This summer, our students explored career pathways through hands-on internships with amazing community partners. Thank you to each business and mentor for supporting our future professionals!

Angela Preston worked at Taylor’s Engineering and hopes to become a chemical engineer. 🧪🔧 Thank you, Joe Gabel, for the real-world insight into this exciting field!
7 months ago, Mindy Southern
Angela and Joe
This summer, our students explored career pathways through hands-on internships with amazing community partners. Thank you to each business and mentor for supporting our future professionals!

Ella Geno interned at Saint Francis Medical Center and plans to become a NICU nurse. 👶💉 Thank you, Liz Love, for mentoring Ella on her path to neonatal care!
7 months ago, Mindy Southern
Ella Geno and Liz Love

Please join us in welcoming Mr. Jake Whitener as the new Assistant Principal at Farmington Middle School! A longtime educator and coach, Mr. Whitener brings experience, heart, and a deep connection to FMS. We’re excited to have him in this new leadership role!

7 months ago, Mindy Southern
Farmington Middle School is proud to announce Jake Whitener as its new Assistant Principal for the 2025–26 school year. A familiar face in the district, Mr. Whitener steps into this leadership role with 16 years of experience in education and a deep connection to the Farmington community.  Mr. Whitener has served as both a Special Services teacher and Health/Physical Educator during his career and recently stepped away from 19 rewarding years as a football and wrestling coach. He brings with him a wealth of experience, a commitment to integrity, and a passion for shaping young lives—many of which he’s already impacted within the halls of FMS.  “The most fulfilling part of this new journey is the opportunity to lead a tremendous staff of educators and to help model character and integrity in the same building that shaped me as a young man,” said Whitener. “It’s truly an honor to serve in a place that feels like family.”  Having previously worked at Farmington Middle School, Mr. Whitener values the strong sense of community among the staff and is committed to fostering a positive and supportive school culture. His leadership style is rooted in consistency, accountability, and adaptability—principles that served him well throughout his coaching and teaching career.  “My door and ears are open,” he added. “To support others, you have to be willing to listen. I want to hear the needs of our students, staff, and families and provide clear guidance and support in return.”  Mr. Whitener’s goals for his first year include supporting staff in their professional growth and building consistency across the school community to better serve students and families.  Outside of school, faith and family are at the heart of Mr. Whitener’s life. He and his wife Mandy—who will be teaching second grade at Roosevelt Elementary—are thrilled to have all of their children now enrolled in the Farmington School District. “For the first time, our whole family is in one district, and that’s something I’m incredibly grateful for,” he said.  Please join us in welcoming Jake Whitener to his new role as Assistant Principal. We are excited for the future and the leadership he brings to the Black Knight family.
🎉 Win $300 in Gift Cards! 🎉
Completing the Free & Reduced Meals Application helps more than just your family—it helps our whole district! Even if you don’t qualify, applying still supports important student programs. 🙌

✅ If you qualify, you could save up to $100/month per child on meals
✅ If you qualify, you may receive help with college scholarships, AP/dual credit tuition, and test fee waivers
✅ All completed applications—even if you don’t qualify—help us receive federal funding for staff, supplies, and student support

💥 BONUS: Submit your application by July 30th and be entered to win one of two $300 gift cards—just in time for tax-free weekend!

📲 Apply now through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal: www.fsdknights.com
8 months ago, Mindy Southern
Win $300 in gift cards
Why Complete the free and reduced meals application
Don't Forget To Complete Your Free/Reduced Lunch Form
This summer, our students explored career pathways through hands-on internships with amazing community partners. Thank you to each business and mentor for supporting our future professionals! Alyssa Talley interned at Dockins Broadcast Group and hopes to become a radio broadcaster. Thanks to Randall Scott! 🎙️#StrongSchools #StrongCommunity
8 months ago, Mindy Southern
Alyssa Talley and Randall Scott
📢 Community Notice

Please be aware that the local police department will be conducting a series of training exercises at Jefferson Elementary on July 14, 15, and 16.

You may see law enforcement vehicles and personnel on campus during this time. These are pre-scheduled trainings, and there is no cause for concern.

