At FSD, we are deeply committed to early literacy. Our strategic focus is to ensure that every single Pre-K through 2nd-grade teacher is fully trained in the Science of Reading. Equipping our early childhood educators with these proven tools ensures our youngest learners get the strongest possible start.
📚 What is the Science of Reading? 📚
The Science of Reading is a vast body of gold-standard, research-backed evidence that explains exactly how the human brain learns to read. By diving deep into this training, our teachers have mastered advanced strategies in phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Two years of extra coursework, collaboration, and study is no small feat! FSD is incredibly proud of these educators, as well as all of our Pre-K through 2nd-grade teachers who are currently working through or have already completed this rigorous training.
#TheKnightWay #AcademicExcellence
Lincoln Intermediate librarian Tiffany Moore was recently highlighted by the Missouri Association of School Librarians (MASL). In their recent release, Moore was selected for the Missouri School Librarian Spotlight.
See the full post from MASL here.
Summer is just getting started but we want to help families plan ahead. Check out important dates for the upcoming school.
#TheKnightWay
Join us in celebrating and wishing a very happy retirement to an incredible member of our Farmington School District staff, Jim Akins! For the past five years, Jim has been a staple at Farmington High School, but his impact on education spans an amazing 29.5 year career.
Jim has worn many hats over nearly three decades. As a French and Spanish teacher, he has taught everything from Level 1 courses to intermediate college courses for Illinois State University, Forest Park College, Missouri Baptist University, and Mineral Area College (MAC). Beyond the classroom, Coach Akins has dedicated himself to athletics, serving as a Head Track Coach, a longtime assistant Track and Cross Country coach, and coaching the Mineral Area College (MAC) throwers for the last 5 years. He concludes his time at FSD as a French and Spanish teacher and Assistant Cross Country Coach.
When asked about the legacy he hopes to leave behind, Jim shared, "I want people to know that I wasn't perfect, but I did my best. I wish for others to do the same. I hope people remember that I cared about every student and pray that I had a positive influence on their lives."
Jim's passion for culture and connection has made a lasting impact on the district. He hopes his work continues to inspire students to learn languages and appreciate other cultures and people, both in our country and around the world.
Thank you, Jim, for your dedication, mentorship, and for always giving your best to students and athletes!
In Case You Missed It...
A number of highlights from the School Board meeting earlier this week. Students were honored for their accomplishments with:
- Special Olympics
- Band
- Choir
- Scholar Bowl
- Knightline
Special recognition was also given for ACT/A+ students as well as retiring staff members.
Watch the board meeting here:
https://t2m.io/5LFjnyo
Farmington High School Principal, Dr. Jamie LaMonds, was awarded the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award on Friday, May 15, 2026 during a ceremony at Mineral Area College. LaMonds has spent 28 years with the Farmington School District after having graduated from Mineral Area College in 1996.
On receiving the award, LaMonds said, "It is very humbling to receive any award, let alone one from a community that means so much to me. I am thankful for those who thought of me for such an honor and hope to continue to serve in any way I can."
Following her time at MAC, LaMonds would go on to earn her bachelor’s in Secondary Education (1998) and a master’s in Secondary Administration (2004) from Southeast Missouri State University. She later earned a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri in 2018.
Today marks the official last day of the school year! Please remember that we will have an early dismissal today for all students.
We want to wish all of our FSD students, families, and staff a fantastic and relaxing summer. Thank you for a great year! ☀️
#TheKnightWay
🎉 Retirement Spotlight: Suzanne Ross 🎉
After 28 incredible years of dedication, all of them served right here in the Farmington School District, Suzanne Ross is embarking on her next great adventure!
Suzanne has been a pillar of the Farmington School District, beginning her journey in the classroom, teaching 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades, before finding her passion in the PAGES program at Lincoln Intermediate and Farmington Middle School. As a lifelong Knight, Suzanne’s impact stretches far beyond the curriculum.
Suzanne’s philosophy has always been to love students as if they were your own. Whether she was teaching foundational skills in elementary school or challenging gifted learners in PAGES, she always prioritized what was best for the child. When reflecting on her career, Suzanne says, "I hope that the PAGES Program continues to flourish and helps gifted students know that they matter."
Suzanne hopes her influence is reflected in the character of her students long after they leave her classroom. Over nearly three decades, she has empowered our youth to remain relentlessly curious, encouraging them never to stop asking "why" and to take the initiative to seek out those answers. Beyond academics, Suzanne has instilled the vital lesson of perseverance, teaching her students that while failure is a natural part of growth, giving up is never an option. By modeling grace and compassion, she has challenged every student not only to be a lifelong learner but also to lead with kindness and be a great human.
Reflecting on her journey, Suzanne shared, "I am blessed to have been a Knight my whole life! I love this district and this community. I am thankful for the many opportunities I have had and the many wonderful, amazing students and families I have encountered along the way!
Thank you, Suzanne, for your 28 years of heart, soul, and service to Farmington!
📅 When: May 20, 2026
📍 Where: The Fieldhouse
⌚Time: 4:00 pm-7:00 pm
Today, we are celebrating a dear member of the Farmington School District family. After 29 incredible years in education, all 29 dedicated right here to FSD, Pam Huffman is retiring!
If you've walked through the doors of Roosevelt Elementary, you've likely been greeted by Pam. Aside from one year supporting our process coordinators, Pam has spent her entire career as an attendance secretary.
For nearly three decades, she has been a welcoming face and a reassuring voice to students, staff, and families. When asked what she hopes people remember most about her time at FSD, Pam said, "That I was always watching over their kids and treating them like my own."
Pam's heart for students is unmatched. She hopes her work influences FSD long after she leaves, reminding us always to put the kids first and give our all to make a difference in each of their lives. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of loving all students and making them feel special and cared about.
