The Kirkwood Call

Kirkwood High School student newspaper
KHS sophomore Will Gordon dies Nov. 28
KHS sophomore Will Gordon dies Nov. 28
The KSD department chairs met to for discussions and announcements Wednesday night.
KHS Weekly Update 11/19/21: Turkey week, course selection, final exams
The KSD BOE meeting held Monday, Nov. 15, covered curriculum and policy.
BOE reviews algebra curriculum
A weapon was reported in the Dougherty Ferry parking lot on Nov. 10.
Weapon reported in car on KHS campus, found to be airsoft gun
Jeff Townsend, assistant principal, announced his plans for retirement at the end of the 2021-22 school year.
Principal Jeff Townsend announces retirement
A weapon was reported in the Dougherty Ferry parking lot on Nov. 10.
Weapon reported in car on KHS campus, found to be airsoft gun
An unidentified adult man trespassed on the KHS campus at 7:20 a.m., Nov. 2.
KHS unarmed intruder arrested Nov. 2
After the COVID-19 shutdown for the 2020 spring sports season, athletes are now able to compete with different precautions they have to follow for each event.
Spring sports spectator guidelines released
TKC continues to call on KSD to include students in their decisions.
Call ed: We should not return full-day
KHS will return to full-day in-person learning March 15, with elements of the plan still in development.
KHS to return full-day, many questions still unanswered
The Kirkwood Family YMCA seeks to support the community through intentional programming and services.
Your membership: Continuing aid
With a team of over 100 individuals, Caritas Connections is 100% volunteer operated.
Connections that serve
Former second lady Jill Biden is playing an important roll alongside her husband in the 2020 presidential campaign.
Political Issue: Jill Biden, the student’s champion
Rebecca Friesen, KSD director of bands, plays with her son.
Thursday night is the band’s night
Art by Emma Frizzell
Team Joanna
The KSD department chairs met to for discussions and announcements Wednesday night.
KHS Weekly Update 11/19/21: Turkey week, course selection, final exams
KHS department chairs met to discuss the upcoming week on Wednesday, October 16.
KHS Weekly Update 10/27/21 – Intruder drill, football tickets, Friendship Dance
KHS department chairs met to discuss the week on Wednesday Oct. 6.
KHS Weekly Updates 10/6/21: PSAT, conferences, no-homework weekend
TKC asked students to share their thoughts about returning to school.
Student voices of Kirkwood: Return to school
14 months later: Columns
14 months later: Columns
14 months later: Photos
14 months later: Photos
14 months later: Art
14 months later: Art
These eyes tell a story when you observe them closely. If you look in the reflection of the eye you can see some of the things that freshmen have missed out on this year due to COVID-19 including: Watching school sports, pep rallies, assemblies and exen meeting new people and having conversations.
Through the eyes of a freshman
LArche St. Louis provides care and assisstance to people with intellectual disabilities.
Charity issue: We are family
Animal lover, nature enthusiast and Black Lives Matter advocate, Alexis Mitchell is a sophomore at KHS who has big dreams to change the world.
Q&A with Alexis Mitchell
Charity Issue: Helping Hands
Charity Issue: Helping Hands
The banners with past titles hang on the wall of the Natitorium.
Meet the 2021 Girl’s Swim Team
Jane Jensen, junior, dressed like her dad for spirt day theme, dress like a dad.
VoKs: Dress like a dad day
Linc Luke, senior, is among the large group of students picking up slack at their workplace.
In-depth: Understaffed, overworked
There has been a recent movement supporting body positivity on many social media platforms.
In-depth: Positively beautiful
All data is from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
In-depth: Discipline disparity
TKC wants to bring attention to historical and current issues of race often overlooked in Kirkwood schools and the community. In this in-depth, we highlight both problems and possible solutions of race-related issues to increase awareness of these topics. Art by Graesen Joyce
