This is How We Crew It FSI Fundraising Campaign
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Good morning Franklin families,
It’s been awhile since I’ve written about school funding in North Carolina. It’s one of my favorite/least favorite topics and one that is on my mind all the time, especially this time of year as we carry the double duty of keeping all the balls in the air this year while looking ahead to next year.
Here is the single most important thing that every parent and every employer in North Carolina should know. Our state – a relatively affluent state – is DEAD LAST in public school funding. Yes. We have fallen to 50 out of 50. Teacher pay is only slightly higher, at 48 out of 50. Once a leader in the south North Carolina has fallen behind every other state. While there are many reasons for our decline, the factor that dropped us even farther this year is that we don’t have a state budget. North Carolina hasn’t passed a comprehensive state budget since September of 2023.
The failure to pass a state budget means that schools are funded at last year’s rate or actually just slightly below it. Although we’ve passed along small salary increases to our staff, we received no increase in funding to offset inflation or rising salaries. This comes in the wake of Hurricane Helene, its lingering effects on our students and our staff, and alongside a 10% reduction in funding from the County.
North Carolina’s constitution grants students the right to a sound basic education, yet our average spending per student is about $6,000 below the national average. In our school alone that $6,000 would equal $4.5 million in “extra” funding. Do you have any idea what we could do with $4.5 million? Just for fun – here’s one idea. We could give every single staff member a 35% raise AND STILL have enough money left to build two new music classrooms. We don’t even have to hit the top of national funding to make an extraordinary difference in our public schools.
Bear with me for a short history lesson. North Carolina has a long running lawsuit, called the Leandro case:
- In 1994, 5 school districts sued the state over inadequate funding
- The NC Supreme Court ruled twice (1997 and 2004) that the state has a constitutional obligation to provide a sound education for all children
- In 2019, an outside study was conducted that found that the state significantly underfunds public education.
- In 2022, the Supreme Court heard the case for a 4th time and again affirmed that the state is not meeting its obligations.
- In 2024, under a new Supreme Court (5 Republicans, 2 Democrats) the case was reopened and remains at a standstill.
This case has been running for decades. During this time North Carolina has dropped farther and farther behind in school funding.
Call to Action
It’s time for our elected officials to do their jobs and pass a budget that fully funds our public schools. Let’s make our voices heard! It does matter. Our local elected officials are on record voting for better school funding, so we need to go to the top. Call or email with one simple message: Pass a budget that fully funds the Leandro remediation plan.
House Speaker Destin Hall
Phone:919-733-3451
Email: Destin.Hall@ncleg.gov
Senate President: Phil Berger
Phone: (919) 733-5708
Email: Phil.Berger@ncleg.gov
Meanwhile, despite absurdly low funding, our teachers and our students are doing some great things! Just in the past two weeks I’ve had the pleasure of watching our students own the stage in our annual TedX presentation and in the middle school play. Bravo to all our brilliant speakers and actors and stage techs! Several grades are “on expedition”, digging into important topics like climate change, youth mental health, and the age-old question of what to do with your life. Our student athletes are pursuing leadership and collaboration on the court and the field.
Tuesday – another way to take action! Due to a critical shortage of all blood types at this time, The Blood Connection will be offering all donors $60 in gift card incentives instead of the usual $30. Also, blood types O +/- and B – will receive $110 in total rewards. These increased incentives will be available at our drive this Tuesday, 2/24 at the Franklin School of Innovation. In ADDITION, our school will receive a $500 grant if we collect 30 units of blood!Students age 16 and up can donate – all parents and community members are invited to participate as well! Please help us by scheduling an appointment today at the following link: https://donate.thebloodconnection.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/295088
As always, thank you for choosing Franklin and for partnering with us to prepare students for the futures they create. Let’s take action for some funding to make this work just a little bit easier!
Upcoming Events
It’s Middle School Spirit Week! Have some fun with your fashion!
