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Donate to FSI Hurricane Recovery Fund
Good morning Franklin community,
We had another lovely week celebrating our students’ accomplishments and milestones! Thank you to everyone who attended Thursday’s Night of the Arts. This event has continued to grow as a way to showcase the creativity and dedication of students and faculty in the performing and visual arts! On Thursday our Special Olympics team also traveled to a wonderful day of fun and competition, returning to school with many medals, smiles, and victories. We capped off the week with the Junior/Senior Prom. Thank you to our faculty and staff members for their hard work, love, and support in creating these opportunities for our students to be their best selves!
This leads right into the theme of this coming week – Staff Appreciation! Our Parent Crew has been working hard to create ways to celebrate and thank our staff for all they do for our students every day. Thank you to the Parent Crew leaders and everyone who donated items, bought raffle tickets, or in any way contributed to this week’s efforts. Especially at a time when so many of our elected leaders are letting us know that public schools and the people who fill them are not valued – daily support from our community keeps us going. Come on out TODAY to help Chalk the Walk with appreciation – and see the Parent Crew section below for other ways to get involved. Thank you!
This Wednesday during HS Smart Period we’re excited to host Sarah Strahon, Workforce Development Coordinator and Organizer for IBEW Local Union 238. She’ll be sharing information about the history and role of IBEW – which has served WNC for over 120 years – and the many opportunities available in the skilled trades. I had the chance to meet Sarah a couple months ago and am thrilled to welcome her to our school.
We are hiring for the coming school year! If you know an excellent educator who could be a great fit for our school – please share the opportunities or let us know and we’ll reach out directly. Even if they don’t join our team – who doesn’t like getting a call or an email letting them know that they are making a difference? Our current opportunities are posted on our website under the “About Us/Careers” tab.
Finally, this is my weekly plug for our Summer Learning Recovery Program. Our students have faced many disruptions to their learning, from COVID in their early elementary years to the month-long closure following Helene. The Summer Learning Recovery Program is a rare, state-funded program that will help students build confidence, study habits, and lagging skills. We never get funding like this! If your student is in grade 4 – 8 and is not yet at grade level in reading or math, please invest the time in this summer program. We will send a registration form this week.
This free program will run from 8:30 am – 1:30 pm during the following weeks:
- June 17 – 20 (Tues – Fri only this week)
- June 23 – 27
- July 7 – 11
- July 14 – 18
Thank you for choosing Franklin! Let’s finish this year stronger than ever and stronger together.
Upcoming Events
Sun, May 4
- 4:00 pm: Chalk the Walk! Join us to create visible signs of appreciation!
Mon, May 5
- 5:30 pm: HS Ultimate vs Home School Team @ Trinity Presbyterian, 17 Shawnee Trail
Tues, May 6
- 4:15 pm: MS Soccer @ Rainbow Community, 574 Haywood Rd
Wed, May 7
- 10:30 am: Careers in the Trades and Labor Legacy: IBEW LU 238 Presentation during HS Smart Period. Come learn about excellent career opportunities in skilled trades!
Fri, May 9
- 6:00 pm: Spring Concert in the Community Room (chorus and orchestra)
Calendar Changes:
- Wednesday May 21 will be an early release day (regular Wednesday schedule)
- Wednesday, June 4: Full day (3:15/3:35 dismissal)
- Thursday, June 5 – Last day for students – early release (1:00 pm)
Keep up with our Community Calendar: FSI Community Calendar
Need to see the year at a glance? FSI 2024-25 Academic Calendar
Bolts Athletics
HS Girls Soccer finished up their season with a game vs Asheville School. The Bolts took an early 1-0 lead with a goal by E. Cruz-Macey, but the Blues would answer with 3 goals to take a 3-1 victory.
HS Ultimate went 1-1 on the week defeating North Buncombe and dropping a game to Asheville High. Solid play by G. Stone, N. Sitton, B. Tokarz, N. Volpe and K. Davis to start the season!
MS Soccer went 2-0 on the week by defeating The Learning Community and Fern Leaf. They will wrap up their season on Tuesday with a game at Rainbow.
HS Cross Country has 2 remaining off season workout dates coming up. These will take place after school from 4:00-5:00pm. Please meet in Coach Mack’s room (214).
- Tuesday, May 6
- Tuesday, May 13
There will also be a Fall 2025 XC Interest Meeting at the beginning of SMART Period (10:30am) on Wednesday, May 7 in Coach Mack’s room. Rising 9th graders that are interested in participating in Cross Country next season are encouraged to attend.
