Community News

This week, we celebrated student graduates at the district's fifth annual Mid-Year Graduation Ceremonies for seniors who completed their graduation requirements early. We congratulate all of our 120 graduating scholars and we look forward to supporting them in college, their future careers, and military opportunities. Photos can be downloaded from the photo link we have included, and the video of ceremonies are on our YouTube and cable channel.

Throughout January, we have been engaged in learning about the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We extend a special thank you to the organizers of Living the Dream, Inc. for highlighting so many scholars in the various art, poetry, and essay contests. We congratulate all of our students and staff who were honored for their service to the community and received scholarships.

As we enter the final four months of the school year, we thank all of our staff and families for your support during the inclement weather. At this time, there are no snow days that need to be made up, and we remain hopeful for mild weather as we navigate the remainder of the winter season.

The Chiefs spirit can be seen across the district within each school team. Next week leading up to the Super Bowl, students and staff will be wearing Chiefs gear and enjoying various team activities. Join us in posting your photos on social media as we cheer on our team.

Thank you for your continued support.

Dr. Tiffany Anderson

Superintendent

As a reminder, there will be no school on Monday, February 3.

Enjoy the long weekend, and we look forward to seeing students when we return on Tuesday!

We're celebrating the Chiefs' historic journey to Super Bowl LIX after another incredible AFC Championship win! What a team!

As the Chiefs prepare for the Super Bowl, all students and staff are welcome to wear Chiefs gear from February 4-7 to cheer them on. Join us in sharing photos and messages on our social media channels highlighting how you are supporting the Chiefs as they attempt the first NFL three-peat!

We send a special thank you to our TPS staff members for their dedication and incredible work as a team. Go Chiefs!

On January 27, Topeka Public Schools celebrated our seniors who completed their high school graduation requirements early during Mid-Year Graduation Ceremonies at Topeka West, Topeka High, Highland Park, and Hope Street Academy.

These scholars have already started to move into their post-secondary college and career experiences, and we know they are destined to do great things in the future. All of the graduates were offered career opportunities with Topeka Public Schools (apply here).

Click here to watch a video highlighting some of our outstanding mid-year graduates. A live stream of each ceremony is available on each of the schools' YouTube pages, and our Presentation of Graduates commemorative videos can be viewed on the district's Facebook, YouTube, and Cox Channel 14. View photos from each school on Flickr.

On January 18, Topeka Public Schools students, staff, and families attended the annual Living the Dream, Inc. Scholarship & Awards Banquet in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Students from across the district were honored for their artwork, poetry, and essays inspired by the life and legacy of Dr. King, and numerous students from each high school received scholarships.

Congratulations to our scholars and educators from College Prep Academy, who received the 2025 Pauline J. Barker School Award! This award celebrates schools that embody the empowerment and educational ideals of Dr. King.

We also congratulate Renea Easter, a senior at Highland Park High School, Eva Yerkes, a school counselor at Ross Elementary School, Michael Kates, a social studies teacher at Robinson Middle School, and Jerome Plunkett, a paraprofessional at Topeka High School, who were all honored with community service awards from Living the Dream, Inc.

View highlights from the celebration on Flickr.

Congratulations to our January Senior of the Month, Ty Castaneda, an outstanding scholar at Hope Street Academy.

Ty is an exceptional student, who has shown great perseverance and commitment to academic excellence during his time at Hope Street. Transitioning from homeschooling during his sophomore year, Ty found his footing at Hope Street and has thrived ever since. Now on track to complete high school in just three years, he’s set to graduate at the top of his class!

Ty and his teachers were excited to share his inspiring story, reflecting on the challenges he overcame, the supportive environment at Hope Street, and the dedication that fueled his success.

Learn more about Ty in this Senior of the Month video.

On January 25, the highly anticipated Topeka Invitational Championship game lived up to the hype, as for the first time in 21 years, city rivals Highland Park and Topeka West competed against each other.

At the end of the hard fought game, Highland Park defeated Topeka West 44-41. The Scots had reached the title game for their third straight season and earned the program its 20th Topeka Invitational Tournament Title!

Congratulations to Coach Mike Williams and the Scots on all of their success! Learn more about the exciting game and the outstanding Highland Park and Topeka West basketball teams in this feature from the Topeka Capital-Journal.

Congratulations to Ms. Nicole Fraise and Ms. Lisa Frakes, who were recognized as our January Above & Beyond Award winners, and nominated for their exceptional volunteerism and dedication to enhancing student experiences.

