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This week, FSES is proud to celebrate Military Families Week
Thank you to all our Military connected Students, Parents and Staff!
Spirit Day: October 1 Wear Red, White or Blue
Dear Franklin Sherman Families,
We hope you’re having a wonderful week! Since the school year began, I’ve made it a point to visit every classroom at least once—and often more than once. It has been a joy to see our students growing as early readers, collaborating with one another, thinking like mathematicians, and exploring like scientists in STEAM.
A quick reminder that students will be dismissed at 1:00 p.m. this Wednesday. There are only four early release days on the school calendar this year, so please make any needed arrangements for pickup and after-school care.
Thank you for your partnership and support. We hope you have a great week!
P.S. Don't miss out on recieving PTA newsletters! Click here to subscribe to their new tempate: Subscribe Here- PTA Newsletter
Farris Thomas
Principal
Franklin Sherman ES
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Every Friday is Panda Spirit Day!!
September 30 - 3 Hour Early Release
September 26 - October 4 Blue Star Military Welcome Week
October 1- spirit day - wear red, white, or blue
October 9 Field Trip Grade 3 & 6
October 12 No School
October 16 Movie Night Under the Stars
October 19-23 Book Fair
October 22 PTA Meeting & Academic Night
FCPS Calendar: 2026-27
Franklin Sherman Calendar
Mark your calendars for October 22 and get ready for adventure. We will have our PTA meeting from 5:30-6 and then our Passport to Learning, Academic Night is 6-7 p.m. There will be games and learning activities in Reading, Math, Science, and STEAM. Participate in all the activities and fill your passport for the event with stickers from each station. All this, and you can stop in to browse and purchase at the Book Fair as well!
Join us for the academic night.
When: October 19 - 23
Where: Library
October 22: 6-7 - Family Night
We are thrilled to announce that our school is hosting our Fall Book Fair, in partnership with Bookworm Central! This exciting event is an opportunity for our students to explore a world of literature, foster their love of reading, and support our school! Every purchase from the Book Fair helps us earn rewards and resources for Franklin Sherman.
Volunteers Needed
To help everything run smoothly, we are looking for parent volunteers to assist with setting up and breaking down, restocking shelves, helping students make their lists and complete their purchases. Whether it’s 2 hours or twice as much, we are very appreciative of your participation. Here is the sign up genius, please enter your name in the slot that fits your schedule.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Rosalie Essimi at rmessimimen@fcps.edu.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Literacy Webinar Series (A): Fairfax County Public Schools is presenting a literacy webinar series to help families understand reading assessments, reading plans, and how to support their child at home. The series and topics:
- October 20, 10 a.m.- Understanding Reading Assessments and Your Child
- December 15, 10 a.m.- What is a Reading Plan?
- February 19, 10 a.m.- How Do I Support My Child With a Reading Plan at Home?
- May 14, 10 a.m.- Continuing Reading Success Through the Summer.
- Contact: Carrie Leestma
Sibshops is a program for students who have a sibling with a disability.
This program is open to students in grades 2-5. We also run a teen program (SibTeen) open to students in grades 6-8.
During Sibshops and SibTeen sessions, students will have opportunities to build relationships with other sibs through community building games and discussion activities.
Upcoming session: Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 9 am-12 pm (Sibshops and SibTeen)
@ Katherine Johnson Middle School, 3801 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA
Registration will be available through the Family Resource Center 3-4 weeks prior to each session date. Visit https://www.fcps.edu/services/families-and-caregivers/family-academy/catalog
Sibshops is presented by FCPS Social Work Services. Registration is free; however, donations are accepted to support the cost of future Sibshops sessions. Registration link: https://educatefairfax.app.neoncrm.com/forms/sibshops-4
Ms. Crummett, School Counselor, is looking for fifth and sixth grade leaders who are role models of appropriate behavior, and are able to help prevent or respond to safety incidents. Ms. Crummett has planned monthly leadership lunches for patrols as well as outings to safety patrol events. If you feel this would be a good fit for your child, please encourage them to fill out an application. Safety Patrol Application
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 by helping them build good habits.
If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
How to report absence, early release or late arrival:
ParentVUE for full-day absences
Email franklinshermanelem.attendance@fcps.edu. Please include your child's first, last name, teacher's name, grade and the reason in your email.
Call the school's attendance line at 703-506-7979 / office 703-506-7900
The Importance of the Flu Vaccine
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 take 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.
Volunteers are an important part of helping our students learn, grow, and succeed at Franklin Sherman and throughout FCPS! Parents, caregivers, and community members who would like to volunteer on field trips, in classrooms, at school events, or in other school activities must complete the FCPS volunteer registration process. This includes an online application, a training video, and, depending on the role, a background check.
Ready to get involved? Click here to begin!
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New Menu Items
Fall into Flavor With FCPS’ New Breakfast and Lunch Menu
FCPS’ new September and October menu items are packed with classic favorites and fresh global inspiration. Check our new online menu system to see when you can try new recipes based on student feedback, and developed by FCPS’ executive chef and team of food and nutrition experts.
Menu items include:
- Breakfast items such as honey chicken biscuits, guava pastelitos (whole-grain pastries filled with tropical guava fruit), and roasted apple parfaits, made with vanilla yogurt and homemade granola.
- Lunch items such as crunchy beef or fiesta tacos, ramen bowl with diced chicken or hard-boiled egg, beef or vegan banh mi burger, and southwest fiesta soup with corn chips.
Stay up to date on FCPS menus and nutrition news by subscribing to the Food and Nutrition Services newsletter.
