Topeka Public Schools High School Commencement Ceremonies
Topeka Public Schools is excited to honor the graduating class of 2024 on Saturday, May 18 at the Stormont Vail Events Center
(1 Expocentre Dr, Topeka, KS 66612).
Each high school commencement ceremony will also be live-streamed on the Topeka Public Schools YouTube channel.
Ceremony times are listed below:
- Topeka West High School: 9:00 AM
- Highland Park High School: 11:30 AM
- Topeka High School: 2:00 PM
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Please review the Event Day Guide and bag size/clear bag policy from the Stormont Vail Events Center prior to attending graduation. Please note that any bags, clutches, or wallets must be smaller than 9x5" or must be clear in order to enter the facility. No outside food or drinks will be permitted.
Hope Street Academy's graduation ceremony will take take place in the school gymnasium on Wednesday, May 15, at 10:00 AM. This event will be live streamed on YouTube.
Capital City High School's graduation will take place the Topeka Center for Advanced Learning & Careers (TCALC - 500 SW Tuffy Kellogg Dr) on Wednesday, May 15 at 5:30 PM.
Students or families who have questions about graduation may contact their building/division principal for additional information.
Save the Date for Preschool, Elementary, & Middle School Promotion Ceremonies
Join us in celebrating our scholars as they take the next step in their educational journey! Preschool, elementary, and middle school promotions will be held at the dates and times listed below.
- Sheldon Head Start: Tuesday, May 14 at 2:00 PM
- College Prep Academy: Wednesday, May 15 at 8:30 AM at TCALC
- Preschool Intervention Programs: Thursday, May 16 at 2:00 PM
- Pine Ridge Prep: Friday, May 17 at 1:30 PM
- Shaner: Friday, May 17 at 2:00 PM
- Preschool Programs: Friday, May 17 at 2:00 PM
- 5th Grade: Monday, May 20 - 1:30 PM, 1:45 PM, or 2:00 PM
Schools will provide additional details - 8th Grade: Tuesday, May 21 at 8:00 AM
Promotion ceremonies will be held at each school. Please reach out to your building principal for additional details.
TPS Seniors Recognized for Excellence Through Governor's Scholars Program
The Governor's Scholars Recognition Program honors the top academic 1% of Kansas high school seniors. Scholars are selected from accredited public and private schools throughout the state.
Congratulations to the exceptional Topeka Public Schools students who were honored as 2024 Governor's Scholars!
Highland Park High School: Jordynn Bennett, Cohen Partain, and Andrew Soto
Topeka West High School: Caleb Annan-Noonoo, Rebecca Bearman, and Jaiden Wen
Topeka High School: Siena Boiteau, Isabelle Hays, Emma Ludlum, and Ke Ni
View photos from the recognition ceremony on Facebook.
Carolyn Parker Becomes Second Early College Scholars Graduate
The Early College Scholars, a program created in partnership with Topeka Public Schools and Washburn University, was designed for College Prep Academy students to apply and be accepted for college admissions at the end of their sophomore year.
In 2022, as a sophomore at Topeka West High School, Carolyn Parker was the second student to be accepted to the Early College Scholars. Throughout her junior and senior years, she attended Washburn full-time and will graduate next week with both a high school diploma and an associate's degree in liberal arts. She plans to continue her education at Washburn and complete a bachelor's degree in English.
Carolyn follows in the footsteps of T'Ahjanae Ray, the first of the Early College Scholars who graduated from Washburn and Highland Park last spring. T'Ahjanae is traveling to Korea with other Washburn students next week, and plans to complete undergraduate and graduate degrees in the future. In 2025, Topeka High School student Kiamoni Meyers-Lewis will be the third scholar to graduate from the program.
TCALC Hosts Inaugural College Signing Day for Future Educators in the Teaching as a Profession Pathway
Veteran TPS educators Mrs. Diane Kimsey and Mrs. Robin Dixon are shaping the next generation of educators through the Teaching as a Profession Pathway at the Topeka Center for Advanced Learning & Careers (TCALC).
On May 7, they orchestrated the pathway's inaugural College Signing Day, in collaboration with the Kansas State Department of Education, Washburn University, and Emporia State University, who provided the students with scholarships, gifts, and words of wisdom.
This milestone event marked the official commitment of their students to attend a teaching program, emphasizing the program's dedication to preparing future educators. View highlights from the College Signing Day in this video.