Recognizing race: unexplored issues in Kirkwood
Art by Graesen Joyce. In response to the vandalism on Jan. 6, 2021 involving racial slurs spray-painted onto three KSD schools, Black students have spoken out about their experiences with racism in Kirkwood. TKC interviewed Black students and teachers about their thoughts on the next steps they feel Kirkwood must take to address racial injustice, and how to stop it at its source.
In-Depth: The next step
“You need to create that healthy relationship with your body and food, Anonymous said. You need to know that no matter what you see when you look in the mirror you are beautiful.
VoK collection: Students share experiences with eating disorders
New Years resolutions have become an endless cycle of self-help journals and new workout equipment.
New Year, same you: Why you should quit making resolutions
The deal with dieting, a health and wellness story by Megan Cleveland.
Top five health + wellness stories of 2020
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicide the Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255.
Suicide;
Face masks are considered effective in protecting against the coronavirus.
Unmasking effectiveness
Slayyyter has emerged as a new pop princess, influenced by 2000’s pop culture.
Where are theyyy now: Slayyyter
Where are they now: Cornell Young III
Where are they now: Cornell Young III
Photo by Chelsea Petrakis
Where are they now: Nancy Ellis
Where are they now: Nikki Glaser
Where are they now: Nikki Glaser
digital illustration by Cate McCandless
Where are they now: Kevin Renick
What I’ve found is that something so small can sometimes put life into so much perspective.
Gratitude 365
With the dress code policy being a controversial topic at KHS these past couple weeks, TKC staff unanimously (68/68) voted that the dress code should be updated to address its inconsistency, sexism and outdated policies.
Call Ed: Addressing the dress code
According to a TKC survey, as of Sept. 16, 88.8% out of 286 Kirkwood students are fully vaccinated. Art by Audrey Turley.
Viruses, vaccines and variants
Simone Biles withdrew from the 2020 Tokyo Olympic team finals due to concerns about her mental health.
Mind over medal
The thought of having to read To Kill A Mockingbird or Lord Of The Flies during the summer is strong enough to make some students quiver. Many students associate summer reading with anxiety, work and school. However, since KSD stopped requiring students to read in the summer of 2019, I have actually gained a passion for reading.
Summer reading is back in style
With the dress code policy being a controversial topic at KHS these past couple weeks, TKC staff unanimously (68/68) voted that the dress code should be updated to address its inconsistency, sexism and outdated policies.
Call Ed: Addressing the dress code
While the costs of running the bases seem to outweigh the benefits, condemning casual sex isnt the answer.
Call Ed: Bases loaded
White people must continue to fight the comfort of their silence.
Call Ed: White people, you’ve had your rest
TKC continues to call on KSD to include students in their decisions.
Call ed: We should not return full-day
Suddenly it comes: you need to poop. With almost four more hours left in the school day, you have an important decision to make.
Call ed(s)
What I’ve found is that something so small can sometimes put life into so much perspective.
Gratitude 365
The thought of having to read To Kill A Mockingbird or Lord Of The Flies during the summer is strong enough to make some students quiver. Many students associate summer reading with anxiety, work and school. However, since KSD stopped requiring students to read in the summer of 2019, I have actually gained a passion for reading.
Summer reading is back in style
14 months later: Columns
14 months later: Columns
Art by Emma Frizzell. Be your own person, let go of expectations or stereotypes or judgments, and you will thrive. 
Senior column: Molly Higgins
