Community News

Welcome back! We have had a wonderful start to 2026, with various academic, athletic, and fine arts events occurring throughout this month. We missed our scholars over the break and are so excited for the semester ahead. Below is a highlight video as we look back on some of our favorite moments from 2025 and look ahead to an outstanding spring semester.

We are highlighting our dedicated Board of Education members throughout the month of January in celebration of National School Board Recognition Month. Please join us in thanking our outstanding board members for their service to TPS students, staff, and families on our social media posts.

As a reminder, there will be no school on Monday, January 19 in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. As we honor Dr. King’s legacy, we have enjoyed participating in the Governor’s March and the Living the Dream, Inc. events, where many of our students are being recognized.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to the many successes and achievements ahead in 2026.

Dr. Tiffany Anderson

Superintendent

As a reminder, there will be no school on Monday, January 19 and all district buildings will be closed in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. We hope our students, families, and staff enjoy the long weekend.

January is School Board Recognition Month, a time to salute the work of our school board members and celebrate public education.

School board members play a crucial role in ensuring our students receive the best education possible by working with parents, education professionals, and community members to create successful learning environments.

We encourage you to join us in celebrating the work and success of our school board on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! You can learn more about each of our board members at topekapublicschools.net.

Leading up to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January 19, Topeka Public Schools students and staff are honoring Dr. King's legacy through a variety of school and community events.

On January 15, many participated in the annual Governor's March & Proclamation Signing at the Kansas Statehouse. We also look forward to the annual Living the Dream, Inc. Scholarship & Awards events, where scholarship and community award recipients will be recognized.

Congratulations to the community award winners:

• Robinson Middle School
• Ms. Jennifer Antonetti (Topeka High School)
• Mr. Adam Groves (Whitson Elementary School)

• Ms. Christine Steinkuehler (Topeka West High School)

• Mr. Phillip Wrigley (Topeka High School)

We congratulate all of the winners of the annual Living the Dream, Inc. art, essay, and poetry competitions for students in grades 1-12, whose work was inspired by the life and legacy of Dr. King. The students will be honored on January 19 at the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Park. View all of the winning students here.

On January 13, five former Topeka Public Schools educators joined TPS Superintendent, Dr. Tiffany Anderson, at the Kansas State Capitol as invited guests for Governor Laura Kelly’s final State of the State Address.

The teachers, Anton Ahrens, Harry Peterson, and Kirsten Cigler of Topeka High School, and Diane Kimsey, and Marti Bass of the former Potwin Elementary School, were recognized for the meaningful impact they had on the Governor’s daughters during their years in Topeka Public Schools.

Governor Kelly shared personal stories of their influence and praised them for exemplifying the dedication, mentorship, and care shown by Kansas educators every day. The educators received a standing ovation, highlighting the deep appreciation for their commitment to student success.

TPS is proud to see these outstanding teachers honored in such a meaningful way! Learn more in this article from the Topeka Capital-Journal.

Students from Topeka High School and Topeka West High School earned top honors at the 2026 Kansas Thespian Festival, bringing home superior ratings, national qualifications, and special recognitions.

Topeka High students earned numerous Excellent ratings in acting, musical theatre, and design, with Aaron Daniel Lane and Anna Goering receiving Superiors and qualifying for the International Thespian Festival. Senior Mija Geering earned a perfect score and brought the audience to its feet during her performance, marking Topeka High’s first appearance in the Kansas Thespian Showcase!

Topeka West scholars also excelled, with multiple students earning Superiors in monologues, costume design, musical performance, duet acting, and group acting, including perfect scores for Joey Westphal and Raya Potter! Many Topeka West students also qualified for nationals, and senior Richard Johnson was awarded one of three statewide scholarships.

Congratulations to all Topeka High and Topeka West thespians on another outstanding year of achievement in the fine arts!

On January 14, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Topeka proudly recognized three outstanding 2026 Youth of the Year candidates, and we’re excited to share that all three honorees are Topeka Public Schools scholars!

• Tierra Walker – Jardine Middle School & College Prep Academy (2026 Youth of the Year)
• Jaynasha Ealom – Topeka High School (2026 Youth of the Year candidate)
• Darryl Head – Topeka West High School (2026 Youth of the Year candidate)

The Youth of the Year program celebrates students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, service to their community, academic dedication, and a commitment to healthy lifestyles. These remarkable scholars embody those values and more, serving as role models within their schools and across the Topeka community.

Congratulations to the Youth of the Year award winner, Tierra, as well as candidates Jaynasha and Darryl, on this well-deserved recognition! We are incredibly proud of their achievements and the example they set for their peers. Learn more in this segment from WIBW.

The Burns & McDonnell Battle of the Brains Brigade made a special visit to Topeka Public Schools on January 14, surprising seven TPS 5th-grade gifted students from across the district with a red carpet moment at McCarter Elementary, and an exciting announcement: they’ve been named Top 20 Finalists in the Battle of the Brains STEM competition!

