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Parent Resources
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Attendance Policy
Regular attendance has a huge impact on a student’s academic success starting in kindergarten and continuing through high school. Even as children grow older and more independent, families play a key role in making sure students get to school safely every day and understand why attendance is so important for success in school and in life.
We realize some absences are unavoidable due to health problems or other circumstances. But we also know that when students miss too much school -- regardless of the reason -- it can cause them to fall behind academically.
Your child is less likely to succeed if he or she is chronically absent, missing 18 or more days over the course of the school year. Research shows:
- Children chronically absent in kindergarten and first grade are much less likely to read at grade level by the end of third grade.
- By sixth grade, chronic absence is a proven early warning sign for students at risk for dropping out of school.
- By ninth grade, good attendance can predict graduation rates even better than eighth-grade test scores.
Individual student absences can add up quickly. A child is considered chronically absent if he or she misses just two days every month.
Please ensure that your child attends school every day and arrives on time. Here are a few practical tips to help support regular attendance:
- Make sure your children keep a regular bedtime and establish a morning routine.
- Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
- Ensure your children go to school every day unless they are truly sick.
- Avoid scheduling vacations or doctor’s appointments when school is in session.
- Talk to teachers and counselors for advice if your children feel anxious about going to school.
- Develop backup plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, neighbor, or another parent to take your child to school if necessary.
Let us know how we can best support you and your children so that they can be present for school on time, every day. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact your child’s school, or as always, e-mail us at info@fergflor.org.
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Before and After School Providers
Before and After School Providers
While Ferguson-Florissant School District does not provide K-5 Before and After-school services, we have entered into a formal agreement with a third-party vendor, Unleashing Potential, who utilizes our Berkeley, Combs, Griffith, and Robinwood campuses to support families with their grant-funded program in the 2022-2023SY
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Canvas
Canvas is the Ferguson-Florissant School District’s Learning Management System. Canvas is a course management system that supports online learning and teaching.
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Chromebook Tech Support
Use this portal to receive tech support for your Chromebook.
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College and Career Planning Guide
The College and Career Planning Guide presents important information about programs and courses offered to the students of the Ferguson-Florissant School District. With the help of parents, school counselors, and teachers, students complete an Individual Career & Academic Plan (ICAP) most appropriate to their personal career goals, post-secondary planning, and individual pathway options.
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Family Hotspot Application
This application is for a "hotspot" for families in need that gives Internet access for the student Chromebook. It is only needed if there is no Internet in the home, or the Internet is slow or has a problem. Hotspot approval is subject to income verification and available supply of equipment.
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Galileo Benchmark Assessment Growth Calculator
Galileo Benchmark Assessment Growth Calculator
Ferguson-Florissant School District uses Galileo K-12 as a benchmarking assessment tool. The Galileo benchmarks are administered four times a year. Each assessment is aligned to the Missouri Learning Standards from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
Data from the benchmark assessment tells the teacher which standards students have successfully mastered. Galileo gives a score for each student that focuses on ensuring all students are on track to achieve at least one year of growth or more.
Parents and students can track their learning progress through the Galileo Growth Calculator.
If you know your student's latest Galileo Benchmark Developmental Level (DL) score, this calculator will show the current achievement level of the student and what their goal is for the next Galileo Benchmark Assessment.
*Galileo Benchmark Developmental Level (DL) score can be seen in the ‘Assessments’ section on the Parent Portal.
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Graduate Profile
Based on input from students, parents, staff, community members, business and higher education leaders, the District has developed a Graduate Profile. Through this process we have identified specific indicators to measure our graduates’ readiness for success in college and life.
1. Communicator
○ Listens to understand others
○ Clearly articulate ideas when writing, speaking, and visually, adapting message
to fit the purpose and needs of the audience
2. Collaborator
○ Works effectively with others to accomplish a common goal
○ Engages in positive and productive conflict resolution
3. Innovator
○ Explores multiple possibilities and evaluates relevant information in order to
enact change
○ Perseveres through challenges by using obstacles as opportunities to learn,
reflect, and improve
4. Citizen
○ Demonstrates civic engagement by applying knowledge and practical skills to
improve communities
○ other mindedness & equity
5. Mastery Learner
○ Demonstrates mastery of content standards
○ Applies content knowledge to real world situations, and transfers knowledge
across various contexts and disciplines
The graphic below represents our graduate profile. Each District school will develop a graduate profile that links their work to the District graduate profile.
