“We’re still marching about economic justice and freedom. The freedom to read the books that you want to, the freedom to learn about your history and your culture, the freedom to be who you are as a person, whether you be queer or not queer, whether you be trans or not trans. We’re still talking about the freedom to live in America without the worry about police brutality and the violence that is there.”
Justin Pearson, on the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington
Good morning Franklin community,
Tomorrow marks the 60th anniversary of The March on Washington. As we celebrate the vision and commitment of the civil rights leaders and the change they led, we face persistent threats against equity and liberation. Here in North Carolina our elected officials have passed laws and bills that directly target our students’ rights to be themselves and to study and learn their own history and culture.
As we launch our own 10th anniversary year with the theme of Joy, Optimism, and Ambition, we recognize that as a school and a community we have work to do to become a place where every student thrives. Our focus on Joy, Optimism and Ambition isn’t ignorant of the work we must do and the challenges we face. We are choosing Joy, Optimism and Ambition as the path forward. We don’t yet know exactly how we will respond to the new laws and requirements. What we do know is that we cannot let these new challenges hold us back. We must have the courage and collective commitment to continue the work of all those who marched 60 years ago. Let’s honor our elders and roll up our sleeves. We have work to do! 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
Despite all the changes and all that is new this year, we had a great first week of school! We know that some of the new programs like MySchoolBucks and the speed of our lunch line need improvement, and we’ve been observing and adapting each day. Thank you all for your patience and your kindness this week! It’s so exciting to see all our new spaces filled with the joy and enthusiasm of our students. Here’s to a terrific year!
Calendar Events
Wed, Aug 30: Early Release
- Middle School dismissal is 12:45 – all grades
- High School dismissal is 1:00
- Form and keep 2 lanes of traffic up to pick up location
Thurs, Aug 31, 3:35: HS Theatre Auditions in HS Theatre Room
Mon, Sept 4: Labor Day – No School!
Wed, Sept 6: First Home Games in our New Gym!
- 4:30 pm: MS Volleyball vs ICI
- 6:00 pm: HS Volleyball vs ICI
Thurs, Sept 7, 4:30 pm: MS Cross Country @ ICI
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
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram:
Pick Up Reminders
Pick up got a little bit faster each day last week! A huge thank you to everyone who pulled to the side of the road or into a parking space to keep the traffic flowing.
This week the County and City schools start their year, which means there will be a lot more traffic on the road. We’ll all have to adjust our schedules again with the heavier traffic. Hang in there! It gets better as everyone gets used to the flow.
A few key reminders:
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- 5th & 6th grade are released at 3:10 pm
- 7th & 8th grade are released at 3:20 pm
- High School is released at 3:35 pm
- Arrive as close to dismissal time for the oldest student in your car
This Wednesday is our 1st early release Wednesday. All Wednesdays from now till the last 2 weeks of school are early release days.
- Middle School is released at 12:45
- High School is released at 1:00
7th Annual Filthy Franklin Mud Run! Register Today!
Don’t miss out! The 7th Annual Filthy Franklin Mud Run is Sunday, Sept 24, 2 – 5 pm. Register by September 8th for your Mud Run T-Shirt! This event celebrates the unique sense of FSI culture and pride. What other school lets students use power equipment to dam up drainage ditches and dig giant holes on campus? It may be odd but it sure is fun! Bring your sense of adventure and JOY and join us for this obstacle run.
HS Theatre Auditions: Thursday, Aug 31
Are you ready to take the stage and embark on a theatrical journey? We are excited to announce auditions for the upcoming FSI Theatre fall production, “Hearts Like Planets” by Adam Szymkowicz. If you want to be a part of an unforgettable experience, this is your chance.
About the Play:
“Hearts Like Planets” is a blend of Noir, crime-fighting, and dramedy that delves into big life choices. Get ready to immerse yourself in a story that promises excitement, laughter, and thought-provoking moments.
Audition Details:
- Date: Thursday, August 31
- Time: After school
- Location: BB 278 (HS Theatre Room)
Performance Dates:
Mark your calendars for the thrilling performances scheduled for November 17 and 18.
Audition Process:
- Visit the HS Theatre Room to sign up for a 30-minute audition session.
- Receive a short scene to practice. (Memorization isn’t required, but we recommend being familiar with the scene.)
Whether you have experience or are new to the stage, we encourage all students to participate. This is an opportunity to showcase your talent, meet fellow students, and participate in something truly special.
Have any questions? Feel free to contact Ms. Wharton at jwharton@thefsi.us or catch her in person.
Register for MySchoolBucks Today!
