Dear Franklin families,
We are gearing up for Giving Tuesday! On Tuesday, Nov 29, we will celebrate all things FSI with a 10-hour online Annual Fund. From 8 am to 6 pm, every hour on the hour, we will feature the programs, students, and staff that make Franklin a better place. On this national Day of Giving, we will be asking families and community members to support our students and school through financial donations. The past two years, our online Giving Tuesday fund drives have exceeded our expectations, and we’ve set our goals a little higher this year! Our goal is to raise $45,000 through the Annual Fund, with an additional $35,000 goal for Corporate Sponsors. The Annual Fund supports nearly every student in our school, providing much-needed funding for the following projects and programs:
- The largest charter school bus transportation program in Western North Carolina
- Free lunch program, serving nearly 200 free lunches daily
- Beyond the Bell before and after school care
- Athletics
- Performing and visual arts program
- Outdoor education and adventure programs, ensuring that every student can participate
We are currently seeking sponsors for each hour of programming on Giving Tuesday! Throughout the day we will showcase our STEM programming, music, theatre, athletics, visual arts, Crew, Expeditions, and more. If you or your business would like to sponsor an hour of programming, please contact me (mvruwink@thefsi.us) or Micah Usher (musher@thefsi.us) to discuss a contribution. If you would like to volunteer to help us produce short videos and broadcast the day – reach out!
Mark your calendars for Nov 29 to help us reach our goals!
A few important reminders for this upcoming week. As students put the finishing touches on their Halloween costumes, please make sure to review our costume guidelines. Let’s use Halloween to celebrate the incredible creativity of our students!
Don’t wear costumes that:
- Portray any group in a stereotypical way, such as headdresses or feathers to portray Indigenous People, or dirty/torn clothing to portray an unhoused person.
- Darken or change skin color to represent a character.
- Are related to racial, ethnic, religious, or gender-based slurs (e.g. no monkey or gorilla costumes, period).
- Include any type of realistic weapons (no guns, no matter what color or form).
Do wear costumes that:
- Celebrate your own culture.
- Commemorate historical characters who contributed to a better world – just make sure that your costume is a tribute to the character.
General rule of thumb: If you aren’t sure – don’t wear it. Take a few minutes to research and think about your choices and we can all enjoy the fun!
Another important reminder – keep students home if they are sick or experiencing symptoms! This past week we saw a rapid uptick in student absences and illness. By Friday afternoon we had a total of 14 confirmed cases of flu, 1 case of Strep, and 1 case of COVID. We are in daily contact with the Health Department, reporting the rate of illness and following their guidance. The most common symptoms are sore throat, persistent headaches, followed by fever and all the classic flu and respiratory symptoms. Take the following steps to keep our community healthy!
- Stay home if you have symptoms
- Wash hands or use hand sanitizer frequently
- Wear a mask indoors
If your student needs to miss school, send your note to Attendance@theFSI.us. Students who feel well enough can check Canvas for daily assignments or reach out to their teachers.
Special shout-outs to HS Theatre club & Director Julie Wharton and the FSI visual arts program– check out the WLOS.com story about their upcoming play, Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm. On Nov 18 and 19, the playwright will join our HS theatre for the premier productions of the play. And while we’re celebrating the arts – be sure to stop by the SECU Smokey Park Highway branch to check out the FSI Art show featuring a selection of high school Art 1 students Neurographic Art and middle school students Op Art! Our hallways are filled with beautiful student work created under the thoughtful guidance of art teachers Jennifer Lipsey-Edwards and Kati Robbins.
|
No Texting Please! Parents – we need your help! Our school-wide expectation is that phones are silent and not seen during classes. When you text or call your student during the school day – you put students in a difficult spot. Should they answer your call or listen to the teacher’s directions? Support our students AND our faculty by thinking before you text. If you need to reach your student during the school day, you can call the school (828 318 8140) or text or call your student during their lunch period. |
Thank you to our 2022 Platinum Level Corporate Sponsors
Pinnacle Animal Hospital & Black Orthodontics!
