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Newsletters » FSI News for Nov 1

FSI News for Nov 1

Dear Franklin families,

 

I hope everyone enjoyed a safe and fun Halloween! I am returning from the EL Education National Conference with two main takeaways. First is affirmation (or reaffirmation) that our school has a deep and sustained implementation of the EL Education model. Over and over, through different conference sessions, I listened to presenters talking about things we do here at FSI. And the takeaway from that is - the EL Education model works in all kinds of schools, with all kinds of students, as long as the model is implemented consistently and authentically in a community. And we’re doing that here in our school and community.

 

And my second takeaway is fresh inspiration to dig in and do even more, in small ways. The sessions I found most inspiring and impressive were led by students, talking about their leadership and service roles in their schools. Our students have many opportunities to lead and serve AND we can collaborate with them to create even more. I’m excited to continue working with our MS Student Council to expand service and leadership within the middle school, and to partner with faculty and staff across our school to find new ways for students to play active roles in our building and in our community. 

 

Speaking of Middle School Student Council, we will meet this week! The Executive Council will meet during lunch and recess on Wednesday to begin planning a movie night event. The full Student Council (open to all middle school students) will meet from 12:45 - 1:45 on Wednesday. We will meet in the Community Room and then head down to the creek for some team-building and cleanup action. 

 

And speaking of student leadership opportunities, our high school TEDx Team is hard at work organizing this year’s TEDx Youth event!  If a TED Talk is on your bucket list - this is your chance! FSI hosts the only fully student-led TEDx Youth event in the greater Asheville area. The theme this year is tradition and they are looking for students and parents perspectives on what that means. It is a great opportunity to build public speaking skills and college resumes, as well as a wonderful experience to gain confidence and interact with the Franklin community. Students will receive service hours and extra credit in their English class if they give a TED Talk. The event will be on March 2nd. If you are interested, please email [email protected] by November 10th! 

 

Remember that Tuesday is a teacher work day (and election day). This work day provides time for teachers to plan for Learning Expeditions, an important learning structure in the EL Education model. 

 

Take Action

We have lots of opportunities to Take Action this week! 

  1. Donate Blood! We will host a blood drive this Friday from 9 am - 3 pm. See more information in the newsletter and sign up! 
  2. Parent Crew has launched this year’s Holiday Giving Pool. While the Giving Pool comes out each year around the same time as our Giving Tuesday Annual Fund Drive - it serves a very different purpose! The Giving Pool helps provide very visible and meaningful appreciation for all FSI faculty and staff members, through an annual financial gift. See more under the Parent Crew section.
  3. Bolts Booster Club: Our athletic program is growing and provides great opportunities for many of our students to build community and practice leadership on and off the field. We need parent involvement to help sustain this important program! See more under Bolts Athletics section. 

 

Finally - Tuesday is Election Day! As you vote, please remember that the two state tax amendments are a serious threat to public school funding. North Carolina is already DEAD LAST in public school funding. We cannot afford to fall further! Vote no on the amendments and cast your vote in support of public education funding.  

 

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, Nov 2

  • 5:45 - 7:00 pm: MS (Grades 7&8) Basketball Try Outs

 

Tues, Nov 3: Teacher Work Day - No School

 

Wed, Nov 4

  • Dental Clinic at FSI
  • 12:45 - 1:45: MS Student Council Meeting (open to all MS students) - meet in Community Room
  • 3:15 - 4:45 pm: MS (Grades 5 & 6) Basketball Tryouts

 

Thurs, Nov 5

  • 3:30 - 4:30 pm: MS Theatre Auditions in Ms. Lexa’s room

 

Fri, Nov 6

  • 9:00 am - 3:00 pm: Blood Drive @ FSI

 

Bolts Athletics

Middle School Basketball Try-Outs This Week (for boys & girls)

Grades 7&8

Monday, November 2

5:45-7:00pm

Grades 5&6

Wednesday, November 4

3:15-4:45pm

 

*All required paperwork (sports physical, concussion and waiver form) must be submitted to try-out.  NO Exceptions.

 

Bolts Booster Club

Are you interested in volunteering to help the Bolts Athletic Department?  We are looking to start a Bolts Booster Club that will help all of our teams, coaches and student-athletes.

If interested, please reach out to Coach Burke, Athletic Director:  [email protected]

 

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

 

The Holiday Giving Pool has started, which ensures each staff member receives $100 at the Holidays. The total goal is $10,000. We start this early to give us time before and after the school's largest fundraiser of the year, Giving Tuesday.  Reaching our $10,000 goal would require an average contribution of approximately $15 per family. Every gift, large or small, helps us show our appreciation for the teachers, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, maintenance team, Principals, and other staff who make our school community so special.

Please use the link below to make your donation:

https://franklinschoolofinnovation.networkforgood.com/projects/308289-2026-staff-holiday-giving-pool

 

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!

 

Blood Drive this Friday, Nov 6, 9 am - 3 pm

The Franklin School of Innovation is partnering with The Blood Connection to sponsor a blood drive on Friday, November 6th, from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. Each donor will receive $30 in donor rewards,  plus our school will receive $500 for every 30 donors! Each donation saves up to 3 lives! 

 

Bolts MS Theatre Auditions Thurs, Nov 5

Auditions for the play, Sherlock Holmes and the 1st Baker Street Irregular will be held on Thursday November 5 from 3:30-4:30 in Ms. Lexa’s room. All middle school students are welcome to attend. 

 

Q1 Report Cards are Available

Q1 Report cards are now available in your parent portal!  To view, log into your parent portal and click documents from the left-hand menu. If you are having trouble accessing your portal, please email [email protected] for support. 

 

PreAct for 10th Grade - Mon, Nov 9 (11th grade remote day)

All 10th grade students will take the PreAct on Monday, Nov 9. Testing will begin promptly at 8:30. Students who arrive after testing begins will not be able to test that day. To accommodate testing requirements, 11th grade will have a remote learning day on November 9. 

 

Chess Club Interest Survey

We're gauging interest in an afterschool Chess Club for all ages and skill levels!

 

Are you interested to learn from the top-rated chess player in Asheville? Learn gameplay, strategy, and improve your skills! The Club would be held 3:45 -4:45pm on Tuesday's. Each session would be $25, which includes the BTB fee. We need at least 8 regular participants to make this club work. If your student is interested, please fill out this interest form!

 

Add your business to our community business directory!

We are building an FSI family business directory! If you have a family-owned business small or large and would like your business included in a community business directory for FSI, please fill out this form! Adding your business helps the community support each other. FSI Community Business Directory Information

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:

  • $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. 

    • 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…