Franklin Sherman Flash - August 19


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Principal's Message

Dear Franklin Sherman Families,

 

Happy first day parents! The building has been buzzing today with lots of  excited learners. I am thrilled to be here for the start of the year and I look forward to many more exciting days ahead. 

Today, we began our new tradition of having the Panda News Network televised live for the whole school. While we have always had the Panda News Network, we wanted to expand our use of the program and the experience for the students to get to perform live as news anchors. We will now have daily live news shows where students can work on their 21st century skills of communication. 

Please let me know the experiences your child(ren) come home and share today! Hopefully you hear lots of great stories. 

 

 

Farris Thomas
Principal 
Franklin Sherman ES

 


Important Dates

August 23  Friday Fun Day

August 28  Back to School Night K-3 5:30-6; 4-6 6-6:30. This is a parent/caregiver event only. 

September 2  Labor Day Holiday

September 6  Friday Fun Day

September 23  Early Release Monday

School Calendar:  2024-25

 


Contents


Early Release Mondays

Dear Parent/Caregiver,

The Early Release Mondays planned throughout the school year for elementary schools are essential to allow educators time for planning and professional development.  Students will be dismissed 3 hours early seven times throughout the school year and are encouraged to return home via their normal route.  However, we understand there may be a childcare hardship because of the early release Mondays for many of our families.  To resolve these concerns, student supervision will be available for families who need it. 

 

The following dates are planned for Early Release Mondays throughout the school year:

  • September 23
  • October 28
  • November 25
  • February 24
  • March 17
  • April 28
  • May 19

To help plan for our school’s childcare needs during the early release Mondays, please complete this form by August 23rd https://forms.gle/pAAGTxiBq3QTWYsU9 for each of your children who are enrolled at Franklin Sherman Elementary. The form covers the first two early release Mondays, scheduled for September 23, 2024 and October 28, 2024. If you have multiple children, you will need to submit multiple forms. Staff will confirm the after school supervision plan for each student.

 

Thank you,
Farris Thomas
Principal
Franklin Sherman Elementary School

Report Absences through ParentVUE

Starting August 19, parents and caregivers can report up to two consecutive full-day absences using SIS ParentVUE. For absences longer than two days, please contact Franklin Sherman's Front Office.

All Day Absences: The Attendance feature in SIS ParentVUE is the FCPS secure web solution for reporting all day absences.

Partial Absence: To report late arrivals, early dismissals, or to update already submitted attendance, please contact Franklin Sherman's Front Office.

 

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Dismissal Map

Dismissal map showing bus loop, kiss and ride path, and walkers exit.

 

In an effort to make our dismissal routines safer and more efficient we have created a new dismissal plan for this school year.  Walkers will be dismissed out door #6 towards the playground and neighborhood behind the playground. Kiss n Ride students will exit from door #4, next to the outdoor classroom and learning garden, and stage next to the solar panel so they can look for their car with their teacher.  Bus riders will continue to exit from the main entrance by the office.

We are confident that our silent dismissal procedures will maximize learning time and create a safer and smoother transition home for all our students!

 

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Your Family's App Toolbox

SIS ParentVUE - The SIS ParentVUE Account (Student Information System ParentVUE Account) is the FCPS secure solution for accessing information about your child's attendance, class performance, demographic data, and link to Schoology.

TalkingPoints - TalkingPoints is a free app that allows families to communicate with teachers in their preferred language. This will be a new tool we will use this year. 

Here Comes the Bus - Know when the school bus is arriving with the Here Comes the Bus app. This app uses GPS to track bus locations in real time. To use this app, you'll need to set up your ParentVue account first. The FCPS school district code is 28982.

Nutrislice - Find out what's for breakfast and/or lunch each day.

MySchoolBucks - Online payment for lunch accounts and field trips are available through the MySchoolBucks School Store. This online payment service provides a quick and easy way to pay for school-related purchases. You will be able to pay for a variety of school fees using credit/debit cards or electronic checks.

 

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Student Consent Forms

Beginning August 1st, student consent forms currently available on ParentVue will be moved to the Parent Digital Consent System (PDC). Families can log into the PDC using their ParentVue credentials to complete consent forms assigned to their child.  If you have a new ParentVue account, you must wait 24 hours after it is created to use the PDC.

