Community News

What an exciting month of October! Last week, we celebrated our 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year nominees, Mr. Troy St. Clair and Mr. Michael Kates, who are pictured above. Congratulations to these outstanding educators!

This month, we celebrated our final Homecoming event of the season at Topeka West, and enjoyed many fine arts, academics, and athletics activities across the district. We are so proud of our Topeka High athletes who competed in State Tennis, as well as our Chase Cougars, who won the City Football Championship.

We recently debuted this semester's district broadcast, KTPS News, featuring our College Prep scholars, which highlights events and activities across the district. View the episode on Facebook, YouTube, and Cox Channel 14.

We also celebrated the end of Hispanic Heritage Month at the Scott Dual Language Kermés School Carnival, as well as Hispanic Heritage Night at Topeka High. Topeka Public Schools is proud to offer the only PreK-12 Dual Language Program in the region.

Throughout October, we are celebrating National Principals Month, National Audiology Awareness Month, National Physical Therapy Month, National Custodial Worker Appreciation Day, National School Lunch Week, and National School Bus Safety Week. Please join us in thanking our incredible school staff as we highlight these individuals on social media.

We look forward to seeing many of our families at Parent Conferences on October 23-24 and at Fall Festivals on October 31. As we continue to collect feedback from families, a 360 survey will be provided during Parent Conferences, or can be taken online by clicking here.

Thank you for your continued support.

Dr. Tiffany Anderson

Superintendent

Please mark your calendars for district-wide Parent Conferences on Wednesday, October 23 and Thursday, October 24! As a reminder, there will be no school for students on Thursday or Friday (October 24-25).

Secondary

• Wednesday, October 23 from 3:30 - 7:30 PM
• Thursday, October 24 from 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM

Lunch from 1:00 - 2:00 PM

Elementary

• Wednesday, October 23 from 4:00 - 8:00 PM
• Thursday, October 24 from 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Lunch times will vary by location

As we continue to collect feedback from families, a 360 survey will be provided during Parent Conferences, or can be taken online by clicking here.

On October 17, Topeka Public Schools announced the district's 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year Nominees, Mr. Troy St. Clair and Mr. Michael Kates!

Mr. St. Clair, our elementary nominee, is the beloved PE teacher at Scott Dual Langauge, and also serves as a consulting teacher for the district. Mr. Kates, our secondary nominee, is a social studies teacher at Robinson Middle School, where he engages and inspires students through his passion for history.

These amazing educators are a huge part of what makes our district such a special place for students to learn and thrive!

On October 13, Ms. Annette Wiles, Director of Hummer Sports Park, officially joined the 2024 Kansas Sports Hall of Fame during a ceremony at Hotel Topeka.

Ms. Wiles previously served Topeka High School as the athletic director. She was a two-time women's basketball NAIA All-American and the NAIA National Tournament MVP and led Fort Hays State to the 1991 national title. She still holds several records at FHSU, including being the all-time leading scorer with 2,407 points, and also enjoyed a successful coaching career with a 409-227 record, leading teams to multiple NCAA and NAIA tournament appearances.

We congratulate Ms. Wiles on her outstanding achievements and leadership in Kansas Sports! Learn more in this article from the Hays Post.

Topeka West High School was abuzz with excitement and school pride on October 11 as students, staff, and proud alumni gathered to celebrate Homecoming.

The week was packed with festivities including spirit days, a high-energy pep rally, a royalty assembly, and a vibrant parade through the community.

Friday evening, the Chargers varsity football team faced off against Turner High School in a thrilling match at Hummer Sports Park, where they won 32-20. Topeka West also crowned Jicory Wilson and Maria Sanchez as the 2024 Homecoming King and Queen, a moment filled with cheers and applause.

View photos from the Homecoming celebration on Flickr.

On October 18-19, members of the Topeka High School girls tennis team showcased their skills at the KSHSAA 6A State Tournament in Prairie Village.

Madeline Deters, a standout player since her freshman year, placed in the top 10 in the state, battling her way to an impressive 8th place finish in singles. Team members Ava Ritter and Hailey Caryl competed in doubles, representing Topeka High with excellence.

We are so proud of these outstanding athletes. Hoy Hoy, Mighty Troy!

In an effort to give everyone an opportunity to participate in the annual campaign, the United Way of Kaw Valley has extended the fundraising deadline through Thursday, October 31!

You can make a donation to the United Way by completing this pledge form, or by participating in activities taking place at your building. Donations can be general or used to support specific initiatives using these designation codes.

Learn more about what your gift to the United Way provides in this flyer. Please reach out to your building principal for additional information.

On October 19, Topeka West High School hosted an exciting Unified Basketball/Special Olympics match day!

Students from Topeka West and Topeka High formed two dynamic teams that competed in two basketball games each, with cheer squads rooting for both teams to energize the event from the sidelines.

