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Franklin Military Academy

Leadership

Principal, COL.(H) David Hudson

I

Dear Cadets, Families, and Staff,

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all cadets, staff, and parents to the 2025–2026 school year at Franklin Military Academy. A special WELCOME goes out to our new cadets who are joining us for the first time — we are thrilled to have you as part of the FMA family! This promises to be a fantastic year filled with growth, learning, and leadership.

Our school website has been updated to serve as a helpful resource for families. There, you will find important news, updates, and school-specific information to guide you throughout the year. We encourage you to visit the site regularly.

We remain committed to high academic standards and developing strong character in our students. Our dedicated staff works diligently to ensure every cadet reaches their full potential. We ask that parents and guardians stay engaged by monitoring academic progress and maintaining open communication with teachers.

This year, we will  be using ParentSquare, stead of REMIND which is the official communication platform for Richmond Public Schools (RPS). ParentSquare allows families to stay informed through announcements, messages, calendar events, and more — all in one place. If you haven’t already signed up, please do so as soon as possible. If you need assistance, feel free to contact the school office.

As we transition into both virtual and in-person learning formats, we ask for your partnership in helping cadets stay on track. Please remind your student to:

  • Stay organized and attend all classes on time
  • Practice respectful behavior at school and on the bus
  • Follow our school-wide expectations and the RPS Student Code of Conduct

If you have not yet received your ASPEN login credentials, please contact the front office so we can assist you. ASPEN allows you to track your child’s academic progress and attendance throughout the year.

We strongly encourage all parents and guardians to become active members of the FMA PTSA. Your support and involvement are essential to the success of our students and school community.

If you ever have a question or concern, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s work together to make the 2025–2026 school year an outstanding experience for all.

Thank you for allowing me the honor of serving as your child’s principal.

Stay safe, stay focused, and we look forward to seeing you soon!

With appreciation,
COL (H) David A. Hudson
Principal, Franklin Military Academy

A formal studio portrait shows a Black man from the chest up, seated and looking slightly to his left. He has dark skin, a receding hairline, and is wearing round, wire-rimmed glasses.

Instructions for parents and caregivers on how to log in to and register for ParentSquare for Richmond Public Schools (RPS):

📱 Getting Started with ParentSquare for RPS Families

Richmond Public Schools uses ParentSquare as its official communication platform. ParentSquare allows schools to send updates, messages, announcements, and emergency alerts directly to families — via email, text, or app notifications — in your preferred language.

    1. Visit the ParentSquare website: ParentSquare
    2. Click “Sign In” at the top right.
    3. Use the email or phone number you provided to the school during registration.

      If you’re logging in for the first time:
      Click “Register”.
      Enter your email or mobile number (must match what is in RPS’ system).
      You will receive an activation link via email or a verification code via text.

    4. Follow the prompts to complete your account setup and create a password.

    • iOS (Apple): Download from the App Store
    • Android: Download from Google Play

  • ParentSquare can automatically translate messages into your preferred language. After logging in:

    • Click on your name/photo (top right corner)
    • Go to My Account > Language Settings
    • Select your preferred language

Dr. Smith has over 28 years of experience in education.  She has enjoyed a career in Richmond Public Schools as an Educator, Department Chair, and Administrator.

Her career began as a Reading Interventionist at Lucille Brown Middle School and Title 1 Reading teacher at Elkhardt Middle School.   There she was recognized as the districts, Title 1 reading teacher of the year in 2011.  She was appointed as Assistant Principal at Boushall Middle school prior to moving to Franklin Military Academy.

She has assisted in cultivating and sustaining many initiatives at Franklin Military Academy.  Her focus continuously remains on mentoring new educators and providing the best education for all students that enter the doors of Franklin Military Academy.

Degrees earned: Bachelor of Science from Charleston Southern University, Master of Reading Specialist from The University of Virginia, Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University and Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Research from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. 

Email: jdavis5@rvaschools.net