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 This week was Stress Less Week, a week long celebration of ways to make the stress disappear, just in time for Spring Break. Students played mini basketball at lunch on Thursday, students got to meet the therapy dogs on Monday, and on Wednesday it as a fantastic imagination vacation for our students.
 Students pausing at a photobooth on imagination vacation day, students petting visiting Alpacas on Wednesday during PE, the really cool chalk inspirational messages that showed up on Wednesday, and the Take What You Need board where students could get positive affirmation messages on Tuesday.
 Students meeting with the therapy dogs, students dressed up for Music Monday, and the winners of the staff v students music competition (it was so close), the staff!
Franklin Community,
As we head into Spring Break next week, we want to take a moment to wish all of our students and families a safe, restful, and enjoyable time away. This break is a great opportunity to recharge, and we hope everyone is able to relax and spend meaningful time together.
This week, we had the opportunity to celebrate our Stress Less, Laugh More Week, and it was a fantastic success. Throughout the week, students were able to take part in a variety of activities designed to promote well-being, connection, and a little bit of fun during the school day. We welcomed students each morning with music during arrival, setting a positive tone to start the day. During lunches, students enjoyed staff versus student “Name That Tune” and a 7th grade versus 8th grade basketball shooting competition. Students also had a visit from mini alpacas during all PE classes, which was certainly a highlight for many. It was great to see so much positive energy and engagement from our students throughout the week.
A very special thank you goes to Ms. Gallagher and our Student Services team for their hard work in planning and organizing this meaningful week. Their efforts continue to make a positive impact on the overall well-being of our students and help create a supportive and connected school environment.
We would also like to recognize National Librarian Day on April 4 and extend our sincere appreciation to Ms. Ruffle for all that she does for our students and staff. The library is an important part of our school community, and we are grateful for the welcoming and engaging space she creates for our students each day.
Looking ahead, the week we return from Spring Break is Assistant Principal Appreciation Week. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Ms. Lombardi and Ms. Sciabica for their leadership, dedication, and the countless ways they support our students, staff, and families. Their work plays a critical role in ensuring that our school runs smoothly each day, and we are fortunate to have them as part of our Franklin team.
We also ask for your support in reminding students not to bring in specialty coffee drinks to school. Recently, we have had several spills, and these items can become a distraction to the learning environment. We appreciate your partnership in helping us maintain a focused and safe school setting for all students.
Lastly, families will be receiving an email from noreply@fcps.edu on April 6 containing a link to the annual principal evaluation. This is a legitimate message, and we encourage you to take a few moments to complete the survey. Your feedback is anonymous and provides valuable insight into key aspects of our school, helping to guide our ongoing work and shape our vision moving forward. The survey will remain open through April 19.
We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Spring Break, and we look forward to welcoming students back refreshed and ready for the weeks ahead.
Tom DeRusso
Principal
Franklin Middle School
Weekly CARE Card Raffle Winners
Students of the Month
Congratulations to our Falcons who were honored as our February Students of the Month. We are so proud of you. Continue to Soar!
~Important Dates~
March 30-April 3: Spring Break - School Closed
April 6: Teacher Workday - School Closed
April 10: Teacher Workday - School Closed
April 13: Last Day to Order a Yearbook
April 15: Purple Up! Day (Month of the Military Child)
April 21: Special Election - School Closed
~Action Items~
We Want Your Feedback! Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Questionnaire
On Monday, April 6, parents and guardians of Franklin Middle School will receive an email with a link to the FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form. This questionnaire is part of the Performance Evaluation Program and provides an opportunity to share anonymous feedback about our school’s leadership and environment.
Topics covered in the survey include:
✅ Instructional leadership
✅ School climate
✅ Management (human resources and organizational)
✅ Communication and community relations
✅ Culturally responsive and equitable leadership
✅ Professionalism
The questionnaire will be open April 6 - April 19 and will be collected online. When you receive the email from noreply@fcps.edu, please take a few minutes to complete it. Your input is valuable and helps shape the future of our school. Thank you for your time and feedback!
