Good morning Franklin families,
This week marked the end of the first quarter. October is always a strangely difficult time in the ebb and flow of the school year. We’re past the initial excitement of a new year with all its promises of fresh starts and new beginnings. Days are getting shorter, work is getting heavier, and winter break is still a long way away. I am hearing and seeing this feeling among our teachers and school staff. While the daily disruptions of the COVID pandemic are past, the impact on schools across the country, including our school, remains. There are bigger gaps in the learning, more anxiety and mental health concerns, and more challenging behavior disruptions. Teaching has always been hard. It’s become much harder. And dreaming wildly ambitious goals for our next decade may be exciting, it may also sound exhausting.
I also hear a great desire from our parents to support the school. At the Parent Crew meeting last week, I heard clearly “We want to help. We aren’t sure what the school needs from us”. It’s a legitimate question and one that isn’t easy to answer. What I hear most from teachers and school staff are simple requests that are really hard to meet. They need more time. They want to be recognized as the professionals they are. They need salaries that allow them to live and thrive in our community. Much of this requires action from our elected officials, who decide how to fund education. North Carolina remains at the bottom of national funding for schools. It will take a lot of work and many votes to change this fact.
But there are ways parents and families can help and they don’t require hours of volunteering.
- Show your support and respect for teachers. This can be as simple as reminding your children that teachers are professionals and humans and deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. It can mean reviewing expectations for behavior at school. It might mean sending a thank you note. Find ways to show your children that school is important, you chose Franklin, and you are committed to the mutual success of our school and your children.
- Remember that teachers have about an hour a day when they are not teaching or supervising students. This is the time they have to prepare lessons, grade and give feedback, and respond to parent emails. Before emailing a teacher, think about the demands on that teacher’s time. Is your request important enough to put ahead of their other responsibilities? There are times when the answer to this question is yes and you have a legitimate need to reach out. I’m not discouraging that. But sometimes there are other ways to get the information you need. Ask your student. Check Canvas. Read the weekly newsletter from your grade level.
- When you do need to contact teachers, keep it short, respectful, and specific. Do your best to send it during school hours (I am a huge fan of “schedule send”!). Avoid long emails, writing in all caps, or using lots of exclamation points.
- Remember there is almost always more than one side to a story.
We are fortunate to have a supportive school community. We feel this support. Months like October are when we need it the most. Thank you for choosing Franklin and for helping us through celebrations and times when we just have to grind through.
Lots of Homecoming and Halloween fun this week! Check out the calendar for more info below. Remember to dine out at Mod this Thursday! The Franklin School of Innovation Parent Crew will receive 20% of fundraiser sales if you eat at Mod on Merrimon Avenue.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.
Calendar Events
Tues, Oct 24
- 4:15 pm: MS Flag Football @ Mountain Community School (Jackson Park)
Thus, Oct 26
- 6:00 pm: Staff vs Students Volleyball Game @ FSI – wear PINK & bring cash for donations for breast cancer.
- 6:30 pm: First Virtual Information Session for Prospective Families
- All Day: Dine Out at Mod! The Franklin School of Innovation Parent Crew will receive 20% of fundraiser sales if you eat at Mod on Merrimon Avenue on October 26. Order online using the code MODGIVES20 or by visiting the Merrimon Avenue Mod Location and mention the Fundraiser at Checkout
Fri, Oct 27:
- 3:15 – 5:00 pm: Middle School Halloween Carnival in Community Room
Sat, Oct 28
- 7:00 – 9:00 pm: High School Homecoming Dance. Parents – sign up here to donate or volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080F45A4A82BA5FE3-45341412-fsihomecoming
Keep up with all our events!
FSI Yearlong Academic Calendar
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Athletics News
- HS soccer team concluded their season with a thrilling victory at Asheville School, 3-2. Goals were scored by Donovan Bennett (2) and Brody Sandifer-Williams (1).
- HS volleyball team also wrapped up their season. They played Asheville School in a tight match, but came up a bit short. Great plays and serves by Kristina Hattaway, Sarah Pusser and Addison Hudgins, We will definitely miss those three seniors!
- MS and HS cross country teams competed in the Conference Championship at IC Imagine and finished strong. The boys HS team had three runners finish in the top ten: Triston Harding (6), Zayden Gettys (7) and Jack Dickson (8). The girls HS team had great runs by Hazel Wells and Blue Burgess-Johnson. The boys MS team had a strong showing with Hilton Harding finishing in the top 25. The girls MS showed out too with a 5th place finish by Elena Moore.
The tradition of the staff vs students volleyball game will continue on Thursday, October 26th at 6:00pm in the gym! All are welcome to attend. We will be taking donations at the door for Breast Cancer Awareness and encourage everyone to WEAR PINK!!!
MS Basketball Try-Outs for boys and girls grades 5-8 will be held on Monday, November 6 and Tuesday, November 7 from 3:45-5:15pm. Must attend both days to be considered for the teams. All required paperwork must be submitted.
Go Bolts!
Middle School Halloween Carnival! This Friday, Oct 27
The 11th grade and the Habitat for Humanity Club are hosting their annual Middle School Halloween Carnival on Friday, October 27, after school in the Community Room. The event is free and open to all middle school students. Money is needed for games and snacks. All funds raised support our Student Habitat for Humanity Home Build.
High School Homecoming Dance this Saturday, Oct 28
The High School Homecoming Dance is this Saturday, Oct 28, 7 – 9 pm in the Community Room. All attendees must be high school students. Guests from other schools are welcome and must have a signed permission form from their principal Coach Burke emailed the forms to students last week.
High school parents – please sign up here to donate or to volunteer! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080F45A4A82BA5FE3-45341412-fsihomecoming
Boo-Grams!
Boo-Grams (ghost themed lollipops with a message of your choice) will be for sale during middle and high school lunch, this Tuesday through Friday. They cost $2 and will be delivered during crew on Halloween. A spooky way to spread some joy to friends, sweethearts, staff and teachers! All proceeds will go to our school garden.
Club Updates
Math club starts this week! Led by high school math teacher Teshale Byan, math club is open to students in all grades. Math Club meets Tuesdays from 3:30 – 5:00 pm in Mr. Byan’s room.
Science Olympiad is looking for more members! We have middle and high school teams and the club meets every Friday after school until 4:15 in Ms. Bragdon’s room. You can still join! The list of all clubs is shared at the bottom of the newsletter.
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:
College Corner: FAFSA Workshop, Nov 9
FSI will be hosting an FAFSA info session on November 9th from 6-7.
A representative from the A-B Tech Financial Aid Office will discuss the many major changes to the FAFSA for the 2024-2025 academic year. There will be an opportunity for questions, and families will also be able to receive assistance with the FAFSA at A-B Tech after the application opens in December 2023
Morning drop-off reminders:
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. Use a Zipper Merge – each driver in the right lane allows one driver from the left lane to merge in ahead of them.
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 – Starting Oct 24! 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
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
