Salute to service: Francis Howell Schools rally behind our Veterans in heartfelt celebrations

FHSD students, educators and administrators organized Veterans Day celebrations to honor active and former U.S. military members. Schools across the District extended invitations to veterans for special events in recognition of the occasion, featuring meals, student performances, military tributes, and guest speakers. Click here for additional Veterans Day photos.

Please review FHSD's inclement weather procedures



The Francis Howell School District is preparing for the upcoming inclement weather season. Contact information can be updated at any time in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Click here for instructions on how to update contact information in Infinite Campus. The contact information listed in Infinite Campus will be used for all SchoolMessenger alerts, so it is imperative that your information is correct.

The District's Alternative Learning Department is sponsoring the 2025 Community Resource Fair on Saturday, Dec. 13.  Attending agencies provide services in assistive technology, recreation, mental health, behavior support, transition planning, and more! 

The Francis Howell School District is excited to announce that NotebookLM, a secure and powerful AI-powered research and study tool, is now available for students in our district! Learn more about the new resource available for both students and staff members.

As the leaves and temperatures begin to fall and the temperature drops, the thought of a snow day crosses our minds. This year, FHSD has decided to use Alternative Methods of Instruction for the first five snow days, with students learning remotely. Any additional snow days will be made up at the end of the year. AMI work is designed so students can complete it without Internet or computer access. Learn more by visiting the District's AMI web page.

Candidate filing for the April 7, 2026 election to the Francis Howell School District Board of Education, opens on Tuesday, Dec 9, 2025 and continues until Dec 30, 2025. Current Board members Ron Harmon, Mark Ponder and Jane Puszkar's terms will expire in April 2026. Eligible candidates must meet citizenship, residency, tax and legal requirements before filing in person. Learn more about eligibility or how to file by visiting the District website.

Castlio Elementary fourth graders became entrepreneurs this semester during a special lesson. Market Day supports the Francis Howell School District’s strategic plan by teaching students real-world financial skills and the value of smart money management. You can view photos from the Castlio Market Day on the Francis Howell Facebook page.

Nearly 100 high school students from three Francis Howell high schools participated in the Missouri Youth and Government Convention in Jefferson City. Held each fall at the State Capitol, MOYAG is a three-day program that simulates state government for students. You can learn more about the event and honors on the District's website.

This month, we celebrated the District’s Parents as Teachers (PAT) team! For 44 years, PAT has equipped families with the tools and knowledge to support their children’s growth and prepare them for school success. Through home visits, group connections, developmental screenings, and referrals, parent educators help families build strong relationships, understand milestones, and foster positive growth. Francis Howell’s Parents as Teachers Program is free to all families in the Francis Howell School District. Learn more about PAT services!

We are grateful for partnerships that support our schools! Cottleville Fire Outreach donated 300+ new winter coats to students. Plus, Marcy’s Project and Gateway Realty teamed up to provide hats and gloves for kids across the District. This new winter gear will help keep kids warm while they walk to school, wait at the bus stop or play outside at recess. These types of partnerships are invaluable to help the schools meet the needs of every student. Thank you to all groups and individuals who donate time and resources to our schools.

Fall sports and activities have come to a close, and the winter season is underway. The hard work and dedication of student athletes have shone bright across the enitre District this fall. There have been many individual and team accomplishments this fall, including a historic first for Francis Howell High School cheerleading team which won the first-ever Varsity State Championship in Columbia. Congratulations!

This month the Communications Department hosted the District’s first PTO Presidents Forum. Leaders from all 23 schools were invited to gather and share ideas on fundraising, their biggest wins and how to expand support for their school community. They also reviewed key guidelines for purchasing and other PTO processes. The group will meet again in the spring to continue this work.

Francis Howell Union's Treats of Thanks brought staff, students, and the administration building together to wrap up the Gratitude Giveback Challenge, which raised funds for local charities and encouraged acts of kindness throughout our community! Watch a video of the District's Interim Superintendent, Director of Alternative Learning, and Francis Howell Union's School Resource Officer being "pied" for a good cause!

Congratulations to Angie Underwood-Olson, winner of the 2025 School Nurse Administrator of the Year Award from the St. Louis Suburban School Nurses' Association! The St. Louis Suburban School Nurses' Association is a district of the Missouri Association of School Nurses, which supports approximately 340 public and private school nurses in the metropolitan St. Louis area. Ms. Underwood-Olson's care makes a lasting impact on FHSD students every day.

Hackmann Road Early Childhood Center hosted Donuts with Grown Ups, bringing students and their favorite adults together for a sweet treat and fun classroom activities!

Westwood Trail Academy celebrated its annual Thanksgiving meal for staff, students, and their families. Guests enjoyed a warm, delicious meal, spent time together, and joined in fun, Thanksgiving-themed activities.