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Why are schools being closed?
In an effort to help prevent the spread of COVID 19, all St. Louis County, St. Louis City and St. Charles County School Districts are closed through April 22.
In the Kirkwood School District, the closure includes all before and after-school activities, athletics and the Kirkwood Early Childhood Center.
While the decision to close our school district was extremely difficult, we believe it is in the best interest of our students, families and community. The decision was made in consultation with local health organizations, local government, and other area school districts.
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When will school resume?
Currently, the closure is through April 22.
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What about travel during this shutdown?
We strongly recommend that families of all students and staff follow the recommendations of health officials and refrain from traveling at this time.
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Will days missed due to the emergency closure need to be made up?
School districts will not be required to make up SY 2019-20 calendar hours lost due to COVID-19 and missed calendar hours will not impact the calculation of average daily attendance.
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What are the procedures and instructions for students to wash their hands (even while at home)?
We are encouraging families to continue to prioritize student handwashing at home. Handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the most effective way to contain the spread of illness and disease, including COVID-19. Learn more about hand washing and proper technique.
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What conversations should parents have with their children at home?
Kirkwood School District provides social and emotional resources to support of families. In addition, school counselors and social workers are available for support. To locate email addresses, visit the online Staff Directory.
Want resources to share with your children? Here’s an informative graphic resource from NPR.
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Does KHS anticipate canceling prom/graduation ceremonies?
All school activities are canceled through April 22. We will continue to evaluate the situation and communicate any changes to events and school services as they become available.
Prom/Graduation- Mr. Townsend, Mr. Fisch, and Mrs. Schwalbert are working hard to try and make the Class of 2020 end of year events continue in some form. We know this is an extremely difficult time for our seniors, and we are here to support you as we navigate through this difficult time.
Unfortunately, we are not able to hold a traditional Prom. Our goal is to still hold Prom, but it will NOT be at the Marriott Grand St. Louis on April 17th. We will keep you up to date on a possible make-up date and place.
Graduation-we WILL have a Graduation. Currently, we are still scheduled to have Graduation on May 9th at Chaifetz Arena. If that date is postponed, please keep the Saturdays of June 13th and June 20th open on your calendar. We have secured Chaifetz on these Saturdays as a back-up plan. If these dates don't work we will look at possibly a different date/venue.....yes we may go "back to the old days" and have it in the stadium at Kirkwood High School.
We already miss our Seniors and we are hopeful we get to see everyone as soon as possible. Until then stay healthy and make sure you are staying up with your class work.
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Will the district be canceling events, field trips, games or large group meetings?
As long as school is not in session, all activities, games and events will be canceled. Once we know when school will resume, information about the status of upcoming events will be shared.
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I need help with my child’s device. Who can I contact for assistance?
Please complete our online form if your student needs assistance with Internet Access at home.
Tech support will be provided M-F from 8 am to 4 pm, starting Thursday, March 26. The landing page for support is @kirkwoodschools.org/covid19
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Will the upcoming ACT tests still be held?
No. ACT has rescheduled its April 4 national test date to June 13 across the U.S. in response to concerns about the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). All students registered for the April 4 test date will receive an email from ACT in the next few days informing them of the postponement and instructions for free rescheduling to June 13 or a future national test date. For more information, visit ACT’s website.
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Will the state’s MAP testing and EOCs still take place?
Statewide assessments (MAP, MAP-A and EOC) have been canceled for the remainder of the SY 2019-20 school year.
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What if our family assistance with providing meals for our kids?
Food assistance is provided and supported by Chartwells, KirkCare, the Kirkwood School District Foundation, and other school districts, civic organizations/food pantries to assist in the effort.
- If you need food assistance, please complete the online form.
- Students who live in the City of St. Louis will be served by the Voluntary Interdistrict Choice Corporation. Please watch for communication from the VICC office.
- If you reside in the Riverview Gardens or Normandy School Districts you will receive specific instructions indicating meal pick up locations and times.
If you want to help in this effort, please go to kirkwoodschools.org/cares to make a donation or sign up to volunteer.
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Who will make the decision to reopen?
St. Louis County school superintendents, in collaboration with the St. Louis County Department of Health, will make the decision when to reopen schools. Those conversations are being conducted almost daily at this point and if the decision is made for schools to remain closed past April 22, 2020, that notice will be publicly communicated as soon as the decision is made.