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Want a quick way to recognize an employee or team? Share an FCPS CARES! Families, colleagues, and students are all invited to submit. The FCPS CARES is automatically sent to the recipient(s) and their supervisor, and is posted on fcps.edu. Additionally, each month one school in our region wins a staff celebration from HR. Encourage your community to show our staff that their hard work is appreciated!
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Franklin MS Spirit Wear
Now’s the perfect time to grab your favorite Franklin hoodies, long sleeves, tees, hats, and cold-weather gear for the whole family. Whether you're staying warm at home, events, or around town, don’t miss your chance to show your Franklin pride and save. These winter savings won’t last long!
Use code SPIRIT308 at checkout! Plus enjoy free shipping on orders $85+.
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Yearbook Orders
Pre-order your 2025-2026 Franklin Yearbook! Orders are open between now and April 13. No late orders will be accepted.
To order, visit yearbookordercenter.com and use order number 5330, or use the QR code provided on the attached flyer. Cost is $30.
Don't miss out!
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Register To Volunteer
All parents must register before volunteering for a school event. 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.
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. Visit the Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more.
Want to volunteer? Visit Volunteer FCPS to find and sign up for volunteer opportunities. Contact Volunteers@fcps.edu with any questions.
~Student Services~
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In April we Celebrate the Month of the Military Child (MOMC)
We recognize and thank children from military families for the sacrifices they make living the military lifestyle.
Purple Up! Day in FCPS is April 15, 2026
#PurpleUpFCPS
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Let’s Talk About The Anxious Generation – Book Discussion
We invite you to join us for a virtual Book Discussion of The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, a #1 New York Times bestseller exploring how today’s world is impacting our children’s mental health.
When: Wednesday, May 6, 2026 - 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Where: Zoom
This will be a judgment-free conversation about our kids’ screen time, smartphones, social media, and other topics that affect our kids’ lives.
If you’ve read the book—great! If not, no worries. We’ll share a summary you can review, and we’ll also have a few copies of the book available after Spring Break for those who are interested.
The conversation will be led by two parents and will be a chance to connect, share perspectives, and learn from one another in a supportive space.
We hope you’ll join us!
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Parent Acknowledgment of Course Requests for Next School Year
We are excited to introduce a new feature in SIS ParentVUE that allows you to review and acknowledge your child’s course requests for the 2026-27 school year. Follow the step-by-step directions below or click here to download directions.
How to Review Your Student's Selections
- Log into your ParentVUE account.
- Select the Course Request module.
- Review the list of courses for the next school year.
Please Note: These are requests, not a schedule. Schedules will be made available in August.
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Primary Requests: Located in the top section (includes Core classes and Electives).
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Alternate Electives: Located in the bottom section. These alternate courses may be used if there is a scheduling conflict, staffing limitations, changes in services (IEP/ESOL) or intervention needs, Academy acceptance, or music audition placement results.
How to Acknowledge Your Review
We strongly encourage you to discuss these selections with your child if you have not already done so. Once you have reviewed the list, please confirm your acknowledgment by March 27, 2026, following these steps:
- Navigate to the Student Info module.
- Click Edit Information.
- Locate the Course Request Acknowledgment field.
- Update the field to "Yes" and click Save Changes.
We’re Here to Help
If you’d like to request a change in your child’s course requests, please complete this google form to indicate your request, and a member of our Franklin Student Services team will connect and/or confirm the updates.
If you do not have a ParentVUE account, please visit the SIS Parent Accounts website.
Thank you for your partnership in your student's academic journey!
Food for Neighbors
Help Franklin MS and Food for Neighbors, Fight Student Hunger with the Red Bag Program
1 in 4 kids in Northern Virginia faces hunger. Food For Neighbors supports local students by collecting food through the Red Bag Program and distributing it to school pantries.
How it works:
- Request a free Red Bag
- Fill it with listed food items every 2 months
- Leave it outside on collection day — it’ll be picked up!
Learn more about what to donate and how to get involved: Red Bag program click here.
You can also volunteer to collect or sort bags — a great way for students to earn service hours.
Questions? Contact the school’s social worker, Elyse Brunais , or our family liaison, Janet McFadden.
~AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM~
Students should be picked up from the After-School Program no later than 5:00PM. Parents should communicate with your student on their pickup time. Late Buses run Monday-Thursday with a departure time of 4:45pm. On Fridays there are no late buses but parents may pick up their students by 4:35pm on Fridays.
