Community News

February has been very busy with so many activities, including musical performances, school plays, and athletics events, and I have enjoyed visiting with students and families at various Black History Month celebrations.

As the first African American female superintendent serving in Topeka Public Schools, it is a privilege to serve alongside incredible educators and community members in a district committed to diversity. We've also enjoyed highlighting students and staff throughout this month for Career & Technical Education (CTE) Month and National School Counseling Week.

As we celebrate National Public Schools Week, celebrated annually the last week of February, we thank all of staff and families for their support of public schools. We are also grateful for the many community partners who uplift our students, staff, and families through generous donations in support of public school initiatives.

At this time, given the inclement weather days used and additional days embedded within the academic calendar, the school year will end as a half-day on Thursday, May 29. The academic calendar for the 2024-2025 school year can be viewed here.

We look forward to seeing many of our families in March during Parent Conferences at each of our schools. If you have any questions about your student's conference, please contact your building principal.

Thank you for your continued support.

Dr. Tiffany Anderson

Superintendent

Throughout February, schools across the district hosted educational seminars, art displays, music and dance performances, and more in celebration of Black History Month.

On February 26, our College Prep Academy scholars had the opportunity to hear from two inspiring leaders, Dr. Beryl New, a retired TPS administrator and current Kansas State Board of Education member, and Dr. Aarion Gray, General Director of Instructional Services for TPS.

Additionally, Robinson Middle School hosted a special event in partnership with Girl Up, focused on empowerment, self-care, and inner beauty. Williams Magnet students will enjoy a celebration and story time with Dr. Alysn Otinga this afternoon, and and Highland Park Central Elementary will welcome performance artists from "I AM Passionette" on Friday.

More photos and stories related to Black History Month in Topeka Public Schools can be found by viewing our Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr pages.

Congratulations to Ke'Ahjahnae Rice, an outstanding senior at Highland Park High School, for being awarded the prestigious Rudd Foundation Full-Ride Scholarship to Wichita State University!

The Rudd Foundation, which provides scholarships to high-achieving students with a demonstrated commitment to success, recognized Ke'Ahjahnae and surprised her with a big check during class on February 27.

Ke'Ahjahnae was one of only 50 students chosen out of over 700 applicants. This incredible scholarship, valued at up to $100,000, will support her academic journey and future aspirations in the medical field, as she plans to pursue nursing and earn a doctoral degree.

We are so proud of Ke'Ahjahnae and look forward to seeing all that she will achieve in the future!

Last week, Mrs. Lisa Martinez, Assistant Principal at Scott Dual Language Magnet, and her family were highlighted in the annual Choose Topeka Official Guide for residents and visitors in our community.

The article shares the family's story of making Topeka their home, where Mrs. Martinez was born and raised and proudly educated in Topeka Public Schools in grades K-12.

Mrs. Martinez and her husband are also proud to raise bilingual and biliterate scholars who attend Scott Dual Language, continuing their commitment to bilingual education and fostering academic excellence in Topeka!

View a digital copy here or order a free copy of the printed version here, with Mrs. Martinez's story appearing on page 111.

Over the past year, Ms. Rebecca Glotzbach, a mental health mentor at Ross Elementary, worked on a special project that came to life this Valentine's Day!

Inspired by her desire to share kindness, she reached out to gather hundreds of plastic heart-shaped containers, which were then filled with positive messages from both students and staff.

With the help of the school's counselors, a kindness lesson was held for every student, encouraging them to write kind notes to others. Staff members also participated by anonymously writing messages for their colleagues. In total, over 650 hearts were filled with messages and distributed, spreading positivity throughout the school.

Ms. Glotzbach's project reminds us of the impact of small acts of kindness and the power of community. It’s an inspiring example of the wonderful things happening at Ross!

District-wide Parent Conferences will be held on Wednesday, March 12 and Thursday, March 13.

There will be no school for students on Thursday, March 13 and Friday, March 14.

