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Franklin School of Innovation Gala & Auction
March 26- The Wedge at Foundation- 7-10 pm
Online Auction, Raffles, Heavy Hors D’oeuvres, Cash Bar
The Auction is LIVE! And we still have tickets for the event!
You need a night out! 


Buy your tickets here!  Send this link to your friends and family to bid on items from home!

Bidding is open and ends March 26 at 9:30pm!  Please remember to share the bidding link with friends and family.  Anyone can bid and they don’t have to be present to win. And all proceeds go to our wonderful school and your children!
Items include:
  • Restaurant & Brewery & Coffee Gift Cards
  • Vacations including Lake Houses, Downtown Condo Rental and a Camper Van Rental
  • Packages that include gardening, salons, massages, hot sauce, books, cleaning and vet services
  • Tours, Trips and Adventures with local outfitters
  • Music and Theatre from 8 different music halls and theatres
  • Lots of local handmade paintings, art, pottery, glass, leather, wood and jewelry
  • AND lots of outdoor gear for hiking, biking, and camping
Please spend a few minutes today to “Show your Glows” to our FSI staff.  Today is the last day to write a shout out to our staff  using this  “Show Your Glows” Google Form.  And if you cannot make it to the Auction, you can also donate to our “Show Your Glows” fund. Show your Glows is a direct donation (100%) to be used to support the well-being and appreciation of our school staff.  This may include massages, mindfulness/wellness activities, staff team building fun, catered meals or classroom items or equipment that will just make life a little easier.  As it has been an extremely hard year, we would love to show our support as a community to our dedicated staff.   (Just sign up to bid, then make your donation with the first item of the auction called “Show your Glows.” )

Dear Franklin families,

It's finally spring! We survived the time change, the dreary days of late winter, and we have so much to celebrate ahead. We're still pretty excited about closing our deal to fund our school building! We have two big favors to ask our families to help us celebrate this milestone and keep our school growing strong.

  • First - join us this coming Saturday, March 26 for our Glows & Grows Gala & Auction. All the information you need is above. This will be a fun event and ALL proceeds will help us furnish our new gymnasium and classrooms. Don't miss the chance to share a shout-out with an FSI staff member and contribute to our special "Show your Glows" donation! 
  • Second, with our new classrooms next year we have room to grow, especially for 5th grade. Open Enrollment ends March 31. While our applications overall are strong we have spaces open in 5th grade. Help us fill our slots with great new families! 

Thank you to everyone who came out for the Middle School theatre productions last night! The shows were a pure shot of joy and fun and it was such a treat to see so many families enjoying the show. Special thanks to all the FSI staff who shared their time to make the production possible and to those who came out to watch! Our students had the audience they deserved! 

Congratulations to our Mountain Bike team - competing today at Brown's Creek in Elizabethtown, North Carolina. Six members of FSI's team are competing against 750 other riders from all across the state. Go Bolts! 


Re-Enrollment for 2022-2023: Complete Today!
Last call - claim your spot for next year! If you haven't completed re-enrollment yet and you are planning to return, please reach out to Erinn Otten,  eotten@thefsi.us. Remember - if you are planning to enroll a sibling, you must apply in SchoolMint prior to March 31st.


Summer Programming: Registration is Open

We know many of you are lining up your summer plans! As you know, we applied for a grant to help fund our summer programming this year. We will not know about grant funding until late in March or April. We will offer a comprehensive summer program, with our without the grant funding!


Upcoming Events: Mark Your Calendars & Support Our School

March 26: Glows & Grows Gala & Silent Auction
See all the info at the top of today's newsletter - and get your tickets today! 

Spring Fling Dance! Sat, April 2, MS 5 - 7 pm, HS 7:30 - 9:30 pm
The Spring Fling Dance is Saturday, April 2nd in the Community Room. 8
dollars in advance and 10 dollars at the door. Tickets on sale at lunch March 27th- 31st at
lunch time! FSI students only!  Parents - we need your help! We are looking for chaperones and donations to make this dance a success. Sign up to help here! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080f45a4a82ba5fe3-spring

Junior/Senior Prom - Buy your Tickets!  Get Your Caffeine Boost! 
Buy your tickets!  Early prom tickets are $35 for FSI students, and $40 for outside guest through April 25th. After April 25, tickets will be raised to $60 and at the door. Prom will take place on May 14, 2022 from 7 to 10 PM at the Capital Club in downtown AVL. Enjoy a beautiful spring sunset from the rooftop! Ticket includes admission, drinks and hors d'oeuvres.” https://event.auctria.com/a3c433b8-b0af-4cce-8d75-673084cd9365/ 

Prom committee will be selling iced lattes before school, and during junior and senior lunches on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Made by our very own FSI Starbucks barista! The lattes will be $4. Bring cash!


Covid Updates
We had no positive cases in our pooled testing this week, and no new COVID cases reported during the week of March 11 - March 18.  If your student has been exposed to COVID, has symptoms, or has tested positive for COVID, please contact our school nurse at klay@thefsi.us. We are continuing to offer rapid tests for students who have been exposed or have experienced symptoms. Reach out to Kim to schedule a rapid test. 

