Good morning Franklin families,
Last week was long and dreary but we lucked out for the eclipse! I loved seeing students all over campus experiencing that moment. If you have eclipse glasses sitting around and want to return them to school, we’ll pack them up and share them with the next eclipse watchers. Just bring them into the front desk.
We’re busy getting ready for the spring testing season to begin. State end of grade (EOG) and end of course (EOC) tests will take place from May 22 through the end of the school year. Advanced Placement (AP) tests begin early May. We are looking for extra substitute teachers and people to serve as test administrators to help during this very busy period of the school year. If you have a flexible schedule and are interested in helping either in the classroom or with test administration, please reach out as soon as possible! AP tests will be held on the following dates: May 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, and 15. Tests are administered either in the morning, beginning at 8 am, or in the afternoon beginning at noon. We will provide training and there is a script to follow, and our test coordinator will be on site during the test sessions. This job generally involves supervising tests for a small group of students. Email me at mvruwink@thefsi.us if you are interested in helping as a classroom substitute or as an AP test administrator!
Congratulations to our Science Olympiad team! FSI earned three top 10 medals at the Science Olympiad state tournament at NC State today! Alaric Aaronson and Maryn Hester teamed up to come in 9th place in both Codebusters and Quantum Detanglers, and Alaric finished 2nd in Road Scholar. Well done!
Join us this week for our first ever high school musical! The online ticket sales are live for The Addams Family! Follow this link to get your tickets in advance. Tickets will be $5 for students 18 and under, $10 for adults, and $20 for sponsors (who will enjoy reserved seating). Each FSI employee can buy a $5 ticket for themself! Use the student ticket option.
The show will be on stage in the Kittredge Theatre at Warren Wilson College April 19th and 20th at 7:00 PM. Tickets will be available at the door as well. Let’s pack the house for this exciting event!
We held the lottery for the 2024-2025 school year last week and we were excited to see continued growth in applications! Over 95% of our current students have re-enrolled for next year and we had strong interest across the grade levels. We will continue to accept applications throughout the summer! If you have friends who missed the lottery – please tell them to apply as soon as possible. They will be added to our wait list in the order of receipt of their application – so sooner is definitely better!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the screening of Black in Asheville on Thursday! Despite the rain we had a packed house for this community event. Our next event will be at FSI on Thursday, April 25. Join us for the movie “13th” and stay for deep discussion!
There is a LOT of information in this week’s newsletter – please read on to see it all! Thank you for choosing Franklin, choosing EL Education, and working with us to empower students to make the world a better place!
Calendar Events
Mon, April 15
- 3:45 pm: HS Student Government Car Wash! $10 – just come a little late for the car line and leave with a shiny clean car! Students can wait under the awning until you arrive. Cash preferred, card reader available. Tips encouraged!
- 4:30 pm: Tour for Prospective Families (at FSI)
Tues, April 16
- 4:15 pm: MS Soccer vs TLC @ Camp Rockmont
- 5:30 pm: HS Girls Soccer @ Mount Pisgah
Thurs, April 18
- 3:30 pm: MS Student Council meeting – open to all MS students
- 4:15 pm: MS Soccer @ Evergreen
- 5:00 pm: HS Girls Soccer vs Trailblazers @ Buncombe County Sports Park
- 6:00 pm: Parent Crew Meeting – in person in room 165 or join via Google Meet https://meet.google.com/cyh-mtdh-jxd
Fri, April 19
- 7:00 pm: HS Musical “The Addams Family”! Kittredge Theatre, Warren Wilson College! Follow this link to get your tickets or buy at the door. $5 for students (18 and under) and staff, $10 for adults, and $20 for sponsors.
Sat, April 20
- 7:00 pm: HS Musical “The Addams Family”! Kittredge Theatre, Warren Wilson College! Follow this link to get your tickets or buy at the door. $5 for students (18 and under) and staff, $10 for adults, and $20 for sponsors.
FSI Yearlong Academic Calendar
Bolts Athletic Updates
HS Girls Soccer played an amazing game in the rain at Asheville School. The teams were equally matched and that showed in the final score of 2-2. Emily Cruz-Macey continued her scoring streak and scored both goals for the Bolts!
