Good morning Franklin community,
Quick service announcement for those of you reading this as it is released – tune in to Asheville FM 103.3 at 10 am (right now!) and hear FSI 8th grader Zo Kusek interview FSI music director Sandi Wilson. Enjoy! And now on with the rest of our news….
Tomorrow is Memorial Day, a holiday that has come to represent the kickoff to summer. While there is no harm in celebrating and looking forward to lazy days of summer, let’s take time to reflect and honor all those who died in service to our country. I took a little time to look into the origins of Memorial Day. This holiday originally came about as a way to recover from the Civil War and the 1st national celebration was held in May 1868 at the Arlington National Cemetery, where veterans of the Union and Confederate armies are buried. Local celebrations can be traced back several years earlier. In 1996 historian David Blight discovered evidence of an event held in May 1865, just months after the end of the Civil War. Organized by Black churches and freed Black citizens, the event honored Union soldiers who had died while imprisoned in a makeshift prison at the Washington Race Course in Charleston, SC. The prisoners were buried in mass graves at the race course. Newly freed citizens honored the veterans with a proper burial in a newly formed cemetery and a parade around the race course. This story of pride, strength, and resilience of former enslaved people was lost from our collective memory. You can learn more here as part of your celebration of our nation’s veterans.
We have less than 6 days of school remaining in this school year. The remaining days will be packed with end of year testing, celebrations, and mass movement on campus as we get ready for a small bit of our own history. Beginning immediately on June 6, as soon as students leave, we are preparing the modular buildings for removal. It’s all about being Crew as we pitch in to move classroom supplies and furniture while also closing out this year. Thank you for your support and encouragement as we work through a rather frenetic summer schedule!
If you haven’t taken the time yet, I’ll make one more urgent request. Reach out to our State elected officials and urge them to invest in our schools! Much has been written and said about the need to have excellent, engaged, and effective teachers as we support student growth and recovery following the disruptions of the pandemic. Schools cannot thrive if we cannot recruit, support, and retain great teachers! North Carolina should not remain 48th in education spending. Our students and our communities depend on strong public education. Our School Funding Toolkit makes it very easy. The Toolkit includes the following items:
- Video produced by FSI 5th graders teaching you how to call elected officials (you can also watch the video on Facebook: https://fb.watch/k6moix3Njp/ and Instagram:Franklin School of Innovation (@thefranklinschoolofinnovation) • Instagram photos and videos
- Scripts for emails & phone calls
- Emails and phone numbers for important elected officials in North Carolina’s House & Senate
Share the Toolkit with your friends and family! You can email it to them, put it on your social media – whatever you can do to make sure that our community lets our elected officials know that our children deserve better than 48th place in funding!
Reminder! Wednesday is a FULL Day & Testing Schedule
Due to the end of year testing schedule, Wednesday is a full school days. Students will be released at 3:15/3:35.
This week middle school students take their end of year exams. Please have students at school on time. It is important for students to take the exams on the scheduled days unless they are sick or have other unavoidable circumstances.
We know the end of the year is exciting and stressful at the same time. Remind students that testing is just a part of the school experience. While we ask students to do their best, we also know that tests are just one measure of student achievement. Test scores don’t tell us how intelligent or talented a student may be.
Middle School EOGs – week of May 29 – June 2
Tues, May 30: Make Up Tests (high school and planned middle school absences)
Wed, May 31: Reading – all students grades 5 – 8
Thur, June 1: Math – all students grades 5 – 8, except 8th grade students taking Math 1
Fri, June 2: Science – all students in grade 5 and grade 8 (no test for 6th & 7th)
Mon, June 5: Final Emergency Make Up Tests – only for students who were sick or had unavoidable absences on their testing date.
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Bring a lunch this week!
We will not have Subway Sandwiches or Pizza Sales |
This Week’s Reason for Optimism
We will celebrate our 6th graduation this Saturday! Our seniors have persisted through the challenges of high school in a global pandemic and have earned the right to be called a graduate! It is an incredible privilege to watch students grow through middle and high school. Wherever their paths take them, we are so fortunate to have shared a small part of their journey and so proud of their accomplishments. Congratulations Class of 2023! We’ll be cheering you on forever.
Upcoming Events
Mon, May 29: Memorial Day Holiday – No School
Wed, May 31: Full School Day – 3:15/3:35 Dismissal
Fri, June 2: Beyond the Bell Field Day (BtB students only)
Sat, June 3, 11 am: Graduation! AB Tech (tickets required)
Sun, June 4, 10 am – noon: Final Grounds Day – Rescue the Plants!
Mon, June 5, 6 pm: 8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony
Tues, June 6: Last Day of School – 12:30/1:00 dismissal – No BtB
Keep up with all our events on our Community Calendar!
NEW! Approved 2023-2024 School Calendar
Congratulations Mountain Bikers!
