Community News

We hope all of our students, families, and staff enjoyed a restful Spring Break. It was wonderful welcoming everyone back to school last week, and we look forward to many exciting events taking place across the district throughout the Spring.

We were thrilled to welcome members of the Kansas Teacher of the Year team (pictured above) who toured the district on March 25. These inspiring educators met with students and staff, highlighting the excellent work happening across Topeka Public Schools. View additional photos from their visit on Flickr and our social media channels. We look forward to celebrating this year's nominees, Mr. Troy St. Clair and Mr. Michael Kates, at the Kansas Teacher of the Year Region 2 Awards Banquet on April 6.

We congratulate the Highland Park High School basketball team for their outstanding performance in the recent KSHSAA State Tournament, where they placed as one of the top teams in the state for the third year in a row. The team received numerous individual and team awards, including KSHSAA's 2025 Class 5A Coach of the Year for Coach Mike Williams, as well as Conference Coach of the Year honors for the third consecutive year. We look forward to honoring them at the first board meeting in April.

Registration is now open for our Summer Academic & Enrichment Programs. These programs offer valuable opportunities for students to continue their learning and explore new interests during the summer months. Information on how to register is included in this newsletter.

We are truly heartbroken with the passing of our beloved Jardine Middle School student, Davaeh Peeples, who passed away after a brief battle with cancer, as well as Ms. Josephine Wright, a beloved paraprofessional at Capital City School. Information on memorial services and ways to support their families are included in the newsletter below. Both Davaeh and Ms. Wright will be greatly missed by students and staff across the district.

Thank you for your continued support.

Dr. Tiffany Anderson

Superintendent

The KSHSAA 5A State Basketball Tournament brought thrilling moments for two of Topeka Public Schools basketball teams. While Topeka West's journey ended in the first round, Highland Park made an extraordinary run to the championship game.

After defeating Andover Central 65-56 in the opening round, the Scots continued their dominance. In a nail-biting final, Highland Park fought hard but fell in overtime, losing by just three points to secure the 2nd place title in the state.

This marked Highland Park’s third consecutive trip to the state tournament, having placed 3rd in both 2023 and 2024. The Scots’ individual and team accomplishments were equally impressive:

• Ja’Corey Robinson was named the 2025 Meadowlark Conference League Player of the Year, a title he also earned in 2024. He was also named to KSHSAA's All-State Top 5 and has committed to Austin Peay State University for the coming year.
• Jamon Wilson earned the title of 2025 Meadowlark Conference League Defensive Player of the Year.
• Coach Mike Williams was honored as the 2025 Meadowlark Conference League Coach of the Year, making it his third consecutive win (2023, 2024, and 2025). He was also named as KSHSAA's Class 5A Coach of the Year for 2025.

The Runnin’ Scots will be formally recognized for their incredible season at the Topeka Public Schools Board of Education Meeting on Thursday, April 3. Additionally, senior Mikey Williams will be celebrated as the district’s April Senior of the Month.

We extend our congratulations to both the Highland Park and Topeka West players and coaches for their hard work, determination, and outstanding performances this season. We are honored to celebrate all you’ve accomplished both on and off the court!

Congratulations to Mia Cloud, a junior at Topeka High School, for her impressive victory at the 2025 State Job Olympics! Mia earned 1st-place in the silverware sorting competition, demonstrating remarkable skill, dedication, and focus.

This prestigious event brought together over 600 students from across the state to compete in a variety of vocational skills, and Mia’s hard work truly stood out. Her success was made possible through the guidance and support of her teacher, Mrs. Cresilda Donasco, whose commitment to student development played a key role in Mia’s preparation and achievement.

We are incredibly proud of Mia and all the students, teachers, and staff who participated in the State Job Olympics. These opportunities not only highlight the incredible talent within our schools but also empower students to build confidence and develop essential life and career skills.

Congratulations to our March 2025 Senior of the Month, Jaxon Cowdin, an outstanding scholar at Topeka High School.

Jaxon excels academically and is a multi-sport athlete, participating in swim & dive, track & field, cross country, and serving as a leader in Link Crew, supporting his peers and fostering a strong school community.

