Principal Update
October 4, 2022
Principal Update Guidance
Principal Update Attachments:
- New items are listed at the top of each section.
- The information shared in the Principal Update is for administrators.
- Items within the Principal Update that can be shared with staff will be clearly identified.
- Links to documents will not be shared with any staff requesting access from an outside TPS email address.
- Attached items can be located in a Shared Folder entitled PU 2021-22.
- If you have questions regarding the content, please email the appropriate supervisor of the department as stated in each section.
- Please download the banners to use on your school social media or to add to your school newsletter.
Teaching & Learning Updates
Breakouts at Bishop: Please see the attached B@B Flyer.
Family Service & Guidance Center: Please share the following flyers in your school newsletter.
Spanish Facebook: Will you please "Like" our TPS en español Facebook page, and ask your families and staff to do the same by adding a note to your newsletters? We would greatly appreciate it!
Also, will you or your delegate please email me (pmejia@tps501.org) any pictures of the activities your school has been doing in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month?
Immunizations: The Kansas School Immunization Law (K.S.A. 72-5209 and K.A.R. 28-1-20) requires all students receive the most appropriate inoculations in the required series unless there is a medical or religious exemption. See the Immunization Chart.
Effective October 24, 2022, students who are non-compliant with the current KDHE Immunization schedule, and do not have a Medical and/or Religious Exemption on file, will be excluded from school and school related activities until requested immunizations are received. Attached is current Immunization Status by School.
October Administrator PD at THS
High & Middle School:
8:00 - Building Thinking Classrooms, room 321
9:00-11:00 - Trauma Informed Practices (auditorium)
Afternoon - Synergy Demo, Bishop
Elementary:
8:00 - Special Education, Visible Learning, room 334A
9:00-11:00 - Trauma Informed Practices (auditorium)
Afternoon - Synergy Demo, Bishop
Woman King Movie: TPS has secured a group rate for staff and the Equity Council viewing of The Woman King. It is scheduled for October 11, with the firm time to be shared very soon. The cost will be reduced for staff and free to Equity Council members. We will follow up with a discussion of our new African history curriculum. Please stay tuned for more information coming soon!
Certified PD Sched: Here is the link for the certified staff Sched App for Oct. 11 PD. There will continue to be minor adjustments, but the app is live and will reflect any changes. The Sched for classified staff will be released by early next week. tpsoctober11pd2022.sched.com #SHARE
Classified PD Sched: Here is the link for the classified staff Sched for Oct. 11 PD. https://tpsoct11classifiedpd2022.sched.com/ #SHARE
Root Cause Analysis: November 2, all schools' BLTs will meet at Bishop from 4-6. Schools will work as a larger group strand and as a building BLT to work through a root cause analysis. This takes the place of the needs assessment rubrics that BLTs have completed in the past. There will likely be continued homework for schools to complete and a second session on January 4. This is required so all certified staff will be paid at $20 an hour. #SHARE w/BLT
October Health Tip: Please include the monthly Health Tip in your school newsletter.
Ci3T Fall Teacher Self-Reflection & Direct Observation Window
The fall window for building direct observations is October 12th-November 23rd. You will be receiving additional information from your building's Ci3T coach regarding dates for observation. Prior to observations, your staff, classified and certified, must complete the Teacher Self Report/Primary Intervention Rating Scale (TSR/PIRS) survey.
- Fill out this form so the survey email can be sent to you and your staff on the date/time you prefer.
- Please choose a date between October 12th-November 4th to allow the observation teams at least two weeks to complete the observations.
- It is encouraged to allow staff to complete these during PLCs or staff meetings so you set the tone for the importance of their feedback and receive a high number of participant responses.
- The responses from this survey will be compiled in a report for you after the observation window closes so you have data to reflect on your successes as well as areas for growth in your Ci3T implementation.
Dyslexia Training: Below is a link to a spreadsheet reflecting new staff and those needing to complete the 6-hour initial dyslexia training per KSDE requirements. On October 11th, teachers will have the modules available in Infintec and may use PD time during the afternoon on October 11th to complete modules. Otherwise, it is an expectation that they are completed in the first semester. You can allocate collaboration time to complete these as a groups too.
