Kayla Gibson, a fifth grader, was declared the highest achieving Accelerated Reader in the history of Florence Elementary. Kayla had a vision to out-read, out-test, and out-score everyone starting with her second grade class. Then she wanted to be the top reader for each grade level. Now, as a fifth grader, her vision/goal has been reached. She has become the top reader in the history of AR. She achieved this goal with 644.7 points and maintained a testing percentage of 90%. Kayla went over and beyond the highest score of 563.9 points.
One of her strategies to accomplishing this amazing feat was working with the librarian both at school and the public library, introducing new book series that were age appropriate. She received a trophy and a pillow that lights up for all of her late nights reading starting in middle school, then high school, and 'oh yeah' college.
Placed upon her head was a pair of jumbo brightly colored sunglasses because of her bright future, to use while reading outside and to wear at the Florence Aquatic Center (for which she received a pass). Dream big and pursue your dreams, you only fail when you stop trying.

Returning Cooper High School students will find a new Mac computer lab. District IT experts are seen here setting up the lab and making sure the computers are ready for students in the fall.