Good morning Franklin families,
It’s a soggy Sunday and I know many of you have the Superbowl on your mind, so I’ll keep this week’s newsletter as short as possible. This time of year is always busy in schools, as we keep one foot fully in the activities and learning of this year, while setting one foot forward into preparing for next year. With the excitement of our construction project, this year is busier than ever! There are many ways families can help us survive and even thrive through this period. Your involvement and engagement carries us through more than you know.
One of the most important ways you can help right now may also be the easiest. We have been on a long and steady path toward our full size as a school. With the new classrooms and gym this is a big year for growth! How can you help? Just spread the word! You’ve chosen Franklin – help another family choose Franklin as well! Need some inspiration? Check out this sweet video from a Franklin family, who heard about us from a neighbor. That’s how it works!
- Find us on Facebook and Instagram and share our posts
- Send a friend the link to our website and encourage them to come to an Info Session or a tour. We love meeting people and showing them our school! Send this link: Prospective Families
- Invite a friend to our in-person Info Session at the Wesley Grant Center, 285 Livingston St, on Thursday, March 2, 6:30 pm. We’re excited to be out in the community for this session!
Here are some other ways to get involved and support our school community through these dreary late winter days:
- Sat, Feb 18, 7 – 9 pm: Black in Asheville Premier Showing at Black Wall Street (8 River Arts Place): Bruce Waller, who works closely with our BIPOC Student Union and school leadership, is a co-founder of Black Wall Street and has issued a special invitation for FSI families to attend this important event. Learn more here:https://blackinasheville.com/.
- Tues, Feb 21, 6:30 pm: Gala/Auction Planning Crew: Sign up here This meeting will focus specifically on beginning the planning process for the 2024 Spring Gala. We host a Gala every other year, as a fun- and fund-raising event. Pizza will be provided – come for the fun or the food, just come!
- Wed, Feb 22: Staff Appreciation Lunch! Sign up to help show your appreciation through some good food: FSI Potluck Lunch Feb 22
- Friday, March 3, 6:30 – 9 pm: Parent Crew Social at Noble Cider Tap Room (356 New Leicester Highway): Join us for a low-key fun night out! Food & beverages will be available for purchase. Meet other FSI families and staff and learn how you can get involved with our Parent Crew.
I’m still looking for parents and community members who want to get involved and help with a legislative agenda. I’ve heard from a couple parents who are interested and we’ll set up a kick-off meeting to get organized. Email mvruwink@thefsi.us if you are interested in helping. Please include “school funding” or “legislative agenda” in your subject line so I don’t miss your interest.
This Week’s Reason for Optimism
We’re so excited about this year’s 9th Grade Expedition, “Centering Joy”. The 9th grade teachers planned a new Expedition focused on pursuing joy. Core classes are paused as students and teachers learn about how to create space and time for joy and passion in our daily lives. Students are organized in 5 groups and will be exploring this topic through fieldwork and guest speakers:
- The Joy of the Mind, Body, Nature Connection
- Jump for Joy: Physical Activity and Mental Health (Outdoor Adventure/Sports)
- The Pleasure of Play: Puzzles and Problem-Solving
- The Harmony that Music Brings Us: Performance and Appreciation
- The Makerspace: An Ode to Aspiring Writers, Artists, Cooks, and Entrepreneurs
We look forward to their Celebration of Learning to see where this Expedition goes! Thank you to the 9th grade teaching team for an ambitious new direction to engage and meet students where they are.
Burger King Sandwiches for sale on Tuesdays
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Upcoming Events
Tues, Feb 14
- 4:15 pm: MS Basketball @ Evergreen Community Charter School
- 6:00 pm: Board of Directors Meeting in the Music Room (new building)
Thurs, Feb 16, 9 am: Tour FSI! Invite a friend to sign up for a tour here
Fri, Feb 17, 9:30 – 2:30 pm: Blood Drive @ FSI (see more info below)
Sat, Feb 18, 7 – 9 pm: Black in Asheville @ Black Wall Street, 8 River Arts Place
Plan ahead: March 29 and April 26
Student Led Conferences for grades 5, 6, 9, and 11 will be held on March 29. Students will attend school only for their assigned time slot. Students in grades 8 and 10 will have a Virtual Learning Day
8th and 10th grade passages will be held on April 26. This will be a Virtual Learning Day for all other grades! Students in 8th and 10th grade will attend during their presentation slot.
Keep up with all our events on our Community Calendar!
