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 Students in 8th grade science worked on ionic and covalent bonds. In 7th grade science, they examined human and frog blood, nuerons, and muscle cells. Therapy dogs visited on Thursday, and a real Falcon flew over recess on Friday.
Franklin Community,
We are officially into assessment season at Franklin. This week in PE, students ran the pacer as part of their physical fitness assessment. I keep on promising myself that I will dust off my old running shoes and show our students how to run, but I haven't made it out there yet! Our music students are also preparing for their spring assessments. Good luck to all of our musicians who are performing in their assessment concerts this weekend! Speaking of assessments, we have completed the rough draft of our Spring SOL testing schedule. Please scroll down to see when your student will be taking their tests! Remember that retakes will be available for students who score between a 375 and a 399, with 400 being considered a passing score.
This week we also welcomed the return of our therapy dogs during all lunches. Thank you to Mr. Tippins for organizing this opportunity for our students. The theater was just as packed this time as it was last time. Teddy and Finn are quickly becoming the mascots of Franklin!
On a more serious note, we have been experiencing significant issues of vandalism, graffiti, and damage in our boy's restrooms. This week, we closed many of our boy's restrooms in an effort to make supervision more manageable. We have spoken to students at our SR&R assemblies and I have made PA announcements about the importance of respecting our school, specifically the restrooms, as it has been a consistent issue recently. Please take some time at home to speak to your child as well and encourage them to come to an administrator if they see a student disrespecting our school by vandalizing the restroom. We depend on student reports to address these types of behaviors. Together, we believe we can fix this issue and respect our school!
Go Falcons!
Tom DeRusso
Principal
Franklin MS
Weekly CARE Card Raffle Winners
Important Dates
March 9 - Daylight Savings Time begins
March 11 - Dining for Dollars - Bonchon - 5pm-9pm
March 12 - Band/Orchestra Concert - 6pm
March 17 - St. Patrick's Day
March 28 - Chantilly Pyramid Art Show - 6pm-8pm
March 31 - No School - Eid al-Fitr
Ramadan Considerations
Happy Ramadan to our Franklin students and families who are observing this holiday. For students who are fasting or require access to a silent prayer or meditation space during the month of Ramadan, please review the following times and spaces available to students during non-instructional times:
- Recess: Students who need a place to rest or pray during recess (10:25 am - 10:45 am daily) should report to the library during this block of time.
- Lunches: Students who are fasting and would like a place free of food are welcome in the library during their lunch block. This quiet space will also have a dedicated area for any students who would like to pray during their lunch block as well.
- After School: Immediately following dismissal, any students staying after school will have access to a silent prayer and meditation space in Room 120 (right by the cafeteria) for this purpose.
If your child has a special circumstance that requires their use of the prayer or silent meditation space outside of these non-instructional times, please connect directly with your child's counselor via email.
Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28, 2025
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has issued a new, first-time waiver allowing students fasting during the school day from February 28 to March 28, 2025, to request take-home breakfast and lunch meal kits. The Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) will provide meal kits reflecting the school menu. Meals will be kept cold and must be heated at home. Students may claim one breakfast and one lunch kit per day. If a student purchases breakfast or lunch at school, they cannot pick up a kit that day. Meal kits must be picked up by students at the end of the school day—adults cannot collect them.
Parents or guardians must submit a weekly request form via the FCPS FNS website by the deadlines:
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March 10, 2025, for the week of March 17, 2025
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March 17, 2025, for the week of March 24, 2025
Forms must be submitted on time to receive meal kits for the following week.
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Academic Advising
In January and February, our counselors support all students with academic advising and course requests for the 2025-2026 school year. See below for updates by grade-level and reminders about upcoming deadlines.
Rising 7th Grade Reminders:
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March 2025: Families will be able to see final course selections in ParentVUE.
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June/July 2025: End of year performance verifies course selections, including Algebra 1 Honors placement and support classes for literacy and math.
For more information, including presentations, course selection sheets, and the course catalog, please see the Franklin MS Site: https://franklinms.fcps.edu/Rising7th.
Rising 8th Grade Information:
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February 28: Finalized course selections are due by 4:00 pm on Friday, February 28, 2025.
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March 2025: Families will be able to see final course selections in ParentVUE.
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June/July 2025: End of year performance verifies course selections, including support classes for literacy and math.
The course catalog is now available, and families can explore these resources on the Franklin MS Site: https://franklinms.fcps.edu/Rising8th.
