Kirkwood School District

Tonight (Aug. 26), the Board of Education will hold a meeting at 6:30 p.m. It will be held at the Board Room on NKMS campus (former Orchestra Rm) on the East side of campus. View agenda at https://trst.in/MzZfjV Meetings streamed on YouTube or https://lnkd.in/dZ-eu5MQ

Today, our KSD professional community came together for our traditional "Opening Day" event in the Keating Theatre at KHS. Thank you to KHS 2023 alumnus Spencer Jones for ringing in the school year! Spencer is back in town to perform a principal role in "Anything Goes" at The Muny. He’ll then hit the road on a six-month tour with "The Beautiful Noise." Key Contributor and Teachers of the Year were recognized, and our District Teacher of the Year, Courtney Wells, addressed the audience and encouraged our KSD team to "find their magic" for the school year ahead. Throughout the event, attendees were also treated to the sights and sounds of our performing arts students, culminating with a sneak peek from our Pioneer Pride Marching Band. School starts for our Kirkwood School District students on Tuesday, August 20!

Ever wonder about why our Kirkwood schools do the “kindergarten shuffle”? Tillman kindergarten teacher and KSD Teacher of the Year Courtney Wells joined Dr. Bryan Painter, principal, to speak to KMOX’s Total Information Live this morning. Listen for more about how it helps ensure kindergarteners are set up for success during their first year of elementary school. https://trst.in/wx48ln

We’re thrilled to introduce the fantastic new teachers joining our KSD school community this year! From fresh ideas to endless enthusiasm, they’re ready to inspire, engage, and make a difference in the lives of our students. On Thursday, local dignitaries and community members stopped by to welcome them to our KSD Team. Please join us in giving them a warm, Kirkwood welcome!

The Kirkwood School District is now hiring, visit kirkwoodschools.org/jobs to apply.

Check out this story in the Post-Dispatch about our IDEA Lab, which will be a part of all Kirkwood elementary schools for the 2024-25 school year. The goal of this hands-on approach is to build confidence in science and engineering ability in all students, including girls and students of color. We're so grateful for all the work the team at Keysor put into the pilot and are excited more Kirkwood kids will have this learning experience. https://trst.in/h9efxW

Check out this story in the Post-Dispatch about our IDEA Lab, which will be a part of all Kirkwood elementary schools for the 2024-25 school year. The goal of this hands-on approach is to build confidence in science and engineering ability in all students, including girls and students of color. We're so grateful for all the work the team at Keysor put into the pilot and are excited more Kirkwood kids will have this learning experience. https://trst.in/h9efxW

Today is Juneteenth, which honors the end of slavery in the US. On June 19, 1865, U.S. federal troops went to Galveston, Texas to let enslaved people know that they were freed after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by former President Abraham Lincoln two years prior. Although emancipation didn’t happen overnight for everyone — in some cases, enslavers withheld the information until after harvest season — celebrations broke out among newly freed Black people, and Juneteenth was born. That December, slavery in America was formally abolished with the adoption of the 13th Amendment. It officially became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021. The Kirkwood School District’s calendar as approved by the Board of Education designates Juneteenth (June 19) as an official holiday for our District. Visit https://trst.in/ZbaKkp for opportunities to celebrate Juneteenth in our area.

June is Pride Month, which provides an opportunity to honor the dignity of those within the LGBTQ+ community, including those in our school district community who identify as LGBTQ+. This month serves as a reminder of the importance of providing welcoming space and support for students, families and staff who are a part of our LGBTQ+ community. Join us in celebrating and supporting ways to foster a sense of belonging for all in our schools. Some local programming can be found through the St. Louis County Library here.

Thank you for your partnership during the 2023-24 school year! Wishing our students a safe and happy summer.