Good morning Franklin families,
We’re in the final stretch! The next 2 ½ weeks are absolutely jam-packed with a crazy combination of fun celebrations, final push of learning, and big exams. It’s a lot to process even if you are that rare person who thrives on constant excitement. Do your best to find little breaks in your day and in your family’s schedule to take a deep breath, slow down, and find your balance. For me that always means time outdoors, preferably with my feet on a trail or my hands in the dirt. Even 10 minutes can make me feel like a different and better person. Here’s a fun way to unwind – join our music department for Open Mic Night at Doc Brown’s tomorrow, 6 – 8 pm! Anyone is welcome to perform, or just join as a supportive audience member.
Before we get into the end of year schedule, here are some really important reminders and links. We need your input on two surveys to help us plan for our future! Reaching the end of a decade filled with challenges and accomplishments is a big deal. Looking forward to what the next decade holds is also a big deal! Please help us prioritize and focus our collaborative work by completing these surveys today:
With no big building projects this summer we’re excited to bring back summer camp and to introduce our first ever athletics camps! Oh Yeah! Check out these great opportunities (details later in the newsletter) and register today!
This week we begin our end of year exams. High school End of Course exams are first up on the schedule. Each grade level (grades 9 – 11) will have one remote learning day this week. This is necessary in order to have enough classrooms and test proctors to accommodate all the requirements of the State exams. Here is the schedule for high school exams. Seniors follow their own end of year schedule – please refer to the senior newsletter from Alex Humphrey for important information!
High School End of Course Exams
- Wed, May 22: English II. 9th Grade Remote Day
- Thurs, May 23: Biology. 11th Grade Remote Day
- Fri, May 24: Math 3. 10th Grade Remote Day (except students in Math 3)
- Tues May 28: Math 1. (including Middle School students in Math 1)
Middle School End of Grade Exams
- Wed, May 29: Math Grades 5 – 8. MS Math 1 Students Remote Day
- Thurs, May 30: English Grades 5 – 8
- Fri, May 31: Science Grades 5 and 8 only
Make Up Days – all grades, all tests: June 3 – June 5
Thank you for choosing Franklin, choosing EL Education, and working with us to empower students to make the world a better place!
Calendar Events
Mon, May 20
- 5:00 pm: Ultimate Frisbee vs Odyssey @ AC Reynolds HS
- 6:00 – 8:00 pm: Open Mic @ Doc Brown’s BBQ – all welcome! 10% of proceeds support our music program at FSI
Tues, May 21
- 3:30 – 5:15 pm: Volleyball Open Gym
Wed, May 22 – FULL Wednesday (3:10/3:20/3:35 dismissal)
- English II EOC – 9th Grade Remote Learning Day
Thurs, May 23
- Biology EOC – 11th Grade Remote Learning Day
Fri, May 24
- Math 3 EOC – 10th Grade Remote Learning Day (except 10th grade students taking Math 3)
Mon, May 27: Memorial Day – No School
FSI Yearlong Academic Calendar
Bolts Athletic Updates
The MS soccer team ended their season with a dominating victory over Fern Leaf. Congrats to the team and Coach Wilson on a winning season. Well done, Bolts!
Volleyball Open Gym will be held on Tuesday, May 21st from 3:30-5:15 pm. Open to all MS and HS student-athletes that played volleyball last season or for those that are interested in trying out next season. Participants must have a current sports physical on file.
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 Meeting June 19, 6 pm
Mark your calendars, Parent Crew is getting together at 6pm on June 19th to discuss plans and goals for next year. We want to see new faces and have plenty of input. We are planning on this being a more relaxed meeting away from the school, and we will plan to meet at Wedge Studios (5 Foundy Street, AVL location).
School Online Store: Need some Franklin gear? Get it here! https://apparelnow.com/the-franklin-school-of-innovation-apparel?
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)
Please remember that the next two Wednesdays are full days with 3:35 dismissal. This is to accommodate our testing schedule.
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.
Club Updates
Middle School Student Council Updates
The next middle school student council meeting will be held on 4/18/24 from 3:30-4:30pm. We hope to see you there!
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
