This is How We Crew It FSI Fundraising Campaign
Join the 6-7 Challenge! Make a recurring monthly donation of just $6.7 and help us reach our goal!
Good morning Franklin families,
It seems that this spring will be filled with ups and downs. Friday evening brought a delightful performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream by HS theatre, performed outdoors with minimal costuming and props, kicking off our Week of the Arts. It was the perfect start to a weekend, with great performances and full embracing of the outdoor setting.Bravo to HS theatre teacher Connor Dalton & the entire cast and crew! Saturday we celebrated the life of Tae Collins with an emotional service. He won’t be forgotten and we look forward to celebrating Tae Collins Day next April, on his 18th birthday.
This week we continue to celebrate the incredible artistic talents of our students. Student artwork is on display in the Community Room all week. On Thursday the community is invited to join us for our Night of the Arts from 5 – 7 pm. This evening will feature performances, awards, and the opportunity to see student art work. It’s a truly wonderful event!
Let’s Send 1000 Emails!
On Friday, May 1, our school will join the statewide efforts to pass a pro-public school budget. We are aware that Buncombe County and Asheville City schools are closed on Friday. Through discussions with our faculty and staff, we have planned a day that encourages our entire community to join in demanding more funding for schools and better pay for teachers. North Carolina is 50th – dead last – in funding for schools. Our students deserve better!
As outlined in Friday’s email, here is our plan for May 1:
- Franklin will operate on a two-hour early release on Friday, May 1. Fifth & Sixth Grade students will be released at 1:15 pm. Seventh & Eighth Grade students will be released at 1:25. High school students will be released at 1:40 pm. All classes will meet, just like a “late start” day. School will close at 2 pm and we will not hold after school Beyond the Bell or clubs to allow all school staff the opportunity to participate in action if they wish.
- If you participate in Asheville-based rallies or action on Friday – wear your FSI t-shirt or gear! The early dismissal will allow our staff to finish their day and have time to participate in local action.
- We will make our voices heard through an email campaign! This is the biggest part of our plan and the one where we need your help!
Here’s how to help us reach 1000 emails (or more!)
- On May 1, copy and paste this email (or write your own) and send three separate emails to Honorable Berger, Senator Lee, and Speaker Hall.
- Use a subject line that names our school: Subject line: Pass a Pro Education Budget! From a Franklin School of Innovation Parent
- Copy us at takeaction@thefsi.us
- Send your emails at 10 am on Friday, May 1! You can write your emails ahead of time and use the “schedule send” feature to set the time. You can send them any time on Friday, but the Raleigh rally begins at 10 am.
Students will engage in brief civics lessons, learning about public school funding in NC and how to take action by emailing their elected officials. While students will have a choice about their email topic, we believe many will choose to demand better funding!
As always, thank you for choosing Franklin and for partnering with us to prepare students for the futures they create. Our school is stronger with your participation.
Upcoming Events
Mon, April 27
- 5:00 pm: HS Ultimate @ Trinity Baptist Church, 216 Shelbourne Rd
Tues April 28
- 4:30 pm: HS Girls Soccer vs Carolina Day @ FSI
Wed, April 29
- 12:45 – 1:30: MS Student Council Fundraiser/Bake Sale – all MS students are invited to help by bringing items or helping us sell. Proceeds will support a Student Council “Lock In” on Friday, May 29. Students must have attended at least 3 MS Student Council meetings and participated in fundraising in order to attend the Lock In
Thurs, April 29
- 5:00 – 7:00 pm: Night of the Arts in the Community Room
(note: previously scheduled soccer games are being rescheduled due to conflict with the Night of the Arts)
Fri, May 1: Take Action! Send 1000 Emails!
Two Hour Early Release
- 1:15: 5th & 6th Grade Release
- 1:25: 7th & 8th Grade Release
- 1:40: HS Release
No clubs or Beyond the Bell afterschool services on Friday
Sat, May 2
- 7:00 – 10:00 pm: Junior/Senior Prom @ The Venue
Sun, May 3
- 4:00 pm: Chalk the Walk with Parent Crew! Kick off Staff Appreciation Week with creative messages of thanks! See the Parent Crew Section below for all Staff Appreciation Events & sign up to help!
Keep up with all our school events!