Need to see the 2022-2023 School Calendar in one place? It’s on our website – click here
Blood Drive this Friday
The Franklin School of Innovation is partnering with The Blood Connection to sponsor a blood drive on Friday, February 17th from 9:00am – 2:00pm. Each donation raises money for the Habitat for Humanity’s Student Build and saves up to 3 lives! PLUS, donors will receive a $30 eGift Card and student donors will earn one service hour. Donors must be at least 16 years old (16 year olds need a permission slip signed by their parent/guardian), weigh at least 110 pounds, have ID, and be in good health.
Please schedule an appointment by clicking on this link: https://donate.thebloodconnection.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/206653
Walk-ins are welcome but appointments will be honored first.
Re-Enrollment & Recruitment
Re-enrollment for all FSI students began Feb 1. Erinn Otten, Director of Student Services, coordinates our re-enrollment process. If you have a student enrolled in FSI this year and you plan to return next year – you must complete re-enrollment.
A quick reminder about re-enrollment and applications:
- Returning students: Complete Re-Enrollment Forms – coming February 1. Students are guaranteed a slot for next year.
- Siblings not yet at FSI: Submit an application for enrollment. Siblings receive priority for enrollment – so be sure to check the box to let us know!
- Friends, Neighbors, Acquaintances: Spread the word! Word of mouth has always been our most effective form of marketing. Many families are looking for the best fit school for their children. If your student is thriving and growing at FSI – help people find their way to us! Open Enrollment ends March 31. It’s easy to apply – just click the link on our website: https://www.franklinschoolofinnovation.org/
Hold the Dates for SLCs & Passages (virtual learning days)
Spring Student Led Conferences will be held Wed, March 29. Students attend school only for their scheduled SLC. 8th and 10th grade students will have a virtual learning day. 8th & 10th grade passages: April 26 – 8th and 10th grade Passages. April 26 will be a virtual learning day for other grades. We are looking for community members to serve as panelists – watch for a sign-up form soon! Seniors will present Senior Passages on the evening of Thursday, April 27th from 6-8 PM. Seniors will present their culminating Passage Portfolios to a panel of faculty, staff, families, and community members. If you are interested in being a panelist for this event, please complete this Google form.
Valentine Grams!
Spoil your favorite person on Valentine’s Day this year; for a good cause! Prom Committee is selling single stem roses to be delivered to your recipient on Valentine’s Day during school hours. Delivery includes candy, and festive valentine music. All money raised from this fundraiser will go towards throwing our juniors and seniors a fun and memorable prom. The online payment form is available here: Valentine Grams Order Form
Dental Clinic: March 14 – Sign up TODAY
We are pleased to host a free dental clinic again this year on March 14. Permission slips have been sent home. If you would like your child to participate in this service, please have your student return their permission slip to the front office. If your student’s permission slip has been misplaced or if you’d prefer an electronic form, you can also sign up on www.MySchoolDentist.com. You start by entering our zip code and selecting the school, then the remaining information is the same as the paper form.
College Tour Opportunity
Ms. Tager has scheduled a visit to UNCA. Even if you don’t think UNCA is on your college list – visiting a college helps you think about what you want in your college experience!
When: February 28 10:00- 1:00
Who: Open to Juniors and Sophomores, 20 max. Must be passing all classes
Cost: $20, includes an all you can eat lunch
Register: Stop by Ms. Tager’s office ASAP to reserve your spot.
Summer Opportunity for Rising 10th – 12th Graders
Check out this wonderful summer opportunity to build leadership and broaden perspectives:
The core curriculum of this six-day summer program is based on General Shelton’s five values related to leadership: honesty, integrity, diversity, social responsibility, and compassion. This experience is designed for rising tenth- through twelfth-grade students. Traditionally, participants live on campus at NC State University. This is an expensive program but there are scholarship funds available.
Save the Date: Prom is April 15
Prom takes place April 15th at Taylor Ranch in Fletcher. Taylor Ranch is a gorgeous venue situated on 500 acres, complete with horses and long-horn cattle. Ticket includes hor d’oeuvres (also a gourmet smores bar!) and access to a variety of outside games. DJ and dancing as well, of course. Tickets are $50. Prom committee would greatly appreciate tickets being purchased as early as possible, as that will give us a greater ability to add additional elements to the event, to make it a truly memorable experience for our students. Prom is for junior and senior students; sophomores and freshmen can only attend if invited as a date. Purchase tickets with the below link!
https://franklinschoolofinnovation.networkforgood.com/events/52936-yee-haw-fsi-prom-2023
FSI School Store is Open!
