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 Students in Computer Solutions practice their communication skills by describing an image for their partners to recreate without looking; English 8 students created sculptures out of pipe cleaners and then used those as prompts for journal writing; Back To School Night gave parents and caregivers the opportunity to meet their student's teachers and learn about their classes.
Franklin Community,
What a great second week of school at Franklin! It has been exciting to see students settling into their routines, reconnecting with friends, getting to know their teachers, and becoming more comfortable navigating the school day. The energy in the building has been fantastic, and I have been really impressed with how quickly our students have adjusted to the expectations and routines of a new school year. Two weeks down, and we are off to a great start!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Back to School Night last night. It was wonderful to see so many families in the building and have parents experience a little bit of what a day at Franklin looks like for their students. I especially want to thank our teachers for all of the time and hard work they put into preparing for the evening after already putting in a full day with students. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated staff, and I appreciate the opportunity for our families and teachers to connect early in the school year. Thank you to all who attended!
We also continue to work through our arrival procedures with the Open Gate weapons detection system. Slowly but surely, the lines are moving faster as students become more familiar with the process and learn which items are most likely to cause an alert. We really appreciate the patience and flexibility our students have demonstrated. Each morning, they are getting better at preparing before they reach the gates, and their efforts are making a noticeable difference in how quickly we are able to get everyone into the building and ready for the day.
Families can help us continue improving the process by limiting unnecessary metal items when possible. Items such as metal eyeglass cases and eyelash curlers can trigger the system, so we encourage students to leave those items at home whenever possible. We also encourage families to consider reusable plastic utensils and food containers rather than metal alternatives when packing lunches when possible. We understand that there will always be items students need to bring to school, but reducing unnecessary metal items can help minimize secondary screenings and keep the lines moving. Thank you again to our students for working through this new routine with patience and continuing to get faster each day!
I also want to reemphasize the exciting news we shared last week regarding the expansion of the AAP Center at Franklin. We know there are many questions about what this expansion will look like for our school and community, and we look forward to continuing that conversation with families. We had hoped to hold a community meeting at the end of September, but due to scheduling conflicts, that date will likely need to be pushed back into October. We will share additional information as soon as the new date is finalized, so please stay tuned for more details!
Finally, I hope everyone enjoys a fun and relaxing Labor Day weekend! The first two weeks have been a great start to the year, and our students have certainly earned an opportunity to rest, recharge, and enjoy the long weekend. We look forward to another great week at Franklin when we return!
Go Falcons!
Tom DeRusso
Principal
Franklin Middle School
Weekly CARE Card Raffle Winners
~Important Dates~
September 4 & 7 - Labor Day Holiday - School & Office Closed
September 8 - Cross Country/MS Sports Mtg - 6:00pm (via Zoom)
September 11 - NJHS Applications Due
September 15 - After-School Program Begins
September 21 - Yom Kippur - Schools & Office Closed
September 30 - PTA Meeting - 7:00pm
October 19 & 20 - School Picture Day
~Action Items~
Reminders for the Start of the Year
☑️ Sign Up for SIS ParentVUE
Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Contact our registrar at [email/phone number] if you need an activation code. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE. Also, download the new ParentVUE mobile app so you can access your child’s records easily from anywhere!
☑️Update Your Contact Information
Be sure you receive important information! Update your phone number(s) and/or email address(es) by clicking “My Account” and reviewing the “Online Verification/Update.” On that form, you can also update immunization records, health information, and emergency contacts.
☑️ Update Immunizations and Records
Immunizations are required for all students to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of protecting them from certain diseases and keeping them healthy.
When your child is immunized, remember to request a copy of their immunization record and bring that to our front office or submit the record via SIS ParentVUE as soon as possible. Find more information on FCPS’ website.
☑️ Learn About School Meals
Families need to provide their children with money to purchase meals at school or send them with a packed lunch. Alternatively, families may apply to receive free and reduced-price meal benefits, pending approval.
☑️ Bookmark the School Year Calendar
Be sure to bookmark the FCPS school year calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances:
- Days marked blue with an “H” are student holidays. Schools are closed on these days.
- Days marked orange with an “O” are religious and cultural observance days (or evenings, if only half marked). There is school on these days, but certain events that cannot be made up may not be scheduled on these days.
- Days marked as TW, SD, and SP and in pink are holidays for students but working days for teachers and staff.
 Attention 8th Grade Students and Families:
Invitations for 8th-grade students eligible to apply for NJHS have officially been sent! Applications are due September 11, 2026.
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Eligibility: Students who achieved a 3.75 GPA or higher during their 7th-grade year.
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Where to Look: Check the student's @fcpsschools.net email account.
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Next Steps: Open the invitation email for full program details, requirements, and submission deadlines.
Franklin Spirit Wear Sale
Franklin families! Our online spirit wear store closes soon!
Make sure to shop today and save up to 35% on items sitewide!
Our sale ends September 14th! Gear up now and support our school :)
Free Shipping on orders over $85
Click here to shop today ➡️ https://1stplace.sale/97233
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.
