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 Students working on ‘common Towers’ in their yearbook class, students hard at work reading choice books in English, students in Computer Solutions playing People Bingo, and students who successfully navigated their “Riverboat” to the other side of the gym without touching the floor.
Franklin Community,
It has been a great start to the school year here at Franklin! It was wonderful to see so many community building activities happening in our classrooms this week to build a positive and welcoming learning environment for our students. Students are slowly but surely getting back into the swing of things and I'm hoping those alarm clocks are getting easier to wake up to as the week has gone on!
As I said last week, we are continuing using our CARE matrix at Franklin this year. Throughout the year, students will receive CARE cards from their teachers to recognize instances where they were Connected, Accountable, Respectful, and Empathetic. They turn those cards into their team mailboxes by the cafeteria and every Friday we have a raffle with 6 winners (1 from each team). The winners receive a prize (or two) and have their picture taken for our weekly newsletter. Please see the winners for this week posted below!
About half of our students received their FCPS issued laptops today. Students who did not have PE today will receive their laptops on Monday. We reinforced our expectations around acceptable computer use consistently throughout the week. Please know that the following activities on FCPS computers will not be allowed:
- Online gaming
- Intentionally disabling or circumventing (avoiding) Lightspeed, including using proxies
- Using chatting programs (WebEx, email chats, etc.)
- Social media
- Online shopping
- Streaming videos (movies, TV shows, athletic events, etc.)
- Non-educational YouTube use
We want our classes to be reserved for learning and interacting with peers. Please reinforce these expectations to your student at home. If you would like a resource to help monitor your student's laptop activity, please see information about FCPS Lightspeed Parent Reports. Thank you for your support in helping our students to use their computers appropriately!
Lastly, I wanted to put out a call for parents interested in serving on the Challenged Materials Committee. We need 2 parent volunteers that would potentially be called upon to evaluate instructional materials if their use is challenged. Volunteers cannot be FCPS Employees. Please e-mail me at tgderusso@fcps.edu if you are interested in volunteering for the committee.
Thank you to all of our students for a great week. One down, thirty-nine to go!
Tom DeRusso
Principal
Franklin MS
Weekly CARE Card Raffle Winners
~Important Dates~
August 29: Holiday - School & Offices Closed
September 1: Labor Day - School & Offices Closed
September 4: Back to School Night - 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
September 9: Special Election - No School
September 23: Rosh Hashanah - School & Offices Closed
~Action Item~
Sign-up to receive school communication via NewsYouChoose.
Throughout the year, this weekly newsletter will be our primary tool for communication about school happenings and upcoming events. We utilize this newsletter to celebrate students throughout the year, call attention to engaging learning activities, and share timely information.
~Student Services~
Ensuring Student Safety: Register for Volunteer FCPS
At Franklin Middle School, our volunteers are a vital part of our school community. We deeply value the time and care they give to our students.
Recent updates to our volunteer process focus on one primary goal: keeping students safe.
These updates — such as checks against the sex offender registry and, in some cases, criminal background checks — are safety measures that will help us maintain a secure and supportive learning environment for every student in our care.
We encourage all our parents and community members interested in supporting our students by volunteering at school to visit Volunteer FCPS, click “Learn More,” and then “Sign Up.” After you create a profile, you will view an orientation video and complete a volunteer application.
Volunteer FCPS ensures a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment at all of our schools. All volunteers must be registered in Volunteer FCPS. This includes individuals who volunteer to chaperone on field trips, work at book fairs, and help out regularly in classrooms, libraries, or cafeterias. Volunteers who work unsupervised with students will also be required to undergo a background check.
We understand these changes may seem disruptive, especially for long-time volunteers. Our intent is to ensure that our students feel safe and supported with each and every person they encounter at school.
As a reminder, all volunteers — and visitors to a school — are required to sign in by scanning their ID at our visitor kiosk. Visit the Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more.
🩹 Back-to-School Immunization Requirements
Make sure your child has all of their required immunizations before the first day of school. Several immunizations are required for students entering 7th grade.
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All students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations before the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria, the Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal (MenACWY), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
- To meet the Tdap requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age seven or older.
- To meet the MenACWY requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
- Parents/guardians may choose for their child to not receive the HPV vaccination. Documentation is not required to opt out of the HPV vaccination.
