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Soccer team steps up to help clean their school amid custodial staffing shortage
A group of student-athletes has stepped up to help clean as dozens of custodial positions remain open at Francis Howell School District school buildings.

With more than 16,000 students enrolled at FHSD and 23 school buildings to maintain, the custodial staff is struggling to keep up due to significant staffing shortages. 

That’s what inspired Francis Howell Central High School soccer coach Tay Yochum to help. He hopes sharing his team’s story might inspire others to do the same.

“I heard that the District has been affected by the labor shortage and desperately needed custodians. I knew the 20 boys on our soccer team could use this opportunity to help as a teambuilding exercise,” Yochum said.

The soccer team came together and volunteered in place of their typical practice routine. Once they were equipped with mops, brooms and vacuums, they went to work! The group dusted the tops of lockers and swept every hallway of their school. The team hopes their efforts will inspire more groups to get involved at their own schools. 
FHSD names Dr. Kenneth Roumpos as Superintendent
The Board of Education voted unanimously to offer Dr. Roumpos a three-year superintendent contract.
FHSD named best district in St. Charles County and #8 in the state
Niche released its 2023 list of Best Schools in America, and has ranked the Francis Howell School District #8 in Missouri. That is the highest ranking of any school district in St. Charles County and the 7th highest in the St. Louis region.
Cottleville Firefighters buy books, school supplies for 20 FHSD classrooms
Twenty teachers from across the District were excited to find out that they were selected by Cottleville Firefighters Outreach to receive free supplies.
FHSD provides new way for guardians to monitor student book selections
Parents/guardians can log in to Destiny Discover to see which books their child(ren) have checked out or request a daily email with this information.
The safety of our students and staff is a top priority. Earlier this year, the FHSD Board of Education directed District leadership to convene a Safety Task Force to review school safety procedures and security protocols. Please share your thoughts with the Safety Task Force by completing this survey. 
We are excited to re-launch the Great by 8 Program in most of our elementary schools! The Great by 8 program is designed to increase and improve student reading proficiency by age eight. A key component of the program is driven by community volunteers. First quarter training happens tomorrow, October 18.
Have you ever been unable to concentrate because you were hungry? Did you know there are students in our District who are not able to purchase a lunch? To address this need, FHSD created a Lunch Heroes program. Learn more about how you can help here by clicking here.
We are thrilled to welcome volunteers back into our buildings this school year! The District requires that all volunteers be fingerprinted and have a background check. There are many ways to get involved, but first, you must complete your FHSD Volunteer Application.
Two months into the school year and Fall Break begins next week! Time flies when you're having fun. To access or print the academic calendar please click here. 
We have a number of openings for bus drivers, substitute teachers, custodians, food service and paraprofessionals to support our schools. View the list of open positions here.
At its September 15, 2022 meeting, the Board of Education and the public received an update on the Francis Howell North High School construction from Project Manager Jeremy Boettler.

For the first time, we are starting to see what the facade of the future school will look like. The brick veneer is going up on the storm shelter and will be complete on the auditorium by the end of October. The architects selected a brick that is similar to the original FHN school. Roof work and steel erection is underway. Mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection installation continues throughout the main level classroom wings and central corridor of the building.
Board Work Session to Discuss Demographer Study

On Thursday, October 6, the Board met in a workshop format to discuss a recent demographic and enrollment projection study commissioned by the Board. The purpose of the study was to be proactive in planning for changes in local demographics and student enrollment and to identify future resource needs and potential challenges the District might face in the next 5-10 years. The study was conducted by Business Information Services, LLC. The slides presented during the work session and the full report are available on BoardDocs. The District Facilities Committee, Prop S Design Team and District leadership will use this information as they consider recommendations for remaining Prop S projects.
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Do you have ideas on how we could improve the school year calendar? Share your suggestions!

Please view the draft of the proposed 2024-25 calendar. The same parameters are used yearly when developing the calendar. View an explanation of each parameter and its effect on the calendar. The draft is similar to the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 approved school year calendars. Please take a minute to provide feedback by filling out the calendar survey. The survey closes Thursday, November 4.
Each October, schools around the country celebrate Digital Wellness Week. Harvest Ridge Elementary held an assembly to talk about the importance of being safe and respectful online.
Superintendent Roumpos visited staff and students at Henderson Elementary. He helped celebrate five students for positive office referrals!
FHSD teachers Jennifer Daugherty and Lori Rupp join an elite group of St. Louis area educators selected to receive the 2022 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award. The Emerson Excellence in teaching Awards is one of the St. Louis region’s most acknowledged teacher recognition programs. Read more.
The Francis Howell North cheer team brought the spirit for Tailgate Fridays on KSDK's Show Me St. Louis. The team introduced themselves, performed a cheer and explained what it takes to be a Knight Cheerleader. Watch their performance by clicking here.
The Francis Howell High Vikings have a new district championship to add to the trophy case after defeating Troy in the Class 5 District 4 softball championship game. View more St. Louis Post Dispatch photos by clicking here. Congratulations to all of our schools and athletes on their amazing seasons!
If you’re planning on going to the St Louis Renaissance Faire this weekend, make sure you check out Francis Howell Central’s talented student performers! The FHC Spotlight Players will be performing "The Seussification of a Midsummers Night Dream" at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Oct. 22 and 23. More info here.
Kyndal Jacobs, an 8th grader at Barnwell Middle School, was selected as the Student Board Representative for the September meeting. She was introduced by Assistant Principal Dr. Erin Thurston.
October is National Principals Month, a time to celebrate the essential role that principals play in making a school great. We recognize all of our amazing principals for how they help students each and every day!
In the News
Francis Howell High School athlete breaks state record
Francis Howell North cheer team performs live on KSDK 5 On Your Side
OCT. 19
Collaboration Wednesday - Early Release
Secondary Schools
OCT. 24 - 28
No School, Fall Break
All K-12 Schools
OCT. 31
No School, Teacher PD Day
All K-12 Schools
NOV. 8
No School, Election and Teacher PD Day
All K-12 Schools
NOV. 9
Collaboration Wednesday - Early Release
Secondary Schools
NOV. 16
Collaboration Wednesday - Early Release
Secondary Schools
NOV. 23 - 25
No School, Thanksgiving Break
All K-12 Schools
NOV. 30
Collaboration Wednesday - Early Release
Secondary Schools