Back Cover

TPS Board of Education MembersMr. C. Patrick Woods, PresidentDr. Michael Morrison, Vice-PresidentMs. Janel JohnsonMs. Nancy KirkDr. Peg McCarthyDr. Scott MickelsenRev. John R. Williams

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 appro-priate educational service, program or activity provided by the school district. The Title VI and Title IX compliance coordinator is the Assistant Superintendent for Teaching/Learning/Administration. The Section 504/Title II compliance coordinator is the Coordinator of College and Career Ready Services. For employment, the EEO/AA officer is the General Director of Human Resources. All compliance coordinators may be contacted at 624 SW 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) 295-3045 or by writing to 624 SW 24th Street, Topeka, KS 66611-1294.

District Leadership TeamDr. Tiffany Anderson, SuperintendentLarry Robbins, Deputy SuperintendentTammy Austin, Asst. Super. of Student ServicesCindy Kelly, Board AttorneyMisty Kruger, Director of Communications

Make a donation to Topeka Public SchoolsDonations to assist students with college visits, field trips and to expand on student’s educational needs, including study abroad opportunities can be made via check, with “Donation” in the memo line to:

Topeka Public Schools Attn: Business Office, POD F 624 SW 24th Topeka, KS 66611

Would you like to support our next issue? Contact Misty Kruger at 295-3092 or mkruger@tps501.org

District Connections

FALL 2016Students First: Working as a Team for Continuous Improvement

Robotics

Bond Update

Students and Teachers Recognized

IN THIS ISSUE

T P SM A G

Magna Award Winner

School of the year

Embassy of Spain

Burnett Administrative Center624 SW 24th StreetTopeka, KS 66611

EventsUpcoming Message from the

Superintendent

Thursday, November 3 Senior Day Emporia State UniversitySchool Board Meeting 6:30 p.m., Burnett Center Board Room

November 14-18American Education Week

Thursday, November 17School Board Meeting 6:30 p.m., Burnett Center Board Room

November 23-25Thanksgiving Recess, No School

Thursday, December 1School Board Meeting 6:30 p.m., Burnett Center Board Room

Thursday, December 15School Board Meeting 6:30 p.m., Burnett Center Board Room

December 21 - January 3Winter Break, No School

Wednesday, January 4Schools Reconvene, Third Quarter Begins

Strategic Planning A Community Process

The direction and goals the district will take for the next five years are being developed thanks to feedback from parents, staff and the community. After holding dozens of feedback sessions and

Message from the BOE President

Dear Topeka Community,

It has been an exciting start to the school year. We have expanded college and career readiness opportunities as we continue to prepare students for careers and post secondary success. Topeka Public Schools is becoming recognized nationally as a leader in academic excellence, and this year we have had a national presence as we train educators and policy makers across the nation. As the new superintendent, my goal is to ensure we serve the needs within our community through partnerships and innovation.

Thank you for your continued support and for investing in our Topeka Public Schools.

Dr. Tiffany AndersonSuperintendent

Dear Topeka Community,

Thank you for your investment in our schools. Your unfailing support not only demonstrates your faith in our district, but also your commitment to our shared goal of a world class education for every TPS student.

Further, your support of our 2014 bond initiative has led to improved facilities and new academic opportunities for our students. As a board member and a parent, I am very proud to be a part of a community so committed to lifting society by investing in our schools.

Patrick WoodsBoard of Education President

Two Topeka Public School (TPS) teachers have been recognized by the Northeast Kansas Music Educators Association (NEKMEA). Chris Reynolds, elementary band teacher at State Street Elementary, has been nominated and selected by peers as the Outstanding Elementary Band Educator of the Year. Molli Haller, music teacher at State Street Elementary, has been named the Outstanding Young Elementary Educator of the Year.

Mr. Reynolds will be recognized on Saturday, December 3rd at 1:00 p.m. at Blue Valley High School, while Ms. Haller will be recognized Saturday, December 3rd at 11:15 a.m. at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School. Congratulations to both teachers and thank you for your commitment to Topeka Public Schools.

Elementary Band & Music Teacher Recognized

receiving thousands of survey results, the strategic planning committee is working to draft the next district strategic plan. Areas of high interest proved to be teaching and learning, early childhood education, college/career readiness and facilities.

The strategic planning committee, made up of community partners, parents and district staff, will present the strategic plan to the Board of Education in November.

