This Week: Facing the Music

March 10, 2023

This Week Spotlights the Performing Arts

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F1S Recognizes Record Number of All-State, Choral, Band & Orchestra Students

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Two Receive All-State Awards in Both Band and Orchestra

All-State band, orchestra, and chorus students are selected by a statewide audition process in which the best students from schools across the state compete for limited spots in the All- State music ensembles.


The selected students represent the most talented and dedicated student musicians in our state. All-State students travel to universities across the state to work with distinguished composers and conductors and produce concerts of extraordinary quality.


This year Florence 1 Schools announced a record number of twelve All-State high school music students and eight all-state music students.


Above, (left) Godric Armstrong of West Florence High and (right) Zachary Reaves of John W. Moore Middle are All-State students recognized in two categories, band and orchestra. Pictured with Board Chairman Porter Stewart, they are among the group of All-State students who recently received recognition at a Board of Trustees meeting.


Want to view photos and the complete listing of the twenty All-State choral band and orchestra students? Click here: All-State Music students (with photos).

More to Magnolia Mall Than Shopping! F1S Students Perform

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Get ready! Get set! Plan to go! There will be twenty-five F1S entertainment groups scheduled to perform at Magnolia Mall this weekend. Click the link to see the schedule and support these talented students. Magnolia Mall Performance Schedule.
Fine Arts Performances in Florence 1 Schools

Fine Arts Performances in Florence 1 Schools

The month of March has been designated Music in Our Schools Month.


To view the listings of all student performances in Florence 1 Schools this month, click here: Upcoming F1S Performances. For more information contact Florence 1 Schools Fine Arts Coordinator Dr. Erick Figueras (efigueras@fsd1.org).
Fine Arts Performances in Florence 1 Schools

Music Educators Honored by Florence Rotary Club

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Photo of the Week: (Above) The Florence Rotary Club honored Florence 1 Schools (F1S) music educators during its luncheon this week at Victor's downtown. Prior to leaving the event, three of the F1S music educators (orchestra directors) posed for Steve Camlin (photographer).


(Left to right) Mark Jackson, Moore Middle School, Chaniya King, Sneed Middle School, and Troy Murray, West Florence High School.

Did You Know?

Did You Know?

All three F1S high school bands are receiving new uniforms. Stay connected to This Week for the complete High School Band Fashion Show Event coming this month featuring the bands of South Florence, West Florence and Wilson.
Did You Know?

Florence Symphony Performs for F1S Fourth Grade Students

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This week fourth grade students took a trip to the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center (FMU PAC) to see and hear a performance by the Florence Symphony Orchestra (FSO). Here's a sampling of what our early music learners experienced: Florence Symphony Music for F1S fourth graders.


Photo above: F1S students entering the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center.

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Celebrating Women's History Month in Florence 1 Schools: Carol Hill, Ed.D.

Celebrating Women's History Month in Florence 1 Schools: Carol Hill, Ed.D.

Dr. Carol Hill has taught English and has coached at both South Florence High School and at Pendleton High School in Anderson.


She was one of the first fifteen teachers in the state of South Carolina to become National Board Certified, and she renewed her certification ten years later. She served three years as a Teacher in Residence for (CERRA) Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement. Dr. Hill served as Principal at South Florence High School for five years and during her tenure, the School Improvement Council was recognized as an Honor Roll school for the *Dick and Tunky Riley Service Award three years in a row. She is currently Director for Florence County Adult Education and is also a nationally recognized trainer of Cognitive Coaching, Adaptive Schools, and Habits of Mind.


In August of 2021, she received a doctorate of education degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of South Carolina with the dissertation titled: Exploring Adult Basic Education Student Satisfaction: Influencing Factors and Programmatic Responses.


If you are aware of history making women in F1S, drop us a line, and it is possible that your nominee will be featured in This Week during Women's History Month.


*The annual award recognizes School Improvement Councils for outstanding achievement and civic engagement on behalf of their school.

Celebrating Women's History Month in Florence 1 Schools: Carol Hill, Ed.D.
Stories About F1S in the Local News

Stories About F1S in the Local News

Making local headlines about Florence 1 Schools this week were F1S severe weather preparedness Tornado Drill, and the cadaver lab experience for health science students West Florence students get up close, with a knee.
Stories About F1S in the Local News

Set Clocks Forward 1 Hour Ahead This Sunday, March 12th

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March 17th is a Teacher Workday in Florence 1 Schools

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There will be no school for students on March 17th. Classes will resume on Monday, March 20th.
Wilson's Third Annual Golf Tourney

Wilson's Third Annual Golf Tourney

Date: March 18, 2023

Location: Traces Golf Club

Time: 9:00 a.m.

For more information contact Athletic Director Derrick McQueen (derrick.mcqueen@fsd1.org) or click here: Golf Tournament Registration Form.

Wilson's Third Annual Golf Tourney