Congratulations to Florence K-8
School's Science Olympiad team! With only four members on the team
compared to other schools who had 15, Florence K-8 placed in 5 out of 10 events
at the tournament in March. Science Olympiad is a national non- profit
organization dedicated to improving quality science education.
Featured in Photo:
Tanner Carpenter-5
Jullianne Bryant-6
Charlotte Rains-5
Cristian Gutierrez-5
Thursday February 26, 2015
How Will State Budget Cuts Affect Florence?
YouTube Video
Thursday February 26, 2015
Florence K-8 Award Winner
On February 12, the Florence Unified School District received the “Energy Star K-12
District Award” for being one of the most energy efficient school districts in the state.
Energy Star is a national performance benchmark for building energy efficiency that
helps building owners compare energy usage in their building to similar buildings
nationwide. Buildings receive a rating of 1 to 100, with 50 indicating average. Schools
with 75 or higher qualify to win the award.
Three schools in the Florence Unified School District scored 100 (Anthem K-8, Florence
K-8, and Circle Cross Ranch K-8). There were only 5 schools state-wide with a score of
100.
Florence K-8 was awarded the 2014 Kilowatt Krackdown Award as the most improved
school in the Energy Star competition. #Gopherstrong
Thursday February 26, 2015
Science Fair Winners
Congratulations to all students who participated in the
District Science Fair. You worked hard
and represented Florence K8 well. The
following students placed at this years fair:
Maya Valencia 2nd place in Elementary Behavioral
and Social Science
Hope Schlinger 4th place in Elementary Behavioral and Social
Science
Anthony Bradeen 2nd place in Physics
Kavisha Khanna 4th place in
Physics
Brennon Price 4th place in Cellular and Molecular Science
Miley Wallace
4th place in Engineering
Just a few pictures from the science fair!
#gopherstrong
Thursday January 22, 2015
Florence Unified School District Employees of the Month
Congratulations to our Employees of the Month. Highlighted at the January School Board Meeting were 6th grade Science/Social Studies Teacher Erin Lewis, Librarian Rob Cochran, and our Volunteer of the Month Marisol Bingochea. Thank you so much for your hard work and dedication to our school! #gopherstrong
Thursday January 22, 2015
Penny Wars Competition for Georgie Vickrey
Every year a penny wars competition occurs at Florence K-8 which helps a family in need within our community or is given to a local charity. Students collect pennies as a class and whomever has the most pennies wins the competition. As spin on the competition, if a student donates dollar bills or any silver coins the class loses points as the most points are generated from the pennies. It is a fun way to have a great competition for a wonderful cause.
Just recently, Georgie Vickrey, a former 8th grader and now freshman at Florence High School was diagnosed with Leukemia. To help her and her family the Florence K-8 Gophers have decided to dedicate this years Penny Wars Competition to aid in her recovery. We love our Georgie and believe she will pull through this! Bring in those pennies gophers and help support Georgie!
#gopherstrong
Thursday January 22, 2015
Florence Unified School District Champion!
Congratulations to our own Migue Darcera, 8th grader, who won the district spelling bee two years in a row! We are very proud of you Migue! #gopherstrong
Wednesday January 21, 2015
Coolidge-Florence Elks Lodge Winner
Congratulations to 6th grader Zander Lawrence who was one of six students from the Florence Unified School District who were recognized for their Americanism Essay. Their essay topic was "What the Pledge of Allegiance means to me." Each winner received a dinner for their family and a $100.00 check. Their essays will now go to the district level of the Elks Lodge. Congrats to Zander! #gopherstrong
Wednesday January 21, 2015
Skittle Math
Our own Mrs. Johnston has her first graders learning fractions with a great motivator! Skittle math is a learning technique that she has been using for a few years that really motivates her students to grasp a visual concept of fractions. Great job Mrs. Johnston! #Gopherstrong
Friday December 12, 2014
Thank you Florence Women Club! The Florence Women's Club held a Bazaar and donated $274.75 to our Student Council. Thank you so much Florence Women's Club! #Gopherstrong
Friday December 12, 2014
Santa Claus is Coming to Florence K-8!