Get your FSI & Bolts gear and represent your school in style!
Tees, hoodies, scarves and more – check it out! FSI School Apparel Store
FSI Food Pantry
The FSI food pantry will provide supplemental nutrition to families experiencing short or long term financial difficulty and food insecurity. Food bags containing non-perishable items will be distributed Friday afternoons. To request supplemental food assistance, please contact your child’s school counselor. Want to help out? Bring donations of food items to the main office – there’s a bin in the entryway!
High school: Mary Kinsey Hyche at mkhyche@thefsi.us
Middle school: Jennifer Negron at jnegron@thefsi.us
You can also complete this google form: Food Pantry Form
Responses to the form are sent to the counselors and all information will be kept confidential.
If you would like to contribute to the food pantry, please contact Matt Speed, Nutrition Coordinator at mspeed@thefsi.us.
COVID & Flu Updates
Buncombe County is back to low risk for Covid, but we are still seeing cases. We encourage students and staff to wear masks, especially if you are at higher risk, are recovering from being ill, or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID, flu, or other illnesses. Masks protect the wearer and those around them. We are also continuing to offer PCR testing free of charge weekly on Mondays. Testing for high school students is available from 11:30 – 1 pm in the collaboration space on the first floor of Big Ben. High school students can come on their own during lunch. Testing will then be available in Einstein, Parks, and Johnson for students in grades 5 – 8; nurses will let students know when they are available in each building. If you want your student to participate in testing – please remind them!
If you are new to Franklin or have not yet provided consent for testing, it’s not too late:
- Parental consent for students under age 18: Click here: https://testcenter.concentricbyginkgo.com/minor-consent
- Student consent – age 18 and up: Click here: https://testcenter.concentricbyginkgo.com/invite-by-code
- Our school access code is FRANKLINS1. You will need this to complete the consent form
- You only need to provide consent once
Middle School News Videos
7th Grade Theatre students are writing, filming, producing, and directing the news Monday and Friday each week. Click on the folder below to see the news each week!
Morning News Videos- 2022-2023–
Club News
Habitat for Humanity Student Group
The Habitat for Humanity Student meets on Tuesdays during lunch in room #226.
Middle School Creative Writing
The club meets 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month from 3:30 – 4:30 pm, and 2nd and 4th Fridays each month from 3:30 – 4:30 in Ms. O’Dell’s room. Contact Ms. O’Dell for more information (aodell@thefsi.us)
Math Club
Math club is open for all our students – ALL GRADES – and it is 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. Math club meets on Tuesdays right after school from 3:30-5:00 PM in the New Building room #224. .
Middle School Drama Club
Honk Jr., the Musical Coming Soon- Save the date!
The Franklin School of Innovation
Middle School Drama Club Presents…
Directed by Chris Martin and Music Directed by Sandi Wilson
Choreographed by HS student, Lakai Munleon
Featuring 5th thru 8th graders!
Friday, March 24th at 6pm and Saturday, March 25th at 2pm
Tickets at the Door- $10 for adults, $5.00 for students, Free- ages 3 and under
Performances in The Franklin School of Innovation Community Room
Synopsis-
Honk! JR. is a heartwarming celebration of being different that is sure to delight audiences of all ages with its sparkling wit, unique charm and memorable score. Ugly looks quite a bit different from his darling duckling brothers and sisters. The other animals on the farm are quick to notice and point this out, despite his mother’s protective flapping. Feeling rather foul about himself, the little fowl finds himself on an adventure of self-discovery, all the while unknowingly outwitting a very hungry Cat. Along the way, Ugly meets a whole flock of unique characters and finds out being different is not a bad thing to be.
High School Drama Club
Use this QR code to stay clued in on FSI HS Theatre news with our monthly
FSI High School Theatre Newsletter!
Chess: Do you like to play Chess or do you want to learn?! Join FSI’s Chess Club and learn from our expert instructor, Mr. Bruce Roth. Chess Club meets every Tuesday from 4-5 p.m. The winter semester will begin January 10, 2023, and end April 25, 2023. Students will meet in the Community Room with Beyond the Bell from dismissal until the class begins! All grades and levels are welcome!! The fee is $50/per semester or $100/per year. All checks must be payable to Bruce Roth. For more information, contact Bruce Roth at 828 230 5139 or by email at brucerothchess@gmail.com
BIPOC Student Union (BSU):The BSU offers a safe space for students to share their experiences and to identify ways our school can address specific and systemic racism. Community mentor Bruce Waller is returning to support our BSUs, joining faculty sponsor Keith Knox. BSU is open to all students who identify as People of Color. HS BSU currently meets Fridays at lunch in Dr. Hawkins classroom. MS BSU starting soon.