FSI Community Calendar – add our events to your google calendar
2025-2026 Yearlong Calendar – updated
Bolts Athletics
MS Soccer battled The Learning Community to a 2-2 tie. The team is learning how to play together and is getting better with each opportunity.
HS Soccer had a busy week with three games and the Bolts went 2-1.
The team defeated Hendersonville JV 1-0 with a beautiful game winning goal by C. McBrayer, assisted by E. Telford. In a BRAC conference match-up vs ICI, the Bolts came up short 1-3, but will have another chance this week! Goal scored by E. Cruz-Macey. The Bolts finished the week with a win at Asheville School JV with a score of 5-1. E. Cruz-Macey scored 4 goals and C. McBrayer chipped in with one goal.
HS Ultimate had an exciting game vs Asheville High. The Bolts played a great first half and were up 8-6 at halftime. But, the Cougars went on a 8-3 run in the second half and the Bolts dropped the game 11-14. C. Bragdon, 3 goals and T. Castle, 2 goals. G. Stone contributed with 6 assists and 4 blocks.
Sponsorship Banners to Support Bolts Athletics
Do you have a business or know of a business that would be interested in purchasing a sponsorship package that supports the Athletics Program? It is great advertisement for a business as the business name and logo will be displayed on banners in the gym and/or field depending on what package is purchased.
Sponsorship Levels:
Thunder ($500): 1 Banner displayed in either the gym or field area (your choice)
Lightning ($800): 2 Banners. One banner displayed in the gym and one in the field area.
Bolt ($1,000): Includes everything in the Lightning package plus logo displayed on printed materials (game programs and possibly team gear (practice and travel gear).
Banners are 72×24 inches and will be displayed for one full year with an opportunity to renew. Please contact Coach Burke (Athletic Director) for more information or questions. kburke@thefsi.us
Parent Crew
Our amazing Parent Crew is not taking off even one minute! They are back in action for next week’s Night of the Arts with a concession stand, all proceeds will go towards staff appreciation events. We need just a few volunteers to help!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090848A5AA22ABFF2-63070047-night
FSI Parent Crew is also organizing Staff Appreciation Week (starting 05/04). Please help us make it special for the FSI Staff. You can help by volunteering or sending in items.
- Sunday, May 3, 4:00 – 5:00 pm: Chalk the Walk-Join the Parent Crew in drawing pictures and messages for staff in chalk on the walkway into the school
- Tuesday, May 5: Pasta Day: We will ask that you bring in pasta and sauces for for staff to enjoy.
- Wednesday, May 6: Catered lunch for Staff-cost covered by Parent Crew funds
- Thursday, May 7: Trail Mix Bar
- Friday May 8: Breakfast for Staff provided by school parents
We also need gift cards to give away each morning during announcements.
If you bring an item or gift card in, please label it clearly for **Staff Appreciation Week** and add Micah Usher’s name. Please drop off at the front desk.
Sign up and get more information here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090848A5AA22ABFF2-63351932-staff
Breakfast & Lunch Menus
You can find our menus online: https://www.franklinschoolofinnovation.org/parents/nutrition/
Night of the Arts! Thurs, April 29, 5 – 7 pm
Come celebrate all the amazing artists in our school! Our Week of the Arts continues all week, culminating in our Night of the Arts on Thursday. Join us to celebrate the artistic genius of our students!
- Visual Art Show on display (Apr. 28 – May 1)
- Music & Theatre performances
- Fine Arts Awards
Donations needed for prom
The FSI Junior/Senior Prom is coming up on Saturday, May 2nd. The theme is Midnight Masquerade and we need help getting decorations. Check out our SignUpGenius and consider donating. We really appreciate your help making Prom 2026 the best one yet!
Questions? Contact Gretchen Kehrberg, gkehrberg@thefsi.us
Middle School Student Council
Executive Committee will meet every Wednesday during lunch and recess
Wednesday Fundraiser/Bake Sale: Wed at dismissal
All middle school students are invited to bring something to sell or assist with sales. Funds will support a Student Council Lock In on Friday, May 29. Students must attend at least 3 student council meetings and help with fundraising in order to attend the Lock In.
Host an International Student
NC 4-H International Is seeking host families for summer month-long or year-long high school exchange students.
