Franklin MS Update- 05/08/2026


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Teacher Appreciation Collage

Teachers enjoying Nothing Bundt Cakes and Ben and Jerry's ice cream sponsored by the PTA. The Admin team cooked up tacos to treat staff to Taco Tuesday.

Collage

The PTA provided an assortment of snacks and drinks to help fuel the staff, teachers enjoyed bagel sandwiches.

Franklin Community,

This week, we had the opportunity to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, and I want to take a moment to recognize and thank all of the incredible teachers here at Franklin. Our teachers work tirelessly each day to support our students academically, socially, and emotionally, and Franklin is a better place because of their dedication, patience, and care. Middle school is not always easy, and our teachers consistently go above and beyond to create a supportive and engaging environment for our students.

I also want to extend a sincere thank you to our PTA for helping make the week so special for our staff. From the gift cards, to the Ben & Jerry’s sundae bar, to the snack bar throughout the week, these thoughtful gestures truly made our teachers feel appreciated and valued. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a supportive PTA and parent community here at Franklin.

This week, we also completed the Reading SOL for nearly all students, with approximately 99% of students now having completed the assessment. Thank you to our students for their focus and effort during testing, and a very special thank you to Ms. Thurston, our testing coordinator, for all of her hard work behind the scenes to ensure the testing process ran so smoothly. Coordinating schoolwide testing is a tremendous undertaking, and we are grateful for all of the planning and organization that went into making the week successful.

As we continue through SOL season, we want to remind families that our 8th grade students will take their Civics SOL on Tuesday, 5/12. In addition, all students will take the Math SOL on Tuesday, 5/19. Please help students arrive at school well-rested, on time, and prepared to do their best.

We would also like to congratulate the students who participated in the production of Legally Blonde for their outstanding success last weekend. The show was amazing, and audiences were delighted by a few special surprises, including real dogs in the cast! Great job to Ms. Bello and all of her talented students for their hard work and dedication.

Thank you as well to all of the parents who joined us on Wednesday evening for our Anxious Generation family book talk and discussion. We appreciate everyone who took the time to participate in such an important and relevant conversation around smartphones, social media, and the impact technology can have on children and adolescents. A special thank you goes to Ms. McFadden for organizing the event and helping facilitate a meaningful discussion about how schools and families can continue partnering together to support students as they navigate an increasingly complex digital world.

Lastly, next week we will recognize National Stuttering Awareness Week. This serves as an important reminder that every voice matters and that communication looks different for everyone. At Franklin, we remain committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where all students feel respected, valued, and confident sharing their ideas and perspectives.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Go Falcons!

Tom DeRusso
Principal
Franklin Middle School


Weekly CARE Card Raffle Winners

care card winners

~Important Dates~ 

May 12:  Science 8 SOL

May 18:  NJHS Induction and Pinning Ceremony - 3:00pm

May 19:  Math SOL

May 20:  Last day of After School Program & Late Buses

May 25: Memorial Day - School & Office Closed

May 26:  Teacher Workday - School Closed

May 27:  Eid Al-Adha - School & Office Closed

May 29:  8th Grade Formal - 6:00pm-8:00pm


THANK YOU, PTA!

Franklin's staff would like to express our sincere thanks to the PTA for all the thought and work put into Teacher Appreciation Week!  The staff was spoiled each day with amazing treats. The teachers were treated to an Amazon gift card, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Ben and Jerry's ice cream and a snack bar filled with delicious treats. Thank you!


~Action Items~

National Junior Honor Society 

NJHS Ceremony

fcps cares

 

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!

 


~Student Services~

Chantilly High School Class of 2030

Rising 9th Graders

Welcome to Chantilly High School Class of 2030!

We invite you to join us for our Charge Ahead freshman orientation in August. Charge Ahead is our annual kickoff experience for rising 9th graders to build community, become familiar with the building, schedule, and high school expectations. Meet other freshmen, tour the school, hear from student leaders, walk a mock schedule, and meet the Administration.

Event Dates, choose one of the dates:

  • Tuesday, August 11, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Wednesday, August 12, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Thursday, August 13, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cost is $50 and includes a Class of 2030 t-shirt and pizza lunch.

To pay, use the sign-up link: Charge Ahead Freshman Orientation or send a check made payable to Chantilly HS, 4201 Stringfellow Rd, Chantilly Virginia 20151

This is an optional event.