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Hazel Health Services
Check out Hazel Health Services available for Students and Parents of FFSD.
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Immunization Requirements
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Inclement Weather
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Inclement Weather Procedures
Ferguson-Florissant School District's goal is to ensure the safety of all during inclement weather events while minimizing the disruption to student learning.This school year, our plan is to use the first three (3) days of inclement weather as snow days. This means the first three days impacted by winter weather, schools and buildings will be closed. Teachers and students will not be expected to be online and using virtual learning, and our other staff members will not report to work unless otherwise directed by their supervisor during the first three days.
After three inclement weather days are used, FFSD will begin implementing Virtual Learning Days as part of our approved Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) plan if in-person attendance is not possible. We will provide more guidance and details on AMI Days in the near future.
The District will implement Virtual Learning Days as part of our approved Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) plan in the event that in-person attendance may be impossible, dangerous, or difficult. AMI Days can be applied on inclement weather days (snow days) and count toward DESE's (Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) attendance requirements.
If weather conditions or other unexpected, short-term events make it unsafe for students to attend in person, the District may use one of the following options:
- School may start two hours late. (Delayed start)
- Students may be released early. (Early dismissal)
- Students may learn during a 'virtual learning day.' (Asynchronous or Synchronous learning day)
- In-person classes may be canceled entirely. (A regular snow day)
What options will the District consider when weather conditions are severe?
Two-hour delayed late start - A two-hour delayed start will be used to allow staff additional time to get to school and prepare the grounds and facilities (i.e., clearing ice, sidewalks, etc.). Also, conditions and visibility often improve later in the morning. The school day will begin two hours later. All schools will end their day at the regular time. A complete list of delayed start times is listed below:
Middle (6-8) - 9:25 a.m.
High (9-12) - 10:05 a.m.
Intermediate (3-5) - 10:50 a.m.
Primary (Pre K - 2) - 11:20 a.m.
Early dismissal - In the case of developing weather conditions, the District may call for early dismissal of students. In this case, there will be no evening activities or classes.
Virtual learning day (AMI) - During a virtual learning day, in-person classes are cancelled. Students will take part in independent learning activities virtually at home through Canvas or with online teacher support.
School closing - Closing school, is necessary when the weather forecast and current conditions indicate that a late start is not possible. School closure is usually a result of snow and/or ice. This will be a traditional 'snow day' with no in-person or virtual classes.
How are parents/guardians notified of school closings?
Any decision to close schools due to weather will be announced using Ferguson-Florissant School District’s automated messaging system (email, text, and/or phone calls). Announcements will be made on local television stations, the District website, and FFSD’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts. When possible, announcements regarding inclement weather days will be made before 10 p.m. the day before or at approximately 5:30 a.m. the day inclement weather is expected.
- District website: www.fergflor.org provides notification of school closings and cancellations.
- Email, Phone Call, FFSD App & Text Message: Phone, email, and text messages are sent to school families and employees when classes are cancelled, delayed, virtual, or students are released early.
- Social Media: Information will be posted on the District’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
- Radio & TV: Local stations share announcements on air and on their websites.
NOTE: If you are a parent/guardian and did not receive a phone call on a day when school is closed due to weather, please contact your child's school office to ensure the District has the correct contact information on file for your family. You can also update or change your contact information in the Parent Portal.
Extreme Cold
When very cold weather strikes we receive many questions from families and staff asking whether school will be closed due to cold temperatures alone. The answer is yes. Under certain conditions, outlined below, extreme cold may cause school to be closed for the safety of our students and staff.
