Good morning Franklin families,
Innovation Fest was a great success! Thank you to our planning team – Micah Usher, Kelli Miller, James Love, Ron Scott, Bruce Waller, Sandi Wilson, and the high school BIPOC Student Union for all their work behind the scenes preparing for our 10th anniversary celebration and kick-off to our next decade. Special thanks also to the many FSI staff members and volunteers who gave up their Saturday to set up, support, and tear down after the event, and to the vendors and community service providers who joined us Saturday. What a wonderful way to introduce our school to the broader community!
We kicked off the celebration with an all day visit from Dr. Life (https://www.thestandingovation.com/). From the start of the day music and dance party at the entrance, to our first ever middle school pep rally, and through small group and individual interactions with students, Dr. Life spread his message of believing in yourself and living to your full potential. His message connects directly to our school’s mission: “Our graduates are ready for the future they will create”. We have a lot to celebrate and take pride in from our first 10 years. And our mission will continue to guide us over the next 10, as we work collaboratively and relentlessly toward our wildly ambitious goal – that every single student who walks through our doors will leave us with the confidence, skills, and belief that they can create their futures.
We’ll be sharing photos and videos from Innovation Fest on Facebook and Instagram over the next days and weeks – be sure to check them out!
As we continue to push toward our mission – here’s something we can all celebrate! Our school has been named to the College Board AP Honor Roll at the Platinum level, the highest level of performance. What exactly does this mean? It is truly impressive and reflects years of working toward our goal of inviting and challenging all students to try at least one college-level (Advanced Placement) course during high school. Here’s how we ranked last year:
- 86% of our students took at least 1 Advanced Placement course during high school. The benchmark for Platinum level performance is 80%. Our goal is 100%!
- 64% of students earned college credit by passing the AP test – well above the 50% threshold.
- 16% of our students took 5 AP classes, inching us over the 15% bar.
Why does this matter? Research shows that students who take AP courses and exams are more likely to attend college and graduate on time. And even for students who don’t choose college, AP courses introduce students to rigor and critical thinking skills students will need as they pursue sustainable employment pathways.
Here’s to the next decade of wildly ambitious goals! Thank you for choosing Franklin and helping us succeed.
Thursday is the last day of Quarter 1, and Friday is a teacher work day (no school). Let’s finish this quarter strong!
Calendar Events
Today! Oct 15, 3:00 pm: Mountain Bike Ride Ride at Berm Park https://www.chestnutmountainnaturepark.com/berm-park
Mon, Oct 16
- 4:00 – 5:30 pm: HS Basketball try-outs (see Athletics section for more info)
- 4:30 pm: HS Volleyball @ Asheville School
- 4:30 pm: HS Soccer @ Asheville School
Tues, Oct 17
- 4:00 – 5:30 pm: HS Basketball try-outs
- 4:30 pm: MS & HS Cross Country Conference Championship Meet @ ICI
- 6:00 pm: Parent Crew Meeting in person @ FSI or join Video call link: https://meet.google.com/nax-hmnk-mwf
Wed, Oct 18
- 1:00 – 4:00 pm: 9th & 10th Grade Homework/Late Work Make Up Study Hall – sign up here
Fri, Oct 20: Teacher Work Day – NO SCHOOL
Looking ahead to Spirit Week & Homecoming week of Oct 23- 28!
Keep up with all our events!
FSI Yearlong Academic Calendar
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Athletics News
- MS Volleyball got 2 wins last week by defeating the Trailblazers and IC Imagine. Way to finish the season strong!!
- HS Volleyball went 1-1 for the week losing to the Trailblazers and bouncing back by defeating IC Imagine. The team will wrap up their season on Monday at Asheville School.
- HS soccer had a tough week dropping matches to IC Imagine and the Trailblazers. The team has had some close, challenging losses, but is playing tough. The team will wrap up their season on Monday at Asheville School.
- MS and HS cross country had great runs at the Kingfisher Invitational and will finish up their seasons on Tuesday at the Conference Championship meet on Tuesday at IC Imagine.
- MS Flag Football had a tough loss versus The Learning Community and will try to bounce back after the bye week this week!
HS Basketball try-outs will be held on Monday 10/16 and Tuesday 10/17 from 4:00-5:30 pm. All required paperwork must be submitted.
If you are a fall sports student-athlete, you must finish that season first before trying out. We will also hold a try-out on Wednesday for that reason.
Go Bolts!
Morning drop-off
We have a few issues to fix during morning drop-off. Please remember to drive slowly at all times on our roads and be patient and considerate toward other drivers. Traffic is always one-way during drop-off and pick-up for everyone. Let’s keep our students safe!
In the morning, form two lanes of traffic all the way around the back of the building. You will merge into one lane at the traffic cones.
- All students should get out of cars at the front entrance. Please do not stop to let students out at other locations.
- Maintain two lanes until the merge at the back of the building
- “Zipper Merge” – this is a simple, efficient, and fair way to merge two lanes of traffic into one. Just take turns! Each driver in the right lane allows one car from the left lane to merge in ahead of them. One after the other – just like a zipper.
- Students should get out of the car when you are in the right lane (next to the curb). Use the full length of space available for unloading.
- Do not pass on the left in the drop-off area. Wait the extra minute or two to ensure that our students are safe
The road is one-way during drop off and pick up. All cars must drive around the building and exit the school exit.
9th & 10th Grade Late Work Study Hall
This Wednesday we are offering a structured study hall session for students in grades 9 and 10 who have missing assignments or late work. The goal is to help students complete and turn in work before the end of Quarter 1. Priority will be given to students with 70% or below in any of their core classes (math, ELA, social studies, and science). This is not a tutoring session – this is a structured study hall. Staff will be on hand to help students prioritize work and to maintain a quiet focused work environment. Study hall will be held in the 2nd floor Focus Room. Chromebooks will be provided. Students are expected to bring any other materials they need to complete assignments.
Sign up here: Oct 18 Late Work Study Hall
Get Involved: Parent Crew Updates
The second Parent Crew meeting of the school year will be held on Tuesday, October 17 from 6:00 pm-7:00 pm at The Franklin School of Innovation. We would like to invite you to attend. Michelle Vruwink, School Director, will join us to lead a discussion on the Parent Engagement Policy. In addition, we will discuss upcoming events and holiday staff gifts. Please join us in supporting the school.
If you are unable to attend in person, please feel free to join virtually:
Parent Crew Meeting at Franklin
Tuesday, October 17 · 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/nax-hmnk-mwf
Or dial: (US) +1 262-885-7037 PIN: 398 948 155#
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!
Here’s how to participate in the auction:
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.
Reminders
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
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 Date Change!
SMILE! – Underclassman and Senior Pictures will be on October 30th 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
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