Basketball Open Gyms begin this week! Open Gym will be held on Thursday, April 18th from 3:30-5:15 pm in the gym. These are for both MS and HS student-athletes that played basketball this season or are interested in playing next season. Must have required paperwork submitted to participate.
Parent Crew Updates & Leadership Opportunities
The FSI Parent Crew is excited to raise funds for the upcoming Staff Appreciation Week through Papa John’s Pizza Coupon Books. For a $10 donation, you receive a coupon booklet. Each booklet has 23 coupons with over $150 in savings, including a coupon for a free large pizza, several buy one get one free coupons, and many discounted pizza coupons. We will be offering these through the end of April, grab them while you can! Can be used at: Patton Ave, Asheville, Skyland and Hendersonville Locations.
More details are in the link below and reach out to the parent crew at parentcrew@thefsi.us with questions.
The next Parent Crew Meeting is this Thursday, April 18th from 6 pm-7 pm. We will be electing Parent Crew Leadership for next school year. If you are interested in being a part of the Parent Crew Leadership, please fill out the interest form below. Descriptions are included in the form.https://forms.gle/ST7gcEieqexD8jMq9
School Online Store: Need some Franklin gear? Get it here! https://apparelnow.com/the-franklin-school-of-innovation-apparel?
Car Wash Monday, 3:45 pm
Support our Senior Class Trip and get all that pesky pollen off your car! Just come through the car line starting at 3:45 pm and leave with a shiny clean car. $10 (tips encouraged) – all proceeds will support the Senior Class Trip. We will provide supervision for students who are waiting for their ride to arrive.
Mr. Sandwich & Snack Box Student Lunch Projects Start This Week!
This semester our Business Principles class was tasked with addressing a student issue with a business solution. Both groups have created lunch based businesses that they hope will alleviate some of the pressure on our stellar nutrition team.
Starting on April 16 and April 18 (Tuesdays and Thursdays) for the next six school weeks the students will be running: Mr. Sandwich on Tuesdays serves Ingles Deli Sandwich Combos for $6 or Snack Box on Thursdays which offers a variety of easy and convenient lunch snacks like protein bars, lunch kits, etc. All proceeds will be applied to student services including supplemental funding for our FSI lunch line. The kids are also hoping to have enough profits to purchase a BOLT Mascot costume for athletic events.
10th Grade Service Project: Mothers Day Gift Baskets
As part of their study of immigration, students are partnering with UNETE to provide 50 small gift bags and four raffle baskets for a Mothers’ Day banquet to honor immigrant and low-income mothers for all they do. UNETE has partnered with United Way and they will be providing the food. 10th Grade students are raising the funds to purchase items for the gift bags. Click here to help! Mothers’ Day Gift Baskets
The Dentist is Returning!
The dentist is returning! The Mobile Dentist will be here on 5/13 and 5/14 for those who sign up. Permission slips are available both online and on paper. Please see the link here to get more information and to sign up: https://mobiledentists.com/
Building Bridges Movie & Talk Back Thur, April 25, 6 pm
Join us for a viewing of the documentary “13th”. Titled after the 13th Amendment, this movie explores the prison industrial complex and the intersection of race, justice and mass incarceration. After, stay for the talk back and discuss. This event is open to the public. Parents, students and educators are all encouraged to attend. Pizza will be provided (starting at 6 pm); snacks will be available for purchase with proceeds supporting our BIPOC Student Union.
Reminders
NAMI Mental Health Education Series
NAMI is hosting a series of free education events. The first one is happening on Thursday April 25th from 5-7pm at AmeriHealth Caritas (216 Asheland Avenue in Asheville). This one is specifically for parents (and caregivers) of teens/young adults who have recently been diagnosed with a mental health condition or who appear to be headed down that path.
FSI Prom 2024: Masquerade
Who: 11th and 12th grade students
Date: Saturday, May 4
Time: 7 – 10pm
Location: Haiku, Asheville
Get ready to dance the night away at The Franklin School of Innovation’s 2024 Prom! This year, we’re transforming the venue into a mesmerizing masquerade ball.
Use this link to purchase tickets online.
Tickets are $30 each until April 27. After that they are available to purchase in person for $40.
