Give to our Annual Fund Today!
Good morning Franklin families,
Thank you!!!! to the 200+ individuals who have contributed to our Growing Together Giving Tuesday Annual Fund! With your help, we’ve raised almost $35,000 so far, 75% of our goal. What a wonderful outpouring of support!
We know this is a busy time of the year and there are many things competing for your time, attention, and money. If you weren’t able to join us on Giving Tuesday, you can still help us reach our goal. Can you consider a pledge of $5 or $10 a month? The Annual Fund helps us provide important programs such as bus transportation, free or affordable meals, scholarships for our afterschool program and field trips, arts and athletics. These programs make our school accessible to all families and provide those important extracurriculars that help students connect and engage with school.
Click here to give: Growing Together 2023 Annual Fund
Click here to learn what students love about FSI: What Makes FSI Great?
Do you own or work for a business? We love to partner with businesses! Learn more about the benefits of corporate sponsorship here: Corporate Sponsorship
Did you know that we have a new Middle School Student Council? With the support of our nurse, Courtney Kozloski, the Student Council is off to a great start! Their first action was a Food Drive for Manna Food Bank. They exceeded expectations and Nurse Courtney needed help and a truck to bring all the donations to Manna! On Friday, the High School Habitat for Humanity club supported their first Blood Drive of the year. The blood drives are another way our community can help meet a critical need while also raising funds to support the Student Habitat Home Build. These are just a couple examples of how Franklin helps students contribute to their community and experience the power of making the world a better place.
The Middle School Student Council is hosting a Holiday Hot Cocoa Bar on December 6 and 13 before school. Please see the attached newsletter for more information about the student council. Thank you Nurse Courtney and Habitat Club faculty sponsor Mary Smith for going above and beyond!
A few important calendar updates and reminders:
Tuesday, December 19 is an early release day. This was not noted on our school calendar and we apologize for any inconvenience. The early release allows teachers to have time to complete grading before a much-needed winter break! We will follow a Wednesday schedule – middle school will be released at 12:45 and high school students will be released at 1:00. We will provide Beyond the Bell after school program until 4:00 pm. For Beyond the Bell parents, please remember that Beyond the Bell will NOT be available on Dec 13. We are hosting our annual Holiday Staff Appreciation party on Dec 13 and we want all staff to be able to attend. Please see the note under Parent Crew News about how you can contribute to the Holiday Staff Appreciation Fund!
- Wed, Dec 13: No Beyond the Bell program – please pick up students at dismissal
- Tues, Dec 19: Early Release (12:45/1:00) – Beyond the Bell program till 4 pm
- Wed, Dec 20 – Wed, Jan 3: Winter Break – no school. Teachers return for a work day on Jan 3.
Creating a Culture of Kindness Family Resources:
As promised, I’m keeping the links to lessons on kindness and respect here and I encourage all families to talk with your students about how they contribute to a culture of kindness in our school. It’s one of the most important ways you can support our teachers and our staff. Use these resources to help define what respect looks like in your home. Creating a culture of kindness starts with each of us!
Thank you for choosing Franklin and creating a great school together
Calendar Events
Tues, Dec 5
- 4:00 pm: MS (V) Basketball at Carolina Day
- 6:00 pm: HS Basketball at Mt Pisgah Academy
Fri, Dec 8
- 6:00 pm: Modern Orchestra Holiday Concert (middle and high school)
Sat, Dec 9
- 4:00 – 8:00 pm: Chipotle Dine Out for Franklin Event at the Brevard Road location. You must mention the fundraiser before you pay – funds will support Staff Appreciation and Parent Crew events
Plan Ahead!
- Wed, Dec 13 – No Beyond the Bell
- Tues, Dec 19: Early Release (BtB from 1 – 4 pm only)
Keep up with all our events!