Santa has arrived at Florence K-8! Lower grade students got to sit with Santa and share their wises for Christmas! Thank you Mrs. Johnston for sharing the First Graders experience with Santa! #Gopherstrong
Thursday November 18, 2014
2nd Graders Celebrate Thanksgiving Stone Soup Style
Second grade gophers were able to read many different versions of the Stone Soup story which celebrates the of giving and sharing. In the end the students were able to each bring an ingredient to create soup for their entire classroom family. Great job second graders! #gopherstrong
Thursday November 18, 2014
Body Image Presentation
Seventh and eighth graders enjoyed a speaker from the Not my Kid Organization on Tuesday. She spoke to the students about having a positive body image and her experiences with having a negative body image. Students were very well behaved and loved hearing her experience. Eighth grader Dorian Williams said, "It reminds me to love myself before others love me." #gopherstrong
Thursday November 18, 2014
3rd Grade Thanksgiving Play
Third Grade Gophers presented their annual Thanksgiving Play on Tuesday with great success! The Pilgrims’ Arrival Thanksgiving at Plymouth By Sarah Glasscock is a great story which shares the story of the first Thanksgiving. Great Job third graders. #GopherStrong
Thursday November 18, 2014
Pie in the Face!!!
The National Junior Honor Society sponsored a Pie in the Face competition in order to donate money to area food banks for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Students brought in money everyday and placed them in classroom jars. Whichever teacher received the most donations had to participate in a Pie in the Face Assembly. There were two winners this year: 7th and 8th grade Science teacher Mr. Ysaguirre and 3rd grade teacher Mrs. Bradeen. Over $400 was raised and given to Epic Food Mission in San Tan Valley and Santa Cruz Valley Food Pantry in Eloy. Great Job Gophers! #GopherStrong
Thursday November 20, 2014
Daughters of the American Revolution
Fifth Grade Students had the opportunity to hear a great message from Casa Grande Daughters of the American Revolution. All students received copies of the United States Constitution and some of the teachers received a framed copy of the Bill of Rights. The ladies shared with the students about their families who were linked in fighting the American Revolution and also educated the students on the colonial fashion of the time. What a great experience for fifth graders! #gopherstrong
Friday November 7, 2014
Florence K-8 First Annual Trunk or Treat Festival
A big shout out to the Florence K-8 PTO for supporting our school. The Trunk or Treat Festival was a huge success and a great way to celebrate Halloween and the fall season with the Florence Community. Another Great shout out to Main Street Family Practice.
#gopherstrong
Friday November 7, 2014
Congratulations to our
Recycle- Material-Castle Contest Winners
The picture from the left Payton Doughty (8th), Sarah
Colton (8th), and Amelia Magnone (7th)
Congratulations Mrs. Wilcox 1st Grade Students of the Month for September
Tuesday October 7, 2014
Mrs. Fryhover's Successful Kinder Seating Arrangements
Mrs. Fryhover is trying some inventive seating in her kindergarten
class. The students are able to choose where they want to sit when they
are doing their independent work. There are students sitting on the
floor, in the library area, standing by the counter, in our big comfy chair and
even under tables. Even when given a choice some of the students are
choosing to still sit at the tables as well. They are engaged and working
together to complete the tasks and they are sitting where they are most
comfortable. Great Job Mrs. Fryhover! #gopherstrong
Friday September 19, 2014
Florence K-8 School Constitution Week
Florence K-8 School celebrated Constitution Week beginning September 15th. All students were able to view a copy of the original Constitution which celebrated its 227th Birthday on September 17th. They also got the opportunity to sign a Florence K-8 Constitution and dress up in their favorite patriotic gear. #gopherstrong
Brianna Ortis, Josh Holbrook and Spencer Washburn and Summer Display of US Constitution 2nd Graders signing the Constitution
Emily Spath showing their patriotic gear. Masterson
Friday September 19, 2014
TEAL OUT DAY-TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 16!
