FHSD District Digest | March 15, 2024

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FHSD Board of Education votes unanimously to extend contract for Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Roumpos

The school board voted unanimously to extend Roumpos’ contract for another three years, through the end of the 2026-27 school year.

FHSD elementary students showcase skills in ‘Future Chefs’ challenge

Students in grades K-5 participated in a cooking competition with peers for a chance at regionals.

see recipes here

Nicole Ashraf named FHSD Teacher of the Year

Nicole Ashraf, 5th grade teacher at Castlio Elementary, was selected as the 2024 District Teacher of the Year for the Francis Howell School District.

Don't forget to cast your ballot on April 2

Four FHSD citizens are vying for two seats on the Board of Education in the April 2 election. Hear directly from the candidates at the student-hosted Board Candidate Forum - 7 p.m. March 19 at Francis Howell Central.

FHN Principal recognized for dedication to his school's journalism program

Jeff Fletcher was named 2024 Administrator of the Year by the Missouri Interscholastic Journalism Association.

91 students place at DECA State Career Development Conference

Francis Howell School District had 91 students place at the 2024 DECA State Career Development Conference in Kansas City, Mo.

A ten year old, a soccer ball, and a dream

FHSD alumna Sam Cary’s soccer career began at recess while attending Castlio Elementary School.

#OneHowell store closes this Sunday

Back by popular demand, the #OneHowell online shop is back! The store will be open for orders through March 17. Orders placed now are expected to be delivered mid-April.

shop the #OneHowell store

FHSD Support Staff Employee of the Year celebrated

Mary Meritt, administrative assistant to the director of alternative learning, was named District Support Staff of the Year.

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Missed our last Citizen's Roundtable? Share your thoughts about FHSD's culture and climate

About 100 patrons joined together last month to participate in a Citizens Roundtable event focused on improving culture and climate in our schools.

Roundtable participants had the opportunity to take a closer look at what the District is doing well, and more importantly, where improvement is needed.

We understand that many stakeholders were unable to attend the Roundtable due to other commitments, so we are providing an additional forum for input.

Please view the brief slide deck shared with participants, then take this survey to answer the same questions posed at the Roundtable event. The survey will be open through March 21.

take the survey

BOE met in special session Thursday to discuss recommendations for Prop S bond project

Construction at the new Francis Howell North High School is moving along and is on track to open in the fall of 2024. The Facilities and Operations Department has been working closely with S.M. Wilson to oversee the work as it nears completion.

The Board of Education met in a special work session on Thursday, March 14 to discuss the prioritization and potential next steps for the remaining Prop S bond funds. The presentation was livestreamed via the District's YouTube channel and you can view the recording by visiting FHSD on YouTube.

The Board approved a motion to move forward with the next phase of recommended Prop S projects. The community will be provided a summary of the presentation at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting on Thursday, March 21.

view bond project recommendations

The Dollywood Foundation and Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education have teamed up to foster a love of reading to children statewide. Dolly Parton's Imaginary Library delivers high-quality, age-appropriate books each month to the homes of registered children under 5. Parton's efforts are dedicated to inspiring a love for reading.

The registration for the program is free, and there will be no cost each month for the books or the postage to deliver them.

FHSD Summer Camp Registration for students currently in Kindergarten through 8th grades began March 1. The District offers various summer programs to support and enrich student learning. There is no cost to attend. Visit this page to learn more about the District’s elementary and middle school summer enrichment camps, as well as the AP Prep Camp and MAC Scholar Summer Academy for high school students.

The Missouri School Board Association has declared March School Board Recognition Month, Please join us in thanking our Board members for volunteering their time to make FHSD the best it can be.

The 2023-2024 Return to School Plan has been updated to reflect the latest guidance from the CDC (refer to page 6). People who test positive for the coronavirus no longer need to stay home from work and school for five days. Read more about the CDC’s change here.

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requires that students attend school for a minimum of 1,044 hours of instruction each year. We have experienced two snow days this school year. In order to keep the senior class above the DESE minimum, the last day of school for the senior class is now Tuesday, May 21. Seniors will be dismissed from school after 4th hour at all high school campuses. Please note that this is the only time that the senior class will attend for a partial day.

The District has begun the process of registering students for the 2024-25 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, tuition-free program offered at 10 elementary schools. The registration process requires proof of residency, student immunization records, student birth certificate, or another document to verify birthdate and parent/guardian ID. For more information, click here.

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FHSD prepares students and staff for an unforgettable solar eclipse experience

On April 8, 2024, FHSD will be in the path of another solar eclipse. Unlike in 2017, no part of our district will be in total darkness/totality. The complete eclipse event lasts for just over two and a half hours, beginning around 12:42 p.m. and ending around 3:15 p.m., with the maximum eclipse occurring at 2 p.m. The District will provide solar eclipse glasses for students, staff, and volunteers.

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Save the Date! Family Learning Series - April 27

Join us for the next Family Learning Series on Saturday, April 27 beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Saeger Middle School. Mental Health specialists with the Francis Howell School District have organized a series of informative sessions focused on Healthy Minds, Healthy Schools. Topics offered will include ADHD, anxiety, stress, social media and mental health. Childcare will be provided. More information and a registration form will be sent via email prior to Spring Break.

Schools across the District celebrated Black History Month. View Central Elementary’s morning announcements, FHC’s storyteller presentation, and FHMS’s art contest.

Last Saturday, families enjoyed a hopping good time at Francis Howell PALS' Annual Bunny Bonanza, featuring crafts, games, and an egg-citing egg hunt!

Harvest Ridge Elementary recently celebrated diversity and unity with a vibrant Culture Night, where families, students and staff shared their rich heritage through language, food, music and art.

The District partnered with Junior Achievement of Greater St. Louis, Inc. to host the annual 7^th grade career fair and provide FHSD middle school students an opportunity to learn about various occupations and trades.

Castlio Elementary recently hosted a spaghetti dinner for first responders as a thank you for their service.

To show their appreciation for staff, the principals at FHN celebrated Tech-less Tuesday and served up a delicious barbecue that included burger bytes, computer chips, and more!