This is How We Crew It FSI Fundraising Campaign
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Good morning Franklin families,
Here’s to March! Did you know that we gain about 3 minutes of extra daylight each day in March? And that added daylight definitely is a mood booster. Bring on spring, new growth, and the lovely feeling of sun on our faces. I hope everyone can find a little time to get outside today.
It feels like spring in school right now. I’ve been spending as much time as I can in classrooms lately and there is a true buzz. Many grade levels are “on Expedition”, digging into learning that matters. Learning Expeditions are one of my favorite things in the EL Education model. Teachers work together to plan longer units of study that are based on big ideas or real world problems. Students dig deep into learning about problems and are often tasked with coming up with solutions. Community members join us as experts and help us celebrate at the end of the expedition. Expeditions have the power to change lives or at least ignite the spark of curiosity that drives us to learn. Expeditions cover a wide range of topics. Here are the highlights of some of the expeditions our students will experience this year!
- 6th grade’s expedition is inspired by the book “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” and by our own experiences with loss of power following Hurricane Helene. Students are learning about energy independence and exploring the viability of solar, wind and hydropower. It was such a treat to step into their classrooms and watch them problem-solving, collaborating, and creating this past week!
- 7th grade’s expedition is also inspired by the challenges of Helene, diving into the science of a changing climate and exploring how communities can use the design process for greater resiliency. As a final project, students will design a topological model of a riverbed or infrastructure to protect future generations.
- 8th grade’s “Water is Life” Expedition takes on new significance with last year’s floods still in our thoughts. Using our stretch of Hominy Creek as a natural case study, students will take a deep dive into the history, cultural importance, economic significance, and current state of the French Broad Watershed.
- 9th grade students are exploring mental health and eight “sources of strength” that can help us all live healthier lives. They are examining our core values, learning neuroscience and brain anatomy, and spending time pursuing healthy activities of their choice in different Crew groups.
- 10th grade students are preparing for life after high school with a deep dive into career exploration and the steps they need to take to be on track for what they want out of life. This expedition will really set students up for success in their last two years of high school as they shift into preparing for college and careers.
- 11th grade completed its student of the housing crisis in Asheville, learning both the challenges of affordable housing and all the organizations and initiatives underway to address this problem. Students have contributed many hours helping to build a new Habitat for Humanity home for an Asheville family.
- 12 grade students are preparing their “Last Words”, completing a senior project and presentation of their learning. Presentations will take place on Wednesday, March 25. Community members join as panelists to witness and celebrate student learning. If you are interested in hearing directly from young people about their journeys – see the blurb for volunteers later in this newsletter
Call to Action
I’m going to keep this call to action here at the front for a couple weeks. North Carolina public schools are facing a crisis that is caused directly by our elected officials. This isn’t a Democrat vs Republican thing. Other states around North Carolina are doubling down on their investment in public education – raising teacher salaries and investing in their schools. North Carolina is choosing a different path, investing billions in vouchers for private education while starving its public schools. The vast majority of our students are served in public schools so this approach doesn’t make sense on any level.
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. 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
Pizza Wednesday!
HS Soccer will have another Wednesday pizza sale this Wednesday, March 4. Use this google form to pre-order pizza (from Papa Johns) to pick-up after school in the courtyard at dismissal
Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who participated in our wildly successful Blood Drive! I know that they got a bit behind out there, so thank you for your extra patience as we filled the bus to overflowing. You helped meet a critical need in the community and helped us earn a $500 grant to support our Habitat for Humanity student home build.
As always, thank you for choosing Franklin and for partnering with us to prepare students for the futures they create. Our school is stronger with your participation.
Upcoming Events
It’s a quiet week after hours this week! There are some important calendar changes – please mark these dates on your calendars.
