As we have navigated the start of this school year together, we can all agree this has been one of the most difficult years that students and staff have experienced in our lifetime. These unprecedented challenges have caused significant additional stress on our entire school community. Teachers and District staff are working tirelessly and putting others before themselves to serve our students and families while balancing the transition of returning to the learning environment. 

Even in these challenging times, each of you has demonstrated resilience and dedication to educating and supporting our students. 

I’ve had the opportunity to visit every school, and during my time talking with many of you, the message has been clear -- time is needed to rest and recharge.

The Board and administration care deeply about the health and wellness of our school community. To better support the mental wellbeing of our staff and students, the Board voted unanimously to observe Nov. 22 and Nov. 23 as FFSD self-care days. The District will now observe the entire week of Nov. 22-26 for the Thanksgiving holiday to offer a well-deserved extended break for all students and staff. We will not need to make up these days later in the school year.

As a reminder, there is no school for PreK-12 students on Oct. 29 - Nov. 2 because of Fall Break. Classes will resume for students on Wednesday, Nov. 3.

We hope families will use the extended time to rest and practice self-care. We have compiled a list of self-care resources from our FFSD counseling department. 

We will get through these current challenges as we continue to focus on the safety and mental wellbeing of our students and staff. We will emerge stronger and more committed than ever to our school community.

Onward together,

Dr. Davis

Superintendent