Principal's Message
Dear Franklin Sherman Families,
I hope this newsletter finds you well and ready for a fantastic spring break week ahead! Here's a recap of some exciting events that took place this week:
School Events Recap:
- Our 6th graders had an enriching visit to Longfellow Middle School, getting a glimpse of what lies ahead in their educational journey.
- The 4th graders enjoyed a memorable trip to the Kennedy Center, where they were immersed in the world of arts and culture.
- Let's give a round of applause to the March Kindness winners who were given their certificate on Friday by the Positive Pandas. Mr. Ralston and I love recognizing and encouraging compassion and empathy within our school community.
- A special shoutout to Ms. Nevills for her dedication and hard work in putting together an outstanding musical production. Thank you for inspiring our students with your passion for the arts!
As we approach Spring Break, please remember that there will be no school during this time. It's a perfect opportunity for our students to rest, recharge, and spend quality time with loved ones.
With the warmer weather upon us, we kindly remind everyone that animals are not allowed on school property, except for service animals as per Regulation 2125. This policy is in place to ensure the health and safety of all students, staff, and visitors. We have been working to get additional signage on our property to remind community members to not bring pets on property in particular during school hours. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter.
I wish all of our Franklin Sherman families a wonderful and relaxing Spring Break filled with joy and memorable moments. I look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and energized for the remainder of the school year.
Farris Thomas
Principal
Franklin Sherman Elementary School
April 1-2 Student Holidays
April 2 Kindergarten Open House
April 10 Student Holiday - Eid al-Fitr
April 12 Bingo Night
April 13 Spring Garden Clean-Up
School Calendar: 2023-24
Contents
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Please tell your friends and neighbors who will have a Kinder next year, but may not already have a student at FSES and may not receive our newsletter.
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On Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 1:45 p.m. we will hold an open house and registration event for students who will enter Kindergarten in the 2024-25 school year. Students and parents will be able to participate in six engaging activities around our school while touring the locations that our Kindergartens visit daily and meeting many of the staff members they will work with next year.
Stay tuned to the Franklin Sherman FLASH Newsletter for additional opportunities to visit the school and prepare for SY 2024-25.
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Franklin Sherman's Your school's picture day season is over, but you can still order prints.
To view and order photos online :
Please visit: vosphoto.com/underclass
When prompted for an online code, use your Student ID (your student may also recognize this as their lunch or library number). Families can email Please visit: vosphoto.com/underclass for any questions about the ordering process.
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Students in all FCPS schools can enroll in the Elementary Institute for the Arts. IFTA is a weekly Arts enrichment program for students in rising 3rd through 6th grades during the month of July. Students take classes in Art, Music, Theatre, and Dance every day. Transportation is provided from around the county. Tuition assistance is available for students who qualify. Check out the Elementary Institute for the Arts website for more information or email eifta@fcps.edu.
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First-Class Awards are presented each year to individuals who support, design, and/or implement inclusion activities that result in positive outcomes for students. The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is seeking nominations for the First-Class Awards. This is a great opportunity for the community to recognize and celebrate the inclusion efforts of educators, administrators, and students who demonstrate inclusion of students with disabilities in all facets of education.
Nominees should demonstrate the following skills/criteria:
- Modelling excellence in their role relative to special education
- Positive impact that benefits disabled and non-disabled students alike
- Commitment to creating an inclusive environment and mindset
There are six award categories with up to twelve awarded.
- Elementary: Teacher, Administrator, Student and School Support Staff (instructional assistant (IA), office staff, librarian, bus driver, cafeteria worker, etc.)
- Middle, High School & Secondary: Teacher, Administrator, Student and School Support Staff (IA, office staff, librarian, bus driver, cafeteria worker, etc.)
- Central Office: Any FCPS central office staff member (superintendent, assistant superintendent, executive principal, director, coordinator, specialist, resource teacher, administrative support, etc.)
- Specialty Program Staff: Anyone assigned to a public day school, alternative school, home based instruction, or other FCPS educational program not clearly defined as an elementary, middle, high, or secondary school
- Specialist: Professional staff categorized as related service providers (speech language pathologist, counselor, occupational therapist, physical therapist, itinerant, etc.)
- Community Partner: Any person or organization not employed by FCPS which contributes to excellence in special education
Please complete this form to nominate an administrator, a staff member, or a student who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in Fairfax County Public Schools.
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A total solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8, 2024 and will be viewable, depending on weather, in the Fairfax County area. In our area, the eclipse will begin around 2:04 p.m. and end around 4:32 p.m., with the maximum eclipse occurring around 3:20 p.m. This timing overlaps with some dismissal times and it is crucial that schools reiterate the importance of safe viewing practices.
There has been an update to the original Solar Eclipse guidance that was shared previously with schools. Schools should continue to encourage indirect viewing (solar projectors, pinhole projectors, watching the NASA livestream). Direct viewing with ISO 12312-2 approved glasses is also a safe option. It is important that any glasses used have this specific label on them. The use of sunglasses or other dark eye coverings are not approved.
We continue to encourage schools to inform their communities of proper eye safety during the eclipse. Please see references on the Solar Eclipse Resources FCPS website link.
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In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Updated COVID Recommendations
- Lexia Parent Night: How We Help Your Child Learn to Read
- Last Chance to Take the Family Engagement Survey!
- April Webinars and Events for Families
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
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FCPS Rec-PAC 2024
Rec-PAC (Pretty Awesome Children), operated by Fairfax County Park Authority, is a six week structured recreation program with emphasis on leisure skills designed for elementary school children.
Participants will have an opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of activities such as: fun and fitness, indoor and outdoor games, team sports, nature, crafts, storytelling, sports festivals, talent shows and supervised play sessions. Each location has a ratio of 1 staff person to 18 participants.
- Rec-PAC takes place June 24 to August 1.
- Register anytime before June 14.
- Qualified individuals are encouraged to submit scholarship applications for the Rec-PAC program now.
- C.I.T. registration will open in April.
Important Forms for SY 2024-25
The Survey of Preschool Children form (IT-112) should be submitted if you have a child who will be entering kindergarten this fall, please complete this form and email it to Ann Rajabi by March 31.
Non-profit Distribution of Fliers
Review Regulation 1367 on Distribution of Fliers
FCPS offers the opportunity for nonprofit organizations to make their materials available, through local schools, to students and parents. Fliers will be sent home in student’s backpacks. Fliers, sorted into 15 groups of 25, need to be at the school by 12:00 p.m. on the Friday before the below date.
May 17, 2024
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FCPS Cares is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize those who go above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story so we can all acknowledge the outstanding work of FCPS and specifically Franklin Sherman.
FCPS Cares Program
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