Good morning Franklin families,
It’s nearly time to bid February a not-so-fond farewell. It seems every year the February funk invades our lives with weird weather and too much gloom. The brief forced cheer of Valentine’s Day just isn’t enough to overcome human response to long dark days. It’s normal to experience periods of lower energy, sadness, and even depression around this time of year.
There are 2 ½ weeks left in Quarter 3, another factor that causes anxiety and stress for students and teachers. It’s a great time to check in. Send a thank you note to a teacher who is making a difference in your student’s life, or to the bus driver who makes sure they get home safely, or the counselor, behavior specialist, or principal who works tirelessly to keep peace and kindness at the center of our school. Find a quiet time to check in with your student and see if they need any support. Parents can help students prioritize if assignments are stacking up and support schedules for healthy meals and rest. I know parenting can feel relentless too – do your best to find some time for yourself. Who has your back when you’re feeling like everything is just a little too much? Reach out to the people who keep you grounded. And if you can, join me in finding a little time to get outside and marvel at the beauty of our region. Give in to the exuberance of forsythia and daffodils busting out all over. Here’s to spring and its promise of fresh starts and new growth!
If you are looking for opportunities to meet new people and connect, we’ve got you covered! Join us this Friday, March 3, 6:30 – 9 pm for the Parent Crew Social at Noble Cider Tap Room (356 New Leicester Highway). This is just a fun night out! Food & beverages (including non-alcoholic beverages) will be available for purchase. Noble Cider is family and pet friendly! This is not a private closed event but we hope to fill the house with FSI families. I look forward to seeing many of you there.
A big thank you to everyone who helped with the potluck lunch for staff on Wednesday. A special thanks to everyone who made sure all our dietary needs and preferences were honored! Someone even came through with chili made without onions or peppers – hats off to you! Also thank you to the parents who are joining me in organizing a toolkit to advocate for school funding, and to the party planners who have stepped up to organize next year’s spring Gala. It’s a pleasure to partner with our community to strengthen our school.
Mark your calendars for this essential opportunity! Tuesday, March 7th, 6 pm, Virtual Parent Education Workshop led by Kriya Lendzion, LCMHC, LCAS, CPS. She will cover:
- Adolescent brains – their addictiveness and higher impact from substances
- Basic Principles of SA Prevention via my “Addiction-Proofing” model (mentioning supervision & monitoring, modeling, social hosting, discipline)
- Most important facts re: caffeine, nicotine, cannabis and vaping, plus fentanyl/Rx pill risk
- Signs of a Problem
- Talking Tips
- Response Tips
Kriya has journeyed from her own years as a “hot mess” teen in high conflict with her parents to becoming one of the nation’s leading youth addiction and prevention specialists. She has been a school counselor, adolescent therapist, and drug and alcohol educator for over two decades. As a parent coach, speaker, and author, Kriya empowers adults to be “teen whisperers” with the youth in their lives, in order to help “addiction-proof” them for an increasingly risky and addictive world. Humorously known as “The Drug Lady” in our community, she regularly conducts drug and addiction education at school schools across Buncombe County and provides parent and family coaching, consulting, and training across the country.
We are hiring! We are beginning to recruit for the 2023-2024 school year. To support our continued growth, we are adding a Dean of Students position. We anticipate a few openings for teachers. If you know an extraordinary teacher or candidate for our new Dean position, please send us their contact information and we will reach out. Email jobs@thefsi.us. Thank you!
This Week’s Reason for Optimism
Our Middle school Science Olympiad represented FSI well at the regional science tournament at UNC Asheville Saturday! Congratulations to all science olympiad team members who competed: Alaric Aaronson, Sawyer Bragdon, Henry Merz, Loki Peele, Caroline Seibeck, and Edward Wharburton. A special shout out to our medal winners:
- Allaric Aaronson: 1st place in Forestry, 1st place in Codebusters, and 2nd place in Rocks & Minerals
- Henry Merz and Caroline Seibeck: 1st place in Disease Detectives
- Henry Merz: 3rd place in Bio Processing Lab
First place winners Alaric Aaronson, Henry Merz and Caroline Seibeck will go on to compete at the state level tournament which will be held at NC State in April. Thank you to our Science Olympiad coach and mentor, Jessica Bragdon (also 9th grade Earth Science teacher, basketball coach, and so much more!) Go Bolts!
