Franklin MS Weekly Update - March 22


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Collage of five pictures showing students posing with two different alpacas

Students visited alpacas during Stress Less, Laugh More Week.

Good afternoon, Franklin Community,

We have had an incredible week here at Franklin Middle School!  Beginning last Friday evening, we had a great turnout at our annual Franklin MS vs. Rocky Run MS basketball game.  While we did not return home with the trophy, our students and staff played their hearts out and our fans were so supportive!  We even had the honor of hosting Dr. Reid, our division superintendent, for the event!  Thank you to our students, families and volunteers for making this such a successful event and a special thank you to our after-school specialist, Chris Tippins, and his team for organizing the night.

We continued the fun and excitement from Friday night into this week for our second annual Stress Less, Laugh More week!  It was a week filled with therapy dogs, alpacas, spirit days, games and overall fun.  I wish to extend my gratitude to our community for their donations to the event and a huge thank you to our counselor, Kim Gallagher, for planning this entire week!  The last week of the quarter is always a challenging time but the events this week helped to remind us all how we can effectively manage stressful times.

As a reminder, our school offices will be closed next week for Spring Break.  We will resume normal office hours on Monday, April 1, 2024.  April 1st and 2nd are both student holidays so we look forward to welcoming our students back to the building on Wednesday, April 3, 2024.  This spring break is an important time for our students, families and staff to rest and recharge as we prepare for the final quarter of the year and all of the excitement that comes along with that.  Students should not have any assignments due or tests administered immediately upon return to school from the break.  Additionally, I have asked our staff to disconnect from work as much as possible so should you have any questions for staff, please know they will be offline until their return on April 1st.  

I wish you all a wonderful spring break and joyous holidays for those who are celebrating during this time.  As always, please reach out to me at MLCase@fcps.edu with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Michelle Case

Interim Principal


 

Important Dates

March 22 - End of Quarter 3

March 25 - 29 - Spring Break

April 1 - Teacher Workday, No School for Students

April 2 - Staff Development Day, No School for Students

April 5 - Chantilly Pyramid Art Show

April 16 - Integrated Reading and Writing SOL Test for 8th Graders

April 16 - Dining for Dollars at Piero’s Corner

April 17 - Author Visit with Stuart Gibbs

 

✅Principal Evaluation - Parent/Guardian Feedback Form

On Monday, March 18, Franklin Middle School parents/guardians were sent an email containing a link to complete the online FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form.  This questionnaire is part of the VDOE-mandated Performance Evaluation Program for principals and offers parents/guardians an opportunity to provide anonymous input about various topics related to our school.  These topics include how the principal demonstrates/impacts instructional leadership, school climate, management, communication and community relations, culturally responsive and equitable leadership, and professionalism within the school.

The questionnaire will be administered between March 18 and April 5.  When you receive an email from FCPS Surveys, please take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire. Your feedback matters!

 

🌷Office Closed – Spring Break

During the week of March 25-March 29 all offices at Franklin Middle School will be closed.  We are happy to assist you in advance of spring break or immediately following our return. 

While students do not have school on April 1 (Teacher Workday) or April 2 (Staff Development Day), the main office will be open on those days.

 

📰PTA News and Updates

Thanks to those who were able to join the PTA meeting on Tuesday evening.  Here is the recording for anyone who missed it.  Please reach out to PTA President, Anne Lake, if you have any questions or would like to get involved.

 

🧩Neurodiversity Affirmation Week

This week, the Fairfax County School Board officially recognizes Neurodiversity Affirmation Week for the very first time, with this year's celebration being March 18-24.  This week, we encourage you to take a moment to honor and celebrate the neurodiverse students and staff members who enrich our school community.

Neurodiversity Poster

 

Good Friday on March 29

This week we recognize those in our community observing Good Friday.  This year's Good Friday artwork was created by Chantilly High School student Summer S.  On this day, Christians observe the commemoration of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for those who believe.

Summer’s artwork was designed as part of the FCPS Observance Design Challenge for Students.  Learn more about the challenge:  https://bit.ly/47oHw2j

Good Friday artwork

 

🐰Easter Sunday on March 31

A joyful Easter to all in our community who celebrate!  This year's Easter artwork was created by Falls Church High School student Dayanara M.  The springtime celebration of Easter is the most important Christian holiday.  It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus, who sacrificed so that Christians may have life with God after death. #OurFCPSThis artwork was designed as part of the FCPS Observance Design Challenge for Students.  Learn more about the challenge.

