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COVID-19 Update - No Change to Protocols
Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt recently sent letters to public school and health officials on the recent ruling that renders COVID-19 health orders "null and void."

The District has consulted with its legal counsel and been advised that this court ruling does not impact the ability for school boards to put mitigation measures in place that apply to district operations, including masking and exclusions from school.
 
At this time, the Francis Howell School District and all of its school buildings will operate under the Board-approved mask and mitigation measures currently in place.
 
The Board will consider changes to these measures at their next regularly scheduled Board meeting on Dec. 16. Until then, there are no changes to masking and school exclusion protocols in FHSD.

Barring any significant changes, Administration plans to recommend to the Board that current mitigation measures remain in place through Winter Break, then return to school in January in a mask-optional environment. The FHSD Board of Education will make the final determination on mitigation protocols at the Dec. 16 Board meeting.
Special Olympics Basketball Tournament
The highly anticipated Francis Howell Special Olympics Basketball Tournament is happening this weekend. This event allows athletes of all abilities the opportunity to play on a team in front of their friends and family.
Community Resource Fair
An event that has been an FHSD tradition for almost a decade will be here before we know it. The Alternative Learning Department is hosting the 2021 Community Resource Fair on Saturday, Dec. 11.
Work for FHSD
We're hiring for a variety of roles throughout the District.
District Annual Performance Report
The District submits data to DESE every year to measure our performance in a number of key areas. See how we performed in the 2020-2021 report card.
FHN Construction Survey
The Francis Howell Board of Education requests your input as we consider how to move forward with the Francis Howell North construction project. Please read the FAQs here and take this short survey before Dec. 13. The Board will take action on this item at the next regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, Dec. 16.
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Howell of Fame Nominations open Dec. 20

Howell of Fame is among the District's most prestigious awards. The purpose is to recognize individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty to serve the District in meaningful ways. Be thinking about the many different parents, volunteers, community organizations, and staff members who represent the very best of Howell and whose efforts have made a lasting impact on the District and its people. Nominations will be accepted between Dec. 20 and March 10. Look for an email from the District when nominations open.
Students at Castlio Elementary School raised more than $3,800 for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation program. With the money, STUCO members purchased 11 carts full of toys and other items at Target.

Head over to the District Instagram to see the students in action! @fhsdschools
Candidate filing for the April 5, 2022, election to the Francis Howell School District Board of Education opened Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021 and continues until 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021. The terms of current Board Members Mike Hoehn and Michelle Walker will expire in April 2022. Read more.

Thank you to the more than 2,700 community members who participated in the District's first ThoughtExchange. One of the things we heard was the importance of attracting and retaining high-quality teachers to maintain our reputation as a top-ranked school district. We have since launched a staff-only ThoughtExchange to help generate specific recruitment and retention ideas. Read more.
Juniors and seniors at all of the District's high schools have the opportunity to join the St. Charles County CAPS program. The online application is open now. The deadline to apply for next year's program is Monday, Dec. 13 Learn more about the program.

Senior students who are in the process of submitting college, scholarship and/or job applications can participate in free mock interviews. These interviews prepare students for this important part of the application process. Click here for more info.
More than 5,000 community members responded to our survey regarding the use of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds from the federal government. As a result of feedback received through the community survey and focus groups, the following general areas of expenditure were identified: academic and logistical support to address student learning loss, curriculum and instructional updates and support, and staff salaries. Read more.

The District is set to begin preschool registration for the 2022-23 school year. FHSD has a quality preschool program that provides social and pre-academic experiences for children. Enrollment opens Jan. 24 at 10 a.m. for returning families and FHSD staff. New FHSD families can register beginning Jan. 31 at 10 a.m. Open enrollment begins February 28 at 10 a.m.
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COUNTDOWN: 7 more days
of school until Winter Break
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COVID-19 Vaccine: Remember to send a copy of your vaccination card to the school nurse
On October 29, the FDA authorized the use of the COVID-19 vaccine in children aged 5-11 years. If you choose to have your child vaccinated, please share a copy of their vaccination card with the school nurse to expedite the contact-tracing process in the event of a close contact exposure at school.

Parents may also wish to know that the District is planning for a potential return to school in January in a mask-optional environment for all grade levels. Vaccination - for families who choose that option - will offer a layer of protection for our youngest learners. For more information about vaccine availability, contact your primary doctor or visit vaccines.gov.

Thank you for your cooperation in making the health and education of our students a top priority!
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Attendance Matters
As always, we ask that if your child is sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, you keep them home. However, we have seen an increase in the number of students who are choosing to miss school for reasons other than illness.

We know that students learn best when they're engaging with teachers and peers in the classroom environment. While assignments at the secondary level are posted on Canvas to allow students to keep up with work while absent, this is no substitution for in-person learning. If students are not sick, they should be in the classroom. Please encourage good attendance for your child. Thank you for your cooperation!
Becky-David Elementary School recently celebrated its 58th birthday. On November 16, 1963 the school opened its doors for the very first time. Happy belated birthday Becky-David!
The Francis Howell Student Council food drive was a huge success! 3,000 cans were donated to the Oasis Food Pantry which serves the needs of St. Charles County residents.
440 individuals in need enjoyed a holiday dinner this year thanks to students and staff who volunteered over Thanksgiving Break. The District partnered with Sodexo and the St. Louis Area Foodbank to host a meal giveaway.
In honor of Veterans Day, FHSD students saluted their local heroes. Elementary and middle schools held drive-thru parades. The students and staff invited dozens of local Veterans to thank for their service!
Students enjoying recess on a warm fall day at Henderson Elementary!
Students at Castlio Elementary learned the value of giving back by shopping for the Marine's Toys for Tots program. Learn more.
In the News
Cottleville firefighters help keep FHSD students warm this winter
FHN student articles published in special version of the Post-Dispatch
FHSD honors veterans with celebrations at schools throughout the District
This year is Vacation Station's 30th Anniversary! The program provides families a safe and fun place for their children during our District’s breaks. Did you know that through parent tuition the Heritage Landing building was built so Vacation Station could house the five cycles in 1996?
DEC. 15
Collaboration Wednesday - Early Release
All K-12 Schools
DEC. 22 - 31
No School
Winter Break

JAN. 5
Collaboration Wednesday - Early Release
All K-12 Schools
DEC. 16 | 6:30 PM
Board of Education Meeting
Westwood Trail Academy

JAN. 3
Classes resume
All K-12 Schools
JAN. 12
Early Release Day
Secondary only