TPS COVID Communicator
February 11, 2021
Message from Communications
Dear TPS Staff and Families,
We want to take the time to congratulate our high school scholars across the district who have completed graduation requirements early during this pandemic and participated in our first Mid-Year Graduate Ceremony this week. We celebrate each of you for your hard work and dedication despite the unusual challenges you have faced this school year. Thank you to the families, teachers and many others who are cheering from the sideline. Thank you scholars for "Marching On."
Today, Shawnee County Health Department released its Community Transmission Scorecard, and the county has an Orange rating for the second consecutive week. Therefore, we will reopen Monday, February 15, 2021, for in-person learning (PK -5th grade modified micro classrooms and 6th -12th grade A/B group schedule). If a parent would prefer to keep their child at home learning remotely, that remains an option and the school can be contacted to keep them informed.
Only students who were receiving in-person instruction in January will be receiving in-person instruction in February as we complete the remainder of the quarter.
Again, thank you for your continued support of your children and the district and we look forward to meeting with you during Parent-Teacher Conferences in February.#WeAreTPS
Want to learn more and gain additional tools? Visit our parent resource page and continue reading below.
This Week's Edition
In this edition of the COVID Communicator, you will find:
- Welcome Back Students!
- TPS Positive Case Rate Scorecard
- Shawnee County Phase Update
- Here Comes the Bus App. **Reminder
- Real-World Parenting Conversation: Caring for Your Kids in a COVID-19 World
- Kansas COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard
- What to Expect at Your Appointment to Get Vaccinated for COVID-19
- Virtual Parent Conferences
Shawnee County Health Needs Assessment
- Grab & Go Meal Distribution
- Food Banks / Pantries / Meals in Topeka - December 2020
- Technology Repair
- TPS Makes the News
- Important Dates
Welcome Back TPS Scholars!
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.
Here Comes the Bus App. **Reminder
Here Comes the Bus®
Now available to parents of (Topeka Public Schools) students
• 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:
1. Download the Here Comes the Bus app* or visit herecomesthebus.com
2. Sign Up by going to the Here Comes the Bus website. https://login.herecomesthebus.com/SignUpConfirm.aspx
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
6. Once you confirm your information, you’re ready to begin using Here Comes the Bus!
*Available at the App Store and Google Play
Here Comes the Bus® is a registered trademark of Synovia Solutions™ LLC
Real-World Parenting Conversation: Caring for Your Kids in a COVID-19 World (FSGC)
Parenting is the toughest job in the world. Thanks to the pandemic, it's even tougher -- with virtual school, keeping kids active, making sure they're safe and helping them deal with an uncertain world.
Jennie Watson, LSCSW, School-Based Services Manager, will share ways to guide your children through these changing times and take care of yourself.
You’ll also be able to ask questions about this topic. Enter them when you sign up. Then, Jennie will address as many of them as she can in the time allotted.
The conversation will be offered FREE via Zoom videoconference. Registrants will receive an e-mail with a link to the presentation no later than 5 p.m. the day of the presentation.
Spots are limited -- first-come, first-served! Register today at http://fsgccovid21.eventbrite.com
What to Expect at Your Appointment to Get Vaccinated for COVID-19
COVID-19 vaccines are an important tool to help end this pandemic. As more vaccine becomes available, more people will be able to get vaccinated. When a vaccine is available to you, prepare for your appointment by remembering to:
• Wear a mask.
• Stay 6 feet away from others in the waiting room or in line.
• Read the fact sheet you receive.
• Keep the vaccination record card you’re given.
• Register for v-safe, the after vaccination health checker.
Learn more about what to expect at your vaccination appointment: https://bit.ly/34eElvT.
Shawnee County Health Needs Assessment
Improving the health of our community is our priority as health professionals in Shawnee County. To better address the needs of the community, Stormont Vail Health, Heartland Healthy Neighborhood, and the Shawnee County Health Department (SCHD) need your input. We are collaborating to perform a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) for the residents of Shawnee County, with the goal to understand the scope of wellness in the community and the challenges in reaching optimal health.
Your input is vital to this conversation. We developed a short online survey, available in both English and Spanish, to receive feedback from you about health needs affecting you and your family. It will take less than 10 minutes, and all responses are confidential.
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!
Feb 9: USD 501 Board members want two weeks in the orange before students return to classrooms
Feb 9: Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Anderson speaks to KSNT News' David George
Feb 8: Highland Park boys showing growth in five-game win streak
Feb 6: City basketball roundup: Topeka High girls win 36th straight
Feb 6: Topeka West teacher surprises students as Andy Reid doppelgänger
Feb 4: USD 501 could be back to in-person learning after Valentine's Day. Next week will be key.
Important Dates
February 13th - Mobile Food Pantry, Jardine Middle School **Canceled
February 17th - Virtual Parent Conferences
February 18th - Virtual Parent Conferences
February 18th - Board of Education Meeting
February 26th - Mobile Food Pantry, Capital City at Hummer Sports Park
Learn more about Topeka Public Schools by visiting our website or Community News!