Topeka Public Schools

TPS Music Education Program Receives National Award

Topeka Public Schools has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. The Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. It is truly an honor to be recognized as a district with this award. Thank you to the outstanding teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who are making music part of a well-rounded education for every child in our district.

Distinguished Staff Award Winners Honored on April 27

Tune in to watch the Distinguished Staff Awards Show on our TV Station, Cox channel 14 and the district Facebook and Youtube pages on April 27, at 6 p.m. The videos of the DSA winners will also be shown throughout the following week. The DSA is the highest award that a TPS staff member can receive and we are so grateful for the support these 14 exceptional staff members provide for our district. Thank you for all that you do!

2020 Graduates Can Walk at In-Person Ceremony

Last year, Topeka Public Schools District and many surrounding colleges held virtual graduation ceremonies due to the high level of spread of the virus. This year, the county restrictions have reduced, vaccinations have been available and the spread of the virus is at a much lower level. Therefore, we are offering the opportunity for the 2020 graduates who would like to cross the graduation stage in-person the opportunity to do so on Sunday, May 23, 2021. While we held a virtual ceremony, this will give scholars an opportunity to have the ceremonial walk, get photos with last year's principal and summer graduates would be included if they would like to participate.

While 2020 graduates have received their diploma, they will receive a small keepsake from the school district. All participants must wear masks and follow all safety protocols. If you would like to participate, all participants must register by April 30, 2021, to enable us to ensure we prepare accordingly. Each graduate will be allowed admittance of up to seven guests and tickets will be made available by the school who will contact students based on the contact information provided. The ceremonies on Sunday are as follows:

• Topeka West - 9 a.m.
• Highland Park High - 10:30 a.m.
• Topeka High - 12 p.m.

TPS Board President Honored for Leadership During the Pandemic

Topeka Public Schools Board President Dr. Scott Mickelsen was recognized this week as a leader in modern governance. The Diligent Corporation announced the honorees of the Inaugural Modern Governance 100 Community Boards, a program dedicated to the recognition of community governance leaders who are committed to driving positive organizational change. In a year of unprecedented challenges, the program shines a light on publicly elected boards and councils as well as the professionals that support them. These community leaders have demonstrated resilience, dedication and empathy in the face of complex and challenging times when good governance matters more than ever.

Over the last year, governance leaders faced an array of new challenges, from the COVID-19 pandemic to civil unrest to shifting to work from home offices. In the face of these changes, governance experts redefined their roles and helped to ensure service continuity and long-term organizational success. Congratulations to Dr. Mickelsen and to our Board of Education for leading an innovative school district as we continue to put students first.

Scott Library Media Specialist Goes Above and Beyond

As we celebrate National School Library Month, TPS is recognizing Ms. Tiffanie Beasley, school library media specialist at Scott Dual Language Magnet School as the April Above and Beyond winner for her outstanding service to students and parents. Earlier this year, Ms. Beasley created an app that organizes parent's vehicles so that staff can take students directly to the correct car and check them in. On top of that, Ms. Beasley is always willing to help staff and parents with technology needs and goes out of her way to hand-deliver devices to students that need them. Thank you for your dedication to the students at Scott, Ms. Beasley! Topeka Public Schools is lucky to have such amazing staff.

Online Preschool Registration Now Open

The preschool application process has moved online and is now open! If you have a young scholar that is ready to begin preschool in the fall, please visit our website and click on the pencil icon in the top right corner of the site to start the application process! When registering your child, you will need to provide the following documents: the child's immunization records, birth certificate, medical insurance card, and current physical exam. You must also provide the parent's 2020 tax returns and driver's license. For more information on how to register your new preschooler online, view our virtual flyer.

Register Now in Traditional or Virtual School for 2021-22

Hey parents! It's never too early to start thinking about the next school year. Online registration for the 2021-2022 school year is now open. Topeka Public Schools offers endless opportunities for students, pre-school through twelfth grade. Topeka Public Schools also offers a virtual education program. Homeschool parents can register to enroll in the virtual school. This program includes students (grades K-12) and adults with both virtual and onsite learning opportunities. For more information on our virtual school program visit the virtual school website. On the TPS website, there are instructions on how to register new students and returning students, as well as resources for families as they begin the registration process.

