Beginning with the 2025–26 school year, Missouri Senate Bill 68 requires all public schools to limit student use of Electronic Personal Communication Devices (EPCDs) such as phones, earbuds, smartwatches, and similar devices during the school day, from the first bell to dismissal.

At Farmington R-7, we support this change. Research shows that fewer distractions mean stronger learning, better focus, and improved student wellness.

What to Know:
✅ EPCDs will not be allowed during class, lunch, recess, passing periods, or study halls.
✅ Students can use devices during emergencies (with guidance to come).
✅ Parents—call the school if you need to reach your child.
✅ Students in Grades 5–12 will continue to get messages from staff through the Rooms app on their Chromebooks.

More Information To Come!
Building leaders will send letters with more details before school starts.
Please contact our offices with questions. (573) 701-1300
9 months ago, Mindy Southern
navigating a new statewide policy - Starting August 2025,  Missouri Senate Bill 68 requires all public schools to limit student use of phones, earbuds, smartwatches, and other personal electronic devices (EPCDs) during the school day.
What's Changing At Farmington R-7 - From the first bell to dismissal, EPCDs may not be used or displayed during:  ✔ Class time  ✔ Hallways & passing periods  ✔ Study halls  ✔ Lunch & recess We support this change because fewer distractions = more learning.
How To Stay Connected - Communication still matters!  📞 Parents: Call the school office if you need to reach your student.  💻 Grades 5–12: Teachers/coaches can message students via the Rooms app on Chromebooks.  🚨 Emergencies: Students can use their phones when safety is at risk—more guidance coming soon.
Why This Matters - Removing EPCDs during the school day helps:  ✔ Boost academic performance by up to 6%  ✔ Reduce anxiety and distractions  ✔ Improve face-to-face social interactions
Our Commitment - More information will come to families from building leaders. Together, we’re creating focused, safe, and connected schools—free from digital distractions.
We’re so proud to share that Jodie Zipprich has officially completed her role as a 2025 ASCA Conference Ambassador at the national conference in Long Beach, California!

Swipe through to see a few moments from her time representing Farmington R‑7 School District at one of the largest gatherings of school counselors in the country.

As an ambassador, Mrs. Zipprich helped welcome attendees, support ASCA staff, and foster a positive and professional experience for all. Her passion and leadership continue to make a lasting impact—not just here at home, but nationwide.

Help us congratulate Mrs. Zipprich on this incredible accomplishment! #ignite #TheKnightWay
9 months ago, Mindy Southern
conference participants on the first day
conference participants on the last day
Mark your calendar for our Substitute Orientation dates! Questions? Contact Mrs. Tika Moon at nmoon@farmington.k12.mo.us
9 months ago, Mindy Southern
substitute orientation from 9am-12pm on the following dates: July 16th at DBLC (608 Pine Street)  August 6th at DBLC (608 Pine Street)  August 12th at DBLC (608 Pine 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 every year in order to substitute.  We hope you are available to attend one of these dates.  If you are able to attend please bring the following items with you (unless you are returning from last year):
substitute orientation from 9am-12pm on the following dates: July 16th at DBLC (608 Pine Street)  August 6th at DBLC (608 Pine Street)  August 12th at DBLC (608 Pine 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 every year in order to substitute.  We hope you are available to attend one of these dates.  If you are able to attend please bring the following items with you (unless you are returning from last year):
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.
Fast. Easy. Important. It only takes a few minutes, and it matters more than you think!

The Free & Reduced Meals Application must be completed every year, even if you’ve filled it out before. Forms are released July 1st, and now’s the time to submit!

Apply by July 30th and you're automatically entered to win one of two $300 gift cards!

Complete your form at https://www.fsdknights.com/page/infinite-campus
9 months ago, Mindy Southern
win $300 in gift cards Apply by July 30th. Fill out your free/reduced lunch form. https://www.fsdknights.com/page/infinite-campus
Save money. Support students. Enter to win!

If you qualify, you could save up to $100/month per child and get access to college test fee waivers and dual credit assistance. Even if you don’t qualify, completing the form still supports Farmington R-7 with essential resources.

Remember: The form resets each July. Everyone must complete a new application!

Submit by July 30th to be entered to win a $300 gift card!
Apply at https://www.fsdknights.com/page/infinite-campus
9 months ago, Mindy Southern
Win $300 in gift cards by filling out your free/reduced lunch application by July 30th. Available in your parent portal.
🚧 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.
9 months ago, Mindy Southern
Black Knight Drive Closure July 27, 2025
🎓 Hey Class of 2025!
Before you blast off to college life, make one last stop at the high school to grab your yearbook! 📘✨ You may pick up on August 5, 6, or 7th in the high school lobby (see the graphic for details and times). So join us and relive the laughs, memories, and unforgettable moments one more time. Didn’t buy one last year? No worries—extra copies are waiting just for you! First come, first served!
9 months ago, Mindy Southern
August 5: 8:30 - 1:30, August 6th 12 - 6, August 7th 8:30 - 1:30 pm yearbook pickup for the class of 2025
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!

Addison Kennedy gained valuable experience at Axe’s Physical Therapy and plans to become a physical therapist. 🏃‍♀️💪 Thanks, Eric Meyer, for helping Addison explore this career path!
9 months ago, Mindy Southern
Addison and Eric
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!

Kailee Biri interned at Solutions at Community Manor. She’s undecided on a specific path but is committed to a future in the medical field. Thanks to Kelsey Thompson for the support!
9 months ago, Mindy Southern
Kailee and Kelsey
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!

Madison Vance interned at Parkland Hospital and plans to become a Labor and Delivery Nurse. 👶🩺 Thank you to Donna for sharing your expertise!
9 months ago, Mindy Southern
Madison and Donna
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!

Samuel Figueroa explored the medical field at Parkland Hospital with the goal of becoming a doctor. 🩺 Big thanks to Dr. Rafael Figueroa for showing Samuel the ropes!
9 months ago, Mindy Southern
Samuel and Dr. Figueroa
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!

Leylan Stone spent the summer at Mineral Area College and Mineral Area Fine Arts Academy, working toward a future as a music teacher. 🎶 Thanks, Amanda Dement, for the inspiration!
9 months ago, Mindy Southern
Leylan Stone and Amanda Dement
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!

Clare Maloney worked at Novacare Prosthetics and Orthotics and hopes to become certified, eventually opening her own clinic. Huge thanks to Kyle Bastie and Danny Parish!
9 months ago, Mindy Southern
Kyle, Clare and Danny
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!

Cayman McIntyre interned at Parkland Hospital with dreams of becoming a Neonatal Nurse. 🍼 Thanks to Jeanne Marie for supporting Cayman’s passion for newborn care!
9 months ago, Mindy Southern
Cayman and Jeanne
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!

Demi Swyres gained hands-on experience at Elevate Skin Lab and plans to become a nurse working in medical aesthetics. 💆‍♀️💉 Thank you, Paige Coleman, for guiding Demi's journey!
9 months ago, Mindy Southern
Demi and Paige
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!

Heather Lodge interned at Washington-Franklin Elementary. While she plans to be a high school math teacher, working with younger students gave her valuable experience. 📚 Big thanks to Mrs. Kelli Keutzer!
9 months ago, Mindy Southern
Kelli and Heather
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!
9 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!
9 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!

9 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
9 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