The Ferguson-Florissant School District considers a set of internal weather guidelines to help determine whether temperatures are safe to hold classes. Our weather guidelines state that if the wind chill temperature is ABOVE (warmer than) -17 degrees at 5 a.m., schools are generally open. If the wind chill temperature falls BELOW (is colder than) -18 degrees at 5 a.m., schools are more likely to be closed. These guidelines take into account the amount of time it takes for exposed skin to develop frostbite and the average amount of time it takes for students to walk to school or wait at bus stops. Of course, other factors may also be considered, but these parameters provide a general guide. Click here to view a National Weather Service (NWS) brochure on wind chills to learn more.
When temperatures do not warrant closing, families should help their children to be prepared for the weather to make sure that they stay as safe and warm as possible as they make their way to and from school:
- Dress them warmly, in layers; with a hat, scarf, gloves and appropriate footwear.
- If your child generally walks to school, consider giving them a ride or having children from your neighborhood carpool together.
- If your child rides the bus, dress them warmly, but also consider waiting in the car with them at the bus stop, or having one person in your neighborhood maintain a warm car by the stop.
Just like our families do when school is in session during very cold weather, the District makes some adjustments in response to the weather to ensure our students and staff are safe and as comfortable as possible:
- Our transportation department begins preparing district buses as early as 4 a.m. to make sure the engines start and heaters work so that students have as warm a ride to school as possible. Drivers are careful to arrive at bus stops as close to “on time” as possible.
- Custodial and maintenance staff ensure temperatures inside our classrooms are comfortable and are on standby to respond to any facilities issues that can arise due to frigid temperatures outside.
- Recess and all gym class activities are held indoors.
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MOCAP
Missouri Course Access Program
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Parent-Teacher Conference tips
Parent Tips For Effective Parent-Teacher Conferences
Your regular attendance at parent-teacher conferences is extremely important to the educational success of your child. Parent-teacher conferences are an excellent opportunity to gauge your child’s academic progress and create an ongoing dialogue with your child’s teacher. Below are some tips for effective conferences:
Some tips for parents:
- Take notes and share information concerning your child with the teacher that could impact his/her learning (how your child learns best, personality, learning challenges, personal information, etc.).
- Follow-up with your child’s teacher to review his/her work, grades, and progress in school. Ask the teacher for specific suggestions on ways to help your child reach his/her potential. This is the most important part of the meeting. If the teacher says something that you don’t understand, ask for clarification.
- Take notes so you can discuss the meeting with your child.
- End the meeting by reiterating the actions that will be taken by the teacher or parent/guardian.
- Think of ways you would like to be involved in your child’s learning so that you can discuss them with the teacher.
Helpful questions to ask the teacher:
- What is your classroom homework policy? Is homework graded?
- What are the skills that you expect my child to master this year?
- Is my child working up to his/her ability?
- How do you accommodate for learning styles?
- How can I stay involved in my child’s learning?
After the conference:
- Stay in contact with the teacher and continue to discuss your child’s progress. Register on the Parent Portal to monitor/view your child’s grades, attendance, and assignments online. Contact your child’s school for more information.
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PayPAMS
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Report Bullying
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Safety and Emergency Procedures
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School Social Work Services
School social workers serve as the link between students, families, and the school. They work with parents, guardians, teachers, and other school officials to eliminate barriers children may have to learning and attempt to ensure that students reach their academic and personal potential.
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Software Tech Support
If you are having difficulty using Canvas, Zoom, Gmail, Parent Portal, Student 360, Seesaw, Clever, Galileo, or any other instructional resource, please fill out the form below. We also have resources available on our website at www.fergflor.org/canvas for Canvas specific support and at www.fergflor.org/united for information and resources related to virtual learning and supports for families during this difficult time.
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Standards-Based Learning
Standards-Based Learning
Following a successful pilot program, we are pleased to announce that all elementary schools in our District will be using Standards-Based Report Cards this school year for students in grades K-5. Over the past year, Ferguson-Florissant School District has been working towards establishing a consistent format regarding assessment and grading.
