KSD eSpotlight
October 31, 2026
KHS Senior Connor Schmidt Earns Perfect ACT Score
Congratulations to Kirkwood High School senior Connor Schmidt, who earned a perfect 36 on the ACT on his second attempt! A member of the KHS cross country team and Esports Club, Connor shares how he prepared for the test, the connections he’s made through cross country, and his plans to pursue a degree in engineering. He also offers helpful advice for students preparing for the ACT. Read Connor’s story on the KSD website. And thank you to KSDK for sharing Connor's story as well.
Information and Updates
Additional Ways to Report Student Absences
We are excited to announce a new, easy way for K-12 families to report student absences online using the Infinite Campus parent portal.
Beginning November 2, you will be able to notify your student’s school about same-day or future absences by following these steps:
Log in to Infinite Campus
Scroll to the “Shortcuts” box and select “Absence Request”
Select your student, absence reason, and absence type, and click submit
You can see detailed instructions online.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact your school office.
Family Climate Survey - Complete by Tuesday, November 3
Thank you to the 1,011 families who have completed the KSD Family Climate Survey! We appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback and help us strengthen our school community.
We’re going above and beyond to make it easy for families to share their voices! You may have spotted our staff members with walking QR codes during dismissal, making it even easier to access the survey. Check out the fun in this Facebook video.
If you haven’t had a chance yet, please take a few minutes to complete the anonymous survey by Tuesday, November 3! At the end of the survey, you’ll have an opportunity to enter a drawing for a chance for your student to win ice cream.
Complete the Family Climate Survey
If you have children attending different schools, please complete a separate survey for each building.
KSD has partnered with Panorama Education to administer the surveys and safeguard your privacy. Your responses will remain confidential.
Thank you for your partnership and for sharing your voice!
Celebrations
Growing Together Through Professional Learning
Earlier this week, our staff came together for a day of professional learning focused on RICE: Relationships, Instruction, Curriculum and Environment.
Throughout the day, staff explored new ideas, shared experiences and learned from one another. They also gathered practical strategies to bring back to their classrooms and workspaces to support student learning and success.
These dedicated days of learning help strengthen teaching, learning and leadership across our district. When our staff learn and grow together, our students benefit!
KSD Teacher of the Year Recognized at State Banquet
Kirkwood School District Teacher of the Year Jennifer Moore was honored Monday evening at the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) 2027 Recognition Banquet.
Moore, a gifted educator at Robinson Elementary School, attended the ceremony alongside her family and colleagues as DESE celebrated the 2027 Missouri Teachers of the Year.
Congratulations to Jen on this well-deserved recognition! We are proud to celebrate the difference she makes in the lives of students and our Kirkwood School District community.
Upcoming Events and Important Dates
Comedy for a Cause - Tickets on Sale Now November 8
The Kirkwood Teachers of Color (KTOC) invite you to join them for an evening of professional comedy, good company and support for a meaningful cause.
Sunday, November 8
Keating Theater | 6 p.m.
Recommended for ages 18+
Proceeds benefit the KTOC Scholarship Program, supporting graduating Kirkwood High School seniors who identify as BIPOC as they pursue their postsecondary education.
Tickets are on sale now: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/ktoccomedyforthecause2026/event/ktoccomedyforthecause2026/
Turkey Day 2026
There’s nothing quite like Turkey Day in Kirkwood! The rivalry, the traditions, the school spirit and, of course, the chance to send the Webster Statesmen home without the Frisco Bell!
As we get ready for the annual Kirkwood vs. Webster Turkey Day Football Game, we’re excited to offer this year’s Turkey Day apparel. Whether you’re heading to the game, watching from home, or just want to show your Pioneer Pride, the KHS sophomore class has you covered. This year’s design was inspired by sophomore Ben Kundu, who took the time to hand-draw his idea and submit it for our 10th grade Turkey Day Design Contest. We appreciate his creativity and effort in helping bring this year’s design to life!
To purchase your Turkey Day spirit wear, please visit the Turkey Apparel webstore.
For a full list of activities the week of Turkey Day, please check out our Turkey Day website.
Join Us for the 30th Annual KSDF Chili Bowl! Wednesday, November 25th, 4:30pm to 6:30pm
Haven’t purchased your Chili Bowl tickets yet? Don’t miss this Thanksgiving-season tradition that supports every student in the Kirkwood School District!
Sample chili from eight local restaurants, enjoy a hot dog, chips, beverages and ice cream, and vote for your favorite! Plus, check out the raffle baskets for even more fun.
Early Bird Tickets:
Ages 12+: $15
Ages 3–11: $7
Ages 2 and under: Free
Get your tickets today! Purchase event and raffle tickets
Important Dates
Tuesday, November 3 - Professional Development Day, No School for Students
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.