Good morning Franklin families,
We are gearing up for Giving Tuesday! On Tuesday, Nov 28, we will join the international Day of Giving. The Giving Tuesday mission is to inspire radical generosity, the idea that generosity is part of everyday life. This idea connects to our school mission, which seeks to inspire students to recognize the value of others as part of their readiness for the future they create. On Giving Tuesday, we will ask our community for financial support for our students, in a one-day Annual Fund drive. Our minimum goal for this year is to raise $45,000 – about $65 per FSI student. We’ll be broadcasting live on the hour every hour, 8 am – 6 pm, on Facebook and Instagram. It’s a fun and exciting day!
As a public charter school, public funding provides the majority of our funding. So why are we asking our families to give? Very simply put, our elected officials in North Carolina have not made public education a priority. Last year, North Carolina was 48th in state funding for public schools. And here’s a hard fact. While other states have significantly improved education funding over the past few years -our elected officials are busy dismantling our public education system. At a time when schools are working harder than ever to fill social and academic gaps created by the COVID pandemic and with Federal COVID relief funds running out – we received a funding increase of just 2.7%. This is one of the lowest increases in the past decade and does not begin to cover the increased costs of keeping our school running.
Our Giving Tuesday Annual Fund helps fill the gap between what it costs to provide a high quality educational program – with extensive bus transportation, afterschool care, a comprehensive nutrition program, and a wide variety of extracurricular activities. These programs are central to our commitment to serving a diverse student population and we provide them without public funding.
While everyone has much to give to our community, not everyone can give financially. As we look ahead to Giving Tuesday we ask each family to consider the ways they can give. If a diverse school community is something you value and you have the ability to do so – pay it forward! Perhaps you work for a business that could partner with Franklin as a corporate sponsor, or that offers matching contributions. Business sponsorships are integral to reach fundraising goals. Please reach out to Michelle at mvruwink@thefsi.us or Micah at musher@thefsi.us about these. Donations can be made at any time through Network For Good at https://bit.ly/2324fsiannualfund. Let’s invest in the future for all our students!
I want to help spread the word about a great (and free!) parent workshop coming up this Thursday, November 16, 6 pm. Local “teen whisperer” Kriya Lendzion, LCMHC, LCS, CPS, is offering her “Addiction-Proofing our Kids” presentation. Relevant for parents of kids in K-12th grades, she will be talking about all the addictive behaviors we’re seeing – substances, porn, screens, gaming, self-harm etc – and how to prevent them, starting as early as possible. Nov 16, 6 – 7 pm, 424 W State Street St James Episcopal Church, Black Mountain. We’ve hosted this workshop with Kriya and it is well worth your time!
Finally – tomorrow night we host our 1st home basketball game ever! Join us at 5:30 pm to kick off our basketball season!
Thank you for choosing Franklin and for working with us to create a great school.
Calendar Events
Mon, Nov 13
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- 8:30 am: Make Up School Picture Day – complete the FORM here to sign up.
- 5:30 pm: HS Basketball vs. Bethel Christian @ FSI! Go Bolts! Tickets available at the door
Tues, Nov 14
- 6:00 pm: Board of Directors Meeting in the Music Room
Thurs, Nov 16
- Mod Pizza Dine Out for FSI! 873 Merriman Ave, Asheville
- 6:30 – 7:30 pm: Virtual Info Session for Prospective Families: Zoom Link – https://zoom.us/j/95326588432?pwd=LzN6UmZMR2JJZnlsS2tMNVF2Zll1Zz09, Passcode – rc9pJs
Fri, Nov 17
- 7:00 pm: High School Theatre Presents “Hearts Like Planets” @ The Kittredge Theatre at Warren Wilson College, Swannannoa
Sat, Nov 18
- 8:30 am – 2:30 pm: Board of Directors Retreat
- 7:00 pm: High School Theatre Presents “Hearts Like Planets” @ The Kittredge Theatre at Warren Wilson College, Swannannoa
Keep up with all our events!
FSI Yearlong Academic Calendar
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Parent Crew News
The Mod Pizza Dine Out for Franklin Event has a rescheduled date! Thank you to everyone who came out previously and supported the event. Mod credited us for all the sales we made before they closed due to electrical issues, and rescheduled us for Thursday 11/16!!! Please join us! Funds raised will be used towards staff support and gifts, as well as parent crew-supported school events!
The next Parent Crew meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 28 from 6:00 pm-7:00 pm at The Franklin School of Innovation. We would like to invite you to attend and help us support FSI. Note that Nov 28 is Giving Tuesday! Stay tuned to learn more about how you can support Franklin on our annual day of giving.
Middle School Student Council Food Drive – Nov 14 – 28
The middle school student council will be hosting a food drive through the MANNA Foodbank. The food drive will begin on 11/14 and conclude on Giving Tuesday, 11/28 at 9am. Food will be collected during the CREW period. The CREW with the most items will be awarded a pizza party! Examples of suggested food items are: olive oil, nuts, whole wheat pasta, rice, whole grain cereal, low sodium canned vegetables, canned fruits, dried fruits and natural nut butters. Any questions, contact Nurse Courtney! ckozloski@thefsi.us.
