Florence High School News
February 2016
For the second year in a row...FHS has a Graduation Rate of 96%
Join us on Twitter for all the most current news, announcements, and events @fhsfalcons1
FHS Admin
US News
FHS is recognized as one of America's Best Schools by U.S. News and World Report.
Niche
FHS is recognized as a 2016 Best School by Niche.
Senior WorkKeys Testing - February 11, 2016
ACT WorkKeys is a job skills assessment system that helps employers select, hire, train, develop, and retain a high-performance workforce. This series of tests measures foundational and soft skills and offers specialized assessments to target institutional needs.
As part of ACT's Work Readiness System, ACT WorkKeys has helped millions of people in high schools, colleges, professional associations, businesses, and government agencies build their skills to increase global competitiveness and develop successful career pathways. Successful completion of ACT WorkKeys assessments in Applied Mathematics, Locating Information, and Reading for Information can lead to earning ACT's National Career Readiness Certificate (ACT NCRC), a portable credential earned by more than 2.3 million people across the United States.
FHS Teachers during PD Day
Market Place-Teacher teaching Teachers
Learning from Peers
2016-17 Scheduling
FHS counselors will begin meeting with 10th and 11th grade students next week to discuss scheduling for next school year. Parent meetings will be conducted on March 10 at 6 p.m. and March 12 at 10 a.m. in the FHS auditorium for parents of students in grades 9 through 11. Talk with your student about all that FHS has to offer including the most expansive curriculum of any school in Northwest Alabama. FHS also offers students 21st Century learning opportunities via the one-to-one technology initiative. Some of your student's options include:
The 12 for Life Program, FHS Virtual Courses, UNA First 30, Florence Academy of Fine Arts, 21 Advance Placement options, dual enrollment classes, a wide-range of athletic options, Computer Science, engineering, barbering, television production and broadcasting, orchestra, weight-training, dance, fashion design, song writing and recording in a state-of-the -art recording studio, piano courses, stage craft, film study, computer animation, multiple levels of multiple foreign language options, and much more.
World AIDS Day Program
Sponsored by HOSA
The program was presented to help students understand the consequences of both good and bad decisions.
Falcon News
Produced by our own television production crew.
2015-16 Honor Society Inductions
Congratulations Allie Vance
Mrs. Nelson's Class
Mrs. Carter
Mr. Bruce and Mrs. Kilpatrick Broadcasting Class
Madison Haney
Congratulations for not only being crowned FHS Homecoming Queen, but also Homecoming Queen for Alabama.
Band-From Mr. Ownby
We will be measuring students who need the concert band outfits on Tuesday, February 9. Outfits are $60.00 and is payable before we get out for Spring Break.
Senior Spring Reminders from Mrs. Jones
Senior fees must be paid in full no later than May 1, 2016. If fees are not paid-in-full, students will not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony. Questions/concerns regarding fee lists can be directed to the bookkeeping office at 256-768-2210.
Please remember that the $50 senior fee includes the cost of the FHS expenses related to the graduation ceremony (facilities, programs, security, etc.). The $61 Balfour Fee covers the cost of the cap/gown/diploma cover/diploma. Both of these fees are listed in iNow and paid to the FHS bookkeepers.
Cap/Gown/Tassel and other Balfour orders will arrive at FHS campus soon. We will distribute these sometime after Spring Break. Only students who have paid Balfour (for any invitations or “extras”) and all FHS fees will be handed a cap/gown. We will make sure orders are distributed to the students in plenty of time to send out any graduation invitations that may have been ordered. Questions about “extras” that have been ordered from Balfour can be directed to Ms. Jeanine Fox. Her number is 1-866-402-7464.
Graduation will be held on Friday, May 27, 2016. Graduation Practice will be at 10:00am at Flowers Hall on UNA's campus the morning of graduation. This is the UNA Gym located on Pine Street next to the practice football field. Seniors are required to wear their cap/gown at practice and will not participate in the ceremony that evening unless they are able to practice in the cap/gown that morning.
The students will need to return to Flowers Hall at 6:00pm to line up. The ceremony will begin at 7:00pm. Students who are late for lineup will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony.
Each student will receive TEN tickets. The tickets will be given to the students at graduation practice that morning. We are not responsible for replacing lost or stolen tickets once distributed to the students.
If there are extra tickets available, students may stay after practice. Whatever we have remaining will be divided equally among all those who stay. Extra tickets cannot be bought ahead of time and only TEN are guaranteed.
Congratulations to FHS Band members for making Bandmasters District 3 Honor Bands
- State Honor Band, Flute - Katherine Pitts, Emily Branham
- State Honor Band, Oboe - Emma Phillips
- State Honor Band, Clarinet - Sydney Grissett, Rebecca Branham, De'Adria Shelby
- All State Band, Red Band - Katherine Pitts, Flute
- All State Band, Blue Band - Emily Branham, Flute
- All State Band, White Band - Nathan Grissett, Percussion
- All State Band, Unassigned - Emma Phillips, Oboe
- Katherine Pitts was first in the district, Emily Branham was 6th, Nathan Grissett was 2nd, and Emma Phillips was first.