2022-2023 dyslexia module completion
New SEL Section on Report Cards: In alignment with KSDE outcomes, we will be measuring SEL four times a year on the Kansas SEL Indicators. These were piloted last spring and we made adjustments to the statements based on feedback. The attached rubric or look for's is to provide guidance and support to teachers as they fill out this new section. #SHARE
Hispanic Heritage Month: Please let Mrs. Wallace know of activities and events planned in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
TSCPL Educator eCard: Please encourage your teachers to sign up for a Teacher eCard for the Topeka Shawnee County Library. There are no late or lost fees with a Teacher eCard. They will gather physical materials and have them ready for pickup - Here is the link to our on-line application form for educator cards. These are also available for paraprofessionals. #SHARE
Optional and PAID Ci3T Meeting Dates (Early Childhood and Secondary): KU Empower Traditional via Zoom--Consider sending at least two staff members to each session to then conduct on-site PD. Let your district coach know if you are attending for additional support as well!
- October 20, 2022 5:00-7:00pm Register here
- November 15, 2022 5:00-7:00pm Register here
- January 11, 2023 5:00-7:00pm Register here
- March 22, 2023 5:00-7:00pm Register here
- April 27, 2023 5:00-7:00pm Register here
Special Education Update
If you have questions related to the Special Education Update section, please contact Dr. Harrington, General Director of Special Education.
The following departments will remain at Quinton Heights: Speech, Social Work,School Psychology, Early Childhood, and Transfer ins for students that have IEPs.
Progress Reports: Special Education teachers need to have their IEP Progress Reports completed by October 17 and mailed (or e-mailed) to the parent.
EL Services Update
If you have questions about the Quinton Heights Welcome Center or English learner services, please contact Anita Curry, the Director of EL Programs, at 785-295-3742 or acurry@tps501.org
Parent/Teacher Conference Interpreters: If you have individuals in mind to assist with interpreting at parent teacher conferences, Mrs. Curry's office has a budget for that. If you want to hire more than 1 interpreter for your school, you must get prior approval from Mrs. Curry Instructions: How to pay for interpreters used other than for IEP or 504 Meeting
- Spanish interpreter for school nurses: 785-600-8002
- Spanish interpreter for emergencies district-wide: 785-235-7510
#SHARE: Useful Links. The Bilingual glossary includes info in Ukrainian.
Bilingual Glossaries in 30 different languages for LA and Math K-12
Professional Learning Opportunities
Flint Hills Writing Project: The Flint Hills Writing Project, affiliated with the National Writing Project, is hosting a state conference Saturday, November 5, 2022 in Topeka. Registration is now open.
Against the Grain: A Kansas Writing Conference will host concurrent sessions facilitated by National Writing Project Teacher Consultants and invited guests: Priscilla Howe (Storyteller, Humanities Kansas Speakers Bureau), Nathan McAlister (Humanities Program Manager, KSDE), and Nicholas Murray (Ranger, Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site). Session information is provided on the conference website (fhwp.org).
The registration fee is $65 per individual (or $60 per individual for a group of 3+ from the same district).
Flint Hills Writing Project (FHWP) has been the only state site of the National Writing Project since 2014. FHWP provides professional development through leadership institutes, workshops, and inservices.
KASB Women Connecting with Women: Please register here. Women Connecting with Women is a four part webinar.
- 2nd Session: Oct. 26 w/ Rena Duewel
- 3rd Session: Jan. 25 w/ Amy Haussler
- 4th Session: Feb. 22 w/ Dr. Emily Riner
Mandt classes are available. Certified staff attending after school or weekend classes receive a $20 stipend for a half day and $40 for a full day. Sign up is available for certified staff in Frontline. Paras may attend after school or weekend classes for professional development points only. To sign up classified staff members or with any questions, please contact Stacey Kramer.
Elementary Update
If you have any questions related to the Elementary Update, please contact Mrs. Sharp, General Director of Preschool and Elementary.
