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Donate to FSI Hurricane Recovery Fund
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is,
‘What are you doing for others?”
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr
Good morning Franklin families,
How is everyone doing this morning? This week brings us an inauguration, the coldest weather in years, and news of local budget cuts for education. I ended Friday with word of the budget cuts. I estimate that it will cost us around $100,000, give or take a bit, in lost revenue. We’ll figure it out but it’s a lousy way to end a week.
So – I’m just going to keep reminding everyone that we have expanded our mental health services. We are thrilled to offer services to our staff, students, and families. If this year is more than you can handle on your own, help is available. Individual, in person or remote, and group counseling services are available through our partnerships with MAHEC and Winter to Spring Wellness. Seeking help is a sign of strength and resiliency. Reach out to our school counselors, Jennifer Rae Negron (jrnegron@thefsi.us ) or Mary Kinsey Hyche (mkhyche@thefsi.us ) to learn more.
Tomorrow is Martin Luther King Jr Day, a day of strength and resilience and a tribute to a visionary leader whose unfulfilled dreams still inspire us. There is no school tomorrow. Here are a few ways you can remember and honor his legacy this weekend:
- Sunday: The MLK Jr. Association will host a candlelight Service at Trinity Episcopal Church with keynote speaker Mayor Preston Blakely (Mayor of Fletcher, NC).
- Monday: There will be a peace march beginning at 12:30pm from St. James A.M.E. to Pack Square, with a Rally in Pack Square at 1pm. Learn more at mlkasheville.org/
- Also Monday: You can join Hood Huggers at The Peace Garden from 11am to 2pm, they are hosting a day of service to help small businesses bounce back from Helene.
- Also Monday, 11am-4pm: Join Asheville Parks & Rec in partnership with Riverlink and Hood Huggers to beautify the Burton Street Community, starting at the Burton Street Rec Center.
- Before volunteering and joining the peace march on Monday there is an MLK Unity Breakfast beginning at 8:15 am with keynote speaker DeShannon Bynum Dixon. Celebrate his vision, reflect on his legacy, and recognize those who embody his commitment to unity and service. More information at www.cfhcforever.org/impact-insights/funds-in-focus/mlk-unity
Thank you for choosing Franklin and for your support and patience through a challenging year. We are stronger together.
Upcoming Events
Mon, Jan 20: MLK Day – No School
Tues, Jan 21:
- 4:15 pm: MS Basketball (JV) vs Evergreen at FSI
- 4:30 pm: HS Basketball at Christ School
Thurs, Jan 23
- 4:30 pm: MS Basketball(V)l at Trailblazers
- 6:00 pm: HS Basketball at Trailblazers
- 6:00 pm: Parent Crew Virtual Meeting – meet.google.com/ssh-ppon-dhd
Sat, Jan 25
- 10:00 am – noon: In Person Information Session for Prospective FSI Families and Students
Keep up with our Community Calendar: FSI Community Calendar
Need to see the year at a glance? FSI 2024-25 Academic Calendar
Athletics News
The MS Varsity basketball team went 1-1 on the week dropping a game to ICI and bouncing back with a win vs Rainbow Community School.
The MS JV basketball team earned their first win of the season by defeating Rainbow Community School.
The HS basketball team battled and played hard, but lost a tough one to ICI. The team cut the deficit to a 4 point game in the 4th quarter but couldn’t get any closer.
All teams are in action this week – see the Upcoming Events for information.
High School Girls Soccer Interest Meeting is Wed, Jan 22, 10:30 am (during Smart Period) in the gym.
Go Bolts! #OhYeah
Parent Crew
Last week’s in person parent meet-up was cancelled but will be rescheduled. Watch this spot for more information! Meanwhile, Parent Crew is busy organizing a soup and stew lunch for FSI staff on Wed, Jan 29, to continue showing appreciation! We need a few things to make this happen. Check out the SignUp Genius and help out if you are able!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090848A5AA22ABFF2-54327318-soup
The next Parent Crew virtual meeting is this Thursday, Jan 23, 6:00 pm (online). Dr. Paula Dowd, FSI High School Principal, will join us for our meeting.
Chipotle Dine Out Event: Monday, March 3 from 4 – 8 pm – pick up dinner or afterschool snacks from Chipotle Brevard Road! Make sure you mention the FSI fundraiser and we will receive 25% of sales. Parent Crew uses funds raised to support Staff Appreciation and Events.
Mark your calendars for upcoming Parent Crew meetings!
