Community News

February has been very busy with so many activities, including musical performances, school plays, and athletics events, and I have enjoyed visiting with students and families at various Black History Month celebrations.

We've also enjoyed highlighting students and staff throughout this month for Career & Technical Education (CTE) Month and National School Counseling Week. As we prepare for National Public Schools Week, celebrated annually the last week of February, we thank all of our staff and families for their support of public schools. We are also grateful for the many community partners who uplift our students, staff, and families through generous donations in support of public school initiatives.

We look forward to seeing many of our families next week during Parent Conferences at each of our schools. If you have any questions about your student's conference, please contact your building principal.

When we return from Spring Break, students in grades 3-8, 10, and 11 will participate in the Kansas Assessment Program (KAP) in reading, math, social studies, and/or science (areas tested vary by grade level). The KAP is taken over a period of three to four weeks, beginning on March 24. We look forward to cheering on our students during this annual celebration of learning.

Thank you for your continued support.

Dr. Tiffany Anderson

Superintendent

To ensure a safe, orderly, and focused learning environment for all students as we prepare for the final quarter, Topeka Public Schools would like to remind families and community members of our safety guidelines. The principal or building supervisor is the designated school official who will handle any visitors at the front office to ensure they have the appropriate clearance.

• FERPA prohibits schools from releasing student information to federal agents without a subpoena or parent consent.
• Individuals without official school business, a scheduled meeting, or approval from school administration may not be on school property during the school day.
• Unauthorized presence on campus will result in being asked to leave.
• All approved visitors must enter through the designated main entrance of the building and must report directly to the front office upon arrival with valid photo identification.
• There is not any access to classrooms, hallways, playgrounds, parking lots, and other areas of campus to visitors that are not screened and approved in advance.

These procedures are in place to protect students, staff, and families and to maintain an environment where learning can occur without disruption. We appreciate your cooperation in supporting the safety of our school community.

Throughout February, schools across the district hosted educational seminars, art displays, music and dance performances, and more in celebration of Black History Month.

On February 18, our College Prep Academy scholars had the opportunity to interview four inspiring leaders during a student-led panel with Dr. Nick Gardner (Principal, Ross Elementary/Eisenhower Middle School), Mrs. Leosha Giardina (Associate Principal, Highland Park High School), Mrs. Cynthia Hopp (Assistant Principal, Jardine Middle School), and Mr. Michael Kates (Social Studies Teacher, Robinson Middle School).

Yesterday, Ross Elementary celebrated Black History Month with an all-school assembly that brought influential Black leaders and community members to campus, inspiring students by sharing their stories and experiences. Ross fourth-grade scholars also shared an original poem they wrote titled “Roots to Fruits,” highlighting themes of heritage, growth, and pride.

Pictures and stories from Black History Month celebrations across the district can be found by viewing our Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr pages.

More than 300 high schools from across Kansas competed in Regional Scholars Bowl Tournaments held at 22 sites statewide earlier this month, with 72 schools advancing to the 40th Annual KSHSAA State Scholars Bowl Championships on February 14.

Topeka Public Schools is proud to share that Topeka High School earned a fourth-place finish in the 6A division, placing among the top academic teams in the state!

Scholars Bowl competitions highlight academic excellence, teamwork, and critical thinking as students compete in fast-paced, quiz-based matches covering a wide range of subjects. Congratulations to the Topeka High students and staff who worked so hard for this achievement!

On February 7, students from across the area competed in the Shawnee County Spelling Bee, showcasing their spelling skills, confidence, and academic excellence.

We send a special congratulations to our 7th-grade Robinson Middle School scholar Kenneth McBride, who took 2nd place and will serve as an alternate in the State Spelling Bee! Many of our scholars finished in the top 10, and we’re so proud of them for representing TPS with excellence. Learn more in this segment from WIBW and view photos on Flickr.

The French Falcons' Math Team took first place in both the team and individual categories at last week’s MathCounts Competition in Lawrence, earning top honors among a competitive field of middle school teams!

