Good morning Franklin families,
I had the privilege of attending the Black in Asheville premier last evening. Among a standing-room only crowd packed with local community leaders, historians, and change-makers, the documentary shared not only facts of Black Asheville history but also stories of strength and resilience. I came home with a list of resources to learn and explore further, including:
- The South Asheville Cemetery, WNC’s oldest public Black cemetery and reportedly the final resting place of
- Sarah Gudger, who died at the age of 122 in 1938. Her interview as part of the Federal Writers Project in 1937 provides an incredible first-person account of life as an enslaved person in Buncombe County. You can learn more through this interactive history
- This extraordinary website that explores the impact of urban renewal in Asheville – and so much more. This website could provide the content for a comprehensive local history course. I recommend bookmarking this site and exploring it as a family or with a group: https://urbanrenewalimpact.org/
For people interested in a more structured way to learn, Building Bridges is offering a 9-week course on Monday evenings, 6:30 – 9 pm, from March 13 – May 8. Building Bridges Interest List. We are currently working to bring Building Bridges to FSI for a “Talk Back” session – stay tuned as we finalize the date and details for this event. The Talk Back session will be part of a series of community engagement workshops exploring racism in our community and working toward long-term solutions.
While we continue planning the community workshops around racism, we have several important ways families can connect, engage, and support the school this month. We’ve heard families express an interest and desire to be more involved and connected, and FSI staff are working hard to create these opportunities. We look forward to seeing many of you over the next couple weeks! This week there are 3 ways to connect and engage:
- Tues, Feb 21, 4:00 pm: Education Funding Legislative Action Planning Meeting: Join this virtual meeting to plan legislative action around funding for schools in North Carolina. Our elected officials need to know that we will not accept our LAST PLACE standing among all states in education funding effort. Click here to join the meeting: School Funding
- Tues, Feb 21, 6:30 pm: Gala/Auction Planning Crew: Sign up here This in-person 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 (including non-alcoholic beverages) will be available for purchase. Noble Cider is family and pet friendly! This is not a private closed event but we hope to fill the house with FSI families.
Next week we are hosting an in-person Information Session for prospective families at the Wesley Grant Center. This is a great opportunity for your families and friends to come learn about FSI! This will be an interactive session, starting with Crew followed by a presentation with a panel of FSI administrators, teachers, and students. Invite a friend and come along! Thursday, March 2, 6:30 pm at 285 Livingston Street, Asheville.
This Week’s Reason for Optimism
Three years ago, just before the COVID pandemic closed borders and connections – FSI hosted a group of students from Asheville’s Sister City, Saumur, France. In April, a group of students from FSI will finally get to visit Saumur in return. And in May, we are again hosting a group of students from Saumur. My family had the opportunity to be a host three years ago and it was truly the highlight of that year. If you would like this incredible opportunity to build cross-cultural and international friendships – we are in need of 5 Franklin Families to host a student from May 9th 2023 – May 16th 2023. Any family can host, you don’t need to speak French nor have a student taking French. All students speak English well. You would be responsible for feeding and transporting them to and from school. They don’t need their own bedroom, but they will need their own bed. If you are interested in hosting a student, please complete this form. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our exceptional French teachers – Chad Gerber (cgerber@thefsi.us) or Mackenzie Arnold (marnold@thefsi.us).
Chad and Mackenzie are working closely with Asheville Sister Cities to organize activities for the group, but they could use some help! If you have ideas or connections or can host or lead a social outing – please contact Chad Gerber (cgerber@thefsi.us) or Mackenzie Arnold (marnold@thefsi.us).
Merci beaucoup!
Did you know…
We post the newsletter on our website each week. Just scroll down the front page to “What’s Happening”. The newsletter can be easily translated into several languages by clicking the “translate” button at the bottom right hand side of the screen. Check it out!
