Good morning Franklin community,
There are 4 ½ weeks of school left in this school year. With summer just around the corner and the return of warmer weather, spring fever is in the air. We all feel it! While some extra energy is normal at this time of the year, we need your help as parents and guardians. We’re not talking about big things – little daily actions add up to create positive change. During our Listening Session last week, we talked about how parents play a role in the culture of any school. How are you shaping the culture of our school? Here are some steps you can take to support a school culture where students and adults can thrive:
- Make sure your student is at school on time every day. Things happen – we get it! If this is a struggle, brainstorm ways with your student to make mornings smoother.
- Share your values about education and your student’s future. Communicating positive values about education lets your student know that school is important to you.
- Support good habits at home. Check in about homework and assignments. If your student struggles to complete work, work with them to find a space and a time when they can focus.
- Get involved! Attend a school event together. Ask about something they learned each day. This week is Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week. Take a few minutes with your student to write a note or find a small gift for a teacher, bus driver, or other staff member.
- Talk with your student about behavior at school. What are they seeing and doing? Do they feel like they can be an upstander? Remind them about your values related to kindness and respect. Ask how they are showing these values through their actions at school.
This week is Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week. Thank you to our class parents for all your organization! Look for emails from your class parent or see the summary of activities below:
- Monday May 8th: Write thank you notes to teachers, counselors, or other adults who have made a difference in your student’s year
- Tuesday May 9th: Please sign up to provide Pastries and Fruit for a Breakfast Bar. Bring items to the front office by 7:30 am
- Wednesday May 10th: Please sign up to provide items for a Taco Bar potluck lunch. Bring donations to the front office by 12:30pm.
- Thursday May 11th: Please sign up to provide an afternoon Dessert Bar. Sweet treats to round out the week! Bring items to the front office by 2:45pm.
- Friday May 12th: Write thank you notes to bus drivers, facility, lunch and Beyond the Bell staff! Our school can’t function without their hard work.
We are also hosting French students this week! Over 30 students from sister city Saumur, France, are arriving today and will be visiting FSI all week. Thank you to French teachers & program sponsors Makenzie Arnold & Chad Gerber and to all the families who are hosting students this week!
Parent Crew Update: Vote May 17! Get Involved!
We are excited to announce FSI’s new Parent Crew has met over the last few weeks to establish priorities, structure of the organization, and a guiding mission statement to gear us up for a wonderful fall and beyond. Voting to approve the Parent Crew mission statement and officer positions will be held on Wednesday, 5/17 at 6pm (online only), all at FSI are welcome to join us and participate in this process.
Parent Crew Vote Meeting
Wednesday, May 17 · 6:00 – 6:30 pm
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/tah-cnrm-typ
Or dial: (US) +1 424-296-1426 PIN: 799 265 185#
The present mission statement can be found here: Parent Crew Mission Statement
If there are comments and feedback regarding this draft, please share them with Micah Usher at musher@thefsi.us
Please set aside a few minutes to TAKE ACTION and urge our elected officials to invest in our students and our public schools! 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!
Spring Racism & Equity Workshops
Did you attend any of our spring workshops? Complete this form! We Need to Talk Sign In Form. We will organize a Crew party for the Crews with the most participation.
This Week’s Reason for Optimism
Our FSI Special Olympics team won medals in the 50 meter walk, 50 meter run, 100 meter run, running long jump, and softball throw. Our team demonstrated great persistence, practicing for months before the event, and great leadership at the event as they cheered on other athletes and helped out as needed.
Upcoming Events
Tues, May 8
- 4:15: MS All Star Soccer Game @ Buncombe County Sports Park
- 6:00 pm: Board of Directors Meeting in Music Room (new building)
Thurs, May 11
- 6 – 8:00 pm: Poetry Book Release & Open Mic @ Asheville Music Hall https://fb.me/e/6u9meV4iw
Fri, May 12
- 6:00 pm: Spring Music Concert in Community Room
Keep up with all our events on our Community Calendar!
Need to see the 2022-2023 School Calendar in one place? It’s on our website – click here
NEW! Approved 2023-2024 School Calendar
Poetry Book Release & Open Mic, May 11 @ Asheville Music Hall
Our high school Poetry Class is releasing a book! The book was completely created by students –writing, editing, collecting poems, formatting – all of it! Join us to celebrate great works of student achievement and make new friends with other members of our school community. The event is hosted by Asheville Music Hall (thank you to this FSI parent-owned business!) and includes an Open Mic opportunity for anyone! Come share up to 5 minutes of material (writing, music, monologues, stand-up, etc).
Here is a link to the event – https://fb.me/e/6u9meV4iw.
