Faculty Learning Target:
I can cultivate a culture of engagement and achievement in my classroom grounded in equity and inclusion.
Dear Franklin families,
Each year, as an EL Education School, Franklin creates a Work Plan identifying our priorities for the year. The Work Plan is the end of a long process of data collection, reflection, and analysis and incorporates the input from our School Improvement Team and the voices of our students, staff, and community. Pulling all this together into a few ambitious yet achievable goals is hard and requires us to really prioritize our goals. As we worked through this process last year and over the summer, one goal clearly rose to the top – creating a culture of learning that engages all students. This sounds easy and when you walk into excellent classrooms it looks easy. But scratch the surface and this is truly the highest point of great teaching. Everything needs to be in place – strong relationships with students, a deep knowledge of content, excellent organization and planning, the ability to ask great questions that prompt students to dig deeper, and the willingness to throw everything aside if (or when) things don’t go as planned. Teaching is hard work! We will continue unpacking and digging into our Faculty Learning Target all year and working toward that lofty goal of engagement for all students.
During Friday’s teacher work day, our grade level teams met to begin planning their Learning Expeditions for the year. Learning Expeditions are a hallmark of EL Education schools and one of the ways we seek to create a culture of engagement. Done well, they are transformative. I have seen students fall in love with learning and choose their life paths based on Learning Expeditions. I have also seen Expeditions re-ignite teachers’ passion for learning and teaching. As a deep believer in the power of Expeditions I also recognize the work that goes into them. Friday was just a fraction of the time that will go into creating these experiences. Thank you teachers for all you do to support our Learning Expeditions and a culture of engagement at Franklin- I can’t wait to see what you have planned!
Thank you also to everyone who has filled out our Volunteer Opportunities survey. The new Board Subcommittees are getting busy and we will be reaching out to get you involved in the next week or two. If you haven’t completed the survey yet, take a minute and tell us your interests! Volunteer Opportunities.
To all who celebrating Rosh Hashanah, Shana Tova!
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!
Upcoming Events
Tues, Sept 27
- 4:00 pm: MS Flag Football @ Odyssey
- 4:00 pm: MS & HS Volleyball vs Trailblazers @ Foster SDA Gym – high school game will begin 30 minutes after the middle school game ends
Thurs, Sept 29, 4:00 pm: MS Volleyball Scrimmage @ ELS Emmanual Lutheran School
Keep up with all our events on our Community Calendar!
Visitor Parking
Parking is limited this year! We know that construction has created a shortage of parking spaces for visitors. We have short-term visitor parking available on the exit road, on the right-hand side of the drive. We updated our Traffic Flow Map to show the visitor spaces.
COVID Testing at Franklin: Every Monday
Reminder: We are providing weekly individual PCR testing this year. Testing is OPTIONAL and consent must be provided prior to testing. Parents – students are expected to know if they are participating. We are not calling students out by name. If you want your student to participate please remind them Monday morning.
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
Another successful week in Bolts athletics!
- Volleyball defeated Mount Pisgah Academy 3-1.
- Middle School cross country competed in their first race of the season in Brevard. Rio Berry finished 1st in the boys division.
- Soccer dropped a hard fought match vs Mount Pisgah Academy, 4-2.
- Volleyball defeated ICI in 5 sets – an exciting match and battle to the end!
- HS cross country ran in the Bulldog Race in Murphy. Noah Judd finished 25th out of 98 runners.
- MS and HS volleyball competed in the Blazer Blast tournament in Spartanburg, SC. The high school team won the silver division and remain undefeated on the season! Thank you to all families who supported our teams and coaches throughout the day. Congratulations Addison Trull for taking home best all around player medal!
#ohyeah- follow fsiboltsathletics on Instagram to keep up with all the athletic news.
Questions about athletics at FSI? Contact Coach Burke, kburke@thefsi.us.
- Cross Country:
Lexi Johnson- ljohnson@thefsi.us
Kara Lacey- klacy@thefsi.us
- MS Girls Volleyball:
Jessica Bragdon- jbragdon@thefsi.us
Tammy Leahy- tleahy@thefsi.us
- HS Girls Volleyball:
Tess Barnes-Dunn- tbarnesdunn@thefsi.us
Heather Kabat- hkabat@thefsi.us
- HS Boys Soccer:
Teshale Byan- tbyan@thefsi.us
- MS Flag Football:
Tony Freeman- tfreeman@thefsi.us
Kim Burke- kburke@thefsi.us
Club News
New!
Chess – Starting Sept 27: 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) is gearing up. This year we will host a middle school and a high school 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. Club sponsors will work with students to find the best time to meet. Sign up here if you are interested: BSU Sign Up and stay turned for meeting times.
Continuing
Girls who Code meets 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
The purpose of the FSI MTB Club is to get students together riding bikes, sharing the joy of bicycles, creating community around shredding on two wheels. There are no club dues or fees, and most rides are free, though some locations require an individual payment. We will have a couple meetups each month from September – December at locations like KOLO, Richmond Hill, Bent Creek, Dupont or Fire Mountain. 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
The High School fall theatre production, ‘Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm?’ is well underway. Based on a true story about the corpse of a woman that was found hidden in the trunk of a tree in England in 1943, the play presents the popular theories behind her identity while spotlighting the many ways individual identity is suppressed, stolen, or shattered. This is a brand new play and we are collaborating with the California playwright throughout our production process. Fingers crossed that she will be able to attend one of our performances! Performances will be November 18 and 19 at 7:00 pm and we hope to soon have an announcement about our performance venue! Put our performance dates on your calendar so you don’t miss this fascinating mystery drama. Keep up with the FSI HS Theatre scene by visiting our monthly newsletter using the QR code below!
Middle School Drama Club
Upcoming Events- All Meetings and Rehearsals- 3:15- 5:00pm in O’Keeffe 22!
Drama Club and Rehearsal Schedule- Click Here!
Note- Rehearsals will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:15-5:00pm, but everyone is not needed at every rehearsal. Set Crew meets every Tuesday to work on sets and props. They will then be needed for Tech Week to work backstage. Tech Week is October 24th thru November 3rd and Performances are November 4th at 6pm and November 5th at 2pm and 6pm! There will be a cast party in between shows.
Drama Club Needs- All items can be brought to the theatre room- O’Keeffe 22
– Parents needed for the production team. We meet once a month for 30 minutes after rehearsals. First meeting this Tuesday at 5pm in O’Keeffe 22. Email Chris Martin, cmartin@thefsi.us, for info & to attend
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 attendance, 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 Taylor Jenkins, Math 1 & 2: tjenkins@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 |
