Community News
Topeka Public Schools | 2/21/24
Message From the Superintendent
Dear TPS Staff & Families:
February has been very busy with so many activities, including musical performances, school plays, and athletics events. This week, I've been meeting with members of the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council at each comprehensive high school, receiving feedback from students on facilities and processes across the district.
This month, I have enjoyed visiting with students and families at various Black History Month celebrations. As the first African American female superintendent serving in Topeka Public Schools, it is a privilege to serve alongside incredible educators and community members in a district committed to diversity. We've also enjoyed highlighting students and staff throughout this month for Career & Technical Education (CTE) Month and National School Counseling Week.
As we prepare for National Public Schools Week, celebrated annually the last week of February, we thank all of staff and families for their support of public schools. We are also grateful for the many community partners who uplift our students, staff, and families through generous donations in support of public school initiatives.
We look forward to seeing many of our families today and tomorrow during Parent Conferences at each of our schools. If you have any questions about your student's conference, please contact your building principal.
Thank you for your continued support.
Dr. Tiffany Anderson
Superintendent
TPS Students & Staff Across the District Celebrate Black History Month
In celebration of Black History Month, schools across the district have hosted educational seminars, art displays, music and dance performances, and more.
Last week, Robinson Middle School hosted the Unsung Heroes Breakfast to uplift community members who are making positive changes here in Topeka. In celebration of Black History Month, the students interviewed and researched each hero before presenting their story during the breakfast. Learn more in this article from WIBW.
On February 20, students at Highland Park Central Elementary School took, "A Walk Through Black History," presenting their research on African Americans who made a significant impact on our country, the state of Kansas, and our community here in Topeka. View photos from the event on Flickr.
Additional photos and stories related to Black History Month in Topeka Public Schools can be found by viewing our Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr pages. To view the many community events leading up to the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board, please visit our Equity Council page.
TPS Celebrates Opening of the "Our Stories" Exhibition in Honor the 70th Anniversary of Brown v. Board
Topeka Public Schools is excited to take part in the upcoming exhibition, "Our Stories," presented by the Black American Blueprint Collective at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library's Alice C. Sabatini Gallery. The exhibition opens to the public on Friday, February 23, and an opening reception will take place on Saturday, February 24 from 4:00 - 6:00 PM.
This exhibition will honor generations of African American Topekans and their stories in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board and will be available for viewing through May 19.
Save the Date! Enrollment for the 2024-2025 School Year Opens in April
Save the date! Enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year will open online in April 2024. Families are encouraged to register early, as we anticipate classes filling up quickly again this year.
Information regarding enrollment, school supply lists, and other items for families to prepare for next year will be available in April at topekapublicschools.net. View the 2024-2025 Academic Calendar here.
As a reminder, returning families will receive an email to register their students from Synergy Student Information System and enroll through ParentVue. Families new to Topeka Public Schools will create a new account and register online.
TPS Provides Answers to Frequently Asked Questions on New Open Enrollment Policies
The new open enrollment policies and procedures for the 2024-2025 academic year outline a series of important timelines and processes established by the Board of Education.
Nonresidents (families that do not live within the TPS boundaries) must apply to attend any TPS school. Approval is not automatic under this new open enrollment policy and depends largely on capacity at the requested TPS school.
View answers to frequently asked questions on the new open enrollment policies at topekapublicschools.net.
2024-2025 Preschool Registration Opens in April
Do you have a young scholar ready to begin preschool? Get ready! Our 2024-2025 preschool application will be available online beginning in April!
Topeka Public Schools is accepting applications for State Pre-K, Preschool Intervention Program, Sheldon Head Start, Pine Ridge Prep, Scott Dual Language, and Shaner Early Learning Academy.
View the 2024-2025 preschool flyer in English and Spanish here. For more information on our outstanding preschool programs, visit topekapublicschools.net.
Join Us for 2024-2025 Kindergarten Orientation on April 11
Families who have a preschooler ready to begin kindergarten this fall are encouraged to join us for 2024-2025 Kindergarten Orientation at 5:30 PM on Thursday, April 11!
