Dear Franklin Families,
It feels like Spring is in the air and it was nice to see some warmer temperatures this week. I had the opportunity to meet several Franklin families at the Parent Coffees on Tuesday and Wednesday and I look forward to continuing this outreach throughout the next several months. I hope to take advantage of any opportunity I have to connect with the Franklin community. Currently, I am in the process of visiting all of the elementary schools that send students to Franklin as well as the three high schools that our students primarily attend as 9th graders. This has been a valuable opportunity to learn about the experiences of our students before and after they attend Franklin and to foster strong partnerships with these schools in order to set our students up for successful transitions.
A big congratulations goes out to our Franklin MS Geography Bee Champion, 7th grader William Evangelista, for qualifying for the Virginia State Geography Bee! He took the National Geographic state qualifying exam after winning our school-based bee in January and he will be representing Franklin MS at the state finals on March 27th at Longwood University. A big thank you goes out to Kara Taylor, William’s History teacher and the organizer of the Franklin MS Geography Bee. Way to go William! Good luck!
Finally, with all of the information in the news about COVID-19, I wanted to provide you with a few updates as well as some excellent resources available from FCPS. Our teachers and staff at Franklin MS are committed to continuing to provide a healthy environment for all and reinforcing with our students the importance of following proper handwashing procedures before eating and after sneezing, coughing, or using the bathroom. Our custodial staff have been directed to sanitize all surfaces and high-contact areas such as doorknobs, handrails, light switches, and water fountains. Please remind your students to use good hygiene and if a student is showing signs of a cold or the flu, they should stay home. A variety of resources about coronavirus from the FCHD and updated FAQs from FCPS have been posted at https://www.fcps.edu/news/coronavirus-update. Do not hesitate to reach out to the school if you have any questions or concerns.
Have a wonderful weekend. Thank you for all that you do to support the students at Franklin MS.
Sincerely,
Dustin Wright
Principal
dpwright@fcps.edu
Grade 8 Writing SOL
Eighth grade students will be taking the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) Grade 8 Writing Test between March 10 and March 13. It is important that your child attend school on these days. If possible, please avoid scheduling trips or appointments that would take your child out of school during this time period. It is also important that your child have a good night’s rest and a healthy breakfast before testing. If you become aware of an unavoidable conflict that could result in your child missing a testing day, please notify your child’s school as soon as possible.
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) requires that all students in grade 8 take the English: Writing Standards of Learning (SOL) test. The test has two components: multiple choice response and a short paper response. In order to obtain a score, your child must complete both components.
The purpose of SOL testing is to provide information about student achievement to the parent, school, school division, and state. In most cases, test scores are available for parents by the end of the school year. More information about how and when you will receive your child’s scores will be shared closer to these dates.
Students may not bring electronic devices into testing rooms, including phones and smartwatches.
If you have questions about SOL testing, please contact the School Test Coordinator, Lea Fadden at Lea.Fadden@fcps.edu.
Franklin MS Writing SOL Schedule
Tuesday, March 10 (Odd Day: 1,3,5,7,LS)
- Students in odd period English classes will take the multiple choice component starting at 7:30.
Wednesday, March 11 (Even Day: 2,4,5,6,LS)
- Students in even period English classes will take the multiple choice component starting at 7:30.
Thursday, March 12 (Modified Odd Day: 3,7,5,1,LS)
- Students in odd period English classes will take the short paper component starting at 7:30.
Friday, March 13 (Modified Even Day: 4,6,5,2,LS)
- Students in even period English classes will take the short paper component starting at 7:30.
SOL Testing and FCPSOn Devices
All Franklin students will be using their FCPSOn Devices for SOL testing. Please ensure your student’s laptop is working and that they have their power charger.
*Students should have done health checks in their Learning Seminars on March 4th through the 6th with their teachers to ensure that their devices are updated with the latest software, any absent students can do this health check March 9th*
All students taking an SOL test will need to bring a fully charged laptop and power charger with the exception of students who opted out and use their own device.
Failing to bring in a device on testing days could impact a student's ability to participate in testing on the scheduled SOL testing date.
Upcoming Events
March 9th - Best Buddies Meeting (1st Block 2:40-3:40 pm, bring your t-shirt)
March 9th - Spring Picture Day
March 10th - PTA Meeting
March 10th - March 13th - SOL (English) Multiple Choice and Writing
March 27th - Faculty Basketball Game vs Rocky Run (@Chantilly HS) 7 pm
March 31st - Chantilly Pyramid Presents: Spotlight on Student Learning
6-7:30 pm
April 1st - Parent-Teen Book Club - 7 pm
April 16 - Chantilly Pyramid Art Show (@Chantilly HS) - 6-8pm
Student Services Updates
Dear Rising 7th Grade Parents and Guardians:
As we are completing the last steps in Academic Advising and the Course Selection process, we want to be sure that you have had the opportunity to review your child’s course selections for the 2020-21 school year. If you have not already done so, please log into SIS ParentVUE and click “Course Requests” on the left. All online course selections are due by March 13th. After that date, you will need to contact the FMS School Counselor who is assigned to your child’s elementary school to request a schedule change.
Additional Information:
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Music Program-Students who have selected Band, Chorus, or Orchestra will be placed according to his or her level of performance. FMS School Music Directors will be consulting with Elementary Music Directors regarding placement. Auditions may be held during the spring.
