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Franklin MS Update- 03/14/2025

GovDelivery2 days 12 hours ago

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Students this week explored the difference between chemical and physical changes in 8th grade science. Students in English explored a digital escape room in the library.

Franklin Community,

This week I told students about a new initiative we are starting in the leadup to our Franklin v. Rocky Run Basketball event called Falcons in Good Standing. We want every student to be able to enjoy the game, and we have certain behavior standards that students need to meet in order to be to play in or attend. Starting next week on March 17th until the basketball event on April 10th, we will be tracking the following behaviors to ensure that students are meeting expectations. Students are expected to have:

No Discipline Referrals
No Cell Phone Violations
No more than 5 unexcused tardies to class

Students who meet these expectations will be allowed to attend the basketball event. Students who have failed to meet one of these expectations will be notified prior to the games on April 10th that they will not be able to attend. Please help reinforce to your student how important it is to be Connected, Accountable, Respectful, and Empathetic at school. We hope to see all students and families out to support the Falcons on April 10th!

We also had some very important advisory activities this week, with students completing our SEL Screener on Thursday. This data helps inform how we can best support our students from a Social-Emotional perspective and drives programming that we provide through both advisory and through instructional blocks. It is also essential to support our School Improvement and Innovation Plan goals. Additionally, on Tuesday during advisory we practiced our Tornado Drill procedures at the same time as many other schools across the state did. These drills are imperative to school safety and I thank all students that took the drill seriously and practiced our protocols.

We were also able to celebrate our Students of the Month for January and February this week. These students are selected by their teachers for showing the CARE traits consistently in their classrooms and beyond. Congratulations to all of our winners, keep up the great work!

Have a great weekend, and go Falcons!

Tom DeRusso
Principal
Franklin MS

Important Dates

March 17 - St. Patrick's Day

March 19 - Integrated Reading & Writing SOL (8th grade only)

March 28 - Chantilly Pyramid Art Show - 6pm-8pm

March 28 - End of 3rd Quarter

March 31 - Eid al-Fitr Holiday - No School

April 1 - Teacher Workday - Student Holiday

April 7-11 - Stress Less, Laugh More Week

April 10 - Franklin vs Rocky Run Basketball Game - Chantilly HS - 5pm-8pm

April 11 - Last day to purchase a yearbook

April 14-18 - Spring Break

Stress Less, Laugh More Week

During the week of April 7-11, Franklin Middle School students and staff will be celebrating Stress Less, Laugh More Week. This week is an annual event that aims to create a healthy and supportive school environment for students by ensuring we all play a role in normalizing conversations around mental health. Students and staff will learn ways to cope with stress and participate in activities that promote an inclusive and fun school community. Click here for more information about Franklin's Stress Less, Laugh More Week. We will have several games and activities that require small treats or prizes! Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up to support Stress Less, Laugh More week. Thank you! Please drop off all items to the main office by Friday, April 4th.

www.signupgenius.com

Ramadan Considerations

Happy Ramadan to our Franklin students and families who are observing this holiday. For students who are fasting or require access to a silent prayer or meditation space during the month of Ramadan, please review the following times and spaces available to students during non-instructional times:

Recess: Students who need a place to rest or pray during recess (10:25 am - 10:45 am daily) should report to the library during this block of time.
Lunches: Students who are fasting and would like a place free of food are welcome in the library during their lunch block. This quiet space will also have a dedicated area for any students who would like to pray during their lunch block as well.
After School: Immediately following dismissal, any students staying after school will have access to a silent prayer and meditation space in Room 120 (right by the cafeteria) for this purpose.

If your child has a special circumstance that requires their use of the prayer or silent meditation space outside of these non-instructional times, please connect directly with your child's counselor via email.

Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28, 2025

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has issued a new, first-time waiver allowing students fasting during the school day from February 28 to March 28, 2025, to request take-home breakfast and lunch meal kits. The Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) will provide meal kits reflecting the school menu. Meals will be kept cold and must be heated at home. Students may claim one breakfast and one lunch kit per day. If a student purchases breakfast or lunch at school, they cannot pick up a kit that day. Meal kits must be picked up by students at the end of the school day—adults cannot collect them.

Parents or guardians must submit a weekly request form via the FCPS FNS website by the deadlines:

March 17, 2025, for the week of March 24, 2025

Forms must be submitted on time to receive meal kits for the following week.

Academic Advising

In January and February, our counselors support all students with academic advising and course requests for the 2025-2026 school year. See below for updates by grade-level and reminders about upcoming deadlines.

Rising 7th Grade Reminders:

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:

February 28: Finalized course selections are due by 4:00 pm on Friday, February 28, 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 support classes for literacy and math.

The course catalog is now available, and families can explore these resources on the Franklin MS Site: https://franklinms.fcps.edu/Rising8th.

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 Dates: Spring Testing

Spring SOL Testing dates have been identified.

Wednesday, March 19, 2025: Integrated Reading & Writing SOL Test (8th Grade Only)
Tuesday, May 13, 2025: Reading SOL (All Students)
Friday, May 16, 2025: Science 8 SOL (8th Grade Only)
Wednesday, May 21, 2025: Math SOLs (All Students)

Please avoid any scheduled absences like appointments and trips on the dates identified to ensure students are ready and able to test on the given dates.

Retakes: The Virginia Board of Education allows elementary and middle school students who fail their spring Standards of Learning (SOL) tests by a narrow margin to retake the test before the end of the school year. Retesting is available when a student fails their first SOL attempt with a score of 375-399. (A score of 400 is considered passing for SOL tests.) Note that retests are not offered for the integrated reading/writing (IRW) component of the grade 8 SOL reading tests. A decision not to allow retesting will not impact your student’s course grade or academic record.

Parent/guardian permission is required for the school to retest any student in grades 3-8. If you believe that your student would benefit from a second opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills on the spring SOL test, submit your decision using the Parent Digital Consent application (https://www.fcps.edu/family-resources/technology/digital-resources/consent).

Yearbooks on Sale Now

Don't wait to purchase your child's yearbook! Yearbooks are available for online purchase only through April 11. Secure your copy now to ensure your child doesn't miss out on this special keepsake of memories. There will be no in-person yearbook sales! Visit yearbookordercenter.com and use code 5330 to order today!

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..

MS Sports - Spring Track

FCPS again will offer Spring Track as part of the MS Sports Program. Track is open to all students. The Spring Track season will begin on April 2 and there will be five meets from the end of April through the end of May on Saturdays.

There will be a Track & Field Meeting on Thursday March 20 during the first block of the After-School Program. All students that plan on participating in track should attend and bring any forms to this meeting.

MS Athletes will need the following to participate in Track for the Spring.

FCPS Middle School Sports Physical (Dated after May 1, 2024)
Emergency Care Card
MS Sports Registration (All students participating must complete this registration for the spring)

Students that have already turned in a physical for the Cross Country Season do not need to turn in another physical. All other information will be needed to participate in Spring Track. Any questions please reach out to Chris Tippins at [email protected] can also visit the Franklin Cross Country/ Track Website or at the FCPS MS Sports site for more information.

