District Handbook

August 1, 2026

Dear Families,

Welcome to the 2026-27 school year! As I enter my second year as superintendent of Kirkwood Schools, my appreciation for this community has only grown. A truly successful school district is built on connection, and with your valued partnership, we will continue our work to meet the needs of every learner and support all students.

This school year marks an exciting milestone as we officially launch our new strategic plan for the Kirkwood School District. Shaped by feedback gathered from residents, families, students, and staff, this plan establishes our path forward for the next five years. It establishes a vision that builds on our district's current strengths, propels us forward into the future, and reflects our shared hopes that Kirkwood students can start here and go anywhere. Keep an eye out for more information on how you can learn more.   

As we look to the start of a new school year, we have so much to celebrate together — our students’ success, the incredible team of professionals who support them, and the meaningful work we do every day to help our students find success. Together, let’s make this an inspiring school year!

Sincerely,

Dr. Kenneth Roumpos

Superintendent

To view the district calendar, visit the calendar page online.

As elected representatives of the citizens of the Kirkwood School District, the Board of Education serves as the governing body for the community’s public school system. The seven-member school board approves district policies, selects the superintendent of schools, adopts the annual budget, and determines the tax rate. School board elections are conducted annually in April. In accordance with state law and district policy, a school board election is not held if the number of candidates who file is equal to the number of positions to be filled by the election. Board members serve three-year, over-lapping terms and receive no salary. Although individual members may hold different viewpoints, the Kirkwood Board of Education is united in its commitment to serving children.

Meetings

Kirkwood School District residents are welcome to attend regular Board of Education meetings which are open to the public. Regular meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. and are generally scheduled on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. The Board of Education may also conduct executive closed session meetings, which are closed to the public in compliance with Missouri “Sunshine Laws.” Closed meetings are usually restricted to student, personnel, property, or legal matters. Occasionally special meetings or board workshops are held in public view at times other than the regularly scheduled meetings.

Agenda

Agendas for the regular meetings are prepared by the superintendent of schools in consultation with the president of the school board. Agendas are available on the district’s website (www.kirkwoodschools.org). After board approval, copies of the minutes of each board meeting are available on the district’s website.

Addressing the Board

Time is allotted at the start of each regular meeting for the public to address the board on specific agenda items or to comment on non-agenda items. Because board meetings are formal meetings held in public view, rules of order are followed and time restrictions are placed on discussions. The president of the board is responsible for managing the time allowed for public discussion, the appropriateness of the subject, and the amount of time allowed individual speakers. Residents who wish to make public comment are asked to complete a “Request to Address the Board” card available at the meeting and to present it to the clerk before the start of the meeting. The Board of Education does not act immediately upon requests put before it from the floor. Often such matters are referred to the superintendent for study and appropriate follow-up.

Contacting the Board Members

To express their views in less formal settings, Kirkwood School District residents are welcome to contact board members by mail in care of the district offices, 1099 Milwaukee Street, Kirkwood, MO 63122. Residents may also email board members through the district’s website at www.kirkwoodschools.org.

Communities Served: All or portions of Des Peres, Frontenac, Glendale, Huntleigh, Kirkwood, Oakland, Sunset Hills, Town and Country and Warson Woods. The Kirkwood School District also welcomes eligible students from the city of St. Louis through the St. Louis Voluntary Transfer Program.

District Administrative Services Center (ASC)

1099 Milwaukee Street 63122                                                                                                       

314.213.6100 (phone)

314.984.0002 (fax)

Superintendent's Office: Dr. Kenneth Roumpos, Superintendent of Schools                                                   314.213.6101

Community Relations and Development: Ms. Steph Deidrick, Chief Communications Officer                 314.213.6123                         

Curriculum and Instruction: Dr. Liz Grana, Assistant Superintendent                                                                   314.213.6104

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Dr. Jeremy Mapp, Executive Director                                                                   314.213.6108

Finance and Operations: Mr. Scott Cook, Assistant Superintendent                                                                        314.213.6107

Human Resources: Dr. Brian Rich, Assistant Superintendent                                                                                      314.213.6103

Instruction and Professional Learning: Dr. Kelly Dickinson, Executive Director                              314.213.6100 ext 7810

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS): Ms. Elizabeth Lock, Executive Director                           314.213.6100 ext 7827

Special Education: Dr. Taneal Davis, Director                                                                                                    314.213.6100 ext 7815

Student Services: Dr. Matt Bailey, Assistant Superintendent                                                                                        314.213.6106

Schools

Kirkwood Early Childhood Center  100 N Sappington Rd. 63122                                                                                314.213.6136

Ms. MaryPay Blaskiewicz, Principal                                                                                                                              

Keysor Elementary School  725 N Geyer Rd. 63122                                                                                                           314.213.6120

Dr. Alyssa Taylor, Principal

North Glendale Elementary School  765 N Sappington Rd. 63122                                                                             314.213.6130

Dr. Stefanie Limpert, Principal                                                                  

Robinson Elementary School   803 Couch Ave. 63122                                                                                                       314.213.6140

Dr. La’Kendra Garrett, Principal

Tillman Elementary School   230 Quan Ave. 63122                                                                                                             314.213.6150

Dr. Bryan Painter, Principal 

Westchester Elementary School  1416 Woodgate Ave. 63122                                                                                        314.213.6160

Dr. Julie Harris, Principal

Nipher Middle School  700 S Kirkwood Rd. 63122                                                                                                                314.213.6180

Dr. Laura Havener, Principal

North Kirkwood Middle School  11287 Manchester Rd. 63122                                                                                        314.213.6170

