FHSD District Digest | Oct. 13, 2023

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Message from the Superintendent

Dr. Ken Roumpos shares a video message as FHSD heads into Fall Break.

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A friendly reminder that Fall Break begins on Monday. Wishing you a well-deserved break! Take this time to recharge and enjoy the beauty of the season. Whether you're exploring new places or simply relaxing at home, make the most of this time away from your regular routine. To access or print the academic calendar please click here.

Introducing the Citizens In Our Schools Class of ‘24

This cohort was selected from a pool of nearly 60 applicants, each vying for the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at all aspects of school district operations.

FHSD ranked #1 Best School District in St. Charles County by Niche

FHSD is celebrating an A+ rating and designation as the #1 Best School District in St. Charles County as Niche releases its list of 2024 Best Schools.

FHSD provides job training for high school students

A transformative initiative in the Francis Howell School District known as the Adult Life Preparation Program is changing the lives of high school seniors with developmental disabilities.

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FHSD launches “Stop the Prop” campaign to increase student safety

To help encourage students, staff and school visitors to think twice before holding or propping doors, the District recently rolled out a “Stop the Prop” campaign.

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District teams up with students to organize, host Senior PALS Prom

On Saturday, September 30, the Francis Howell School District hosted its first Senior Citizens Prom at Francis Howell High School.

Francis Howell North High School hosts alumni event

With an anticipated grand opening of the Francis Howell North building in the fall of 2024, the North community called all alumni Knights home to help celebrate the past and build the future.

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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.

Transportation Department continues to review and process bus stop change requests

The FHSD Transportation Department has received more than 600 bus stop change requests since the start of the 2023-24 school year. The department began reviewing requests on September 5, 2023 and continues to work diligently through each one, making changes where possible.

The department says that even with the changes implemented this year to address driver shortages and improve efficiency, some bus routes remain uncovered due to driver illnesses or lack of substitute drivers. Routers and dispatchers are often called out of the office to cover routes, causing further delays in processing bus stop change requests.

Transportation Director Jennifer Simpson strives to be as responsive as possible, given the high volume of requests.

“Please accept our sincere apologies for the delay, and know that we are moving through the list as quickly as possible,” Simpson wrote in an email to parents who requested their child’s bus stop be reviewed.

Seeking Input on Curriculum Updates

In the Francis Howell School District, we are committed to providing the best possible education for our students, and your feedback and involvement plays a crucial role in achieving this goal. This year the District is improving our curriculum development process by adding a process to secure feedback from parents and community patrons. We are excited to invite you to participate in a review of updated curriculum documents. The purpose of this event is to give you an opportunity to learn about the changes and updates made to our curriculum and provide your valuable insights and feedback. Your input will help us ensure that our curriculum aligns with the needs and expectations of our diverse community and prepares our students for success in an increasingly competitive world.

Please come to the FHSD Administration building at 4:45 PM on Monday, November 6. The event will be held in the Board of Education room at 801 Corporate Centre Drive in O’Fallon, MO. That evening, we will provide updates on curriculum revisions for the courses listed below.

Updated Curriculum Documents – Fall 2023

Mythology
Journalism
Digital Photojournalism
Middle School Industrial Technology – Grades 6 through 8
Introduction to Fitness
Accounting 2

After a short presentation outlining the District’s curriculum development and revision process, attendees will be able to review as many or as few of the above-listed curriculum documents and will be able to provide feedback by completing a survey. Curriculum team members will also be in attendance. We believe that the input of our community patrons and parents is vital in shaping the educational experience for our students. Your perspective and suggestions will help us tailor our curriculum to better serve the needs of our students. We encourage you to bring any questions, ideas, or concerns you may have regarding the curriculum updates. To help us prepare, please RSVP by Thursday, November 2 by emailing curriculum@fhsdschools.org.

When students endure chronic stress or traumatic incidents, it can have both physiological and emotional consequences, often impairing their ability to function effectively in school. The Trauma-Informed School Initiative is dedicated to establishing safe and nurturing educational environments where students can reach their full potential.

The Francis Howell School District has partnered with NiloTech Electronic Recycling for a Community Recycling event. The electronic recycling event will be held on Saturday, November 4. Please click on the recycling flyer for acceptable items, items not acceptable, and some fees for certain items.

Kristy Giacomarra and Sarah LaRue were named Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award Winners. Read more about this prestigious award.

Kristy Giacomarra has worked in FHSD for 29 years and has taught English Language Learners for the past seven years at Harvest Ridge Elementary.

Sarah LaRue has been an English 3 and AP English Literature and Composition teacher for 11 years at Francis Howell Central High School.

The Francis Howell Board of Education met in special session Wednesday, October 11 to discuss facility needs at Henderson and Fairmount elementary schools.

Wade Welch with Hoener Associates, Inc. presented an analysis of existing facilities, along with schematic design floor plans, site plans, preliminary cost estimates and project schedules for both schools.

Henderson Elementary

If the project receives full approval from the Board, Henderson Elementary would receive a new classroom wing, gymnasium and storm shelter, along with renovations to the multipurpose room and other areas to create adequate spaces for art, music, and special education. The recommended project timeline would allow six months for design development, with bidding in March 2024 and construction beginning in summer 2024. If permitting and other steps in the process occur on schedule, the project would be completed in winter 2025.

Fairmount Elementary

The plan for Fairmount - one of the largest elementary schools in the state of Missouri - includes a new classroom wing addition on the south side of the existing building to house music, art, computer science, special education, among other areas. The goal is to create better learning environments for students and eliminate the need for trailers. The early drawings also include an expanded cafeteria, relocation of certain classrooms, and better traffic flow to improve safety and efficiency for buses and parent drop-off and pick-up. The design development phase would last about eight months, with bidding in May 2024 and construction beginning in July 2024. The construction is expected to be completed in winter 2025.

After reviewing the drawings and early cost estimates, the Board voted 7-0 Wednesday evening to move forward with the design and development phase on both projects. Updated cost estimates will be provided along the way.

view the presentation

watch the Board meeting

Francis Howell Central rang in their homecoming weekend with balloons, candy, and an exciting parade through the streets of Cottleville. Thank you to the community for attending and supporting our students! View photos from the parade on our Facebook page.

The state of Missouri has released more than $50 million in grants to 566 school districts, charter schools, and nonpublic schools to increase the security and safety of school buildings and students. We are excited to announce that FHSD received a $300K grant.

On September 8, Francis Howell hosted the 9th annual First Responder Night! The Vikings donated all of the ticket sales to The BackStoppers Inc. to help support local first responder families.

Adults 55+ are invited to join us for the FHSD Culinary Showcase on November 9. Senior PALS will hear updates from the District, and then be treated to a delicious meal. Registration is required. RSVP by clicking here.

Fairmount students brought their energy to the max at this year's Fun Run! Visit the District's Facebook page to see some exciting moments from the Fun Run!

This month, we're tipping our hats to the dozens of incredible principals who are the backbones of our schools! Happy Principal's Month! Give your favorite principal a shout-out.

Bus Driver Appreciation Week is the same week as fall break, but let's not forget to show our gratitude for the unsung heroes who transport students safely to and from school every day! When school resumes on Tuesday, October 24, let's take a moment to thank them.

Castlio Elementary's House Sorting Day was a hit! Students cracked open eggs to find their House bracelets, and even teachers and principals joined in the House excitement.