DMV Debate

DMV Debate will again host a virtual Debate Club on Wednesday Evenings from 6pm-7pm. This will be a 6 week course and meet weekly. Students can sign up by scanning the QR Code attached or click the link below.

DMV Debate Sign Up

Questions please email [email protected].

The Battle for Route 50

The Annual Franklin vs Rocky Run Basketball Games will take place on Thursday April 10 at Chantilly HS. Game times will be 5:00pm (Staff), 6:00pm (Girls) and 7:00pm (Boys). Tickets for the game will go on sale via MySchoolBucks on Monday March 24 thru April 7. Cash sales will start April 7 in all lunches and will be sold at the door.

PTA Spirit Wear-Fundraiser

The Franklin Middle School Spring Sale is underway, featuring all new designs! You'll save 20% with code: SPRING. Shop at https://1stplace.sale/97233

Dates: March 10th - April 1st - Savings: 20% sitewide

Promo Code: SPRING:

Jennifer Nielson Book Club

Rocky Run Middle School and Franklin Middle School are partnering to host Family Book Club with author Jennifer Nielsen. The evening event will be held at Rocky Run Middle School on April 9th at 7pm.

For this Family Book Club, both the student and an adult family member (parent, grandparent, aunt, etc) select the same book to read and come together on the evening of April 9th to discuss their book with other families and the author.

The featured titles for this spring's Family Book Club are:

Please use the sign-up link to register for this fun family event

post the link to the sign-up

Summer 2025 Online Campus Courses

Registration for the Summer 2025 Online Campus courses starts Friday, February 14, 2025, and ends Friday, June 6, 2025. Courses are open to middle and high school students who meet prerequisites.

Courses may be cancelled if they are under-enrolled. If a course is cancelled, students will be notified using the registration contact information and a full refund will be given.

Please note that students wishing to enroll in a summer course must enroll and notify their counselor by March 7,2025 in order to ensure a seat in the desired course (s) for 25-26 school year.

🚀 Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun

Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.

We’ve got an engaging summer planned for your students!

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) office will offer two enrichment camps this summer - Tech Adventure Camp and CTE Summer Academy. For details on the activities we have planned, please read below.

All information can be found on our webpages! For Tech Adventure Camp go to bit.ly/FCPS_TAC. For CTE Summer Academy go to bit.ly/FCPS_CSA.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR ALL OUR ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS! Click here to register!

READY TO REGISTER? GO ONLINE NOW!

Tech Adventure Camp | CTE Summer Academy

Health Reminders

Flu season is here, and we all want to keep our students healthy and safe. Please remind your child to practice good hygiene, such as washing their hands frequently and covering their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

If your child is feeling unwell, especially with flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, sore throat or body aches, we ask that you to keep them at home to rest and recover and be fever free for 24 hours without medication, before returning to school. This helps prevent the spread of illness to others.

Thank you for your support in keeping our school community healthy. If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to reach out to our clinic.

Breaking Down the Budget: Investing in Our Classrooms

FCPS Budget — Our Students Deserve the BestMore than $240 million of FCPS’ Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Advertised Budget is dedicated to increasing compensation for our teachers and staff to stay competitive and reduce turnover. Currently, FCPS ranks fifth out of eight neighboring districts in regards to starting salary for teachers with a master’s degree.

Our families expect — and our students deserve — the best teachers.

Next Steps in the Budget Process

The next steps in the FCPS FY 2026 Budget process include the School Board presenting the budget to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, April 22, and then the Board of Supervisors will conduct public hearings Tuesday, April 22, through Thursday, April 24. Community members can submit testimony or sign up to speak.

Franklin Middle School PTA

Please consider becoming a member, volunteering is not required but always appreciated. Member funds go right back to supporting our students and staff!

Membership

https://franklinmspta.givebacks.com/store?limit=21&live=true

Stay up to date on what’s happening by following us on Facebook and signing up for E-mail reminders via our website!

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/fmsptainchantillyva

Website

https://fms.ptboard.com/

Join Franklin Middle School PTA's RaiseRight program and earn

Join Franklin Middle School's RaiseRight program so you don't miss out on more than $1,000+ in savings toward helping and supporting our Franklin students! How? By using gift cards to pay for everyday expenses and shopping online through RaiseRight—brands automatically give up to 20% back!

Plus, with a mobile app available and instant access to your eGift card and reload purchases, you can earn with gift cards and shop online through RaiseRight anytime, anywhere.

To get started, click here: https://www.raiseright.com/enroll/S3E2VG59SEL6

National Women’s History Month

Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history.

Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations

Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!

Starting Monday, May 19, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. You can check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information by accessing SIS ParentVUE.

Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2024-25 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!

Become Unskippable: Practical Guidance for Talking With Teens About Fentanyl

Teens skip things that don't interest them, including lectures from their parents. But young people die from fentanyl overdoses in Fairfax County each year — so it's important to have short, impactful talks with your teen, whether or not you think they’re at risk.

As a parent or caregiver, you have the power to become “unskippable” and talk with your teen in a way they will listen.

See our tips for talking with your teen about fentanyl and other difficult subjects. Watch this video to learn more about becoming unskippable.

Eating Disorder Parent Information

According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA 2023), Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental and physical illnesses that can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights. In the United States, 28.8 million Americans will suffer from an eating disorder at some point in their lives. There is no single cause of an eating disorder. Rather, it is a complex combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that converge and set off an individual’s predisposed genetic vulnerability.

In collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department, FCPS has developed a web page with detailed information and resources to be provided to parents and guardians of Fairfax County Public Schools. This information may be found at Eating Disorders.

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.

Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra learning resources. 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; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

Quick Links

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

Franklin MS Update- 03/07/2025

GovDelivery1 week 2 days ago

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

Students in 8th grade science worked on ionic and covalent bonds. In 7th grade science, they examined human and frog blood, nuerons, and muscle cells. Therapy dogs visited on Thursday, and a real Falcon flew over recess on Friday.

Franklin Community,

We are officially into assessment season at Franklin. This week in PE, students ran the pacer as part of their physical fitness assessment. I keep on promising myself that I will dust off my old running shoes and show our students how to run, but I haven't made it out there yet! Our music students are also preparing for their spring assessments. Good luck to all of our musicians who are performing in their assessment concerts this weekend! Speaking of assessments, we have completed the rough draft of our Spring SOL testing schedule. Please scroll down to see when your student will be taking their tests! Remember that retakes will be available for students who score between a 375 and a 399, with 400 being considered a passing score.

This week we also welcomed the return of our therapy dogs during all lunches. Thank you to Mr. Tippins for organizing this opportunity for our students. The theater was just as packed this time as it was last time. Teddy and Finn are quickly becoming the mascots of Franklin!

