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☎️ Parent Information Phone Lines Available in Eight Languages
Parents/Caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.
Franconia Elementary encourages Bell-to-Bell attendance
School starts at 8:35am and dismisses at 3:30pm
Upcoming Events
- Fri, Sep 4 & Mon, Sep 7: NO SCHOOL-Labor Day Holiday
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Wed, Sep 16: Back-to-School Night, 6:00-7:30pm
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Mon, Sep 21: NO SCHOOL-Yom Kippur Holiday
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Wed, Sep 30: 3hr early dismissal (12:30pm)
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Fri, Oct 2: Picture Day (more info to come)
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Mon, Oct 12: NO SCHOOL-Indigenous People's Holiday (also teacher work day)
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Fri, Oct 30: 2hr early dismissal for end of 1st quarter (1:30pm)
Be sure to bookmark the FCPS school year calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances.
Color days
To help Franconia's Kindergarteners learn about the colors all around them, we invite all students to wear the color of the day!
Change of Dismissal
To change your student’s dismissal, use the Change in Dismissal Form located on the Franconia ES school website. You will need to provide details like your child's name, grade, and teacher, as well as specify how they will go home, such as early pickup (specify time student is being picked up), Kiss and Ride or a specific bus number. Make sure to submit the request by the school's deadline of 2:00 pm. Please be aware that if another student is involved, a corresponding form may be needed from that student's parent/guardian.
Just a reminder that all early dismissals must occur before 3:00 pm.
Meal Delivery Services
Students may not have food delivered to the school from outside vendors or delivery services (such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, McDonald's, etc.). This policy applies to all levels, including middle and high schools.
CARES of the Quarter
Ms. Octaviano
 Ms. Octaviano exemplifies dedication and compassion in her many roles at Franconia Elementary School. In addition to serving as a 2nd grade teacher, Get-2-Green lead teacher, and Student Council Association advisor, she also coordinates the school’s food share program to support students experiencing food insecurity. Through the Get-2-Green initiative and monetary donations received by the school, Renee recognized an opportunity to expand support for students in need.
She began by purchasing a refrigerator and enhancing the cafeteria’s food share table so that students experiencing hunger could take home not only shelf-stable items but also refrigerated foods. She also purchased portable lunch coolers, allowing 12 students to bring food home each weekend. What started as a simple expansion has now grown into a weekend meal initiative. Each Friday, Renee organizes sending home ingredients for family meals with these students, along with recipes designed to help families prepare and share meals together.
When funding for the program became limited, Renee created a weekly Sign Up Genius to engage school and community members in donating food items, ensuring the program could continue serving students and their families. Renee’s creativity, perseverance, and deep commitment to students and families have transformed a small idea into a meaningful source of support for families in need. Her leadership and compassion have made a lasting impact on the Franconia Elementary community.
We were honored to host members of the Fairfax County School Board and Region 3 plus other dignitaries who all came to Franconia to celebrate Ms. Octaviano’s award.
New Student ID Cards and
Bus Navigation System
As part of the ongoing commitment to strengthening layered safety and security programs, FCPS will implement a new student ID system for students who ride our school buses.
The implementation of the student IDs is designed as an additional safety measure for our 130,000 FCPS students who ride the bus each day, ensuring they are on the right bus and that they get on and off at the correct bus stop, as well as making sure only authorized students are on our buses.
The IDs will be provided to students who ride the bus. Those students will be expected to tap on and tap off the bus. The student IDs do not track student movement. The only information available is when a student taps on or off a bus. Much like our Here Comes the Bus app, our new app will allow parents/guardians to track the progress of the school bus.
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.
Ways to Report Attendance
Absences and late arrivals must be reported to the office by 9:00 a.m. via one of the following methods:
Parents/legal guardians can submit full-day absences using ParentVUE. Learn more about attendance reporting through ParentVUE.
