Updated Locations for Board of Education Meeting and Work Sessions

Due to construction throughout the Kirkwood School District thanks to Prop R, Board of Education meeting and work session locations are being updated.

Kirkwood School District Foundation’s KTOC Scholarship for BIPOC Students Receives $5,000 Donation in Honor of Reverend William Edward Hall

Kirkwood School District Board of Education Approves Hire of New Assistant Principal of Robinson Elementary School

At the regularly scheduled Kirkwood School District Board of Education meeting on Monday, May 15, the board approved the recommendation for the hire of Jennifer Bordenkircher as the Assistant Principal of Robinson Elementary effective July 1, 2023. Jennifer Bordenkircher will succeed JaNae' Alfred, who is leaving Robinson Elementary School after this year.

Kirkwood School District Requests Community Feedback on Draft Policies Under Review

The Kirkwood School District is gathering public comment on two draft policies under review by the Board of Education that address public participation at board meetings and community engagement. 

Glendale-Kirkwood Kiwanis Present Early Reader Books to Kindergarteners

The Glendale-Kirkwood Kiwanis Club presented each of the kindergarten students in the Kirkwood School District (KSD) with an early reader book as part of the service club’s Early Reader Program. The program was initiated in spring 2006 when the Glendale-Kirkwood Kiwanis Club gifted books to each of KSD’s 275 kindergarteners. This year, the club members gifted books to each of KSD’s 457 kindergarteners. Over the years, the Kiwanis Early Reader Program has become an annual “graduation” gift for KSD kindergartners and celebrates of the young students’ love of reading.

Kirkwood High School Students Place in Annual Kirkwood Human Rights Commission Essay Contest

The Kirkwood Human Rights Commission hosts an annual essay contest for all juniors enrolled at Kirkwood High School (KHS), Vianney High School, or Ursuline Academy, all junior Kirkwood residents enrolled elsewhere, and all 11th grade home-schooled students residing in Kirkwood. KHS students took second, third, and fourth place. They are: Second Place: Gus Lauberth in Mr. Rowland’s class Third place: Arul Osburn in Mrs. Morrison’s class Fourth place: Khadija Khan in Mr. Rowland’s class

KIRKWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT CELEBRATES RETIREES AND YEARS OF SERVICE STAFF MEMBERS

On Wednesday, May 3, the Kirkwood School District held their annual recognition ceremony, celebrating retiring staff members and those who have served 25 years in the Kirkwood School District. The event was held in the Walker Commons on the campus of Kirkwood High School.

KHS Senior Selected as Gates Scholar

Kirkwood High School (KHS) senior Khalil Webb was selected as a Gates Scholar and member of The Gates Scholarship Class of 2023, earning him funding for the entire cost of attending college. He was one of 750 scholars chosen from a pool of over 51,000 applicants across the country. Less than 1.5% of students who apply are accepted for this prestigious award. Khalil plans to continue his education at the University of Michigan this fall.

Kirkwood Board of Education Recognizes Teachers of the Year for 2023-24

On May 1, the Kirkwood Board of Education acknowledged the Kirkwood School District (KSD) Teachers of the Year for 2023-24. Each Kirkwood school selected a School Teacher of the Year from nomination forms submitted by faculty and staff in their individual schools. The KSD schools announced their teacher of the year in February. In March, Janet Mees Reinert was announced as the Kirkwood School District Teacher of the Year for 2023-24. Janet was selected through an interview process conducted by the Teacher of the Year selection committee.

Many Cultures One Kirkwood Festival Celebrates Cultural Diversity in Kirkwood

On Friday, April 28, the Kirkwood School District hosted the third annual “Many Cultures One Kirkwood” event. The expo-style event featured KSD families from countries including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Cuba, France, Germany, Honduras, India, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, Puerto Rico, South Korea, Spain, Syria, and the United Kingdom.

Kirkwood High School Celebrates 56 Seniors Earning Academic and Athletic Scholarships

During a ceremony on Friday, April 28, Kirkwood High School (KHS) recognized 56 students who are continuing their education at various institutions across the country and were awarded 50% or more of the cost of tuition for their academic accomplishments as well as students who are continuing their athletic career by participating in intercollegiate athletics. All students were recognized by senior class principal, Dr. Mike Gavin, and the students participated in a ceremonial letter of intent signing. “Today’s award is important as it is validation outside of KHS,” said Gavin. “These colleges and universities are literally investing in you to come be part of their campus and community. I am proud of you for what you’ve accomplished curricularly and personally. Enjoy today, and the bright future ahead of you.”

