Safety Update for TPS Staff & Families
Local law enforcement has confirmed rumors have circulated across Kansas regarding social media communication focused on general school threats.
While there have not been any substantiated threats targeting our schools, we do want to remind families that as concerns are shared with local law enforcement, they investigate those and work in partnership with our schools to ensure schools are safe.
Additionally, all schools have ongoing safety drills throughout the year and we thank our local law enforcement for their ongoing support with the various safety drills. If you have any questions or needs, please contact your child's principal.
Thank you for your support as we continue to have high visibility of our school officers to ensure the safety of staff and students.
Topeka High Librarian Honored With Top Award From Kansas Association of School Librarians
Congratulations to Ms. Tonya Foster, the librarian at Topeka High School, who was announced this week as the winner of the Kansas Association of School Librarians' President's Distinguished Library Media Specialist Award.
Ms. Foster is always thinking outside the box! She prioritizes students' well-being, taps into their creativity, and fosters a love of reading and learning for all students, who regularly come to the library to inquire about her adventures. Ms. Foster pursues professional growth for herself and her colleagues at every level, demonstrating long-term dedication to Topeka Public Schools!
This award not only acknowledges her professional contributions, but also recognizes her adventurous spirit and the example she provides to students to practice self-love, confidence, and kindness.
Three TPS Educators Honored With Above & Beyond Award for Outstanding Service to Students & Families
This week, Topeka Public Schools celebrated three remarkable educators who have truly gone above and beyond in their commitment to students and families.
Congratulations to Ms. Mallory Jacobs and Ms. Mona Ridley, school counselors at Whitson Elementary, and Ms. Jamie Murray, a kindergarten teacher at Williams Science & Fine Arts Magnet School, who were honored with the September 2024 Above & Beyond Award!
These dedicated professionals go above and beyond to work together with families, ensuring that all students have the support they need to be successful in school, even providing continued support to former students as they transition into middle school.
We thank Ms. Jacobs, Ms. Ridley, and Ms. Murray for their compassionate care and outstanding service at Whitson, Williams, and beyond!
TPS Brings Community Together for 14th Annual Family Fitness Fun Night
On September 18, Topeka Public Schools held its 14th annual Family Fitness Fun Night at Hummer Sports Park.
The event brought hundreds of families from across Topeka to the football field, where they were able to visit school and community education booths and take part in games, physical challenges, and learning activities.
We appreciate the many vendors and volunteers who supported this amazing health and wellness event! View photos on Flickr and learn more in this segment from WIBW.
Jardine Elementary Scholars Participate in Mock Trial With State Leaders on Constitution Day
As we commemorated Constitution Day on September 17 and kicked off Celebrate Freedom Week, Topeka Public Schools students have been diving deep into the historical significance of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
This year, our third-grade scholars at Jardine Elementary participated in a virtual Mock Trial, connecting with state leaders like Governor Laura Kelly, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, and representatives from the Kansas Judicial Branch, allowing students to gain hands-on experience on the civic process.
We are thankful for the ongoing commitment of our educators and the support of the community, which together enable these valuable educational experiences!
TPS Foundation Brings Community Together for 15th Annual Breakfast
This week, the Topeka Public Schools Foundation (TPSF) held the 15th Annual Community Breakfast and Superintendent's State of the District Address at Manor Conference Center.
This year's event brought together many public officials and community partners to celebrate the 2024 Patron Award recipients, Dr. Channing and Mrs. Dina Cox, for their decades of service to public education.
We send a special thank you to the many community partners who continue to support Topeka Public Schools students. View photos from this event on Flickr and video highlights on YouTube.
Teaching 9/11: TPS Educators Preserve History for a New Generation
On September 11, 2001, the world watched as the deadliest attack in American history unfolded. Last week, students and staff at Topeka Public Schools took the time to honor the heroes and remember those whose lives were impacted 23 years ago.
Peaceful remembrance took place at each school, and flag ceremonies were held by ROTC programs at each high school. Educators reminisced about living through the tragedy and now preserving history for a new generation of students who were not yet alive when it took place.
View photos from the remembrance ceremonies on Flickr and learn more in this article from WIBW.
7th-Grade College Prep Academy Scholars Participate in Annual Jacketing Ceremony
On September 18, we celebrated our 7th-grade College Prep Academy scholars at the annual Jacketing Ceremony.
Much like a White Coat ceremony for medical doctors, the Jacketing Ceremony marks a student's transition to the advanced math and computer science curriculum offered through College Prep, which is two grade levels ahead of their peers.
View photos from the Jacketing Ceremony on Flickr.
TPS Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
Students across the district are celebrating culture, history, music, and art during Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 - October 15.
Topeka Public Schools provides students with the only PreK-12 Dual Language Program in the region. In 2022, the Dual Language Program was honored with the Magna Award Grand Prize by the National School Boards Association as a model of excellence for other school districts across the country.
