Dear Franklin families,
Vannoy Construction visited the Design & Build Class on Friday. Students will continue to visit and learn about the construction process as we watch our new classroom wing and gymnasium take shape!
It’s time for some serious action on the construction front! Things have been a little quiet and very much behind-the-scenes. That all shifts Monday. A giant crane arrived Friday and this week we will start to see the new classroom wing take shape. Meanwhile they are prepping the slab for the gym and getting ready to begin setting the building in place. This means a big increase in construction traffic on campus. Please take extra caution on campus and follow all traffic rules, especially the one-way traffic flow. The incoming trucks carry heavy loads and cannot stop quickly. We’re pleased to be on schedule with construction, tracking toward completion for next school year.
As we watch the building grow, we’re launching our outreach efforts to recruit new families and students for next year. We’ll host our 1st Info Session for prospective families this week. A new parent described Franklin as “the best kept secret everyone else knew about”. You can help spread the word! Share the link to our Info Session or find us on Facebook and share posts. With full transparency, we’ve been short-staffed and social media has suffered, but we’re working on it!
Looking to meet other Franklin families and get involved? Check out these committees and upcoming events and join us!
Fall Work Day: Join us this Sat, Oct 22, 9 am – noon. We hope to install a shade tarp on the front field (digging holes, setting posts), do some weeding and mulching, tackle invasive plants, and pick up trash. Come with equipment, gloves, water and snacks, and join us for some or all of the morning!
Fundraising Committee: We are looking for people to help contact corporate sponsors and to assist with our upcoming Giving Tuesday Annual Fund campaign. For the Annual Fund campaign, we are especially in need of a couple people who have basic film-editing skills to help us create short, fun videos to stream on Facebook during the campaign. Contact Sarah Dickson (sdickson@thefsi.us) or Michelle Vruwink (mvruwink@thefsi.us) to join this committee, or email Ann-Marie Breen (breenle@charter.net) for more information about Corporate Sponsorship.
Class Parents: Thank you to everyone who signed up to help! We are still looking for parents to help support 11th and 12th grade. Class parents serve as the liaison between the grade level teachers and parents – helping fill basic classroom supply needs, recruiting chaperones, and organizing staff appreciation efforts. Most of the work can be done virtually. Email mvruwink@thefsi.us if you have a student in grade 11 or 12 and want to join! We’ll host a virtual kick-off meeting Tuesday, Oct 25, 6 pm.
A few important updates on school health policies approved by our Board of Directors:
- CBD/THC ban: The administration to students either by parents, school staff or self-administration of any substance containing cannabidiol (CBD) or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) at school is prohibited unless administered by a caregiver for a documented diagnosis of epilepsy or the product is available by prescription only and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In the case where the product is legally prescribed by a physician, the School will follow existing procedures for administration of medications. Please note that use, possession, or distribution of THC in any form is subject to suspension and other disciplinary action.
- Naloxone Administration: The Board approved a policy for the administration of Naloxone (commonly known by the brand name Narcon) to respond to opioid overdoses. Jessica Perraud, our school nurse, will send more information this week. Take a few minutes to learn more about opioid and fentanyl here: National Institute on Drug Abuse: Opioids Letter to Parents. With the rise of drug use among teens nationally, it is naive to think that drug use doesn’t impact our school as well.
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!
Thank you to our 2022 Platinum Level Corporate Sponsors!
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!
Upcoming Events
Homecoming Spirit Week! Oct 18 – 21
Students and staff are invited to dress up and participate this week!
- Monday, Oct 17: Teacher Work Day – no school for students
- Tuesday, October 18- Pajama Day
- Wednesday, October 19- Bolts Day- (Wear Bolts gear or orange and blue!) – join us at Foster SDA Church for the Staff vs Student Volleyball Game! $1 admission, 4 pm
- Thursday, October 20th- Breast Cancer Awareness Day- (Wear pink)
- Friday, October 21st- Anything But a Backpack Day (Carry your items in something creative)
This Week’s Events
Mon, Oct 17
- Teacher Work Day – No school for students
- 3:00 – 4:30 pm: School Improvement Team meeting in Big Ben
Tues, Oct 18
- 4:00 pm: MS Flag Football vs. Francine Delaney -Burton Street Field
Wed, Oct 19
- PreACT for 10th grade students – during schol
- 4:30 – 7 pm: Staff vs Students Volleyball Game @ Foster Church. $1 admission
Thurs, Oct 20
- 6:30 pm: Virtual Info Session for Prospective Families: Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/2148949274?pwd=WWt2RThmZVE4a002MHNnZU00c2JEUT09: Passcode: 5v50BJ
Sat, Oct 22:
- 9:00 am – noon: Community Work Day
- 7:00 – 9:00 pm: HS Homecoming Dance
Mark your Calendars!
- Wed, Oct 26: Student Led Conference Day (students attend ONLY for their conference. No classes are held on this day)
- Fri, Oct 28, 3:15 – 5 pm: Middle School Halloween Carnival, hosted by HS Habitat Student Leadership Club
- Mon, Oct 31: MS Halloween Costume
- Nov 4 – 5: MS Theatre Presents “Haphazardly Ever After” – see more under Club News!
