Good morning Franklin families,
And just like that, we’re headed into the final quarter of the year! We have two busy and exciting weeks ahead before Spring Break, filled with the middle school musical performance, athletics, community events, and Student Led Conferences. I look forward to seeing many of you on campus or at events as we sprint toward break! Be sure to read below the “Upcoming Events” for information on all the great things coming up at FSI!
Student Led Conferences for grades 5, 6, 7, 9, and 11 will be held next Wednesday, March 29. Students in grades 8, 10, and 12 will have a virtual school day. Students in all other grades will attend school only for their conference. Please check in with your Crew leader for the scheduled time.
Why are Student Led Conferences (SLC) so important that we disrupt a school day? SLCs are a core part of EL Education schools. While SLCs may not seem like a big deal, they are at the heart of a student-centered school. Leading up to SLCs, students work with teachers and Crew leaders to reflect on their goals and their growth. They gain organizational skills as they put together a portfolio of their work. They practice reflection, presentation, and public speaking skills within a safe environment. SCLs are also a way we as a school partner with parents and guardians to provide an inside and honest look at your student’s academic and character growth. While we typically think about SLCs as a way for students to really understand their growth in school, they are also practicing skills they will need when they graduate and move on. They will use these skills to prepare for job interviews, performance reviews, or when they pitch their big ideas to investors and partners!
On SLC day, please arrive about 10 – 15 minutes prior to your student’s scheduled conference time. You can park in any available space on campus. During the conference, your student will take the lead with their Crew leader present to assist. As a parent or guardian, your role is to listen carefully and ask questions when prompted. Crew leaders can document specific questions you may have about your student’s performance or experience in school and can bring those questions to their grade level team. Please note that all teachers are hosting SLCs on Wednesday and will not be available for meetings or conversations outside of the SLCs.
We’d like to offer tours of our current building space. If you haven’t seen our building beyond the Community Room or offices and you would like to see what the hallways and classrooms will look like, please email Micah Usher (musher@thefsi.us). We can’t host a tour of the new gym or classrooms just yet, but we know many families haven’t seen inside our existing spaces. Please let us know if you are interested and we will work on a tour schedule!
Students in grades 5 – 9 will participate in Spring NWEA MAP testing this week Wednesday and Thursday. MAP testing provides us with great information about student growth and academic progress. MAP tests are not part of the State’s required yearly testing and will not be used for student grades. You can help your student prepare for MAP testing by encouraging a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast, and reminding them to do their best!
Finally, we have a very unfortunate calendar double-booking coming up on Tues, March 28. School calendars get very busy at this time of the year and some double-booking is bound to happen. This particular conflict is heart-breaking to me! Both events deserve tremendous community participation and support. On the 28th, we are hosting the 1st of several workshops and conversations on race and inequality in our community. This is also the evening of the student-produced TEDx Youth Event. This year’s theme for the event is disruption. Last year’s event was truly a highlight of the year and this event promises to be just as amazing. I can’t provide guidance on how to choose between these events. Pick one and attend with full focus! Tickets for the TEDx event can be purchased here: https://www.tedxyouthfsi.com/
This Week’s Reason for Optimism
We are extremely proud and excited to announce that two FSI students have been accepted into the prestigious NC Governor’s School. Governor’s School is a four-week summer residential program for talented high school students, integrating academic disciplines, the arts, and unique courses. Learning focuses on the exploration of the most recent ideas and concepts in each discipline, and it does not involve credit, tests, or grades. Students apply during their junior year and are selected to attend through a competitive process. FSI has had students selected in each of the past 4 years. We are thrilled that our students are competing successfully for these great learning opportunities. Congratulations to juniors Sarah Pusser and Elliot Myus for this achievement!