- Katherine Pitts is one of the Top 16 Flute player in the State!
Darquez Montgomery
James Ridgeway
FHS Swim at State Meet
FAFSA HELP NIGHT ON FEBRUARY 16TH AT 6:00PM IN THE FHS CAFETERIA
Each individual (both student and parent) will need to create a separate FSA ID and password prior to filing the FAFSA.
FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO CREATE YOUR INDIVIDUAL (PARENT AND STUDENT) FSA ID #:
Visit this web address: https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm
Create username and password and enter your email address (student and parent/guardian must have two different email addresses)
Enter your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and contact information
Enter your challenge questions and answers and submit (Stick to factual answers that will not change over time.)
Make sure and confirm your email address using the secure code, which will be sent to the email address you entered when you created your FSA ID. Once you verify your email address, you can use it instead of your username to login to the website.
Make sure to WRITE DOWN YOU FSA ID and password. Bring it back to the FAFSA Help Night.
WHAT TO BRING TO FAFSA HELP NIGHT ON FEB. 16TH AT 6:00PM IN THE FHS CAFETERIA
Student’s iPad
A copy of the 2015 tax return info or W2 if parent has not yet filed
A copy of the 2014 tax return info (for summer classes only)
Parent/Guardian
If the parent/guardian cannot attend, the student will still need to attend and bring the following information from both parents:
Parents’ first name, middle initial, and last name
Date of birth
Social security number
Marital status (as seen on tax information)
Date of marriage/divorce/separation
FSA ID/password – MUST create at least 3 business days before FAFSA night
Parents’ tax returns and W2 forms
If the student cannot attend, the parent will still need to attend and bring the following information:
Student’s school iPad (personal devices cannot connect to the school WiFi and no computers available)
Student’s W2 form and/or tax return if he/she is employed
FAFSA Help Night Overview
FAFSA Help Night Overview
Any student planning to enroll at any two-year or four-year college/university in Fall 2016 will be completing the 2016-2017 FAFSA this evening. This covers financial aid from July 2016 until the end of June 2017 and will be using your 2015 tax return information. Keep in mind that MANY scholarship programs require the completion of the FAFSA regardless of household income before they will pay to ensure that grant funds are or are not available for the student.
Any student planning to take a summer school course (that begins in June 2016) on any campus will also need to complete the 2015-2016 FAFSA, which uses your 2014 tax return information. One or both of these FAFSA forms can be completed this evening.
We will get everyone started on the correct site, using the correct form, and then walk around assisting families as needed. There will also be a scrolling PowerPoint discussing various household scenarios and possible solutions that may be helpful when filing for the first time. REMEMBER THAT A STUDENT MUST COMPLETE THIS PROCESS EVERY JANUARY WHILE ENROLLED IN A POST-SECONDARY PROGRAM.
Shoals Scholar Dollar Overview
Shoals Scholar Dollar is a program that will award two years of free tuition at Northwest Shoals Community College. Students who qualify must:
1. complete the application form and submit it to Mrs. Jones by Friday, March 4, 2016 at 3:05pm
2. have a 2.5 (75) or higher cumulative GPA
3. have 95% or higher cumulative attendance (grades 9-12)
4. have no expulsions from school/non-expunged criminal records
5. complete the 2016-2017 FAFSA NO LATER THAN March 17th
Congratulations Taylor Roberson
Congratulations to FHS Digital Media Students
The following students are being featured in this year's George Lindsey Film Festival!
Brandon Rieff- The Pragmatic Vestige
Griffin Rogers- The Process
These students wrote and directed these films for last year's Falcon Film Festival.
Culinary Masterpieces
Falcon Radio
live365.com/stations/fhsfalconradio
If you haven't heard the FHS live radio show broadcasting daily during Boost, tune in!!!
Yes... FHS has our own RADIO BROADCASTING show and crew!
Computer Science Class
Mrs. Mitchell's Class
Coach Kerby's Class
Mrs. McCutcheon's Class
Florence High School Baseball Named a NHSI Team for 2016
Baseball Scholarship Signees- Seth Arnett, Bryant Claunch, Brax Garrett
Congratulations Teacher of the Year - Mrs. Tara Bruce
Mrs. Bruce is the FHS Teacher of the Year and the FCS Secondary Teacher of the Year.
The Alabama State Board of Education and Alabama State Department
of Education sponsor the Alabama Teacher of the Year program. The
National Teacher of the Year program, presented by the ING Foundation,
is a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers.
We wish Mrs. Bruce success at the next level!
Congratulations Chase Holcomb - FHS DAR Good Citizen Award Recipient
The DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship Contest, created in 1934, is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship. This award recognizes and rewards individuals who possess the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities. These students are selected by their teachers and peers because they demonstrate these qualities to an outstanding degree.
