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Franklin Families and Students,
Good afternoon. We hope that you have had a wonderful week. It is amazing to think that when we return to school next week, it will be the month of May! Even though the finish of the school year is quickly approaching, there is still much to accomplish and learn. I continue to be proud of our teachers, staff, and especially, our students as they work hard every day to finish strong. We are excited about some of the activities that we are planning in the final weeks of the school year to recognize the effort and success of each one of our students.
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.
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Congratulations to Zach Schulz, an 8th grader at FMS, who received two awards at the Global Classrooms DC, Spring 2021 Model UN Conference. Zach was awarded Best Delegate in his Committee and a Conference-wide Research Award. Way to go Zach!
- The final deadline for ordering a Yearbook is approaching fast. We have extended the deadline to purchase Franklin MS 2021 yearbooks, and they are on sale through May 9, 2021. The cost of the yearbook is $25. Families may order online by clicking here. Our school order number is 5330.
- The administration of the SOL assessments begins at our school on Monday, May 10. All Monday and Tuesday testing begins at 7:30 AM. Here is the testing calendar with times and links to the adjusted Bell Schedules that we will use on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from May 10 - 28. Additional information about the SOL assessment at FMS can be found below.
Finally, next week is Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week at Franklin. We are extremely grateful to the Franklin MS PTA for the generous and thoughtful week of recognition they have planned for our hard-working staff. I would also encourage all of our students and families take a few minutes next week to recognize our staff in a way that is meaningful to you. Below are a few suggestions that might spark your imagination. Even the smallest gesture will have a big impact!
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Write A Note and email your teachers, letting them know how much you value them.
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Share A Memory with your teacher of a favorite moment from class this year, a funny story, or a day that had a positive impact on you.
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Brighten Their Day by Brightening the World by performing a good deed/act of kindness in your teacher’s honor. Be sure to send them a note to let them know what you did!
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Remember Our Specialists by sending thank you messages to our specialists, assistants, office staff, and support staff.
Best wishes to all of you for a wonderful weekend. Thank you for all that you continue to do to support your student and our school community.
Sincerely,
Dustin Wright
Principal
PTA Request for Volunteers
May 3-7 is Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week. We are so thankful for all the hard work our staff do every day to make our school a great place to learn and work! The PTA has several treats planned for Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week. We are in need of volunteers to help with setup at the school next week. Please contact Marcela Rivera at: president@franklinmiddleschoolpta.org if you are interested in volunteering.
National Junior Honor Society Information
8th grade members: The Service & Leadership Assignments deadline is Friday, May 14 at 2:15 PM. These assignments must be submitted in the NJHS Google Classroom by this time. They have been posted each month throughout the year. For more information, members should see the documents posted in the NJHS Google Classroom.
7th grade students: Application invitations will be emailed to eligible students soon. Once invitations have been sent, an announcement will be included in the News You Choose email.
Please direct any NJHS questions to Kara Taylor, 7th grade advisor or Molly Bridenbaugh, 8th grade advisor.
SOL Information
Some important reminders as we approach the start of testing:
- All students will use their FCPS issued laptop to take their SOL tests. It is very important that they make sure their device passes the FCPS Health check and has the latest version of the required testing software installed. For virtual students, this means a trip to an FCPS school building where they can connect to the FCPS network (this can be done from most school parking lots at any time of day). Here is the information that was shared with students through their Falcon Time Classes.
- Students are expected to bring their fully charged laptop and their charger with them for testing.
- Students also need to bring pencils and book to read after the test (they will not be able to use any electronic devices until the testing block is over).
- Students have the option to bring a highlighter, a water bottle, and a computer mouse.
Food Services Update
Franklin MS food services staff will begin serving hot lunches to our in-person students next week. This FCPS video demonstrates how hot meal service will be implemented under current health and social distancing guidelines. Breakfast and lunch will continue to be free of charge for our students. Click here to view breakfast and lunch menus for Franklin MS. Please encourage your child to participate in our hot meals program beginning on Tuesday, May 4.
