Community News
Topeka Public Schools | 9/12/25
TPS Educators Recognized For Innovation & Excellence in Their Field
Topeka Public Schools is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of two outstanding educators within our district!
Ms. Laura Nichols, Associate Principal at TCALC, has been named one of Topeka’s Top 20 Under 40, recognizing her leadership in expanding career pathways, industry partnerships, and work-based learning for our students.
Ms. Valeria Cortez, preschool teacher at Scott Dual Language, has been named a Kansas NextGen Under 30 honoree for her impactful work advancing bilingual early learning and her commitment to family engagement.
Please join us in congratulating Ms. Nichols and Ms. Cortez for the excellence they model every day here in Topeka Public Schools!
TPS Foundation Brings Community Together for 16th Annual Breakfast
This week, the Topeka Public Schools Foundation hosted its 16th Annual Community Breakfast and Superintendent’s State of the District Address at the Maner Conference Center. The event brought together public officials and community partners to celebrate shared successes and deepen community support for TPS students.
A highlight of the morning was honoring Advisors Excel as the 2025 Patron Award recipient for outstanding service to public education. The Foundation also recognized Aric Harrington for 15 years of service as Treasurer, expressing gratitude for his steady leadership.
We send a special thank you to Advisors Excel and to the many partners who continue to invest in our scholars and schools. View photos from the event on Flickr.
Teaching 9/11: TPS Educators Preserve History for a New Generation
On September 11, 2001, the world watched as the deadliest attack in American history unfolded. On Thursday, students and staff at Topeka Public Schools took the time to honor the heroes and remember those whose lives were impacted 24 years ago.
Peaceful remembrance took place at each school, and flag ceremonies were held by ROTC programs at each high school. Educators reminisced about living through the tragedy and now preserving history for a new generation of students who were not yet alive when it took place.
View photos from the remembrance ceremonies on Flickr and learn more in this article from WIBW.
Outstanding Topeka High School Scholar Recognized as September Senior of the Month
Congratulations to our September Senior of the Month, Hara Del Castillo, an exceptional scholar at Topeka High School.
Hara has been deeply involved in her school community throughout her four years at Topeka High, participating in Student Government, swim team, the National English Honor Society, and National Honor Society. Her teachers and peers describe her as a quiet leader, someone who leads by example, goes above and beyond, and embraces challenges with confidence.
Hara has also explored career-focused opportunities at TCALC, starting with sports medicine and later transitioning into the Patient Care Technician Pathway as preparation for her goal of becoming a nurse. Drawn to helping people and building one-on-one patient relationships, she plans to continue her education in nursing at Washburn or KU.
Learn more about this outstanding senior in this highlight video.
Therapy Dogs Positively Impact Students & Staff as Part of Mental Health Team
On August 26, Topeka Public Schools celebrated National Dog Day by recognizing the vital role our therapy dogs play on the district’s mental health team. With more than two dozen therapy dogs serving across schools, these canine colleagues help students and staff every day by providing emotional support, reducing stress and anxiety, and creating a sense of calm.
Therapy dogs are part of daily life at TPS, joining morning check-ins, supporting short breaks, and offering quiet companionship during challenging moments. Many students love reading to the dogs, who can be found in classrooms, offices, libraries, and other common spaces throughout the school day.
Pictured are Abby and Gibbs, therapy dogs at Chase Middle School, who work alongside their owner, Jennifer Stallbaumer. Their steady presence is one of the many ways TPS fosters a welcoming, supportive learning environment for every student.
Join Us for Our Annual Family Fitness Fun Night on September 17!
Mark your calendars! The 15th annual Topeka Public Schools Family Fitness Fun Night kicks off at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, September 17 at Hummer Sports Park.
This free, family-friendly event is all about healthy living, education, and fun, bringing our community together in a positive atmosphere for all ages. Attendees can enjoy booths with tips on nutrition, fitness, and mental health, plus games, activities, and more.
We can’t wait to see our families and community members there!
Suicide Prevention Month: Resources to Support Mental Health
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Topeka Public Schools students and staff serve on the Shawnee County Suicide Prevention Coalition, and mental health teams work to provide support at all schools.
We encourage students, families, and staff to view the district's well-being resources and information about suicide prevention from Family Service & Guidance Center (FSGC).
The 988 Lifeline is available 24 hours a day to provide mental health support, no matter what you are going through. Connect with a trained crisis counselor who is ready to support you simply by dialing 988.
TPS Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
Students and staff across the district will celebrate culture, history, music, and art during Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 - October 15.
Topeka Public Schools provides students with the only PreK-12 Dual Language Program in the region. In 2022, the Dual Language Program was honored with the Magna Award Grand Prize by the National School Boards Association as a model of excellence for other school districts across the country.
On September 18, the Topeka Public Schools Board of Education will sign a proclamation in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month and hear highlights about activities taking place acrosss the district. Stay tuned to our social media channels for more exciting events in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month!
Save the Date for TPS Homecoming Pep Rallies, Parades, & Football Games
It's Homecoming season! We can't wait to kick off the festivities at the end of September with spirited parades, royalty celebrations, and Friday night lights.
