Middle School

📣 7–12 Roll Call is almost here, Knights!

📅 Mark your calendars for important Roll Call dates:
🗓️ Tuesday, August 5th
• Grades 9–12: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM

🗓️ Wednesday, August 6th
• Grades 7 & 8: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Grades 9–12: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

🗓️ Thursday, August 7th
• Grades 7 & 8: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Grades 9–12: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM

📍 Roll Call is for grades 7–12 only—elementary families will get this info at Open House.

🎒 What can you expect?
✔️ Class schedules
✔️ 9th Grade Chromebook exchange at FHS
✔️ Transportation info
✔️ Food Service Paperwork

8 months ago, Mindy Southern

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.

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

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

Why Complete the free and reduced meals application

Don't Forget To Complete Your Free/Reduced Lunch Form

🏈⚽🎾 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

9 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

How much do you know about Missouri's snakes? We learned a lot from the naturalists at St. Francois State Park. Our trip was cut short due to weather, but our students did get to enjoy seeing the varieties of non-venomous friends the park had to share with us. Thanks to a Missouri State Park Bus grant our travel to and from the park was free! #OneCommunity @mostateparks

10 months ago, Kate Dillon

Have you ever powered a blender with a bike? We have! We were thankful to have several community guest speakers come visit our middle school summer learning to teach students about nature and the environment and health and wellness. The Missouri Extension Office provided us with a really fun nutrition lesson on a blender bike where students made all fruit smoothies. We also made milkweed seed starters with the extension office using some local milkweed provided by guest speakers Mr & Mrs John Bales. The Bales's work with Southeast Missouri Wild Ones and taught us about plastics and monarch butterflies. The Missouri Extension Office also provided us with a day of STEM learning where students used Sphero bots and 3D pens! Then again another day the extension office came and taught us about insects and we played Bug BINGO! We are so grateful for the collaboration and care for our students by the community! #OneCommunity

10 months ago, Kate Dillon

Students at Middle School summer learning in Master Chef learned some nutrition and culinary skills this summer as they prepared several dishes. Check out their work!

10 months ago, Kate Dillon

Thank you to Columbia Street Mercantile for allowing our students to come with their Master Chef class and learn how you make your delicious homemade ice cream flavors from scratch. They were kind enough to close the store for us and let your students ask questions and talk about their business. They were very patient and our students asked some great questions!

10 months ago, Kate Dillon

Still need to complete your student’s registration for 2025–2026? We’re here to help! Open Registration Assistance W.L. Johns Administrative Office June 11 & 12 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM 510 S. Franklin Street Stop in with your current Proof of Residency and get help completing your Online Registration (OLR) in person! Prefer to do it online? Log in to the Parent Portal: Go the bottom and click “Registration,” then select 2025–2026. Submit Proof of Residency (Must be dated within 45 days and include your name and current address.) Acceptable documents include: • Utility Bill • Lease Agreement • Bank Statement • Voter ID Card • W-2 or 1099 Form Complete registration now and enjoy a worry-free summer! Need help? Call your school office—we’re happy to assist! (573)701-1300

10 months ago, Mindy Southern

Online Registration and Annual Update info

Middle School Yearbook went with Mr. Dycus to Elephant Rocks to learn some ourdoor camera techniques. What a gorgeous Missouri view!

10 months ago, Kate Dillon

Today we visited thr Missouri Mines State Historic Site in Park Hills, thanks to a Missouri State Parks Bus Grant we received for free bussing to and from a state park site. Thank you so much to @MoStateParks and the very knowledgeable and dedicated staff Maddie, Gabrielle, Lily and Daisy. We learned a lot about the local environment and the human impact on the environment in the area related to the lead mines. In the afternoon we also walked the trail and saw a turkey!

10 months ago, Kate Dillon

Thank you to Crystal and Rich's for our trip today to learn about produce and plants with our Master Chef class in our middle school summer learning a academy! This was such a great experience for our students. They were so kind to take their time to let us explore and so patient with our kids questions today! #OneCommunity

10 months ago, Kate Dillon

☀️📚 Reminder! Your middle school librarian, Ms. Dillon and possibly several other librarians from the school district will be at the Public Library today at 10:30 a.m. for a meet up, to help you sign up for the Public Library Summer Program (you get prizes at school for completing this with Ms. Dillon) and to help you pick out some summer books to read! Bring your you ger siblings for story time at 10:30!

11 months ago, Kate Dillon

➗ Celebrating Michelle Hall’s Retirement ➗ After 25 years in education—13 of them at Farmington Middle School—Michelle Hall is retiring from her role as a 7th-grade math teacher. Known for her fairness, consistency, and deep belief in every student’s potential, Michelle has helped countless learners tackle tough math concepts and emerge stronger and more confident. Her impact goes far beyond numbers and equations. She’s inspired a love of learning, built a rock-solid curriculum with her team, and shown students that success in math—and life—comes from perseverance, patience, and positivity. Michelle, thank you for pouring your heart into your students and your craft. You’ve made math meaningful and left a mark that will be felt for years. Enjoy every moment of your well-earned retirement! #AlwaysAKnight

11 months ago, Mindy Southern