On Monday, Apr. 18, the Board of Education passed a motion allowing the district to restrict mature themes in books. Parents will have the ability to decide whether their child can or can’t read certain books. 

The board discussed elementary school class sizes and reorganizing the number of separate classes within each grade. The BOE noted that Tillman and Westchester have more classes than necessary, while North Glendale and Keysor need more in order to accommodate the number of students attending.

KSD will also place a bigger emphasis on visual arts for grades K-5, as they are hoping students will create, present, respond and connect through art. To achieve this, the board is going to review the six-year cycle of the curriculum to embed more cultural and emotional aspects.

Additionally, the board passed a motion to improve the Personal Finance and Smashcode 2 curriculums at KHS, adding discussions of cryptocurrency to both courses. They also planned to upgrade the district’s telephone equipment, which would save the district from having to pay AT&T $230,000 a year.

Important upcoming events:

– Wednesday, Apr. 27, and Thursday, Apr. 28, the BOE is having a Prop R power hour.

 – Friday, Apr. 29, Tillman Elementary is hosting “Many Cultures, One Kirkwood” in the gym. 

– Saturday, May 7, there will be a Spring Fling to raise money for Kirkwood School District Foundation and Donors. The event will include dinner, an improv show, auctions and raffles. 

–  Saturday, May 14, the class of 2022 graduation ceremony will be held at Chaifetz Arena in Downtown St. Louis. 

– Wednesday, May 25, the last day of school for students. 

– Monday, May 30, all district offices will close for summer break.