FHCToday

12/12/2025

Dr. "Diva" Kelley

12/12/2025

Liya Fikru, a local trail blazer and president to two clubs, has made even a greater effort to achieve her dreams. During the summer of her junior year, now senior Liya Fikru attended a summer medical program at Truman State for two weeks. During this program, she learned many things that could help her live her dream of being a gynecologist.

"It helped me better understand what I have to do to become a gynecologist, the steps to take, the different pathways, and different activities to do," Fikru Said.

Leaving the program, she came home with new ways of thinking and new experiences she couldn't get anywhere else.

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12/10/2025

Yesterday, Dec. 9, the FHC Concert Band performed its winter concert, presenting pieces the students had been preparing throughout the season. Held in the auditorium, families and students attended the event, showing support for the ensemble's work thus far. Junior Victoria Anderson, a clarinet and alto sax player, recently earned a spot as an alternate for Metro 8 and has been recognized for her steady dedication to the band. With this being one of her final performances of the winter, Anderson reflected on the recent concert.

“I thought it went really well …and it was really fun. The audience had a good reaction,” said Anderson. “Overall [the band] is very supportive and I think people work very hard collectively.”

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12/10/2025

Spreading joyful holiday spirit, Junior Mari Jones carols with her peers in downtown Cottleville. Carols were sung to different businesses and pedestrians in the area, turning a cold evening into a community building event. Jones gives insight into how the event brought together the community.

"[it] bring welcomeness, and togetherness, and bring Christmas spirit to families and all that stuff, and to those walking around during the cottleville Christmas parade thing," said Jones.

You can hear them first hand at their holiday on Tuesday Nov. 9th at 7pm.

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12/09/2025

To share her passion for literature, author E. Lockhart visited the school on Dec. 5 during 1st hour. Presenting in the auditorium, students eagerly listened to Lockhart’s experiences and stories. Lockhart is an American writer known for her novels ranging from children’s books to adult fiction. Some of Lockhart’s most popular works include novels such as, “We Were Liars,” and “The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks.” As an author and reader, Lockhart dedicates herself to crafting impactful novels and emphasizing the importance of learning one another's differences through storytelling. 

“Every single book you read is a chance to understand another person's way of thinking and life experience. They can be a window into someone's experience that's different from yours, or a doorway that opens that []  you feel like you're represented right in there,” said Lockhart.

“I think it's a chance to empathize with people differently from yourself, which is very important for growing as a human being. …You have the chance to see yourself reflected …in a book by somebody who identifies on the surface exactly like you do, and [see] your own experience represented.”

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12/05/2025

Final exam exemption time is here! Students can pick up a final exam exemption application at their Assistant Principal’s office before or after school and during passing periods. Please note, forms will not be checked during class time. Students who come to the office during class will be sent back to class. Final exam exemption applications are due back to the student’s Assistant Principal’s office no later than Tuesday, December 9th at 3PM, no exceptions.

12/05/2025

12/05/2025

Christmas is just around the corner, which means clubs are beginning to host their holiday parties. Today The Fellowship of Christian Athletes met in the learning commons from 7-8:30pm to celebrate together. Students enjoyed Chick Fil A and discussed the gospel. Junior Clara Belter attended the party and spoke on why she thinks this event is important.

“I think it’s important because you get to exchange gifts with everybody, and I feel it builds a stronger sense of community when you get to joke around and steal gifts,” Belter said. “It’s a fun time, you know? it makes me laugh a lot, and you see a lot of people in a different light.”

The next FCA meeting will take place on January 8th.

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12/04/2025

Due to the snowfall on Monday, December 1st, the Spartan boys basketball team was unable to reach their game, resulting in a necessary schedule change. Sophomore William Schuster, who is on the JV team, said that the disruption should not leave an impact on the team’s performance.
“I don’t think it will affect the players because we were still able to get at least one practice in before our tournament,” Schuster said, “so we should be prepared to play our first game.”
Although quick schedule changes could easily create stress for most players, Schuster said he feels confident in adapting to ensure he is ready to play.
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12/02/2025

BREAKING:
This morning, on December 2nd, Mark Delaney has been hired as the official superintendent of the Francis Howell School District. His previous role as interim has been highly impactful on the district, leading him to be the prime candidate for the position. Following his hiring, FHSD Board President Steven Blair gives thanks to all Delaney has done as an interim.

“Mr. Delaney had a great deal of responsibility unexpectedly thrust upon him this summer, and he has surpassed all expectations,” said Blair. “In addition to leading our complex district, he successfully onboarded two new team members at the Executive Cabinet level - our new Chief Academic Officer and Deputy Superintendent of Finance and Operations - and juggled additional responsibilities due to key vacancies at the leadership level.”

Delaney is set to start as superintendent on Jan. 1st, 2026, and carry out his contract until June 30th, 2028. Blair also acknowledges those who provided feedback leading up to the decision.

“Your voices helped affirm our decision, and we are excited to continue making progress on critical fronts with Mr. Delaney in a more permanent capacity,” said Blair.

Stay tuned for more information coming at fhctoday.com.

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12/02/2025

As winter weather begins to creep into the forecast, it brings the excitement of students along with it. Yesterday, Dec. 1st, due to the slick conditions of the roads and heavy snowfall, the Francis Howell school district decided to cut school 2 hours early, along with over 40 other schools across the St. Louis area. Additionally, taking precautions, the Francis Howell school district chose to have an AMI day on Dec. 2nd, where students continue their learning from home. In the event of school being cancelled, students were given AMI work by their teachers at the beginning of the year. |

12/02/2025

At Francis Howell Central, most students know Dr. Jane Kelley as the AP World History teacher. However, outside of the classroom, she has carved out a niche on Instagram where she shares her passion for fashion.
Her fashion vlog, named treschichistory, has hit it off with the students of FHC, having upwards of 1,000 followers. What began as a small idea quickly became a creative outlet.
“I can kind of do whatever,” Kelley said. “It’s really flexing that creative muscle.”
Her inspiration came from her appreciation of aesthetics and the compliments she often received on her style.
“I thought, hey, people compliment me, so why not talk about my outfits? Why not make a little page about it?” Kelley said.
For Kelley, treschichistory isn’t about being an influencer or building a brand: it’s about showing her students that passion doesn’t have to stop at the classroom door, and that creativity can shape the way you see yourself and the world around you.

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