Franklin MS Update- 09/11/2026


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Students participated in spirit week at Franklin - Pajama Day, Team Day, Jersey Day and Red, White and Blue Day. Check out some photos from Pajama Day and Jersey Day. Go Falcons!


Franklin Community,

We had a great week at Franklin as we celebrated our first official Spirit Week of the school year! It was wonderful to see so many students participating and bringing some extra energy and school spirit into the building. We started with Pajama Day, followed by Interdisciplinary Team Day, Game Day where students represented their favorite sports teams, and wrapped things up today with Red, White, and Blue Day. Thank you to all of our students who participated throughout the week and helped make it such a fun way to build community early in the school year. A special thank you goes to Ms. Gallagher and our Student Services team for organizing the week!

Looking ahead to next week, Franklin will be conducting a lockdown drill as part of our ongoing school safety procedures. A separate eNotify was sent to families with additional information about the drill. While we certainly hope that we never need to use these procedures during an actual emergency, practicing them is an important part of ensuring that our students and staff understand what to do and can respond quickly and appropriately if the need ever arises. We take these drills seriously and appreciate our students and staff doing the same as we continue working together to maintain a safe learning environment.

Speaking of student safety, I also want to take a moment to reinforce some important expectations for students who ride bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, or other personal transportation devices to and from school.  Students should understand what they are riding, know the laws that apply to that device, wear appropriate safety equipment, and follow traffic and pedestrian laws while traveling to and from school. Helmets are required for riders under 15.  The brochure also reminds families that e-bikes and motorized scooters carry many of the same responsibilities and risks as other vehicles on the road.

From our perspective at Franklin, the most important thing is that students arrive at school and return home safely. We ask families whose students ride bikes, e-bikes, scooters, or similar devices to talk with them about safe riding habits, helmet use, following traffic signals and signs, and being especially cautious around cars, buses, pedestrians, and other students during arrival and dismissal. Please also make sure that your student understands the specific rules for the device they are using. Just because a bike, scooter, or other device can be purchased does not necessarily mean that it can legally be used everywhere or by riders of every age. We appreciate your partnership in reinforcing safe and responsible choices before students head out on the road.

Lastly, we experienced our first real rainy arrival of the school year this week, which certainly has an impact on our arrival procedures. On rainy mornings, we will typically open our doors a few minutes early when possible so that we can begin moving students through Open Gate and into the building as quickly as possible. Even with an early start, however, it is likely that there will still be a line outside as students move through the gates. If rain is in the forecast, please encourage your student to bring a raincoat and/or umbrella so they can stay as dry and comfortable as possible while waiting to enter the building.

Have a great weekend. 

Go Falcons!

Tom DeRusso
Principal
Franklin Middle School


Weekly CARE Card Raffle Winners

care card winners

~Important Dates~ 

September 15 - After-School Program Begins

September 21 - Yom Kippur - School & Office Closed

October 5 - TJHSST Applications Open - 4:00pm

October 19 & 20 - School Picture Day

November 3 - Spirit Night @ Big Buns - 4pm-9pm


~Action Items~

Franklin Spirit Wear Sale

Franklin families!

Our Franklin Back-to-School Sale Deadline has been extended through September 18th! If you missed the initial deadline take advantage of some extra time and big savings! Click here to get your gear: https://1stplace.sale/97233

spirit wear sale

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~

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.


~Student Services~

armed forces

Are You a U.S. Military-Connected Family?

Department of the Army - Department of the Navy - United States Coast Guard - United States Marine Corps - Department of the Air Force

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


Blue Star Welcome Week

America’s military families live a transient lifestyle, moving into a new community every two to three years.  Over 13,500 military-connected students are enrolled in FCPS. Welcome new military families into your community and share your appreciation for their service and sacrifices during this year’s #BlueStarWelcomeWeekFCPS from September 26 - October 4. 


Food for Neighbors

TJHSST - Applications open

October 5, 4:00pm

Eighth graders who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply for admission to the Class of 2031 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST).

The application will be available Monday, October 5, at 4 p.m. Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, October 28, with a submission deadline of 4 p.m. Friday, October 30. Visit the TJHSST registration page for more information, including a schedule of upcoming information sessions at middle schools. 



Hispanic Heritage Month

Franklin MS will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 through October 15. This special month recognizes and celebrates the rich cultures, histories, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.