FSI Yearlong Academic Calendar
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Bolts Athletic News
The HS boys basketball earned their first win of the young season defeating Shining Rock 52-26! The leading scorer was Tyler Pruitt and a great job on the boards by Shemar Wilson, Gabe Kirsch and Cooper Bragdon. Zane Chamlee led the team in steals. The Bolts return to action on Tuesday at Mount Pisgah at 6:00pm; Middle School (V) plays Tuesday at 4 pm at Carolina Day.
Parent Crew News
Happy Holidays!
The FSI Parent Crew is excited to help celebrate and show appreciation to the hardworking Teachers and Staff of The Franklin School of Innovation this holiday season.
While Giving Tuesday was about raising much needed funds to support FSI’s outstanding programming and commitment to all students, the Holiday Fundraiser is about directly thanking the teachers and staff as the year comes to a close.
With the funds raised we plan to provide each of the 94 full time staff members with a holiday bonus, our goal being a $100 gift to each staff member. In addition we will provide each staff member with a holiday gift bag full of goodies such as hand lotion, hot chocolate, and tea. Any additional funds raised will help support the Staff Holiday Party!
We understand that families have different financial situations and that every family may not be able to give at this time. We ask that you give any amount that is comfortable for your family, every gift counts towards our goal of showing appreciation to the teachers and staff.
Thank you for being a part of the FSI community! Click on the link below to donate:
https://franklinschoolofinnovation.networkforgood.com/projects/213472-holiday-giving-pool-2023
FSI Parent Crew
The Chipotle Dine Out for Franklin Event is on Saturday, December 9 from 4 pm-8 pm at the Brevard Road location. If you order you must mention the fundraiser before you pay. Funds collected will be used towards staff appreciation and parent crew events. Hope to see you there!
Virtual Parent Education Opportunity
Sharing this free parenting resource – register to receive one interview/day (watch on your own time within 48 hours) from experts including Kriya Lendzion “Thriving with Teens” – not just for moms! https://www.thrivingwithteens.com/?utm_source=kriyalendzion&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=kriyalendzion&aff=21
Student Y-PAR Project Spotlight
One of the more unique high school electives classes available this year is Y-PAR. This elective is all about empowering students to create change. We’re pleased to spotlight another Y-PAR project:
My name is Greer Sullins and I am a student here at Franklin. I am doing a project for one of my classes named Y-PAR. Y-PAR is a new elective our school is offering. It stands for Youth Led Participatory Action Research. In this class we are choosing a community that we are a part of and focusing on a problem within it, and what realistic solutions we can be a part of. My project is to make our school more neurodivergent-friendly so that neurodivergent students have one less challenge to face every day. Part of my project is getting more resources for neurodivergent high schoolers here at Franklin. I have a fundraiser with the link down below if you are interested in helping me achieve this.
The items I am fundraising for will be accessible to all high school students, whether or not you have accommodations or an I.E.P. The reason for this is that not everyone has the resources they need to get the I.E.P and/or accommodations they need. Many factors play into this. One is access to financial and medical support in your area.
Some of the things I am fundraising for are noise-canceling headphones so that students with noise sensitivities can participate in assemblies and, therefore, be more active in Franklin’s community. Others include weighted blankets and fidget toys to help students self-regulate.
One of the reasons I started my project is because, as a neurodivergent student, school is one of the most challenging things for me and has been for a long time. It has always been one of my biggest stressors ever since I was little. I know this is not an uncommon experience for neurodivergent people.
I hope that through my project I am able to make school a little less difficult for other people like me. I offer this as a way to help make a difference in our school and help make it more neurodivergent-friendly. Here is the link to the fundraiser.
Thank you for your support.
Reminders
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 best prices:
Current sale: $50 until Nov. 10
Next Sale: $55 from Nov. 11- Jan. 26th
Final Sale: $60 from Jan. 27-May 26th
And here is the link:
Pizza Days
Our pizza sales have changed this year. Pizza Fridays are a fundraiser for our athletic program. Due to scheduling issues, pizza sales are only on “B” days (based on the high school schedule). For the rest of this calendar year – we will have Pizza Fridays on the following dates:
- Dec 15
Student Clubs – Get Involved!
