Good morning Franklin families,
What a fun night! We had an incredible turnout for the Middle School Franklin Flurries Dance. I admit that I left the dance with a new appreciation for the importance of our planned acoustical treatment for our Community Room, but I also left with a great sense of joy. The level of pure fun on display was undeniable. A huge thank you to the staff members, Community Council, and parent volunteers who helped set up, chaperone, and clean up last night.
We have a lot going on – so please read the newsletter carefully! There are many opportunities for parent involvement and engagement. Grab your calendars and let’s go!
Family Engagement: We’ve heard the request for more ways to meet other FSI families and get involved. We look forward to seeing lots of FSI families at these upcoming events!
- 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. We are in high need of a small group of energetic, fun, and enthusiastic people to take on this event!
- 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.
Equity & Inclusion: We have a lot of work underway with the goal of educating our community and learning how we can all thrive together. Stay tuned as we connect with local organizations and facilitators to help lead this important work – we will announce events and dates as they are finalized. In the meantime – there are many opportunities you can take to learn and get involved.
- Friday, Feb 18, 7 – 9 pm: Black in Asheville Premier Showing at Black Wall Street (8 River Arts Place): FSI families are urged to join us at the premier of Black in Asheville, a documentary that tells the story of Black history in Asheville from the Antebellum period to today. 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/.
- The Western North Carolina Racial Equity Collective is hosting several virtual Racial Equity Institute workshops.Click on the training to learn more and register.
- Tuesday, March 28, 6:00 pm: Hold the Date: Community Listening Session
School Funding: Did you know….
- Not only is North Carolina 48th in overall school funding – the state is dead LAST in funding effort. What does this mean? Funding effort is a way to measure the wealth of a state compared to its investment in education.This means North Carolina’s terrible record on education funding is not a matter of resources – it’s a matter of choice.
- Between 2021 and 2022, there was a 42% decline in enrollment in schools and programs that train teachers. This means schools can expect an even greater drop in the number of teachers, beginning next year. The Department of Instruction is helpfully advising schools to be prepared to “spend more on advertising and recruiting” and be prepared to recruit more out-of-state teachers or people who are not yet trained to teach.
- Adjusting for inflation, the average teacher salary in NC dropped 11.5% between 1999-2000 to 2020-2021, while our beginning teacher salary is below the beginning salary in all neighboring states.
We are looking for parents and community members who want to get involved and help with a legislative agenda. If you care about education in our state – now is the time to take action! Email mvruwink@thefsi.us if you are interested in helping.
This Week’s Reason for Optimism
Last week, nine middle school students participated in this year’s AMC 8 math contest. This is the second time FSI students participated in this contest.. AMC 8 is one of the most prestigious middle school Math competitions in the USA and the world. Students practice and get ready for the contest in Math Club. All returning students improved their scores from last year. High school Math Club participants are looking forward to their contest at Western Carolina University in March. Congratulations to the amazing Teshale Byan and all the Math Club students for incredible learning!
Subway sandwiches & snacks for sale during lunch
|
Upcoming Events
Tues, Feb 7
- 1:30 pm: Tour FSI! Invite a friend to sign up for a tour here
- 4:15 pm: MS Basketball @ Odyssey School
Fri, Feb 10: No School! Enjoy the long weekend!
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
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/
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 were sent home last week. S If you would like your child to participate in this service, please have your student return their permission slip to the front office. Forms were due Friday, Feb 3 – please return them ASAP! 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.
Blood Drives @ FSI
We will host two Blood Drives this spring – mark the dates!
- Friday, 2/17, 9:30-2:30
- Friday, 4/14, 9:30-2:30
ACT Workshops
FSI will be administering the ACT to all 11th graders on March 7th as part of North Carolina’s required testing program. In February we will be offering an ACT Prep workshop which will be offered on two consecutive Wednesday afternoons. The cost to attend the ACT workshop (both sessions) is $60. If the cost to attend will prevent your student from attending, please reach out to Ms. Tager (jtager@thefsi.us). You can sign up your student to attend here. The dates and times for the workshop are:
February 8th:
1:30 – 3:30 English
3:45 – 5:15 Math
February 15th:
1:30 -3:30 Science
BtB Child Care Tax Letters
2022 Child Care Tax Letters were sent home last week. If you did not receive yours, please email Tammey Harper, tharper@thefsi.us.
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
Save Hamlet!
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!’ will be on stage before you know it. Save the date so you don’t miss the fun.
‘Save Hamlet!’ by Mark Harvey Levine – March 10th and 11th at 7:00 PM. General Admission tickets will be $10 and will go on sale online through FSI in mid-February. Stay tuned for details on the venue. Questions? Email Julie Wharton, FSI High Theatre Director – jwharton@thefsi.us
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
Middle School Drama Club Presents… Honk Jr!
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 |
