Florence USD spotlights new middle schools, staff and Students of the Month

Florence Unified School District used much of its Jan. 13 meeting to showcase recent accomplishments from three middle schools and to recognize staff and students across the district.

Presentations: The board viewed a highlight video and heard presentations from Florence Middle School, San Tan Mountain Middle School and Walker Butte Middle School. Principal Rusty Smith (Florence Middle) described the work of staff in uniting two school communities and opening a new campus. San Tan Mountain Middle School's principal (Dr. Henry Sheets) reported 36% of students earned honor-roll recognition in the recent semester and recounted early extracurricular successes (speech and debate, athletics). Walker Butte principal Jeff Crist noted positive student engagement and the success of the districts middle school model.

Staff and student recognitions: The board presented Classified and Certified Employee of the Month awards at each featured school (examples: Eddie Callahan and Deidra Garber at Florence Middle; Salome Mae Chavarin and Bailey Eisenhardt at San Tan Mountain; Tammy Escanuela and Chad Bagwell at Walker Butte). The meeting also recognized Students of the Month from high schools, middle schools and elementary schools across the district and introduced a new 'Bus Rider of the Month' recognition selected by the transportation department.

These presentations were celebratory in nature and did not require board action.