Ms. Fraise, an administrator at Capital City School, previously served as a Spanish teacher and administrator at Highland Park High School, where she founded the Travel Club. The club empowers students to explore new cultures through international and domestic travel. Ms. Fraise continues to support Highland Park students, often working alongside them during concession stands on nights and weekends.

Ms. Frakes, a French teacher at Highland Park, has been instrumental in organizing numerous fundraising events this fall, involving students, parents, and French teachers from all three high schools to support a study abroad trip to France. Her commitment not only fuels these educational journeys but also fosters community connections, setting a brilliant example of enthusiasm and teamwork!

Both of these educators exemplify the spirit of giving and mentorship, making substantial impacts both inside and outside the classroom.

On February 8, Topeka Public Schools will host the annual Shawnee County Spelling Bee at Topeka High School (800 SW 10th St). Registration begins at 8:00 AM and the event will begin at 9:00 AM.

Students across the county studied hard to place at the top of their school spelling bees, and will now compete to see who moves on to the Sunflower State Spelling Bee on March 22 in Salina.

Topeka Public Schools is honored to support students across our community by hosting the Shawnee County Spelling Bee for the next 3 years!

During their January 23 meeting, the Topeka Public Schools Board of Education elected Dr. Randall Schumacher as President and Ms. Lisa Schmitt as Vice President for the upcoming year.

We thank Mr. Keith Tatum for his service as the 2024 TPS Board President.

As we celebrate School Board Recognition Month throughout January, you can learn more about our outstanding board members by visiting topekapublicschools.net.

In light of recent decisions impacting immigrant families, the Board of Education and the TPS district want to make it clear that we support our families and students who may be impacted by these decisions. We are committed to keeping our schools a safe place for all students and are dedicated to providing a quality education to any student who walks through our doors.

We remind our community of our expectations and policies that reflect our commitment to embrace diversity and foster an inclusive community. As shared in our district's vision, we are strengthened by diversity and provide a welcoming and inclusive environment. Please know that our school staff are here to support every student. We encourage families and students to reach out to your principal with any questions or concerns.

Together, we can ensure that every student feels safe, valued, and empowered to succeed.

The Topeka Public Schools Foundation has announced new Board Members: Tyler Levier, Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation; Brett Martin, United Way of Kaw Valley; Jared McRae, Security Benefit; and Mike Surey, Lewis Toyota.

2025 TPSF Board Officers announced include: Janel Johnson, President; Dr. Tracy Wagner, Vice President & Event Chair; Rodney Harmon, Secretary; Abby Lear, Treasurer; Luke Thompson, Nominating Chair; and Mark Carr, TPSF Investment Committee.

Janel Johnson as TPSF Board President is looking forward to another exciting year of supporting Topeka Public Schools scholars and staff!

The Topeka Public Schools Foundation (TPSF) is kicking off its annual Major Saver campaign, and we've gone digital, making it easier than ever to support our schools and help your child succeed!

By participating, you’ll play a vital role in funding valuable programs and resources for our students. Since 2009, over $640,000 has been raised through the Major Saver program to support our district.

Why Go Digital?

Having the deals right on your phone means you’ll always have them with you, whether you’re at home, work, or on the go. No more worrying about forgetting your card—your phone is always at your side for quick, convenient savings.

Mark Your Calendar!

The fundraiser officially started on Monday, January 27 and ends on February 12. Each student was sent home with a Major Saver badge with a QR code, which will take you to the launch guide featuring card offers and student incentives. Major Saver prizes will be delivered to each school on February 14.

View the amazing deals and prizes on the Student Launch Guide.

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!

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 January & February 2025:

• January 1-31: National School Board Appreciation Month
• January 13 - February 1: Living the Dream Food Drive

• February 1-28: Black History Month
• February 3: NO SCHOOL
  Personal Development Day, No School in Session
• February 3-7: National School Counseling Week
• February 6: Board of Education Meeting
  5:30 PM | Burnett Center
• February 7: Harvesters Food Pantry
  4:00 - 5:00 PM | Robinson Middle School
• February 8: Shawnee County Spelling Bee
  9:00 AM | Topeka High School
• February 8: Harvesters Food Pantry
  9:00 - 10:00 AM | Jardine Middle School
• February 17: NO SCHOOL
  Personal Development Day, 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

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 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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