Burger King Sandwiches for sale on Tuesdays
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Upcoming Events
Mon, Feb 27:
- 3:30 – 5:00 pm: MS Soccer Tryout #1 on the front field
- 4:30 pm: Staff vs Students Basketball Game @ Foster Church: Admission is $3 adults/ $1 for Students. Come celebrate our last game at Foster Church!
Tues, Feb 28, 10 am – 1 pm: College Visit to UNCA. $20, contact Ms. Tager for more information (jtager@thefsi.us). Open to juniors & seniors, must be passing all classes
Wed, Mar 1, 1:30 – 3:00 pm: MS Soccer Try-Out #2 on front field
Thurs, Mar 2, 6:30 pm: In person Info Session for Prospective Families @ Dr Wesley Grant Center (285 Livingston Street, Asheville). Bring a friend!
Fri, Mar 3, 6:30 pm: Parent Social Crew @ Nobel Cider Tap Room, 365 New Leicester Highway. Food & beverages available for purchase – family & pet-friendly location! Come one, come all!
Plan ahead: March 29 and April 26
Student Led Conferences for grades 5, 6, 9, and 11 will be held on March 29. Students will attend school only for their assigned time slot. Students in grades 8 and 10 will have a Virtual Learning Day
8th and 10th grade passages will be held on April 26. This will be a Virtual Learning Day for all other grades! Students in 8th and 10th grade will attend during their presentation slot.
Keep up with all our events on our Community Calendar!
Need to see the 2022-2023 School Calendar in one place? It’s on our website – click here
NEW! Approved 2023-2024 School Calendar
Host a French Student!
We are in need of a couple Franklin Families to host a student from May 9th 2023 – May 16th 2023. Any family can host, you don’t need to speak French nor have a student taking French. All students speak English well. You would be responsible for feeding and transporting them to and from school. They don’t need their own bedroom, but they will need their own bed. If you are interested in hosting a student, please complete this form. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our exceptional French teachers – Chad Gerber (cgerber@thefsi.us) or Mackenzie Arnold (marnold@thefsi.us).
Chad and Mackenzie are working closely with Asheville Sister Cities to organize activities for the group, but they could use some help! If you have ideas or connections or can host or lead a social outing – please contact Chad Gerber (cgerber@thefsi.us) or Mackenzie Arnold (marnold@thefsi.us).
Merci beaucoup!
College Corner
Wed, March 15, 1:30 – 3:30 pm: ASVAB Career Inventory
We will be offering the ASVAB Career Inventory for interested students on Wednesday afternoon, March 15th. The test will begin at 1:30 and parents can pick up students around 3:30. What is the ASVAB? A 3-part online aptitude and interest inventory that helps students figure out their strengths and interests for jobs and careers. While it was developed to predict success in the military, it is a useful tool for all students to explore career paths. To learn more or register, email College & Career Counselor JaneAnne Tager, jtager@thefsi.us.
Thurs, Mar 23, 6 – 7 pm: CFNC Financial Aid advice for college
Presenter: Devon McCarthy-James, regional representative for CFNC(College Foundation for North Carolina)
FSI campus, Community Room
Tues, Mar 28, 6 – 7 pm: FSI Dual Enrollment Information Session for Parents and Students
Presenter: Vicki Thompson, our AB Tech liaison
This meeting will be virtual.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://abtech.zoom.us/j/97170084123?pwd=UXA4V2hESDk5SkdnYWhsVWprR3dldz09
SLCs & Passages: Be a Panelist
Spring Student Led Conferences will be held Wed, March 29. Students attend school only for their scheduled SLC. 8th and 10th grade students will have a virtual learning day. 8th & 10th grade passages: April 26 – 8th and 10th grade Passages. April 26 will be a virtual learning day for other grades. We are looking for community members to serve as panelists – watch for a sign-up form soon!
