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Franklin Families and Students,
Good afternoon! It is hard to believe that we have just finished our fourth week of the school year. I have enjoyed several opportunities this week to visit classrooms and I am excited by the learning and discovery that is on display.
We are continuing to focus our efforts at Franklin on taking care of our school and taking care of each other. There were several opportunities this week to have powerful conversations about the collective responsibilities all of our students and staff members have to do this every single day. We appreciate your continued support with this important dialogue.
Thank you to all of the FMS community members who were able to join us for the Virtual Back to School Night event earlier this week. If you were unable to attend, the resources shared at the session can be found here. This link also includes instructions about how to access the Teacher Welcome Videos that were created for this event.
All FMS families are always encouraged to reach out to me directly dpwright@fcps.edu if there is anything we can do to support your student.
I hope that all of you have a safe, healthy, and enjoyable weekend.
Sincerely,
Dustin Wright
Principal
Upcoming Events
September 27 - After School Activities and Late Buses Begin
September 27 and 28 - School Pictures
September 29 - PTA Virtual Meeting at 6:30 PM
September 30 - Student Services Virtual Coffee at 8:00 AM
October 4 and 5 - Hearing and Vision Screening
Testing Updates
As the school year begins, our teachers are working hard to get to know the needs of each of our students. With so much disruption over the past two years, it is very important that we know where there might be gaps in our students' knowledge or where they might be struggling. To identify these, we use benchmark exams. Some of these are coming up over the next few weeks.
Next week, on the mornings of Wednesday, September 22 and Thursday, September 23, students will take the Virginia Growth Assessment (VGA). This is a state required exam that is used to measure student growth and progress in reading and math. These are no "passing" or "failing" marks and students are not expected to study. Results are used as a starting point to identify areas of strength and growth. While all students will take the reading exam, students enrolled in Algebra 1 or Geometry will not take the math VGA. Additional information and translations are available here. Parents will be able to view score reports by mid-October.
Next month, on October 13 or 14, students will take the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) screener. This short screener helps staff identify strengths and needs in students' mental wellness and social and emotional learning. Students are asked to reflect and report on their own skills and experiences. A letter with more information about this screener was sent home, and a copy is available online here. If you would prefer to opt your child out of the screener, please complete the opt-out request form that was attached to the letter and send it to the school office with your child.
Franklin MS Spirit Wear Sale - Last Day to Order!
We are pleased to offer an opportunity to purchase spirit wear online for the upcoming school year. Whether your student is new to Franklin MS as a seventh grader, returning as an eighth grader, or you are a staff member, we are excited to present several options for showing off your Franklin MS spirit! Our online spirit wear store is now open. This is the ONLY chance to order spirit wear for this school year. Please visit https://orderschoolstuff.com/franklin21 or scan the QR code below to order your Franklin MS spirit wear. Password: oneFMS
Purchases are online only and ordering is open until Friday, September 17 at 10:00 PM. No late orders will be accepted and all sales are final. Distribution of orders will be in mid-October. Please contact our Spirit Wear Coordinator, Nikki Beighle with any questions. All profits from purchases directly support learning and events at Franklin MS. Thank you for supporting our school community and PTA!
School Pictures on September 27 and 28
Lifetouch photographers will be at Franklin MS to take individual student portraits on Monday, September 27 and Tuesday, September 28 during PE Classes. Photographers and staff will adhere to social distancing and recommended health protocols. Orders may be placed online at MyLifetouch.com or by phone at: 1-800-736-4753 using the Picture Day ID: EVTCZ79SD. For assistance with ordering pictures, please contact Lifetouch by phone or email at: UCanswers@lifetouch.com.
PTA Virtual Meeting on September 29 at 6:30 PM
Welcome to the 2021-2022 school year! The Franklin Middle School Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is a group of parent volunteers who graciously donate their time in a variety of different ways to support the school. The PTA creates community and educational connections with the school, teachers and parents. The first meeting for the 2021-22 school year will be held virtually at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, September 29.
Click here to join the PTA Meeting on September 29 at 6:30 PM
Student Services Department Virtual Coffee on September 30 at 8:00 AM
Please save the date for our Franklin Middle School Student Services Department virtual coffee on Thursday, September 30 at 8:00 AM. This month we will be sharing information and tips on how to help your child make a smooth transition to middle school. This session will not only support families of our 7th grade students but also our 8th grade students and families as we all transition back from the pandemic. We will send a Zoom link prior to the meeting on September 30 and will record the session for anyone who is unable to join us live. We hope to see you there!
TJHSST Freshman Application Process
Is your 8th grader interested in applying to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology? If so, please click here for more information. Applications will be available on Monday, October 25 at 4:00 PM. Please contact your student’s counselor for more information.
Physical Education Class Updates
Physical Education lockers have been issued to all students in preparation for the days ahead. PE lockers are available for student change-out for activity and storage of personal items during PE (to include cell phones). Currently, uniform orders are still being fulfilled and uniforms will be distributed soon. Regardless of whether or not your student has ordered a PE uniform, students are expected to dress for activity each day they have physical education. As the weather cools, it is recommended that your student wears sweatshirts and sweatpants in addition to their activewear. If you have any questions about PE attire, please contact your student’s Health and Physical Education teacher.
Student Right and Responsibilities Parent Signature Sheet
This week, students participated in Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) presentations and activities. An important part of the SR&R process is the partnership Franklin has with its parents and guardians through the completion of the SR&R Parent Signature sheet as acknowledgement of receiving the SR&R handbook electronically. Parents and guardians can acknowledge receipt of the SR&R in ParentVue in your child’s SIS account or sign the hard copy Parent Signature Sheet to acknowledge that you have received this document. Please e-sign through ParentVue or return the signed signature sheet to your child's school by October 29, 2021.
MWEE Information
The Science 7 students will be participating in a Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) at Cub Run Recreation Center October 18-20, 2021. If you would like to spend the day outside learning about our watersheds, please consider becoming a chaperone on your student’s trip date. The time commitment is approximately 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM. Please contact your student’s science teacher for more information or to volunteer. A permission form with an attached chaperone interest form have been sent home. Please consider becoming a chaperone for our day at Cub Run. We appreciate your willingness to spend the day (rain or shine) with us.
Franklin MS After School Program Information
Our After-School Program and late buses will start on September 27. The club schedule and descriptions will be posted during the week of September 20. Please click on the link below for general After-School information.
All students are enrolled in the FMS Falcons Schoology course. The blue After-School folder is the best place to look for the most up-to-date information on club meetings, announcements and resources. For questions regarding the After-School Program, please email Mrs. Mollé.
Library Updates
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. This collection of FMS library books can also help students and families learn more.
Asha-Jyothi 5K Walk/Run on September 19
We are pleased to share that we are partnering with a non-profit named Asha-Jyothi to sponsor an annual 5K Run/Walk at Fairfax Corner on Sunday, September 19 at 8:00 AM. All proceeds that we raise will go towards supporting families in need. Asha-Jyothi has generously agreed to donate back 100% of the registration money back to each participating schools and:
- An additional $500 for 25+ registrations
- An additional $1000 for 50+ registrations
- An additional $2000 for 100+ registrations
Staff, students and families may register here. Simply enter the code “aj4schools” and select Franklin Middle School from the drop down menu. A discounted price of $10 for the 5K (regular price $25) will be given to participants.
World Language Credit Exam
This year’s World Language Credit exam will be administered November 16, 17 and 18 at Robinson SS, Centreville HS and Edison HS. For more information about the exam, please visit the FCPS World Languages Credit Exam web site. Students interested in registering for the exam may reach out to their school counselor prior to October 13, 2021.
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