Community News

Topeka Public Schools |7/1/22

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Message from the Superintendent

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Dear Topeka Public Schools Staff and Families:

It has been a joy meeting families across the district in local coffee shops, at the Discovery Center, and listening to what makes their experience so special as we build onto the many great things across Topeka for our families and staff.


This county has some of the best schools in Kansas and it's been wonderful listening to what people love about their school. Benjamin, a third grader at Randolph who wants to be a wrestler one day (pictured above), shared the many great things about Randolph and how great the physical education classes are there.


This week was the last week of our summer programs, and students at TCALC held a drone competition as their final project. Students in preschool through high school were engaged in coding, robotics, and they learned how to operate drones. Our fine arts and academic camps were also very engaging and the final performances this week concluded those camps. We thank our incredible staff who remained over the summer to lead and teach during the extended school year.


School resumes on August 10 for students in grades K-6 and 9, August 11 for grades 7, 8, and 10-12, and August 18 for preschool. School supply lists are in stores and are on our website in the Back to School Headquarters. We are grateful for the many organizations who are providing school supplies through various local efforts, including Stuff the Bus and United for a Successful School Year.


Happy July 4th holiday and thank you for helping us have a wonderful extended school year in June!


Dr. Tiffany Anderson

Superintendent

Tell Us Why You Love Topeka Public Schools on Our Listening & Learning Tour!

Tell Us Why You Love Topeka Public Schools on Our Listening & Learning Tour!

This week, Topeka Public Schools kicked off the “I Love TPS Listening & Learning Tour” with stops at Milk & Honey Coffee Co. and the Kansas Children's Discovery Center.


Join us for our next stops on the tour on Wednesday, July 6:


  • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    Hy-Vee Grocery Store
    2951 SW Wanamaker Rd

  • 4:00 - 5:00 PM
    Mi Pueblito Meat Market
    621 SE Swygart St


To learn from the community what makes their school special and what would make it even better, we are meeting members in the community to listen, learn, offer jobs, and provide resources they may need.


Members of the community have highlighted programs, teachers, and schools they serve at, and they have given great suggestions about expanding childcare to children at age 2.


Senior citizens in the community have shared ideas to get more involved in schools and many of those ideas will be implemented this coming year.


Thank you to our community for sharing ideas and sharing why you love your school and district! View highlights from our first tour stop in this feature from WIBW.

Tell Us Why You Love Topeka Public Schools on Our Listening & Learning Tour!
TCALC Future Educators Place in Top 10 at National Competition

TCALC Future Educators Place in Top 10 at National Competition

This week, two Topeka Public Schools students and future educators, Ainsley Schimmel and Manaia Isaia, placed among the top students in the nation at the National Educators Rising Competition in Washington, DC.


The students both placed as top 10 semi-finalists for Lesson Planning & Delivery - STEM. Nearly 2000 students from across the US participated.


Additionally, Mrs. Diane Kimsey and Mrs. Robin Dixon, who co-chair the Teaching as a Professional Pathway at the Topeka Center for Advanced Learning and Careers, were honored as Educators Rising State Teachers of the Year.


Congratulations to Mrs. Kimsey and Mrs. Dixon for their excellent work in leading the next generation of educators!

TCALC Future Educators Place in Top 10 at National Competition
Enroll Online for the 2022-2023 School Year or Attend In-Person Enrollment on July 21

Enroll Online for the 2022-2023 School Year or Attend In-Person Enrollment on July 21

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


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.


In-person enrollment for the 2022-2023 school year will take place on Thursday, July 21 from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM at all school sites.

Enroll Online for the 2022-2023 School Year or Attend In-Person Enrollment on July 21
Preschool Registration is Open Online, Enroll In-Person By Appointment Only

Preschool Registration is Open Online, Enroll In-Person By Appointment Only

Is your young scholar ready to begin preschool this fall? Preschool registration is available online at topekapublicschools.net!


In-person registration will be available by appointment only from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM on Wednesday, July 6 at Sheldon Head Start (1155 SW Seabrook). To schedule an appointment, please call 785-438-6899.


When registering your child, you will need to provide the following documents:


  • child's immunization records
  • child's legal birth certificate
  • current physical exam
  • parent's 2021 tax return/W-2
Preschool Registration is Open Online, Enroll In-Person By Appointment Only
Students in Coding & Robotics Summer Program Lead Drone Mission at TCALC

Students in Coding & Robotics Summer Program Lead Drone Mission at TCALC

This week, students in the Coding & Robotics Summer Enrichment Program at the Topeka Center for Advanced Learning & Careers (TCALC) completed their final mission: Space!


The mission began with 4-player teams using drones and lego robotics to deliver orders from the White House to the Moon and Mars. Students put their coding skills to the test, retrieving materials and navigating obstacles "on the fly."


Special thanks is extended to our community partners at Lewis Toyota for visiting TCALC and taking part in the mission!


View photos from this event and all of our Summer Enrichment Programs on Flickr.

Students in Coding & Robotics Summer Program Lead Drone Mission at TCALC
Topeka Public Schools Senior of the Month Video Honored with National School Communication Award

Topeka Public Schools Senior of the Month Video Honored with National School Communication Award

Last week, Topeka Public Schools was honored by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) for its district and school communication efforts.


The district received the highest recognition in the 2022 National School Communication Awards for our Senior of the Month video featuring Hope Street Academy student, Arieunta Hughes, who graduated in May.


