This Week

At the South Carolina Technology Student Association (TSA) Conference, students from South Florence High received first place in the Webmaster Division competition. As a result, the team will advance to the national competition in June which will be held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville Center. This is the second year in a row that the team has placed first in the conference's Webmaster Division.

Beyond the Webmaster success, the students also achieved second and third place in Video Game Design as well as third place in Architectural Design and Fashion Design and Technology. Team member Aiden Snow was elected as the TSA State Vice President during the conference.

Picture above first row left to right are TSA students Carson Mitchell, Jamilela Charles, and Ava Edwards. Pictured on the second row left to right are Julian Wilson, Jacob Matthews, Noah Evans, Jericho Watford, Aiden Snow, and Elijah Wilks. Not pictured is J'len Bynem. Advisers are Dr. Michele Heyward and Melissa Manning.

Advantage Academy Director Sarah Carpenter is retiring at the end of this school year, and Bryan Dubose, Career and Technical Education (CTE) counselor will serve as director at the beginning of next school term.

Dubose holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Business from Francis Marion University. He also holds a Master of Science in A.C.E. Guidance and Counseling from the University of West Alabama. He has worked at Advantage Academy since 2018 and has worked in Florence 1 Schools since 2008.

“I'm excited about the opportunity to continue to build a positive environment for students and the community, and I'm looking forward to all the advancements we'll make in the future,” Dubose said. “It's easy to put your heart into a school when you really believe in what you're doing.”

Director Kitty Carpenter said that she could not be happier that Dubose was chosen to lead Advantage Academy when she retires.

Read the entire story: Dubose Named Advantage Academy Director.

Find more information about Advantage Academy online at advantageacademy.f1s.org or www.facebook.com/F1SAdvantageAcademy

Don't delay, get registered today. Registration for the 2025-26 school year is now open. Find out more about registration by viewing the Florence 1 Schools registration video above or by visiting f1s.org/registration.

Move over, Subway! Florence 1 Schools is not only eating fresh, but providing fresh, free meal options three days per week for all the employees as well.

Beginning April 8th, all Florence 1 Schools employees will be able to enjoy a fresh, free lunch three times per week. The meals will consist of a salad on Tuesday and Thursday and a sandwich on Wednesday. Options include two lettuce, two protein, salad and dressings.

Employees must pre-order one day in advance using the employee portal by 11:00 a.m. View the tutorial video: How to Place Your Meal Order.

For more information go to https://f1s.org/employeeportal. Email cafe@f1s.org; 843-673-1154.

Florence 1 Schools is launching its Generative AI Professional Learning for the month of April. Check our your professional development calendars at each level:(Elementary PD Calendar) (Secondary PD Calendar).

Optional training dates are Tech Tuesday, Watch and Learn Wednesday and Think Tank Thursday. Get descriptions of these training dates here: April AI Professional Learning.

The three platforms that Florence 1 Schools will explore are :

• Google Gemini: All full-time instructional certified teachers have a Premium license

• Khan Academy: 6-12 Grade Levels

• MagicSchool: K-5 Grade Levels

Contact Calandra Davis at Calandra.Davis@fsd1.org for more information.

It's been a week for observing National Autism Acceptance, and in recognition, students and staff dressed to celebrate. Here's what they wore: Magnificent Mind Monday - Hats (celebrating minds that work in different ways); Neurodiversity Tuesday -Rainbow or tie-dye attire (celebrating diverse minds); Light it Up Blue or Red Wednesday - Blue and/or Red attire (blue for autism, red for acceptance and advocacy); What's Your Passion Thursday - (Attire to show one's passion ) and Sensory Friendly Friday - (comfortable, sensory-friendly school appropriate clothes).

Above and at left Sneed Middle faculty/staff and students proudly wore blue and red this week in support of Autism Acceptance Week.

Support at the Local Level

Autism Connect (All 4 Autism) - To increase awareness, resources and support for those with autism, and their families, throughout the Pee Dee Region. Visit the website: Autism Connect.

Ausome Fathers - Established by a father in the midlands, Ausome Fathers offers community building for fathers navigating the autism journey. Get specific details about the Ausome Fathers Support System. Visit the website: Ausome Fathers.

This month, be sure join the Blue Zones Weekend Wellness Mini-Challenge. During the first weekend in April, we’re walking. Regular walking can help reduce stress, improve mood and sleep, and lower the risk of diseases. Walking with others is not just a healthy way to care for our bodies; it also helps us develop lasting friendships.

Here’s your challenge: Invite someone to go for a walk outside this weekend. Go around the block, down the road, along a trail – wherever you can get exercise and see spring’s beauty as it unfolds! Take a picture of yourselves and attach it via Blue Zones Weekend Walking Mini Challenge Form by Monday, April 7th at midnight.

Tuesday morning, we will draw one Student and one Teacher/Staff member from our weekend walkers to feature in the next “This Week at F1S” publication!

Good luck -- and... Happy Walking!

Pictured above: Rev. Landon Reynolds and his partner Erin Hayes won this year's Dancing for Our Future Stars Competition, an annual fundraising event benefiting Florence 1 Schools. Read the story by scnow.com's Taylor Ford at this link: Dancing for Our Future Stars. (Printed with permission from scnow.com)

Kirby Jordan, who serves at Theodore Lester Elementary,

is a mother to twins, one who was born with Spina Bifida. She is a graduate of Clemson University and a Registered Nurse-MSN.

She has authored a book titled Grow Colt and Sullivyn Grow which is a story of a twin brother born with Spina Bifida who becomes his sister's inspiration.

Here's a review: An awesome book written by a mom of twins. I have the pleasure of knowing this family personally. This family leaves a lasting impression on you and so will this cute book. It is a must have...Get your copy today!!

Find it at this link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/grow-colt-and-sullivyn-grow-jordan-kirby/1144946964

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this book are not necessarily those of Florence 1 Schools.

Are you a published author? If so, let us know the title of your book, the publisher, and a brief synopsis. We want to share your talent and success.

Are you the next Florence 1 Schools vocal star? Registration is now open for the 2025 competition. Auditions are submitted online and will be accepted through May 1st. View the rules and timeline here: Rules and Timeline. Submit your entry using this form: Vocal Star Entry Form or scan the QR code above.

Have you registered for the Flo-Town 5K yet? It will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, with check-in/ registration at 8:00 a.m. and the event beginning at 9:00 a.m. at 1000 Stockade Drive. Participants are invited to walk or run. Proceeds will benefit the Florence Track Club.

Get registered today and take advantage of the early registration discount.

For more information contact apope@cityofflorence.com or to register, visit the following link:

https://flotown5krunwalk.itsyourrace.com