Advisors Excel Partners With TPS to Take Students on Holiday Shopping Spree
120 students from across Topeka Public Schools are being treated to a shopping spree at Kohl's this holiday season! The shopping events continued this week and are part of Advisors Excel’s season of giving.
Students spend several hours paired with Advisors Excel employees, who help them pick out new toys, clothes, shoes, and more, as they were given free rein to pick out anything they wanted. Our elementary students even received a special visit from Mrs. Claus (also known as Dr. Anderson)!
The district extends special thanks to Advisors Excel for their continued support of our students and community! View photos from the event on Flickr.
Topeka High Senior Serves as Junior Grand Marshal in Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade
Topeka Public Schools was well represented at the annual Miracle on Kansas Avenue holiday parade on December 7!
Lillian Krohe, an outstanding senior at Topeka High School, served as the parade's Junior Grand Marshal, the Topeka High School JROTC led the parade, and the Trojan Marching Band and Highland Park High School Scot Drumline also provided wonderful holiday music.
Lillian is a highly involved young thespian who has been part of 18 productions between school and community theatre. She has received the TPAC Young Artist Award in Musical Theatre (2024), been honored with Outstanding Volunteer Recognition for her work with Helen Hocker (2024), and is known for giving back to her community in any way she can.
At school, she can also be seen on the THS Morning Report, singing in school choirs, and working on the yearbook. In September, Lillian was honored as the Senior of the Month by the Topeka Public Schools Board of Education.
TPS Announces 2024 Holiday Card Contest Winners
Congratulations to the winners of our 2024 Topeka Public Schools Holiday Card Contest!
- Trenton Tinnin: Topeka West High School, 10th Grade
- Quinsheen Qhaj D. Que: Jardine Elementary School, 5th Grade
The winning designs will be featured by the district as we send virtual and print cards this holiday season! In addition, each winning school and family will receive print copies.
You can view each of the winners and even send their beautiful artwork as an e-card at topekapublicschools.net. The winners will be highlighted throughout this month on our social media pages.
Two TPS Music Teachers Honored By NE Kansas Music Educators Association
We are excited to announce that two Topeka Public Schools music teachers, Mr. Dan McCready and Mr. Kevin Harry, were honored by the Northeast Kansas Music Educators Association at the District Mini-Convention Band Concert on December 7.
Mr. McCready is an orchestra instructor at Topeka High School, Robinson Middle School, and Lowman Hill Elementary School, and was selected as the winner of the 2024 Outstanding High School Orchestra Director Award.
Mr. Harry is a band teacher at Topeka West High School, French Middle School, and McClure Elementary School, and was selected as the winner of the 2024 Outstanding Middle School Band Director Award.
We congratulate Mr. McCready and Mr. Harry on this well-deserved recognition! Both of these dedicated music teachers are loved by students and staff across the district.
Outstanding Highland Park High School Scholar Recognized as Senior of the Month
Congratulations to our Senior of the Month, Renae Easter, an outstanding scholar at Highland Park High School.
Renae is an exceptional student, athlete, and leader whose achievements inspire us all. She is involved in wrestling, tennis, JROTC, and spent two years completing the Teaching as a Profession Pathway at TCALC.
In 2023 and 2024, Renae placed in the top 10 nationally for Lesson Planning & Delivery at the Educators Rising National Conference. She plans to attend college to become a Speech Language Pathologist or Pediatric Occupational Therapist.
Learn more about Renae in this Senior of the Month video.
Topeka West Soccer Players Shine at Real Madrid Experience in Spain
Three talented students from Topeka West High School had the unique opportunity to travel to Spain over Thanksgiving Break for a Real Madrid Experience!
Jacob Corwin, Giancarlo Valenzuela, and Diego Gonzalez Talavera earned the trip from the Real Madrid Foundation, and were chosen based on their exceptional soccer skills and strong character during a soccer camp this summer.
During their stay in Spain, these students not only trained under renowned coaches but also attended the thrilling Real Madrid vs. Getafe match, gaining firsthand insight into professional soccer at one of the world’s most celebrated clubs.
Their journey is a shining example of how dedication and discipline in sports can open doors to incredible opportunities!
Topeka High School Musical "Hadestown: Teen Edition" Selected for Kansas Thespian Festival
We are excited to announce that Topeka High School's outstanding rendition of the musical, Hadestown: Teen Edition, was selected for presentation at the 2024-2025 Kansas Thespian Festival!
