2017-18 News Archive

FHSD In Focus: Summer School Biomed Camp
FHSD In Focus: Summer School Biomed Camp
Posted on 06/28/2018
The Middle School Biomedical Science Camp is a new summer offering, and students have the opportunity to work as forensic scientists. Participants investigate a suspicious death and perform a variety of tasks to determine a diagnosis. Activities include gel electrophoresis, blood typing, walking a crime scene, and DNA extraction.  Read more about FHSD In Focus: Summer School Biomed Camp
FHSD Community Service
FHSD Community Service
Posted on 06/26/2018
The FHSD curriculum is intended to teach students many different subjects, and standardized testing is designed to quantify what students have learned. One of the most important lessons that students learn doesn’t have a score that will show up on any test – caring for others in the community.  Read more about FHSD Community Service
FHSD Named a Top Workplace for Sixth Consecutive Year
FHSD Named a Top Workplace for Sixth Consecutive Year
Posted on 06/25/2018
The Francis Howell School District is proud to announce that it has been selected as one of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Top Workplaces for the sixth consecutive year. FHSD ranked in the Top Workplace large business category, which is comprised of similarly-sized organizations and featured three other school districts.  Read more about FHSD Named a Top Workplace for Sixth Consecutive Year
Telling Stories and Making Memories – Deaf Storyteller Acts as Role Model for FHSD Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students
Telling Stories and Making Memories – Deaf Storyteller Acts as Role Model for FHSD Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students
Posted on 05/16/2018
FHSD strives to provide equal learning opportunities for all students. Every student learns differently and it’s important to recognize that different abilities are not disabilities. By creating an even playing field for students and providing positive role models, it is possible to fortify strengths, identify opportunities for improvement, and kindle lasting friendships.  Read more about Telling Stories and Making Memories – Deaf Storyteller Acts as Role Model for FHSD Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students
Dukkipati and Jain compete in State Spelling Bee
Dukkipati and Jain compete in State Spelling Bee
Posted on 04/11/2018
Spelling bees are a rite of passage for elementary and middle school students, an opportunity to put the vocabulary and English language skills of students to the test. Spellers spend countless hours preparing and practicing before walking up to the microphone to receive their word.  Read more about Dukkipati and Jain compete in State Spelling Bee
Dr. Patti Lee poses with some FHMS students before her deployment, taken April 18, 2017.
Serving Wherever Needed – FHMS Makes Quilt for Asst. Principal Serving in Africa
Posted on 04/10/2018
Principals are a vital part of a well-oiled school machine, working to supervise teachers and motivate students to get the best out of their education. They have more impact on students than can ever be explained in a short story, but the story of one assistant principal at Francis Howell Middle School, Dr. Patti Lee, might just exemplify how students, staff, and a school’s community value school administrators. For her service, both at home and abroad, the FHMS PTO will be presenting Dr. Lee with a special quilt in November.  Read more about Serving Wherever Needed – FHMS Makes Quilt for Asst. Principal Serving in Africa
2018 Howell of Fame Recipients Announced
2018 Howell of Fame Recipients Announced
Posted on 04/09/2018
The Francis Howell School District is excited to announce the recipients of the 2018 Howell of Fame Awards, which celebrate the outstanding achievements of volunteers and staff. This year’s 12 recipients will be honored at the annual Howell of Fame Awards ceremony on Monday, May 8, along with 2018 District Retirees, District Teacher of the Year, Teachers of the Year from each building, District Support Staff Employee of the Year, and Support Staff Employee of the Year from each building.  Read more about 2018 Howell of Fame Recipients Announced
FHSD Celebrates Paraprofessional and Interpreter Appreciation Day
FHSD Celebrates Paraprofessional and Interpreter Appreciation Day
Posted on 03/29/2018
The future of Francis Howell School District students depends on the quality of the education they receive, and paraprofessionals and interpreters are instrumental in helping to provide the best possible education for our students. On Monday, April 2, 2018, FHSD will celebrate Paraprofessional and Interpreter Appreciation Day to recognize their contributions to our students’ educational success.  Read more about FHSD Celebrates Paraprofessional and Interpreter Appreciation Day
FHSD Honor Band and Choir – Creating Lifelong Learners and Music Makers
FHSD Honor Band and Choir – Creating Lifelong Learners and Music Makers
Posted on 03/23/2018
