One District United e-Newsletter

REMINDER: All FFSD schools and offices will be closed Dec. 22-Jan. 2, 2026, for Winter Break. We’ll see you back when classes resume on Monday, Jan. 5. Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing holiday break.

Ferguson-Florissant principals Dr. Apryll Mendez (Holman Primary), Taylor Cameron (Robinwood Intermediate), Dr. Ce Andre Perry (Ferguson Middle), Dr. Kaylan Holloway (McCluer North) and Dr. Myko Harris (Restoration & Wellness Center) had the opportunity to join Kenneth McClendon live on Jubilee 690 AM on Dec. 11. They highlighted the great things taking place in their schools and discussed ways the community and parents can strengthen partnerships with the district. A heartfelt thank you to Mr. McClendon and the team at Jubilee 690 for providing this platform to share with the community.

Twenty-six girls from Ferguson Middle took part in the Changed By Design Mentorship Program. As part of the program, students created 70 Christmas cards to share messages of support with residents of Beyond Housing and with female youth at the St. Louis County Juvenile Detention Center. What an amazing example of leadership and service.

Cross Keys Middle School has officially opened its new school market, a permanent, on-site resource that can provide students and families with free access to fresh food. The market was made possible through a partnership with the St. Louis Area Foodbank and support from Boeing. Thank you to the St. Louis Area Foodbank and Boeing for helping make this resource a reality for our school community.

FCCLA students were recognized for their work in the National Quilt Museum’s School Block Challenge. Jazmyn Dozier earned second place in the high school category, and Jazmyn Collins received an honorable mention.

A total of 248 quilt squares were submitted nationwide, with two winning entries from McCluer. The quilt squares are on display at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky, as part of a special exhibit running through early March. Students created their designs using three required fabrics provided by the museum, along with additional materials or techniques of their choice.

Ferguson-Florissant residents interested in running for the April 7, 2026, Ferguson-Florissant Board of Education election will need to file for candidacy at the St. Louis County Board of Elections, 725 Northwest Plaza Drive in St. Ann.

The filing period for the April 7 election began on Tuesday, Dec. 9, and closes at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 30. Three positions will be on the ballot, as the three-year terms of Donna Paulette-Thurman, Kevin M. Martin and Jamal Bailey.

Missouri law requires a person to be a U.S. citizen, at least 24 years old, a resident taxpayer of the district and to have resided in Missouri for one year immediately preceding the election. In addition, the candidate must follow these procedures:
1. File a declaration of candidacy
2. Filing pursuant to district Policy BBB-2

The Ferguson-Florissant School District Board election in April 2026 will be conducted by cumulative voting, a change ordered by the federal court. In cumulative voting, voters cast as many votes as there are seats. Voters are not limited to giving only one vote to a candidate. Instead, they can give their votes to one or more candidates. For instance, in this election for three open board seats, voters could choose to give one vote each to three different candidates, two votes to one and one vote to another candidate, or three votes to a single candidate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding board candidate filing, please call 314-687-1912.

Ferguson-Florissant hosted a community food giveaway at Johnson-Wabash 6th Grade Center, Wedgwood 6th Grade Center, and McCluer North High School. The event provided food to families across the district through a partnership with Operation Food Search. Thank you to the district staff, families, and volunteers who helped make the giveaway possible.

The application window for the next cohort of the Red Tail Cadets program is open and closes on January 6, 2026.

The program requirements are as follows:

• Currently enrolled and in good standing in the Ferguson-Florissant School District
• Grades 9-11
• Between 16-18 years old (must be at least 16 years old on or before July 1, 2026)
• Outstanding character and team-focused
• Must hold a minimum GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale
• Demonstrates aptitude for testing and application
• Additional consideration will be given to applicants with advanced placement or college-level courses
• High achievement in STEM programs
• FACULTY/ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION

Students are strongly encouraged to apply for the program at this link.

Dec. 18-19

Half-Day for Pre K-12 Students

Finals for Grades 6-12

Dec. 22-Jan. 2

District Closed/Winter Break

Monday, Jan. 5, 2026

Classes Resume

Wednesday, Jan. 14 @ 6 p.m. (Watch Live)

Board of Education Meeting

Administration Center

Monday, Jan. 19

No School/District Offices Closed

MLK Holiday

Friday, Feb. 13

No School for Students/Teacher Work Day/District Open

Monday, Feb. 16

No School/District Offices Closed

Presidents' Day