We appreciate your understanding as our officers continue their ongoing professional development to keep our community safe. 👮‍♂️🚓
8 months ago, Mindy Southern
police training at Jefferson
This summer, our students explored career pathways through hands-on internships with amazing community partners. Thank you to each business and mentor for supporting our future professionals! Levi Cowley interned with the City of Farmington IT Department and plans to earn an Associate of Applied Computer Sciences from MAC. Thanks to Ryan Elders for helping Levi take the next step toward a career in IT! 💻 #StrongSchools #StrongCommunity
8 months ago, Mindy Southern
Levi with Ryan Elders
This summer, our students explored career pathways through hands-on internships with excellent community partners. Thank you to each business and mentor for supporting our future professionals! Lilian Stacy interned at Renshaw Innovations and plans to become a chiropractor. Thanks to Dr. Sarah Renshaw for the guidance! 🌿 #StrongSchools #StrongCommunity
8 months ago, Mindy Southern
Lilian and Dr. Sarah Renshaw
Sliding into a new school year like...
We’re gearing up for an amazing year, and we’ve got everything you need in one spot!
👉 Check out our Back-to-School Resource Page for important updates, supply lists, schedules, and more. We’ll keep adding info as it becomes available, so keep checking back!
https://www.fsdknights.com/page/back-to-school-faq

Let’s make it a great year, Knights! #FSDignite #GoKnights
8 months ago, Mindy Southern
sliding into a new school year like....(a child sliding on a slip and slide)
🏈⚽🎾 Farmington 2025 Fall Tryouts are almost here! 🎉 Whether you're hitting the court, course, field, or diving into the pool—make sure you’re ready for Day 1! 📅 First practices begin August 11th for high school sports and August 18–19th for middle school teams.

🩺 Physicals are required before your first practice. Be sure to submit your forms and pick up your participation cards from the Athletic Department.

🚫 Reminder: Dead Week for the Athletic Department is August 2–10, and the Activities Dead Week was June 28–July 6.

📍Full schedule & physical form info available on the Farmington Athletic Department homepage.

Let’s go, Knights! ⚔️ #BlackKnightPride #GoKnights #FSDIgnite
8 months ago, Mindy Southern
🏈⚽🎾 Farmington 2025 Fall Tryouts are almost here! 🎉 Whether you're lacing up for the court, field, pool, or course—make sure you’re ready for Day 1!  📅 First practices begin August 11th for high school sports and August 18–19th for middle school teams.  🩺 Physicals are required before your first practice! Be sure your forms are turned in and participation cards are picked up from the Athletic Department.  🚫 Reminder: Dead Week for the Athletic Department is August 2–10, and the Activities Dead Week was June 28–July 6.  📍Full schedule & physical form info available on the Farmington Athletic Department homepage.  Let’s go, Knights! ⚔️ #BlackKnightPride
This summer, our students explored career pathways through hands-on internships with amazing community partners. Thank you to each business and mentor for supporting our future professionals! Mattie Griffin interned at Hearing Care Partners and plans to pursue audiology. Thanks to Dr. Corrine Reeves!
8 months ago, Mindy Southern
Mattie Griffin and Dr. Corrine Reeves
📢 Farmington Community – We Need Your Voice! 🗣️

The City of Farmington is updating its Comprehensive Plan — a roadmap that shapes the future of our community, from transportation and housing to parks and public works. 🏘️🚦🌳

💻 An online survey is open now through July 13, 2025, and your input is key to creating a plan that reflects the needs and values of our growing city.

📝 Take a few minutes to complete the survey and help guide Farmington’s future:
👉 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/farmington-comp-plan

Let’s make sure every voice is heard! #FarmingtonFuture #StrongSchools #StrongCommunity
8 months ago, Mindy Southern
City of Farmington 2026 Comprehensive Plan
📚✏️ Back-to-School Made EASY! ✏️📚
No more guessing what’s on the list or wandering the aisles with a cart full of chaos.
🎒 Our official school supply lists are LIVE → https://t2m.io/FSDSchoolSupplies

🛒 BONUS: You can order directly from our local Walmart or your favorite retailer, right from the site!
Get everything your Knight needs with just a few clicks! ⚔️ Operation School Supply will once again be providing supplies for grades 1-4. Students in those grades will need a backpack and headphones. See the lists for more info!

#BackToSchool #FSDSupplies #ReadySetLearn #KnightsGearUp #FSDIgnite
8 months ago, Mindy Southern
Supply Lists
🛎️ Now Scheduling Substitute Orientation for 2025-2026!
Are you ready to make a difference in your community and support our students and staff? Farmington R-7 is seeking dependable and positive individuals to join our team of substitute teachers and staff.

