Two TPS Scholars Recognized as Finalists in National Merit Scholarship Program
Topeka Public Schools is excited to announce that Wyatt Humphrey of Topeka High School and Jacob Marchant of Topeka West High School have been named as Finalists in the prestigious 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program.
This academic competition recognizes the nation’s most exceptional students based on their academic achievements, SAT scores, and other critical factors.
Wyatt and Jacob stood out among more than 3 million high school students nationwide who applied for this competitive scholarship program. They are now among only 7,250 finalists remaining—a remarkable accomplishment!
We are incredibly proud of Wyatt and Jacob for this outstanding achievement and look forward to all the future success they will continue to achieve after graduation.
Future Educators Earn Top Spots at Kansas Educators Rising Conference & Now Move On To Nationals
On February 5, our future teachers from the TCALC Teaching & Training Pathway, led by instructors Diane Kimsey and Robin Dixon, traveled to Wichita State University for the Educators Rising State Conference.
Over 200 current and future educators attended the event, which featured presenters and competitions where students showcased their teaching skills in more than 20 categories.
TPS students achieved outstanding success, with 5 qualifying for Nationals in June, where they will compete against more than 2,500 future educators from across the country. We are so proud of these outstanding scholars!
Chase Middle School Students Showcase Their Creativity at KSDE Board Meeting
On February 11, the Kansas State Department of Education board meeting featured an inspiring display of creativity from our Chase Middle School scholars!
A special highlight during the meeting was the presentation of portraits of each board member, drawn by the students under the guidance of art teacher Ms. Adrianna Havens.
We are so proud of these talented students, and this celebration serves as a wonderful reminder of the importance of fine arts in education! View additional photos from the event on Flickr.
Highland Park High School AFJROTC Flying Scots Excel at Invitational Drill Meet
On February 8, the Highland Park High School AFJROTC Flying Scots showcased their outstanding skills at the Nevada, MO Invitational Drill Meet.
Competing against 14 other schools, the Flying Scots earned four top-three finishes, continuing their tradition of excellence.
The Flying Scots’ placed third overall, and their performance stands as a testament to their hard work, dedication, and teamwork. With this achievement, they now have a total of 16 top-three finishes in just three competitions this season.
They are now preparing for their next challenge, the Air Capitol Drill Meet in Wichita on March 1. We are so proud of these outstanding scholars! Stay tuned as they continue to represent HP with pride!
Outstanding Capital City Scholar Recognized as Senior of the Month
Congratulations to our February Senior of the Month, Damian Thompson, an outstanding scholar at Capital City School.
Damian is an exceptional student, whose passion and dedication make him a leader and role model at Cap City. He as honed his skills in woodworking and expanded his passion for culinary arts through the Restaurant & Event Management Pathway at TCALC.
After graduation, Damian plans to pursue a career in the culinary field, where we have no doubt he will continue to excel and make his mark.
Learn more about Damian in this Senior of the Month video.
Black History Month Learning Activities & Celebrations Take Place Across the District
In celebration of Black History Month, schools across the district are hosting educational seminars, art displays, music and dance performances, and more throughout February.
During the Board of Education meeting on February 6, Whitson Elementary School was recognized as the winner of the annual Living the Dream Food Drive, collecting 2,156 items. Mrs. Lyndelle Anderson and several of her students were present to accept the award alongside their principals, as they collected 759 items as a class.
In total, 4,796 items were donated to the TPS Community Cupboard and Washburn University Food Pantry to serve families in need.
Pictures and stories related to Black History Month in Topeka Public Schools can be found by viewing our Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr pages.
TPS Celebrates National School Counseling Week
The week of February 3-7, students and staff across the district celebrated National School Counseling Week!
Each year, this special week highlights the impact school counselors have on the lives of students. School counselors are instrumental in providing social-emotional support, encouraging academic success, and assisting with college and career plans.
Watch our video highlighting the role of school counselors in elementary, middle, and high schools, including Ms. Emily Eck from Williams Science & Fine Arts Magnet, who was recently recognized as the Kansas School Counselor Association's Promise Award winner.
Celebrating 100 Days of Learning & Fun in TPS
Last week, we celebrated a special milestone in Topeka Public Schools: the 100th day of school!
Our elementary schools marked this occasion with fun and engaging activities that allowed students and staff to reflect on all they’ve accomplished in the first 100 days and look ahead to the rest of the school year. From creative projects to exciting classroom celebrations, it was a day filled with joy and smiles.
Here’s to many more milestones ahead as we continue to make this school year one to remember! View photos from the 100th day of school on Flickr and Facebook.
TPS Celebrates National Career & Technical Education Month
February is National Career & Technical Education (CTE) Month! We are so proud of our programs that provide 21st-century academic and technical skills for our students.
In 2024, the Topeka Center for Advanced Learning & Careers (TCALC) was highlighted nationally in a CAPS Network case study, which discussed the success of local business partnerships in supporting TCALC students in their career pathways.
The district extends special thanks to TCALC Principal, Mr. Dustin Dick, and Associate Principal, Ms. Laura Nichols, for their leadership in building these partnerships and guiding students through the pathways and into internships and careers.
Visit the TCALC website to learn more about the CTE pathways offered by Topeka Public Schools.
Leadership Announcements at Capital City School & Landon Middle School
We are excited to announce leadership changes at Landon Middle School and Capital City School!
Mr. Randy Wild will be the new Principal of Capital City School, bringing 15 years of experience in special education, leadership, and school administration. Currently the Associate Principal at Topeka West High School, Mr. Wild looks forward to joining the inclusive learning environment at Cap City.
At Landon, Ms. Amy Wagner will continue as Principal after demonstrating exceptional leadership as Interim. Mr. Eric Rodriguez, currently a math department leader and teacher at Jardine Middle School, will join Landon’s administration as Assistant Principal for the 2025-2026 school year, bringing his expertise in bilingual education and middle school leadership.
Please join us in congratulating these outstanding educators as they take on their new roles!
February 2025 Food Resources for Topeka Families
For families in need of food assistance, the City of Topeka has compiled a helpful list of Food Banks, Pantries, and Meal Services (English and Spanish) available in Topeka for February 2025. This resource provides essential information on where to find support in the community!
Please refer to these listings for details on locations and availability. We hope this guide helps connect individuals and families to the resources they need during this time.
February 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
- Program of Studies (watch video)
TPS Weather Notifications
Throughout the winter months, 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 visit topekapublicschools.net/weather.
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
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 February 2025:
- February 1-28: Black History Month
- February 1-28: Career & Technical Education Month
- February 3-7: National School Counseling Week
- February 17: NO SCHOOL
No School in Session - February 20: Board of Education Meeting
5:30 PM | Burnett Center - February 28: Harvesters Food Pantry
9:00 - 10:00 AM | Hummer Sports Park
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.