The FSI Mountain Bike Team won one of two “Hype” awards for showing the best sportsmanship and encouragement for other teams at last weekend’s NICA State Championship Season Showdown race. The high school team came in 19th overall for the season out of 48 teams. Middle school placed 27th overall for the season out of 44 teams. The FSI riders showed growth and perseverance despite some tough mechanical problems throughout the season. Thank you to coach Ethan Burns for continuing this year and to all the parents who have supported the team!
Our Gym is Beautiful! Sponsorship Opportunities
If you’ve had a chance to peek inside our new gymnasium – you know it inspires some serious school pride! We’ve done it up right with locker rooms, a gorgeous wood floor, 6 basketball hoops, standards for volleyball, bleacher seats for 400 (!!!), and even an area for weight training. We just need a few more items to complete it!
We are looking for sponsors for the following items:
- Scoreboards: Two sponsorships, $10k each. Your logo, name, class name on display for the life of the scoreboard (that’s a looooong time!)
- Score Table: One sponsorship, $7k: Your logo, name, or class name on display on our Score Table – for the life of the table
- Chairs: $250 each. Your name or logo printed on a slipcover for the chair. This is a great opportunity to honor a student or favorite teacher
Help us outfit the gym in some serious style! If you own or know a business or organization looking for a great sponsorship opportunity, reach out to them or let us know and we’ll reach out. More information or to make a donation: Sponsor our Gym!
Grounds Day Event: Sunday, June 4, 10 am – noon
Last chance to save the plants! Our modulars will be leaving soon, and we need help rescuing and moving plants from parts of our campus to others until they can be placed permanently. That means we will also have extra plants that can be taken to help beautify your home! We will likely have extras of Iris, Hosta, Beauty Berry, Bee Balm, Flowers, and a variety of other plants!
Bring tools and work gloves to move plants!”
Invest in College Savings! A few days left to save
The NC 529 Plan is giving away $1,529 in their “Future So Bright—5/29 Day Giveaway” during the month of May. The giveaway celebrates 5/29 Day (May 29) and the importance of saving for K–12 tuition and college expenses with 529 plans. Entering is easy! Register a current NC 529 Account on the website or open and contribute to a new NC 529 Account. Go to www.CFNC.org/Save to find out how to earn extra chances to win.
Summer Program Opportunities
Kids’ Cycle Club: Rising 5th & 6th Graders
Special discount for FSI students! Enroll by May 31 and use discount code FSI25 for $25 discount. Learn to ride or improve your skills! Learn more at kidcycleclub.com
UNCA Pre-College Summer Programs
Is your student still looking for summer activities? The UNCA Pre-College Summer Programs still has slots available in some courses. Courses available include creative writing, film scoring and sound design, music composition and songwriting.
Dates: June 18-23 and June 25-30, 2023
Format: Pre-College Programs run from Sunday to Friday, and each day is filled with both classroom and recreational activity. All programs include hands-on learning and projects, and many programs will feature off-campus excursions. All students live on campus to fully experience university life and the surrounding community.
Eligibility: Pre-College Programs are open to rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Programs will follow COVID protocols and community expectations will continue through the program.
Living on Campus: Double occupancy in a shared suite. Residence halls are air-conditioned. Meals will be in Brown Dining Hall.
Tuition: Programs start at $1,350 and include lodging, meals, all course materials, activities, and excursions.
Dual Enrollment – Earn High School & College Credit!
Have you ever wondered what dual-enrollment is or why dual enrollment?
The CCP (College & Career Promise) dual-enrollment program allows high school juniors and seniors to earn college credit by enrolling in community college courses while in high school. These classes count as FSI elective credit and if a student earns a “C” or higher in a course, the credit also transfers to all 4-year schools in the UNC system. Clink on the links to learn more about the program, eligibility and the career pathways available. Registration is open for fall classes until the end of May. Students should speak with Ms. Tager (jtager@thefsi.us) if they have questions or wish to complete an application for the CCP program.
FSI School Store is Open!
Get your FSI & Bolts gear and represent your school in style!
Tees, hoodies, scarves and more – check it out! FSI School Apparel Store
Middle School News Videos
5th Grade Theatre students are writing, filming, producing, and directing the news Monday and Friday each week. Click on the folder below to see the news each week!
Morning News Videos- 2022-2023–
Club News: Clubs are wrapping up for the year. Be sure to check with your Club sponsor for final dates!
Habitat for Humanity Student Group
The Habitat for Humanity Student meets on Tuesdays during lunch in room #226.
