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District Digest | Sept. 8, 2026

FHSD launches informative Prop O & Prop H website


On November 3, 2026, voters in the Francis Howell School District have an opportunity to consider two zero-tax-rate-increase ballot measures.


Prop O (levy transfer): Allows the District to transfer funds from debt service to the operating budget.


Prop H (bond issue): Authorizes the District to borrow money for facility repairs and improvements.


Please join us at the Administration Building for three informational sessions regarding Props O and H on the following dates:

  • 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29
  • 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12
  • 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27


Paid for by the Francis Howell School District — Mr. Mark Delaney, Superintendent, 801 Corporate Centre Drive, O'Fallon, MO 63368

FHSD staff welcomed students back from summer vacation


Our schools were buzzing with excitement from students, teachers and staff as we celebrated the first day of school on Monday, Aug. 24. 

Join us in welcoming the 2026-27 Citizens in our Schools cohort

The 2026-27 cohort for FHSD's Citizens in our Schools program pose for a group picture outside of the District Administration Building

The Francis Howell School District kicked off its community engagement program on Wednesday, Sept. 2 with an opening reception for the Citizens In Our Schools Class of ‘27 cohort.

FHSD high schools perform in District marching band preview

A group of marching drummers perform on the Francis Howell Central football field

Francis Howell's three comprehensive high schools came together Thursday night, Sept. 3, for their annual District marching band preview at Francis Howell Central High School.

 
 
The staff at Henderson Elementary pose outside of the school with a large banner that reads "Thank you" after the community helped start the school year on time last year
 

FHSD celebrates completion of major Prop S projects

The District has completed major construction, renovation and capital improvement projects funded by Proposition S.

 
Attentive students sit at desks inside a classroom during Transition Day

Transition Day helps middle and high school students adapt ahead of school year

Incoming 6th and 9th graders got to know their new schools, practice routines, meet classmates and take the first steps into an exciting new chapter during Transition Day on Thursday, Aug. 20.

 
Francis Howell High School students pose for a photo in front of the press box at the football field during Senior Sunrise

FHHS turns out for annual Senior Sunrise tradition

Seniors from the class of '27 at Francis Howell High School met bright and early Friday, Aug. 28, to watch the sunrise together. A fun and memorable way to kick off their senior year.

 
 
A graphic promoting the U.S. News and World Report's top ranked schools in Missouri
 

FHSD schools place in Missouri's top 5% per U.S. News annual rankings

The Francis Howell School District's comprehensive high schools once again found themselves ranked in the top 5% in Missouri, according to the recently released 2026-27 U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools Rankings.

 
Francis Howell Central's tennis courts

BOE updates policy opening tennis courts to public

The community spoke and the FHSD Board of Education listened. The District's tennis courts are now open for public play!

 

Apply for free and reduced lunches before deadline

FHSD participates in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. This allows families the opportunity to apply for Free and Reduced Price Meal Benefits. Applications for 2026-27 are due on October 6.

 
A graphic welcoming Rod Hamlett, the new FHSD Director of Facilities and Operations
 

FHSD welcomes Rod Hamlett as new Director of Facilities and Operations

The Francis Howell School District has named Rod Hamlett as its new Executive Director of Facilities and Operations. He replaces former executive director Salum Stutzer, and began his tenure on Aug. 1.

 
 
Multicolored paper hands reach toward a paper cutout of the Earth with a text overlay reading Howell Heritage
 

Howell Heritage Highlights dives into different cultures

September marks the launch of a new educational series designed to celebrate the many cultures represented in our school communities. Each month as part of the new Howell Heritage Highlights, the District will recognize a particular heritage month. The initiative is aligned with Pillar 4 of the District’s strategic plan, and seeks to help students and staff feel seen, respected and valued.

 
 
students hold hands while walking near a school bus
 

Remember bus safety tips to ensure student safety

Together, we can help keep FHSD students safe. Please reinforce these safety guidelines as students travel to and from school.

 
Family Learning Series: Healthy minds, healthy schools

Upcoming Healthy Minds, Healthy Schools event is now virtual

The Sept. 12 Healthy Minds, Healthy Schools event is now virtual. The virtual learning event will feature three sessions designed to provide parents and caregivers with practical strategies and information to support student wellbeing.

 
A graphic with three clear bags reads "FHSD adopts clear bag guidelines for ticketed HS athletic events"

Reminder: FHSD adopts new clear bag guidelines for ticketed HS athletic events

High school sports fans in the Francis Howell School District may have noticed changes at the entry gates starting this August, as the District moves to implement standardized bag guidelines for all ticketed high school athletic events.

 
 
Graphic reading "Academic Calendar"

Bookmark the new school year calendars

The 2026-27 school year began on Monday, August 24. Bookmark the calendars for the next two years at the links below!

 
american-flag-wavy.jpg

A back-to-school message from the White House

A message from the White House welcomed students across the country back to school with a letter encouraging students to "do their best."

