FHSD District Digest | December 19, 2025

DISTRICT WEBSITE

CANV AS

CAMPUS PORTAL

translate

Board of Education names Mark Delaney next FHSD superintendent

Last week, Board of Education President Steven Blair officially welcomed Mark Delaney as the District’s next Superintendent. Delaney, who has served in the interim role since July, will begin his new contract Jan. 1, 2026.

learn more about our new Superintendent Mark Delaney

Students’ efforts spread holiday cheer ahead of winter break

Community service projects included supporting classmates, honoring veterans, and helping others in the community through food drives and fundraising.

FHSD band directors to represent FHSD in 2026 Rose Parade

For millions around the world, the Rose Parade is an iconic New Year’s Day tradition, and this year it will feature two music educators from Francis Howell School District.

learn more about how you can live stream the parade

Nominate a volunteer or staff member for the Howell of Fame Award

Established in 1987, the Howell of Fame awards recognize members of the Francis Howell community who have made significant contributions to the District.

nominate someone for a Howell of Fame award

Francis Howell Central and Francis Howell High School publications students will host a Board Candidate Forum on Tuesday, March 31, at 7 p.m. in the FHC Auditorium. Registration is not required. For those unable to attend in person, the students plan to livestream the forum. Please note that this event is entirely planned and organized by students. They select the questions and moderate the Q&A.

The Francis Howell School District will continue to use eduCLIMBER to securely share student information, including course placements, attendance letters, intervention plans, and reading reports. Families will receive an email from no-reply@educlimber.com with secure documents available for 1 week and instructions for accessing them. Learn more about EduClimber emails.

As shared in an earlier communication, January 16 and March 20 will be Partial School Days, with students starting school at their regular time and dismissing approximately four hours early. Dismissal times for the Partial School Days are listed on the 2025-26 Bell Schedule.

Students learn best when they are in the classroom with teachers and peers. While Canvas helps students stay on track during absences, it does not replace in-person learning. Of course, if your child is sick, we ask that you keep them home to avoid spreading illness to others. Thank you for your support.

Occupations in Critical Needs or Shortages

Missouri law section 167.902 RSMo, “Occupations in Critical Need or Shortages,” requires that the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) annually identifies occupations in which a critical need or shortage of trained personnel exists in Missouri’s labor markets. In turn, the DED shall provide such information to the Missouri Department Board of Education, whereupon it is shared with all secondary school districts within the state. Upon receipt of such data, each school district is required to compile it in a meaningful way to then share with all high school and middle school families. You can find this report here: Occupations in Critical Need or Shortages document. Information about in-demand occupations is valuable because it equips students with the insight needed to make informed decisions about their high school coursework, future academic training, and career pathways, which can lead to secure, fulfilling, and well-paying occupations.

Questions? Please email Katie Vargas, K-12 College & Career Specialist.

Students across the district marked days six and seven of school with activities and special outfits. These boys at John Weldon were excited to show off their homemade shirts!

Three Francis Howell North sophomores, Shelby Von Allmen, Alice Koblents and Riley Willen, showcased original garments at the Lindenwood Fall Fashion Show. All three are enrolled in Advanced Fashion Construction after completing levels 1 and 2. Congrats to these students for designing and creating a garment chosen to be featured on the runway.

Last week, 7th and 8th-grade Spartan Bands members presented their annual Winter Band Concert in the newly renovated auditorium at FHC! It was a wonderful night of music from all three ensembles - the Saeger Jazz Band, 7th Grade Band, and 8th Grade Band!

We’re proud of the 5th graders across the District for completing the START program! They’ve learned important skills to make healthy, positive choices. It was all smiles for School Resource Officer Scott at Daniel Boone, as he loves seeing students make great choices.