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Franklin Community,

Well that was a short opening week of the New Year!  I hope that all of our students had a restful and relaxing extended Winter Break.  We are happy to have them back!  As someone who has to work over winter break, I will say that the building is quite lonely without 800+ middle schoolers in it!

First, I wanted to correct a mistake that I made in my last newsletter.  I hit send before the winner of the door decorating contest was announced!  Congratulations to Ms. Sheldon's Falcon Time for winning the Holiday Door Decoration Contest.  Their win was based on the votes of both students and staff.  Great job to all of the students in Ms. Sheldon's class who contributed to the design and the decorating!

I also want to publicly thank our custodial team for all of the hard work that they did to get Franklin ready for students to return.  As any of us who had to shovel our own driveways this week know, it is hard work.  The area that they need to clear is massive and they had everything at school ready days ago due to their efforts.  Thank you and great job to the Franklin Custodial Team!

Lastly, academic advising season is fast approaching!  Please see the details below, organized by grade level, to learn about the events and dates that will help all of our students prepare for their classes next year.

Go Falcons!

Tom DeRusso
Principal
Franklin MS

Weekly CARE Card Raffle Winners Important Dates

January 15- Oakton HS Curriculum Night 4:30pm-6:30pm

January 20 - Martin Luther King, Jr's Birthday/Inauguration Day-School Closed

January 22 - Curriculum Night

January 28 - End of 2nd Quarter

January 29 - Teacher Workday - No School

Academic Advising

In January and February, our counselors support all students with academic advising and course requests for the 2025-2026 school year.  Keep reading below for what you can expect in the coming weeks.

 

Rising 7th Grader Information (current 6th graders):

• December 2024: Franklin MS Counselors visited elementary schools. 
• January 16 and 17, 2025: Students will visit Franklin MS on a field trip during the day to tour the building, meet staff, and get a glimpse of middle school life! 
• January 22, 2025: Students and families are invited to come to the building to hear directly from school staff about academic advising, explore electives, and take a self-guided tour. 
• February 7, 2025: Students will work with their 6th grade counselor to ensure course selections are entered into SIS StudentVUE by Friday, February 7, 2025. 
• March 2025: Families will be able to see final course selections in ParentVUE.
• June/July 2025: End of year performance verifies course selections, including Algebra 1 Honors placement and support classes for literacy and math.

For more information, including presentations, course selection sheets, and the course catalog, please see the Franklin MS Site: https://franklinms.fcps.edu/Rising7th.

 

Rising 8th Grade Information (current 7th graders):

• Franklin students will begin the academic advising and course selection process in February.  
• Students will learn about courses and programs through counselor lessons in early February through advisory and science classes. 
• The course catalog is now available, and families can explore these resources on the Franklin MS Site: https://franklinms.fcps.edu/Rising8th.

Rising 9th Grade Information (current 8th graders):

• Early January: High school counselors visit to review the course selection process and share about life in high school (rescheduled due to cancellations; stay tuned for date).
• January 14 (Chantilly) and January 15 (Oakton): Curriculum Night and Electives Fair. See websites linked above for more information. 
• January 15-24: Students creating a 4-year plan for high school and entering course selections into SIS StudentVUE through Advisory.
• January 24: Initial Course Selections DUE in StudentVUE/SIS
• January 27-February 7: FMS Counselors Conference 1:1 with students to review and confirm course selections in SIS.
• February 7: Final course selection is due in SIS StudentVUE. After this date, any additional requests should be emailed directly to your student’s counselor and are not guaranteed. 
• More information and links to other resources are available now at https://franklinms.fcps.edu/Rising9th.

As your student navigates these processes and events, our counselors are here to support. Please reach out to your student’s counselor with any questions or concerns.

Save the Date: Academy Open Houses Begin in January!

FCPS high school academies will hold open houses for interested students beginning in January.

A high school academy is a center within a high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses to prepare students for postsecondary education and/or career fields. Students enrolling in academy elective courses will be provided with opportunities to participate in a variety of career experiences including shadowing, mentoring, or internships with local businesses.

Learn more and view the calendar of Academy Open Houses.

School Pictures are Ready

To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.com or create an account using your student's student ID number.

All families can also log on and order a FREE Digital SmileSafe card.

  Franklin Middle School PTA After-School Program Information 

More information on the After-School Program  and schedule for next week can be found on the After-School Program website and on the Parent Schoology. 

 After-School Registration Form - Please use the google link to register, even if you don't anticipate your student staying After-School. Unforeseen circumstances happen, and we want to be prepared to contact you if anything arises! Buses will run Monday-Thursday. There is programming on Fridays but there are NO Late Buses. Parent pickup only by 4:35pm..

• No After-School Program - Friday January 17 

COMING SOON!! - FRANKLIN'S GOT TALENT

Do you have a talent that you can showcase? Singing, Dancing, Comedy or some other amazing talent. Start practicing now. More Information on auditions will be announced next week. Falcons Got Talent - Thursday February 13 at 6:30pm.

Book Donations Drive

The books that are collected are going to make their way to Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS) to be given to children who need books but don’t have access to them. Books that are donated can be dropped off to the main office or have your student bring them to one of the book donation bins around the school.

Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16 at Gatehouse Administration Center. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received.  If you did not get a chance to attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, please consider participating in a virtual meeting:

• Friday, January 10, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m. 

• Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m. 

• Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m. 

• Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

• Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 
• Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

Gradebook Available Until End-of-Quarter

Based on community feedback from the first quarter closure, FCPS revisited the scheduled dates for closing the Gradebook and Report Card modules in the SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps. 

Moving forward, the app will close in alignment with the actual quarter-end dates. This change will allow students and families to view their assignments and grades until the last day of the quarter. Gradebook will be closed for the second quarter from Tuesday, January 28, 4 p.m. to Tuesday, February 4, 6 a.m.

Access Your Child’s Grades Through SIS ParentVueLearn how your ParentVUE account allows you to easily access grade reports and other helpful information about your child. 

❄️ Preparing for Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated. 

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.

National Mentoring Month

Imagine a world where young people feel empowered, encouraged, and understood. Mentors can make that world a reality by helping young people find and follow their passions, excel in school, and thrive wherever they are.Learn more about Mentoring Month.

Research has shown that young people with at least one trusted mentor are less likely to skip school, less likely to use illegal drugs or drink alcohol, and more prepared to enter college or the workforce. Yet one in three children lack a mentor.

All it takes is one person to serve as a trusted adult to help change a young person’s path in life. Mentors provide attention, support, and enrichment, and help connect their mentees to resources that may help them on their journey in life.

The FCPS MentorWorks program matches mentors with students in schools near where they live or work. They meet for at least 30 minutes a week. Learn more about how to become a mentor for an FCPS student. Contact Martha Macdonald, mentoring specialist, for additional information at [email protected].  

Yearbooks on Sale Now

Don't wait to purchase your child's yearbook! Yearbooks are available for online purchase only, and supplies are limited. Secure your copy now to ensure your child doesn't miss out on this special keepsake of memories. Visit yearbookordercenter.com and use code 5330 to order today!

Tutoring Resources for Families

Is your family looking for resources to help support your child’s academic success? FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of district employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to be hired as a tutor by parents. FRC maintains this list, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with tutors. This list is not “approved” by FCPS and is only meant as a resource.

FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

Our final goal is Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation. We are preparing our students for a future that has yet to be imagined. We must give them the skills they will need to succeed. Watch this video to see students exploring and preparing for careers through Career and Technical Experience programs. See how Goal 5 is being put into practice.

 

Quick Links

• Franklin Middle School
• Attendance Information and Early Dismissal Procedures
• Technology Support for Families
• Schoology
• SIS ParentVUE Account Access
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information

3300 Lees Corner Road Chantilly, VA 20151  | Main Office: 703-904-5100
Attendance: 703-904-5151 | Web | Facebook | Instagram

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Students and staff participate in spirit week. We also had a door decorating challenge!

Franklin Community,

As you can see by the collage, it was a fun last week before Winter Break here at Franklin!  We had great participation in our Spirit Week with students showing off their ugliest sweaters, crazy hats, and sparkly New Years outfits.  We also had our door decorating contest with some amazing work done by students during their Falcon Times.  It was fun to walk the halls earlier this week and see all of the teamwork and enthusiasm students had while designing and decorating.  Congratulations to __________ Falcon Time class for winning the contest!

On Monday we turned the tables on our CARE Matrix, with many teachers receiving CARE Cards from their students.  In addition to recognizing their teachers for bring Connected, Accountable, Respectful, or Empathetic, students were also able to write a personalized note to their teachers on the card.  I'd like to thank the almost 350 students who gave a CARE Card to one of their teachers, they greatly appreciate the recognition and positive messages!

We capped off the week today with our Winter Concert.  Our Band, Orchestra, and Chorus students performed two concerts, one for each grade level, during Falcon Time today.  It was a great way to send us into Winter Break with some good entertainment and school spirit!

Yesterday, we were treated to a staff breakfast by the PTA.  Thank you to the PTA for thinking of us at this time of year.  The breakfast was perfectly timed!

Our main office will be closed over Winter Break.  Wishing all students a great vacation and we'll see everyone back in school on Monday, January 6th.

Go Falcons!

Tom DeRusso
Principal
Franklin MS

Weekly CARE Card Raffle Winners Important Dates

December 23-January 5 - Winter Break - School & Offices Closed

January 7 - Rising 9th grade High School Counselors Presentation

                   (Falcon Time)

January 20 - Martin Luther King, Jr's Birthday/Inauguration Day-School Closed

January 22 - Curriculum Night

January 28 - End of 2nd Quarter

January 29 - Teacher Workday - No School

School Pictures are Ready

To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.com or create an account using your student's student ID number.

All families can also log on and order a FREE Digital SmileSafe card.

Yearbooks on Sale Now

Don't wait to purchase your child's yearbook! Yearbooks are available for online purchase only, and supplies are limited. Secure your copy now to ensure your child doesn't miss out on this special keepsake of memories. Visit yearbookordercenter.com and use code 5330 to order today!

  Franklin Middle School PTA Thank You, PTA!

Thank you to the PTA and sponsors for the wonderful holiday breakfast! The faculty lounge was filled with delicious food that the staff was able to enjoy throughout the day.  Congratulations to Kristina Ragland who won a gift card through the staff raffle!

After-School Program Information 

More information on the After-School Program  and schedule for next week can be found on the After-School Program website and on the Parent Schoology. 

 After-School Registration Form - Please use the google link to register, even if you don't anticipate your student staying After-School. Unforeseen circumstances happen, and we want to be prepared to contact you if anything arises!

Buses will run Monday-Thursday. There is programming on Fridays but there are NO Late Buses. Parent pickup only by 4:35pm.

The After-School Program will resume on Monday January 6, 2025.

COMING SOON!! - FRANKLIN'S GOT TALENT

Do you have a talent that you can showcase? Singing, Dancing, Comedy or some other amazing talent. Start practicing now. Auditions will be held in January and the show will be Thursday February 13 at 6:30pm.

Book Donations Drive

The books that are collected are going to make their way to Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS) to be given to children who need books but don’t have access to them. Books that are donated can be dropped off to the main office or have your student bring them to one of the book donation bins around the school.

Course Selection Begins in January 

Beginning in January 2025, students will meet with their counselors to discuss course selection for next year. Families are encouraged to actively participate in this important process. 

As students choose courses, it is important to remind them to consider the following:

• Current academic strengths and habits.
• Graduation requirements (high school students).
• Interests and career and postsecondary goals.
• Personal well-being.
• Extracurricular activities and other commitments that may impact students’ time and energy.

School-life balance is an important consideration as students strive for academic and personal success. Families are welcome to contact their student’s school counselor with questions.

Oakton High School Curriculum Night

Oakton High School's Curriculum Night will be held on Thursday, January 9 from 4:30pm to 6:30pm.  You will have the opportunity to learn about electives and core classes.

Itinerary:

• Curriculum Fair: 4:30pm – 6:30pm
• Registration Overview Presentation: 4:30pm-5:00pm – Auditorium
• Special Education Session: 5:15pm – 5:45pm – Auditorium

Specific Department Information:

• Cafeteria:  Math, Social Studies, World Languages
• Aux Gym:  English, Science, Health & PE
• Cougar Studio:  Academy Courses, School Counselors
• Oakton Hall:  CTE, Fine Arts, Performing Arts, General Electives

Save the Date: Academy Open Houses Begin in January!