Seniors will present Senior Passages on the evening of Thursday, April 27th from 6-8 PM. Seniors will present their culminating Passage Portfolios to a panel of faculty, staff, families, and community members. If you are interested in being a panelist for this event, please complete this Google form. We are looking for 30-40 volunteers. Please reach out to Alex Humphrey (ahumphrey@thefsi.us) with questions or concerns. Senior Passages is a graduation requirement for all seniors.
Make Time for Art! Now through March 7
Enjoy a cultural outing and make time to see the FSI 2023 Scholastic Art Awards winning artworks on display in the newly renovated Asheville Art Museum! Seven winning artworks will be on display through March 7th. Congratulations to Violet Edwards, Finley Hansen, Zachary Rose, Elliot Myus, and Lila Kneile, for this extraordinary achievement and to our hardworking and inspiring art teachers, Kati Robbins and Jennifer Lipsey Edwards!!
Re-Enrollment & Recruitment
Re-enrollment for all FSI students began Feb 1. Erinn Otten, Director of Student Services, coordinates our re-enrollment process. If you have a student enrolled in FSI this year and you plan to return next year – you must complete re-enrollment.
A quick reminder about re-enrollment and applications:
- Returning students: Complete Re-Enrollment Forms – coming February 1. Students are guaranteed a slot for next year.
- Siblings not yet at FSI: Submit an application for enrollment. Siblings receive priority for enrollment – so be sure to check the box to let us know!
- Friends, Neighbors, Acquaintances: Spread the word! Word of mouth has always been our most effective form of marketing. Many families are looking for the best fit school for their children. If your student is thriving and growing at FSI – help people find their way to us! Open Enrollment ends March 31. It’s easy to apply – just click the link on our website: https://www.franklinschoolofinnovation.org/
Save the Date: Prom is April 15
Prom takes place April 15th at Taylor Ranch in Fletcher. Taylor Ranch is a gorgeous venue situated on 500 acres, complete with horses and long-horn cattle. Ticket includes hor d’oeuvres (also a gourmet smores bar!) and access to a variety of outside games. DJ and dancing as well, of course. Tickets are $50. Prom committee would greatly appreciate tickets being purchased as early as possible, as that will give us a greater ability to add additional elements to the event, to make it a truly memorable experience for our students. Prom is for junior and senior students; sophomores and freshmen can only attend if invited as a date. Purchase tickets with the below link!
https://franklinschoolofinnovation.networkforgood.com/events/52936-yee-haw-fsi-prom-2023
FSI School Store is Open!
Get your FSI & Bolts gear and represent your school in style!
Tees, hoodies, scarves and more – check it out! FSI School Apparel Store
FSI Food Pantry
The FSI food pantry will provide supplemental nutrition to families experiencing short or long term financial difficulty and food insecurity. Food bags containing non-perishable items will be distributed Friday afternoons. To request supplemental food assistance, please contact your child’s school counselor. Want to help out? Bring donations of food items to the main office – there’s a bin in the entryway!
High school: Mary Kinsey Hyche at mkhyche@thefsi.us
Middle school: Jennifer Negron at jnegron@thefsi.us
You can also complete this google form: Food Pantry Form
Responses to the form are sent to the counselors and all information will be kept confidential.
If you would like to contribute to the food pantry, please contact Matt Speed, Nutrition Coordinator at mspeed@thefsi.us.
COVID & Flu Updates
Buncombe County is back to low risk for Covid, but we are still seeing cases. We encourage students and staff to wear masks, especially if you are at higher risk, are recovering from being ill, or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID, flu, or other illnesses. Masks protect the wearer and those around them. We are also continuing to offer PCR testing free of charge weekly on Mondays. Testing for high school students is available from 11:30 – 1 pm in the collaboration space on the first floor of Big Ben. High school students can come on their own during lunch. Testing will then be available in Einstein, Parks, and Johnson for students in grades 5 – 8; nurses will let students know when they are available in each building. If you want your student to participate in testing – please remind them!