Dr. Dana Liberton, Principal

Kirkwood High School   801 Dougherty Ferry Rd. 63122                                                                                                     314.213.6110     

Dr. Seth Harrell, Principal

Building & Grounds  200 Thomas Ave. 63122                                                                                                                           314.213.6185

Mr. Russ Leary, Director

Copy Center Services   106 N Sappington Rd. 63122                                                                                            314.213.6100 ext 7835

Mr. Bill Diehl, Copy Center Supervisor

Technology Services 106 N. Sappington Rd. 63122                                                                                                                314.213.6127

Mr. Kevin Richmiller, Director

The Kirkwood School District is committed to working with parents to meet the educational needs of all of our students. A variety of special services are available in our schools to assist students whose educational needs require supports beyond what is typically provided within the general classroom.

Your child’s classroom teacher is the first person you should contact for guidance on how we can best work together to support your child’s educational needs. Other key building staff include your child’s counselor, school nurse, principal and assistant principal. If your child is already participating in a special program, or if you believe your child may be in need of special services, you should contact your child’s classroom teacher, counselor or principal for assistance. Other district staff who are available to assist you when your child has special needs include the following:

• Enrollment
• Student Records
• Homeless
• Transfer Programs
• Counseling
• Special Education
• Section 504
• Homebound Instruction
• MTSS
• ELL
• Gifted Education
• Literacy & Math Intervention
• Alternative Education
• Disciplinary Hearing
• Social Works
• Wellness
• Health Services
• Summer School
• Virtual Learning
• Assessment

The Kirkwood School District is committed to working with parents to meet the educational needs of all of our students. A variety of special services are available in our schools to assist students whose educational needs require supports beyond what is typically provided within the general classroom.

Your child’s classroom teacher is the first person you should contact for guidance on how we can best work together to support your child’s educational needs. Other key building staff include your child’s counselor, school nurse, principal and assistant principal. If your child is already participating in a special program, or if you believe your child may be in need of special services, you should contact your child’s classroom teacher, counselor or principal for assistance.

The Kirkwood Special Education Parent Advisory Council (PAC) was developed to provide professional and supportive connection among parents and school staff who share an interest in promoting the education of children with disabilities. Each school has several parents who represent their school on the district-level PAC. These parents also work with their school to support families of students with special needs. Kirkwood's district-level PAC meets several times each year to share information and seek input from parents on district planning for special education and related supports for students.

If you would like more information regarding PAC, please contact your SSD special education coordinator.

Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits recipients of federal funding from discriminating against individuals with disabilities. This Act is a non-discrimination law that also guarantees students with disabilities access to a free appropriate public education. Section 504 requires schools to provide all individuals an opportunity for meaningful participation in district programs & facilities.

In order to qualify for non-discrimination protection under Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act, an individual must:

1. Have a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activity.

2. Have a record of such impairments.

3. Be regarded as having such an impairment.

If you have a child or know of a student who may be eligible under Section 504, contact the student's school counselor or school administrator.

MTSS Interventions provide additional supports for students

Screenings, assessments and focused instruction help students meet academic and social/emotional goals.

The Kirkwood School District (KSD) promotes student success through collaborative teamwork that enables each student to learn at their full potential. This process MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) uses information gathered through classroom observation and assessments to determine how our staff can work toward meeting each individual child’s needs. The MTSS process provides multi-tiered levels of support around academic, behavioral and social/emotional goals that include:

1.   High-quality classroom instruction (Universal)

2.   Regular universal screenings

3.   Curriculum-based and diagnostic assessments

4.   Frequent progress monitoring

5.   Interventions that support student needs (Supplemental and Intensive)

6.   Ongoing communication with families about student progress toward goals

Each student’s academic achievement is consistently monitored by the teacher and, as necessary, the MTSS Team. If a student requires additional intervention, the team supports the student using Tier II and/or Tier III instruction. The MTSS Team and the classroom teacher closely monitor the child’s progress.

All students are engaged in high-quality instruction in the general education classroom. In addition, the multi-level intervention is a dynamic process which allows a student to receive Universal, Supplemental and Intensive instructional supports as necessary.

Our MTSS data-based decision making model leads to increased collaboration and improved student outcomes for each individual learner.

Childfind notice: If at any time you believe your child has a need for special education or Section 504 services, please contact your school counselor.

Kirkwood School District strives to provide equal educational opportunities for all students in the district. The Kirkwood ELL Program exists to serve the needs of Limited English proficient (LEP*) students who are unable to participate effectively in academic programs due to their LEP status. In order to support these students in developing the skills necessary to achieve challenging performance standards in a regular classroom, the administration has established procedures which:

1.  appropriately identify and evaluate English Language Learners

2.  determine the appropriate instructional environment for ELLs

3.  monitor the progress of students receiving ELL instruction in order to determine continuation and level of need of ELL services

4. establish professional standards for ELL staff members and provide development opportunities for staff members who work with ELLs

5.  where feasible, the district may provide support for the students’ use of the native language while developing English language skills

* Limited English Proficient students (or English Language Learners) are those whose native/home language is a language other than English and whose English language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing are not developed to a level at which they can achieve challenging performance standards in a regular classroom.

If you would like more information, please contact Dr. Matt Bailey (Assistant Superintendent of Student Services) or call 314-213-6100 extension 7819.