As your student navigates these processes and events, our counselors are here to support. Please reach out to your student’s counselor with any questions or concerns.
SEL Screener
The Spring Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students through Advisory during the week of March 10, 2025. Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. More information is available about the SEL Screener by accessing this link: https://www.fcps.edu/student-tests-and-assessments/student-assessment-details/social-emotional-screener
If you have any questions please reach out to our SEL Screener Lead, Kim Gallagher, or our Testing Coordinator, Kathryn Thurston.
Save the Dates: Spring Testing
Spring SOL Testing dates have been identified.
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Wednesday, March 19, 2025: Integrated Reading & Writing SOL Test (8th Grade Only)
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Tuesday, May 13, 2025: Reading SOL (All Students)
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Friday, May 16, 2025: Science 8 SOL (8th Grade Only)
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Wednesday, May 21, 2025: Math SOLs (All Students)
Please avoid any scheduled absences like appointments and trips on the dates identified to ensure students are ready and able to test on the given dates.
Retakes: The Virginia Board of Education allows elementary and middle school students who fail their spring Standards of Learning (SOL) tests by a narrow margin to retake the test before the end of the school year. Retesting is available when a student fails their first SOL attempt with a score of 375-399. (A score of 400 is considered passing for SOL tests.) Note that retests are not offered for the integrated reading/writing (IRW) component of the grade 8 SOL reading tests. A decision not to allow retesting will not impact your student’s course grade or academic record.
Parent/guardian permission is required for the school to retest any student in grades 3-8. If you believe that your student would benefit from a second opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills on the spring SOL test, submit your decision using the Parent Digital Consent application (https://www.fcps.edu/family-resources/technology/digital-resources/consent).
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Stress Less, Laugh More Week
During the week of April 7-11, Franklin Middle School students and staff will be celebrating Stress Less, Laugh More Week. This week is an annual event that aims to create a healthy and supportive school environment for students by ensuring we all play a role in normalizing conversations around mental health. Students and staff will learn ways to cope with stress and participate in activities that promote an inclusive and fun school community. Click here for more information about Franklin's Stress Less, Laugh More Week. We will have several games and activities that require small treats or prizes! Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up to support Stress Less, Laugh More week. Thank you! Please drop off all items to the main office by Friday, April 4th.
www.signupgenius.com
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After-School Program Information
More information on the After-School Program and schedule for next week can be found on the After-School Program website and on the Parent Schoology.
After-School Registration Form - Please use the google link to register, even if you don't anticipate your student staying After-School. Unforeseen circumstances happen, and we want to be prepared to contact you if anything arises! Buses will run Monday-Thursday. There is programming on Fridays but there are NO Late Buses. Parent pickup only by 4:35pm..
MS Sports - Spring Track
FCPS again will offer Spring Track as part of the MS Sports Program. Track is open to all students. The Spring Track season will begin on April 2 and there will be five meets from the end of April through the end of May on Saturdays.
To ensure all families have the information needed for Track and Field, we will be offering a parent/guardian an information session on Thursday, March 13 from 6:30-7:15pm via ZOOM. You can access the Zoom Link here.
MS Athletes will need the following to participate in Track for the Spring.
Students that have already turned in a physical for the Cross Country Season do not need to turn in another physical. All other information will be needed to participate in Spring Track. Any questions please reach out to Chris Tippins at WCTippins@fcps.edu.You can also visit the Franklin Cross Country/ Track Website or at the FCPS MS Sports site for more information.
DMV Debate
DMV Debate will again host a virtual Debate Club on Wednesday Evenings from 6pm-7pm. This will be a 6 week course and meet weekly. Students can sign up by scanning the QR Code attached or click the link below.
DMV Debate Sign Up
Questions please email thedmvdebate@gmail.com.
SAVE THE DATE - VIP CAMP at Rocky Run
This summer FCPS Middle School After-School Program and Neighborhood & Community Services present VIP SUMMER CAMP. Rocky Run MS site will serve rising 7th and 8th graders from Franklin MS, Katherine Johnson MS, Liberty MS, Rocky Run MS and Stone MS.
VIP Camp will run from July 1-31 at Rocky Run MS and transportation will be provided.
VIP Application Link will be sent out via News You Choose to Rising 7th & 8th Grade Parents. Information will also be sent out via a Schoology Message at 6:00pm on March 11.