Before she officially signs out, Pam leaves us with some beautiful words of wisdom to carry forward, "Live every day to the fullest, because you are not guaranteed another one."
Thank you, Pam, for 29 years of unwavering love and dedication to our students and families. Roosevelt Elementary and the entire Farmington School District will miss you dearly! 🖤💛
Please see the message below for students currently in 5th-11th grade.
Summer Tips...
✅ Students should keep both their chromebook and their charging cord in a safe place at home.
✅ Students will bring these same devices back with them on the first day of the new school year.
✅ It is recommended to plug the chromebook in at least once a month to keep the battery healthy.
✅ Please do not leave devices in hot cars or direct sunlight.
✅Keep chromebooks away from food, liquids, pets, and younger siblings.
✅ District internet filters remain active on these devices 24/7, even on your home Wi-Fi.
* If your student is transferring out of the district or not returning in the fall, please return their district issued chromebook and charger to their school's office before the last day of school.
FSD hopes students have a wonderful, safe, and tech-smart summer! 🏖️
#TheKnightWay
🎶 Big Round of Applause for our Lincoln Intermediate Musicians! 🎶
On April 18th, 13 talented students represented FSD at the East Central Elementary #7 District Honor Choir! These dedicated singers put in countless extra hours of rehearsal to prepare for this event. They spent an intensive day collaborating and rehearsing with students from all over the East Central #7 Districts culminating in a spectacular concert at Union High School.
Mrs. Sarah Falch, Lincoln's Music Teacher, is incredibly proud of these students and their commitment to excellence in the music department!
Please join us in congratulating them on this fantastic achievement. 👏
#TheKnightWay
🎉 Retirement Spotlight: Sarah Lankford 🎉
Sarah Lankford is officially retiring from the Farmington School District, with an impressive 34 year career in education, including 32 years of dedicated service to FSD.
Sarah’s entire career has been rooted in the heart of the classroom, exactly where she loves to be. From her time as a Title I Teacher to her role as an 8th Grade ELA Teacher, her impact on the district and its students is immeasurable. Her greatest inspiration has always been her students. Reflecting on her career, Sarah shared, “My students, not the content, kept me inspired and made me want to be better.” She hopes to be remembered for her passion for teaching and the meaningful, day-to-day connections she built with her students.
Sarah’s hope is simple yet profound. Her hope is that her former students look back on their middle school years with a smile, remembering the time they spent in her classroom. She leaves us with a powerful reminder, “We are all here for a reason. We will all be exactly what another person needs at any given moment. We may never even realize it. Our. Work. Matters.”
Thank you, Sarah, for your dedication, passion, and years of service to the Farmington School District. You will be truly missed! 🖤💛
Today, we want to give a massive shout-out and a heartfelt thank you to our incredible FSD Speech-Language Pathologist Team!
Every day, they work tirelessly to give students a voice, build their confidence, and help them unlock their full potential. From mastering tough sounds to navigating complex communication skills, their patience, creativity, and dedication do not go unnoticed.
FSD is thankful for their hard work, their endless encouragement, and for making a lasting difference in the school community. We are so lucky to have them on the FSD team!
The Farmington game has been moved up to a 1:00 PM start time at Ragsdale Field (Engler Park).
From your very first day of school to the moment you walked across the graduation stage, you have shown incredible resilience, passion, and dedication. The FSD could not be prouder of the leaders, innovators, and kind-hearted individuals you have become!
Thank you for leaving an unforgettable mark on our district and community. Whether your next chapter takes you to college, a new career, the military, or an adventurous gap year, we know you are going to do amazing things.
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." — Eleanor Roosevelt
✨Congratulations, graduates! Go out there and change the world. ✨
#TheKnightWay #BKP #AlwaysaKnight
Today, we honor a dedicated educator who has spent nearly two decades shaping the minds of students within the Farmington School District. Please join us in celebrating Sharon Reeves!
For 18 of her 27 years in education, Sharon has been a cornerstone of the Farmington High School Science Department. As a Dual-Credit teacher and Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Instructor, she has brought a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for the natural world to the halls of FHS. Beyond the classroom, Sharon’s impact has stretched across campus as a sponsor for the National Honor Society and a steadfast supporter of Scholar Bowl, HOSA, and FHS recycling initiatives.
Sharon has been a fierce advocate for academic rigor, maintaining high standards that give our students a competitive edge as they transition to college. Reflecting on her career, she shares, "I'm hopeful that students will be motivated to keep their eyes, ears, and minds open to the beauty and complexity of nature."
To the next generation of educators, Sharon offers these words of wisdom, "Be patient and endure. This is one of the most impactful professions a person can pursue!"
Sharon, we thank you for your unwavering love for your students and your infectious passion for the life sciences. Thank you for 18 incredible years of service to the Black Knight community! 🖤💛
Farmington School District May Board Meeting
📍 Where: Truman Auditorium
📅 When: Tuesday, May 19
🕔 Time: 5:00 PM
#TheKnightWay
After nearly two decades of dedicated service, we are saying a heartfelt "see you later" to a true Farmington School District staple. Jeff Holmes is retiring following a distinguished 19 year career all of which was spent serving the FSD.
As the Night Shift Custodian at the Middle School, Jeff has been the "silent engine" behind a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. While the school day bustle has usually settled by the time his shift begins, his impact is felt every morning when students and staff arrive to a pristine building.
Jeff’s philosophy is powerful in its simplicity. He wants to be remembered as dependable and reliable. To Jeff, success isn’t complicated. It’s about showing up, working hard, and "sticking with it." He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, hoping the next person to walk his halls will care for them with the same heart he did.
Jeff, thank you for being a person that the Farmington School District could always count on. We wish you the very best in your next chapter! 🖤💛
