Dear Franklin families,
It’s Spirit Week and Homecoming! But before we get into all the action at school this week, let’s talk a little about public school funding in North Carolina. Returning families know that school funding is a frequent topic in this newsletter. School funding is very much on my mind as I prepare a revised budget for consideration by our Board of Directors in October, and as we head into the November election.
Many people don’t realize that North Carolina ranks 50th in funding overall and is also dead last in what is called “funding effort”. Funding effort measures the amount spent on education compared to the state’s overall wealth. Despite ranking near the top (11th) in GDP, North Carolina is last in funding effort for public schools.
It is true that North Carolina finally passed a budget, the first full budget since 2023, and this budget includes raises for teachers and cost of living adjustments for other school staff. Unfortunately, the budget did not come close to raising our funding to the national average.
Why does this matter right now? In November, voters have the opportunity to vote for candidates who support public education funding. Voters are also being asked to vote on two constitutional amendments that could seriously reduce future funding for public education. The following information about these amendments is modified from NC Science Leadership Association, a nonprofit organization that supports science education in our state.
- The Property Tax Levy Limit Amendment would cap how much property taxes can increase. This could substantially limit the amount of money counties have available to spend on education and teacher pay. North Carolina public schools rely on funding from the state, local governments, and the federal government. When the state cuts funding to public schools, local governments have often stepped up to help. This amendment would restrict their ability to meet local needs.
- The Reduce Income Tax Rate Cap from 7% to 3.5% Amendment could reduce the state's income, meaning less money to fund public schools. Our state tax rate in 2026 is already a flat 3.99% and is scheduled to drop to 3.49% next year without this amendment. The amendment won’t actually change your taxes, it will just limit the state’s ability to respond to future needs.
Take Action
To learn more, check out this blog post from Public Ed Works, and remember that old saying. When something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Help spread the word about the impact of these amendments on our public schools
Now - on to Spirit Week! Students - use this rainy day to plan your outfits for our theme days! Let’s show our Bolt’s Spirit this week!
- Monday, October 5: Anything but a Backpack Day for High School, Anything but a Water Bottle for Middle School
- Tuesday, October 6: Teacher Tuesday
- Wednesday, October 7: Onesie Wednesday
- Thursday, October 8:Meme Thursday
- Friday, October 9: Dolly Parton Day
- Saturday, October 10: Homecoming Dance (High School only)
Thank you for choosing FSI and taking action to help our students thrive and succeed. When we work together, we can help our students create the futures they imagine!
Upcoming Events
Mon, Oct 5: Anything but a Backpack (HS) or Water Bottle (MS)
- 4:30 pm: HS Soccer vs IC Imagine - BRAC Semi Finals Tournament @ FSI
- 5:00 pm: HS Volleyball vs Mount Pisgah BRAC Semi Finals Tournament @ FSI
Tues, Oct 6: Teacher Tuesday
- 4:15 pm: MS Flag Football vs New Classical @ BCSP
Wed, Oct 7: Onesie Wednesday
- 5:30 pm: Cross Country @ AC Reynolds
Thurs, Oct 8: Meme Thursday
- 4:15 pm: MS Flag Football @ Fern Leaf
- 5:00 pm: HS Soccer BRAC Tournament Championship game @ FSI
- 5:30 pm: HS Volleyball BRAC Tournament Championship game @ ICI
Fri, Oct 9: Dolly Parton Day
Sat, Oct 10
- 7:00 - 9:00 pm: HS Homecoming Dance. Students must be picked up or leave promptly at 9
Bolts Athletics
HIghlights from the Week:
HS Volleyball went 1-2 on the week.
Defeated Mount Pisgah Academy 3-0 to secure 4th place in the BRAC
The team will host Mount Pisgah on Monday at 5:00pm in the first round of the BRAC Conference Tournament.
MS Volleyball also went 1-2 on the week with a big win vs Emmanuel Lutheran 2-1. The team is finished with their season and it was so fun to watch them improve and grow. Exciting things ahead for this group.
MS Flag Football went 2-0 on the week with victories over Francine Delany and Evergreen. The team is coming together and figuring out their roles.
MS Cross Country had a successful meet at the Pisgah High School Invitational. The boys took First Place and the girls had a good showing!
HS Soccer went 1-1 on the week with a victory over Franklin Christian School on Senior Night. The Bolts secured the third seed in the upcoming BRAC Conference Tournament.
The team will take on #2 seed ICI on Monday at home at 4:30pm.
The Bolts Athletics team store is now open.
Click on the link to see what is new and available for purchase.
These items ship directly to you.
https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/euJxhnyCfE
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.
Upcoming meetings:
- October 8, 8:30 AM at the school
- November 12, 6:30 PM online only
The High School Student Government is seeking assistance with items and volunteers for the upcoming High School Homecoming Dance.
The students selected Haunted Homecoming as the theme. They are looking for volunteers and donations. Please send all items by Friday, 10/09, labeled for Sonya Laws. You can drop items off at the front desk or directly to her. For anything that the Student Government is borrowing, please label it with your name, student name, and grade to make sure it gets back to you! Sign up below and review more details:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090848A5AA22ABFF2-66029194-fsihomecoming
Thank you for all your help in making this a fun event. I know the High Schoolers really enjoy it!