Mark Your Calendars:
Thursday, March 12 and Friday, March 13
- Regular School Days – these days were originally scheduled as a teacher work day and a weather make up day. We will be in session for both days to make up for some of our snow days
Wednesday, March 25
- Student Led Conferences – no classes. Students will attend only for their scheduled SLC. Students in grades 8 and 10 will have remote learning days.
Friday, March 27
- Teacher Work Day for the end of Quarter 3(rescheduled). No school. We will offer a Beyond the Bell camp day to help out for this day. Register here
Wednesday, April 1
- 8th and 10th Grade Passages – Remote Learning Day for all other grades. Students in grades 8 and 10 will attend school only for their scheduled appointment.
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
Support the Athletics Program- Soccer Pizza Fundraiser
Use this google form to pre-order pizza (from Papa Johns) to pick-up after school on Wednesday, March 4. Pizzas will be available for pick-up in the courtyard at dismissal. This is a fundraiser coordinated by the HS soccer teams and proceeds benefit the Athletics Program.
Get your pizza to eat after school or take home on Wednesday. Pizza must be pre-ordered.
- $20 for a large pizza (Cheese or Pepperoni)
- $5 for two slices (Cheese or Pepperoni)
- $2 sodas
Please contact Coach Ryan with any questions: jryan@thefsi.us
Middle school JV and Varsity basketball teams ended their season with wins over Evergreen. Both teams finished with winning records. Congratulations to the teams for a successful season and thanks to the coaches for their commitment and dedication.
Middle School Soccer Information:
Try-outs will be held on Monday, March 16 and Thursday, March 19 from 3:45-5:00pm.
All required paperwork must be submitted prior to try-outs.
Contact Coach Kyle Wilson with any questions. kwilson@thefsi.us
Annual Staff vs Students Basketball Games
Monday, March 9
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
Spring Craft Fair: Call for Vendors!
The Parent Crew is organizing a spring craft fair and celebration to complement the upcoming pickleball tournament on April 18th, in collaboration with the FSI Athletics department. We would like to offer the opportunity to our enterprising kids and FSI family businesses to join this event and really make it a fun celebration of our community. This opportunity is being released first to our families before we open it to the wider community. There will be live music, food, inflatables and more, but this isn’t the official announcement! If you or your student are interested in a booth space to sell your crafts, artwork, wares or other self-made products please fill out this form – Spring 2026 Craft Fair & Festival FSI Community Vendor Interest Form
Spring Fair – Call for Musicians!
Calling all musicians! We are also seeking performers for the Spring Fair. Open to students, family members and community members: https://forms.gle/yDwjsRvZeJwRBH7j8
Breakfast & Lunch Menus
Find our menus online: https://www.franklinschoolofinnovation.org/parents/nutrition/
Senior Passage Panelists Needed
Senior passages are happening March 25th from 4-7pm. We are in need of community panelists to sit on a panel of administrators and teachers, listen to the students’ presentations and provide feedback. Your participation is so valuable for the students getting ready to graduate! Volunteer for an hour or for the entire session, we need a total of 7 volunteers for each hour – Community Engagement: Senior Passages Community Panelists
Career Opportunities
We have a few immediate opportunities for this school year and we are beginning to recruit for some opportunities for next school year.
Immediate Openings
- Part Time Nutrition Assistant: 15 – 20 hours per week. Email dbennett@thefsi.us
- Substitute Teachers: flexible schedule – work when you can! Cover letter and resume to jobs@thefsi.us
- Bus Drivers: must have or be eligible to receive a CDL. Email jobs@thefsi.us
2026-2027 School Year
- College & Career Counselor: Position is posted on our website. Cover letter and resume to jobs@thefsi.us
- High School Exceptional Children Teacher – OCS/ECS Classroom: Cover letter and resume to jobs@thefsi.us. Must hold or be eligible for EC certification in North Carolina.
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!
Student Club News
Middle School Student Council
Executive Committee will meet this Wednesday during lunch and recess in the Middle School conference room.
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
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
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…
