KSD eSpotlight
December 16, 2023
Upcoming Dates
Monday, December 18
Board of Education Meeting
6:30 p.m.
Robinson Elementary School
Tuesday, December 20
End of First Semester
Thursday, January 4
School Resumes
We will pause our regular KSD eSpotlight during the winter break. Wishing you a happy holiday season and a safe new year!
District News
Dr. Grana Named as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction
Today, the Kirkwood School District announced that Dr. Liz Grana will serve as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. Dr. Grana had been serving in the role as interim since the beginning of the school year.
In 2019, Grana came to the Kirkwood School District as the Director of Instruction and Professional Learning. She previously worked in the Ladue School District as an associate principal, assistant principal and health and PE teacher.
Grana succeeds Dr. Bryan Painter, who was recently named principal of Tillman Elementary School. Read more...
Student Celebrations
Students Place in Esports State Championship
Kirkwood High School students recently participated in the Missouri Scholastic Esports Federation (MOSEF) standard varsity division Super Smash Brothers Ultimate (SSBU) State Playoffs. Over 250 students participated in Super Smash Brothers Ultimate Solos season with approximately 50 schools participating this season. Jackson Prada (senior) and Michael Simkins (sophomore) won the regional playoffs. At the state championship, Michael went 2-2 and ended his run 9th place in the state. Jackson was the state runner up (2nd place) for large school varsity division. Jackson went 7-2 and only lost to the eventual champion twice. Read more...
Jackson Prada (left) with esports coach Ryan Evans at the conclusion of the state championship. Jackson was the state runner up (2nd place) for large school varsity division.
Michael Simkins (left) plays a match in the first round of the championship.
2024 Missouri All-State Band and Orchestra
Of the more than 1,400 students from all over Missouri who auditioned for All-State Band and Orchestra, the 108 selected included several KHS students. Auditions were held at Hickman High School in Columbia. Read more...
Elizabeth Myers - 1st Chair Bassoon - Chose Orchestra Winds*
Sharon Wirth - Clarinet
Beckett Whitworth - Bass Clarinet
Emily Royalty - Alternate Bassoon
Althea Althauser - Alternate Trombone
*Elizabeth Myers was selected alternate bassoon her freshman year and has been selected for bassoon her sophomore, junior and senior year.
Angelina Casey - Violin
Sarah Lichtenberg - Violin
Sydney Bedell - Viola
Noah Dehler - Double Bass
Harris Falk - Double Bass
Quinn Judge - Double Bass
Katherine Klein - Double Bass
Isaiah Smith - Alternate Double Bass
Mallory Mihm - Alternate Viola
Pioneer Yearbook Named Pacemaker Finalist
The National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) named the 2022-23 Pioneer yearbook a Pacemaker Finalist. The Pioneer is one of 56 publications and one of 47 high school yearbooks that were selected. Of those finalists, 27 yearbooks will earn Pacemaker awards and those will be announced in April. Read more...
Supporting Youth Mental Health
The end of the semester and the holiday season can be a time of year when students and parents are faced with challenges that feel overwhelming. When academic and/or personal stressors are prevalent, it is important to practice healthy coping strategies. Acknowledging the state of your mental health is paramount at this time of the year, and it is critical to take the time to care for yourself and those around you.
More resources and information for families whose youth are experiencing behavioral and/or mental health concerns can be found here. Additionally, the Suicide & Crisis lifeline is there to support you or someone you know that needs support now. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org
If you need help or support, you can also reach out to your school counseling team. They are there to listen, help and support.
Hiring Fair on Jan. 20
The Kirkwood School District will host a Job Fair on Saturday, January 20. The event will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Turner Building at 1099 Milwaukee Street in Kirkwood.
Save the Date
Jan. 15 - Celebration of the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A Celebration of the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be held on Monday, January 15 at 1 p.m. at the Keating Center at Kirkwood High School. The celebration is sponsored by the Meacham Park Neighborhood Improvement Association, the Kirkwood Social Justice Coalition, the Kirkwood Humans Rights Commission and the Kirkwood School District.
Feb. 10 - STEAMFest
We are looking for STEAMfest volunteers to greet guests, assist with a hands-on activity in a science room and grade projects. The event will be held in person on February 10. Interested in helping? Please complete our STEAMfest volunteer form.
Interested volunteers will need to fill out the volunteer form highlighted above or visit www.kirkwoodschools.org/steamfest
BOE Updates
To subscribe to email updates from the Board of Education, visit kirkwoodschools.org/boe and fill out the required information on the right hand side of the page.