This event is an opportunity for parents to learn more about Topeka Public Schools, meet teachers and staff, and tour our schools.
Kindergarten Orientation will take place at each elementary school in the district, so please attend the event hosted at the school where your child plans to attend. Eligible students must be 5 years-old by August 31, 2024.
Topeka Public Schools Accepting Magnet Applications Through March 9, 2024
Is your child interested in enrolling in Topeka Public Schools Dual Language or Science & Fine Arts Magnet Programs?
Openings are available for the 2024-2025 school year at Scott Dual Language Magnet School (view application here) and Williams Science & Fine Arts Magnet School (view application here).
Applications will be accepted online through March 9, 2024. Families will be notified of approval and placement in April.
TPS Accepting Applications for College Prep Academy
On February 1, the district's middle school College Prep Academy began accepting applications from current 6th-grade students for the 2024-2025 school year!
The College Prep Academy, which offers an accelerated curriculum in Math and Computer Science, is housed at TCALC, and students are bused from their home school for a portion of the school day. Students in the College Prep Academy are also exposed to career pathways offered at TCALC.
To have your student considered for a spot in the College Prep Academy, please complete the application form online by March 10, 2024. Accepted students will be notified during the week of April 7.
Parent Conferences Scheduled for February 21-22
District-wide Parent Conferences will be held on Wednesday, February 21 and Thursday, February 22.
There will be no school for students on Thursday, February 22 and Friday, February 23.
Secondary
- Wednesday, February 21 from 3:30 - 7:30 PM
- Thursday, February 22 from 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Lunch from 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Elementary
- Wednesday, February 21 from 4:00 - 8:00 PM
- Thursday, February 22 from 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Lunch times will vary by location
Mental Health Resources to Support Students, Staff, & Families in Challenging Times
Topeka Public Schools is committed to providing mental health support and resources to all students, staff, and families in need. In light of recent events, we would like to remind you of free resources available in our community.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available at no cost, 24 hours a day to support mental health during challenging times. When people call, text, or chat with the 988 Lifeline, they are connected to a crisis counselor who is trained to provide free, confidential emotional support and mental health resources.
As a reminder, gun safety locks are available at no cost for homes through a volunteer parent organization, Topeka Moms Demand Action. To learn more about secure gun storage, please contact BeSmartTopeka@gmail.com or visit the Be SMART for Kids website.
TPS Foundation Announces New Board Members
The Topeka Public Schools Foundation has announced new board members: Ben Alford, Pega Systems; Susan L. Mauch, Goodell Stratton Edmonds & Palmer LLP; Erin Rodriguez, Capitol Federal; and Helen Swanson, KSDE.
2024 TPSF Board Officers announced include: Janel Johnson, President; Megan Martin, Vice President & Event Chair; Rodney Harmon, Secretary; Luke Thompson, Nominating Chair; and Mark Carr, TPSF Investment Committee.
Jonah Jones, CoreFirst, is the new Investment Committee Community Representative. Pamela Johnson Betts remains the Foundation Executive Director, and we look forward to another exciting year of supporting Topeka Public Schools scholars!
2024 Spring Break Calendar Schedule
Spring Break will be held the week of March 11-15, 2024. There will also be no school on Monday, March 18.
Students will return to school on Tuesday, March 19.
District Calendar & Upcoming Events
View the 2023-2024 academic calendar or the district Google Calendar to plan ahead for parent-teacher conferences, no school days, and more.
As our families plan for the upcoming year, Topeka Public Schools has also released the 2024-2025 academic calendar, which is available on the Communications Department menu.
Below are important dates for January-February 2024:
- February 1-29: Black History Month
- February 1-29: Career & Technical Education Month
- February 21-22: Parent Conferences
- February 22-23: NO SCHOOL IN SESSION
- February 23: Harvesters Food Pantry
9:00 - 10:00 AM | Hummer Sports Park
Legislative Advocacy
TPS Tip Line
Use the helpline numbers:
- 785-GET-HELP
- 785-438-4357
for any emergency questions or concerns.
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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