Attendance Awareness Month
September is designated as Attendance Awareness Month by Fairfax County Public Schools to highlight how regular daily attendance helps students succeed academically and build strong social connections. (Reiterate Bell Schedule HERE)
Why Attendance Matters
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Academic Success: Missing school makes it hard to keep up with reading, math, and general grade-level work.
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Strong Connections: Regular attendance helps children build healthy friendships and feel like they belong at school.
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Building Habits: Showing up on time every day teaches responsibility and creates a strong daily routine.
Tips for Families
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Set Routines: Pick a regular bedtime and create a calm morning routine.
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Prepare the Night Before: Lay out clothes and pack backpacks before going to sleep.
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Plan Ahead: Schedule medical appointments and family trips outside of school hours when possible. (FCPS School calendar)
Technology
Get Prepared for the School Year
FCPS utilizes many electronic resources as tools for assisting staff and families. The resources are listed below - please sign up for any you are missing.
ParentVUE
The SIS ParentVUE Account is the FCPS secure solution for accessing information about your child's attendance, class performance, demographic data, and link to Schoology.
It provides an additional conduit for communication with your child's school. Customized for Elementary, Middle, and High School students, your SIS ParentVUE Account login credentials can also be used to access Schoology.
If you do not yet have a ParentVUE account, contact the Franconia Student Information Assistant (SIA), Marie Stewart via email, to get an activation code.
If you have a ParentVUE account, but don't remember your login info, select "Forgot Password" on the login page.
Parents/Guardians can use ParentVUE to update information and upload required documentation. Click on the OVU (Online Verification/Update) option.
ParentVUE and StudentVUE Sign-in Changes
Beginning July 28
Beginning July 28, FCPS will ask parents and students to install the new ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps. The current (classic) apps will remain available for approximately six months to support the transition. During this time, the classic apps will keep prompting users to upgrade to the new apps.
The new login screen for both apps will display User Name and Password fields, with a Login FCPS SSO button below them. Using the Login FCPS SSO provides a more secure sign-in experience.
Students will continue to use their existing FCPS username and password.
Here are some instructions on installing the new apps and details about the updated login experience:
Support: Parents needing assistance should submit a Parent Support Request.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CLICK HERE.
Volunteer FCPS
We welcome volunteers at Franconia! If you are interested in volunteering, you will need to complete the FCPS volunteer registration process.
Suggestions for how to volunteer at Franconia:
- Classroom parent
- Prepare Wednesday folders
- Set-up or volunteer at class/school events
- Chaperone field trips
- Assist in library
- Assist in office
There are officially three levels of volunteers, but Level 1 and Level 2 are the bulk of our volunteers.
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Level 1: Infrequent volunteers (monthly or less frequent) who are always supervised do not need a criminal background check. However, they do need a sex offender registry check, which is performed by signing in at the school's visitor kiosk, usually in the front office.
All volunteers are required to sign a Volunteer Certification Statement. This statement is a legal attestation confirming you have no history of violent felonies, physical/sexual crimes against children, or crimes of moral turpitude.
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Level 2: Frequent, ongoing, or regular volunteers (daily, weekly, bi-weekly) who are also always supervised and field trip chaperones are subject to the same requirements as Level 1.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE.
Important Technology Update ("Off and Away")
To help keep our classrooms focused, connected, and engaging, Fairfax County Public Schools is implementing Virginia’s state policy regarding cell phones and smart devices (including smartwatches and earbuds), which is reflected in the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities.
- The Policy: All personal smart devices (phones, smartwatches, earbuds) must be turned off and away during the entire school day.
- What This Means: Upon arrival, students must store their devices inside their backpacks. Devices will remain off and in backpacks until dismissal.
- How You Can Help: Please review these expectations with your child before the first day. Choosing a specific, secure backpack pocket where devices "sleep" during the day is a great strategy to practice together!
