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Practice for the big Battle of Route 50 matchup against Rocky Run Middle School next week, students delivering relaxing supplies for stress less week next week, and children getting to enjoy the company of the therapy dogs.
Franklin Community,
We are gearing up for an exciting week next week for several reasons:
It's Stress Less, Laugh More week! Thank you to our Student Services department for planning a week meant to help students take a step back and focus on the positive. There are several exciting activities planned including visits from alpacas! Here are the themes for each day:
- Music Monday
- Take a Trip Tuesday
- Wild Wednesday
- Team Thursday
- Have Fun and Laugh Friday
In addition to Stress Less, Laugh More, we also have an author visit from Jennifer Nielsen on April 8th. Ms. Nielsen is a widely published author with many books on the shelves in our own school library. There will be two presentations, one for 7th grade and one for 8th grade. We can't wait to welcome Ms. Nielsen to share her journey with our students and talk about her books!
We also have the Activities Fairs for both Chantilly High School and Oakton High School on Thursday, 4/10. Our 8th grade students will be going to their base high school to learn about what they can expect in 9th grade. They can also take some time to check out electives and activities that are offered at the high school level and meet students and staff from each activity. It is a great event that marks the start of their promotion to high school. Please make sure you have filled out the permission form if you have an 8th grade student!
The fun isn't over on Thursday, as we have our annual Franklin v. Rocky Run Basketball event starting at 5:00pm at Chantilly High School. Doors open at 4:30pm starting with the staff game. Our girls and boys teams will also face off against Rocky Run to try to win back the trophy! Our staff team had a nice scrimmage against our girls team yesterday. They did not seem nearly as tired as we did!
Speaking of the game, don't forget about our Falcons in Good Standing Program to attend the game. We started collecting the data on Monday, 3/17, and we will continue tracking the following behaviors to ensure that students are meeting expectations. Students are expected to have:
- No Discipline Referrals
- No Cell Phone Violations
- No more than 5 unexcused tardies to class
Students who meet these expectations will be allowed to attend the basketball event. Students who have failed to meet one of these expectations will be notified prior to the games on April 10th that they will not be able to attend. Please help reinforce to your student how important it is to be Connected, Accountable, Respectful, and Empathetic at school. We hope to see all students and families out to support the Falcons on April 10th!
Have a great weekend, and go Falcons!
Tom DeRusso
Principal
Franklin MS
Weekly CARE Card Raffle Winners
 Important Dates
April 7-11 - Stress Less, Laugh More Week
April 8 - Volleyball vs Rocky Run
at Franklin - 6pm Girls/7pm Boys
April 10 - Franklin vs Rocky Run Basketball Game
Chantilly HS - 5pm-8pm
April 11 - Last day to purchase a yearbook
April 14-18 - Spring Break
April 24 - Volleyball vs Hughes
6pm Girls/7pm Boys
Stress Less, Laugh More Week
Next week, April 7-11, we will be celebrating Stress Less, Laugh More week at Franklin! 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. We will have visits from therapy dogs and mini alpacas! We'll also have games and activities that require small treats or prizes. If you would like to donate, please click here and drop off items to the main office by Monday, April 7th, Thank you and we appreciate your support!
The Battle for Route 50
The Battle for Route 50 - Franklin vs Rocky Run
The Annual Franklin vs Rocky Run Basketball Games will take place on Thursday April 10 at Chantilly HS. Game times will be 5:00pm (Staff), 6:00pm (Girls) and 7:00pm (Boys). Tickets are on sale now!
- MySchoolBucks ticket sales will close Monday April 7. Cash sales will take place in all lunches and at the door to the game.
Log into MySchoolBucks to Purchase Tickets Starting March 24.
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.
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).
Updates from National Junior Honor Society:
- 7th graders/families: Our 7th Grade NJHS Induction Ceremony will take place after school on Monday, May 19th. More information about the ceremony and membership will be coming in mid-April.
- 8th graders/families: Please check the Schoology group and make sure you have completed your service hours for 3rd quarter. The 8th Grade Pinning Ceremony will be on Tuesday, May 20th after school. More information about the pinning ceremony will be posted in the NJHS Schoology group.
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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. There will be no in-person yearbook sales! Visit yearbookordercenter.com and use code 5330 to order today!
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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.Buses will run Monday-Thursday. There is programming on Fridays but there are NO Late Buses. Parent pickup only by 4:35pm.
- No After-School Program Thursday April 10 or Friday April 11.
MS Sports - Spring Track
Registration for Spring Track & Field will close on Thursday April 10. Practice next week will be on Tuesday April 8 and Wednesday April 9. The first Track Meet will be on Saturday April 26 at Madison HS.
MS Athletes will need the following to participate in Track for the Spring:
Teacher Appreciation Raffle Donations
Do you own a business or work at a company that supports the local community? In anticipation of Teacher Appreciation Week occurring in early May we are looking for any businesses/companies interested in donating: gift certificates, free service, items for a gift basket, or even discount coupons. We would use these generous donations to raffle off to our wonderful teachers and staff at Franklin.
Please email hospitality@franklinmspta.org with any information so that we can coordinate.
Thank you!
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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:
Month of the Military Child
💜 April is the Month of the Military Child! Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community, and recognize their strength and resilience.
🌈Autism Acceptance Month
April is Autism Acceptance Month. One in 44 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the United States, according to the CDC. Our schools and staff play a vital role in creating and ensuring inclusive environments that accommodate and affirm autistic students.
National Arab American Heritage Month
FCPS is proud to celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month in April. This special month provides an opportunity to recognize the history and valuable contributions of Arab Americans. Arab Americans have ancestry in one of the world’s 22 Arab nations, which are located from northern Africa through western Asia. The people of these nations are ethnically, politically, and religiously diverse but share a common cultural and linguistic heritage. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
Summer Art Camp
Ms. Mull and Ms. Kennedy will be hosting three week-long art camps this summer at Chantilly HS. Camp is for rising 3rd-8th graders and students will be grouped by age. Each week, students will explore a variety of sculpture, painting, drawing, and mixed media projects. Can’t wait to create art with you this summer!
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.
☀️ Save the Date for the FCPS Summer Extravaganza
Discover summer learning and activities available in Fairfax County!
Attend the FCPS Summer Extravaganza on Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School and get a jump on summer learning. At this free event, participants can engage in educational and enrichment activities designed to inspire curiosity and growth.
Activities will include student performances, story time, a moon bounce, and face painting. For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.
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/
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
Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid
Your voice matters, and Superintendent Reid wants to hear from you! Share your thoughts and ask questions regarding FCPS on Monday, April 7 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Click on a date to register. Registration is not required but is encouraged for planning purposes.
Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
 FCPS Budget — Our Students Deserve the BestMore than $240 million of FCPS’ Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Advertised Budget is dedicated to increasing compensation for our teachers and staff to stay competitive and reduce turnover. Currently, FCPS ranks fifth out of eight neighboring districts in regards to starting salary for teachers with a master’s degree.
Our families expect — and our students deserve — the best teachers.
Next Steps in the Budget Process
The next steps in the FCPS FY 2026 Budget process include the School Board presenting the budget to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, April 22, and then the Board of Supervisors will conduct public hearings Tuesday, April 22, through Thursday, April 24. Community members can submit testimony or sign up to speak.
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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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.
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