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,
We made it through a full week of school! I think that’s our first 5-day week since mid-December? We packed a lot into the week as well, with basketball games, TedX Youth, and a great info Session for our rising 9th grade students and families. The calendar will continue to be busy as we make up for missed time. Remember that we are taking a planned pause tomorrow. We know many people had plans for a long weekend and we have the time in our calendar to honor a day off.
We are officially a month away from our EL Education credentialing site visit and I know we’re all starting to feel a healthy level of stress! We want our visitors to see what we know and love about our students, our teachers, our families and our community. Between now and the visit we’ll just continue digging into our work plan for the year, supporting teachers and students to collaborate toward great learning and growth. As we all work on getting back into a rhythm, there are ways parents can contribute to incredible student learning. You play a big role and we need your help!
- Get your students to school every day! Unless they are sick or have an important appointment, students need to be in school. Every absence – excused or not – leads to a loss of learning and has an impact on the broader school culture. It’s hard to collaborate with a group if lots of students are absent. We are seeking an increase in absences again. We understand that all the weather disruptions can make it hard to build a consistent habit of attendance. Please reach out to a Crew leader or counselor if we can help in any way!
- Create opportunities for learning at home. Family life is busy. Do your best to create a routine that includes time for reading, homework, healthy meals, and good sleep.
- Be aware and involved in your student’s screen life. Create designated “no screens” times at home (and put yours away as well). Make sure phones and other screens are away and out of bedrooms overnight. Use tools to restrict access to sites that are unsafe for teens. And most importantly – have real conversations about what they are doing online.
We have a school filled with amazing kids, which means we have lots of amazing parents. Keep on doing the hard and rewarding work!
A quick reminder about the changes to our calendar. On Wednesday night, the Board approved our proposed changes and we’ve updated our academic calendar and the community calendar (linked every week in this newsletter). Here’s a summary of the important changes:
- Monday Feb 16 will still be a day off for our staff and students. We know people may have made plans around the potential 4-day weekend.
- March 12 and 13 will be regular school days. These were scheduled as a teacher work day for the end of Q3 and a weather make-up day.
- March 17 and 18 is our EL Education site visit – these are normal Tuesday and Wednesday schedules for our students. We look forward to welcoming the EL Education team to visit our school and meet our community!
- Student Led Conferences and the Senior Last Word presentations will be held March 25 as scheduled. Students attend only for their scheduled SLC or presentation. 8th and 10th grade students will be remote on this day.
- March 26 will be the last day of Q3.
- March 27 will be a teacher work day to finalize grades.
- 8th & 10th Grade Passages will be held April 1 as scheduled. Students in grades 8 and 10 will attend for their scheduled presentations; all other students will be remote this day to allow for these important presentations to occur.
Speaking of calendars, we’re working on next year’s academic calendar. While we don’t follow either Buncombe County or Asheville City School calendars exactly, we do try to coordinate for breaks to allow families to plan time together. Unfortunately, the two districts scheduled different spring breaks for next year. We’ve reached out to see if they would consider a common time in the interest of the many families and staff members who have students enrolled in different schools. No promises – but at least we asked. We expect the beginning and ending of the school year to be very similar to this year’s and will have the calendar ready by mid-March.
Finally, we have lots of volunteer opportunities this week! There is a free dental clinic this Friday 02/20 from 9am-3pm. Volunteers are needed to help this run smoothly! If you can volunteer for a two hour time block, that would be so helpful! We need two volunteers for each time segment.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0944AAAF2BA0FFCF8-62371766-dental
We also have volunteer opportunities posted under the Parent Crew. Thanks to our wonderful parent volunteers who help out in so many ways!
As always, thank you for choosing Franklin and for partnering with us to prepare students for the futures they create.
