A Great First Week!
Dear Franklin families,
Thank you for helping us successfully launch the 2022-2023 school year! I’ve heard from teachers, students, and parents that this year feels different – in a good way – and I agree. I saw lots of smiles and examples of joy around campus this week, Crews getting together and getting to know each other, and engaging lessons taking place in the classroom and outdoors. We’re only a few days in but it feels so much more normal than the past few years.
This year we are placing a big focus on our Habits of Scholarship and how these habits help students become effective learners and ethical citizens. Last year, like schools all across the country, we saw many students return from remote learning out of practice with the skills it takes to be in community with one another. Students were really honest with us – they were unable to focus for full class periods, had a hard time regulating after any kind of upset, and in general were dealing with a lot more anxiety. These things aren’t their fault, and talking about fault doesn’t really help anyway. It’s just the reality following the disruptions of the COVID pandemic. If we’re honest, most of us adults lost practice with these skills too.
We have always believed in the EL Education model and its equal focus on character and academic growth. We believe in it even more now as we work together to overcome the outcomes of disrupted learning. Students can learn to be effective learners and schools can partner with parents to teach the skills students need.
During our two weeks of Orientation and teacher training, we spent a lot of time talking about what our Habits of Scholarship look like and sound like in the classroom. Teachers are spending time unpacking these Habits with students right now. Parents can help as well! When we all work together students achieve more than they think possible. These are the Habits of Scholarship that form the foundation of the educational program at The Franklin School of Innovation:
- Leadership: Students will recognize the leadership capabilities of themselves and others, and use them effectively.
- Collaboration: Students will work effectively within a group, navigating different ideological, cultural, linguistic, social, and geographic barriers.
- Persistence: Students will see actions through to the end, recognize failure as part of the process, and identify multiple paths toward objectives.
- Inquiry: Students will explore the world both within and beyond their immediate environment.
- Ethics: Students will examine issues from multiple perspectives and identify the full impact of actions.
- Action: Students will see themselves as active players in the world, capable of initiating change.
Talk with your students about these Habits. Listen and watch for examples of when they are using them and let them know you notice! Model these habits in your own life and let your kids see it. They pay more attention than you think.
A special thank you to everyone for following all the traffic flow directions! There were some glitches, of course, as we worked to move 700 students on and off campus in a short period of time! But overall things went better than we expected. We will continue to monitor and look for some ways to make things move even more smoothly. We know Wednesday dismissal is a challenge – stay tuned as we try to find some solutions.
Did you know…
We’re posting 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 for choosing Franklin! We are excited about this school year!
Upcoming Events
Mon, Aug 29
- 4:15 – 5:45: MS Volleyball Tryouts @ Fosters Church, 375 Hendersonville Rd
- 6 pm: Called meeting of Board of Directors to approve submission of Federal grant application. This will be a very short virtual meeting with no public comment. Zoom link is posted on the Community Calendar.
Tues, Aug 30, 3:15 – 5:00 pm: MS Drama Club Audition Workshop, MS Theatre classroom
Wed, Aug 31: Wednesday Release – 12:30 high school, 1:00 middle school. This is our regular Wednesday schedule. Remember Wednesday is Wacky! High school dismisses first. If you carpool with middle and high school – arrive around 1:00 for middle school dismissal.
Wed, Aug 31
- 3:30 – 4:30 pm: MS Volleyball Tryouts @ Fosters Church
- 5:00 pm: HS Cross Country @ S. Caldwell
- Senior Pictures all day
Thurs, Sept 1, 3:15 – 5 pm: MS Drama Club Auditions, MS Theatre classroom
Mon, Sept 5: Labor Day – No School
Wed, Sept 8: School Pictures (grades 5 – 11)
Sat, Sept 10, 9 am: HS Cross Country meet @ AC Reynolds
Keep up with all our events on our Community Calendar!
Student/Family Handbook
Have questions about our dress code, student Code of Conduct, or other expectations? Our Student/Family Handbook is available on the website. Just click this link: 2022-2023 Student Handbook. A few really important reminders for this school year. Franklin believes in a restorative approach to student behaviors. There are some behaviors that are such a severe violation of our community norms that they require time outside of school, followed by education and restorative practices upon return. The following behaviors will result in suspension:
- Physical contact with the intent to cause harm (e.g. punching, slapping, kicking, actual fight)
- Sexual harassment
- Racial or “hate crime” harassment
- Verbal assault (profanity/cursing at another individual)
- Possession of drugs/alcohol
- Possession of lethal weapon
Join our Team!