Challenging students every day in the classroom is something every teacher aspires to do. FHSD teachers strive to ensure learning continues outside of the classroom, and encourage students to challenge themselves with new ideas, lessons, and activities. At the middle school level, music students are doing exactly that through Honor Band and Honor Choir.  Read more about FHSD Honor Band and Choir – Creating Lifelong Learners and Music Makers
Student Spotlight – Nathanial Bahan of FHMS Represents Students at March FHSD BOE Meeting
Student Spotlight – Nathanial Bahan of FHMS Represents Students at March FHSD BOE Meeting
Posted on 03/23/2018
Every month at the Francis Howell School District Board of Education meeting, the Board invites one FHSD’s finest students to represent his or her peers on the dais. March marks the start of the season of growth and life, and the BOE student rep for March embodies both. Nathanial Bahan has been driven to grow inside and outside the classroom, and he certainly brings life to any room he enters.   Read more about Student Spotlight – Nathanial Bahan of FHMS Represents Students at March FHSD BOE Meeting
Proposition Learn Ballot Language
Proposition Learn Ballot Language
Posted on 03/22/2018
For most residents of the Francis Howell School District, there will only be three items on the April 3, 2018, ballot. Two are directly related to the District, Proposition Learn and the Board of Education election; the third will be for St. Charles Community College Trustees.  Read more about Proposition Learn Ballot Language
Dr. Nathan Hoven Selected as New Chief Academic Officer
Dr. Nathan Hoven Selected as New Chief Academic Officer
Posted on 03/16/2018
The Francis Howell School District has selected Dr. Nathan Hoven as the District’s new Chief Academic Officer, effective July 1, 2018. The Board of Education approved the selection at the March 15, 2018, Board meeting. Dr. Hoven will replace Nicole Whitesell, who has been hired as the Director of the St. Charles County Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) program.  Read more about Dr. Nathan Hoven Selected as New Chief Academic Officer
Five Students from FHMS Selected for UMKC Honor Band and Orchestra
Five Students from FHMS Selected for UMKC Honor Band and Orchestra
Posted on 03/07/2018
If you live in the Francis Howell School District, you may already know that Francis Howell Middle School boasts perhaps the finest middle school band in the Metro Area. The band recently received some confirmation of their acumen when five of its students were chosen for the University of Missouri-Kansas City Honor Band and Orchestra Festival. Kendal Abeln, Kennedy Adams, Wil Andren, Xavier Flores, and Sarah Marian participated in the event on Feb. 9-11 in Kansas City, Missouri.  Read more about Five Students from FHMS Selected for UMKC Honor Band and Orchestra
FHSD Teachers Achieve National Board Certification
FHSD Teachers Achieve National Board Certification
Posted on 02/16/2018
The Francis Howell School District is proud to announce that four teachers have earned or renewed their National Board Certification, the highest credential in the teaching profession. The District now has 60 teachers who have achieved this distinction.  Read more about FHSD Teachers Achieve National Board Certification
Being a Part of Something Greater - FHSD Special Olympics Basketball Tournament
Being a Part of Something Greater - FHSD Special Olympics Basketball Tournament
Posted on 01/26/2018
Sports doesn’t just give participants the chance to experience the thrill of victory. It also allows the community to come together to support each other – to be a part of something bigger and more important than just their personal needs. A perfect example is the annual Francis Howell Special Olympics (FHSO) Basketball Tournament in January. Athletes and volunteers from all over the District joined together to show that the true thrill is in knowing how much this community cares for each other.  Read more about Being a Part of Something Greater - FHSD Special Olympics Basketball Tournament
The Gift of Hope – FHMS Substitute Teacher Surprises Student with Gift
The Gift of Hope – FHMS Substitute Teacher Surprises Student with Gift
Posted on 01/04/2018
Every Francis Howell School District teacher strives to find the best in each student, and that goes for substitute teachers as well. A teacher’s goal is to reach every student – to help find what a child can offer his or her community, and the world. It is a teacher’s mission to find a student’s gifts. “Anybody can be an artist,” said Matt Burgoyne, an eighth grader at Francis Howell Middle School. “It’s not about whether people say you’re good or not; it’s what YOU see.”  Read more about The Gift of Hope – FHMS Substitute Teacher Surprises Student with Gift
Francis Howell School District Named Best of St. Charles County
Francis Howell School District Named Best of St. Charles County
Posted on 12/21/2017
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch has announced the Francis Howell School District as the best public school district in St. Charles County. Winners were selected by readers’ choice for the “Best of St. Charles County” publication.  Read more about Francis Howell School District Named Best of St. Charles County
Parent Julie Oppermann has a laugh while wrapping presents for teachers.