FCPS high school academies will hold open houses for interested students beginning in January.

A high school academy is a center within a high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses to prepare students for postsecondary education and/or career fields. Students enrolling in academy elective courses will be provided with opportunities to participate in a variety of career experiences including shadowing, mentoring, or internships with local businesses.

Learn more and view the calendar of Academy Open Houses.

Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16 at Gatehouse Administration Center. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received.  If you did not get a chance to attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, please consider participating in a virtual meeting:

• Friday, January 10, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m. 

• Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m. 

• Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m. 

• Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

• Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 
• Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

❄️ Preparing for Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated. 

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.

Tutoring Resources for Families

Is your family looking for resources to help support your child’s academic success? FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of district employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to be hired as a tutor by parents. FRC maintains this list, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with tutors. This list is not “approved” by FCPS and is only meant as a resource.

FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

Our final goal is Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation. We are preparing our students for a future that has yet to be imagined. We must give them the skills they will need to succeed. Watch this video to see students exploring and preparing for careers through Career and Technical Experience programs. See how Goal 5 is being put into practice.

 

Quick Links

• Franklin Middle School
• Attendance Information and Early Dismissal Procedures
• Technology Support for Families
• Schoology
• SIS ParentVUE Account Access
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information

3300 Lees Corner Road Chantilly, VA 20151  | Main Office: 703-904-5100
Attendance: 703-904-5151 | Web | Facebook | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Performance of Footloose, Gingerbread House making competition winners, Chorus Concert, and cooking French Toast in Family and Comsumer Science class.

Franklin Community,

We have another week full of performances at Franklin.  Outstanding job to our chorus students for representing Franklin well in our combined Chorus Concert with Rocky Run MS last night!  Thank you to Ms. Hatzakos for putting in the extra time with our students to prepare them for the concert.  We were even treated to a performance by our students yesterday in the main office as they were getting ready for their show!

In addition to chorus, we have another weekend of performances of Footloose coming up.  I will be at the show tonight and I can't wait to see it after the great reviews that I have heard from staff and students that have already attended.  If you can't make it to the show tonight, there are two shows on Saturday.  See the full schedule below!

Next week is our last week before Winter Break and we are doing the "Wonderful Winter" Spirit week.  Thanks to Ms. Bridenbaugh and our Leadership Class for determining the themes, making flyers to spread the word, and of course participating next week!  Encourage your student to show their school spirit and represent the themes on the flyer below!

Lastly, we are including our Outstanding Employee winners again this week.  If you would like to contribute to the packet for any of our outstanding employees, please use the link below.  These anecdotes help us write a strong packet and may help our staff become the pyramid, region, or district-wide award winners.  Thank you for your input!

Go Falcons!

Tom DeRusso
Principal
Franklin MS

Outstanding Employee Awards

 

Please join us in congratulating the following FMS Outstanding Employee winners:

Outstanding Teacher – Christie Meshanko

Outstanding New Teacher – Ryan Spivey

Outstanding Professional Employee – Chris Tippins

Outstanding Operational Employee – Cynthia Davenport

Outstanding Leader – Sarah Burrowbridge

These winners will advance to be considered for the Chantilly Pyramid Outstanding Employee Awards.  Please consider submitting your thoughts via the link below as to how each awardee has positively impacted the Franklin community and is deserving of this recognition.

Contribute to a strong nomination packet by submitting a few examples of their outstanding work here.

Weekly CARE Card Raffle Winners Important Dates

December 13-14 - Fall Musical - Footloose

                                      Dec 13 - 7pm

                                      Dec 14 - 2pm & 7pm

December 16-20 - School Spirit Week

December 23-January 6 - Winter Break - School & Offices Closed

School Pictures are Ready

To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.com or create an account using your student's student ID number.

All families can also log on and order a FREE Digital SmileSafe card.

Yearbooks on Sale Now

Don't wait to purchase your child's yearbook! Yearbooks are available for online purchase only, and supplies are limited. Secure your copy now to ensure your child doesn't miss out on this special keepsake of memories. Visit yearbookordercenter.com and use code 5330 to order today!

  Franklin Middle School PTA Holiday Appreciation Breakfast for Staff

The PTA is excited to provide a grab and go breakfast for the Franklin Middle School staff (consisting of approx 150 staff members) on December 19th.  We do need your help! Please see the opportunities for volunteering and donations link below to sign up! Please sign up by December 13th. For all donations be sure to deliver to the front office (labeled for "PTA Holiday Appreciation") no later than 2pm on December 18th.   Thank you for your generosity in helping to celebrate our amazing school.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080549A9A728ABF94-53625583-holiday#/

After-School Program Information 

More information on the After-School Program  and schedule for next week can be found on the After-School Program website and on the Parent Schoology. 

 After-School Registration Form - Please use the google link to register, even if you don't anticipate your student staying After-School. Unforeseen circumstances happen, and we want to be prepared to contact you if anything arises!

Buses will run Monday-Thursday. There is programming on Fridays but there are NO Late Buses. Parent pickup only by 4:35pm.

The After-School Program will meet Monday-Thursday next week (Dec. 16-19) There will be no after-school program on Friday December 20. The program will resume after the winter break!

Winter Spirit Week - December 16-20

COMING SOON!! - FRANKLIN'S GOT TALENT

Do you have a talent that you can showcase? Singing, Dancing, Comedy or some other amazing talent. Start practicing now. Auditions will be held in January and the show will be Thursday February 13 at 6:30pm.

Book Donations Drive

The books that are collected are going to make their way to Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS) to be given to children who need books but don’t have access to them. Books that are donated can be dropped off to the main office or have your student bring them to one of the book donation bins around the school.

Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15, 2024

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to Janet Schiavone at [email protected] no later than December 15, 2024. 

The window for families to submit a referral for Full-Time AAP services is the first day of school through December 15, annually.  Forms for Full-Time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted. 

Submitting a referral form for Full-Time AAP will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Our school will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of six trained professionals from various schools and roles will review the portfolio materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time placement.  Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of the portfolio that was submitted after they have been turned in for central selection by emailing <<fill in the name and email address of the AART>>. 

Referrals for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP are screened at the local school. If you miss this deadline, your student can still be screened for Subject-Specific AAP or Part-Time AAP for the remainder of the year and submit a referral for Full-Time AAP next fall. 

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.

Federal Impact Aid Survey 

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, we will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE? 

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey. 

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

Course Selection Begins in January 

Beginning in January 2025, students will meet with their counselors to discuss course selection for next year. Families are encouraged to actively participate in this important process. 

As students choose courses, it is important to remind them to consider the following:

• Current academic strengths and habits.
• Graduation requirements (high school students).
• Interests and career and postsecondary goals.
• Personal well-being.
• Extracurricular activities and other commitments that may impact students’ time and energy.

School-life balance is an important consideration as students strive for academic and personal success. Families are welcome to contact their student’s school counselor with questions.

Oakton High School Curriculum Night

Oakton High School's Curriculum Night will be held on Thursday, January 9 from 4:30pm to 6:30pm.  You will have the opportunity to learn about electives and core classes.

Itinerary:

• Curriculum Fair: 4:30pm – 6:30pm
• Registration Overview Presentation: 4:30pm-5:00pm – Auditorium
• Special Education Session: 5:15pm – 5:45pm – Auditorium

Specific Department Information:

• Cafeteria:  Math, Social Studies, World Languages
• Aux Gym:  English, Science, Health & PE
• Cougar Studio:  Academy Courses, School Counselors
• Oakton Hall:  CTE, Fine Arts, Performing Arts, General Electives

Save the Date: Academy Open Houses Begin in January!

FCPS high school academies will hold open houses for interested students beginning in January.

A high school academy is a center within a high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses to prepare students for postsecondary education and/or career fields. Students enrolling in academy elective courses will be provided with opportunities to participate in a variety of career experiences including shadowing, mentoring, or internships with local businesses.

Learn more and view the calendar of Academy Open Houses.

Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results

One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is through the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. In October, students in grades 3-12 took this screener, which gives information about their skills such as achieving goals, handling emotions, building relationships with adults and peers, and making good choices. 

The screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create learning, experiences, and environments for students to succeed.

Families are able to view student SEL Screener results in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail.

Learn more about the screener on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For help understanding your child’s results or ideas to support them at home, review the Family Guide or contact your child’s school. 

Register for ParentVUE

Learn how to activate your ParentVUE account, so you can easily access your child’s results and other helpful information.

❄️ Preparing for Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated. 

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.

Tutoring Resources for Families

Is your family looking for resources to help support your child’s academic success? FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of district employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to be hired as a tutor by parents. FRC maintains this list, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with tutors. This list is not “approved” by FCPS and is only meant as a resource.

FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

Our final goal is Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation. We are preparing our students for a future that has yet to be imagined. We must give them the skills they will need to succeed. Watch this video to see students exploring and preparing for careers through Career and Technical Experience programs. See how Goal 5 is being put into practice.

 

Quick Links

• Franklin Middle School
• Attendance Information and Early Dismissal Procedures
• Technology Support for Families
• Schoology
• SIS ParentVUE Account Access
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information

3300 Lees Corner Road Chantilly, VA 20151  | Main Office: 703-904-5100
Attendance: 703-904-5151 | Web | Facebook | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Students preparing for the Orchestra concert, an awesome performance of Footloose, cold students at recess on Monday, students weighing their cars in engineering, and the band concert.

Franklin Community,

This was an excited week back after an extended break for Thanksgiving.  First of all, it was COLD!  While we did make the decision to stay inside a couple of times this week for recess, we had some cold outdoor recess as well.  We several things into account when determining whether to go outside for recess or not including windchill and precipitation.  We will always make every effort to go outside so please make sure that your student has a warm coat in the event that they are outside in the cold!

This week we also had two concerts at Franklin!  Orchestra was on Wednesday night and Band was on Thursday night.  I was lucky to attend the Band Concert and was so impressed with our students and our band director, Mr. Hill.  I also heard amazing reviews about Ms. Mortensen's Orchestra students.  Thank you to our directors and students for putting on such a great show!

Sticking with performing arts, we are also excited for the start of our theater production, Footloose.  Our students have been working long hours of rehearsal and are ready to kick off their Sunday shoes.  If you've heard the song, you know.  Feel free to come to any of our shows this weekend or next.  Dates and times are listed below!

Lastly, we were thrilled to present our Franklin MS Outstanding Employee Awards this week.  Please see our winners listed below.  If you have had a great experience with any of the employees listed, please submit your thoughts to be used in their nomination packet as they move to the Chantilly Pyramid level.  Congratulations to all of these amazing staff members, their recognition is well-deserved!

Go Falcons!

Tom DeRusso
Principal
Franklin MS

Outstanding Employee Awards

 

Please join us in congratulating the following FMS Outstanding Employee winners:

Outstanding Teacher – Christie Meshanko

Outstanding New Teacher – Ryan Spivey

Outstanding Professional Employee – Chris Tippins

Outstanding Operational Employee – Cynthia Davenport

Outstanding Leader – Sarah Burrowbridge

These winners will advance to be considered for the Chantilly Pyramid Outstanding Employee Awards.  Please consider submitting your thoughts via the link below as to how each awardee has positively impacted the Franklin community and is deserving of this recognition.

Contribute to a strong nomination packet by submitting a few examples of their outstanding work here.

Weekly CARE Card Raffle Winners

Thursday the Band Winter Concert featured the Cadet Band, Concert Band and Symphonic Band with 153 members, the largest band Franklin Middle has had in ten years. A big thanks to all of the families who help make this possible, the amazing students for their performance, and to Mr. Hill for his awesome conducting.

Franklin Middle School Drama presents Footloose starting tonight with shows at 7PM today, 7pm on Saturday, and shows next Friday and Saturday as well! Here’s an awesome premier photo! A huge shout out to all of the families for support, the students for their dedication and passion onstage and behind, and Ms. Lockrem for producing this great show!

Franklin’s Orchestra performed this week and it was a great success. A big shout out to all of the dedicated students, the supportive families, and Ms. Mortensen for an amazing concert experience.

Our amazing English teacher Alison Baker was recognized as a Lexia Leader in FCPS this past week. She strives hard to help students learn and make growth."

Important Dates

December 6-7, 13-14 - Fall Musical - Footloose

                                      Dec 6, 7, 13 - 7pm

                                      Dec 14 - 2pm & 7pm

December 9-13 - Book Fair 

                            Dec 12 - Evening Hours - 5pm-7pm

December 12 - Chorus Concert - 7:00pm @ Rocky Run MS

December 23-January 6 - Winter Break - School Closed

FMS Book Fair is Next Week!

