Community News

The month of March has been full of celebrations, as we announced our Distinguished Staff Award recipients for this year, the highest honor a staff member can receive from Topeka Public Schools.

Pictured above with some of our youngest learners are Dr. Pilar Mejia, TPS Director of Cultural Innovation, and Ms. Regan Baxter, Principal of Shaner Early Learning Academy, who are the Distinguished Staff Award winners in the District Administrator and Building Administrator categories. View highlights from all of the surprise announcements in this video.

Throughout this month, we are celebrating National School Social Work Month, Read Across America, and Fine Arts in Our Schools Month. As we showcase the fine arts this month, we recognized theatre, visual arts, and music students, and student artwork is displayed in the Boardroom at the Burnett Center. It has been incredible seeing many of you at school performances, and we congratulate all of our music, art, and theatre educators and students on the performances and achievements this season.

Our boys basketball teams from Highland Park and Topeka West have had a very exciting season, and this week we are cheering them on during the 5A KSHSAA State Basketball Tournament. We congratulate our athletes and coaches for their competitive season, and we are all cheering on our Scots and Chargers as they compete for a State Championship.

It has been wonderful seeing many of our families the past two days 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, and have a relaxing Spring Break!

Dr. Tiffany Anderson

Superintendent

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.

Topeka Public Schools is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2025 Distinguished Staff Awards (DSA)! On March 12, our 13 outstanding honorees were surprised with the exciting news by Dr. Anderson, Mrs. Wallace, Mrs. Sharp, and their school colleagues during surprise visits at their schools.

These incredible educators, administrators, and staff members have gone above and beyond in their dedication to students, their passion for education, and their unwavering commitment to our district. Their hard work truly makes a difference every day.

Get to know the 2025 DSA recipients and see the heartwarming moments from all the surprise announcements by visiting our Facebook page. Be sure to check out the photos from these special moments on Flickr as well.

The official DSA Celebration will take place at 5:00 PM on Thursday, April 24, at the Bishop Professional Development Center. We look forward to honoring these exceptional individuals and expressing our gratitude for their tireless service to Topeka Public Schools.

Fine Arts in Our Schools Month provides an opportunity for the entire community to learn about the benefits of music, theatre, and visual arts in schools!

Topeka Public Schools students in elementary, middle, and high school have been putting these skills to work over the past month as they perform in musicals, plays, and concerts across the district.

In celebration of this month, members of the national award-winning Topeka West Thespian Troupe 3061 visited the Kansas Statehouse for Advocacy Day, in support of Theatre in Our Schools. Five students served on the event's Steering Committee, three were invited on the Senate Floor, and one even spoke during the press conference.

Students also had the opportunity to reconnect with Rep. Kirk Haskins, who once again helped lead the event and continue his support for the arts in education. We are so proud of these scholars for their important advocacy efforts! Learn more in this highlight from WIBW.

The KSHSAA 5A State Tournament officially began on March 13 in Emporia, and our Highland Park and Topeka West boys' basketball teams are already making a strong showing! Congratulations to Highland Park, who won their first game against Andover Central with a 65-56 victory, advancing to the next round of the State Tournament.

After taking 3rd in the state both 2023 and 2024, the Runnin' Scots finished the 2025 regular season undefeated, boasting an impressive 22-0 record and the number 1 seed. Their incredible teamwork and determination, under the leadership of Coach Mike Williams, have paved the way to this exciting moment.

Next up, we look forward to cheering on Topeka West, who will compete at 6:00 PM tonight in their first round of the State Tournament. Let’s show our Chargers the same support as they take the court! Be sure to check out the tournament bracket and follow along as our teams push forward to the next big win.

Last week, schools across the district participated in the nationwide celebration of Read Across America Day, a day dedicated to inspiring young students to discover the joy of reading. At Lowman Hill Elementary, students were treated to an exciting lineup of guest readers, who shared their passion for books and the importance of reading.

Among the special guests were Mayor Mike Padilla, State Board of Education member Dr. Beryl New, Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, and TPS board members Mr. Keith Tatum and Ms. Sue Bolley, who all took time to engage with students and read aloud.