If you would like to invite a non-FSI high school student please complete this form and return to Mr Tromba before May 3.
Questions? Contact gkehrberg@thefsi.us
Summer Driver’s Education @ FSI
We are pleased to be able to host a Summer Driver’s Education class at FSI. The class will be held June 10-14. Students must be 14 ½ to attend. Registration and more information is available here: mtnpro.com/school-classes
Parent Leadership Opportunities
The Board of Directors is seeking prospective Board members and Committee members. The Board has some specific needs, including an attorney and people with fundraising experience. The Board is also seeking people who represent our community. Parents are welcome but it is not a requirement! What does a Board member do? Board members should be prepared to contribute time and other resources (such as your expertise) to support the School, attend monthly Board meetings and actively participate on a Board committee. Looking to learn more about what the Board does, but not ready to commit fully? You can join a Board committee without joining the Board. Email Al Glicksberg (aglicksberg@thefsi.us) or Michelle Vruwink (mvruwink@thefsi.us) to connect with a Board member and learn more.
Job Opportunities
We are beginning to recruit for the coming school year! Positions will be posted on our website: https://www.franklinschoolofinnovation.org/our-story/careers/
Free YouTube Workshop on Teens & Vaping
Kriya Lendzion, who has led many workshops for FSI families on teens and substance use and abuse, has released a new video with SmartSocial on the risks of youth vaping nicotine and THC. Watch at your own time and interest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QpCR-mtHrc
MANNA Packs for Kids
MANNA Packs for Kids is a take-home food program that provides a weekly bag of food to students. Bags will contain items such as proteins, fruits, vegetables, snacks and/or breakfast items.The “MANNA Packs for Kids” program’s mission is to serve those families with children who are experiencing economic difficulty and could use assistance in providing food when school meals are not an option. To join the program, please fill out the Manna Packs google form here.
Buy Your Yearbook Today!
Our Yearbook Class is hard at work designing our school yearbook! Order yours now for the Final Sale: $60 from Jan. 27-May 26th
And here is the link:
Club Updates
High School Theatre – It’s Show Time!
Get Your Tickets for The Addams Family!
The online ticket sales are live for The Addams Family! Follow this link to get your tickets in advance. Tickets will be $5 for students 18 and under, $10 for adults, and $20 for sponsors (who will enjoy reserved seating). Each FSI employee can buy a $5 ticket for themself! Use the student ticket option.
The show will be on stage in the Kittredge Theatre at Warren Wilson College April 19th and 20th at 7:00 PM. Tickets will be available at the door as well. Here’s a list of the students involved:
Addams Family Cast List
Gomez Addams….Everett Leggat
Morticia Addams…Jade Smith
Uncle Fester…Caiden Nordquist
Wednesday Addams…Gabby Newman
Grandma…Cassie McGahey
Pugsley Addams…Lily Jerman
Lurch…Jamie Allen
Alice Beineke…Sophia Oliver
Mal Beineke…Elliot Myus
Lucas Beineke…Asher Henry
Ancestors…
Groom – Brennan Pittman
Puritan – Charity Bridges
Drag Queen – Cloud Colwell
Bride – Kate Cornell
Soldier – Lotus McCartney
Flapper – Maryn Hester
Caveman – Sam Feinberg
Gambler – Twig Morrell
Addams Family Crew Members
Stage Manager: Meg Butler
Lights: Seamus McKorkle, Sky Oliver
Set: Atlas West, Zachary Rose, Cade Plemmons
Costumes: Sienna Piscitelli (Class of ‘22)
Props: Atlas West, Zachary Rose
Run Crew: Zachary Rose, Danica Brown, Cassie Homitz, Cade Plemmons, Zo Kusek
Hair/Make Up: Lu Pollak, Danica Brown, August Leszek (’22), Sienna Piscitelli (’22)
Middle School Student Council Updates
The next middle school student council meeting will be held on 4/18/24 from 3:30-4:30pm. We hope to see you there!
Find our list of clubs on our website: https://www.franklinschoolofinnovation.org/student-life/clubs/
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! Click here to access the guide: Who do I go to when…
Teaching Teams
Need to contact a teacher? Find them quickly with this link to our Teaching Teams for 2023-2024