On a more serious note, we have been experiencing significant issues of vandalism, graffiti, and damage in our boy's restrooms. This week, we closed many of our boy's restrooms in an effort to make supervision more manageable. We have spoken to students at our SR&R assemblies and I have made PA announcements about the importance of respecting our school, specifically the restrooms, as it has been a consistent issue recently. Please take some time at home to speak to your child as well and encourage them to come to an administrator if they see a student disrespecting our school by vandalizing the restroom. We depend on student reports to address these types of behaviors. Together, we believe we can fix this issue and respect our school!

Go Falcons!

Tom DeRusso
Principal
Franklin MS

Weekly CARE Card Raffle Winners Important Dates

March 9 - Daylight Savings Time begins

March 11 - Dining for Dollars - Bonchon - 5pm-9pm

March 12 - Band/Orchestra Concert - 6pm

March 17 - St. Patrick's Day

March 28 - Chantilly Pyramid Art Show - 6pm-8pm

March 31 - No School - Eid al-Fitr

Ramadan Considerations

Recess: Students who need a place to rest or pray during recess (10:25 am - 10:45 am daily) should report to the library during this block of time.
Lunches: Students who are fasting and would like a place free of food are welcome in the library during their lunch block. This quiet space will also have a dedicated area for any students who would like to pray during their lunch block as well.
After School: Immediately following dismissal, any students staying after school will have access to a silent prayer and meditation space in Room 120 (right by the cafeteria) for this purpose.

Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28, 2025

Parents or guardians must submit a weekly request form via the FCPS FNS website by the deadlines:

March 10, 2025, for the week of March 17, 2025
March 17, 2025, for the week of March 24, 2025

Forms must be submitted on time to receive meal kits for the following week.

Academic Advising

Rising 7th Grade Reminders:

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:

February 28: Finalized course selections are due by 4:00 pm on Friday, February 28, 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 support classes for literacy and math.

The course catalog is now available, and families can explore these resources on the Franklin MS Site: https://franklinms.fcps.edu/Rising8th.

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.

SEL Screener

The Spring Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students through Advisory during the week of March 10, 2025. Students 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. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. More information is available about the SEL Screener by accessing this link: https://www.fcps.edu/student-tests-and-assessments/student-assessment-details/social-emotional-screener

If you have any questions please reach out to our SEL Screener Lead, Kim Gallagher, or our Testing Coordinator, Kathryn Thurston.

Save the Dates: Spring Testing

Spring SOL Testing dates have been identified.

Wednesday, March 19, 2025: Integrated Reading & Writing SOL Test (8th Grade Only)
Tuesday, May 13, 2025: Reading SOL (All Students)
Friday, May 16, 2025: Science 8 SOL (8th Grade Only)
Wednesday, May 21, 2025: Math SOLs (All Students)

Please avoid any scheduled absences like appointments and trips on the dates identified to ensure students are ready and able to test on the given dates.

Stress Less, Laugh More Week

www.signupgenius.com

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.

MS Sports - Spring Track

To ensure all families have the information needed for Track and Field, we will be offering a parent/guardian an information session on Thursday, March 13 from 6:30-7:15pm via ZOOM. You can access the Zoom Link here.

MS Athletes will need the following to participate in Track for the Spring.

FCPS Middle School Sports Physical (Dated after May 1, 2024)
Emergency Care Card
MS Sports Registration (All students participating must complete this registration for the spring)

DMV Debate

DMV Debate Sign Up

Questions please email [email protected].

SAVE THE DATE - VIP CAMP at Rocky Run

This summer FCPS Middle School After-School Program and Neighborhood & Community Services present VIP SUMMER CAMP. Rocky Run MS site will serve rising 7th and 8th graders from Franklin MS, Katherine Johnson MS, Liberty MS, Rocky Run MS and Stone MS.

VIP Camp will run from July 1-31 at Rocky Run MS and transportation will be provided.

VIP Application Link will be sent out via News You Choose to Rising 7th & 8th Grade Parents. Information will also be sent out via a Schoology Message at 6:00pm on March 11.

Chantilly Ice Hockey Club

Chantilly Hockey is open to any experienced rising 9th grade that will be attending Chantilly HS. Please contact Kelly Morgan ([email protected]) if you are interested in playing this spring and/or in the fall.

Jennifer Nielson Book Club

The featured titles for this spring's Family Book Club are:

Please use the sign-up link to register for this fun family event

post the link to the sign-up

Summer 2025 Online Campus Courses

Registration for the Summer 2025 Online Campus courses starts Friday, February 14, 2025, and ends Friday, June 6, 2025. Courses are open to middle and high school students who meet prerequisites.

Courses may be cancelled if they are under-enrolled. If a course is cancelled, students will be notified using the registration contact information and a full refund will be given.

Please note that students wishing to enroll in a summer course must enroll and notify their counselor by March 7,2025 in order to ensure a seat in the desired course (s) for 25-26 school year.

🚀 Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun

Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.

Health Reminders

Thank you for your support in keeping our school community healthy. If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to reach out to our clinic.

Breaking Down the Budget: Investing in Our Classrooms

Did you know that more than 85% of FCPS’ budget stays in our classrooms? Currently, 92.5% of FCPS staff are school-based, more than neighboring school districts. We are in the middle of FCPS’ annual budget process, which includes opportunities for you to give feedback. Learn more about the proposed FCPS FY 2026 Proposed Budget and see the budget timeline.

Franklin Middle School PTA

Please consider becoming a member, volunteering is not required but always appreciated. Member funds go right back to supporting our students and staff!

Membership

https://franklinmspta.givebacks.com/store?limit=21&live=true

Stay up to date on what’s happening by following us on Facebook and signing up for E-mail reminders via our website!

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/fmsptainchantillyva

Website

https://fms.ptboard.com/

Dining For Dollars - March 11 / 5pm-9pm Join Franklin Middle School PTA's RaiseRight program and earn

Plus, with a mobile app available and instant access to your eGift card and reload purchases, you can earn with gift cards and shop online through RaiseRight anytime, anywhere.

To get started, click here: https://www.raiseright.com/enroll/S3E2VG59SEL6

National Women’s History Month

Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history.

Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations

Become Unskippable: Practical Guidance for Talking With Teens About Fentanyl

As a parent or caregiver, you have the power to become “unskippable” and talk with your teen in a way they will listen.

See our tips for talking with your teen about fentanyl and other difficult subjects. Watch this video to learn more about becoming unskippable.

Eating Disorder Parent Information

Yearbooks on Sale Now

Don't wait to purchase your child's yearbook! Yearbooks are available for online purchase only through April 11. 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!

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.

Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

Quick Links

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

Franklin MS Update- 03/03/2025

GovDelivery1 week 6 days ago

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

Students participated in a large volleyball tournament Thursday. Falcons Got Talent was a success on Thursday night! An image from our Heart Wall expressing "Be Kind". Students are pumped up about figuring out Ionic or Covalent Bonds in science class.

Franklin Community,

Last week marked some much warmer weather and the return of outdoor recess! It was the first time in weeks that students have been able to get outside and it was definitely welcomed by students and staff alike. We are all looking forward to making outdoor recess a regular occurrence again with spring on the horizon!