Kirkwood School District strives to provide equal educational opportunities for all students in the district. The Kirkwood Gifted Program exists to serve the needs of students who possess significantly advanced knowledge, critical and creative problem solving, and highly developed learning capabilities. These learners demonstrate the capacity to handle curricular content at a rapid pace and at advanced levels of abstractness, complexity, and independence. This program is referred to as REACH in grades K-5 and SOAR in grades 6-8. In order to support these students in achieving their personal goals and academic success for which they are capable, the KSD will do the following: 

1. appropriately identify and evaluate Gifted learners.
2. determine the appropriate instructional needs and environments
3. monitor the progress of students receiving Gifted instruction in order to determine the appropriate Level of Services
4. establish professional standards for Gifted staff members and provide development opportunities for staff members who work with Gifted students 

If you would like more information, please contact your building Gifted Specialist or the Executive Director of MTSS: Elizabeth Lock or call 314-213-6100 ext. 7827. 

In the Kirkwood School District, nontraditional and alternative programs serve students who require or thrive in an environment other than a traditional educational setting. This population of learners may face challenges in school, home, and community. As a result, their ability to access services in the traditional setting may be at-risk. Nontraditional and alternative education programs deliver innovative 21st Century approaches to teaching and learning which provide students with the opportunity to meet graduation requirements, engage in college and career readiness, and participate as productive members of their communities.

Overview of Virtual Education in the Kirkwood School District

The Missouri Virtual Instruction Program (MOVIP) was established in 2007 as the state's online education option.  Senate Bill 603 (2018) and House Bill 1606 (2018) resulted in MOVIP's transition to the Missouri Course Access and Virtual Program (MOCAP), and brought new requirements for local school districts related to virtual education and access to these courses.  Kirkwood has made a number of changes to meet the needs of our students and comply with these laws.

Beginning in January 2019, any student in kindergarten through 12th grade enrolled in the Kirkwood School District who was also enrolled as a full-time student the previous semester can opt to take a course virtually through our District-preferred provider or through another MOCAP-approved vendor.  Students can take courses from any Internet-connected computer, available 24-hours a day, seven days a week. MOCAP's mission is to offer Missouri students equal access to a wide range of high quality courses, and interactive online learning that is neither time nor place dependent.  Local school districts and charter schools may use their own preferred online provider.

The Educational Support Counseling program is a partnership between Kirkwood School District and BJC Behavioral Health. The partnership was formed to support the early intervention and short-term mental health needs for Kirkwood School District students from kindergarten age through grade 12. This is possible through a grant from the St. Louis County Children’s Fund. The ESC is a licensed professional counselor or licensed clinical social worker. Services include crisis intervention services, direct counseling, case management services, referral to community resources, small and large student-topic groups, staff and parent education on mental health issues, and consultative services to teachers and administration on individual student needs. ESC services are designed to be short-tern support interventions. If you have any questions or would like to make a referral to the ESC program, please contact your school counselor.

Referral Procedures for ESC Services

Should a student, parent, teacher, support staff and/or administrator identify a concern about a student’s well-being, a referral for ESC services can be initiated using the following procedures:

1. Contact the school counselor who will assess the need for ESC support.
2. The school guidance counselor will then make the referral to the designated ESC.
3. The ESC will make contact with the student and/or family to initiate services.

The Kirkwood School District employs Social Emotional Learning Coaches whom work within our schools to provide coaching and partnership to teachers who are dealing with challenging social and emotional related behaviors within their classroom environments. These certified teachers have experience and training to assist their peers in identifying root causes and identifying research-based intervention protocols. Their role is to deepen the toolbox of the teacher and build confidence for future implementation.

District Social Workers are trained mental health professionals who work within the school setting to strengthen the social/emotional well-being of all students in order to enhance academic and personal goals. Kirkwood School District employs five social workers. 

A District Social Work Referral Form, available through the building level administrator or counselor, is completed for referral to social work services. A student should be referred to the school social worker when the student shows signs of social and/or emotional difficulties that are interfering with the student’s success at school, and all appropriate interventions available by the on-site staff have been attempted. 

The McKinney-Vento Act guarantees homeless children and youth an education equal to what they would receive if they were not homeless.

Who is Homeless?

According to the McKinney-Vento Act, homeless children and youth include individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence and one of the following situations: 

1. Sharing the housing of others (known as doubling-up) due to loss of housing or economic hardship
2. Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or camping grounds
3. Living in emergency or transitional shelters
4. Abandoned in hospitals
5. Living in a nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation
6. Living in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings

The McKinney-Vento Act also recognizes unaccompanied youth who are homeless. According to the act, an unaccompanied youth is a youth not in the physical custody of a parent or legal guardian.

Which School Can a Homeless Child Attend?

There are two choices for a student in a homeless situation — the school of origin and the school of residency. The school of origin is the school the child attended when permanently housed or the school in which the child was last enrolled. The school of residency is the school serving the area where the child or youth is currently physically dwelling. When determining the school of best interest, a homeless child or youth should remain in the school of origin (to the extent feasible) unless doing so is contrary to the wishes of the parent or guardian or to the wishes of the unaccompanied youth.

Enrollment

The McKinney-Vento Act requires the immediate enrollment of homeless children and youth. These children must be allowed to attend school even if they are unable to produce previous academic records, immunization and medical records, proofs of residency, birth certificates, or other documentation that is usually required.

Transportation

School districts must provide transportation for homeless children and youth to the school of best interest. Districts must also provide transportation during the resolution of any pending disputes. While disputes over enrollment, school selection or eligibility are being resolved, students must be transported to the school of choice of the parent or the unaccompanied youth.