Middle School Student Council
Middle School Student Council Updates!
- Next Meeting: 12/05/23 from 3:30pm-4:30pm. All are welcome!
- Upcoming Fundraiser: The student council will be hosting a Holiday Hot Cocoa Bar on December 1st, 6th, and 13th before school. Prices range from $2-$4!
- Save the date: Join student council on 12/12 @ 4:30 to cheer on middle school basketball together. Make posters and have snacks with Nurse Courtney until game time!
- The student council will be hosting a spirit week to get us excited for the holiday break! Dates are 12/11-12/15. Themes will be announced on 12/6!
Faculty Advisor: Nurse Courtne, ckozloski@thefsi.us
Meets: Thursdays as announced in the newsletter
Clubs open to all grades
New! Skate Club: Come meet other skaters, learn new tricks, and share your love of this growing sport! Thursdays, 3:30 – 4:30 pm, in room 161. Students must bring their own skateboards. Helmets and shoes are required, other safety gear is encouraged.
Faculty advisors: Mr. Abbot and Mr. Stahlke.
Skate Club meets: Thursdays, 3:30 – 4:30 pm, room 161
Math Club – 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–not to mention, our snack pantries are always full. Students also get the opportunity to participate in local, regional, and national math competitions.
Faculty Advisor: Teshale Byan – tbyan@thefsi.us
Math Club meets: Tuesdays from 3:30 – 5:00 PM room #224.
Outdoor Club – The outdoor club learns and practices outdoor skills for camping, hiking, fishing and exploring. We meet after school to plan trips and practice skills, and head out about one weekend a month for adventures.
Faculty Advisors: JP Bowers, Donnie Stahlke – jpotter-bowers@thefsi.us , Dstahlke@thefsi.us
Outdoor Club meets: Tuesdays from 3:45 – 4:45 PM, Adventure Ed – room 272 Started 8/29
Science Olympiad – Do you geek out on all things science? Are you a competitive person who wants a medal hanging around your neck to prove science prowess? This is a science competition against other area schools, with a potential to move on to state and national levels! We are still looking for more team members! It’s not too late to join.
Faculty Advisor: Jessica Bragdon, jbragdon@thefsi.us if you have any questions.
Meeting Information: Room 272 afterschool every Friday until 4:15.
Girls Who Code – Girls Who Code is on a mission to close the gender gap in technology and to change the image of what a programmer looks like and does. We work on personal coding projects and learn skills together.
Faculty Advisors: Jessica Fine and Brittany Davenport, jfine@thefsi.us, bdavenport@thefsi.us
Meeting Information: Every other Monday in room 163 3:15 – 4:15 pm Starts 9/11
Mountain Biking – Grades 6 -12 – Members learn mountain biking skills and gain community among others who also enjoy this sport! Contact the advisor for more information.
Advisor: Bevin McGahey, bevinmcgahey@gmail.com
Meeting Information: Practices start in November and compete mostly in the spring.
Chess Club – All levels and grades are welcome! Looking for a great way to strengthen your focus and elevate your creativity? Join the Chess Club! We meet once a week to learn the finer points of the game, and to practice strategy and concentration. Club members have the opportunity to participate in a variety of local tournaments. Cost for this club is $50 a semester.
Advisor: Bruce Roth, brucerothchess@gmail.com
Meeting Information: We meet Tuesdays 4:00- 5:00 pm Starts Sept 12th
Film Club – This allows students to grow confidence in their ideas while facing an audience, feeling comfortable in their own skin and to showcase art without fear of backlash or bigotry.