Art by Graesen Joyce. I’ll remind you that changes — big or small — can be incredibly transformative.
Senior column: Tom Mueller
Which Red (Taylor’s Version) song are you?
Which Red (Taylor’s Version) song are you?
Turkey Week is the longest held tradition at KHS, but both freshmen and sophomores have yet to experience the true spirit of Turkey Day.
Turkey Week schedule
With homecoming coming up this Saturday, read TKCs advice about the big night.
Friendship Dance survival guide
Adele, a famous British singer, will release her sixth album on Nov. 19.
Hello, again
These four comforting, simple fall recipes are perfect for when you are in the mood to watch movies at home or share sweet treats with friends.
Fun fall recipes
Take this quiz to find out if your style is cool and chic, or casual and comfy.
How fashionable are you?
Too much free time on your hands? Check out this quiz on which obscure KHS club should you try?
Which obscure KHS club should you try?
Nearly everyone dreams of being TikTok famous. But which current famous Tiktok creator are you truly most similar to?
Which famous TikTok creator are you?
Take this quiz to find out which Netflix show your truly belong in. Art by Elena Sherwood.
Quiz: Which Netflix show do you belong in?
There are plenty of other Valentines Day candies besides the classic box of chocolates; find out which one matches your personality.
Which Valentine’s Day candy are you?
In the Pop Call-ture Podcast, host Ava Tebo talks about topics spanning from movies to media to music. Bringing along guests with outside opinions per episode, Pop Call-ture Podcast offers diverse opinions about all aspects of pop culture.
Pop Call-ture Podcast episode 03: Korean media feat. Zoe Nauman
In the Pop Call-ture Podcast, host Ava Tebo talks about topics spanning from movies to media to music. Bringing along guests with outside opinions per episode, Pop Call-ture Podcast offers diverse opinions about all aspects of pop culture.
Pop Call-ture Podcast episode 02: horror movie overview feat. Abby Shepard
Human Monsters is a podcast that dives into Kim and Finans passion for true crime and the cases that got them hooked.
Human Monsters podcast: episode 1
In the Pop Call-ture Podcast, host Ava Tebo talks about topics spanning from movies to media to music. Bringing along guests with outside opinions per episode, Pop Call-ture Podcast offers diverse opinions about all aspects of pop culture.
Pop Call-ture podcast episode 01: Met Gala review feat. Anna Mcginnis
In this edition of TKCs H Squared sports podcast, Henry Chappell and Henry Joiner talk with Mr. Eden about their honest predictions for Super Bowl LV between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs.
H Squared podcast: Super Bowl picks and the fix feat. Mr. Eden
Turkey Day: Senior football quotes
Turkey Day: Senior football quotes
Take this quiz to find out which senior football player matches your personality.
Turkey Day Quiz: Which senior football player are you?
Shawn Greene, 1987 Webster Groves High School graduate, has researched past Turkey Day Games since the 1990s and authored Turkey Day Game Centennial 1907-2007, a book on Turkey Day Game history.
Turkey Day: Dedicated to the game
The new Pioneer Pride marching band uniforms consist of black pants, a white long-sleeved shirt and a gray, black and white vest.
Turkey Day: New year, new uniforms
The Turkey Day atmosphere is something Maclin said hasn’t changed from when he was on the field to when he first became an assistant coach under former KHS head football coach Farell Shelton in 2019.
Jeremy Maclin: The experience
People with and without disabilities will come together to participate in the annual KHS Unified Night Lights game.
KHS hosting yearly Unified Night Lights event Wednesday, Sept. 29
TKC spoke with a head coach or senior athlete from each team about their upcoming season to gain insight on each sport. Art by Mara Mueller.
Fall sports preview
Art by Maddy Rekhop. Ainsley Wade smiles with her medals that she won from nationals.