The Homeless Liaison

A school district’s homeless liaison plays a vital role in ensuring that children and youth experiencing homelessness enroll and succeed in school. The McKinney-Vento Act requires that every school district appoint a homeless liaison who serves as the link between homeless families and school staff, district personnel, shelter workers, and social-service providers.

If you would like more information, please contact Dr. Matt Bailey, District Homeless Liaison, or call 314-213-6100 ext. 7819.

Missouri’s Homeless Liaison, call 573-522-8763.

Kirkwood School District

Parent/Guardian Notice of Electronic Communication with Students

Staff members of the Kirkwood School District recognize there are advantages to communicating with students for educational purposes using a variety of effective methods, including electronic communication. When communicating electronically with students, staff members are required to use district-provided devises, accounts, web pages and social networking sites when available. 

Some staff members are given permission to communicate with students on a limited basis using the staff member’s personal telephone numbers, addresses, web pages or accounts (including, but not limited to, accounts used for texting) for the purpose of organizing or facilitating a district-sponsored class or activity (for example, text messaging students participating on an athletic team or on a field trip).

To facilitate these authorized communications, your student may be asked to provide his or her contact information to staff members to use to communicate with your student. This information includes, but is not limited to, your student’s mobile phone number, and e-mail address.

The district’s policies, regulations, procedures and expectations regarding in-person communications at school and during the school day apply to electronic communications for educational purposes, regardless of when those communications occur. Staff communications must be professional, and student communication must be appropriate. Staff members will only electronically communicate with your student between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. unless there are extraordinary circumstances. 

Please indicate your preference below by signing the appropriate line. If you have questions or concerns regarding this process, please contact your building principal before making your decision.

______________________ has my permission to communicate with Kirkwood School District staff members through electronic media.

__________________________    _________

Parent Signature                                         Date

______________________ DOES NOT have my permission to communicate with Kirkwood School District staff members through electronic media.

__________________________    _________

Parent Signature                                         Date

Students and Copyright:

What do students need to know to protect themselves from copyright violations?

Did you know?

1.   Computer software violations are a felony.

2.   “Bounty-hunters” are hired by some companies to identify and report violators of copyright law and guidelines.

3.   A limit of one image per book or periodical issue may be used in a project or report.

4.   Music from CD’s may not be dubbed or copied to a cassette tape.

5.   Compiling video clips from several different videos is a violation of copyright guidelines.

6.   Information found on the Internet is copyrighted unless accompanied by a message explicitly permitting duplication.

7.   Technology allows easy duplication but does not necessarily make the duplication legal. In other words, just because you can does not mean you may.

Steps to Take to Copyright Compliance

1.   Plan your project well in advance of the deadline allowing time to request permission from copyright holders.

2.   Ask the classroom teacher or library media specialist for a sample letter requesting permission from the copyright holder.

3.   Do not assume you may use any and all material without asking for permission.

4.   There are guidelines for print, audiovisual, video, multimedia, music, and others. Students are permitted to use limited amounts of material without permission. Learn about these limitations by asking the classroom teacher or library media specialist for the specific guidelines for the type of material you want to use.

Educators and Copyright:

What do educators need to know to protect themselves from copyright violations?

Did you know?

1.   Computer software violations are a felony and Missouri educators will lose their certificate if convicted of a felony.

2.   No videotape may be used for entertainment, reward, or time-fillers without obtaining public performance rights.

3.   “Bounty-hunters” are hired by some companies to identify and report violators of copyright law and guidelines.

4.   Information found on the Internet is copyrighted unless accompanied by a message explicitly permitting duplication.

5.   Copying for the purpose of teaching is not automatically legal.

6.   Technology allows easy duplication but does not necessarily make the duplication legal. In other words, just because you can does not mean you may.

7.   No more than or 10% of the songs total length or no more than 30 seconds total of recorded, copyrighted music may be used.

Types of Infringement

innocent an educator has made every effort to comply with copyright law by following guidelines but unknowingly overlooked something.

standard an educator makes no effort to become informed about or comply with copyright law and guidelines.

willful an educator is aware of but chooses to disregard copyright law and guidelines.

Infringement Discovery

1.   Some companies require sales representatives to report observed copyright infringements.

2.   Discovery of infringements can be as simple as a parent or school visitor noticing a violation in a school publication or at a school event and reporting the discovery.

Infringement Penalties

1.   $500 to $20,000 per work infringed upon.

2.   Up to $100,000 in cases of willful infringement.

3.   $20,000 per violation per day in cases of computer software. Computer software violations are a felony and Missouri educators will lose their certificate if convicted of a felony.

Infringement Law Suit

1.   The person who violates the law is the primary offender.

2.   Board of education, the superintendent, curriculum director, principal, etc. can be sued.

3.   Secondary offenders having knowledge of the infringement (contributory and/or vicarious infringers).

Suggested Steps for Compliance with District Copyright Policy

1.   Follow established district guidelines and procedures for the use of copyrighted materials.

2.   Participate in staff development sessions addressing copyright law and guidelines and the importance of compliance in the district for all staff members.

3.   Conduct training for students in the use of copyrighted materials which may be incorporated into their presentations and/or portfolios.

Academic integrity is demonstrated by students when the ideas and the works of others are properly cited and respect for the learning process is maintained. In an era of artificial intelligence (AI), the lines around what is acceptable may be blurred. The following guidelines will help provide direction when using AI in schools.

• Students are responsible for their own work. This means the use of an AI tool to generate a response to an assignment and claim it as their own is considered plagiarism.