We hope to see you there and GO CHARGERS!

For questions, contact Mr. Dewett

dmdewett@fcps.edu  

Due to the upfront costs, there are no refunds.

Chantilly Charge Ahead

INVITACIÓN PARA PADRES DE ESTUDIANTES DEL GRADO 7 EN FRANKLIN MS EL PROXIMO AŇO ESCOLAR

MARTES 3 DE JUNIO, 2025 6:00 – 7:30 PM

En agosto, sus hijos comenzarán una nueva etapa en middle school, y es fundamental que ustedes, como padres, tengan la información necesaria para apoyarlos y asegurase que sean exitosos. Quiero invitarlos cordialmente a una presentación informal en Español para darles información sobre Franklin MS.  La presentación será el Martes 3 de Junio a las 6:00 p.m. en la escuela Franklin Middle School - 3300 Lees Corner Rd., Chantilly VA 20151. Su hijo(a) también es bienvenido a acompañarnos.

Por favor, hágame saber si podrá acompañarnos, llamando al 703-904-5193 o por email a jamcfadden@fcps.edu.   Esperamos verlos el 3 de Junio!

Janet McFadden, Enlace de familia de Franklin Middle School (FMS).


Required Immunizations for Rising 7th Graders

As required by the Code of VA, parents or legal guardians need to provide proof of immunizations for their child to attend at a Virginia public school.

 

In addition, all students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations

  • Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older; 
  • Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older;  
  • A complete series of 2 doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. 
  • After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parents or guardians sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with your child’s healthcare provider now to avoid the rush this summer. Immunization appointments are available. Inspire Health Alliance will be providing immunizations for currently enrolled FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Visit the Inspire Immunization Events Student Registration webpage to schedule an appointment. 

Please review the Virginia Department of Health Information Packet (PDF) for more information on rising 7th grade immunization requirements.

Additional Immunization Resources are also available. 


FCPS Family Cafe: Introduction to Career Pathways for Students

Join Family and School Partnerships to explore career pathways, academies, and the wide range of courses and certifications available in FCPS. 

This virtual workshop will be held on Wednesday, May 13, at 6:30 p.m. and will highlight the various career and technical education courses available to middle and high school students in FCPS. Currently, there are more than 160 Career and Technical Education (CTE) course options available to students. Many CTE programs include industry credentials, work-based learning, and career and technical student organizations, allowing students to develop the skills needed to be successful in future education, training, and careers. 

Register in advance for Career Pathways to receive the Zoom link. Email FamilyEngagement@fcps.edu for more information or call 703-204-4300. 


~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. 

  • The last day for the After-School Program will be Wednesday May 20.

For more info on the After-School Program visit the website or schoology.

MS Sports - Spring Track

Practice next week will be on Monday (May 11) and Wednesday (May 13). Runners should try and make both practices if possible. Good luck to those runners competing this week at West Springfield High School. 

Track Schedule 

  • Monday -  May 11(Practice)
  • Wednesday - May 13 (Practice)
  • Saturday - May 16 (Meet at Oakton HS)

Remaining Meets

  • May 16 - Oakton HS
  • May 30 - MS Track Championships at Robinson (Qualifiers Only)

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.

  • July 20 through July 24

  • July 27 through July 31

  • August 3 through August 7

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.

commanders

8th Grade Formal - “A Night in Hollywood”

The 8th grade formal will be held:

Friday May 29

6:00PM-8:00PM

Franklin Middle School Gymnasium.

Tickets and Event Details:

  • Tickets are $5.

  • Tickets will be available on MySchoolBucks May 11-May 26

  • Dress to impress!

  • Music, dancing, and refreshments provided.

The dance is for 8th grade Franklin students only.

Semi-Formal Attire

Questions please contact Chris Tippins at WCTippins@fcps.edu.

 

8th Grade Formal - Volunteers / Donations

We are looking for volunteers and donations for the 8th Grade Formal on May 29. If you are able to volunteer or make a donation please see the sign up genius link below. Thank you in advance if you are able to volunteer or make a donation to the 8th Grade Formal.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084BA9A928A4FBC16-63956039-franklin#/

8th grade formal

Chantilly Athletics Physical Night - Now Open

Registration for FCPS athletic preparticipation exams (physicals) is now open!