Franklin MS Virtual After School Program
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New Club Alert - Yoga Club begins on Monday, May 3 at 3:30 PM
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Becoming Me with the Girl Scouts - please use this form to register for the Lanier, Liberty, Franklin, and Rocky Run Middle School Becoming Me series. If you have any questions, please contact Lauren Bauer or call 703-372-4345.
- To enroll in After School activities, students should visit the Google After School site, where they can find more detailed information on each club. If you have any questions about the After School Program, please feel free to contact Mrs. White.
Eating Disorder Parent Information
Eating disorders are behaviors that can lead to serious health problems. These behaviors can begin as a child, and affect both girls and boys. When discovered early, eating disorders are treatable. In 2013, Virginia passed a law requiring every school system provide information to parents annually about eating disorders. This information is given to parents of students in the fifth through twelfth grades.
It is important to note that eating disorders are not identified based on weight changes as much as behaviors and attitudes. Signs of eating disorders may differ between males and females and in different age groups. Often, a young person may not recognize the signs that they might have an eating disorder. Parents/guardians and family members are in a position to notice behaviors that cause concern. It is important that a child with an eating disorder be treated early by someone who understands this type of care.
After reviewing the information below, if you think your child may be showing signs of a possible eating disorder, please contact your doctor, school nurse, or one of the resources listed below.
Toll free, confidential Helpline, 1-800-931-2237
Additional resources may be found at:
What Are Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders are conditions that can have a serious effect on health. They are serious behaviors that affect every aspect of the child’s life. Eating disorders may be identified based on weight changes, but also based on behaviors and attitudes. Be alert for any of these signs in your child.
Weight is NOT the only indicator of an eating disorder, as people of all sizes may be suffering.
Eating disorders affect both males and females of all ages.
Key Things To Look For Around Food:
- Eating a lot of food that seems out of control (large amounts of food may disappear, you find a lot of empty wrappers hidden)
- Develops food rules—may eat only a particular food or food group, cuts food into very small pieces, or spreads food out on the plate
- Talks a lot about, or focuses often, on weight, food, calories, fat grams, and dieting
- Often says that they are not hungry
- Skips meals or takes small portions of food at regular meals
- Cooks meals or treats for others but won’t eat them
- Avoids mealtimes or situations involving food
- Goes to the bathroom after meals often
- Uses a lot of mouthwash, mints, and/or gum
- Starts cutting out foods that he or she used to enjoy
Key things to look for around activity:
- Exercises all the time, more than what is healthy or recommended – despite weather, lack of energy, illness, or injury
- Stops doing their regular activities, spends more time alone (can be spending more time exercising)
Physical Risk Factors:
- Feels cold all the time or complains of being tired all the time. Likely to become more irritable and/or nervous.
- Any vomiting after eating (or see signs in the bathroom of vomiting – smell, clogged shower drain)
- Any use of laxatives or diuretics (or you find empty packages)
Other Risk Factors:
- Believes that they are too big or too fat (regardless of reality)
- Asks often to be reassured about how they look
- Stops hanging out with their friends
- Not able to talk about how they are feeling
- Reports others are newly judgmental or “not connecting”
If Your Child Shows Signs of a Possible Eating Disorder
Seek help from your doctor as soon as possible; a child with an eating disorder should be seen by someone who understands the treatment of eating disorders. The earlier a person with an eating disorder seeks treatment, the greater the likelihood of physical and emotional recovery.
How to Communicate With Your Child
- Understand that eating disorder sufferers often deny that there is a problem.
- Educate yourself on eating disorders
- Ask what you can do to help
- Listen openly and reflectively
- Be patient and nonjudgmental
- Talk with your child in a kind way when you are calm and not angry, frustrated, or upset
- Let him/her know you only want the best for him/her
- Remind your child that he/she has people who care and support him/her
- Be flexible and open with your support
- Be honest
- Show care, concern, and understanding
- Ask how he/she is feeling
- Try to be a good role model- don’t engage in ‘fat talk’ about yourself
- Understand that your child is not looking for attention or pity
- Seek professional help on behalf of your child if you have ANY concerns
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