 

In the news

 
Fox 2 News reporter Laura Simon interviews a FHN student

Francis Howell North showcases their Knight pride on FOX2


Fox 2 spent the third day of school at Francis Howell North High School, interviewing students and staff as part of their back-to-school coverage. Check out Fox 2 reporter Laura Simon's story from FHN.

A FHSD bus driver does an interview with KMOV TV

'Nationwide shortage’: Francis Howell schools short 15 bus drivers, 6 monitors


KMOV spent time at FHSD's Transportation Maintenance Facility on Aug. 26 to cover the District's bus driver shortage. View KMOV's story about the District's need for bus drivers.

FHC football player Jack Brown runs with the football

Jack Brown ranks 2nd in Post-Disptatch's top 30 college football prospects list


Francis Howell Central High School senior Jack Brown lands in the No. 2 spot in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Super 30 Preseason Countdown college football prospects list. Check out what the Post-Dispatch had to say about the future Missouri Tiger.

the FHHS softball team hoists the Summit Tournament championship trophy

Photos: FHHS softball claims title with 5-1 win over Parkway Central in Summit Tournament


The St. Louis Post-Dispatch was at the Summit Tournament finals for Francis Howell High School's 5-1 win over Parkway Central to claim the championship. Check out a photo gallery from the Post-Dispatch of the FHHS softball team's victory.

 

Curriculum for Public Review


Dear Community Members,


In the Francis Howell School District, we are committed to providing the best possible education for our students, and your feedback and involvement play a crucial role in achieving this goal. As part of our curriculum development and approval process, we are excited to provide our community with an opportunity to review and provide feedback on recently developed and revised curriculum documents.


Curriculum writing teams have completed revisions for several courses. We will bring these curriculum documents to the Board of Education in January 2027.


This month, we are presenting 18 curriculum documents for review and feedback:



Your participation is important to ensure that our curriculum aligns with appropriate standards, prepares our students to be successful, and is consistent with values and expectations from all corners of the district. By working together, we can create an inclusive and comprehensive learning experience that reflects the needs of our students and community.  

 

To facilitate your review, we have prepared an online survey where you can provide feedback on the curriculum documents linked at the bottom of this email. Your responses will be considered by our curriculum writing team for final revisions. The deadline for submitting your feedback is 3:00 pm on Tuesday, September 15. 


Please take a moment to access the survey. Please feel free to share your thoughts openly and honestly. If you prefer not to complete a survey, then you may email your feedback directly to curriculum@fhsdschools.org. You can review as many curriculum documents as you like. This feedback opportunity is limited to District patrons because you are the community we serve.

 

Thank you for your continued support.

 

Sincerely,

Dr. Angeline O’Neal-Hogrefe

Director of Curriculum & Assessment

Academic Advisory Committee seeks members


The Academic Advisory Committee is a working group of FHSD stakeholders from all corners and levels of the District. The role of the Academic Advisory Committee is to review and provide input on curriculum documents, textbooks, and primary classroom resources before they are presented to the Board of Education for review and approval. The group plays a key role in advancing the District’s academic vision by giving community members, parents, and staff the opportunity to contribute to the development of rigorous and engaging classroom experiences for students.


Meeting Dates:

  • October 13
  • November 10
  • December: Virtual meeting for resources only
  • January 5
  • February 2
  • March 2
  • April 6


The committee meets from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Francis Howell Administration Building, 801 Corporate Centre Drive, O’Fallon.


If you are interested in serving on the Academic Advisory Committee, please complete the interest form.


We will then utilize a randomized selection process to fulfill the membership. The selection process will align with the expectations for Tier 2 Committees as outlined in Board Policy 0360.


If you have any questions, please contact curriculum@fhsdschools.org.

FHSD to host sixth-annual all-district college fair


In partnership with the Missouri Association for College Admission Counseling (MOACAC), FHSD is hosting its sixth-annual, all-district college fair.


FHSD high school students and families are invited to attend for the opportunity to speak with representatives from 100+ colleges, universities, career training programs and military branches. This event provides students with a great start to the post-secondary planning process.


  • Where: Francis Howell High School
  • When: Tuesday, October 13, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
 

Upcoming Dates

(view the academic calendar)

September 9

Collaboration Wednesday

Early release for Secondary Schools


September 16

Collaboration Wednesday

Early release for Secondary Schools


September 17 | 6:30 p.m.

Board of Education Meeting

FHSD Admin Bldg., 801 Corporate Centre Drive


September 18

No School, Teacher PD Day

September 23

Collaboration Wednesday

Early release for Secondary Schools


September 29 | 6:30 p.m.

Prop O & Prop H Information Session

FHSD Admin Bldg., 801 Corporate Centre Drive


September 30

Collaboration Wednesday

Early release for Secondary Schools


October 7

Collaboration Wednesday

Early release for Secondary Schools

 

Meal Menus

Free & Reduced Meals

Work for FHSD

 
 
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