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Dear Franklin families,
Thank you to everyone who attended Meet the Teachers Thursday evening! I think we had record level attendance! I hope everyone is enjoying this last weekend of summer. Today’s newsletter is long - there’s always a lot to review as we start the year. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and settle in.
We’re excited to welcome everyone to the 2026-2027 school year. As a public charter school, we have the privilege of creating a vision and mission and keeping it centered in our hearts and minds. Our mission is strongest when we all - school, parents, and students - work together.
The Franklin School of Innovation is preparing the next generation of leaders, capable of solving problems and participating effectively and ethically as local and global citizens. Through challenging academics, real-world learning, and community engagement, our students discover their potential, develop persistence, and recognize the value of others. Our graduates are ready for the future they will create.
Our mission inspires us to keep our students at the center, supporting and challenging them to be their best selves. Whether it’s enforcing the cell phone policy (phones need to be silent and unseen at all times), pushing students to be in school every day they are able, or investing in time for faculty professional learning, our decisions and actions are grounded in our mission and always will be.
Tomorrow, August 24, is the first day of school. It is very important that students attend on the first day! The first week of school sets students up for success for the year. Did you know that almost 20% of our students missed 10% of school last year? And all students who failed one or more classes missed a lot of school. Getting students to school is one of the most important ways parents can take action to support student success. Here’s a quick review of our school start and end times:
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5th & 6th Grade: 8:10 - 3:15; 8:10 - 12:45 Wednesday
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7th & 8th Grade: 8:10 - 3:20; 8:10 - 12:45 Wednesday
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High School: 8:20 - 3:40; 8:20 - 1:00 Wednesday
Students may arrive as early as 7:30 am for early release. There will be a fee for this early drop off - but this first week is free while we determine how many families need this service and how to set our pricing. Please come if you need this but don't drop off early if you don't need it! This will help us plan correctly. Regular arrival begins at 7:45. Middle school students should be here by 8:00 and high school students should arrive by 8:10 to be on time for classes.
Traffic Reminders
All traffic on campus is one-way. Form two lines when you enter campus and stay in two lines to the school entrance. We’ll help you merge into one line to exit. Turn right at Sardis Road for safety and to keep the line moving. More information is available in our Family Orientation presentation - please be sure every driver in your family has reviewed our drop-off and pick-up procedures! It takes a week or so for everyone to learn the car line procedures. We will have many staff members out helping. Remember - no one got into education because car line duty is so much fun. Be patient, be kind, follow the expectations, and help us keep our car line moving and everyone safe.
New Lunch Norms & Procedures
Our school nutrition program keeps improving! This year we have invested in reusable plastic trays instead of the compostable trays. This helps us cut down on waste while providing a sturdier tray. We also have some new cleaning procedures to ensure that our tables are clean and safe for students!
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Students will empty their trays in the trash and place their green trays in designated bins.
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Students may eat in the Community Room or in the courtyard only.
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Student crews will help clean tables at the end of their lunch period.
We also have lots of great new items for breakfast and lunch, continuing our focus on scratch-made meals with a variety of fruits and vegetables and lower sugar and salt.
Parents - if you are bringing treats for your student’s birthday, please remember two things:
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Check with your student’s Crew leader ahead of time
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Treats must be commercially prepared. This is a federal nutrition program rule.
Cellphone and Wireless Device Policy
Cellphones and all other devices must be away and silent during all instructional time. For middle school this means from 8 am until dismissal. High school students must store phones in the designated pouches in each classroom for every single class. Cellphones must stay in the pouch even if the student leaves the classroom to use the bathroom. High school students may have devices during transitions and during lunch
There is a lot of good research that shows that phones are a distraction from learning and create social challenges in schools. Plus - it’s the law! Parents, you can help. Review the policy and expectations with your students. Don’t call or text your student during school hours. If you need to get a message to them during the school day, call us at 828-318-8140. If students need to contact you, they can ask permission to come to the front desk or call from a classroom phone.
Be Good Neighbors
Let’s treat our local businesses kindly! Sardis Road is a busy urban road and we have an impact on our neighboring businesses. Let's keep things positive!
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Do not park in AAA Storage, Galactic Pizza or the gym parking lots for drop off or pick up.
