, 2025 – Field Hockey & Volleyball: H.H. Poole Middle School @ T. Benton Gayle Middle School (5:00pm)

• September 24, 2025 – Football: Edward E. Drew Middle School @ T. Benton Gayle Middle School (5:00pm)

• September 25, 2025 – Field Hockey & Volleyball: Stafford Middle School @ T. Benton Gayle Middle School (5:00pm)

• October 1, 2025 – Football: Stafford Middle School @ T. Benton Gayle Middle School (5:00pm)

• October 8, 2025 – Football: H.H. Poole Middle School @ T. Benton Gayle Middle School (5:00pm)

• 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