The Franklin MS Library will have a Scholastic Book Fair for students from December 9th-13th.  Family shopping time is on December 12th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the library. Students can use cash or a check written out to “Franklin Middle School”. Please use the Scholastic website if you would like to set up an ewallet for your student.  More information is available in the Schoology Library Course. Contact Sheri Ruffle if you have questions.

School Pictures are Ready

To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.com or create an account using your student's student ID number.

All families can also log on and order a FREE Digital SmileSafe card.

Yearbooks on Sale Now

Don't wait to purchase your child's yearbook! Yearbooks are available for online purchase only, and supplies are limited. Secure your copy now to ensure your child doesn't miss out on this special keepsake of memories. Visit yearbookordercenter.com and use code 5330 to order today!

  Franklin Middle School PTA Holiday Appreciation Breakfast for Staff

The PTA is excited to provide a grab and go breakfast for the Franklin Middle School staff (consisting of approx 150 staff members) on December 19th.  We do need your help! Please see the opportunities for volunteering and donations link below to sign up! Please sign up by December 13th. For all donations be sure to deliver to the front office (labeled for "PTA Holiday Appreciation") no later than 2pm on December 18th.   Thank you for your generosity in helping to celebrate our amazing school.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080549A9A728ABF94-53625583-holiday#/

After-School Program Information 

More information on the After-School Program  and schedule for next week can be found on the After-School Program website and on the Parent Schoology. 

 After-School Registration Form - Please Complete

Click the After-School Program Website Link below for more info and the schedule for next week. Buses will run Monday-Thursday. There is programming on Fridays but there are NO Late Buses. Parent pickup only by 4:35pm.

Please use the google link to register, even if you don't anticipate your student staying After-School. Unforeseen circumstances happen, and we want to be prepared to contact you if anything arises!

Parents - When picking up your student from the After-School Program, please do not use the bus loop after 4:00pm. It makes it difficult for the buses as they are entering for the dismissal of the After-School Program. Parents can use the parking lot or the Kiss and Ride.

Falcons Got Talent - Coming Soon!!

Book Donations Drive

The books that are collected are going to make their way to Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS) to be given to children who need books but don’t have access to them. Books that are donated can be dropped off to the main office or have your student bring them to one of the book donation bins around the school.

Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15, 2024

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to Janet Schiavone at [email protected] no later than December 15, 2024. 

The window for families to submit a referral for Full-Time AAP services is the first day of school through December 15, annually.  Forms for Full-Time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted. 

Submitting a referral form for Full-Time AAP will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Our school will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of six trained professionals from various schools and roles will review the portfolio materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time placement.  Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of the portfolio that was submitted after they have been turned in for central selection by emailing <<fill in the name and email address of the AART>>. 

Referrals for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP are screened at the local school. If you miss this deadline, your student can still be screened for Subject-Specific AAP or Part-Time AAP for the remainder of the year and submit a referral for Full-Time AAP next fall. 

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.

• ⏰ Update on Potential Changes to Middle School Start Times

At Tuesday’s School Board work session, staff from Prismatic Services, Inc., presented options for adjusting start times at FCPS middle schools. As a reminder, Prismatic is charged with developing an action plan to help the School Board reach its goal of starting middle school at or after 8 a.m.

The presentation includes five options for adjusting middle school start times based on the consultant’s analysis from community forums, surveys, and interviews with staff, parents, associations, and other groups. The School Board will provide next steps to the superintendent.

Watch a video of the work session. Visit the Middle School Start Times webpage for more information on the project.

Federal Impact Aid Survey 

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, we will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE? 

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey. 

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

Student Feedback Opportunity for FCPS Cell Phone Policy and SR&R

 

FCPS is working with K12 Insight to host a community forum for families, staff members, and students to provide feedback on the school division’s cell phone policies and practices, and the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document. FCPS is looking for more student participants (grades 3-12) to help ensure diverse perspectives from our community.

The community forum will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 6:30-8 p.m., at the Willow Oaks Administrative Center. If your student is interested in providing feedback, please visit the Cell Phone Policy Forum registration page to learn more. Families must register their child by Monday, November 25.

Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results

One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is through the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. In October, students in grades 3-12 took this screener, which gives information about their skills such as achieving goals, handling emotions, building relationships with adults and peers, and making good choices. 

The screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create learning, experiences, and environments for students to succeed.

Families are able to view student SEL Screener results in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail.

Learn more about the screener on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For help understanding your child’s results or ideas to support them at home, review the Family Guide or contact your child’s school. 

Register for ParentVUE

Learn how to activate your ParentVUE account, so you can easily access your child’s results and other helpful information.

❄️ Preparing for Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated. 

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.

Tutoring Resources for Families

Is your family looking for resources to help support your child’s academic success? FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of district employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to be hired as a tutor by parents. FRC maintains this list, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with tutors. This list is not “approved” by FCPS and is only meant as a resource.

FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

Our final goal is Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation. We are preparing our students for a future that has yet to be imagined. We must give them the skills they will need to succeed. Watch this video to see students exploring and preparing for careers through Career and Technical Experience programs. See how Goal 5 is being put into practice.

 

Quick Links

• Franklin Middle School
• Attendance Information and Early Dismissal Procedures
• Technology Support for Families
• Schoology
• SIS ParentVUE Account Access
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information

3300 Lees Corner Road Chantilly, VA 20151  | Main Office: 703-904-5100
Attendance: 703-904-5151 | Web | Facebook | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Thankful grams, Teachers playing students in the ping pong tournament, and images from the field trip to Finance Park.

Franklin Community,

This week, we celebrated our second round of Soaring Falcons, or students of the month!  Two students of the month are chosen from each team using our CARE matrix of being Connected, Accountable, Respectful, and Empathetic as criteria for selection.  Congratulations to all of our Soaring Falcons, pictured in this newsletter, and great job showing that you CARE!

Also this week, students were able to write "Thankful-grams" to be delivered to their classmates.  Students could fill out up to three Thankful-grams and many of them did!  It was great to read some of the messages that students had to their fellow students about why they are thankful for them.  This initiative continues our work of building a positive climate and culture at Franklin.  Thank you to Student Services for giving our students this opportunity to celebrate each other!

On that note, this will be our last newsletter before the Thanksgiving holiday.  I hope that all of our students, families, and teachers have time to connect with family and friends.  Safe travels to everyone who is leaving town.

Go Falcons!

Tom DeRusso
Principal
Franklin MS

Weekly CARE Card Raffle Winners Important Dates

November 27-29 - School Closed - Thanksgiving Holiday

December 2 - Fall Picture Retakes

December 4 - Orchestra Winter Concert - 6:00pm

December 5 - Band Winter Concert - 6:00pm

School Pictures are Ready

To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.com or create an account using your student's student ID number.

All families can also log on and order a FREE Digital SmileSafe card.

Students of the Month for November. Great job!

Yearbooks on Sale Now

Don't wait to purchase your child's yearbook! Yearbooks are available for online purchase only, and supplies are limited. Secure your copy now to ensure your child doesn't miss out on this special keepsake of memories. Visit yearbookordercenter.com and use code 5330 to order today!

  Franklin Middle School PTA After-School Program Information 

 After-School Registration Form - Please Complete

Click the After-School Program Website Link below for more info and the schedule for next week. Buses will run Monday-Thursday. There is programming on Fridays but there are NO Late Buses. Parent pickup only by 4:35pm.

Please use the google link to register, even if you don't anticipate your student staying After-School. Unforeseen circumstances happen, and we want to be prepared to contact you if anything arises!

Parents - When picking up your student from the After-School Program, please do not use the bus loop after 4:00pm. It makes it difficult for the buses as they are entering for the dismissal of the After-School Program. Parents can use the parking lot or the Kiss and Ride.

More information on the After-School Program  and schedule for next week can be found on the After-School Program website and on the Parent Schoology. The After-School Program will not meet on the following days due to Thanksgiving. 

• Friday 11/22, Monday 11/25, Tuesday 11/26

The After-School Program will resume on Monday December 2.

Lost & Found

Our lost and found has grown since the start of the school year. Please remind your students to check the lost and found for  their water bottles, clothing and lunch boxes. Any items NOT claimed by November 21 will be donated to a local charity. Any questions please contact the main office.

Book Donations Drive

The books that are collected are going to make their way to Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS) to be given to children who need books but don’t have access to them. Books that are donated can be dropped off to the main office or have your student bring them to one of the book donation bins around the school.

Federal Impact Aid Survey 

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, we will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE? 

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey. 

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

Boundary Review Community Meetings Start This Month

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Monday, December 2, 6:30-8 p.m., at Westfield High School Cafeteria. 

Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available. 

If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage. 

Student Feedback Opportunity for FCPS Cell Phone Policy and SR&R

 

FCPS is working with K12 Insight to host a community forum for families, staff members, and students to provide feedback on the school division’s cell phone policies and practices, and the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document. FCPS is looking for more student participants (grades 3-12) to help ensure diverse perspectives from our community.

 

The community forum will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 6:30-8 p.m., at the Willow Oaks Administrative Center. If your student is interested in providing feedback, please visit the Cell Phone Policy Forum registration page to learn more. Families must register their child by Monday, November 25.

Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon

One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is through the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. In October, students in grades 3-12 took this screener, which gives information about their skills such as achieving goals, handling emotions, building relationships with adults and peers, and making good choices. 

The screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create learning, experiences, and environments for students to succeed.

In early December, families will be able to view student SEL Screener results in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail.

Learn more about the screener on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For help understanding your child’s results or ideas to support them at home, review the Family Guide or contact your child’s school. 

Register for ParentVUE

Learn how to activate your ParentVUE account, so you can easily access your child’s results and other helpful information.

❄️ Preparing for Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated. 

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.

National Special Education Day

National Special Education Day is recognized each year on Dec. 2 and commemorates President Gerald Ford’s signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975. We celebrate our teachers and staff who serve and support our students with special needs, as well as our families who are partners in the education and support of those students! 

WIDA Test Scores

2024 WIDA Alternate ACCESS scores are now available. Families can access score reports through SIS ParentVUE. If you do not have a ParentVUE account, your child’s score report will be provided by your school.

Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges they have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. 

National Career Development Month

By enrolling in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course or program, students learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education or entry-level employment. A core program of CTE courses is offered in every middle and high school. Based on the needs of the populations served, each school determines optional courses to be offered. Learn more about Academies and Specialized Programs. 

National Family Engagement Month

This month reminds us that families are children's first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. Strong family support is vital to student well-being and success. 

 

FCPS has many resources designed to increase engagement and partnerships with families while fostering academic success and social-emotional growth.

Additionally, every school has a family liaison who will welcome and orient families, and help them understand the school's culture, policies, procedures, and practices. They can help connect families to resources in the community. Family liaisons might also assist a family in transitioning to a new school and encourage family-school partnerships to help ensure their student's success and healthy development.

If you have questions or would like more information, ask your school office to connect you with your family liaison or visit FCPS’ website for a list of region representatives. 

Tutoring Resources for Families

Is your family looking for resources to help support your child’s academic success? FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of district employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to be hired as a tutor by parents. FRC maintains this list, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with tutors. This list is not “approved” by FCPS and is only meant as a resource.

FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.

📚 Social Studies Basal Resources Review

FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary resources used to support instruction in a given subject. Public review of the instructional materials under consideration — which is part of the process for selecting new resources — is underway. Visit the Community Review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person. 

All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.

 

Progress Reports in ParentVUE/StudentVUE

At the start of this year, you should have already verified that your contact information is correct in ParentVUE.  It is extremely important that your email address and phone numbers are correct. 

Starting in middle school, parents and guardians have access to weekly progress reports beginning September 9, 2024.  To activate Weekly Progress Reports via email, log-in to your SIS ParentVUE account, verify that you have a primary email address, and select your preferences in the “My Account” tab. For more information please visit this information page. 

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

Our final goal is Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation. We are preparing our students for a future that has yet to be imagined. We must give them the skills they will need to succeed. Watch this video to see students exploring and preparing for careers through Career and Technical Experience programs. See how Goal 5 is being put into practice.