Selected from more than 700 entries, the team’s innovative proposal stood out among submissions from across the region. As a Top 20 finalist, the students and their teachers are now in the running for the grand prize, which includes the opportunity to help design the next Science City permanent exhibit at Union Station in Kansas City.

The team will attend the Battle of the Brains Awards Ceremony on February 4 at Union Station, where they will be awarded a $2,500 STEM grant, and the grand prize winner will be announced.

Please join us in congratulating these talented students and teachers:

• Isabella Estrella (Scott Dual Language)
• Eirnin Funston (Whitson)
• Tori Gager (Lowman Hill)
• Samuel Jackson (McEachron)
• Jonathan Shermoen (Jardine)
• Grant Sumaya (Jardine)
• Anwen Swan (Mater Dei)
• Ms. Kimberle Curtis (McCarter Elementary)
• Ms. Hayley Barnes (McCarter Elementary)
• Ms. Kelsie Platz (McCarter Elementary)

Learn more about Battle of the Brains in this article from WIBW.

Congratulations to Hope Street Academy senior, Na’Talyah Sanders-Johnson, who was recognized by the Topeka Public Schools Board of Education as the January Senior of the Month!

Na’Talyah is an exceptional scholar and dedicated student ambassador who consistently leads by example. After completing the culinary program at TCALC, she now excels in the Patient Care Tech program while maintaining the highest GPA in her class. Her leadership extends throughout the school community, where she is known for advocating for classmates and stepping up wherever help is needed.

Her ambitious academic path continues after graduation, with plans to attend Emporia State University and later Washburn University to pursue a degree in law. Watch the January Senior of the Month video highlighting her accomplishments on YouTube.

Randolph Elementary kindergarten teacher Mr. Tanner Dahlke was recently recognized by KSNT as the December Teacher of the Month, celebrating the joy and creativity he brings to his classroom each day.

A Kansas native and Washburn University graduate, Mr. Dahlke has spent ten years in education, including six years in special education before moving into kindergarten, where he says a child’s educational journey truly begins. Known for his engaging, hands-on approach, he brings learning to life through interactive activities, whether comparing numbers with a shark model or inviting “Science Man” to visit the classroom to spark student curiosity.

As part of this recognition, KSNT partnered with Laird Noller Ford to present Mr. Dahlke with a $500 check, honoring his dedication to students. Mr. Dahlke shared that this has been one of his most rewarding years yet, energized by a supportive Randolph team and inspired by the teachers who shaped him growing up. View the full KSNT News segment here.

Topeka Public Schools joins the Whitson Elementary School community in mourning the passing of third-grade student Isaac Reynolds, whose courageous battle with cancer touched the hearts of families across the district.

Over the past several years, many followed Isaac’s journey on social media and were inspired by his strength and unwavering spirit.

On January 4, students, staff, families, and community members came together for Isaac’s Superhero Celebration of Life, surrounding his family with love and honoring Isaac's legacy. The celebration was filled with heartfelt tributes and symbols of Isaac’s favorite superheroes, reflecting the joy he brought to others. He will always be remembered in every act of kindness and bravery.

Learn more in this segment from KSNT News.

Topeka Public Schools high schools are hosting mid-year graduation ceremonies on Monday, January 26, 2026 for students who are eligible to graduate at mid-year.

Each school will hold its own ceremony, which will also be streamed live on the respective high school's YouTube page. Schools will reach out to graduates and families with more information in the coming weeks.

Ceremony times are as follows:

• Topeka West High School: 8:30 AM
• Topeka High School: 9:30 AM
• Highland Park High School: 5:00 PM

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
• Program of Studies (watch video)

Topeka Public Schools families are invited to take part in the 2026 African American Read-In on at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library on Sunday, February 1 from 3:00-5:30 PM.

This annual celebration offers a fun-filled afternoon of stories and experiences that spark imagination, pride, and self-reflection for readers of all ages. Younger children will enjoy coloring activities, while older students and adults will have the opportunity to meet African American authors and illustrators and learn from their work.

Hosted by The Links, Incorporated, in partnership with the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, the event provides a welcoming space to elevate African American voices in literature. We encourage families to join us for this meaningful community experience that celebrates reading, culture, and creativity!

Throughout the winter season, 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. Additional information is available on our website at topekapublicschools.net/weather.

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 delay and closure notifications, please review our How We Communicate With Families document.

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!

As families prepare for the upcoming year, the 2025–2026 academic calendar is available to help with planning for important dates, breaks, and events. We encourage families to review the calendar early as they make arrangements for the coming year. The district Google Calendar is also available on our home page.

Below are important dates for January 2026:

• January 1-31: National School Board Appreciation Month
• January 19: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  No school in session. All district buildings will be closed in observance of the holiday.
• January 22: Board of Education Meeting
  5:30 PM | Burnett Center
• January 26: Mid-Year Graduation Ceremonies
• January 29: Kansas Day

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.

Stay up-to-date with everything you need to know about the 2026 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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