Franklin Sherman Flash - April 1

Welcome back to our weekly newsletter! I hope everyone had a rejuvenating Spring Break and is ready for an exciting time ahead at Franklin Sherman Elementary. Let's dive into the key events and important updates for the upcoming week:

Upcoming School Events:

  • Tomorrow we have our fantastic Kindergarten orientation session from 1:45 to 3:00 PM. We cannot wait to meet our newest Pandas!!  A warm welcome to all our incoming Kindergarten students!
  • Looking ahead, mark your calendars for April 8th as we will be witnessing a rare celestial event, a solar eclipse. It's a great opportunity for our students to learn about astronomy and witness the wonders of the universe. Please read below for more details on the event. 

 

 

 

 

 


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


Kindergarten Open House

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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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April 8 Solar Eclipse Safety Information

In preparation for the Solar Eclipse next Monday, we have purchased safe viewing glasses for all our students and staff.  We partnered with the PTA to purchase these glasses and consulted with the FCPS Safety and Security Office to ensure we were purchasing glasses that meet safety specifications.

The eclipse will begin around 2:04 p.m. and end at 4:32 p.m. with the maximum eclipse occurring around 3:20 p.m. As 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.

 

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Order a 2024-25 Yearbook Today

2024 First-Class Awards – Nominations Open

Yearbooks are available now for pre-order now at http://www.yearbookordercenter.com.  Use school code 25540.

 

PLEASE ORDER YOUR STUDENT’S YEARBOOK BY MONDAY, APRIL 15.

 

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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.

  1. Elementary: Teacher, Administrator, Student and School Support Staff (instructional assistant (IA), office staff, librarian, bus driver, cafeteria worker, etc.)
  2. Middle, High School & Secondary: Teacher, Administrator, Student and School Support Staff (IA, office staff, librarian, bus driver, cafeteria worker, etc.)
  3. Central Office: Any FCPS central office staff member (superintendent, assistant superintendent, executive principal, director, coordinator, specialist, resource teacher, administrative support, etc.)
  4. 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
  5. Specialist: Professional staff categorized as related service providers (speech language pathologist, counselor, occupational therapist, physical therapist, itinerant, etc.)
  6. 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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News from FCPS

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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Reminders

Elementary Institute for the Arts

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.

 

 

School Pictures Can Still be Purchased

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.

 

 

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 Program

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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Franklin Sherman Flash Archive and Translation Available On Our Website