Good morning Franklin families,
We have one week left till spring break and we’re all feeling it! With the warmer weather and the upcoming break students seem to get more energy each day while we adults are struggling to keep up. Phew! Thankfully this week includes two of my favorite things, both deeply connected to the EL Education model: Student Led Conferences and Senior Passages.
EL Education schools work to put students at the center of the learning. Our goal is for students to become “leaders of their own learning” meaning that they are engaged, self-motivated, and active participants. This sounds great and – it is really hard. It doesn’t mean that as teachers and leaders we stand back and let kids succeed or fail. We have to build the structures, strategies, and opportunities for students to flip from passive listeners to engaged learners. Student Led Conferences and Passage Presentations are two key structures we use to help students make this transition. Beginning in 5th grade students learn how to lead a conference – reflecting on goals, where they have succeeded, where they need to grow, and how we as adults can help them. In 8th, 10th, and 12th grade, students work toward a more formal and polished presentation as they show us that they are ready to move on to the next big stage in their lives. Throughout their years at Franklin they create a digital portfolio that documents their growth.
This Wednesday, students in grades 5, 6, 7, 9, and 11 will present their Spring Student Led Conferences. Thursday evening our seniors will present their Senior Passages.
Because our classrooms will be filled with Student Led Conferences, we will not have in-person classes on Wednesday. Students will attend their SLC time, while students in grades 8, 10, and 12 will have remote learning days. Crew leaders have scheduled the SLC times. If you have questions – please reach out to your student’s Crew leader!
This week we’re also bragging on our students again! If you haven’t picked up this week’s Mountain Xpress kids’ issue – go find one! There is work featured from our students on page 30, 32, 34 and 51! The digital issue can also be found here https://issuu.com/mountainx/docs/03.20.24_mx_opt.
Save the Dates! We are working on a series of community events around race and racism. We have the first two events scheduled:
- Thursday, April 11, 6 – 8 pm, Black Wall Street AVL: Celebrate Black History in Asheville! “Black In Asheville” is a must-see documentary that explores the black history, cultural heritage, and dark times of the Black community that will leave a lasting impact on everyone who watches it. Franklin is sponsoring this free event to showcase the local documentary exploring Black History in our community. Get your free tickets today and share the link with your family and friends: Black in Asheville film screening at Black Wall Street AVL Tickets, Thu, Apr 11, 2024 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite
- Thursday, April 25, 6 – 9 pm: Building Bridges Movie & Talk Back, featuring the documentary “13th”. Titled after the 13th Amendment, this movie explores the prison industrial complex and the intersection of race, justice and mass incarceration. After, stay for the talk back and discuss. This event is open to the public. Parents, students and educators are all encouraged to attend. Pizza will be provided (starting at 6 pm); snacks will be available for purchase with proceeds supporting our BIPOC Student Union.
Thank you for choosing Franklin, choosing EL Education, and working with us to empower students to make the world a better place!
Calendar Events
Tues, March 26
- 4:00 pm: HS Girls Soccer @ Asheville School
Wed, March 27: Student Led Conferences – Remote Day
- All day: no in person classes. Students in grades 5, 6, 7, 9 will attend for their Spring SLC. Students in grades 8, 10, 12 have a remote learning day.
- 6:00 pm: Senior Passages
Thurs, March 28
- 4:00 pm: MS Soccer @ Rainbow
FSI Yearlong Academic Calendar
Parent Crew Updates
School Online Store: Need some Franklin gear? Get it here! https://apparelnow.com/the-franklin-school-of-innovation-apparel?
Bolts Athletic News
No games last week means not much news today – but we’ve got a busier week ahead!
Come on out and cheer on HS soccer in their two games this week and our first MS soccer game on Thursday!
FSI Prom 2024: Masquerade
Who: 11th and 12th grade students
Date: Saturday, May 4
Time: 7 – 10pm
Location: Haiku, Asheville
Get ready to dance the night away at The Franklin School of Innovation’s 2024 Prom! This year, we’re transforming the venue into a mesmerizing masquerade ball.
Use this link to purchase tickets online.
Tickets are $30 each until April 27. After that they are available to purchase in person for $40.
If you would like to invite a non-FSI high school student please complete this form and return to Mr Tromba before May 3.
Questions? Contact gkehrberg@thefsi.us
A Parent Child Workshop: Substance Use & Abuse by Kriya Lendzion
Sunday, April 14, 2- 5 pm
This upcoming workshop is led by National Youth Addiction Specialist Kriya Lendzion. Kriya is well-known in our community as a compassionate and wise teen whisperer! This workshop is open to parents and students (grades 5 – 12). Registration is required, cost is $20 per family. Learn more and register here: Substance Use & Abuse Workshop
Summer Driver’s Education @ FSI
We are pleased to be able to host a Summer Driver’s Education class at FSI. The class will be held June 10-14. Students must be 14 ½ to attend. Registration and more information is available here: mtnpro.com/school-classes
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 Summer Coding Opportunities! Apply by March 27
Girls Who Code has two free Summer Programs – the virtual Summer Immersion Program and the Self-Paced Program open to all 9th-12th grade girls and non-binary students
- The two-week virtual Summer Immersion Program (SIP) connects students nationwide with supportive Teaching Teams and leaders at top companies as they learn to design computer games using p5.js, a JavaScript library for creative coding. Students can choose from three rounds of live virtual classes to fit their schedule: June 14 to June 28, July 8 to July 19, or July 29 to August 9. SIP applicants can also apply for a $300 SIP Student Grant and laptop and hot spot access.
- The six-week Self-Paced Program offers courses from cybersecurity to artificial intelligence so students can become tech leaders through independent study and real-world projects. Students can complete work anytime from July 1 to August 9.
Apply here by March 27, 2024 under our Extended Deadline!Need more info?
Check out our program flyer, webinars, and FAQs, or email summer@girlswhocode.com.
Job Opportunities
We are beginning to recruit for the coming school year! Positions will be posted on our website: https://www.franklinschoolofinnovation.org/our-story/careers/
Thank you to our sponsors! 
Reminders
HS Theatre Updates! First Ever HS Musical at FSI!
SAVE THE DATE!! In just under 5 weeks, FSI’s first high school musical production takes the stage in Kittredge Theatre at Warren Wilson College! You will NOT want to miss this fun show! Make it a family night out and support FSI high school theatre and music students.
When: April 19 and 20 at 7:00 PM
Where: Kittredge Theatre, Warren Wilson College, Swannanoa
Tickets will be available for electronic purchase in advance – that link will go live at the end of March, so keep an eye out in future newsletters. Tickets will be $5 for students 18 and under, $10 for adults, and $20 for sponsors. Sponsors will be acknowledged and will have reserved seats.
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.
Buy Your Yearbook Today!
Our Yearbook Class is hard at work designing our school yearbook! Order yours now for the Final Sale: $60 from Jan. 27-May 26th
And here is the link:
Club Updates
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!
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
