KSD eSpotlight
October 3, 2026
NKMS Students Turn Learning Into Meaningful Acts of Service
North Kirkwood Middle School (NKMS) was buzzing with energy as seventh- and eighth-grade students explored community needs, built connections and discovered meaningful ways to serve others.
The morning began with a presentation from St. Louis County Board of Elections representatives about civic responsibility, informed voting and public service. Students then rotated through hands-on service activities.
From supporting families to spreading gratitude and caring for their school, NKMS students showed how small acts of service can make a meaningful difference.
Information and Updates
The Calendar Committee Would Like Your Feedback
The KSD Calendar Committee is currently working on a draft proposal for the 27-28 School Year Calendar. Your feedback is important to this work. Please take a moment to complete the short survey by October 20.
National Walk and Bike to School Day - Wednesday, October 7
As students walk, bike, or roll to and from school, a few simple safety habits can help everyone arrive safely.
We’re sharing these reminders with students and families: follow the rules of the road, use designated crossings, wear a helmet, and stay alert to your surroundings. Put away phones and other distractions, and watch carefully for vehicles entering or leaving driveways and parking lots.
Take a moment to review the safety tips in the flyer below and help your student make safe choices on the way to and from school each day.
Together, we can help everyone get where they’re going safely!
Quick Reminder: Emergency Communication Test – Monday, October 5 at 6 p.m
This test helps ensure Kirkwood families and secondary students receive timely updates about school cancellations and emergencies. A phone call, text and email will be sent to all Kirkwood families on Monday, October 5 at 6 p.m.
Thank you for helping us keep our emergency communication system accurate and effective.
Upcoming Events and Important Dates
Unified Night Lights 10th Anniversary - Please Join Us October 6
We’re just a few days away from an exciting night!
Join us as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Unified Night Lights on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at E.L. Lyons Memorial Stadium.
This special evening brings students with and without disabilities together to play, cheer and celebrate 10 years of inclusion, friendship and unified spirit.
Enjoy Unified football games, cheer and dance performances, Varsity Valor, alumni activities and plenty of Pioneer Pride!
Admission is free, and everyone is welcome!
📅 Tuesday, Oct. 6 | 6 p.m.
📍 E.L. Lyons Memorial Stadium
10 YEARS. ONE TEAM. EVERYONE BELONGS.
Learn more on our website.
Community Conversations - Friday, October 9
Looking for a chance to connect, ask questions and chat about all things Kirkwood Schools? Join us Friday for Community Conversations.
Hosted by Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Roumpos, these informal, drop-in gatherings offer families, staff and community members an opportunity to connect with district leaders, including special guests from the Board of Education.
Friday, Oct. 9 | 5–6:30 p.m.
Kirkwood High School Field Hockey and Lacrosse Field, outside E.L. Lyons Memorial Stadium
Come for the conversation, then stay to cheer on the Pioneers as they take on the Fox High School Warriors. We hope to see you there!
Elementary/Middle School Cross Country Meets - Oct. 13 and 14
Join us for a two-day cross-country meet open to KSD elementary and middle school students. Register at: kirkwoodschools.org/KSDXC.
In coordination with the KSD Cross Country Meet, the KHS Environmental Awareness Club is organizing a gently used shoe drive. From October 12-16, please bring your gently worn, used, or new sneakers and running shoes to any KSD school during normal school hours.
District Cross Country Meet
Shoe Drive Collection at KSD schools
Join Us for Our Next Community Connections Roundtable Meeting - Portrait of a Learner
Join district leaders for our next Community Connections Roundtable Meeting:
Wednesday, October 21
6-8 pm
Kirkwood High School Cafeteria
Portrait of a Learner: Help develop a vision that identifies the knowledge and skills we believe every learner needs for long-term success. The Portrait of a Learner is a shared framework we will use to examine and continually improve our teaching, learning, leadership, and systems.
RSVP by October 16 to attend at www.kirkwoodschools.org/learnerconnections
Comedy for a Cause - Tickets on Sale Now November 8
Just a reminder that Comedy for a Cause is coming up 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/
Grab your tickets, bring your friends and come laugh for a cause.
STEAMFest - Accepting applications now
To apply, please complete our KSD STEAMfest Application Form by Friday, October 30, 2026. Please complete an application form for every student participant. All applications received will be used to create an email database of participants who will receive email reminders, guidelines, and details on participating in STEAMfest. Additional information will be sent November 2026.
For more information about STEAMfest, please visit our website at https://www.kirkwoodschools.org/activities/steamfest
KSD in the News
Kirkwood Students Work to Tackle Hunger
Kirkwood High School students recently represented KHS on Show Me St. Louis to share more about an effort to collect canned food items for Operation Food Search. The regional project brings a little friendly competition to the cause, with KHS going head-to-head with on-field rival Lindbergh to see which school can collect the most. Check out the segment and see how our Pioneers are making a difference. https://youtu.be/WrrLm_qFC0A?si=jDJGLOyL7jUOCjLN
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.