KSD eSpotlight

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey between now and Tuesday, November 3. You will be able to enter the contest at the end of the anonymous survey. We appreciate you bringing constructive energy to your responses: https://surveys.panoramaed.com/kirkwood/family

If you have children in different schools, please fill out a separate survey for each building.

Thank you for partnering with us to strengthen our school community! Your insights directly inform how we support our students and staff.

To administer these surveys, we have partnered with Panorama Education. Panorama safeguards your privacy, keeping responses confidential.

KSD NOW is completely free for families and relies entirely on donations to continue serving our students. This year’s annual fundraising campaign runs October 17–24.

Donations can be made online at www.kirkwoodschools.org/KSDNOW.

If your family could benefit from KSD NOW, complete the online form to enroll your child(ren). For questions, contact ksdnow@kirkwoodschools.org. All inquiries are confidential.

Missouri is introducing a new A–F grading system for public schools, developed by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) under an executive order signed by the governor. This is the first year of the new pilot system, which is based on test results from the 2024-25 school year. The state is still finalizing how the grades are calculated, and the system is likely to change over time.

We expect to learn more in the coming days and weeks about the grading system and what it means for Kirkwood Schools. As additional information becomes available, we will share updates and help our community understand what these measures mean.

As we often remind ourselves when looking at student progress, a single letter grade cannot tell the whole story. It is one measure among many that can help us understand where we are succeeding and where we can grow. Our teachers and staff remain focused on helping every student learn and thrive, and we will continue to share the many ways we measure our progress.

Head over to our new Connect & Engage page at kirkwoodschools.org/engage—it’s your hub for staying connected. Here’s a quick look at what’s included:

• Community Conversations: Upcoming opportunities to connect with Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Roumpos and Board of Education members
  
  
• Community Connections Roundtable: Upcoming discussions and summaries of past sessions on key district topics.
  
  
• District Events: Board meetings, district-wide events and student days off.

If you have not already done so, please take a moment to complete the KSD Calendar Committee survey. The committee is currently working on a draft proposal for the 27-28 School Year Calendar. Your feedback is important to this work. The survey closes on Tuesday, October 20. Thank you.

The weather cooperated for two great afternoons of running at the annual KSD Cross Country Meet.

With perfect running conditions and plenty of energy, runners came together to enjoy the competition, challenge themselves and celebrate a shared love of running.

A big thank-you to everyone who came out to participate and to all who helped make the meet a success along with Big River Race Management for overall meet logistics. We appreciate the enthusiasm, effort and community spirit that make this annual event such a great tradition.

For a full recap, please visit the Big River Race Management event website.

Congratulations to all our runners on a job well done!

Kirkwood High School celebrated its fourth annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration, giving students the opportunity to explore Hispanic cultures through food, music, crafts, and interactive displays.

For students Noa, Jordynn, and Jake, the event was also an opportunity to share their heritage, celebrate what makes each culture unique, and feel represented in their school community.

“Even though these countries are connected through language, there is still so much to learn,” said Jordynn. “Every country has its own unique culture.”

Read the full story on the KSD website to hear more from students and learn about this student-led celebration!

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/

It’s the event of the Thanksgiving season — and it supports every student in the Kirkwood School District!

Early Bird Tickets are currently on sale now!

To help with crowd flow and cleanup, attendees may select from three sessions:

Session Times:

• Session 1: 4:30–5:00 p.m.

• Session 2: 5:15–5:45 p.m.

• Session 3: 6:00–6:30 p.m.
  (Each 15-minute break allows volunteers to clean tables and prepare for the next group.)
  
  

Early Bird Ticket Prices:

• Ages 12 and up: $15

• Ages 3–11: $7

• Ages 2 and under: Free
  
  

Come sample chili from eight local restaurants, Amigos Cantina, Bricktop’s, Crushed Red, (new) Fleming’s, (new) Lona’s Lil Eat’s, Pioneer Bakery & Cafe, Salt + Smoke, and Texas Roadhouse each featuring their own unique recipe. Your ticket also includes a hot dog, chips, beverages, and ice cream — plus the chance to vote for your favorite chili!

Don’t miss the raffle baskets, too! You can purchase tickets in advance or at the event.

• Raffle Tickets: 1 for $5 | 5 for $20
  
  

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/chilibowl2026/event/2026ksdfchilibowl/

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