Give to our Annual Fund Today!
Good morning Franklin families,
How are you arriving today? We often ask this question at the start of our meetings. As someone who values efficiency it’s not always a natural reflex for me to take the time to check in, be transparent about my own state of being, and affirm the feelings of others. Tools like starting all meetings with a simple check are a way to help me be better at what I do. As we move into the holiday season, checking in becomes even more important. Today I am arriving tired – I had a lot of afterhours school work last week. I’m also arriving with a minor injury that is keeping me off the running trails for a while. I’m no athlete but regular time on the trails is essential to my mental well-being. I’m arriving relieved that this is a short work week and deeply excited that my children will be home for the holidays. How are you arriving today? The holidays can be times of joy and abundance and they can also be times of stress, hardship, sorrow, and loneliness. Make time this week to check in with people around you and listen to their responses. Listen deeply and with intention. It may be the best gift you can give this season.
We recently asked our teachers how they were arriving to the end of our first quarter. There were many positive takeaways from their responses and also some themes we need to improve. One thing we heard clearly, which I hear echoed by school leaders everywhere, is that many teachers currently feel that they are giving more than they are receiving. Teaching is a huge investment of energy and emotion and love. As a community we need to be sure our teachers and school staff are replenished – it’s our collective job to refill the buckets of love they pour into our students. We’re working on things in school that can cultivate a culture of gratitude, respect, and kindness. As we head into Thanksgiving week, I encourage families to join us in these efforts. I’ve attached a simple lesson and templates for respect journals. Respect is a tricky word – we all say it all the time but we don’t often take time to define what it really looks like and sounds like. Use these resources to help define what respect looks like in your home. Creating a culture of kindness starts with each of us!
As we head into this busy week, please remember that Giving Tuesday is just 9 days away! Our goal for Giving Tuesday is to raise $45,000. All funds raised directly support our school – keeping our buses on the road, providing meals for students, supporting our arts programming, funding scholarships so all students can participate in field work and adventure trips, and keeping our athletics program afloat. These are critical parts of our school program that are not funded with public dollars! Share the link with family, friends, and maybe even your boss – remind them that strong schools are the building blocks of strong communities!
Click here to give: Growing Together 2023 Annual Fund
Congratulations to High School High Boltage Theatre for a terrific, laugh-out-loud performance of Hearts Like Planets! Bravo!
Thank you for choosing Franklin and creating a great school together.
A Note from our Neighbors
Our neighboring business, AAA Storage, has reached out with a request. It seems that one or a few FSI students who walk off campus in the afternoons have been rearranging letters on their business sign – creating profane or inappropriate messages. If your student walks off campus in the afternoons please check in with them. If they have any information about who is doing this, let us know! They have also asked (again) that parents not use their parking area during our dismissal. While it is a universal fact that no parent likes a dismissal line, our car line is actually pretty fast. Please use our car line to pick up students after school.
Calendar Events
Mon, Nov 20
- Transgender Day of Remembrance
High school students who wish to mark this day are invited to join a silent vigil at 9:44 am. Students who do not wish to participate or do not feel they can remain silent during the 45 – 60 minute vigil may remain inside.
Tues, Nov 21
- 2:15 pm: Middle School Staff vs Student Flag Football match on front field
Keep up with all our events!
FSI Yearlong Academic Calendar
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Athletic News
HS Bolts Basketball played their first ever home game on November 13th vs Bethel Christian. The Bolts played a solid first half and led by one at halftime, but couldn’t close the deal in the second half. Tyler Pruitt led the Bolts with 24 points and Gabe Kirsch and Jack Dickson were the leading rebounders. The team returns to action on November 30th when they travel to Shining Rock Academy in Waynesville.
Congrats to all the Bolts that made the JV and Varsity middle school basketball teams. We had a record turnout for tryouts and we look forward to the season tip- off on December 5th as the varsity team plays at Carolina Day.
Holiday Assistance Program – Reply by Nov 26
Our Holiday Assistance Program is starting back up as we head into the winter season. This program is intended to support families at our school who may need help purchasing gifts for their children for the holidays and who have not accessed other local Holiday Assistance Programs (Eblen, Salvation Army, St. Nicholas Project, etc.). All information in this form will go directly to Jennifer Negron (Middle School Counselor) or Mary Kinsey Hyche (High School Counselor) and will be kept confidential. Once we receive your form we will follow up with an email to collect/provide more information.
Please respond by Sunday, November 26th if you wish to participate.
Parent Crew News
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.
Dentist Update
Our dentists have changed our appointment – again! Unfortunately they have not given us a new date to return to our school. Stay tuned!
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
