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 Students in English made pipe cleaner art and then analyzed it from a reflecting perspective, staff at Franklin celebrate a famous marriage proposal, staff give ice cream to teachers to celebrate a week, and students enjoy amazing weather at recess.
Franklin Community,
As we wrap up the second week of school, I wanted to look ahead to our Back to School Night event on Thursday, 9/4. We will open our doors at 5:45pm with the main program occurring from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. This is a great chance to get to know your student's teachers and find out more about the things that we do at Franklin. You will go through your child's schedule and attend a 10 minute session with each teacher. We are hoping to see you there!
As we get further into the school year, I wanted to emphasize the importance of regular school attendance. When students miss school, even occasionally, they miss valuable opportunities to learn, connect with peers, and build strong habits that prepare them for the future.
A key concern is chronic absenteeism, which occurs when a student is absent for more than 10% of the school year—roughly 18 days in a typical year. It’s important to note that students can be considered chronically absent even if their absences are excused. Research shows that chronic absenteeism can negatively impact academic performance, social development, and long-term success.
By making daily attendance a priority, you can help ensure that your child stays engaged, connected, and on track to achieve their goals. Thank you for partnering with us to support consistent attendance for every student, every day!
With that being said, I want to wish all families and students a relaxing, fun, and safe holiday weekend! Go Falcons!
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 Items~
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.
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.
~Student Services~
🩹 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
- After-School Program Begins - Sept. 17
More info on the AfterSchool Program will be available in the coming weeks on Schoology and the Franklin website.
MS Cross Country
All paperwork and the MS Sports Registration must be submitted before any student can participate in a practice or tryout for Cross Country.
- Cross Country Interest Meeting - Sept. 8 (Advisory)
Franklin MS Sports Page
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.
MS Basketball-UPDATE
MS Basketball - Parents as of now, the MS Basketball Program inter-school competitions is on hold. There is no other information at this time on when or if it may take place as part of the MS Sports/After-School Program. We will offer Basketball as part of the after-school program weekly. That schedule will be coming out in a few weeks.
K-9 Caring Angels
Starting next Wednesday and the first Wednesday of every month we will again have a visit by K-9 Caring Angels during all lunches. Students will have the ability to sign up via google form that morning (7:10am-10:20am) to be able to visit with the dogs during their assigned lunch. We are excited to have our same two dogs Finn and Teddy visiting throughout the school year.
~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.
No-Cost Meals Available for Students on September 9
As a reminder, all FCPS schools will be closed for students and school staff on September 9 due to a special election in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District. FCPS will provide student meals at a select number of schools at no cost. Please keep in mind that:
- Lunch and a snack will be served together from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Meals must be eaten on site at participating schools.
- Enrichment activities will be available for children. Participation is encouraged but not required.
- Only children 18 and under may receive meals.
- Each child may receive one lunch and one snack.
View a list of school sites that will be providing meals for children on September 9. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services at 703-813-4800.
🔍 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.
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.
~Community Events~
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