Good morning Franklin families,
This week, I planned to share information about education funding in North Carolina. As our legislature begins its long session and federal COVID relief funds dry up, this topic is very present in my thinking! But as I spent time reading and reflecting on the reason for our long weekend, I realized there is only one real topic for discussion today. We need to talk about racism in our school.
Shortly before winter break, students and the advisors from our BIPOC Student Union (BSU) asked us to send out a very simple survey to all high school students. The anonymous survey was just one question – is racism ok or bad/ The majority of students – 91% – said racism is bad. Yet 9% of the students who responded said it was ok. Over half a century after Dr. King’s death – nearly 1 out of 10 students feels safe saying that racism is ok. The point of the survey wasn’t to be perfect or to be the last word. It was to get people talking. It raises so many more questions. Why would any student think it is ok to answer in that way? If the vast majority of students think racism is bad, why do students still experience racism in our school?
We know that as a school we must do more to be actively anti-racist. Asking our families to be involved isn’t about denying our responsibility. It’s about being real. We can’t do this work on our own. We need active support from families. So what can families do?
Learn More
Those of us who are White are responsible for our own learning about racism. There are so many excellent resources. Here are a few books we’ve used in school or that I can recommend from my own learning process. This list isn’t intended to be comprehensive – it’s just a few suggestions. These books are appropriate for high school and many middle school readers. Books don’t have to be nonfiction or explicitly about racism. Make it a priority to seek out BIPOC authors. You also don’t need to just read – there are excellent movies, documentaries, podcasts – take a few minutes to do a search and find the learning that works for you.
- Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson (also an excellent movie choice)
- How to Be Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi
- Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
- How the Word is Passed by Clint Smith
- Heavy: An American Memoir by Kiese Laymon
- Breathe: A Letter to My Sons by Imani Perry
Talk with your Kids about Race and Racism
Have intentional conversations with your kids. Ask what they see and hear in the hallways and classrooms at school. Listen to podcasts together and have conversations about them. Studies show that few parents engage in these conversations. You don’t have to be an expert to start the conversation. Chances are high that your kids will know more than you do. If you don’t know how to start the conversation – google it! There are so many resources available – there is no good excuse not to be talking with our kids about racism.
Take Action
If we pay attention and are honest, we all see and hear racist language around us every day. Be vigilant and be ready to interrupt! Practice what you will say when you see or hear racism taking place. You could respond with a question like “Do you understand the racism behind that joke?” Or if you don’t have the ability to have the conversation at the time, just say “That joke is racist. Please don’t share it again.”
Tomorrow we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Check out these events in Asheville:
- Candlelight Service: Sunday, Jan 15, 5:30 pm, Trinity Episcopal Church: Event Details
- Peace March & Rally: Monday, Jan 16, 11:30 am – Event Details
- Clint Smith at UNCA: Wed, Jan 18, 7 pm – Free event, no tickets required! Event Details
Helping students “recognize the value of others” is part of our Mission Statement. It’s hard work. We’ll never be “done” with it. Working together we can get better.
On a lighter note: did you know your students are hungry? I had a request this week from teachers asking parents to please send lunch and snacks for your students. Students come to the office and to staff seeking snacks because they are too hungry to learn. We are happy to help but we can’t really feed everyone. Please send them with healthy snacks.
This Week’s Reason for Optimism
We are pleased to announce FSI has 5 student winners and 7 winning artworks in this year’s WNC Regional Scholastic Art Competition! The Scholastic Art Awards are very competitive across the Western Carolina region with hundreds of artworks submitted annually.
This is an extraordinary honor for these students! The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is the nation’s longest running (over 100 years), most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. Please congratulate FSI’s winners and see their artwork images below. The awards ceremony will be held virtually on Saturday, January 28th at 2pm. Gold and Silver Key winners will have their artwork on display at the Asheville Art Museum along with Honorable Mention recipients’ work displayed on a digital rotation from January 26th – March 7th. For more information click here! Check out their winning artwork on our Facebook page here!