This annual event brings together high school theatre students, teachers, colleges, and guest artists from across the region, and will take place at the Hyatt Regency Wichita and the Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center from January 9-11, 2025.
Don't miss the chance to see our talented students perform in the Concert Hall on Saturday, January 11, in the afternoon. The Trojan Theatre students look forward to sharing their interpretation of this powerful story, aiming to inspire change through its profound message.
We congratulate the Trojan Theatre Troupe on this prestigious honor!
Chase Middle School Teacher Honored With December Crystal Apple Award
Join us in celebrating Mr. Matthew Holloman, a social studies teacher at Chase Middle School, who was honored with the December Crystal Apple Award by Majic 107.7!
Students and staff at Chase shared that Mr. Holloman is the type of teacher who takes time to understand each student’s unique needs and learning styles, creating a supportive environment where every student feels valued.
Mr. Holloman has served in Topeka Public Schools for 9 years, and his passion for teaching goes beyond teaching students facts; he brings the past to life in a way that inspires curiosity and critical thinking in students. He comes from a long line of educators, including his parents, grandmothers, aunt, uncle, and some cousins!
We thank Mr. Holloman for his positive impact on countless students in our community.
TPS Hosts Annual English Learners Family Winter Party at Quinton Heights
Nearly 300 families were in attendance for the district's annual English Learners (EL) Family Winter Party at Quinton Heights on December 6.
The event brings together EL students and families from across the district and features games, authentic Mexican food, live music, a photo booth, community resources, and raffle prizes.
The Topeka Public Schools EL Program serves over 2,000 learners and continues to grow every year, including over 30 Ukrainian families and over 50 Filipino families, many of whom the district has welcomed since 2022.
Harvesters to Provide 200 Holiday Meals to TPS Families In Need
We are excited to partner with Harvesters for their annual Holiday Meal Distribution, a special event that will provide 200 holiday meals to TPS families in need.
The distribution will take place at Hummer Sports Park (on the east side of the football stadium) at 9:00 AM on Monday, December 16.
Each car that arrives will receive one holiday meal, ensuring that TPS families can enjoy a festive dinner with their loved ones.
TPS to Celebrate Mid-Year Graduates in January 2025
Topeka Public Schools high schools are hosting mid-year graduation ceremonies on Monday, January 27, 2025 for students who are eligible to graduate at mid-year.
Each school will hold its own ceremony, which will also be streamed live on the respective high school's YouTube page. Schools will reach out to graduates and families with more information in the coming weeks.
Ceremony times are as follows:
- Topeka West High School: 8:30 AM
- Topeka High School: 9:30 AM
- Highland Park High School: 5:00 PM
December College Connections Newsletter
Check out our new College Connections Newsletter on Smore! With an easy to navigate Table of Contents, it's now simpler than ever for high school students and families to find helpful information on college and career readiness.
This month's newsletter covers the following topics:
- Applying for Federal Student Aid
- The Kansas Promise Act
- College registration/admissions process & deadlines
- Scholarships
- ACT/SAT testing dates
- Job opportunities for students
- Concurrent Enrollment Partnership (watch video)
TPS Weather Notifications
As the weather begins to cool, we want to remind families and staff of school closing notification procedures.
As we make decisions about closing school, a number of factors come into play, including the safety of travel but also the safety of students who will be home during the day.
Should school be canceled, we will:
- Send a text, email, and/or phone call via SchoolMessenger
- Update the district social media pages
- Update the district website
- Contact our local media partners
To sign up for text message updates, text Y to 67587. To learn more about school delays and closures, please review our How We Communicate With Families document.
Stay Updated on Transportation With the Here Comes the Bus App
Parents can stay updated on transportation by downloading the Here Comes the Bus app!
- 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.
How to get started:
- Download the Here Comes the Bus app or visit herecomesthebus.com
- Sign Up by visiting the Here Comes the Bus website.
- Enter school code 29036 and click “Next” followed by “Confirm”
- Complete the “User Profile” box
- Under “My Students,” click “Add" then enter your child’s last name and student ID number
- Once you confirm your information, you’re ready to begin using Here Comes the Bus!
District Calendar & Upcoming Events
Please note that there will be no school for students from December 23, 2024 - January 3, 2025 for Winter Break. We hope our students and families have a terrific end of the semester and holiday season! View the full 2024-2025 academic calendar or the district Google Calendar to learn more.
- December 19: Board of Education Meeting
12:00 PM | Burnett Center - December 23 - January 3: Winter Break
No School | School Resumes on January 6
Legislative Advocacy
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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.