Weather Make Up Days
The following days are regular school days for students and staff:

  • Monday, April 18
  • Wednesday, June 1

COVID Vaccines
Looking for the vaccine for your child? Here is a link to current locations for the pediatric vaccines:https://www.buncombecounty.org/countycenter/news-detail.aspx?id=19642

COVID Screening Program - you can still sign up!
With the holidays and a new variant - the COVID Screening Program is more important than ever! Want to sign up for our weekly COVID screening? It's a great way to help us keep school open safely:

 
Be well, 

Michelle Vruwink
Executive Director 
Do you want to help combat climate change? Do you need service hours for graduation? Volunteer with the Eco-Warriors class on Saturday, May 7 to help with our community tree planting! Anyone in the Asheville area can purchase saplings at the event website, and can choose to either pick them up from FSI the day of the event, or have volunteers come to their property and plant them (if they are within 30 minutes of FSI). If you are interested in volunteering, form a group of 2-4 volunteers and sign up on the website - only one person from each group should fill out the form. 
FSI Community Calendar
Tues, March 22, 5:30 pm: In Person Info Session for Prospective Families
We're hosting our 1st in-person Info Session in over 2 years! Invite your friends, family members, neighbors - help us continue to grow with great FSI families! 

Wed, March 23, 4:30 pm: HS Girls Soccer @ Asheville School. Come cheer for the Bolts!  360 Asheville School Road. 

Sat, March 26, 7 - 10 pm: Glows & Grows Gala & Auction! Get your tickets, register to bid, and come join us for a great night out! 

Next week:
Spring Fling Dance! Sat, April 2, MS 5 - 7 pm, HS 7:30 - 9:30 pm. 
Volunteer Opportunities
Help us build a great community! Here are some great ways to get involved!

Spring Fling School Dance: sign up here to chaperone or donate: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080F45A4A82BA5FE3-spring
School Improvement Team: email Michelle Vruwink if you are interested

Staff Appreciation Crew: email Michelle Vruwink to get involved! 
 
Club Corner

Check out this list of clubs and find something you love! Remember - you must pick up students PROMPTLY at the end of a club. If you are unable to pick up on time, we offer BtB coverage from the end of the club until 6 pm. Fee is $5 and students must be registered in advance. 
 

New Club! 

"Fursuit and Cosplay Making Club" - open to MS and HS. Learn more here: 
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Zf1HU3-MhbnAPtm_UzY5O-xo6SBy-V6nb7Epv0Zs-Vw/edit

Ventures Guild: A Medieval Club, will meet every other Tuesday from 3:45-5pm in Edison 20. Email faculty sponsor Emily Peters for more information or to join! 


Fishing Club:
Are you interested in joining a fishing club? If so, fill out this form and you will be all set! In this club we will talk about fishing,different types of lures,aquariums/pet fish. We will meet once a week on Thursdays at school and once a month we will go to a fishing spot. When it turns winter we will still have fun... like learning about fish aquariums(maybe visiting one) and also learning about different knots,lures and baits .But that's in the future for now.. we will just have fun fishing before it gets cold!

BIPOC Student Union: Meets Tuesdays & Fridays, 12:30 pm in the 9th grade Earth Science classroom (Einstein building). 

Chess Club - Register through BtB - contact Martha Rutherford, mrutherford@thefsi.us or 828.575.0456
MS Anime club will meet Jan 6th from 3:30 to 4:30- meet at the flagpole outside of Carver. If you are interested in the anime club and want to get on the email list- please email Bwilson@thefsi.us

MS GSA (gender and sexuality alliance): Middle School GSA meets every Friday 3:15-4pm. We welcome everyone and work to empower LGBTQ+ lives. Contact afortune@thefsi.us to join.

HS GSA is meeting regularly on Thursdays at lunch at the picnic table between Einstein and Edison or in 9th grade math classroom for indoor lunch.  This is a casual space for any LGBTQ+ students or allies.  Contact mhyche@thefsi.us or sfirestone@thefsi.us for more info

HS Film Club: 3:45 - 5:00 pm  Mondays and Fridays. Mondays are in Dr. Hawkins room in Einstein. Email michaelamamone-peeples@thefsi.us for more info. 

MS Drama Club: 3:15 -3:45 Tuesdays in O'Keeffe 22 - contact cmartin@thefsi.us

HS Drama Club: Contact jwharton@thefsi.us - the drama club is up and running now to prepare for fall production. 

HS Mock Trial: Contact ljohnson@thefsi.us to learn more and get involved!

MS Anime: Contact bwilson@thefsi.us if you are interested! 

HS TEDxYouth:  Contact lhawkins@thefsi.us to learn about this new club

Science Olympiad Club will still meet Fridays from 3:15-4:15 in room 141 Big Ben.  We are no longer prepping for competition.  Anyone interested in exploring STEM and science activities are welcome to join us!  email jbragdon@thefsi.us with any questions.

