Posted March 7, 2024
“Florence Tracy is my role model for how to provide high levels of support and accountability to families. When in doubt, I ask myself, “What would Florence do?” Being part of the meetings Florence has with families has taught me how to interact with students and parents in a way that they feel supported and pushed to follow through on the commitments they make. The students on Florence’s caseload consistently make huge gains in their credit earning, attendance and connection to the school. More importantly, having followed through on their commitments and been successful (often for the first time in a long time) students have a renewed sense of self-efficacy, increased self-esteem and a sense that they can create the future that they dream of. Florence is patient and continues to work with families long after others would have given up. Because of this, students credit Florence with getting them over the finish line to graduation. Florence masterfully supports students whose path through high school is not a sprint, but a marathon. At the end of this school year, Florence is retiring from DPS for a second time. She joined the Denver Online team in 2014, and dedicated another decade to the next generation. The team at Denver Online and the many students and families she has supported have benefited immensely from her dedication. Florence, thank you for being my mentor and my role model! You have made me a better educator and human. Thank you!“ – Nadia Coleman, Denver Online
“Florence Tracy has made a huge impact in her time at Denver Online by helping support and re-engage our most at-risk students & families. She would make a good bounty hunter, except that she is too nice for that job because she has the ability to track down and establish rapport with students and families who have long given up on the school system. From helping them find housing and financial assistance to connecting them with their teachers and creating plans for success, she seems to be able to do it all. I have partnered with Florence for the past several years and she will be sorely missed when she retires for the second time this summer. She leaves some big shoes to fill.” – Casey Burton, Denver Online
“I have had the privilege to work with Florence Tracy over the past several years since her first “retirement.” Florence is one of the most professional and relentless people I know. For many years, she has supported students at Denver Online in engaging in school and ultimately reaching their educational goals. She comes with a stern, but incredibly caring approach and, while families are initially startled by her attentiveness, they value her consistency and persistence so very much. She has saved so many students at Denver Online from dropping out of school and has worked so hard to get them the support that they need to be successful! I have learned so much from Florence, will miss her terribly, and am grateful to call her my colleague and friend. Thank you for many great years at Denver Online, Florence!” – Ian Jones, Denver Online
“Florence Tracy was first friend when I worked for Denver Online years ago until today. You have been my guide and mentor and the perfect model SSP for working with our high mental health needs population. There is no student you could not find and engage. The difference you have made is immeasurable. I wish you only the best as you move into this new chapter. Thank you so much. I am grateful for and appreciate you more than I can say.“ – Mary Beth Carlson, DOL