What Makes Floris Special

10 Reasons Floris Shines Bright

It's a Great Day to be a Floris Eagle!

Floris is a vibrant and thriving community of eager learners from diverse backgrounds. Our students bring unique perspectives that enrich our academic environment. We are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration among our teachers and students, ensuring everyone benefits from the collective wisdom and creativity of our community.

One

Academic Excellence is Our Goal

Floris is a fully accredited elementary school, with SOL pass rates consistently in the 90% (or higher) range across all subjects and grade levels. The school has consistently received the Educational Excellence Award from the Virginia Board of Education for many years. Advanced Academics Resource Teachers (AART) work to ensure academic peer groups and access to rigor for all students.

two

We Seek a Culture of Joy

The Floris community strives for a culture of joy, with the three big ideas of focusing on student learning, collaborative culture and collective responsibility, and being result-oriented.

Floris families report that: 

  • 96 percent feel "my child feels safe at school."
  • 96 percent feel "this school is safe."
  • 94 percent feel "this school welcomes families of different backgrounds and cultures."
  • 94 percent feel "our school recognizes and respects families’ cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity."
  • 92 percent feel "there is at least one caring adult at the school that my child trusts."

three

Student Programs Thrive at Floris

We have several staff- and PTA- run student programs geared towards student interest and fostering leadership skills.  Popular student groups include Green Team, Student Council Association, Morning News Show, MathCounts, Girls on the Run, and numerous extracurricular clubs. 

Four

We Have a Fabulous Community

Floris actively partners with community organizations including Frying Pan Park and a local food bank. Our phenomenal and active PTA hosts a number of popular events throughout the year including:

  • Fun Run Fundraiser

  •  Harvest Parade

  • Trunk or Treat

  • Spirit Ball

  • Pep Rally and Basketball Game

  • Big Truck Day

  • Numerous assemblies, movie nights, and bingo nights

five

Physical Activity Is a Best Practice for Learning

We emphasize healthy living and encourage students to embrace physical activity as a cornerstone of well-being. Movement enhances focus, and focus drives learning. We have an outdoor classroom to help integrate the two.

six

Civic Involvement at Floris

We take pride in our students’ commitment to their community.  This year, we are partnering with the PTA to coordinate grade level service projects to build snack packs for food insecure families.  We also coordinate to donate our leftover food at lunch to a local food bank, and our Green Team partners with Frying Pan Park to encourage sustainable and eco-friendly habits and initiatives.

We Prepare Our Students for the Future

We instill our students with explicit Portrait of a Graduate lessons to focus on character attributes needed to be well rounded and productive adults.  Additionally, each year, Floris counselors host a college and career week and a career day, featuring guest speakers highlighting career paths.  This creates new awareness and opportunities for our students.

eight

Our Teachers Are Treasured

Haycock’s teachers are highly valued by our community for their dedication and commitment to student success. Their efforts foster a nurturing and productive learning environment that is inclusive and welcoming to all students and their families.  As such, we have several staff members that have been recognized for their achievements:

  • 2023-2024 New Teacher of the Year for the Westfield Pyramid- Heather 

  • Hubert

  • 2023-2024 Nominee for Mark Stewart Memorial Award for Outstanding Special Education Teacher from SEPTA- Jennifer Spohn

  • 2022 Excellence Awards Winner for the Growth Category- Willa McGrath

  • 2021-2022 Operational Employee of the Year for the Westfield Pyramid- Yeni Moreno

  • 2019-2022 Professional Employee of the Year for the Westfield Pyramid- Sarah de Kramer

  • 2019-2022 Outstanding Counseling Staff from SEPTA (Special Education PTA) - Sarah de Kramer

nine

Our Physical Space Fosters Collaboration

We know that physical space can help or harm students' ability to learn.  We offer a variety of seating options to adapt to different learning styles.  Students at Floris enjoy a newly installed playground and new furniture in the library to make the space more collaborative.  There are multiple outdoor areas, including a fenced in outdoor classroom with tables and umbrellas.

ten

Technology Enhances and Supports our Learning

   All students receive a laptop or tablet for learning, where instructional materials are adapted modified to students' individual needs.  Students are taught the importance of media balance and using technology as tools to deepen learning where necessary.  In this vein, Floris was recognized in the 2023-2024 school year as a Common Sense School for digital citizenship instruction, ensuring responsible technology use schoolwide.

Floris Elementary is more than a school—it's a community where young minds are nurtured, and spirits are uplifted. Together, we learn, grow, and make an impact.