This Week

National Assistant Principals Week, April 7–11, 2025, is a celebration of the unsung heroes in our education system. These dedicated professionals work tirelessly to bolster teachers, motivate students, support their principal, create a positive learning community, and face the many unpredictable challenges that land on their desks.

Assistant Principals play a crucial role, and this week is a dedicated time to recognize them for their hard work and commitment to our schools, students, and profession. Please join us in celebrating these incredible school leaders.

Check out these AP's (amazing professionals) on television this week. Special thanks are extended to videographer David Taylor.

The South Carolina Education Association (The SCEA) has announced the results of its recent statewide elections, introducing a dynamic team of leaders committed to advancing public education and supporting educators and students across the state.

Heading the listing of these esteemed educators is Florence 1 Schools educator Dena Renee Crews who has been elected President. With 24 years of experience in education, Dena Crews specializes in Elementary Education and currently serves as a literacy coach at North Vista Elementary in Florence 1 Schools. A passionate advocate for educators, she previously held the role of Vice President for The SCEA. “The strength of The SCEA lies in the hearts of our locals and the potential of each member to be a leader,” Crews said.

Roselyn Green, also of Florence 1 Schools, has been elected secretary treasurer of the SCEA. She began her career as an Education Support Professional before becoming fully certified in Special Education. She, too, serves at North Vista Elementary. With prior experience as a board member of The SCEA and significant expertise in budgeting and tax preparation, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her new role.

Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Finance Reporting to Florence 1 Schools (F1S). The finance division of Florence 1 Schools received the award for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024. This marks the first time in the history of Florence 1 Schools that this award has been received for production of such a comprehensive financial document.

“I’m incredibly proud of this achievement and what it represents for Florence 1 Schools,” said Laura Showe, Chief Financial Officer for Florence 1 Schools. “The finance staff met very tight deadlines, ensuring that every detail of their financial transactions was thoroughly documented and compliant,” she added. Read the entire story : Florence 1 Schools Receives Award from Government Finance Officers Association

View Wilson's story in the video below.

Wilson High School's International Baccalaureate Program is set to graduate seniors who are the culmination of six years of intense dedication. These students have engaged in a rigorous curriculum, including higher-level courses in subjects Literature, Science, and Mathematics, along with standard-level courses to ensure breadth of knowledge. Beyond exams, they have completed a 4,000-word Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge coursework, and Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) projects—all while developing the critical thinking and global perspective that define IB learners.

First row, left to right- Samantha Teja, Meadors Page, Daphne Moskos, Krisha Patel, Faith Ongaria, Elayna Harris, Lillian Lund, Vaidehi Patel, Andrea Elya, Margaret Milligan, Mylan Logan/

Second row, left to right - Cheyenne Sabo, Isabelle Boyd-Jackson, Kate Jones, Alyssa Willard, Carlos Ruiz-Vilella, Sunshine Miller, Maria Evans, Catherine Canfield, Lilly Merzlak, Jules McFadden.

Third row, left to right - Fletcher Townsend, Sam Floyd, Jonathan Green, Ved Patel, Grady Chapman, Dev Patel, Ricky Peoples, Ayden Phillips. Visit the link for a complete listing: 2025 Wilson High IB Students.

Blue Zones wellness coordinator Dr. Cathy Lee congratulates Jaida Poole and Will Venable selected from last week’s Blue Zones Wellness Weekend Challenge entries.

Jaida, a student at West Florence High School, went walking this weekend with her brother and mom on the trails near McLeod Fitness Center where they enjoyed quality conversation time.

Will Venable, (pictured right) a teacher at Lucy T. Davis Elementary School, loves walking with his wife and their son because they make him laugh at the end of a busy day. See photos of additional F1S Blue Zones Walking Weekenders.

Here is this weekend’s challenge: Eat a plant! Get someone to take a picture of you as you eat your favorite healthy, edible plant, such as nuts, beans, fruits, or vegetables. In Florence 1 Schools, the Harvest of the Month for April is strawberries – eat delicious strawberries or choose any edible plant. Attach your photo via Blue Zones Weekend Wellness Challenge by Monday, April 14th at midnight. Be sure to be logged in to your F1S Google Account when you access the Google Form; we cannot accept submissions from personal accounts.

On Tuesday April 15th the Blue Zones office will draw one student and one teacher/staff member to be featured in next week’s communication. Good luck -- and... Happy, healthy eating.

The Greenhouse at Advantage Academy will open Saturday, April 12th, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. exclusively for all employees of Florence 1 Schools (F1S) . All F1S staff are invited to come shop at the Advantage Academy Greenhouse. Cash or checks are gladly accepted.

As part of their school-based enterprise, Advantage Academy have tended to these plants throughout the year. Troy Biddy is the instructor.

Florence 1 Schools is entering prom season. Prom night at Wilson High School is Saturday, April 12th, and it will be held in the commons area of Wilson High School.

South Florence's prom is scheduled for Saturday, May 3rd, and the West Florence prom will be held Saturday, May 10th. These two events will be celebrated at the Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology (SiMT).

Author Dr. Louise Goings explores a sensitive subject: those dreams of yours that have never come true. Should you keep on dreaming, or should you give up?

The title of her book is When Your Dreams Don't Come True. It is published by Westbow Press, a division of Thomas Nelson and Zondervan, available through Amazon: (https://www.amazon.com/When-Your-Dreams-Dont-Come/dp/1599794500) or in bookstores.

Dr. Goings is a retired and rehired educator with over 23 years of experience who serves at Wilson High School.

HopeHealth will hold a Career Fair on Saturday, April 12th from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the HopeHealth Administrative Office which is located at 1362 Celebration Boulevard in Florence.

On-the spot interviews will be held for registered or certified medical assistants, nurses, patient services representatives and other positions. Applicants are encouraged to bring a resume for a door prize entry.

Visit hope-health.org/careers for a complete list of job openings.

Aviation Day will be featured at the Florence Regional Airport on Saturday, April 28 from 12 noon until 7:00 p.m.

Participating sponsors include Advantage Academy, American Airlines, Florence Civil Air Patrol, Florence County Sheriff's Office, Global Medical Response, Marion County Airport, Pepsi of Florence, Precision Air and. Rise Aero, LLC.

Free hot dogs and popcorn will be available and there will be food truck on site with items for purchasing. Prizes will be provided by the Advantage Academy.

For more information contact Betsy DeVault at the Florence Regional Airport: Bdevault@flyflo.us (843--519-0551).