- Kirkwood School District
- Securing KSD Playgrounds
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In order to prioritize student safety, we are continually reviewing our processes and procedures. Incidents can affect our campuses, even after the school day is concluded. Our top priority must be keeping students in our care safe and secure.
Starting on Monday, Sept. 12, we will be able to permit playground usage for our families starting at the conclusion of school until 4:15 p.m. Usage between 4:15-5:30 p.m. will be for Adventure Club students to ensure effective supervision and safety for the students in our care. Playgrounds will be available for public use after 5:30 p.m. This will be in effect on days when school is in session and after school programming is in session.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the new process for after school access at school playgrounds and outdoor areas?
We will permit playground usage for our families starting at the conclusion of school until 4:15 p.m. Usage between 4:15-5:30 p.m. will be for Adventure Club students to ensure effective supervision and safety for the students in our care. Playgrounds will be available for public use after 5:30 p.m. This will be in effect on days when school is in session and after school programming is in session.is concluded. For many schools, Adventure Club programming includes more than 100 students at each building; more than 650 district-wide. Our top priority must be keeping the students in our care safe and secure.
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Why was this change made?
The safety of our students is always on our minds and that means consistently reflecting on our practices and protocols to ensure we are doing everything we can to keep students and staff safe. We worked with our safety and security and maintenance teams to look at ways to enhance security at our playgrounds, blacktops, tracks and fields. This update will ensure effective supervision and safety for the students in our care who participate in Adventure Club.
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Can't you just section off areas for the after school programs?
We want our families to have access and love welcoming all families to our property. However, we have to ensure our guidelines and access are consistent, clear and allow for us to prioritize the safety of the students in our care. That means limiting all use during afterschool programming.
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Will rentals be allowed?
Rentals will be allowed at our outdoor facilities after 6 p.m.
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In some cases playgrounds were funded using grants. How can these changes be made?
There are situations when KSD partnered with municipalities to assist with funding our outdoor spaces. For example, St. Louis County awards grants from their Municipal Park Grants Commission to assist with construction of playgrounds and outdoor recreation spaces. The grants allow the District to have discretion about policies and procedures related to public use on our property. We continue to be committed to welcoming public use at times when we do not have students in our care.