- 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!
Homecoming Help Needed!
Families – we need your help for a fun Homecoming! Homecoming Spirit Week is open for all students and high school students are invited to the Homecoming Dance. Chaperones and donations for concessions are urgently needed. Check out this SignUp Genius and let’s fill all the slots today:
Community Support: Eblen Charities
Fun Fact: Did you know that FSI Board Member Beth Russo is the Executive Director of Eblen Charities? Next week Eblen Charities is giving away gently used winter clothing (coats, hats, scarves, etc.) for our community. Details are on the attached flyer. They also have signups available for folks living in or at the edge of poverty for free Thanksgiving meals (turkey and sides). Details here: https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/187011953032088047/false#/invitation
FSI Family & Business Directory – Important!
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
Halloween Fun!
Friday, Oct 28, 3:15 – 5 pm: The 11th grade and Habitat Student Leadership Club are hosting A Halloween Carnival for middle school students. Tickets will be available at the door for $1 each. The event is a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity.
Monday, October 31st. Middle School Halloween Costume Contest – Register from 7:45-8:15am in Zone 1 outside O’Keeffe. $1 to enter the contest. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for students and teachers. Sponsored by Community Council. All proceeds support middle school theatre! No masks worn during the day or weapons for costumes.
Pumpkins for Prom Fundraiser
Prom committee will be delivering anonymous mini pumpkin-grams to students on Halloween throughout the school day! Fill out the google form below to have a sparkly painted mini pumpkin delivered to your pumpkin. You will be invoiced for payment after completing the google form. You have the choice between a sparkly black, sparkly gold, or sparkly purple painted real-local farm grown-mini pumpkin. The price is $5.00. For an extra $1, we will personalize the pumpkin with the recipient’s name painted on it! All proceeds go towards our 2023 spring prom.All orders must be placed by October 29th. Pumpkins for Prom.
College Corner
Tuesday, October 25th @ 5:30 via Zoom
Info session on our dual enrollment program with AB Tech. Learn more about taking elective classes at AB Tech to earn college credits while in high school. This program will be via zoom and our facilitator will be Vicki Thompson, our AB Tech liaison. The link will be available on the FSI calendar.(open to all high school students and their families)
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 Thursday this week
Last week we had one confirmed and one suspected COVID case reported to the school. We continue to have no cases identified through school-based testing. PCR Covid Testing will be provided on Thursday 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
Another great week in Bolts athletics!
- MS cross country update: Pink Run at ELS – boys team took 2nd overall. Well done runners!
- Flag Football defeated Rainbow 42-7. Great passes and catches by multiple quarterbacks and receivers!
- MS and HS cross country competed at the Kingfisher Invitational at ICI. HS Noah Judd was 4th and Rowan McMullan was 6th out of 84 runners. For MS, Rio Berry placed 1st and August Gordon placed 12th. Boys finished 4th out of 8 teams and the girls team placed 6th.
- HS cross country traveled to Forest City to run in the Farm Invitational. Noah Judd finished 2nd and Rowan McMullan finished 4th out of 46 runners.
- HS soccer finished their season with a strong showing at Hendersonville HS. The game was tied 0-0 at the half and the Bolts ended up falling to the Bearcats 1-0. What a terrific end to great season!
Follow fsiboltsathletics on Instagram to keep up with all the athletic news.
Club News
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. They will meet this Tuesday. 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
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
- Sat, Oct 22 – Bent Creek, 9:00 for beginners and 10:30 for an intermediate/advanced group. Both groups will meet at Ledford trailhead and ride for about an hour. Space is limited, so please use the Sign Up Genius!
- 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.
High School Drama Club
Get ready, FSI, the dramatic mystery of ‘Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm?’ will unfold on stage in three performances at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts on November 18th and 19th, 2022. Friday and Saturday evening performances at 7:00 pm, Saturday matinee at 2:00 pm.
$10 General Admission tickets go on sale for the FSI community at 10 am on Monday, October, 17th. Use the links below to purchase tickets now! Seating is limited and you don’t want to miss this fascinating and powerful play. The playwright, Katherine Vondy, will be at the performances and will do a Q&A with each audience. Questions? Email Julie Wharton at jwahrton@thefsi.us.
Event#1 (Nov. 18 7 pm)-
Event#2 (Nov. 19 at 2pm)-
Event#3 (Nov. 19 at 7pm)-
Use this QR code to stay clued in on FSI HS Theatre news with our monthly
FSI High School Theatre Newsletter!
Middle School Drama Club
Updated Drama Club and Rehearsal Schedule- Click Here!
The Middle School Drama Club Presents- Click Here!
5th-8th Grade Play…
Friday, November 4th at 6pm and Saturday, November 5th at 2pm and 6pm
Outside Mr. Martin’s Room- O’Keeffe 22 on the grass!
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students!
Concessions sold at the shows!
Bring a blanket or chair to sit on!
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 |