New SEL Section on Report Cards: In alignment with KSDE outcomes, we will be measuring SEL four times a year on the Kansas SEL Indicators. These were piloted last spring and we made adjustments to the statements based on feedback. The attached rubric or look for's is to provide guidance and support to teachers as they fill out this new section. #SHARE
Do the Math Intervention: Introduction Letter
Early Childhood & Elementary Ci3T Tiered Intervention Resource Grids: The blueprint for Tier 2 and Tier 3 Intervention Resource Grids are below. When analyzing your NWEA MAP and SRSS-IE/EC data, please use these as a guide to connecting your students to academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports. These grids are district blueprints; if there are additional interventions specific to your building, please add them as you see fit for your Ci3T Implementation Manual. If you need additional support, please reach out to your building district Ci3T coach or Nettie Johnson, njohnson2@tps501.org
4th Grade Symphony Field Trip - October 18: Bus list with times has been emailed to building principals. Schools that are 10AM will be picked up by 9:30 AM and return at 10:45 AM. Schools that are attending the 1:00 PM session will be picked up at 12:30 PM and return at 1:45 PM. Buses will be paid for through fine arts.
Secondary Updates
If you have questions regarding the Secondary Update, please contact Billie Wallace, Assistant Superintendent, Teaching and Learning.
Vote Video: Below is a video created to help encourage students to register and vote this year. We would like this video to be aired during seminar time or during announcements periodically through the election. We will be posting this online as well. Please let me know if you have any questions.
- CLICK HERE to download the video.
- Please start showing the video ASAP as the last day to register is Oct. 18 https://www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/voterreg/home/index
Secondary Ci3T Tiered Intervention Resource Grids: The blueprint for Tier 2 and Tier 3 Intervention Resource Grids are below. When analyzing your NWEA MAP and SRSS-IE data, please use these as a guide to connecting your students to academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports. These grids are district blueprints; if there are additional interventions specific to your building, please add them as you see fit for your Ci3T Implementation Manual. If you need additional support, please reach out to your building district Ci3T coach or Nettie Johnson, njohnson2@tps501.org
Parent Teacher Conferences: As a reminder, TPS is working towards student-led conferences. While many are implementing during the February conferences, seniors MUST participate in the student-led college and career focused Parent Teacher Conference in October. This is part of our IPS Framework.
Scholarships: Fall is in the air but so is Scholarship Season! What better way to hunt for cash than by using the newly revamped and easy to use, ScholarShop! 6 billion scholarships worth $30 Million Dollars! #SHARE
IPS Changes:
- 8th Grade: A career research project was built into the 8th Grade ELA CDM. If schools want to build it our into a career fair, that is a school based option.
- 10th/11th Grade: Completing the resume builder is built into the ELA CDM in 10th grade and revising it into a polished and uploaded resume is part of the 11th grade ELA CDM.
Communications Update
If you have questions related to the Communications Update, please contact Dr. Gray, General Director of Student Services.
Principal for a Day Candidates: Do you know a community member or leader new to their role and who would be a good candidate for Principal for a Day? The 2022 Principal for a Day event will take place on Thursday, November 17, 2022, at schools across the district, with attendees convening for lunch at Bishop Professional Development Center. As in previous years, members of the community will be nominated by district leadership and assigned to a school building where they will act as a “principal for a day” by shadowing that building’s principal.
The purpose of the Principal For a Day event is to invite community leaders to get an inside look at modern education and the day-to-day tasks that principals experience in their roles. The event also serves a dual purpose of creating opportunities for community partnerships. Please email the individual's name by noon Thursday, September 29th to Dr. Gray at agray@tps501.org.
Topeka Public Schools Dream Team Grants Staff Wishes: The Topeka Public Schools Dream Team is fulfilling wishes for TPS staff! The purpose of the TPS Dream Team is to uplift our students, staff, and community members by fulfilling wishes to create a positive impact! TPS staff can submit a Dream Team request by clicking here and select the ‘Dream Team’ category. We will be reviewing the submitted requests at the end of September.
Celebrations: As we celebrate our principals during National Principals Month, as a reminder, everyone will receive one gift in honor of staff appreciation in May. Staff will be highlighted via social media throughout the school year.