Go Bolts!
Parent Crew
Thank you so much to everyone who volunteered at the Spring Fair, sent in basket items, and bought basket tickets. We had a great time and were able to raise the funds needed for Staff Appreciation week (catered lunch, trail mix bar, gift cards). We appreciate this so much!
This week is Staff Appreciation Week-and we are still in need of a few items and volunteers. We need small bud vases for the flowers that Whole Food donated, volunteers most days, chalk the walk participants (Sunday May 4 at 4pm), breakfast items for Friday, and additional gift cards to be raffled off each morning to staff. Please use the link below for the specific details and to sign up.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090848A5AA22ABFF2-55845268-staff
Our Thursday, 05/29 meeting will be a meetup at the Salt Face Mule. This will be a great time to celebrate the end of the school year. They also have a mini-golf course if you are interested in bringing your children to play a game ($10 to play).
Save the date of 07/20 for our annual back-to-school meet and greet. This year it will be at the Buncombe County Sports Park-with the time still TBD.
SunBucks Program!
We are very pleased to announce that our families are now eligible for the North Carolina SunBucks program. This is one of the many benefits of joining the federal school lunch program. Families who receive free or reduced lunch through our school will receive $120 per child through the SunBucks program. Many families have already received their cards. If your students are eligible for free or reduced lunch and you haven’t received your SunBucks card – please learn more about the program on this website. Some families will need to complete a simple application: ncdhhs.gov/sunbucks
SWAPPs (Student Written and Performed Plays) on May 17th & Poetry Slam May 22
FSI’s high school theatre department wraps up the school year with SWAPPs on May 17th at 4:00 pm in the community room. Admission is free! Join us for ‘Heroes, Villains, and other Surprises’ a collection of 5 short plays written, directed and performed by high school students. Questions? Email Ms. Wharton at jwharton@thefsi.us
High School Poetry Slam – May 22nd 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Ms. Wharton’s and Mr. Reller’s Poetry classes will host a poetry slam in the Community Room after school on Thursday, 5/22. Come and read a poem you love or a poem you wrote!! Both classes have been working to publish collections of original poetry. Wharton’s poetry book students are working towards having their book available for purchase at this event. Admission is free, some simple snacks will be available. Questions? Email Ms. Wharton at jwharton@thefsi.us or Mr. Reller at nreller@thefsi.us.
This event is scheduled for May 7th @ 10:30. Location TBD.
May 7: Careers in the Trades Presentation
Sarah Strahon, Workforce Development Coordinator and Organizer for IBEW Local Union 238, will visit FSI this Wednesday during HS SMart Period. She will speak with students about the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the many opportunities available in the skilled trades. This region continues to be a place where the trades offer meaningful, sustainable careers. She will also introduce students to the Asheville Electrical JATC Apprenticeship Program, which provides a direct pathway into the electrical trade through hands-on training and education.
Reminders
End of Year Exam Schedule
- May 28: Middle School Math EOGs and Math 1 EOC
- May 29: Math 3 EOC
- May 30: Middle School Reading EOG and English 2 EOC
- June 2: 5th and 8th Grade Science EOG and Biology EOC
- June 3 and 4: Make Up Test Dates
- June 5: Last Day for Students – early release
Join us for 3 weeks of fun at our FSI Summer Quest Camp
Camp this year is only available to rising 5th graders through rising 8th graders. We are planning three great weeks of arts, crafts, games, science, learning, swimming and adventuring! Each week of Summer Quest Camp is a mix of outdoor activities, arts, swimming, cooking, social skill building, field trips and sports!
Choose which week, or all the weeks:
- Week 1: June 23rd – 27th
- Week 2: July 7th-11th
- Week 3: July 14th-18th
Register for summer camp here – https://franklinschoolofinnovation.networkforgood.com/events/84532-fsi-summer-camp
Who to contact and how: Mr. Ron Scott, 828 335 1053, rscott@thefsi.us
Student Written & Published Poetry
Julia Wharton’s high school poetry class has begun work on a student-made poetry book, in which all high school students are invited to submit their poems for publication. Students may submit up to two poems via the Google Form. They are also looking for students to submit their original artwork to be featured in the book alongside the poetry, which can be given directly to Julia Wharton. Submission for both is completely free. The deadline to submit all poems and art is April 10, and only grades 9-12 may submit. Also, Julia Wharton’s poetry class has begun fundraising for their book. Until May 2, students can pre-order a copy for a 10% discount at $4.50. Students can also donate directly to the book’s publication. All pre-orders and donations must be given to Mrs. Wharton. All copies will be available on May 21st.
