Dear Franklin families,
And just like that, it’s the last week of Quarter 1. Next Monday, Oct 19, is a teacher work day to finalize all Q1 grades. Students - make sure you have all assignments in. Reach out to your teachers if you aren’t sure what needs to be done!
Over the next few weeks we will be rolling out the NC Check In tests for classes with state final exams (EOGs and EOCs). The Check Ins are shorter tests that use similar questions and format to the state exams. The results will help us more clearly see what students know and can do, helping teachers and students figure out where to put extra effort and time. They will also give students the opportunity to build resilience for test taking and to practice test strategies. We piloted the Check Ins last spring in some grade levels and are using them across the school this year. The Check Ins will replace NWEA MAP testing. Specific grade levels and subjects will set their own testing schedule, so watch for more information from your grade level teachers. You can help by encouraging your student to work hard and do their best on the tests.
10 Million Books Challenge!
The 10 Million Books Challenge is a voluntary, year-long reading celebration for North Carolina students in pre-K through grade 12. All North Carolina public schools are invited to join. The book challenge officially begins in January, so now is the time to start creating those reading lists and setting the routines that will help our school contribute to the 10 Million Book goal! We’ve set a goal for 370 books per month, or at least half of our students finishing one book each month.
Did you know that for the past few years, Franklin has participated in a free partnership with Buncombe County libraries to register every student for a library card? To learn more about this program, or to opt out if you do not want your child to have access to a library card, click here: Library Access Info & Opt Out Form. This form is posted on our website under Current Families, Parent Resources & Forms.
My daughter has converted me from my kindle book buying habit into a dedicated Libby app user. With my Buncombe County library card and a Libby account, I have access to thousands of free e-books. It’s super easy to use and puts the world of reading literally at my fingertips.
Take Action
As we come to the end of the first quarter I want to remind everyone of the importance of regular school attendance. Here are a few facts from Attendance Works, a leading organization working to improve school attendance as a way to improve student outcomes:
- Half of all students who miss 2 - 4 days in September go on to miss nearly a month of school.
- By 6th grade, chronic absenteeism (missing 10% of school) becomes the leading indicator that a student will drop out of school before graduating.
- When attendance improves - grades and student outcomes improve.
We can see the impact of attendance in our own school data. Last year, most of the students (85%) who failed one course missed 10 or more days of school, and all students (100%) who failed two or more courses were considered “chronically absent”.
Mornings can be hard. Take action to create routines that support healthy sleep and smooth mornings. Get phones out of the bedrooms and create a deadline when all screens are turned off. Start a family tradition of reading together in the evenings and get ready for the 10 Million Books Challenge! Figure out what works for your family and make a commitment to regular and on-time school attendance.
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 12
- 4:15 pm: MS Flag Football vs PEAK Academy @ FSI
Tues, Oct 13
- 4:15 pm: MS Flag Football vs Rainbow @ FSI
- 5:00 pm: School Improvement Team Meeting
- 6:00 pm: Board of Directors Meeting
Thurs, Oct 15: Senior Picture Re-Take/Make Up Day
Fri, Oct 16: Last day of Q1
- 4:00 pm: HS Cross Country at CAASC State Championships (Kernersville)
Mon, Oct 19: Teacher Work Day - NO SCHOOL
Bolts Athletics
Highlights from the Week:
MS Flag Football went 1-1 on the week defeating New Classical Academy and falling to Fern Leaf.
HS Cross Country represented well at AC Reynolds and T. Harding finished 12th on the boys side and F. Tokarz finished 16th on the girls side. This was a big public school meet and our runners showed well in the large field.
HS Volleyball came up short in the first round of the BRAC Conference Volleyball Tournament and awaits their seeding for the CAASC State Tournament. Congrats to G. Newman for being selected to 1st Team All Conference.
HS Soccer won their semi-final match in the BRAC Conference Soccer Tournament. The Bolts defeated ICI 4-2 with goals scored by Z. Garcia-Solano (3) and J. Cortez (1). The team advanced to the championship game vs Mount Pisgah. The Bolts were down 3-1 at halftime and scored quickly after halftime to get closer at 3-2. But that’s as close as we would get. Bolts goals scored by Z. Garcia-Solano and D, Bennett. That’s a conference runner-up finish and the team will advance to the CAASC State Tournament.
Congrats to Z. Garcia-Solano and J. Cortez for being selected to 1st Team All Conference.
MS and HS Basketball Information
Stay tuned for try-out information for all teams.
HS will take place the last week in October and MS will be the first week in November.
All required paperwork must be submitted to Coach Burke prior to try-outs.
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:
- November 12, 6:30 PM online only
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
Mark your calendars! Mod Pizza on Merrimon will donate 205 of their sales to the FSI Parent Crew on Sunday, 11/15, if you mention the code MODGIVES20. All funds raised will go towards Staff Appreciation and student activities! Meet up with other FSI families and help us raise money!
Halloween Pumpkins/Tootsie Pop Ghosts Fundraiser
Support the prom committee and spread some ghoulish spirit to students, teachers, and staff. For $2 you can send a tootsie pop boogram to the student or staff member of your choice! For $5 you can send a customizable pumpkin, and for $7 you can send both! A pumpkin and/or ghostly tootsie pop will be delivered to your person on Friday October 30 during Crew & 5th period. Purchases can be made during MS and HS lunch, October 21-28 or online using this form. Thanks for supporting FSI Prom and making memorable moments for students! If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Walden ([email protected]).
- Online sales begin Oct 19
- In person sales begin Wednesday Oct 21 through Oct 28 during middle & high school lunches
Middle School Student Council
Congratulations to our newly elected MS Student Council Leaders! The Executive Council will meet this Wednesday during lunch and recess. We will meet in the small conference room in the 7th/8th grade hallway.
Our next full Student Council meeting will be held on Wednesday, Oct 21, from 12:45 - 1:45 pm.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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. 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
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…