Senior profile: Ainsley Wade
After the COVID-19 shutdown for the 2020 spring sports season, athletes are now able to compete with different precautions they have to follow for each event.
Spring sports spectator guidelines released
Nesslage, senior, driving to the basket for a contested layup.
Feb. 27 basketball game recap: Ladue 58 Kirkwood 48
All the magic in fantasy football is done in the draft.
The drafting guide for Fantasy Football
With Nolan Arenado now sporting the Birds on the Bat, St. Louis now has one of the best hitters in baseball to boost the batting lineup and probably the best defensive player in baseball to reinforce the teams defense. Art by Genevieve Francois.
Shuffling the Cards: 2021 Cardinals season preview
Charlie Hollocher, shortstop, played his entire career for the Chicago Cubs.
Charlie Hollocher: A lost legend
Different St. Louis Blues jerseys over the course of franchise history
Who are the greatest Blues players of all-time?
With athletes training their physical strengths, often their mental health is overlooked.
The game beyond the game
Ryan Blank, sophomore, subs in to the game for Eddie Bisgrove, sophomore.
Photo gallery: Kirkwood boys’ JV volleyball vs. Pattonville April 20, 2021
Nesslage, senior, driving to the basket for a contested layup.
Feb. 27 basketball game recap: Ladue 58 Kirkwood 48
Players of both teams compete to grab the ball.
Photo Gallery: boys’ varsity basketball vs. Jennings High School Jan. 16
The team rallies and proudly waves their first district plaque.
Photo Gallery: Kirkwood varsity boys’ soccer vs. Parkway South Nov. 6
The football players raise their helmets for the national anthem.
Photo Gallery: football game Nov. 1
Artists Take is an opportunity for TKCs artists to freely showcase their styles and abilities.
Artists’ take #2: 2020
“Artists Take” is an opportunity for TKCs artists to freely showcase their styles and abilities.
Artists’ take #1: Self portrait
Visual of the week
Visual of the week – Elena Sherwood
The KHS girls JV tennis team says their cheer before their match.
Top five photos of 2019
Raven Wiley, senior, grabs Mackenzie Klein, freshmans wrist.
Photo gallery: “The Children’s Hour”
Portrait of KHS senior Meg Bjorkman in vibrant colors, drawn by Merry Schlarman.
Art Gallery: Faces of KHS
Happy Halloween! The Kirkwood Quack is a TKC comic strip distributed once each cycle.
The Kirkwood Quack – Halloween
14 months later: Art
14 months later: Art
Self-dates aren’t magic, and they take some getting used to. Maybe it helps to start small, whether that means catching the sunset for 15 minutes or even buying yourself some flowers.
It’s a date (with you)
At the start of each TKC cycle, the artists are given a prompt for Artists’ Take. This cycle’s prompt is “Valentines Day.
Artists’ take #4: Valentine’s Day
Are you smarter than a fifth grader? Part three
Are you smarter than a fifth grader? Part three
TKC interviewed KHS students and staff to see how well they know their first amendment rights.
How well does KHS know their First Amendment rights?
Olivia Silvey, senior, demonstrates the effectiveness of a KN95 mask against a lighters flame.
TKC compares masks
KHS roof tour
KHS roof tour
Opinionated & Pink ep. 3
Opinionated & Pink ep. 3
Adam Bauer, junior, comes up for a breath during his 100 Yard Breaststroke, finishing in 11th place.
Photo Gallery: Boys swim and dive state meet Nov. 13
Louis Kavanaugh, senior, attempts a pass to Cameron Paul, senior.
Photo Gallery: Senior night football game vs. Marquette Oct. 8
Jaida Autry, senior, walks a Unified Night Lights member up the field to start off the night.
Photo gallery: Unified Night Lights Sept. 29, 2021
Kirkwood steals the soccer ball from Mehlville shortly after a close goal.
Photo Gallery: Kirkwood Boys Freshman Soccer Game vs. Mehlville High School
Ellie Francois, junior, runs with the ball as a Westminster player dives for it.
Photo Gallery: Kirkwood Varsity Field Hockey vs. Westminster Oct. 6, 2021
Friends of Call
Friends of Call
Kirkwood High School student newspaper

