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 Students wearing pink for pink out Day on Monday, students dressed as Adam Sandler from Adam Sandler day, and English 8 students studying technology in a low-tech way by participating in a gallery walk of images and thought-provoking questions related to the influence of technology over the years.
Franklin Community,
I want to start this week by congratulating our Franklin Cross Country runners on an outstanding performance at their meet last weekend at Carson Middle School! Our runners represented Franklin incredibly well, with top four finishers in both the girls' and boys' races. Congratulations to all of our runners and coaches on a great meet! We wish them the best of luck as they compete again tomorrow morning at Herndon Middle School. The meet begins at 10:00 AM, and I encourage our families to come out and cheer on our Falcons as they continue their season!
Today was also an exciting day at Franklin as we came together for an amazing schoolwide Pep Rally! It was wonderful to see our students and staff celebrating their interdisciplinary teams (IDTs) and showing so much Franklin school spirit. Our staff participated in a Hungry Hippos competition, while students competed in a Box Tower Challenge and a Hula Hoop Pass Race. Competitors represented their interdisciplinary teams, and the energy and enthusiasm throughout the event were fantastic. Congratulations to all of our winners, and thank you to the students and staff who participated and helped make today's Pep Rally such a memorable experience. We look forward to bringing our students and staff together for more events like this in the future!
This week, we also had the opportunity to celebrate our Soaring Falcons, our Students of the Month who consistently go above and beyond in demonstrating our Franklin CARE traits. Each month, two students from each interdisciplinary team are selected for this special recognition. Students are celebrated through a video presentation shared during Advisory, receive a certificate and a small prize, and have their pictures displayed on our Soaring Falcons Wall in the main lobby for the month. This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize students who demonstrate what it means to be Connected, Accountable, Respectful, and Empathetic while making a positive impact on our school community. We are incredibly proud of these students and the example they set for their classmates. Congratulations to all of our Soaring Falcons!
I also want to thank all of the parents and community members who joined us on Monday evening for our AAP Expansion Community Meeting, whether virtually or in person. We appreciate everyone who took the time to learn more about the proposal for Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) expansion and what it could mean for Franklin Middle School. We recognize that this is an important topic for our school community, and we want to make sure our families have access to information and opportunities to ask questions. If you were unable to attend or would like additional information, I encourage you to visit the FCPS website for details about the proposal. As always, please feel free to reach out to me directly if you have questions about the proposed expansion or its potential impact on Franklin.
Finally, today was a bittersweet day for our Franklin community as we celebrated Ms. Hailfinger on her last day at Franklin. Throughout the day, our students and staff found a variety of ways to recognize her and show their appreciation for everything she has done for our school. Students shared thoughtful messages on Post-it notes, we celebrated her with a special cheer during today's Pep Rally, and our school participated in a spirit day inspired by two of her favorites, Washington women's sports teams and crossbody bags! Our staff also came together for a breakfast in her honor. It was wonderful to see so many members of our community take the opportunity to thank Ms. Hailfinger and celebrate the impact she has had on Franklin. Her dedication to our students, support for our staff, and partnership with our families have made a lasting difference in our school community. We are incredibly grateful for all that she has contributed to Franklin and wish her nothing but the best as she begins this exciting next chapter in her new position. Thank you, Ms. Hailfinger, for everything!
As a reminder, students will enjoy a three-day weekend, as Monday is a School Planning Day for teachers and a student holiday. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Franklin on Tuesday morning.
Tom DeRusso
Principal
Franklin Middle School
Weekly CARE Card Raffle Winners
Soaring Falcons
Congratulations to our September Soaring Falcons! You have demonstrated excellence in leadership, kindness and academics. We are proud of all you have accomplished. Continue to soar!
~Important Dates~
October 12 - Teacher Workday - School Closed
October 19 & 20 - School Picture Day
October 30 - End of 1st Quarter
November 2 & 3 - Teacher Workday - School Closed
November 3 - Spirit Night @ Big Buns - 4pm-9pm
November 13 - PTA Reflections Due
~Action Items~
Picture Day is Coming!