Thank you to our dedicated Topeka Public Schools staff members who coached and organized this enriching opportunity for our scholars! Over 30 TPS students and staff volunteered to ensure the event's success.

From September 15 - October 15, Topeka Public Schools students, staff, and families enjoyed a number of events in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month!

Scott Dual Langage hosted many activities over the past month, including the annual Kermés School Carnival & Talent Show on October 11. The school also partnered with the Washburn University Mulvane Art Museum and local artist Xavier Martinez to host Hispanic art workshops, which was highlighted by the Topeka Capital-Journal.

On October 9, Topeka High School hosted Hispanic Heritage Night, where families enjoyed music performances by the Topeka High Orchestra, traditional foods prepared by culinary arts students, and an interactive art station to create sugar skulls. Students also curated educational display boards to teach attendees about Latin American culture and history. Learn more in this segment from WIBW.

This month, the Topeka Public Schools Foundation activated its annual Grant Patrol and surprised many TPS educators with checks to fund special programs for TPS scholars!

The TPS Foundation grant funding is provided to TPS educators to support and recognize their innovative programs designed to offer students unique, hands-on experiences. TPSF has provided grant funding to Topeka Public Schools educators for the past 38 years.

In 2024, the TPS Foundation grant allocations committee funded 20 grants, totaling $11,708. TPSF grant awards are for classroom, school-wide, or district-wide innovations and provide additional learning opportunities for students that otherwise are not available.

On October 16, the Chase Middle School football team celebrated the end of their season by winning the City Championship. We congratulate the Cougars on this exciting win!

Additionally, we send congratulations to our students at Jardine Middle School, who played Chase in the City Championship and took 2nd. Way to go, Jaguars!

Both schools fought hard in the championship game, which came down to the final minutes with a score of 30-28. We are so proud of our middle school scholars and athletes.

On October 16, young singers from schools across the district united on stage at the second annual showcase of the Topeka Public Schools Elementary Honor Choir.

The event features 100 4th and 5th-grade students who were hand-picked by their elementary school music teachers. Students spend the day learning music together, then perform for their parents that evening. Learn more in this highlight from WIBW and view photos on Facebook.

We look forward to the TPS Middle School Honor Choir event on Tuesday, October 22 at 6:00 PM in the Topeka West High School Auditorium.

Join us on Saturday, October 26 from 4:30 - 8:30 PM for a vibrant celebration of Filipino culture at Town & Country Christian Church (4925 SW 29th St).

Themed "Panagtagbo: Pagkakaiba, Pagkakaisa!" which translates to "Crossroad between Diversity and Unity," this event will bring together members of our community during Filipino American History Month, which is celebrated annually in October.

Attendees will enjoy an array of performances, traditional Filipino cuisine from local vendors, and an engaging array of activities that showcase the rich heritage of the Filipino community.

On Sunday, October 27 at 5:00 PM, Topeka South Rotary will host the annual Topeka Pumpkin Run at Hummer Sports Park!

Join us for an evening run through a Halloween decorated path, with different participation options, including a 5K Run, 5K Walk, Fun Run, or Family Stroll.

At the end of the event, participants are invited to partake in a Trunk or Treat in the parking lot, hosted by the Topeka High School Interact Club and members of Topeka South Rotary.

Learn more and register at topekapumpkinrun.com.

On Tuesday, October 29, Topeka Public Schools will host the annual Warm Little Ones Winter Coat Giveaway at Quinton Heights Education Center (2331 SW Topeka Blvd).

Stop by Quinton Heights from 5:00 - 7:00 PM to pick up a free winter coat, hat, gloves, socks, and more for your student, as well as a FREE weatherization kit for your home, donated by our partners at Kansas Gas Service!

Leading up to this event, Quinton Heights will be accepting donations of new or gently used winter coats that will be donated during the event.

For questions or additional details, please contact Fred Willer at fwiller@tps501.org.

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
• Advanced Placement (AP) (watch video)

As our families plan for the 2024-2025 school year, view the academic calendar, which is available on the Communications Department menu.

Below are important dates for October 2024:

• October 1-30: National Principals Month
• October 1-30: National Audiology Awareness Month
  
• October 1-30: National Physical Therapy Month
• October 21-25: National School Bus Safety Week
• October 22: Shawnee County College & Career Fair
  8:30 - 11:30 AM | TCALC
• October 23: Kansas School Transportation Appreciation Day
• October 23-31: Red Ribbon Week
• October 23-24: Parent Teacher Conferences
  Look for scheduling information from your child's teacher
• October 24-25: NO SCHOOL
  School Not in Session
• October 27: Topeka Pumpkin Run & Trunk or Treat
  5:00 PM | Hummer Sports Park
• October 29: Warm Little Ones Coat Giveaway
  5:00 PM | Quinton Heights Welcome Center
• October 31: Fall Festivities

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 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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