Burger King Sandwiches for sale on Tuesdays
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Upcoming Events
Tues, Mar 21
- 4:15 pm: MS Soccer @ Odyssey School
- 4:30 pm: HS Girls Soccer @ Tri-Cities Christian Academy
Wed, Mar 22:
- 4:00 pm: HS Girls Soccer @ Carolina Day, 2351 Sweeten Creek Rd
- 4:00 pm: HS Ultimate Frisbee vs Odyssey School @ Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Dr
Fri, Mar 24, 6:00 pm: MS Theatre presents “Honk Jr”! Tickets at the door ($10 adults, $5 students, ages 3 and under free)
Sat, Mar 25, 2:00 pm: MS Theatre presents “Honk Jr”! Tickets at the door ($10 adults, $5 students, ages 3 and under free)
Students & Staff – next week is Spring Spirit Week! March 27 – 31:
- Monday, March 27: Pajama Day
- Tuesday, March 28: Tie-Dye Tuesday
- Wednesday, March 29: Bolts Day (show up for your SLC with all your school spirit!)
- Thursday, March 30: Throwback Thursday
- Friday, March 31: Island Day
Plan ahead: March 29 and April 26
Student Led Conferences for grades 5, 6, 7, 9, and 11 will be held on March 29. Students will attend school only for their assigned time slot. Students in grades 8, 10, and 12 will have a Virtual Learning Day
8th and 10th grade passages will be held on April 26. This will be a Virtual Learning Day for all other grades! Students in 8th and 10th grade will attend during their presentation slot.
Keep up with all our events on our Community Calendar!
Need to see the 2022-2023 School Calendar in one place? It’s on our website – click here
NEW! Approved 2023-2024 School Calendar
Feed our Staff
Wednesday, March 22, we are hosting lunch for all staff as a way to lift spirits and say thank you. Thank you to everyone who has already pitched in! If you are able, consider a small donation to help us buy lunch for all FSI employees! FSI Staff Lunch
Parent Crew – Sign up to join!
What is Parent Crew? As our school grows and recovers from the pandemic disruptions, we want to make it easier and more rewarding for parents and guardians to get involved. Parent Crew is our answer to a PTO or PTA. We are looking for volunteers to help create the Parent Crew mission statement, decide on an organizing structure, and help us bring our parent and family engagement to the next level! Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeGVERGcJws1xYjrmCIyeTv2Kzqnxsc7NeuWfzd-rPBsKFD2A/viewform?usp=share_link. Contact Micah Usher (musher@thefsi.us) for more information!
We Need to Talk! Tues, Mar 28, 6:30 pm
Holding Community Conversations about Racism & Inequality – https://fb.me/e/FWmGsx92
Tuesday, March 28th at 6:30pm Danae Aicher will join us to facilitate a series of discussions and workshops. Danae is a well-known and respected racial equity professional here in western NC and is deeply committed to having these conversations and providing the space and the care for learning and growing together. She is the Founder and Principal of CultureValue, LLC, a DEI consulting firm that supports organizations throughout WNC and the country. At the heart of the CultureValue, LLC (CV) approach is dialogue, and a recognition that much of our polarization is tied to our collective failure to engage in dialogue.
TEDx Youth Event Tues, Mar 28, 6 pm @ NC Stage
We are excited to host our second annual TED×Youth event! This year’s guiding theme is disruption. For this event, we challenge society to think deeper into their lives and the lives of those around them. We invite you to join us on March 28th, 2023 from 6
to 9 pm, as we consider all that disruption has to offer us! Tickets on sale now! https://www.tedxyouthfsi.com/
Seed and Plant Swap April 15, 10 am – noon
It’s gardening season, which means we end up with extra plants and seeds we need to figure out what to do with, so let’s trade them with each other! We will be hosting our first ever plant and seed swap Saturday April 15th from 10am-12pm. Bring your extra plants and seeds and swap them with other FSI families and members of the local community. Our modulars will also be leaving soon, and we need help rescuing and moving plants from parts of our campus to others until they can be placed permanently. That means we will also have some extra plants that can be taken to help beautify your home! We will likely have extras of Iris, Penstemon, Hosta, Beauty Berry and a variety of other plants – we won’t really know until they are moved, and we found out how many we have! Bring tools and work gloves to move plants! Sign up here to attend: https://fb.me/e/MNe0tZHh
Passage Presentations, April 26 & April 27
On April 26, students in grades 8 and 10 will present their Passage Portfolios. Passages are an important part of our EL Education school model. These formal presentations are an opportunity and an expectation for students to reflect and demonstrate their readiness to move on to the next level of their education. Passages are so important that we disrupt our normal school schedule to make them possible. Students in all other grades will have a remote learning day on April 26 to allow the space and time for Passages to take place.
