Good morning Franklin community,
On Wednesday this week students in grades 8 and 10 will complete their Passage Presentations. Our seniors will present their Passages on Thursday evening. Wednesday is a remote day for students in other grades, and 8th and 10th grade students will attend school only for their assigned Passage presentation time.
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 part of their education. The process of preparing for Passage Presentations helps 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.
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
School Funding Toolkit
Today I am asking our school community to TAKE ACTION to support school funding. Many of you were shocked earlier this year when I shared a report showing that North Carolina is 48th in the country in overall school funding, and LAST in funding effort. The State is also 38th in teacher salaries. Beginning teacher salaries are lower than surrounding states and do not provide a Living Wage. Our children and school employees deserve better!
We have created a School Funding Toolkit. This Toolkit makes it very easy to take action! The Toolkit includes the following items:
- Video produced by FSI 5th graders teaching you how to call elected officials.
- Scripts for emails & phone calls
- Emails and phone numbers for important elected officials in North Carolina’s House & Senate
Share the Toolkit with your friends and family! You can email it to them, put it on your social media – whatever you can do to make sure that our community lets our elected officials know that our children deserve better than 48th place in funding!
This Week’s Reason for Optimism
Three members of our Science Olympiad team traveled to the Science Olympiad State Finals yesterday. Special thank you to Science Olympiad coach/mentor Jessica Bragdon for creating this opportunity and supporting students to achieve at high levels! Congratulations to Allaric Aaronson, Henry Merz, and Caroline Seibeck for earning the right to participate in the State Finals!
Upcoming Events
Tues, April 25
- 1:15 pm: ASVAB interpretation (contact Ms. Tager for info – jtager@thefsi.us)
- 3:30 pm: HS Girls Soccer vs IC Imagine @ Buncombe County Sports Park
- 4:15 pm: MS Soccer vs New Classical @ Buncombe County Sports Park
- 6:00 – 9:00 pm: Building Bridges TalkBack @ Evergreen Community Charter School (FSI families, students, and staff are invited). This will be the same movie & discussion we hosted at FSI last week. It is a powerful film!
Wed, April 26
- Virtual Learning Day for Grades 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12 – more info provided by your grade level teachers
- 8th & 10th Grade Passage Presentations – contact your student’s Crew leader for assigned time for Passage Presentation
- 4:30 pm: HS Ultimate vs Asheville High School
Thurs, April 27
- 1:30 pm: FSI Tour for prospective families
- 4:15 pm: MS Soccer @ Mountain Community School
- 4:30 pm: HS Girls Soccer @ Carolina Day School
- 6:00 – 8:00 pm: Senior Passage Presentations
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
Drivers Education Class
It has been a challenge getting Drivers Education classes scheduled! While Drivers Education classes often take place at schools, schools do not run the classes. All classes must be provided by a State-selected organization.
FSI students have an opportunity to take Drivers Ed in May. This class is open ONLY to students enrolled at FSI and ICI. Learn more and sign up today here: Mountain Pro Drivers Ed Classes. There are multiple classes listed on this page. Please contact Mountain Pro for any questions.
Volunteer Opportunity!
Calling any parent volunteers to help us finish replacing our last five carts of older Chrome devices with newer, bigger and better ones. Our Tech Director has his hands full helping get our new classrooms ready for connectivity while keeping us all humming along this year and hasn’t been able to find the time to get these last few done. He will lead you every step of the way. The workspace is climate-controlled and quiet. Reach out to him at mmikulski@thefsi.us with any upcoming date and time, steal away for an hour, two or three during the school day and… be put to tremendously good use =)
Parent Crew @ FSI
We had a terrific first meeting of our Parent Crew! As our school grows and recovers from the pandemic disruptions, we want to make it easier and more rewarding for parents and guardians to get involved. Parent Crew is our answer to a PTO or PTA. If you missed the 1st meeting and would like to get involved, contact Micah Usher (musher@thefsi.us) for more information!
FSI Racism & Equity Spring 2023 Workshop Series
Thanks to everyone who has attended our Spring Racism & Equity Workshops! There are two remaining opportunities to learn and engage in important conversations. All events are open to all members of our community – if you haven’t been able to join us yet, it’s ok! Come to what you can.
April 25, 6 – 9 pm: Building Bridges Talk Back Workshop @ Evergreen Community School
We are partnering with Evergreen to provide two opportunities for our communities. If you are unable to attend the Building Bridges workshop at FSI, you are invited to attend the workshop at Evergreen Community Charter School.
Mon, May 1, 6:30 pm: We Need to Talk! Community Listening Session on Racism & Inequity
Danae Aicher will join us in person to facilitate a Listening Session on racism and inequality within our community. The Listening Session will be held at FSI in our new building;specific room to be determined.
Special Incentive to Attend!
We are offering a fun incentive to encourage participation in our Racism & Inequality workshops. Students will earn one point for each family member who attends each workshop. If you have more than one student at FSI, we will count points for each student – no need to choose which student gets the point! The middle and high school Crew with the most points will be treated to a party with fun local food treats, including chef-selected cucumber canapes by Chef Rakim Gaines (of Capella 9) and Buggy Pops ice pops by Neomi Negron. Thank you to our parent/business partners for these great donations!
Celebrating the local BIPOC community is another great step in your personal anti-racist journey! Grindfest is a free, 3-day event (May 26 – 28) that celebrates the success of Black entrepreneurs + business owners in Asheville. A block-party-style event will take place at 8 Rivers Arts Place! This includes a weekend full of music, games, live performance, food, local vendors + learning, employment, and partnership opportunities. The goal of the festival is to highlight the progress made by people of color while also connecting folks in the community. A long weekend of fun and excitement.
- RSVP here: https://bit.ly/GrindFest2023
- Sign up to volunteer here: https://grindfestavl.com/be-a-volunteer
- Get your tickets to the GRINDFest Concert featuring BigBoi, Waka Flocka Flame & Talib Kweli! https://app.moonclerk.com/pay/5/169n22g6uuoe
- Join the Black Wall Street community here: https://bit.ly/BWSAVLMembership
- Partner and support BIPOC Community: https://bit.ly/BWSAVLPartnership
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
PCR testing is available 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
An impressive week for Bolts Athletics!
HS Ultimate picks up two wins, defeating Odyssey 15-8 and North Buncombe 15-3. Great play by Rowan McMullan, Elijah Bettencourt, Jack Dickson, Noah Judd, Caleb Black and Jack Harte.
– MS Soccer also picked up two victories, defeating Francine Delany 5-2 and the
Trailblazers 6-1. Some great goals were scored by Aidan Bennett, Aslan Greene, Christian Garcia and Jake Stahlke.
-HS Soccer also had a successful week going 1-1. The Bolts took down Asheville School 2-0 with beautiful goals by Emily Cruz-Macy, assisted by Mahayla Jones and Aleigha Collins. The team came up short in the game vs the Trailblazers, but Emily C-M continued her goal scoring streak with an amazing free kick.
More chances to catch the Bolts in action this week. All teams have games this week…check the calendar for details.
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
What a fantastic show! Bravo to the cast and crew of Honk Jr! MS Drama Club Newsletter –Click Here! Check out the latest events in our weekly newsletter.
High School Drama Club
Congratulations on a fantastic production!
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 Tuesdays and Fridays from noon – 1 pm.
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 |
