TPS COVID Communicator
April 2, 2021
Message from Communications
Dear TPS Staff and Families,
Yesterday began our full day, full week return to school for all scholars. Schools are planning promotional events, students are engaged in Spring activities and registration enrollment in our extended year program has started. We have also started our online registration for next year which you can access here. Parents are encouraged to explore our Magnet schools, our STEAM innovative offerings at Jardine Elementary and our college prep academy. Any platform, which includes in-person and virtual is available next year as well as we personalize the educational opportunities for every family.
Yesterday, Shawnee County Health Department released its COVID-19 Community Indicator, and the county has a Yellow rating. You may also view the TPS Positive Case Rate Scorecard by clicking on the link.
As we approach the 4th quarter, Topeka Public Schools is still reinforcing the proper wearing of masks, social distancing, frequent handwashing, temperature checks, and staying at home when sick. This will allow us to continue to keep staff and students safe while also providing in-person instructional opportunities as we fulfill our mission to engage, prepare, and inspire our next generation of scholars!
Thank you for your continued efforts as we work to decrease the spread of the virus. Together we are Transforming Topeka Together. #WeAreTPS
Want to learn more and gain additional tools? Visit our parent resource page and continue reading below.
Translation Newsletter Tool
Please note that you can use the Translate Newsletter tool on the top right side of the Communicator to read the newsletter in other languages.
Por favor, tenga en cuenta que puede utilizar la herramienta Translate Newsletter en la parte superior derecha del Comunicador para leer el boletín informativo en otros idiomas.
2020 Graduation Opportunity
Dear 2020 Graduates:
Last year, Topeka Public School District and many surrounding colleges held virtual graduation ceremonies due to the high level of spread of the virus. This year, the county restrictions have reduced, vaccinations have been available and the spread of the virus is at a much lower level. Therefore, we are offering the opportunity for the 2020 graduates who would like to cross the graduation stage in-person an opportunity to do so on Sunday, May 23, 2021. While we held a virtual ceremony, this will give scholars an opportunity to have the ceremonial walk, get photos with last year’s principal and summer graduates would be included if they would like to participate.
While 2020 graduates have received their diploma, they will receive a small keepsake from the school district. All participants must wear masks and follow all safety protocols. If you would like to participate, all participants must register at the link below by April 30, 2021, to enable us to ensure we prepare accordingly. Each graduate will be allowed admittance of up to seven guests and tickets will be made available by the school who will contact students based on the contact information provided. The ceremonies on Sunday are as follows:
Topeka West - 9:00AM
Highland Park High - 10:30AM
Topeka High - 12:00PM
This Week's Edition
In this edition of the COVID Communicator, you will find:
- TPS Positive Case Rate Scorecard
- Shawnee County Community Indicator Rating
House Sub. for SB 63
KDHE Amends Travel Quarantine List
Strategies to promote safety for in-person instruction **CDC
Community Conversations: Resiliency and Recovery
Mental Health Care During the Pandemic **CDC
A Parent's Survival Guide: The Preschool Years
Kansas COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard
COVID Vaccine Now Available 16 Years and Older
COVID-19 Variant B.1.1.7 Confirmed in Shawnee County
Messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID-19 Effectiveness **CDC
Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine **CDC
State Announces Move to Vaccine Phase 5: Shawnee County Updates Vaccine Guidance
Shawnee County Vaccine Clinic
- Grab & Go Meal Distribution
- Food Banks / Pantries / Meals in Topeka - December 2020
- Technology Repair
- TPS Makes the News
- Important Dates
This tool provides information on the identified presence of the virus within the district and will not be used alone to determine remote learning. Small group and remote learning will be considered based on external and internal data as well as on-going collaborative conversations between Topeka Public Schools and health care officials. This scorecard covers all 38 facilities.
Topeka Public Schools has 38 facilities with 13,183 students and 2,360 staff.
KDHE Amends Travel Quarantine List
Strategies to promote safety for in-person instruction **CDC
K–12 schools can safely open for in-person instruction during COVID-19 and remain open with these strategies:
- Combine prevention steps. Use masks that cover the nose and mouth with no gaps, keep students in classrooms at least 3 feet apart from each other, promote handwashing, maintain healthy facilities, and do contact tracing when needed.
- Provide clear guidance when students need to be more than 3 feet apart.
- Teachers and staff should stay 6 feet (2 arm lengths) apart from students and others.
- Consider community transmission levels in making decisions around school operations.
Learn more about reopening and safely operating K-12 schools: https://bit.ly/378slgR.
Community Conversations: Resiliency and Recovery
Our panel of experts includes:
- Brad Chapin, Director, Stormont Vail Behavioral Health
- Brenda Mills, CEO, Family Service & Guidance Center
- Dr. Tiffany Anderson, Superintendent, Topeka Public Schools
- Curtis Sneden, President, Topeka Chamber of Commerce, Greater Topeka Partnership
- Dr. Erin Locke, Shawnee County Health Officer, Shawnee County Health Department -
Mental Health Care During the Pandemic **CDC
A Parent's Survival Guide: The Preschool Years
Early childhood is the most important phase of development. That's why FSGC be presenting a FREE Real-World Parenting Conversation called "A Parent's Survival Guide: The Preschool Years" on Thursday, April 15, 6:30-7:30 p.m. via Zoom.
