The Kirkwood Call

Kirkwood High School student newspaper
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
Students gather away from the classroom door after barricading it with desks.
KHS holds intruder drill Nov. 3
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
Jane Jensen, junior, dressed like her dad for spirt day theme, dress like a dad.
VoKs: Dress like a dad day
Lily Mitchell, leader of the drumline, plays her snare drum in preparation for Friday night lights.
Q&A with Lily Mitchell
Edwin Thorpe stands outside of Dierbergs next to his bike he rode there.
The road to Kirkwood
Gus Seibert, junior, reflects on his experience falling down the bleachers his freshman year.
Down the bleachers
Marissa Rhimes, sophomore and KHS varsity point guard, said she feels unstoppable when she has a basketball in her hands.
Dribbling past
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
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
As the never-ending Kanye-Drake feud continues, we look at their new albums, Donda and Certified Lover Boy, to see who made the hit album this time.
Donda vs. Certified Lover Boy
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
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. Photo courtesy of Will Huster.
Jeremy Maclin: The experience
10 Reasons why KHS will win Turkey Day 2021
10 Reasons why KHS will win Turkey Day 2021
The Pioneer Pride Marching Band has been preparing for their Turkey Day performance
Turkey Day: Band is back
Class Committees have chosen their hallway theme for Turkey Day.
Turkey Day hallway decoration themes announced
All the magic in fantasy football is done in the draft.
The drafting guide for Fantasy Football
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
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Kirkwood High School student newspaper

The Kirkwood Call
Kirkwood High School student newspaper

The Kirkwood Call
Sim Khanuja

Sim Khanuja, opinions editor

she/her

Hobbies/interests: Spending time with loved ones, traveling, reading, playing instruments, working out

Favorite Song: "She" by Harry Styles

Favorite Quote: “Gave me cookie got you cookie.” -Nick Miller (New Girl)

All content by Sim Khanuja
Audrey Coats said the boxing class is a hardcore workout, but more importantly an outlet for her. 

Gonna fly now

November 1, 2021
Throughout the pandemic, I have admired humanitys ability to adapt.

Adaptability – Sim Khanuja

May 17, 2021
Art by Elena Sherwood. Amaya Marion is attending Stanford University in the fall, where she will be majoring in international relations.

Senior profile: Amaya Marion

May 3, 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
When looking at the scores from K-8 benchmark assessments, many educators across the district were concerned with decreases in achievement this year. Art by Graesen Joyce.

The COVID-19 gap

February 22, 2021
Netflix, the once-beloved service, may not be number one for much longer. 

The fall of Netflix

February 21, 2021
Ready Readers is a nonprofit organization working to enhance the literacy of children in the St. Louis region.

The power of literacy

December 9, 2020
Toxic masculinity is about social constructs – the idea embedded in our culture that masculinity should be defined as strength.

Dismantling toxic masculinity

November 7, 2020
President Trump is known for being a frequent Twitter user, with the BLM movement being a hot topic in his social media posts.

Political Issue: How Trump handled BLM (a thread of tweets)

October 21, 2020
Working With COVID-19: A Family’s Firsthand Experience of the Virus

Working With COVID-19: A Family’s Firsthand Experience of the Virus

June 22, 2020
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Kirkwood High School student newspaper
Sim Khanuja