 

Quick Links

• Franklin Middle School
• Attendance Information and Early Dismissal Procedures
• Technology Support for Families
• Schoology
• SIS ParentVUE Account Access
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information

3300 Lees Corner Road Chantilly, VA 20151  | Main Office: 703-904-5100
Attendance: 703-904-5151 | Web | Facebook | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Programming a robot in engineering, finding a choice book in language arts, controlling the ball in Lacrosse, and a room door decorate for World Kindness Day.

Franklin Community,

This week at Franklin we celebrated World Kindness Day on Wednesday.  Students learned about the World Kindness Movement during Falcon Time.  They were then given post-it notes and index cards to write a kind note to a classmate or teacher.  These notes were then given to the recipient and/or hung up on a door or wall in the hallway.

Next week, our 8th grade students will be going on the Finance Park Field Trip.  This field trip is a great opportunity for students to learn what it is really like to be an adult!  They are given a profession and salary and need to plan a personal budget to include things like childcare, car payments, housing, food, and more.  I'm sure this sounds very familiar to all of us, and it is an eye-opening experience for the students.  Every year when I ask students about the trip, many of them give me an answer about how expensive "life" really is!  8th grade parents, be sure to ask your student what they learned when they come back from their field trip, they may have a new appreciation for "adulting."

We will also be naming our Soaring Falcons for the month of October next week.  We are a little behind as I was sick earlier this week and have not been able to record the videos.  Be on the look out for our next round of outstanding Falcons that are showing they are Connected, Accountable, Respectful, and Empathetic.

Tom DeRusso
Principal
Franklin MS

Weekly CARE Card Raffle Winners Important Dates

November 15 - Report Cards Distributed

November 27-29 - School Closed - Thanksgiving Holiday

December 2 - Fall Picture Retakes

December 4 - Orchestra Winter Concert - 6:00pm

December 5 - Band Winter Concert - 6:00pm

School Pictures are Ready

To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.com or create an account using your student's student ID number.

All families can also log on and order a FREE Digital SmileSafe card.

Yearbooks on Sale Now

Don't wait to purchase your child's yearbook! Yearbooks are available for online purchase only, and supplies are limited. Secure your copy now to ensure your child doesn't miss out on this special keepsake of memories. Visit yearbookordercenter.com and use code 5330 to order today!

  Franklin Middle School PTA After-School Program Information 

 After-School Registration Form - Please Complete

Click the After-School Program Website Link below for more info and the schedule for next week. Buses will run Monday-Thursday. There is programming on Fridays but there are NO Late Buses. Parent pickup only by 4:35pm.

Please use the google link to register, even if you don't anticipate your student staying After-School. Unforeseen circumstances happen, and we want to be prepared to contact you if anything arises!

Parents - When picking up your student from the After-School Program, please do not use the bus loop after 4:00pm. It makes it difficult for the buses as they are entering for the dismissal of the After-School Program. Parents can use the parking lot or the Kiss and Ride.

More information on the After-School Program  and schedule for next week can be found on the After-School Program website and on the Parent Schoology. 

• The After-School Program will not meet on the following days due to Thanksgiving.
• Friday 11/22, Monday 11/25, Tuesday 11/26

Lost & Found

Our lost and found has grown since the start of the school year. Please remind your students to check the lost and found for their water bottles, clothing and lunch boxes. Any items NOT claimed by November 21 will be donated to a local charity. Any questions please contact the main office.

Fairfax County Youth Survey

 

Franklin Middle School will be administering the Fairfax County Youth Survey on Thursday, November 19, during 4th period Advisory to participating 8th grade students. While it is our hope that as many students as possible will participate, if you do not wish for your child to take part in the Youth Survey a Talking Points will be sent on Monday, October 28, instructing you how to go about the opt-out process. All opt-out forms will need to be submitted no later than November 8, 2024.

 

The Fairfax County Youth Survey, a collaboration between the Fairfax County School Board and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, is a comprehensive, anonymous, and voluntary survey given each year to students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12. The survey examines behaviors, experiences, and other factors that influence the health and well-being of Fairfax County's youth. The results, published each year at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/youthsurvey, identify trends and areas of need, providing a snapshot of the county's youth and serving as a barometer of the community's effectiveness in fostering healthy choices in young people.

Our Voices, Our Future: Multilingual Learners’ Day of Service

 

Our Voices, Our Future:  Multilingual Learners’ Day of Service will be offered for FCPS secondary students on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 9:00-11:30 a.m. at Edison High School.  Dr. José Luis Zelaya, keynote speaker at the Multilingual Learners’ Summit this past summer, will be returning as the featured guest for this student workshop.  Dr. Zelaya will engage and empower students with the strengths of multilingualism, as students explore leadership skills to plan for future success.  Reflective service learning practices allow students to impact their communities through advocacy, engagement, and empowerment.  All FCPS secondary students who attend will earn service learning credit for participating.  Students planning to attend should register and bring their FCPS laptop to the event.  Light refreshments and family resources will be available for parents/caregivers during the student workshop.  

📚 Social Studies Basal Resources Review

FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary resources used to support instruction in a given subject. Public review of the instructional materials under consideration — which is part of the process for selecting new resources — is underway. Visit the Community Review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person. 

All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.

Federal Impact Aid Survey 

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, we will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE? 

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey. 

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

Boundary Review Community Meetings Start This Month

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Monday, December 2, 6:30-8 p.m., at Westfield High School Cafeteria. 

Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available. 

If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage. 

WIDA Test Scores

2024 WIDA Alternate ACCESS scores are now available. Families can access score reports through SIS ParentVUE. If you do not have a ParentVUE account, your child’s score report will be provided by your school.

Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges they have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. 

National Career Development Month

By enrolling in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course or program, students learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education or entry-level employment. A core program of CTE courses is offered in every middle and high school. Based on the needs of the populations served, each school determines optional courses to be offered. Learn more about Academies and Specialized Programs. 

National Family Engagement Month

This month reminds us that families are children's first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. Strong family support is vital to student well-being and success. 

 

FCPS has many resources designed to increase engagement and partnerships with families while fostering academic success and social-emotional growth.

Additionally, every school has a family liaison who will welcome and orient families, and help them understand the school's culture, policies, procedures, and practices. They can help connect families to resources in the community. Family liaisons might also assist a family in transitioning to a new school and encourage family-school partnerships to help ensure their student's success and healthy development.

If you have questions or would like more information, ask your school office to connect you with your family liaison or visit FCPS’ website for a list of region representatives. 

Tutoring Resources for Families

Is your family looking for resources to help support your child’s academic success? FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of district employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to be hired as a tutor by parents. FRC maintains this list, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with tutors. This list is not “approved” by FCPS and is only meant as a resource.

FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.

 

Progress Reports in ParentVUE/StudentVUE

At the start of this year, you should have already verified that your contact information is correct in ParentVUE.  It is extremely important that your email address and phone numbers are correct. 

Starting in middle school, parents and guardians have access to weekly progress reports beginning September 9, 2024.  To activate Weekly Progress Reports via email, log-in to your SIS ParentVUE account, verify that you have a primary email address, and select your preferences in the “My Account” tab. For more information please visit this information page. 

Middle and High School Clinics

FCPS is partnering with the health department to host immunization clinics at middle and high schools. Clinics will take place during the school day. Students may only participate in the clinic at the school where they are enrolled. Parental/caregiver consent is required for students to receive immunizations.

Please check the Immunization Resources page for clinic locations, dates, and how to submit a consent form.

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

Our final goal is Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation. We are preparing our students for a future that has yet to be imagined. We must give them the skills they will need to succeed. Watch this video to see students exploring and preparing for careers through Career and Technical Experience programs. See how Goal 5 is being put into practice.

 

Quick Links

• Franklin Middle School
• Attendance Information and Early Dismissal Procedures
• Technology Support for Families
• Schoology
• SIS ParentVUE Account Access
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information

3300 Lees Corner Road Chantilly, VA 20151  | Main Office: 703-904-5100
Attendance: 703-904-5151 | Web | Facebook | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

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This message is from Franklin MS on behalf of the PTA

PTA Meeting Reminder

 

TODAY, WED NOV 13 2024, 7:00PM

Join us for our last PTA meeting of the calendar year.  We will go over some PTA updates, Mr. Tippins will share information on winter sports, and Principal DeRusso will give his update on what's been happening at the school as well as what's in store for the next few months.

PTA MEETING LINK (https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85375773372)

 

Thank you for your support.

FMS PTA

3300 Lees Corner Road Chantilly, VA 20151  | Main Office: 703-904-5100
Attendance: 703-904-5151 | Web | Facebook | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

This message is from Franklin MS on behalf of the PTA

Hello Franklin Families

It's a busy PTA week.  Here's the breakdown!

 

WED NOV 13 2024

Join us for our last PTA meeting of the calendar year.  We will go over some PTA updates, Mr. Tippins will share information on winter sports, and Principal DeRusso will give his update on what's been happening at the school as well as what's in store for the next few months.

PTA MEETING LINK (https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85375773372)

 

Thu Nov 14 2024

DINING DAYS_MOD PIZZA FUNDRAISER

When: 11/14/24

Where: 13061 LEE JACKSON MEMORIAL HWY, SUITE S FAIRFAX, VA 22033

Desc: Grab a bite and support your school! 

Mention Franklin Middle School in store or order online using the code, MODGIVES25, and 25% of what you spend will go back to supporting the students and staff at Franklin for events such as End of Year Celebrations, Author Visits, Student Enrichment, and more! 

 

MEMBERSHIP

Your PTS Membership makes things happen!  Whether it's $10 or $100, it all adds up and goes right back to the students and staff at Franklin.  We are about $2000 short of our goal for this year, so everything helps!  No volunteering is required but always appreciated!

 

Please consider joining here, 

Membership (https://franklinmspta.givebacks.com/store)

 

STAY UP TO DATE WITH WHAT'S GOING ON

Facebook-Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/fmsptainchantillyva)

Website-Sign up for automatic updates on the PTA website, PTA website (https://fms.ptboard.com/)

 

Thank you for your support.

FMS PTA

3300 Lees Corner Road Chantilly, VA 20151  | Main Office: 703-904-5100
Attendance: 703-904-5151 | Web | Facebook | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Students in Science class working on electric circuits, students hard at work in art, and the band practicing.

Franklin Community,

Another week, another long weekend!  Please don't forget that students have Monday, 11/11 off as a Holiday in honor of Veteran's Day.  Ms. Burrowbridge is still working on a slideshow to honor veterans of our families.  If your student would like to add a slide, please have them send Ms. Burrowbridge a message in Schoology!  We had an amazing opportunity to connect with our military families at our Blue Star Welcome Week Breakfast several weeks ago.  I want to extend another thank you to our military connected families for their service to our country and the sacrifices that they and their students make!

Next week, on Tuesday and Wednesday, we will be conducting our Signs of Suicide (SOS) program with all 7th grade students.  The program has students watch a brief video and complete a screener called the Brief Screener for Adolescent Depression.  If the screener indicates that any student may need additional support, a member of our students services team will follow up with them.  This is an evidence-based program meant to teach students about depression and reduce the number of self-reported suicide attempts.  Please see the eNotify message that was sent out on 10/10/2024 for more information, including links and information on opting out.

I hope students enjoy another long weekend!

Tom DeRusso
Principal
Franklin MS

Weekly CARE Card Raffle Winners   Important Dates

November 11 - School Closed - Veterans Day

November 27-29 - School Closed - Thanksgiving Holiday

December 2 - Fall Picture Retakes

School Pictures are Ready

To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.com or create an account using your student's student ID number.

All families can also log on and order a FREE Digital SmileSafe card.

More about the Smilesafe program here.

Yearbooks on Sale Now

Don't wait to purchase your child's yearbook! Yearbooks are available for online purchase only, and supplies are limited. Secure your copy now to ensure your child doesn't miss out on this special keepsake of memories. Visit yearbookordercenter.com and use code 5330 to order today!

  Franklin Middle School PTA DINING DAYS!  MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

 

Please come out to the MOD Pizza (located at 13061 LEE JACKSON MEMORIAL HWY, SUITE S FAIRFAX, VA 22033), any time on Thursday, November 14th.  Order in store or online using the Code MODGIVES25, and 25% of what you spend will go right back to supporting the students and staff at FMS for events such as Author Visits, Student Enrichment, and End of Year Celebrations!

