This Week
National Recognition & Blending of the Bands
Royall Elementary School has been named one of the top ten elementary schools in South Carolina, according to a new ranking from U.S. News & World Report. This annual report uses state assessment data to evaluate schools across the state and nation.
Principal Chris Rogers said that he is pleased to see the hard work that he witnesses every day being recognized.
“I am super proud of how hard our teachers and the kids have worked to achieve this honor,” Rogers said. “Each and every day, the teachers come to work prepared; they make learning challenging in the classroom, they make it fun. Our kids go to work and do what’s asked of them each and every day, and that’s how we achieve the success we’ve gotten.”
“This recognition reflects the dedication of our committed staff, outstanding students, supportive families, and strong community partners who work together to make Royall such a special place,” Assistant Principal Brittany Bennett said. “This achievement is a testament to the collective efforts of our entire school community and we are honored to be recognized among the top 10 elementary schools. This accomplishment belongs to all of us, and together, we will continue to SHINE BRIGHT!”
Support Math Learning with Daily Habits
- Consistently complete homework assignments and clearly show all work.
Solve math problems using detailed explanations, visual drawings, or diagrams.
Use calculators thoughtfully as a tool to check solutions and support problem-solving.
Utilize the Desmos digital calculator for interactive practice.
Thoroughly complete provided study guides before upcoming assessments.
Engage regularly with assigned learning platforms (such as Magma Math, Delta Math, Zearn, or Khan Academy) for weekly skill reinforcement.
Discuss and reason through mathematical concepts aloud together.
Ask students to explain or teach you a concept using a problem reviewed in class.
Educational History: Bachelor of Science in Education, Secondary Education Social Studies from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Coastal Carolina University.
Doctoral Degree: Doctor of Education in Educational Practice & Innovation (concentration in Curriculum Studies) University of South Carolina.
Commencement: December 2026.
Dissertation Title: Future Dividends: The Impact of Experiential Learning on Student Engagement and Real-World Mathematical Application in Personal Finance Education.
Research Influence and Findings: My research focused on incorporating mathematics into personal finance through real-world experiences. The findings revealed that incorporating mathematics into personal finance engages students and increases their knowledge of both subjects. I hope this research encourages more collaboration between mathematics and personal finance to better prepare students for life beyond high school.
Present Position: Instructional coach at Southside Middle School. I have been working in Florence 1 Schools ever since I graduated from college in 2014, serving as a social studies teacher at Henry L Sneed Middle School and West Florence High School.
Recent Accolades: One of the highlights of my educational career while in Florence was teaching the stock market and investing class at West Florence and helping to develop the curriculum that the course used.
"I want to thank Florence 1 Schools for supporting my research and also for the tuition reimbursement program. It was a huge help, and I appreciate working in a school system which emphasizes educator growth."
Student Spotlight
Wilson High School congratulates senior Danny Page, a varsity member of the Wilson Academic Team. After his strong finish in the previous regular-season National Academic Quiz Tournament at Socastee High School, NAQT invited Danny to compete in the 2027 Individual National Quiz Tournament in Chicago, Illinois.
Staff Spotlight Madison Sved
Madison Sved, art teacher at South Florence has been named the 2026 SCAEA Promising Young Professional Award winner.
The award recognizes Sved's dedication, creativity, and impact on the students at South Florence and its program for the arts. According to the SCAEA, the individual nominated for Promising Young Professional must:
- Hold an active SCAEA membership and serve as an educator at the K-12 level.
- Demonstrate excellence in teaching art.
- Demonstrate advocacy for art education at the local, state, and national level.
- Exhibit leadership potential within the profession and/or SCAEA.
- Be within the initial five (5) years of their career as an arts educator.
She was nominated by both Adrianna Gardner of South Florence and Dr. Erick Figueras, F1S Director of Arts and Innovative Programs. Sved taught Intro to Art at Williams in the spring of 2024 and moved to South Florence in the fall where she presently serves as a Painting 1 Honors, Painting 2 Honors, and 3D Design 1 & 2 teacher, as well as the sponsor of the National Art Honors Society chapter.
The South Carolina Art Education Association (SCAEA) uses a streamlined, two-step nomination process to recognize outstanding art educators, organizations, and businesses across the state.
October is National Physical Therapy Month and in recognition Florence 1 Schools salutes Kami Smith and Ashlee McLeod.
With 39 years of experience as a physical therapist, Kami Smith has spent 37 of those years serving students in Florence 1. According to her peers, Kami is a master problem-solver who thinks creatively to ensure every student’s gross motor needs are met with the right tools, adaptations, and support. Her decades of dedication, deep institutional knowledge, and innovative spirit have made a profound difference in the lives of countless students and staff over the years.
With 25 years of experience as a physical therapist, including 12 dedicated years serving in Florence 1, Ashlee McLeod brings an incredible depth of knowledge, heart, and creative energy to our district every single day. Whether she’s thinking outside the box to help a student reach a new milestone, finding adaptive solutions, or collaborating closely with teachers, staff, and families, Ashlee always puts her Students First. Her passion, dedication, and collaborative spirit make a lasting impact on our entire school community.
Wilson High School IB Program Applications Now Open
Wilson High School is excited to announce that applications are now open for the upcoming school year for our International Baccalaureate (IB) Program.
With 30 years of IB excellence, Wilson offers students a rigorous, honors-level curriculum, unique courses, opportunities to earn college credit through IB and AP classes, international travel experiences, and a strong foundation for future success.
Transportation is provided for all Florence 1 Schools students, regardless of attendance zone. Students may apply for 9th, 10th or 11th grade IB.
Here is a link to the IB application: International Baccalaureate Program.
Friday, October 30, 2026
Friday night's schedule for October 30 - South Florence (Bruins) will host the Wilson (Tigers); West Florence (Knights) will host Conway.
Can't make the games? Download the Florence 1 App; find the Athletics icon; navigate to your football program for results.
Your Florence 1 Schools (F1S) identification card can be worth hundreds of dollars.
You have the ability to make your card count. From junior varsity to varsity, from football season to basketball season, and at all Florence 1 Schools sporting events, Florence 1 employees are admitted free of charge with the Florence 1 Schools identification card.
So, grab your ID card and support the F1S teams of your choice all year long!
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- Why Open Enrollment is Important
- Sick Leave Bank Registration
- Understanding the Staff Conduct Policy
- Every Donation Matters in the 2026 Giving Campaign
- Restaurant Quality Products & Fourth Quarter Financial Deals