📅 Orientation is required annually for both new and returning substitutes. Sessions are held monthly.

💰 Our pay is competitive. It grows with you!
We offer a tiered pay structure for certified substitute positions:

Tier 1 (Days 1–25): $90 / $95 / $100

Tier 2 (Days 26–50): $105 / $110 / $115

Tier 3 (Day 51+): $120 / $125 / $130

📌 All other classified or specialty positions are paid hourly based on the district’s salary schedule. Direct deposit is required.

✅ To attend orientation, bring:

Two forms of ID

A voided check or letter from your bank

Your MO teaching certificate or substitute certificate

🖥️ Learn more and apply for your substitute certificate here: https://dese.mo.gov/educator-quality/certification/substitute-teachers

📞 Questions? Contact Mrs. Susan Laut at
📧 slaut@farmington.k12.mo.us | 📱 (573) 701-1300 ext. 2126

Let’s IGNITE this year together! 🔥 #IgniteFSD #SubWithUs
8 months ago, Mindy Southern
July 16th at DBLC (608 Pine Street)  August 6th at WLJ (510 S Franklin Street)  August 12th at WLJ (510 S Franklin Street)  September 10th at WLJ (510 S Franklin Street)  October 14th at WLJ (510 S Franklin Street)
November 5th at WLJ (510 S Franklin Street)  December 3rd at WLJ (510 S Franklin Street)  January 7th at WLJ (510 S Franklin Street)  February 7th at WLJ (510 S Franklin Street)  March 4th at WLJ (510 S Franklin Street)  April 8th at WLJ (510 S Franklin Street)
Everyone (new and returning) must attend an orientation session every year to be eligible to substitute.    If you can attend, please bring the following items with you (unless you are returning from last year): 2 forms of identification (or a passport) Voided check for direct deposit. If you don't have checks, a letter from your bank stating your routing and account number will work Teacher/Para: Lifetime MO Teaching Certificate or Substitute certificate (if you do not have one and do not have your fingerprints in our MACHS portal then we need to give you a code for your fingerprints so you do not have to do them twice) You can follow this link for information on how to obtain your substitute certificate: https://dese.mo.gov/educator-quality/certification/substitute-teachers  During orientation, we will go over all paperwork, policies, procedures and questions in order for you to be successful.
This summer, our students explored career pathways through hands-on internships with amazing community partners. Thank you to each business and mentor for supporting our future professionals! Alexander Kennon worked with Taylor Engineering. His goal is to become a civil engineer. Thank you, Mr. Joe Gabel! 🏗️
8 months ago, Mindy Southern
Alexander and Mr. Gabel
This summer, our students explored career pathways through hands-on internships with amazing community partners. Thank you to each business and mentor for supporting our future professionals! Tatem Tinsley interned at CTI and plans to own a business one day. Thanks to Dan, Jaxon, Colby, and Brian! 📊
8 months ago, Mindy Southern
Tatem Tinsley interned at CTI and plans to own a business one day. Thanks to Dan, Jaxon, Colby, and Brian! 📊
This summer, our students explored career pathways through hands-on internships with amazing community partners. Thank you to each business and mentor for supporting our future professionals! Kenzie Vance worked at Midwest Health Group and plans to become a nurse practitioner. Thanks to Cassie for the support! #StrongSchools #StrongCommunity
8 months ago, Mindy Southern
Kenzie and Cassie
This summer, our students explored career pathways through hands-on internships with amazing community partners. Thank you to each business and mentor for supporting our future professionals! Johnathan Klinkhardt interned at Axes Physical Therapy. His goal: to become a physical therapist. Thanks to the entire team! 🏃 #StrongSchools #StrongCommunity
8 months ago, Mindy Southern
Johnathan with Axes staff
🚧 Black Knight Drive Temporary Closure 🚧 Black Knight Drive will be closed on July 27, 2025, for maintenance work at the Civic Center. The street will reopen that day once the work is complete.
8 months ago, Mindy Southern
black Knight drive closure
This summer, our students explored career pathways through hands-on internships with amazing community partners. Thank you to each business and mentor for supporting our future professionals! Evan Clowdus also interned at First State Community Bank, with plans to pursue a career in finance. Thanks to Alex, Tyler, Desiree, Alison, Meghan, and Sunny! #StrongSchools #StrongCommunity
8 months ago, Mindy Southern
Evan and FSCB staff members