Mr. Searles Class
Using SNAP for computer programming
Thank You Representative Pettus
Mrs. Perry's Class
Congratulations Kiwanis Essay Contest Winners
Bonnie Smith, Brandon Rieff, Griffin Rogers, Maxwell Ramsey, Madison Kasmeier
Florence High School at the Alabama Dance Festival!
Florence High School Dancers
FHS Dance Team is known across the state for their excellence.
Congratulations to Ellison Barrett - Softball Scholarship Signee
Softball Fundraiser- Hits and Music Concert
Great Music by guest artists: Walt Aldridge, James Le Blanc, Angela Hacker, The Pollies, Electric Zen and our own FHS Studio Band. It was a great night of music!! Thank you for giving of your time and talents to support our Lady Falcons!
FHS instructor and Grammy nominee, Gary Nichols also performed. Good Luck Gary! FHS
is proud of you!!
FAFA Fashion
Brian Earley Program
A Gift to FHS from FCCLA
Founder of Think2Change
He taught us The Power One person has to make a difference in the world.
Falcon Fans are the BEST!
FHS National Football Signing Day - FHS is well represented!
Maddie Morris
FHS Cheerleaders (Alabama State Champions) competed in Orlando at National Cheerleading Championship and placed as the #6 Cheerleading Squad in the NATION!
Alabama State Champs
Leaving for National Championships
Semi-Final Performance
Dates for the majorette and danceline tryouts
February 16, 17 and 18 & February 22, 23 with tryouts on February 25.
Please have all paperwork and camp fee of $20.00 turned into Mr. Ownby by Thursday, February 11 by the end of school.
Time: 3:30 to 5 on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Wednesday 3:30 to 4:30.
Hump Day Show
Watch Twitter for the link to the weekly show.
FHS Featured in National Catalog
Varsity Apparel.
Makerspaces
Mrs. McGee and Mrs. Henry have provide FHS with Makerspaces. These are creative, DIY spaces where students can gather during Boost to create, invent, and learn.
FHS Thespian Winners!
Falcon Theatre students competed at the Alabama State Thespian Festival at Samford University in Birmingham. The production of "Wiley and the Hairy Man" was selected as the 2016 Alabama Chapter Select Showcase winner. FHS will represent Alabama and perform the one-act at the prestigious International Thespian Festival in Lincoln, Nebraska in June.
Cast and crew members include: Griffin Rogers, Amari Gamble, Emma O'Steen, Ditte Nielsen, Sara Maner, Brandon Rieff, Makinley Patterson, Gary Fuqua, Khalia Reeder, Jessica Shook, Colin Stansky, Alexandra Perez, Christina Etienne, Brodrick Linder, Hannah Maner and Olivia Perry.
Falcon Theatre Students Win At State Thespian
Five FHS students were awarded superiors on their individual events and qualified to move on to the International Thespian Festival.
Sara Maner, Amari Gamble, Colin Stansky, Gary Fuqua and Khalia Reeder.
Sara Maner and Amari Gamble also helped coordinate this weekend's festival as Alabama Student Thespian Officers.
Upcoming Events
- Feb. 11 - Parent Teacher Conference Day (3 pm - 6 pm) Call Guidance to schedule and appointment 256-768-2215
- Feb 12 Data and PD Day for teachers - No school for students
- Feb. 15 President's Day - No school
- Feb 16 at 6 p.m. in the cafeteria - FASFA Help Night with Mrs. Jones
- Feb. 19 -20 Musical Threatre Performance FHS Auditorium @ 7 PM Feb. 21 2 PM
- Feb. 19 - 20 Alabama Bandmasters District Honor Band
- Feb. 20 Saturday School
- Feb. 24 - State Choral Assessment UNA
- Feb. 24 AP English Study Session
- Feb. 27 Saturday School
- Feb. 27 Florence Foundation Concert at Shoals Threatre
- March 3 Alabama Bandmasters State Band Assessment
- March 2-6 All State Chorus in Montgomery
- March 4-9 3rd Nine Weeks Benchmark Testing
- March 9 End of 3rd Nine-Weeks
- March 4-5 Shoals Area Honor Band
- March 5 Culinary Star Event in Birmingham
- March 10 - Parent Meeting for 2016-17 Scheduling for current students grades 9-11
- March 12 - Parent Meeting for 2016-17 Scheduling for current students grades 9-11
- March 25 Data and PD Day No school for students
- March 28- April 1 Spring Break
- May 14 - Prom
- May 9 - Spring Band Concert
- May 27 - Graduation
Newly Adopted 2016-17 School Calendar
Florence High School
Email: lhice@florencek12.org
Website: http://www.florencek12.org/FlorenceHigh/index.html
Location: 1201 Bradshaw Drive, Florence, AL, United States
Phone: 256-768-2200
Twitter: @fhsfalcons1