"We shall overcome because the arc of the moral universe is long,
but it bends toward justice."
Martin Luther King Jr.

April 4, 1968. Over 50 years have passed since the civil rights leader, Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated. His message of hope, rooted in his recognition that the path to justice is long and slow, is as relevant today as it was over half a century ago.

Tomorrow we remember and honor a great American hero. There is no school as we celebrate King's life and legacy. "The holiday must be substantive as well as symbolic. It must be more than a day of celebration....Let this holiday be a day of reflection, a day of teaching nonviolent philosophy and strategy, a day of getting involved in nonviolent action for social and economic progress." Coretta Scott King.

Here are a few resources you can use at home to remember and reflect. However you spend the day, choose love, kindness, and justice.
* Read this article with current statistics that show the difference between Black and White America. The infant mortality rate for Blacks is more than twice that of Whites, while the percentage of Black children living below poverty is 3 times that of White children. Reflect on the quote above. Would King be satisfied with our progress toward justice? https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/06/22/what-numbers-say-whites-blacks-live-two-different-americas/?arc404=true

* Read (https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/sites/mlk/files/letterfrombirmingham_wwcw_0.pdf) or listen to King's "Letter from a Birmingham Jail". Reflect: What parallels do you see between 1963 and today?

* Watch one of the many current movies ("Selma" and "13th" are just 2 of many options!)  telling the story of civil rights.

* Act: Choose service projects that are COVID-safe. Write a representative. Pick up trash in your neighborhood. If you are able, consider a donation to a local nonprofit that is working toward economic or racial justice. Support our student-led Habitat for Humanity fundraising effort by contributing to their raffle baskets (see link below!) and mark your calendar for their upcoming fundraiser. Find more local celebrations and service opportunities in this article from The Citizen Times (https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2021/01/16/mlk-day-celebrations-vitrual-things-to-do-asheville-amid-covid/4168279001/)

Remaining Fully Virtual for January
Classes will resume on Tuesday, with a normal schedule. Given the continued high rate of COVID in our community, school will remain fully virtual for the rest of January. We are all eager to have students safely on campus. Commit to doing your part. Wear your mask. Stay 6 feet (or more) away from people outside your immediate family. Wash your hands frequently, and limit your exposure to essential activities. Keep yourself and those you love safe!

Stakeholders' Meeting: Thurs, Jan 21
On January 21, we invite you to our Stakeholders' Meeting, where we will listen to your ideas on specific next steps we can take to help all students in our school achieve at their highest level. This work is connected to our mission and our commitment to equity, and we look forward to partnering with you toward this goal. In our meeting, we will share information about our current Title I support program, how are students are doing academically, and then get your ideas on ways we can improve our school. As we look ahead to the challenges  and opportunities of next year, we need your input more than ever! I hope you will join us Thursday at 6 pm. The meeting will be held via Zoom; link is below and on our Community Calendar.

With gratitude,

Michelle Vruwink
Executive Director

Habitat for Humanity Valentine's Raffle

The FSI Habitat Leadership Team is holding a Valentine’s Raffle to raise money for the 2022 student housing build. If you would like to help donate items for the baskets -- could be as small as chocolates, or if you have connections to a local business we would love to spotlight them -- please click the link below to sign up!
Habitat Raffle Sign Up Genius (https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805044da4af2aa7fc1-valentines)
This Week & Upcoming Events

With the continued high rate of COVID cases in our community, our campus will remain closed to students and visitors for the rest of January. Most staff members will be working  remotely. If you need assistance at school, please call ahead to make an appointment. Keep yourself and our community safe by practicing the 3 W's: Wear your mask; wait at least 6 feet apart from others; and wash your hands frequently.

Tues, Jan 19, 4:15 - 5:15 pm: "Red Tee" Play Reading
7th & 8th Graders Only,sign up here,  (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSemJ9CIDwaySmMCm8abxsJTPJsG6gWtvgrhpdn0P73VHRGzMw/viewform) Contact MS Theatre Teacher Chris Martin (cmartin@thefsi.us) with any questions

Thurs, Jan 21, 6 pm: Virtual Stakeholders & Title I Meeting
Link to Zoom meeting:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83323356402?pwd=MFB0ZFlCbFNDK0YwWWVtdWk2ejNrUT09 (https://www.google.com/url?q=https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83323356402?pwd%3DMFB0ZFlCbFNDK0YwWWVtdWk2ejNrUT09&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1611156818737000&usg=AOvVaw3ouo5pQkkPb0MJgJ9U8xoD)
Join us for this opportunity to be heard! This meeting is dedicated to getting ideas from our families about how we can improve our school, with a special focus on serving educationally disadvantaged students and making up gaps related to COVID and remote learning. All families are welcome. The meeting will be held via Zoom (link will be provided next week).