Artificial intelligence, when used responsibly and appropriately, can play a role in the learning process. There will be a wider range of learning resources available to students as technology advances. When using these resources, it’s important that student maintain credibility and honesty in their work.

• Students should cite all sources that they use, including AI-generated sources. This includes giving credit to the AI program or algorithm that generated the source, as well as any other sources that were used in the creation of the work.
• Students should be transparent about their use of AI in their work. This means that students should identify any AI-generated content used in their work, and they should explain how it was used.
• Students should be aware of the potential for AI to be used to cheat or plagiarize. If a student is unsure whether or not their use of AI is fair and honest, they should ask their teacher for guidance.

By following these guidelines, students can help to create a fair and honest learning environment in the age of artificial intelligence.

If a parent/guardian observes in a classroom instructional setting, the following apply:

1.   Arrangements for observation need to be scheduled in collaboration with the building administrator and teacher.

2.   Time for observation needs to be reasonable to minimize disruption to the educational learning environment. (Times of observation limited to blocks of 1-2 hours.)

3.   Building/SSD administrator assigns staff member to accompany the observer.

4.   Signed Classroom Observation Agreement.

If the observation is in the special education setting, all of the above apply and an additional Classroom Observation Agreement for Special School District is also required.

Kirkwood Classroom Observation Agreement

                                                           Name: ____________________________ Phone: ______________________

                                                           Relationship to child or role and agency: _____________________________

                                                           Address: _______________________________________________________

                                                           Name of student to be observed: ___________________________________

                                                           Date:  ______________________Time: ________________                           

                                                           Reason for observation: ___________________________________________                                                                             

                                                           I agree to the following:

                                                          1.  I, _____________, know it is possible I may see or hear confidential student information. I will                                                                                                  protect the privacy rights of all students and, therefore, shall not release in written, electronic,                                                                                                  video, oral form any personally identifiable information regarding any student. I will not divulge                                                                                              this information to other members of the public. I understand if I fail to respect student privacy                                                                                                rights and confidential information I may be prohibited  from  observing  within  the  Kirkwood                                                                                                School District.

                                                          2.  I  shall  not  directly  or  indirectly  contact  the  parents,  guardians,  or  students of the assigned                                                                                             program in which I am observing.

                                                          3. I agree to follow the direction of the staff member assigned by the building principal.

                                                          4. I shall not take pictures, video, or audio during the observation.

                                                          5. I  understand  the  Kirkwood  School  District  is not responsible for any medical expenses and/or                                                                                             workers compensation claims I might incur while observing in the classroom.

                                                          My signature below indicates I am in agreement with and will adhere to the above provisions:

                                                          __________________________________                                             _______________________

                                                                                            Signature                                                                                                      Date

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING FROM OUR DIRECTOR OF SAFETY AND SECURITY:

Dear Parents:

KSD is constantly working to make sure that your children are safe when they are at school. To that end, there are many plans and systems in place to protect your children in any case of emergency. One of these mentioned plans is our parent-student reunification plan.

Our parent-student reunification plan is used if it becomes necessary to relocate the entire school population to either of our two alternative sites. Such a move will take place when it is determined by school and or district administration that keeping students in the school would be hazardous to them and staff. When you are notified of the activation of our parent-student reunification plan, you will be told where the students have been transported. SPECIAL NOTE: Out of concern for the safety of operations, and the security of your student(s), the alternate locations will remain confidential until such a time disclosure is needed

If it becomes necessary to activate our parent-student reunification plan, parents will receive a text message, email, and phone call with information and directions. It is critically important that your respective school’s office staff have all current phone numbers and email addresses so that we are able to contact you at any time during the school day in the event of an emergency.

When you arrive at the alternative site to pick up your child, there will be five stations: A thru C, D thru G, H thru L, M thru R, S thru Z. Please report to the station that has the first letter of your student’s last name. Give the station worker your child’s name and present a picture I.D. that is a match to a name on the emergency contact list.

Once you have been identified, your child will be brought to you at the reunification station.

All individuals picking up students must provide valid identification and be positively identified by our staff. Unless a person’s name is on our emergency contact list as having your permission to pick up your child, we will not release your child to them. Student safety is the primary concern for the Kirkwood School District. We appreciate your support and assistance in this important matter.

Sincerely,

Martise Scott

Director of Safety & Security

Kirkwood School District R-VII 

The safety of our schools is always top of mind. We have a district team dedicated to safety and security in our schools, and they work to ensure the measures in place are current and effective. That means continually updating our facilities, processes and protocols.

Some recent and ongoing include:

Safety improvements: Prop R funding supported installation of new security cameras and updates to current cameras.

Secure playgrounds: 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. All KSD playgrounds will be closed to the public until after school programming has concluded (6 p.m.) on days when school is in session.

Visitor management: Each of our schools has a secure entrance with visitor management systems in place.

Electronic Messaging System:

Parents/guardians will receive a phone call, text message or e-mail through the district’s electronic messaging system. This system enables school personnel to notify all households and parents by phone, text message or e-mail in the event of a school cancellation, late start or emergency. The phone calls automatically deliver a recorded message to all listed phone numbers on the district’s parent contact lists.

It is important for parents to provide their child’s school with current home and work contact information.