 

The PTA needs your support.  Your membership funds go right back to supporting the students and teachers at Franklin Middle School.  No volunteering is required although it is appreciated.  Thank you for your support.  Please click here for membership information, https://franklinmspta.givebacks.com/store?limit=21&live=true

 

Keep in Touch with what's going on via our website, https://fms.ptboard.com/home and Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/fmsptainchantillyva

 

After-School Program Information   

After-School Registration Form - Please Complete

Click the After-School Program Website Link below for more info and the schedule for next week. Buses will run Monday-Thursday. There is programming on Fridays but there are NO Late Buses. Parent pickup only by 4:35pm.

Please use the google link to register, even if you don't anticipate your student staying After-School. Unforeseen circumstances happen, and we want to be prepared to contact you if anything arises!

Parents - When picking up your student from the After-School Program, please do not use the bus loop after 4:00pm. It makes it difficult for the buses as they are entering for the dismissal of the After-School Program. Parents can use the parking lot or the Kiss and Ride.

More information on the After-School Program  and schedule for next week can be found on the After-School Program website and on the Parent Schoology. 

• Friday November 8th - No After-School Program

 

After-School Ping Pong Tournament

Students that are interested in participating in the Fall Franklin Ping Pong Tournament should sign up below. Brackets will be based on the number of entrants into the tournament and will be a random draw. Matches will be a best 2 out 3 games. Matches will be on Tuesdays & Thursdays starting November 19/21. Tournament Registration closes Wednesday November 13. Any questions see Mr. Tippins

Students can scan the QR Code below or register by completing the Ping Pong Tournament Registration.

Lost & Found

Our lost and found has grown since the start of the school year. Please remind your students to check the lost and found for their water bottles, clothing and lunch boxes. Any items NOT claimed by November 21 will be donated to a local charity. Any questions please contact the main office.

Fairfax County Youth Survey

 

Franklin Middle School will be administering the Fairfax County Youth Survey on Thursday, November 19, during 4th period Advisory to participating 8th grade students. While it is our hope that as many students as possible will participate, if you do not wish for your child to take part in the Youth Survey a Talking Points will be sent on Monday, October 28, instructing you how to go about the opt-out process. All opt-out forms will need to be submitted no later than November 8, 2024.

 

The Fairfax County Youth Survey, a collaboration between the Fairfax County School Board and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, is a comprehensive, anonymous, and voluntary survey given each year to students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12. The survey examines behaviors, experiences, and other factors that influence the health and well-being of Fairfax County's youth. The results, published each year at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/youthsurvey, identify trends and areas of need, providing a snapshot of the county's youth and serving as a barometer of the community's effectiveness in fostering healthy choices in young people.

Our Voices, Our Future: Multilingual Learners’ Day of Service

 

Our Voices, Our Future:  Multilingual Learners’ Day of Service will be offered for FCPS secondary students on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 9:00-11:30 a.m. at Edison High School.  Dr. José Luis Zelaya, keynote speaker at the Multilingual Learners’ Summit this past summer, will be returning as the featured guest for this student workshop.  Dr. Zelaya will engage and empower students with the strengths of multilingualism, as students explore leadership skills to plan for future success.  Reflective service learning practices allow students to impact their communities through advocacy, engagement, and empowerment.  All FCPS secondary students who attend will earn service learning credit for participating.  Students planning to attend should register and bring their FCPS laptop to the event.  Light refreshments and family resources will be available for parents/caregivers during the student workshop.  

📚 Social Studies Basal Resources Review

FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary resources used to support instruction in a given subject. Public review of the instructional materials under consideration — which is part of the process for selecting new resources — is underway. Visit the Community Review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person. 

All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.

Federal Impact Aid Survey 

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, we will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE? 

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey. 

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

TJ Applications

• 📝 Applications Open October 21 for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

Middle school students who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply for admission to the Class of 2029 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST). 

The application will be available on the TJHSST Admissions Office webpage starting Monday, October 21, at 4 p.m. Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, with a deadline to submit the application by Friday, November 15, at 4 p.m. Visit the TJHSST registration page for more information.

Boundary Review Community Meetings Start This Month

As a reminder, FCPS has started the process of reviewing school boundaries across the division. This important work will help the district better support student population growth, changes in school capacity, and evolving community needs. Community input is vital to this process. With that in mind, FCPS, in partnership with Thru Consulting, will be hosting a series of community meetings in each of FCPS’ six regions. Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, ask questions, and learn more about the boundary review process.

Please visit FCPS’ website for meeting dates, locations, and other information. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

WIDA Test Scores

2024 WIDA Alternate ACCESS scores are now available. Families can access score reports through SIS ParentVUE. If you do not have a ParentVUE account, your child’s score report will be provided by your school.

Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges they have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. 

National Career Development Month

By enrolling in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course or program, students learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education or entry-level employment. A core program of CTE courses is offered in every middle and high school. Based on the needs of the populations served, each school determines optional courses to be offered. Learn more about Academies and Specialized Programs. 

National Family Engagement Month

This month reminds us that families are children's first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. Strong family support is vital to student well-being and success. 

 

FCPS has many resources designed to increase engagement and partnerships with families while fostering academic success and social-emotional growth.

Additionally, every school has a family liaison who will welcome and orient families, and help them understand the school's culture, policies, procedures, and practices. They can help connect families to resources in the community. Family liaisons might also assist a family in transitioning to a new school and encourage family-school partnerships to help ensure their student's success and healthy development.

If you have questions or would like more information, ask your school office to connect you with your family liaison or visit FCPS’ website for a list of region representatives. 

Tutoring Resources for Families

Is your family looking for resources to help support your child’s academic success? FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of district employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to be hired as a tutor by parents. FRC maintains this list, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with tutors. This list is not “approved” by FCPS and is only meant as a resource.

FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.

 

Progress Reports in ParentVUE/StudentVUE

At the start of this year, you should have already verified that your contact information is correct in ParentVUE.  It is extremely important that your email address and phone numbers are correct. 

Starting in middle school, parents and guardians have access to weekly progress reports beginning September 9, 2024.  To activate Weekly Progress Reports via email, log-in to your SIS ParentVUE account, verify that you have a primary email address, and select your preferences in the “My Account” tab. For more information please visit this information page. 

Middle and High School Clinics

FCPS is partnering with the health department to host immunization clinics at middle and high schools. Clinics will take place during the school day. Students may only participate in the clinic at the school where they are enrolled. Parental/caregiver consent is required for students to receive immunizations.

Please check the Immunization Resources page for clinic locations, dates, and how to submit a consent form.

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

Our final goal is Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation. We are preparing our students for a future that has yet to be imagined. We must give them the skills they will need to succeed. Watch this video to see students exploring and preparing for careers through Career and Technical Experience programs. See how Goal 5 is being put into practice.

 

Quick Links

• Franklin Middle School
• Attendance Information and Early Dismissal Procedures
• Technology Support for Families
• Schoology
• SIS ParentVUE Account Access
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information

3300 Lees Corner Road Chantilly, VA 20151  | Main Office: 703-904-5100
Attendance: 703-904-5151 | Web | Facebook | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Franklin Community,

Halloween at a middle school is always an interesting day!  Thank you to all of our students who showed their imagination and creativity with appropriate Halloween outfits.  We also had a spirited staff costume contest that many staff participated in.  I can now say from experience that a Benjamin Franklin wig complete with a bald cap is quite warm, especially on an 80 degree day!  Congratulations to our English Department for their big win as Disney Villains.  Approximately 500 students and staff voted for their favorite staff team's costume!

I also want to recognize our Cross Country athletes from this fall.  Last weekend, they participated in the Championship Meet at Liberty MS.  Both the Franklin boys and girls teams placed 12th out of 26 schools, representing every middle school in FCPS!  Additionally, we had some fantastic solo efforts with several students setting PRs and two top 10 finishes (one boy and one girl).  Great season to all of our runners and thank you to Mr. Tippins for taking on the role of Head Coach!

Veteran's Day is coming up on 11/11.  Ms. Burrowbridge sent a Schoology message to students today asking for them to contact her if they would like to honor a veteran in their life by including them in a school-wide slideshow.  If your student would like to add a slide, please have them send Ms. Burrowbridge a message in Schoology!

I hope that all of our students enjoy their 5 day weekend.  We will see them all back in school on Wednesday, November 6th!

Have a great weekend!

Tom DeRusso
Principal
Franklin MS

Weekly CARE Card Raffle Winners

Franklin Footloose Performers

  Important Dates

November 1 - School Closed - Diwali, Dia de los Muertos and All Saints Day

November 4 - School Closed - Teacher Workday

November 5 - School Closed - Election Day - Office Closed

November 11 - School Closed - Veterans Day

November 27-29 - School Closed - Thanksgiving Holiday

December 2 - Fall Picture Retakes

Election Day

Don’t forget to get out and vote on Tuesday, Nov. 5! The day will be observed as a holiday for students and a teacher work day. For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Elections webpage. See the complete school year calendar.

School Pictures are Ready

To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.com or create an account using your student's student ID number.

All families can also log on and order a FREE Digital SmileSafe card.

More about the Smilesafe program here.

Yearbooks on Sale Now

Don't wait to purchase your child's yearbook! Yearbooks are available for online purchase only, and supplies are limited. Secure your copy now to ensure your child doesn't miss out on this special keepsake of memories. Visit yearbookordercenter.com and use code 5330 to order today!

Daylight Saving Time Ends (Fall Back)

This Sunday, November 3, at 2 a.m., daylight saving time ends. Don’t forget to move your clocks back one hour! 

  Franklin Middle School PTA DINING DAYS!  MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

 

Please come out to the MOD Pizza (located at 13061 LEE JACKSON MEMORIAL HWY, SUITE S FAIRFAX, VA 22033), any time on Thursday, November 14th.  Order in store or online using the Code MODGIVES25, and 25% of what you spend will go right back to supporting the students and staff at FMS for events such as Author Visits, Student Enrichment, and End of Year Celebrations!

 

The PTA needs your support.  Your membership funds go right back to supporting the students and teachers at Franklin Middle School.  No volunteering is required although it is appreciated.  Thank you for your support.  Please click here for membership information, https://franklinmspta.givebacks.com/store?limit=21&live=true

 

Keep in Touch with what's going on via our website, https://fms.ptboard.com/home and Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/fmsptainchantillyva

 

After-School Program Information   

After-School Program Information 

 After-School Registration Form - Please Complete

Click the After-School Program Website Link below for more info and the schedule for next week. Buses will run Monday-Thursday. There is programming on Fridays but there are NO Late Buses. Parent pickup only by 4:35pm.

Please use the google link to register, even if you don't anticipate your student staying After-School. Unforeseen circumstances happen, and we want to be prepared to contact you if anything arises!

Parents - When picking up your student from the After-School Program, please do not use the bus loop after 4:00pm. It makes it difficult for the buses as they are entering for the dismissal of the After-School Program. Parents can use the parking lot or the Kiss and Ride.

More information on the After-School Program  and schedule for next week can be found on the After-School Program website and on the Parent Schoology. 

Middle School Sports - Cross Country

Thank you to all of the cross country parents this season! Thank you for the support and cheering your runners on throughout the season! Good Luck to all of the runners running this weekend in the Exhibition & Championship Races this weekend!

• October 26 - Exhibition & Championship Meets at Liberty MS-8:30AM

• Top 10 Boys & Girls will compete in FCPS Championship Meet

 

Any questions please reach out to Chris Tippins at [email protected].You can also  visit the Franklin Cross Country Website or at the FCPS MS Sports site for more information.

Fairfax County Youth Survey

 

Franklin Middle School will be administering the Fairfax County Youth Survey on Thursday, November 19, during 4th period Advisory to participating 8th grade students. While it is our hope that as many students as possible will participate, if you do not wish for your child to take part in the Youth Survey a Talking Points will be sent on Monday, October 28, instructing you how to go about the opt-out process. All opt-out forms will need to be submitted no later than November 8, 2024.

 

The Fairfax County Youth Survey, a collaboration between the Fairfax County School Board and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, is a comprehensive, anonymous, and voluntary survey given each year to students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12. The survey examines behaviors, experiences, and other factors that influence the health and well-being of Fairfax County's youth. The results, published each year at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/youthsurvey, identify trends and areas of need, providing a snapshot of the county's youth and serving as a barometer of the community's effectiveness in fostering healthy choices in young people.

Recognizing Outstanding Work at Franklin MS

We have such dedicated, hardworking staff throughout our whole building! If you’ve had an exceptional experience with an employee over your time at Franklin Middle School, please consider nominating that employee for an Outstanding Employee Award.

