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 Students created hearts for our heart wall in advisory, expressing gratitude and messages of positivity.
Franklin Community,
I hope all of our students enjoyed the holiday and their last short week for quite some time. Looking at the calendar, we have quite a string of 5 day weeks coming up as we head toward spring break!
Earlier this week, many of our 8th Grade Civics students had the opportunity to go on the court tour field trip to the Fairfax County Courthouse. During the visit, students are able to meet judges from all three Fairfax County courts, talk to other court personnel including attorneys and bailiffs, participate in a mock trial, and even observe some actual trials that are occurring while they are there. This experience is a great way for students to see the curriculum that they are studying in action. Reviews from the teachers and students were very positive when they returned and we look forward to continuing this opportunity for our 8th graders in the future!
I also wanted to put in one last word for our talent show, Franklin's Got Talent. All are invited to attend on 2/27, at 6:30pm. We hope to see you there!
Go Falcons!
Tom DeRusso
Principal
Franklin MS
Weekly CARE Card Raffle Winners
Important Dates
February 27 - Franklin's Got Talent - 6:30pm
February 28 - Ramadan begins at sundown
March 6 - K-9 Caring Angels Visit
March 9 - Daylight Savings Time begins
March 12 - Band/Orchestra Concert - 6pm
March 17 - St. Patrick's Day
March 28 - Chantilly Pyramid Art Show - 6pm-8pm
Academic Advising
In January and February, our counselors support all students with academic advising and course requests for the 2025-2026 school year. See below for updates by grade-level and reminders about upcoming deadlines.
Rising 7th Grade Reminders:
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February 14, 2025 (deadline extended): Students will work with their 6th grade counselor to ensure course selections are entered into SIS StudentVUE by Friday, February 14, 2025.
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March 2025: Families will be able to see final course selections in ParentVUE.
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June/July 2025: End of year performance verifies course selections, including Algebra 1 Honors placement and support classes for literacy and math.
For more information, including presentations, course selection sheets, and the course catalog, please see the Franklin MS Site: https://franklinms.fcps.edu/Rising7th.
Rising 8th Grade Information:
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February 6: Students received course selection sheets in advisory and started exploring elective options for 8th grade.
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February 13: Initial Course Selections due to their Science teacher.
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February 13-19: Counselor lessons in Science classes will support students in entering their course selections into SIS StudentVUE.
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February 18-28: Students will meet with the counselors for 1:1 Academic Advising Conferences to review and finalize course selections.
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February 28: Finalized course selections are due by 4:00 pm on Friday, February 28, 2025.
The course catalog is now available, and families can explore these resources on the Franklin MS Site: https://franklinms.fcps.edu/Rising8th.
Families of 7th graders are invited to join a virtual question and answer session with our FMS counselors to clarify information about course selection. Counselors will briefly review the timeline and requirements for course selection, then turn to questions and answers by those attending.
Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025
Time: 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Even Link: Zoom Link
Rising 9th Grade Reminders:
- Initial course selections have been entered into SIS StudentVUE for all students.
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February 7 (TODAY): Final course selection is due in SIS StudentVUE. After this date, any additional requests should be emailed directly to your student’s counselor and are not guaranteed.
- February 14: Course selections will LOCK in SIS StudentVUE.
- Counselors will follow-up with students next week about any final course requests.
- More information and links to other resources are available now at https://franklinms.fcps.edu/Rising9th.
As your student navigates these processes and events, our counselors are here to support. Please reach out to your student’s counselor with any questions or concerns.
SEL Screener
The Spring Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students through Advisory during the week of March 10, 2025. Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. More information is available about the SEL Screener by accessing this link: https://www.fcps.edu/student-tests-and-assessments/student-assessment-details/social-emotional-screener
If you have any questions please reach out to our SEL Screener Lead, Kim Gallagher, or our Testing Coordinator, Kathryn Thurston.
After-School Program Information
More information on the After-School Program and schedule for next week can be found on the After-School Program website and on the Parent Schoology.
After-School Registration Form - Please use the google link to register, even if you don't anticipate your student staying After-School. Unforeseen circumstances happen, and we want to be prepared to contact you if anything arises! Buses will run Monday-Thursday. There is programming on Fridays but there are NO Late Buses. Parent pickup only by 4:35pm..
MS Sports - Spring Track
FCPS again will offer Spring Track as part of the MS Sports Program. Track is open to all students. The Spring Track season will begin on April 2 and there will be five meets from the end of April through the end of May on Saturdays.
Track & Field Interest Meeting will be held on Thursday February 27 during the Advisory Period. More information to be posted in the News You Choose and on Schoology.
MS Athletes will need the following to participate in Track for the Spring.
Students that have already turned in a physical for the Cross Country Season do not need to turn in another physical. All other information will be needed to participate in Spring Track. Any questions please reach out to Chris Tippins at WCTippins@fcps.edu.You can also visit the Franklin Cross Country/ Track Website or at the FCPS MS Sports site for more information.