FSI High Boltage Theatre Presents “Hearts Like Planets” Nov 17 & 18
Don’t miss this new play that orbits all around and through what it is to be human. Through an entertainingly cosmic mix of genres (Noir, drama, comedy, crime-fighting), the show illustrates how love, good and bad choices, big risks, and new beginnings define our species.
When: November 17 and 18 at 7:00 pm
Where: The Kittredge Theatre at Warren Wilson College, Swannanoa, NC
General Admission Tickets – $10 each online* or at the door. Online sales will begin by Nov. 3rd. The link will be on the FSI website and emailed to students. This show is suitable for ages 8 and up.
*Please note that online sales will close on Friday, Nov. 17th at noon.
Did You Know? Medicaid Expansion is Coming Dec 1
Beginning Dec. 1, 2023, more people can get health coverage through Medicaid. Medicaid will cover people ages 19 through 64 years with higher incomes. North Carolinians may be able to get health care insurance through Medicaid even if they didn’t qualify before. Medicaid pays for doctor visits, yearly check-ups, emergency care, mental health services and more – at little or no cost to beneficiaries. Most people will be able to get health care coverage through Medicaid if they meet the criteria below. If you were eligible before, you still are. You may be eligible if you:
- Live in North Carolina
- Age 19 through 64
- Are a citizen. Some non-U.S. citizens can get health care coverage through Medicaid.
- Have a household income that is below 138% of the federal poverty level. That’s about $20,000 for a single adult or about $34,000 for a family of three.
People can apply for Medicaid online at epass.nc.gov. They can also submit a paper application or apply in person at their local Department of Social Services (DSS). Learn more here: https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/
Reminders
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.
Buy Your Yearbook Today!
Our Yearbook Class is hard at work designing our school yearbook! Order yours now for the best prices:
Current sale: $50 until Nov. 10
Next Sale: $55 from Nov. 11- Jan. 26th
Final Sale: $60 from Jan. 27-May 26th
And here is the link:
Pizza Days
Our pizza sales have changed this year. Pizza Fridays are a fundraiser for our athletic program. Due to scheduling issues, pizza sales are only on “B” days (based on the high school schedule). For the rest of this calendar year – we will have Pizza Fridays on the following dates:
- Dec 1
- Dec 15
Student Clubs – Get Involved!
Clubs open to all grades
New! Middle School Student Council!
All are welcome to join the general assembly of the student council. Your council will be led by the executive board to plan activities, fundraisers, and fun events for FSI. We will focus on leadership, community, and inclusivity. Meetings will be announced in our monthly newsletter on Thursday’s.
Faculty Advisor: Nurse Courtne, ckozloski@thefsi.us
Meets: Thursdays as announced in the newsletter
New! Skate Club: Come meet other skaters, learn new tricks, and share your love of this growing sport! Thursdays, 3:30 – 4:30 pm, in room 161. Students must bring their own skateboards. Helmets and shoes are required, other safety gear is encouraged.
Faculty advisors: Mr. Abbot and Mr. Stahlke.
Skate Club meets: Thursdays, 3:30 – 4:30 pm, room 161
Math Club – 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–not to mention, our snack pantries are always full. Students also get the opportunity to participate in local, regional, and national math competitions.
Faculty Advisor: Teshale Byan – tbyan@thefsi.us
Math Club meets: Tuesdays from 3:30 – 5:00 PM room #224.
Outdoor Club – The outdoor club learns and practices outdoor skills for camping, hiking, fishing and exploring. We meet after school to plan trips and practice skills, and head out about one weekend a month for adventures.
Faculty Advisors: JP Bowers, Donnie Stahlke – jpotter-bowers@thefsi.us , Dstahlke@thefsi.us
Outdoor Club meets: Tuesdays from 3:45 – 4:45 PM, Adventure Ed – room 272 Started 8/29
Science Olympiad – Do you geek out on all things science? Are you a competitive person who wants a medal hanging around your neck to prove science prowess? This is a science competition against other area schools, with a potential to move on to state and national levels! We are still looking for more team members! It’s not too late to join.
Faculty Advisor: Jessica Bragdon, jbragdon@thefsi.us if you have any questions.
Meeting Information: Room 272 afterschool every Friday until 4:15.
Girls Who Code – Girls Who Code is on a mission to close the gender gap in technology and to change the image of what a programmer looks like and does. We work on personal coding projects and learn skills together.
Faculty Advisors: Jessica Fine and Brittany Davenport, jfine@thefsi.us, bdavenport@thefsi.us
Meeting Information: Every other Monday in room 163 3:15 – 4:15 pm Starts 9/11
Mountain Biking – Grades 6 -12 – Members learn mountain biking skills and gain community among others who also enjoy this sport! Contact the advisor for more information.
Advisor: Bevin McGahey, bevinmcgahey@gmail.com
Meeting Information: Practices start in November and compete mostly in the spring.