And Another Open Mic! May 22 @ Doc Brown’s
Last Open Mic was a huge hit, so we are back at it for another night of incredible music and delicious food. Join us for our second Open Mic Night at Doc Brown’s BBQ Monday May 22nd 6-8pm in support of the FSI Music Dept. All are welcome, all are welcome to perform. Please reach out with any questions to Mrs. Wilson swilson@thefsi.us. Thank you Doc Brown for hosting! Fun fact from the 1st Open Mic – an FSI alum performed and now has an ongoing gig as a result. So cool! Link to event: https://fb.me/e/135cO0pX0
The Third Talk: How to Protect Children from Adult Content
Parent/Family Workshop: May 24, 6:00 – 7:30 pm at Evergreen Community Charter School
The exposure of our young people to explicit adult content is a health challenge we are just beginning to understand. Children are first exposed to this content, on average, at age 11. Exposure can cause emotional and physical challenges, rewire neural pathways, inhibit information retention and empathy, and create mental challenges early in a child’s development. We encourage parents to bring their children to this important discussion. The facilitator will provide a family-friendly environment without shame, blame, or colorful language. Pizza will be available! We are partnering with Evergreen to provide this workshop to our families. Sign up here: The Third Talk Sign Up
Drivers Education Class
It has been a challenge getting Drivers Education classes scheduled! While Drivers Education classes often take place at schools, schools do not run the classes. All classes must be provided by a State-selected organization.
FSI students have an opportunity to take Drivers Ed in May. This class is open ONLY to students enrolled at FSI and ICI. Learn more and sign up today here: Mountain Pro Drivers Ed Classes. There are multiple classes listed on this page. Please contact Mountain Pro for any questions.
GrindFest! May 26 – 28 – Volunteers Needed!
Celebrating the local BIPOC community is a great step in your personal anti-racist journey! Grindfest is a free, 3-day event (May 26 – 28) that celebrates the success of Black entrepreneurs + business owners in Asheville. A block-party-style event will take place at 8 Rivers Arts Place! This includes a weekend full of music, games, live performance, food, local vendors + learning, employment, and partnership opportunities. The goal of the festival is to highlight the progress made by people of color while also connecting folks in the community. A long weekend of fun and excitement.
- RSVP here: https://bit.ly/GrindFest2023
- Sign up to volunteer here: https://grindfestavl.com/be-a-volunteer
- Get your tickets to the GRINDFest Concert featuring BigBoi, Waka Flocka Flame & Talib Kweli! https://app.moonclerk.com/pay/5/169n22g6uuoe
- Join the Black Wall Street community here: https://bit.ly/BWSAVLMembership
- Partner and support BIPOC Community: https://bit.ly/BWSAVLPartnership
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
FSI Food Pantry
The FSI food pantry will provide supplemental nutrition to families experiencing short or long term financial difficulty and food insecurity. Food bags containing non-perishable items will be distributed Friday afternoons. To request supplemental food assistance, please contact your child’s school counselor. Want to help out? Bring donations of food items to the main office – there’s a bin in the entryway!
High school: Mary Kinsey Hyche at mkhyche@thefsi.us
Middle school: Jennifer Negron at jnegron@thefsi.us
You can also complete this google form: Food Pantry Form
Responses to the form are sent to the counselors and all information will be kept confidential.
If you would like to contribute to the food pantry, please contact Matt Speed, Nutrition Coordinator at mspeed@thefsi.us.
COVID & Flu Updates
PCR testing is available free of charge weekly on Mondays. Testing for high school students is available from 11:30 – 1 pm in the collaboration space on the first floor of Big Ben. High school students can come on their own during lunch. Testing will then be available in Einstein, Parks, and Johnson for students in grades 5 – 8; nurses will let students know when they are available in each building. If you want your student to participate in testing – please remind them!
If you are new to Franklin or have not yet provided consent for testing, it’s not too late:
- Parental consent for students under age 18: Click here: https://testcenter.concentricbyginkgo.com/minor-consent
- Student consent – age 18 and up: Click here: https://testcenter.concentricbyginkgo.com/invite-by-code
- Our school access code is FRANKLINS1. You will need this to complete the consent form
- You only need to provide consent once
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–
Thank you to our sponsors!
Did you know that FSI has a Corporate Sponsorship program? Our local business partners provide much-needed financial support for our school! Let’s show them some love! If your business is interested in becoming a sponsor, reach out to Micah Usher, musher@thefsi.us, today!
Athletic News
Bolts Athletics wrapped up the season with a busy week!
– HS Soccer played 3 games in the week going 1-2 with a big win at Asheville School. It was a great come from behind victory with a score of 2-1. Both goals were scored by Emily Cruz-Macey with some awesome play on defense by Rowan Bettencourt and Aleigha Collins.
The team also celebrated senior night and recognized three seniors: Savanna Bowman, Chloe Bradford and Carmen Friel. Thank you for your dedication and representing Bolts Athletics!
– MS Soccer concluded their season with a 3-1 victory vs Mountain Community. This win also secured an undefeated season for the Bolts!
– HS Ultimate battled with Asheville High, but came up a little short with a score of 15-9. The team ended their season by competing in the end of season tournament at North Buncombe and finishing in 2nd place!
– The Mountain Bike Team is competing TODAY in Salisbury, NC. Their season has been disrupted with weather – here’s to a great day out on the trails!
Thank you to everyone that supported our teams, coaches and student-athletes.
GO BOLTS!!!
Club News
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 |