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For more info on the After-School Program visit the website or schoology.
- No After-School Program on Friday March 27 due to the early dismissal
Western Fairfax VIP Application Opens
March 17
Values in Prevention Camp Presented by: Fairfax County Public Schools and Neighborhood and Community Services
Dates and Times:
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July 1 through July 30, 2026.
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Monday through Friday, 8 A.M. to 4 P.M.
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Note: There is no camp on July 3.
Registration and Cost:
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Registration opens on Tuesday, March 17th at 6 P.M.
- Link to register is www.fcps.edu/get-involved/activities/middle-school-student-activities/vip-summer-camp
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Cost is 100 dollars for all five weeks.
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Contact your Middle School After-School Specialist for general questions.
Camp Location and Feeder Schools:
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Western Fairfax Camp at Liberty Middle School VIP Site will serve rising 7th and 8th graders from: Franklin Middle School, Johnson Middle School, Liberty Middle School, Rocky Run Middle School, and Stone Middle School.
Accessibility and Accommodations: Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs, services and activities. Reasonable accommodations are made upon request. For information, call 703-324-4600, TTY 711. A Fairfax County, VA publication. February 2026.
MS Sports - Spring Track
Spring Track Information is posted below. The first practice will be on Tuesday April 7. All students will need to make sure that they register using the MS Sports Track Registration Link posted below. If your student ran Cross Country their FCPS Physical is still valid but will need to complete the Registration Link and ECC.. If they are new to track, they will need to complete all forms listed below.
Click Here to Watch this video about MS Track and Field in FCPS
Meets for Track will be held at designated High Schools across FCPS on Saturdays. The first meet of the season will be on Saturday April 25 at Herndon High School.
All paperwork and the MS Sports Registration must be submitted before any student can participate, try out or practice. 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.
COMMANDERS CAMPS
Coming to Franklin MS!!
Commanders Camps are coming to Chantilly this summer! Get ready for high-energy flag football, skill-building, and team-first fun crafted for rising 2nd through 7th graders of every experience level!
Franklin Middle School will be hosting 3 Commanders Flag Football Camps run by Flag Star Football this summer. For more information visit www.commanderscamps.com or scan the QR Code below.
Camp Runs 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Franklin Middle School
3300 Lees Corner Road
Chantilly, VA 20151
Register today at www.commanderscamps.com or the QR code provided on the flyer for registration.
Special Offer: Save $75 for FCPS families with code: FCPSFIRSTYEAR.
Flag Start - Spring Flag Football League
Flag Star Football is launching its Spring Flag Football League in Reston and is looking for a few more players to complete the field! Whether your child is brand new to football or already loves to compete, this league is all about great games, great teammates, and a positive sports experience.
Who: 2nd–8th graders (boys & girls, all skill levels welcome)
When: Saturdays, April 18 – June 6
Where: Local Reston/Herndon fields
Players can register as free agents and we’ll place them on a team — or rally 10+ friends and form your own squad.
To help get things started, FCPS families can use promo code FCPSRESTON for 50% off registration.
Register here: https://flagstarfootball.sportngin.com/register/form/175837137
Questions? Reach out to ximena@flagstarfootball.com.
Chantilly HS Football Workouts
Rising 9th Graders that will attend Chantilly HS and are interested in playing football. Workouts are held Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Workout Schedule:
Additional Information can be found on the Chantilly Family Chat.
 ~Franklin Middle School PTA~
Support Franklin's PTA
We're One-Third of the Way to Our Goal!
Welcome back to all our families to another busy school year! We're grateful to everyone who has already joined the PTA this year! So far, we're only about one-third of the way to meeting our membership goal. Your membership dollars go directly back into supporting our students, teachers, and classrooms by covering a variety of costs from classroom resources and teacher appreciation to student enrichment opportunities and more.
While we anticipated membership numbers might dip compared to last year, we're hopeful that families who are able can help close the gap. In addition to the standard $25 membership, please consider subscribing to the $50, $75, or $100 levels. Every extra contribution makes a big difference and helps reduce the need for heavier fundraisers later in the school year. Click here to register for membership, and please try to do so as soon as possible.