Chess Club – All levels and grades are welcome! Looking for a great way to strengthen your focus and elevate your creativity? Join the Chess Club! We meet once a week to learn the finer points of the game, and to practice strategy and concentration. Club members have the opportunity to participate in a variety of local tournaments. Cost for this club is $50 a semester.
Advisor: Bruce Roth, brucerothchess@gmail.com
Meeting Information: We meet Tuesdays 4:00- 5:00 pm Starts Sept 12th
Film Club – This allows students to grow confidence in their ideas while facing an audience, feeling comfortable in their own skin and to showcase art without fear of backlash or bigotry.
Student Advisor: Michaela Mamone-Peeples michaelamamone-peeples@thefsi.us
Meeting Information: Held in Ms. Julia Adam’s room every other Thursday 345 – 445 pm starting 8/31
Middle School Clubs
New! Majorette Dance Club – Do you like to dance? Want to learn more about Majorette Dance? This is an informal student club that will meet during 6th grade recess on Fridays, beginning October 6. We’ll meet in Room 163.
Faculty Advisors: Michelle Vruwink, mvruwink@thefsi.us and nurse Courtney Kozloski.
Meeting information: Fridays during 6th grade recess, Room 163
MS Creative Writing Club – Are you a fan of writing, reading and sharing books you love with others? Then the MS Creative Writing Club is the place for you! Students are challenged weekly with new ideas to help enhance and support their love of writing. Using prompts, journalling and group collaboration, students will have the opportunity to write for poetry and prose competitions, individual work or collaborative pieces for classes. Bring your journal and join the fun! KOTLC fans will find that there are often discussions about the awesomeness of Shannon Messenger’s book series during club time!
Faculty Advisor: Ashley O’Dell, aodell@thefsi.us
Meeting Information: Starts September 8th – Meets alternating Mondays and Fridays
MS Drama Club – Are you interested in theatre? Do you love to act? Do you want a way to get to know other students while having a lot of fun with drama? Well, Drama Club may be the club for you!
Faculty Advisor: Elizabeth Lexa, elexa@thefsi.us
Meeting Information: Starts Sept 19th – Oct. 24th Meets Tuesdays 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Middle School Gay-Straight Alliance (MS GSA) (gender and sexuality alliance) –
We welcome everyone and work to empower LGBTQ+ lives.
Faculty Advisors: Ms. Wallace and Riddle at zwallace@thefsi.us or rriddle@thefsi.us
Meeting Information: Middle School GSA begins meeting Wednesday 8/30 during lunch room 142 – Meets Wednesdays 11:15-11:55 room 142
Robotics Team – The robotics team is for students in grades 5-8. Students will compete in a competition to showcase their robotics and problem solving skills.
Faculty Advisor: Brittany Davenport, bdavenport@thefsi.us
Meeting Information: Thursdays 3:20-4:30 in room 163 (Interest meeting Thursday, 8/31 at 3:25 – 4:15 pm)
High School Clubs
New! Banned Books Club: Open to all high schoolers and staff – the club will meet Wednesdays at 1:05 in Dr. Hawkins room. Come discuss your favorite banned books!
TEDxYouth @FSI – TEDxYouth is an opportunity for students to truly be leaders in their own learning. From selecting the theme to finding speakers and running the actual event, this is a youth-led event through and through.
Faculty Advisor: Lora Hawkins, lhawkins@thefsi.us
Meeting Information: Meets monthly until January, and then we meet weekly (or a bit more often) until the conference in March. Room 269. Starts end of Q1, auditions in November
High School Genders and Sexualities Alliances (HS GSA) – This student-run club, supported by faculty members, meets weekly. The club’s purpose is to provide a safe space for students to discuss LGBTQ+ issues, both personally and within the larger societal context. In addition, students will have a space to educate and advocate to their wider community.
Faculty Advisor: Mary Kinsey Hyche at mkhyche@thefsi.us
High School Drama Club (High Boltage Theatre) – In this club we work on a theatre production! You will either be either on stage or backstage, and it is such a unique opportunity to be creative, build strong friendships, and develop new skills all while having big fun. This year, we plan to perform our fall and spring plays in the theatre at Warren Wilson. We’ll get to be on a real stage and work with some college theatre tech students! In addition to the two full length productions, we are plotting a couple of other fun projects/activities. You don’t need experience to get involved!
Faculty Advisor: Julie Wharton, Jwharton@thefsi.us
HS Drama Club meets: meets two days a week during rehearsals – dates TBD by members – generally Mon, Tues, or Thurs from 3:45 – 6:45.
Habitat for Humanity Leadership – This club fundraises to support a Habitat for Humanity Student build. 5 area high schools sponsor and build a Habitat House every other year.
Faculty Advisor: Mary Smith, msmith@thefsi.us
Meeting Information: Likely Room 226, Tuesdays at lunch starting in September
Arts Quarterly – The Arts Quarterly is open to high school students wanting to make a zine style publication that is published quarterly, all grade level work is considered. The Zine will feature upcoming events throughout the quarter and exceptional student art and writing work.
Faculty Advisor: Micah Usher, musher@thefsi.us
Meeting Information: Once a week for a month before each quarter or as needed, room 144
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
