KSD eSpotlight
December 2, 2023
Upcoming Dates
Monday, December 4
Board of Education Work Session
6:30 p.m.
Nipher Middle School
Tuesday, December 5
2024-25 Calendar
The Board of Education recently approved the calendar for the 2024-25 school year. The first day of school for students will be Tuesday, August 20, 2024. Download a printable calendar for families on our website.
Update on Conversations Regarding the Tillman Split
In late October, Dr. Ulrich announced that, due to updated enrollment projections, he no longer recommended the continuation of efforts to adjust elementary boundaries in the district at this time. The district will remain focused on being responsive to updated data and information as it becomes available.
As the district looked to address elementary overcrowding through boundary adjustments, there were a number of other goals identified through public feedback. As we committed, we have been exploring whether there are opportunities to address these other priority areas.
One area the Board of Education has specifically discussed is the Tillman split (the fact that Tillman students attend both Nipher and NKMS when transitioning to 6th grade). Tillman Elementary School is the only elementary in the district that “splits” when heading to middle school.
In order to ensure the district is thoroughly exploring every opportunity, there have been discussions about several ways of potentially addressing the Tillman split. You can view these discussions with the Board of Education in full from meetings at the November 6 work session and November 20 meeting.
Dr. Ulrich was asked to bring a recommendation to the Board of Education at the work session on Dec. 4.
FAQs about the recent decision related to boundaries can be found online.
Thank You Special Education Team!
National Special Education Day is celebrated every year on December 2, to commemorate the anniversary of the nation’s first federal special education law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which was signed in 1975.
KSD wants to take this opportunity to celebrate the many staff in our schools who assist students whose educational needs require support beyond what is typically provided within the classroom. These outstanding educators collaborate with others to provide innovative programming for students with disabilities. With their expertise and partnership, we can work to better meet each student’s unique needs.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Marks Completion of Prop R Construction at North Kirkwood Middle School
On Wednesday, Nov. 29, KSD held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of Prop R construction at North Kirkwood Middle School. After the ceremony, visitors were able to participate in student-led tours of the school and see the new spaces for themselves.
The construction at NKMS addressed safety, accessibility and overcrowding. Thanks to the support of the community for Prop R, NKMS students now have 8 additional classrooms, a new connection corridor and renovated spaces for instrumental music. Much of the new spaces come from the conversion and renovation of what was formerly the district’s Administrative Services Center.
Congrats Band and Orchestra Students!
Congrats to all the Kirkwood High School students who have been selected for the St. Louis Suburban Music Educators Association Honor Bands and Orchestra. This is a district level competition in which high school student musicians compete for selection and chair placement in the district honor concert and jazz bands and orchestra.
ALL-SUBURBAN HONORS JAZZ BAND
Carl Davidson, tenor saxophone alt. 1
Kai Sanford, vibes (chose this)
Kai Sanford, piano
ALL-SUBURBAN HONORS CONCERT BAND
Elizabeth Myers, bassoon
Emily Royalty, bassoon alt. 1
Sharon Wirth, Bb soprano clarinet
Clara Banks, Bb soprano clarinet
Beckett Whitworth, Bb bass clarinet (chose this)
Beckett Whitworth, Bb contra bass clarinet
Selma Dahms, Eb contra alto clarinet
Lauren Gibson, alto saxophone
Tim Schiller, tenor saxophone
Keegan Greenwood, baritone saxophone alt. 2
Rudy Waterson, trumpet
Henry LaGrand, French horn
Althea Althauser, trombone
Evan Pazero, trombone
ALL-SUBURBAN ORCHESTRA
Agnes Smith, violin
Peyton Londe, cello
STEAMFest - Looking for Volunteers
We are looking for event STEAMfest volunteers to greet guests, assist with a hands-on activity in a science room and grade projects.
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.