Community News

Topeka Public Schools | 4/22/22

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Message from the Superintendent

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Pictured above is Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Anderson with the 2022 Drs. Stanley and Tiffany Anderson Scholarship recipient, Aisya Taylor (pictured center) and her mother (pictured left)

Dear Topeka Public Schools Staff and Families:

As we enter the final 30 instructional days of school, there have been numerous scholarship events for seniors, prom season is underway, and academic and fine arts celebrations at every school site. We have had a very positive start to the Spring Season.


This week, school leaders and I had the privilege of attending the Topeka Community Foundation event where students from every school earned scholarships. The student pictured above is Aisya Taylor from Highland Park High School, who plans to attend Oral Roberts University and major in biochemistry. Earlier in the month, a similar event was held by Washburn University where all schools were represented as well. We congratulate all of our scholars!


This was a very exciting week, as we all cheered on Mr. Rob Hays, our long-time AP at Topeka High. He finished 3rd in his age group and is a remarkable example of determination and hard work. Congratulations Mr. Hays!


We thank all of our parents at this time of the year, as students begin Kanas standardized testing. We appreciate the support from all of our families. If you would like more information on state testing, you can review the assessment web page here.


We look forward to seeing many of you at the upcoming Spring events!


Dr. Tiffany Anderson

Superintendent

Volunteer Appreciation Week: Advisors Excel Brings the Barnyard to Preschool

Volunteer Appreciation Week: Advisors Excel Brings the Barnyard to Preschool

Topeka Public Schools is celebrating National Volunteer Appreciation Week! We are grateful for the many community partners who invest in the lives of our students and families.


On Thursday, volunteers from Advisors Excel brought the barnyard to the classrooms of Sheldon Head Start and Pine Ridge Prep. Our preschool students enjoyed meeting farm animals and received stickers, books, and activities to take home with them.


We thank Advisors Excel for their continued support of Topeka Public Schools students and families! Watch this video to learn more, and view photos from the Barnyard on Flickr.


One way you can volunteer and improve your community is to sign up for Topeka ShareFest on Saturday, April 30. This annual event brings together volunteers from all over Topeka to assist with landscaping, painting, and cleaning up local schools.

Volunteer Appreciation Week: Advisors Excel Brings the Barnyard to Preschool
Horace Mann Insurance Funds School Projects on Behalf of Superintendent

Horace Mann Insurance Funds School Projects on Behalf of Superintendent

Yesterday, Horace Mann Insurance announced that it would fund $3,195 in school projects on behalf of Superintendent Dr. Anderson in honor of her USA TODAY Woman of the Year recognition.


We thank Horace Mann for their generosity and giving to schools! The funding will impact students at Highland Park Central Elementary, Randolph Elementary, and Hope Street Academy through the following projects:


  • Highland Park Central Elementary School

    Center Time Fun
    Steam Station Supplies

  • Randolph Elementary School
    Classroom and Lending Library


  • Hope Street Academy
    Celebrating Black History and Black Excellence
    Making the Most of Math
Horace Mann Insurance Funds School Projects on Behalf of Superintendent
Topeka High School Assistant Principal Competes in Boston Marathon

Topeka High School Assistant Principal Competes in Boston Marathon

On Monday, Topeka High School Assistant Principal, Rob Hays, competed in the 126th annual Boston Marathon after receiving a special send-off from administrators, students, and staff.


Mr. Hays averaged 06:20 per mile, placing third and receiving the bronze medal in his division! With a final placement of 901 out of nearly 25,000 competitors, Mr. Hays was in the top 4% of runners at the marathon.


Learn more about Mr. Hays in this feature from KSNT News. You can also send congratulations or leave a message of support on Facebook.

Topeka High School Assistant Principal Competes in Boston Marathon
Enroll Now for the 2022-2023 School Year

Enroll Now for the 2022-2023 School Year

In order to receive your first choice of school, register early for the 2022-2023 school year as classes are filling up! Registration, supply list, and academic calendar are now available at topekapublicschools.net.


Topeka Public Schools offers endless opportunities for students in preschool through twelfth grade! Learn more about our national award winning PreK-12 Dual Language Program in this video highlighting Scott Dual Language Magnet School.


The district also offers a virtual education program. Homeschool families can register to enroll in the virtual school, which provides students (grades K-12) and adults with both virtual and on-site learning opportunities.

Enroll Now for the 2022-2023 School Year
Topeka Public Schools High School Commencement Ceremonies

Topeka Public Schools High School Commencement Ceremonies

Topeka Public Schools is excited to honor the class of 2022 on Saturday, May 14 at Hummer Sports Park.


Commencement ceremonies will take place at the following times:


  • Topeka High School: 9:30 AM
  • Highland Park High School: 12:30 PM
  • Topeka West High School: 3:30 PM


Each commencement ceremony will also be livestreamed on the Topeka Public Schools YouTube channel.


Students or families who have questions about graduation may contact their division principal for additional information.

Topeka Public Schools High School Commencement Ceremonies
TCALC Hosting Job Fair for High School Seniors on April 28

TCALC Hosting Job Fair for High School Seniors on April 28

The Topeka Center for Advanced Learning and Careers (TCALC) will host a job fair on Thursday, April 28 from 1:00-3:00 PM.


