Posted on 04/09/2020
Dear FHSD Parents, Students, and Staff:
As a result of Governor Parson’s directive, Francis Howell and all Missouri school districts will be closed for the remainder of the school year. Our health officials and superintendents agree this is necessary to protect the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community, and to minimize the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). This closure includes all FHSD schools, preschool, and Vacation Station. All athletic events and activities are canceled for the remainder of the school year, and facilities, fields, and playgrounds will not be available until further notice. We are not anticipating holding our traditional summer school and summer camps. Further communication will be provided about summer programming adjustments.
We understand the closure has a significant impact on our families. Our Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) learning will continue during the extended closure. We have been impressed with the work of our students, parents, and teachers. Based on feedback from parents and teachers and our desire to not add additional stress to families or staff, we will be moving to a four-day schedule beginning the week of April 20. Students will engage in learning Tuesday through Friday, and Monday will be a teacher work/meeting/learning day. All AMI materials are available on the District website.
At this time, we plan to continue food distribution to our students in need, and Chromebooks will be distributed as scheduled through April 24. The District will notify families and teachers about when they can return to our buildings to pick up any remaining items, but it will not be before May 1. We are working on plans for our high school graduations, and at this time are hoping to reschedule for July.
While the entire District, including the Administration Building, is closed until further notice, it is possible some staff will return prior to the end of the school calendar. More information will be provided as we continue to consult with the health department.
Please continue to practice good hygiene and social distancing measures. Contact the St. Charles County Health Department or your primary care physician should you have any COVID-19 symptoms.
We know that you will have additional questions, and we will do our best to get you answers as soon as we have them. We are grateful for your continued patience and understanding as we work through this unprecedented time. Please take care of yourself and your family, and thank you for joining together to support each other and our students.
Sincerely,
Dr. Mary Hendricks-Harris, Superintendent
Francis Howell School District