In honor of our own Mrs. Breidenbach and other Ovarian Cancer survivors, Florence K-8 paid tribute by dressing in all TEAL colors to help awareness for this deadly cancer. We love you Mrs. Breidenbach! #Gopherstrong
Mrs. Breidenbach 6th Grade Math 6th Graders Celebrating Teal Out Day
Friday September 19, 2014
Florence K-8 2014-15 Lip Dub
YouTube Video
Thursday September 18, 2014
5th-8th Grade Anti-Bullying Assembly
Florence K-8 School welcomed Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeau and County Attorney Lando Voyles at our yearly Anti-Bullying assembly. Students were encouraged by the United Dance Group of Coolidge to stand up to bullying. The dance group displayed bullying situations through dancing and the students enjoyed the performance! #gopherstrong
Wednesday September 17, 2014
August Students of the Week- Mrs. Johnston's Class
Peyton Lewis Fatima GrajedaZerin Price Lily Robinson
Monday September 8, 2014
August Students of the Week-Mrs. Wilcox Class
Aloa Flores Aug 11 Jack Schlinger-Aug 4th Jackeline Tinoco- Aug 18th Sedrick Collins-Aug25th
Monday September 8, 2014
2014 Florence K-8 Lip Dub Filming- A Great Success
Friday September 5, the filming of the 2014 Florence K-8 Lip Dub occurred. Students and faculty throughout the building danced in their FK8 gear, showing their Gopher Pride and cheering to the song, "Happy." Even Florence Mayor Tom Rankin and his wife watched on during the filming process. A special thanks to Mr. Gutierrez, Ms. Borin, Mrs.Gammill, Mrs. Schultz, Mr. Franko and Mr. Woodbury for directing the entire film making process. A big shout out to FHS for lending the Gopher Mascot to us for the filming and to Ms. Jessica Rice for being a Gopher for the day! And finally to the teachers, staff and students who showed their commitment, patience and school spirit during the entire process. The filming was a great success and the Lip Dub will be available soon! Stay tuned! #GopherStrong
Wednesday September 3, 2014
Florence K-8 Gopher Softball Season Going Strong
Gopher Softball season is currently strong in the middle of their season with five wins and only two losses. Head coach, Peter Gammill says, "The girls are playing hard and are determined to bring a trophy to FK8." #Gopherstrong
8th Grade Softball Player Dani Johnson
Wednesday September 3, 2014
Thank you Pinal County Federal Credit Union
Pinal County Federal Credit Union has graciously donated school supplies for our school. These school supplies are so greatly appreciated and needed in all classrooms at Florence K-8. Pinal County Federal Credit Union is a big supporter of the Florence community and we are grateful for their continued support. #Gopherstrong
Wednesday September 3, 2014
ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
Florence K-8 Principal Mr. John Allee was nominated by Florence High School Principal Mr. Thad Gates for the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Friday during the last minutes of school, all Gophers watched as Mr. Allee and seven fellow staff members were soaked with ice water. This was a great way for students to see leaders of our school participate for a good cause. #Gopherstrong
Florence K-8 ALS Bucket Challenge
Tuesday August 26, 2014
Thank you Coolidge-Florence Elks Lodge!
The Coolidge-Florence Elks Lodge generously donated $3600 in school supplies between Florence and Coolidge School Districts. Thank you Elks Lodge for your support of our community! #Gopherstrong
Tuesday August 26, 2014
Back to School NEON Dance!
Middle School students enjoyed the first dance of the school year! Students celebrated the dance by wearing NEON colors and with NEON decorations throughout the gym. #Gopherstrong
Tuesday August 26, 2014
Art Art Everywhere!
Art of the Week August 18th
Tuesday August 26, 2014
Gopher Buddies Building a Community
Mrs. Hallahan's Gopher Buddies Class enriches our Kindergarten kids daily as they help the little ones with reading, spelling and other classroom projects. Mrs. Hallahan believes in our school community stating, "I love to see our older students interacting with our little ones because it establishes a future gopher generation." Way to go! #Gopherstrong
Thursday August 14, 2014
Introducing Chalk Talk!
Mrs. Gammill often opens her 7th and 8th grade Social Studies lessons with a Chalk Talk. Students are asked a question on the white board and they are to participate in the class discussion by writing on the board and in silent. Students ask critical questions to each other during their Chalk Talk conversation and learn how to effectively collaborate with one another. "I enjoy Chalk Talk as I can watch ALL my students participate and feel comfortable sharing their opinions and responses. It is a great way to create a culture of respect and the activity provides substantial critical thinking skills." -Mrs. Gammill. #Gopherstrong
Thursday August 14, 2014
Kindergarten Celebrates Kids!