What do Corporate Sponsors support?
- Our school nutrition program, serving nearly 200 free lunches daily
- Bus transportation program, transporting 250 students
- Scholarships for Beyond the Bell, field trips, and other programs
Become a 2023 Corporate Sponsor!
This Week’s Events
Mon, Oct 31, 7:45 – 8:15 am – Halloween Costume Contest: Register from 7:45-8:15 am in Zone 1 outside O’Keeffe. $1 to enter the contest for students. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for students and teachers. Sponsored by Community Council. All proceeds support middle school theatre! Students are encouraged to dress up as a group or individually. No weapons or masks left on during school after registration photos. Email Mr. Chris Martin at cmartin@thefsi.us with any questions.
Tues, Nov 1, 6:30 pm: Virtual Info Session for Prospective Families. Do you know a family who would benefit from joining the FSI community? Tell them to sign up here to join a Virtual Info Session
Wed, Nov 2, 12:30 pm: HS Fall Sports Media Day for all HS athletes
Thurs, Nov 3, 4:00 pm: MS Flag Football vs Mountain Community School – front field at FSI
Fri, Nov 4, 6:00 pm and Sat, Nov 5, 2:00 pm: MS Theatre presents “Haphazardly Ever After”: Tickets available at the door, $10 adults, $5 students, free for children 3 and under. Concessions sold at the shows! Click Here for more info! Performances are in the Community Room
Mark your Calendars!
- Nov 8: Board of Directors monthly meeting
- Nov 11: Veterans Day – No School
- Nov 18 – 19: HS Theatre Presents ‘Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm? – see more under Club News!
Keep up with all our events on our Community Calendar!
We are Hiring!
We have a rare opportunity for a non-teaching administrative position! We are seeking an Executive Assistant to join our team. More information here: Careers @ FSI
TEDx Youth @ FSI Returns!
If you missed last year’s FSI TEDxYouth – you missed one of the best student-led productions ever. But don’t despair – it’s returning! TEDxYouth is looking for speakers for their 2023 conference! Fully organized by students, this year’s conference is focusing on the idea of “Disruption.” Have you or your child or someone you know experienced a disruption? Are you actively trying to disrupt something to challenge the status quo? We want to hear from you.
The conference will be held in late March or late April, and we will be having speaker auditions in the next few weeks, where we’ll ask speakers to pitch their ideas. More information to come, but in the meantime, if you have questions, please reach out to Dr. Hawkins at lhawkins@thefsi.us.
Host an Intern!
All FSI Seniors complete a Senior Project. The project requires 24 hours of career exploration, a journal of reflection, and a presentation to community members in the late spring. Please email JaneAnne Tager (jtager@thefsi.us) if you are interested in hosting a HS intern!
FSI Family & Business Directory
Do you want a way to connect with other FSI families? Want to support local businesses? Own or manage a business? We want to help! Please complete this short survey. We will share the directory with all FSI families. Please note that the directory will be shared for personal use only. The directory is not to be shared publicly or used for political or commercial purposes. FSI Family & Business Directory
College Corner
Tuesday, November 8th @ 5:30 on FSI campus
FAFSA info and completion session
The event will be facilitated by Devon McCarthy-James, our CFNC (College Foundation of North Carolina) representative who will explain how to complete the FAFSA senior families are encouraged to bring the documentation necessary to make progress on FAFSA completion. Seniors will review the list of what to bring. To learn more about the FAFSA (Federal Application for Student Aid) visit:
https://studentaid.gov/help/fafsa
COVID Updates: PCR Testing on Monday
As of Friday, we had 1 reported current COVID case in school.
