On Wednesday, October 13 and Friday, October 15, volunteers from Advisors Excel served at Sheldon Head Start, bringing countless smiles to our preschool scholars!

Each year, Advisors Excel adopts Sheldon Head Start and allows each student to choose a new coat, pair of shoes, socks, and winter attire such as hats and gloves.

The shopping day for the preschoolers is set up and facilitated by Advisors Excel staff, filling the school with smiles, laughter, and joy.

The district extends a special thank you to all at Advisors Excel for the generous donation and for their ongoing support of Topeka Public Schools students.

Valarie Yazzie and her family lived at the Topeka Rescue Mission for about four months. Recently, she and her family moved into a home of their own with the help of Topeka Public Schools and Impact Avenues.

Through their ongoing partnership, the organizations have moved 176 families out of homelessness. Together they found a home for Ms. Yazzie, her three grandchildren who attend Quincy Elementary School, and her daughter who attends Topeka High School.

If you or a family you know are experiencing homelessness, please contact the district's homeless liaison, Regina Franklin, LMSW at 785-235-7512 or rfranklin@tps501.org for assistance.

Scott Dual Language Magnet School was recently featured by KSNT News for their amazing Spirit Week celebrations centered around Hispanic Heritage Month!

Each day of the week featured a unique aspect of Hispanic culture, including food, influential icons, and clothing, to highlight the importance of knowing one's cultural roots.

To bring this year's celebration to an end, Scott students and families are invited to attend the annual Fall Fiesta tonight from 5:00 - 7:30 PM, which will feature local food trucks, a raffle, and entertainment.

On Thursday, October 14, Robinson Middle School held an Egg Drop experiment, with help from the Topeka Fire Department.

Students in Bre Howser's class created their own egg protection devices after reading the young adult novel "The Science of Breakable Things," which teaches lessons on both science and resilience.

They then watched as the eggs were dropped from 75 feet in the air by members of the Topeka Fire Department and Robinson Middle School administrators.

Topeka Public Schools sends special thanks to the Topeka Fire Department for engaging students and helping them get excited about learning!

Jaqui Ortega, a standout senior from Highland Park High School, was selected as the October 2021 Senior of the Month. Jaqui was recognized by the Topeka Public Schools Board of Education on October 7.

Earlier this year, Jaqui went viral for her "You're Beautiful" video project. The video featured Jaqui recording student reactions as she told them, “You’re beautiful.” The reactions were positive and heartfelt, causing the video to spread widely on social media and be featured by numerous news outlets.

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) was so impressed with her project, they invited Jaqui to present at their July 2021 meeting.

This month, Topeka Public Schools launched its Character Challenge to encourage middle and high school students to show off their positive character! The district will continue to promote kindness, respect, and responsibility throughout the semester.

Students and staff are encouraged to post their videos with the hashtag #CharacterChallenge, then email the link to Senior Communications Specialist Dan Garrett at dgarrett@tps501.org.

One special video will be featured on the next episode of KTPS-TV, and the creators will win $500 to go towards the school club or organization of their choosing. Let's work together to spread kindness!

Last week, students and staff at Whitson Elementary held their first Spirit Week of the year with the theme Kindness is Golden, in observance of Anti-Bullying Awareness Week.

Activities were centered around the 2021 Olympics, beginning with an opening ceremony and "passing the torch of kindness" to kick off the week. School counselors also provided whole-class instruction on kindness and anti-bullying.

“It’s really important because to be kind and when you’re kind it spreads around and other people will be kind too,” said fifth-grader, Scarlett Pierce.

Topeka Public Schools would like to congratulate our incredible high school marching bands from Highland Park, Topeka High, and Topeka West who all received superior or excellent ratings during the Capital City Marching Band Festival last week.

The festival brought 10 local high school marching bands to Washburn University, where awards were handed out for the best performances, visuals, and instrumentals.

We are so proud of our band members for all their hard work to bring beautiful music to our community!

This month’s College Connections Newsletter provides:

• Information on the Kansas Promise Act
• Information/deadlines on college registration and admission
• Information/deadlines for financial aid and scholarships
• ACT/SAT test dates and information
• Job opportunities

It's time to schedule your flu shots! The Topeka High School Care Clinic (800 SW 10th St, Ste 101) is open and ready to administer flu shots for Topeka Public Schools students and staff.

Walk-ins are welcome or call 785-295-3256 to schedule an appointment.

Please bring your ID card and medical insurance card. If you do not have insurance, a financial assistance form is available.

For additional information, please contact Jamie Glaser, RMA at jglaser3@kumc.edu.

The 2021-2022 academic year district calendar is available at topekapublicschools.net. The calendar includes dates of parent-teacher conferences, no school days, and semester sessions. Below are important dates for the rest of October.

• October 15: Scott Fall Fiesta
  
• 5:00 PM | Scott Dual Language Magnet School
• October 18-21: McClure Book Fair
  8:00 AM | McClure Elementary School
• October 18-21: Whitson Book Fair
  8:00 AM | Whitson Elementary School
• October 19: DCAC Meet the Candidates
  6:30 PM | Virtual Session
• October 20: Test to Stay, Learn, Play, & Participate
  7:00 PM | Virtual Session
• October 20-21: Parent Teacher Conferences
• October 21-22: NO SCHOOL
  Parent Teacher Conferences
• October 21: Board of Education Meeting
  5:30 PM | Virtual
• October 25: Randolph Literacy Family Engagement Night
  6:00 PM | Randolph Elementary School
• October 26: Muffins in the Morning
  8:00 AM | Highland Park Central Elementary School
• October 28: Family Engagement Math Olympics
  6:00 PM | Highland Park Central Elementary School
• October 29: Jardine Halloween Parade
  9:45 AM | Jardine Elementary School
  
• October 29: McCarter Fall Parade
  9:45 AM | McCarter Elementary School
• October 29: McEachron Halloween Parade & Parties
  9:45 AM | McEachron Elementary School
• October 29: State Street Halloween Parade & Parties
  10:45 AM | State Street Signature Performing Arts Elementary School
• October 29: McClure Halloween Parties
  2:00 PM | McClure Elementary School
• October 29: Meadows Fall Festival & Parade
  2:00 PM | Meadows Elementary School
• October 29: Randolph Halloween Parade
  2:00 PM | Randolph Elementary School
• October 29: Whitson Halloween Parade & Parties
  2:00 PM | Whitson Elementary School
• October 29: HPC Halloween Parade & Parties
  2:15 PM | Highland Park Central Elementary School
• October 30: Jardine Trunk or Treat
  4:00 PM | Jardine Elementary School

• Topeka Public Schools Blog
  
  
• Topeka Public Schools YouTube Channel
  
  
• Board of Education Meeting Minutes & Agenda