We are looking for a few items, some helpful hands, and a LOT of apples so that FSI staff can enjoy an "apple nacho bar" on Wednesday, 10/21! Please deliver your items to the front desk by the morning of Tuesday, 10/20 labeled for Micah Usher/Parent Crew. You are welcome to deliver them to the school anytime before 10/20 as well! Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C044FA9AC2BA5F94-65781357-apple?useFullSite=false
College Corner
October 19–25 is CFNC College Application Week! During this week many North Carolina colleges and universities waive their application fees, making it a great opportunity for seniors to get applications submitted and save money. Students can apply to participating schools through CFNC.org. For more information contact Gretchen Kehrberg, FSI College & Career Counselor, [email protected] / (828) 318-8141.
FSI MS Kayak Team Heading for Competition!
The new FSI middle school kayak race has been working hard and learning new skills on Hominy Creek. Three students are heading to the 2026 Age Group National Championships competition on Saturday, Oct 10. Go Bolts! What a fun way to get outdoors and enjoy all that our beautiful mountains have to offer!
NC Governor’s School Applications due Tomorrow
Moving this message up for a final reminder! The Governor’s School of North Carolina is a four-week summer residential program for gifted and talented 10th and 11th grade students, integrating academic disciplines, the arts, and unique courses. FSI has had students accepted to Governor’s School every year for the past 7 or 8 years - it’s a great honor and a great opportunity!
Contact Gretchen Kehrberg ([email protected]) for the 2027 student application. Applications need to be submitted by Monday, October 26, 2026. Please note that while the application process goes through the school, parents are responsible for the cost of this program. Governor’s School has a scholarship program outside of FSI.
Student Eligibility and Nomination Areas
Governor's School Family Overview
Governor’s School Family Overview Spanish
School Picture Make Up Days
Please mark your calendars for our upcoming picture make-up days:
- Seniors: Thursday, October 15th
- Grades 5–8: Thursday, October 29th
Beyond the Bell Tutoring Club
We’re pleased to offer tutoring every Tuesday as part of our Beyond the Bell program. Mr. Readman is providing this weekly tutoring opportunity. Mr. Readman is the Math II teacher in high school and has a background in history and Social Studies as well. Tutoring is offered from 4 - 5 pm every Tuesday.
Please use this form to sign up: Tutoring Club Sign-up. Students need to be registered and checked in with Beyond the Bell before the tutoring session.
Yearbooks Are On Sale — Don't Wait, Prices Go Up!
Order your 2026-2027 yearbook today and lock in the best price before it increases. Prices go up on the following dates, so the earlier you order, the more you save:
- $45 — now through Sept. 11th
- $50 — Sept. 12th to Oct. 16th
- $55 — Oct. 17th to Nov. 20th
- $60 — Nov. 21st through May 1st (lMay 1st is the last day to guarantee a copy!)
Order your yearbook: jostensyearbooks.com
Want to purchase a yearbook ad or shoutout for your 8th grade or 12th grade student? Order here
Yearbooks are printed in limited quantities based on early orders — after 6/1, we can't guarantee a copy will be available, so don't wait!
Reminders
Fees for Early Morning Drop Off
Our early morning drop off program (7:30 - 7:45 am) has been free these first weeks while we evaluated how many families need this service and developed a plan for staffing and cost. Fees will begin on Monday, Sept 14. To simplify the payment process, this will work like a membership. The fee is $20/month, whether you use it every day or just some days. The fee will offset but does not fully cover our costs for staffing this program. We are doing our best to provide affordable coverage for working families while also balancing our budget.
- Register in advance: Complete this form to register for early morning drop off: Early Morning Drop Off Registration
- Cost: $20 per month, paid in advance.
- How to pay: You will receive an invoice and can pay through MySchoolBucks
- Invoices will be sent after you register
- Fees begin Monday, Sept 14
Clubs Update
The club listing can be found on our website under Beyond the Bell. Here are the BtB clubs that are getting started right now:
- Outdoor club - both middle and high school, Mondays
- D&D club - Mondays
- MS Football Fundamentals - Fridays
- Academic Tutoring/Homework Help - Tuesdays
Free Family Weekend Nov 6 - 8
Victory Junction is offering all families who live in a county impacted by Hurricane Helene a FREE Family Weekend, Nov. 6–8, 2026, where they can reconnect, recharge and continue staying strong together. All families living in a county impacted by the storm are welcome. Unlike Victory Junction’s traditional programs, children do not need to have a qualifying medical condition or physical need to participate.
Visit victoryjunction.org/helene to learn more and apply. This program is made possible through Hurricane Helene relief funds in the state budget.
Substitute Teachers & Bus Drivers
We are also looking for substitute teachers and for bus drivers. Our bus driver positions pay better than the County - we will pay for driver education - and our bus routes are easier to drive. Serving as a substitute allows our teachers to take time off without worrying about what happens in their classrooms. If you are or you know someone interested in working as a substitute or a driver, please have them email us at [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!
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…