The highlight of our week was our talent show, Franklin's Got Talent, on Thursday night! There was a great mix of dancing, singing, gymnastics, instrumental performances, lots of shark costumes, and even some psychic powers by Mr. Anderson. Thank you to all of the students who participated and shared their talents. It is a difficult thing for a middle school student, or really anyone, to get in front of a crowd and perform the way these students did! I also wanted to thank Mr. Tippins and Ms. Lockrem for organizing the event as well as Ms. Gove, Ms. Meshanko, and Mr. Anderson for serving as our judges and host. We also had an outstanding student judge and student co-host! Great job to all involved.

Thursday also saw the return of our annual student volleyball tournament during Falcon Time. This was a fun event for our spectators as well as the students that were able to play in front of many of their peers. Thank you to the PE department for organizing the tournament and giving our students this experience.

Looking forward to another great week at Franklin. Go Falcons!

Tom DeRusso
Principal
Franklin MS

Weekly CARE Card Raffle Winners Franklin's Got Talent Winners

It was a fun evening watching our talented Falcons! Congratulations to our winners:

1st place: Emila & Griffin - Piano & Violin Duet

2nd Place: Neel - Song on Tabla

3rd Place: Eliza & Megan - Dancing Sharks

Important Dates

February 28 - Ramadan begins at sundown

March 6 - K-9 Caring Angels visit

March 9 - Daylight Savings Time begins

March 11- Dining for Dollars - Bonchon - 5pm-9pm

March 12 - Band/Orchestra Concert - 6pm

March 17 - St. Patrick's Day

March 28 - Chantilly Pyramid Art Show - 6pm-8pm

National School Social Work Week

March 2-8 is National School Social Work Week. Social workers in FCPS help to prevent social, emotional, and behavioral factors from affecting a student's ability to perform at their best. Their primary goal is to remove barriers that prevent a student from fulfilling their academic potential. Social workers are assigned to every school and center in the school system. Most social workers serve one to two sites. We are lucky to have Ms. Brunais here at Franklin. Be sure to thank Ms. Brunais for all she does when you see her in the hallway!

Ramadan Considerations

Recess: Students who need a place to rest or pray during recess (10:25 am - 10:45 am daily) should report to the library during this block of time.
Lunches: Students who are fasting and would like a place free of food are welcome in the library during their lunch block. This quiet space will also have a dedicated area for any students who would like to pray during their lunch block as well.
After School: Immediately following dismissal, any students staying after school will have access to a silent prayer and meditation space in Room 120 (right by the cafeteria) for this purpose.

Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28, 2025

Parents or guardians must submit a weekly request form via the FCPS FNS website by the deadlines:

February 24, 2025, for February 28 and the week of March 3, 2025
March 3, 2025, for the week of March 10, 2025
March 10, 2025, for the week of March 17, 2025
March 17, 2025, for the week of March 24, 2025

Forms must be submitted on time to receive meal kits for the following week.

Academic Advising

Rising 7th Grade Reminders:

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:

February 28: Finalized course selections are due by 4:00 pm on Friday, February 28, 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 support classes for literacy and math.

The course catalog is now available, and families can explore these resources on the Franklin MS Site: https://franklinms.fcps.edu/Rising8th.

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.

SEL Screener

If you have any questions please reach out to our SEL Screener Lead, Kim Gallagher, or our Testing Coordinator, Kathryn Thurston.

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.

MS Sports - Spring Track

MS Athletes will need the following to participate in Track for the Spring.

FCPS Middle School Sports Physical (Dated after May 1, 2024)
Emergency Care Card
MS Sports Registration (All students participating must complete this registration for the spring)

DMV Debate Returns

Starting next Wednesday March 5, DMV Debate will again host a virtual Debate Club on Wednesday Evenings from 6pm-7pm. This will be a 6 week course and meet weekly. Students can sign up by scanning the QR Code attached or click the link below.

DMV Debate Sign Up

Questions please email [email protected].

SAVE THE DATE - VIP CAMP at Rocky Run

VIP Camp will run from July 1-31 at Rocky Run MS and transportation will be provided.

Applications and more information coming soon!!

K-9 Caring Angels

Next Thursday, March 6 we will have the K-9 Caring Angels Organization visiting during the lunches with therapy dogs. Students will have the opportunity to sign up to visit with the therapy dogs during their lunch block in the theatre. Students will be able to sign up the morning of the visit via a google form that will be posted in Schoology until 10:25AM. The remaining visits will be the first Thursday of the month until the end of the school year. We are looking forward to the visits from K-9 Caring Angels.

Chantilly Ice Hockey Club

Jennifer Nielson Book Club

The featured titles for this spring's Family Book Club are:

Please use the sign-up link to register for this fun family event https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDz1izz5_eNLsuqAgMn9KMxh_gFnktuO4fDHrTSjX9KggDjA/viewform?usp=sharing

Summer 2025 Online Campus Courses

Registration for the Summer 2025 Online Campus courses starts Friday, February 14, 2025, and ends Friday, June 6, 2025. Courses are open to middle and high school students who meet prerequisites.

Courses may be cancelled if they are under-enrolled. If a course is cancelled, students will be notified using the registration contact information and a full refund will be given.

Please note that students wishing to enroll in a summer course must enroll and notify their counselor by March 7,2025 in order to ensure a seat in the desired course (s) for 25-26 school year.

🚀 Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun

Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.

Health Reminders

Thank you for your support in keeping our school community healthy. If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to reach out to our clinic.

Breaking Down the Budget: Investing in Our Classrooms

Franklin Middle School PTA

Please consider becoming a member, volunteering is not required but always appreciated. Member funds go right back to supporting our students and staff!

Membership

https://franklinmspta.givebacks.com/store?limit=21&live=true

Stay up to date on what’s happening by following us on Facebook and signing up for E-mail reminders via our website!

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/fmsptainchantillyva

Website

https://fms.ptboard.com/

Dining For Dollars - March 11 / 5pm-9pm Join Franklin Middle School PTA's RaiseRight program and earn

Plus, with a mobile app available and instant access to your eGift card and reload purchases, you can earn with gift cards and shop online through RaiseRight anytime, anywhere.

To get started, click here: https://www.raiseright.com/enroll/S3E2VG59SEL6

National Women’s History Month

Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history.

Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations

Become Unskippable: Practical Guidance for Talking With Teens About Fentanyl

As a parent or caregiver, you have the power to become “unskippable” and talk with your teen in a way they will listen.

See our tips for talking with your teen about fentanyl and other difficult subjects. Watch this video to learn more about becoming unskippable.

Eating Disorder Parent Information

Yearbooks on Sale Now

Don't wait to purchase your child's yearbook! Yearbooks are available for online purchase only through April 11. 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!

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.

Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

Quick Links

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

Franklin MS Update- 02/21/2025

GovDelivery3 weeks 2 days ago

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Students created hearts for our heart wall in advisory, expressing gratitude and messages of positivity.

Franklin Community,

I hope all of our students enjoyed the holiday and their last short week for quite some time. Looking at the calendar, we have quite a string of 5 day weeks coming up as we head toward spring break!