Celebrating Our Seniors - Innovation Awards

On Thursday, April 20, 27 Kirkwood High School seniors in the Innovations program were celebrated and recognized. The in-house program supports students who had obstacles in their educational path, through no fault of their own, and needed alternative instruction to graduate. This dedicated program strives to meet the challenges and needs of each of our students. The students in this program are artists, musicians, athletes, bookworms, fashion gurus, Tik Tokers, and animal lovers. Students are headed on to college, to the workforce, and to internships. “Our kids are kind, hardworking, and persevere,” said Katie Vondera, Innovations English teacher. “This group has been through a lot these past few years and should be proud of what they have accomplished; I know we are proud of you.”

KSD BOE Reorganization

During the regularly scheduled Kirkwood School District Board of Education meeting this evening, the oath of office was administered to newly elected board members Ben Caffey, Jennifer Pangborn and Nikole Shurn. Additionally, the BOE held their annual reorganization vote to elect the officers of the Kirkwood School District Board of Education. The board unanimously approved: Nikole Shurn, president Mark Boyko, vice president Judy Moticka, secretary This vote made KSD history: Ms. Shurn is the first African-American woman to serve as president of the Kirkwood School District Board of Education. Jean Marie Andrews, Angie Bernardi, Ben Caffey and Jennifer Pangborn will serve as directors.

Kirkwood High School Principal Named as High School Principal of the Year by the St. Louis Association of Secondary School Principals

On Thursday, April 6, Dr. Mike Havener, Kirkwood High School (KHS) principal, was named High School Principal of the Year by the St. Louis Association of Secondary School Principals during a surprise celebration with students, staff, and former colleagues.

Dr. Bryan Painter Named as Interim Principal of Tillman Elementary School

Kirkwood School District announced the appointment of Dr. Bryan Painter as interim principal of Tillman Elementary School. Dr. Painter, who currently serves at the district’s Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, will serve the role as interim principal during the 2023-24 school year. This Fall, the district will proceed with the process of engaging with staff, family and the Tillman community to find a permanent principal for the school to begin with the 2024-25 school year.

KHS Kirkwood High School Student Recognized in C-SPAN National Video Documentary Competition

Kirkwood High School (KHS) junior Annalise Bancks received an Honorable Mention award for her C-SPAN StudentCam video documentary called "Killing Dead Zones."

College Kickstart Program at Kirkwood High School to Continue Serving Students Thanks to Kirkwood School District Foundation

Kirkwood School District Foundation (KSDF) awarded a $5,000 grant to the Kirkwood High School (KHS) College Kickstart Program. KSDF representatives surprised grant applicant, Melinda Hall (KHS Social Worker), and her colleagues with the award during National School Social Work Week. The College Kickstrart program at KHS assists graduates who might need assistance with essential supplies to start their first year in college.

Heroes Among Us…And a Whole Lot of Love

A Robinson Elementary School employee recently stepped up in a life-saving way. Bryan Freeman, head custodian at Robinson Elementary School in the Kirkwood School District, jumped into action after seeing a student in distress while eating lunch. Bryan saw the student chocking, rushed over, and immediately administered the Heimlich maneuver to help the student. After the item was dislodged, the school nurse came to the cafeteria and medically cleared the student..

Kirkwood High School Racquetball Team Wins National Championships for Second Year in a Row

Kirkwood High School (KHS) boy’s and girl’s racquetball teams were crowned the Overall Team National Champions at the USA Racquetball High School Championships held last weekend in Portland, Oregon. This is the second consecutive Overall Team title as KHS was National Champs in 2022 as well. The boy’s team placed second and the girl’s team placed first. This is the first title for the girl’s team in school history and the fifth overall team title for Kirkwood.

Kirkwood School District Students Compete in Gifted Resource Council’s Equations Contest

Kirkwood kids competed in the annual Gifted Resource Council’s Academic Challenge Cup, a series of friendly academic competitions in math and creative problem-solving for St. Louis area students in grades 2 – 8. This year’s event took place at the University of Missouri – St. Louis (UMSL).