Have a Happy Thanksgiving Break!
There will be no school for students from Monday, November 25 through Friday, November 29 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. School will resume on Monday, December 2.
We are thankful for all of our students, families, and staff who make the district great. Have a happy and safe holiday!
Civil Rights Icon Ruby Bridges Inspires TPS Scholars
November 14 marked a historic and momentous occasion, as students across the district celebrated Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day.
At Washburn University, 350 TPS scholars received a special visit from the civil rights icon herself, Ruby Bridges, as Governor Laura Kelly proclaimed the 2nd annual Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day in Kansas. We thank our Equity Council Co-Chair Dr. Beryl New and the Event Steering Committee who made the event possible.
Students from Williams Science & Fine Arts Magnet School also commemorated the day with a meaningful walk to the Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park, led by NEA President Becky Pringle and Kansas NEA President Sherri Schwanz.
View photos from all of the events on Flickr.
Topeka High School Educator Honored With the National Education Equity Lab's Interdisciplinary Impact Award
On November 13, Ms. Sara Schafer, an educator at Topeka High School, was honored by the National Education Equity Lab with the prestigious Interdisciplinary Impact Award.
Ms. Schafer was recognized for her exceptional contributions and unwavering commitment to advancing educational equity. During the event, her student Alejandra Valera Lopez Pintor spoke about the impact she has made at Topeka High.
The National Education Equity Lab partners with top colleges and universities to deliver college credit-bearing courses in high school classrooms across the nation, and this mission would not be possible without the incredible commitment of teachers like Ms. Schafer!
Scott Dual Language Principal Earns November Crystal Apple Award
On November 11, Mrs. Ann Gorsuch DeMaranville, Principal of Scott Dual Language Magnet Elementary School, was named as the November Crystal Apple Award Winner by Majic 107.7.
The Crystal Apple Award recognizes outstanding educators in Topeka and Northeast Kansas who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of their students. In the nomination, it was shared that Mrs. DeMaranville is loved by students, staff, and families, and her hard work and dedication inspires all who know her.
We congratulate Mrs. DeMaranville on this well-deserved recognition!
Standout Topeka West Scholar Recognized as November Senior of the Month
Topeka West High School standout Senior Brielle Belshe was selected as the November 2024 Senior of the Month! She was recognized by the Topeka Public Schools Board of Education at their meeting on November 7.
Brielle shines as a leader at Topeka West High School, serving as a National Honor Society member, part of Topeka West JROTC, and head captain of the cheer squad. She is dedicated to making an impact both in school and in the community!
Next year, Brielle plans to attend Washburn University to continue her cheer journey and pursue a major in Criminal Justice.
Learn more about Brielle in this Senior of the Month video.
TPS Celebrates Native American Heritage Month & Hosts Indigenous Youth Gathering
Throughout the month of November, Topeka Public Schools is celebrating Native American Heritage Month! Educational activities are taking place at schools across the district.
To kick off the celebration, Mr. Yale Taylor and Haskell University partnered to hold the Indigenous Youth Gathering at TCALC on November 7. The event featured information from a variety of vendors, group art activities led by Indigenous artists, food catered by Native Chef LLC, and inspiring words from Bobby Von Martin, a Choctaw artist and public speaker. View photos from the event on Flickr.
Additionally, the Topeka Public Schools Board of Education recognized this important celebration with the signing of a proclamation, followed by a presentation and blanket ceremony facilitated by Mr. Taylor.
Students & Staff Honor Local Service Members in Celebration of Veterans Day
The week of November 11-15, students and staff honored military Veterans and thanked them for their service in celebration of Veterans Day, with a variety of school assemblies and celebrations taking place across the district.
In addition, JROTC members from Highland Park, Topeka High, and Topeka West have enjoyed assisting with various community events to honor Veterans, and we are so proud to have Veterans leading our JROTC programs!
Last weekend, JROTC cadets and marching band members from all high schools took part in the downtown Topeka Veterans Day Parade. View photos from Veterans Day celebrations across the district on Flickr.
Future Educators From KSU's Call Me MISTER Program Enjoy Tour of TPS
On November 8, Topeka Public Schools welcomed an inspiring group of future educators from Kansas State University's Call Me MISTER program to tour the district.
