Good morning Franklin families,
Happy Memorial Day weekend! This weekend we remember those who died in service to our country. Special thanks today to all who have made the ultimate sacrifice!
If you are looking for something fun to do with your extra day, check out GRINDFest! Organized by FSI friend and collaborator Bruce Waller and Black Wall Street, this 3-day event has something for everyone. Check it out and join the fun! https://grindfestavl.com/
Last chance to share your input on our surveys – please take a few minutes to help us prioritize and focus our collaborative work by completing these surveys today:
I have a special request this week. We’ve noticed an increase in students hanging out after school – they are literally hiding from school staff at dismissal. This creates a serious safety concern for us and students will be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension, if they continue this behavior. Please remember that students must either leave school by 3:45 each afternoon or check into our Beyond the Bell program or another adult-supervised club or athletic activity.
We continue our end of year exams this week. We have one more high school exam on Tuesday and middle school exams start Wednesday. Here is the testing schedule for this week – it is essential that students be at school on time. If students are late they will not be able to test that day and will need to test on a makeup day.
This Wednesday is a full day – students will be dismissed at 3:15/3:35.
This Week’s Exam Schedule
- Tues May 28: Math 1. (including Middle School students in Math 1)
- 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
Do you have a school-issued Chromebook at home? It’s time to bring them back to school! All Chromebooks and chargers should be returned to the main office between the hours of 8AM-4PM weekdays, but should be returned NO LATER THAN May 31.
Please 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
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 27: Memorial Day Holiday – No School
Tues, May 28
- Math 1 Exam – all Math 1 students
Wed, May 29 – FULL Wednesday (3:10/3:20/3:35 dismissal)
- Math EOG: grades 5 – 8 (middle school Math 1 students will be remote on Wednesday)
- 5:00 – 7:00 pm: HS Poetry Book Release Party in the Courtyard
- 6:00 – 8:00 pm: Community Building Event: Youth Panel, Food & Fun in the Community Room: Register here: form
Thurs, May 30
- Reading EOG: Grades 5 – 8
Fri, May 31
- Science EOG: Grade 5 and Grade 8 only
FSI Yearlong Academic Calendar
Bolts Athletic Updates
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)
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
