One District United e-Newsletter
A publication of Ferguson-Florissant School District
First Day of School is Monday, August 21
We can't wait to welcome everyone back for the 2023-2024 school year!
School starts for all Pre K-12 students on Monday, Aug. 21. To help families get prepared for the upcoming school year, we've compiled a back-to-school resource page in one spot. Families can find school supply lists, bus information, academic calendar and more. We are excited to start the new school year!
School uniforms for K-5th grade
Students in grades K-5th grade will wear school uniforms for the 23-24 school year.
Shirts
- White or navy blue shirts with collars such as a polo, oxford, or dress shirt (no logos required)
- Information on school color shirts will be shared from your child’s school
Bottoms
- Navy blue shorts, pants, slacks, skirt, skorts or jumper
- Khaki shorts, pants, slacks, skirt, skorts or jumper
- FFSD Red/Navy blue plaid skirt, skorts or jumper
*6th-12th Grade will wear uniforms the following year for the 24-25 school year.
*Uniforms can be purchased at Target, Walmart, Kohl's, French Toast, Amazon, TrayJays, or other retailers. Learn more here.
Clear bookbags for K-12th grade
All K-12th grade students will use clear bookbags. The District will provide the initial clear bookbag for students in grades K-5. As part of the District’s comprehensive safety and security plan, all secondary students are required to have clear bookbags. The safety and security plan called CUBES stands for clear Communication, clear Understanding, clear Bookbags, clear Expectations, and clear Supports.
Bookbag requirement for grades K-12:
- Clear Bookbags (16 in. tall x 12 in. wide x 6 in deep)
- Small pouch/wristlet for personal items if needed (5.5 in. x 4 in. and does not have to be clear)
Student purchased bookbags must meet the following specifications:
- The bookbag must be at least 16 inches tall X 12 inches wide X 6 inches deep
- The bookbag must be completely clear, with the exception of the straps, zippers, and small manufacturer label
- Transparent but tinted or opaque bookbags are not permitted
- Logos, stickers, or other attachments that obstruct the view into the bookbag are not permitted
- Mesh may only cover a side pouch but may not cover the whole bookbag
- No bookbag or bag may be worn under a coat or jacket
Distraction-free learning for 6-12th grade
Yondr Pouches are coming for the 2023-24 school year, making our middle and high schools a phone-free space. Students will be required to place all cell phones in a personal locked Yondr Pouch. Students will keep their phones and will not use them until their pouches are opened at the end of the school day.
Open Gate detection system
As part of our ongoing commitment to safety, FFSD will begin use of Open Gate detection systems. The District will start use of the systems at McCluer, McCluer North, and Restoration & Wellness Center for the 2023-24 school year with plans to expand to other buildings. This is a renewed focus on our comprehensive safety plan, CUBES. Let's Be Clear - No Weapons in Our Schools!
FFSD in the news 📰
Superintendent Dr. Davis shares with St. Louis Magazine the District's Focus on Literacy
Superintendent Dr. Davis shares with St. Louis Magazine the District’s focus on early literacy through the science of reading and the importance of reading competency in the early years and beyond.
FFSD High School Students Soar in the Red Tail Cadet Program
McCluer North Grads Bring Free Football Camp for Area Youth
Back-to-School Fair & Gun Safety and Mental Health Awareness March | August 19
The FFSD Back-to-School Festival will take place on Saturday, August 19. The Festival will start with a Gun Safety & Mental Health Awareness March. The march will begin at 9:30 a.m. (Staging starts at 9:00 a.m.) at 501 S. Florissant Road and conclude at the Back-to-School Fair at STEAM Academy @ McCluer South-Berkeley football field. The fair will take place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Bring the whole family. We hope to see you there!
Bus information
Bus route information for the 2023-24 school year will be available by Aug. 4 in the Parent Portal. You can find your bus route schedule by logging into the Parent Portal, then click the 'Transportation' button to the left.
Be a HERO! Here. Everyday. Ready. On Time.
Be ready on day one! Student success starts with good attendance and is the responsibility of the student, family and school. School attendance is one of the most reliable predictors of student success. Students who attend school regularly have a better chance of building a strong foundation as they move from kindergarten to high school.
Did you know?
Chronic absence means your child has missed 10% or more of the school year for any reason to date. Missing just two days a month adds up to missing ten percent of the school year. When students are chronically absent, the risk of falling behind increases. Learn more here.
Come join the FFSD family! 💙
Come join a school district on the cutting edge of innovation, state-of-the-art instruction, and a champion for educational equity. We are looking for dedicated teachers and staff members who have a passion for student success to join our dynamic team for the 2023-24 school year.
If you know someone who would be a good fit for these positions, feel free to share!
We have jobs currently posted on our website, so click here to see them all!
Important Dates
Monday, August 7
Fall Sports Practices Begin
Tuesday, Aug. 8 @ 6 p.m.
Social Media Parent Workshop with Officer Mark Lorthridge
Social Media 101
Administration Center
8855 Dunn Road
Wednesday, Aug. 9 @ 6 p.m. (Watch Live)
Board of Education Meeting
Administration Center
8855 Dunn Road
Saturday, Aug. 19
Back-to-School Festival
Gun Safety & Mental Health Awareness March begins at 9:30 a.m.
Starts at 501 S. Florissant Road ends at the Back-to-School Fair
Back-to-School Fair
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
STEAM Academy at McCluer South-Berkeley High School
201 Brotherton Lane
Monday, Aug. 21
First Day of School
All Pre K-12th grade students
Monday, Sept. 4
No School/District Offices Closed
In observance of Labor Day
Tuesday, Sept. 5
No School/District Offices Open
Staff professional development
The Ferguson-Florissant School District, located in suburban St. Louis, serves nearly 10,000 students from preschool through 12th grade with an excellent comprehensive educational program.