Community News
Topeka Public Schools | 8/4/23
Message from the Superintendent
Dear Topeka Public Schools Staff and Families:
Thank you to our staff and community members for joining us at Convocation as we kicked off the 2023-2024 school year.
Pictured above are Mr. Duke and Mrs. Darlene Palmer, who were the recipients of a 2023 Toyota Corolla, and Ms. Barbie Atkins, who won a 2023 Toyota Highlander. We also congratulate our Food Service Staff/Custodian from Jardine, Mr. Lamar Steele, who won $1,000 during the event. We are so grateful for the generosity of Brad Lewis and the Lewis Toyota of Topeka team for partnering to uplift our TPS educators.
We also thank our clergy and community partners for helping us collect school supplies to support TPS students and families.
This year, we have many exciting new programs offered through our schools. Additionally, we've expanded our early childhood services with our daycare facility being open full-time at Shaner.
We look forward to an outstanding school year, and we will see you on August 8 and 9.
Dr. Tiffany Anderson
Superintendent
Back to School Dates for the 2023-2024 School Year
Some important dates for the upcoming year are listed below. Please note that only students in grades K, 6, and 9 will begin on Tuesday, August 8, and all students K-12 begin on Wednesday, August 9.
- August 7: Meet the Teacher Night (PreK-5)
- August 8: First Day of School (Grades K, 6, & 9)
- August 9: First Day of School (K-12)
- August 16: Meet the Teacher Night (Sheldon, Shaner, Pine Ridge Prep)
- August 17: First Day of Preschool
- August 18: Late Start Fridays Begin
(9:30 AM Start for Elementary Students)
For more information, please reach out to your building principal.
Meals for the 2023-2024 School Year
Families are still encouraged to complete the Free & Reduced Meal Application, as this information is vital for the district to receive funding for many programs, technology, and more to ensure student success.
Families may qualify for reduced textbook fees and free or reduced-cost internet from Cox Communications. Complete the application at topekapublicschools.net.
TPS Kicks-Off the 2023-2024 School Year at Districtwide Convocation
On August 2, Topeka Public Schools welcomed staff to the 2023-2024 school year at the annual districtwide Convocation.
We kicked off the new school year with incredible student speakers, Jardine Elementary scholar Adelyn Tanner and Topeka High School alum DeAndre Hicks, and community partners that included Advisors Excel and Lewis Toyota of Topeka.
Through a special partnership with Lewis Toyota, several of our educators left with brand-new cars for the school year, and a food service/custodial staff member received a gift of $1,000! Learn more in this article from KSNT News.
Here's to a fantastic year ahead, filled with unforgettable moments. Thank you, Team Topeka, for showing compassion, joy, and teamwork in starting the year. You are all an inspiration!
View highlights in this video and view photos on Flickr.
TPS Partners With Local Churches to Provide Free School Supplies, $10 Sports Physicals, & More!
The 2023-2024 school year is right around the corner! Many local churches have partnered with Topeka Public Schools for the annual United for a Successful School Year supply giveaway to ensure students are prepared for the upcoming year.
This event is first-come, first-served, and aims to provide school supplies for students in grades K-8. Join us at Highland Park High School from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM on Saturday, August 5.
In addition, United for a Successful School Year will offer $10 sports physicals, community resources, employment opportunities, food trucks, games, and more.
Students must be present to receive supplies. If you are unable to attend and still in need of school supplies, please contact your building principal for assistance.
Pick Up Your 2023-2024 TPS Annual Calendar at Back-to-School Night!
This resource provides families with an overview of the entire school year, including important dates, holidays, parent-teacher conferences, and more, while highlighting photos of students, staff, and activities from the previous year.
View a digital version of the Annual Calendar here.
Join the TPS Team! Now Offering Substitutes Up to $160-180 Per Day
Join our team at Topeka Public Schools! Work for a nationally recognized school district with competitive salaries, cutting-edge professional development, and loan forgiveness opportunities, where substitutes can now earn up to $160-180 per day!
As an added thank you, any TPS staff member who refers a NEW certified staff member that is hired by the district will be eligible for $500 to spend on resources and materials for their classroom or school once the candidate shares who referred them! As new staff members join us, please ask about the apartments and local companies reducing rent for teachers in TPS.
To learn more about joining our team, please visit topekapublicschools.net/careers or contact Nicole Johnson in Human Resources at 785-295-3027 or njohnson@tps501.org.
Text Messaging Service Sends Alerts to TPS Families
Parents and guardians can participate in this free service by sending a text message of "Y" or "Yes" to the TPS short code number 67587. You can also opt-out of these messages at any time by simply replying "stop" to one of our messages.
View our communications document in English and Spanish to learn more about how Topeka Public Schools communicates with families throughout the school year.
Don't forget to follow us on social media! We're active on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Here Comes the Bus App
Families can stay updated on transportation during the upcoming school year by downloading the Here Comes the Bus app!
- View the real-time location of your child’s bus.
- Access the app from your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
- Receive push notifications or email alerts.
- Send your child to the bus stop at just the right time every time.
How to get started:
- Download the Here Comes the Bus app* or visit herecomesthebus.com
- Sign Up by going to the Here Comes the Bus website. https://login.herecomesthebus.com/SignUpConfirm.aspx
- Enter school code 29036 and click “Next” followed by “Confirm”
- Complete the “User Profile” box
- Under “My Students,” click “Add.” Enter your child’s last name and student ID number
- Once you confirm your information, you’re ready to begin using Here Comes the Bus!
Mandatory Benefits Open Enrollment For TPS Staff Members
All benefit-eligible employees must either meet with a benefits counselor or self-enroll online, even if you plan on waiving all your benefits or keeping your benefits the same.
To check benefit counselor availability, visit your employee benefits portal or call 877-285-9712. Learn more in this flyer or by visiting the Benefits Direct online portal.
District Calendar & Upcoming Events
As our families and staff plan for the upcoming year, view the 2023-2024 academic calendar, which is available on the Communications Department drop-down menu.
Below are important dates for August 2023:
- August 7: Meet the Teacher Night (PreK-5)
- August 8: First Day of School (Grades K, 6, & 9)
- August 9: First Day of School (K-12)
- August 16: Meet the Teacher Night (Sheldon, Shaner, Pine Ridge Prep)
- August 17: First Day of Preschool
- August 17: Board of Education Meeting
5:30 PM | Burnett Center - August 18: Late Start Fridays Begin
(9:30 AM Start for Elementary Students)
Legislative Advocacy
TPS Tip Line
- 785-GET-HELP
- 785-438-4357
TPS In The News
TPS Parent Resource Site
View information and health alerts from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) on our Parent Resource Site.
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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