- Thursday, Jan 23: 6 pm: Special Guest Dr. Paula Dowd, HS Principal
- Wednesday, Feb 19: 8:30 am school -,more details about place closer to date
- Monday, Mar 3: 4 – 8 pm: Chipotle Brevard Road Dine Out – mention FSI fundraiser!
- Thursday, Mar 20: 6 pm at school-more details about place closer to date
- Thursday, Apr 24: 8:30 am school-more details about place closer to date
- Thursday, May 29: 6 pm online- check the school calendar for Google Meet details
It’s time for Flurries! Saturday, Feb 8
The Franklin Flurries middle school dance (hosted by FSI prom committee) is Saturday, February 8th from 6:30-8:30pm. Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door. Students can purchase tickets during lunch Feb 3-7 (cash or check made out to FSI). Drinks, snacks, and pizza will be available for purchase at the dance (cash only).
Fill out this Sign Up Genius if you would like to volunteer or help with donations. We really appreciate it!
Questions? Contact Gretchen Kehrberg, gkehrberg@thefsi.us
Blood Drive @ FSI, Thursday Feb 6
We have an upcoming blood drive on February 6th with the The Blood Connection! Sign up soon so we can plan expected participation at https://donate.thebloodconnection.org/…/drive…/248584
If your teenager would like to donate and is at least 16 years of age, please fill out this permission form for them – https://thebloodconnection.org/…/i011-NC_16-17Year_Old…
The Blood Drives are a win-win-win. We help provide much-needed blood supplies to save lives. The school receives a grant of $500 for every 30 donors. We donate these funds to the Habitat Student Home Build. Finally, donors receive an egift card for their donation. Help us meet at least 30 donors on Feb 6! The Drive is open to the public as well as members of the FSI community.
New Club! Science Olympiad Club Returns for Grades 6 – 12
Unlock your inner scientist & join Science Olympiad! Ready to explore the mysteries of the universe, design cutting-edge experiments, and compete with the brightest minds? Science Olympiad is your gateway to hands-on challenges, teamwork, and endless discovery. Whether you’re into biology, engineering, physics, or chemistry, there’s a spot for you in this exciting adventure. Meetings are held every Wednesday at 1 PM in room 232. Open to anyone in 6th-12th grade. For more information email Amy Burke, aburke@thefsi.us.
Experiential Workshops for Teens/Tweens
We’re passing along this opportunity from Whole Family Therapy. Middle school students (grades 6 – 8) are invited to join one or all group sessions exploring being a tween/teen. Workshops will be small group format with art, movement, music, writing and expression. If the fee is a problem for your family please reach out to our middle school counselor, Jennifer Rae Negron (jrnegron@thefsi.us) or to Michelle (mvruwink@thefsi.us). We may be able to help with financial assistance. All sessions are on Sundays from 1 – 3 pm. Cost is $20 per session or $75 for all sessions.
Session 1, Feb 2: Creating Community
Session 2, Feb 9: Exploring Identity
Session 3, Feb 16: The Mindful Connection
Session 4, Feb 23: Exploring Self Care
To learn more or sign up, please visit WWW.WHOLEFAMILYTHERAPY.CENTER/WORKSHOPS
Reminders
Open Enrollment for Next School Year
It’s time for Open Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year! 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. You will complete a separate re-enrollment process. Do not re-apply through Open Enrollment and the lottery.
- 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/
Yearbook Sales & Senior Ads!
Our yearbook class is busy capturing fantastic memories of this year! Yearbooks are currently $55. Get yours here before the price increases in January!
Want to purchase an ad for your FSI senior? You have until February 7th to shout out your senior. You can purchase an ad by clicking here.
Apply for Free/Reduced Lunch
We strongly encourage families to apply for free and reduced lunch. If your family is experiencing a loss of income due to the hurricane, you may qualify for free or reduced meals based on your current income. It is important to our school to collect this information for two reasons. First – it helps us support our families! We will use the free and reduced meal application for all school-based financial aid and scholarships, including meals as well as scholarships for field trips, Beyond the Bell services, and clubs.
You can apply for the free and reduced meal program at www.myschoolbucks.com or under the quick links through your My School Bucks app. If you have any issues, contact Tammey Harper at tharper@thefsi.us.
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.
After School Clubs
We have updated our Club listing, which is also posted on our website. Many clubs are starting or resuming this week! You can check the listing and see which clubs are in session: 2024 FSI Clubs. Please remember that students need to sign in to Beyond the Bell for after school clubs.