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Students may not park at neighborhood businesses. Apply for parking registration at school or arrange transportation.
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If you give written permission for your students to walk to Galactic Pizza or the gas station at dismissal, make sure they are good citizens. If students go to Galactic, they should stay outdoors unless they are purchasing food. Once students leave school, we cannot supervise them. Be sure your student knows your expectations for their behavior in the community. Students are not allowed to leave campus during school hours.
Infinite Campus and Student Schedules
Infinite Campus is North Carolina's statewide student information system. We have shared lots of information to help parents get into the Parent Portals. You will need access to the Parent Portal throughout the year to see schedules, grades, attendance info, and more. Please look for emails from Erinn Otten and follow the directions carefully. If you are still having problems getting into the Portal, fill out this FORM to request support. We will get to you as quickly as possible. Do not email individual staff members - you will get help more quickly by using the form.
High School Student Schedule Changes
Schedule changes will only be processed for the specific reasons listed below. No exceptions will be made.
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Student has already taken and passed the class.
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Students who are missing a period/class in their schedule.
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Correction needed for Non-Honors vs. Honors placement.
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Dropping an AP Course (allowed only within the first 15 days of school).
To request a valid change, the student must email their designated counselor and cc Principal Dr. Dowd ([email protected]):
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Grades 9–10: MK Hyche ([email protected])
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Grades 11–12: Gretchen Kehrberg ([email protected])
New Website and App!
We are excited to reveal our new website and app. You received an invitation and a password reset request from Edlio, our website host. It might look a little suspect because you haven't activated your account yet - but it's fine to click through and create your account. The email you provided us (or for students, your school email) is the email that will be connected with our app! If you don't see the email in your inbox, check your spam folder. This new app will make it easier to keep up with events and find the resources you need. There are features specific for parents, students and our staff - so you may see different functions available. We are in the process of implementing some of the features, so some of them may not be fully functional quite yet - but just hang tight, there is a lot more coming to this!
To download the app, go to your app store, search for Edlio and download the app - you will see an option for The Franklin School of Innovation - click that and the app will relaunch as FSI's and log in!
Coming Soon - New Community Partnerships
We’re excited to announce two new partnerships to provide expanded opportunities for our students! We expect both new programs to start in September.
Youth Paddling Club
We are partnering with Nantahala Racing Club to offer a youth paddling club. Club members will learn foundational and progressive paddling skills that will allow them to paddle whitewater and compete in paddle sport events. The club will meet right here in our little section of Hominy Creek! Practices will be on Wednesdays from 1:30 - 3 pm, with additional Nantahala Racing Club practices following from 3 - 7:30 pm. The youth paddling club will begin September 15 and run through November 18 with 1 - 2 optional weekend river trips. The Club is open to students in grades 6 - 8 (high school students will be able to join the other racing club practices from 3 - 7:30) Parents are welcome!
Costs:
- Nantahala Racing Club annual membership: $50
- Club Fee: $200 for all sessions (paid to NRC)
- Equipment rental fee: $10 (or bring your own equipment)
Reach & Rise Mentoring Program
Reach & Rise is a national YMCA mentoring program, The program pairs two trained adult volunteer mentors with a small group of up to eight youth. Groups meet for 60–90 minutes once a week, with the goal of completing 14 sessions over the course of a semester. Students are referred to the program to strengthen self-esteem, build healthy communication and relationship skills, improve emotional regulation, and develop life and academic success skills.
Reach & Rise is part of our Beyond the Bell programming and will meet afterschools on Tuesdays or Thursdays. Parents, teachers, and school counselors can refer students to the program. To refer a student or to learn more, contact Ron Scott.
Upcoming Events
Mon, August 24: First Day of School!
Wed, Aug 26: First Early Release
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Middle School 12:45
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High School 1:00
Thurs, Sept 3
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8:15 - 9:30 am: Parent Coffee Social @ The Dripolator
Mon,Sept 7: Labor Day Holiday - No School
Wed, Sept 9: Fall Student Led Listening Conferences - students will not attend school this day. They will come ONLY for their conference time. Times will be scheduled with Crew leaders
Bolts Athletics
Fall Sports Information
MS Cross Country (boys & girls)
Starts August 24th
Coach Anderson
MS Girls Volleyball
Starts August 25th
Try-outs 4:00pm
Coach Gillis
MS Flag Football (boys & girls)
Starts September 1
Try-outs September 1 & 3
Coach Freeman
HS Cross Country (boys & girls)
Starts August 24th
Coach Mack
HS Boys Soccer
Starts August 24th
Try-outs August 24 & 25
4:00-5:30pm
Coach Demko
HS Girls Volleyball
Starts August 24
Try-outs August 24 at 4:00pm
Try-outs August 25 at 5:00pm
Coach Konle
Please reach out to the specific coaches with any questions.
