Welcome!
TO: FCMS Students and Parents FROM: Trent Liggett, Principal
My name is Trent Liggett, and I am honored to serve as the principal of Franklin County Middle School. I am excited to begin the new school year and look forward to working alongside our dedicated staff, supportive families, and—most importantly—our outstanding students.
I would like to invite students and families to stop by the middle school before the school year begins. You're welcome to meet me, take a walk through the building, locate your classrooms, and become familiar with the school. It's a great opportunity to ease any first-day nerves and start the year feeling confident and prepared.
As summer break begins to wind down, I want to share some important information and key dates to help everyone prepare for a successful start to the new school year. We can't wait to welcome our students back and make this a fantastic year at Franklin County Middle School!
REGISTRATION:
This is a reminder that student registration for the 2026–2027 school year is open, and registration is required for all students, both returning and new to Franklin County Schools. The registration deadline for all students is June 5. To register your student, please visit FinalForms Registration.
If you have questions or need assistance, please email registration-help@fccsc.k12.
MEET THE TEACHER NIGHT:
FCMS will hold a “Meet the Teacher Night” on Monday, August 3rd, from 5:30-7:00 pm. Parents and students will be able to walk around the school and meet their teachers. Students may bring in school supplies and organize their lockers during this time. The office will be open for students and parents/guardians to come in to ask questions. The first day of school for students is on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. Kona Ice will be there, so please bring a few extra dollars if you’d like to purchase a treat. A portion of the profits will go directly back to our FCMS students to support incentives.
SCHOOL START AND END TIMES:
The school day begins at 8:20 am and ends at 3:20 pm. If students arrive before 8:15, then they will report to the cafeteria and then will be released for class at 8:15 am. All students are expected to be in their seats with their materials ready by the time the bell rings to start class at 8:20 am. Students who arrive after 8:20 am are required to report to the office to sign in as being tardy to school. Please keep in mind that there is a lot of construction going on around the school and there are three schools in close proximity so traffic may not move quickly. Please be cautious and drive slowly for the safety of all our students. *On the first day of school all students will report to their homeroom where student schedules will be handed out. FCMS Bell Schedule - FCMS 26-27
SCHEDULED EARLY RELEASE DAYS FOR TEACHER TRAINING:
Students will be released 30 minutes early (@ 2:50 pm) on the following teacher training days.
First Semester Second Semester
September 9th January 13th
October 7th February 3rd
November 11th March 3rd
December 9th April 7th
SCHEDULED TEACHER PROFESSIONAL LEARNING DAYS - NO School for Students
First Semester Second Semester
August 24th January 15th
February 12th
ATTENDANCE:
When a student is absent from school, a parent or guardian is required to notify the school to verify that the absence is excused. If the school does not receive verification from a parent or guardian, the absence will be recorded as unexcused. To report or verify an absence, please contact the school office at 765-647-6040 or email Mrs. Edwards at ledwards@fccsc.k12.in.us with any attendance-related questions.
CONTROLLED ENTRY PROCEDURES:
For the safety and security of our students and staff, all visitors are required to present and scan a valid state-issued identification card before entering the building. The ID scan performs a brief check for specific criminal offenses. School administration will follow established safety procedures as appropriate based on the results of the screening.
Visitors without a scheduled appointment may not be granted access to the building. Parents and guardians who wish to meet with school administrators, counselors, or teachers are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance. Parents and guardians who need to drop off items for students may leave those items with the controlled entry attendant, who will ensure they are delivered appropriately.
MORNING STUDENT DROP-OFF PROCEDURE (Main doors unlocked at 7:30am):
Personal vehicles transporting FCMS students to school in the morning should enter the campus using the first entrance and proceed to the designated circle drive for student drop-off. To help maintain a safe and efficient traffic flow, drivers should pull forward as far as possible before allowing students to exit the vehicle. Students should exit only on the sidewalk side of the vehicle and should be prepared to leave the vehicle promptly once the vehicle has come to a complete stop. Drivers are asked to follow all posted traffic signs, remain alert for school buses, pedestrians, crossing guards, and other vehicles, and obey the directions of school personnel assisting with morning arrival. For the safety of everyone on campus, please do not pass other vehicles in the drop-off lane or leave your vehicle unattended in the circle drive.
After dropping off students, drivers should exit the campus using the second entrance/exit located immediately to the right of the circle drive. Following the designated traffic pattern helps maintain a safe and orderly flow of traffic and minimizes congestion during morning arrival.
STUDENT DISMISSAL / PICK-UP PROCEDURE:
Parents and guardians picking up students from FCMS at the end of the school day should enter campus using the second entrance to the middle school parking lot. Upon entering, drivers should immediately turn right and follow the designated traffic pattern around the outside of the parking lot. Vehicles should remain in a single line, beginning just east of the entrance to the circle drive.
At 3:10 p.m., vehicles may begin moving into the circle drive for student pick-up. Student car riders will be dismissed from the building at 3:15 p.m. and should report directly to the designated pick-up area near the circle drive.
To ensure the safety of all students and maintain an efficient dismissal process, drivers are expected to remain in line, follow the directions of school personnel, and avoid passing other vehicles. Students should enter vehicles promptly once they have pulled to the designated loading area. For the safety of students, parents and guardians should not park or leave their vehicles to meet students outside the designated pick-up area. Following these procedures helps reduce traffic congestion and provides a safe, orderly dismissal for all students and families.
As always, we are committed to providing a safe environment in every aspect of our school community. To improve student safety and reduce congestion at dismissal, we are making changes to our end-of-day pick-up procedures. These adjustments will help create a safer and more efficient student loading area. Thank you for your cooperation and support as we implement these changes. We look forward to a safe, successful, and productive school year!
WATER BOTTLES:
To reduce distractions and support a focused learning environment, students are allowed to use only clear plastic water bottles during the school day. This policy helps prevent disruptions that can be caused by the noise often associated with metal or other non-plastic bottles. Students will receive a new clear plastic water bottle on the first day of school.
CELL PHONE POLICY:
Indiana Code 20-26-5-40.7 defines wireless electronic devices as a device that is portable and is capable of providing voice, messaging, or other data communications between two or more persons and includes cellular phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, digital cameras, and/or gaming devices. The Indiana Code specifically prohibits use of wireless electronic devices in a manner which constitutes an interference with a school purpose or educational function, an invasion of privacy, or an act of academic dishonesty, or is profane, indecent, or obscene is prohibited. Per Board approved student handbook, students are required to put wireless communication devices (Any portable wireless device that has the capability to provide voice, messaging, or other data communication between two (2) or more parties) in their hallway locker before the beginning of the first period and keep them in their lockers throughout the entire school day. Wireless communication devices may be used in the cafeteria prior to the start of first-period class. Wireless communication devices are not permitted to be used during the school day. The school district will not be responsible for the loss, damage, or theft of any cell phone/electronic device brought to school.
I hope to see you soon and enjoy the rest of your summer!
Mr. Trent Liggett, Principal