Florence Copper gives $2,000 to district foundation; virtual academy posts 100% graduation for class of 2025

Florence Copper presented a $2,000 grant to the Florence Friends of Kids First Foundation during the Florence Unified School District governing board meeting on Sept. 9; the district said the funds will support staff professional development.

"We are incredibly proud to partner with the district...present to you a grant from the Florence Copper Community Foundation, dollars 2,000 to support professional development efforts for your team," Sophie Desart, manager of communications and public affairs at Florence Copper, told the board.

Board and school leaders also used the meeting to highlight school programs and student recognition. Florence Virtual Academy principal Jamie Lopez reported that the class of 2025 had a 100% graduation rate including general-education and ESS students. Lopez also said 94% of students were meeting attendance requirements for online learning and, as of the morning of the meeting, 93% of students were passing all classes.

Mountain Vista Academy principal Robert Edwards described Mountain Vista programs serving students who need smaller, therapeutic or specialized settings. Edwards said Mountain Vista recorded an 84% graduation rate last year (an increase of 3 percentage points from the prior year) and reported a 2.5 percentage-point reduction in the dropout rate. He and Lopez described a dropout-recovery initiative that began in November and currently serves 18 students who are working toward graduation; the district said the program plans to develop a GED preparatory program within two years.

Administrators recognized classified and certified staff and presented student-of-the-month awards for dozens of students across district schools. The meeting included a feature presentation from Mountain Vista Academy and Florence Virtual Academy, and concluded with the student awards and a group photo opportunity.