Daily Pledge of Allegiance (KNST): As you may be aware, KSNT has a feature called the Daily Pledge Of Allegiance. This :30 second spot features a grade school class, Boy Scout Troop, etc. – reciting the Pledge. They feature the Pledge each morning on KSNT and would love to get back to collecting pledges! They are accepting cell phone videos at tsmith@ksnt.com, or the following link allows an upload: https://www.dropbox.com/request/8CW1IgdAp4G4qJjVUM9J. We request the teacher tell us their name, the class, and school info at the top of the video, do a ‘3-2-1’ countdown before they start the pledge.
2023 High School Graduation: Graduation this year will be held at the Stormont Vail Event Center. Below are the times for the 2023 graduation on Saturday, May 13, 2023.
9:00 a.m. - Topeka High
12:00 p.m. - Highland Park High
2:00 p.m. - Topeka West
Practice/rehearsal the day before (Friday, May 12th).
9:30 a.m.- Topeka High
12:30 p.m. - Highland Park
2:30 - p.m. - Topeka West
TPS Staff Appreciation eCards: Brighten the day of a Topeka Public Schools staff member by sending an eCard to their inbox. Simply fill out the short form below and your digital message will be delivered! TPS Staff Appreciation eCards
Above & Beyond Award: Do you know someone who has done something amazing? Submit their names for the Above and Beyond Award recognition. This award is given monthly to a teacher, staff member, parent, or community volunteer who goes above and beyond to help deliver educational services to students.
How we Communicate with Families: Topeka Public School District uses a wide variety of communication tools to engage its families. Individual schools and teachers may use other communication channels that are not reflected here. How we Communicate with Families
Upcoming DCAC Meetings: Principals or their designees are invited to our monthly DCAC meetings. The next meeting is Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at 6:30 pm via Zoom.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://tps501.zoom.us/j/85994508927
Meeting ID: 859 9450 8927
Passcode: JoinDCAC
Assessment & Demographics Update
If you have questions related to items in this section, please contact the General Director of Assessment and Demographics, Dr. Aaron Kipp.
History/Gov/Social Studies Assessment: The window for the 4th grade HGSS assessment opens on October 25th and runs through December 3rd.
Graduation/Dropout Report (DGSR): KSDE has opened this report. Spring 2022 graduates were uploaded 10/3/22, so please check your DGSR data for accuracy before 10/31/22.
Phone Calls Home: Any licensed teacher can make a phone call to a remote/quarantined student and you CAN count that student present with the R CODE in Tyler SIS for that day. This is what the state refers to as a "meaningful contact" and is a useful alternative to students who are not getting on zoom for whatever reason.
Remote Attendance: The district remote teachers are taking attendance on the following document. If a student is marked present for a date on this spreadsheet, go into Tyler SIS and code that student with an "R" for that day.
Information Technology Update
If you have questions regarding Information Technology Updates, please contact Mr. Scott Gowan, CIO.
First Quarter Grading Window: Please share with your teams that the window for posting grades for the first quarter was opened on Friday, August 23rd. All grades are due by 6:PM on Monday, October 10th, without exceptions, so please plan accordingly. Share the elementary and secondary report card reminders with your teachers, and remind them to follow all of the steps. The grades that show on the report card tab for each class will be the grades that show on the report cards. The easiest way to check on the progress of your teachers reporting grades is to look at the Report Card Grades column for each class in Tyler360. IT will share an electronic copy of the school's report cards after the window closes, if you wish to print them for conferences. Also, any schedule changes for the 2nd quarter must be effective after October 11th.
Calls within the District: Please share with your teams the reminder that all calls from district phones going to numbers outside the district must include all ten digits of the number in order to connect; however, all calls to lines within the district MUST only use the last four digits or you may experience audio issues with the call. Our network based phone system cannot handle a call that is both outbound and inbound to our network, without a loss of audio quality. With the start of a new school year, we are receiving complaints that calls cannot be heard, and this is the primary reason.
Browser-Based Software: Please share with your teams that the district uses several browser-based software platforms, like TylerSIS. These software platforms rely on your updated browser to render data on your screen; however, if that data doesn't appear in a way that is expected, the most likely cause is an outdated browser or an outdated browser extension. The easiest way to resolve this issue would be to follow the three dots at the top-right corner of your browser window and select Help --> About Google Chrome. After your Browser updates itself and the extensions, then you will need to restart your computer.