We are looking for volunteers to serve as Passage panelists! Each student presents their portfolio to an audience that includes their Crew leader, a school representative, and a community panelist. Panelists will provide feedback to students. As a panelist, you will have a rubric to guide you and you will be working collaboratively with other members of the panel. It’s an amazing birds-eye view into the achievements and growth of our students. We need many volunteers to support this undertaking! Please sign up here if you are interested and able to help: April 26 Passage Panelist Volunteer Sign Up
We are also seeking panelists for Senior Passages. Seniors will present Senior Passages on the evening of Thursday, April 27th from 6-8 PM. Seniors will present their culminating Passage Portfolios to a panel of faculty, staff, families, and community members. If you are interested in being a panelist for this event, please complete this Google form. We are looking for 30-40 volunteers. Please reach out to Alex Humphrey (ahumphrey@thefsi.us) with questions or concerns. Senior Passages is a graduation requirement for all seniors.
The Arts are Blooming at FSI!
March is Theatre in our Schools Month, and FSI theatre is celebrating! With the just-completed high school performance and the upcoming middle school musical, Honk Jr, taking place March 24 and 25, theatre is alive and thriving at FSI. But there is still more to celebrate this spring! Our Annual Spring Arts Showcase is coming up the week of April 18. Here’s the full schedule for that week:
April 18 – 21: Visual Art on Display
Thurs, April 20, 5 – 7:30 pm in the Community Room
- Modern Orchestra & Choir Performance
- Theatre Improv Performances
- Student-led artmaking activities
- Visual art showcase on display!
You can see examples of middle and high school artwork on display right now at the SECU Smokey Park Highway location. Stop by and check it out!
We are Hiring
We are hiring! We are beginning to recruit for the 2023-2024 school year. To support our continued growth, we are adding a Dean of Students position. We anticipate a few openings for teachers. If you know an extraordinary teacher or candidate for our new Dean position, please send us their contact information and we will reach out. Email jobs@thefsi.us. Thank you!
College Corner
Thurs, Mar 23, 6 – 7 pm: CFNC Financial Aid advice for college
Presenter: Devon McCarthy-James, regional representative for CFNC(College Foundation for North Carolina)
FSI campus, Community Room
Tues, Mar 28, 6 – 7 pm: FSI Dual Enrollment Information Session for Parents and Students
Presenter: Vicki Thompson, our AB Tech liaison
This meeting will be virtual.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://abtech.zoom.us/j/97170084123?pwd=UXA4V2hESDk5SkdnYWhsVWprR3dldz09
Save the Date: Prom is April 15
Prom takes place April 15th at Taylor Ranch in Fletcher. Taylor Ranch is a gorgeous venue situated on 500 acres, complete with horses and long-horn cattle. Ticket includes hor d’oeuvres (also a gourmet smores bar!) and access to a variety of outside games. DJ and dancing as well, of course. Tickets are $50. Prom committee would greatly appreciate tickets being purchased as early as possible, as that will give us a greater ability to add additional elements to the event, to make it a truly memorable experience for our students. Prom is for junior and senior students; sophomores and freshmen can only attend if invited as a date. Purchase tickets with the below link!
https://franklinschoolofinnovation.networkforgood.com/events/52936-yee-haw-fsi-prom-2023
FSI School Store is Open!
Get your FSI & Bolts gear and represent your school in style!
Tees, hoodies, scarves and more – check it out! FSI School Apparel Store
FSI Food Pantry
The FSI food pantry will provide supplemental nutrition to families experiencing short or long term financial difficulty and food insecurity. Food bags containing non-perishable items will be distributed Friday afternoons. To request supplemental food assistance, please contact your child’s school counselor. Want to help out? Bring donations of food items to the main office – there’s a bin in the entryway!
