Community News
Topeka Public Schools | 6/18/26
Enroll Now for the 2026-27 School Year
Online registration for the 2026-2027 school year is open for students in grades PreK-12! Families are encouraged to register early, as we anticipate classes filling up quickly again this year.
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.
TPS Keeping Scholars Engaged Through Summer Learning Opportunities
Topeka Public Schools students and staff are off to a wonderful start to our annual Academic & Enrichment Summer Programs and Extended School Year!
The district is keeping scholars engaged with fun, hands-on courses like coding, robotics, and drones, arts and crafts, athletics, culinary arts, chess, and more. View photos from our summer programs on Flickr, where photos will be added throughout the month of June.
To learn more about summer learning opportunities, visit topekapublicschools.net.
TPS Students Celebrate Juneteenth with Reflection, Learning & Celebration
This week, Topeka Public Schools students and staff celebrated Juneteenth, a national holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the US and celebrates African American freedom, culture, and achievement.
At Ross Elementary, students gathered for a powerful all-school assembly that brought Juneteenth history to life and focused on youth empowerment, helping students gain a deeper understanding of the importance of freedom, resilience, and cultural pride. Students at Jardine also enjoyed learning about Juneteenth, and even made Juneteenth parfaits in the Kids Cooking summer course.
View photos from the activities on Flickr. To learn more about the significance of Juneteenth and local celebrations in our community, view this article from WIBW.
TPS Native American Summer Program Connects Indigenous Students With Their Culture & Heritage
The Native American Summer Program at Topeka Public Schools brought together Indigenous students in grades K-8 for a week of cultural immersion and celebration at Jardine Middle School from June 8-12.
Each year, this unique initiative provides Indigenous students with the opportunity to explore and connect with their Native culture through a variety of engaging activities.
Throughout the week, students engaged in hands-on experiences that honored their heritage, including cooking traditional foods, learning native languages, and creating meaningful projects rooted in Indigenous history.
The program not only fosters cultural pride but also encourages educational exploration in a supportive and enriching environment. View photos from the program in our Summer Enrichment album on Flickr.
Fueling Learning All Summer Long: TPS Summer Meal Program Continues Through July 24
Throughout the summer, Topeka Public Schools Food Service staff are proudly serving students and families by ensuring access to nutritious meals across the city.
The 2026 Summer Meal Program runs through July 24 and provides free meals to all children 18 and under, Monday through Friday, at designated congregate meal sites throughout Topeka. Please note that meals must be enjoyed on-site in accordance with federal guidelines.
To view a complete list of meal sites, menus, and serving times, visit our Summer Meal Program page at topekapublicschools.net. We thank our dedicated Food Service team for helping keep our students healthy and energized all summer long!
TPS & Harvesters Partner to Provide Summer Food Support for Families
Topeka Public Schools remains committed to supporting families throughout the summer months. Our partnership with Harvesters will continue to provide access to fresh food and essential items through mobile food pantries at multiple school sites.
- Capital City School – Fourth Fridays: June 26, July 24, August 28 | 9:00–10:00 AM
- Jardine Middle School – Second Saturdays: July 11, August 8 | 9:00–10:00 AM
- Robinson Middle School – First Fridays: July 3, August 7 | 4:00–5:00 PM
Additionally, here is a list of food banks, pantries, and meal sites available across Topeka to ensure families have continued access to food and resources when school is not in session.
We are incredibly grateful to Harvesters and the many volunteers and organizations that continue to support the well-being of our students and their families. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier community.
Annual I 💙 TPS Listening & Learning Tours Invite Feedback from Families Across Topeka
Topeka Public Schools is continuing our annual Listening & Learning Tours this summer, providing families and staff with opportunities to connect directly with the Superintendent and district leaders to share feedback and discuss their experiences.
The first Listening Tour was held in conjunction with our Hiring Fair on June 11, and provided meaningful insights from families, staff, and community stakeholders, and we thank our Highland Park High School alums from Los GemElotes for providing delicious food for the event.
The next Listening Tour will be held on Thursday, July 16, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Milk & Honey Coffee Co., located at 2200 SE 29th St. We encourage our families, staff, and community members to stop by, meet with district leaders, ask questions, and share ideas about how Topeka Public Schools can continue to serve students and families. Feedback can also be submitted online through the district website.
Sunflower Summer App Provides Free Activities for Kansas Families in July & August
Looking for fun family activities this summer? Download the Sunflower Summer app!
Developed by the Kansas State Department of Education in partnership with Kansas teachers, Sunflower Summer provides a fun and engaging way to ensure student learning continues during the summer months.
All Kansas students in grades PreK-12, and up to two accompanying adults, may access one ticket voucher to each of the participating attractions in the Sunflower Summer app at no charge from July 9 - August 2, 2026.
To get started, visit sunflowersummer.org to learn how the program works. Next, download the free mobile app and start planning your adventures!
Join our Team! Connect With TPS at Summer Hiring Events
Topeka Public Schools is recruiting for outstanding new team members through a series of summer hiring events designed to connect talented professionals with career opportunities across the district. We invite you to join us at one of our Summer hiring events, including:
- WIBW Job Fair
June 24 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
West Ridge Mall - Topeka Career Fair
June 25 from 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Register online at eventbrite.com - TPS Hiring Fair
July 7 from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Quinton Heights Education Center - TPS Hiring Fair & In-Person Enrollment Day
July 21 from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Topeka High School - Late Night at Burnett Walk-In Interviews
July 22 from 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Burnett Administrative Center
TPS offers the highest starting teacher salary in the region, monthly professional development and personal wellness days, and opportunities for student loan forgiveness. To learn more about available positions or apply for a position, visit careers.topekapublicschools.net.
TPS & NAMI Topeka Launch Family Support Group for Parents & Caregivers
Topeka Public Schools and NAMI Topeka have partnered 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, June 23 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.
District Calendar & Upcoming Events
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.
Topeka Public Schools Foundation
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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TPS Tip Line
Use the helpline numbers:
- 785-GET-HELP
- 785-438-4357
for any emergency questions or concerns.
TPS In The News
TPS Parent Resource Site
View information and health alerts from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) on our Parent Resource Site.