They have 16 youth delegates from Japan (and one from Taiwan), ages 12-17, who need host families for 3.5 weeks this summer! They are also seeking families for year-long high school exchange students! Find out more by joining an information session on Zoom:
Summer Inbound Month-Long Program Information Session – Thursday, April 30, 7:00pm (rescheduled from April 23)- Register here: https://ncsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/ZveOkEB_RCWGJ-o4LhUKEg
Academic Year-Long Program Information Session – Tuesday, April 28, 7:00pm – Register here: https://ncsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/9BD8-iJsSjG_5tlZfPLNug
Contact for questions: Caitlin Clineff, NC4-Hinternationalprogram@ncsu.edu
FSI Junior/Senior Prom 2026: May 2, 7 – 10 pm
Step into the mystery of Midnight Masquerade and celebrate a magical evening of music, dancing, and unforgettable memories. Enjoy refreshments, snacks, and fun times with friends. Prom is Saturday, May 2nd from 7-10pm at The Venue in downtown Asheville. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased in person and online starting March 27th. Use this link to purchase tickets online. After April 26 tickets are $45 and available only in person. Tickets will be available at the door on prom night for $45. To invite a non-FSI guest you need to complete this form and return to Ms Gretchen before April 27th. Questions? Contact gkehrberg@thefsi.us.
Reminders
Volunteers needed to help proctor AP exams
We are in need of community members to help with proctoring AP exams. AP Exam Proctor Community Volunteer Have questions? Contact Chelsea Curtis at ccurtis@thefsi.us
Bolts Summer Sports Camps
We are excited to announce our summer sports camps! Featuring multi-sports training with amazing facilities and coaches. Learn and experience a variety of sports and have fun! Directed by Coach Burke and Coach Ron Scott
5th-8th grades
- June 15-19 and/or June 22-26
- 9:00am-1:00pm
- $125 per week
Email for more information:
Register Here: Bolts Summer Sports Camps
Summer Driver Education Class
We are pleased to announce that we will host a summer driver education class at FSI. The class is provided by an instructor from Mountain Professionals Driving School. Our role is to provide the space and to share the information with our families.
The class is scheduled for the following days: July 9 and July 13-17, 9-3 pm The class is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The following are requirements and rules from Mountain Professionals. There are no exceptions:
- Students must attend all 5 days for the full time (9 – 3 pm)
- Students must be aged 14 1/2 (and under age 18) to attend
- There are no refunds once you have registered – no exceptions for vacations or illness or change of plans
- This is the education portion of the class. Students will schedule the driving portion with Mountain Professionals after they have passed this portion of the class
Register here: https://www.mtnpro.com/fsiform.
Substitute Teachers Needed!
As we enter Quarter 4, we have a true need for substitute teachers. Many of our teachers are entitled to days off but are reluctant to take them if they don’t have good coverage lined up! Substitute teachers are increasingly difficult to find. Across the state, schools are filling temporary positions or vacancies with people who used to serve as substitutes. You do not need a teaching certificate. You do need a love for students and a flexible open mindset! Cover letter and resume to jobs@thefsi.us
We are posting positions for the 2026-2027 school year on our website. If you know an excellent teacher who would be a good fit for our school, let us know! We will reach out and invite them to apply if we have a position available.
FSI Business Directory – submit your business to be included
We are compiling a directory of our family owned businesses. If you would like to be included in the directory, submit your business information here. The directory will be available on our website and in the newsletter. Let’s keep it local!
Free Resources for Resilience Community Events
Passing this along from our friends at Resources for Resilience!
Resources For Resilience is an Asheville-based nonprofit sharing practical tools and educational trainings to help individuals and teams manage stress and prevent burnout in themselves and others. They are currently offering FREE programming for WNC residents and professionals, now through June. Many of our offerings also include CEU professional credit through Area L AHEC! Space is limited for these no-cost opportunities, so interested participants are encouraged to register early to secure their spot. Learn more here: https://conta.cc/3NBqYiU
Order Your Yearbooks & Ads
The 2025-2026 Yearbooks are on sale! Purchase via this link
Parents/Guardians of Seniors and 8th Grade Students can purchase ads to be featured in the back of the yearbook – just click this link to create your ad!
Who Do I Go To When….
Whether you are new to FSI or returning, we know you have questions and want to help you find the best answers! This handy guide can help you connect. We do our best to respond to questions within 24 hours. We do not expect school staff to respond outside of school hours. Click here to access the guide: Who do I go to when…