~Need to Know~
Student ID Cards for Franklin Middle School Bus Riders
Bus riders only were issued their new Bus ID cards this week. Students will begin tapping as they board and exit the bus. Please remind your student to store the card in a safe place. If the ID card is lost, your student will need to go to the main office to report the lost card and have a new one issued.
As part of the new bus safety procedures, students will no longer be issued guest bus passes. Students can only ride on their assigned bus. Students who wish to go home with friends must make their own arrangements that do not include riding the bus. ID cards are linked to assigned buses only.
It is possible that the ID program will expand in the future to include uses such as library cards and meal payment. Learn more about the new transportation system and student ID cards.
Learn more about the bus navigation and student ID cards.
Thank you for making bus safety a priority for our students.
Specialty Drinks / Energy Drinks
We ask for your support in reminding students not to bring in specialty coffee drinks or energy drinks to school. When spilled, these can be difficult to clean up 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.
FRANKLIN MIDDLE SCHOOL PROCEDURES 2026-2027
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 written note to the main office by 7:30 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. Parents, guardians, and those listed as emergency contacts in SIS must provide a photo ID when picking up students from the main office. Early dismissal passes may be printed from our website.
Absences and/or Late Arrivals
Absences and late arrivals should be reported by 8:00 am using any of the following methods. The following methods are NOT to be used to request early dismissal.
- Attendance line: 703-904-5151
- Online attendance form on the FMS website
- Through ParentVue submission
Forgotten Items
Please do not drop off forgotten items, including lunches, 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 own assigned FCPS bus stop. Students will tap on/off with individually assigned ID cards issued by the school.
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)
A student with a planned absence for 3 or more consecutive days requires a prearranged absence form. The completed form must be submitted to the Attendance Office a week in advance. The prearranged absence form is available on the FCPS website or a paper copy may be picked up in the main office. Emails to staff members other than the attendance office may not be recorded properly or in a timely manner.
Clinic Procedures
Greetings from your school Health Room! Our Health Room team is excited to partner with you in supporting the health and well-being of your student. Our goal is to help every student stay healthy, safe, and ready to learn. The Health Room team is here to provide care for illness or injury during the school day, assist in managing health conditions, administer medications as needed, screen hearing and vision as indicated, and promote healthy habits. We value strong communication with families. Please keep us informed of any health concerns or medical needs your child may have so we can support them effectively throughout the school year.
How can you help us provide the best possible care for your student?
Does your student require a special diet?
- If your student requires a modified diet and will eat school meals, please refer to the Steps to Request Dietary Accommodations. Forms are available for students who require medical dietary accommodations and those who cannot drink cow’s milk and need milk substitutes.
Has your student had a head injury at home?
- Immediately notify the school heath room and your student’s school counselor so school staff can implement appropriate accommodations if needed and follow established protocols to support a safe recovery and return to learning.
Has your student had an injury at home that may impact their physical activity at school?
Any questions about opioid awareness?
Does your student have a medical condition, require medication during the school day, or need a health care procedure?
- If your student has a seizure disorder (epilepsy), please have your student’s health care provider complete the FCPS Authorization for Seizure Action Plan (SS/SE-385) and return it to the school public health nurse (PHN). This includes authorization for seizure rescue medications and procedures that may be required during the school day.
- If medication must be administered during the school day, please follow the guidelines established in the current version of FCPS Regulation 2102.
- Have your student’s health care provider complete appropriate FCPS medication authorization forms and submit them to the school health room annually, as applicable:
- Bring your student’s medications to the health room.
- If your student must have health care procedures during the school day, please follow the guidelines established in the current version of FCPS Regulation 2104.
- Have your student’s health care provider complete an appropriate authorization form and submit them to the school health room annually, as appropriate:
- Bring your student’s health care procedure supplies to the health room.
Thank you for partnering with us to help keep all FCPS students healthy, safe and ready to learn. We look forward to working with you throughout the school year.
If you have any questions, feel free to call your school Health Room at 703-904-5110 or your school Public Health Nurse, Erica Meacham, RN, at 571-585-3502.
~Student Services~
Are You a U.S. Military-Connected Family?
Franklin Middle School would like to identify our U.S. military-connected families so we can better support and recognize them throughout the school year.
If you or your spouse/partner currently serves or has previously served in the United States Armed Forces, please complete this short Google Form
This form is only for families connected to the U.S. military
~After-School Program~
FRANKLIN AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM
Franklin Middle School offers free after-school activities every Monday through Friday all school year long. The program will start on Tuesday September 15, with late buses running Monday-Thursday. Whether your student wants to join sports, get help with homework, create, and compete in STEM clubs, play video games, or attend special events—there is something for everyone!
Key Highlights:
- Free Programs: Running Monday–Friday until 4:45 PM.
- Bus Transportation: Available 4 days a week.
- Full Schedule & Details: Schedule coming soon! More details about the program listed on the Franklin After-School Website
- Parents will have access via the Parent Schoology to view the schedule and the Franklin After-School website.
Even if your student isn't sure they want to participate right away, we strongly encourage every family to complete the registration form now.
👉Click Here to Complete the Registration Form (Only need to register your child once)
FRANKLIN CROSS COUNTRY
There will be a Cross Country Interest Meeting on Tuesday September 8 for students in their advisory All students that are interested in participating in Cross Country should sign up and attend this meeting.