Camera & Security Alarm Replacement Project: Please be aware that the district is engaging with a vendor (ADS) to begin replacing cameras, security, and fire alarm panels in our various buildings. This is a coordinated effort between the Facilities Team, the IT Department, and the TPS Police Department, and more details will be coming as the implementation progresses.
School Messenger Lists: As a reminder, building-specific lists, including school bus lists, are available in School Messenger for you to subscribe. You can do so under the "list" menu in the "broadcast" tab using the button on the right side of your screen. If you have any questions or if you need for us to create a list for you, please send your request through Track-IT so we can help.
Fastest Way to Get IT Support: Please share with your teams that the fastest way to to get IT support is by entering a detailed request through Track-IT. Very detailed notes are most helpful in resolving the issue. You are always welcome to email or call our main office line to follow up on a Track-IT request, but anything that must be assigned to someone on our team can only be assigned within Track-IT, where their supervisors can monitor their workload. Calls or emails that bypass Track-IT ultimately only add time to getting your issue resolved.
New Students: Please share with your teams the reminder that ALL new students must be entered ONLY through the "Student Information" form with online registration process in TylerSIS. If an existing family needs to add a student, please reopen their registration and add a student to the "Student Information" form in online registration. Once that form is marked complete, additional online registration forms will generate for the student. After the online registration is complete for the household, the registration must be submitted and approved before the new student will show in the TylerSIS database. When the new student is assigned to a school, then additional optional e-Forms will be available for the family to complete. Don't forget that the student's email address must be entered into TylerSIS before the student will be rostered in any of our assessments or instructional software.
Free & Reduced Meal Applications: As a reminder, the Household Economic Survey that we used last year has been discontinued, and we are returning to the annual Free & Reduced Meal Application administered through Child and Nutrition Services. Although there is a lot of discussion in Washington, DC about this topic, we are still required to have families submit the annual application to qualify for the program, as well as other at-risk funding programs. The application is now available, and can be accessed through the TylerSIS e-Form or the district's website. Please understand that there is no information in TylerSIS to determine who has completed this form.
Microsoft Office 365: Please share with your teams that Office 365 may require staff and students to re-authenticate the license in order to open Microsoft Office. The easiest way to do so is to open an Office 365 program (MS Word, MS Excel, etc.) from the launcher's applications menu. When it opens, it will prompt you to login with your district Google credentials in order to authenticate. If you do not see a prompt, then you may click the yellow exclamation icon in the top-right corner. This is Microsoft's way of confirming that district licenses are not being used by people not authorized to do so by the district.
TPS Public Wireless: Please share with your teams that we are adopting a new public wireless portal this summer in order to improve security. The BYOD and Public wireless will be going away. For our new TPS Public Wireless access, you will use your network login information to validate that you are authorized to access our network. In order to improve performance, District Devices will have priority on our network and guest devices will need to register to gain access to the internet only. We are hoping that this will significantly improve the experience in classrooms with access points saturated with activity from personal devices.
CyberSecurity Updates: Please share with your teams that we all must work together to protect each other from CyberSecurity issues. Be mindful of any emails asking you to click on unknown links, share personally identifiable information, or save unknown files to your computer or network drives. All of us have the responsibility of protecting the district, so if you are in doubt, verify something before you act on it.
Contractor Accounts Expire: As a reminder, contractor accounts are all set to automatically expire a year after they are requested. Each year, administrators need to request those accounts to be reset for the following year. Here is a link to request or to renew any district network and Google accounts. This link is for any temporary employee such as Contractors or Student Teachers.
FCC's Affordable Connectivity Program: Please share with your teams that the FCC has announced its affordable connectivity program to provide eligible families, a credit of up to $30 per month to cover the cost of Broadband services with various providers, including Cox. Eligible families include those who qualify for free & reduced school lunch, SNAP, WIC, or those with an income level at or below 200% of the federal poverty guideline for family size. Click here for either English or Spanish.
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Please share with your teams that October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. To celebrate, please encourage your staff and students to take the following precautions:
- Think Before You Click: Recognize and Report Phishing: If a link looks a little off, think before you click. It could be an attempt to get sensitive information or install malware.