There’s a lot of information in this week’s newsletter. Take time to scroll through!
Subway sandwiches & snacks for sale during lunch
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Upcoming Events
Mon, Jan 16: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Holiday – NO SCHOOL
Tues, Jan 17, 6 pm: HS Basketball @ Shining Rock
Thurs, Jan 19
- 1:30 pm: FSI Tour for Prospective Families – share the sign up form here!
- 6:30 pm: HS Basketball @ Mt Pisgah Academy
Fri, Jan 20, 3:45 pm: Annual Poetry Slam! Concessions open at 3:45, and the readings will begin at 4:00. Admission is $3, and all proceeds support this year’s student publication project, The Pecking Order.
Save the Date: Tues, Jan 24, 6 pm: Resources for Resilience Community Workshop.
Free & open to all FSI community members
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
Poetry Slam! This Friday, Jan 20, 3:45 pm
Calling all poets, musicians, and storytellers! Please join us for our annual Poetry Slam Friday, January 20th. Concessions open at 3:45, and the readings will begin at 4:00. Admission is $3, and all proceeds go to support this year’s publication project, The Pecking Order. Meet in Big Ben.
Resources for Resilience Community Workshop: Tues, Jan 24, 6 – 7 pm (in person)
Resilience is something that we all have – and it is something that we can tap into by using simple, science-based tools designed to help us breathe easier and de-stress. Resources for Resilience is a North Carolina nonprofit organization whose mission is to share practical, science-based tools designed to build up and support everyone’s resilience. Resources for Resilience works with community members and helping professionals, including first responders, educators, healthcare professionals, and caregivers teaching practical strategies that can be used to manage stress and build resilience in ourselves, in our loved ones, and in the communities we live in.
Join us on Tuesday, January 24th 6-7pm for a Resources for Resilience workshop to better understand how our brains and bodies respond to stress. We will then learn tools designed to help people calm down quickly during times of stress. These tools can be used alone or with someone else to help us reset and build resilience in challenging situations. This workshop is open to all members of our FSI community.
Summer Programming at FSI
It may be freezing out there, but we know you all are busy planning out your summers. Last summer we offered an extensive and free summer program. It was a lot of fun AND a LOT of work! This summer with all our construction projects (we need to remove ALL the remaining modular buildings and move into all our new classrooms and gym) – we do not have the capacity to apply for the grant and manage this large program. We will offer credit recovery for high school students and we are exploring whether we can offer other targeted opportunities. We want to let you know now so that you can plan ahead!
ACT Workshops
FSI will be administering the ACT to all 11th graders on March 7th as part of North Carolina’s required testing program. In February we will be offering an ACT Prep workshop which will be offered on two consecutive Wednesday afternoons. The cost to attend the ACT workshop (both sessions) is $60. If the cost to attend will prevent your student from attending, please reach out to Ms. Tager (jtager@thefsi.us). You can sign up your student to attend here. The dates and times for the workshop are:
February 8th:
1:30 – 3:30 English
3:45 – 5:15 Math
February 15th:
1:30 -3:30 Science
It’s Open Enrollment! Help us recruit amazing families & students!
Open Enrollment for the 2023-2024 school year runs January 1 – March 31. Did you know that most families choose FSI through word of mouth? You can help us fill every open seat! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram, share our posts, and invite your friends and colleagues to learn more about our school! We offer virtual Info Sessions and in-person tours weekly from now through the end of March.
Open Enrollment is ONLY for students new to FSI. Returning students will fill out re-enrollment in February. Follow these guidelines to be sure you secure a spot for your student:
- Current FSI students (grades 5 – 11): No action needed right now. You will fill out re-enrollment paperwork in February.
- FSI Siblings (new to FSI): If you are applying for a sibling who is not currently enrolled at FSI – you must apply during Open Enrollment. Make sure you let us know that your child is eligible for the sibling priority enrollment.