The Kirkwood Call
Kirkwood High School student newspaper

The Kirkwood Call
Kate Schreiber

Kate Schreiber, editor-in-chief

she/her

Hobbies and Interests: Playing/writing/listening to music, politics, exploring

Favorite Song: “Bad (Live)” by U2

Favorite Quote: “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” - John Lennon

All content by Kate Schreiber
Charity Issue: Helping Hands

Charity Issue: Helping Hands

13 hours ago
These five tracks have earned spots as some of the defining songs of summer 21.

Tuned into summer

August 25, 2021
KSD will welcome students back Aug. 24. Read more for information on KHSs school year plans.

KHS 2021-22 start of school year plans

August 23, 2021
Encompass Resolution, the independent group appointed to investigate the climate and culture around the handling of sexual abuse and misconduct allegations within KSD presented its final findings and report at the Board of Education meeting, Monday, June 28. 

Thirty KSD staff members accused of sexual misconduct over five decades, report says

June 29, 2021
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kirkwood Police Department at (314) 822-5858. 

17-year-old shot in Kirkwood’s Meacham Park neighborhood

June 25, 2021
Art by Maddy Rehkop. Caroline Teepe, senior, will be participating in the Super Senior Life Skills program through the Special School District.

Senior profile: Caroline Teepe

May 4, 2021
Along with the KHS senior parade, Principal Mike Havener plans for graduation and ther end-of-year events. Photo by Hannah Banks

KSD COVID update: 2021-22 school year plans

May 1, 2021
TKC wants to bring attention to historical and current issues of race often overlooked in Kirkwood schools and the community. In this in-depth, we highlight both problems and possible solutions of race-related issues to increase awareness of these topics. Art by Graesen Joyce

Recognizing race: unexplored issues in Kirkwood

March 3, 2021
KHS will return to full-day in-person learning March 15, with elements of the plan still in development.

KHS to return full-day, many questions still unanswered

February 24, 2021
Current school boundaries divide Meacham Park, a predominantly African American neighborhood, into three elementary schools, creating a social divide in the community. Art by Graesen Joyce

In-depth: Safety in numbers

February 23, 2021
Current school boundaries divide Meacham Park, a predominantly African American neighborhood, into three elementary schools, creating a social divide in the community. Art by Graesen Joyce

Safety in numbers

February 22, 2021
TKC interviewed KHS students and staff to see how well they know their first amendment rights.

How well does KHS know their First Amendment rights?

February 21, 2021
Police officers have been in schools since the 1950s. With recent calls for racial justice and a reevaluation of the policing system, many people have wondered about the roles of police and schools and how they got there in the first place.

History in the hallways: A timeline of police in schools

February 21, 2021
The Supreme Court case Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier allows school administrators to have prior review and restraint on student publications. Now, there is no universal standard protecting the rights of a school newspaper in the United States.

In-depth: Speaking out around St. Louis

February 15, 2021

Rubber soul – The Beatles

January 28, 2021
Organizers Peyton Nico and Wyatt Byers lead the front of the march as the group passes Kirkwood city hall.

KHS students organize “March against injustice”

January 21, 2021
The fine art department at KHS has continued to produce art during the COVID-19 pandemic. With some students now returning in-person, certain activities require new specified masks.

COVID-19 comparisons

January 11, 2021
A protester holds a Resign Hawley! sign as people gather to listen to several speakers from the crowd.

Photo Gallery: Protesters call for Missouri Senator Josh Hawley’s resignation

January 11, 2021
KHS Principal Dr. Havener greeted students at the Doughtery Ferry entrance on both the freshmans (Nov. 5) and other grade levels (Nov. 9) first days back to in-person learning.

KSD students who chose in-person learning returned Nov. 9

November 13, 2020
Robinson Elementary School will be switching to e-Learning for 2 weeks due to 30% of staff members needing to quarantine from COVID-19 exposure and seven individuals testing positive.

COVID-19 cases lead to school closure at Robinson Elementary School

November 10, 2020
Political Issue: Corrections to print pages 14 and 27

Political Issue: Corrections to print pages 14 and 27

October 22, 2020
It doesn’t matter who you are: If Trump likes what you have to say, he will amplify your message. And he won’t hesitate to use exclamation points. 

Political Issue: Trump: our commander in tweets

October 21, 2020
With the Board of Education set to approve a plan for middle and high school to return to in-person learning, TKC has reviewed how KSD has handled the pandemic since March. Of TKC staff, 88% (57/65) believe KSD has not handled the pandemic in the best way possible for the community.

BOE approves middle school plan, superintendent sets high school return goal for Nov. 9

October 12, 2020
Presidential Presence: 2020 candidates on social media

Presidential Presence: 2020 candidates on social media

October 12, 2020
Political Issue: Joe Biden: building bridges

Political Issue: Joe Biden: building bridges

October 6, 2020
High and moderate frequency contact sports such as football are currently not allowed to compete.

Football and other sports prohibited from competing

September 9, 2020
Paige Alyssa, singer-songwriter and producer, was born and raised in St. Louis.