October 19 and October 20
- School pictures will be taken during PE classes
- Pre-order today using the QR Code or go to mylifetouch.com
- Create an account or login with the Picture Day ID: EVT4QV8W4
- Orders will be sent home a few weeks after picture day
Finance Park Field Trip
Parent and Caregiver Volunteers Wanted!
Help students make smart money choices. Volunteer at Junior Achievement Finance Park.
Put financial literacy into action
Your student has been learning about money in class. At Junior Achievement Finance Park, students put those skills to work in a hands-on budgeting simulation.
What you'll do
Guide a small group as students make budgeting decisions for an assigned life scenerio. Help them think through their choices and stay on budget.
Visit Dates
11/10/26: Spivey & Endlaw
11/12/26: Terrones
11/13/26: LaMay
Student Time: 9:30am-1:00pm
Volunteer Time: 8:30am-1:30pm
Location: 4099 Pickett Rd, Fairfax, VA
Timing and training: Volunteers ages 18 and older are welcome; no experience needed. You will receive a one-hour orientation when you arrive. Plan on 4.5-5.5 hours total including training and a break. Please arrive 1 hour before students. Your arrival time is listed in VolunteerHub.
Watch the Junior Achievement Finance Park volunteer video.
Sign up to volunteer.
Can you join us? https://jagw.volunteerhub.com/vv2/lp/jafpfc
Share Your Feedback on Traveling to
and From School
The FCPS Office of Safety and Security and Safe Routes to School program are asking families to share their experiences traveling to and from their child’s school. The feedback will help inform the Fairfax County School Board’s annual assessment of traffic and pedestrian safety near schools.
The Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Survey asks about walking and biking routes, traffic near schools, kiss-and-ride experiences, accessibility, and other safety concerns.
Your feedback will help FCPS identify common issues. Your responses will be kept confidential and shared with school administrators and the Office of Safety and Security. The five-minute survey is open through Thursday, October 15.
Be sure to identify the school related to your feedback and include specific locations where you have observed a safety issue. If you have students at different schools in FCPS, please complete a different survey for each school.
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact SafeRoutestoSchool@fcps.edu.
Comparta sus comentarios sobre el trayecto hacia y desde la escuela
La Oficina de Seguridad y Protección de FCPS y el programa Safe Routes to School (Rutas Seguras a la Escuela) invitan a las familias a compartir sus experiencias al trasladarse hacia y desde la escuela de sus estudiantes. Sus comentarios ayudarán a orientar la evaluación anual de seguridad vial y peatonal cerca de las escuelas que realiza la Junta Escolar del Condado de Fairfax
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La Encuesta sobre Seguridad Vial y Peatonal incluye preguntas sobre las rutas para caminar y andar en bicicleta, el tráfico cerca de las escuelas, las experiencias en las áreas de kiss-and-ride, la accesibilidad y otras inquietudes relacionadas con la seguridad.
Sus comentarios ayudarán a FCPS a identificar problemas comunes. Sus respuestas se mantendrán confidenciales y se compartirán con los administradores escolares y la Oficina de Seguridad y Protección. La encuesta toma aproximadamente cinco minutos y estará disponible hasta el jueves, 15 de octubre.
Asegúrese de indicar la escuela relacionada con sus comentarios e incluir los lugares específicos donde haya observado algún problema de seguridad. Si tiene estudiantes en diferentes escuelas de FCPS, complete una encuesta por separado para cada escuela.
Si tiene preguntas sobre la encuesta, comuníquese con SafeRoutestoSchool@fcps.edu.
Spirit Wear Sale!
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🍂 30% OFF Franklin HOODIES & QUARTER ZIPS!
🍂 Hoodie season is here!
Now through Sunday, save 30% OFF Hoodies & Quarter Zips from our Franklin Spirit Wear Store!
🔥 Hoodies starting at just $32.89!
