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Florence Unified School District

November 2026 FUSD Newsletter

Posted Date: 11/02/26 (09:12 AM)
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A diverse group of students and children are featured in a banner for Florence Unified School District, with text '#OPPORTUNITYAWAITS'.

District Newsletter

Monthly News & Updates

November 1, 2026

Hello November... what are YOU thankful for?

A small chalkboard with the text 'Hello November' is surrounded by bright orange pumpkins.
A portrait of a smiling man wearing glasses, a checkered shirt, and a dark blazer against a grey background.

November Greeting from the Governing Board President, Roger Biede

As we welcome the month of November, I want to extend a heartfelt welcome to all our Florence Unified School District (FUSD) families, students, staff, and community members. I am truly honored to serve as your Governing Board President, and I am grateful to be part of a community that believes in the power of education. 
What makes FUSD a district of choice is our commitment to providing students with meaningful opportunities to learn, grow, discover their strengths, and prepare for their futures. The collective efforts of our dedicated teachers and staff, our supportive families, and our shared belief that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed is what makes our district stand out from the competition. We recognize that choosing a school for your child is one of the most important decisions a family makes, and we are committed to earning your trust by creating welcoming schools where students feel valued, families feel connected, and every child is encouraged to reach their full potential.
As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, I am especially grateful for the families who place their trust in FUSD, the educators who make a difference every day, and the community members who support our schools.
Serving on the Governing Board is more than a responsibility; it is an opportunity to give back to a community I care deeply about and help shape a brighter future for our students.
Thank you for being part of the FUSD family. Together, we can continue building a district by design, where students are inspired, families feel at home, and opportunities for success are within reach for every child.
 

NEW ParentSquare Attendance Feature

An instructional graphic titled 'Will your child be absent?' showing how to report student absences on mobile and desktop versions of ParentSquare.

IMPORTANT NEW FEATURE IN ABSENCE REPORTING!

Families can now conveniently report student absences directly through ParentSquare! 

You can explain the reason for your child’s absence and upload supporting documentation, such as a doctor’s note or a written explanation. Follow the simple steps below to get started.

Option 1: Using the ParentSquare Mobile App
  1. Open ParentSquare on your phone and sign in.
  2. Tap “Attendance” in the bottom navigation menu.
  3. Tap the “+” button in the upper-right corner to start a new absence report.
  4. Complete the absence report. Select your child, choose the duration and date(s) of the absence, and select the reason.
  5. Add details and attachments. Enter an optional message explaining the absence. To upload a doctor’s note or written explanation, tap “Add Attachments” and select the file or photo you want to include.
Submit your report. Review your information and tap “Submit absence report.”

Option 2: Using ParentSquare on a Computer

  1. Sign in to ParentSquare at www.parentsquare.com.
  2. Click “Attendance” in the left-hand menu under “Communicate.”
  3. Click “Report Absence” in the upper-right corner.
  4. Complete the absence report. Select your child, enter the absence date(s) and duration, and choose the reason.
  5. Add details and attachments. Enter an optional message and upload a doctor’s note or written explanation using the attachment box. You can choose a file from your computer or drag and drop it into the box.
  6. Click “Submit” to send your report to the school.
Helpful Reminders
  • Please include the reason for your child’s absence and any supporting documentation when applicable.
  • Double-check your information before submitting the report.
  • Submitting an absence report does not automatically excuse an absence. School staff will review the information according to district attendance procedures.
 

Congratulations Anthem Elementary School

FUSD is proud to celebrate Anthem Elementary School for earning an A-Rating from the Arizona Department of Education!

This achievement reflects the hard work, dedication, and commitment of the teachers, staff, students, and families who make Anthem such a special place to learn and grow.

Your commitment to student success is creating opportunities and making a difference every day. Way to soar, Eagles! 

This achievement is especially exciting as the district continues to see positive academic growth across its schools. In addition to Anthem Elementary's A-Rating, seven FUSD schools increased their overall scores and earned a B-Rating, demonstrating continued progress and a collective commitment to improving student achievement throughout the district.

Meet Dawn Winsor: Supporting Student Success and Future Opportunities

My name is Dawn Winsor, and I am proud to be in my 30th year in education! After spending 16 years with Mesa Public Schools, I joined Florence Unified School District in 2013 as an assistant principal at Florence High School. I began my career teaching athletic training and science before serving as an instructional coach and assistant principal at Westwood High School. As both an educator and a parent, I have a personal connection to FUSD, my son attended Florence Elementary and recently graduated from Florence High School!

Today, as FUSD’s Director of Secondary Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, I work to ensure our students have access to high-quality instruction, supportive resources, and opportunities to prepare for life after graduation. My responsibilities include supporting curriculum implementation, reviewing student achievement data with school leaders, coordinating state testing for grades 3–11, overseeing our K–12 English Language Learner programs, and collaborating with academic counselors to help students plan for their futures.

What’s New in FUSD?
This school year, our high schools are implementing newly adopted Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II curricula. Teachers are receiving dedicated training and collaborating in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to share strategies, review student progress, and identify ways to support every learner through enrichment and additional instruction.

We are also helping students prepare for life beyond high school. Through Education and Career Action Plans, students in grades 9–12 explore career interests, build résumés, track community service, research postsecondary options, and complete college applications. This semester, we are working with high school academic counselors to offer juniors and seniors the opportunity to take the ASVAB, which helps students explore their strengths and career interests. Counselors are also supporting families with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), helping students explore financial assistance for college and other eligible educational pathways.

Looking ahead, we are developing the 2027–2028 high school course catalog to ensure students have access to relevant and engaging learning opportunities. We are collaborating with our Career and Technical Education Director to update programs offered through Central Arizona Valley Institute of Technology (CAVIT) and Central Arizona College (CAC), while continuing to expand dual and concurrent enrollment opportunities that allow students to earn college credit while in high school.

At FUSD, our goal is to help every student discover their strengths, explore their interests, and build a path toward a successful future. I am grateful to be part of a team that works every day to make those opportunities possible for our students and families.
At FUSD, #OpportunitiesAwait!
 
A graphic design featuring the text 'SCHOOL BOARD MEETING' on three rectangular signs against a red background.

November Governing School Board Meeting

Join us for the next FUSD Governing School Board Meeting, Tuesday, November 10th. 

The meeting will be held at the Florence Unified School District Offices located at 1000 S. Main Street, Florence. The work study session begins at 5:00 pm with the regular board meeting beginning promptly at 6:00 pm.  

This month's meeting will showcase Florence and Anthem Elementary Schools along with our students and employees of the month. 

The Governing Board will be making their decision based on the presentation from the Budgetary Steering Committee's recommendations. 
A flyer for the Florence Unified School District Community Food Distribution, listing dates and a location.

November Grocery Bag Distribution

This month's grocery bag distribution will be Thursday, November 5th from 9:30 - 10:30 am at San Tan Foothills HS located at 1255 W. Silverdale Road, Queen Creek, AZ. 
 

FUSD Honors Our Veterans

This Veterans Day, we proudly honor and thank all the brave men and women who have served in our nation’s military. We are deeply grateful for their courage, sacrifice, and dedication to protecting our freedoms. From all of us at FUSD, thank you for your service! 
Please note that all FUSD schools and offices will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day.
 

Happy Thanksgiving!

FUSD wishes our parents, staff and students a very happy Thanksgiving! 
All FUSD schools and offices will be closed 
November 25th, 26th and 27th.