Earlier this week, many of our 8th Grade Civics students had the opportunity to go on the court tour field trip to the Fairfax County Courthouse. During the visit, students are able to meet judges from all three Fairfax County courts, talk to other court personnel including attorneys and bailiffs, participate in a mock trial, and even observe some actual trials that are occurring while they are there. This experience is a great way for students to see the curriculum that they are studying in action. Reviews from the teachers and students were very positive when they returned and we look forward to continuing this opportunity for our 8th graders in the future!

I also wanted to put in one last word for our talent show, Franklin's Got Talent. All are invited to attend on 2/27, at 6:30pm. We hope to see you there!

Go Falcons!

Tom DeRusso
Principal
Franklin MS

Weekly CARE Card Raffle Winners Important Dates

February 27 - Franklin's Got Talent - 6:30pm

February 28 - Ramadan begins at sundown

March 6 - K-9 Caring Angels Visit

March 9 - Daylight Savings Time begins

March 12 - Band/Orchestra Concert - 6pm

March 17 - St. Patrick's Day

March 28 - Chantilly Pyramid Art Show - 6pm-8pm

Academic Advising

Rising 7th Grade Reminders:

February 14, 2025 (deadline extended): Students will work with their 6th grade counselor to ensure course selections are entered into SIS StudentVUE by Friday, February 14, 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:

February 6: Students received course selection sheets in advisory and started exploring elective options for 8th grade.
February 13: Initial Course Selections due to their Science teacher.
February 13-19: Counselor lessons in Science classes will support students in entering their course selections into SIS StudentVUE.
February 18-28: Students will meet with the counselors for 1:1 Academic Advising Conferences to review and finalize course selections.
February 28: Finalized course selections are due by 4:00 pm on Friday, February 28, 2025.

The course catalog is now available, and families can explore these resources on the Franklin MS Site: https://franklinms.fcps.edu/Rising8th.

Families of 7th graders are invited to join a virtual question and answer session with our FMS counselors to clarify information about course selection. Counselors will briefly review the timeline and requirements for course selection, then turn to questions and answers by those attending.

Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025

Time: 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Even Link: Zoom Link

Rising 9th Grade Reminders:

Initial course selections have been entered into SIS StudentVUE for all students.
February 7 (TODAY): 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.
February 14: Course selections will LOCK in SIS StudentVUE.
Counselors will follow-up with students next week about any final course requests.
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.

SEL Screener

If you have any questions please reach out to our SEL Screener Lead, Kim Gallagher, or our Testing Coordinator, Kathryn Thurston.

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.

MS Sports - Spring Track

Track & Field Interest Meeting will be held on Thursday February 27 during the Advisory Period. More information to be posted in the News You Choose and on Schoology.

MS Athletes will need the following to participate in Track for the Spring.

FCPS Middle School Sports Physical (Dated after May 1, 2024)
Emergency Care Card
MS Sports Registration (All students participating must complete this registration for the spring)

SAVE THE DATE - VIP CAMP at Rocky Run

VIP Camp will run from July 1-31 at Rocky Run MS and transportation will be provided.

Applications and more information coming soon!!

FRANKLIN'S GOT TALENT - Thursday February 27 at 6:30pm

Purchase Tickets Here Starting February 1 - $5.00

Does your student have a talent that they can showcase? Singing, Dancing, Comedy or some other amazing talent. Auditions will be held on Monday January 27 After-School and all that are interested in auditions must fill out the google form posted in Schoology.

Chantilly Ice Hockey Club

Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28, 2025

Parents or guardians must submit a weekly request form via the FCPS FNS website by the deadlines:

February 24, 2025, for February 28 and the week of March 3, 2025
March 3, 2025, for the week of March 10, 2025
March 10, 2025, for the week of March 17, 2025
March 17, 2025, for the week of March 24, 2025

Forms must be submitted on time to receive meal kits for the following week.

Summer 2025 Online Campus Courses

Registration for the Summer 2025 Online Campus courses starts Friday, February 14, 2025, and ends Friday, June 6, 2025. Courses are open to middle and high school students who meet prerequisites.

Courses may be cancelled if they are under-enrolled. If a course is cancelled, students will be notified using the registration contact information and a full refund will be given.

Please note that students wishing to enroll in a summer course must enroll and notify their counselor by March 7,2025 in order to ensure a seat in the desired course (s) for 25-26 school year.

Health Reminders

Thank you for your support in keeping our school community healthy. If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to reach out to our clinic.

Breaking Down the Budget: Investing in Our Classrooms

Franklin Middle School PTA

Please consider becoming a member, volunteering is not required but always appreciated. Member funds go right back to supporting our students and staff!

Membership

https://franklinmspta.givebacks.com/store?limit=21&live=true

Stay up to date on what’s happening by following us on Facebook and signing up for E-mail reminders via our website!

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/fmsptainchantillyva

Website

https://fms.ptboard.com/

Join Franklin Middle School PTA's RaiseRight program and earn

Plus, with a mobile app available and instant access to your eGift card and reload purchases, you can earn with gift cards and shop online through RaiseRight anytime, anywhere.

To get started, click here: https://www.raiseright.com/enroll/S3E2VG59SEL6

Black History Month

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.

February Is Career and Technical Education 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 including Business and Information Technology, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health and Medical Sciences, Marketing, Technology and Engineering Education, and Trade and Industrial Education. Since this is an elective, course offerings may vary by school. Learn more on the FCPS CTE webpage.

CTE also offers summer programs for students to explore their programs. Enroll now!

Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations

Become Unskippable: Practical Guidance for Talking With Teens About Fentanyl

As a parent or caregiver, you have the power to become “unskippable” and talk with your teen in a way they will listen.

See our tips for talking with your teen about fentanyl and other difficult subjects. Watch this video to learn more about becoming unskippable.

🧥 Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

Winter weather is here! As a reminder, please make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy time outdoors. Schools monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside for activities like recess or physical education.

View Fairfax County’s Winter Weather/Extreme Cold safety tips.

If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please contact our family liaison. You may also contact Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.

❄️ 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.

Yearbooks on Sale Now

Don't wait to purchase your child's yearbook! Yearbooks are available for online purchase only through April 11. 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!

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.

Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

Quick Links

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

Franklin MS PTA Update - February 18

GovDelivery3 weeks 5 days ago

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

This message is from Franklin MS on behalf of the PTA

PTA Meeting Reminder

TODAY, Tuesday, February 18, 6:30pm

We will recap our budget, go over future PTA events happening at FMS, discuss the 7th and 8th Grade End of Year Celebrations, and hear school updates from Mr. DeRusso.

The 7th and 8th Grade End of Year Celebration planning usually begins next month. This event cannot happen without your help. Currently there are no committee leaders for this event. If you are interested in helping to chair or co-chair this event, please reach out to [email protected]. The more hands that come together to help, the better

PTA Meeting Link

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

Franklin MS Update- 02/14/2025

GovDelivery1 month ago

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Students dressed for twin day and snow on Thursday morning.