On September 19, the Topeka Public Schools Board of Education will sign a proclamation in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month and hear highlights from Scott Dual Language Magnet Principal Ann Gorsuch.
Stay tuned to our social media channels for more exciting activities in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month!
Save the Date for 2024 Homecoming Festivities
Get ready to show your school spirit during this year’s exciting Homecoming events, featuring parades, pep assemblies, and exciting football games. Join us in cheering on our students and celebrating our school communities!
- Highland Park High School
- Friday, September 27
- Homecoming Parade at 2:00 PM
- Homecoming Game at 7:00 PM at Hummer Sports Park
- Topeka High School
- Friday, October 4
- Homecoming Parade at 2:00 PM
- Homecoming Game at 7:00 PM at Hummer Sports Park
- Topeka West High School
- Friday, October 11
- Homecoming Pep Assembly & Parade at 2:00 PM
**The parade will start around 2:40 PM - Homecoming Game at 7:00 PM at Hummer Sports Park
Suicide Prevention Month: Resources to Support Mental Health
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Topeka Public Schools students and staff serve on the Shawnee County Suicide Prevention Coalition, and mental health teams work to provide support at all schools.
We encourage students, families, and staff to view the district's well-being resources and information about suicide prevention from Family Service & Guidance Center (FSGC). Families can watch the September Ask a Child Therapist segment on talking to kids about suicide by following FSGC on Facebook.
The 988 Lifeline is available 24 hours a day to provide mental health support, no matter what you are going through. Connect with a trained crisis counselor who is ready to support you simply by dialing 988.
City of Topeka Hosts Good Neighbor Day Community Building Event
Join the City of Topeka in celebrating National Good Neighbor Day at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library on Saturday, September 28.
From 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, families can learn to use the See Click Fix app to help improve our city, get safety tips from the Topeka Police Department, and enjoy face painting, a balloon artist, and more. Community engagement will also be sharing a variety of community resources and how you can get involved in your neighborhood.
To learn more and access resources, please view this document from the City of Topeka.
TPS to Host School Surplus Auction on October 5
Join us for the School Surplus Auction on Saturday, October 5, at 2704 S.W. Kanza Drive, Topeka, KS.
Starting sharply at 9:00 AM, this event offers a wide array of items ranging from vehicles, to food service equipment, and various school and office supplies. You'll find everything from electric and gas stoves, science kits, theater spotlights, student desks, to high-tech items like 3D printers and security systems.
Don’t miss out on finding unique items and supporting the district with your purchases! View the event flyer to learn more.
Meals for the 2024-2025 School Year
We are excited to provide meals to all TPS students free of charge for the 2024-2025 school year!
Families are still encouraged to complete the Free & Reduced Meal Application, as this information is vital for the district to receive funding for many programs, technology, and more to ensure student success.
With this form, families may qualify for reduced textbook fees and free or reduced-cost internet from Cox Communications. Complete the application at topekapublicschools.net.
Pay School Fees Online Using My School Bucks
As of July 2024, Topeka Public Schools is using My School Bucks as a way for families to track and pay student fees and other costs online. Create your free My School Bucks account to conveniently and securely pay your student's school fees online or with the mobile app.
To access My School Bucks, please login to ParentVue and create a secure login. Once your secure login has been created, you will login to My School Bucks to access your account. View step-by-step instructions to create an account here.
If you need assistance with your account, you can find helpful how-to videos and answers to commonly asked questions by visiting myschoolbucks.com or by calling 855-832-5226.
Download the Here Comes the Bus App
Families can stay updated on transportation during the upcoming school year 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 every time.
How to get started:
- Download the Here Comes the Bus app* or visit herecomesthebus.com
- Sign Up by going to the Here Comes the Bus website. https://login.herecomesthebus.com/SignUpConfirm.aspx
- Enter school code 29036 and click “Next” followed by “Confirm”
- Complete the “User Profile” box
- Under “My Students,” click “Add.” 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!
Text Messaging Service Sends Alerts to TPS Families
Topeka Public Schools utilizes the SchoolMessenger system for web services and to deliver text messages to families in the district. Alerts come straight to your mobile phone with important information about school events, school closings, and more.
Parents and guardians can participate in this free service by sending a text message of "Y" or "Yes" to the TPS short code number 67587. You can also opt-out of these messages at any time by simply replying "stop" to one of our messages.
View our communications document in English and Spanish to learn more about how Topeka Public Schools communicates with families throughout the school year.
Don't forget to follow us on social media! We're active on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
District Calendar & Upcoming Events
As our families plan for next school year, view the 2024-2025 academic calendar, which is available on the Communications Department menu.
Families can register their students online, view important information for the 2024-2025 school year, download a school supply list, and more at topekapublicschools.net on the Online Registration page.
Legislative Advocacy
Topeka Public Schools Publications
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.