Upcoming Events
Monday, Feb 16 – No School! Enjoy the warmer weather
- 4:30 pm: HS Basketball @ Bethel Christian (1st round of BRAC)
Tuesday, Feb 17
- 4:00 – 5:30 pm: HS Girls Soccer Tryouts
- 4:15 – 5:00 pm: MS Basketball (JV) vs. Mountain Community @ FSI
- 5:00 – 6:00 pm: MS Basketball (V) vs. Evergreen @ FSI
Wednesday, Feb 18
- 5:30 pm: Charter School Community Forum @ Wesley Grant Center – information from area charter schools for prospective families
Friday, Feb 20
- Dental Clinic @ FSI
- 6:00 – 8:00 pm: MS Drama Club presents “The Post Office” @ Wesley Grant Center. Tickets $10 at the door or online: Post Office Tickets
Saturday, Feb 21
- 2:00 – 4:00 pm: MS Drama Club presents “The Post Office” @ Wesley Grant Center. Tickets $10 at the door or online: Post Office Tickets
Mark Your Calendars!
Sat, Feb 28
- 6:00 – 7:30 pm: Middle School Franklin Flurries Dance (rescheduled)
Keep up with all our school events!
FSI Community Calendar – add our events to your google calendar
2025-2026 Yearlong Calendar – year at a glance – UPDATED
Bolts Athletics
MS JV Basketball went 2-0 on the week defeating Rainbow and Odyssey. The team continues to improve as they play hard, play together and with enthusiasm.
The Bolts were led by M. Ward, M. Carter, R. Martin, and E. Hutton. Well done, Bolts!
HS Girls Soccer Try-Out Information
Tuesday, February 17 4:00-5:30pm
Wednesday, February 18 1:00-2:30pm
Thursday, February 19 4:00-5:30pm
*All required paperwork must be submitted to try out.
Please contact Coach Ryan with any questions – jryan@thefsi.us
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
Staff Soup, Chili and Stew Lunch
The Parent Crew is organizing a staff soup, chili, and stew lunch for February 18-Wednesday. This is part of a Staff Wellness Day – including onsite chair massages, the Parent Crew Lunch, and a free afternoon for staff to use as they need! We would love your help in showing the FSI staff just how much we appreciate them. Sign up and read all the details about when/where in the link below.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090848A5AA22ABFF2-61658457-soup
The Middle School play, The Post Office, is taking place at the Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center at 285 Livingston Street Asheville, NC 28801, on Friday, February 20, and Saturday, February 21. Parent Crew is seeking assistance to help bring this performance to life!
How You Can Help
- Transportation Needed: On Wednesday, February 18, we particularly need individuals with large vehicles to transport items between the school and the Southside Grant Center, and back to the school on Saturday, February 21.
- Support During Rehearsals and Shows: Additional help is needed during rehearsals and performances, including signing in and out of student performers, directing the audience to their seats, and handling ticket sales.
Any assistance you can offer to support our fantastic Theater program would be greatly appreciated! Please use the link to sign up:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090848A5AA22ABFF2-61973221-msplay
Breakfast & Lunch Menus
You can find our menus online: https://www.franklinschoolofinnovation.org/parents/nutrition/
Middle School Drama Club Performance
The FSI Middle School Drama Club will present The Post Office by Melissa Leiani Larson on Friday February 20th at 6:00 PM and Saturday February 21st at 2:00 PM. General admission tickets are $10.00 and can be purchased at Post Office Tickets or at the door. The play will be performed at the Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center located at 285 Livingston St, Asheville, NC 28801.
Re-Enrollment Has Begun!
It is time to begin planning for the 2026-2027 School Year. To ensure we have accurate numbers for staffing and classroom resources, we ask that all families complete the Intent to Return form.
Please take a moment to let us know your plans for next year by clicking the link below:
2026-2027 Intent to Return Form. All families must complete
- Deadline: Please submit your response by Monday, March 23rd.
- Why this matters: Your early response allows us to secure your child’s seat and helps us finalize our enrollment numbers and how many seats we have available for new applicants.
- Change of plans? If you are undecided or your family is moving, please still complete the form so we can support your transition.
We are so grateful to have your family as part of our community and hope to see your student back in our classrooms this fall! Questions? Email Erinn Otten, eotten@thefsi.us. Please include your student’s name in the subject line. Erinn receives a LOT of emails!
Lost & Found – Claim Your Items by Feb 25
It’s time again for the lost and found email. Our lost and found is full again so it’s time to donate. We will be donating on the 25th of this month. Please have your children check not only the lost and found in the lobby but the lost and found in their classrooms.