We are excited to highlight Hope Street Academy and the many ways Topeka Public Schools helps students across the district overcome adversity to achieve college and career success.


The video was submitted by Dr. Aarion Gray, General Director of Instructional Services, Kylie Fleck-Talley, Communications Coordinator, Dan Garrett, Senior Communications Specialist, and Michael Williams, Communications Specialist.

Topeka Public Schools Senior of the Month Video Honored with National School Communication Award
Topeka High Photography Teacher Shares What Led Him to a Career in Education

Topeka High Photography Teacher Shares What Led Him to a Career in Education

Mr. Josh Davis has served as the Digital Photography teacher at Topeka High School for the past 10 years, and also leads as the Art Department Chair.


This week, he shared his career journey with the Topeka Capital-Journal and highlighted the passion and talent displayed by his students over the past decade.


Mr. Davis enjoys helping his students find a voice through photography and develop their own styles for capturing moments in time.


View some of the incredible photos taken by Topeka High students in the Online Student Gallery.


Photo courtesy of Evert Nelson/The Topeka Capital-Journal

Topeka High Photography Teacher Shares What Led Him to a Career in Education
Find a Meal Site Near You This Summer!

Find a Meal Site Near You This Summer!

Throughout the summer months, our Topeka Public Schools Food Service staff members are dedicated to serving students and families!


Any child in Shawnee County aged 1-18 can receive breakfast and lunch at congregate meal locations across the city. These meals are served free of charge Monday through Friday until July 29.


Families also have the option to pick up Grab & Go meals each Friday, which provide 7 days worth of nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and snacks. Families will receive an orange card the first time they visit, which will then be used to pick up Grab & Go meals in the future.


Visit our website to see a full listing of sites, offerings, and schedules.

Find a Meal Site Near You This Summer!
Harvesters Food Pantry Serving Families Across Topeka

Harvesters Food Pantry Serving Families Across Topeka

Harvesters Food Pantry is serving families at multiple Topeka Public Schools locations this summer! To learn more about food assistance and find a site near you, visit harvesters.org.


Below is a list of dates and locations for drive-thru pick-up:


July 1 & August 5

3:00 - 5:00 PM

Robinson Middle School


July 22 & August 26

9:00 - 10:00 AM

Hummer Sports Park


July 9 & August 13

9:00 - 10:00 AM

Jardine Middle School

Harvesters Food Pantry Serving Families Across Topeka
Bonkers Collecting School Supplies to Serve Topeka Public Schools Students

Bonkers Collecting School Supplies to Serve Topeka Public Schools Students

To serve Topeka Public Schools students in need, Bonkers is holding a Stuff the Bus event to collect donations of school supplies for the upcoming year.


Stop by Bonkers any time from July 11-24 with a donation of supplies from this list, and you'll receive a free Play Maze pass.


Plus, get SOCIAL with us! Post a picture of your family on Facebook or Instagram and tag @Bonkers with the hashtag #stuffthebus for a chance to win a FREE Bonkers Birthday Party for up to 10 guests.

Bonkers Collecting School Supplies to Serve Topeka Public Schools Students
Topeka Public Schools Offers Employment Opportunities to Community Members

Topeka Public Schools Offers Employment Opportunities to Community Members

Are you or someone you know seeking a new career opportunity?


Join us for the Topeka Public Schools hiring fair at Quinton Heights Education Center on Thursday, July 7 from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM and Friday, July 8 from 1:00 - 5:00 PM.


The district has openings for a variety of positions, including:


  • Teachers

  • Paraprofessionals

  • Nurses & Health Aides

  • Office Personnel

  • Custodians & Maintenance Professionals

  • Food Service Workers

  • Information Technology Specialists

  • Bus Drivers & Delivery Drivers

  • Lifeguards

  • Warehouse/Textbook Helpers


To schedule an on-site interview, please visit topekapublicschools.net/careers, click on Job Opportunities, then select the position of your choice.

Topeka Public Schools Offers Employment Opportunities to Community Members
District Calendar & Upcoming Events

District Calendar & Upcoming Events

As you enjoy your summer and begin preparing for next year, please be sure to check out the 2022-2023 academic calendar at topekapublicschools.net.


Below are important dates for July 2022:


  • July 1: TPS Summer Music Program Choir Concert
    6:00 PM | Highland Park High School
  • July 1: Last Day of Summer Enrichment
  • July 1: Harvesters Food Pantry
    3:00 PM | Robinson Middle School
  • July 3: Patriotic Chimes Concert
    6:00 PM | Topeka High School
  • July 4: Independence Day
    All district buildings closed
  • July 6: I Love TPS Listening & Learning Tour
    11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Hy-Vee Grocery Store
  • July 6: I Love TPS Listening & Learning Tour
    4:00 - 5:00 PM | Mi Pueblito Meat Market
  • July 7: Topeka Public Schools Job Fair
    8:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Quinton Heights
  • July 7: Board of Education Meeting
    5:30 PM | Burnett Center
  • July 8: Topeka Public Schools Job Fair
    1:00 - 5:00 PM | Quinton Heights
  • July 9: Harvesters Food Pantry
    9:00 AM | Jardine Middle School
  • July 11-24: Stuff the Bus
    10:00 AM | Bonkers
  • July 21: In-Person Enrollment Day
    8:00 AM | All District Buildings
  • July 22: Harvesters Food Pantry
    9:00 AM | Hummer Sports Park
  • July 25-28: New Staff Orientation
    8:00 AM | Bishop Professional Development Center
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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