Community News

As the end of the school year approaches, there have been numerous scholarship events for seniors, prom season is underway, and academic and fine arts celebrations are being held across the district.

On April 6, the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) announced that Mr. Troy St. Clair, our PE teacher at Scott Dual Language and a district PE Consulting Teacher, is a Region 2 Finalist for Kansas Teacher of the Year. Pictured above are many of our TPS team members who were present for the awards ceremony.

Mr. St. Clair exemplifies the innovation and excellence in teaching that defines Topeka Public Schools. He is a teacher who humbly leads to fulfill our mission to engage, prepare, and inspire students for a lifetime of learning. We are all so very proud of him and our secondary nominee Mr. Michael Kates, and we look forward to recognizing them at the upcoming board meeting.

Looking ahead, a special graduation edition of the Community News and highlights from the 2025 Distinguished Staff Awards will be published the first week of May. We then look forward to celebrating all of our incredible TPS staff members during Staff Appreciation Week on May 5-9.

We also look forward to many exciting promotion and graduation ceremonies in May, and a calendar of important end-of-year events is included in the newsletter below. As a reminder, the last day of school will be a half-day on Thursday, May 29.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to celebrating these milestones with our students, staff, and families!

Dr. Tiffany Anderson

Superintendent

As a reminder, there is no school on Friday, April 18. Additionally, there will be no school for students on Monday, April 28 as staff will be engaged in professional development sessions.

View the 2024-2025 academic calendar or the district Google Calendar to learn more. As our families plan for the upcoming year, Topeka Public Schools has also released the 2025-2026 academic calendar with important dates for next school year.

Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year is now open at topekapublicschools.net! 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 is available at topekapublicschools.net. View the 2025-2026 Academic Calendar here.

As a reminder, returning families will register their students through the Synergy Student Information System and by logging in to ParentVue. Families new to Topeka Public Schools will follow the steps to create a new account and register.

For questions about online registration or your ParentVue account, please email SISHelp@tps501.org or call 785-438-4750 between 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM for assistance.

For the fourth consecutive year, we are proud to celebrate a TPS Kansas Teacher of the Year honoree or finalist! On April 6, two outstanding TPS educators who represent the excellence, innovation, and diversity within our district, were recognized by the Kansas State Department of Education.

Mr. Troy St. Clair, a dynamic PE teacher at Scott Dual Language and district PE Consulting Teacher who has served the Topeka community for 16 years, was named the Region 2 winner for 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year (Elementary)! We look forward to highlighting Mr. St. Clair during the board meeting on Thursday, April 17.

Additionally, Mr. Michael Kates, an inspiring leader in our community and social studies teacher at Robinson Middle School, was honored as the district’s secondary-level nominee for the Kansas Teacher of the Year.

We are so proud of both of these outstanding educators! Learn more about Mr. St. Clair and Mr. Kates in this interview with KSNT, as they appeared on the Morning Show.

We are excited to announce that two exceptional educators in the district's College Prep Academy, Mrs. Cherryl Delacruz and Mr. Meshach McKnight, have been recognized as state finalists for the prestigious Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)—the nation’s highest honor for K-12 math and science educators!

The PAEMST recognizes educators who exemplify excellence in teaching, demonstrating exceptional knowledge, creativity, and leadership in their field. As state finalists, Mrs. Delacruz and Mr. McKnight stand out among Kansas' top mathematics educators.

Finalists are eligible to become national honorees, a distinction that includes a $10,000 award and recognition at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Delacruz and Mr. McKnight for this incredible achievement and thank them for their unwavering commitment to inspiring the next generation of learners at College Prep!

Congratulations to our April 2025 Senior of the Month, Michael "Mikey" Williams, Jr., an outstanding scholar at Highland Park High School who embodies the spirit of a true scholar-athlete.

Mikey recently led the Scots to the KSHSAA 5A State Basketball Championship, showcasing his talent, leadership, and dedication on the court. Off the court, he excels academically and is a student in the TCALC Sports Medicine pathway, where he has gained valuable, hands-on experience in athletic training.

With a bright future ahead, Mikey is exploring two exciting paths: pursuing a professional basketball career or becoming a physical therapist. His commitment to excellence has earned him numerous college offers, and on April 15, he committed to Barton Community College.

Learn more about this outstanding senior in this highlight video.

Last week, students at Randolph Elementary School received a hands-on lesson in civic engagement and celebrated their 4th-grade classmate, Eliza, making a real difference in their community.