Hold the Date! Habitat for Humanity Valentine Fundraiser & Raffle
Did you know that Franklin is the only public school in our region to participate in a Habitat for Humanity Student Home Build? With the pandemic, our 3rd student build has been delayed, but the need for affordable housing in our community has never been more critical. For each build, our students raise over $11,000 and contribute hundreds of hours of direct service. From February 1 - 10, the student-led Habitat for Humanity group is holding an online fundraiser and basket raffle. Over the next few weeks students are seeking donations for the basket raffles - watch for a Sign Up Genius to help! And mark your calendars to support our students in February!
Club News

MS Theatre News!
Red Tee Play Reading- Rescheduled- Tuesday, January 19th at 4:15pm-5:15pm on Zoom.  7th and 8th Graders only! Click here to sign up! (https://www.google.com/url?q=https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSemJ9CIDwaySmMCm8abxsJTPJsG6gWtvgrhpdn0P73VHRGzMw/viewform&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1610569159860000&usg=AOvVaw00tIHx8DEOmTtMuCUKthyt)  6th Graders with permission.

Reading Zoom Link- Click Here! (https://www.google.com/url?q=https://us04web.zoom.us/j/76755117291?pwd%3DNG5MMTd6NithWk5VMCtReFR3NisyZz09&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1610639642147000&usg=AOvVaw0XLHnzrIRKuwqWf2Stp22f)

Email Mr. Martin at cmartin@thefsi.us (mailto:cmartin@thefsi.us) with any questions.

Get involved! We have a number of clubs up and running, with more new clubs this week.Girls who Code, GSA, Comics, Mountain Biking, Creative Writing, Theatre, and more - there is something for everyone. Check it out and join the fun!
* Math Club is Back! Wed, 11 am - 12 noon
Here is the zoom link for our sessions (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82188533949?pwd=ZmJJV0NrMEJHN0hRU1h3YnRUUEo1Zz09) .  If you are interested, please fill out this form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe6HtuBkH6q6XySx9dUH_cRTgwgU3WNAlX6mTxFoGnqBvBHEg/viewform?usp=sf_link) .  Email Mr. Byan with any questions at tbyan@thefsi.us (mailto:tbyan@thefsi.us) . Math club is open for all grade levels and has been a great adventure for students to explore the beauty and application of Math outside their classrooms. Our students have had a unique opportunity to compete at regional and national levels. Check it out!
* FSI Creative Writing Club will meet on Zoom every Monday from 3:00 to 4:00,starting this week!  Open to all FSI high school students. Those interested in more information should contact  nadiafizette@thefsi.us (mailto:nadiafizette@thefsi.us) . The faculty advisor for the club is Mr. Head.
* GSA (gender and sexuality alliance): Middle School meets every Monday at 2pm. We welcome everyone, and work to empower LGBTQ+ lives.  Contact: afortune@thefsi.us (mailto:afortune@thefsi.us) : High School offers opportunities during the Tuesday afternoon/Wed morning enrichment periods. Email kbecker@thefsi.us for info.
* MS Girls Who Code: Tuesdays at 2pm Through fun and interactive curricula, members learn about how to positively impact their community through code. In Girls Who Code, members are able to learn from fun and simple online coding tutorials, build community through interactive activities, and learn about inspiring role models. Contact: afortune@thefsi.us (mailto:afortune@thefsi.us)
* Comics Club: Did you know FSI is working on creating a comic book anthology?  Come to the comic club to find out more! Thursdays from 5:15-5:45.  Use this link (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84968160463?pwd=bWF1akpnUTVpWkdSYUJVNG43VWJBZz09.)  to attend
* Science Olympiad: HS Science Olympiad Club will meet Tues. Dec. 15th from 3:45-4:45 to review our work from NCSO Mock Invitational to make a plan for revisions.
MS Science Olympiad Club will meet Wed. Dec. 16th from 3:45-4:45 to learn about circuits using spare Christmas (mini) light bulbs.  This one requires a materials kit.  Email jbragdon@thefsi.us (mailto:jbragdon@thefsi.us)  for details.
* Community Council meets every Wednesday at 12:35pm - they are currently planning Homecoming and Spirit Week. Open to all high school students- Link:  Community Council- OH YEAH!! (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84478275024?pwd=eXNzVU5xSkpqYzNQT3pGK2EzcFdFQT09)
* Mountain Biking Club:  Coming up - Kitsuma Advanced Ride, Nov 25. Limited to 8 riders, see details in email from Mr. Burns. For more info or to sign up to receive club event info, please email Ethan Burns: eburns@thefsi.us (mailto:eburns@thefsi.us) .
* MS Theatre Club: Thursdays, 3:30 - 4:30 pm, email Chris Martin @cmartin@thefsi.us for more info and link to join
* MS Improv Games: Email Mr. Martin at cmartin@thefsi.us (mailto:cmartin@thefsi.us)  for more info.
* HS Theatre Club: Every other Monday, email Kenzie Eury- meury@thefsi.us for more info and link to join.
* SGA Spirit & Events  Meets every Tuesday at 12:20 Link (https://meet.google.com/wrc-tbfq-oei)
* SGA Community Service & Events Meets every Monday from 3 - 3:30 (note change in time) Link (https://meet.google.com/npi-ybha-nyd)
* SGA History & Traditions Meets every Thursday Link (https://meet.google.com/kjv-wqfw-ehm)