To submit a nomination for a Franklin Outstanding Employee, please complete the nomination through this Google Form. You may nominate up to one employee per category below:

• Outstanding Teacher (3+ years experience teaching)
• Outstanding New Teacher (less than 3 years experience teaching)
• Outstanding Leader (Administrator)
• Outstanding Professional Employee (includes SBTS, TSSpec, Counselors, Social Worker, Psychologist, Safety Specialist)
• Outstanding Operational Employee (includes Instructional Assistants, Office Assistants, Custodial Staff, Food Services, Family Liaison, Finance Tech, and hourly employees)

 

All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a few sentences or a paragraph about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in the criteria for that category.

 

Submit your nominations here.

 

The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, November 8th, 2024. If you have any questions, please contact our Director of Student Services, Danna Hailfinger at [email protected].

 

For more information about each award criteria, please see https://www.fcps.edu/careers/recognition-programs/outstanding-employee-awards

 

Our Voices, Our Future: Multilingual Learners’ Day of Service

 

Our Voices, Our Future:  Multilingual Learners’ Day of Service will be offered for FCPS secondary students on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 9:00-11:30 a.m. at Edison High School.  Dr. José Luis Zelaya, keynote speaker at the Multilingual Learners’ Summit this past summer, will be returning as the featured guest for this student workshop.  Dr. Zelaya will engage and empower students with the strengths of multilingualism, as students explore leadership skills to plan for future success.  Reflective service learning practices allow students to impact their communities through advocacy, engagement, and empowerment.  All FCPS secondary students who attend will earn service learning credit for participating.  Students planning to attend should register and bring their FCPS laptop to the event.  Light refreshments and family resources will be available for parents/caregivers during the student workshop.  

📚 Social Studies Basal Resources Review

FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary resources used to support instruction in a given subject. Public review of the instructional materials under consideration — which is part of the process for selecting new resources — is underway. Visit the Community Review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person. 

All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.

Federal Impact Aid Survey 

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, we will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE? 

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey. 

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

TJ Applications

• 📝 Applications Open October 21 for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

Middle school students who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply for admission to the Class of 2029 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST). 

The application will be available on the TJHSST Admissions Office webpage starting Monday, October 21, at 4 p.m. Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, with a deadline to submit the application by Friday, November 15, at 4 p.m. Visit the TJHSST registration page for more information.

WIDA Test Scores

2024 WIDA Alternate ACCESS scores are now available. Families can access score reports through SIS ParentVUE. If you do not have a ParentVUE account, your child’s score report will be provided by your school.

Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges they have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. 

National Career Development Month

By enrolling in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course or program, students learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education or entry-level employment. A core program of CTE courses is offered in every middle and high school. Based on the needs of the populations served, each school determines optional courses to be offered. Learn more about Academies and Specialized Programs. 

 

Progress Reports in ParentVUE/StudentVUE

At the start of this year, you should have already verified that your contact information is correct in ParentVUE.  It is extremely important that your email address and phone numbers are correct. 

Starting in middle school, parents and guardians have access to weekly progress reports beginning September 9, 2024.  To activate Weekly Progress Reports via email, log-in to your SIS ParentVUE account, verify that you have a primary email address, and select your preferences in the “My Account” tab. For more information please visit this information page. 

Middle and High School Clinics

FCPS is partnering with the health department to host immunization clinics at middle and high schools. Clinics will take place during the school day. Students may only participate in the clinic at the school where they are enrolled. Parental/caregiver consent is required for students to receive immunizations.

Please check the Immunization Resources page for clinic locations, dates, and how to submit a consent form.

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

Our final goal is Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation. We are preparing our students for a future that has yet to be imagined. We must give them the skills they will need to succeed. Watch this video to see students exploring and preparing for careers through Career and Technical Experience programs. See how Goal 5 is being put into practice.

 

Quick Links

• Franklin Middle School
• Attendance Information and Early Dismissal Procedures
• Technology Support for Families
• Schoology
• SIS ParentVUE Account Access
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information

3300 Lees Corner Road Chantilly, VA 20151  | Main Office: 703-904-5100
Attendance: 703-904-5151 | Web | Facebook | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Franklin Community,

We had an exciting week at FMS!  Wednesday, approximately 15 of our students from the Footloose cast were asked to perform at the State of Our Schools presentation put on by FCPS.  They performed in front of FCPS Executive Leadership, the FCPS School Board, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, FCPS Principals, and many other members of the community.  While I was unable to attend myself, many people I know that were in attendance contacted me to tell me how great their performance was.  Great job to our students and Ms. Lockrem for representing Franklin in such a positive way!

Trick or Treat Spirit Week was a great success this past week.  My personal favorite was "Anything but a backpack" Day.  Students were to bring their supplies to school in something other than a backpack.  Some highlights of backpack alternatives included a fishing rod, nightstand, microwave, and a toddler shopping cart.  Many students brought coolers and strollers as well!  It was also great to see students dressed up as their favorite book or movie characters and we saw many students pair up for twin day.  Thank you to all students and staff that participated and showed their school spirit!  Please see pictures in the collage above or watch this video made by Mr. Kellams to see even more spirit week fun.

Halloween is fast approaching and I wanted to include a reminder about costumes for students.  Dressing up is allowed and encouraged with a few exceptions.  Students are not to bring any sort of imitation weapon as part of their costume.  They can also not wear any costume that fully covers their face.  These are safety and security concerns.  Other than that, students just need to make sure that their costumes are school appropriate and that they don't violate the FCPS Dress Code.

Have a great weekend!

Tom DeRusso
Principal
Franklin MS

Weekly CARE Card Raffle Winners   Important Dates

October 26 - Cross Country at Liberty MS

October 31 - 2 hour early release

November 1 - School Closed - Diwali, Dia de los Muertos and All Saints Day

November 4 & 5 - School Closed - Teacher Workday

 

School Pictures are Ready

To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.com or create an account using your student's student ID number.

All families can also log on and order a FREE Digital SmileSafe card.

More about the Smilesafe program here.

Yearbooks on Sale Now

Don't wait to purchase your child's yearbook! Yearbooks are available for online purchase only, and supplies are limited. Secure your copy now to ensure your child doesn't miss out on this special keepsake of memories. Visit yearbookordercenter.com and use code 5330 to order today!

  Franklin Middle School PTA After-School Program Information   

After-School Program Information 

 After-School Registration Form - Please Complete

Click the After-School Program Website Link below for more info and the schedule for next week. Buses will run Monday-Thursday. There is programming on Fridays but there are NO Late Buses. Parent pickup only by 4:35pm.

Please use the google link to register, even if you don't anticipate your student staying After-School. Unforeseen circumstances happen, and we want to be prepared to contact you if anything arises!

Parents - When picking up your student from the After-School Program, please do not use the bus loop after 4:00pm. It makes it difficult for the buses as they are entering for the dismissal of the After-School Program. Parents can use the parking lot or the Kiss and Ride.

More information on the After-School Program  and schedule for next week can be found on the After-School Program website and on the Parent Schoology. 

Middle School Sports - Cross Country

Thank you to all of the cross country parents this season! Thank you for the support and cheering your runners on throughout the season! Good Luck to all of the runners running this weekend in the Exhibition & Championship Races this weekend!

• October 26 - Exhibition & Championship Meets at Liberty MS-8:30AM

• Top 10 Boys & Girls will compete in FCPS Championship Meet

 

Any questions please reach out to Chris Tippins at [email protected].You can also  visit the Franklin Cross Country Website or at the FCPS MS Sports site for more information.

Fairfax County Youth Survey

 

Franklin Middle School will be administering the Fairfax County Youth Survey on Thursday, November 19, during 4th period Advisory to participating 8th grade students. While it is our hope that as many students as possible will participate, if you do not wish for your child to take part in the Youth Survey a Talking Points will be sent on Monday, October 28, instructing you how to go about the opt-out process. All opt-out forms will need to be submitted no later than November 8, 2024.

 

The Fairfax County Youth Survey, a collaboration between the Fairfax County School Board and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, is a comprehensive, anonymous, and voluntary survey given each year to students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12. The survey examines behaviors, experiences, and other factors that influence the health and well-being of Fairfax County's youth. The results, published each year at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/youthsurvey, identify trends and areas of need, providing a snapshot of the county's youth and serving as a barometer of the community's effectiveness in fostering healthy choices in young people.

Recognizing Outstanding Work at Franklin MS

We have such dedicated, hardworking staff throughout our whole building! If you’ve had an exceptional experience with an employee over your time at Franklin Middle School, please consider nominating that employee for an Outstanding Employee Award.

To submit a nomination for a Franklin Outstanding Employee, please complete the nomination through this Google Form. You may nominate up to one employee per category below:

• Outstanding Teacher (3+ years experience teaching)
• Outstanding New Teacher (less than 3 years experience teaching)
• Outstanding Leader (Administrator)
• Outstanding Professional Employee (includes SBTS, TSSpec, Counselors, Social Worker, Psychologist, Safety Specialist)
• Outstanding Operational Employee (includes Instructional Assistants, Office Assistants, Custodial Staff, Food Services, Family Liaison, Finance Tech, and hourly employees)

 

All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a few sentences or a paragraph about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in the criteria for that category.

 

Submit your nominations here.

 

The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, November 8th, 2024. If you have any questions, please contact our Director of Student Services, Danna Hailfinger at [email protected].

 

For more information about each award criteria, please see https://www.fcps.edu/careers/recognition-programs/outstanding-employee-awards

 

📚 Social Studies Basal Resources Review

FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary resources used to support instruction in a given subject. Public review of the instructional materials under consideration — which is part of the process for selecting new resources — is underway. Visit the Community Review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person. 

All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.

Federal Impact Aid Survey 

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, we will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE? 

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey. 

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation! 

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions at the final community conversation this fall. It will be held Wednesday, October 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Herndon Middle School. Click the date to register. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

TJ Applications

• 📝 Applications Open October 21 for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

Middle school students who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply for admission to the Class of 2029 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST). 

The application will be available on the TJHSST Admissions Office webpage starting Monday, October 21, at 4 p.m. Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, with a deadline to submit the application by Friday, November 15, at 4 p.m. Visit the TJHSST registration page for more information.

 

Progress Reports in ParentVUE/StudentVUE

At the start of this year, you should have already verified that your contact information is correct in ParentVUE.  It is extremely important that your email address and phone numbers are correct. 

Starting in middle school, parents and guardians have access to weekly progress reports beginning September 9, 2024.  To activate Weekly Progress Reports via email, log-in to your SIS ParentVUE account, verify that you have a primary email address, and select your preferences in the “My Account” tab. For more information please visit this information page. 

 

Free Webinars for Families

In October, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host webinars for families on:

• Supporting siblings of children with disabilities.
• Helping students organize their schoolwork.
• Benchmark Advance, the new K-6 language arts curriculum.
• Ways to engage with your children in mathematics.
• Transitions from school to work and adult life for students with disabilities. 

Sign up for the FRC newsletter to learn about their latest offerings or visit their webinar webpage.

Disability History and Awareness Month

In Virginia during October, Disability History and Awareness activities provide an opportunity to create greater public awareness for individuals with disabilities, with the goal of full inclusion in our community. 

National Bullying Prevention Month

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. To help develop a common understanding of Bullying, below is the FCPS definition. 

Bullying in Students Rights and Responsibilities is defined as: “Any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma. “Bullying” includes cyberbullying. “Bullying” does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict.”

For more information on how FCPS handles a bullying situation please visit the FCPS Bullying Prevention and Intervention webpage. Our goal is to ensure all students feel safe and welcome at school. If you have questions and/or concerns about something that is going on at school, please contact the front office so that they can support you and most importantly your student.  

Safeway Immunization Clinics for All FCPS Students 

Safeway Pharmacy will be providing immunizations at Frost Middle School for all FCPS students at no cost on: 

• Monday, October 28, 3-7 p.m.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students under the age of 19 to provide consent. Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic.

Middle and High School Clinics

FCPS is partnering with the health department to host immunization clinics at middle and high schools. Clinics will take place during the school day. Students may only participate in the clinic at the school where they are enrolled. Parental/caregiver consent is required for students to receive immunizations.

Please check the Immunization Resources page for clinic locations, dates, and how to submit a consent form.