High school: Mary Kinsey Hyche at mkhyche@thefsi.us
Middle school: Jennifer Negron at jnegron@thefsi.us
You can also complete this google form: Food Pantry Form
Responses to the form are sent to the counselors and all information will be kept confidential.
If you would like to contribute to the food pantry, please contact Matt Speed, Nutrition Coordinator at mspeed@thefsi.us.
COVID & Flu Updates
PCR testing is available free of charge weekly on Mondays. Testing for high school students is available from 11:30 – 1 pm in the collaboration space on the first floor of Big Ben. High school students can come on their own during lunch. Testing will then be available in Einstein, Parks, and Johnson for students in grades 5 – 8; nurses will let students know when they are available in each building. If you want your student to participate in testing – please remind them!
If you are new to Franklin or have not yet provided consent for testing, it’s not too late:
- Parental consent for students under age 18: Click here: https://testcenter.concentricbyginkgo.com/minor-consent
- Student consent – age 18 and up: Click here: https://testcenter.concentricbyginkgo.com/invite-by-code
- Our school access code is FRANKLINS1. You will need this to complete the consent form
- You only need to provide consent once
Middle School News Videos
7th Grade Theatre students are writing, filming, producing, and directing the news Monday and Friday each week. Click on the folder below to see the news each week!
Morning News Videos- 2022-2023–
Athletic News
Lots of game action this week! Come on out and support our teams! All games are listed under the Upcoming Events.
Community Council presents Spring Break Spirit Week- March 27-31.
- Monday, March 27: Pajama Day
- Tuesday, March 28: Tie-Dye Tuesday
- Wednesday, March 29: Bolts Day
- Thursday, March 30: Throwback Thursday
- Friday, March 31: Island Day
Mark your calendars for the 7th Annual Filthy Franklin Mud Run: Sunday, May 7th
Races begin at 2:30pm. Registration is now open!
Club News
Habitat for Humanity Student Group
The Habitat for Humanity Student meets on Tuesdays during lunch in room #226.
Middle School Creative Writing
The club meets 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month from 3:30 – 4:30 pm, and 2nd and 4th Fridays each month from 3:30 – 4:30 in Ms. O’Dell’s room. Contact Ms. O’Dell for more information (aodell@thefsi.us)
Math Club
Math club is open for all our students – ALL GRADES – and it is a great opportunity for students to explore the beauty and application of Math outside their classrooms. Math is a subject full of creativity and opportunity that many students enjoy. Besides the academic benefits, math club is also a great way to meet new people and develop teamwork skills. Math club meets on Tuesdays right after school from 3:30-5:00 PM in the New Building room #224. .
Middle School Drama Club
MS Drama Club Newsletter –Click Here! Check out the latest events in our weekly newsletter.
High School Drama Club
Congratulations on a fantastic production!
Use this QR code to stay clued in on FSI HS Theatre news with our monthly
FSI High School Theatre Newsletter!
Chess: Do you like to play Chess or do you want to learn?! Join FSI’s Chess Club and learn from our expert instructor, Mr. Bruce Roth. Chess Club meets every Tuesday from 4-5 p.m. The winter semester will begin January 10, 2023, and end April 25, 2023. Students will meet in the Community Room with Beyond the Bell from dismissal until the class begins! All grades and levels are welcome!! The fee is $50/per semester or $100/per year. All checks must be payable to Bruce Roth. For more information, contact Bruce Roth at 828 230 5139 or by email at brucerothchess@gmail.com
BIPOC Student Union (BSU):The BSU offers a safe space for students to share their experiences and to identify ways our school can address specific and systemic racism. Community mentor Bruce Waller is returning to support our BSUs, joining faculty sponsor Keith Knox. BSU is open to all students who identify as People of Color. HS BSU meets Tuesdays and Fridays from noon – 1 pm.
Film Club! This club is returning from last year and meets alternating Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:45 – 4:45. Email Michaela Mamone-Peeples for more information.