This initiative focuses on mentoring and placing male teachers from diverse backgrounds into communities that need them most. The MISTERs visited TCALC, College Prep Academy, Topeka High School, and Ross Elementary, meeting with school and district leaders.
We thank KSU for this valuable partnership that enriches the learning environment for TPS scholars! View photos from the tour on Flickr and learn more in this video highlight.
Happy National School Psychology Week!
In celebration of National School Psychology Week, which was celebrated November 11-15, Topeka Public Schools would like to recognize our incredible school psychologists across the district. We are so thankful for all that they do for our students, families, and staff!
We thank Dr. Kara Schuetz, the district's Coordinator of School Psychology and Interim Principal at Capital City High School, for her leadership in integrating services and strategies that enhance the learning environment for our scholars. She is pictured presenting at the Kansas Association of School Psychologists annual conference.
Topeka Public Schools continues to lead the way in Kansas in the areas of mental health and social-emotional growth, earning Silver Star Recognition Awards in 2023 and 2024 from the Kansas State Department of Education.
Shawnee County Students Explore Post-Secondary Opportunities at TCALC College & Career Fair
On October 22, Topeka Public Schools hosted its annual College & Career Fair for all high school students in Shawnee County at the Topeka Center for Advanced Learning & Careers (TCALC).
Hundreds of high school students from Topeka and surrounding areas attended the event, which featured over 80 colleges, universities, and employers from across the region who provided important information for after graduation. Students even had the opportunity to apply for jobs on-site.
View highlights from the event on Flickr. Be sure to check out the November College Connections Newsletter for information on ACT/SAT testing, FAFSA, and more!
November 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
- Washburn Institute of Technology (watch video)
Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority Honored With 2024 Millie Murphy Award
On October 27, Topeka Public Schools presented the annual Millie Murphy Award to Delta Kappa Gamma during a ceremony at the district's Community Cupboard at Quinton Heights.
Delta Kappa Gamma was honored for their exceptional dedication in providing community resources for Topeka Public Schools. Their unwavering support ensures that families in our school communities have access to essential necessities.
Pictured are Gwen Elliott, Sandi Kassebaum, Linda Harold, Ethel Edwards, Sue Bolley, and Sarah Meadows – a group with an incredible 150+ years of combined service in education! Thank you for making a lasting impact on our students and families.
View photos from the ceremony on Flickr.
TPS Partners With Kansas Gas Service to Provide Families With Winter Attire & Weatherization Kits
On October 27, Topeka Public Schools held the annual Warm Little Ones Coat Giveaway at the district Welcome Center.
Hundreds of families from across Topeka were able to shop for free winter gear, including coats, hats, gloves, clothing items, and more. Additionally, the district partnered with Kansas Gas Service to provide each family with a weatherization kit for their home. View photos from the event on Flickr.
You can help support the Warm Little Ones Coat Fund by making a monetary donation or by dropping off new or gently used coats to Quinton Heights (2335 SW Topeka Blvd).
For donation inquiries or questions about visiting the TPS Community Cupboard, please contact Fred Willer at fwiller@tps501.org.
Fall Parades and Parties Take Place Across the District
On October 31, schools across the district celebrated the fall season with a variety of parades, parties, and festivals!
The district also hosted a costume contest on Facebook, where Topeka Public Schools students, families, and staff members posted photos of their fun attire.
The contest winners were Camilo, a preschool scholar from Scott Dual Language, and Daneisha, a kindergartener at Ross Elementary, whose fantastic costumes won the hearts of many.
View photos from all of the festivities in our photo album on Flickr.
TPS Weather Notifications
As the weather begins to cool, 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 review our How We Communicate With Families document.
District Calendar & Upcoming Events
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 November 2024:
- November 1-30: Native American Heritage Month
- November 11-15: National School Psychology Week
- November 8: National Parents as Teachers Day
- November 11: Veterans Day
- November 18-22: American Education Week
- November 21: Principal for a Day
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Districtwide
- November 21: Board of Education Meeting
5:30 PM | Burnett Center - November 25-29: Thanksgiving Break
NO SCHOOL IN SESSION - November 28: Thanksgiving Day
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.