Stay warm, show your school pride, and grab some new Franklin gear for the whole family! SHOP HERE: https://1stplace.sale/97233
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~Need to Know~
Weekly Progress Reports E-mails
If you have registered for a SIS Parentvue Account, you can receive Weekly Progress Reports via email (MS and HS only). The report provides a summary of your student(s) grades for the current quarter. You can activate the report and select your preferences in “My Account” tab in Parentvue.
If you have questions on how to register for Parentvue, contact our family liaison, Janet McFadden at jamcfadden@fcps.edu.
Franklin MS is now a proudly Purple Star School
The Virginia Council on the Educational Opportunity for Military Children voted on October 7, 2026, to approve Franklin Middle School as a recipient of the SY 2026 Purple Star Award.
Family Cafe Presented by Fairfax County Public Schools
The Family Café Series is a special time for parents to come together and learn about important topics that can help them support their child's growth and learning.These fun and helpful sessions are designed to keep families informed and involved in their child's education—mind, body, and heart.
At Family Café, we believe parents are key partners in helping children succeed. We're excited to learn and grow with you!
Growing Together: Talking about Social-Emotional Learning at Home
Dates and Locations
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October 8, 2026, at Skyview High School
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October 21, 2026, at Kingstowne Regional Library
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November 10, 2026, at Thomas Jefferson Library
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November 12, 2026, at Lorton Community Center
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November 19, 2026, at Centreville High School
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December 8, 2026, at Stone Middle School
Contact Information
Calendar Change: Eid al-Fitr
FCPS will mark the beginning of Eid al-Fitr with an evening-only observance day on Monday, March 8. There will be school on this day, but major school-sponsored events and activities (such as auditions or tryouts) will not take place.
Tuesday, March 9, will be a holiday for students and staff.
Wednesday, March 10, will be an observance day. There will be school on this day, but certain activities that cannot be made up (major tests, field trips, or mandatory events) will not take place on this day.
A new school year calendar has been published, which includes this change. Please note that holidays and observances on the calendar may shift due to anticipated lunar sightings.
Medication Drop Off
If you have medication to drop off for your student, please contact our PHN, Erica Meacham at emeacham@fcps.edu to schedule an appointment.
~Student Services~
Fall Full-Time AAP Referral Window for Students New to FCPS Closes on October 15
The fall referral window is only for students in Grades 3-8 who are new to FCPS since January 1, 2026. Parents and guardians who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services must submit the Full-Time AAP Referral Form to Dr. Janet Schiavone, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, at jpschiavone@fcps.edu by October 15, 2026. Late referrals will not be accepted. For more information on the referral process and forms, please visit https://www.fcps.edu/academics/advanced-academic-programs-aap/forms-advanced-academic-program-aap
For students who are not new to FCPS and have been enrolled, the spring Full-Time AAP identification window is open to students in Grades 2-7. Families interested in referring their student for consideration during the spring window must submit a referral by December 15, 2026.
Once a referral is received, our school will compile information related to the student. Then, a committee of trained professionals from across the county will review materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time AAP services.
~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!
- 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)
Lights On After-School!
Join us for Lights On After-School on October 27 from 6–8 PM, hosted by Rocky Run Middle School. Celebrate out-of-school time with after-school programs from Rocky Run, Stone, Liberty, Katherine Johnson, and Franklin Middle Schools—one community, five schools, and endless possibilities!
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Learn about the after-school program offerings from the five middle schools
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Receive information about middle school sports
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Get information on teen programs through Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services
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Jump in and play a game of volleyball – FCPS’ newest sport for our middle school students!
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Gift card raffles and fun activities for the whole family!
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Spotlight: VIP Camp 2026 Reunion
FRANKLIN CROSS COUNTRY
Practice next week will be on Wednesday and Thursday.Our next meet is on Saturday October 17 at Stone MS. An email will be sent early next week to Cross Country parents with meet information. Please be on the lookout for that email this weekend.
- Week of October 12th - Practice Wednesday/Thursday
- Upcoming Meets
- October 17 at Stone MS - 10:00AM
- October 24 at Franklin MS 7:30AM
- November 7 - MS XC Championships at Liberty MS
Parents can visit the Franklin MS Sports page or at the FCPS MS Sports site for more information on Middle School Sports within FCPS.
