Principal's Message

Dear Franklin Sherman ES Parents/Guardians,

What an incredible start to the week! The energy across this school has been electric—from the warm morning welcomes and parents walking students to class, to a packed PTA coffee bright and early. Our school community is buzzing with positivity, and it sets such a wonderful tone for the days ahead.

A Huge Thank You to Our PTA!

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to our amazing PTA for stocking the staff lounge with delicious treats and essentials. Knowing our team is seen, valued, and loved makes all the difference as we jump into the school year.

Quick Reminders & Connections

Follow Us on Instagram: Help us spread the word! Follow and tag our official account at @franklinshermanelementary to keep up with school updates, student highlights, and community events.
Panda Pride Friday: Don't forget to wear your Franklin Sherman gear or school colors this Friday to show off our school spirit!

Thank you for everything you do to make Franklin Sherman Elementary such a supportive, joyful place for our students and each other. Have a fantastic week ahead!

Sincerely,

Farris Thomas
Principal
Franklin Sherman ES

Important Dates

August 31 PTA Meeting and Back to School Night 5:30 - 7 p.m. (Adults Only)

September 4 - 7 Labor Day Holiday

September 21 Student Holiday

FCPS Calendar: 2026-27

Franklin Sherman Calendar

Lunch with a Panda

We are thrilled to invite parents once again for "Lunch with a Panda."

Please join your child for lunch starting September 14. Reservations become available 2 weeks in advance.

Submit this Reservation Form starting August 31 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

Notes from our family liaison!

Hello Franklin Sherman Families!

My name is Marilyn Feghali, and I am excited to introduce myself as the new Family Liaison at Franklin Sherman School. I look forward to partnering with students, families, and staff to strengthen communication, support student success, and build a welcoming school community. Please feel free to reach out at mfeghali@fcps.edu I am here to help!

I would also like to share a few exciting updates and opportunities that may be of interest to our Franklin Sherman families:

Student Data Binders and Data-Driven Discussions

This year, students will maintain and use data binders to monitor their progress, reflect on their learning, and set meaningful growth goals. Data-driven discussions between students and their teachers will help students identify their needs and develop instructional strategies to support their success throughout the school year. This is a Franklin Sherman initiative to help students understand and take ownership of their learning.

Classroom Coaching Support for Teachers

Teachers will collaborate throughout the year by modeling instructional practices, conducting peer observations, and providing feedback. This collaboration will strengthen instruction and help us better support all students.

Pop Star Nomination Form

Franklin Sherman has outstanding students who go above and beyond every day and demonstrate what a portrait of a panda is- modeling respect and kindness to all. Each week staff members nominate students for demonstrating these exceptional characteristics and students are announced on the Panda News Network. You may see classroom doors with star stickers and this indicates if students or the whole class has been nominated.

Celebrate McLean- 2026

Please save the date for September 10th for Celebrate McLean. It will run from 3:30 - 6:00 p.m. at the McLean HS practice football field, prior to our football home opener vs Falls Church. We will have games, food, DJ and tables from our clubs and sports. We look forward to another amazing day!

Celebrate McLean event flyer with colorful illustrations of a food truck, inflatable slide, carnival game, and DJ speakers.

FCPS News

New Student ID Cards Coming for Bus Riders This Fall

As part of the ongoing commitment to strengthening layered safety and security programs, FCPS will implement a new student ID system for students who ride our school buses.

The implementation of the student IDs is designed as an additional safety measure for our 130,000 FCPS students who ride the bus each day, ensuring they are on the right bus and that they get on and off at the correct bus stop, as well as making sure only authorized students are on our buses.

The IDs will be provided to students who ride the bus. Those students will be expected to tap on and tap off the bus. The student IDs do not track student movement. The only information available is when a student taps on or off a bus. Much like our Here Comes the Bus app, our new app will allow parents/guardians to track the progress of the school bus.

It is possible that the ID program will expand in the future to include uses such as library cards and meal payment. Learn more about the new transportation system and student ID cards.