Gayle Newsletter

Week 18: December 8 to December 12

Dear Gayle Families,

I hope all of our students enjoyed the first snow day of the school year that came unexpectedly on Friday, December 5. It was a wonderful surprise, and I hope it gave everyone a chance to relax and enjoy a little winter fun.

As we begin this week, we are officially two weeks away from winter break. Our last day of school before the break is Friday, December 19, which is also the final day of Quarter Two. This means students have the next two weeks to work with their teachers to complete any missing, late, or make-up assignments before grades close for the second nine weeks.

To support rest and family time, teachers will not accept work over winter break, and no new assignments will be given. We truly want both our students and our staff to enjoy the break, recharge, and spend time with their loved ones.

I also want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of attendance as we close out the semester. Attendance rates directly impact our overall school rating and play a meaningful role in student success. We recognize that the excitement of the holidays can make it tempting to start the break early, but every instructional day counts. Thank you for helping us keep students in class and learning through December 19.

We appreciate your continued partnership and all you do to support your student’s success. Gayle Middle School continues to be the Pride of Stafford because of families like yours.

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 9th, 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.

Commonwealth Governor's School (CGS) Application Support Virtual Meet

In order to provide families with comprehensive guidance on the application process and the required portfolio components, GATES (Gifted and Talented Education Services) teachers will host a virtual support session on Tuesday, December 9th 6:30PM - 7:00 PM.

Students who plan to apply to CGS and their parents are strongly encouraged to attend this virtual meet meet.google.com/nat-ujer-gdk. Please complete the linked Google Form (Google Form Link Here]) to submit questions that you would like to have answered in the meet, or reach out directly to the GATES teacher at your child’s school.

Click here to check out CGS.

Stafford Schools Specialty Center Applications open Dec 2, 2025 and close Jan 23, 2026, including CGS. ALL parts of the application are due before the application window closes.

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.

Week of December 8

6th Grade

Malik E.

Sofia N.

Laibah H.

7th Grade

Chloe H.

Adrian M.

Andrew M.

8th GRADE

Karla MP

Liam W.

Carter W.

Aanika S.

Week of December 1

6th grade

Michael C.

Jason R.

Evrin P.

7th grade

Claire D.

Cooper O.

Leonora R.

8th grade

Theodore F.

Xavier K.

Orion A.

Our KidWind Club had an exciting session on Thursday evening as students joined Mr. Sekinger to explore and create a variety of paper circuits. Their creativity and problem-solving were on full display, and the energy in the room was incredible.

Featured students include Blake A., Victor B., Tate B., Jace L., and Emma L.

We are thrilled to share that all students are approved for publication, and their photos will be posted online and highlighted in this week’s newsletter. Stay tuned for more KidWind updates as our young engineers continue to learn, build, and innovate!

Last Thursday, Gayle Middle School held its annual Spelling Bee, and our students truly shined. Every student participated in the preliminary rounds, and thirteen talented spellers advanced to the final competition. Their hard work, focus, and sportsmanship were evident throughout each round.

We are proud to announce this year’s champion, Athena Lee, who will go on to represent Gayle at the next level of competition. We also celebrate our runner up, Ilene Brown, for her outstanding performance.

Congratulations to all of our finalists for their dedication and Panther Pride. We are so proud of you!

Last week, our Beginning Band students performed their first concert under the direction of Mr. Brian Washington. The students did an outstanding job and showcased how much they have learned in a short time. We are proud of their hard work and excited for what’s ahead in their musical journey!

Congratulations to our November Educator of the Month nominees, as voted on by the Gayle student body. This month’s nominees are Matt Ballard in CTE, David Anderson in Orchestra, and Kathleen Conner in English 7.

Our students shared wonderful feedback about the positive impact each of these educators has made in their classrooms. We are proud to celebrate their dedication and Panther Pride!

Some of our students made the most of the unexpected snow day on Friday, December 5, enjoying time outside and taking in the fresh snowfall. Even our bookkeeper, Rushella Waters, and Principal Fierro-Kin joined in the fun. It was a great reminder of the joy a surprise snow day can bring to our whole school community!

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 may be made by email, phone call, or written note before dismissal.

** When calling the school, families will be asked to verify identifiable student information so we can confirm the caller’s identity.

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 hosting its annual Book Fair, and this year, it’s “Under the Sea,” and we will be swimming in great books. The fair will start with a special Student and Staff Preview Day on Friday, December 5th. The following week, the book fair will run from Monday, December 8th, through Friday, December 12th, throughout the school day. All students will be invited to attend during their English classes. We will also host a special family night on Tuesday, December 9th, before and after the band concert. We will accept cash, check, or Scholastic eWallet throughout the fair. To set up an eWallet for your student, see the link below.

https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/tbentongaylemiddleschool

Seaperch is an underwater robotics competition where students work in teams to design, build and drive robots underwater! Students were recently emailed an invitation to sign up to attend an upcoming information session to learn more about the program. Sign up today!

Beginning December 10th, Mr. Fulton will be visiting the World Geography classes to help 8th grade students make their course requests for 9th grade. He will then start meeting with students after winter break to provide individual advisement. Students accepted to Secondary Programs will automatically have their course requests adjusted to meet program requirements.

Parents and guardians may request an appointment to discuss course requests by emailing Mr. Fulton at fultonam@staffordschools.net. Families will be notified in early March of the opportunity to utilize ParentVue to review and approve course requests for the upcoming school year.

Course request forms for each high school will be shared on this newsletter at a later date.

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.

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.

• December 9, 2025 - Girls’ Basketball: Drew Middle @ Drew Middle Middle (5:00pm) (AWAY)

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: 8:50 AM – 4:20 PM (Building & Phone Lines 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