TPS Summer Enrichment Opportunities Now Enrolling

Topeka Public Schools will once again be offering a variety of summer enrichment opportunities for students K-12. Enroll your child in enriching and diverse programs that include coding, art, fitness, virtual field trips and grade-level academic enrichment! Programs will run from June 21-July 9, with in-person and virtual sessions available. To learn more about the enrichment programs available and to enroll your student, visit the 2021 Summer Enrichment website.

Highland Park Senior, De'Avion Emerson, Selected as April Senior of the Month

De'Avion Emerson, from Highland Park High School, has been named Senior of the Month for April 2021. Many would describe De'Avion as intelligent, determined, and strong. She is involved in many clubs and extracurricular activities and is a natural leader. She not only stands out academically but she is also an advocate and spokesperson for the mental health of all Highland Park students. Following her own struggle with mental health, De'Avion realized her passion lies in psychology. After graduation, De'Avion plans to attend Spelman College to follow her dreams of studying psychology and pursuing a career as a Behavioral Scientist. Congratulations, De'Avion! We can't wait to see what you accomplish after leaving the halls of Highland Park.

College Prep Students Present to National Conference

The National School Board Association (NSBA) heard from Topeka Public Schools College Prep Academy students, Brenna Rutschmann, Olivia Tatum and Maya Welcher, about how local and national racial issues and disparities impact their educational experience. As present scholars in the historical home of Brown vs. Topeka Board of Education, these students possess a powerful perspective and an empowered voice in 2021. This presentation was moderated by School Board Vice-President, Rev. John R. Williams, the director of certified personnel and equity, Dr. Beryl New, and the students' instructor, Ms. Kathleen Foster. We are so proud of these students for sharing their educational experiences on a national platform.

Celebrating the Week of the Young Child

During the week of April 10-16, we celebrated our youngest learners. The Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration to spotlight early learning, young children, their teachers, families and our community. We have several young children that put together a message of thanks to first responders and essential workers during this COVID-19 crisis. You can view the video here.

Celebrate National Volunteer Week By Volunteering for Sharefest 2021

National Volunteer Appreciation Week is April 18-24. Topeka Public Schools is so grateful to all our volunteers within our schools and in the community. We especially want to thank Advisors Excel for everything that they do for our schools each year. Tune in to our district social media pages for a special video thanking Advisors Excel next week.

As we celebrate all our volunteers this upcoming week, consider volunteering for ShareFest this year. Topeka Public Schools is among the many organizations to benefit from this year's ShareFest on Saturday, April 24, from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. ShareFest is a way for Topeka to come together to volunteer to improve our community. Landscaping, painting and cleaning up the grounds of local schools are ways that volunteers will be spending their time to help give back to the Topeka community. This event is only possible with the help of volunteers from the churches, community and schools. If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to your building principal or visit www.sharefesttopeka.com for more information.

Welcome Dr. Ardalan Dehdasht as the 2021-22 Topeka West Principal

We are proud to announce Dr. Ardalan Dehdasht as the new principal of Topeka West High School for the 2021-22 school year! Dr. Dehdasht joins Topeka Public Schools after being a principal for nearly a decade, most recently serving as principal at Osawatomie High School. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Physics from the University of Kansas in 2008 and in 2010, he earned a Master's in Business Administration from Baker University. Over the course of his career, he has earned his Masters of Art in Curriculum Teaching, a Masters of Science in Building Leadership and Administration and an Education Doctorate in PK-12 Educational Leadership. Dr. Dehdasht has taught biology, mathematics, physics, physical science and coached. Additionally, Dr. Dehdasht is a nationally published author of articles focused on physics. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Dehdasht to the Topeka West family!

April College Connection Newsletter is Available Now

Are you nearing graduation? Be prepared for life after graduating high school by reading the College Connection Newsletter every month. April's newsletter highlights FAFSA preparation, ACT/SAT registration and testing dates, virtual college exploration, as well as available scholarship and job opportunities. The next ACT test date is June 12 and the next SAT test date is May 8.

TPS Foundation Wins Ed Bozarth Give Away!

Ethel Edwards, TPS Foundation board president, recently registered the Topeka Public Schools, K-12, Education Foundation as her nonprofit of choice to receive Ed Bozarth's weekly cash community give-a-way. Her effort landed TPSF a quick $500. Ed Bozarth announced they are honored through their support of the community campaign to donate to the Topeka Public Schools Education Foundation.