Film Club! This club is returning from last year and meets alternating Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:45 – 4:45. Email Michaela Mamone-Peeples for more information.
Girls who Code will meet every other Monday after school from 3:15 – 4:30 in Edison 19. Email bdavenport@thefsi.us with any questions.
MS GSA (Gender & Sexuality Alliance)
MS GSA (gender and sexuality alliance): Middle School GSA meets every Friday 3:15-4:30pm. We welcome everyone and work to empower LGBTQ+ lives. Contact afortune@thefsi.us to join.
HS GSA
HS GSA – contact MK Hyche, mkhyche@thefsi.us, or Justina Powell, jpowell@thefsi.us
High School Studio Art Club
Mondays, Starting September 19, 2022
3:45 – 5:00, Big Ben, first floor Art Room #133
Hosted by Ms. Jen jlipsey-edwards@thefsi.us
HS Studio Art Club is a place to gather with other creative teens who have a genuine interest in the visual arts. Folks will have a place to chill, work on art, listen to music, have tea, and to inspire and be inspired. The Studio is where friendship, collaboration, feedback, sharing, and support come together to make magic! You do not need to commit to showing up every week. However, advance registration is required to attend as you’re able to. Register here: https://forms.gle/czLbV186Ep7K31gb9
Mountain Bike Team Registration Closes Jan 22
This is a LAST CALL for anyone who would like to join FSI’s Mountain Bike TEAM for 2023. Email Ethan Burns (eburns@thefsi.us) for more information. Registration closes Jan 22.
There will be no more MTB Club events in 2023
Science Olympiad Club
Do you geek out on all things science? Are you a competitive person who needs a medal hanging around your neck to prove your science prowess? This is a science competition against other schools in our area with a potential to move on to state and national levels. Science Olympiad will meet in Room 141 from 3:30-4:15 every Friday. Open to MS and HS students! Contact jbragdon@thefsi.us if you have any questions.
Middle School Robotics
Middle School Robotics team meets Thursdays, 3:15pm to 4:00 pm in the Middle School Tech room (Edison 19).
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!
I have a question about my child’s grade, an assignment, or something specific to one class: Start with your child – what do they know? Then, the classroom teacher
I’m worried about my child’s overall progress, or progress in multiple classes: Your child’s Crew advisor can help coordinate a team response or meeting
My child seems anxious, sad, or unhappy: Jennifer Negron is our middle school counselor, and Mary Kinsey Hyche is our high school counselor
I think my child is being bullied, or other behavior/discipline concerns: Tony Freeman, Middle School Principal or Peter Tromba High School Principal
My child will miss school: For short-term absences (illness, doctor’s appointments, etc), send an email to attendance@thefsi.us, or bring a written note to the front office. Notes must be received within 48 hours of student’s return to school. Longer-term or frequent absences (5 days/quarter) require documentation from a medical care provider.
I’ve contacted a teacher, but the problem isn’t resolved: Your child’s Principal
I think my child may need special education services or accommodations: Paula Dowd, Director of Exceptional Services
My child requires medication during the school day, has a special health need, or has tested positive for COVID: Contact our school nurse, Jessica Perraud
I think we need some support for my child’s challenging behaviors: Jessica Potter-Bowers (JP) or Kara Lacey, Behavior Specialists
I have a question about enrollment, student records or I need a copy of my student’s report card or transcript: Erinn Otten, Director of Student Services
My student needs a chromebook, hotspot, or help with technology: Matt Mikulski, Technology Director
My child has an IEP, and I have questions about the services provided: Your child’s Exceptional Children teacher is your first contact:
- Grade 5: Brittany Davenport
- Grade 6: Tammy Leahy
- Grade 7: Meagan Barnhard
- Grade 8: Donnie Stahlke
- MS Resource Room: Meaghann Denkenberger
- Grade 9: Lindsey Wehrli
- Grade 10: Greg Wingard
- Grade 11: Paul Szumski
- Grade 12: Gretchen Kehrberg
- HS Occupational Course of Study: Kelsey Reid
I have questions about sports: Kim Burke, Athletic Director
I want to know more about after or before-school services: Martha Rutherford, Beyond the Bell Coordinator
I want to know more about your music program: Sandi Wilson, Director of Instrumental and Vocal Ensembles
I am interested in your theatre programs! Chris Martin, MS Theatre teacher/director and Julia Wharton, HS Theatre teacher/director
I have questions about your school bus or student parking: Deeana Bennett, Director of Operations
I am interested in carpooling/ride-sharing: Check out our carpool facebook group (you need to request to join):
I want to know more about college planning, including advanced courses like AP and Dual Enrollment, financial aid, or the college application process: JaneAnne Tager, College & Career Counselor
I have high level concerns or questions about the school, such as a problem that hasn’t been resolved through my principal, an immediate school safety concern, or more general questions about the school’s philosophy, approach, or plans for the future: Michelle Vruwink, Executive Director
Our Teaching Teams for 2022-2023!