Questions, please reach out to Chris Tippins, After-School Specialist/Athletic Coordinator at WCTippins@fcps.edu
~Franklin Middle School PTA~
 PTA Reflections
Do you enjoy creating art or have an interest in writing and taking photos?
Then join us and have fun unleashing your inner artist with PTA Reflections! Our theme this year is “What My Culture Means to Me”
For inspiration, visit the pta.org/programs/reflections and the Reflections virtual art gallery.
Please see links and visit pta.org/Reflections or vapta.org for rules and guidelines for each category and the official entry form:
fillable-student-entry-form_reflections.pdf
https://www.pta.org/home/programs/reflections/craft-an-entry#guidelines
Entries are due to our Franklin Middle School PTA not later than November 13, 2026.
Entries may be submitted to secretaryfmspta2026@gmail.com, and must include a .pdf fillable entry form and your art work (literature, photography, visual arts or accessible arts).
If you’d like to submit hard copies of your artwork, or if you have any questions, please email secretaryfmspta2026@gmail.com
Parent Teacher Association Membership Drive - Franklin Middle School
Your Voice, Your Support, Our Children's Future.
Goal: 200 memberships.
Current Membership: 45 of 200 memberships.
Join Us Today - Get Involved plus Support Our Kids.
Be a voice for our students and a partner in their success!
Join us and help build a stronger, more connected school community.
Anyone can join: staff, parents and community members.
Join PTA HERE! or go to https://franklinmspta.givebacks.com/shop
Franklin Middle School PTA
Scan the QR code or go to the url to get all of the important PTA information.
First PTA Meeting: October 5th
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
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:
~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
Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for a Community Conversation. Students, families, staff, and community members are invited to ask questions, share concerns, and discuss what matters most to them. Everyone is welcome! Click on the date to register for any of the following events:
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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
Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
Conversaciones Comunitarias Directamente con la Dra. ReidAcompáñenos en una serie de Conversaciones Comunitarias que se llevarán a cabo en diferentes lugares de la división escolar. Estas reuniones están abiertas a todos, incluyendo familias, estudiantes, y miembros de la comunidad. Puede asistir al evento que le resulte más conveniente, aunque no se lleve a cabo en su escuela o comunidad. Esta es una oportunidad para compartir sus opiniones, conversar directamente con la Dra. Reid y hacerle preguntas sobre temas importantes para nuestra comunidad de FCPS.
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Lunes 28 de septiembre, a las 6:30 p.m., en la Escuela Primaria Riverside
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Lunes 19 de octubre, a las 6:30 p.m., en la Escuela Primaria Spring Hill
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Lunes 26 de octubre, a las 6:30 p.m., en la Escuela Primaria Beech Tree
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Jueves 29 de octubre, a las 6:30 p.m., en la Escuela Primaria North Springfield
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Viernes 13 de noviembre, a las 6:30 p.m., en la Escuela Primaria Powell
No es necesario inscribirse, pero hacerlo nos ayuda con la planificación.
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.
Chantilly High School Presents:
CLUE
The game is officially ON! Chantilly High School Theatre is thrilled to present CLUE — a madcap murder mystery packed with hilarious characters, unexpected twists, suspicious behavior, and enough secrets to keep you guessing until the very end!
It’s a dark and stormy night at Boddy Manor. Six colorful guests. One very dead host. A collection of questionable weapons. And EVERYONE has something to hide.
Will it be Miss Scarlet with the rope?
Professor Plum with the candlestick?
Colonel Mustard with the wrench?
There’s only one way to find out!
Performances will be:
Thursday, October 22 at 7 PM
Friday, October 23 at 7 PM
Saturday, October 24 at 7 PM
Sunday, October 25 at 2 PM
Gather your favorite detectives, bring your best theories, and get ready for a night of mystery, mayhem, and LOTS of laughs!
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit chantillydrama.org
Quick Links
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