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: Bryan Wilson (mailto:bwilson@thefsi.us) is our middle school counselor, and Katherine Becker (mailto:kbecker@thefsi.us) is our high school counselor

I think my child is being bullied, or other behavior/discipline concerns:  Tony Freeman (mailto:tfreeman@thefsi.us) , Middle School Principal or Sarah Jean Smith (mailto:sjsmith@thefsi.us) , High School Principal

My child will miss school: For short-term absences (illness, doctor’s appointments, etc), send an email to attendance@thefsi.us, (mailto: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 orfrequent 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: Donnie Stahlke (mailto:dstahlke@thefsi.us) , Director of Special Services

My child has an IEP, and I have questions about the services provided: Your child’s Exceptional Children teacher is your first contact:
* Grades 5 - 6: Tammy Leahy (mailto:tleahy@thefsi.us)
* Grade 7:Meagan Barnhard (mailto:mbarnhard@thefsi.us)
* Grade 8:Kelsey Stamps (mailto:kstamps@thefsi.us)
* MS Resource Room: Meaghann Denkenberger (mailto:mdenkenberger@thefsi.us)
* Grade 9: Lindsay Furst (mailto:lfurst@thefsi.us)
* Grade 10:Paul Szumski (mailto:pszumski@thefsi.us)
* Grade 11: Jennifer Nathanson (mailto:jnathanson@thefsi.us)
* Grades 10 -12:Serena Campbell (mailto:scampbell@thefsi.us)

I have questions about sports: Kim Burke (mailto:kburke@thefsi.us) , Athletic Director

I want to know more about after or before-school services: Chad Gerber (mailto:cgerber@thefsi.us) ,Beyond the Bell Coordinator

I want to know more about your band program: Loren Melton, (mailto:lmelton@thefsi.us) Band Director

I have questions about your school bus: Deeana Bennett, (mailto:dbennett@thefsi.us) Director of Operations

I am interested in carpooling/ride-sharing: Check out our carpool facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1458839047702551/) (you need to request to join):

I am interested in volunteering and or donating items to the school: Andi Morrel (mailto:amorrell@thefsi.us) Volunteer Coordinator

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 (mailto:jtager@thefsi.us) , 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 (mailto:mvruwink@thefsi.us) , Executive Director

Executive Director, Michelle Vruwink:mvruwink@thefsi.us (mailto:mvruwink@thefsi.us)

HS Principal, Sarah Jean Smith: sjsmith@thefsi.us (mailto:sjsmith@thefsi.us)

MS Principal, Tony Freeman: tfreeman@thefsi.us (mailto:tfreeman@thefsi.us)

EC Director, Donnie Stahlke: dstahlke@thefsi.us (mailto:dstahlke@thefsi.us)

College Counselor, JaneAnne Tager:jtager@thefsi.us (mailto:jtager@thefsi.us)

HS Counselor, Katherine Becker: kbecker@thefsi.us (mailto:kbecker@thefsi.us)

MS Counselor, Bryan Wilson: bwilson@thefsi.us (mailto:bwilson@thefsi.us)

Director of Operations, Deeana Bennett:dbennett@thefsi.us (mailto:dbennett@thefsi.us)

Student Services Coordinator, Erinn Otten:eotten@thefsi.us (mailto:eotten@thefsi.us)

Director of Technology, Matt Mikulski: mmikulski@thefsi.us (mailto:mmikulski@thefsi.us)

Director of Community Engagement, Drew Fowler: dfowler@thefsi.us (mailto:dfowler@thefsi.us)


Teaching Teams

5th Grade

Brandie Dallara, ELA & Social Studies:bdallara@thefsi.us (mailto:bdallara@thefsi.us)

Peggy McKay, Science & Math:  pmckay@thefsi.us (mailto:pmckay@thefsi.us)

Donna McCulloch/Ashley Price: Math:dmcculloch@thefsi.us (mailto:dmcculloch@thefsi.us) ,aprice@thefsi.us (mailto:aprice@thefsi.us)


6th Grade

Ashley O'Dell, ELA: aodell@thefsi.us (mailto:aodell@thefsi.us)

Charlie Keller, Math:  ckeller@thefsi.us (mailto:ckeller@thefsi.us)