Burger King Sandwiches for sale on Tuesdays
|
Upcoming Events
Mon, Feb 20
- 1:30 – 2:30 pm: AB Tech Representative on Campus: Come learn more enrolling in courses at AB Tech and the many opportunities available! Contact College Counselor JaneAnne Tager for more information (jtager@thefsi.us)
- 5:00 pm: MS Basketball vs. Shiloh @ Foster Church. Come out and cheer for the Bolts in their final game of the season!
Tues, Feb 21
- 4:00 pm: Education Funding Legislative Agenda Planning Meeting: Join via Google Meet
- 6:30 pm: Parent Crew/Gala & Silent Auction Planning Event: Join us in person (new building community room) for pizza, community, and planning!
Thurs, Feb 23, 6:30 pm: Info Session for Prospective Families. Invite a friend to attend! Learn more and sign up here
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
NEW! Approved 2023-2024 School Calendar
College Corner
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.
ASVAB Career Inventory Wed, March 15, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
We will be offering the ASVAB Career Inventory for interested students on Wednesday afternoon, March 15th. The test will begin at 1:30 and parents can pick up students around 3:30. What is the ASVAB? A 3-part online aptitude and interest inventory that helps students figure out their strengths and interests for jobs and careers. While it was developed to predict success in the military, it is a useful tool for all students to explore career paths. To learn more or register, email College & Career Counselor JaneAnne Tager, jtager@thefsi.us.
School Calendar for 2023-2024
Hot off the press! Our school calendar for next year is available here: FSI School Calendar 2023-2024
Wee Trade Spring Event: Feb 24 – 26, WNC Ag Center
Did you know: The Wee Trade Spring Event includes teen clothing, prom dresses and more! Wee Trade is WNC’s largest children’s consignment sale, and it just happens that two FSI parents are part of the power behind Wee Trade. In addition to teen clothing and prom dresses, Wee Trade offers a Free Hero’s pre-sale for teachers, first responders, medical staff and foster parents. And a free New parent/Grandparent pre-sale on Thursday evening, and free Foster Power hour after the sale to shop for free. Learn more and register for the pre-sales on their website:www.weetradecarolinas.com
Make Time for Art! Now through March 7
Enjoy a cultural outing and make time to see the FSI 2023 Scholastic Art Awards winning artworks on display in the newly renovated Asheville Art Museum! Seven winning artworks will be on display through March 7th. Congratulations to Violet Edwards, Finley Hansen, Zachary Rose, Elliot Myus, and Lila Kneile, for this extraordinary achievement and to our hardworking and inspiring art teachers, Kati Robbins and Jennifer Lipsey Edwards!!
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.
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.
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
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–
Athletic News
- MS Basketball continued their winning ways with wins over Evergreen last week. The team will play their final game of the season on Monday, February 20th at 5:00pm at Foster Church versus Shiloh Community Center.
- Staff versus Students Basketball Game will take place on Monday, February 27th at 4:30pm at Foster Church. Admission is $3 for Adults and $1 for Students. Come help us celebrate our senior basketball players and support the team and teachers! And it’s our final time in Foster Church…that’s something to celebrate!
- Stay tuned for information on Middle School Soccer this week. For grades 5-8, boys and girls.
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
What do you get when you bundle physical and verbal folly, poetry and philosophy, disguises and spies, romance and murder? Shakespeare, of course! Or a parody of Shakespeare! FSI’s spring High School Theatre production, ‘Save Hamlet!’, is a fast paced comedy filled with lots of action and many surprises. It’s Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’, just shorter, sillier and less murder-y. While the fall show was a mature-themed drama, this spring show will be fun for all.
‘Save Hamlet!’ by Mark Harvey Levine will be performed in the theatre in the Asheville Masonic Temple (80 Broadway St) March 10th and 11th at 7:00 PM. General admission tickets are $10 and can now be purchased online. Questions? Email Julie Wharton, FSI High Theatre Director – jwharton@thefsi.us
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
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 |