TPS Celebrates Staff With 25 Years of Service & Teacher Appreciation Week
On May 2, the Topeka Public Schools Board of Education honored staff members with 25 years of service to the district and proclaimed the week of May 6-10 as Teacher Appreciation Week.
In Topeka Public Schools, all of our staff members support teaching students academic and life-long lessons daily. Our schools and central office team enjoyed celebrating all staff members throughout this week with tokens of our appreciation.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to join in the celebration and say thank you to the educators who have made an impact in your life!
Distinguished Staff Award Honorees Celebrated at Reception & Ceremony
On April 25, the 2024 Distinguished Staff Award (DSA) honorees were celebrated during a reception and ceremony at Bishop Professional Development Center.
These 13 staff members have positively impacted thousands of Topeka Public Schools students and families!
Pictured are Ms. Katherine Valdivia of McCarter Elementary School (Elementary Teacher Category) and Ms. Miranda Gil of Topeka West High School (First-Year Elementary Teacher Category), two innovative special education teachers who are making a difference in their school communities.
The DSA is the highest award that a staff member can receive in Topeka Public Schools. Congratulations to all of this year's recipients! View photos from the event on Flickr or view the event live stream on the Topeka Public Schools YouTube channel.
Randolph Elementary Parent Honored as May Above & Beyond Award Winner
We are excited to announce Mr. Ben Alford as the recipient of the district's May 2024 Above & Beyond Award!
Not only is Mr. Alford a dedicated Randolph Elementary parent, but he also serves as the President of the PTO, bringing boundless energy and commitment to enriching the school community.
Mr. Alford also serves on the board of the Topeka Public Schools Foundation, tirelessly advocating for the success and well-being of all students. From organizing engaging events to spearheading fundraising initiatives, Mr. Alford's impact has been tremendous.
Join us in congratulating Mr. Alford for going above and beyond in making a difference in the lives of our students and families!
Adaptive PE Field Day Offers a Variety of Fun For All Students
The 5th annual Topeka Public Schools Adapted PE Field Day was held at Hummer Sports Park on May 7!
Adapted PE Field Day gives students who may need additional support the opportunity to participate in activities that meet their needs. It also provides a chance for general education students to engage as peer models for students with disabilities.
Topeka Public Schools students and staff joined in workstation games, puzzles, and more! View photos from the event on Flickr.
ShareFest Volunteers Work to Beautify School Campuses Across the District
Hundreds of volunteers dedicated their Saturday morning to give back to Topeka Public Schools during ShareFest 2024!
From landscaping to painting and cleaning up leaves, these dedicated individuals beautified schools across the city. Their hard work and commitment made a significant difference in enhancing the school environment for students and staff alike.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the volunteers and organizers for their invaluable contribution to our community. To learn more about ShareFest, watch this video and view photos from the event on Flickr.
Advisors Excel Brings the Barnyard to TPS Preschool Scholars
On May 9, the preschool students at Sheldon Head Start and Pine Ridge Prep had an exciting day as volunteers from Advisors Excel brought the farm to school!
At the annual AE Barnyard event, our youngest scholars had the opportunity to meet farm animals and received stickers, books, and activities to take home.
We thank Advisors Excel for their continued support of Topeka Public Schools students and families! View photos from this memorable day on Flickr.
Enroll Now for the 2024-2025 School Year
Online registration for the 2024-2025 school year is now open for students in grades PreK-12! Returning TPS families may register their students at this link or through the ParentVue app on a mobile device.
Families NEW to Topeka Public Schools will create a new account and register by following these instructions.
Families can view important dates for the 2024-2025 school year, a school supply list, and more at topekapublicschools.net on the Online Registration page.
RESCHEDULED DATE: TPS & TPS Foundation Partner to Host 70th Anniversary Brown v. Board Commemorative Reception
As we approach the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board, we would like to honor and memorialize the plaintiffs in the case and other trailblazers who have paved the way as the district's first African-American educators and leaders at the Burnett building.
Topeka Public Schools has partnered with Ms. Pamela Johnson-Betts and the TPS Foundation to host a Commemorative Reception on Thursday, May 16 from 4:30-6:00 PM at the Burnett Administrative Center, which will include historical information and a celebration to honor these courageous leaders.
District Calendar & Upcoming Events
View the 2023-2024 academic calendar or the district Google Calendar to plan ahead for parent-teacher conferences, no school days, and more.
Please note that the last day of school for students is Tuesday, May 21. Students will be dismissed at 11:30 AM and no lunch will be served.
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.
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- 785-GET-HELP
- 785-438-4357
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