Log In Now

Forms available include:

  • School Counseling Opt-out
  • Digital Resources Consent 
  • SEL Screener Opt-Out
  • Family Life Education Opt-out
  • SOL Retest Permission
  • Objection to Release of Directory Information to the Public
  • Objection to Release of Information to Outside Organizations

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Free and Reduced Price Meal Applications

Families must complete the Free and Reduced Price Meal application before the start of each school year. Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits. Look for the application in August, view criteria, and up-to-date information on the Free and Reduced-Price Meals webpage. Families should reach out to their schools with questions or for assistance.

To apply online:

  1.  Visit www.MySchoolApps.com.
  2. In the State drop down menu, select Virginia.
  3. Click on the Search button.
  4. On the next screen, select Fairfax County Public Schools from the Choose your District dropdown.
  5. Click on the Select District & Continue button.

 

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Celebrate Mclean!

Thursday – August 29 – 4:00-6:30

We are excited to announce our annual Celebrate McLean festival at McLean High School.  This vibrant community event is filled with fun for all ages. Enjoy a lively atmosphere with a live DJ, delicious food trucks, engaging games including a moon bounce obstacle course, and much more.

Celebrate McLean also serves as a great opportunity for future and existing Highlanders to learn more about student clubs, activities, and our athletic teams. It’s a perfect way to kick off the evening before heading to support our McLean Varsity football team as they take on Meridian at 7pm right after the festival.

Join us and celebrate our community and cheer on our team for an unforgettable night! Admission is free to Celebrate McLean.

 

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Digital Resources Consent - Complete Today For Each Child

We want your child to get the most out of their school experience! To open up a world of exciting activities and valuable opportunities, we need your collaboration. Please take a moment at the beginning of the school year to review and provide your consent through the easy-to-use FCPS Parent Digital Consent system.

More Information and Guide for Completing the Consent

 

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News from Our PTA

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Friday Fun Day with Kona Ice

August 23 & September 6, 3:50 - 4:40 p.m.

Treat your kids to some shaved ice and help our pandas! For a fundraiser, we have arranged for the Kona Ice truck to be in the school parking lot by the fields. A portion of sales will be given to the PTA to support our school.

 

Join the PTA

You can make a difference in your school community and will receive the weekly PTA Newsletter. Annual PTA membership costs only $20 and is due EACH school year.  Join today!

 

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FCPS This Week

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today


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Student Accident Insurance Program

Fairfax County Public Schools does not provide medical insurance for accidents that occur at school. Parents may want to consider if purchasing voluntary student insurance is right for their family.

K & K Insurance Group has student accident insurance coverage available for purchase by parents. If you do not have other insurance, this plan may be a resource to consider. Additionally, even if you have other coverage, this plan can help fill expensive gaps caused by deductibles and co-pays. Coverage may be purchased at any time during the school year. 

Find more information on the FCPS website.

Enroll Now

Submit a Claim

 


Family Vision Group

If you are interested in being a parent representative for the family vision group please email Farris Thomas (fsthomas@fcps.edu). 

This program is designed to foster a collaborative environment where diverse families can engage directly with Dr. Reid on important issues that impact student success. The FCPS Family Vision Group brings communities together to discuss and achieve the goals of the 2023-2030 Strategic Plan, which prioritizes excellence, equity, and opportunity for all students.

By participating, parents/caregivers gain valuable knowledge and connections to become powerful partners in their child's educational journey.  The group also facilitates open discussions with Dr. Reid on important topics related to student success.  Bi-monthly meetings (August 2024 - May 2025) ensure consistent school representation and foster open communication through Q&A sessions, and feedback opportunities to help participants inform other families at their schools. The FCPS Family Vision Group seeks to recognize and strengthen the positive impact of community engagement on student achievement. Key responsibilities of the FCPS Family Connection Group Include:

  • Regularly attend FCPS Family Vision Group meetings.
  • Support the superintendent's outreach efforts to engage families and community members.
  • Actively participate in the exchange of information and perspectives.
  • Serve as ambassadors to your school community by being an additional bridge to sharing information between families and the superintendent.
  • Commit to pursuing the interest of each and every student in Fairfax County Public Schools.

 


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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