🎉 Retirement Spotlight: Amy Hancock 🎉

In May, the Farmington School District is recognizing retiring staff. Today, we celebrate a truly dedicated educator, Mrs. Amy Hancock! After 28 remarkable years with the Farmington School District, Amy is retiring. As a proud FSD graduate herself, Amy’s career has come full circle, leaving an enduring impact on the district that shaped her.

Throughout her 27 years of teaching (and one year as a paraprofessional), Amy has been a familiar face across the district, serving at Washington-Franklin Elementary, Truman Learning Center, Roosevelt Elementary, and most recently, Lincoln Intermediate. Amy’s versatility has been her greatest strength. Over nearly three decades, she has held various roles, including Special Education Paraprofessional and Teacher, Kindergarten and 1st Grade Teacher, and currently a 5th Grade Math Teacher.

For Amy, education was always about more than just lesson plans. It was about the people. She has strived to ensure that every child feels seen and valued, building connections that last long after they leave her classroom. Amy has been the ultimate teammate, always showing up, supporting others, and contributing to the team's success.

"As a graduate of this district, my journey has come full circle. If I have accomplished anything well, I hope it is that I showed up for others, worked as part of a team, and made each student feel valued, connected, and capable of great things," says Mrs. Hancock as she reflects on her career.

Amy, thank you for your dedicated service to the students of the Farmington School District! You have spent your career empowering others to believe in themselves and the legacy you leave behind is truly remarkable! 🖤💛

🎉 Retirement Spotlight: Kelly Richardt🎉

Join us in honoring Kelly Richardt as she prepares to embark on her next chapter! Kelly has been a cornerstone of the Farmington School District for 26 years, concluding an incredible 32-year career dedicated to education and family support.

As the district's Parents as Teachers (PAT) Coordinator, Kelly has spent decades championing the belief that parents are a child’s first and most influential teacher. Whether serving as a Parent Educator or leading the program as a supervisor, her mission never wavered to build confident families and create strong beginnings.

Reflecting on her journey, Kelly shares, "I hope I’m remembered for making a meaningful difference helping parents feel confident, supported, and capable. I also hope I am remembered for the relationships I’ve built that are rooted in trust, encouragement, and a deep belief that every family has strengths and every child has potential."

Kelly leaves behind a program recognized as one of the best in Missouri, built on a foundation of respect and empowerment. Her vision for FSD is one of generational impact, ensuring every family entering our district feels valued and prepared from day one.

"Being a parent educator has truly been my passion," Kelly says. "I am grateful for the years spent creating positive beginnings that will carry forward for years to come."

Kelly, thank you for your passion, your leadership, and the positive beginnings you’ve sparked for so many Farmington families. We wish you the very best in your well-deserved retirement! 🖤💛

📚✨ FSD Celebrates April Beanstack Reader Leaders! ✨📚

Farmington R-7 School District is proud to recognize our April Beanstack award winner, celebrating the incredible work happening to build a culture of reading!

Congratulations to Dayse Baker Learning Center (DBLC) on the successful launch of Beanstack this year and on their commitment to building joyful reading habits schoolwide. Their efforts are creating meaningful opportunities for students to engage with reading in authentic and exciting ways. A special shoutout to Mrs. Abi Feltner, whose dedication to encouraging a love of reading with her students is a key part of this success.

At FSD, we know that fostering a love of reading is foundational to student success, and this recognition highlights the powerful impact of strong literacy practices across a school community.

👏 Join us in celebrating DBLC and their commitment to growing readers!

#TheKnightWay #StrongSchoolStrongCommunity #FSDReads #Beanstack #LoveOfReading

🎉 Retirement Spotlight: Stacy Herbst🎉

In May, the Farmington School District is recognizing retiring staff. Today, we celebrate a cornerstone of our district operations, Stacy Herbst, as she prepares to retire!

Stacy has dedicated an incredible 26 years to education, 24 of those years spent right here in the Farmington School District. From her early days creating menus as a Food Service Lunch Aide to her long-standing leadership as our Transportation Manager, Stacy has been the driving force behind the scenes and the buses! 🚌

For Stacy, the job was never just about logistics. It was about building a culture. She worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between schools and drivers, ensuring that every route was safe and every decision was made with the students' best interests at heart. When asked what she hopes people remember most, Stacy shared, "I am proud of the relationships built, the challenges we've overcome, and the culture we created together. I hope to leave knowing our department puts students first and supports one another like family."