School closing information is also available from:

o    KTVI (Channel 2)

o    KMOV (Channel 4)

o    KSDK (Channel 5)

o    Radio: KMOX (1120 AM)

o    Internet: www.kirkwoodschools.org

o    Facebook: Kirkwood School District

District/School Voice Mail Messages

o    Community Relations and Development Office : 314-213-6102

o    Keysor Elementary School : 314-213-6120

o    North Glendale Elementary School : 314-213-6130

o    Robinson Elementary School : 314-213-6140

o    Tillman Elementary School : 314-213-6150

o    Westchester Elementary School : 314-213-6160

o    Nipher Middle School : 314-213-6180

o    North Kirkwood Middle School : 314-213-6170

o    Kirkwood High School : 314-213-6110

o    Kirkwood Early Childhood Center : 314-213-6136

-- Parents As Teachers : 314-213-6137

** Special Notes **

Some TV or radio stations may change during the year regarding their participation in school closing announcements.

Dear Kirkwood School District Parent/Guardian,

As we begin this new school year, I am writing to share with you the specific expectations for reading achievement established by Senate Bill 319 for all children in Missouri. Students in grades three through six are affected by this law in the following ways:

Third Graders

• The reading level of students must be determined before the end of their third grade year.

Fourth Graders

• An additional 30 hours of reading instruction must be offered outside of the regular school day to    all fourth grade students reading more than one year below grade level. These students may be required to attend summer school.
• Students reading more than one year below grade level at the end of grade four will be required to attend summer school. If, by the end of summer school, they are still reading more than a year below grade level, they must be retained in the fourth grade and continue to receive additional reading instruction.

Fifth and Sixth Graders

• Fifth and sixth grade students reading more than one year below grade level must:

(1)    Be tested annually

(2)    Have a reading intervention plan, and

(3)    May be required to attend summer school

• If, by the end of sixth grade, a student is still reading more than one year below grade level, the law requires that this information be recorded in the student’s permanent record file for as long as the student reads below grade level.

Students who are exempt from Senate Bill 319 requirements:

• Students with disabilities receiving IEP based special education services;
• Students with Section 504 Accommodation Plans which specifically address reading;
• Students with Limited English Proficiency;
• Students whose cognitive ability appears to limit reading development.

The Kirkwood R-7 School District is committed to strong reading achievement on the part of all students. We are proud that most of our students score well on the reading portion of the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP test) as compared to other students in the state. It is also true that some students have not yet achieved the expected levels of reading achievement we seek for all. Therefore, we are committed to offering reading intervention services for all students, including those who are exempt from Senate Bill 319 requirements.

In response to Senate Bill 319, the staff of Kirkwood R-7 School District will:

• Determine the reading levels of all students during the first quarter of each school year using a variety of reading assessments.
• Notify parents by the end of the first quarter if their child is identified as a below grade level reader.
• Develop an appropriate reading intervention plan for every below grade level reader and provide research-based and meaningful reading instruction.
• Monitor the reading progress of all students and keep parents informed about their child’s development of reading skills.

If your child’s instructional reading level is assessed to be more than one year below grade level, the literacy specialist or special education teacher will notify you of the recommended reading intervention services. Specific information about your child’s reading achievement will be shared with you during parent conferences. Thank you for your on-going support as we work to provide the best for every R-7 student. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Liz Grana

Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction

The Kirkwood School District is committed to working with parents to meet the educational needs of every student. A variety of special services are available in our schools to assist students whose educational needs require supports beyond what is typically provided within the general classroom.

House Bill No. 2379 was passed in 2017 to ensure all school districts conduct early screening to identify children with deficits in basic reading skills or dyslexia.

In Kirkwood, we have been screening all students for basic reading skills starting with kindergarten for many years. When indicated, we conduct an in-depth evaluation for an understanding of each student’s unique needs and provide interventions as appropriate.

We understand that dyslexia is an important issue for many parents, and we are always available to answer any questions you may have. Your child’s classroom teacher is the first person you should contact for guidance on how we can best work together to support your child’s educational needs. Other key building staff also include your child’s counselor, school nurse, principal and/or assistant principal.

All responsible public agencies are required to locate, evaluate, and identify children with disabilities who are under the jurisdiction of the agency, regardless of the severity of the disability, including children attending private schools; non-resident children attending a private school within the district; highly mobile children, such as migrant and homeless children; children who are wards of the state; and children who are suspected of having a disability and in need of special education even though they are advancing from grade to grade. The Kirkwood School District assures that it will provide a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) to all children eligible for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) between the ages of 3 and 5 under its jurisdiction. Kirkwood School District, in partnership with the Special School District of St. Louis County (SSD) assures that it will provide a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) to all children eligible for services under IDEA between the ages of 5 and 21 under its jurisdiction. Disabilities include autism, deaf/blindness, emotional disorders, hearing impairment and deafness, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairments, specific learning disabilities, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, visual impairment/blindness and young child with a developmental delay.

The Special School District of St. Louis County (SSD) and the Kirkwood School District assure that they will provide information and referral services necessary to assist the State in the implementation of early intervention services for infants and toddlers eligible for the Missouri First Steps Program.

The Special School District of St. Louis County (SSD) and the Kirkwood School District assure that personally identifiable information collected, used, or maintained by the districts for the purposes of identification, evaluation, placement or provision of FAPE of children with disabilities may be inspected and/or reviewed by their parents/guardians. Parents/guardians may request amendment to the educational record if the parent/guardian believes the record is inaccurate, misleading, or violates the privacy or other rights of their child. Parents have the right to file complaints with the U.S. Department of Education or the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education concerning alleged failures by the district to meet the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

The Special School District of St. Louis County (SSD) and the Kirkwood School District have developed a local Compliance Plan for implementation of State Regulations for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This Plan and School Board Policies contain the district’s procedures regarding storage, disclosure to third parties, retention and destruction of personally identifiable information and the district’s assurances that services are provided in compliance with General Education Provision Act (GEPA). This Plan is available for public review at the Special School District of St. Louis County (SSD) or the Kirkwood Central Office during regular school hours on days school is in session.