Congratulations to the qualifying team of students, Rian Deepan Sahaya Jerin, Fiona Dahlstrom, Benjamin Luo, and Lucas Jackson, who will advance to represent French at the state competition at Kansas State University on March 7. In individual competition, Benjamin Luo earned first place and Lucas Jackson placed fourth overall.

We are so proud of these outstanding scholars and to Math Team Coach Ms. Taylor Mattis, whose leadership and dedication continue to support student excellence in mathematics!

Topeka Public Schools is proud to share that the TPS Police Department has become the first law enforcement agency in Kansas to earn the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).

This designation reflects extensive autism and sensory-sensitivity training completed by our law enforcement officers to ensure they are equipped with best practices to support autistic and sensory-sensitive students with empathy and understanding.

This milestone builds on the department’s continued commitment to inclusive, community-centered policing and student safety. In addition to police officers, TPS bus drivers and paraprofessionals who support students during transportation have also completed autism-specific training. Learn more in this joint press release from TPS and IBCCES.

District-wide Parent Conferences will be held on Wednesday, February 25 and Thursday, February 26.

Teachers will reach out to schedule an in-person or virtual conference for each student. As a reminder, there will be no school for students on Thursday, February 26 and Friday, February 27.

Secondary

• Wednesday, February 25 from 3:30 - 7:30 PM
• Thursday, February 26 from 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM

Lunch from 1:00 - 2:00 PM

Elementary

• Wednesday, February 25 from 4:00 - 8:00 PM
• Thursday, February 26 from 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Lunch times will vary by location

Is your child interested in enrolling in Topeka Public Schools Dual Language or Science & Fine Arts Magnet Programs?

Openings are available for the 2026-2027 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, 2026. Families will be notified of approval and placement in April.

Save the date! Enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year will open online in April 2026. 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 2026-2027 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 2026-2027 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. The application will be part of the 2026-2027 online enrollment process.

View the 2026-2027 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 2026-2027 Kindergarten Orientation at 5:30 PM on Thursday, April 9!

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, 2026.

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.

The Topeka Public Schools Foundation is excited to announce its 33rd Annual Benefit Golf Tournament, taking place on Thursday, June 4 from 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM at the Shawnee Country Club GreatLife Golf Course (913 SE 29th St).

Community members, businesses, and education supporters are invited to join this special event to help fund scholarships and classroom grants for TPS students. We also look forward to recognizing this year's Honorary Chair, Patty Dick.

Thanks to the continued generosity of the community, nearly $200,000 was awarded to students and staff during the past school year. This tournament is a fun and meaningful way to help continue that legacy of support. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities and register for the event at this link.

On February 20, we celebrated the life of our beloved Robinson Middle School teacher, Ms. Morgan Schmidtberger.

Ms. Schmidtberger passed away on February 15 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was an incredible teacher who served students at Highland Park Central Elementary, and over the last three years, taught at Robinson Middle School. She loved her students tremendously and she was dedicated to teaching in Topeka Public Schools.

Her love for others could be seen in every word and in her daily interaction with those around her. Ms. Schmidtberger had such a joyful and kind presence, her impact will continue through the many students and staff she touched, she will be deeply missed by students and staff across the district.

Please keep the Schmidtberger family uplifted in your thoughts and prayers. View the obituary and additional information here.

Spring Break will be held the week of March 16-20, 2026. There will also be no school for students on Monday, March 23 for staff planning & prep.

Students will return to school on Tuesday, March 24.

View the full 2025-2026 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 2026-2027 academic calendar here.

Below are important dates for February & March 2026:

February 2026

• February 1-28: Black History Month
• February 25-26: Parent Conferences
  Teachers will reach out to families to schedule conferences
• February 26-27: NO SCHOOL
  No school for students for Parent Conferences
• February 27: Harvesters Food Pantry
  9:00 - 10:00 AM | Hummer Sports Park

March 2026

• 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 1-7: National School Social Work Week
• March 12: Board of Education Meeting
  5:30 PM | Burnett Center
• March 16-20: SPRING BREAK
  NO SCHOOL IN SESSION
• March 23: Staff Planning & Prep Day
  NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS

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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