Girls who Code will meet every other Monday after school from 3:15 – 4:30 in Edison 19. Email bdavenport@thefsi.us with any questions.
MS GSA (Gender & Sexuality Alliance)
MS GSA (gender and sexuality alliance): Middle School GSA meets every Friday 3:15-4:30pm. We welcome everyone and work to empower LGBTQ+ lives. Contact afortune@thefsi.us to join.
HS GSA
HS GSA – contact MK Hyche, mkhyche@thefsi.us, or Justina Powell, jpowell@thefsi.us
High School Studio Art Club
Mondays, Starting September 19, 2022
3:45 – 5:00, Big Ben, first floor Art Room #133
Hosted by Ms. Jen jlipsey-edwards@thefsi.us
HS Studio Art Club is a place to gather with other creative teens who have a genuine interest in the visual arts. Folks will have a place to chill, work on art, listen to music, have tea, and to inspire and be inspired. The Studio is where friendship, collaboration, feedback, sharing, and support come together to make magic! You do not need to commit to showing up every week. However, advance registration is required to attend as you’re able to. Register here: https://forms.gle/czLbV186Ep7K31gb9
Science Olympiad Club
Do you geek out on all things science? Are you a competitive person who needs a medal hanging around your neck to prove your science prowess? This is a science competition against other schools in our area with a potential to move on to state and national levels. Science Olympiad will meet in Room 141 from 3:30-4:15 every Friday. Open to MS and HS students! Contact jbragdon@thefsi.us if you have any questions.
Middle School Robotics
Middle School Robotics team meets Thursdays, 3:15pm to 4:00 pm in the Middle School Tech room (Edison 19).
Who do I go to when….
Whether you are new or returning to Franklin, we know you will have questions, and we want to help you find the best person to answer them, quickly and efficiently. We hope this little guide will help you navigate!
I have a question about my child’s grade, an assignment, or something specific to one class: Start with your child – what do they know? Then, the classroom teacher
I’m worried about my child’s overall progress, or progress in multiple classes: Your child’s Crew advisor can help coordinate a team response or meeting
My child seems anxious, sad, or unhappy: Jennifer Negron is our middle school counselor, and Mary Kinsey Hyche is our high school counselor
I think my child is being bullied, or other behavior/discipline concerns: Tony Freeman, Middle School Principal or Peter Tromba High School Principal
My child will miss school: For short-term absences (illness, doctor’s appointments, etc), send an email to attendance@thefsi.us, or bring a written note to the front office. Notes must be received within 48 hours of student’s return to school. Longer-term or frequent absences (5 days/quarter) require documentation from a medical care provider.
I’ve contacted a teacher, but the problem isn’t resolved: Your child’s Principal
I think my child may need special education services or accommodations: Paula Dowd, Director of Exceptional Services
My child requires medication during the school day, has a special health need, or has tested positive for COVID: Contact our school nurse, Jessica Perraud
I think we need some support for my child’s challenging behaviors: Jessica Potter-Bowers (JP) or Kara Lacey, Behavior Specialists
I have a question about enrollment, student records or I need a copy of my student’s report card or transcript: Erinn Otten, Director of Student Services
My student needs a chromebook, hotspot, or help with technology: Matt Mikulski, Technology Director
My child has an IEP, and I have questions about the services provided: Your child’s Exceptional Children teacher is your first contact:
- Grade 5: Brittany Davenport
- Grade 6: Tammy Leahy
- Grade 7: Meagan Barnhard
- Grade 8: Donnie Stahlke
- MS Resource Room: Meaghann Denkenberger
- Grade 9: Lindsey Wehrli
- Grade 10: Greg Wingard
- Grade 11: Paul Szumski
- Grade 12: Gretchen Kehrberg
- HS Occupational Course of Study: Kelsey Reid
I have questions about sports: Kim Burke, Athletic Director
I want to know more about after or before-school services: Martha Rutherford, Beyond the Bell Coordinator
I want to know more about your music program: Sandi Wilson, Director of Instrumental and Vocal Ensembles
I am interested in your theatre programs! Chris Martin, MS Theatre teacher/director and Julia Wharton, HS Theatre teacher/director
I have questions about your school bus or student parking: Deeana Bennett, Director of Operations
I am interested in carpooling/ride-sharing: Check out our carpool facebook group (you need to request to join):
I want to know more about college planning, including advanced courses like AP and Dual Enrollment, financial aid, or the college application process: JaneAnne Tager, College & Career Counselor
I have high level concerns or questions about the school, such as a problem that hasn’t been resolved through my principal, an immediate school safety concern, or more general questions about the school’s philosophy, approach, or plans for the future: Michelle Vruwink, Executive Director
Our Teaching Teams for 2022-2023!
