Franklin MS Update- 01/30/2026

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A huge shout out to our amazing custodial team who worked tirelessly shoveling to make the parking lots and sidewalks safe for our Falcons.

Franklin Community,

Last Sunday’s snowstorm brought a significant amount of winter weather to our area and resulted in snow days for students from Monday through Wednesday. While we missed having students in the building, we were glad to see everyone staying safe during the storm and hope students were able to enjoy the snow and time outdoors while braving the cold weather. We would also like to extend a huge thank you to our custodial crew for their incredible efforts throughout the week. Braving single-digit temperatures and equipment challenges, they worked tirelessly to clear sidewalks, entrances, and the parking lot to ensure safe access to the building for staff and students. Thursday and Friday were previously scheduled Teacher Workdays, and our teachers and staff were hard at work preparing for students to return. We are eager to welcome students back to Franklin and are hopeful that schools will be open for students next week.

We are also excited to begin sharing information about our annual Franklin vs. Rocky Run Basketball Game, which will take place on February 27. This long-standing tradition includes staff, girls, and boys basketball games against our neighbors and friendly rivals across Route 50, Rocky Run Middle School. In preparation for this event, we will be implementing Falcons in Good Standing (FIGS), a behavior-based incentive program that allows students to earn the opportunity to attend the game. This program is designed to promote positive behavior, accountability, and responsible decision-making as we build excitement for the event and ensure a safe, respectful, and enjoyable experience for all students.

Falcons in Good Standing focuses on positive behavior and responsibility during the month of February, and all students will begin with a clean slate. To remain eligible to attend the game, students must meet the following criteria for the month:

No more than 5 tardies
No cell phone referrals
No Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) referrals
No hate speech violations
No suspensions

Based on feedback from staff, we will also be offering FIGS Reset sessions this year. These sessions provide students with an opportunity to reflect on their behavior and potentially earn back their FIGS eligibility. FIGS Reset sessions will be facilitated by the administrative team and will focus on reflection and alignment with Franklin’s CARE Matrix. Students should be aware of the following guidelines:

Students may participate in one FIGS Reset session only
Students who receive an out-of-school suspension are not eligible for FIGS Reset
Reinstatement is not automatic; eligibility will be based on meaningful reflection and participation during the session

More information about Falcons in Good Standing will be shared with students during Advisory on Monday.

We would also like to congratulate Ms. Bello and our talented theater students on their fantastic production of The Day the Internet Died. The show was funny, timely, and incredibly well done, showcasing the creativity and hard work of our performers and crew. Unfortunately, due to last weekend’s snow, the cast was only able to perform two of their four scheduled shows, but their professionalism and enthusiasm truly shined in every performance. We are so proud of this group and are already looking forward to seeing what they bring to the stage with their spring musical later this year!

We are still seeking a Track Coach for our spring season and would love your help spreading the word! This is a stipend position, and practices are held two days per week beginning after spring break, with five Saturday meets scheduled from late April through May. Coaching track is a wonderful opportunity to connect with students while helping them build resiliency, a strong work ethic, and lasting friendships. If you are interested or know someone who may be a great fit, please reach out to Mr. Chris Tippins at wctippins@fcps.edu for more information.

Tom DeRusso
Principal
Franklin Middle School

Franklin Art Students Recognized

Congratulations to the following Falcons who were recognized through the ARTiFAX awards program for FCPS for their paintings.

Eva M.

"Unspoken Love"

Sophia M.

"The Three Colors".

Ein Y.

"Korean Wedding"

~Important Dates~

February 3 - Last Day of 2nd Quarter

February 3 - Curriculum Night - 6:00pm-7:30pm

February 4 - First Day of 3rd Quarter

February 16 - Presidents' Day - School & Office Closed

February 17 - School Closed - Teacher Workday

February 27 - Franklin vs. Rocky Run Basketball

5pm-Staff / 6pm-Girls / 7pm-Boys