Franconia District Neighborhood College
Fairfax County’s Neighborhood College is a FREE six-session certificate program open to Franconia District residents. Sessions will feature guest speakers, interactive activities, breakout room discussions, networking opportunities, and information about advisory boards and other volunteer opportunities. We are committed to providing each participant with a valuable and enriching experience.
FRANCONIA NEIGHBORHOOD COLLEGE PARTICIPANTS WILL:
- Learn how Fairfax County Government works and how to get involved.
- Understand demographic profiles and trends within a community context.
- Explore topics that impact the social and economic well-being of the neighborhoods and communities.
- Apply principles and strategies for inclusive community engagement and outreach.
- Enhance leadership and problem-solving skills to improve neighborhood livability.
In-Person Orientation
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Franconia Governmental Center
7130 Silver Lake Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22315
Virtual Classes
Every Thursday, October 8 – 29, 2026 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
In-Person Classes
Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Franconia Governmental Center
7130 Silver Lake Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22315
REGISTER ONLINE:
https://tinyurl.com/neighborhoodcollegefranconia
Register by Wednesday, Sept. 30 2026
For more information, please contact NCSCommunityDevelopers@Fairfaxcounty.gov
Kiss & Ride
All students in FCPS are either designated as bus riders or walkers. Kiss & Ride is a courtesy service that we provide for parents. Please follow the guidelines below if you choose to drive your child to and from school.
- Kiss and Riders will receive numbered car tags to support student pick up at dismissal.
- Use the Kiss & Ride lane off Kathmoor Dr, rather than neighborhood streets. This helps to ensure the safety of all students.
- Kiss & Ride students will be allowed to enter the building at 8:35 when the bell rings. Kiss & Ride students will begin to be dismissed from the gym starting at 3:30 when the afternoon bell rings.
- All car riders must be dropped off and picked up in the Kiss & Ride lane during arrival/dismissal. Parents must stay in the car and children must exit on the right side of the vehicle (closest to the curb). Staff members are on hand to assist.
- If you arrive after 8:45 and Kiss & Ride is closed, you must park in the main parking lot and accompany your child to the main office.
Bus Riders
- Bus stops and route information are available on ParentVUE.
- Arrive at the bus stop 5 – 10 minutes early.
- In the afternoon, buses will typically depart school at 3:40 p.m.
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Kindergarten students must be met at the bus stop each afternoon by a parent, parent designee, or a responsible middle school or older sibling. That person must ask for the child by name at the door of the bus. Otherwise, the student will be returned to the main office at Franconia ES.
- For more information about bus transportation, visit the FCPS Transportation webpage.
- If a student’s bus is delayed, parents 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. Contact the Transportation Office at 703-449-2150 with any additional questions.
To make sure you receive email messages about bus delays, update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE.
SEL Screener opt out information
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) believes in supporting social and emotional learning (SEL) for all students. In FCPS, students use a tool called the SEL Screener to think about their own SEL skills and experiences at school. Franconia students in grades 3-6 will be participating in the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener in the Fall and Spring.
After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families without a ParentVUE account. For more information about the SEL Screener, including information on opting out. You can also learn more on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.
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. Or, families may apply to receive free and reduced-price meal benefits, pending approval.
Make online payments via MySchoolBucks for all school-related fees:
- meals (breakfast and lunch)
- field trips
- lost library books
- recorders for music
- instrument rentals
You can pay using credit/debit cards or electronic checks (there are no fees for using MySchoolBucks). You will need your child's student ID #.
TO CREATE ACCOUNTS, CLICK HERE.
All FCPS schools are now using the new Raptor Visitor Management System (VMS). This new system is part of FCPS’ ongoing commitment to layered school safety and streamlining the process for visitors at our schools. The VMS ensures that no school visitor is on the sex offender registry.
The user experience will generally remain the same. Visitors will check in at the front office and scan their ID.
Visitors who choose to download the RaptorSafe App and create a Raptor Passport can pre-verify their information before they get to school. The app will give you a QR code you can use to check in.
