
Chasidy Scores Perfect 740 on ACAP!
Francis Marion proudly celebrates Chasidy for achieving a perfect score of 740 on her ACAP Assessment! 🎉 Dr. King and the K–3 team came together to honor her outstanding accomplishment and cheer her on.
Chasidy’s success is a reflection of her dedication and the support of the incredible educators who guided her each year. From kindergarten with Ms. Files, to first grade with Ms. Essex, second grade with Ms. Harris, and third grade with Mrs. Kedra King, each teacher played a key role in building the foundation for her achievement.
Special thanks go to Administrator Dr. King and Reading Specialist Mrs. Thigpen for leading the celebration and for their continued support of student excellence.
We’re so proud of you, Chasidy! Your hard work and the devotion of your teachers are truly inspiring. 💙🧡


Jessica Essex Represents Francis Marion at HOBY Leadership Conference
Francis Marion student Jessica Essex recently attended the Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership Conference from May 23–25 at Troy University. HOBY empowers young leaders through service, innovation, and personal growth.
Jessica shared, “HOBY helped me step out of my comfort zone, connect with others, and learn the value of effective leadership.” She especially enjoyed activities like the HOBY Pony and hearing from speaker Timothy Alexander.
Dr. King praised Jessica’s leadership and thanked her family, former Superintendent John Heard III, and the Alfred G. Adams Optimist Club for their support. Jessica proudly represented Francis Marion with integrity and spirit.


Francis Marion School Celebrates Alabama Public Television's May Teacher of the Month: Ms. Annette Scott
We are proud to announce that Ms. Annette Scott has been named Alabama Public Television's Teacher of the Month for May! Ms. Scott is a passionate and dedicated educator who goes above and beyond to support her students both academically and personally.
A colleague shared,
"Ms. Scott’s passion for teaching is contagious. She differentiates every lesson to ensure that all students can succeed, no matter their learning style. She makes educational games like bingo to increase student engagement, and her students are fully immersed in her lessons."
Ms. Scott is also a strong advocate for student recognition and well-being. Her commitment to inclusive learning, creativity in the classroom, and unwavering support for her students makes her an exceptional representative of Francis Marion School and the Perry County School District.
Congratulations, Ms. Scott, on this well-deserved statewide recognition!


Congratulations to John Bates!
We’re proud to announce that John Bates, a junior at Francis Marion School, has been elected Alabama FBLA District 2 Vice President! His dedication and leadership continue to inspire us all. Way to go, John!


Girl Talk was concluded today at Francis Marion School with speaker, Lashandra Walters, Nurse Practitioner at Cahaba Medical Center in Marion and a 2007 graduate of Francis Marion School. Ms. Walters encouraged the young ladies to focus on their dreams and never give up. The young ladies were very excited to hear Ms. Walters inspiring story.
Girl Talk consist of 10th grade students who were provided Character Building and Etiquette Imperative by Mental Health Services Coordinator, Ms. Meredith Wiggins and Community Activist, Ms. Della Maynor.


The Francis Marion School Literacy Department and the 21st Century Community Learning Center are excited to present the Literacy Round-Up – Family Night, a special event dedicated to celebrating literacy and fostering a love for reading among students and families.
This fun-filled evening will take place on March 19, 2025, in the Francis Marion School Gymnasium from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Families are encouraged to attend and participate in engaging activities designed to promote literacy and learning in an interactive and enjoyable way.
The event will feature various activities that highlight the importance of reading and literacy skills. Whether you’re looking for exciting reading challenges, interactive storytelling, or other engaging literacy-based experiences, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
This is a wonderful opportunity for families to come together, support their children’s education, and strengthen their love for reading. Don’t miss out on this fantastic evening—we look forward to seeing you there!

Superintendent Dr. Marcia Smiley successfully completed the 2025 Executive Coach Training offered by the School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA) this week. This comprehensive program provides leaders with valuable tools and strategies to effectively mentor and support the growth of future school and district administrators. Through the training, Dr. Smiley further honed her expertise in leadership development, strategic planning, and building strong, collaborative professional relationships.


The members of the Perry County School District’s Board, alongside Superintendent Dr. Marcia Smiley, are participating in the 2024 AASB Summer Conference in Gulf Shores, Alabama. During the three-day event, participants will have the opportunity to make meaningful connections, gain new knowledge, expand their professional networks, and share valuable insights. We are grateful for your commitment to the Perry County School District.


Congratulations to Francis Marion School for having the highest attendance rate for the month of January.


Mark your calendars for this upcoming event!


Please review the flyer for the upcoming Numeracy November Celebration!


November School Calendar


October Schedule


Dr. Marcia Smiley, superintendent of Perry County Schools, has been named a finalist for School Superintendents of Alabama and Schnieder Electric 2024 Superintendent of the Year for District 2. Dr. Smiley was nominated along with superintendents from SSA’s other eight districts.
According to correspondence from the School Superintendents of Alabama, nominated district finalists are distinguished leaders who provide a leading voice in sound public policy development and advocacy, and foster innovative ideas and student achievement. Nominees are held in high regard by the parents, the community, teachers, staff, and superintendents throughout their district as well as by their school board.
Congratulations, Dr. Smiley and thank you for your innovation, love and compassion for our district and community.


Maurice Gunter is a United States Air Force Veteran. He has served with the 3rd Security Forces Squadron (Law Enforcement) Elmendorf, Alaska and 12th Combat Training Squadron, Bartsow, California attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. After the Air Force Mr. Gunter continued his service to the country as an international flight attendant based in New York City, New York, with a military charter airline traveling to over 75 countries. Mr. Gunter's dedication to community and country continued when he joined the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice where he attained the rank of Lieutenant working throughout metro Atlanta. Mr. Gunter's role was not only to ensure safe and secure housing but to assist in developing treatment plans for the youthful offenders. Mr. Gunter volunteered with the Fulton County Juvenile Court System mentoring youth. Mr. Gunter went on join to the Atlanta Braves front office staff as the Senior Security Supervisor supporting numerous community volunteer events across metro Atlanta and the south east region. Mr. Gunter has an Associate Degree in Human Services and is excited to start his journey with Perry County School System as the Truancy Officer.


Ms. Murtis Files, FMS 21st Century Coordinator, and Ms. Carla Harris, 21st Century Instructor, are attending the 21st Century Learning Centers 2023 Summer Symposium in New Orleans. The two-day event provides State agencies and their grantees with plenary sessions and workshops on successful strategies for implementing and managing all components of their program.


Perry County Schools Mental Health Services Coordinator, teachers and nurses are attending MEGA 2023. They will spend the week learning, growing and collaborating.




Francis Marion Math Specialist, Mrs. Sylvia Cook, along with SREB Instructional Coach, Mrs. Gail Snider presented at the Making Schools Work Conference in Orlando, Fl. Their presentation was entitled “Engaging Students in Assignments that Matter”. We are very proud of you, Mrs. Cook!



Perry County Schools will dismiss at noon on Friday, May 26, 2023.


Parents and students: WCCS is offering dual enrollment summer school. Students have until May 26 to register. See your counselor or career coach for more information. Thank you.