PCR Covid Testing will be provided on Monday this week. Testing for high school students will be 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 are new to Franklin or did not provide consent last year, you can sign in to give consent below:
- 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 FRANKLINSI. You will need this to complete the consent form
- You only need to provide consent once
Connect with Canvas
As a school, we use Canvas as a system to help students and parents keep connected with assignments and grades. This is a schoolwide program, though of course high school students use Canvas differently and more than our youngest students. Parents and guardians can download the Canvas app and connect with their student’s account. Click here to learn how to do this – it only takes a few minutes but you do need your student’s help! Canvas Family App How To.
Middle School News Videos
8th 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–
Clubs & Athletics News
Fall Athletics
Fall sports are winding down – but it was another win for Flag Football! Come out to cheer them on this week. HS athletes – don’t miss Media Day this Wednesday at 12:30!
Follow fsiboltsathletics on Instagram to keep up with all the athletic news.
Club News
Math Club Returns!
Math club is back! 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. In the past, our students have had a unique opportunity to compete at regional and national levels. This year, we are planning to participate in some of these competitions. Math club will be meeting on Tuesdays right after school from 3:30-5:00 PM in the New Building room #224. Our first session will be on Tuesday, November 8. If your child is interested in participating, please fill out this form. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Byan at tbyan@thefsi.us.
Middle School Drama Club
The Middle School Drama Club Presents Haphazardly Every After!
Friday, November 4th at 6pm and Saturday, November 5th at 2pm in the Community Room at FSI. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students! Concessions sold at the shows! Click Here for more info!
High School Drama Club
GET YOUR TICKETS to the FALL HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE PRODUCTION!
“It’s April 18th, 1943 and today in Wychbury Hill, England, my body is discovered inside the trunk of a large tree. Even in your time, it is possible that if you go to the Hagley Obelisk, you will see the words written on its stone sides, asking the question that people have been trying to answer since 1943: ‘Who put Bella in the Wych Elm?’ “
So begins this year’s fall high school theatre production, “Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm?’ by Katherine Vondy. Come see it at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts in dowtnown Asheville – November 18th at 7 pm, November 19th at 2 and 7 pm. Links to purchase tickets ($10) are below. The playwright will be at each performance to do a Q & A. Show is rated PG13.
Performance#2 – Nov. 19 at 2pm
Performance #3 – Nov. 19 at 7pm
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. starting September 27 and running through December 13. 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 meetings 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)
Starting 9/16! 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 will begin meeting this Thursday during HS lunch. This will be a kickoff/information gathering meeting. Date/time may be changed based on student schedules and input. For more information, contact MK Hyche, mkhyche@thefsi.us, or Justina Powell, jpowell@thefsi.us
High School Studio Art Club
Mondays, 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 Club
Bent Creek Trail Work Day: Wednesday, Dec 14, from 2:00 – 5:00. After the dig, stick around for PIZZA as a reward for the hard work. This event is REQUIRED for any current and future TEAM riders. If you aren’t able to make this date, please be in touch and be prepared to find an alternate trailwork day you can attend. Sign Up Genius (click here!) to help with communication and to keep track of our number of participants. Please save this date and register ASAP.
Fall and winter events: Put these dates on your calendar, and then look for an email / Sign Up Genius with more details about each one in the weeks before. Dates are subject to change
- Wed, Nov 9 – Berm Park, 3:00 – 5:00
- Sat, Nov 19 – Dupont, 9:00 – 12:00
- Thurs, Dec 1 – NICA / MTB TEAM Info Session @ FSI, 6:00 – 7:00
- Wed, Dec 14 – Bent Creek Trail Work – 2:00 – 5:00
Enjoying MTB Club and want to get more serious about mountain biking? Please think about joining the MTB Team and racing NICA races in the spring! We will have an info session 6:00, Thursday, Dec 1 at FSI. Some quick facts: practices start in January, first race is 3/19, cost is $220 plus $25 dollars per race, and some financial aid is available. This will be FSI’s 4th season of racing! Contact Ethan Burns, eburns@thefsi.us, for more information.
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 Carlos Edwards, Science: cedwards@thefsi.us 9th Grade 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 Gabrielle “Gabe” Isaac: Biology: gisaac@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 |
