FHSD District Digest | February 4, 2025

FHSD celebrates teacher and support staff of the year winners

The Francis Howell School District is excited to announce the winners of the Teacher of the Year and Support Staff Employee of the Year awards for each of our 23 schools and administrative facilities. Read more about our winners.

see winners

Francis Howell Central’s esports team crowned state champions

Francis Howell Central's esports team won the 2024 Overwatch State Championship, defeating Blue Springs South 3-1 in the final match.

learn more

Search firm presents new Superintendent profile

During a special open Zoom meeting with the FHSD Board of Education on January 27, Dr. Kevin O’Mara and Ms. Diane Robertson with School Exec Connect shared key themes that emerged through their conversations and survey data, and then presented the New Superintendent Profile.

learn more

Four candidates file for 2025 Board of Education election

Candidate filing for the April 8, 2025 election to the Francis Howell School District Board of Education was open from Dec. 10 – Dec. 31, 2024. The terms of current Board members Adam Bertrand and Randy Cook will expire in April 2025.

learn more

FHSD Superintendent invites students, staff to showcase creativity in new art contest

The Francis Howell School District is hosting an art competition, inviting students and staff to participate.

learn more

Francis Howell School District invites teachers to 'Meet FHSD' open house

The Francis Howell School District is holding an informal open house event for teachers and other certified job candidates who are considering a career with FHSD.

learn more

Help with the hiring process for two key leadership roles

FHSD has posted two key leadership positions to join the team beginning July 1, 2025, and would like your help in the process. Community stakeholders are invited to provide input by February 7 on desirable characteristics and traits successful candidates should possess.

share feedback

Jana Schultz named Independence Elementary Principal

Jana Schultz will serve as the new principal at Independence Elementary School beginning July 1, 2025. Schultz currently serves as an assistant principal at Independence.

❯

How can I add funds to my child(ren)’s lunch account?

The Web Store allows you to fund your student's lunch account electronically.

How can I track activity and set spending limits for my child(ren)’s lunch account?

The EZ School Pay website allows you to track account activity and set spending limits. You cannot add money to lunch accounts on this website. Questions? Contact Sodexo at 636-851-6054.

How can I donate to the Lunch Heroes program?

The FHSD Lunch Heroes program allows for donations from parents, community members and District staff to support students when they no longer have funds in their lunch accounts. Our goal is to make sure that all students can receive a hot lunch. Individuals who wish to donate to the Lunch Heroes program can do so by visiting the District web store.

Join us for the next Family Learning Series on Saturday, March 8 from 8 a.m. to noon. This event aims to unite families and the community to enhance understanding of mental health and its connection to the school environment. This free, informative event is hosted by the District’s Inspire team and helps families explore available resources. Register to attend.

The District will soon begin preschool registration for the 2025-26 school year. Online enrollment opens at 9 a.m. on February 11, 2025, for currently enrolled preschool families and FHSD employees. If you do not have a child currently enrolled in preschool, your enrollment date will be February 25, 2025. Enrollment links can be accessed directly on each preschool site.

FHC and FHHS publications students are teaming up to host a Board Candidate Forum on Tuesday, March 18 at 7 p.m. Students will reach out to our four Board candidates soon with an invitation. The event will be held in the FHC Auditorium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the forum begins at 7:00 p.m.

The District has started enrolling students for the 2025-26 Kindergarten class. Missouri law states that students must be five years old before the first day of August to enroll in Kindergarten. FHSD Kindergarten is a full-day program offered at 10 elementary schools. Kindergarten registration information.

❯

Graduation dates and times

Graduation day will be here before we know it. View all of the dates, times and locations for graduation.

❯

Attendance matters

As always, we ask that if your child is sick or experiencing symptoms of influenza, COVID-19 or any other illness please 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!

❯

Save the Dates: Senior PALS Events

Residents age 55+ are invited to be part of our Senior PALS program. Mark your calendars for two upcoming Senior PALS events. An email with more information and a link to register will be sent soon:

Monday, March 10: Spartan Community Band Concert at Saeger Middle School
Wednesday, May 7: Cupcake Wars at Francis Howell School Central High School

❯

2nd Quarter Report Cards

2nd Quarter Report Cards are available for viewing on the Parent Portal until February 21. If parents wish to have a printed copy of their child's report card, it must be accessed and printed from the Parent Portal.

❯

St. Charles County Job Fair & Career Expo

The 3rd annual St. Charles County Job Fair & Career Expo will be held at the newly-opened Francis Howell North High School on Tuesday, March 11, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. The evening is for all high school students in our region, ages 16 years and older (or soon-to-be!), looking for part-time employment, summertime employment, and/or full-time employment that offers competitive salary and benefits packages. View the event website or event flyer for more information.

Francis Howell Middle School’s Student Council hosted Winterfest last week! The evening was filled with fun activities for all ages. With support from FHMS families and the community, the event celebrates togetherness and raises funds for local families in need. Winterfest photos.

Local law enforcement partners attended the Substance Tobacco Alcohol Resistance Training (S.T.A.R.T) Graduation for 5th graders at Fairmount Elementary. For a semester, students learn about tobacco, alcohol, illicit drugs, bullying, peer pressure and citizenship. View the photos from the S.T.A.R.T. Graduation.

February 15 is National School Resource Officer (SRO) Appreciation Day. This year Feb. 15 falls on a Saturday, so we will celebrate the day before. SROs bridge the gap between youth and law enforcement in the schools they serve and keep our students and staff safe.

Nathan Griffin was recently named Outstanding Music Educator of the Year! He has dedicated 17 years to building a respected, thriving music program at Francis Howell Central. See more photos of Nathan Griffin's surprise!