Middle School Creative Writing
The club meets 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month from 3:30 – 4:30 pm, and 2nd and 4th Fridays each month from 3:30 – 4:30 in Ms. O’Dell’s room. Contact Ms. O’Dell for more information (aodell@thefsi.us)
Math Club
Math club is open for all our students – ALL GRADES – and it is a great opportunity for students to explore the beauty and application of Math outside their classrooms. Math is a subject full of creativity and opportunity that many students enjoy. Besides the academic benefits, math club is also a great way to meet new people and develop teamwork skills. Math club meets on Tuesdays right after school from 3:30-5:00 PM in the New Building room #224. .
Middle School Drama Club
Congratulations on a great SWAPS production! Thank you to all who came to support theatre in action at FSI. If you missed the show – you can check out the videos!
High School Drama Club
Congratulations on a fantastic production!
Use this QR code to stay clued in on FSI HS Theatre news with our monthly
FSI High School Theatre Newsletter!
Chess: Do you like to play Chess or do you want to learn?! Join FSI’s Chess Club and learn from our expert instructor, Mr. Bruce Roth. Chess Club meets every Tuesday from 4-5 p.m. The winter semester will begin January 10, 2023, and end April 25, 2023. Students will meet in the Community Room with Beyond the Bell from dismissal until the class begins! All grades and levels are welcome!! The fee is $50/per semester or $100/per year. All checks must be payable to Bruce Roth. For more information, contact Bruce Roth at 828 230 5139 or by email at brucerothchess@gmail.com
BIPOC Student Union (BSU):The BSU offers a safe space for students to share their experiences and to identify ways our school can address specific and systemic racism. Community mentor Bruce Waller is returning to support our BSUs, joining faculty sponsor Keith Knox. BSU is open to all students who identify as People of Color. HS BSU meets Tuesdays and Fridays from noon – 1 pm.
Film Club! This club is returning from last year and meets alternating Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:45 – 4:45. Email Michaela Mamone-Peeples for more information.
Girls who Code will meet every other Monday after school from 3:15 – 4:30 in Edison 19. Email bdavenport@thefsi.us with any questions.
MS GSA (Gender & Sexuality Alliance)
MS GSA (gender and sexuality alliance): Middle School GSA meets every Friday 3:15-4:30pm. We welcome everyone and work to empower LGBTQ+ lives. Contact afortune@thefsi.us to join.
HS GSA
HS GSA – contact MK Hyche, mkhyche@thefsi.us, or Justina Powell, jpowell@thefsi.us
High School Studio Art Club
Mondays, Starting September 19, 2022
3:45 – 5:00, Big Ben, first floor Art Room #133
Hosted by Ms. Jen jlipsey-edwards@thefsi.us
HS Studio Art Club is a place to gather with other creative teens who have a genuine interest in the visual arts. Folks will have a place to chill, work on art, listen to music, have tea, and to inspire and be inspired. The Studio is where friendship, collaboration, feedback, sharing, and support come together to make magic! You do not need to commit to showing up every week. However, advance registration is required to attend as you’re able to. Register here: https://forms.gle/czLbV186Ep7K31gb9
Science Olympiad Club
Do you geek out on all things science? Are you a competitive person who needs a medal hanging around your neck to prove your science prowess? This is a science competition against other schools in our area with a potential to move on to state and national levels. Science Olympiad will meet in Room 141 from 3:30-4:15 every Friday. Open to MS and HS students! Contact jbragdon@thefsi.us if you have any questions.
Middle School Robotics
Middle School Robotics team meets Thursdays, 3:15pm to 4:00 pm in the Middle School Tech room (Edison 19).
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!
I have a question about my child’s grade, an assignment, or something specific to one class: Start with your child – what do they know? Then, the classroom teacher
I’m worried about my child’s overall progress, or progress in multiple classes: Your child’s Crew advisor can help coordinate a team response or meeting
My child seems anxious, sad, or unhappy: Jennifer Negron is our middle school counselor, and Mary Kinsey Hyche is our high school counselor
I think my child is being bullied, or other behavior/discipline concerns: Tony Freeman, Middle School Principal or Peter Tromba High School Principal
My child will miss school: For short-term absences (illness, doctor’s appointments, etc), send an email to attendance@thefsi.us, or bring a written note to the front office. Notes must be received within 48 hours of student’s return to school. Longer-term or frequent absences (5 days/quarter) require documentation from a medical care provider.