A reminder to returning Franklin families and awareness for our new families--for details and links on information and resources you'll need as your children progress through Franklin, visit and subscribe to our PT School Board and follow the Franklin MS PTA Facebook page.
~Helpful Information~
Download the New FCPS Mobile App!
The FCPS mobile app offers a customized platform to help keep families connected and informed, directly from their smartphones. You can download the Fairfax County Public Schools mobile app by going to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and searching for “FCPS.”
With the app you can:
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Stay up-to-date: Get the latest news from FCPS.
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View school calendars: See events, activities, holidays, and early dismissals.
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Check school menus: See what’s for lunch and breakfast today, tomorrow, or next week.
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Tap to contact: Quickly call attendance lines or email school staff.
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Access key links: Jump to ParentVUE, Schoology, and the FCPS website in one tap.
Users can access updates and content without having to sign in, making it easy for everyone to stay informed.
Learn more about the new mobile app, including feedback from parents TeAndra Nelson and Roy Dykes.
Tutoring Resources for Families
Some families may be looking for additional resources to help support their child’s academic success. The FCPS Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of FCPS employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to hire as tutors. This list is a resource offered by the FRC, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with the tutors. This list is not approved by FCPS and is only meant to be a resource to families.
FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. 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.
~Community Events~
Community Conversations:
Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid
As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on:
Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.
Special Education Family Conference
The 2026 Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, will take place on Saturday, April 18, at Marshall High School. During this no-cost, in-person event, families will have the opportunity to hear a keynote address from internationally renowned educator and advocate, Dr. Shelley Moore, connect to resources and other families, and participate in afternoon sessions.
FCPS families are invited to register to attend this year’s conference. Childcare, accommodations, and language interpretation are available.
Visit the FCPS 2026 Special Education Family Conference webpage for updates and more details.
Free Medical Clinic
Remote Area Medical (RAM) Free Medical Clinic in Chantilly, VA
Hosted By: Humanity First Serving Mankind
Dates and Times:
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Two days only: April 18 through April 19, 2026
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The parking lot opens on Friday at 11:59 p.m.
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The clinic opens on Saturday and Sunday at 6 a.m.
Location: Mubarak Mosque
4555 Ahmadiyya Drive
Chantilly, VA 20151.
Contact Information: Learn more at RAMUSA.ORG or call 865-579-1530.
Get the medical care you need at our free medical clinic coming to Chantilly, VA. Remote Area Medical (RAM) provides free, quality healthcare to those in need.
Services Provided:
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Dental: Cleanings, fillings, extractions, and dental X-rays.
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Vision: Complete eye exams, eye health evaluations, and prescription glasses made on site.
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Medical: Physical exams, prescription (RX) consultations, women's health, general exams, and more!
Chantilly Pyramid Art Show
April 9, 6 to 8 PM
Chantilly High School
4201 Stringfellow Road
Chantilly, VA 20151
The event will feature arts and crafts, face painting, photobooths, and a henna tatoo station.
Food trucks will be available, including DC Pizza, Hangry Panda, and Paradise Icecream.
Featuring Artworks From:
Brookfield Elementary, Greenbriar West Elementary, Greenbriar East Elementary, Lees Corner Elementary, Oak Hill Elementary, Poplar Tree Elementary, Franklin Middle School, Rocky Run Middle School, Chantilly High School
FCPS Fine and Performing Arts Camp:
Institute for the Arts
Dates and Times:
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Session 1: July 6 through July 17, 2026
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Session 2: July 20 through July 31, 2026
Daily Schedule:
8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Early drop off begins at 7:30 a.m.
NEW this year: Aftercare is available until 5:00 p.m.
Robinson Secondary School
5035 Sideburn Road
Fairfax, VA 22032
Transportation is available from select FCPS schools.
Contact Information: Questions? Email Maeve Nash, Program Director, at mnash at fcps.edu. More information is available at linktr.ee/iftafcps.
Register at
https://linktr.ee/iftafcps or the QR code provided on the flyer
Choose from over 60 classes in art, music, theatre, and dance for students in grades 6 through 11.