Student Advisor: Michaela Mamone-Peeples michaelamamone-peeples@thefsi.us
Meeting Information: Held in Ms. Julia Adam’s room every other Thursday 345 – 445 pm starting 8/31
Middle School Clubs
MS Creative Writing Club – Are you a fan of writing, reading and sharing books you love with others? Then the MS Creative Writing Club is the place for you! Students are challenged weekly with new ideas to help enhance and support their love of writing. Using prompts, journalling and group collaboration, students will have the opportunity to write for poetry and prose competitions, individual work or collaborative pieces for classes. Bring your journal and join the fun! KOTLC fans will find that there are often discussions about the awesomeness of Shannon Messenger’s book series during club time!
Faculty Advisor: Ashley O’Dell, aodell@thefsi.us
Meeting Information: Starts September 8th – Meets alternating Mondays and Fridays
MS Drama Club – Are you interested in theatre? Do you love to act? Do you want a way to get to know other students while having a lot of fun with drama? Well, Drama Club may be the club for you!
Faculty Advisor: Elizabeth Lexa, elexa@thefsi.us
Meeting Information: Starts Sept 19th – Oct. 24th Meets Tuesdays 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Middle School Gay-Straight Alliance (MS GSA) (gender and sexuality alliance) –
We welcome everyone and work to empower LGBTQ+ lives.
Faculty Advisors: Ms. Wallace and Riddle at zwallace@thefsi.us or rriddle@thefsi.us
Meeting Information: Middle School GSA begins meeting Wednesday 8/30 during lunch room 142 – Meets Wednesdays 11:15-11:55 room 142
Robotics Team – The robotics team is for students in grades 5-8. Students will compete in a competition to showcase their robotics and problem solving skills.
Faculty Advisor: Brittany Davenport, bdavenport@thefsi.us
Meeting Information: Thursdays 3:20-4:30 in room 163 (Interest meeting Thursday, 8/31 at 3:25 – 4:15 pm)
High School Clubs
New! Banned Books Club: Open to all high schoolers and staff – the club will meet Wednesdays at 1:05 in Dr. Hawkins room. Come discuss your favorite banned books!
TEDxYouth @FSI – TEDxYouth is an opportunity for students to truly be leaders in their own learning. From selecting the theme to finding speakers and running the actual event, this is a youth-led event through and through.
Faculty Advisor: Lora Hawkins, lhawkins@thefsi.us
Meeting Information: Meets monthly until January, and then we meet weekly (or a bit more often) until the conference in March. Room 269. Starts end of Q1, auditions in November
High School Genders and Sexualities Alliances (HS GSA) – This student-run club, supported by faculty members, meets weekly. The club’s purpose is to provide a safe space for students to discuss LGBTQ+ issues, both personally and within the larger societal context. In addition, students will have a space to educate and advocate to their wider community.
Faculty Advisor: Mary Kinsey Hyche at mkhyche@thefsi.us
High School Drama Club (High Boltage Theatre) – In this club we work on a theatre production! You will either be either on stage or backstage, and it is such a unique opportunity to be creative, build strong friendships, and develop new skills all while having big fun. This year, we plan to perform our fall and spring plays in the theatre at Warren Wilson. We’ll get to be on a real stage and work with some college theatre tech students! In addition to the two full length productions, we are plotting a couple of other fun projects/activities. You don’t need experience to get involved!
Faculty Advisor: Julie Wharton, Jwharton@thefsi.us
HS Drama Club meets: meets two days a week during rehearsals – dates TBD by members – generally Mon, Tues, or Thurs from 3:45 – 6:45.
Habitat for Humanity Leadership – This club fundraises to support a Habitat for Humanity Student build. 5 area high schools sponsor and build a Habitat House every other year.
Faculty Advisor: Mary Smith, msmith@thefsi.us
Meeting Information: Likely Room 226, Tuesdays at lunch starting in September
Arts Quarterly – The Arts Quarterly is open to high school students wanting to make a zine style publication that is published quarterly, all grade level work is considered. The Zine will feature upcoming events throughout the quarter and exceptional student art and writing work.
Faculty Advisor: Micah Usher, musher@thefsi.us
Meeting Information: Once a week for a month before each quarter or as needed, room 144
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