REMINDER: All required paperwork must be submitted prior to first practice/try-outs.
NO EXCEPTIONS
For information about our athletics program, email Athletic Director Kim Burke, [email protected]. Our first events are coming up Tuesday, Sept 8 - soccer and volleyball vs. IC Imagine. Save the date!
Parent Crew
Parent Crew is your organization! It’s similar to a PTO or PTA, and it’s a great way to get involved, be engaged, and meet other FSI families. Weekly information from Parent Crew will be included in the Sunday newsletters under this section.
Join us for the Parent Coffee Social, Thursday, Sept 3, 8:15 am at The Dripolator!
Reminders
Who Do I Go To When….
Whether you are new to FSI or returning, we know you have questions and want to help you find the best answers! This handy guide can help you connect. We do our best to respond to questions within 24 hours. We do not expect school staff to respond outside of school hours. It may take longer right now or when the email load is especially heavy. Click here to access the guide: Who do I go to when…
Required Forms
Emergency Medical Authorization
All students are required to have a Student Health Form on file. These forms are extremely important; in the case of an emergency and treatment may be delayed if we do not have this form on hand. These forms were sent via email from Erinn Otten. Please complete the form and return it to school as soon as possible.
Medications at School
If your student will require medication of any type during the school day, please remember to complete and submit the appropriate medical forms. You will find forms for diabetes, asthma, allergies, medication, and self-medication on our website, or your doctor’s office should have school forms available. Under North Carolina regulations, students are not permitted to take any medications at school, including over-the-counter medications, unless the school has a current copy of a medication form on record. These forms require physician signature.
Immunizations
Students new to public school must provide proof of immunizations. You can read more about required immunizations here: http://www.immunize.nc.gov/schools/k-12.htm
Students entering 7th grade have new immunization requirements:
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Tdap – Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough)
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Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV)
You (or your doctor) can fax proof of immunizations to us at 828-318-8125, email to our nurse ([email protected]) or mail or drop off to the office.
Sports Physicals, Concussion Form, and Medical Waivers
If your student will participate in our athletics program, all three forms must be completed and returned prior to participation. The physical must have a doctor’s signature. Forms are available on our website: https://www.franklinschoolofinnovation.org/parents/forms/
Bus Rider & Carpool Information
It’s great to see action happening on the carpool page! No matter where you live, you’ll find FSI families nearby. You need to join the Franklin Carpool Facebook page. Find your carpool friends here: Franklin Carpool Facebook Page
Deeana Bennett has previously shared bus rider information. At this time there is a wait list for all buses. Last year we were able to accommodate all riders but it took several weeks. There is a lot of demand for bus transportation and drivers are limited! We are recruiting for bus drivers, help spread the word! We will pay for training and our pay is competitive.
Free & Reduced Lunch
Did you know that Franklin participates in the federal school lunch program? We are so pleased to provide this service for our families. Our kitchen staff have been trying out some new recipes and treating us all this summer - we can vouch for the delicious meals! You can sign up here: Free and reduced lunch application
Beyond the Bell (BTB) After School Program
3:15 pm-6:00 pm: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, and 1:00-6:00 pm Wednesdays
This is a fee-based program. Financial aid is available for qualifying households, upon completion of application. More information is available on our website, Beyond the Bell Program. Contact Ron Scott, [email protected], for more information.
Please note that all afterschool clubs also run through Beyond the Bell. More information about afterschool clubs will be available soon. Most clubs start mid to late September.
With appreciation,
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Michelle Vruwink
Executive Director
she/her/hers
Currently reading: "Mother Mary Comes to Me" by Arundhati Roy and "Song Yet Sung" by James McBride. Just completed "The Dentist" by Tim Sullivan.