| Teaching Teams
5th Grade Brandie Dallara, ELA & Social Studies: bdallara@thefsi.us Jennifer Ryan, Science & Social Studies: jryan@thefsi.us Chris Pauley, Math & Social Studies: cpauley@thefsi.us 6th Grade Ashley O’Dell, ELA: aodell@thefsi.us Charlie Keller, Math: ckeller@thefsi.us Samuel “Latt” Berry Foster:, Science: sfoster@thefsi.us Evan Baptista, Social Studies: ebaptista@thefsi.us 7th Grade Jared Gallow, ELA: jgallow@thefsi.us Zoe Wallce, Math: zwallace@thefsi.us Nick Liu, Science: nliu@thefsi.us Grace Nyanga, Social Studies: gnyanga@thefsi.us 8th Grade Kyle Wilson, ELA: kwilson@thefsi.us AJ Jones, Math lead: ajones@thefsi.us Rhneea Riddle, Math Specialist: rriddle@thefsi.us Keith Knox, Social Studies: kknox@thefsi.us Makesha Gordon, Science: mgordon@thefsi.us Lora Hawkins, English I: lhawkins@thefsi.us Jerry Lubos, World History: jlubos@thefsi.us Liz Baron: Math 1 & 2: lbaron@thefsi.us Jessica Bragdon, Earth Science/ AP Earth: jbragdon@thefsi.us 10th Grade Matt Reynolds, Civics: mreynolds@thefsi.us Justina Powell, English 2: jpowell@thefsi.us Marcel Duhaime, Math 2: mduhaime@thefsi.us Julia Adams, Biology: jadams@thefsi.us 11th Grade Bryan Head, English III/AP Lang: bhead@thefsi.us Tess Barnes Dunn, American History, AP Research: tbarnesdunn@thefsi.us Teshale Byan, Math 3 & AP Calculus: tbyan@thefsi.us Mary Smith, Chemistry, Forensics: msmith@thefsi.us 12th Grade Alex Humphrey, English IV & AP Lit:: ahumphreyr@thefsi.us Lexi Johnson, World History: ljohnson@thefsi.us Teshale Byan, AP Calculus: tbyan@thefsi.us Elizabeth Joslin, NC Wildlife (Science) & EcoWarriors: ejoslin@thefsi.us Jessica Fine: Pre Calc, Math 4: jfine@thefsi.us Elective Teachers: MS PE: Anne Gillis: agillis@thefsi.us HS PE & Athletic Director: Kimberly Burke, kburke@thefsi.us MS Art: Jennifer Lipsey Edwards: jlipsey-edwards@thefsi.us HS Art: Kati Robbins, krobbins@thefsi.us MS Tech & Computer Science: Adrienne Fortune, afortune@thefsi.us MS Counselor: Jennifer-Raé Negron, jnegron@thefsi.us HS Theatre, Art of Argument: Julia Wharton, jwharton@thefsi.us MS Theatre: Chris Martin, cmartin@thefsi.us MS/HS Music and Orchestra: Sandi Wilson, swilson@thefsi.us, French 1: Mackenzie Arnold: marnold@thefsi.us French2 & 3 and HS, PE: Chad Gerber, cgerber@thefsi.us HS Spanish: Hanna Walden, hwalden@thefsi.us MS & HS Spanish: Heather Kabat, hkabat@thefsi.us Adventure Ed: Jessica Potter-Bowers, jpotter-bowers@thefsi.us |