- Update Your Software: Don't delay -- If you see a software update notification, act promptly. Better yet, turn on automatic updates.
- Use Strong Passwords: Use passwords that are long, unique, and randomly generated. Use password managers to generate and remember different, complex passwords for each of your accounts. A passwords manager will encrypt passwords securing them for you!
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication: You need more than a password to protect your online accounts, and enabling MFA makes you significantly less likely to get hacked.
Human Resources
If you have questions related to Human Resources Updates, please contact Deborah Ramberg, General Director of Human Resources.
Performance Evaluations: All Goal Setting Meetings should have been completed by September 30, 2022. Please make sure to schedule TWO formal observations before November 8, 2022, with all new and at-risk staff. This is shown on the 2023 Evaluation Log Timeline document in the Administrative Notebook.
Compensation: Contracts for Administrative and Certified employees will be sent out by the end of the week. Classified employees should start receiving their compensation letters this week. If there are questions or concerns, please have employees contact Human Resources.
Restricted Personal Leave: Personal Leave time may not be used on the following dates for the month of October:
October 7
October 10, 11, 12
October 26, 27, 28, 31
Personal leave guidelines are available on the Staff Site page of the district website.
Legal Updates
If you have questions related to information in the Legal Update, please reach out to the General Council, Donna Whiteman.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
October 4, 2022: State Street, Quincy and LowmanHill 4th Graders to Kanza
October 4, 2022: DCAC Mtg., 6:30 https://tps501.zoom.us/j/85994508927 Passcode: JoinDCAC
October 3, 2022 - November 11: Pre-ACT (Frosh only)
October 5, 2022: Ross and Randolph 4th Graders to Kanza
October 5, 2022: FAFSA NIGHT AT THS, 6:00-7:00
October 10, 2022: Teacher Planning & Prep Day, FLEX Day
October 11, 2022: District PD Day
October 12, 2022: FAFSA at Washburn Library, 5:00-7:00
October 13, 2022: FAFSA Night at TWHS, 5:30
October 13, 2022: FAFSA Night at TCAL, 5:30-7:00.
October 17, 2022: Women in Science Trip for 7th Grade
October 18, 2022: 4th Grade Symphony Trip
October 18, 2022: TPS Funded ACT
October 20, 2022: KACRAO / Topeka Public Schools College Fair, TCALC
October 25, 2022: FAFSA night at Washburn Library, 5:00-7:00
October 27, 2022: Equity Council, 5:30-6:30
November 1, 2022: DCAC Mtg., 6:30 https://tps501.zoom.us/j/85994508927 Passcode: JoinDCAC
November 2, 2022: BLT Root Cause Analysis, Bishop, 4:00-6:00
November 10, 2022: Equity Council, 5:30-6:30
November 17, 2022: Principal for a Day
November 18, 2022: Fine Arts College Fair, TCALC
December 8, 2022: Equity Council, 5:30-6:30
January 4, 2023: District / School Based PD Day
January 4, 2023: School BLT Root Cause Analysis, Bishop, 4:00-6:00
January 26, 2022: Equity Council 5:30-6:30
February 7, 2023: DCAC Mtg., 6:30 https://tps501.zoom.us/j/85994508927 Passcode: JoinDCAC
February 23, 2022: Equity Council, 5:30-6:30
February 28, 2023: KSDE Funded ACT for Juniors or March 7, TBD
March 7, 2023: KSDE Funded ACT for Juniors or February 28, TBD
March 7, 2023: DCAC Mtg., 6:30 https://tps501.zoom.us/j/85994508927 Passcode: JoinDCAC
March 30, 2022: Equity Council, 5:30-6:30
April 4, 2023: TPS Funded ACT
April 4, 2023: DCAC Mtg., 6:30 https://tps501.zoom.us/j/85994508927 Passcode: JoinDCAC
April 13, 2022: Kindergarten Orientation
May 2, 2023: DCAC Mtg., 6:30 https://tps501.zoom.us/j/85994508927 Passcode: JoinDCAC
May 10, 2023: Hope Street Graduation, 10:30, HSA Gym