Seniors are invited to join us at TCALC for the opportunity to meet with local employers and businesses, including:


  • Stormont Vail Health
  • St. Francis Health
  • Chick-Fil-A
  • Kansas Gas Service
  • Hill's Pet Nutrition
  • Security Benefit
  • Topeka Public Schools
  • and more!


Businesses are interested in hiring new high school graduates and will be hiring during the event!

TCALC Hosting Job Fair for High School Seniors on April 28
Power Up Summer Program Open to Topeka Public Schools Incoming Kindergarteners

Power Up Summer Program Open to Topeka Public Schools Incoming Kindergarteners

Topeka Public Schools has partnered with the YWCA and United Way of Greater Topeka to offer a free summer program for incoming kindergarteners from June 13 - July 22.


The Power Up program will held at Williams Science & Fine Arts Magnet School from 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM. Breakfast and lunch are provided. The goal of the program is to equip students for success in a school environment, focusing on academic and social skills.


Applications for the program are due by Friday, May 20.


For more information, please contact Rebecca Trapp-Márquez at 785-235-7131 or rmarquez@tps501.org.

Power Up Summer Program Open to Topeka Public Schools Incoming Kindergarteners
Join Us In Honoring Our 2022 Distinguished Staff Award Recipients

Join Us In Honoring Our 2022 Distinguished Staff Award Recipients

The Distinguished Staff Award (DSA) is the highest honor a staff member can receive in Topeka Public Schools!


We look forward to celebrating our 2022 DSA recipients on Thursday, April 28 at Bishop Professional Development Center. The reception will begin at 5:00 PM followed by the DSA ceremony at 5:30 PM.


Tune in on the Topeka Public Schools YouTube channel to watch the event live. Videos highlighting our winners will also premiere on Facebook and KTPS-TV (Cox Channel 14).

Join Us In Honoring Our 2022 Distinguished Staff Award Recipients
Topeka Public Schools Celebrating Retirees & Staff Members With 25 Years of Service in May

Topeka Public Schools Celebrating Retirees & Staff Members With 25 Years of Service in May

Topeka Public Schools will honor its staff members with 25 years of service to the district at the Board of Education meeting at on Thursday, May 5. The meeting begins at 5:30 PM.


Additionally, we will celebrate staff members who are retiring from the district on Thursday, May 12 at Bishop Professional Development Center. The reception will begin at 5:15 PM and the program will begin at 5:45 PM.

Topeka Public Schools Celebrating Retirees & Staff Members With 25 Years of Service in May
Jardine Elementary Raising ALS Awareness Through 1st Annual Steps for Stegman 5K

Jardine Elementary Raising ALS Awareness Through 1st Annual Steps for Stegman 5K

On Saturday, May 21, Jardine Elementary School will host a 5K walk/run in support of Instructional Coach, Dr. Bridget Stegman.


Dr. Stegman was recently diagnosed with ALS, and proceeds for the event will go toward the ALS Association Mid-America Chapter, which provides direct support to Dr. Stegman and other families in their ALS journey.


Check-in will begin at 8:00 AM and the event will begin at 9:00 AM.


Learn more and register on the official Steps for Stegman page.

Jardine Elementary Raising ALS Awareness Through 1st Annual Steps for Stegman 5K
No School on Monday, April 25

No School on Monday, April 25

Please note that school will be closed on Monday, April 25 as our staff members attend professional development training sessions.


School will resume on Tuesday, April 26.

No School on Monday, April 25
District Calendar & Upcoming Events

District Calendar & Upcoming Events

The 2021-2022 academic year district calendar is available at topekapublicschools.net. The calendar includes dates of parent-teacher conferences, no school days, and more.


Below are important dates for the beginning of April:


  • April 1-30: Autism Acceptance Month
  • April 1-30: Occupational Therapy Month
  • April 1-30: School Library Month
  • April 22: Earth Day
  • April 25: NO SCHOOL
  • April 27: Middle School Parent Orientation
    5:30 PM | All Middle Schools
  • April 28: Distinguished Staff Awards
    5:30 - 6:30 PM | Bishop Professional Development Center
  • April 30: ShareFest
    8:00 AM | Learn more at sharefesttopeka.com
District Calendar & Upcoming Events
Other TPS Publications

Topeka Public Schools Publications

Other TPS Publications

The Topeka Public Schools, Unified School District No. 501 is committed to affirmative action and equal opportunity. No person shall, on the basis of age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, national origin or ancestry be denied lawful access to any appropriate educational service, program or activity provided by the school district. For students, the Title VI, Title IX and Section 504 compliance coordinator compliance coordinator is the General Counsel for the district. For employment, the EEO/AA and Title VII compliance officer is the general director of human resources. Compliance coordinators may be contacted at 624 S.W. 24th Street, Topeka, KS 66611-1294, (785) 295-3000.The clerk of the Board of Education has been designated to receive and redirect or handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, regulations and procedures. The clerk may be contacted by calling (785) 295-3059 or by writing to 624 S.W. 24th Street, Topeka, Kansas 66611-1294.


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