If you are new to Franklin or have not yet provided consent for testing, it’s not too late:
- Parental consent for students under age 18: Click here: https://testcenter.concentricbyginkgo.com/minor-consent
- Student consent – age 18 and up: Click here: https://testcenter.concentricbyginkgo.com/invite-by-code
- Our school access code is FRANKLINS1. You will need this to complete the consent form
- You only need to provide consent once
Middle School News Videos
7th Grade Theatre students are writing, filming, producing, and directing the news Monday and Friday each week. Click on the folder below to see the news each week!
Morning News Videos- 2022-2023–
Athletic News
Staff vs Students Basketball game is Monday! Admission is $1 for Students/$3 adults.
Come cheer on the team and support the teachers. And help us celebrate our last time in Foster Church!
Middle School Soccer information
Try-out #1 will take place on Monday, February 27 from 3:30-5:00pm on the front field.
Try-Out #2 will be held on Wednesday, March 1 from 1:30-3:00pm on the front field.
All required paperwork needs to be submitted prior to the first game. Games will begin the week of March 20th.
Please reach out to the coaches with any questions.
Kyle Wilson: kwilson@thefsi.us
Anne Gillis: agillis@thefsi.us
Club News
Habitat for Humanity Student Group
The Habitat for Humanity Student meets on Tuesdays during lunch in room #226.
Middle School Creative Writing
The club meets 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month from 3:30 – 4:30 pm, and 2nd and 4th Fridays each month from 3:30 – 4:30 in Ms. O’Dell’s room. Contact Ms. O’Dell for more information (aodell@thefsi.us)
Math Club
Math club is open for all our students – ALL GRADES – and it is a great opportunity for students to explore the beauty and application of Math outside their classrooms. Math is a subject full of creativity and opportunity that many students enjoy. Besides the academic benefits, math club is also a great way to meet new people and develop teamwork skills. Math club meets on Tuesdays right after school from 3:30-5:00 PM in the New Building room #224. .
Middle School Drama Club
Honk Jr., the Musical Coming Soon- Save the date!
The Franklin School of Innovation
Middle School Drama Club Presents…
Directed by Chris Martin and Music Directed by Sandi Wilson
Choreographed by HS student, Lakai Munleon
Featuring 5th thru 8th graders!
Friday, March 24th at 6pm and Saturday, March 25th at 2pm
Tickets at the Door- $10 for adults, $5.00 for students, Free- ages 3 and under
Performances in The Franklin School of Innovation Community Room
Synopsis-
Honk! JR. is a heartwarming celebration of being different that is sure to delight audiences of all ages with its sparkling wit, unique charm and memorable score. Ugly looks quite a bit different from his darling duckling brothers and sisters. The other animals on the farm are quick to notice and point this out, despite his mother’s protective flapping. Feeling rather foul about himself, the little fowl finds himself on an adventure of self-discovery, all the while unknowingly outwitting a very hungry Cat. Along the way, Ugly meets a whole flock of unique characters and finds out being different is not a bad thing to be.
High School Drama Club
What do you get when you bundle physical and verbal folly, poetry and philosophy, disguises and spies, romance and murder? Shakespeare, of course! Or a parody of Shakespeare! FSI’s spring High School Theatre production, ‘Save Hamlet!’, is a fast paced comedy filled with lots of action and many surprises. It’s Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’, just shorter, sillier and less murder-y. While the fall show was a mature-themed drama, this spring show will be fun for all.
‘Save Hamlet!’ by Mark Harvey Levine will be performed in the theatre in the Asheville Masonic Temple (80 Broadway St) March 10th and 11th at 7:00 PM. General admission tickets are $10 and can now be purchased online. Questions? Email Julie Wharton, FSI High Theatre Director – jwharton@thefsi.us
Use this QR code to stay clued in on FSI HS Theatre news with our monthly
FSI High School Theatre Newsletter!
