Keysor Elementary School

For the last three years, Mrs. Brooke Black has been inspiring and encouraging our amazing 5th graders at Keysor!
When she's not helping students prepare for middle school, you'll find Brooke soaking up every moment with her adorable new baby girl, who has completely stolen her heart. She also loves traveling to new places, cheering on her brother-in-law in the NBA, and keeping up with the latest fashion trends.
Whether she's building relationships in the classroom, celebrating her students' successes, or bringing her positive energy to our school community, Mrs. Black reminds us what it means to be part of the Keysor family.

Mrs. Jen Bartin helps our students discover the magic of books as Keysor's incredible librarian. Whether she's introducing the next favorite read, creating a welcoming space for curious minds, or inspiring a lifelong love of learning, she makes our library a place where every story comes to life.
When she's not surrounded by books, you'll likely find Jen planning her next vacation adventure, diving into a new page-turner, or making memories with her family.
Thank you, Mrs. Bartin, for helping our students turn every page with excitement and curiosity. Your love of reading is contagious, and we're so lucky to have you at Keysor!

For 27 years, Mrs. Stephanie Byrne has been helping make reading magic happen at Keysor! As our Literacy Specialist, her passion for literacy shines through in everything she does. From building confident readers to helping students discover books they can't put down, Mrs. Byrne inspires a lifelong love of reading every single day.
Whether she's celebrating a reading breakthrough, finding the perfect book match, or cheering students on as they grow, Mrs. Byrne reminds us that every child can become a reader with the right support and encouragement.
Thank you, Mrs. Byrne, for helping generations of Keysor students turn pages, build confidence, and fall in love with reading. Your passion truly makes our school a better place.

Earlier this Summer, St. Louis Area Cancer Survivors, including Mrs. Jansen, came together for the first annual Survivorship Fair at St. Luke’s Hospital. Several of this special event’s experiences were made possible through the generous contributions provided by our Keysor community, including the St. Luke’s Cancer Survivors Tree Mural (Mrs. Jansen’s thumbprint is in pink!) and a Planting Station for attendees to make a “take home” seed planting. Additionally, since this past Spring, the funds have contributed to each Infusion Station at St. Luke’s Hospital Infusion Lab having their own noise-canceling JBL headphones, to provide peace for area patients during infusion treatments. Thank you, once again, Keysor Community for your ongoing generosity and support!

Come join us at Keysor!! We are looking for energetic, positive people who want to be part of a great learning community! We can teach you the rest!

Come join us to support students and help our classrooms thrive. We have openings for classroom assistants across many of our schools. Visit www.kirkwoodschools.org/jobs to apply or contact [email protected] with questions.

Keysor Kindergarten teachers, Leah Thomas & Amy Yarkoni, presented, "Research-Based Literacy Instruction Can Be Playful and Joyful" at the Love & Literacy Conference on July 15th. The presentation outlined a Kindergarten classroom model that integrates evidence-based literacy instruction with intentional, play-based learning. They demonstrated how to blend structured academic routines with creative, developmentally appropriate activities in order to foster both academic growth and social-emotional well-being. Nice job, Leah & Amy!

Congratulations to the following Keysor students for being recognized in the "Write Outside Your Door" St Louis area writing competition sponsored by the Gateway Writing Project and the Missouri Botanical Garden:
Kindergarten-2nd grade winner: Victoria L., kindergartener, for her submission "My Favorite Place". A membership to the Garden was included in Victoria's prize package! Victoria's winning piece was on display during MOBOT's Annual Green Living Festival.
Finalists included: Riley R., Madeline L., Sydney M., Evie W. and Teddy K.
Participating Schools included Kirkwood, Lindbergh, Holy Cross Academy, Forsyth, Nerinx, Ft. Zumwalt and St. Louis Community College. Write Outside Your Door is a free writing competition that authentically integrates place-based writing into science and English curriculums. A huge shout out to Keysor Writer's Club sponsor Mrs. Leah Thomas, kindergarten teacher, for encouraging so many Keysor students in their writing!

For the past 9 years, Mrs. Lisa Ortmann has been a caring and dedicated paraprofessional at Keysor. She is passionate about helping students grow in confidence, become more independent, and reach their full potential. Lisa's patience, encouragement, and commitment make a lasting impact on the students she supports each day.
When she's not at Keysor, Lisa loves traveling and making memories with her family.
Thank you, Mrs. Ortmann, for your unwavering dedication to our students and the care you bring to our school community every day.

For the past 12 years, Mrs. Jamie Pietroburgo has been making a difference at Keysor. After many years as one of our beloved kindergarten teachers, Jamie now serves as our Literacy Specialist, where she continues to build lasting relationships and provide students with the support they need to grow and succeed.
Jamie cares deeply about every child and our entire Keysor community. Her kindness, patience, and dedication help students feel confident, capable, and valued every day.
When she's not at school, you'll find Jamie & her husband spending time with their children, often enjoying the Tower Grove Farmers' Market and exploring Tower Grove Park together.
Thank you, Mrs. Pietroburgo, for the care, encouragement, and heart you bring to Keysor.