Good morning Franklin families,
It’s Passage Presentation week! On Wednesday this week students in grades 8 and 10 will complete their Passage Presentations. Wednesday is a remote day for students in all other grades. 8th and 10th grade students attend school only for their assigned Passage presentation time. Please contact your student’s Crew leader for information about their specific Passage time. Grade level teachers will share information for remote learning assignments.
We recognize that a remote learning day is a disruption for our families. We also believe that Passages are an important part of our EL Education model. Passage Presentations are an opportunity for students to reflect on learning and growth and to demonstrate that they are ready for the next phase of their education. While preparing for Passage Presentations students develop the skills to reflect on their strengths and areas for growth. They also practice important skills of organization, public speaking, and presentation. They will use these skills as they apply for college and jobs, pitch their ideas to funders, or present themselves for career advancement. I love serving as a panelist for Passages. It’s a privilege to get a front row seat to hear and see amazing student growth and resilience!
Remember – Wednesday is a remote learning day for students in grades 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, and 12! Grades 8 and 10 attend only for their Passage Presentations
We are also excited to host our 2nd spring event on race and racism. On Thursday evening at 6 pm we are hosting Building Bridges for the movie “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 discussion. 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. Register here – 13th Talk Back RSVP (google.com)
This week’s shout out goes to the cast, crew, and directors of the first ever FSI high school musical, The Addams Family! Congratulations to Julie Wharton, Sandi Wilson, and the amazing, talented, and hysterically funny students for top-notch performances! I attended Friday evening and am still giggling and singing little ballads to the moon. If you know, you know! Bravo!
Staff appreciation week is rapidly approaching – please see the section under Parent Crew below. Did you know that Parent Crew is our version of a PTO/PTA? All parents/guardians are invited to get involved in our school and Parent Crew is a great place to get started.
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 22
- 5:00 pm: HS Ultimate @ AC Reynolds HS
Tues, April 23
- 4:15 pm: MS Soccer vs Mountain Community School @ Jackson Park
- 4:30 pm: HS Soccer vs ICI @ Buncombe County Sports Park
Wed, April 24 – 8th & 10th Grade Passages
- No in person classes
- Remote Learning for students in grades 5, 6, 7, 9, 11 and 12
- Students in grades 8 & 10 attend only for Passage presentations
Thus, April 25
- 3:45 pm: Poetry Slam in Community Room – all welcome! See more info below
- 4:15 pm: MS Soccer vs Francine Delaney @ Buncombe County Sports Park
- 4:30 pm: HS Soccer @ Veritas
- 6:00 pm: Building Bridges Movie & Talk Back @ FSI 13th Talk Back RSVP
FSI Yearlong Academic Calendar
Bolts Athletic Updates
Middle School Soccer went 0-1-1 for the week with a tough game at TLC. Lots of scoring but lost 5-8. The team rallied on Thursday at Evergeen and came away with a 4-4 tie.
High School Soccer had two challenging games. A slow start versus MPA led to a 5-8 loss. All 5 Bolts goals were scored by Emily Cruz- Macey.
Basketball Open Gym continues this week on Thursday, April 25th from 3:30-5:15 pm in the gym. All MS and HS student-athletes that played basketball this past season or those that are interested in playing next season are welcome to attend.
Parent Crew Updates & Leadership Opportunities
Staff Appreciation Week (05/06-05/10) is quickly approaching, and we need help! We have opportunities to volunteer, send items in, and donate. If you have a business or know a business that would contribute gift cards for our daily raffle during Staff Appreciation Week, it would be appreciated greatly. On Sunday 05/05 at 4 pm, we will be “chalking the walk” with appreciation messages to staff, and we would love to have lots of student participation. Read all the important details of other opportunities to donate and volunteer in the sign-up genius below. Contact the parentcrew@thefsi.us with any questions.
School Online Store: Need some Franklin gear? Get it here! https://apparelnow.com/the-franklin-school-of-innovation-apparel?
Poetry Slam Thursday, April 25, 3:45 in Community Room
On April 25th, 2024 from 3:45 till 5:30 the HS Poetry classes will be hosting a Slam Poetry event in the community room. Come hear original poetry, writing, and even songs. There will be food for sale! Admission for guests is $3 and free to teachers. If YOU would like to be on the program, please email Elizabeth Phillips (elizabethphillips@thefsi.us). Please spread the word and come join us!
Open Mic Nights April 29 and May 20
Calling all musicians, for our last two open mics of the year!
Join us for our last two open mics of the year at Doc Brown’s BBQ Monday, April 29th 6:00-8:00 pm and Monday May 20th 6:00-8:00 pm. Come perform and enjoy some incredible music and a lot of GREAT food. Anyone is welcome to perform all you have to do is show up! We would love to have as many people perform as possible! Also, Doc Brown’s is generously donating 10% of all proceeds during the time we are there to our music department. Please reach out to Sandi Wilson at swilson@thefsi.us with any questions. We look forward to seeing you there!
Anything that Rolls Parade May 10
Starting a new tradition! On May 10 at 1 pm high school student Crews will compete in the 1st Annual “Anything that Rolls” Parade! Crews will compete for bragging rights and fantastical trophies in seven categories. The parade starts promptly at 1pm and ends with a pep rally in the gym to honor all the coaches and student athletes this year.
Mr. Sandwich & Snack Box Student Lunch Continues
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. Lunches will be sold during the high school lunch period only.
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/
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
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
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