Monday, Feb 23
- MS Spirit Theme: Dress Like Your Favorite Snack
- 5:00 pm: HS Basketball Tournament Game @ IC Imagine
Tuesday, Feb 24
- MS Spirit Theme: Wear school colors or Bolts gear
- 9:30 am – 2:30 pm: Blood Drive
- 3:15 – 4:15: MS Student Council Tailgate Party (free)
- 4:15 – 5:00 pm: MS Basketball (JV) vs. Evergreen @ FSI
- 5:00 – 6:00 pm: MS Basketball (V) vs. Evergreen @ FSI
Wednesday, Feb 25
- MS Spirit Week Theme: Anything But a Backpack
Thursday, Feb 26
- MS Spirit Week Theme: Nowhere to Wear It
- 11th Grade ACT (students may be dismissed after the exam)
- 10th Grade – Remote Learning (to accommodate the ACT)
Friday, Feb 27
- MS Spirit Week Theme: Dress Like Mr. Stahlke Day
Saturday, Feb 28
- 10:00 am: Info Session for Prospective Families
- 6:00 – 7:30 pm: MS Franklin Flurries Dance
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 (changes will be made following Wednesday Board meeting)
Bolts Athletics
Middle school JV and Varsity basketball teams both were victorious last week!
JV defeated Mountain Community School and Varsity defeated Evergreen.
Both teams wrap up their seasons with a double header at home on Tuesday versus Evergreen.
High school basketball traveled to Bethel Christian for the first round of the BRAC Tournament. The Bolts came up short, but had one of their highest scoring games of the season and were led by N. Sitton, M. Romano and S. Shields.
The team will move onto the CAASC State Tournament and travel to IC Imagine on Monday for the second round of the tournament. The Bolts advanced due to a forfeit. Game time on Monday is 5:00pm.
Congratulations to C. Bragdon for being selected to the BRAC All-Conference Team and N. Sitton for being selected to the BRAC All-Tournament Team!
HS Ultimate- There will be an interest meeting on Wednesday, February 25th at 10:30am in Coach Chad’s room.
MS Soccer (mixed gender) will kick off the week of March 16th. Stay tuned for an interest meeting and more information.
Annual Staff vs Students Basketball Games
Thursday, March 5th
MS game at 4:00pm
HS game at 5:15pm
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
Thank you Parent Crew for an amazing week of support! Thanks to everyone who helped with the Wellness Wednesday lunch or helped with the Middle School Play and all who attended our Parent Crew meeting. You make a difference in our school!
Breakfast & Lunch Menus
You can find our menus online: https://www.franklinschoolofinnovation.org/parents/nutrition/
Franklin Flurries Dance Saturday Feb 28
The Franklin Flurries middle school dance is this Saturday, Feb 28th from 6:00-7:30pm. Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door. Tickets will be sold during lunch Feb 23-27 (cash or check payable to FSI). Drinks, snacks, and pizza will be available for purchase (cash only). We are still in need of volunteers and snack/drink donations. Sign up here if you can help. Thank you!!
Questions? Contact Gretchen Kehrberg, gkehrberg@thefsi.us.
FSI Blood Drive Tuesday, Feb 24 – Fill a Critical Need
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 $60 TBC Rewards instead of the usual $30. Also, blood types O +/- and B – will receive $110 in total 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/
It’s Time to Re-Enroll
We are planning ahead 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.
Social Emotional Learning Opportunity
Sacred Circle for Youth: All Gender Edition is an interactive and educational program for neurodiverse and highly sensitive youth aged 11-14. Devoted to fostering nervous system awareness, emotional resiliency, social connection, and kinship with their inner selves, participants will leave feeling seen, resourced, and confident in navigating their early teen years. Begins March 21. Early bird pricing through March 2! This is not a school affiliated or sponsored event – we’re just passing the word along for all interested families.
Student Club News
Middle School Student Council
MS Student Council Tailgate party this Tuesday, Feb 24: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!
This week is also MS Spirit Week and we’ve got some great dress up days planned!
- 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
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
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!
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
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.