Parents will have a Cross-Country/MS Sports Interest meeting via Zoom next Tuesday, September 8 at 6:00pm. The meeting will cover the upcoming Cross Country Season and other Middle School Sports in FCPS this school year. Along with Middle School Sports, we will discuss the new registration system (Final Forms) Parents will receive an email directly from Final Forms on how to set up your account using your Parent Vue credentials. Final Forms will be the new registration site for all students that want to participate in Middle School Sports in FCPS.
Meeting Topics
- Upcoming Season – Cross Country
- What is needed to participate
- Practice/Meet Schedule
- Final Forms Registration System
- MS Sports in FCPS
Parents can join the meeting via the Zoom Link below to learn more about MS Sports/Cross Country. CLICK HERE TO JOIN - https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/91410706327
Questions, please reach out to Chris Tippins, After-School Specialist/Athletic Coordinator at WCTippins@fcps.edu
Parents can visit the Franklin MS Sports page or at the FCPS MS Sports site for more information.
~Franklin Middle School PTA~
Franklin Middle School PTA
Scan the QR code or go to the url to get all of the important PTA information.
First PTA Meeting: September 30
Join the PTA!
https://franklinmspta.givebacks.com/shop
Spiritwear!
https://1stplacespiritwear.com
Facebook!
Franklin Middle School-PTA
Instagram!
FCPSFRANKLINMS
News You Choose!
https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/VAEDUFCPS/subscriber/new?qsp=VAEDUFCPS_1
~Helpful Information~
Get Ready for the New School Year With the FCPS App! 📱
Simplify your back-to-school prep! Download the FCPS mobile app to check school calendars, breakfast/lunch menus, and school contacts all in one place with no login required. Plus, get quick access to ParentVUE, Schoology, and the bus app.Download the FCPS mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play, and make sure to subscribe to our school in the app settings.
New Requirement for Student Device Use During the School Day
Starting this school year, students must use FCPS-issued devices for school-related digital activities during the instructional day. This is in accordance with a new School Board requirement, approved on July 16, which states that students may not use personal electronic communication or computing devices, including personal laptops, tablets, smartwatches, smartphones, and similar devices.
Students may only use their personal device if it is required as part of a necessary accommodation in the students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan. A principal or the principal’s designee may approve a limited, course-specific exception for students enrolled in a specialized class when the curriculum requires a technology tool or software that isn’t available on a standard FCPS-issued device.
Families can help support this requirement by reminding students to bring their FCPS-issued device each day and use it for all school-related digital activities unless an approved exception applies.
You Can Manage Student Web Access at Home
At Franklin Middle School, we acknowledge that parents are our students' first and most important teachers. Parents now have greater control over their child’s FCPS-issued device outside of school hours through Lightspeed Parent Portal.
In addition to monitoring weekly internet activity, parents can now also customize web access at home on FCPS devices through Lightspeed using Schedules and Web Rules.
With Schedules, you can set tailored times to automatically pause or restrict internet access. This makes it easier to enforce rules around homework time, family dinners, weekends, or bedtime.
In Web Rules, you can create Custom Block Lists to block specific, individual websites they do not want your child accessing at home. This allows parents greater control over what is happening online, under their own roof.
These new custom controls take effect at home, outside of school hours, and when the device is off the FCPS network. They will not override standard district filtering policies during the instructional day.
Customize Your Lightspeed Settings
All parents should be receiving weekly Lightspeed Online Student Activity Report emails. To set up these new features, click the “Log in or Register” button at the bottom of your weekly Lightspeed Online Student Activity Report email.
Visit the FCPS Lightspeed Parent Portal Guide for more information. If you have additional questions, submit a Parent Technology Support Ticket.
Parents are encouraged to discuss internet boundaries with their children so that they can understand the reasoning behind any limits and the differences between access at home and at school. Get tips on talking to your children about technology safety.
~Community Events~
Future Cougar Night: Oakton vs. South Lakes
Dates and Times
Location
Event Details
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Find your place with the Marching Cougars: Play the fight song and national anthem, or spin with the color guard. Watch the halftime show and cheer for the Cougars.
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Arrival Instructions: Parents must enter through Door 7 to sign in students.
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Cost: Parent admission is $7
Contact and Registration Information
Football Game Safety and Security Update Presented by Fairfax County Public Schools
Event Details and Security Update Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is implementing additional safety and security measures at all varsity football games.
Beginning this season, all spectators will participate in security screening using the same weapons detection technology introduced in our high schools last school year. A standardized bag policy will also be in place to help ensure a safe, efficient entry process for everyone attending our games.
Prohibited Items The following items are prohibited:
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Backpacks
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Purses
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Fanny packs
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Tote bags
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Outside food and beverages
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Sporting equipment (balls, bats, sticks, etcetera)
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Any item prohibited by FCPS policy, or determined by event staff to present safety concerns
Approved Bags Approved bags are limited to:
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Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches
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Small clutch bag no larger than 6.5 inches by 4.5 inches
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Medical and diaper bags permitted but subject to inspection
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