Girls Who Code meets Thursdays, 3:15-4:30. It is now a 5-12th grade club! Join the fun. Members learn about how to positively impact their community through code. Girls learn from fun and simple coding tutorials, build community through interactive activities, and learn about inspiring role models. Contact: Brittany Davenport bdavenport@thefsi.us or Jessica Fine jfine@thefsi.us to join.

FSI Craft Club (middle & high school)! We meet Thursday afternoons after school until 5:00. You can join each Thursday or attend on a Thursday of your choice. If students are interested in joining, please register with Meagan Barnhard  email mbarnhard@thefsi.us or call/text 828-705-1710

HS Paranormal Unlimited is on pause until March 16. Contact Oliver Edwards for more information
Who to Contact?
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: Bryan Wilson 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 Sarah Jean Smith, 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: For initial requests, contact Katie Lapinski, EC Compliance Officer. For higher level concerns, contact Donnie Stahlke, Director of Special Services

My child has an IEP, and I have questions about the services provided: Your child’s Exceptional Children teacher is your first contact: 

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, Music/Orchestra Director

My student is interested in theatre! Chris Martin, Middle School Theatre/Julia Wharton, High School Theatre

I have questions about your school bus: 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

Executive Director, Michelle Vruwink: mvruwink@thefsi.us

HS Principal, Sarah Jean Smith: sjsmith@thefsi.us

MS Principal, Tony Freeman: tfreeman@thefsi.us

EC Director, Donnie Stahlke: dstahlke@thefsi.us

College Counselor, JaneAnne Tager: jtager@thefsi.us

HS Counselor, Mary Kinsey Hychemhyche@thefsi.us

MS Counselor, Bryan Wilson: bwilson@thefsi.us

Director of Operations, Deeana Bennett: dbennett@thefsi.us

Director of Student Services, Erinn Otten: eotten@thefsi.us

Director of Technology, Matt Mikulski: mmikulski@thefsi.us

 

Teaching Teams

5th Grade

Brandie Dallara, ELA & Social Studies: bdallara@thefsi.us

Peggy Bolton, Science & Social Studies:  pbolton@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

Bryan Clendenin, Social Studies: bclendenin@thefsi.us

 

7th Grade

Jared Gallow, ELA:  jgallow@thefsi.us

Holly Bass, Math lead: hbass@thefsi.us

Judy Carhart, Math co-teacher jcarhart@thefsi.us

Nick Liu, Science: nliu@thefsi.us

Grace Nyanga, Social Studies: gnyanga@thefsi.us

 

8th Grade

Kyle Wilson, ELA: kwilson@thefsi.us

Lucas Myers, Math lead: lmyers@thefsi.us

Sheaon Mayes, Math 1: smayes@thefsi.us

Judy Carhart, math co-teacher: jcarhart@thefsi.us

Elizabeth Post, Social Studies: epost@thefsi.us

Tom Gilfoy, Science: tgilfoy@thefsi.us

 

9th Grade

Lora Hawkins, English I: lhawkins@thefsi.us

Jerry Lubos, World History: jlubos@thefsi.us

Skye Firestone, Math 1 & 2: sfirestone@thefsi.us

Rhneea Riddle, Math 1 co-teacher: rriddle@thefsi.us

Zoe Manickam, Earth Science, Adventure Ed: zmanickam@thefsi.us

 

10th Grade

Matt Reynolds, Civics & Economics: mreynolds@thefsi.us

Ethan Burns, English 2: eburns@thefsi.us

Marcel Duhaime, Math 2: mduhaime@thefsi.us

Jessica Bragdon, Biology: jbragdon@thefsi.us

 

11th Grade

Bryan Head, English III/AP Lang: bhead@thefsi.us

Lexi Johnson, Personal Finance: ljohnson@thefsi.us

Teshale Byan, Math 3 & AP Calculus: tbyan@thefsi.us

Mary Smith, Chemistry, Conceptual Physics: msmith@thefsi.us

 

12th Grade

Alex Humphrey, English IV & AP Lit:: ahumphreyr@thefsi.us

Tess Barnes Dunn, American History, AP Research: tbarnesdunn@thefsi.us

Teshale Byan, AP Calculus: tbyan@thefsi.us

Emily Davidson, Physics: edavidson@thefsi.us

Jessica Fine: Pre Calc, Math 4: jfine@thefsi.us
 

Elective Teachers:

MS & HS PE: Kevin Ray, kray@thefsi.us

HS PE & Athletic Director:  Kimberly Burke, kburke@thefsi.us

MS Art, Art 1: Jennifer Lipsey Edwards: jlipsey-edwards@thefsi.us

HS Art: Kati Robbins, krobbins@thefsi.us

MS Tech & Computer Science: Adrienne Fortune, afortune@thefsi.us

MS Guidance (and counselor): Bryan Wilson, bwilson@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, 

ASL: Desiree Delbert, ddelbert@thefsi.us

French:  Stephanie Hellert, shellert@thefsi.us

HS French, PE, Adventure Ed: Chad Gerber, cgerber@thefsi.us

MS & HS Spanish: Hanna Walden, hwalden@thefsi.us
HS Spanish: Heather Kabat, hkabat@thefsi.us

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21 Innovation Drive, Asheville, NC 28806

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