Good morning Franklin families,
We have one week remaining in this semester, and then a welcome two week break! Over the past few weeks, we have come to our school community with many requests for assistance. Schools truly need the support of the entire community to succeed, and you have stepped up! We are grateful for your help as we work together to create a school where students, staff, and families can thrive. This year, our community has really leaned into the spirit of Crew – the understanding that we are all stronger together. Here are all the wonderful things you have done over the past few weeks. Thank you for Being Crew!
- Giving Tuesday Cultivating Community Campaign: With the support of families and local businesses, we have raised nearly $60,000 to support programs that strengthen our school. Thank you! For those of us with the capacity to give, the Cultivating Community campaign is a tangible way we can support inclusivity in our school. It’s never too late to give. Cultivating Community Annual Fund. Be sure to see our Corporate Sponsors -scroll down the newsletter!
- Holiday Giving Pool: Thank you Class Parents and everyone who has contributed! We are just $15 short of our goal this morning! The Giving Pool will allow us to provide every staff member with a cash gift along with a sweet bag of cozy small gifts. Our teachers and staff work hard to create a school where students are seen and heard. Along with the financial gift, we will make sure to pass along the lovely comments you have shared. Thank you! Staff Giving Pool
- Holiday Assistance Program: With so many offers to help, we are able to fill every request! Please remember to bring your wrapped gifts to school tomorrow, Monday, Dec 12. Thank you for giving with abundance!
- Food Pantry: Our pantry is stocked! This need will not end with the holidays. With rising costs everywhere, many families are facing food insecurity. If you are able, please continue bringing pantry items to ensure all families have what they need. Canned fruits and vegetables, canned beans, pasta sauce, rice, boxed pasta, easy mac, instant mashed potatoes, and granola bars are great items to share.
Being Crew isn’t only about sharing financial gifts. We are also Crew when we support and celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of our students and staff. And you’ve done this too! Our middle and high school theatre performances were sold out. The holiday concert Friday night was standing room only and the feeling of love, joy, and pride was overwhelming. Let’s keep this spirit of Crew alive and thriving as we move into the new year. The support and involvement of the community has always been what sets Franklin apart. Thank you for continuing to help us build and grow.
A special shout out to our seniors, College & Career Counselor, and our amazing senior faculty team! On Friday, College & Career Counselor JaneAnne Tager shared some exciting news. Eight FSI seniors applied to Appalachian State for early admission – and all eight were accepted! This is a first-choice school for some of our students who can now enjoy the holiday season with that great feeling of knowing what comes next in their educational journey. Well done students, and thank you to the hard-working faculty who mentor, guide, encourage, and yes, prod them to success (and thanks for those wonderful letters of recommendation – we know you put hours of love into them and it makes a difference!). Well done!
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Subway sandwiches & snacks for sale during lunch The Subway sandwich sales have been going well! We plan to continue this program into the new year.
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Upcoming Events
Tues, Dec 13
- 9 am: Campus Tour for Prospective Families. This tour is full! If you have friends who want to visit FSI, they can sign up for future tours here
- 6 pm: Monthly Board of Directors meeting in Big Ben Music Room
Fri, Dec 16: Early Release (12:30 high school/1:00 middle school)
- Ugly Sweater Day or Cute Holiday Shirt Day! Any holiday spirited shirt will do.
- No BTB this Friday! Please see email from Martha Rutherford if you urgently need BtB services
Mark your Calendars
Dec 19 – Jan 2: Winter Break (Jan 2 is a Teacher Work Day – no students)
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
It’s Flu, COVID, and RSV Season!
As we head into the holidays, it’s time for a reminder about all the contagious illnesses going around this year. Our COVID cases have been very low so far this year but we’re anticipating an increase. This past week we had 4 cases reported to school. We’re also continuing to see flu cases, with 4 new cases reported last week. Flu cases are currently concentrated in 5th grade while the COVID cases are spread across grades. It’s not too late to get vaccinated for greater protection over the holidays and as we head into next year. Vaccines are widely available and you can get a flu and COVID vaccine the same day. Masks are also effective as a prevention tool for any contagious disease. If students have symptoms, please keep them home. We can provide take-home COVID test kits or provide tests at school. Let’s keep our school healthy!
Middle School Basketball Try-Outs Dec 14
Middle School Basketball Try-Outs will take place on Wednesday, Dec 14th
3:30-5:30pm at Foster Church (375 Hendersonville Road)
Boys and Girls, Grades 5-8
All required paperwork (sports physical and concussion form) must be submitted prior to Try-Outs.
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.
Mountain Bike Fans! Bike Gear Sale & Swap TODAY, Dec 11, 10 am – 1
Weaverville Community Center, 60 Lake Shore Drive, Weaverville:A Great chance to buy or sell bike gear. Get some hot deals on bikes, bike parts, clothes, etc, or sell some of your extra parts. hosted by our friends / rivals at Pisgah Rage.
Weather Closures/Delays & Remote Learning Days
It’s getting cold out there! We’ve enjoyed a lovely long and warm fall. With the onset of colder weather, we want to remind families about weather closures & delays. FSI is not part of Buncombe County or Asheville City Schools, and we may make decisions about delays and closures differently, based on our student population and transportation. We will announce weather closures and delays in a few ways. Parents will receive phone calls or text messages through our BrightArrow messaging system. We post information on WLOS – on their weather closures and delays section. We also send emails.
Under State guidelines, schools are allowed up to 5 remote instruction days for weather or other emergencies. Please note: If your student would be unable to participate in a remote instruction day, we can assign chromebooks for use at home. Generally, remote instruction days will not be used to introduce new content or ideas – we understand the limits of remote learning. Students may be able to use a home computer or tablet to complete assignments. If your student does not have access to a tablet or computer at home AND you did not already receive one from school, you can check out a chromebook during school hours (7:45 – 4 pm) daily.
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!
COVID & Flu Updates: PCR Testing on Monday
We had 4 COVID cases and 4 flu cases reported to school this past week. 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–
Athletic News
HS basketball defeated Mount Pisgah Academy 42-38 in an exciting, hard fought game. The Bolts battled back after falling behind early 20-6. Bolts scoring was led by Winter Wood and Qua Collins. Rebounding leaders were Rowan McMullan and Elijah Bettencourt. Go Bolts! The Bolts return to action after the break.
MS basketball try-outs will be held on Wednesday, December 14th from 3:30-5:30pm at Foster Church. This is for boys and girls grades 5-8.
This is try-out #2…you must be present at this try-out if you would like the opportunity to play this season. Team will be selected and announced before the break. Games and practices will resume after the break.
Club News
Habitat for Humanity Student Group
The Habitat for Humanity Student group will no longer meet during SMART period. The group will meet on Tuesdays during lunch in room #226.
New Club – Middle School Creative Writing!
This new club will be hosted by 6th grade ELA teacher Ashley O’Dell and is being started at the request of students. The club will meet 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.
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 meets on Tuesdays right after school from 3:30-5:00 PM in the New Building room #224. 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
Congratulations to the cast and crew of Honk Jr! Honk Jr. Rehearsal Schedule- Click Here! Tech weeks and performances are required! Use this form to list conflicts and dietary needs for meals and snacks- Click Here! Questions about MS Drama club, contact Chris Martin, cmartin@thefsi.us
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)
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, 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 Club
Thanks to everyone who attended the Info Session! Missed the session or have questions? Email 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!
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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 |
