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Superintendent Message

Hello Francis Howell Community,

Welcome back from break; hopefully, winter has finally relinquished its stronghold on springtime weather, and we will soon be basking in sunshine! Third quarter has a reputation as the toughest part of the school year; nonetheless, our district saw many accomplishments during this time. Outlined below—by strategic planning area—are some of those accomplishments.

Academics

• Began Great by 8 volunteer reading intervention program for struggling readers at two elementary schools
• Began enrollment for 02K (Off-to-Kindergarten for five-year olds who missed cutoff date) preschool class
• Developed early warning dropout system for students in grades 5-12
• Held Professional Learning Community (PLC) leader training for 204 participants
• Held student behavior leadership training
• Conducted second successful online student enrollment process for 2013-14 school year
• Saw reading gains at all grade levels
• Held annual school improvement training to assist school leaders in preparing for improving learning in 2013-14
• Wrote new curriculums per the curriculum review cycle

Human Resources

• Completed teacher negotiations; other groups nearing completion
• Completed 2013-14 staffing and posted approximately 60 open positions for 2013-14
• Hired Francis Howell North principal to replace Dr. Jones, who is retiring at the end of the school year
• Hired Francis Howell Central and Castlio Elementary assistant principals

Technology

• Refreshed elementary, middle and some high school labs (1,000 computers)
• Created a professional development curriculum on flipped classroom and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
• Provided all K-2 teachers professional development on technology integration
• Implemented district-wide e-book Library Book Shelf
• Piloted virtual Geometry course for middle school
• Increased bandwidth at Heritage, Warren, Daniel Boone and high schools

Facilities

• Installed new buzz-in systems at all elementary and early childhood sites, and Francis Howell Union High School
• Upgraded intruder locks at Central Elementary
• Entered into contract for turf installation at Francis Howell North and Francis Howell Central
• Completed approximately 5,900 work orders
• Completed numerous improvement projects including replacing windows at Fairmount; installing acoustical treatment at Central Elementary, Fairmount and Saeger; replacing restroom stall partitions at Bryan, Hollenbeck, Saeger, and Central Elementary; replacing carpet at Castlio, Becky David, Independence; replacing asphalt at John Weldon; repairing skylight at Francis Howell North and replacing roof top HVAC unit at John Weldon

Community Relations

• Hosted heroin town hall meeting
• Created an online donation site for the District
• Earned a Sunny Award for the District website, a recognition that honors the nation’s most transparent government websites
• Began preparations for FHSD Centennial Celebration to be kicked off in the 2013-14 school year and concluding in the 2014-15 school year

Finance

• Earned Meritorious Budget Award
• Earned highest opinion on annual external audit
• Began 2013-14 budget meetings in preparation for 2013-14 budget document
• Completed safety task force community meetings; recommendations to be shared with Board of Education at April 4 meeting

In addition to our District’s third quarter highlights, each school had its share of celebrations and accomplishments as well. Those can be found by visiting the District website and the various school websites.

As we enter fourth quarter, we have nine very important weeks of school in front of us. There is content to be learned; local and state testing to be completed; college application processes to be completed; end of year celebrations to be held; and graduations to be conducted. In addition to all of the academic work that comprises fourth quarter, we have many great spring sports and activities in full swing, too.

Fourth quarter is a busy time of year for staff, students, and parents and is one full of celebrations. It is easy for students to get distracted during the last quarter of the school year, so we are encourage all stakeholders to partner with us to help our students have a strong finish to the year.  

Thank you to our students, staff, parents, community members, and Board of Education for making the Francis Howell School District a great place to learn and work. We greatly appreciate all that you do to make us an outstanding District!  Have a great fourth quarter.

Sincerely,
Dr. Pam Sloan
Superintendent of Schools