Through the Media Design & Communications Pathway at TCALC, Jaxon discovered his passion for photography and journalism. This experience has shaped his aspirations, as he plans to attend Nebraska Wesleyan University and pursue a career in sports journalism while continuing his athletic journey by running track in college.

Learn more about this outstanding senior in this highlight video.

Topeka Public Schools is offering a variety of Summer Academic & Enrichment Programs for students in grades PreK-12, running from June 9-27, 2025.

These programs provide engaging and educational experiences to keep students learning and growing over the summer. Highlights include academic camps for grades K-5, enrichment activities like coding/robotics, cooking, and art, and a preschool program at Shaner Early Learning Academy.

Registration is open now through April 20, 2025, via Synergy ParentVue, with fees starting at $50 per week for TPS students.

Visit topekapublicschools.net to learn more and register today!

Topeka Public Schools has partnered with Parents as Teachers and the Kansas Health Foundation for another exciting Roll & Read event, as we celebrate the Week of the Young Child in April.

Roll & Read will be held from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM on Saturday, April 12 at Evergy Plaza (630 S Kansas Ave) and Redbud Park in NOTO (935 N Kansas Ave).

The event combines literacy with physical fitness and will feature a parade kickoff, reading stations, community booths, a stroller decorating contest, and snacks while supplies last.

Together we will walk, bike, skate, push a stroller, or pull a wagon while taking breaks along the way to read stories. Learn more in this event flyer (English and Spanish).

Save the date! Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year will open online in April 2025. 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 2025-2026 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.

Do you have a young scholar ready to begin preschool? Get ready! Our 2025-2026 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 2025-2026 preschool flyer in English and Spanish here. For more information on our outstanding preschool programs, visit topekapublicschools.net.

Families who have a preschooler ready to begin kindergarten this fall are encouraged to join us for 2025-2026 Kindergarten Orientation at 5:30 PM on Thursday, April 10!

This event is an opportunity for parents to learn more about Topeka Public Schools, meet teachers and staff, and tour our schools. Eligible students must be 5 years-old by August 31, 2025.

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. For questions regarding your home school, please contact TPS Demographics at 785-295-3099.

Topeka High's Interact Club is hosting a free Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 12 (NEW RESCHEDULED DATE) from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Hummer Sports Park on the Kanza Park Cross Country Course.

Bring your children, grandchildren, and loved ones to enjoy this exciting event! The eggs will be hidden in various spots around the course for kids to find. It’s a great opportunity for families to come together and celebrate the season in a fun and safe environment.

Everyone is welcome to join in the fun, so mark your calendars and get ready for a day filled with joy and community spirit!

ShareFest is an event created with the belief that churches and organizations can do more together than any one group could do separately. The event brings together citizens from all over Topeka to improve our community!

Topeka Public Schools is among the organizations to benefit from this year's ShareFest, which will be held on Saturday, April 26 from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

Volunteers will spend the day landscaping, painting, and cleaning up the grounds of French Middle School, Highland Park High School, Hope Street Academy, Jardine Campus, McCarter Elementary, McClure Elementary, Scott Magnet Elementary, and Sheldon Head Start.

This event is only possible with the help of volunteers! If you are interested in volunteering, please visit sharefesttopeka.com.

Topeka Public Schools is excited to invite parents to join the District Citizens Advisory Council (DCAC)!

This advisory group is made up of parents, teachers, administrators, and community members, and plays a key role in supporting the district by learning about the latest happenings and participating in discussions that help inform decision-making processes for the district. Learn more in this flyer or by visiting the DCAC page on our website.

If you are interested in serving on the DCAC, please contact your school’s PTO or Principal!

We look forward to seeing new faces and hearing fresh ideas as we continue to strengthen our community's involvement in education!

Topeka Public Schools is excited to honor the class of 2025 on Saturday, May 17 at the Stormont Vail Events Center (1 Expocentre Dr, Topeka, KS 66612). Each ceremony will also be live-streamed on the district YouTube channel.