Stacy's influence will be felt long after she leaves. She has fostered a team recognized for professionalism, adaptability, and mutual respect, teaching us all that transportation is a critical part of a student's daily success. As she signs off, Stacy leaves us with this advice, "Support your team through both the good days and the challenging ones. Stay consistent, communicate clearly, and never lose sight of our why. Take pride in your work, advocate when necessary, take one day at a time, and everything else will fall into place."

Congratulations, Stacy! You will always be a Knight! 🖤💛

✨ It’s time to put those engineering skills (and a whole lot of duct tape) to the test! We are thrilled to announce the 12th Annual Middle School Boat Float coming up in one week!✨

The challenge is simple but the stakes are high as students must build a boat using nothing but cardboard and duct tape before climbing in carefully to attempt a paddle across the pool. Every participant aims to reach the other side without becoming part of the shipwreck crew or losing their boat to the water. Whether these young captains achieve a smooth sail to victory or make a soggy descent to the bottom of the pool, the morning is guaranteed to be a total splash for everyone involved! 💦

📅 Event Details 📅
When: Tuesday, May 19th in the morning (Middle School will send information out to families on exact times)
Where: The Farmington Water Park
Who: 8th Grade Students

#TheKnightWay #AcademicExcellence

🎉 Retirement Spotlight: Rusty Sancegraw 🎉

After 30 incredible years, all of them dedicated to the Farmington School District, we are honoring a true Knight, Rusty Sancegraw!

From the gyms of the elementary buildings to the sidelines at the High School, Coach Sancegraw has been a constant source of leadership and heart at FSD. While many know him for his tactical mind on the court or field, his true impact has always been measured in the character of the students he has mentored. With an incredible 30-year career spent entirely within the Farmington School District, Rusty Sancegraw has defined what it means to be a dedicated educator and mentor.

Coach Sancegraw currently serves as the Health Teacher at Lincoln Intermediate and the Girls Varsity Basketball Coach, but his influence spans nearly every corner of the district. Over three decades, Coach Sancegraw has filled almost every role imaginable, teaching PE and Health in nearly every school building and coaching a wide variety of sports, including Football, Baseball, Soccer, and Basketball.

When asked what he wants to be remembered for, Coach Sancegraw hopes his legacy is one of connection and character. He says, "I hope I leave behind a legacy of developing not only athletes and students, but also responsible, confident, and compassionate young people. I wanted to create teams and classrooms that felt like family, where hard work mattered, character mattered, and people mattered most."

As he reflected on three decades of service, Coach Sancegraw leaves us with this powerful reminder,"Students and athletes will forget scores and lessons, but they will always remember how you made them feel."

Thank you Coach Sancegraw for your incredible dedication to the Farmington School District! 🖤💛

🎉 Retirement Spotlight: Krista White 🎉

After an incredible 29 years in education, with 27 of those dedicated to the Farmington School District, we are bidding a bittersweet farewell to a true cornerstone of the FSD community, Mrs. Krista White.

From her early days teaching 1st, 2nd, and 6th grades to her pivotal work in Distance Learning and the Compass Classroom, Krista has been a pillar at Roosevelt Elementary. Currently serving as the Compass Classroom Teacher, she has spent her career advocating for every child who walked through her door.

When reflecting on her educational journey, Krista says, "I have poured my heart into my students every year, but my Compass students will hold a special place in my heart always."

Krista’s legacy is built on strong relationships, high expectations, and a passion for lifelong learning. Whether mentoring fellow educators or guiding students through their toughest days, she has been a steady, positive force for us all.

She will be missed dearly at Roosevelt. Krista, your passion is a gift FSD will never forget! 🖤 💛

🚨 TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT! 🚨
The Middle School Extravaganza kicks off in just a few hours!

When: Monday, May 11th (Today)
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Farmington Middle School (506 South Fleming Street)

We hope to see you there!

#TheKnightWay #StrongSchoolsStrongCommunity

🎉 Retirement Spotlight: Peggy Harris 🎉

In May, the Farmington School District is recognizing retiring staff. Today, we celebrate a true classroom legend! After an incredible 42 years in education, including 20 years dedicated to the Farmington School District, Peggy Harris is retiring.