- Friends, cousins, acquaintances: Remind your friends and acquaintances to apply during Open Enrollment! It’s very easy – just go to our website and click the “Apply Now” button on the orange banner. Applications must be submitted prior to March 31 to be entered in our enrollment lottery.
Volunteer Opportunity: Build a Low Ropes Course
We would love to build a low ropes course! Our Adventure Education class is eager to help with the labor but we need some skills and adult support! Students have selected two elements and we are looking for adults with experience. Contact Jessica Potter-Bowers, jpotter-bowers@thefsi.us for more information or to offer your assistance. .
Franklin Flurries Dance Feb 4, 5:30 – 7 pm
The Community Council is sponsoring the Franklin Flurries school dance, Sat, Feb 4, in the Community Room. Tickets are $8 in advance, sold at lunch Jan 31 – Feb 3 or $10 at the door. DJ, music, photo booth, and concessions. This dance is open to FSI students only. Please note this event is now Middle School Only! Community Council is exploring other high school events.
Parents – Check out the sign up genius link for Franklin Flurries donations. We need concessions, table cloths, and adult chaperones. Thanks! Link- https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040E49ADA62AA13-bolts
Mountain XPress Kids Issue – Deadline Fri, Jan 27
Calling all creative students! It’s time for the Mountain XPress Kids Issue! The theme is “Time Travel: Where would you go and why?” FSI students have been featured in prior years – this is a fun opportunity to show off your creative genius! There is no fee to enter for possible publication and the deadline for submissions is Friday Jan. 27. You can find all the relevant information, including a link to submit entries, on their website: https://mountainx.com/opinion/xpress-seeks-student-writing-art-for-2023-kids-issue/
Teens, Screens, and Drugs: What to Know & How to Start the Conversation
We are happy to share this terrific resource that includes current and helpful information to guide us in navigating the world of screens and drugs with our students. Below is a link that takes you directly to the one hour conversation between two experts that live in the Asheville area.
Preview YouTube video Teens, Screens, and Drugs: What to Know and How to Start the Conversation
In this conversation between Beth Hockman, M.S. and Kriya Lendzion, LCMHC, LCAS, CPS, we explored child and teen screen health, the realities of today’s drug scene, and how to have impactful conversations with your child about these issues. This event occurred on December 7, 2022, at Wrong Way’s River Lodge.
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: Masks Encouraged
Buncombe County is now at medium risk for COVID – we’ve been at low risk all year. We encourage students and staff to wear masks, especially if you are at higher risk, are recovering from being ill, or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID, flu, or other illnesses. Masks protect the wearer and those around them. We are also continuing to offer PCR testing 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
Girls Soccer Interest Meeting Wed, Jan 18: If you are interested In playing high school girls soccer this spring, please plan to attend the soccer interest meeting on Wednesday, January 18th at 12:30pm in Big Ben room #214.
Club News
Habitat for Humanity Student Group
The Habitat for Humanity Student group will no longer meet during SMART period. The group will meet 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. In the past, our students have had a unique opportunity to compete at regional and national levels. This year, we are planning to participate in some of these competitions. Math club meets on Tuesdays right after school from 3:30-5:00 PM in the New Building room #224. If your child is interested in participating, please fill out this form. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Byan at tbyan@thefsi.us.
Middle School Drama Club
MS Drama Club Newsletter – Click Here! Questions about MS Drama club, contact Chris Martin, cmartin@thefsi.us
High School Drama Club
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 currently meets Fridays at lunch in Dr. Hawkins classroom. MS BSU starting soon.
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
Mountain Bike Team Registration Closes Jan 22
This is a LAST CALL for anyone who would like to join FSI’s Mountain Bike TEAM for 2023. Email Ethan Burns (eburns@thefsi.us) for more information. Registration closes Jan 22.
There will be no more MTB Club events in 2023
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 |
