Good morning Franklin families,
Today is Graduation Day for the Class of 2024! I can’t wait to celebrate this group of outstanding young people during their graduation celebration this afternoon. They survived a virtual start to their high school experience and went on to accomplish big things! We are so proud of them and can’t wait to see what they do next. Congratulations Class of 2024!
For the rest of us, this year is almost a wrap as well. Students who missed any End of Grade (middle school) or End of Course (high school) exam will make up their exams on Monday or Tuesday. In all honesty – there won’t be a lot of academic learning this week beyond the make-up tests. The last few days of school can be lots of fun and they can also become chaotic. Please remind your kids to keep things on the fun side and to support our teachers and our staff by keeping their behavior in check. We appreciate the help!
Wednesday is an early release day – we will follow our “normal” Wednesday schedule. We will not provide Beyond the Bell services on Wednesday. Our summer office hours are 9 am – 4 pm, Monday through Thursday. The school office will be closed on Wednesday, June 19 and for the week of July 1.
You will receive a copy of your student’s EOG or EOC scores along with your student’s final report card for this year. I’d like to provide a bit of background on the State ranking process. The State ranks students on a scale of Not Proficient, 3, 4, or 5. A rank of 4 or 5 is defined by the State as“College-Ready”. On many exams – the difference between Not Proficient and College Ready is just a couple points. I believe the State sends a harmful and unjustified message to students about college readiness with this ranking. Many of our graduates who scored Not Proficient on state exams have successfully gone on to college.
The State scores are also based on expectations set prior to the disruptions of COVID. It’s simply not a fair comparison for students, even several years after COVID. Many students came out of COVID with skill gaps that are no fault of their own, and these gaps will continue to show up in state exams.
Please keep these things in mind as you review your student’s scores. Look at the big picture – is your student earning good grades? Do they have good work habits? Are they attending school regularly and engaging in learning? These are the factors that will lead to lifelong success. Test scores can help us identify learning gaps but they don’t define your student.
Looking for summer activities? Be sure to check out the summer camp opportunities at Franklin!
- Summer Innovators Camp: All camps are 9 am – 4 pm at FSI campus, run by our Beyond the Bell afterschool program. See more info below in the newsletter – register today!
https://franklinschoolofinnovation.networkforgood.com/events/71885-summer-innovators-camp
- Bolts Youth Basketball Camp June 24 – 27
The Franklin School of Innovation – Bolts Youth Basketball Camp (networkforgood.com)
- Summer Bolts Volleyball camp for boys and girls ages 8-12 July 22-25
The Franklin School of Innovation – Summer Bolts Volleyball Camp (networkforgood.com)
We will also offer two summer academic programs – high school credit recovery and a special 3-week summer math enrichment program for rising FSI 9th grade students. Information about these programs will be sent to eligible students in the coming week.
Do you have a school-issued Chromebook at home? Please return it to school this week! Make sure the device is fully charged, that you bring back the charger as well, and ideally also that any excess detritus is wiped off (moist towelette or a paper towel with a few drops of water on it works fine). If your family has a special situation whereby they need to continue to use the device for academic work over the summer, or if you have any other questions, please email: fsitechrecoup_spring2024@thefsi.us
Does your student have medications at school? All medications must be picked up and signed out by an adult by June 7, 12:00 noon or it will be discarded. This includes scheduled medication, as needed prescription medication, over the counter as needed medications, and emergency medication.
Thank you for choosing Franklin, choosing EL Education, and working with us to empower students to make the world a better place! Have a wonderful summer!
Calendar Events
Sun, June 2
- 2:00 pm: Graduation! Tickets required, graduation will be held at AB Tech Conference Center
Mon, June 3: Make up exams for any student who missed an EOG or EOC
Tues, June 4: Make up exams for any student who missed an EOG or ECO
- 6:00 pm: 8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony at AB Tech
Wed, June 5: Last Day for Students! 12:45/1:00 Dismissal
FSI Yearlong Academic Calendar
Bolts Athletic Updates
The staff defeated the students 7-3 in our first ever Staff vs Students indoor futsal game! Gillis, Byan, Demko, Pizzingrilli and Wilson were a dynamic staff team!!!
HS Ultimate concluded their season with a tough loss to Asheville High, 13-5 but bounced back with a great showing at the end of season tournament going 2-1 on the day defeating Fern Leaf and the Homeschool team. Taraka Volpe and Caleb Black were great on offense and Jack Dickson was a great receiver. Alan Voth was fantastic on defense with lots of blocks. The team finished with an overall record of 5-5.
Introducing the first ever Bolts Summer Sports camps!
Bolts Youth Basketball Camp June 24 – 27
The Franklin School of Innovation – Bolts Youth Basketball Camp (networkforgood.com)
Summer Bolts Volleyball camp for boys and girls ages 8-12 July 22-25
The Franklin School of Innovation – Summer Bolts Volleyball Camp (networkforgood.com)
Parent Crew Summer Meetings June 19 & July 21
Mark your calendars, Parent Crew has two summer gatherings scheduled!
- June 19, 6 pm: Wedge on Foundy (5 Foundy Street) gather to discuss plans and goals for next year. We want to see new faces and have plenty of input.