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

Our final goal is Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation. We are preparing our students for a future that has yet to be imagined. We must give them the skills they will need to succeed. Watch this video to see students exploring and preparing for careers through Career and Technical Experience programs. See how Goal 5 is being put into practice.

 

Chantilly High School Haunted House Event – Saturday, 10/26

Mark your calendar for one of our local area’s favorite fall events - the Chantilly High School Haunted House!  Along with the Haunted House, there will be games, face painting, and refreshments for sale. Proceeds benefit the Chargers Field Hockey, Girls Soccer & Girls Lacrosse programs. Tickets are $10 in advance ($15 at the door). To order your tickets, use the QR code or log on to www.CHSHauntedHouse.com

 

Quick Links

• Franklin Middle School
• Attendance Information and Early Dismissal Procedures
• Technology Support for Families
• Schoology
• SIS ParentVUE Account Access
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information

3300 Lees Corner Road Chantilly, VA 20151  | Main Office: 703-904-5100
Attendance: 703-904-5151 | Web | Facebook | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

(1) Students working on a teambuilding activity involving making a design to slow down marbles passing through tubes (2) Students programming music using a special chip in engineering class (3) The chain activity they made in Advisory related to Unity day (4) Our big win in basketball last night (5) Image of students from Unity Day on October 16th

Franklin Community,

As part of National Bullying Prevention Month, students and staff were encouraged to dress in orange on Wednesday for Unity Day.  Additionally, students received a lesson during Falcon Time about the purpose of Unity Day of bringing together youth, parents, and educators to reinforce the message that bullying in any form is not acceptable.  Students then created "Unity Chains" within their advisory classes, writing a positive message on each link of the chain.  As I said last week, please continue to have conversations with your children about being kind and empathetic to others, and show that they CARE!

Next week will mark our first official spirit week of the school year, with our "Trick or Treat Week."  The leadership class has been hard at work on a theme for each day and has done a wonderful job of marketing to their classmates.  See the flyer below and encourage your student to show their school spirit by participating in Trick or Treat Week!

Lastly, some students have already asked about Halloween costumes at school.  Dressing up is allowed and encouraged with a few exceptions.  Students are not to bring any sort of imitation weapon as part of their costume.  They can also not wear any costume that fully covers their face.  These are safety and security concerns.  Other than that, students just need to make sure that their costumes are school appropriate and that they don't violate the FCPS Dress Code.

Have a great weekend!

Tom DeRusso
Principal
Franklin MS

Weekly CARE Card Raffle Winners   Important Dates

October 19 - Cross Country at Franklin MS

October 22 - Basketball at Hughes MS

October 24 - Basketball at Franklin MS

October 26 - Cross Country at Liberty MS

October 31 - 2 hour early release

November 1 - School Closed - Diwali, Dia de los Muertos and All Saints Day

November 4 & 5 - School Closed - Teacher Workday

 

Spirit Week

Next week is Spirit Week! Show your school spirit by dressing up for each day's theme. Students must dress in school appropriate attire.

  Franklin Middle School PTA   Franklin MS PTA Support for Flu Clinic October 18

Please support a flu clinic for teachers and staff at Franklin Middle School October 18  from 7:30 AM - 2:15 PM. We are in need of snacks and help during the clinic.  Please look at the sign ups below.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4AA9A923A0FEC52-51553635-fmssupport?useFullSite=true#/

After-School Program Information   

 After-School Registration Form - Please Complete

Click the After-School Program Website Link below for more info and the schedule for next week. Buses will run Monday-Thursday. There is programming on Fridays but there are NO Late Buses. Parent pickup only by 4:35pm.

Please use the google link to register, even if you don't anticipate your student staying After-School. Unforeseen circumstances happen, and we want to be prepared to contact you if anything arises!

More information on the After-School Program  and schedule for next week can be found on the After-School Program website and on the Parent Schoology. 

Middle School Sports - Cross Country

Cross Country practice next week will be Tuesday and Thursday next week, during the first block of the After-School Program. An email will be sent to Cross Country parents with more information early next week. Please be on the lookout for this email from Chris Tippins.

 

• October 26 - Exhibition & Championship Meets at Liberty MS-8:30AM

• Top 10 Boys & Girls will compete in FCPS Championship Meet

 

Any questions please reach out to Chris Tippins at [email protected].You can also  visit the Franklin Cross Country Website or at the FCPS MS Sports site for more information.

 

Basketball Games

 

Our Franklin MS Boys & Girls Basketball teams next games will be on Tuesday at Hughes Middle School and Thursday vs Liberty at Franklin. Games are at 6pm and 7pm. Students may attend but MUST have a parent or guardian in attendance for the entirety of the games. Tickets are $5.00 at the door.

 

NEXT GAMES - OCTOBER 22 / 24

• Away vs Hughes MS 6:00pm/7:00pm
• Home vs Liberty MS 6:00pm/7:00pm 

Fall 2024 SEL Screener

Students in grades K-12 use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. These skills include achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. Students also share how successful their school and community are at making them feel valued, included, and supported. These factors are critical to positive academic, social, and emotional success.

The screener measures student skills, strengths, and needs across the following topics:

• Self-Management & Responsible Decision Making
• Social Awareness & Relationship Skills 
• Emotion Regulation
• Supportive Relationships 
• Belonging 
• Cultural Awareness & Action *grades 6-12 only
• Challenging Feelings 

Franklin MS students who were not opted out will complete the Fall Wellness Screener on October 22, 2024 during advisory. Families who wish to opt their child out may do so by completing the opt-out form in the Annual Notice packet or SIS ParentVUE. For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage or contact our front office. 

📚 Social Studies Basal Resources Review

FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary resources used to support instruction in a given subject. Public review of the instructional materials under consideration — which is part of the process for selecting new resources — is underway. Visit the Community Review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person. 

All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.

Health Information and Emergency Care Forms

Health Information and Emergency Care forms must be submitted by Monday, October 21, 2024. 

Parent/guardians with a SIS ParentVUE account may submit them electronically by using the Online Verification/Update packet.

For families without SIS ParentVue accounts, forms can be located in the Back to School packets and on the General Registration Forms page. 

Federal Impact Aid Survey is coming

The Federal Government owns property in Fairfax County, and those properties are removed from the local tax base. FCPS is eligible to apply for Federal Impact Aid funds as reimbursement for the lost tax revenue. Federally connected students are children of active-duty uniformed services personnel, children who live on federal property or in subsidized federal housing, and children whose parents are employed on eligible federal properties.   

Starting on October 21, families will have access to the Federal Impact Aid Survey in electronic format via ParentVUE. It is important to complete this survey in ParentVUE. Click HERE to create and set up a ParentVUE account. Please remember, only the enrolling parent may complete and submit the survey. Please complete the online survey by November 21, 2024

Click Here for more information on Impact Aid and a visual tutorial on how to access and complete the survey in ParentVue online.

Steps to Access the Survey in ParentVue

Step 1: Log in to SIS ParentVue

Step 2: Select the 'Online Packets' tab

Step 3: From the tiles at the bottom of the page, select the 2024-2025 Federal Impact Aid Survey'

Yearbooks on Sale Now

Don't wait to purchase your child's yearbook! Yearbooks are available for online purchase only, and supplies are limited. Secure your copy now to ensure your child doesn't miss out on this special keepsake of memories. Visit yearbookordercenter.com and use code 5330 to order today!

 

Progress Reports in ParentVUE/StudentVUE

At the start of this year, you should have already verified that your contact information is correct in ParentVUE.  It is extremely important that your email address and phone numbers are correct. 

Starting in middle school, parents and guardians have access to weekly progress reports beginning September 9, 2024.  To activate Weekly Progress Reports via email, log-in to your SIS ParentVUE account, verify that you have a primary email address, and select your preferences in the “My Account” tab. For more information please visit this information page. 

 

Free Webinars for Families

In October, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host webinars for families on:

• Supporting siblings of children with disabilities.
• Helping students organize their schoolwork.
• Benchmark Advance, the new K-6 language arts curriculum.
• Ways to engage with your children in mathematics.
• Transitions from school to work and adult life for students with disabilities. 

Sign up for the FRC newsletter to learn about their latest offerings or visit their webinar webpage.

Disability History and Awareness Month

In Virginia during October, Disability History and Awareness activities provide an opportunity to create greater public awareness for individuals with disabilities, with the goal of full inclusion in our community. 

National Bullying Prevention Month

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. To help develop a common understanding of Bullying, below is the FCPS definition. 

Bullying in Students Rights and Responsibilities is defined as: “Any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma. “Bullying” includes cyberbullying. “Bullying” does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict.”

For more information on how FCPS handles a bullying situation please visit the FCPS Bullying Prevention and Intervention webpage. Our goal is to ensure all students feel safe and welcome at school. If you have questions and/or concerns about something that is going on at school, please contact the front office so that they can support you and most importantly your student.  

Safeway Immunization Clinics for All FCPS Students 

Safeway Pharmacy will be providing immunizations at Frost Middle School for all FCPS students at no cost on: 

• Monday, October 28, 3-7 p.m.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students under the age of 19 to provide consent. Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic.

Middle and High School Clinics

FCPS is partnering with the health department to host immunization clinics at middle and high schools. Clinics will take place during the school day. Students may only participate in the clinic at the school where they are enrolled. Parental/caregiver consent is required for students to receive immunizations.

Please check the Immunization Resources page for clinic locations, dates, and how to submit a consent form.

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

Our final goal is Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation. We are preparing our students for a future that has yet to be imagined. We must give them the skills they will need to succeed. Watch this video to see students exploring and preparing for careers through Career and Technical Experience programs. See how Goal 5 is being put into practice.

 

Chantilly High School Haunted House Event – Saturday, 10/26

Mark your calendar for one of our local area’s favorite fall events - the Chantilly High School Haunted House!  Along with the Haunted House, there will be games, face painting, and refreshments for sale. Proceeds benefit the Chargers Field Hockey, Girls Soccer & Girls Lacrosse programs. Tickets are $10 in advance ($15 at the door). To order your tickets, use the QR code or log on to www.CHSHauntedHouse.com

 

Quick Links

• Franklin Middle School
• Attendance Information and Early Dismissal Procedures
• Technology Support for Families
• Schoology
• SIS ParentVUE Account Access
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information

3300 Lees Corner Road Chantilly, VA 20151  | Main Office: 703-904-5100
Attendance: 703-904-5151 | Web | Facebook | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Franklin Community,

This week saw our first recognition of our Soaring Falcons.  Soaring Falcons are Students of the Month chosen by teachers for consistently exhibiting characteristics of our CARE Matrix.  Soaring Falcons have shown that they are Connected, Accountable, Respectful, and/or Empathetic through their words and actions of the first month of school.  Winners are recognized with a video shown to the school during advisory, a certificate sent home, and most importantly a photo op with our Franklin Falcon!  There are two Soaring Falcons recognized from each team every month.  Congratulations to all of our Soaring Falcons for the month of September.  Continue showing that you CARE!

October is National Bullying Prevention Month.  Unfortunately, bullying is a nationwide issue that many students experience during their time as a K-12 student at one point or another.  Here at Franklin, we will continue to take each accusation of bullying seriously and apply appropriate consequences if students are not treating each other with kindness.  Please see the definition below in this newsletter of bullying and talk to your child about ensuring that they are inclusive and empathetic toward all of their classmates.

Don't forget that students have another long weekend (!!) with the student holiday for Indigenous Peoples' Day on Monday.  Staff will still be hard at work receiving equity and evidence-based literacy training!

Have a great long weekend and we will see everyone back in school on Tuesday, 10/15!

Tom DeRusso
Principal
Franklin MS

Weekly CARE Card Raffle Winners   Important Dates

October 10- Basketball Game at Katherine Johnson MS

October 14- Student Holiday - Indigenous Peoples' Day

October 17 - Basketball Game at Franklin MS

October 17-18- School Pictures

October 19 - Cross Country at Franklin MS

  Franklin Middle School PTA   Franklin MS PTA Support for Flu Clinic October 18

Please support a flu clinic for teachers and staff at Franklin Middle School October 18  from 7:30 AM - 2:15 PM. We are in need of snacks and help during the clinic.  Please look at the sign ups below.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4AA9A923A0FEC52-51553635-fmssupport?useFullSite=true#/

After-School Program Information 

 

 After-School Registration Form - Please Complete

Click the After-School Program Website Link below for more info and the schedule for next week. Buses will run Monday-Thursday. There is programming on Fridays but there are NO Late Buses. Parent pickup only by 4:35pm.