Just Something Nice – FHMS FACE Team Wraps Presents for Teachers
Posted on 12/20/2017
We sometimes forget just how important teachers are to the positive growth of the children in our community, especially when we get busy over the holidays. But the Francis Howell Middle School Family and Community Engagement, or FACE Team, is keeping them in mind even during the busy Christmas season. With just the gift of their time and talents, these parents are making the holidays more special for teachers by wrapping any gifts teachers brought in that day.  Read more about Just Something Nice – FHMS FACE Team Wraps Presents for Teachers
Creating the Future – “FHSD Spectrapalooza” and “FHSD Creates” Teach the Four Cs
Creating the Future – “FHSD Spectrapalooza” and “FHSD Creates” Teach the Four Cs
Posted on 12/04/2017
The Francis Howell School District strives to develop skills including the “Four Cs” (Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking) in students. Two perfect examples of this were recent events held at St. Charles Community College by Spectra, the gifted program in FHSD. “Spectrapalooza” and “FHSD Creates” are annual events that teach these marketable skills and also introduce these bright students to each other and the teachers who will be helping them create a brighter future.  Read more about Creating the Future – “FHSD Spectrapalooza” and “FHSD Creates” Teach the Four Cs
FHSD Band Students Selected for Metro 8 Honor Bands
FHSD Band Students Selected for Metro 8 Honor Bands
Posted on 11/20/2017
The Missouri Music Educators Association wants us all to help trumpet the importance of music education in our schools. One of the ways it does so is by honoring the best musicians in each area of the state. Several FHSD students have earned coveted spots on the Metro 8 Honor Band and Metro 8 Honor Jazz Band, proving that FHSD bands are among the best in the state.  Read more about FHSD Band Students Selected for Metro 8 Honor Bands
FHSD Seeks to Increase Equity and Cultural Proficiency
FHSD Seeks to Increase Equity and Cultural Proficiency
Posted on 11/17/2017
The student population of FHSD continues to become more diverse, and the percentage of minority students in the District has doubled over the past decade to almost 20 percent. As the demographics of the student population continue to change, so does the professional learning for FHSD employees.  Read more about FHSD Seeks to Increase Equity and Cultural Proficiency
FHSD and Castlio Elementary Receive NNPS Partnership Awards
FHSD and Castlio Elementary Receive NNPS Partnership Awards
Posted on 09/06/2017
The Francis Howell School District has earned a 2017 Partnership District Award from the National Network of Partnership Schools (NNPS) at Johns Hopkins University. FHSD was recognized for making excellent progress in developing community partnerships, and for guiding schools to develop goal-linked programs of family and community engagement. This is the fourth NNPS Partnership Award for FHSD and indicates that the District is establishing a sustainable structure to enable schools to continually improve their partnership programs.  Read more about FHSD and Castlio Elementary Receive NNPS Partnership Awards
FHSD Students Raise Record Amount for American Heart Association
FHSD Students Raise Record Amount for American Heart Association
Posted on 08/28/2017
Jumping rope, playing dodge ball, and shooting hoops may seem like playtime to some, but for students in FHSD, it’s a matter of heart. During the 2016-17 school year, FHSD elementary and middle schools collected a record total $109,011.48 for the American Heart Association (AHA) through Jump Rope for Heart, Hoops for Heart, and Dodge for Heart. Only four other school districts in Missouri raised more money for AHA during the 2016-17 school year.  Read more about FHSD Students Raise Record Amount for American Heart Association
Peachjar Electronic Flyers Example
Peachjar Electronic Flyers
Posted on 08/17/2017
Francis Howell School District is always looking for ways to save taxpayer dollars and still improve convenience for parents and students. Both goals are achieved with the Peachjar flyer distribution system. FHSD delivers school information and approved flyers from community organizations electronically through Peachjar. These eflyers are emailed directly to you, and can also be viewed by clicking the Peachjar button on the home page of your school’s website.  Read more about Peachjar Electronic Flyers
Niche Ranks FHSD as One of the Top School Districts in Missouri
Niche Ranks FHSD as One of the Top School Districts in Missouri
Posted on 08/09/2017
Niche has just released its 2018 list of best Schools in America, and has ranked the Francis Howell School District No. 16 in Missouri. That is the highest ranking of any district in St. Charles County, and with more than 500 public school districts in the state, this ranking puts FHSD in the top 3 percent in Missouri.  Read more about Niche Ranks FHSD as One of the Top School Districts in Missouri
FHSD hosts App Camp