Franklin Community,

This week was a busy one here at FMS. Snow days in the middle of the week always make things seem a little bit crazier! We were still able to conduct our Power of our Words presentations to students through advisory. We hope that students learned a valuable lesson about the way their words and actions can impact others. This program was part of our continued effort to address how students learn about, discuss, and confront issues of race, culture, and ethnicity in schools as outlined in our School Improvement and Innovation Plan. Thank you to Mr. Gomez for facilitating these meetings and giving students the tools to be upstanders and have a positive influence at Franklin!

In addition, we had another spirit week with great participation from our students and staff. We had many sets of twins on Twin Day and today the hallways were filled with red and pink. Be on the lookout for future spirit weeks organized by students in our Leadership class.

I also wanted to put a word in for our talent show, Franklin's Got Talent. It was originally going to be this week but was moved because of the uncertainty about the weather. We are so excited to see all of the talent that our students have to showcase. All are invited to attend on 2/27, at 6:30pm. We hope to see you there!

Go Falcons!

Tom DeRusso
Principal
Franklin MS

Weekly CARE Card Raffle Winners Important Dates

February 15 - National School Resource Officer Day

February 17 - Presidents' Day - School & Offices Closed

February 18 - PTA Meeting - 6:30pm

February 27 - Franklin's Got Talent - 6:30pm

February 28 - Ramadan begins at sundown

Academic Advising

Rising 7th Grade Reminders:

February 14, 2025 (deadline extended): Students will work with their 6th grade counselor to ensure course selections are entered into SIS StudentVUE by Friday, February 14, 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:

February 6: Students received course selection sheets in advisory and started exploring elective options for 8th grade.
February 13: Initial Course Selections due to their Science teacher.
February 13-19: Counselor lessons in Science classes will support students in entering their course selections into SIS StudentVUE.
February 18-28: Students will meet with the counselors for 1:1 Academic Advising Conferences to review and finalize course selections.
February 28: Finalized course selections are due by 4:00 pm on Friday, February 28, 2025.

The course catalog is now available, and families can explore these resources on the Franklin MS Site: https://franklinms.fcps.edu/Rising8th.

Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025

Time: 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Even Link: Zoom Link

Rising 9th Grade Reminders:

Initial course selections have been entered into SIS StudentVUE for all students.
February 7 (TODAY): 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.
February 14: Course selections will LOCK in SIS StudentVUE.
Counselors will follow-up with students next week about any final course requests.
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.

SEL Screener

If you have any questions please reach out to our SEL Screener Lead, Kim Gallagher, or our Testing Coordinator, Kathryn Thurston.

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.

Paper Quilling Art - Next Meeting Feb. 10 - Sign Up Open for Students

MS Sports - Spring Track

Track & Field Interest Meeting will be held on Thursday February 27 during the Advisory Period. More information to be posted in the News You Choose and on Schoology.

MS Athletes will need the following to participate in Track for the Spring.

FCPS Middle School Sports Physical (Dated after May 1, 2024)
Emergency Care Card
MS Sports Registration (All students participating must complete this registration for the spring)

SAVE THE DATE - VIP CAMP at Rocky Run

VIP Camp will run from July 1-31 at Rocky Run MS and transportation will be provided.

Applications and more information coming soon!!

FRANKLIN'S GOT TALENT - Thursday February 27 at 6:30pm

Purchase Tickets Here Starting February 1 - $5.00

Chantilly Ice Hockey Club

Health Reminders

Thank you for your support in keeping our school community healthy. If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to reach out to our clinic.

Breaking Down the Budget: Investing in Our Classrooms

Franklin Middle School PTA

Please consider becoming a member, volunteering is not required but always appreciated. Member funds go right back to supporting our students and staff!

Membership

https://franklinmspta.givebacks.com/store?limit=21&live=true

Stay up to date on what’s happening by following us on Facebook and signing up for E-mail reminders via our website!

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/fmsptainchantillyva

Website

https://fms.ptboard.com/

PTA Meeting - February 18, 6:30pm

Our next FMS PTA Meeting will be held virtually on Tuesday, February 18th at 6:30pm. We will recap our budget, go over future PTA events happening at FMS, discuss the 7th and 8th Grade End of Year Celebrations, and hear school updates from Mr. DeRusso.

Thank you for your support.

FMS PTA

Zoom Meeting Link: https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83955046492__;!!Pwvz7ORF!O86wZVQuNUW29Pkwpn3MhXQWpayPsZxW7s8RaAP3uenyYFVnL0qwvnsndKDCXfWZApiSxBq5LPilISlCIURDyZrX$

Join Franklin Middle School PTA's RaiseRight program and earn

Plus, with a mobile app available and instant access to your eGift card and reload purchases, you can earn with gift cards and shop online through RaiseRight anytime, anywhere.

To get started, click here: https://www.raiseright.com/enroll/S3E2VG59SEL6

Black History Month

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.

Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration (Note: Date Change)

FCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kickoff Celebration on Wednesday, February 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.

The event begins with a light reception followed by a formal program, From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future. The program will honor the enduring contributions of Black history and culture while envisioning a future rooted in equity and excellence. It will include inspiring performances, personal stories, reflections, and opportunities to connect and celebrate. The event is open to the entire community.

For more information, contact Nina Thomas, senior manager for Professional Learning and Cultural Responsiveness.

Students Invited to Share Their Voices at the 2025 Family Summit

The 2025 FCPS Family Summit will take place on Saturday, March 15, at South Lakes High School. Visit the Family Summit webpage for more information.

At the event, FCPS students are invited to showcase projects and advocacy efforts around inclusivity in schools. This is a great resume-building opportunity, and students can earn service hours as well. Students may share their work in a share-fair environment using posters, essays, videos, songs, or art. They will interact with attendees through conversations about their work, ideas, and efforts to foster inclusivity in school communities.

Students must use this Google Form to participate by Monday, February 17. A list of possible projects is also on the form. More information will be provided after the student’s submission is received. Please contact Manuel Gomez Portillo with any questions.

February Is Career and Technical Education Month

CTE also offers summer programs for students to explore their programs. Enroll now!

Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations

🧥 Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

View Fairfax County’s Winter Weather/Extreme Cold safety tips.

❄️ 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.

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

Yearbooks on Sale Now

Don't wait to purchase your child's yearbook! Yearbooks are available for online purchase only through April 11. 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!

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.

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.

Quick Links

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

Franklin MS Update- 02/07/2025

GovDelivery1 month 1 week ago

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

This week, therapy dogs came to visit the students and staff. They will be returning every month!

Franklin Community,

This week we celebrated our counselors for National Counselor Appreciation week! Most notably, we had banners in the hallway outside of the cafeteria in which students could write messages to their counselors during lunches. We are so proud of the work that our counselors do with our students. Did you know that last year Franklin was ranked as a Top 5 Middle School state-wide for students having a trusted counselor in the building? This is thanks to the efforts of Ms. Fraundorfer, Ms. Gallagher, and Ms. Zeid. Thank you for all that you do!