We have a few openings to support our growing school! Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to jobs@thefsi.us. The first 3 positions are full-time positions with health benefits, 401(k) retirement, and generous paid time off. Help us find great people to join our team!
- Middle Grades Math Specialist: provide in-classroom support and before school tutoring. Prior teaching experience and certification desired by not required.
- Substitute & Beyond the Bell Counselor: This position will serve as a permanent substitute and a counselor in our after school BtB program.
- Marketing and Development Coordinator: This position will work closely with the Executive Director to create strong community partnerships, recruit and support new families, and assist with fundraising and donor management. Prior fundraising and community development experience required.
- Substitute Teachers: Teacher Certification desired by not required; BA preferred; Associates required.
Middle School Volleyball Tryouts
MS Volleyball tryouts will be Monday Aug. 29th from 4:15-5:45 and Wednesday Aug. 31st from 3:30-4:30 at Foster’s Church, 375 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC 28803. If you need transportation to the church for tryouts a van will be at FSI at 3:45 Monday to transport any players who need a ride. Report to the community room after school to wait on the van. Please email jbragdon@thefsi.us if you need a ride so we can ensure that we have enough transportation for everyone who needs it. Athletes should attend BOTH tryout sessions.
High School Drama Club News
Happy New Year, FSI, from the High School Theatre department! We are hitting the ground running with lots of new and returning faces in theatre electives, a full slate of new Drama Club Officers, and exciting plans for our after school productions. For our fall production in November, we will be working on a new play, a drama based on a true story called ‘Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm?’ by Katherine Vondy. The playwright will be involved with us as we mount this production – a cool opportunity for our student theatre makers! Though she is based in California, she very much hopes to be able to come to one of our performances in November.
With all the construction challenges on our campus, we are hoping to use a theatre space elsewhere for these performances. Asheville High School and Asheville School have already been approached and are not options. If you have any connections to schools or churches or some other organization with a performance space we might consider, please be in touch with me, Julie Wharton, HS FSI Theatre Teacher and Director, jwharton@thefsi.us. I’m confident our hive mind can come up with a performance friendly space for our talented theatre kids while we continue to work on sound proofing the community room, acquiring stage and lighting equipment, and continuing the big construction projects on campus. Thank you in advance for your collaboration!
Meanwhile, keep up with the drama by following the QR code to FSI HS Theatre Newsletter.
Middle School Drama Club Auditions
The audition workshop will be August 30th along with auditions on September 1st at 3:15-5:00pm, in Mr. Martin’s room (O’Keeffe 22) Email Chris Martin at cmartin@thefsi.us with any questions about the theatre program at FSI! We’ve got magic to doi!
MS Drama Club Newsletter: Click Here!
Fall Play Audition Flyer: Click Here!
Drama Club Rehearsal Schedule: Click Here!
Registration for Drama Club, Auditioning, or Set Crew: Click Here!
Middle School Robotics Interest Meeting
Middle School Robotics team interest meeting will be Thursday September 8th from 3:15pm to 4:00 pm in the Middle School Tech room (Edison 19). This is open to all students in grades 5 – 8. Email bdavenport@thfsi.us with any questions.
Make Sure You Receive Emergency Text Notification!
This one requires ACTION! Text the word Yes to 87569 to opt-into our BrightArrow emergency texting service. Some service providers block group text messages. We generally send messages via phone and email, but we also use text when the message is short enough. It only takes a minute to opt-in.
Beyond the Bell Before & Afterschool Program
Beyond the Bell (BtB) provides early morning care and afterschool programming for both middle and high school students. If you think your student might be using Beyond the Bell – even just once – this school year, head on over to the BtB page on our website for all the details. To register, please complete this form and someone from the BtB team will be in touch. We look forward to welcoming your student to the BtB crew! For more info, contact Martha Rutherford at mrutherford@thefsi.us
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!
We are excited to have many returning teachers, as well as some new faces for the coming school year! While we are sharing contact information now, please understand that teachers are enjoying their summers, and will not be responding to emails until the school year begins. You will have the opportunity to meet teachers at our Back to School Nights in early September!
| 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/8th grade 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 |