Eliza took initiative by contacting her city council representative to advocate for a flashing crosswalk in the College Hill neighborhood, ensuring safer routes for students walking to school. Thanks to her determination and advocacy, the crosswalk was installed, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on April 7 to mark this milestone.

We are so proud of Eliza for using her voice to create positive change! Learn more in this highlight from WIBW.

On April 3, over 50 Topeka Public Schools high school students attended “The Real World: AE Day” at Advisors Excel.

Students gained valuable career experience as they were immersed in the “real world” of working for Advisors Excel in various departments. They even had the opportunity to hear from other Topeka Public Schools alumni who now have thriving careers with AE.

We thank Advisors Excel for their continued support of Topeka Public Schools students! View photos from the event on Flickr.

Throughout April, Topeka Public Schools is honoring National School Library Month and celebrating the incredible impact of our school libraries!

We’re grateful to our amazing media specialists who bring the magic of learning to life. Whether through books, technology, or hands-on activities, they create engaging, out-of-this-world experiences that inspire students every day.

We also give special thanks to our Coordinator of Media Services, Mrs. Tiffanie St. Clair, for her leadership and dedication in supporting libraries across the district.

Check out this highlight video to see how our school libraries are sparking curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning!

Throughout April, Topeka Public Schools proudly celebrated Autism Acceptance Month, highlighting the incredible work happening across the district to support students with autism.

A shining example of this effort is the STRIVE Program at Whitson Elementary School, where special education teacher Mr. Adam Groves and paraprofessional Ms. Kristy Emerson have created an innovative and nurturing environment. The STRIVE Room offers students with autism opportunities to learn in unique ways, fostering both academic growth and social development.

We were excited to have WIBW visit the STRIVE Room to showcase this exceptional program and the impactful work of our educators. View the segment here to learn more about the STRIVE Program and its positive impact on students.

Topeka Public Schools extends heartfelt gratitude to our incredible paraprofessionals across the district, who were celebrated on Paraprofessional Appreciation Day on April 2.

Paraprofessionals play a vital role in our schools, supporting teachers and students in countless ways. From leading enrichment and small group activities to providing one-on-one assistance, they help create a nurturing and inclusive learning environment for all.

Thank you to our dedicated paraprofessionals for your unwavering commitment to our students' success. Your work makes a lasting impact every day!

The first week of April marks National Assistant Principals Week, and we are proud to recognize the outstanding contributions of our assistant and associate principals across Topeka Public Schools!

These dedicated leaders work tirelessly to support students, staff, and families, fostering a positive and successful learning environment in every school.

Join us in celebrating their hard work and commitment to student success. Thank you to all our incredible assistant principals for making a difference every day!

During the week of April 7-11, Topeka Public Schools proudly celebrated the Week of the Young Child, an annual event recognizing the importance of early learning, young children, and the vital roles families and educators play in shaping their futures. Learn more in this highlight video.

As part of the celebration, TPS Parents as Teachers hosted the 4th annual Roll & Read at Evergy Plaza and Redbud Park, where families engaged in fun activities promoting literacy and movement. Additionally, Shaner Early Learning Academy hosted their 4th annual PTO picnic. View photos from both events on Flickr.

Looking ahead, preschool registration for the 2025-2026 school year is now open at topekapublicschools.net! Families interested in learning more about our preschool and early childhood education programs are encouraged to visit our Early Childhood Education webpage.

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. If you have not yet paid your fees for the 2024-2025 school year, please 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 log in to ParentVue and create a secure login. Once your secure login has been created, you will log in 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.

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!

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
• Video: College Credit at TCALC & College Prep Academy (watch video)

Attention parents of 5th-graders! Get ready for an exciting transition to middle school.

Join us at your child’s future middle school on Wednesday, April 23 from 5:30-6:30 PM to learn more about what’s in store for the 2025-2026 school year. This is a great opportunity to meet staff, explore the school, and learn about the journey ahead.

For additional details, please contact your building principal. We look forward to seeing you there!

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 will celebrate its staff members with 25 years of service to the district prior to the Board of Education Meeting on Thursday, May 1.

We will also honor staff members retiring from the district during a celebration at Bishop Professional Development Center at 5:15 PM on Tuesday, May 13.

Additional information will be provided in the coming weeks.

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

• Wednesday, May 14: Hope Street Graduation at 10:30 AM

• Wednesday, May 14: Capital City Graduation at 5:30 PM
  
  

• Saturday, May 17: High School Graduation Ceremonies at the Stormont Vail Event Center

• Topeka High School: 9:00 AM
• Highland Park High School: 12:00 PM
• Topeka West High School: 2:30 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. View livestream links for each ceremony here.

• 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 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.

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