FHSD District Digest | March 27, 2023

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WATCH: Castlio Elementary community comes together to host STEM Day for students

Thank you to all of the parents and volunteers who offered their time and talents to make the day a great success.

watch video

Olivia Howard named FHSD Teacher of the Year

Olivia Howard, choir director at Francis Howell Middle School, was selected as the 2022-23 Teacher of the Year for the Francis Howell School District.

Don't Forget to Cast Your Ballot on April 4th!

Seven FHSD citizens are vying for three seats on the Board of Education in the April 4 election. Hear directly from the candidates at the student-hosted Board Candidate Forum - 7 p.m. March 29 at Francis Howell Central.

FHSD hires new Director of Student Services

The Francis Howell School District is pleased to announce that Dr. Holly Broadway-Yates has been hired as the new Director of Student Services, effective July 1, 2023.

Francis Howell School District earns one of the highest APR scores in the state

With an overall score of 91.8%, FHSD has one of the highest APR scores in the state, placing FHSD in the top 5% of all Missouri school districts.

FHSD welcomes new Director of Finance

As the Director of Finance, Jacob Myers will plan, organize and supervise FHSD’s financial accounting and reporting functions. He will also be monitoring and adjusting the budget as needed.

Darlene Kruse wins 2023 Support Staff of the Year Award

Darlene Kruse, a Building Information Specialist at Bryan Middle School, was selected as FHSD's Support Staff Employee of the Year.

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Help us find the next Deputy Superintendent

The deputy superintendent position has been vacant since July 1, 2022 when then-deputy Dr. Kenneth Roumpos assumed the role of interim superintendent (and later, superintendent). We are now asking for the community’s help in finding a well-qualified individual to join the FHSD leadership team as deputy superintendent. The job description is posted online and prospective candidates can apply through Wednesday, April 5. Please share the posting with professionals in your network who may be qualified for this important role. We also invite you to provide input on the desired characteristics our hiring committees should be looking for as they interview candidates. Provide your feedback by completing this short form.

The Francis Howell School District is pleased to announce that Dr. Amie Bemke has been selected as the new principal at Saeger Middle School beginning July 1, 2023.

Dr. Edward Rodgers has been selected as the new principal at Westwood Trail Academy.

The Francis Howell School District has announced the hiring of Mallory Vorce as the permanent Admin Intern of John Weldon Elementary.

Congratulations to Ms. Cathy Verberkmoes who has been selected as the permanent Admin Intern at Daniel Boone Elementary.

Prop S Work Continues

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 with S.M. Wilson as structural steel detailing and stair installation is underway throughout the Main Level Commons, Cafeteria and Administration Area. This spring, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection installation will continue throughout the Upper-Level Classrooms, both gyms and the Auditorium. Click here for a more detailed breakdown presented at the last Board of Education Meeting.

Follow construction progress on Twitter at the hashtag #FrancisHowellFriday.

ICYMI: Francis Howell School District conducts Internal Prop S Process Review

Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Roumpos presented the results of an internal Prop S Process Review at the March, 16, 2023, Board of Education Meeting. The Superintendent's presentation was livestreamed via the District's YouTube channel and you can view the recording by visiting FHSD on YouTube.

NOTE: It was brought to our attention that the audio is difficult to hear on the livestream link. We downloaded the recording and upped the audio volume. You can watch the enhanced video here (same video, louder volume).

view Prop S Process Review

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Board of Education Work Session - March 30

Like many school districts, FHSD is experiencing a shortage of bus drivers and our current transportation model is unsustainable. Following a Citizens Roundtable event and community survey focused on transportation, Administration is recommending several proposed changes to busing for the 2023-24 school year. The Board of Education will hold a public work session this Thursday, March 30, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Administration Building (801 Corporate Centre Drive in O'Fallon). At this work session, District administrators will present a summary of the Roundtable and survey feedback as well as recommended changes for next school year and beyond. The public is invited to attend this work session to hear more about the transportation challenges the District is facing and potential solutions. The Board is expected to vote on the recommendations at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting on Thursday, April 20. A livestream of the work session will be available on the District's YouTube channel.

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Volunteers Needed for Upcoming Career Fair

In partnership with Junior Achievement, the Francis Howell School District is hosting a spring career fair for our 7th grade students! JA Career Exploration Fair is an event where students learn about a range of career options.

Volunteers are needed to sign up to share information about their businesses and/or jobs, and students ask questions as the speakers or students rotate from station to station. The career fair is scheduled for April 5th and 6th at the FHSD Administration Building (801 Corporate Centre Drive in O'Fallon).

If you know somebody who might be interested in volunteering as one of our career professionals from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. one or both days, please email Sheila Farrell, JA Senior Program Manager, at sfarrell@jastl.org.

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Summer Camp Registration Underway

FHSD Summer Camp Registration for students currently in Kindergarten through 8th grades began on March 1. Summer camps provide no-cost opportunities for students to explore interests and experience hands-on learning with certified teachers. Robotics, STEM, Summer Art Studio, and Sports and Fitness Camps will be held for current Kindergarten through 5th grade students at Castlio Elementary. STEM, App, Biomed, and Theater Camps will be held at FHHS for current 6th through 8th grade students. Families must provide their own transportation for summer camps. Please register by clicking here.

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Board of Education 2023 Candidate Forum

Seven Francis Howell School District citizens will be vying for three seats on the Board of Education in the April 4, 2023, election. The election for the FHSD Board of Education is set for Tuesday, April 4. Students with the Francis Howell Central publications team are holding a Board of Education Candidate Forum on Wednesday, March 29 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. in the FHC auditorium. The event will be live-streamed for the community on fhctoday.com.

meet your candidates

Thank you to all who came out for our Meet FHSD event earlier this month! More than 100 possible job candidates learned more about why Francis Howell School District is the best place to work. Are you interested in applying for a position or know someone who might be? Visit our District website to learn more about our current job openings and apply.

Thanks to all the families, teachers, administrators, students and volunteers who made Hollenbeck Middle School's Annual Raise Craze fundraiser an amazing success. Together the school raised $22,933 in donations, completed 1,913 Acts of Kindness and collected 1,600 food donations. Click here to see more photos.

The 2023 Spartan Community Band concert was a huge success! Beginning in 2012 with around 60 members, this ensemble has doubled in size - 120 musicians performed together to celebrate Music In Our Schools Month! Click here to hear them play.

Fourth-grade students, teachers and parent-volunteers participated in Prairie Day at Castlio Elementary. The students learned what it was like to live in the 1800’s as they experienced cooking, dancing, chores, sewing and building toy wagons – all the “old fashioned” way!