Make Your Voices Heard! Let’s Get Some Sidewalks!
Buncombe County is looking at ways to make walking easier and safer in unincorporated parts of the County. Did you see that the County Commissioners just approved $2 million for sidewalks in Swannanoa! That’s great news – and there are lots of communities that need this kind of investment! Imagine how cool it would be if our students could safely walk to the library just down the road? Community meetings are being scheduled, but you can complete the survey today.
- Online Surveyhttps://app.maptionnaire.com/q/buncombe-county-ped-plan
- Website updates: https://engage.buncombecounty.org/pedestrianplan
Get Ready to Dance – it’s Flurries Time!
RESCHEDULED – Franklin Flurries – Now Feb 28th
Literal flurries have gotten in the way of Franklin Flurries! The annual Franklin Flurries middle school dance has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 28th. Same time, 6:00-7:30pm. Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door and will be sold Feb 23-27 during lunch (cash or check made out to FSI). Drinks, snacks, and pizza will be available for purchase at the dance (cash only).
Questions? Contact Gretchen Kehrberg, gkehrberg@thefsi.us.
FSI Blood Drive Rescheduled – Tuesday, Feb 24
Our Blood Drive has been rescheduled to Tuesday, Feb 24, from 9:30 am – 2:30 pm. We fell a little short of our goal last time so we really want to reach 30 donors this time! It’s a win-win-win. If we get 30 donors, the school receives a grant of $500. We pass this donation along to Habitat for Humanity as part of the Student Home Build. Our students need to raise a little over $7,000 for every build – so these grants matter!
Individual donors also receive $30 TBC Rewards.
Students age 16 and up can donate. Students ages 16 and 17 must have parent consent.
- Schedule your appointment!: https://donate.thebloodconnection.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/295088
- Parent Consent Forms: https://epcf.thebloodconnection.org/
- Health Questionnaire: https://thebloodconnection.org/complete-your-health-history-questionnaire-online/
High School Summer Opportunities
Have you made plans for the summer? Students and families are beginning to consider the options. Here are some links to some pre-college programs in our area. You can use the Teen Life site to search for summer opportunities across the country and beyond.
UNC-Chapel Hill Project Uplift
Student Club News
Middle School Student Council Executive Committee this Wednesday
Next full MS Student Council Event is Tuesday, Feb 24 – we’re tailgating for MS basketball double-header! Stay after school and cheer on our teams! We will be selling temporary Bolt tattoos and face-paint during MS lunch so bring some $$ and get ready to roar!
Next week is also MS Spirit Week and we’ve got some great dress up days planned! You’ll need some extra time to prepare your outfits for these fun theme days:
- Monday, Feb 23: Dress Like Your Favorite Snack!
- Tuesday, Feb 24: School Spirit – Dress in school colors or your favorite FSI gear
- Wednesday, Feb 25: Anything but a Backpack Day
- Thursday, Feb 26: Nowhere to Wear It – Got something in your closet that you never have the chance to wear? We’ve got you covered!
- Friday, Feb 27: Dress Like Mr. Stahlke Day
General Club Information
You can find more information about clubs on our website, or contact Ron Scott, rscott@thefsi.us. We’ve got some new and returning clubs coming up!
Reminders
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!
Open Enrollment – Help Us Serve Our Community!
How to help us keep growing our community!
- SHARE our social media posts. It’s great to like them – but sharing them really expands our reach! If you add a simple personal message (check out what my kid’s school is doing!) – it’s even more powerful
- Talk with friends, coworkers, colleagues about the positive experiences your student is having at FSI
- Invite people to attend our Info Sessions and Tours – information is available on our website
We have room to grow especially in 5th grade and our upper grades (11 – 12).
Open Enrollment Reminders
If you are new to FSI, or maybe just need a reminder, please review how this works. It can be confusing.
- All current FSI students have a guaranteed spot for next year. Do not re-apply through Open Enrollment and the lottery. You will complete a separate re-enrollment process – coming in February.