Dr. Connie Romig will present a brief overview of some important topics like how to handle tantrums and thoughts about timeouts and discipline.
She'll also be answering YOUR questions! When you sign up, you'll have the chance to enter a question. Then, during the presentation, Dr. Romig will answer as many questions as she can.
Visit www.fsgcpreschool.eventbrite.com to register for free and ask your question. Spots are limited, so sign up today!
COVID Vaccine Now Available 16 Years and Older
The COVID vaccine is now available for anyone 16 and older. To make an appointment at the St Francis Vaccine Clinic, 801 SW Fairlawn (immediately south of Landon Middle School) call 785-295-8000 and press option 1. You can also complete the form on the website at kutopeka.com/coronavirus. We received information that St Francis has a lot of available appointments. You do not need insurance, it is covered. Sixteen & seventeen year olds must be accompanied by an adult.
La vacuna para el COVID ahora está disponible para todas las personas mayores de 16 años. Para hacer una cita en St Francis Vaccine Clinic, 801 SW Fairlawn (inmediatamente al sur de Landon Middle School), llame al 785-295-8000 y presione la opción 1. También puede completar el formulario en el sitio web en kutopeka.com/coronavirus. Recibimos información de que St Francis tiene muchas citas disponibles. No necesita seguro, está cubierto. Los jóvenes de dieciséis y diecisiete años deben ir acompañados de un adulto.
COVID-19 Variant B.1.1.7 Confirmed in Shawnee County
Three cases of the B.1.1.7 variant that causes COVID-19 have been identified in Shawnee County and confirmed via whole genome sequencing conducted through the laboratories at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). Shawnee County received confirmation of these three cases this morning. These are the first cases of this variant to be identified in Shawnee County and among more than 30 cases of this variant identified across Kansas.
Variant strains are mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that cause COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classifies variants in three categories: Variant of Interest, Variant of Concern and Variant of High Consequences. The CDC has classified B.1.1.7, also known as the U.K. Variant, as a Variant of Concern because of the increased likelihood of severe disease and increased level of transmission. To learn more click here.
Messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID-19 Effectiveness **CDC
Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine **CDC
The Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine is being held to the same rigorous safety and effectiveness standards as all other types of vaccines in the United States.
The only COVID-19 vaccines the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will make available for use in the United States are those that meet these standards. Learn more: https://bit.ly/31sDVjD.
State Announces Move to Vaccine Phase 5: Shawnee County Updates Vaccine Guidance
The Shawnee County Health Department (SCHD) continues to follow the guidance provided by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as it relates to administering the COVID-19 vaccines in our community.
Governor Laura Kelly announced last week that starting Monday, March 29, 2021, the State of Kansas will make the COVID-19 vaccines available to all Kansans 16 years of age and older, entering the final Phase 5 of the COVID-19 Vaccine Prioritization by Population.
Starting on Monday, March 29, 2021, all Shawnee County residents 16 years of age and older will be eligible to receive a vaccine from participating vaccine providers.
Visit the SCHD Vaccine webpage (http://www.snco.us/hd/COVID19_Vaccination.asp) or KDHE’s Find My Vaccine tool (https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/160/Find-My-Vaccine) to find the closest vaccinating provider to you.
Questions about COVID-19 vaccines in Shawnee County can be directed to CovidVaccine@snco.us.
Shawnee County Vaccine Clinic
Technology Repair
If your child's Chromebook is in need of repair, please contact the district Information Technology department to make an appointment to have the device repaired. The technology department offers in-person technical support appointments each weekday, excluding holidays. Parents may schedule an in-person appointment through our appointment calendar or by calling technology at 785-438-4750
TPS Makes the News!
- March 30: Therapy dogs back to work for Topeka Public Schools
- March 29: Salute Our Heroes: Rob Seitz created new systems to keep USD 501 schools safe during pandemic
- March 29: High's Canady, West's Alexander draw first-team All-Class honors from KBCA
- March 26: All-City Boys Basketball: Wilkerson's emergence elevates Topeka West to title contender
- March 25: Highland Park student receives full-ride scholarship
- March 25: All Kansas schools to offer in-person learning by March 31 after Gov. Laura Kelly says she'll sign the bill
- March 25: Girls All-City Basketball: Topeka High still hungry in search of elusive title
Important Dates
April 1st - Online Registration Opened
April 2nd - Mobile Food Pantry Captial City at Robinson Middle School
April 6th - DCAC Meeting
April 10th - Mobile Food Pantry Captial City at Jardine Middle School
April 15th - Board of Education Meeting
Learn more about Topeka Public Schools by visiting our website or Community News!