Additionally, members of our Central Office Team volunteered at both Lowman Hill and Quincy Elementary, participating in Reader's Theatre sessions, which helped bring stories to life in an interactive and engaging way.

We are incredibly grateful to all of our guests for their enthusiasm and commitment to fostering a love of reading among our students! Learn more in this video highlight.

As we celebrate Women's History Month, we are proud to highlight a groundbreaking achievement by one of our very own students at Highland Park High School.

On March 1, Makayla Cadet made history by becoming the first female in Highland Park history to earn a state championship in wrestling! Her incredible determination and strength led her to a 1st-place State Championship, a remarkable accomplishment that will inspire generations of students to come.

In addition, we’d like to congratulate Connie Burns, who placed 6th in the state, showcasing her exceptional skill and perseverance. Both of these young women have demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship and dedication, and we are so proud of them!

Topeka Public Schools is celebrating National School Social Work Month throughout the month of March!

We thank all of our school social workers for their tremendous impact in helping our students and families achieve success.

You can share your appreciation, thanks, and encouragement for the school social worker in your life by leaving a comment on our Facebook video highlighting social workers across the district.

In partnership with the University of Kansas (KU), students from Topeka High, Highland Park, and Topeka West attended the 7th annual World Languages Fair at TCALC on March 7.

Students learned about the opportunities and scholarships available to learn less commonly studied languages while they complete their college degrees in other areas. Many of these less commonly studied languages are vital to diplomacy and national security efforts across the world.

This year, students were introduced to Japanese, Potawatomi, Ki'Swahili, Quechua, and Russian. In past years, the event has also featured Ukrainian, Portuguese, Arabic, Kaqchikel, and Wolof.

This event not only expanded students' cultural knowledge but also highlighted the importance of fostering global connections and enhancing future college and career opportunities.

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
• NCAA Requirements (watch video)

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.

Topeka High's Interact Club is hosting a free Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 5 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Hummer Sports Park on the Kanza Park Cross Country Course.

Bring your children, grandchildren, and loved ones to enjoy this exciting event! The eggs will be hidden in various spots around the course for kids to find. It’s a great opportunity for families to come together and celebrate the season in a fun and safe environment.

Everyone is welcome to join in the fun, so mark your calendars and get ready for a day filled with joy and community spirit!

ShareFest is an event created with the belief that churches and organizations can do more together than any one group could do separately. The event brings together citizens from all over Topeka to improve our community!

Topeka Public Schools is among the organizations to benefit from this year's ShareFest, which will be held on Saturday, April 26 from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

Volunteers will spend the day landscaping, painting, and cleaning up the grounds of French Middle School, Highland Park High School, Hope Street Academy, Jardine Campus, McCarter Elementary, McClure Elementary, Scott Magnet Elementary, and Sheldon Head Start.

This event is only possible with the help of volunteers! If you are interested in volunteering, please visit sharefesttopeka.com.

Topeka Public Schools is excited to invite parents to join the District Citizens Advisory Council (DCAC)!

This advisory group is made up of parents, teachers, administrators, and community members, and plays a key role in supporting the district by learning about the latest happenings and participating in discussions that help inform decision-making processes for the district. Learn more in this flyer or by visiting the DCAC page on our website.

If you are interested in serving on the DCAC, please contact your school’s PTO or Principal!

We look forward to seeing new faces and hearing fresh ideas as we continue to strengthen our community's involvement in education!

As families plan for the remainder of the 2024-2025 school year, here are some important dates to keep in mind:

• Monday, May 19: Sheldon Head Start Preschool Promotion
  (Principal will communicate schedule with families)

• Tuesday, May 20: Last Day of School for Sheldon Head Start

• Friday, May 23: PIP Preschool Promotions at 2:00 PM

• 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

• Tuesday, May 27: Last Day of School for PIP Programs

• 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

• Wednesday, May 28: Last Day of School for Grades 6-7

• Thursday, May 29: 8th Grade Promotions at 8:00 AM

• Thursday, May 29: Last Day of School for All Students PreK-12 (Half Day)

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 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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