We were also thrilled to have a visit from two therapy dogs, Teddy and Finn, during all lunches on Thursday. Students were able to sign up to come down and spend time with the dogs. It would be an understatement to say that Teddy and Finn were a hit. We had a long line to get in and see them and many smiles in the theater while students were spending time with them. This is all part of our continuing effort to support students' social and emotional health. Thank you to our After School Specialist, Mr. Tippins, for organizing this event!

Looking ahead to next week, we will be busy during advisory! Students will be participating in the Power of our Words Assemblies, receiving midyear updates from our Assistant Principals on Student Rights and Responsibilities, and taking the Virginia School Survey throughout the week. These items will be completed on a rotating basis on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday depending on which team your student is on.

Go Falcons!

Tom DeRusso
Principal
Franklin MS

Weekly CARE Card Raffle Winners

Our amazing school counselors - Ms. Gallagher, Ms. Fraundorfer, & Ms. Zeid

Important Dates

February 10-14 - Power of Words assemblies

February 14 - Valentine's Day

February 17 - Presidents' Day - School & Offices Closed

February 28 - Ramadan begins at sundown

Academic Advising

Rising 7th Grade Reminders:

February 14, 2025 (deadline extended): Students will work with their 6th grade counselor to ensure course selections are entered into SIS StudentVUE by Friday, February 14, 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:

February 6: Students received course selection sheets in advisory and started exploring elective options for 8th grade.
February 13: Initial Course Selections due to their Science teacher.
February 13-19: Counselor lessons in Science classes will support students in entering their course selections into SIS StudentVUE.
February 18-28: Students will meet with the counselors for 1:1 Academic Advising Conferences to review and finalize course selections.
February 28: Finalized course selections are due by 4:00 pm on Friday, February 28, 2025.

The course catalog is now available, and families can explore these resources on the Franklin MS Site: https://franklinms.fcps.edu/Rising8th.

Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025

Time: 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Even Link: Zoom Link

Rising 9th Grade Reminders:

Initial course selections have been entered into SIS StudentVUE for all students.
February 7 (TODAY): 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.
February 14: Course selections will LOCK in SIS StudentVUE.
Counselors will follow-up with students next week about any final course requests.
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.

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.

Paper Quilling Art - Next Meeting Feb. 10 - Sign Up Open for Students

MS Sports - Spring Track

Track & Field Interest Meeting will be held on Thursday February 27 during the Advisory Period. More information to be posted in the News You Choose and on Schoology.

MS Athletes will need the following to participate in Track for the Spring.

FCPS Middle School Sports Physical (Dated after May 1, 2024)
Emergency Care Card
MS Sports Registration (All students participating must complete this registration for the spring)

SAVE THE DATE - VIP CAMP at Rocky Run

VIP Camp will run from July 1-31 at Rocky Run MS and transportation will be provided.

Applications and more information coming soon!!

FRANKLIN'S GOT TALENT - Thursday February 13 at 6:30pm

Purchase Tickets Here Starting February 1 - $5.00

Chantilly Ice Hockey Club

Health Reminders

Thank you for your support in keeping our school community healthy. If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to reach out to our clinic.

Rising 9th Grade Chantilly Chargers

Hello! We are starting to gear up for the summer! Chantilly High School is offering 3 sessions of Charge Ahead for our rising 9th graders. The program is led by our upper classmen, leadership students and Chantilly staff. The dates are August 5th, 6th, or 7th from 9:00am-1:00pm. Each session is a half-day, parents must arrange transportation to and from the school. This is not a mandatory activity for incoming freshman. This program is beneficial for students to understand how the day-to-day experience looks as a Charger!

We want to find out if there is any interest for a Wednesday afternoon session from 1pm - 5pm for our rising 9th graders! Click on this link for your feedback.

Thank you for your time!

Go Chargers!

Franklin Middle School PTA

Please consider becoming a member, volunteering is not required but always appreciated. Member funds go right back to supporting our students and staff!

Membership

https://franklinmspta.givebacks.com/store?limit=21&live=true

Stay up to date on what’s happening by following us on Facebook and signing up for E-mail reminders via our website!

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/fmsptainchantillyva

Website

https://fms.ptboard.com/

PTA Meeting - February 10, 7:00pm

Our next FMS PTA Meeting will be held virtually on Monday, February 10th at 7PM. A link will go out from the school that morning. We will recap our budget, go over future PTA events happening at FMS, and hear school updates from Mr. DeRusso.

Thank you for your support.

FMS PTA

Join Franklin Middle School PTA's RaiseRight program and earn

Plus, with a mobile app available and instant access to your eGift card and reload purchases, you can earn with gift cards and shop online through RaiseRight anytime, anywhere.

To get started, click here: https://www.raiseright.com/enroll/S3E2VG59SEL6

Black History Month

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.

Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration (Note: Date Change)

FCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kickoff Celebration on Wednesday, February 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.

For more information, contact Nina Thomas, senior manager for Professional Learning and Cultural Responsiveness.

Students Invited to Share Their Voices at the 2025 Family Summit

The 2025 FCPS Family Summit will take place on Saturday, March 15, at South Lakes High School. Visit the Family Summit webpage for more information.

February Is Career and Technical Education Month

CTE also offers summer programs for students to explore their programs. Enroll now!

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:

Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations

🧥 Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

View Fairfax County’s Winter Weather/Extreme Cold safety tips.

❄️ 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.

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

Yearbooks on Sale Now

Don't wait to purchase your child's yearbook! Yearbooks are available for online purchase only through April 11. 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!

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.

Tutoring Resources for Families

Quick Links

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

Franklin MS Update- 01/31/2025

GovDelivery1 month 2 weeks ago

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Students picked up their schedules with helfp of their counselors (and a special guest). Images from our boys' and girls' futsal matches this week.

Franklin Community,

Next week is counselor appreciation week! We are so proud of the Student Services team that we have at Franklin and thankful for all of the work that they do. If your child's counselor has had a positive impact on them, make sure they find some time next week to say thank you. Happy Counselor Appreciation week!

I also wanted to mention the Power of our Words assemblies that we have planned for the week of 2/10-2/14. During these presentations, we will engage students in discussions about the importance of language and how our words can impact those around us. We will cover how the intent of what we say is not always necessarily the impact of what we say. With our CARE matrix in mind, we hope that these assemblies and conversations will help students feel more Connected to their classmates, be more Accountable for their words, speak to each other in a Respectful way, and Empathize with students who are different than them. I will be sending out a standalone message next week with more specific information!

Go Falcons!

Tom DeRusso
Principal
Franklin MS

Weekly CARE Card Raffle Winners

Congratuations to our Students of the Month!

Important Dates

February 6 - K-9 Caring Angels

February 17 - Presidents' Day - School Closed

National School Counseling Week

February 3-7 is National School Counseling Week, and highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve academic success and planning for a career. School counselors work with students in a variety of different capacities, whether it is through classroom lessons, group sessions, or individual counseling. We have amazing school counselors here at Franklin. If you see Ms. Fraundorfer, Ms. Gallagher, or Ms. Zeid, please thank them for all they do for our students.