Please use the google link to register, even if you don't anticipate your student staying After-School. Unforeseen circumstances happen, and we want to be prepared to contact you if anything arises!

More information on the After-School Program  and schedule for next week can be found on the After-School Program website and on the Parent Schoology. 

Middle School Sports - Cross Country

Cross Country practice next week will be Monday and Wednesday next week, during the first block of the After-School Program. An email will be sent to Cross Country parents with more information early next week. Please be on the lookout for this email from Chris Tippins.

 

• October 12 - No Cross Country Meet

• October 19 - at Franklin MS 8:30AM

 

Any questions please reach out to Chris Tippins at [email protected].You can also  visit the Franklin Cross Country Website or at the FCPS MS Sports site for more information.

 

Basketball Games

 

Our Franklin MS Boys & Girls Basketball next games will be on Thursday October 17 at Franklin vs Rocky Run. Games are at 6pm and 7pm. Students may attend but MUST have a parent or guardian in attendance for the entirety of the games. Tickets are $5.00 at the door.

 

NEXT GAMES - OCTOBER 17

• Girls vs Rocky Run at Franklin MS 6:00PM 

• Boys vs Rocky Run at Franklin MS 7:00PM

 

 

DMV Debate Virtual Program

 

Is your student interested in a free debate course hosted by officers of the TJHSST debate club?

Come to our six week debate course to get your students prepared for highschool debate! The various sessions will feature an extensive curriculum focused on Lincoln - Douglas debate that will allow them to succeed once they enter official debate circuits. This will be a five week program virtual program from 6:00pm-7:00pm starting on Wednesday October 16.

 

Use this link below to register your student.

https://forms.gle/vwrd3ck4gJJafC7f6

 

Questions email [email protected]

 

Picture Day

Picture Day is coming on Thursday, October 17 & 18! You can place your order on mylifetouch.com using your Picture Day ID: EVTK6XK4J. Order before midnight on Picture Day to get FREE shipping! Your child can also bring their completed flyer with cash or check on Picture Day.

📚 Social Studies Basal Resources Review

FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary resources used to support instruction in a given subject. Public review of the instructional materials under consideration — which is part of the process for selecting new resources — is underway. Visit the Community Review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person. 

All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.

 

Progress Reports in ParentVUE/StudentVUE

At the start of this year, you should have already verified that your contact information is correct in ParentVUE.  It is extremely important that your email address and phone numbers are correct. 

Starting in middle school, parents and guardians have access to weekly progress reports beginning September 9, 2024.  To activate Weekly Progress Reports via email, log-in to your SIS ParentVUE account, verify that you have a primary email address, and select your preferences in the “My Account” tab. For more information please visit this information page. 

 

Free Webinars for Families

In October, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host webinars for families on:

• Supporting siblings of children with disabilities.
• Helping students organize their schoolwork.
• Benchmark Advance, the new K-6 language arts curriculum.
• Ways to engage with your children in mathematics.
• Transitions from school to work and adult life for students with disabilities. 

Sign up for the FRC newsletter to learn about their latest offerings or visit their webinar webpage.

Disability History and Awareness Month

In Virginia during October, Disability History and Awareness activities provide an opportunity to create greater public awareness for individuals with disabilities, with the goal of full inclusion in our community. 

• National Bullying Prevention MonthOctober is National Bullying Prevention Month. To help develop a common understanding of Bullying, below is the FCPS definition. 

Bullying in Students Rights and Responsibilities is defined as: “Any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma. “Bullying” includes cyberbullying. “Bullying” does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict.”

For more information on how FCPS handles a bullying situation please visit the FCPS Bullying Prevention and Intervention webpage. Our goal is to ensure all students feel safe and welcome at school. If you have questions and/or concerns about something that is going on at school, please contact the front office so that they can support you and most importantly your student.  

Safeway Immunization Clinics for All FCPS Students 

Safeway Pharmacy will be providing immunizations at Frost Middle School for all FCPS students at no cost on: 

• Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Monday, October 28, 3-7 p.m.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students under the age of 19 to provide consent. Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic.

Middle and High School Clinics

FCPS is partnering with the health department to host immunization clinics at middle and high schools. Clinics will take place during the school day. Students may only participate in the clinic at the school where they are enrolled. Parental/caregiver consent is required for students to receive immunizations.

Please check the Immunization Resources page for clinic locations, dates, and how to submit a consent form.

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

Our final goal is Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation. We are preparing our students for a future that has yet to be imagined. We must give them the skills they will need to succeed. Watch this video to see students exploring and preparing for careers through Career and Technical Experience programs. See how Goal 5 is being put into practice.

 

Chantilly High School Haunted House Event – Saturday, 10/26

Mark your calendar for one of our local area’s favorite fall events - the Chantilly High School Haunted House!  Along with the Haunted House, there will be games, face painting, and refreshments for sale. Proceeds benefit the Chargers Field Hockey, Girls Soccer & Girls Lacrosse programs. Tickets are $10 in advance ($15 at the door). To order your tickets, use the QR code or log on to www.CHSHauntedHouse.com

 

Quick Links

• Franklin Middle School
• Attendance Information and Early Dismissal Procedures
• Technology Support for Families
• Schoology
• SIS ParentVUE Account Access
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information

3300 Lees Corner Road Chantilly, VA 20151  | Main Office: 703-904-5100
Attendance: 703-904-5151 | Web | Facebook | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Franklin Community,

This week students in 7th grade Life Science Classes went to Cub Run Recreation Center for the MWEE (Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience) trip. Here is a video collage of their experiences there.  The recent rain actually made for a better trip, as the additional mud and water is ideal for what the students were looking for.  As a former 7th grade teacher who used to go on this trip, I can attest to the fact that it is a fantastic hands-on experience for our students.  It gives them an opportunity to look at the nature that exists around them in a way that they don't usually think to.  Thank you to Mr. Kellams, our School Based Technology Specialist and Social Media Liaison, for putting together the video collage!

I also had the opportunity to go see our Cross Country team compete at Herndon Middle School last weekend.  What a great show of sportsmanship and camaraderie by our students!  It was awesome to see how the students persevered through the challenge of a Cross Country race and rooted for their teammates.  I'm looking forward to attending more Franklin sporting events in the future!

Lastly, I hope that students are able to use this 4 day weekend as a recharge after a great start to the school year.  I know that it was good timing for our staff!  Happy New Year to those who celebrated Rosh Hashanah yesterday.  We are looking forward to seeing all of our students back on Monday!

Tom DeRusso
Principal
Franklin MS

Weekly CARE Card Raffle Winners   Important Dates

October 5- Cross Country Meet at Hayfield Secondary School

October 10- Basketball Game at Katherine Johnson MS

October 14- Student Holiday

October 17-18- School Pictures

  Franklin Middle School PTA   Franklin MS PTA Support for Flu Clinic October 18

Please support a flu clinic for teachers and staff at Franklin Middle School October 18  from 7:30 AM - 2:15 PM. We are in need of snacks and help during the clinic.  Please look at the sign ups below.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4AA9A923A0FEC52-51553635-fmssupport?useFullSite=true#/

After-School Program Information 

 

After-School Registration Form - Please Complete

Click the After-School Program Website Link below for more info and the schedule for next week. Buses will run Monday-Thursday. There is programming on Fridays but there are NO Late Buses. Parent pickup only by 4:35pm.

Please use the google link to register, even if you don't anticipate your student staying After-School. Unforeseen circumstances happen, and we want to be prepared to contact you if anything arises!

More information on the After-School Program  and schedule for next week can be found on the After-School Program website and on the Parent Schoology. 

Middle School Sports - Cross Country

Cross Country practice next week will be Monday and Wednesday next week, during the first block of the After-School Program. An email will be sent to Cross Country parents with more information early next week. Please be on the lookout for this email from Chris Tippins.

• October 5 - Cross Country Meet at Hayfield Secondary School - 10:30AM

Any questions please reach out to Chris Tippins at [email protected].You can also  visit the Franklin Cross Country Website or at the FCPS MS Sports site for more information.

Basketball Games

Our Franklin MS Boys & Girls Basketball next games will be on Thursday October 10 at Katherine Johnson MS, Games are at 6pm and 7pm. Students may attend but MUST have a parent or guardian in attendance for the entirety of the games. Tickets are $5.00 at the door.

NEXT GAMES - OCTOBER 10

• Girls at Katherine Johnson MS 6:00PM 
• Boys at Katherine Johnson MS 7:00PM

📚 Social Studies Basal Resources Review

FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary resources used to support instruction in a given subject. Public review of the instructional materials under consideration — which is part of the process for selecting new resources — is underway. Visit the Community Review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person. 

All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.

 

Progress Reports in ParentVUE/StudentVUE

At the start of this year, you should have already verified that your contact information is correct in ParentVUE.  It is extremely important that your email address and phone numbers are correct. 

Starting in middle school, parents and guardians have access to weekly progress reports beginning September 9, 2024.  To activate Weekly Progress Reports via email, log-in to your SIS ParentVUE account, verify that you have a primary email address, and select your preferences in the “My Account” tab. For more information please visit this information page. 

 

Free Webinars for Families

In October, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host webinars for families on:

• Supporting siblings of children with disabilities.
• Helping students organize their schoolwork.
• Benchmark Advance, the new K-6 language arts curriculum.
• Ways to engage with your children in mathematics.
• Transitions from school to work and adult life for students with disabilities. 

Sign up for the FRC newsletter to learn about their latest offerings or visit their webinar webpage.

Attendance Tip: Scheduling Family Trips or Events

Good attendance is an important life skill that will help students succeed in school and beyond.

When planning trips or family events, refer to the FCPS calendar and try to use weekends and school holidays. Every day of learning is one day toward success. Keep in mind that absences add up quickly. Students absent 10% of the school year (or just two days per month) are considered chronically absent.

When possible, schedule appointments for your child outside of school hours. If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or another reason, you must report the absence to their school. Most schools have an attendance link near the bottom of their homepage. If you are unsure how to report an absence, please call your school’s front office.

Watch this video with tips on understanding FCPS’ school calendar and visit our Attendance webpage for additional information. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!

Safeway Immunization Clinics for All FCPS Students 

Safeway Pharmacy will be providing immunizations at Frost Middle School for all FCPS students at no cost on: 

• Tuesday, October 8, 3-7 p.m.
• Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Monday, October 28, 3-7 p.m.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students under the age of 19 to provide consent. Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic.

Middle and High School Clinics

FCPS is partnering with the health department to host immunization clinics at middle and high schools. Clinics will take place during the school day. Students may only participate in the clinic at the school where they are enrolled. Parental/caregiver consent is required for students to receive immunizations.

Please check the Immunization Resources page for clinic locations, dates, and how to submit a consent form.

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

Our final goal is Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation. We are preparing our students for a future that has yet to be imagined. We must give them the skills they will need to succeed. Watch this video to see students exploring and preparing for careers through Career and Technical Experience programs. See how Goal 5 is being put into practice.

 

Providence Day and Back to School Celebration on Sat., Oct. 5

Join us for a day of fun, connection, and community spirit!  The inaugural Providence Day and Back to School Celebration is on Saturday, October 5, from 11 am to 3 pm at Marshall High School.  We will celebrate the vibrant and diverse community we're proud to call home and highlight local organizations and businesses while fostering stronger connections among residents and community leaders.  This free, family-friendly event is open to all Fairfax County residents and will feature interactive booths, live performances, food trucks, activities for kids, giveaways and prizes, community spotlights, and more!

RSVP TODAY: https://www.facebook.com/share/b12h6pJutavJcxX3/

 

 

Chantilly High School Haunted House Event – Saturday, 10/26

Mark your calendar for one of our local area’s favorite fall events - the Chantilly High School Haunted House!  Along with the Haunted House, there will be games, face painting, and refreshments for sale. Proceeds benefit the Chargers Field Hockey, Girls Soccer & Girls Lacrosse programs. Tickets are $10 in advance ($15 at the door). To order your tickets, use the QR code or log on to www.CHSHauntedHouse.com

 

Quick Links

• Franklin Middle School
• Attendance Information and Early Dismissal Procedures
• Technology Support for Families
• Schoology
• SIS ParentVUE Account Access
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information

3300 Lees Corner Road Chantilly, VA 20151  | Main Office: 703-904-5100
Attendance: 703-904-5151 | Web | Facebook | Instagram