We're Better Together
Dear Franklin Sherman Families,
On October 24, the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) released the latest results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Results show that most states saw a decline in scores for fourth through eighth graders in math and reading between 2019-2022.
The NAEP scores provide a limited snapshot of achievement from across the state of Virginia which included the assessment of up to 50 students in each of 24 FCPS participating schools (no more than 1200 test takers) out of a division of almost 180,000. The Virgina scores are not an accurate reflection of what is happening within FCPS. Our data shows our students are recovering well.
So, how did our Franklin Sherman students perform last year in comparison to this data? Looking at grade 4 data as a comparison, our students did better last year than pre-pandemic with 95.24% of the students passing the Virginia Standards of Learning reading test compared to a previous pass rate of 94.64%. In math, our previous pass rate was 96.43% on the fourth grade Virginia Standards of Learning. Last year, our pass rate was 93.33%. This is a snapshot of our data and we want to assure you that our teachers are continuing with strong instruction and providing targeted support to students who may have learning gaps. I am so proud of our students and staff for the excellent instruction every day.
We have a PTA meeting on Thursday night. This is a great opportunity to learn more about our school and community. Christy Stoermann, our Advanced Academics Resource Teacher, will share information regarding student access to the advanced curricula at Franklin Sherman. She will then hold a session for parents who are interested in referring their child for Level IV Advanced Academics. This session will be geared for parents of second through sixth grade. See you Thursday!
Have a great week!
Kathy Quigley, Principal
Important Dates
November Native American Heritage Month
November 3 PTA Meeting and AAP Information Night
November 6 Fall Back: Daylight Savings Time Ends
November 7-11 School Psychology Week
November 14-18 American Education Week
November 8 Election Day Holiday
November 11 Veterans Day Student Holiday
November 23-25 Thanksgiving Holiday
School Calendar: 2022-23
Contents
Thomas Jefferson HS Investigative Science Outreach, a student-led organization at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, will be hosting our 10th anniversary science fair on March 18th, 2023 and we would like to invite 5th-8th grade students from your school to participate.
Admission to the science fair is completely free. Participants will complete a research project of their choice and present at the fair in-person on March 18, 2023. We help students prepare for this fair by holding multiple sessions to teach them important skills in STEM like brainstorming, presenting, writing an experiment summary, statistics, creating an experimental diagram, etc.
Our first interest/brainstorming session is Friday November 4th, 2022 at 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. We will be holding this session both in-person and virtually. During this session we will go over the goals and guidelines of this fair and introduce students to a multitude of project ideas. All interested students should sign up using this form.
For more information visit their website.
tjsciencefair.wordpress.com
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We especially appreciate everyone’s efforts to avoid taking extra days off during the Thanksgiving holiday. Just a few missed days here and there, even if they’re excused absences, can add up to too much lost learning time and leave your child behind in school. This is as true in kindergarten as it is in high school.
We know it’s tempting to extend your vacation by a few days on either side of the holiday. However, this holiday season, the best gift you can give your child is a good education. And the best place to get that education is in school. Every day. On time.
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In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Strategic Plan Student Survey (Opt out due October 28)
- Feedback Welcome on Proposed Family Life Education Changes
- November Parent Resource Webinars
- ESSER Funding Information and Feedback
- Guidelines on Religious Accommodations for Students
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.
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Square 1 Art Fundraiser
Create wonderful gifts featuring your child's art, and benefit the school with every order. This year, students have been working with our art teacher, Ms. Eaton, on their artwork. Many students have completed their masterpieces, and other students will continue to work on their art over the next two weeks. The artwork will be uploaded to the Square 1 Art website once complete.
When your child's special piece of art is ready and uploaded, you can view it and place your order for great keepsakes. Additionally, you may also upload and order any of your favorite pieces of art that your child has completed. The deadline for orders is November 30.
Contact Sarah Blynn with any questions at 202-262-1337.
Search for Your Child's Art
Upload Art
Sign Up for PTA Text Reminders
Have you ever forgotten a school deadline or activity? We realize parents get A LOT of emails. To help you cut through the clutter, the PTA is sending out occasional, short text reminders to help parents not miss out. If you'd like a reminder about the next ordering deadline, next picture day, or next PJ day, etc. please text "FSES OPT IN" to fsespta@gmail.com from the phone number where you'd like receive text messages (sending an email will not work).
Annual PTA membership costs $20 per family and is due EACH school year. Join here!
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Library Volunteers Needed
Do you have a few hours to donate to the library? The library needs you! Parents volunteers would be greatly appreciated for shelving books and/or performing other library-related tasks. Please contact Rosalie Essimi, the school librarian at rmessimimen@fcps.edu or 703-506-7963. We will discuss scheduling among other details.
AAP Level IV Screening Information Night (Grades 2-6)
Parents of students in second through sixth grade, who are interested in having their child screened for the full time services are invited to attend our parent information night.
Our meeting will be held on Thursday, November 3rd, from 7:15-8:00 p.m. after the PTA meeting in the cafeteria. During this meeting we will discuss the forms, documents, and deadlines for applications. We will also review possible ideas for work samples and provide a brief question and answer session for families.
Note: AAP Level IV parent referrals are due on December 15, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. This is a county deadline, and late entries can not be accepted.
AAP Level IV Questions & Support: Virtual Office Hours
Ms. Stoermann, our Advanced Academic Resource teacher, will host virtual office hours sessions to help you with your questions regarding AAP Level IV screening (2-6th Grade) or any other AAP questions you have.
Office Hours will be held virtually on the following dates:
The county deadline for submitting the AAP Level IV Parent referral is Wednesday, December 15th. This is a county set deadline and late entries will not be accepted. Parents are encouraged to turn in their forms and supporting documents early to ensure that they are formatted appropriately for the screening portfolio. The AAP Level IV Parent Referral form can be found here.
Employment Opportunities at Franklin Sherman ES
Student Monitor - Hourly - $16.36 per hour
Description: Provides supervision of students throughout the school day to include but not limited to the classroom, hallways, lunch, recess, specials and at arrival/dismissal; helps maintain order and discipline and assists in managing the behavior of students; operates technology; performs administrative and noninstructional duties; ensures all layered prevention/safety protocols and procedures are implemented and followed; works with individual and small groups of students.
Qualifications: Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school. Must be comfortable managing student behaviors in large and small groups, ensuring all layered prevention/safety protocols and procedures are implemented and followed; and has general familiarity/skills with basic office technology in support of teachers, students, and the classroom.
Dining Room Assistant - Hourly, $12.03 per hour
Description: Assists students during lunch time. Supervises student clean-up, keeps order, and dismisses students to their teachers.
Qualifications: Friendly, energetic, and assertive in maintaining expectations of cafeteria behavior, and loves working with children.
Interested applicants should send their resumes to Scott Ralston, Assistant Principal, atscralston@fcps.edu
FCPS CARES Program
The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story at the link below so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees.
Submit an FCPS CARES story
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