Superintendent Community Conversations
Join us for a series of Community Conversations that will be held across the school division. Share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Click on the date to register for any of the following events:
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Monday, September 28, at 6:30 p.m., at Riverside Elementary School
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Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
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Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
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Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
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Friday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School
SR&R Due
Newsletters:
- Review and Sign SR&R by September 30
The FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) booklet explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. We encourage families to discuss these expectations with their child(ren).
Families should review the SR&R and sign the acknowledgement form by Wednesday, September 30, either by logging into SIS ParentVUE or by signing and returning the Signature Sheet.
Cellphones and Personal Devices
Students may only use a personal device if it is required as part of a necessary accommodation in the student’s 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. Learn more on the FCPS website.
Understanding the Acceptable Use Policy
FCPS provides students with digital tools and devices to support their learning, encourage easy collaboration, and help students learn how to interact with technology safely. The FCPS Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) guides how these technologies are used both inside the classroom and at home. By following the AUP, students learn how to become not just users of technology, but responsible and ethical digital citizens with critical real-world skills such as:
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Responsible Communication and Conduct: Communicating respectfully and using technology appropriately.
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Digital Footprint Awareness: Understanding online actions can have lasting effects on a student’s reputation, future opportunities and relationships, career prospects, and safety.
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Data Privacy and Security: Learning how online safety can protect their digital work and personal information, and guard against cybersecurity risks.
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Self-Regulation: Learning to manage digital distractions to stay focused when needed.
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Accountability: Understanding that they are responsible for how they use FCPS technology and digital resources.
Learn more about digital citizenship at FCPS.
Set Screen Time Limits and Monitor Online Activity With Lightspeed
Newsletters:
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Set Screen Time Limits and Monitor Online Activity With LightspeedThe free Lightspeed Parent Portal makes it easy for you to see and manage how your child uses their FCPS-issued device outside of school hours. New Lightspeed Parent Portal features for this school year include:
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Schedules: Pause or restrict internet access during specific times, such as during homework time, family dinners, weekends, or bedtime.
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Web Rules: Block specific websites you don’t want your child accessing at home.
Be sure to check your email (subject line: “Filter Portal Weekly Report”) each Sunday for the Lightspeed Student Online Activity Report, a weekly summary of the websites your child has visited. Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.
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Class T-shirts and Spirit Wear
Still need a class shirt for your child? Kids need these for field trips, field day, and to show their school spirit. We will be selling them at Movie Night on Oct 16 and after our next PTA meeting on Oct 22. If your child needs one before then, please reach out to our Family Liaison, Marilyn Feghali, at mfeghali@fcps.edu. One shirt, lots of school spirit, and plenty of opportunities to wear it throughout the year!
All Fridays are School Spirit Fridays this year! Students are encouraged to wear their class shirt, FSES colors, or FSES gear and show off their Panda Pride.
Check out our NEW Spiritwear Store, filled with fun options for students, parents, and the whole Panda community. Whether you’re looking for a new favorite tee, sweatshirt, or other gear, there’s something for everyone, and every purchase helps support our school and PTA programs. Rep your school & support our Pandas!
Get Ready for Monster Mash Dash!
Join your Franklin Sherman friends for one of our favorite annual traditions!
Whether you’re ready to race the 5K, walk with friends, or bring the whole family out for the 1-Mile Fun Run, everyone is welcome. Costumes are encouraged, and you definitely don’t have to be a runner to join the fun!
Sunday, October 25
5K at 8:00 AM
1-Mile Fun Run at 9:00 AM
Come run, walk, cheer, dress up, and be part of a fun FSES tradition.
Sign up today!
PANDA Fund!
Did you hear about all the ways the PTA supports Franklin Sherman at Back to School Night? The Panda Fund helps make so much of it possible!
We are almost 70% of the way to our goal! Just over 2 weeks left to hit our goal and get a $10,000 match!The Panda Fund is LIVE, and we’re more than halfway there!
Did you know your entire donation is tax-deductible? As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the FSES PTA makes every dollar you give count. Donate today and support our school and your child's education!
Every donation made by September 30 is doubled, thanks to a generous community donor. While $100 per family is suggested, every gift—no matter the amount—makes a difference. Bonus Panda Challenge: The class with the highest participation rate wins a special prize!
Please consider making a donation today and help us reach our goal. Double your impact. Support our Pandas. Show off that Panda Spirit! All donations are tax-deductible, and you’ll receive an email receipt from PayPal.
Donate Today!
Coat Drive!
SHARE of McLean is collecting new and gently used coats to distribute to our neighbors in need before the winter. Now is a great time to look through your closet and see if you have any coats to donate! All sizes – kids and adults – are needed! There will be a bin in the front lobby for coats to be dropped off any time. The deadline to drop off coats is Friday, October 2.
Reminders
FCPS CARES
Want a quick way to recognize an employee or team at Franklin Sherman? 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 party from HR. Celebrate our wonderful staff today!
Lunch with a Panda
We are thrilled to invite parents once again for "Lunch with a Panda."
Please join your child for lunch. Reservations become available 2 weeks in advance.
Submit this Reservation Form to let us know that you will visit for lunch.
Important Details:
- This form creates a reservation for 1 parent at a time (if both parents wish to visit for lunch the form must be submitted twice)
- There are at most 3 reservations available per grade per day
- Reservations will only become available 2 weeks in advance
- If a date does not appear in the list of choices it is either because there are no more reservations available for that day, or the school calendar/schedule of events does not allow us to have lunchtime visitors
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