Artwork of Easter bunnies with Easter eggs

 

🎨Chantilly Pyramid Art Show on April 5

Please save the date for the Chantilly Pyramid Art Show on April 5 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM.  The art show will feature artworks from: Chantilly HS, Franklin MS, Rocky Run MS, Brookfield ES, Greenbriar East ES, Greenbriar West ES, Lees Corner, ES, Oak Hill ES, and Poplar Tree ES.  Families are invited for fun activities and to view featured artwork. There will also be food trucks, so come hungry!

 

☀️ Safely View the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8 

A total solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8, and will be viewable, depending on weather, in Fairfax County. The eclipse will begin in our area around 2:04 PM and end around 4:32 PM, with the maximum eclipse occurring around 3:20 PM.  

Because the timing overlaps with dismissal, it is crucial that students understand the importance of safe viewing practices. We encourage families to review these Solar Eclipse Resources, especially the eye safety information. We hope everyone takes the opportunity to learn more about this extraordinary natural phenomenon while prioritizing safe solar viewing.

 

📖 Lexia Parent Night: How We Help Your Child Learn to Read

FCPS funds the use of Lexia for all elementary and middle schools as part of their literacy instruction.  Lexia is a computer-based program that supplements classroom instruction to help students develop literacy skills.  It also provides teachers with data to identify students who need additional support and the ability to know which specific concepts and skills to prioritize.  Attend a virtual information night on Tuesday, April 9 at 6:30 PM, to learn more about Lexia and how FCPS is integrating it into the classroom to support student growth.  Participants will also get tips for supporting their students at home.  Integrating Lexia into the literacy curriculum aligns with the Virginia Literacy Act, FCPS’ Equitable Access to Literacy, and FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3, which aims to have all students reading on level by the end of third grade. 

 

📚Join a Family Book Club with Stuart Gibbs

Franklin families are invited to join a book club to read and discuss a book by New York Times Bestselling Author, Stuart Gibbs.  The family book club is an opportunity to read a book as a family and then come on April 17 at 7:00 PM at Rocky Run MS to discuss with other families AND the author himself.  Thank you to the Franklin and Rocky Run PTA for sponsoring this evening event.  Sign up to join the conversation - spots are filling up fast!

All students will hear from Mr. Gibbs during our author visit at Franklin on April 17 during the school day.

 

💪Oakton High School Band Fitness Fundraiser

Support Oakton HS Bands at a free and fun fitness fundraiser! Try out a HIGH Fitness class at the OHS gym on Saturday, April 13 at 10am.  The format is ALL CARDIO with GREAT MUSIC and no equipment needed! This class is for all ages and fitness levels.

 

⛱️ Summer Camp for Middle Schoolers 

All rising middle schoolers are invited to attend a summer of fun and leisure with VIP Camp. VIP Camp — which takes place Monday, July 1, to Thursday, August 1 — is designed to encourage teens to develop healthy and positive recreation interests and features a wide variety of leisure activities and programs. 

Registration is open.  VIP Camp costs $100 to attend.  Reach out to your school's after-school specialist for scholarship availability due to financial hardship.  This camp is sponsored by Fairfax County Public Schools and Fairfax County’s Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. 

VIP camp logo

 

💻Techstravaganza at Thomas Jefferson HS

This year will be the 20th annual Techstravaganza on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at TJHSST.  Techstravaganza is a free, public, hands-on STEM activity fair for elementary and middle school students in Northern Virginia.  In previous years, more than 4,500 students have participated in over 70 labs presenting STEM activities.  Exhibitors include TJHSST clubs and volunteers from organizations like NASA SCaN, Art of Problem Solving, George Mason University, American Society of Naval Engineers, and the National Air and Space Museum. 

Admission is free and there will be food for sale.  Here is the registration form.  More information about the event can be found at tjtechstrav.org

 

Teens in Action Camp - Fairfax County Neighborhood Community Services

Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services are hosting Spring Break Camps across Fairfax County at the Community Centers. The Spring Teens in Action Camp will run from March 25-March 29 from 8:30am-5:00pm. The camps are open to Rising 7th -12th grade students. 

Information can be found below by scanning the QR Code in the attached flier and see the attached applications. For more information please contact the community centers hosting the Teens in Action Camps.

English TIA Application

Spanish TIA Application

 

Chantilly Hockey Logo

Chantilly Ice Hockey Club 

Chantilly High School is seeking rising freshmen who are interested in playing hockey.  If you are interested in joining or want more information about the CHS Ice Hockey Club please contact Kelly Morgan  kellyhmorgan@verizon.net.

 

Franklin MS After-School Program Information

Click Here to learn more about the After-School Program 

Bus Transportation for the After-School Program is available Monday - Thursday.  There is no transportation on Fridays for the After-School Program and dismissal is by parent pick up only.

 

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