Every week Kindergarten celebrates students of the week that exemplify good behavior, strong academics and superb gopher character. Students are recognized in the schools cafeteria with a certificate and a picture. Congrats to our Gopher Kindergartners! #Gopherstrong
Connor Hallahan Anessa Hanley Joaquin Wilcox
with Mrs. Fryhover with Mrs. Klinakis with Mrs. Neal
Tuesday August 12, 2014
WNBA Player Mentors The Gophers!
A few weeks ago, Florence High School hosted an Open Gym with WNBA player Lindsay Taylor. Florence K-8 boys and girls basketball players were able to attend to meet the player and learn some basketball strategies and skills. Thank you Lindsay Taylor for supporting the Florence Gophers! #Gopherstrong
Thursday August 7, 2014
Thursday August 7, 2014
Teachers Unite to Solve a Puzzle
Teachers at Florence K-8 explored the attributes of quality collaboration while
participating in a team building exercise. They were asked to solve the Einstein
Puzzle as a team. Our 2nd and 3rd grade teams were the first to solve the
puzzle. At Florence K-8, teachers collaborate throughout the week to ensure that
students are learning what they need to be successful in life. Congrats to the 2nd and 3rd Grade Teams! #GopherStrong
Thursday August 7, 2014
Exploring Astronomy
Mrs. Lewis our Science and Astronomy class teacher has created a scaled model of
our solar system for everyone to view on our schools playground. The model starts on the fence near the
solar panels and gym with our Sun and travels almost the entire perimeter
of our playground and ends at the upper level basketball court with Pluto. The
class included a scale illustration of the sun and each planet, as well as
information about each, such as the distance from the sun, the planet’s
diameter, and a fun fact about the planet of the group’s choosing. Great Job Mrs. Lewis and Gopher Astronomers.
Thursday August 7, 2014
FUSD Impact Event
Thursday August 7, 2014
Sherriff Donation
For the past four consecutive years, Sheriff Paul Babeu has been extremely
generous in helping out aid our athletics program. This year he has contributed
$1500. His support helps provide scholarships for students who can not afford
the pay to play fee as well as updating our athletic equipment. Thank you,
Sheriff for your continued support and believing in Florence K-8 Gophers. #Gopherstrong
Monday August 4, 2014
A Different Atmosphere
According to Good Housekeeping, children today spend 55 hours a week indoors using electronics, and less and less time outdoors. Why not read outside? Eighth graders seen here are enjoying their daily reading of The Giver outside as a different atmosphere for reading.#Gopherstrong
Monday August 4, 2014
Learning with Play Dough
Beginning week three here at Florence K-8 and Mrs. Fryhover is busy teaching her Kindergarten students about letters and numbers. Students are working hard creating numbers using play dough. "Using play dough to make the number is another mode to help students learn their numbers. They are not just writing them but making them, then they have to "make" that amount of "cookies" to match the number," says Mrs. Fryhover. Great work students and Mrs. Fryhover for the creativity! #Gopherstrong
The Discovery of Sign Language
Mrs. Doughty not only spends her time teaching 6th grade Language Arts but also spends an hour each day teaching Sign Language which was added as an elective this year for Middle School Students. Each quarter students from middle school can choose an elective class. Some classes include Passport, Robotics, Astronomy, Financial Literacy, Chess and Spanish. #Gopherstrong
Students signing"Florence Gophers" as their first assignment!
Looking for a way to donate to Florence K-8?
Second Grade Teacher, Tammy Borin, is wanting to make sure her
students have the materials they need to succeed. She needs TIME for kids subscriptions. Click on this link to donate through the Donors Choose Program:
If you chip in to help students, you'll get awesome photos and our heartfelt
thanks. #Gopherstrong
NEW SCHOOL START TIMES!
Regular Day 8:15am-3:20pm
Early Release 8:15-1:00pm
8th Grade Washington DC Trip-2014
Students traveling on the 8th Grade District Washington DC Trip from May 29-June 2, experienced a vast amount of history at their fingertips. Visiting Washington DC, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. Any 8th grade Gopher interested in attending the 2015 trip should contact Mrs. Gammill in room C-201. #Gopherstrong
