|
Dear Franklin Families and Students,
It has been an exciting week at Franklin MS and I have been proud of the efforts of our students, teachers, and staff. There are seven weeks remaining in our school year and our staff is committed to filling them with memorable experiences for all students. We have been sharing a message with our students about “finishing strong” and heading into the next school year with positive momentum.
Earlier this week, our Superintendent shared a message about the Derek Chauvin trial in Minnesota. I wanted to echo Dr. Brabrand’s sentiments and share that the conclusion of this portion of the trial is yet another step in the ongoing discussions and work that needs to be done about race and respect in our school and community. As we have discussed in the past, our mission at FMS is to ensure all of our students feel seen, heard, and welcome to learn and grow. My hope is that out of these events, we continue the conversations, realize our personal areas of growth, and learn and work together to improve our school community. Please know that our staff is equipped with resources regarding processing current social justice events in their classrooms. We will continue to provide students and staff a safe place to reflect, learn and grow from these events.
I also wanted to take this opportunity to highlight some important updates and upcoming events at our school. There is additional information about many of these topics in the main section of this message.
- Congratulations are in order for our amazing Director of Student Services, Dr. Zena Chapman, who recently announced that she will be retiring at the end of this school year. During her 33 year career in education, Dr. Chapman has touched the lives of countless students, families, and staff members and she has left a positive impact everywhere she has worked. We will have several opportunities to celebrate her as we bring the year to a close. But, for now, please help me in saying a huge CONGRATS to Dr. Chapman and a tremendous THANK YOU for her service to our school!
- As we transition next week to providing four days of in-person instruction for our current in-person students, please be sure to review some of the important updates below about arrival times, Kiss & Ride, and bus transportation so we have a successful start on Tuesday.
- We will be offering “FCPSOn Laptop Health Check-Ups” for virtual students at our school on Monday, April 26 from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. This is a critical step that we needs to be completed to ensure our technology is prepared for the upcoming SOL assessments and other End of the Year activities. This session will be supported by our Technology Team and there is no need to make an appointment. Feel free to swing by the school at any time between 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM on Monday. We hope to see you there!
Best wishes to all of you for an enjoyable and relaxing weekend. Always feel free to contact me directly at dpwright@fcps.edu if there is anything we can do to support your student and your family.
Sincerely,
Dustin Wright
Principal
Morning Arrival and Student Drop-Off Next Week
Below are some important reminders for our students who are transitioning to in-person instruction four days a week starting on Tuesday, April 27. Please reach out to our main office at: (703) 904-5100 with any questions.
- The building opens at 7:15 AM. Kiss & Ride and Walking students should not arrive before this time. Please see the map below for Kiss & Ride drop-off information.
- On time arrival for students is no later than 7:25 AM. Instruction begins at 7:30 AM.
- Please call the main office (703) 904-5100 if you need to drop a student off late or pick up early.
- All students will have access to FREE breakfast and lunch each day, including items to accommodate dietary restrictions. Please do not drop off lunches, water bottles or snacks.
- Music teachers understand when students forget their instruments. Please do not drop off forgotten instruments, as we cannot guarantee they will get to the student's class.
- Please make sure your student has a fully charged laptop and charger that is labelled with their name for each day of in-person instruction.
Transportation Information
We are excited to start 4-day in-person instruction starting this Tuesday, April 27th. For many families, bus transportation plays an important role for a smooth transition into 4-day instruction. Area 3 Transportation has done their best to prepare for bus route adjustments ahead of this transition.
To ensure the accuracy of bus stop pick up and drop off times prior to Tuesday, we are asking parents and guardians to verify their child’s transportation information by logging into ParentVue.
 We anticipate a smooth transition for our FMS families. However, if you do experience any transportation concerns, please call the Area 3 office at 703-249-7000.
Adopt-a-Highway Program
Last Sunday, FMS staff members, along with some of their family members, conducted a spring litter patrol as part of the VDOT Adopt-a-Highway Program. Led by the FMS science department, Franklin Middle School has adopted Lees Corner Road.
SOL Information
Seventh and eight grade students will take the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) tests at Franklin MS starting in May. Please click here for specific information pertaining to testing and options.
Click here for the SOL Testing Calendar
Click here for the SOL Bell Schedule
IMAGINE Summer Program at Franklin MS
Franklin will be hosting the IMAGINE Summer Program. This free-three week program is designed to improve students’ literacy and math skills through engaging project based learning. The program runs from July 12 to July 30. Invitations were emailed to families of students who teachers identified as potentially benefiting from this program. For more information or questions, please contact Brandon Clarke.
College Success Program Information Night
Families are welcome to log in to the virtual College Success Program Information Night on Tuesday, April 27 at 7:00 PM. Information will be shared about different enrichment programs for students that promote college and career readiness. Please click here for more information and a link to the session.
College Day on April 30
The Chantilly Pyramid will host its annual College Day on Friday, April 30. If you child has a favorite college shirt, please encourage them to wear it on this date. Our staff will be providing some interesting and fun information about colleges to our students throughout the week.
Yearbook Orders
We have extended the deadline to purchase Franklin MS 2021 yearbooks, and they are on sale through May 8, 2021. The cost of the yearbook is $25. Families may order online by clicking here. Our school order number is 5330. Please contact Kelly Barlow with any questions.
Library Updates
There is still time to read and vote for the Virginia Readers' Choice Award. In order to vote, students should read at least 4 of the 10 titles. Students can check printed books, ebooks, and eaudio books out from our library with this collection: Virginia Readers' Choice. To vote, please complete this form. The deadline to submit votes for Franklin MS is May 28. Learn more about Virginia Readers' Choice here. If you have questions or comments, please contact Mrs. Ruffle.
Franklin MS After School Program
-
Upcoming New Club - Yoga Club begins on Monday, May 3. During this club, students will explore the mind, body and soul connection via their yoga practice. Classes are designed to introduce yogis to the foundational postures and a power style flow connecting your breath to your movement. To enroll, students should go to their grade level Google classroom, where they can access the After School Google site and sign up.
- Students can join clubs and activities throughout the year. It’s not too late to take advantage of this free program! If you have any questions about the After School Program, please feel free to contact Mrs. White.
Virtual After School Activities - April 26 - 30
PTA Updates
PTA is looking for Board as well as committee positions for next school year. We will have openings for President, Treasurer, Secretary, as well as multiple other committee member positions. If you are interested and would like more information, please contact the PTA President at president@franklinmiddleschoolpta.org.
Please join us for our next PTA Meeting on Tuesday, June 1 at 7:00 PM. A link for the meeting will be sent closer to the date.
Quick Links
|