We are pleased to offer a streamlined online system to pay for school-related items, including Beyond the Bell services, meal program, athletics fees, consumable fee, and more! If you haven’t registered with MySchoolBucks yet – please take time to do this right away. Go to myschoolbucks.com and click on “Register for a Free Account.” Need help? Go to our website under the Parents tab, Forms & Resources
If your student qualifies for Free or Reduced Lunch – please complete the registration linked on MySchoolBucks. Reach out to Tammey Harper (tharper@thefsi.us) if you need help completing the application.
2022-2023 Yearbooks
Please pick up 2022-2023 yearbooks in the office. Thank you for your patience!
2023-2024 Student/Family Handbook
Our handbook can be found on our website under Parents/Forms & Resources, or just click here to review. You can request a printed copy from the office.
2023-2024 COVID Protocols
We may be over COVID but it hasn’t gone away! We have updated our protocols to match current CDC guidelines. If a student is exposed to COVID, quarantine is not required. Masking is recommended for 10 days. Begin testing on day 6 (following exposure). If a student or staff member tests positive for COVID, they must stay home for 5 days. If they feel well, students may return to school on day 6. Wear a mask through day 10 unless they have 2 sequential negative COVID tests 48 hours apart.
We will be distributing COVID rapid tests for use at home. The school is no longer conducting COVID tests at school.
Study Abroad or Host a Student!
The Rotary Youth Exchange is looking for families and students in their Study Abroad program.
Students ages 15 – 18.5 can apply for a scholarship to study abroad. Ideal applicants are strong students who have demonstrated leadership in their community. Selected applicants will spend an academic year studying abroad and living with 2 or 3 different host families. There are over 25 different countries to choose from!
Families can apply to host students who are living and studying in the US. Students will live with your family for 3 – 6 months during their year-long stay.
Interested? Learn more:
Text: 404-274-3145
Email: AvlRotaryYouthExchange@gmail.com
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, Courtney Kozloski
I think we need some support for my child’s challenging behaviors: Sagan Pizzingrilli, Dean of Students, spizzingrilli@thefsi.us, 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: Molly Wagner
- Grade 10: Greg Wingard
- Grade 11: Paul Szumski
- Grade 12: Gretchen Kehrberg
- HS Occupational Course of Study: Kelsey Reid
My child is a multilingual learner (or English Language Learner): Kelli Miller, Reading Intervention & ELL Coordinator
I have questions about sports: Kim Burke, Athletic Director
I want to know more about after or before-school services: Ronald Scott, Director of After School Programs
I want to know more about your music program: Sandi Wilson, Director of Instrumental and Vocal Ensembles
I am interested in your theatre programs! Elizabeth Lexa, 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): FSI Carpool Group
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 2023-2024!
| Teaching Teams
5th Grade Autumn Nussbaum, ELA: anussbaum@thefsi.us Kyle Guzinski, Math: kguzinski@thefsi.us Jennifer Ryan, Science:: jryan@thefsi.us Chris Pauley, Social Studies: cpauley@thefsi.us 6th Grade Jeffrey Root, ELA: jroot@thefsi.us Charlie Keller, Math: ckeller@thefsi.us Samuel “Latt” Berry Foster:, Science: sfoster@thefsi.us Emily Carter, Social Studies: ecarter@thefsi.us 7th Grade Ashley O’Dell, ELA: aodell@thefsi.us Zoe Wallce, Math: zwallace@thefsi.us Sarah Lydon, Science: slydon@thefsi.us Grace Nyanga, Social Studies: gnyanga@thefsi.us 8th Grade Brandie Dallara, ELA: bdallara@thefsi.us Kevin McManus, Math: kmcmanus@thefsi.us Rhneea Riddle, Math Specialist: rriddle@thefsi.us Kyle Wilson, Social Studies:: kwilson@thefsi.us Makesha Gordon, Science: mgordon@thefsi.us Lora Hawkins, English I: lhawkins@thefsi.us Clark Wilson, Math 1 & Freshman Seminar: Cwilson@thefsi.us Jerry Lubos, World History: jlubos@thefsi.us Jessica Bragdon, Earth Science/ AP Earth: jbragdon@thefsi.us 10th Grade Justina Powell, English 2: jpowell@thefsi.us Liz Baron: Math 2: lbaron@thefsi.us Sonya Laws, Civics: slaws@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 Matt Reynolds, Personal Finance & Economics: mreynolds@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: James Abbott, jabbott@thefsi.us MS Counselor: Jennifer-Raé Negron, jnegron@thefsi.us HS Theatre, Art of Argument: Julia Wharton, jwharton@thefsi.us MS Theatre: Elizabeth (“Beth”) Lexa, elexa@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 |
