Community News

It has been a joy to celebrate our preschool, 5th grade, and 8th grade promotions across the district this week. These milestone moments remind us of the growth, resilience, and bright futures of our students.

As we wrap up another incredible school year, the School Board members and all of our staff congratulate our graduates, who collectively earned nearly $11 million in college scholarships. This weekend's graduation celebrations were amazing, and even our elementary and middle school leaders attended in celebration of our graduates.

Earlier this month, we proudly celebrated National Teacher Appreciation Week, and we extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our educators and staff for the kindness, compassion, and commitment they show to students and families each day.

We send a special thank you to 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. Scott Kickhaefer, who has served students and families at all of our comprehensive high schools for 38 years and was recently highlighted by WIBW in the Salute Our Heroes segment.

We look forward to welcoming many of our students and staff back on Monday, June 1 as we launch our summer programs. Thank you for your continued support, and have a safe and restful start to your summer!

Dr. Tiffany Anderson

Superintendent

On May 16, we celebrated the Topeka West High School graduating class of 2026! Hats off to these graduates for their hard work and unwavering dedication.

Students at Topeka West collectively earned nearly $1.5 million in college scholarships, and Yari Alvarado 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.

On May 16, we celebrated the Highland Park High School graduating class of 2026! We congratulate these outstanding graduates, whose hard work and dedication are commendable.

Students at Highland Park collectively earned $1.2 million in college scholarships, and Sulletta Ajapa-Fosu 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.

On May 16, we celebrated the Topeka High School graduating class of 2026! Congratulations to these exceptional graduates for their perseverance and remarkable achievements.

Students at Topeka High collectively earned over $8 million in college scholarships, and four scholars, Sasha Gotru, Hara Izabel Del Castillo, Anna Goering, and Brandon Blancas 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.

On May 13, we celebrated the graduating class of 2026 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 Na'Talyah Sanders-Johnson, 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 new 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.

The Governor's Scholars Recognition Program honors the top academic 1% of Kansas high school seniors. Scholars are selected from accredited public and private schools throughout the state.

Congratulations to the exceptional Topeka Public Schools students who were honored as 2026 Governor's Scholars!

• Highland Park High School: Sulletta Ajapa-Fosu & Alexander Luna

• Topeka West High School: Yariseny Alvarado, Marissa Bluvan, & Kivrin Staley

• Topeka High School: Hara Izabel Del Castillo, Sasha Gotru, Atchison Henderson, Christian Sink, & Finley Smith

This prestigious recognition highlights their hard work, dedication, and academic excellence.

Congratulations to TCALC students Alex Luna, Judea Shannon, and Joanna Li of Highland Park High School, along with Joey Noriega of Topeka High School, for earning an impressive 11th place finish at the American Rocketry Challenge Nationals near Washington, D.C. this week!

The student-led team qualified for nationals after successfully designing and launching rockets that met the competition’s rigorous flight requirements, including safely carrying an egg payload. During the trip, students also had the opportunity to visit NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.

We extend a special thank you to the Highland Park High School Rocketry Club, Mr. Peter Muraski, and Mr. Donald Kuhns for mentoring and guiding these students throughout their unforgettable journey. We are proud of the innovation, teamwork, and dedication these students demonstrated while representing Topeka Public Schools on the national stage!

Topeka Public Schools is proud to share that Topeka West High School was recently recognized as one of only three schools in the nation to receive the Theatre in Our Schools Outstanding Impact Award for its advocacy efforts during Theatre in Our Schools Month.

Presented by the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA), the national award recognizes schools that demonstrate exceptional commitment to promoting and supporting theatre education and the arts within their school communities. This marks the third time Topeka West High School has received this prestigious national recognition for its work in theatre and arts advocacy.

We congratulate the students & staff of the Topeka West theatre program for this outstanding accomplishment and for continuing to elevate the arts in our schools and community!

Congratulations to the Topeka High Lady Trojans softball team, who are once again State Tournament bound after an impressive 11–1 victory over Wichita Northwest!

The Lady Trojans’ back-to-back appearances at the KSHSAA 6A State Softball Tournament are a testament to their hard work, determination, and teamwork throughout the season. We are incredibly proud of these outstanding student-athletes and coaches as they continue representing Topeka High and Topeka Public Schools with excellence.

This year's 6A State Tournament is scheduled for May 25-26, 2026, in Wichita, with semifinal games taking place on Thursday and the state championship finals on Friday. Good luck at state, Lady Trojans!

Ocean-inspired artwork created with the help of Topeka Public Schools students is now on display in Topeka through the nationally recognized Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea exhibit. The exhibit officially opened this week and will remain on display throughout the community through September 2026.

In partnership with Washburn University and the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center, 16 TPS students worked for months designing and creating an original Monarch Butterfly sculpture for the exhibit, under the guidance of TPS visual arts teachers Ms. Bailey Kivett of Williams Magnet and Mr. Akia Miles of Whitson. The students used recycled materials and ocean debris-inspired art, and also worked alongside Washburn University students, community partners, and local NOTO artist Ptr Sponseller to bring the sculpture to life.