Samuel “Latt” Berry Foster:, Science: sfoster@thefsi.us (mailto:sfoster@thefsi.us)

Bryan Clendenin, Social Studies:bclendenin@thefsi.us (mailto:bclendenin@thefsi.us)


7th Grade

Ethan Burns, ELA:  eburns@thefsi.us (mailto:eburns@thefsi.us)

Judy Carhart, Math:jcarhart@thefsi.us (mailto:jcarhart@thefsi.us)

Nick Liu, Science: nliu@thefsi.us (mailto:nliu@thefsi.us)

Ruth Myers, Social Studies:rmyers@thefsi.us (mailto:rmyers@thefsi.us)


8th Grade

Lindsey Wehrli, ELA: lwehrli@thefsi.us (mailto:lwehrli@thefsi.us)

Lucas Myers, Math:lmyers@thefsi.us (mailto:lmyers@thefsi.us)

Elizabeth Post, Social Studies:epost@thefsi.us (mailto:epost@thefsi.us)

Wes Davis, Science: wdavis@thefsi.us (mailto:wdavis@thefsi.us)


9th Grade

Lora Hawkins, English I: lhawkins@thefsi.us (mailto:lhawkins@thefsi.us)

Jerry Lubos, World History:jlubos@thefsi.us (mailto:jlubos@thefsi.us)

Jill Padfield, Math 1:jpadfield@thefsi.us (mailto:jpadfield@thefsi.us)

Zoe Manickam, Earth Science, Adventure Ed:zmanickam@thefsi.us (mailto:zmanickam@thefsi.us)


10th Grade

Matt Reynolds, Civics & Economics:mreynolds@thefsi.us (mailto:mreynolds@thefsi.us)

Cameron Ranslow, English 2:cranslow@thefsi.us (mailto:cranslow@thefsi.us)

Marcel Duhaime, Math 2: mduhaime@thefsi.us (mailto:mduhaime@thefsi.us)

Jessica Bragdon, Biology:jbragdon@thefsi.us (mailto:jbragdon@thefsi.us)


11th Grade

Katie Washburn, AP Seminar:kwashburn@thefsi.us (mailto:kwashburn@thefsi.us)

Bryan Head, English III/AP Lang:bhead@thefsi.us (mailto:bhead@thefsi.us)

Meghan Moore-Hubbard, American History:mmoorehubbard@thefsi.us (mailto:mmoorehubbard@thefsi.us)

Teshale Byan, Math 3 & AP Calculus: tbyan@thefsi.us (mailto:tbyan@thefsi.us)

Mary Smith, Chemistry, Conceptual Physics:msmith@thefsi.us (mailto:msmith@thefsi.us)


12th Grade

Alex Humphrey, English IV & AP Lit:: ahumphreyr@thefsi.us (mailto:ahumphreyr@thefsi.us)

Tess Barnes Dunn, American History II, AP Research: tbarnesdunn@thefsi.us (mailto:tbarnesdunn@thefsi.us)

Teshale Byan, AP Calculus: tbyan@thefsi.us (mailto:tbyan@thefsi.us)

Austin Proctor, Physics: aproctor@thefsi.us (mailto:aproctor@thefsi.us)

Jessica Fine: Pre Calc, Math 4:jfine@thefsi.us (mailto:jfine@thefsi.us)

Elective Teachers:

MS & HS PE: Kendra Orians, korians@thefsi.us (mailto:korians@thefsi.us)

HS PE & Athletic Director:  Kimberly Burke,kburke@thefsi.us (mailto:kburke@thefsi.us)

MS Art, Art 1, Photography: Debbie Cummings, dcummings@thefsi.us (mailto:dcummings@thefsi.us)

HS Art: Kati Robbins,krobbins@thefsi.us (mailto:krobbins@thefsi.us)

MS Tech & Computer Science: Adrienne Fortune, afortune@thefsi.us (mailto:afortune@thefsi.us)

MS Guidance (and counselor): Bryan Wilson,bwilson@thefsi.us (mailto:bwilson@thefsi.us)

HS Theatre, Freshman Seminar: McKenzie Eury, meury@ (mailto:meury@thefsi.us) thefsi.us (mailto:meury@thefsi.us)

MS Theatre: Chris Martin,cmartin@thefsi.us (mailto:cmartin@thefsi.us) ASL

French:  Stephanie Hellert, shellert@thefsi.us (mailto:shellert@thefsi.us)

HS French, PE: Chad Gerber, cgerber@thefsi.us (mailto:cgerber@thefsi.us)

MS Spanish:  Heather Kabat,hkabat@thefsi.us (mailto:hkabat@thefsi.us)

HS Spanish: Hanna Walden,hwalden@thefsi.us (mailto:hwalden@thefsi.us)

ASL: Desiree Delbert, ddelbert@thefsi.us (mailto:ddelbert@thefsi.us)