- Sunday, July 21st at Malvern Hills Park, West Asheville: FSI Parent Crew will host a Summer Welcome Event! From 1 pm to 3 pm for 5th graders/new students and their families, and 3 pm-5 pm for the older grades and families. This is a great time to meet other FSI families and see those you already know.
School Online Store: Need some Franklin gear? Get it here! https://apparelnow.com/the-franklin-school-of-innovation-apparel?
Immunization Records for rising 7th and 12th grade students
Immunization records for rising 7th graders and rising 12th graders can be emailed to nurse Courtney, faxed to 828-318-8125 or mailed. These can be turned in any time after 6/5/24. Paperwork on guidelines has been sent home with students this week, will be mailed home with report cards, and also emailed to you as a reminder this summer. Courtney will be able to answer any further questions starting 8/19/24.
Summer Innovators Camp!
Register online today and reserve your spot! All camps are 9 am – 4 pm at FSI campus, run by our Beyond the Bell afterschool program.
https://franklinschoolofinnovation.networkforgood.com/events/71885-summer-innovators-camp
Week 1: June 24 – 28 Wilderness Wonders Week
This week we will focus on outdoor activities such as the nature center, bird watching, hiking and exploration, plants and herbs, etc..
Activities: Track Identification (Track Blanket), Nature Scavenger Hunt, Nature Art
Week 2: July 8 – July 12 Bolts & Bytes Tech Week
This week will focus on science and technology such as building materials and a tech project.
Week 3: July 15 – 19 PowerPlay Wellness Week
This week we will focus on healthy eating choices and activities, and project recipe books.
Questions? Contact Mr. Ron Scott, 828 335 1053, rscott@thefsi.us
In Search Of: Prom Location for April or May 2025
We just celebrated prom but it’s already time to find a location for next year! Unfortunately the wonderful location we used this year is not available next spring. If you know of or manage a location that would work for prom, please reach out to Gretchen Kehrberg, gkehrberg@thefsi.us. What we need:
- Room for up to 125 people minimum – space for DJ, dancing, food tables
- Availability any Saturday in April or May EXCEPT April 12 or April 18
- Ideal budget: under $5k (less is definitely better to keep prom affordable)
Also In Search of: An Amazing HS Math Teacher
We have an opening for a high school Math teacher for next school year. If you know a terrific teacher, please share this opportunity with them or contact Michelle Vruwink (mvruwink@thefsi.us)
YWCA Youth, Students & Educators Discount
This is an amazing deal! Stay fit and have fun this summer with a discount YWCA Membership for Youth, Students, and Educators! $10/month for Students/Youth and $30/month for Educators includes access to their fitness center, indoor pool, and group wellness classes. For more information, contact Jessie Phillips, 828-820-7677, jessie.phillips@ywcaofasheville.org
Reminders
Dual Enrollment College Credit Courses through AB Tech
Did you know that FSI students can take college courses for free? Many of our students participate in the Dual Enrollment program and earn college and high school credit. Here is a little information – more information is available from our College and Career Counselor, JaneAnne Tager (jtager@thefsi.us).
- Courses completed in the College Transfer Pathways are weighted the same as AP courses in high school and some Career Tech Pathway courses are also able to transfer to a university and offer AP weight.
- If you would like to review the possible pathways, here is a link:https://abtech.edu/programs/high-school/career-and-college-promise-high-school-programs .
- Most pathways require students to have a cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.8 after sophomore year.
- Most courses are offered online and students have the option to select a study hall at Franklin to build in time for their coursework.
ACT and SAT Weekend Boot Camp
The ACT and SAT exams are two of the most important factors colleges use in determining admissions and scholarships. For students who would like help preparing for the ACT and SAT exams, Asheville Christian Academy will be partnering with Tutors Across America to provide a discounted ACT/SAT Weekend Boot Camp. Students of all ages are welcome to attend.
Schedule for the 3-Day (20-hour) ACT/SAT Weekend Boot Camp
Wednesday, July 31st: 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Thursday, August 1st: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (lunch break from 1:00 – 2:00)
Friday, August 2nd: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (lunch break from 1:00 – 2:00)
The boot camps are averaging 3–7 point improvements on the ACT and 100–200 point improvements on the SAT, which can help with college admissions and scholarships.
Regular Cost: $399
Discounted Cost: $199
Use coupon code GOLIONS at checkout
Parent Leadership Opportunities
The Board of Directors is seeking prospective Board members and Committee members. The Board has some specific needs, including an attorney and people with fundraising experience. The Board is also seeking people who represent our community. Parents are welcome but it is not a requirement! What does a Board member do? Board members should be prepared to contribute time and other resources (such as your expertise) to support the School, attend monthly Board meetings and actively participate on a Board committee. Looking to learn more about what the Board does, but not ready to commit fully? You can join a Board committee without joining the Board. Email Al Glicksberg (aglicksberg@thefsi.us) or Michelle Vruwink (mvruwink@thefsi.us) to connect with a Board member and learn more.
Free YouTube Workshop on Teens & Vaping
Kriya Lendzion, who has led many workshops for FSI families on teens and substance use and abuse, has released a new video with SmartSocial on the risks of youth vaping nicotine and THC. Watch at your own time and interest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QpCR-mtHrc
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.
