Community News

Topeka Public Schools | 3/3/22

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Message from the Superintendent

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Students presenting at the Living Black History Museum at Highland Park Central Elementary School

Dear Topeka Public Schools Staff and Families:

The end of February and the beginning of March has been very busy with so many activities.


Each year over the last six years at our Equity Council, we host a member of the community to present about their life experiences in Topeka during Black History Month. This year, our featured guest was Mrs. Earlene Henderson who is the mother of our Deputy Superintendent, Mr. Larry Robbins. Mrs. Henderson presented to our Equity Council about her life, which covers almost 100 years. See her video here to learn about history from a Topeka High graduate born in the 1930s.


As we concluded Black History Month on Monday, Highland Park Central's principal, Dr. Tawanna Hughes, and teachers, Ms. Sharon Keys and Ms. Rene' Appelhans, created a living museum. Students became black historical figures, who came to life and shared their legacy.


Throughout this month, our Dual Language Program is being recognized nationally by the National School Boards Association (NSBA) as the Magna Award Grand Prize winner for innovation and diversity. The application was submitted on our behalf by Dr. Pilar Mejía, the principal of Scott Dual Language, and her husband Dr. Aaron Kipp, the General Director of Demographics. Later this month, we will share the video and publication featuring Topeka Public Schools and our Dual Language Programs located at Scott Dual Language, Landon Middle School, and Topeka High.


As we move into the Spring, we are pleased to share that most schools have no active cases of COVID-19. As a result, the reopening plan has been revised. We look forward to a positive end to the year.


Thank you for your continued support.


Dr. Tiffany Anderson

Superintendent

Masks Optional in Topeka Public Schools Effective Immediately

Masks Optional in Topeka Public Schools Effective Immediately

The Topeka Public Schools Board of Education met this evening to review new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).


As a result, masks are optional. Masks are encouraged but not required effective immediately.


The TPS Safe Return to School Plan will be updated by Friday to reflect these changes.

Masks Optional in Topeka Public Schools Effective Immediately
Topeka Public Schools Offering Optional Spring Vaccination Clinic

Topeka Public Schools Offering Optional Spring Vaccination Clinic

Dr. Anderson met with her Superintendent's Student Advisory Committee to discuss the new, relaxed CDC guidance.


Students and Dr. Anderson discussed the district partnering with the Kansas Department of Health & Environment (KDHE) to host one final COVID-19 vaccination clinic for the year for those who would like to be vaccinated before summer.


We thank all of our Student Advisory scholars from Highland Park High, Topeka High, and Topeka West for their feedback and participation. As a result of the continued interest, KDHE agreed to host a final vaccination clinic.


The vaccination clinic will be held from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM on Friday, March 25 at Topeka High School. This free service is offered to individuals age 5+ who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.


Families should register for the vaccination clinic in advance here by Wednesday, March 23 at 12:00 PM. Those who register will be sent an electronic consent form. All children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian and have a signed consent form to receive the vaccination.

Topeka Public Schools Offering Optional Spring Vaccination Clinic
NSBA's 2022 Magna Awards Grand Prize Winner is Topeka Public Schools PreK-12 Dual Language Program

NSBA's 2022 Magna Awards Grand Prize Winner is Topeka Public Schools PreK-12 Dual Language Program


Topeka Public Schools is excited to announce that the National School Board Association (NSBA) has officially announced Topeka Public Schools PreK-12 Dual Language Program as a Grand Prize winner in the 28th annual Magna Awards program.


As the only PreK-12 Dual Language Program and the first Grand Prize winner in the state, this award highlights Kansas as one of the most innovative states in the nation!


The district extends special thanks to Dr. Pilar Mejía, Principal of Scott Dual Language Magnet Elementary School, and Dr. Aaron Kipp, General Director of Assessment & Demographics, for their investment in bilingual education and equity for TPS students.


To learn more, view the NSBA Magna Award Press Release along with the TPS Magna Award Press Release in English and Spanish.

NSBA's 2022 Magna Awards Grand Prize Winner is Topeka Public Schools PreK-12 Dual Language Program
Topeka Public Schools Celebrates Music, Theatre, & Visual Arts in Our Schools Month

Topeka Public Schools Celebrates Music, Theatre, & Visual Arts in Our Schools Month

March is Music, Theatre, & Visual Arts in Our Schools Month! This provides an opportunity for the entire community to become familiar with the benefits of school music, theatre, and visual arts participation.