This notice will be provided in native languages as appropriate.

(February 2020)

The Kirkwood School District, as a recipient of federal financial assistance from the United States Department of Education and operates a public elementary or secondary education program and/or activity, is required to undertake to identify and locate every qualified person residing in the District who is not receiving a public education; and take appropriate steps to notify disabled persons and their parents or guardians of the District’s duty.

The Kirkwood School District assures that it will provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to each qualified disabled person in the District’s jurisdiction regardless of the nature or severity of the person’s disability. For purposes of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the provision of an appropriate education is the provision of regular or special and related aids and services that (i) are designed to meet individual educational needs of disabled persons as adequately as the needs of nondisabled persons are met and (ii) are based on adherence to procedures that satisfy the requirements of the 504 federal regulations.

The Kirkwood School District has developed a 504 Procedures Manual for the implementation of federal regulations for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Subpart D. This Procedures Manual may be reviewed at the Administrative Services Center at 1099 Milwaukee Street, Kirkwood, MO 63122 or please call at 314-213-6100 ext. 7819. This notice will be provided in native languages as appropriate.

Kirkwood School District has school policies concerning Section 504 and students with disabilities. These policies are available on our website.

1.   IGB Accommodation of Students with Disabilities

2.   IGB-AP (1) Accommodation of Students with Disabilities – (Section 504 and ADA Procedures)

Our district is required to inform you of information that you, according to the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (Public Law 114-95), have the right to know.

Upon your request, our district is required to provide to you in a timely manner, the following information:

1. Whether your student’s teacher has met State qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction.
2. Whether your student’s teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which State qualification or licensing criteria have been waived.
3. Whether your student’s teacher is teaching in the field of discipline of the certification of the teacher.
4. Whether your child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.

In addition to the information that parents may request, a building receiving Title I.A funds must provide to each individual parent:

1. Information on the level of achievement and academic growth of your student, if applicable and available, on each of the State academic assessments required under Title I.A.
2. Timely notice that your student has been assigned, or has been taught for 4 or more consecutive weeks by, a teacher who has not met applicable State certification or licensure requirements at the grade level and subject area in which the teacher has been assigned.

Please contact your child’s principal should you want to request this information.

This guide explains how to file a complaint about any of the programs[1] that are administered by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (the Department) under the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA)[2]

Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Complaint Procedures for ESSA Programs

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. What is a complaint?

For these purposes, a complaint is a written allegation that a local education agency (LEA) or the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (the Department) has violated a federal statute or regulation that applies to a program under ESSA.

2. Who may file a complaint?

Any individual or organization may file a complaint.

3. How can a complaint be filed?

Complaints can be filed with the LEA or with the Department.

COMPLAINTS FILED WITH LEA

4. How will a complaint filed with the LEA be investigated?

Complaints filed with the LEA are to be investigated and attempted to be resolved according to the locally developed and adopted procedures.

5. What happens if a complaint is not resolved at the local level (LEA)?

A complaint not resolved at the local level may be appealed to the Department.

6. How can a complaint be filed with the Department?

A complaint filed with the Department must be a written, signed statement that includes:

          1. A statement that a requirement that applies to an ESSA program has been violated by the LEA or the Department, and

          2. The facts on which the statement is based and the specific requirement allegedly violated.

COMPLAINTS FILED WITH THE DEPARTMENT

7. How will a complaint filed with the Department be investigated?

The investigation and complaint resolution proceedings will be completed within a time limit of forty-five calendar days. That time limit can be extended by the agreement of all parties.

The following activities will occur in the investigation:

          1. Record. A written record of the investigation will be kept.

          2. Notification of LEA. The LEA will be notified of the complaint within five days of the complaint being filed.

        3. Resolution at LEA. The LEA will then initiate its local complaint procedures in an effort to first resolve the complaint at the local level.

      4. Report by LEA. Within thirty-five days of the complaint being filed, the LEA will submit a written summary of the LEA investigation and complaint resolution. This report is considered public record and may be made available to parents, teachers, and other members of the general public.

       5. Verification. Within five days of receiving the written summary of a complaint resolution, the Department will verify the resolution of the complaint through an on-site visit, letter, or telephone call(s).

          6. Appeal. The complainant or the LEA may appeal the decision of the Department to the U.S. Department of Education.

8. How are complaints related to equitable services to nonpublic school children handled differently?

In addition to the procedures listed in number 7 above, complaints related to equitable services will also be filed with the U.S. Department of Education, and they will receive all information related to the investigation and resolution of the complaint. Also, appeals to the United States Department of Education must be filed no longer than thirty days following the Department’s resolution of the complaint (or its failure to resolve the complaint).

APPEALS

9. How will appeals to the Department be investigated?

The Department will initiate an investigation within ten days, which will be concluded within thirty days from the day of the appeal. This investigation may be continued beyond the thirty day limit at the discretion of the Department. At the conclusion of the investigation, the Department will communicate the decision and reasons for the decision to the complainant and the LEA. Recommendations and details of the decision are to be implemented within fifteen days of the decision being delivered to the LEA.

10. What happens if a complaint is not resolved at the state level (the Department)?

The complainant or the LEA may appeal the decision of the Department to the United States Department of Education.

