Florence Middle School
Falcon Period
Florence City Schools
Principal: Dr. Ashley Bowling
Superintendent: Mr. Bill Hopkins
Florence Middle School implemented Falcon Period as a schoolwide initiative program designed to ensure every student received targeted academic, behavioral, and foundational wellness during the instructional day. Embedded within the master schedule, Falcon Period provided a protected daily block for all seventh- and eighth-grade students without removing learners from core instruction, ensuring equitable access to support and enrichment opportunities. Student placement was determined through multiple data sources, including i-Ready diagnostics, ACAP domain performance, classroom assessments, attendance trends, and teacher observations. Flexible grouping allowed students to move as mastery was demonstrated, ensuring instruction remained responsive to individual needs. Small-group instruction targeted essential literacy and mathematics skills through explicit instruction, guided practice, and ongoing progress monitoring. Students requiring intervention received daily high-dosage support focused on closing skill gaps, while students demonstrating proficiency engaged in enrichment experiences such as leadership development, collaborative projects, and extracurricular exploration. Flex Friday expanded the program by providing structured student-choice opportunities that strengthened engagement, relationships, and school connectedness. Program outcomes reflected measurable success. Florence Middle School achieved an increase in overall growth from 97.11 to 100. Falcon Period strengthened engagement, improved confidence, and ensured every student received consistent opportunities to grow academically and personally each day.
