Dear Franklin families,

Thanksgiving is a lovely holiday – a day set aside to pause and reflect on gratitude. We look forward to the traditions and the rituals that are passed down from one generation to the next. While this year required creative interpretations of these traditions, I hope you found time for reflection, enjoyed food that nurtured your body and soul, and created opportunities to connect with loved ones.

Giving Together Annual Fund Drive

This Tuesday we join a national Day of Giving with our Giving Together Drive. From 7 am – 7 pm, we will be livestreaming on Facebook, sharing the stories and traditions that have helped build our school community. This one-day Giving Together campaign is something new this year, replacing our normal, longer Annual Fund Drive. We hope it will be fun and successful! Our goal is to raise $25,000 in one day. Here are some highlights – please share the campaign with your friends and family, and consider a gift if you are able.

• 7 – 11 am: Founders’ Challenge: Are you a founding family? This year, our first 6th grade class graduates, the last of our “first” students. Several founding families have pledged $3,500 and invite you to join them! All founding families who donate between 7 – 11 am will be entered into a drawing for a limited edition “FSI Founder” long-sleeve t-shirt.
• 10 – 11 am: Mountain Bike Club Special- Join us at 10 am to hear from the McMullen family and other members of our Mountain Bike Club. Make a donation between 10 – 11 am and be entered into a raffle for a youth day pass to Kolo Bike Park
• 11 am – 1 pm: Grandparents’ Challenge – Our grandparents are amazing! Four very special families have come together to pledge $7,000, and they are calling on all other grandparents, godparents, aunts, uncles, and other extended members of our community to join their generous giving! All extended family donors (please let us know who you are!) will receive an FSI beanie (stocking hat) and car magnet!
• 1 – 4 pm: Board of Directors’ Challenge – 100% of our Board members have pledged their support. Help us match their $5,000 pledge and all donors will be entered into a raffle for 10 FSI t-shirts. Get your FSI gear!
• 4 – 7 pm: Over the Top Staff Challenge – Our staff members have pledged over $5,000! If we exceed our $25,000 goal by 7 pm, all donors (minimum $10 donation) will be entered into a raffle for an FSI Businesses Basket – a $200 value of food and services featuring FSI family-owned businesses.

Along the way, we’ll celebrate the many gifts and talents of our school community. Tune in on the hour every hour and see how we’re doing!

COVID and Plan B Updates- Reminder of Special Board Meetings

On Tuesday, Dec 8, 6 pm, during the regularly-scheduled meeting, the Board of Directors will hold a listening session. Students, families, and staff are invited to give input about a transition to Plan B hybrid learning. More information about how to sign up to speak, or to share your input in writing, will be coming from the Board prior to the Dec meeting. On Dec 15, the Board will hold a specially-called meeting to determine how the school will re-open for Semester 2. In October the Board voted to remain in Plan C through the end of this semester, while allowing for small group onsite activities.
Please remember that this week we will remain fully virtual. The Community Room is closed to students and there is no bus service for any onsite activities. We want to be sure that our staff and students stay safe and healthy, especially those who may have traveled or visited with more extended groups of families or friends.

Let’s all remember to do our part to reduce community spread of COVID! Wear your facemask at all times when you are outside your home. Stay a safe distance (at least 6 feet) apart, and wash your hands frequently. By practicing these small measures, we can keep our community safe.

Be well,

Michelle Vruwink
Executive Director