Good morning Franklin families,
As we enter our 4th week of school, it’s a great time for parents and guardians to check in with students. Is the year off to a good start? Are students settling into the daily routine? We are tracking a few key indicators this year to check if students are “on track” for success. The indicators include attendance, behavior, and academic grades. We’ll be pulling this information together this week for a first look at students who may need some extra support. Attendance is the first measure. We’re still dealing with COVID and other illnesses that keep students out of school. But we’ve also documented an increase in more optional absences post-COVID. This makes sense – the COVID closures led us all to think that school can happen anywhere. But the results don’t support that. Students who miss more school generally have worse outcomes, including lower rates of graduation. Missing 20 days of school is considered “chronic absenteeism”. This looks like just 2 days a month, something that may not feel like a big deal. If you are noticing that your student is reluctant to get to school, reach out. Let’s work together. School avoidance can be really hard but when schools and parents work together, we can find creative solutions.
This week our 9th grade students embark on their annual adventure! They are headed to Green River Preserve for 4 days and 3 nights of team building, adventure, and learning. There’s always a mixed feeling of excitement and apprehension as this trip gets underway. We are big believers that this annual trip is a worthy investment, as students learn to collaborate, step outside their comfort zones, overcome challenges, and create shared experiences. A big thank you to our 9th grade team for supporting this annual trip!
Back on campus, middle school students will take the NWEA MAP assessments in reading and math this week. The tests adapt to each student, giving us good information on the strengths and areas for growth for each student. Students should take time and do their best. Testing will take place during school and students do not need to study or take any special steps before testing. When students do their best, the tests are tiring! If your student seems a little extra-tired, it just means they worked hard and challenged themselves.
Here’s to a great week!
Calendar Events
Tues, Sept 12
- 4:30 pm: HS Soccer vs IC Imagine @ Buncombe County Sports Park
- 4:30 pm: MS Volleyball vs Veritas @ FSI Gym
- 6:00 pm: FSI Board of Directors monthly meeting in Community Room
Thus, Sept 14, 4:00 pm: Mountain Bike Club/Team Interest Meeting- FSI Front Field
Wed, Sept 20 – all day: Student Led Conferences. Watch for sign up from your student’s Crew leader. There is no school other than SLCs – please plan ahead.
Sunday, Sept. 24th 2-5pm – The 7th annual Filthy Franklin Mud Run is back! What better way to break in all of the new space than to make a new and improved super muddy obstacle course to crawl, run and jump through? Get your tickets before Sept. 8th to receive a free signature event t-shirt! Tickets can be purchased here, join the event on facebook here
Keep up with all our events!
FSI Yearlong Academic Calendar
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Athletic Updates
The MS and HS volleyball teams played the very first games in our new gym. The MS team scored the first ever point in the gym!! They played a great match but came up a little short vs ICI. The HS team defeated ICI 3-0 in straight sets with an amazing come from behind victory in the 3rd set to seal the victory! Well done, Bolts!
The MS cross country team competed in their first race of the season at ICI. The runners had a great showing and have been working hard!
This Week in Athletics:
- MS volleyball hosts Veritas on Tuesday at 4:30pm
- HS Soccer plays their first game of the season on Tuesday vs ICI at Buncombe County Sports Park
- If you are interested in joining the Mountain Bike Club or Team, there is an interest meeting on Thursday at 4:00 pm at the front field
Get Involved! Parent Crew Meetings: Gala Meeting Sept 18
The Parent Crew is FSI’s parent organization, similar to a PTO or PTA in other schools. It’s a great way to get involved, meet other FSI parents, and work together to help FSI be the best it can be! The FSI Parent Crew Gala committee is holding a planning meeting on 9/18 at 6pm. The meeting is online only. All are welcome! We’ll be discussing the latest news about the spring Gala event, about requesting donations for the auction and what support is needed there, and micro volunteer opportunities available. Join us!
Meeting link
Join by phone(US) +1 484-841-8336
PIN: 272422438
Calling All Student Musicians!!!
Are you interested in performing solo or with your band at our first ever FSI Innovation Fest?! All FSI students, even students not in music classes, are welcome to come audition for a spot to perform one or two pieces at our Innovation Fest Saturday, October 14th 12-4pm. Students will perform under the awning in the front area of campus on the day of the event. We will have food trucks and various activities so this area will bring the crowds. AUDITIONS WILL BE HELD VIRTUALLY OR IN PERSON FROM SEPT 7TH-SEPT 27TH. ALL ACTS WILL BE CHOSEN BY OCTOBER 2ND. NO LATE AUDITIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. If you’re interested in performing, email Mrs. Wilson swilson@thefsi.us for more information about the audition process and/or the event. Looking forward to rockin’ out with you!
Student Club Highlights
The current list of student clubs is included in the Club section below. Check it out and get involved! Here are a few highlights and clubs getting started this week:
High School GSA will have their first meeting on September 21st. Advisors are Bo Wyatt, Kelsey Reid, and MK Hyche. The first meeting will be an introduction to GSA and our plan/intentions for the school year.
Science Olympiad is looking for some more competitors! There is room for 15 people per team. We started with 4 in MS and 3 in HS. Next meeting is Friday, Sept 22nd. Contact Jessica Bragdon, jbragdon@thefsi.us, for more information!
Did you know…we received a $10,000 grant to start and support our Outdoor Club this year? We’re really excited to plan great trips and get some new gear for the school! As a founding club member you will help shape what this club looks like! Join this new club and get outdoors! Meets Tuesdays, 3:45 – 4:45, in Room 272
Other clubs starting this week include
- Girls Who Code: Monday, 3:15 in room 163
- Chess Club (all grades): Tuesday, 4:00
- Mountain Bike: Meet Thursday on the front field
NC Digital Learning Survey
Please take a few minutes to complete this survey: Digital Learning Survey for North Carolina. All schools are required to complete this survey to help identify gaps in digital access in our state. If your student does not have access to a device or internet at home, please reach out to our Tech Director, Matt Mikulski, mmikulski@thefsi.us.
Wed, Sept 20 is Student Led Conference Day
Mark your calendar! There are no regular classes on Wed, Sept 20, which also means the buses will not run and there is no Beyond the Bell program that day. Students and parents/guardians will attend their Student Led Conference (SLC) at their scheduled time. Watch for more information from your Crew leader! SLCs are an important opportunity for us to learn more about our students and support their growth.
7th Annual Filthy Franklin Mud Run! Register Today!
Get your Tickets and run through a nearly 2 mile obstacle course, or get a team together and compete! Crew V Crew? Class V Class? Up to you!
Want to join the fun but not up for the run? Sign up to help out!
Mud run signup genius for volunteers – FSI Athletics and Community Council: Filthy Franklin Mud Run 2023 (signupgenius.com)
Innovation Fest
We invite you to join us on Saturday, October 14, from noon to 4 pm for InnovationFest, a celebration and a call to action. Together, let’s celebrate, innovate, and weave a tapestry of inclusivity and excellence. Learn more and get your (free) tickets today!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/innovationfest-tickets-706175950277
Reminders from the School Nurse
Covid Reminders:
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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 – jpbowers@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: September 14th meet and greet at FSI, 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
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
