Dear Franklin families,
Thank you to everyone who helped make our Giving Tuesday such a success! While donations continue to come in, we have raised nearly $30,000 from our Giving Tuesday campaign and over $30,000 from our Corporate Sponsors. While we didn’t quite hit our goal, it was a heartwarming day and the funds raised will have a daily impact on our school community.
One of the best parts about Giving Tuesday is that I get to set aside an entire day to focus on all the good things happening at Franklin. There is a lot to celebrate beyond the excitement of our new building and gym. Students and staff are living up to our vision in so many ways! I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to enjoy the videos from Giving Tuesday. Share them on your own social media! There is so much negative news about education today – let’s share some of the good news! FSI Facebook
As we turn from the Giving Tuesday campaign, we shift our focus from supporting our school to supporting members of our community. As a school, we talk about what it means to “be Crew” – the idea that we are all stronger when we work together and care for one another. There are a few really important ways we can be Crew through the holiday season.
- Holiday Assistance Program: Each year we connect families in need of gifts with those who have the ability to share. The deadline for the Holiday Assistance Program was Friday, Dec 2. I’m including the link again today as the last opportunity. This program is intended to support families at our school who may need help purchasing gifts for their children for the holidays and who have not accessed other local Holiday Assistance Programs (Eblen, Salvation Army, St. Nicholas Project, etc.). All information in this form will go directly to Jennifer Negron (Middle School Counselor) or Mary Kinsey Hyche (High School Counselor) and will be kept confidential. Once we receive your form we will follow up with an email to collect/provide more information. Click here : FSI Holiday Assistance Program
- Food Pantry: Food insecurity is a rising challenge for many families! We are collecting pantry items to share. You can bring items to the main entrance of the school and place them in the labeled bins. In particular we are looking for canned fruits and vegetables, canned beans, pasta sauce, rice, boxed pasta, easy mac, instant mashed potatoes, granola bars.
- Holiday Giving Pool: Our Class Parents are coordinating a Giving Pool for our staff. Their goal is to be able to provide every FSI staff member with a financial gift this season. They are off to a great start, with $1,770 raised toward the goal of $9,700! All funds raised in this campaign are given directly to our staff. Our teachers and staff are working harder than ever to support students. This is a small way to say thank you for all they do, every day. Click here to contribute: FSI Holiday Giving Pool
Volunteer Spotlight & Shout Out: A special thank you to parent/volunteer/substitute teacher Evelyn Becker for her dedication and support for the Chess Club at FSI. We literally could not make it through a week without Eveyln’s help, but this week she went above and beyond, successfully hosting the FSI Checkmate Challenge yesterday. Thank you Evelyn!
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Subway sandwiches & snacks for sale during lunch The Subway sandwich sales have been going well! We’ll continue this pilot program through winter break – if it is successful we’ll roll it out for the rest of this year:
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Upcoming Events
We are so excited for the Holiday Concert this Friday! Our musicians have been working hard under the enthusiastic direction of Sandi Wilson – this concert will put you in the holiday spirit through and through!
Mon, Dec 5
- 3:45 – 5 pm: HS Theatre Audition Workshop in O’Keeffe 21
- 6:00 pm: 9th and 10th grade Kickoff to College There are plenty of reasons to get started early when planning and preparing for college and career. Join College Foundation of NC experts for tips and resources to support and guide 9th and 10th grade students on their path to college, scholarships, and a bright future! Register here: https://cfnc.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/cfnc/event.jsp?event=9&
Tues, Dec 6, 6:30 pm: HS Basketball @ Mt. Pisgah Academy
Wed, Dec 7, 3:30 – 5:30 pm: MS Basketball Try-Outs @ Foster SDA Gym (see more info below)
Thurs, Dec 8, 3:45 – 6 pm: HS Theatre Auditions, O’Keeffe 21 (see more info below)
Fri, Dec 9, 6 pm: Holiday Music Concert in the Community Room
Mark your Calendars
Tues, Dec 13, 6 pm: Board of Directors Meeting
Wed, Dec 14, 3:30 – 5:30 pm: MS Basketball Try-outs @ Foster SDA Gym
Fri, Dec 16: Early Release (12:30 high school/1:00 middle school)
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!
Teens, Screens, and Drugs FREE Workshop: Wed, Dec 7, 7 pm
Integrative Family Medicine of Asheville is hosting a free panel discussion with two local parenting and addiction experts (Beth Hockman and Kriya Lendzion) Wednesday, 12/7, from 7:00 – 8:00 pm, at Wrong Way’s River Lodge. There is no cost for attending; however, space will be limited. Please RSVP by registering via this link. Face masks are optional. This event will be broadcasted virtually for free as well via this link. We (FSI) strongly encourage families to attend and learn Here is the link to their calendar posting on our website with more details.
Middle School Basketball Try-Outs Dec 7 & 14
Middle School Basketball Try-Outs will take place on Wednesday, December 7th and 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.
High School Theatre Auditions
Our March 2023 high school show will be the new comedy, ‘Save Hamlet!’ by Mark Harvey Levine. In this short and silly version of Shakespeare’s tragedy, a lot of the characters turn out to be women in disguise. They realize if they don’t step in, the whole thing is going to end in tragedy. With women now in charge, it’s Shakespeare’s famous play, but funnier and less murder-y.
There will be an audition workshop on Monday, December 5th from 3:45 – 5:00 in O’Keeffe 21. This workshop will provide an opportunity to learn what makes a strong audition, practice audition scenes and get info on the rehearsal process. The workshop is optional but recommended. Auditions will be on Thursday, December 8th from 3:45 – 6:00. Audition sign ups are in O’Keeffe 21. All high school students were emailed more information. Questions? Email Julie Wharton: jwharton@thefsi.us.
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 College Corner
First, did you know that FSI has a full-time College & Career Counselor? JaneAnne Tager provides extraordinary support for our students as they explore their post-high school options.
There are three virtual CFNC (College Foundation of North Carolina) info sessions coming up next week on www.CFNC.org/events.
- 9th and 10th-grade Kickoff to College Monday, 12/5 at 6 pm –Students and families will hear ways to set themselves up for success in the years ahead and be ready for the future after high school.
- NC 529 Rules: College Savings Plan Withdrawals Webinar Tuesday 12/6 at 11 am – This event will highlight the various college expenses families can use 529 funds for, detail the options for withdrawing those funds, and provide an opportunity for attendees to have their questions answered.
- Gifting NC 529 Funds Wednesday 12/7 at 1 pm – Hear about the options for gifting funds to a loved one’s NC 529 savings account
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.
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
Our amazing school nurse was out last week, so our COVID and flu reporting is not up-to-date. She’ll be back this 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–
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
Onward to the spring performance! There will be an audition workshop on Monday, December 5th from 3:45 – 5:00 in O’Keeffe 21. This workshop will provide an opportunity to learn what makes a strong audition, practice audition scenes and get info on the rehearsal process. The workshop is optional but recommended. Auditions will be on Thursday, December 8th from 3:45 – 6:00. Audition sign ups are in O’Keeffe 21. All high school students were emailed more information. Questions? Email Julie Wharton: jwharton@thefsi.us. 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. 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 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 |
