FHSD District Digest | Sept. 20, 2022

DISTRICT WEBSITE

CANVAS

CAMPUS PORTAL

translate

❯

Families, staff and friends:

I am happy to report that the new school year is off to a great start and our campuses are buzzing with activity. While summer break offers important time to reflect and plan for the work ahead, there’s a palpable energy when students are here that cannot be replicated.

During the first two weeks of school, I had the opportunity to visit each of the District’s 23 schools and spend time in multiple classrooms, libraries and cafeterias. I am impressed every day with the work our teachers and support staff are doing in and out of the classroom to meet the needs of our students.

I have also enjoyed meeting many of you – parents, students, alumni and community members. I appreciate the warm welcome you’ve given me and appreciate those who have shared their hopes for the District moving forward. It has become abundantly clear through these many conversations that we all want what’s best for kids, and I’m confident that if we keep that as the focus, we will accomplish great things together this year.

FHHS

FHC

FHN

All three of our traditional high schools had the opportunity to showcase their school spirit on local television. The school year started on a high note when FOX2 News' helicopter did a flyover at Francis Howell North. KMOV broadcast live from Francis Howell Central and KSDK NewsChannel5 was at Francis Howell High .

Check out photos from the first day of school

Community turns out for Marching Band Preview

Students at Francis Howell High School, Francis Howell Central and Francis Howell North High School wowed a large crowd of attendees at the Marching Band Preview! View video of the performances here.

view photos

FHSD responds to new law impacting Missouri schools

A new state law related to sexually explicit materials in schools went into effect on August 28, 2022. As a result, the following book titles have been removed from library collections across the District.

FHSD Director of Finance earns Eagle Award

As a recipient of the Eagle Award, Reilmann will receive a $2,500 college scholarship to present to a high school student from FHSD.

Custodial Shortage

If you know of a high school student looking for a part-time job with flexible hours please encourage them to apply for a student custodial sub position. Students who are at least age 17 are eligible to apply. See job listings here.

job listing

❯

Congrats to these National Merit semifinalists

Five Francis Howell School District students have been named 2023 National Merit Scholarship Competition semifinalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) – an honor reserved for less than 1% of high school seniors. These students now have the opportunity to compete next spring for scholarships worth nearly $28 million.

Anna Mori – Francis Howell Central

Julia Pfeiffer – Francis Howell High School

Katelyn Voges – Francis Howell Central

Manisha Muthukaruppan – Francis Howell North

Trinity Young – Francis Howell High School

The safety of our students and staff is a top priority. Earlier this year, the Board of Education directed District leadership to convene a Safety Task Force to review school safety procedures and security protocols. The Task Force met last week and will soon make recommendations. For more information on safety in our schools click here.

We would like your input on how we are doing, what we should continue doing, and where we could improve in supporting every student’s learning. The District is examining its practices around Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and is asking for your thoughts and perspectives. Thank you in advance for sharing your opinion by completing this short survey.

Together with our Career Explorations Alliance partners, FHSD is offering student job shadowing experiences this fall. If you know a high school student that might be interested please encourage them to apply today.

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. Complete the FHSD Volunteer Application.

It is hard to believe we are nearly a month into the school year. We want you to bookmark the academic calendar! To access or print the 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.

School administrators joined S. M. Wilson at the Francis Howell North High School construction site. The Suicide Prevention Stand Down was held in honor of National Suicide Prevention Month.

Construction workers have one of the highest rates of suicide in any industry. The group talked about the new 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Workers learned to recognize the warning signs of mental health struggles in themselves and others and not let stigma stop them from starting a conversation or seeking help.

Follow construction progress on Twitter at the hashtag #FrancisHowellFriday. Each week we will highlight the progress made at FHN. Click here to see photos of the classroom wing stairs that were built in August.

Prop S Process Review

At its September 15, 2022 meeting, the Board of Education approved Administration's recommendation to conduct a formal Prop S Process Review with a special emphasis on the Francis Howell North construction project. The review will include both an internal process review -- which has already started -- and a review by multiple external entities. This work will culminate in a report to the Board and the public about what went well and what could be improved for future projects.

Can I see what books my child is checking out?

FHSD Learning Commons have a broad selection of books, in print and online, available for checkout. See what our school libraries have to offer by clicking on the ‘Learning Commons’ tab on your school’s webpage and then selecting ‘Find a Book’. Destiny, our library management system, allows users to search the collection by entering specific book titles, authors, or subjects. Log in to Destiny with your student's Activie Directory (AD) credentials to view items currently checked out.

This video tutorial shows you how to see what items are currently checked out.

AD Username:

AD Password:

Secondary Students: FhsdXXXXXX(Student ID #)

Elementary Students: FhXXXXXX

Reminder: parents/guardians have the ability to place restrictions on their child’s account to limit access to certain titles. To request restrictions on a student account, please contact your school’s Library Media Specialist.

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

❯

Do you know Howell Alumni?

The Howell Grown Educator Program is designed to support Francis Howell School District alumni who are pursuing a degree in education. The program will offer several perks, such as connections to FHSD job opportunities while in school and on summer vacation, guaranteed interviews for certified positions when the jobs become available, professional development opportunities through the Howell lens while working towards a degree, connections to student teaching, resume/interview coaching, and early contact about job openings in our District. We are excited to support our alumni and look forward to welcoming them back to the FHSD community as an educator! For more information please email Robin Engel.

Staff members were all smiles on the first day of school at Daniel Boone Elementary.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Roumpos visited Fairmount Elementary classrooms this month.

Shout out to Central County Fire and Rescue for their kindness and generosity. First responders delivered backpacks that will be distributed to students within our schools.

Students were excited to start the school year. Hallways and classrooms at Francis Howell North were filled with excitement and energy as students navigated their way to classes.

Monday, August 22, was an exciting day at Bryan Middle School as staff welcomed students into their new classrooms! Hear from Principal Jeff Gruener as he talks about the role a school resource officer plays every day in FHSD school hallways.

FHHS hosted the 7th Annual First Responders & Military Appreciation Night game Sept. 2. Not only did we win, but the game also helped raise nearly $2,000 for the Backstoppers. You can see video of the game and pregame presentation by clicking here.