Amplifying art

August 24, 2020
KSD will continue providing more information on plans for the fall semester. District properties are still closed.

District update: Superintendent recommends online learning

July 27, 2020
The annual Friendship Dance between KHS and WGHS has been cancelled.

KHS announces athletics shutdown through July 24

July 19, 2020
Seniors Zach Millenbruck and Aidan McGee took home first place in the integrated marketing category of the 2020 regional DECA competition. Photo Courtesy of Zach Millenbruck and Aidan McGee. Art by Emma Frizzell.

Senior Profile: Zach Millenbruck and Aidan McGee

June 11, 2020
KSD will continue providing more information on plans for the fall semester. District properties are still closed.

District update: fall options, graduation, school board and more

June 10, 2020
The image showing summer school options is a courtesy of the document KSD Summer School Options which can be found on the Kirkwood schools website.

KSD summer learning updates

June 4, 2020
Many local businesses and homes are displaying signs to show their support for workers on the front lines of the pandemic.

COVID-19: National, state and local news

May 6, 2020

Local/KSD

May 6, 2020
21-year-old singer-songwriter Conan Gray released his debut album Kid Krow March 20.

Conan Gray takes flight with release of “Kid Krow”

May 5, 2020
Come together as a community and submit your COVID-19 stories to TKCs Voices of Kirkwood.

Voices of Kirkwood: COVID-19

April 30, 2020
Some Missouri businesses to reopen May 4, with St. Louis City and County continuing their stay-at-home order until May 15.

Stay-at-home orders conflict, businesses to reopen

April 29, 2020
TKC spoke with 11 teachers who teach seniors to hear their reflections on the class of 2020, as well as any advice they had for them.

Senior teachers reflect on the class of 2020

April 7, 2020
A fourth grade student at Keysor Elementary was diagnosed with COVID-19 on Friday, March 27.

[Photo] Breaking News: Coronavirus in Kirkwood

March 30, 2020
KSD has begun to reopen the KHS campus for in-person learning.

E-Learning cannot hurt prior grades, and other online learning updates

March 26, 2020
The College Board announced Advanced Placement (AP) exams will take place online for the 2019-2020 school year due to COVID-19.

COVID-19 impacts AP exams and statewide tests

March 20, 2020
Photo courtesy of the CDC Newsroom library by Hannah A Bullock and Azaibi Tamin.

COVID-19 update: First death in Missouri, and news for local business

March 19, 2020
Dr. Michele Condon shared more information about online school and more in an email to TKC.

Online school to begin Thursday, March 26

March 16, 2020
This photo is courtesty of Google Creative Commons License by the Office of Missouri Governor.

Missouri governor declares state of emergency in response to COVID-19

March 13, 2020
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders traveled to Missouri Monday, March 9 and spoke to a crowd at Stifel Theatre.

Sanders travels to St. Louis looking to win Missouri primaries

March 11, 2020
25-year-old artist Lauvs upcoming album “~how i’m feeling~” is set for release March 6, with 10 of the 21 tracks already out.

Lauv’s take on “Modern Loneliness”

March 5, 2020
According to the Pew Research center, the percentage of Methodists who said homosexuality should be accepted increased from 51% to 60% between 2007 and 2014.

All means all: United Methodist Church split

February 20, 2020
During the 2006 Stanley Cup finals, each crowd member experienced 8100% of their “daily allowable noise dose”.

Got Earplugs?: the trouble with modern sporting events

January 20, 2020
20 year-old Mikaela Straus, better known as King Princess, released her debut album Cheap Queen Oct. 25 2019.

“Cheap Queen” review

December 10, 2019
KHS students discuss Synesthesia

KHS students discuss Synesthesia

November 4, 2019
In 2017, 3,166 people were killed as a result of distracted driving.

Be home soon

November 1, 2019
The system will now print an ID sticker with the destination of a visitor.

KSD updates visitor management system

September 15, 2019
Jess Cohen, junior, studies her script during rehearsal for Blood at the Root.

Fall play preview: a look inside “Blood at the Root”

September 1, 2019
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Kirkwood High School student newspaper
Kate Schreiber