FHSD hosts App Camp
Posted on 07/24/2017
To help promote learning during the summer months, the Francis Howell School District hosted App Camp, where middle school students learn to create and market a mobile app. This is the third year for the camp, and students had the unique opportunity to construct a storyboard for their application idea, use programming languages to develop their app, and also create a marketing plan for their app.  Read more about FHSD hosts App Camp
What’s New for the 2017-18 School Year
What’s New for the 2017-18 School Year
Posted on 07/21/2017
The 2017-18 school year will kick off on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017. As students stream back into classrooms, they will encounter some new programs and initiatives. Here’s what’s new in FHSD.  Read more about What’s New for the 2017-18 School Year
New Activity Fees and Changes to High School Activity Transportation
New Activity Fees and Changes to High School Activity Transportation
Posted on 07/20/2017
The FHSD Board of Education has approved the recommendation of the Extracurricular Task Force to establish an activity fee structure for the 2017-18 school year. Students participating in a sport, activity, or club - in which a sponsor or coach is paid a stipend - will be required to pay a yearly activity fee. Students will be assessed one fee regardless of how many sports/activities/clubs they participate in during the school year. An application for financial assistance/waiver will be available for students, as needed.  Read more about New Activity Fees and Changes to High School Activity Transportation
Transition Day Transportation
Transition Day Transportation
Posted on 07/18/2017
“Transition Day” in the Francis Howell School District is an opportunity for incoming sixth and ninth graders to familiarize themselves with their new school. This year, Transition Day will be held at all FHSD middle and high schools on Friday, Aug. 4.   Read more about Transition Day Transportation
FHSD Named a Top Workplace for Fifth Consecutive Year
FHSD Named a Top Workplace for Fifth Consecutive Year
Posted on 06/25/2017
The Francis Howell School District (FHSD) is proud to announce that it has been selected as one of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Top Workplaces for the fifth consecutive year. FHSD ranked in the Top Workplace large business category, which is comprised of similarly-sized organizations and featured four school districts.  Read more about FHSD Named a Top Workplace for Fifth Consecutive Year
What Happens in FHSD Over the Summer?
What Happens in FHSD Over the Summer?
Posted on 06/14/2017
The Francis Howell School District (FHSD) is a busy place year-round, and not just during the school year. There are more than 2,000 employees in the District, and almost 20 percent of them work a 12-month schedule. “The District does not shut down over the summer,” said FHSD Superintendent Dr. Mary Hendricks-Harris, “quite the contrary. Educating 18,000 students is a year-round, full-time job. In addition to preparing the high quality education our students deserve for 2017-18, we have also started working on our next five-year strategic plan, and our community will have the opportunity to be part of that process this fall.”   Read more about What Happens in FHSD Over the Summer?
Students have fun learning at FHSD Summer STEM and STEAM Camps
FHSD Summer STEM and STEAM Camps
Posted on 06/12/2017
The Francis Howell School District (FHSD) is committed to providing engaging and enriching camp opportunities to students over the summer months. Two of the most popular are the elementary STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) and middle school STEM (Science, Technology Engineering and Math) camps. Summer school and all camps are fully funded by the state of Missouri, which makes it possible for the District to offer these programs for students at no cost.  Read more about FHSD Summer STEM and STEAM Camps
Storm Damage Yields New Roofs
Storm Damage Yields New Roofs
Posted on 06/12/2017
On May 11, 2016, a severe thunderstorm with large hail caused significant damage throughout the Francis Howell School District. The roofs of 15 different District buildings suffered damage, and in many cases the entire roof structure is in need of repair.  Read more about Storm Damage Yields New Roofs
Francis Howell Middle School Named a National School of Character – Again!
Francis Howell Middle School Named a National School of Character – Again!
Posted on 05/10/2017
The Francis Howell School District is proud to announce that for the second time in the past decade, Francis Howell Middle School (FHMS) has been selected as a National School of Character. Each year, Character.org and its state affiliates select schools and districts that demonstrate a dedicated focus on character development programs and a positive impact on academic achievement, student behavior, school climate and their communities.  Read more about Francis Howell Middle School Named a National School of Character – Again!