Public School Advocacy – Keep Calling!
It is budget season in North Carolina. We must let our elected leaders know that public school funding matters! Over 80% of all students in North Carolina and 85% of students with learning differences attend public schools. This isn’t a partisan issue – public schools have an impact on everyone. What does North Carolina’s terrible public school funding (seriously – 48 out of 50 is embarrassing!) mean for parents and students? Here are just a few ways that inadequate funding impacts parents and students:
- Higher teacher turnover as teachers leave the profession or the state for financial stability
- Less experienced teachers in classrooms
- Fewer school staff overall, so no one has time to do their job well
- Teachers and other school staff with second and third jobs, leaving them with less time and energy for their chosen profession
What can you do? Contact our elected officials! Call, email, write letters, drive to Raleigh if you are able! And get everyone you know to do the same. Let’s make our voices heard! Here’s the link again to the Education Call List.
Author Robert Beatty (Serafina & the Black Cloak) Coming to Pack Square
Robert Beatty, the author of Serafina and the Black Cloak, is coming to Pack Memorial Library on Saturday, May 10 at 2pm. He plans to share about his latest book, Sylvia Doe and the 100 Year Flood, and talk about the filming of his book trailer. Malaprops will have books for folks to purchase at the event and there will be a signing afterward. This program is targeted toward tweens and their families, but of course all ages are welcome. What a fun opportunity to meet an author of a book many of our students have read! And if your student hasn’t read it – maybe this is a fun way to encourage them to read.
Apply for Free/Reduced Lunch
FSI is now participating in the Federal School Lunch Program. Families must apply for the program every year. We will help you with your applications! Click to APPLY HERE!
If you need help, call the school office (318-8140), stop by the front desk for paper applications, or email Tammey Harper, tharper@thefsi.us for help.
Did you know: Now that our school is part of the National School Lunch Program, students with approved applications for free or reduced lunch may also be eligible for summer “Sun Bucks” program, offering $120 per student for summer food purchases? You can learn more here: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/sunbucks
Car Line Reminders
It seems that it is time for a reminder to be good citizens in the car line. No one loves the car line – we get it. But if we all follow the rules and work together, the line moves pretty quickly and we keep students and staff safe! Here are a few reminders:
- All traffic is one way during arrival and dismissal. There are NO exceptions. It simply isn’t safe.
- Students are to be picked up by the building – not in the driveway and especially not by the road.
- Turn right at Sardis Road.
- Watch your speed
Thank you to everyone who regularly follows these expectations!
Drivers Education – Summer Opportunity
Franklin will host a summer Driver’s Ed program July 14 – 18 from 9 am – 3 pm. Please note that we do not provide Driver’s Ed directly – all Driver’s Ed in WNC is provided by Mountain Pro. We are just the hosts. Registration is available at https://www.mtnpro.com/school-classes
Please see the attendance policy below. Again – this is not Franklin’s policy and we cannot intervene or advocate for any changes to the policy. You may want to wait until closer to the date of class to register to avoid any conflicts. Registrations are not transferable or refundable.
Attendance Policy: Students must pay a $65 fee for the classroom phase of Driver Education on or before the first day of their selected class. There will be no refunds if a student does not attend, drops out or fails The State mandates students attend 30 hours in entirety to receive credit. Voluntary medical or dental appointments and school-related activities such as tryouts, sports, field trips, concerts, etc. are not excused absences. Five Day Classes (Holiday Classes, etc.) and Summer classes: There are no makeup days for these classes. Students absent from one (1) of these classes will be listed as a Fail, and if allowed, will have to register and pay to attend another class in its entirety.
Donate Used, Broken, or Unwanted Electronics!
The Franklin School of Innovation Electronics Repair Club is accepting donations of
used, broken, or unwanted electronics. Anything from small smart watches up to
larger laptops (including PC, mac/apple and android devices). No printers, desktops,
or monitors, please… we don’t have the space for them!
Please include the power supply(s), password(s) (if one or more things haven’t been reset) and what is believed to be wrong with the device via a bundled note. Label
the donation “for ERC” and bring it to the front office. If we can’t find a
second life for your donated item we will make sure personal data is
securely wiped and that it is brought to an upcoming local e-waste collection event.
We may be able to repair items! If you are interested in a quote for repair, please include that in your note along with your contact information.
Yearbook Sales
Our yearbook class is busy capturing fantastic memories of this year! Get yours here.
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.