All middle and high school students interested in participating in school athletic programs MUST have a valid athletic physical on file with their school prior to participating.  All rising middle school students, specifically those who will be in 7th or 8th grade (and rising 6th graders at Poe, Glasgow, and Holmes middle schools) next school year (2026-2027) interested in participating in the middle school sports program are eligible to receive a FREE athletic physical exam through these events.

Athletic physicals are coordinated by the certified athletic trainers at our FCPS high schools and are only available at the dates and times indicated.  Students must register in advance and additional information is available through the link above.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdo_1j5mhiRin35nuDOStUgh-GHNYYZgMAo11Or6XXRsSP_Ug/viewform

Dates and Times:

  • Wednesday, June 10, 2026.

  • Appointments: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.

Cost and Registration:

  • $50 per physical with online registration. Rising middle school students are eligible for a Free exam

  • $60 for walk-ins.

  • Register now!

https://www.chantillyathletics.com/news/f0512881-1c93-444e-9113-dae0a7627b10

chantilly physical

Teen Explorer Camp Presented by:

Fairfax County Park Authority

Event Details:

  • Location: E C Lawrence Park.

  • Age Range: 12 through 14 years.

  • Activities: Field trips, games, and nature activities!

Dates and Registration:

  • Dates: 1 week session from July 22 through July 26.

  • Registration: Scan the provided QR code on the flyer to register or go to fcps.edu/vip-summer-camp

Accessibility and Accommodations: Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs, services and activities. Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request. For details, call 703-324-8563, TTY 711.

teen camp

Budget Banner

~Franklin Middle School PTA~

PTA Updates & Reminders

The PTA has several upcoming events and opportunities to support our school community:

  • End of Year Parties -- June 16 -- We are looking for volunteers to assist in planning 7th and 8th grade parties on June 16 before the end of the year!   If interested, reach out to Tracy Berman-Kagan at berman.kagan@gmail.com

Thank you for your continued support of our school community!


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:

  • Stay up-to-date: Get the latest news from FCPS.
  • View school calendars: See events, activities, holidays, and early dismissals.
  • Check school menus: See what’s for lunch and breakfast today, tomorrow, or next week.
  • Tap to contact: Quickly call attendance lines or email school staff.
  • 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.

 


~Community Events~

Discover Exciting Summer Learning Activities and Ideas

Join Fairfax County Public Schools for a free, family-friendly community celebration filled with hands-on STEM, arts, and creative experiences for students of all ages. This year’s Summer Extravaganza takes place on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School

 

Explore summer learning resources and connect with FCPS offices and community partners. Don’t miss the Student Market and a full day of engaging activities designed to spark learning, growth, and inspiration for the whole family. 

 

For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.


Free Vegetable Seedling Giveaway

The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District, in partnership with local organizations, is hosting a free vegetable seedling giveaway on May 8 and 9, 2026. The goal is to increase access to healthy food, support beginner gardeners, and strengthen community connections.

 

Event Highlights:

  • Free vegetable seedlings available at multiple community locations
  • Over 1,500 seedlings to be distributed (first come, first served)
  • Limit of approximately 6–10 seedlings per person/family to ensure equitable access
  • Seedlings include tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, basil, and bunching onions (smaller varieties suitable for limited spaces)

 

Event Locations & Times:

 

Friday, May 8

  • James Lee Community Center | 12–2 PM
  • Minnie R. Peyton Community Center | 12–4 PM
  • Hybla Valley Community Center | 12–4 PM

 

Saturday, May 9

  • Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture | 12–4 PM
  • Annandale UMC Mission Center | 2–5 PM
  • Kingsley Commons Community Garden | Private distribution

 

Volunteer Opportunity (Optional):

If you are interested, NVSWCD is seeking volunteers to assist with plant distribution and provide basic gardening guidance. Participation is completely voluntary and outside of work responsibilities.


Oakton HS Cross Country

 

Are you interested in joining Oakton Cross Country in the Fall 2026?  Come learn about Oakton HS's exciting running program!

 

Event: Oakton XC Interest Meeting for rising freshmen and their parents

Location: Oakton High School Cafeteria

Date & Time: Wednesday, June 3, 2025 at 6:00 pm

 

If interested students and/or parents can’t make the meeting on June 3, they could reach out to Coach Kate (klvanderstel@fcps.edu) directly


 

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