Check their immunization records to see what they might be missing. You can:
- Request immunization records online through the Virginia Immunization Information System (a free service).
- Get records from other states’ systems if your child was immunized outside of Virginia.
- Request records from your health care provider. Some may charge for copies.
If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your family’s health care provider or one of the following clinics:
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Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) clinics offer immunizations to all Fairfax County students, as well as those who are behind on their scheduled immunizations, or need a booster.
- FCHD offers limited walk-in hours for immunization services on a first-come-first-served basis. Immunizations are also available by appointment.
- Inova Cares Back to School Pediatric Health Fairs provide children ages 5 and up with free school physicals and immunizations. Weekday and weekend clinics are available in July and August. These health fairs are for VA Medicaid or Uninsured Inova registered patients only. Appointments are required. Call 703-698-2550 to make an appointment. Bring vaccine records to the appointment.
Local immunization clinics and additional resources are available on the FCPS Immunization Resources webpage and from the FCHD.
🍴 Apply Today for Free and Reduced-Price Meals!
According to the Centers for Disease Control, eating breakfast at school is associated with better attendance rates, fewer missed school days, and better test scores. School meals have high nutrition standards, and recent updates make them even better. Studies show that students who eat both school breakfast and lunch tend to have healthier diets than those who don't participate in school meals.
Families that are earning less than 185% of the poverty level can receive breakfast and lunch for their students at no cost. Families must complete the Free and Reduced Price Meals (FRM) application before the start of each school year. Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits.
The application for FRM is now available for the 2025-26 school year. Students who were approved for FRM last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should reapply as soon as possible so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.
Access the application and view criteria and up-to-date information on the FRM webpage. Families should reach out to their schools with questions or for assistance.
Support Your Child’s Success by Checking SIS ParentVUE
Parents and caregivers can view important information in SIS ParentVUE such as student attendance, grades, progress reports, and assessment scores. Watch this video if you would like help creating a ParentVUE account.
You will keep the same ParentVUE account until your student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same account. An app is also available for Apple and Android devices.
If you already have an account, be sure to update your phone numbers and/or email addresses (in the Parent/Guardian section), so your child’s school can send you important information. Get more information on SIS ParentVUE.
💯 Secondary Grading Updates
There will be new secondary grading policies in 2025-26. The goal of these changes is to increase consistency and clarity of grading practices. Learn about middle and high school grading policy updates.
Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) Updates for 2025-26 School Year
At their May 8 meeting, the Fairfax County School Board approved changes to the SR&R, including its cell phone policy. Other SR&R updates include added clarity and/or procedures around topics such as discipline data, parent notifications, hate speech, and integrated discipline training. The full list of changes is available on Boarddocs.
Cell Phone Policy for Middle Schools - Off and Away the Entire Day!
Beginning in the 24-25 school year, middle school students can only use their cell phones and other personal devices (AirPods, smart watches, and other items connected to the internet) before and after the school day. Phones must be stored in a locker or backpack from 7:30 am - 2:15 pm. If there is a need to reach your student during the school day, parents and caretakers can connect with our Front Office relay a message ahead of the end of the school day. Read more about the Cell Phone Policy.
Schoology
💻 Catch Up on Your Child’s Classwork in Schoology
Teachers use Schoology to post their classroom materials online; to provide a secure forum for students to discuss their ideas and collaborate on projects; and to assign and collect homework electronically. It helps students stay organized, and it keeps the class connected.
A Schoology Parent Account gives you access to:
- Your child’s classes.
- Your child’s upcoming assignments.
- School, class, and group announcements.
Parent accounts will be available after Monday, August 18. To access Schoology, parents will need to have an active SIS/ParentVUE account. Get more information on how to login and use Schoology.
🥪Student ID Numbers Needed for School Meals (New This Year)
Starting this school year, students will enter their student ID number — not their current cafeteria PIN — at the cash register to receive school meals. Please remind your child of their student ID number, which you can find in SIS ParentVUE. View more updates and reminders for school meals this year.
📱We Are a Phone-Free School!
Please remind your student that cell phones and personal devices (airpods, earbuds, headsets, other items connected to the internet) must be off and away for the entire school day (bell to bell). Cell phones are also not permitted to be used as an instructional tool. If you need to contact your student during the school day, please call our front office at 703-904-5100. Learn more about FCPS’ cell phone policy, which helps students stay focused, safe, and engaged at school.