SAVE THE DATE - VIP CAMP at Rocky Run
This summer FCPS Middle School After-School Program and Neighborhood & Community Services present VIP SUMMER CAMP. Rocky Run MS site will serve rising 7th and 8th graders from Franklin MS, Katherine Johnson MS, Liberty MS, Rocky Run MS and Stone MS.
VIP Camp will run from July 1-31 at Rocky Run MS and transportation will be provided.
Applications and more information coming soon!!
FRANKLIN'S GOT TALENT - Thursday February 27 at 6:30pm
Purchase Tickets Here Starting February 1 - $5.00
Does your student have a talent that they can showcase? Singing, Dancing, Comedy or some other amazing talent. Auditions will be held on Monday January 27 After-School and all that are interested in auditions must fill out the google form posted in Schoology.
Chantilly Ice Hockey Club
Chantilly Hockey is open to any experienced rising 9th grade that will be attending Chantilly HS. Please contact Kelly Morgan (kellyhmorgan@verizon.net) if you are interested in playing this spring and/or in the fall.
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Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28, 2025
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has issued a new, first-time waiver allowing students fasting during the school day from February 28 to March 28, 2025, to request take-home breakfast and lunch meal kits. The Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) will provide meal kits reflecting the school menu. Meals will be kept cold and must be heated at home. Students may claim one breakfast and one lunch kit per day. If a student purchases breakfast or lunch at school, they cannot pick up a kit that day. Meal kits must be picked up by students at the end of the school day—adults cannot collect them.
Parents or guardians must submit a weekly request form via the FCPS FNS website by the deadlines:
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February 24, 2025, for February 28 and the week of March 3, 2025
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March 3, 2025, for the week of March 10, 2025
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March 10, 2025, for the week of March 17, 2025
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March 17, 2025, for the week of March 24, 2025
Forms must be submitted on time to receive meal kits for the following week.
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Summer 2025 Online Campus Courses
Registration for the Summer 2025 Online Campus courses starts Friday, February 14, 2025, and ends Friday, June 6, 2025. Courses are open to middle and high school students who meet prerequisites.
Courses may be cancelled if they are under-enrolled. If a course is cancelled, students will be notified using the registration contact information and a full refund will be given.
Please note that students wishing to enroll in a summer course must enroll and notify their counselor by March 7,2025 in order to ensure a seat in the desired course (s) for 25-26 school year.
Health Reminders
Flu season is here, and we all want to keep our students healthy and safe. Please remind your child to practice good hygiene, such as washing their hands frequently and covering their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
If your child is feeling unwell, especially with flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, sore throat or body aches, we ask that you to keep them at home to rest and recover and be fever free for 24 hours without medication, before returning to school. This helps prevent the spread of illness to others.
Thank you for your support in keeping our school community healthy. If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to reach out to our clinic.
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 Did you know that more than 85% of FCPS’ budget stays in our classrooms? Currently, 92.5% of FCPS staff are school-based, more than neighboring school districts. We are in the middle of FCPS’ annual budget process, which includes opportunities for you to give feedback. Learn more about the proposed FCPS FY 2026 Proposed Budget and see the budget timeline.
Franklin Middle School PTA
 Please consider becoming a member, volunteering is not required but always appreciated. Member funds go right back to supporting our students and staff!
Membership
https://franklinmspta.givebacks.com/store?limit=21&live=true
Stay up to date on what’s happening by following us on Facebook and signing up for E-mail reminders via our website!
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/fmsptainchantillyva
Website
https://fms.ptboard.com/
Join Franklin Middle School PTA's RaiseRight program and earn
Join Franklin Middle School's RaiseRight program so you don't miss out on more than $1,000+ in savings toward helping and supporting our Franklin students! How? By using gift cards to pay for everyday expenses and shopping online through RaiseRight—brands automatically give up to 20% back!
Plus, with a mobile app available and instant access to your eGift card and reload purchases, you can earn with gift cards and shop online through RaiseRight anytime, anywhere.
To get started, click here: https://www.raiseright.com/enroll/S3E2VG59SEL6
Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.
February Is Career and Technical Education Month
By enrolling in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course or program, students learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education or entry-level employment. A core program of CTE courses is offered in every middle and high school including Business and Information Technology, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health and Medical Sciences, Marketing, Technology and Engineering Education, and Trade and Industrial Education. Since this is an elective, course offerings may vary by school. Learn more on the FCPS CTE webpage.
CTE also offers summer programs for students to explore their programs. Enroll now!
Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations
Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!
Starting Monday, May 19, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. You can check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information by accessing SIS ParentVUE.
Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2024-25 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!
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Become Unskippable: Practical Guidance for Talking With Teens About Fentanyl
Teens skip things that don't interest them, including lectures from their parents. But young people die from fentanyl overdoses in Fairfax County each year — so it's important to have short, impactful talks with your teen, whether or not you think they’re at risk.
As a parent or caregiver, you have the power to become “unskippable” and talk with your teen in a way they will listen.
See our tips for talking with your teen about fentanyl and other difficult subjects. Watch this video to | 