Two FHSD High Schools Ranked Among the Best in Missouri
Two FHSD High Schools Ranked Among the Best in Missouri
Posted on 04/28/2017
The annual U.S. News & World Report Best High School Rankings have been released, and two high schools in the Francis Howell School District (FHSD) made the prestigious list of the best high schools in Missouri.  Read more about Two FHSD High Schools Ranked Among the Best in Missouri
Erin Thurston to Fill Administrative Intern Position at Francis Howell Middle
Erin Thurston to Fill Administrative Intern Position at Francis Howell Middle
Posted on 04/28/2017
With the yearlong military deployment of current Francis Howell Middle School (FHMS) Assistant Principal Dr. Patti Lee, the Francis Howell School District (FHSD) has announced that Erin Thurston will serve as the school’s administrative intern in 2017-18. Thurston has been the FHSD Secondary English Language Arts (ELA) Content Leader since 2012.  Read more about Erin Thurston to Fill Administrative Intern Position at Francis Howell Middle
Music for All – FHSD Honor Band and Choir Performance
Music for All – FHSD Honor Band and Choir Performance
Posted on 04/18/2017
Music is a global language. As the saying goes, “When words fail, music speaks,” and music spoke at the Francis Howell School District (FHSD) Middle School Honor Band and Choir Performance on March 30. The statement made was that nothing brings a community together like music.  Read more about Music for All – FHSD Honor Band and Choir Performance
Clash of the Bots – GM LEGO Challenge with FHSD Middle Schools
Clash of the Bots – GM LEGO Challenge with FHSD Middle Schools
Posted on 04/07/2017
The Francis Howell School District (FHSD) continues to spark innovation and creativity with a variety of programs for students. On Friday, March 3, students in the Robotics Clubs at Saeger, Barnwell, Bryan, and Francis Howell Middle Schools competed in the General Motors LEGO Challenge at St. Charles Community College.  Read more about Clash of the Bots – GM LEGO Challenge with FHSD Middle Schools
Dr. Kirsteen James Named SASSP Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year
Dr. Kirsteen James Named SASSP Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year
Posted on 04/05/2017
A good school administrator inspires people. They see greatness in others, opening a person’s eyes to what they can become, what they can offer the world. A great administrator builds upon students’ and teachers’ strengths, and helps them reach their fullest potential. A good administrator, as the St. Louis Association of Secondary School Principals (SASSP), recently verified, is Dr. Kirsteen James, assistant principal at Francis Howell Middle (FHMS) School. Dr. James was just named the SASSP Assistant Middle School Principal of the Year for 2017.  Read more about Dr. Kirsteen James Named SASSP Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year
FHMS Final Exam Schedule
FHMS Final Exam Schedule
Posted on 12/19/2016
FHMS Final Exam Schedule  Read more about FHMS Final Exam Schedule
This is the image for the news article titled When a Smile Says More than Words – FHMS Raises Funds to Support Student
When a Smile Says More than Words – FHMS Raises Funds to Support Student
Posted on 10/10/2016
We all want to help those around us, but when we see their smiling face every day, it motivates us to help a little more. Francis Howell Middle School (FHMS) raised nearly one thousand dollars to help support one of their own smiling faces, Sydney Layton, in her quest to acquire what could be a life-saving support dog.   Read more about When a Smile Says More than Words – FHMS Raises Funds to Support Student
This is the image for the news article titled New FHSD Safety Measures Include Unannounced Intruder Drills
New FHSD Safety Measures Include Unannounced Intruder Drills
Posted on 10/05/2016
Student safety is always a top priority of the Francis Howell School District (FHSD). The District annually conducts a variety of safety drills including fire, tornado, earthquake and intruder drills. Participation in these safety drills is where most students get directly involved in their own safety. New this year, FHSD will conduct one unannounced intruder drill at each of our schools.   Read more about New FHSD Safety Measures Include Unannounced Intruder Drills
This is the image for the news article titled FHSD Schools Earn Recognition for School, Family, and Community Partnerships
FHSD Schools Earn Recognition for School, Family, and Community Partnerships
Posted on 09/23/2016
Barnwell and Francis Howell Middle Schools strive to be key cogs in our community, not only as places of learning, but also as centers of community engagement. Their efforts to join school and community together have earned them 2016 Partnership School Awards from the National Network of Partnership Schools (NNPS) at Johns Hopkins University. Both schools were recognized for making excellent progress in strengthening and sustaining comprehensive programs of school, family, and community partnerships.   Read more about FHSD Schools Earn Recognition for School, Family, and Community Partnerships
This is the image for the news article titled FHSD Recognized for Bus Safety
FHSD Recognized for Bus Safety
Posted on 08/19/2016
The buses that safely transport students of the Francis Howell School District (FHSD) every day will display a special new sticker starting in August, after earning the “Total Fleet Excellence” distinction for 2016. The stickers indicate excellence in the overall maintenance and reliability of the District’s bus fleet. The distinction is determined by the Missouri State Highway Patrol based on the results of the annual school bus inspection, a program conducted by the Patrol’s Motor Vehicle Inspection Division.   Read more about FHSD Recognized for Bus Safety
New Immunization Requirement for Incoming Eighth Graders and Seniors
New Immunization Requirement for Incoming Eighth Graders and Seniors
Posted on 07/07/2016
Beginning with the 2016-17 school year, all eighth grade students and incoming high school seniors will be required to have the meningococcal (meningitis) vaccine  Read more about New Immunization Requirement for Incoming Eighth Graders and Seniors
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