Week 2 | Destination: Success- August 24-28, 2026

Posted Date: 08/23/26 (06:30 PM)

THE WILDCAT FLIGHT PLAN

Your Family Guide to the Week Ahead

August 23, 2026

Week of August 24-28 2026

WELCOME TO WEEK 2, WILDCAT FAMILIES!

Thank you for helping us get the year off to a strong start. As we move into Week 2, our students are settling into their routines, getting to know their teachers, and getting back into the rhythm of learning.

This week, we will spend some time finding out what our students already know and where they may need extra help. This information will help our teachers plan lessons and support each student.

Here’s what you need to know for the week ahead.

red, yellow and blue sign with students studying using computers.

📊 TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY: MAP TESTING

Our students will take their beginning-of-year MAP assessments this week:

Tuesday, August 25 — ELA MAP Testing

Wednesday, August 26 — Math MAP Testing

MAP is a diagnostic assessment. That simply means it helps us see what your child already knows, what they are ready to learn next, and where they may need more support.

This is not something students need to study for. We simply ask that they come to school on time, get a good night’s sleep, eat breakfast, and do their very best.

The results give our teachers important information that helps us make good decisions about instruction.

📚 THURSDAY: ELA BEGINNING-OF-YEAR ASSESSMENT

On Thursday, August 27, students will also complete a beginning-of-year assessment in their ELA classes using Savvas.

Just like MAP, this assessment helps our ELA teachers see where students are starting the year. Teachers will use the results to help plan instruction, decide what may need to be reviewed, and make sure students receive the support or challenge they need.

Again, there is nothing special students need to do to prepare. Come to school and give your best effort!

Please review and sign the PCPS Student Code of Conduct acknowledgment packet that was sent home with your student.

Signed forms must be returned with your student by Friday, August 28th.

JOIN US! OFFICIAL PTA KICKOFF MEETING

VJMS families, we want you at the table! Join us for our official PTA Kickoff Meeting to connect with other families, hear what’s happening at VJMS, share your voice, and learn how you can support our students and school community.

📅 Thursday, August 27

⏰ 6:00 PM

📍 Vernon Johns Middle School — Cafeteria

3101 Homestead Drive, Petersburg VA, 23805

yellow, red, blue sign with paws at the bottom.

🎒 PASSENGER REMINDERS: READY FOR THE SCHOOL DAY

🎒 Clear Backpacks Only

Students must carry a clear backpack throughout the school day.

💧 Clear Water Bottles

Students may bring clear plastic/refillable water bottles to stay hydrated. Stanley cups, Simply Modern cups, and similar tumblers are not permitted. We absolutely want our students to stay hydrated—we just need everyone to follow our school expectations.

👕 Dress Code

VJMS follows the PCPS Student Dress Code. Please review the image below with your child for full details about what students may and may not wear to school.

🚌 AFTER-SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION: 6TH GRADE CAMPUS TO MAIN CAMPUS

Does your 6th grade student participate in a VJMS sport or after-school program and need transportation to Main Campus?

Please complete this digital form to grant permission for your 6th-grade student to travel from 6th Grade Campus (Blandford) to the Vernon Johns Main Campus for school activities, sports, and programs via district activity bus.

By filling out this form, you will provide emergency contact information, review student behavioral expectations during transit, and submit your electronic parent/guardian consent.

Parent/guardian permission is required before a student may ride the bus.

Campus to Campus Permission Form (Blandford)

📵 DEVICE CHECK: YONDR POUCHES

All student phones and electronic devices must be secured in the student’s assigned Yondr pouch during the school day.

Students should arrive at school prepared to follow the Yondr process each day. This helps us protect instructional time and keep students focused on learning.

Please review the process below with your student before the first day.

VJMS EXPECTATIONS: PAWS FOR SUCCESS

PAWS in blue, white and read with wildcat and airport images.

At VJMS, our Wildcats PAWS for Success!

P — Practices Safety

Make choices that keep yourself and others safe.

A — Accepts Responsibility

Take responsibility for your choices, actions, and learning.

W — Willing to Work Hard

Give your best effort, even when learning gets challenging.

S — Shows Support & Respect

Treat yourself, classmates, staff, and our school community with respect.

Families, please help us reinforce these expectations at home. Success happens when school and home work together!

Gold, Blue and Red image with clouds and airplanes.

WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER!

Thank you for a great start, families!

Please continue talking with your child about school, checking ParentSquare, and reaching out when you have questions. You are an important part of our team.

Week 2 is about learning where our passengers are so we can help them get where they need to go.

Destination: SUCCESS! ✈️

One School. One Team. One Vision.

NEED HELP? CONNECT WITH YOUR GRADE-LEVEL ADMINISTRATOR

Have a question or need specific support for your student? Your VJMS administrative team is here to help! For the quickest support, please contact the administrator assigned to your student’s grade level.

6th Grade | Mrs. Marsh, Assistant Principal

📧 lamarsh@petersburg.k12.va.us

7th Grade | Mrs. Pitt, RTR Principal Apprentice

📧 chpitt@petersburg.k12.va.us

8th Grade | Mr. Harris, Assistant Principal

📧 naharris@petersburg.k12.va.us

Principal | Mrs. Green

📧 regreen@petersburg.k12.va.us

We want our families to feel supported, informed, and connected. Please don’t hesitate to reach out when you need us—we’re here to help! ❤️💙💛