Secondary

• Wednesday, March 12 from 3:30 - 7:30 PM
• Thursday, March 13 from 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM

Lunch from 1:00 - 2:00 PM

Elementary

• Wednesday, March 12 from 4:00 - 8:00 PM
• Thursday, March 13 from 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Lunch times will vary by location

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

Openings are available for the 2025-2026 school year at Scott Dual Language Magnet School (view application here) and Williams Science & Fine Arts Magnet School (view application here).

Applications for magnet schools and in-district transfers (view application here) will be accepted online through March 31, 2025. Families will be notified of approval and placement in April.

Save the date! Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year will open online in April 2025. 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 2025-2026 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.

Do you have a young scholar ready to begin preschool? Get ready! Our 2025-2026 preschool application will be available online beginning in April!

Topeka Public Schools is accepting applications for State Pre-K, Preschool Intervention Program, Sheldon Head Start, Pine Ridge Prep, Scott Dual Language, and Shaner Early Learning Academy.

View the 2025-2026 preschool flyer in English and Spanish here. For more information on our outstanding preschool programs, visit topekapublicschools.net.

Families who have a preschooler ready to begin kindergarten this fall are encouraged to join us for 2025-2026 Kindergarten Orientation at 5:30 PM on Thursday, April 10!

This event is an opportunity for parents to learn more about Topeka Public Schools, meet teachers and staff, and tour our schools. Eligible students must be 5 years-old by August 31, 2025.

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. For questions regarding your home school, please contact TPS Demographics at 785-295-3099.

The City of Topeka Fire Department, in partnership with the American Red Cross, is offering a Smoke Alarm Program designed to provide lifesaving benefits to the community.

The program provides free smoke alarms for homes that do not have any, with alarms installed by Topeka Fire Department members. Additionally, the program includes a survey of existing smoke alarms, replacing outdated alarms or batteries, and educating residents on proper maintenance.

Free smoke alarms are also available for those who are hearing impaired. Smoke alarm quantities are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

To apply, please submit an application online or print and return it to:
Topeka Fire Department
Attn: Smoke Alarm Program

324 SE Jefferson St.

Topeka, Kansas 66607

For assistance, please contact the Topeka Fire Department 785-368-4000.

Family Service & Guidance Center (FSGC) is offering a free, two-session training designed to help anyone who works with children, including parents, communicate more effectively and improve behavior.

The Child-Adult Relationship Enhancement (C.A.R.E.) class will focus on strengthening relationships and making children more likely to follow instructions.

Both sessions will be held at the FSGC offices (327 SW Frazier Ave) from 5:00 - 6:45 PM, with session 1 taking place on Thursday, March 13 and session 2 continuing on Thursday, March 27.

Group size is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot by Sunday, March 9 by scanning the QR code or visiting FSGCtopeka.com/CAREclass.

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.

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:

1. Download the Here Comes the Bus app or visit herecomesthebus.com
2. Sign Up by visiting the Here Comes the Bus website.
3. Enter school code 29036 and click “Next” followed by “Confirm”
4. Complete the “User Profile” box
5. Under “My Students,” click “Add" then enter your child’s last name and student ID number
6. Once you confirm your information, you’re ready to begin using Here Comes the Bus!

Spring Break will be held the week of March 17-21, 2025. There will also be no school for students on March 13-14 for Parent Conferences, and Monday, March 24 for staff planning & prep.

Students will return to school on Tuesday, March 25.

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 March 2025:

• March 1-31: Music, Theatre, & Visual Arts in Our Schools Month
• March 1-31: Women's History Month
• March 1-31: National Social Work Month
• March 2-8: National School Social Work Week
• March 12-13: Parent Conferences
  NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS ON MARCH 13
• March 13: Board of Education Meeting
  5:30 PM | Burnett Center
• March 14: Conference Friday
  NO SCHOOL IN SESSION

• March 17-21: SPRING BREAK
  NO SCHOOL IN SESSION
• March 24: Staff Planning & Prep Day
  NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS

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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