The new standards-based grading practices are a result of our efforts to communicate an accurate picture of student learning. The new format will communicate how students perform on a set of clearly defined learning targets called standards. The purpose is to identify what a student knows or is able to do, in relation to the given learning targets - as opposed to simply averaging grades/scores over the course of the grading period, which can mask what a student has learned or has not learned.
Standards-based report cards:
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List the most important skills students should learn in each subject area at their grade level.
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Provide the most recent achievements and feedback regarding students’ progress towards meeting the end-of-the-year grade-level standards.
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Ensure consistency from grade level to grade level.
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Report effort/work habits separately from academic achievement. Students are graded on what they know and what they have learned and separate social and behavioral skills from academic skills.
To help families understand how student progress will be reported, we have created a Parent Guide ( English) Parent Guide (Spanish)to answer many frequently asked questions and answers regarding standards-based grading. We appreciate your continued support and partnership.
If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher or building principal.
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Supply Lists
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Trauma Informed Schools Information
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Tyler SIS Parent Portal
The Parent Portal is an internet ready program that allows parents to access and update/verify their child's registration information and view timely information about their child’s progress in school via their web browser. With a click of the mouse, parents will have access to selected information including grades, attendance and assignments. To access the portal, click on the below link. If you are not registered to use the Parent Portal, you may contact your child's school to do so.
School Closing information
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Inclement Weather Procedures
Ferguson-Florissant School District's goal is to ensure the safety of all during inclement weather events while minimizing the disruption to student learning.
If weather conditions or other unexpected, short-term events make it unsafe for students to attend in person, the District may use one of the following options:
- School may start two hours late. (Delayed start)
- Students may be released early. (Early dismissal)
- Students may learn during a 'virtual learning day.' (Asynchronous or Synchronous learning day)
- In-person classes may be canceled entirely. (A regular snow day)
What options will the District consider when weather conditions are severe?
Two-hour delayed late start - A two-hour delayed start will be used to allow staff additional time to get to school and prepare the grounds and facilities (i.e., clearing ice, sidewalks, etc.). Also, conditions and visibility often improve later in the morning. The school day will begin two hours later. All schools will end their day at the regular time. A complete list of delayed start times is listed below:
Middle (6-8) - 9:25 a.m.
High (9-12) - 10:05 a.m.
Intermediate (3-5) - 10:50 a.m.
Primary (Pre K - 2) - 11:20 a.m.
Early dismissal - In the case of developing weather conditions, the District may call for early dismissal of students. In this case, there will be no evening activities or classes.
Virtual learning day (AMI) - During a virtual learning day, in-person classes are cancelled. Students will take part in independent learning activities virtually at home through Canvas or with online teacher support.
School closing - Closing school, is necessary when the weather forecast and current conditions indicate that a late start is not possible. School closure is usually a result of snow and/or ice. This will be a traditional 'snow day' with no in-person or virtual classes.
How are parents/guardians notified of school closings?
Any decision to close schools due to weather will be announced using Ferguson-Florissant School District’s automated messaging system (email, text, and/or phone calls). Announcements will be made on local television stations, the District website, and FFSD’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts. When possible, announcements regarding inclement weather days will be made before 10 p.m. the day before or at approximately 5:30 a.m. the day inclement weather is expected.
- District website: www.fergflor.org provides notification of school closings and cancellations.
- Email, Phone Call, FFSD App & Text Message: Phone, email, and text messages are sent to school families and employees when classes are cancelled, delayed, virtual, or students are released early.
- Social Media: Information will be posted on the District’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
- Radio & TV: Local stations share announcements on air and on their websites.
NOTE: If you are a parent/guardian and did not receive a phone call on a day when school is closed due to weather, please contact your child's school office to ensure the District has the correct contact information on file for your family. You can also update or change your contact information in the Parent Portal.
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Extreme Cold
How does temperature affect the decision to hold school?
When very cold weather strikes we receive many questions from families and staff asking whether school will be closed due to cold temperatures alone. The answer is yes. Under certain conditions, outlined below, extreme cold may cause school to be closed for the safety of our students and staff.
