KMOV caught up with Lawrence Hoye, a high school junior in FFSD and entrepreneur. He shared how his business has taken off. From purchasing work trucks, a trailer, and lawn equipment to hiring a team of five on-call employees, Lawrence is on a mission to build a franchise one day! The recent snowstorm kept him and his crew busy. Check out KMOV’s feature on Lawrence and his inspiring journey.

Innovation High senior Ariah Dailey was a finalist in the St. Louis Teen Talent Competition on Jan. 18. She performed her original song, Hold On, at The Fabulous Fox Theatre, captivating the audience with her unique voice and musical talent. Ariah is the third Innovation High student to reach the finals, following in the footsteps of past finalists Darrius Turner and Shaniya Perry.

Four candidates have filed their candidacy for two positions on the Ferguson-Florissant Board of Education. Both positions are three-year terms.

Here are the candidates listed in ballot order:

• Vivian Mansaray
• John Flick
• Sheila Powell-Walker
• Jay Mosley

The election is for positions currently held by Board members Dr. Sheila Powell-Walker and Jillian Dunn. Dunn is not seeking re-election. The election will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. The Ferguson-Florissant School District Board election in April 2025 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. Learn more here.

The week of Jan. 6, Ferguson-Florissant experienced multiple inclement weather days. The district shared information about school and district plans through its automated notification system. Messages were sent via phone call, text message and email. If you did not receive these messages, please review your contact information in your Infinite Campus Parent Portal here.

The Harris-Stowe State University Presidential Dollars for Scholars Tour stopped by McCluer to award $237,000 in scholarships to the Class of 2025. Congratulations to these students on their achievements!💰🎓 Read more here.

Opportunity Scholars ($4,000 each):

Jayden Silinzy, Anthony Wilson, Olliyah Mosby, Latavia Johnson, Xavier Stegall, Myrakal Sykes

Provost Scholars ($8,000 each):
Gabriel Stewart, Andrea Butler, Marlon Elvir, Aryiana Taylor

Board of Regents Scholars (Full Tuition - $23,000 each):
Colt Gates, Irie Owens, Shania Johnson

Presidential Scholarship (Full Ride - $73,000):
Adrianne Burr

When it comes to the record books for the girls’ swim program at STEAM Academy at McCluer South-Berkeley, Alexis Stone has become quite the author.

The Bulldogs sophomore, who has been swimming since age six, has had a hand in re-writing each of the school’s top performance marks in all 11 possible events in a little more than a season. Read more about her journey in the Community News feature here.

Pictured: Dr. Jeff Tandler, principal at STEAM High; Dr. Joycelyn Pugh-Walker, co-acting superintendent; Dani Strehle; Daniela Lagos; sibling of Daniela; Brent Mitchell, co-acting superintendent; Dr. Isaiah Melendez, principal at McCluer

Congratulations to the students who participated in the Don't Give Up on the Dream: 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at STLCC-Florissant Valley, sponsored by North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice.

High school oratory winners:
🏆 Dani Strehle (Senior, STEAM Academy @MSB)
🏆 Daniela Lagos (Sophomore, McCluer)

Finalists from FFSD showcased their speeches on Jan. 4 at John Knox Presbyterian Church:

🔹 Grades 6-8 Finalists: Chasity Alexander (Ferguson Middle), Ndeye Biteye & Sarrah Fayemi (Cross Keys), Philippa Gutting (STEAM Academy Middle), A’More Jones (Wedgwood 6th Grade Center)
🔹 Grades 9-12 Finalist: Preonna Bevineau (McCluer)

Thank you to all the staff, students, and city representatives who joined us for the FFSD Municipality Accord hosted by the Culture and Learning Transformation team. City leaders, students, and staff discussed key topics like infrastructure, fundraising, safety, and more. This work is important in helping us shape a stronger future for our school and community. Check out the photo gallery here.

Combs held a special celebration for students who hit the mark with 90%+ attendance, 90%+ on their STAR test, and 0 referrals. Thank you to Combs school counselors, Ashley Dove & Maddi Frank, for putting together the Blue Carpet awards, AttenDANCE, and Breakfast for the student award celebration. Students across the district are hitting the mark on the Triple A pledge (AAA - Academics, Attendance & Attitude) with academic growth, improved attendance and behavior. Check out the Combs celebration photo gallery here.

Are you a graduate of Ferguson-Florissant School District? We're calling all graduates from Berkeley, Kinloch, McCluer, McCluer North, McCluer South-Berkeley, STEAM Academy @ MSB, and Innovation @ Cool Valley. We’re excited to reconnect and invite our alumni to be part of our new Alumni Association!

We want to share updates, celebrate your accomplishments, and plan future events that matter to you. Help us shape this journey by letting us know what you’d like to see as an alum. Fill out our short questionnaire to stay in the loop on all things FFSD Alumni! https://bit.ly/FFSDAlumni

Wednesday, Feb. 12 @ 6 p.m. (Watch Live)

Board of Education Regular & Closed Meeting

Administration Center

Friday, Feb. 14

No School for Students/Teacher Work Day/District Open

Monday, Feb. 17

No School for Students/Presidents' Day/District Closed

Wednesday, Feb. 26 @ 6 p.m. (Watch Live)

Board of Education Regular & Closed Meeting

Administration Center

Thursday, Mar. 6 @ 6 p.m.

Parent University Series on Home Buying

Session #3 - The Home Buying Process

McCluer North

Mar. 17-21

Spring Break/District Closed

Monday, Mar. 31

No School for Students/ Staff Professional Development/District Open