Good morning Franklin families,
It’s October! There are only three weeks left in our 1st quarter. I hope everyone was able to find some time this weekend to get outdoors and enjoy our beautiful mountains. If a quiet walk in the woods isn’t your thing, or if you just like to mix things up a bit – there is still time this month to celebrate Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month (Sept 15 – Oct 15). Here are a few ideas to explore and learn right here in the Asheville area:
- Visit El Mercadito, within The Refinery AVL, and explore artwork by Luis Alaro Sahagun.
- Check out one of the newest murals in Asheville (along Coxe Avenue): “Eres Un Orgullo Latino” (which means “You Are Latin Pride”). The mural was designed and painted by Leslie Reynalte-Llanco as part of Buncombe County’s Creative Equity Mural Project.
- Head out to Weaverville for a Dia de los Muertos fundraiser for Asheville sister city committees in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, and Valladolid Yucatan. The Weaverville Community Center October 19, 4-8pm.
- Support Hispanic/Latinx businesses! Check out this list (including FSI family-owned Buggy Pops.
We’re excited to add Innovation Fest into this mix! On Saturday, Oct 14, from noon to 4 pm, we invite all FSI friends, families, and neighbors to join us for a multicultural festival celebrating a decade of service to the community and imagining the decade to come. Innovation Fest features local artists Whitney Mongé and Grupo Escolta Activado, DJ Twan, student and FSI community showcase performances, delicious food from local food truck vendors, and guest speaker Dr. Life. Learn more and get your free tickets here! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/innovationfest-tickets-706175950277.
Here’s to a great week!
Calendar Events
Mon, Oct 2
- 5:00 pm: HS Soccer @ Hendersonville HS
Tues, Oct 3
- 4:15 pm: MS Flag Football vs New Classical @ BCSP
- 5:30 pm: HS Soccer @ Mt Pisgah Academy
Wed, Oct 4
- 4:30 pm: HS Cross Country @ Reynolds
Thurs, Oct 5
- Mobile Dental Clinic @ FSI
- 4:15 pm: MS Flag Football vs Francine Delaney (Front field)
- 4:30 pm: HS Soccer @ Veritas
- 4:30 pm: MS & HS Volleyball @ Veritas
Save the Date! Saturday, Oct 14, noon – 4 pm: Innovation Fest @ FSI!
Keep up with all our events!
FSI Yearlong Academic Calendar
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Athletics News
- MS Flag Football tied Art Space 14-14 in a super competitive game. Defeated Rainbow 42-14 with TD’s by Ian MacCuspie and Zafiro Garcia-Solano.
- HS Volleyball split their two games this week. Lost 0-3 to Bethel Christian and defeated Shining Rock 3-0.
- HS Soccer dropped a close match to the Trailblazers 1-0.
- Middle & High School Cross Country had meets with some PRs for runners. Jack Dickson was top finisher for the HS Cross Country team
HS Boys Basketball will hold open gyms on October 12 & 13 from 4:00-5:30 pm.
Must submit required paperwork including sports physical to participate.
Get Involved: Parent Crew Updates
The FSI Parent Crew Gala committee is out in the community now looking for businesses large and small to donate goods, services, or items of all kinds to our annual auction. If you represent a business or are friendly with one that might be interested, please see the forms included attached to the newsletter & let us know at galacrew@thefsi.us if we can count on you or if you have any questions! All proceeds from the event directly benefit the school. All items or monetary donations from businesses are welcome (some ideas: art, jewelry, restaurant gift cards, professional services from salons to tattoo studios to law offices, crafts, vacation stays, etc). Save the date for March 2nd at The Mule–gala tickets on sale in December!
Join our School Improvement Team!
We are looking for volunteers to join the School Improvement Team (SIT). The SIT meets 4 – 5 times each year to provide input on ways to improve student growth and achievement at FSI. Email mvruwink@thefsi.us if you are interested in joining! Prior experience is not required.
Dine Out at Mod! October 26
The Franklin School of Innovation Parent Crew will receive 20% of
fundraiser sales if you eat at Mod on Merrimon Avenue on October 26, 2023. To participate, all you have to do is order online using the code MODGIVES20 or by visiting the Merrimon Avenue Mod Location and mention the Fundraiser at Checkout. Funds collected will be used towards Parent Crew events, staff appreciation and staff needs.
Seeking Mentors for our Seniors!
As part of our Senior Passages program, students are required to engage in a mentorship, internship, or workplace experience. We are currently seeking professional community members willing to host a student for a minimum of 24 hours, offering valuable insights and skill development opportunities specific to their respective fields. We kindly ask mentors to complete both an agreement form and an evaluation form at the conclusion of their 24-hour commitment. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please reach out to JaneAnne Tager: jtager@thefsi.us
Drivers’ Ed Class – Register Today!
A driver’s ed class has been scheduled. The classes will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning at the end of November and finishing the third week of January. The class will begin at 3:45 and end at 6:45. Students must be present for all 10 classes in order to pass the class. Registration is through Mountain Professionals Driving School. Use this link to register: https://www.mtnpro.com/school-classes
Reminders
Mobile Dental Clinic Oct 5
The dentist is coming on October 5th! Forms went out to students for dental cleanings on 9/8. The nurse has extra forms in her office! Reach out to Courtney with any questions at: ckozloski@thefsi.us
Open Mic @ Doc Browns! Oct 30, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Calling all musicians, for a Halloween open mic!
That’s right! Open mics are back. Join us for our first open mic at Doc Brown’s BBQ Monday, October 30 5:30 to 7:30pm. Come in costume and celebrate the holiday with us musically and with a lot of GREAT food. Anyone is welcome to perform all you have to do is show up! We would love to have as many people perform as possible! Also, Doc Brown’s is generously donating 10% of all proceeds during the time we are there to our music department. Please reach out to Sandi Wilson at swilson@thefsi.us with any questions. We look forward to seeing you there!
New! Lacrosse in Beyond the Bell
We are excited to bring this opportunity to FSI! Please click here to learn more and sign up for the chance to learn/play lacrosse on Wednesday afternoons as part of our Beyond the Bell program. Questions? Contact Ron Scott, rscott@thefsi.us. Learn more/sign up here: Lacrosse Sign Up
Fall School Picture Day
SMILE! – Underclassman and Senior Pictures will be on October 17th and Make-up pictures will be on November 13th.
Student Clubs – Get Involved!
Clubs open to all grades
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. (Starts mid-October)
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!
Faculty Advisor: Jessica Bragdon, jbragdon@thefsi.us if you have any questions.
Meeting Information: Room 272 from 3:30-4:15 every other Friday. Next meeting Fri, Sept 22 will meet MS at base of stairs to take them upstairs
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
World Dance Club – Learn a variety of dances from around the world! Hip hop, Kpop, Latin Dance, Jpop and more! Instructed by Ms Sheila Dillingham, a local dance teacher.
Cost is $10/class – paid monthly.
Faculty Advisor: Micah Usher, musher@thefsi.us
Instructor: Sheila Dillingham, lunafields@hotmail.com or 828 772 5937
Meeting Information: Wednesdays 1:15 – 3:30 pm Starts Wednesday 09/06
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
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