Topeka Public Schools students in elementary, middle, and high school will put all these skills to work this week, as they perform in musicals across the district.


Musicals are taking place at Jardine Elementary, Landon Middle School, Robinson Middle School, and Topeka High School throughout the upcoming weekend. We hope you can join us for one of these outstanding performances!

Topeka Public Schools Celebrates Music, Theatre, & Visual Arts in Our Schools Month
Topeka Public Schools Celebrates National School Social Work Week

Topeka Public Schools Celebrates National School Social Work Week

Topeka Public Schools is celebrating National School Social Work Week on March 6-12!


The district will spend the week highlighting the tremendous impact school social workers have in helping students achieve success.


Topeka Public Schools students and staff may send a thank you note to their school social workers or post a thank you message on our TPS social media accounts via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Topeka Public Schools Celebrates National School Social Work Week
March College Connections Newsletter

March College Connections Newsletter

This month's College Connections Newsletter provides:


  • Scholarship information and deadlines
  • Graduation information
  • ACT/SAT testing dates and registration information
  • Applying for the Seal of Biliteracy
  • Information on FAFSA registration
  • College exploration
  • Career & internship opportunities for students


Many of our scholarships have an upcoming deadline of Monday, March 14, so please plan to apply this week if you have not done so.

March College Connections Newsletter
Tour TCALC & Explore Career Pathways Offered to Students on March 7

Tour TCALC & Explore Career Pathways Offered to Students on March 7

The Topeka Center for Advanced Learning & Careers (TCALC) will host tours for future students and families on Monday, March 7 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM.


Come take a tour and learn more about the Career Pathways TCALC has to offer for students in grades 10-12!


Please call 785-274-6350 to schedule your tour.


Tours will occur every 30 minutes and will have limited spaces for social distancing.

Tour TCALC & Explore Career Pathways Offered to Students on March 7
Join Us for 2022-2023 Kindergarten Orientation on April 5

Join Us for 2022-2023 Kindergarten Orientation on April 5

Families who have a preschooler ready to begin kindergarten this fall are encouraged to join us for our 2022-2023 Kindergarten Orientation at 5:30 PM on Tuesday, April 5!


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 your child's school. Eligible students must be 5 years-old by August 31, 2022.

Join Us for 2022-2023 Kindergarten Orientation on April 5
Topeka Public Schools Holding Magnet School Application Day on March 21

Topeka Public Schools Holding Magnet School Application Day on March 21

Is your child interested in enrolling in Topeka Public Schools Dual Language Program, Spanish Enrichment, Early College Prep Academy, or Science & Fine Arts Magnet?


Available openings:


  • Scott Dual Language Magnet School Kindergarten
  • Whitson Elementary Kindergarten Spanish Enrichment
  • Early College Prep Academy at Lowman Hill
  • Williams Science & Fine Arts Magnet School K-5


Applications will be accepted online at topekapublicschools.net beginning Monday, March 21! View the Magnet Application Day flyer in English and Spanish here.

Topeka Public Schools Holding Magnet School Application Day on March 21
Message from the Topeka Public Schools Board of Education

Message from the Topeka Public Schools Board of Education

The Topeka Public Schools Board of Education will meet on Thursday, March 10 and Thursday, March 24 at 5:30 PM.


Meetings are open to the public. You can also watch live on the Topeka Public Schools YouTube channel.

Message from the Topeka Public Schools Board of Education
Spring Break Calendar Schedule

Spring Break Calendar Schedule

Spring Break will be held the week of March 14-18.


There will also be no school on Monday, March 21 as our staff participate in professional development sessions.


Students will return to school on Tuesday, March 22.

Spring Break Calendar Schedule
District Calendar & Upcoming Events

District Calendar & Upcoming Events

The 2021-2022 academic year district calendar is available at topekapublicschools.net. The calendar includes dates of parent-teacher conferences, no school days, and more.


Below are important dates in March:


  • March 1-31: Music, Theatre, & Visual Arts in Our Schools Month
  • March 6-12: National School Social Work Week
  • March 7: TCALC Tours | 5:00 - 7:00 PM
  • March 10: Board of Education Meeting | 5:30 PM
  • March 14-18: Spring Break | NO SCHOOL
  • March 21: Staff Professional Development | NO SCHOOL
  • March 21: Magnet School Application Day
  • March 24: Board of Education Meeting | 5:30 PM
District Calendar & Upcoming Events
Other TPS Publications

Topeka Public Schools Publications

Other TPS Publications

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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