Chess: Do you like to play Chess or do you want to learn?! Join FSI’s Chess Club and learn from our expert instructor, Mr. Bruce Roth. Chess Club meets every Tuesday from 4-5 p.m. The winter semester will begin January 10, 2023, and end April 25, 2023. Students will meet in the Community Room with Beyond the Bell from dismissal until the class begins! All grades and levels are welcome!! The fee is $50/per semester or $100/per year. All checks must be payable to Bruce Roth. For more information, contact Bruce Roth at 828 230 5139 or by email at brucerothchess@gmail.com
BIPOC Student Union (BSU):The BSU offers a safe space for students to share their experiences and to identify ways our school can address specific and systemic racism. Community mentor Bruce Waller is returning to support our BSUs, joining faculty sponsor Keith Knox. BSU is open to all students who identify as People of Color. HS BSU meets on Fridays during lunch.
Film Club! This club is returning from last year and meets alternating Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:45 – 4:45. Email Michaela Mamone-Peeples for more information.
Girls who Code will meet every other Monday after school from 3:15 – 4:30 in Edison 19. Email bdavenport@thefsi.us with any questions.
MS GSA (Gender & Sexuality Alliance)
MS GSA (gender and sexuality alliance): Middle School GSA meets every Friday 3:15-4:30pm. We welcome everyone and work to empower LGBTQ+ lives. Contact afortune@thefsi.us to join.
HS GSA
HS GSA – contact MK Hyche, mkhyche@thefsi.us, or Justina Powell, jpowell@thefsi.us
High School Studio Art Club
Mondays, Starting September 19, 2022
3:45 – 5:00, Big Ben, first floor Art Room #133
Hosted by Ms. Jen jlipsey-edwards@thefsi.us
HS Studio Art Club is a place to gather with other creative teens who have a genuine interest in the visual arts. Folks will have a place to chill, work on art, listen to music, have tea, and to inspire and be inspired. The Studio is where friendship, collaboration, feedback, sharing, and support come together to make magic! You do not need to commit to showing up every week. However, advance registration is required to attend as you’re able to. Register here: https://forms.gle/czLbV186Ep7K31gb9
Science Olympiad Club
Do you geek out on all things science? Are you a competitive person who needs a medal hanging around your neck to prove your science prowess? This is a science competition against other schools in our area with a potential to move on to state and national levels. Science Olympiad will meet in Room 141 from 3:30-4:15 every Friday. Open to MS and HS students! Contact jbragdon@thefsi.us if you have any questions.
Middle School Robotics
Middle School Robotics team meets Thursdays, 3:15pm to 4:00 pm in the Middle School Tech room (Edison 19).
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: Jennifer Negron is our middle school counselor, and Mary Kinsey Hyche is our high school counselor
I think my child is being bullied, or other behavior/discipline concerns: Tony Freeman, Middle School Principal or Peter Tromba High School Principal
My child will miss school: For short-term absences (illness, doctor’s appointments, etc), send an email to 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 or frequent 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: Paula Dowd, Director of Exceptional Services
My child requires medication during the school day, has a special health need, or has tested positive for COVID: Contact our school nurse, Jessica Perraud
I think we need some support for my child’s challenging behaviors: Jessica Potter-Bowers (JP) or Kara Lacey, Behavior Specialists
I have a question about enrollment, student records or I need a copy of my student’s report card or transcript: Erinn Otten, Director of Student Services
My student needs a chromebook, hotspot, or help with technology: Matt Mikulski, Technology Director
My child has an IEP, and I have questions about the services provided: Your child’s Exceptional Children teacher is your first contact:
- Grade 5: Brittany Davenport
- Grade 6: Tammy Leahy
- Grade 7: Meagan Barnhard
- Grade 8: Donnie Stahlke
- MS Resource Room: Meaghann Denkenberger
- Grade 9: Lindsey Wehrli
- Grade 10: Greg Wingard
- Grade 11: Paul Szumski
- Grade 12: Gretchen Kehrberg
- HS Occupational Course of Study: Kelsey Reid
I have questions about sports: Kim Burke, Athletic Director
I want to know more about after or before-school services: Martha Rutherford, Beyond the Bell Coordinator
I want to know more about your music program: Sandi Wilson, Director of Instrumental and Vocal Ensembles
I am interested in your theatre programs! Chris Martin, MS Theatre teacher/director and Julia Wharton, HS Theatre teacher/director
I have questions about your school bus or student parking: Deeana Bennett, Director of Operations
I am interested in carpooling/ride-sharing: Check out our carpool facebook group (you need to request to join):
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, 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, Executive Director
Our Teaching Teams for 2022-2023!
