Meadows Family News

Hello families!

We are proud of the LVIII Superbowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs, it's March Madness in the College Basketball world, and here at Meadows we are gearing up for our own tournament of Kansas State Assessments where your students show what they know on the KAP! We're targeting instruction... we're teaching and reteaching concepts...we're reading, highlighting and practicing skills! You too can help prepare them for this "bout of the wits" by making sure your student(s) have plenty of sleep each night, eat a healthy breakfast at home or at school, and get to school each day on time!

Here are the dates of the Kansas State Assessments:

Science: March 26-27

ELA: April 2-3

Math: April 9-10

Our Parent/Teacher Conferences were well attended and it was beneficial to meet with you to discuss your student(s)' progress thus far! Thank you for your participation!

As the weather goes back and forth so please watch the forecast and dress your student(s) warm enough if it's cold outside. As long as the wind chill high enough and there is no precipitation, we will be outdoors for recess.

You will continue receiving my monthly newsletter highlighting all upcoming dates and events. It will also include reminders and important information. Please make sure to read through each newsletter so you stay informed!

Thank you for your continued support. You are an integral part of our team and we could not do this without you. Here's to another month of growth and success!

If you have further questions after reading this, please do not hesitate to reach out! We are here to serve you and your children.

"We can. We will. Watch Us!"

Kyna Croft, Assistant Principal

kcroft@tps501.org

(785) 235-7150

Friday, March1: Dr. Seuss PJ Day Schoolwide

Friday, March 8: PTO Spirit Beach Day

March 4-8: National School Social Worker's Week

Wednesday, March 6: PBIS Night @ 5-7pm

4th and 5th grade Music Program: Friday 6:00pm: 4th grade, 7:00pm-5th grade

March 11-15: Spring Break, No School

Monday, March 18: No School

Saturday, March 23: SUM Day Math Competition

Monday, March 25: PTO Meeting @6pm

Sunday, March 31: Easter

Save the date! Enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year will open online in April 2024. 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 2024-2025 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.

• Arrival begins: 8:20 a.m.
• School starts: 8:40 a.m. (students will be considered tardy after 8:40 a.m.)
• Dismissal begins: at 3:40 p.m. (all students must be picked up by 3:45 p.m. unless enrolled in after-school childcare)

Late Start Fridays (every Friday)- 9:30 a.m.-3:40 p.m.

• Arrival begins: 9:15 a.m.
• School starts: 9:30 a.m. (students will be considered tardy after 9:30 a.m.)
• Dismissal begins: at 3:40 p.m. (all students must be picked up by 3:45 p.m. unless enrolled in after-school childcare)

Inclement Weather

As the weather begins to cool, we would like to remind families 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

District Mobile App

The TPS mobile app, TPS Engage, gives students, families, staff, and the community a more convenient way to stay informed about what’s happening in our schools. This free app gives you access to news, social media feeds (no social media accounts needed), district and school calendars, notifications, staff contact information, and more.

Download from the App Store or Google Play by searching for Topeka Public Schools.

Exciting news awaits! Get ready to dive into the thrill of softball as we invite you to our upcoming Softball Showdown on March 30th!

This isn't just your average game - it's an action-packed event where school pride, sportsmanship, and skill collide on the field. Whether you're a seasoned player or just looking to have some fun, there's a place for everyone in this epic showdown.

Here are some highlights of what our event has to offer:

• Free Admission for anyone who attends

• A chance to:

• Participate in the first ever shoe scramble

• Opportunities to go on the field after the game

• Meet the players and have them sign autographs (posters will be provided)

• Run the bases

Event Details:

• Date: March 30th

• Time: 12 p.m. & 2 p.m. (double header)

• Location: Gahnstrom Field

• Address: 1722 Durow Dr.

Expect a day filled with fierce competition, cheers from the sidelines, and unforgettable moments with friends. So grab your gear, rally your teammates, and let's make this an event to remember!

Don't miss out on the chance to be part of the excitement. Mark your calendars and join us for a day of softball fun like no other!

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Families who have a preschooler ready to begin kindergarten this fall are encouraged to join us for 2024-2025 Kindergarten Orientation at 5:30 PM on Thursday, April 11!

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 the school where your child plans to attend. Eligible students must be 5 years-old by August 31, 2024.

Is your child interested in enrolling in Topeka Public Schools Dual Language or Science & Fine Arts Magnet Programs?

Openings are available for the 2024-2025 school year at Scott Dual Language Magnet School (view application here) and Williams Science & Fine Arts Magnet School (view application here).

