This Week

Students at all four middle schools in Florence 1 will pay tribute to veterans on Tuesday, November 11th. Program plans include participation by high school JROTC cadets, Veterans Day speakers, exhibits, and patriotic music rendered by the F1S music departments.

Veterans Day ceremonies begin at Sneed Middle at 9:00 a.m. featuring speaker United States Air Force Veteran Timaly Bush.

At Southside Middle, the program begins at 12:30 p.m. and retired US Army Sergeant Robert McNeill, Jr. will be the speaker.

Williams Middle School's program will begin at 2:00 p.m. with US Marine Corps Veteran La'Quantia Goodman as the featured speaker.

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Bob Goin and Retired U.S. Army Sergeant Ashawnda Graham are veterans voices to be heard at John W. Middle where the program begins at 2:15 p.m.

On November eleventh of each year, which is a legal holiday in this State as provided by Section 53-5-10 to commemorate and honor veterans, all elementary, middle, and high schools.

For more information about honoring military veterans go to: Salute to Service.

You don’t have to be an English teacher to support your middle schooler’s reading and writing. Try one of these simple ideas this week:

• Go beyond “Did you like it?” Ask about something your child is reading: “What surprised you?” or “What would you have done in the character’s situation?”

• Ask, “What makes you think that?” Whether discussing a book, movie, or sports opinion, encourage your child to explain their thinking with a specific example.

• Let their interests lead. Graphic novels, sports articles, recipes, and how-to guides can all be part of reading at home.

• Talk before writing. If your child feels stuck on a writing assignment, have them explain their ideas aloud first. Ask, “What do you want your reader to understand?”

• Explore unfamiliar words together. When an interesting word comes up, talk about what it might mean and look for clues in the surrounding sentence.

• Make reading visible. Set aside time for everyone in your home to read, and let your child see you reading too.

Try it tonight: Ask, “What’s something you read or learned today that made you think?” Let your child do most of the talking!

From the desk of Amanda Grainger, Florence 1 Schools English Language Arts Coordinator (egrainger@fsd1.org). In case you missed it, view Part 1, Parental Support for Learning Math During the Middle Years, by following this link from F1S Mathematics Coordinator Dr. Jerry Rivers:(jrivers@fsd1.org) Support Middle Years Math Learning with these Daily Habits.

Families of students in grades 5K–12 will receive interims electronically on November 11 at the parent/guardian email address provided during registration.

When you receive the email and click Download, please allow approximately 15 seconds for the document to fully download. Navigating away from the page before the download is complete may cause it to stop.

If you do not receive your child’s interim or your email address has changed since registration, please ​visit your child’s school with a valid photo ID for assistance.

Did you know you can monitor your student’s academic status in real time? Learn more about the PowerSchool Parent Portal app at f1s.org/powerschool.

Members of the West Florence High School Interact Club held a Flag Dedication Ceremony this week as part of its 2026 Flag Project, a display of 250 flags that will be present on the school grounds through Veterans Day. Purchased by members of the community, the flags will stand in honor of those currently serving in the military or as a first responder, and in memory of those who have served and protected our nation and local communities. To learn more Flag Dedication.

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

Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the mic to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st-century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over.

The Florence 1 Center For The Arts at South Florence High School presents SIX: The Musical - Teen Edition on November 19, and 21 at 7 PM and November 22 at 3 PM. Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased online at https://southflorence.f1s.org/fine-arts/the-florence-one-center-for-the-arts or at the box office before each performance. Tickets purchased online or with a card will incur a convenience charge.

Students at Advanatage Academy invite you visit and shop at the Fall & Winter Pop-Up Shop on Friday, November 13 from 9:30 a.m until 2:00 p.m.

The students have crafted and designed a selection of holiday and home decor, handcrafted woodwork, school-spirit gear, and bath & body essentials. Jamie Leverintz and his students at Advantage Academy encourage you to take a sneak peak at the seasonal and mascot banners that will be on sale: Seasonal and Mascot Banners.

"While you shop, enjoy on-site nail services, a car wash, free vital health checks, and delicious food," said Alician Timmons Perdue. "Bring your friends and family—we can’t wait to see you there!" she added.

Florence 1 Schools Adult Education received several awards from the South Carolina Department of Education during the Office of Adult Education’s annual “Celebrating Our Success” luncheon last week. The awards recognized accomplishments from last school year.

For the third year in a row, Florence 1 Adult Education received an award for the ‘Highest Number of High School Diploma Completers.’

Adult Education also received an award for the most participation in its Integrated Education and Training (IET), which includes its healthcare pre-apprenticeship. In depth details: Adult Education Receives Awards.

Florence One Schools (F1S) is excited again to be part of the 2026 Pecan Festival. Look for two F1S arts tents, where some of Florence 1's talented student performing groups will be showcased throughout the event.

F1S activities near 147 West Evans Street will include Painting and Coloring (art projects for all ages; a Community Mural Painting Project and Clay Animals (Sculpture Projects). On the FMU Performing Arts Center Lawn will be Drum Circle (music playalong.)

"Come by and see us," said Dr. Erick Figueras, Director of Arts and Innovative Programs.

The City of Florence is updating the 2023 Comprehensive Plan and needs your vision and input. This update will guide growth and development over the next 10-15 years. What do you envision for the City of Florence's future? We invite you to provide your thoughts through the online community survey.

The online survey will be open through December 4, 2026.

Please share the code with your friends and neighbors. Your input will help capture and define the goals and recommendations of this plan. Click here for the City of Florence's online survey.

Wilson Tigers vs. Dreher Blue Devils

Location: Tiger Stadium - Date: November 6, 2026 - Time: 7:30 pm