| Teaching Teams
5th Grade Brandie Dallara, ELA & Social Studies: bdallara@thefsi.us Jennifer Ryan, Science & Social Studies: jryan@thefsi.us Chris Pauley, Math & Social Studies: cpauley@thefsi.us 6th Grade Ashley O’Dell, ELA: aodell@thefsi.us Charlie Keller, Math: ckeller@thefsi.us Samuel “Latt” Berry Foster:, Science: sfoster@thefsi.us Evan Baptista, Social Studies: ebaptista@thefsi.us 7th Grade Jared Gallow, ELA: jgallow@thefsi.us Zoe Wallce, Math: zwallace@thefsi.us Nick Liu, Science: nliu@thefsi.us Grace Nyanga, Social Studies: gnyanga@thefsi.us 8th Grade Kyle Wilson, ELA: kwilson@thefsi.us AJ Jones, Math lead: ajones@thefsi.us Rhneea Riddle, Math Specialist: rriddle@thefsi.us Keith Knox, Social Studies: kknox@thefsi.us Makesha Gordon, Science: mgordon@thefsi.us Lora Hawkins, English I: lhawkins@thefsi.us Jerry Lubos, World History: jlubos@thefsi.us Liz Baron: Math 1 & 2: lbaron@thefsi.us Jessica Bragdon, Earth Science/ AP Earth: jbragdon@thefsi.us 10th Grade Matt Reynolds, Civics: mreynolds@thefsi.us Justina Powell, English 2: jpowell@thefsi.us Marcel Duhaime, Math 2: mduhaime@thefsi.us Julia Adams, Biology: jadams@thefsi.us 11th Grade Bryan Head, English III/AP Lang: bhead@thefsi.us Tess Barnes Dunn, American History, AP Research: tbarnesdunn@thefsi.us Teshale Byan, Math 3 & AP Calculus: tbyan@thefsi.us Mary Smith, Chemistry, Forensics: msmith@thefsi.us 12th Grade Alex Humphrey, English IV & AP Lit:: ahumphreyr@thefsi.us Lexi Johnson, World History: ljohnson@thefsi.us Teshale Byan, AP Calculus: tbyan@thefsi.us Elizabeth Joslin, NC Wildlife (Science) & EcoWarriors: ejoslin@thefsi.us Jessica Fine: Pre Calc, Math 4: jfine@thefsi.us Elective Teachers: MS PE: Anne Gillis: agillis@thefsi.us HS PE & Athletic Director: Kimberly Burke, kburke@thefsi.us MS Art: Jennifer Lipsey Edwards: jlipsey-edwards@thefsi.us HS Art: Kati Robbins, krobbins@thefsi.us MS Tech & Computer Science: Adrienne Fortune, afortune@thefsi.us MS Counselor: Jennifer-Raé Negron, jnegron@thefsi.us HS Theatre, Art of Argument: Julia Wharton, jwharton@thefsi.us MS Theatre: Chris Martin, cmartin@thefsi.us MS/HS Music and Orchestra: Sandi Wilson, swilson@thefsi.us, French 1: Mackenzie Arnold: marnold@thefsi.us French2 & 3 and HS, PE: Chad Gerber, cgerber@thefsi.us HS Spanish: Hanna Walden, hwalden@thefsi.us MS & HS Spanish: Heather Kabat, hkabat@thefsi.us Adventure Ed: Jessica Potter-Bowers, jpotter-bowers@thefsi.us |