Families and community members are invited to pack the stands, cheer on our teams, and enjoy our marching bands, cheer, and dance in action. View the district schedule below and mark your calendars to join the celebration!
Topeka West High School
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Thursday, September 25: Pep Assembly (2:00 PM, Gym); Parade (2:30 PM); Game vs. Lansing (7:00 PM, Hummer Sports Park; Royalty crowned at 6:30 PM)
Topeka High School
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Friday, September 26: Pep Assembly & Royalty Introduction (1:00 PM, Auditorium); Parade (2:00 PM, begins on Polk St.); Game vs. Emporia (7:00 PM, Hummer Sports Park; Royalty crowned at 6:30 PM)
Highland Park High School
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Thursday, October 9: Parade (2:00 PM); Game vs. Atchison (7:00 PM, Hummer Sports Park)
Warm Little Ones Coat Drive: Preparing for Winter
It may be September, but Topeka Public Schools is already preparing for winter so every child stays warm!
As we prepare for our annual Warm Little Ones Coat Drive, we've partnered with the Mister Rogers Neighborhood Sweater Drive to collect new or gently used winter gear (coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and boots) or you can make a monetary donation to Warm Little Ones.
Donations can be dropped off at the district Welcome Center at Quinton Heights (2331 SW Topeka Blvd). Please contact Nichole Fairley with TPS Parents as Teachers at nfairley@tps501.org for any questions. Thank you for helping us support TPS students and families this winter!
Midland Care Offers Free Healing Hearts Grief Camp for Children Ages 7-12
Midland Care's Healing Hearts Camp is a fun and safe place for children to learn about grief after the death of a loved one, where they will learn new coping skills to help them on their life journey.
This free camp will be held from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM on Saturday, October 11 at Hope & Healing Academy (10347 SW 53rd St). Students ages 7-12 will have the opportunity to share memories and express feelings with others who are dealing with loss and grief.
Registration is required and the deadline to RSVP is Friday, September 19. For more information or to register, please visit midlandcare.org.
September Public Auctions: School Surplus & Equipment
Topeka Public Schools will host two public surplus auctions in September, managed by Kooser Auction Service.
The School Surplus Equipment auction is Saturday, September 20 at 9:00 AM at the USD 501 Service Center (125 SE 27th St), featuring vehicles and grounds equipment.
The School Surplus auction is Saturday, September 27 at 9:00 AM at the Surplus Building (2702 SW Kanza Dr), with food-service items, school and office furniture, AV carts, tools, shop and lawn equipment, and more.
Inspection is sale day only; all items are sold “as is” and must be paid for and removed the day of sale (cash, good check, or major credit card; cards require a $50 minimum purchase and 5% convenience fee). For questions, please call Lucy Nixon at 785-295-3912.
Pay School Fees Online Using My School Bucks
Families can now pay student fees for the 2025-2026 school year using My School Bucks. Visit myschoolbucks.com or download the mobile app to pay your invoice using a card or e-check.
If you are creating a My School Bucks account to pay fees for the first time, please visit myschoolbucks.com to create a secure login. View step-by-step instructions to create an account here.
If you need assistance with your account, you can find helpful how-to videos and answers to commonly asked questions by visiting myschoolbucks.com or by calling 855-832-5226.
Text Messaging Service Sends Alerts to TPS Families
Topeka Public Schools utilizes the SchoolMessenger system for web services and to deliver text messages to families in the district. Alerts come straight to your mobile phone with important information about school events, school closings, and more.
Parents and guardians can participate in this free service by sending a text message of "Y" or "Yes" to the TPS short code number 67587. You can also opt-out of these messages at any time by simply replying "stop" to one of our messages.
View our communications document in English and Spanish to learn more about how Topeka Public Schools communicates with families throughout the school year.
Don't forget to follow us on social media! We're active on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Stay Updated on Transportation With the Here Comes the Bus App
Families 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, every time.
- Download the Here Comes the Bus app* or visit herecomesthebus.com
- Sign Up by going to the Here Comes the Bus website. https://login.herecomesthebus.com/SignUpConfirm.aspx
- Enter school code 29036 and click “Next” followed by “Confirm”
- Complete the “User Profile” box
- Under “My Students,” click “Add.” Enter your child’s last name and student ID number
- Once you confirm your information, you’re ready to begin using Here Comes the Bus!
District Calendar & Upcoming Events
The district Google Calendar is also available on our home page.
Below are important dates for September 2025:
- September 1-30: National Campus Safety Awareness Month
- September 1-30: National Suicide Prevention Month
- September 15 - October 15: Hispanic Heritage Month
- September 16: National IT Professionals Day
- September 17: Constitution Day
- September 17: Family Fitness Fun Night
5:30 PM | Hummer Sports Park - September 18: Board of Education Meeting
5:30 PM | Burnett Center - September 23: College Prep Academy Jacketing Ceremony
9:00 AM | TCALC - September 25: Topeka West High School Homecoming
View Event Calendar - September 26: Topeka High School Homecoming
View Event Calendar
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Use the helpline numbers:
- 785-GET-HELP
- 785-438-4357
for any emergency questions or concerns.
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View information and health alerts from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) on our Parent Resource Site.