Applications will be accepted online through March 9, 2024. Families will be notified of approval and placement in April.

Spring Break will be held the week of March 11-15, 2024.

There will also be no school on Monday, March 18 as our staff participate in professional development sessions. Students will return to school on Tuesday, March 19.

Come once a month or one time in a rotation to help sell Smickers and Smencils! What are they?? They are smelly stickers and smelly pencils! Click the link below to sign up.

SMICKERS AND SMENCILS VOLUNTEERS

Dillons Food Store donates to the organization of your choice based on the shopping you do everyday. You can help Meadows Elementary School by designating your rewards to our school. Download the Dillons App, sign up for rewards if you have not yet, and follow the instructions to link your shopper's card. Just scan your card when you shop at Dillons to start helping today!

Open the Dillon's App

• Click hamburger on the top right of the app
• Rewards
• Community rewards
• Meadows Elementary

Click this link for more information.

Happy Monday Meadows families! Your Monarch PTO has joined with Team GroupRaise for an easy fundraiser! Between now and February 1, 2024 any new memberships (or those that have lapsed over 6 months ago) your PTO will receive 25% of the membership cost!! All we are asking is for you to share this post and tell your families, friends and loved ones. We thank you and hope you are staying warm during these cold days!

As our families plan for the upcoming year, Topeka Public Schools has also released the 2024-2025 academic calendar, which is available on the Communications Department menu.

Topeka Public Schools is committed to providing mental health support and resources to all students, staff, and families in need. In light of recent events, we would like to remind you of free resources available in our community.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available at no cost, 24 hours a day to support mental health during challenging times. When people call, text, or chat with the 988 Lifeline, they are connected to a crisis counselor who is trained to provide free, confidential emotional support and mental health resources.

As a reminder, gun safety locks are available at no cost for homes through a volunteer parent organization, Topeka Moms Demand Action. To learn more about secure gun storage, please contact BeSmartTopeka@gmail.com or visit the Be SMART for Kids website.

My name is Ashley Dinkel and I am the Family Nurse Practitioner at the Campus Care Clinic located at Topeka High School. We are a healthcare clinic open to all USD 501 staff and students. We are able to serve as a patient’s primary care provider or we can see patients for acute visits only if they already have a PCP.

Video about the clinic: Campus Care Clinic movie - YouTube

Clinic website: University of Kansas Health System - Campus Care Clinic at Topeka High School - Topeka Public Schools

Ashley Dinkel, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC

Family Nurse Practitioner, Topeka High School Campus Care

THSCampusCare@KUMC.edu

Phone: 785-295-3256

Fax: 785-295-3259

KEEP Provides $100 Per Eligible Student for Educational Goods & Services: The Kansas Education Enrichment Program (KEEP) provides qualifying parents and guardians with $1,000 per eligible student to spend on approved educational goods and services.

KEEP funds can be used on enrichment and educational activities, including:

• Musical instruments, supplies, and lessons
  
• Curriculum and educational materials, including school supplies and certain allowed technological devices
• Tutoring
• Language classes
• Camps with academic-related curriculum such as music, arts, science, technology, agriculture, mathematics, and engineering
  

An application and more information can be found at www.keep.ks.gov.

The Baby Closet is located on the lower level of the Westside Baptist Church, 1008 SW 4th Street. They have clothing sizes newborn-5T. Families in need of clothing or baby items-diapers, wipes, etc.. are encouraged to come. This is a FREE service for families.

Their hours are Mondays 9-11 am, Wednesdays 3:30-6:30 pm, and Thursdays 1:00-3:00 pm.

Westside Christian Church, 432 SW Linwood, houses the Kids' Closet. They have Elementary Age items. Their hours are the first Wednesday of each month 3:30-5:30 or by appointment. (785) 234-0469

What successful parents do differently~

Parents who raise the strongest and most resilient kids create an environment that allows them to make mistakes and not fear failure.

You can still love the person, but you don’t love the action. When we’re able to clearly separate the two, a child doesn’t link their worth to their behavior, whether “good” or “bad.”

This doesn’t mean you can’t have expectations about your child’s behavior. You just have to be mindful about how you express those concerns. When a kid acts in ways that are inconsistent with our values or hopes, we still need to signal warmth even while expressing disappointment.

*taken from The No.1 thing successful parents who raise the strongest and most resilient kids do differently by Jennifer Breheny Wallace

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

Email: kcroft@tps501.org
Website: https://meadows.topekapublicschools.net/
Location: 201 Southwest Clay Street, Topeka, KS, USA
Phone: 785-235-7150