Open to students currently in grades 6 through 11. All students are welcome, including:
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FCPS students
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Students enrolled in private schools
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Students who are homeschooled
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Non-Fairfax County residents
Cost: $600 per session. Tuition assistance is available; see the site for details.
Registration: Registration is open from February 2nd to June 5th. There are a limited number of seats for this camp. To guarantee a spot, register early!
Oakton Cougar Robotics - STEAM Symposium
Oakton Cougar Robotics would like to invite our students to Oakton High School’s STEAM Symposium!
During this event, your students will be able to explore the STEAM clubs of Oakton High School and other FCPS High Schools through various booths and activities proctored by each of the clubs. Through this symposium, we hope this event will foster STEAM interest and learning in your students and get them excited about all the opportunities available in the near future.
This event will take place on Friday, April 10th, from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm, in the Oakton HS Aux Gym, set up in a rotational manner so that your students may come and go as they please.
There will be concessions.
Welcome to The Oakton High School
Color Guard Program!!
What is Color Guard?
Color Guard is a dance-based performance activity that uses flags, rifles, and sabres to perform. The Fall Guard (August-October) is a part of the marching band, while the Winter Guard (November-March) is its own ensemble.
You do not need to have any experience in performance to join the program!
A brief video is linked here. Please note the ending QR code is out of date but the QR code in the provided flyer works!
Basic Info:
We will spend most of our time rehearsing with or around the marching band. Rehearsals are mostly outside, but we may rehearse indoors depending on the weather and schedule. This is a performance-based physical activity, but accommodations can be made if needed. You will be trained on everything that is asked of you.
During the season, we will work to create a 7-8 minute 'show' that will be performed at competitions throughout the season and performed at our final competition: State Assessment.
Everyone will have the opportunity to dance and spin flags; spinning weapon (rifle and sabre) is optional, and is audition-based.
The Schedule:
We will have a few summer pre-camp days to go over basics, conditioning, and any questions you may have. These will be short 3-4 hour events, leading up to band camp; the exact dates are still to be finalized.
Band camp is three weeks before school begins. It consists of two full weeks and a third week with a partial camp schedule. Band camp is at Oakton High School and is only on weekdays.
After camp ends and the school year begins, we rehearse Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays after school/in the evening. We will perform at some OHS Football Games and have 5-6 Saturday competitions starting mid to late September. A final calendar for the season will be made available as we approach the end of the school year.
Registering:
If you have an interest in registering, registration will go live at the start of May and can be found on the Oakton Bands website. It will also be sent out via email to all who have registered for a spin clinic.
Once you have registered, you will be added to a Schoology group where we will post updates and communicate throughout the season.
Interested?:
If you have interest in joining the program or just trying it out, we are hosting several upcoming spin clinics at Oakton High School which you can register for using this link!
-Please note that this form must be completed using an FCPS email.
If you have any questions you can reach out to Coach Malcolm Wood directly, via the following emails:
awood1@fcpsschools.net - awood1@fcps.edu - oaktonguard@oaktonbands.org
Color Guard Spin Clinics
We are hosting some spin clinics for potential members to meet the team and try out spinning!
-Tuesday, April 28th- 3:15-4:30 @OHS Dance Room
-Wednesday, April 29th- 3:15-4:30 @OHS Dance Room
-Tuesday, May 5th- 3:15-4:30 @OHS Dance Room
-Wednesday, May 6th- 3:15-4:30 @OHS Dance Room
-Tuesday, May 12th- 3:15-4:30 @OHS Dance Room
These spin clinics are entirely optional but encouraged to give potential members a chance to try the activity!
If you or anyone interested has any questions, they can reach me via this email (awood1@fcps.edu) or my oaktonguard@oaktonbands.org email.
Prepare for Summer Learning and
Fun for Students
Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.
Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps
Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.
CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch this video about CTE camps. Registration is open for these programs through Friday, June 5.
Institute for the Arts (IFTA) is a two-week camp for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 60 classes in art, dance, music, and theater. Rising freshmen have the option to take Health and PE 9 through IFTA as well!
Production Camp is a four-week summer theatre intensive for students in grades 6-11. Students in performance or technical theatre tracks rehearse, design, and build a musical in a collaborative atmosphere. The show is presented to the public at the end of camp.
New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.
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