About

Welcome Message from the Principal

Greetings Spartan Nation,

I am both honored and thrilled to join the Francis Howell Central family in my new role as the interim principal! I look forward to learning even more about this amazing community – our students, families, staff and stakeholders - as we begin the 2022-23 school year. I embrace the opportunity to partner with you to provide our students with a rigorous, engaging and memorable high school experience.

My own experience as a student in the Francis Howell School District inspired me to join the teaching profession and to contribute to the community as a school leader. As I enter my 24th year in education, I am fortunate to have had a variety of learning experiences to prepare me for this opportunity in my professional career. I taught physical education and health for eight years prior to moving into administration. I earned my Master of Arts degree in Education Administration at Lindenwood University and my Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Maryville University. As an administrator, I served the Hazelwood West High School and Fort Zumwalt East High School communities prior to returning home to the Francis Howell School District in 2016 to serve as the principal of Bryan Middle School.

On a more personal note, I am proud to say that I am a 1994 Francis Howell North graduate. Additionally, I am a wife and mother of two beautiful girls, Monty and Monroe. My family lives in Cottleville, and my wife teaches English and is the Varsity Women’s Basketball Coach at FHC. We will be enrolling Monty in kindergarten in 2023 at Warren Elementary. Monroe is 2 years old and holds the title of “Boss Lady” in our house. Both girls are an extreme joy and keep us hopping.

I hope you are as excited as I am to continue the legacy of success established here at Francis Howell Central. I look forward to building strong relationships with parents, students and community partners. I am committed to ensuring every FHC student receives the very best education possible, and all students and their families realize they are an important part of our success as a school.

Please know my door is always open. Feel free to stop in, call or email me to discuss any concerns, suggestions or ideas to help make this year the best year yet! I value your partnership and feel truly blessed to be an instructional leader of such a special school community.

Sincerely,

Dr. Suzanne M. Leake
Principal

Vision

FHC Vision
I. Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment At FHCHS stakeholders will work collaboratively to provide its students with educational excellence. The district curriculum and state standards will provide a baseline for academic expectations and preparing students for life. Classroom instruction will be driven by effective research-based strategies. We will monitor student learning through the PLC process of evaluating assessment data.
II. Climate FHCHS will maintain a diverse and creative learning environment that promotes a sense of mutual responsibility and respect. We will continue our commitment to maintaining the emotional and physical safety of all stakeholders. Open and ongoing communication is expected among all members of our school community. Individual and collective effort and achievement will be recognized and celebrated.
III. Community Engagement FHCHS will strive to develop a strong commitment between the community and the school by providing opportunities for students to serve and participate within the extended community. The school will serve as a learning resource to the community and will, in turn, call upon the extended community to support our mission and vision.

Values

FHC Vision
I. Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment We are committed to professional development and reflective practice. We will identify and communicate clear learning targets to both parents and students. Instruction will be creative and differentiated to meet the needs of all learners. We will ensure that assessments measure the intended learning targets and provide frequent feedback to students.
II. Climate The teachers will commit to using a variety of learning modalities to help each student reach his or her own academic potential. We will provide learning and working environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. We will maintain order and discipline through consistent enforcement of FHSD code of conduct and FHCHS policies and procedures to provide a physically safe learning environment. We value and create opportunities for input from all members of our school community. Decisions will be made based on what is best for student achievement. We will utilize all forms of communication to promote recognition of student and teacher achievement.
III. Community Engagement We will encourage students to participate in activities such as community service, cooperative work and learning programs, athletics and the arts in which they will interact within the extended community. We will recognize community support and provide an open forum for strengthening our partnerships.

History of FHC

August 21, 1997 - Francis Howell Central opened its door to 952 freshmen and sophomore students and 75 teachers. The first year, FHC offered 27 sports and activities for students to participate in. Pictured to the right are members of the FHSD Board of Education along with Mr. Don Muench, Principal.

FHC was the third high school built in the district and it was built in three phases. Upon opening, there was no stadium, theatre or library; therefore, football games were played at Hollenbeck, plays were performed in the band room and the library was in the multi-purpose room.

The second phase of construction completed the building with the exception of the theatre. The third phase of construction completed in 1999 included the theatre and the stadium. The stadium was dedicated to Mr. Don Muench who served as the first Principal of Francis Howell Central from 1997 - 2001.

To date, Francis Howell Central has been led by 5 Principals.
There are 6 staff members who have served at FHC since the building opened, and eight current staff members are alumni of FHC.
Notable alumni include Cara Mason ('00), David Karandish ('01) and Pierre Desir ('08).
In October 2010, a portion of Hwy N near the entrance to FHC was named in honor of U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Phillip Vinnedge ('09) who was killed in Afghanistan supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

School Improvement Plan

Pyramids of Intervention

Mission

Our mission is to prepare students to be productive and responsible members of a democratic society by promoting excellence through academic achievement.

School Handbook

The student handbook summarizes District policy and contains general guidelines and information.

View the Handbook