The Ferguson-Florissant School District considers a set of internal weather guidelines to help determine whether temperatures are safe to hold classes. Our weather guidelines state that if the wind chill temperature is ABOVE (warmer than) -17 degrees at 5 a.m., schools are generally open. If the wind chill temperature falls BELOW (is colder than) -18 degrees at 5 a.m., schools are more likely to be closed. These guidelines take into account the amount of time it takes for exposed skin to develop frostbite and the average amount of time it takes for students to walk to school or wait at bus stops. Of course, other factors may also be considered, but these parameters provide a general guide. Click here to view a National Weather Service (NWS) brochure on wind chills to learn more.
When temperatures do not warrant closing, families should help their children to be prepared for the weather to make sure that they stay as safe and warm as possible as they make their way to and from school:
- Dress them warmly, in layers; with a hat, scarf, gloves and appropriate footwear.
- If your child generally walks to school, consider giving them a ride or having children from your neighborhood carpool together.
- If your child rides the bus, dress them warmly, but also consider waiting in the car with them at the bus stop, or having one person in your neighborhood maintain a warm car by the stop.
Just like our families do when school is in session during very cold weather, the District makes some adjustments in response to the weather to ensure our students and staff are safe and as comfortable as possible:
- Our transportation department begins preparing district buses as early as 4 a.m. to make sure the engines start and heaters work so that students have as warm a ride to school as possible. Drivers are careful to arrive at bus stops as close to “on time” as possible.
- Custodial and maintenance staff ensure temperatures inside our classrooms are comfortable and are on standby to respond to any facilities issues that can arise due to frigid temperatures outside.
- Recess and all gym class activities are held indoors.
Because instructional time is so valuable for all of our students to be able to achieve at the highest levels, we wish for all students to be in school as much as possible. However, ultimately, families decide what is best for their children based on individual circumstances. We hope that this information is helpful for our students, families and staff to know more about our decision-making process and the steps we can all take to continue our teaching and learning even when it’s very cold outside.
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Extreme Heat
Administrators and teachers will make adjustments in school activities to insure the safety and comfort of our
children when periods of extreme heat develop. In general, it is the District’s policy to remain open for
a full day of school once classes begin each day. Extreme heat sometimes create conditions changing
the normal routines of the school day such as recess or after-school activities like football practice.Summer:
The National Weather Service and the Missouri Department of Health issue warnings of extreme heat events
during the summer months. Administrators and teachers will adjust student activities during these periods to
ensure the health and safety of our students.The National Weather Service’s Heat Advisory/Warning is based on a term called the Heat Index and the length
of time the extreme heat lasts. The Heat Index is a complex formula that simulates what it “feels like” to
humans given a certain temperature and relative humidity.- Heat Advisory is issued when the heat index is expected to be at least 105 degrees for 3 hours or more
with a minimum heat index of 80 degrees during a 24-hour period. - Heat warning is issued when the heat index is expected to be at least 115 degrees for 3 hours or more
with a minimum heat index of 80 degrees during a 24-hour period, or when the heat index is to be in the
105 degrees to 114 degrees (or higher) for at least 3 days.
The Missouri Department of Health also issues Advisories/Warnings for extreme heat events. They are called:
- Hot Weather Health Advisory or a Hot Weather Health Warning.
- Hot Weather Health Advisory is issued when the heat index is 105 degrees or greater.
- Hot Weather Health Warning is issued two days after a Hot Weather Health Advisory continues and if
the forecast calls for the heat to continue for 48 more hours.
Precautions To Take:
- On any given day, when the heat index is 105 degrees or higher, all outdoor athletics/activities should be
postponed or moved inside to air conditioned facilities. - When the heat index is 95 degrees – 104 degrees, athletics/activities may take place outside with the
following conditions: hydration, breaks, and rest every 20 minutes. In addition, an early stop time may
be given by the Athletic Director for athletic practices and after-school activities. The Athletic Director
will communicate with coaches regarding these precautions.
- Heat Advisory is issued when the heat index is expected to be at least 105 degrees for 3 hours or more
Useful Documents
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Parents and Students' Bill of Rights