As the heart of Classroom 119 at FHS, Peggy has served as our Family and Consumer Science (FCS) teacher and a devoted adviser for the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). From her early years teaching English Language Arts (ELA) and Science to her leadership of future leaders, Peggy has spent over four decades championing student growth.

Peggy’s impact is not only measured in the years she taught, but also in the confidence she instilled in every student who walked through her door. Her mission was to ensure every student felt like "somebody" and understood their right to be valued. Beyond life skills, Peggy focused on character development, helping students realize their full potential as they move forward in their life journeys. She leaves behind a powerful legacy of kindness, compassion, and community.

Reflecting on her career, Peggy stated, "I hope I gave students the confidence they need to move forward on their journey and to make everyone feel like they are somebody."

Peggy leaves the FSD community with a beautiful reminder that applies to the classroom and beyond as she states, "Remember that everyone, especially students, have lives we don't understand, so give some grace."

Peggy, thank you for 42 years of wisdom, leadership, and grace. Your influence at FHS has shaped the futures of so many. We wish you a wonderful and well-deserved retirement! 🖤💛

🌟We are beyond proud to announce that three of Farmington High School’s very own are taking their talents to the national stage! Huge congratulations to Scarlette McCoy, Fiona Thomas, and Kyle Mills for qualifying for the National Theatre Competition! After delivering stellar performances at the State Competition back in January and earning top-tier scores, these talented performers have officially punched their tickets to the National Theatre Competition in June. These students will represent Farmington with passion and flair!

🎭 Good luck Scarlette, Fiona, and Kyle! 🎭

🎉 Retirement Spotlight: Tina Weekley 🎉

In May, the Farmington School District is recognizing retiring staff. Today, we celebrate a truly remarkable career as we say "happy retirement" to Tina Weekley! With an incredible 32 years in education, 29 of which have been dedicated to the Farmington School District. Tina has been a cornerstone of student success at Truman Learning Center.

Throughout her career, Tina has influenced our youngest learners, starting as a Kindergarten teacher and currently serving as a Title 1 Reading Interventionist. Tina’s career has been defined by her unwavering commitment to students and staff. She has been dedicated to ensuring that kindergarten students develop a strong foundation for their entire educational journey. Tina has also shared her extensive training and experience to mentor fellow staff members, helping them enhance their skills for the benefit of students. Her legacy is one of growth. She is always willing to adapt to the best practices and procedures to ensure every child succeeds.

Regarding her career, Tina says, "I hope people remember that I was dedicated to ensuring students developed a good base for their continued education." Tina leaves the Farmington School District with a reputation as a lifelong learner and a fierce advocate for student achievement. Her influence will be felt in every classroom where a child picks up a book with confidence!

Tina, thank you for nearly three decades of service to the Farmington community. Your passion for reading and your dedication to excellence have changed countless lives. 🖤💛

⚖️ We are incredibly proud to share some exciting news about our very own Keli Keutzer and a statewide initiative to empower Missouri's youth! ⚖️

What started as a local mock trial for 70 of our summer school students has evolved into a valuable resource that will benefit children across the entire state. Judge Patrick L. King (Division IV, St. Francois County) recently shared the journey of creating a brand-new Missouri Children's Court Activity Book, in which Keli played a crucial role.

The project started in the summer of 2024 when Keli collaborated with Judge King to host a successful mock trial for 70 summer school students, an event that highlighted the need for better educational tools for younger children. Recognizing this gap, Judge King envisioned adapting a specialized children's activity book, previously used in California and Wisconsin, specifically for Missouri’s court system. Keli joined an elite task force of judges, educators, and child advocates to thoroughly review and refine the content, ensuring the material was both accessible and engaging for students. A couple of weeks ago, those efforts reached a major milestone as the Missouri Supreme Court officially approved the book for publication, a victory Judge King credits in part to Keli’s steadfast advice and encouragement.

"Keli was there when I reached out to her for her help and advice. For her support and encouragement, I will always be grateful." — Judge Patrick L. King.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Judge King for his leadership and for including FSD's very own educator, Keli Keutzer, in this prestigious project. And, of course, a massive round of applause for Keli Keutzer for her dedication to civic education and our students! 🌟

#TheKnightWay #StrongSchoolsStrongCommunity