Submit questions online to the FCPS Chief of Safety and Security Office.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CLICK HERE.
Download the FCPS App Today!
The FCPS Mobile App offers a customized platform to help keep you connected and informed, directly from your smartphone. Download the FCPS Mobile App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
With the app, you can:
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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 each school day.
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Tap to contact. Quickly call attendance lines or email school staff.
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Stay up to date. Get the latest news from FCPS.
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Access key links. Jump to ParentVUE, Schoology, and the FCPS website in one tap.
No need to log in, just download and go! Learn more about the FCPS mobile app.
Franconia's 3-hour Early Dismissal Days
2026-2027 School Year
FCPS will continue with limited early release Wednesdays for elementary schools during the 2026-27 school year. The number of days has been reduced from eight to four.
Early release Wednesdays provide elementary teachers with a dedicated block of time to prepare lessons, participate in professional development and training, and collaborate with their peers. A well-supported and continuously improving teaching staff leads to better educational outcomes for students.
Students will be dismissed at 12:30pm on the below days.
- Wednesday, September 30
- Wednesday, November 18
- Wednesday, January 13
- Wednesday, April 7
LMVSC Fall Sports – Space Still Available!
Get in the action with Lee Mount Vernon Sports Club! Space is still available in select fall programs, including:
- 🏈 Flag Football – Grades 1–8
- ⚽ Soccer Tots – Age 3
- 🥍 Lacrosse – Grades 3–6
- ⚽ U8 Travel Soccer – Girls & Boys
- ⚽ Rec Soccer – Space available on select teams
Financial aid is available. Learn more and register at www.LMVSC.org.
Fall 2026 Parenting Education Classes (Registration Open)
The Parenting Education Programs are offering free virtual and in-person classes in English and Spanish this fall. An in-person class for parents of children ages 5–11 begins September 3 in Springfield and meets from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Dinner and childcare are provided.
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Date: Begins September 3, 2026
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Time: 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.
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Location: Springfield
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Cost: Free
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More Information: Parenting Education Programs
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Contact: Buildingstrongerfamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov
FCPS Adult and Community Education (Registration Open)
Adult ESOL Fall Term
Registration is open for the Adult English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) fall term. Scholarships are available for adults who want to strengthen their English language skills.
September
 Attendance Awareness Month
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Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow! The beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success. Visit the FCPS Attendance web page for tips and strategies.
4 and 7 - Labor Day
Friday, September 4, and Monday, September 7, are Labor Day holidays for all FCPS employees and students. Virginia legislation requires that schools opening prior to Labor Day must be closed the Friday immediately preceding Labor Day. We hope everyone takes the long weekend to celebrate a strong start to the school year and enjoy time with family and friends. See the complete school year calendar.
11 - Sept. 11 Commemoration/Patriot Day
September 11 National Day of Service With the upcoming 25th anniversary of September 11, FCPS acknowledges the loss of life, the heroism of our first responders, and the resilience of our country. The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, also called Patriot Day, is a chance to reflect and act in service to others to honor those who were injured or killed in the terrorist attacks.
All FCPS students are encouraged to participate in service learning as it supports Portrait of a Graduate (POG) attributes and social and emotional learning (SEL) skills. Middle and high school students can learn more about service learning by logging into their Naviance account to access x2VOL.
11-13 - Rosh Hashanah
Rosh HashanahRosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Friday, September 11. That day is an evening-only observance day. Important events will not be held after school
Sept. 15-Oct. 15
From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month.
20-21 - Yom Kippur
Monday September 21, is a holiday and schools and offices will be closed. See the complete school year calendar.
Sept. 26 to Oct. 4 - Blue Star Welcome Week
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Blue Star Welcome Week is a nationwide initiative to ensure military families feel a sense of belonging to their school communities. Blue Star Welcome Week is an opportunity to empower military families to thrive as they serve. |
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