Bits and Pieces
A Newsletter from the Superintendent
May 26, 2023
FSD3 to Require Clear Books Bags in 2023-2024
The safety of students and staff is the top priority at Florence School District 3 schools.
As an added safety precaution for the 2023-2024 school year, FSD3 is requiring students to use clear book bags. The district will purchase clear book bags and have them available for any parents who need assistance in meeting this requirement.
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FSD3 Students Earn FDTC Certificates
Florence-Darlington Technical College (FDTC) graduated 606 students, including seven from Florence School District 3, during its annual graduation ceremony Thursday, May 11.
The event marked the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and commitment by graduates across a spectrum of programs. There were 30 early college students from the Pee Dee area.
Division of Math, Technical Education & Public Service Programs
Criminal Justice Technology (certificate)
- Zykiria Burgess
Essentials of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology (certificate)
- Ethanal Feagin Cum Laude
Industrial Maintenance Technology (certificate)
- Parker Aiden Hardway Magna Cum Laude
- Ethan Edward Miles Cum Laude
- Isaiah Wilson
Welding (certificate)
- Brandon Breyon Burgess
- Bricen Artrell Moore
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FSD3 Hosts Celebration for Induction Teachers
FSD3 recently hosted an end-of-year celebration for Induction teachers.
Induction teachers completed monthly professional development and a host of other relevant activities throughout the school year.
Superintendent, Dr. Laura Hickson shared words of inspiration with the group. In addition, the Francis Marion University (FMU) partnership members surprised teachers with a huge bag of instructional supplies for the upcoming school year.
Francis Marion University has been in partnership with Florence 3 and provided professional development support for Induction teachers throughout the school year.
Congratulations to our newest Induction awardees!!
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Panther Academy Give Mother's Day Gifts
As we all know, a mother has a very special place in the heart of her children. The students at Panther Academy showed their appreciation to mothers by writing words of thanks, support and love shown to them on their Mother’s Day cards. In addition, students gave their mother a token of appreciation by giving bracelets, necklaces, lipstick and Mother’s Day buttons.
The students were very excited to do such a kind thing for their mothers. They were eager to see the smiles on their parents face when they were presented the gifts. Several of the students shared that they have never given their mothers anything for Mother’s Day.
The staff at Panther Academy encouraged students to continue this kind idea every second Sunday in May.
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Students Participate in Leadership Conference
Eleven students from Lake City High School and J. Paul Truluck Creative Arts and Science Magnet School recently participated in a four-day leadership conference offered by the South Carolina Youth Leadership Council.
The conference, hosted by Francis Marion University, featured numerous team-building elements along with such subjects as critical thinking, time management, building self-confidence, geospatial technology and STEM.
Based on student feedback, the experience was amazing! FSD3 is looking forward to providing students with continued leadership opportunities such as this.
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Croker Named to All-State, North-South Teams
Lake City High School senior OF/P My’kel Croker has been named to the SCBCA AAA All-State team and selected for the SCBCA North South All-Star Game.
During the 2023 season, Croker posted a .356 average with 32 hits, 5 doubles, 1 triple, 13 RBIs, 35 runs scored and 27 stolen bases. He was also 5-1 on the mound and collected 39 strikeouts with a 2.24 ERA.
The SCBCA North-South All-Star Games will be held at Gilbert High School at 2:30 p.m. on May 30 and at Lexington High School on May 31 at a time to be determined.