Pursuant to Missouri Senate Bill 638, Section 161.1050, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has established the “Trauma-Informed Schools Initiative.” For more information, please visit online page.

The protection of student rights has always been a top priority of the Kirkwood School District. This document is distributed annually to all parents and students in order to comply with state and federal requirements to notify the parents/guardians and eligible students of their rights with respect to the student’s educational records. 

In general, a student’s educational record includes any information maintained by the school district, which contains information directly related to a student. A major exception would be a personal record kept by a staff member if it is kept in the sole possession of the maker of the record and is not accessible or revealed to any other person except a temporary substitute for the maker of the record.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. These rights are:

1.   The right to inspect and review the student’s education records. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal a written request that identifies, as precisely as possible, the record(s) they wish to inspect. The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

2.   The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask the school to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading or in violation of the student’s privacy. They should write the principal or appropriate official, clearly identify the part of the record they want to change and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment.

3.   The right to consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the school as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member; a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the school has contracted to perform a special task; or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the school discloses education records without consent to officials of another student district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

4.   The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the school with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is the Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-4605.

5.   Directory Information may be released by school officials. This includes print and electronic publications of the school district that, if disclosed, would not be considered as determined by the Kirkwood School District as harmful or an invasion of privacy. This information may be released without prior written consent to parent and student organizations for marketing purposes; such as for “buzz” books produced in the fall, and to outside organizations including, but not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks in the spring. In addition two federal laws require local educational agencies (LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with three directory information categories – names addresses and telephone listings – unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student’s information disclosed without their prior written consent. Such information is also considered a “public record” which must be released upon demand to any person who requests it, under the Missouri Sunshine Law. If a parent, guardian, person acting as a student’s parent in absence of a parent or guardian, or the student (if 18 or older), does not want the district to release the information listed below, they must notify the district in writing within 10 days of receiving this notification of the information they do not want released.

The following “Directory Information” may be released without obtaining parental consent:

Student’s name, parent’s name, address, telephone number, electronic mail address, date and place of birth, grade level, major field of study, enrollment status, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, photographs, weight and height of members of the athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees, honors, awards received, most recent previous school attended.

The district has determined that the Voluntary Interdistrict Choice Corporation (VICC) and its officers, employees and agents are school officials with legitimate educational interests because they act for and on behalf of the district with respect to transfer students and the transfer program, and because they seek to advance the interest of both. A transfer student’s attendance records and other educational records relevant to the student’s participation in the program or to the program itself may accordingly be disclosed to VICC without obtaining written consent from the parent/guardian or eligible student.

The Assistant Superintendent of Student Services has district-wide responsibility for student educational records and, as such, is the custodian of the records. Anyone having questions regarding school policy relating to student records is welcome to contact the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services at:            

            Address: 1099 Milwaukee Street, Kirkwood, MO 63122

            Phone:    314-213-6100 ext. 7819

            E-mail:    Dr. Matt Bailey, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services

The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232h; 34 CFR Part 98) applies to programs that receive funding from the U.S. Department of Education (ED). PPRA is intended to protect the rights of parents and students in two ways:

1.   It seeks to ensure that schools and contractors make instructional materials available for inspection by parents if those materials will be used in connection with an ED-funded survey, analysis, or evaluation in which their children participate; and

2.   It seeks to ensure that schools and contractors obtain written parental consent before minor students are required to participate in any ED-funded survey, analysis, or evaluation that reveals information concerning:

               1.  Political affiliations;

               2.  Mental and psychological problems potentially embarrassing to the student and his/her family;

               3.  Sex behavior and attitudes;

               4.  Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating and demeaning behavior;

               5.  Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships;

               6.  Legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians, and ministers; or

               7.  Income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program).

Parents or students who believe their rights under PPRA may have been violated may file a complaint with ED by writing the Family Policy Compliance Office. Complaints must contain specific allegations of fact giving reasonable cause to believe that a violation of PPRA occurred.

For additional information or technical assistance, you may call (202) 260-3887 (voice). Individuals who use TDD may call the Federal Information Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339. Or you may contact us at the following address:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-5920

More information on Reproduction of Copyrighted Materials, visit KSD Board Policy EGAAA page.

More information on Technology Usage, visit KSD Board Policy EHB page.

More information on Parents and Family Involvement and Engagement, visit KSD Board Policy IGBC page.

More information on Local, State and Federal Assessments, visit KSD Board Policy IL-1 page.

More information on Surveying, Analyzing or Evaluating Students, visit KSD Board Policy JHDA page.

More information on Audio and Visual Recording, visit KSD Board Policy KKB page.

More information on Public Concerns and Complaints, visit KSD Board Policy KL page.

More information on Public Concerns and Complaints Regarding Federal Programs, visit KSD Board Policy KLA page.

More information on Use of Tobacco Products and Imitation Tobacco Products, visit KSD Board Policy AH page.

More information on Student Conduct on School Transportation, visit KSD Board Policy JFCC-AP and JECC-R1 page.

More information on Bullying, visit KSD Board Policy JFCF page.

Please see the district website for more information or to file a bullying report.

More information on Hazing, visit KSD Board Policy JFCG page.

More information on Student Alcohol and Drug Abuse, visit KSD Board Policy JFCH page.

More information on Student Alcohol and Drug Testing, visit KSD Board Policy JFCI-1 page.

More information on Weapons in School, visit KSD Board Policy JFCJ page.

More information on Student Discipline, visit KSD Board Policy JG and JG-R1 page.

More information on Discipline of Students with Disabilities, visit KSD Board Policy JGE page.