Innovating for Ten, Trailblazing for Tomorrow 2024 Fundraising Gala and Auction Celebration
10th Anniversary Gala & Silent Auction: Saturday, March 2, 6 – 9 pm
Buy Your TIckets Today! Tickets and more details:
https://auctria.events/Franklinschoolofinnovationgala
Good morning Franklin families,
We made it through a full week of school! Our last full week of school with no delays or disruptions was Dec 4. So if last week felt a little long (at least from student and school staff perspective) – it’s because we are out of practice! I see blue skies and sunshine out my windows right now and am looking forward to getting out to enjoy it later today. I hope you all can do the same!
One of our big pushes this year to improve school culture and student readiness for learning was to take on the challenge of cellphones. This isn’t a new challenge in schools but cellphones became much more visible post-Covid. As I hosted a tour of prospective families last week, one visitor commented on the lack of cellphones in our classrooms. It may seem like a small step but it’s making a big difference. As I visit classrooms I rarely see cellphones and I see more student engagement. Thank you to the teachers, students, and parents who have bought into this every-day practice to make our school a better place.
I also want to spotlight a really special classroom. This year teachers Jennifer Ryan (5th grade science) and Meaghann Denkenberger (middle school Exceptional Children) are collaborating on a pilot full-inclusion classroom. All students, including those who spend much of their day in a separate classroom, are learners together in this classroom. Every time I visit I see beautiful things happening. Teachers are intentionally teaching expectations (“norms”) for how students get along with one another. Students are encouraged to participate. Wrong answers are accepted as part of the learning process. Classrooms where all learners are celebrated are rare in schools, where tracking based on certain types of intelligence has become the norm. It’s worth taking time to celebrate and lift up the work behind this joyful and kind classroom!
Re-enrollment begins February 1st! We know that Open Enrollment and re-enrollment are confusing. Here’s my best effort to make it simple:
- If your student is returning to FSI next year – you will complete re-enrollment paperwork. Watch for this on February 1!
- If you plan to enroll a sibling next year who does not yet attend FSI – you will complete an enrollment application for the sibling. The application is online (go to our website and click the banner at the top). Please be sure to check the box for “sibling”! You will also submit re-enrollment paperwork for your returning student.
- If your student is not returning to FSI next year, please let us know so that we can make their spot available to another student.
We’re Still Looking for a Few Great Auction Items
We’re gearing up for our 10th Anniversary Gala & Silent Auction on Saturday, March 2, 6 – 9 pm! We’re looking for items for the Silent Auction. Items for services or goods of all types and sizes are warmly welcomed and all proceeds from the auction support FSI! Donations must be received by 1/31, and pick up is available. Please contact galacrew@thefsi.us to participate or for questions. We’ve had some beautiful items come in over the past few weeks. Be sure to get your tickets today!
Link for tickets: https://auctria.events/Franklinschoolofinnovationgala
Reminder: Lost & Found will be donated this week, January 30! Have your students look for their lost items tomorrow!
It’s Flu & Covid Season! More information from Nurse Courtney is included below – just bringing this to everyone’s attention.
Thank you for choosing FSI and building a great community together!
Calendar Events
Mon, Jan 29:
- 4:30 pm: MS (V) Basketball @ Shining Rock
Tues, Jan 30
- 5:00 pm: HS Basketball vs. Shining Rock (at FSI)
Thurs, Feb 1
- 4:15 pm: MS (JV) Basketball vs Fern Leaf
- 6:00 pm: HS Basketball vs Trailblazers
- 6:00 pm: FAFSA Workshop for Students and Parents
Sat, Feb 3
- 11:00 am: Info Session & Tour (in person) for Prospective Families. Meet in Community Room
Mark Your Calendars! No School Friday, Feb 9 and Monday, Feb 12.
Feb 12 is a weather makeup day. At this time we do not need this day.
We’ll keep everyone posted if this changes!
FSI Yearlong Academic Calendar
Bolts Athletic News
- MS JV team defeated Evergreen 40-38. Jude Melton hit the winning basket with 4 seconds to go!
- MS V team split the week with a win versus Evergreen 58-28. D. Garcia led the team with 18 points and Z. Manley and S. Bragdon also had solid games. The team lost a tough one at IC Imagine. The team got down early and could never recover. G. Stone led the Bolts in scoring and rebounding.
- HS team came up short at IC Imagine, The Bolts were led by D. Bennett and a solid showing off the bench by B. Westmoreland and T. Collins.
Don’t Miss the Event of the Season! Staff vs Students Basketball Games!
Thursday, February 15th
- Middle School Game: 5:00pm
- High School Game: 6:00pm
Admission: Adults $5 Students $3
There will also be a 50/50 raffle. All proceeds benefit the Bolts Athletic Programs.
Spring Sports!
Students must submit physical and all paperwork prior to practices. Students must pay the annual sports registration fee before first game.
Middle School Soccer (grades 5 – 8, mixed gender)
- Practices begin mid-March
- Coach Kyle Wilson (kwilson@thefsi.us)
High School Girls Soccer (grades 9 – 12)
- Practice starts Feb 19
- Coaches Chad Gerber (cgerber@thefsi.us) & Sagan Pizzingrilli (spizzingrilli@thefsi.us)
High School Ultimate (grades 9 – 12, mixed gender)
- Practices begin mid/end February
- Coach Chad Gerber (cgerber@thefsi.us)
Parent Crew News & Opportunities
The next meeting for the Parent Crew is Tuesday, February 20th at 6:00 PM at FSI. Join other parents and get involved with your school! If you cannot attend in person, virtual options are available at https://meet.google.com/rvo-autr-nfn
Middle School BIPOC Student Union (BSU) Starting this Week!