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World Languages offerings for 7th graders are the following:
- French Part A, a full year course (which is basically half of the French 1 course) and the part B, full year course is completed in 8th Grade for High School Credit.
- Spanish Part A will not be offered, only French Part A
- Spanish 1, a full year High School Credit Class.
- To earn an advanced degree diploma, a student needs to successfully complete 2 years of 2 different languages OR 3 years of one language.
- Students can graduate without taking a language, but will not earn the advanced degree diploma, but rather a standard diploma.
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Algebra 1 Honors- All students who are currently in Advanced 6th Grade Math are placed in Math 7 honors. A final placement will be determined once we received the Iowa Scores and Math 7 SOL scores in June. We will send letters in June to those who qualify as well as those who do not.
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Intervention Classes- Students who may need additional support or who have not successfully passed a SOL, may be placed in an Intervention Class for the 2020-21 School year. This intervention class will replace an elective.
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Jump Start- Jump Start is a transition program that will be held from August 3-7. Information regarding the Jump Start program will be sent to the Elementary schools the week of April 13th.
Franklin Middle School Department of Student Services
Dr. Zena I. Chapman, Director of Student Services, zichapman@fcps.edu
Mrs. Teresa Wyne, Student Services Assistant, TWyne@fcps.edu
Professional School Counselors
Brookfield, Lees Corner - Mrs. Tammi Bailey-Case, tlbaileycase@fcps.edu
Cub Run, Oak Hill, Navy - Mr. John Basta, jbasta@fcps.edu
Waples Mill, Hunters Woods - Mrs. Kathy Hudson kahudson1@fcps.edu
Parent Liaison
Mrs. Cecilia Goldstein, czgoldstein@fcps.edu
PTA Updates
Next PTA Meeting - March 10
Please join us for our next PTA meeting on March 10 at 6:30 pm in the FMS Library. We are a small but mighty group and we will start planning staff appreciation events, end of school year celebrations and start building our leadership team for next year!
For information on the PTA, please visit the PTA Website, or send an email to franklinmiddleschoolpta@gmail.com. Future PTA Meetings are scheduled for March 10, April 16, May 12, and June 9.
Is your Student Looking for Service Learning/Volunteer Hours? The FMS PTA posts volunteer opportunities that will qualify for civics service hours on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/fmsptainchantillyva/. Please visit and follow the Franklin Middle School PTA - Chantilly VA page on Facebook for information on volunteer opportunities throughout the year!
Members Wanted! There is still time to join the PTA. Your membership donation is tax-deductible and goes to support your school community! Visit the PTA Website and join today!
Screenagers: The Next Chapter Movie Screening
Wednesday, March 18 - 7pm
Oakton High School Auditorium (Door 6)
Doors open at 6:30pm
Oakton High School PTSA cordially invites you to a free screening of Screenagers Next Chapter on Wednesday, March 18, 2020.
Dr. Delaney Ruston's film examines the science behind teen’s emotional challenges, the interplay of social media, and most importantly, what can be done in our schools and homes to help them build crucial skills to navigate stress, anxiety, and depression in our digital age.
Reserve your tickets today and let’s start a conversation. All are welcome and suggested for grades 6 and above. For more information, visit Screenagers: Next Chapter to see the preview.
Family Engagement Policy Open Meetings
FCPS families, staff, students and community members are invited to
attend any of the following Family Engagement Policy open meetings to
provide feedback on the draft Family Engagement Policy. Stakeholders can
also participate virtually in each of these meetings.
Family Engagement Policy Open Meetings
March 12, 2020 (9-10 a.m.) at Lake Anne ES Cafeteria
March 17, 2020 (7-8 p.m.) at Gatehouse Café
March 30, 2020 (7-8 p.m.) at West Potomac HS Auditorium
Link to join virtually
Dial–in information
1-571-392-7650
PIN: 8210692975
Save the Dates for Chantilly HS
Chargin’ In – Schedule Pickup & 9th Grade Parent Program
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
Freshmen Orientation – Opportunity for a tour & meet your teachers
Thursday, August 20, 2020
We regret to inform our incoming freshman class of 2024 that our annual Charge Ahead (freshman orientation) Program will be canceled this summer due to the replacement of our HVAC units in the building. Thank you for your understanding.
Franklin MS After-School Programs
Mark your calendars – the Franklin vs. Rocky Run Basketball Game will be on Friday, March 27, at 6:00 pm at Chantilly HS.
- 6:00 pm FMS vs. RRMS Staff
- 7:00 pm FMS girls team vs. RRMS girls team
- 8:00 pm FMS boys team vs. RRMS boys team
After-School Skating Event – Wednesday, March 18th
On Wednesday, March 18th we will host our annual after-school skating event. Skating is open to all students and is free of charge. In order to skate, students must turn in a signed permission slip by Friday, March 13th. Please click here for a permission slip or students can pick up permission slips in the cafeteria during their lunch or the main office. There will be a DJ and the event is always a blast! Skating will conclude at 4:30 PM for late bus dismissal. Students must use the skates provided by Skatetime. Please e-mail Mrs. Mollé, cemolle@fcps.edu with any questions you may have.
After-School Activities - March 9th - March 13
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