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 These outstanding student leaders help keep our school safe & running smoothly. From kiss and ride, to busses, to raising the flag, and setting a good example in the hwallways. Thank you, patrols, for showing up every day wearing your belts with pride!
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@franklinshermanelementary
Dear Franklin Sherman ES Parents/Guardians,
Thank you, Franklin Sherman community, for helping us enjoy such a wonderful start to the school year!
Our PTA has done a phenomenal job supporting staff and students. We are especially grateful for the wonderful Responsive Classroom resources, music extensions, stocking our lounge, offering coffee carts and our new front office furniture, which will be delivered this week. The PTA also helps fund our field trip buses, and in just a few short weeks, our third- and sixth-grade students will take their first trips of the year.
Similar to last year, you will hear from your child’s grade-level teachers before winter break with an invitation to attend a morning meeting. We encourage you to participate and see firsthand how we help students get grounded for the day, build relationships, and strengthen our classroom communities.
We are so thankful for our outstanding community and the many ways you help Franklin Sherman thrive and grow!
Sincerely,
Farris Thomas
Principal
Franklin Sherman ES
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Every Friday is Panda Spirit Day!!
September 21 Student Holiday
September 25 Advance Academic Programs Parent Coffee 9:30-10:30 a.m.
September 30 3 Hour Early Release
October 16 Movie Night Under the Stars
FCPS Calendar: 2026-27
Franklin Sherman Calendar
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 and foster their love of reading!
When: October 19 - 23
Where: Library
October 22: 6-7 - Family Night
Our Book Fair will feature a wide range of books suitable for all age groups and interests. From the latest children's fiction to timeless classics, there's something for every young reader. This is a fantastic chance for your child to find new books that they will cherish and enjoy.
Please mark your calendars and support our school's reading initiatives. Remember, every purchase from the Book Fair helps us earn rewards and resources for our school.
If you have questions about our book fair please contact Mrs. Essimi our Librarian. rmessimimen@fcps.edu Also, sign up here to volunteer at the fair!
We look forward to seeing you there!
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
This school year we will be using a numbering system to help make Kiss and Ride be more efficient. If you need a number, please reach out to our School Counselor Sara Crummett at SLCrummett1@fcps.edu Please place your number in the front windshield each time that you arrive on campus to pick up your child for school. Numbers are for the full school year.
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
Franklin Sherman is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. A continuum of Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) services is available to students in Grades K to 6 and is designed to match services to each student’s unique academic needs.
The process of identification for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP services is prescribed by Fairfax County Public Schools and occurs throughout the school year. Full-Time AAP services have two identification cycles:
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Fall identification: Students in grades 3 to 7 who have enrolled in FCPS since January may be referred by October 15.
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Spring identification: Any FCPS student in Grades 2 to 7 may be referred by December 15.
Note: These are county set deadlines, and late entries can not be accepted.
FCPS uses ability testing as one consideration in the holistic identification process for AAP services:
- All students in Grade 2 take the Naglieri General Ability Test (NGAT).
- Students in Grades 3 to 6 who do not have a multi-domain ability test score take the NGAT later this fall.
- Students in Grades 3 to 6 may retake an ability test one time. Families may request the ability test retake by contacting our Assistant Principal Scott Ralston school testing coordinator, at scralston@fcps.edu by September 30.
Parent Coffee: Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) Information & Full Time Screening Supports meeting
Families are invited to attend our AAP information meeting led by Christy Stoermann, our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART) on September 25th from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the school cafeteria. This information meeting will review both of the following topics:
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AAP Continuum of Services (All students): Families will learn about the continuum of advanced academic services available to FCPS students.
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Full-Time AAP Identification (Grades 2-6): Families will learn about the referral and identification processes for Full-Time AAP services.
Ms. Stoermann will also plan to host virtual “open office hours” in October, November, and December to support families with questions about the AAP Continuum of Services, or the Full-Time AAP Identification process. For more information, please contact Christy Stoermann, AART, at cestoermann@fcps.edu or visit the FCPS Advanced Academic Programs webpage.
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.
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!
FCPS News |
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Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Reid
Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school and in life.
A series of Community Conversations will be held across the school division. You are invited to share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Events are planned for the following dates at 6:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted):
- Wednesday, September 16, 6:45 p.m., at McNair Elementary School
- Monday, September 28, at Riverside Elementary School
- Monday, October 19, at Spring Hill Elementary School
- Monday, October 26, at Beech Tree Elementary School
- Thursday, October 29, at North Springfield Elementary School
- Friday, November 13, at Colin Powell Elementary School
Registration links will be shared soon. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are one-hour long and open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
Weather Happens, FCPS Is Ready
Virginia is no stranger to inclement weather. From severe thunderstorms to high winds to flooding, many different types of weather events can (and sometimes do) impact our schools. FCPS has a plan for each of these scenarios that prioritizes the safety of all our students and staff. What does FCPS do during a flood? What about a severe thunderstorm?
Learn how FCPS prepares for and responds to weather events, and find resources to help your family prepare, on the FCPS Weather Safety webpage.
Safety Drills During the School Year
Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and extreme weather. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance.
The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill.
Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your child before and after school lockdown drills.
Know Our Security Terms
FCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for staff, families, and students to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.
Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned.
If students, staff, or families have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
School Board Welcome Videos:
Welcome videos from ALL Fairfax County School Board members are available.
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.
PTA News |
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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 UPDATE!
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.
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