| Teaching Teams
5th Grade Brandie Dallara, ELA & Social Studies: bdallara@thefsi.us Jennifer Ryan, Science & Social Studies: jryan@thefsi.us Chris Pauley, Math & Social Studies: cpauley@thefsi.us 6th Grade Ashley O’Dell, ELA: aodell@thefsi.us Charlie Keller, Math: ckeller@thefsi.us Samuel “Latt” Berry Foster:, Science: sfoster@thefsi.us Evan Baptista, Social Studies: ebaptista@thefsi.us 7th Grade Jared Gallow, ELA: jgallow@thefsi.us Zoe Wallce, Math: zwallace@thefsi.us Nick Liu, Science: nliu@thefsi.us Grace Nyanga, Social Studies: gnyanga@thefsi.us 8th Grade Kyle Wilson, ELA: kwilson@thefsi.us AJ Jones, Math lead: ajones@thefsi.us Rhneea Riddle, Math Specialist: rriddle@thefsi.us Keith Knox, Social Studies: kknox@thefsi.us Makesha Gordon, Science: mgordon@thefsi.us Lora Hawkins, English I: lhawkins@thefsi.us Jerry Lubos, World History: jlubos@thefsi.us Liz Baron: Math 1 & 2: lbaron@thefsi.us Jessica Bragdon, Earth Science/ AP Earth: jbragdon@thefsi.us 10th Grade Matt Reynolds, Civics: mreynolds@thefsi.us Justina Powell, English 2: jpowell@thefsi.us Marcel Duhaime, Math 2: mduhaime@thefsi.us Julia Adams, Biology: jadams@thefsi.us 11th Grade Bryan Head, English III/AP Lang: bhead@thefsi.us Tess Barnes Dunn, American History, AP Research: tbarnesdunn@thefsi.us Teshale Byan, Math 3 & AP Calculus: tbyan@thefsi.us Mary Smith, Chemistry, Forensics: msmith@thefsi.us 12th Grade Alex Humphrey, English IV & AP Lit:: ahumphreyr@thefsi.us Lexi Johnson, World History: ljohnson@thefsi.us Teshale Byan, AP Calculus: tbyan@thefsi.us Elizabeth Joslin, NC Wildlife (Science) & EcoWarriors: ejoslin@thefsi.us Jessica Fine: Pre Calc, Math 4: jfine@thefsi.us Elective Teachers: MS PE: Anne Gillis: agillis@thefsi.us HS PE & Athletic Director: Kimberly Burke, kburke@thefsi.us MS Art: Jennifer Lipsey Edwards: jlipsey-edwards@thefsi.us HS Art: Kati Robbins, krobbins@thefsi.us MS Tech & Computer Science: Adrienne Fortune, afortune@thefsi.us MS Counselor: Jennifer-Raé Negron, jnegron@thefsi.us HS Theatre, Art of Argument: Julia Wharton, jwharton@thefsi.us MS Theatre: Chris Martin, cmartin@thefsi.us MS/HS Music and Orchestra: Sandi Wilson, swilson@thefsi.us, French 1: Mackenzie Arnold: marnold@thefsi.us French2 & 3 and HS, PE: Chad Gerber, cgerber@thefsi.us HS Spanish: Hanna Walden, hwalden@thefsi.us MS & HS Spanish: Heather Kabat, hkabat@thefsi.us Adventure Ed: Jessica Potter-Bowers, jpotter-bowers@thefsi.us |