• Topeka High School: 9:00 AM
• Highland Park High School: 12:00 PM
• Topeka West High School: 2:30 PM

Hope Street Academy's graduation ceremony will take take place in the school gymnasium on Wednesday, May 14, at 10:30 AM. This event will also be live streamed on YouTube.

Capital City High School's graduation will take place at TCALC on Wednesday, May 14 at 5:30 PM.

Students or families who have questions about graduation may contact their building/division principal for additional information. Please refer to the policy regarding bag size at the event center, as well as the Event Day Guide.

Davaeh Peeples, a bright and beloved 7th-grader at Jardine Middle School, passed away over the weekend as a result of a brief battle with cancer.

Davaeh was cherished by her family, teachers, and fellow students, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her from Williams Elementary and at Jardine Middle School. She was friends with everyone across the school and her smile, kindness, and laughter will be remembered by us all.

Davaeh has many family members and friends within Topeka Public Schools who will miss her dearly. In support of Davaeh's memorial services, donations can be sent directly to Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home in care of Davaeh Peeples in the memo, to support the family with this unexpected expense during this challenging time. The obituary link will be shared once it is posted.

Ms. Josephine Wright was a devoted paraprofessional at Capital City School and passed as a result of health complications.

Ms. Wright was just a joy for all students to be greeted by, and staff simply adored her. She joined the district in 2015 and previously served at JAG Academy, leaving a lasting impact on countless students and staff.

She will be deeply missed and was especially beloved by all at Capital City, where most of her career in Topeka Public Schools was spent. Her kind heart and loving manner will be forever remembered by the many families she impacted.

Ms. Wright's services will be next Friday, April 11, 2025 at Peaceful Rest at 10:00 AM. View the obituary here.

As families plan for the remainder of the 2024-2025 school year, here are some important dates to keep in mind:

• Monday, May 19: Sheldon Head Start Preschool Promotion
  (Principal will communicate schedule with families)

• Tuesday, May 20: Last Day of School for Sheldon Head Start

• Friday, May 23: PIP Preschool Promotions at 2:00 PM

• Tuesday, May 27: Preschool Promotions

  • Pine Ride Prep at 1:30 PM
  • Shaner Early Learning Academy at 1:45 PM
  • State PreK Programs at 2:00 PM

• Tuesday, May 27: Last Day of School for PIP Programs

• Wednesday, May 28: 5th Grade Promotions

  • HP Strand (HPC, Ross, Williams, State Street, Quincy): 1:30 PM
  • THigh Strand (LH, Meadows, Randolph, Scott, Jardine): 1:45 PM
  • TWest Strand (McCarter, McClure, McEachron, Whitson): 2:00 PM

• Wednesday, May 28: Last Day of School for Grades 6-7

• Thursday, May 29: 8th Grade Promotions at 8:00 AM

• Thursday, May 29: Last Day of School for All Students PreK-12 (Half Day)

View the full 2024-2025 academic calendar or the district Google Calendar to plan ahead for parent-teacher conferences, no school days, and more. As families plan for the next school year, view the 2025-2026 academic calendar here.

Below are important dates for April 2025:

• April 1-30: Autism Acceptance Month
• April 1-30: Occupational Therapy Month
• April 1-30: National School Library Month
• April 5-11: Week of the Young Child
• April 7-11: National Assistant Principal Week
• April 2: Paraprofessional Appreciation Day
• April 3: Board of Education Meeting
  5:30 PM | Burnett Center
• April 10: Kindergarten Orientation
  5:30 PM | All elementary schools
• April 17: Board of Education Meeting
  5:30 PM | Burnett Center
• April 18: NO SCHOOL IN SESSION
• April 22: Earth Day
• April 24: Distinguished Staff Awards
  5:30 PM | Bishop Professional Development Center
• April 26: Sharefest
  8:00 AM | Learn more at sharefesttopeka.com
• April 28: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
  Staff Professional Development

Stay up-to-date with everything you need to know about the 2024 Kansas Legislative Session on the Current Events page at kslegislature.org.

• Topeka Public Schools Blog
  
• Topeka Public Schools YouTube Channel
  
• Board of Education Meeting Minutes & Agenda

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 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.

Copyright © 2018, All rights reserved.