This Week
September 21, 2018
Friday's Gala to Benefit Career Center's Future Entrepreneurs
Chris Gardner, the inspiration for the movie “The Pursuit of Happyness,” will be in Florence to speak to a group of aspiring entrepreneurs in Florence One Schools. Gardner, who was portrayed by actor Will Smith in the movie, is an entrepreneur, author, philanthropist and single parent whose work has been recognized by many esteemed organizations.
On Friday, Sept. 21, at 6:00 p.m., Gardner will speak in Florence as part of the “Igniting Innovation Gala” at the Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology (SIMT) Center on the Florence-Darlington Technical College campus. The gala will be presented by the Future Entrepreneurs Foundation. The event will benefit Florence Career Center students (pictured below.) Future Entrepreneurs are students of Frances 'Daniels-Richardson (first from left) and Patricia Bird (second from right) at the Florence Florence Career Center.
For ticket information, call 843-245-8048.
Florence 1 Schools & The School Foundation Launch Count 5!
A Campaign to Increase Success of Early Learners
Top Photo: International Author Helle Heckmann, (second from right) shared the 5 Golden Keys with hundreds of early childhood educators at the SiMT. The keys encourage parents and caregivers to plant daily seeds of sleep, movement, nutrition, routine, and love in the lives of early learners. Pictured with Heckmann are from left, Tammy Pawloski, FMU; Debbie Hyler, The School Foundation; Dr. Floyd Creech and Dr. Richard O'Malley, Florence One Schools.
Bottom photo: Representatives from Duke Energy Mindy Taylor, (left) and Davy Gregg (second from left)) supported the Count5! summit in a big way with a check for $9,800 to fund "Hello Big World Books" for early learners in Florence.
Local Teachers in the News
Branden Roberson, (above left) a teacher at West Florence High School has been selected by the National History Day in South Carolina program to receive a scholarship to an online class, Legacies of World War I. The program is run by National History Day® and sponsored by the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission. Roberson will participate in four live webinars with World War I historians and develop a classroom activity to use with his students this spring. He will also share his knowledge with other teachers in two local presentations following the conclusion of the course.
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The Dollar General Literacy Foundation recently awarded John W. Moore a $3,500 grant to support youth literacy titled Learning Coming to Life. Awarded annually at the beginning of the academic school year, youth literacy grants help support teachers, schools and nonprofit organizations throughout the 44 states that Dollar General serves.
The Literacy Lab at Moore supports students who need additional help with reading. In order to provide further support for these students, Joanna McCumber, (above right) requested a Learning Alive Kit and an HP Sprout that will enable students to improve their reading skills through utilization of a computer equipped with a document camera, software, and cards that spring to life in 3D through advanced technology of augmented reality. Students using this innovative system will be able to improve their use of existing classroom materials, including textbooks, providing them access to the general curriculum.
Did You Know?
Florence County Museum is the best designed museum in South Carolina according to Architectural Digest. Reference: https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/best-designed-museum-every-state-america
Schools Making Headlines
Greenwood Featured in National Publication
A Greenwood Elementary practice has been included in the 2018 Edition of the National Network of Partnership Schools' annual publication of Promising Partnership Practices.
According to Principal Dr. Susan Collins, teacher Angie Haddles' creativity, enthusiasm and organization make Greenwood family events willdly successful. The event selected for publication this year is Greenwood's Annual All Pro Dads' Chili Cook-off, Moms' Cookie Bake-off, and Family Game Night. Moms and Dads enter their best chili and cookies in a contest judged by school staff members.
Sneed Middle School 4-H Club Wins Top Honors
The Sneed Middle School 4-H Squire Squad Club took home the First-Place win in the 4-H Club Exhibits competition during the inaugural Greater Pee Dee State Fair recently held at the Florence Center. The Greater Pee Dee State Fair featured and sponsored 4-H exhibits developed by 4-H clubs from counties across the Pee Dee Region including Chesterfield, Clarendon, Darlington, Florence, Sumter and Williamsburg Counties. The Sneed Middle 4-H Club is under the direction of 4-H Club Leader Lynn Howard.
It's Charitable Giving Season
Dates to Remember
September 28, 2018
Pledge forms due to the Florence One Schools payrol departmentl from schools
October 2018
The first of 14 payroll deductions will begin with the second payroll in October. The last of the 14 payroll deductions will be in May 2019.
Local Athletes Serve Community
West Florence Athletes Recently Took the Time to Read to Students at Carver Elementary
Principal Josie Little (second from left) welcomed (left to right)Josh Williams (football); Camryn Williams(volleyball); Dylan Snyder (football); and Nicholas Edick(football) to Carver Elementary School.