We are excited to announce that the middle school BSU is returning beginning this Friday!
- Who: middle school BIPOC students, grades 5-8
- What: To build and celebrate community.
- Why: Our mission is to confront racism through education, celebration, and messaging to foster inclusive environments that allow all BIPOC students to participate. We charge all FSI community to become advocates of systemic change by promoting dialogue in word or deed, in and out of classrooms with their non-bipoc peers. We celebrate BIPOC culture while challenging systematic oppression. We are committed to accountability and creating a future where all individuals are valued and respected.
- When: the first Friday of each month, beginning this Friday, February 2nd 11:30-12:30
- Where: room 172 (Mrs. Ryan’s room)
*Pizza lunch will be provided. Please reach out to JR Negron (jrjnegron@thefsi.us) or
Jenn Ryan (jryan@thefsi.us) if you are planning to attend (to make sure we have enough pizza) or with any questions.
Flu & Covid Updates: Message from Nurse Courtney
The 2023-2024 respiratory season is in full swing! This month we are seeing an uptick in our flu and covid-19 reporting. Please remember these steps you can take to help protect your family and the FSI community.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
- Wash your hands
- Get immunized
- Check out this vaccine locating tool for both the covid-19 vaccine and the flu if you are due: https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/flu
- Keep your students home when they are sick
- The covid policy follows CDC guidelines.
- Day zero is the first day of symptoms. Students may return on day 6 as long as they have been fever free without medication for 24 hours and are improving. Masks should be worn until day 10.
- If your student has the flu they may return when they have been fever free without medication for 24 hours. Their symptoms should also be improving.
- Students should stay home if they are vomiting
- Let nurse Courtney know if your student tests positive for the flu or covid.
- The covid policy follows CDC guidelines.
Our students’ health and safety is important to us, and we will keep you up to date on any guidance from the Buncombe County Health Department. Healthy wishes in 2024!
Any questions can be directed to Nurse Courtney (ckozloski@thefsi.us) or 828-579-3754.
Petals for Prom: Annual Rose Sale Fundraiser
Spread some floral affection – our annual Valentine’s Day Rose Sale is here! From January 28th to February 12th, you have the chance to spread joy and support our school prom!
Purchase a rose for your friends, teachers, or even treat yourself! Roses are $5 each and will be delivered during 1st period on February 14th. Parents can also send a rose to their student, making it a delightful surprise. Purchases can be made online using this google form. After completing the form, you will receive an invoice from quickbooks via email. The invoice must be paid by February 12th for your student to receive their rose. Students will also be able to purchase roses during lunch starting January 29th.
Planting seeds for the future: This year’s fundraiser doesn’t just fund the 2024 prom; it ensures we have a head start for the next one too. Your support goes beyond this year – it lays the groundwork for future proms, creating a legacy of memorable moments. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Elizabeth Joslin. ejoslin@thefsi.us
Student Research Project: Joy & Happiness
An AP Research student is doing a project in which they attempt to quantify joy/happiness. Here is a link to the specific procedures of the research project. If you wish for your child to not participate, or if you have any questions, please reach out to Tess Barnes (tbarnesdunn@thefsi.us). Link to procedures: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1c-jKOEVKkrZ7ZF6l6qbrfgUkaYTn-OL-3O3NuCVhArY/edit
Franklin Flurries Middle School Dance, Sat, Feb 17
The annual Franklin Flurries middle school dance will be on Saturday, February 17 from 6:30-8:30pm. Cost for tickets is $7 in advance (sold before school the week prior) and $10 at the door. Cash only. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase. Questions? Contact Gretchen Kehrberg, gkehrberg@thefsi.us.
The FSI prom committee is sponsoring the Franklin Flurries middle school dance. We need help with donations and volunteers. Please look at this SignUp Genius and add your name to help with snacks, drinks, decorations, or volunteering. All donations should be delivered to the front office by February 16th and labeled Franklin Flurries.
College Corner: FAFSA Workshop Thurs, 6 pm
Join College & Career Counselor Ms. Tager this Thursday, Feb 1, for a FAFSA workshop! Come figure out how the new form works! You can read more about the FAFSA launch here.
Job Opportunities
We are seeking a High School math teacher for advanced level math (PreCalculus and Math 4). This position is open immediately and/or for next school year. For more information, see our website: https://www.franklinschoolofinnovation.org/our-story/careers/
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: $55 from Nov. 11- Jan. 26th
Final Sale: $60 from Jan. 27-May 26th
And here is the link:
Club Updates
Help Desk One-Act Comedy
Mark your calendars for the upcoming Middle School theatre performance of Help Desk, Friday, March 8 at 6 pm and Saturday, March 9 at 2 pm. The FSI Middle School Theatre Department is rehearsing the one-act comedy, HELP DESK. The rehearsal schedule can be found here. Performances will be in the FSI Community Room on Friday March 8 at 6PM and Saturday March 9 at 2PM. Please contact Ms. Lexa with any questions, elexa@thefsi.us. It’s going to be a hilarious show!
THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL
The FSI High School Theatre Department in collaboration with the FSI Music Department is in rehearsal for our first high school musical production! Auditions were in December and rehearsals underway. SAVE THE DATE! Performances will be in Kittredge Theatre at Warren Wilson College on Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20 at 7:00 PM. Cast and crew members can access the rehearsal schedule here. Questions? Contact Julie Wharton at jwharton@thefsi.us or Sandi Wilson at swilson@thefsi.us.
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!
– February 1st is our next meeting. Following the meeting we will be attending the MS basketball game. $3 for entry.
-February 15th we are having a blanket making event to spread kindness. See the flier for more details. RSVP if your student is interested, space is limited! Space will be reserved for student council members first.
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
