Good morning Franklin families,
I hope everyone has enjoyed spring break! My morning alarm is going to feel quite unwelcome tomorrow but it’s time to shift back into school mode and gear up for a solid end to the school year.
Over the break I read yet more news about how student attendance has shifted in schools across the country. We’ve seen this shift in our school. While there are many understandable reasons behind the increase in student absences – the outcome is the same. Students who miss school are falling behind academically and socially. Students who miss just two days of school each month meet the definition for chronic absenteeism. It doesn’t sound like much – but it adds up! Students who are chronically absent are more likely to drop out of high school. The problem starts early. Poor attendance in 6th grade increases the risk that a student will not graduate from high school.
Why talk about attendance right after spring break? Because we’ve seen that attendance gets worse as we get closer to the end of the school year. We have a lot of learning left this year! Please do your best to have your students in school on time every day. If your student is sick, send notes to attendance@thefsi.us. If there are things we can do to help – reach out! We can’t promise miracles but we will listen and work with you as much as we can.
If you need a little help getting everyone to school tomorrow – perhaps the promise of the eclipse will help! Tomorrow between about 1:50 and 4:30 pm, Asheville will experience a partial solar eclipse. The maximum eclipse (about 85%) will take place at 3:09 – right during our school dismissal. We have purchased Eclipse Glasses and will distribute them to all students and staff tomorrow along with instructions on how to safely observe this rare event. Remember – regular sunglasses do not provide protection if you are staring at the sun.
Join us! The first of our spring events on race & racism is this Thursday!
- Thursday, April 11, 6 – 8 pm, Black Wall Street AVL: Celebrate Black History in Asheville! “Black In Asheville” is a must-see documentary that explores the black history, cultural heritage, and dark times of the Black community that will leave a lasting impact on everyone who watches it. Franklin is sponsoring this free event to showcase the local documentary exploring Black History in our community. Get your free tickets today and share the link with your family and friends: Black in Asheville film screening at Black Wall Street AVL Tickets, Thu, Apr 11, 2024 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite
- Thursday, April 25, 6 – 9 pm: Building Bridges Movie & Talk Back @ FSI, featuring 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.
Thank you for choosing Franklin, choosing EL Education, and working with us to empower students to make the world a better place!
Calendar Events
Tues, April 9
- 4:15 pm: MS Soccer @ ArtSpace Charter School
- 6:00 pm: Monthly Board of Directors Meeting (in person)
Thurs, April 11
- 4:00 pm: HS Girls Soccer @ The Asheville School
- 4:15 pm: MS Soccer @ FernLeaf Charter School
FSI Yearlong Academic Calendar
Parent Crew Updates & Leadership Opportunities
The next Parent Crew Meeting is on 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?
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
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.
Asheville Maker Faire, Sunday April 13
Our 7th and 8th grade technology students will be presenting a number of independent design projects at the upcoming Asheville Maker Faire. This is a free event that is geared towards middle and high school makers, with many interactive exhibits including robotics, art, rocket launches, sewing and more. Support your classmates and have a fun afternoon! Sunday, April 13th at A-B Tech 10am-3pm. It’s free but they request registration to track attendance – https://asheville.makerfaire.com/
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
A Parent Child Workshop: Substance Use & Abuse by Kriya Lendzion
Sunday, April 14, 2- 5 pm
This upcoming workshop is led by National Youth Addiction Specialist Kriya Lendzion. Kriya is well-known in our community as a compassionate and wise teen whisperer! This workshop is open to parents and students (grades 5 – 12). Registration is required, cost is $20 per family. Learn more and register here: Substance Use & Abuse Workshop
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/
Reminders
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 student council is excited about their new blog! Publicity coordinators Matilda Carter and Alex Pilcher helped create the idea to have a space to share the updates. You can check out the blog with all of our news (https://fsimsstudentcouncil.blogspot.com/). If you prefer to see our updates in person, check out our bulletin board in the 5th/6th grade hall! We will be updating both as new information, events, and news come in!
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
