Welcome back families! I want to introduce myself, my name is Jennifer Norton, I am the new principal of the Early College Prep Academy at Lowman Hill Elementary. I am excited to start my 7th year as an administrator and 26th year in education as Lowman Hill's new leader. This is going to be a fabulous year! I know that working together, as a Lowman Hill family, this school year will exceptional!

We hope you are enjoying your summer and that your family is staying safe and healthy. We are busy getting the school ready for the upcoming school year. Lowman Hill is just not the same without our scholars and families, and we are so excited to get the 21-22 school year started!

As the school year begins, please know that the most important factor in your child’s school success is your support. In order for your child to reach his/her full potential, we need your involvement, whether it be attending parent-teacher conferences, reinforcing responsible and respectful behavior, or checking your child’s backpack for homework and/or school communication. You can also stay informed through our Lowman Hill website, Facebook and Instagram page.

Another way to stay involved in your child’s education is through our Lowman Hill Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). If you are interested in planning family events, helping with fundraising, and getting to know more about Lowman Hill please complete attend the first virtual PTO meeting on Monday, Aug. 16th at 6:00pm. At this meeting we will decide if we can meet in person or not.

We believe that the school should be the heart of any community. We are here to support you however we can. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any needs you have that may prevent your child from accessing his/her education. We have many resources in the school as well as access to many community resources. Ms. Presswood, our school counselor, or Ms. Hicks, our school social worker, would be happy to assist you with any needs.

There will be some new faces at Lowman Hill this year. Please extend a warm welcome to the following new staff:

Robin Carlson - Preschool Intervention Program

Martha Boatwright - kindergarten

Myleigha Templeton - kindergarten

Kimberly Riles - first grade

Marissa Nunley - second grade

Taylor Merz - fifth grade

Debbie Ebert - IIC

Kendra Lind - BASR

Brandy Gager - K-2 Resource

Katie Hicks - social worker

Carmen Raines - music

Rose Downing - CT

Dena Befort - Instructional Coach

There are a few additional items we need families to complete before school begins. Student fees and the household economic survey are now available as e-forms in your TylerSIS account. All families must complete the household economic form which then determines what your child’s school fees will be. If you are unable to pay fees at this time, please contact the office to set up a plan for payment.

We will have Meet the Teacher, on Tuesday, August 10th from 4:30-5:30. This is a time when families can meet their teacher and drop off school supplies. The counselor, social worker and nurse will also be available if you have questions or concerns. We hope to see many of you then!

Your child(ren) have a great opportunity to attend such an amazing school. We focus on enrichment, acceleration, public speaking and research projects. Our hope this will help the scholars become confident and successful learners. We are excited for the opportunities that we will be able to provide for this school year.

Topeka Public Schools and staff at Lowman Hill continue to make safety a priority. It is vital that you monitor your email, our website and/or social media platforms to find out the most up to date information regarding any changes in protocols with the COVID-19 virus or variants.

On behalf of the staff, we cannot wait to meet our scholars!

Take care and be safe!

Mrs. Norton

Principal

Attention Parents of Incoming Kindergarteners: Please Complete

All incoming Kindergarteners must complete the Kansas State Board of Education required Kindergarten Readiness Questionnaires: ASQ-3 & ASQ-SE-2.

The ASQ-3 provides a check of your child's development. Your answers show your child's strengths and any areas in which your child may need more help or practice. Try each activity with your child before you mark a response.

The ASQ: SE-2 provides a quick check of your child's social-emotional development. Your answers will show your child's social-emotional strengths as well if there are behaviors you would like to talk about.

Links for Lowman Hill

ASQ-3 English https://www.asqonline.com/family/95dbea

ASQ-3 Spanish https://www.asqonline.com/family/dd3211

ASQ: SE-2 English https://www.asqonline.com/family/786515

This dynamic resource will take advantage of leading technology resources to connect with parents, students, and other community members. Using existing tools, streamlining access to information, allowing parents and the community to customize the information they receive and engage users with timely and responsive news and conversation about our schools and students.

The TPS Mobile App is free and available for both Apple and Android devices. Just search for Topeka Public Schools in the App Store or Google Play, or click on the convenient links below to go directly to the app download.

TPS will be partnering with Kansas Central School Bus in implementing a free school bus routing parent notification App and website service. This program will allow you to view the real-time location of your child's school bus on your device.

This App is free and available for both Apple and Android devices. Just search for Here Comes the Bus in the App Store or Google Play, or click on the convenient links below to access the app download site.

More information regarding this service will be mailed to you along with you bus route information the first full week of August.

How to get signed up:

1. Visit www.herecomesthebus.com or download the app to your smart phone or table from the Apple Store or Google Play.

2. Click the 'sign up' button.

3. Enter school code 29036 and click 'Next' followed by 'Confirm.'

4. Complete the 'User Profile' box.

5. Under 'My Students,' click 'Add.' Enter your child's last name and student ID number. If you do not know your student's ID number, please call Ms. Perkins in the office.

6. Once you confirm your information, you're ready to begin using Here Comes the Bus!