I’ve contacted a teacher, but the problem isn’t resolved: Your child’s Principal
I think my child may need special education services or accommodations: Paula Dowd, Director of Exceptional Services
My child requires medication during the school day, has a special health need, or has tested positive for COVID: Contact our school nurse, Jessica Perraud
I think we need some support for my child’s challenging behaviors: Jessica Potter-Bowers (JP) or Kara Lacey, Behavior Specialists
I have a question about enrollment, student records or I need a copy of my student’s report card or transcript: Erinn Otten, Director of Student Services
My student needs a chromebook, hotspot, or help with technology: Matt Mikulski, Technology Director
My child has an IEP, and I have questions about the services provided: Your child’s Exceptional Children teacher is your first contact:
- Grade 5: Brittany Davenport
- Grade 6: Tammy Leahy
- Grade 7: Meagan Barnhard
- Grade 8: Donnie Stahlke
- MS Resource Room: Meaghann Denkenberger
- Grade 9: Lindsey Wehrli
- Grade 10: Greg Wingard
- Grade 11: Paul Szumski
- Grade 12: Gretchen Kehrberg
- HS Occupational Course of Study: Kelsey Reid
I have questions about sports: Kim Burke, Athletic Director
I want to know more about after or before-school services: Ronald Scott, Director of After School Programs
I want to know more about your music program: Sandi Wilson, Director of Instrumental and Vocal Ensembles
I am interested in your theatre programs! Chris Martin, MS Theatre teacher/director and Julia Wharton, HS Theatre teacher/director
I have questions about your school bus or student parking: Deeana Bennett, Director of Operations
I am interested in carpooling/ride-sharing: Check out our carpool facebook group (you need to request to join):
I want to know more about college planning, including advanced courses like AP and Dual Enrollment, financial aid, or the college application process: JaneAnne Tager, College & Career Counselor
I have high level concerns or questions about the school, such as a problem that hasn’t been resolved through my principal, an immediate school safety concern, or more general questions about the school’s philosophy, approach, or plans for the future: Michelle Vruwink, Executive Director
Our Teaching Teams for 2022-2023!
| Teaching Teams
5th Grade Brandie Dallara, ELA & Social Studies: bdallara@thefsi.us Jennifer Ryan, Science & Social Studies: jryan@thefsi.us Chris Pauley, Math & Social Studies: cpauley@thefsi.us 6th Grade Ashley O’Dell, ELA: aodell@thefsi.us Charlie Keller, Math: ckeller@thefsi.us Samuel “Latt” Berry Foster:, Science: sfoster@thefsi.us Evan Baptista, Social Studies: ebaptista@thefsi.us 7th Grade Jared Gallow, ELA: jgallow@thefsi.us Zoe Wallce, Math: zwallace@thefsi.us Nick Liu, Science: nliu@thefsi.us Grace Nyanga, Social Studies: gnyanga@thefsi.us 8th Grade Kyle Wilson, ELA: kwilson@thefsi.us AJ Jones, Math lead: ajones@thefsi.us Rhneea Riddle, Math Specialist: rriddle@thefsi.us Keith Knox, Social Studies: kknox@thefsi.us Makesha Gordon, Science: mgordon@thefsi.us Lora Hawkins, English I: lhawkins@thefsi.us Jerry Lubos, World History: jlubos@thefsi.us Liz Baron: Math 1 & 2: lbaron@thefsi.us Jessica Bragdon, Earth Science/ AP Earth: jbragdon@thefsi.us 10th Grade Matt Reynolds, Civics: mreynolds@thefsi.us Justina Powell, English 2: jpowell@thefsi.us Marcel Duhaime, Math 2: mduhaime@thefsi.us Julia Adams, Biology: jadams@thefsi.us 11th Grade Bryan Head, English III/AP Lang: bhead@thefsi.us Tess Barnes Dunn, American History, AP Research: tbarnesdunn@thefsi.us Teshale Byan, Math 3 & AP Calculus: tbyan@thefsi.us Mary Smith, Chemistry, Forensics: msmith@thefsi.us 12th Grade Alex Humphrey, English IV & AP Lit:: ahumphreyr@thefsi.us Lexi Johnson, World History: ljohnson@thefsi.us Teshale Byan, AP Calculus: tbyan@thefsi.us Elizabeth Joslin, NC Wildlife (Science) & EcoWarriors: ejoslin@thefsi.us Jessica Fine: Pre Calc, Math 4: jfine@thefsi.us Elective Teachers: MS PE: Anne Gillis: agillis@thefsi.us HS PE & Athletic Director: Kimberly Burke, kburke@thefsi.us MS Art: Jennifer Lipsey Edwards: jlipsey-edwards@thefsi.us HS Art: Kati Robbins, krobbins@thefsi.us MS Tech & Computer Science: Adrienne Fortune, afortune@thefsi.us MS Counselor: Jennifer-Raé Negron, jnegron@thefsi.us HS Theatre, Art of Argument: Julia Wharton, jwharton@thefsi.us MS Theatre: Chris Martin, cmartin@thefsi.us MS/HS Music and Orchestra: Sandi Wilson, swilson@thefsi.us, French 1: Mackenzie Arnold: marnold@thefsi.us French2 & 3 and HS, PE: Chad Gerber, cgerber@thefsi.us HS Spanish: Hanna Walden, hwalden@thefsi.us MS & HS Spanish: Heather Kabat, hkabat@thefsi.us Adventure Ed: Jessica Potter-Bowers, jpotter-bowers@thefsi.us |