Be sure to stop by Washburn University to see the Monarch Butterfly on display inside the Mulvane Art Lab! Learn more about the Washed Ashore Project on the Topeka Zoo website.

This week, Jardine Elementary School honored longtime educator and instructional coach Dr. Bridget Stegman during a special dedication ceremony celebrating her impact on students, staff, and the school community.

Dr. Stegman, who inspired the school’s annual “Steps for Stegman” 5K following her ALS diagnosis in 2022, was recognized through the renaming of the school’s main entrance and nearby driveway in her honor.

During the ceremony, students and staff also presented a $5,022.59 donation to the ALS Mid-America Chapter, raised through this year’s 5th Annual Steps for Stegman 5K. Since the fundraiser began, the Jardine community has raised nearly $20,000 to support ALS awareness and research.

Join us in congratulating Dr. Stegman as we honor her legacy of dedication, kindness, and service to students and staff at Jardine Elementary!

Topeka West High School senior Yariseny "Yari" Alvarado has been recognized as the district's May Senior of the Month for her exceptional academic achievement and outstanding involvement across the school community.

As the Valedictorian for the Class of 2026, Yari has successfully balanced a rigorous course load while actively participating in numerous activities and organizations, including Band, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Scholars Bowl, Link Crew, and tennis. Through her dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence, she has become a strong example of Charger pride both inside and outside the classroom.

Following graduation, Yari plans to attend the University of Kansas and pursue a career in the medical field. We congratulate Yari on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to seeing all she accomplishes in the future! Learn more in this Senior of the Month video.

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
• Video: Kansas Scholar Program (watch video)

This week, Topeka Public Schools celebrated students across the district as they reached exciting milestones through preschool, 5th grade, and 8th grade promotion ceremonies.

Families and staff gathered to cheer on students as they prepared for kindergarten, middle school, and high school. From our youngest learners at Sheldon Head Start, Shaner Early Learning Academy, Pine Ridge Prep, and preschool programs, to our rising middle schoolers and future high school students, each ceremony was filled with proud smiles, celebration, and excitement for the future.

Congratulations to all of our scholars and families on these special accomplishments! Photos from promotion ceremonies across the district are available now on Flickr.

Earlier this month, Topeka Public Schools proudly celebrated National Teacher Appreciation Week & TPS Staff Appreciation Week, recognizing the incredible dedication and impact of our educators and staff members across the district.

The Topeka Public Schools Board of Education also honored staff members celebrating 25 years of service and proclaimed May 4-8 as Teacher Appreciation Week in appreciation of the vital role educators and school staff play in the success of our students.

As we wrap up another amazing school year, we are incredibly grateful for the hard work, compassion, and commitment our TPS team members show every day to engage, prepare, and inspire students for a lifetime of learning.

Fun, friendship, and teamwork were on full display during the annual Topeka Public Schools Unified Field Days! Students from across the district came together to celebrate inclusion, connection, and school spirit through a variety of activities and games adapted for students of all abilities.

On May 6, students in grades K-8 gathered at Hummer Sports Park for a day filled with adapted activities, exciting stations, and opportunities to build friendships and work together. Earlier this month, students in grades 9-12 participated in their Unified Field Day at SportZone, where they enjoyed games and sports alongside their peers as part of the Unified Champion Schools program.

These special events provided students with opportunities to connect, encourage one another, and celebrate each other’s strengths in a fun and supportive environment. We extend our sincere thanks to the many staff members, volunteers, and supporters who helped make these memorable experiences possible for our students!

Topeka Public Schools and NAMI Topeka are partnering to provide a new support opportunity for families through the You’re Not Alone: Family Support Group for parents and caregivers of USD 501 students experiencing behavioral health or emotional challenges.

This free, peer-led group offers a safe and confidential space for families to connect with others who understand the challenges of supporting a child’s mental health and well-being. Facilitated by trained leaders with lived experience, the group provides encouragement, practical coping strategies, and valuable resources in a judgment-free environment.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 26 from 6:00–7:30 PM at the Bishop Professional Development Center (3601 SW 31st St). Meetings will continue monthly on the fourth Tuesday of each month, and no registration is required. View the event flyer in English and Spanish here.

To help support families in attending, limited childcare and transportation are now available. For more information, please contact Stacey Kramer at skramer@tps501.org.

Online registration for the 2026-2027 school year is now open for students in grades PreK-12!

Returning TPS families may register their students at this link or through the ParentVue app on a mobile device. Families NEW to Topeka Public Schools will create a new account and register by following these instructions.

Families can view important dates for the 2026-2027 school year, a school supply list, and more at topekapublicschools.net on the Online Registration page.

Thank you to all of our students, staff, families, and community partners for helping make the 2025-2026 school year a tremendous success!

As families plan for the next school year, view the 2026-2027 academic calendar here. We encourage families to review important dates, including the first and last days of school, holidays, breaks, and professional development days as we prepare for another great year ahead.

The TPS Foundation is here to help support students and staff in Topeka Public Schools through grants, scholarships, summer programs, and student resources. Information about our programs and services is available on the TPS Foundation website.

TPS STAFF: If you would like to support the Foundation through our Employee Giving Campaign, please complete this form.

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• 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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