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.

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.

New Club - Future-Prenurs Entrepreneurs Workshop - Sign Up Full!
Crafts-Paper Quilling - Monday Feb. 3 -Sign Up Open for Students

MS Sports - Spring Track

FCPS again will offer Spring Track as part of the MS Sports Program. Track is open to all students. The Spring Track season will begin on April 2 and there will be five meets from April through the end of May on Saturdays.

Track & Field Interest Meeting will be held on Thursday February 27 during the Advisory Period. More information to be posted in the News You Choose and on Schoology.

MS Athletes will need the following to participate in Track for the Spring.

FCPS Middle School Sports Physical (Dated after May 1, 2024)
Emergency Care Card
MS Sports Registration (All students participating must complete this registration for the spring)

SAVE THE DATE - VIP CAMP at Rocky Run

VIP Camp will run from July 1-31 at Rocky Run MS and transportation will be provided.

Applications and more information coming soon!!

FRANKLIN'S GOT TALENT - Thursday February 13 at 6:30pm

Purchase Tickets Here Starting February 1 - $5.00

K-9 Caring Angels

Starting in February, we will have the K-9 Caring Angels Organization visiting during the lunches with therapy dogs. Students will have the opportunity to sign up to visit with the therapy dogs during their lunch block in the theatre. Students will sign up the morning of the visit via a google form that will be posted in Schoology until 10:25AM. Our first visit from K-9 Caring Angels will be Thursday, February 6. The remaining visits will be the first Thursday of the month until the end of the school year. We are looking forward to the visits from K-9 Caring Angels.

LOST and FOUND

If your student is missing an item, please have them check lost and found before Friday, February 7. All remaining items will be donated to a local charity on the afternoon of 2/7.

Franklin Middle School PTA PTA Guest Speaker

It’s a new year and a great time to declutter and get you and your family on track! Please join us on February 6th in the Chantilly Library at 6:30PM. Amy has some great tips and tricks to help jump start your organization and take the stress out of the process.

Join Franklin Middle School PTA's RaiseRight program and earn

Plus, with a mobile app available and instant access to your eGift card and reload purchases, you can earn with gift cards and shop online through RaiseRight anytime, anywhere.

To get started, click here: https://www.raiseright.com/enroll/S3E2VG59SEL6

Black History Month

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.

February Is Career and Technical Education Month

CTE also offers summer programs for students to explore their programs. Enroll now!

Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

SR&R and Cell Phone Policy Survey Coming Soon

All FCPS families and middle and high school students will be receiving an email invitation on Tuesday, January 21, to participate in a survey about FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), cell phone policy, and cell phone storage options. The survey will be available from January 21 to February 3. Please take a few moments to share your feedback and help FCPS make informed, inclusive decisions for all of our schools!

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.

🧥 Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

View Fairfax County’s Winter Weather/Extreme Cold safety tips.

❄️ 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.

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

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!

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.

Tutoring Resources for Families

✨ 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

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

Franklin MS Update- 01/24/2025

GovDelivery1 month 3 weeks ago

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Students in Engineering classes are part of the Franklin Invitational Raceway event, involving 80 feet of CO2 Car Racing excitement! Students in Science were exploring photosynthesis using microscopes. Curriculum night was on Wednesday and invited the parents of Future Falcons to school to help them learn about course offerings.

Franklin Community,

It was so great to see so many future Falcons at our Rising 7th Grade Curriculum Night on Wednesday night. The purpose of this event is to familiarize our future students and families with what Franklin is all about and inform them as they decide which electives they may want to enroll in for next year. Thank you to the Student Services team for working hard to put on such an informative and well attended event! The highlight for me was our student panel of 8th graders that spoke to attendees about their favorite electives, their experience with honors classes, and their advice for incoming middle schoolers.

I also had an opportunity to visit Mr. Adams' Engineering class on Thursday to observe some intense CO2 car races. Each student had put their unique spin on their cars, which they designed and fabricated from a block of wood. The excitement and anticipation for each race was fun to see! Thank you to Mr. Adams for providing students with an engaging and authentic project that culminated with the ultimate test of their designs.

I also want to put a plug in for our upcoming talent show, Franklin's Got Talent. Auditions are after school next Monday, January 27th. If you think that your child has a unique talent or skill that would be great for the talent show, please encourage them to attend the auditions. We are looking forward to seeing all of the amazing things that our students can do!

Go Falcons!

Tom DeRusso
Principal
Franklin MS

Weekly CARE Card Raffle Winners Important Dates

January 28 - End of 2nd Quarter

January 29 - Teacher Workday - No School

February 6 - K-9 Caring Angels

February 17 - Presidents' Day - School Closed

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.

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.

New Club - Future-Prenurs Entrepreneurs Workshop - Sign Up Full!
Crafts-Paper Quilling - Monday Feb. 3

MS Sports - Spring Track

Track & Field Interest Meeting will be held on Thursday February 27 during the Advisory Period. More information to be posted in the News You Choose and on Schoology.

MS Athletes will need the following to participate in Track for the Spring.

FCPS Middle School Sports Physical (Dated after May 1, 2024)
Emergency Care Card
MS Sports Registration (All students participating must complete this registration for the spring)

COMING SOON!! - FRANKLIN'S GOT TALENT - Thursday February 13 at 6:30pm

K-9 Caring Angels

Franklin Middle School PTA PTA Guest Speaker

Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

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.

SR&R and Cell Phone Policy Survey Coming Soon

All FCPS families and middle and high school students will be receiving an email invitation on Tuesday, January 21, to participate in a survey about FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), cell phone policy, and cell phone storage options. The survey will be available from January 21 to February 3. Please take a few moments to share your feedback and help FCPS make informed, inclusive decisions for all of our schools!

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.

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.

🧥 Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

View Fairfax County’s Winter Weather/Extreme Cold safety tips.

❄️ 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.

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

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

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.

Tutoring Resources for Families

✨ 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.

Quick Links

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

Franklin MS Update- 01/10/2025

GovDelivery2 months ago

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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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

National Mentoring Month

Yearbooks on Sale Now

Tutoring Resources for Families

✨ 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.

Quick Links

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

Franklin MS Update- 12/20/2024

GovDelivery2 months 3 weeks ago

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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

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.

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

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.

Learn more and view the calendar of Academy Open Houses.

Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

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.

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

Tutoring Resources for Families

✨ 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.

Quick Links

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

Franklin MS Update- 12/13/2024

GovDelivery3 months ago

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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

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.

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

Book Donations Drive

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.

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.

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

Tutoring Resources for Families

✨ 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.

Quick Links

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

Franklin MS Update- 12/6/2024

GovDelivery3 months 1 week ago

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

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

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

Franklin Middle School PTA Holiday Appreciation Breakfast for Staff

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Tutoring Resources for Families

✨ 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.

Quick Links

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

43 minutes 29 seconds ago

Franklin Middle School News and announcements

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