☑️FRANKLIN MIDDLE SCHOOL PROCEDURES 2025-2026
Welcome! Whether you are making the transition to middle school or returning for 8th grade, please review the following procedures to ensure that all students are safe and accounted for each school day and to minimize disruption of classroom instructional time.
Phones
Franklin Middle School has an “off and away” policy for student phones in classrooms, hallways, bathrooms, and locker rooms. Phones must be turned off and put in a backpack or locker for the duration of the school day (7:30 am - 2:15 pm).
Early Dismissal
The attendance line is NOT to be used to request early dismissal. To minimize disruptions to the classroom learning environment, please have your student bring a note to the main office detailing the student name, date, and time you will pick up your student and the reason for the early dismissal. A pass will be issued to your student to be released from class at the designated time. Any adult picking up a student must provide a photo ID and be listed as an emergency care contact.
Absences and/or Late Arrivals
Absences and late arrivals should be reported by 9:00 am using any of the following methods.
- Attendance line: 703-904-5151
- Online attendance form on the FMS website
- Through ParentVue submission
Forgotten Items
Please do not drop off forgotten items as we cannot guarantee they will get to the student’s classroom. Exceptions include prescription glasses, hearing aids, medication, etc.
Bus Transportation
In support of student safety and accountability, bus riders are to get on and off at their assigned FCPS bus stop. If the need arises, a one-time pass can be issued to ride a different bus as long as a written note is provided to the school by the parent/guardian of each student. *Notes are to be turned into the main office by 7:30 AM the day of the request. Emails, calls and text messages are not accepted.
Clinic
Students should not use their phones to call home if they are not feeling well. They should get a pass from their teacher and report directly to the clinic.
Pre-Arranged Absences (3 or more days)
Pre-arranged absences must be approved in advance. Please complete the Request for Prearranged Absence Form/Middle and High School (found on the FCPS website) and turn in to the main office at least one week before the scheduled absence.
~AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM~
All parents/guardians must complete the MS After-School form in the Parent Digital Consent System before the start of the school year.
If you do not have access, contact your After-School Specialist for a paper copy.”
Here is the link to the Parent Digital Consent information site. https://www.fcps.edu/family-resources/technology/digital-resources/consent/directions
Any student that plans on participating in Fall Cross Country or Basketball will need to to have the Physical Packet Completed in full.
FCPS Middle School Sports Physical
- Basketball Interest Meeting - Sept. 4 (Advisory)
- Cross Country Interest Meeting - Sept. 8 (Advisory)
- After-School Program Begins - Sept. 17
🏃♂️Cross Country
MS Athletes will need the following to participate in Cross Country for the Fall. Cross Country will begin in Mid-September. Stay tuned for an interest meeting for students and parents.
Franklin MS Sports Page
All paperwork and the MS Sports Registration must be submitted before any student can participate in a practice for track.
Any questions please reach out to Chris Tippins at WCTippins@fcps.edu.You can also visit the Franklin MS Sports page or at the FCPS MS Sports site for more information.
~Helpful Information~
🚌 Transportation Patience and Safety
Thank you for your patience as we all get used to new routines this school year. We appreciate our families following Kiss and Ride procedures and being patient while waiting for your children’s buses.
If your student’s bus is delayed, you may access the Bus Delay Notification System or use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to receive the delayed bus report. Email messages will be sent to announce significant bus delays. Please contact the Transportation Office at 703-249-7000 with any additional questions. For concerns after 5:30 p.m., contact the FCPS Office of Safety and Security at 571-423-2000.
Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE to make sure you receive email messages about bus delays.
🔍 See Where Your Child Goes Online With Lightspeed
Parents can access their child’s activity on FCPS devices through Lightspeed, the school division’s internet content filtering service. Parents may sign up for a weekly Parent Report, which will provide a list of the top sites their child visited.
The report also offers parents the ability to sign up for the Internet Use Parent Portal. Through the portal, parents may pause their child’s access to the internet on their FCPS device during non-school hours.
Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.
Challenged Materials Review Committee Volunteers
We are looking for 2 parent volunteers to serve on the Challenged Materials Review Committee. Committee members will be called upon by central office if there is a need to review challenged material. We are not able to accept parent volunteers who are also employed by FCPS. If you are interested, please email Mr. DeRusso at tgderusso@fcps.edu
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/
📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost
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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