Chantilly Ice Hockey Club
Chantilly Hockey is open to any experienced rising 9th grade that will be attending Chantilly HS. Please contact Kelly Morgan (kellyhmorgan@verizon.net) if you are interested in playing this spring and/or in the fall.
Jennifer Nielson Book Club
Rocky Run Middle School and Franklin Middle School are partnering to host Family Book Club with author Jennifer Nielsen. The evening event will be held at Rocky Run Middle School on April 9th at 7pm.
For this Family Book Club, both the student and an adult family member (parent, grandparent, aunt, etc) select the same book to read and come together on the evening of April 9th to discuss their book with other families and the author.
The featured titles for this spring's Family Book Club are:
Summer 2025 Online Campus Courses
Registration for the Summer 2025 Online Campus courses starts Friday, February 14, 2025, and ends Friday, June 6, 2025. Courses are open to middle and high school students who meet prerequisites.
Courses may be cancelled if they are under-enrolled. If a course is cancelled, students will be notified using the registration contact information and a full refund will be given.
Please note that students wishing to enroll in a summer course must enroll and notify their counselor by March 7,2025 in order to ensure a seat in the desired course (s) for 25-26 school year.
🚀 Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun
Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.
Health Reminders
Flu season is here, and we all want to keep our students healthy and safe. Please remind your child to practice good hygiene, such as washing their hands frequently and covering their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
If your child is feeling unwell, especially with flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, sore throat or body aches, we ask that you to keep them at home to rest and recover and be fever free for 24 hours without medication, before returning to school. This helps prevent the spread of illness to others.
Thank you for your support in keeping our school community healthy. If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to reach out to our clinic.
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 Did you know that more than 85% of FCPS’ budget stays in our classrooms? Currently, 92.5% of FCPS staff are school-based, more than neighboring school districts. We are in the middle of FCPS’ annual budget process, which includes opportunities for you to give feedback. Learn more about the proposed FCPS FY 2026 Proposed Budget and see the budget timeline.
Franklin Middle School PTA
 Please consider becoming a member, volunteering is not required but always appreciated. Member funds go right back to supporting our students and staff!
Membership
https://franklinmspta.givebacks.com/store?limit=21&live=true
Stay up to date on what’s happening by following us on Facebook and signing up for E-mail reminders via our website!
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/fmsptainchantillyva
Website
https://fms.ptboard.com/
Dining For Dollars - March 11 / 5pm-9pm
Join Franklin Middle School PTA's RaiseRight program and earn
Join Franklin Middle School's RaiseRight program so you don't miss out on more than $1,000+ in savings toward helping and supporting our Franklin students! How? By using gift cards to pay for everyday expenses and shopping online through RaiseRight—brands automatically give up to 20% back!
Plus, with a mobile app available and instant access to your eGift card and reload purchases, you can earn with gift cards and shop online through RaiseRight anytime, anywhere.
To get started, click here: https://www.raiseright.com/enroll/S3E2VG59SEL6
National Women’s History Month
Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history.
Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations
Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!
Starting Monday, May 19, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. You can check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information by accessing SIS ParentVUE.
Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2024-25 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!
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Become Unskippable: Practical Guidance for Talking With Teens About Fentanyl
Teens skip things that don't interest them, including lectures from their parents. But young people die from fentanyl overdoses in Fairfax County each year — so it's important to have short, impactful talks with your teen, whether or not you think they’re at risk.
As a parent or caregiver, you have the power to become “unskippable” and talk with your teen in a way they will listen.
See our tips for talking with your teen about fentanyl and other difficult subjects. Watch this video to learn more about becoming unskippable.
Eating Disorder Parent Information
According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA 2023), Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental and physical illnesses that can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights. In the United States, 28.8 million Americans will suffer from an eating disorder at some point in their lives. There is no single cause of an eating disorder. Rather, it is a complex combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that converge and set off an individual’s predisposed genetic vulnerability.
In collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department, FCPS has developed a web page with detailed information and resources to be provided to parents and guardians of Fairfax County Public Schools. This information may be found at Eating Disorders.
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Yearbooks on Sale Now
Don't wait to purchase your child's yearbook! Yearbooks are available for online purchase only through April 11. Secure your copy now to ensure your child doesn't miss out on this special keepsake of memories. Visit yearbookordercenter.com and use code 5330 to order today!
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School Pictures are Ready
To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.com or create an account using your student's student ID number.
All families can also log on and order a FREE Digital SmileSafe card.
Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost
FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra learning resources. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.
Quick Links
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