- All new students – including siblings – must apply through Open Enrollment. Open Enrollment runs from January 1 – March 31, 2025. Applications are online. Just go to our website and click the link. If you plan to enroll a sibling for next year make sure to check the box. Siblings get priority for enrollment.
- Help us grow! If you have friends or family members with students in grades 5 – 12, make sure they know about Open Enrollment. We would love to fill every slot with great students and families! The link to apply is right at the top of our website: https://www.franklinschoolofinnovation.org/
Prom Dress Exchange March 6 – 8
Do you have a prom dress, suit or tux to pass along? Looking for something new for our prom? Maybe you have some sewing skills to help create a magical night for a local teen? Prom Dress Exchange 3/6-8 at Groce UMC.
This is a free 3 day event for anyone who needs free formal/semi formal wear, woman’s business wear/suits,
- Men’s suits, tuxedos – for prom, weddings, spring dances, etc.
- Free shoes, accessories, jewelry – sizes 00-4XL.
- Thousands of choices – all free!
Donations, Volunteers and Sewists needed.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0844ACAB2DA0F85-61406288-theprom#/
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
NCSSM Summer Accelerator Camp – Apply Now!
Applications for North Carolina School of Science and Math Summer Accelerator are officially open.!! Camps are offered at both the Morganton and Durham campuses as well as online courses in June and July. Financial assistance is available if students register prior to the end of February.
NCSSM offers a residential program and an online program for rising 7th – 12th graders. The list of courses and registration link can be found at https://www.ncssm.edu/summer/summer-accelerator.
Girls Who Code Free Summer Learning Program
We’re passing along this opportunity from the nonprofit group Girls Who Code:
Pathways is a free, virtual program that empowers high school girls and non-binary students of all experience levels — including rising 9th graders, graduating seniors, and returning participants — to explore AI, Game Design, Cybersecurity, and more, while learning how to build tech for good. The program is entirely flexible in how participants choose to learn and requires no prior coding experience. Students complete courses at their own pace over seven weeks, from June 29 to August 14.
Beyond coding, students gain real-world insights through Partner Events with leading tech organizations, connect with peers through Girls Who Code’s private Discord community, and join optional Student Hours for live support. Participants earn a certificate for each completed course and join Girls Who Code’s lifelong alumni network, gaining access to mentorship, internships, and career opportunities in tech.
Students can apply by February 25th for priority consideration. The application closes on April 10th.
Music T-Shirts & Hoodies Now Available!
Our Modern Orchestra and Choir shirts are now available for purchase using the links below. This year we have three options of shirts, T-shirts, long sleeve shirts, and hoodies. There is also an option to get something printed on the back like a nickname, last name, etc. You can place orders up until 1/31/26. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
- Modern Orchestra- https://www.imagemarket.com/b34hdf8a
- Choir- https://www.imagemarket.com/bb8f7hc5
High School Europe Adventure
Calling all travelers! The high school Europe trip is currently being organized – Contact Deeana at dbennett@thefsi.us if you are a rising 9th or above (parent) and interested in your student joining the trip to Switzerland, Italy, France and Spain!
- 13 days traveling in Europe
- Travel from the Alps to the Mediterranean Coast!
- Zurich, Switzerland and from there travel to Lake Lucerne, Lake Cuomo, Cinque Terre, Monaco, Avignon, Provence, Barcelona, and finally Madrid.
Order Your Yearbooks & Ads
The 2025-2026 Yearbooks are on sale! They are currently $55 until November 15th. They will go up to $55 after Nov. 15th. 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…
Free & Reduced Lunch
Did you know that Franklin participates in the federal school lunch program? We are so pleased to provide this service for our families. You can sign up here: Free and reduced lunch application. Families can sign up at any time during the school year.
Beyond the Bell (BTB) Before & After School Program
Before School: 7:15 am-7:45 am: Mon-Fri
After School: 3:15 pm-6:00 pm: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, and 1:00-6:00 pm Wednesdays
This is a fee-based program. Financial aid is available for qualifying households, upon completion of application. More information is available on our website. https://www.franklinschoolofinnovation.org/parents/beyond-the-bell-btb/ Contact Ron Scott, rscott@thefsi.us, for more information.
Please note that afterschool clubs also run through Beyond the Bell.
