As the new school year begins, COVID-19 protocols had to be revised to best fit how to address the pandemic. The entire district are continuing to follow the guidance of the St Charles Health Department for any updates and changes to masking or quarantine policies. All Francis Howell schools will continue to be mask optional with it still being very strongly recommended that any staff/student with a fever to remain at home until they are 24 hours symptoms free. Virtual schooling will also be remaining an option for those who would prefer to continue learning from home.

“For those students who would like continue virtual learning they would need to talk to their individual counselor to learn what classes are available and where they would take those classes,” head FHN principal Jeffrey Fletcher said. “This year we are hoping to return to almost a since of normalcy so we want kids to be back in the building because kids for the most part learn better better when they’re here.”

As a return to normalcy seems to hopefully be imminent, students are looking forward to having school events that haven’t been held since the pre COVID era. Certain events like Black and Gold day and more pep assemblies are just a few of the many returning fun events students can look forward to during the upcoming school year.

“I’m looking forward to actually attending more sport events, dances and just being apart of the FHN community more this year,” junior Ethan McCoy said.