Join us as we celebrate the diversity and heritage that enrich our Franklin community!


~After-School Program~

FRANKLIN AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM 

Franklin Middle School offers free after-school activities every Monday through Friday all school year long.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! 

The After-School Program will begin next Tuesday September 15. We will have programming Tuesday - Thursday next week.

Key Highlights:

    • Bus Transportation: Available 4 days a week.
    • Schedule & more info on the Franklin After-School Website
    • Late Runs - Posted in the After-School and Parent Schoology Course
  • Parents can access the schedule via the Parent Schoology 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 

Cross Country will begin on Wednesday September 16. Practice next week will be on Wednesday and Thursday. Typical practices will be Mon/Wed each week and coaches will adjust if needed based on the FCPS Calendar. Parents must complete registration in Final Forms before their student can practice and they must participate in four practices before they can run in a Cross Country Meet.

Parents were sent 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. Parents can visit the Franklin MS Sports page or at the FCPS MS Sports site for more information.

Questions, please reach out to Chris Tippins, After-School Specialist/Athletic Coordinator at WCTippins@fcps.edu


~Franklin Middle School PTA~

11th September: We Remember

 

Honoring Lives Lost and Heroes Among Us

    ~ Franklin Middle School PTA

September 11

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

PTA Links

Urgent Action Needed: Help Secure Permanent Crossing Guards for High School!

Attend the School Board Meeting

Tuesday, September 15 at 10:30 a.m.

Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway.

  • Key Message: Urge them to permanently restore high school crossing guard funding.

Email the Board at: clerktothebos@fairfaxcounty.gov

Additional Board Email: chairman@fairfaxcounty.gov

CC Sully District School Board Representative Seema Dixit at: sdixit@fcps.edu

CHS Crossing Guard

Franklin Middle School Spirit Night

Date:   Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Time:   4:00 P.M. to 9:05 P.M.

Location:   Big Buns - Franklin Farm.

                 13300 Franklin Farm Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171.

Event Details:

  • 15% of your purchase at Big Buns Franklin Farm will be donated to Franklin Middle School.

Big Buns Spirit Night

~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.


Reporting Discrimination or Harassment

FCPS is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for people of all races, national origins, and ethnicities. Individuals experiencing harassment or discrimination should report the incident as soon as possible. 


The Importance of the Flu Vaccine

As we look ahead to the upcoming school year, the health and well-being of our students continues to be one of our priorities. Staying up to date with your child's flu vaccination helps:

  • Reduce School Absences: Keeping students healthy means more time spent learning and engaging with peers.
  • Protect the Community: Vaccination helps shield vulnerable family members and neighbors from seasonal illness.
  • Support Overall Wellness: Routine flu shots are a key component of a proactive student health plan.

Upcoming Flu Shot Events

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will be taking place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary.


~Community Events~

Community Conversations with Superintendent Reid

Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school and in life. 

A series of Community Conversations will be held across the school division. You are invited to share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Events are planned for the following dates at 6:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted):

Registration links will be shared soon. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are one-hour long and open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid. 


Asha Jyothi 5K and One Mile Fun Run

Date: September 20

Time:  One Mile Fun Run - begins 8:00am

           5K - begins 8:30am

Location: Fairfax Corner

Run or walk to support Franklin MS

Registration includes: AJ T-Shirt, Kids' Medals, Food, Bollywood Music

Register at asha-jyothi.redpodium.com/2026k5k

Use the coupon code: AJ4Schools so Franklin receives 100% of registration fees are donated back to Franklin MS

 


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:

  • Backpacks

  • Purses

  • Fanny packs

  • Tote bags

  • Outside food and beverages

  • Sporting equipment (balls, bats, sticks, etcetera)

  • Any item prohibited by FCPS policy, or determined by event staff to present safety concerns

Approved Bags Approved bags are limited to:

  • Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches

  • Small clutch bag no larger than 6.5 inches by 4.5 inches

  • Medical and diaper bags permitted but subject to inspection


Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students 

Register now for the annual Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students. The free conference will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hayfield Secondary School. 

Hosted by FCPS in collaboration with community partners, the conference highlights the power of partnerships in supporting student success. Families, educators, and community members are invited to connect, learn, and explore available special education services, supports, and resources. 

The conference will feature an inspiring opening session, engaging breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall with local resources, and lunch for all participants.

Register for the conference and visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.


 

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