
Community News
Topeka Public Schools | 5/21/25
Message From the Superintendent
Dear TPS Staff & Families:
Thank you so much for the incredible year. The School Board members and all of our staff congratulate all of our graduates, who collectively earned over $13 million in college scholarships. Each commencement ceremony was live-streamed and can be viewed on the Topeka Public Schools YouTube channel.
Our promotional ceremonies for 5th grade take place on Wednesday, May 28, and we look forward to celebrating our 8th grade students on Thursday, May 29. It has been wonderful visiting with many of our PreK families at the various ceremonies this week. This weekend's graduation celebrations were amazing, and the elementary and middle school leaders attended in celebration of our scholars.
We thank all of our retiring staff for their dedication to Topeka Public Schools. Some of our retirees have spent decades serving students and families, such as Mr. Kerry Zimmerman, who has served as a teacher at Topeka High School for 33 years and was recently highlighted by WIBW in the Salute Our Heroes segment.
We also extend a heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Yvonne Spalding, who is retiring as Principal of Chase Middle School, and Mrs. Diane Kimsey, a district consulting teacher who was named as a 2025 Kansas Teacher of the Year Semi-Finalist. All of our retiring educators have made a tremendous impact on our Topeka community! View photos from the district Retirement Ceremony on Flickr.
Thank you for your support and commitment to making this a very special year! We look forward to seeing students in June at one of our many summer programs.
Have a wonderful summer!
Dr. Tiffany Anderson
Superintendent
Celebrating the Topeka High School Graduating Class of 2025
On May 17, we celebrated the Topeka High School graduating class of 2025! Congratulations to these exceptional graduates for their perseverance and remarkable achievements.
Students at Topeka High collectively earned over $9 million in college scholarships, and three scholars, Wyatt Humphrey, Niomi Johnson, and Isaac Wood, were named as co-Valedictorians.
We know the future ahead is bright for all of these Trojans. Hoy Hoy Mighty Troy! Take a moment to relive the highlights of this unforgettable day with our photo album on Flickr.
Celebrating the Highland Park High School Graduating Class of 2025
On May 17, we celebrated the Highland Park High School graduating class of 2025! We congratulate these outstanding graduates, whose hard work and dedication are commendable.
Students at Highland Park collectively earned nearly $2 million in college scholarships, and Gavin Igercic was named as the class Valedictorian.
We know these Scots will achieve great things and continue to make a difference in the world. It is truly GREAT to be a Scot! Take a look at some of the memorable moments from the day on Flickr.
Celebrating the Topeka West High School Graduating Class of 2025
On May 18, we celebrated the Topeka West High School graduating class of 2025! Hats off to these graduates for their hard work and unwavering dedication.
Students at Topeka West collectively earned nearly $2 million in college scholarships, and Chloe Phelps was named as the class Valedictorian.
We know these Chargers are destined for greatness, whether they are headed to college, trade school, the military, or the workforce. Cherish all of your favorite moments from graduation day with our photo album on Flickr.
Celebrating the Hope Street Academy Graduating Class of 2025
On May 14, we celebrated the graduating class of 2025 at Hope Street Academy! Congratulations to all of our Hope Street scholars, your hard work and perseverance have paid off.
Many students received awards, including Mia McCracken, who was named as Hope Street's winner of the Superintendent's Award as a model of excellence for her fellow graduates. Additionally, students showcased their talent as part of the inaugural Hope Street choir.
These graduates are poised for greatness, whether they’re pursuing post-secondary education or stepping into the workforce. Treasure every special memory from graduation with our photo album on Flickr.
TPS Earns National Recognition for Excellence in Theatre & Music Education
We are excited to announce that Topeka Public Schools has been nationally recognized as a Premiere Community for Theatre Education by the Educational Theatre Association and as one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation.
This is the second time Topeka West High School has earned the theatre distinction, remaining the only school in Kansas to achieve this from 2022–2025, and the first time the district as a whole has been honored.
Additionally, Topeka Public Schools has been recognized for its music education for the seventh consecutive year, more than any other district in Kansas.
These awards reflect the district’s dedication to fostering student creativity and excellence in the arts, from theatre productions to outstanding band and choir programs. We thank the students and educators who make these achievements possible, and we are proud to be a state and national leader in fine arts education!
TPS Announces Leadership Transition in Special Education
Dr. Jennifer Harrington will transition from her role as General Director of Special Education, effective June 30. Dr. Harrington shared that she is grateful for the opportunity to work with such a passionate team and looks forward to exploring new personal and professional interests. We sincerely thank Dr. Harrington for her dedicated service and leadership.
We are pleased to announce that Mr. Mike Lowers, a seasoned special education leader with extensive experience, is returning from retirement to serve in Topeka Public Schools. Mr. Lowers is widely recognized for his role as the former Executive Director of Special Education in Salina, where he oversaw a consortium of school districts across Kansas. He has been recommended to the school board to serve as the interim Executive Director of Special Education.
During his retirement, he remained active in the field by overseeing teletherapy services and providing training in teletherapy, and he has recently completed the course requirements for his doctoral degree. Mr. Lowers is excited to join the Topeka Public Schools special education team.
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.
- Preschool Intervention Programs: Friday, May 23 at 2:00 PM
- Pine Ridge Prep: Tuesday, May 27 at 1:30 PM
- Shaner: Tuesday, May 27 at 1:45 PM
- Preschool Programs: Tuesday, May 27 at 2:00 PM
- 5th Grade: Wednesday, May 28
- 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
- 8th Grade: Thursday, May 29 at 8:00 AM
Enroll Now for the 2025-2026 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.
Pay School Fees Online Using My School Bucks
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.
Reminder: No School on Monday, May 26
As a reminder, all district buildings will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 26.
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.
Important End of Year Dates for TPS Staff & Families
As families plan for the remainder of the 2024-2025 school year, here are some important dates to keep in mind:
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Tuesday, May 20: Last Day of School for Sheldon Head Start
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Friday, May 23: PIP Preschool Promotions at 2:00 PM
Monday, May 26: No School / Memorial Day
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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
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Tuesday, May 27: Last Day of School for PIP Programs
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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
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Wednesday, May 28: Last Day of School for Grades 6-7
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Thursday, May 29: 8th Grade Promotions at 8:00 AM
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Thursday, May 29: Last Day of School for All Students PreK-12 (Half Day)
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.
Legislative Advocacy
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.
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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