Members of the committee include:Dick Carter, TPS ParentBarbara Stapleton, GoTopeka, Director of Workforce & EducationsBillie Wallace, TPS, Gen. Dir. of Teaching and LearningCherry Steffen, Washburn University, Chair, Education Dept.Cindy Kelly, TPS, School District Attorney Eileen Caspers, TPS, Gen. Dir. of School & Career ProgramsJanel Johnson, TPS Board of Education MemberJessica Kejr, Harvesters, Director of Program ServicesLarry Robbins, TPS, Deputy Superintendent of OperationsMisty Kruger, TPS, Director of CommunicationsPeg McCarthy, TPS Parent & Board of Education MemberShanna McKenzie, TPS, Principal of Sheldon Child Dev. CenterTammy Austin, TPS, Asst. Supt. of Student ServicesTiffany Anderson, TPS, Superintendent

In 2016 a dream became a reality for our speech therapy department. Peggy Fisher always wanted to find a way to increase services to students and remove barriers for families. TPS was able to convert a service van into a mobile therapy van, allowing staff to visit students at their homes to receive speech services in a fun and creative atmosphere.

Mobile Van Helps Expand Therapy Services

When the polka-dot van pulls up, kids are able to climb inside, take a seat in a fun chair, turn on the decorative lights and engage in their lessons.

The Tot SPOT van will provide mobile therapy

to students.

Molli Haller Chris Reynolds

Bond Dollars Used to Improve Facilities

Staff from the district’s central office are taking part in a new mentoring program this year, focused on helping all students enter college or careers. Approximately 40 mentors are meeting with seniors to ensure they all are on track for college and careers. This new initiative helps everyone in USD 501 become involved in supporting students in reaching their goals.

Mentors Helping Seniors

Topeka Public Schools is proud to announce that three of our students have qualified as National Merit Semifinalists: Toma Dimitriu from Topeka High School, and Blaine Fry and Tristan Myers from Topeka West High School. In addition we have two students who qualified as Commended Scholars: Charles “Alex” Fry, of Topeka West and Thomas Teeter of Topeka High.

1.6 million high school students take the Preliminary SAT, or PSAT, test each year. Less than 1% of those students achieve scores high enough to qualify as semifinalists. National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from the pool of finalists and will be awarded scholarships. Students who score in the top two to five percent on the PSAT earn the distinction of Commended Scholar.

These are exceptional students who have shown a commitment to their own academic excellence. Each of them has a remarkable academic history and a commitment to life-long learning. Having three National Merit Semifinalists and two Commended Scholars representing our district is an example of the excellent academic foundation in Topeka Public Schools, and we are so proud of their accomplishments.

TPS Home of National MeritSemifinalist and Commended Scholars

Robotics Among Career Training

Deciding a career can be challenging, but trying to navigate through what skills and training you will need for a career can be even more difficult. Students involved in TPS’s Topeka Center for Advanced Learning and Careers (TCALC) earn credit while developing skills that will put them ahead as they enter the workforce.

One of the programs open to junior and senior students across the district is the robotics program at Highland Park High School. Topeka’s manufacturing careers requiring robotic technology have expanded greatly over the last several years with the addition of industries like Mars Chocolate. Students in the robotics program learn how to operate the same equipment many of our industry partners use to operate their companies every day.

The robotics program, along with all of the pathways through TCALC are open to all students who are on track to graduate, attending high school within our district.

In addition to TCALC, students have more opportunities to earn dual credit from their courses as well as expanded honors courses.

Toma Dimitriu Blaine Fry Tristan Myers Charles “Alex” Fry Thomas Teeter

In 2014 Topeka voters approved a $143 million bond initiative, to update safety, facilities, classrooms and career pathways. One of the largest projects is the creation of the Jardine

Students learn to program and operate robots in the Highland Park High School robotics class.

The new Jardine Elementary is on track to open August 2017.

Gary Menke, right, meets with seniors about their future.

PreK-8 signature Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) campus. This will be the fifth signature campus in Topeka Public Schools, with construction to be complete in May of 2017.

Science classrooms across the district have been upgraded to include new science tables, ventilation and equipment to ensure students have the best learning environments possible. At many of our schools you will find FEMA standard storm shelters being installed. Safety is a top priority of the district and should we experience unpleasant weather while the students are at school, we want to do everything in our power to make sure they are safe. These storm shelters will also double as a new gymnasium for physical education classes and school assemblies.

29 % Security/

Safety

23% Jardine

PreK-8 Campus16%

Technology

12% TCALC

10% Cap City HS

10% other

Would you like to support our next issue? Contact Misty Kruger at 295-3092 or mkruger@tps501.org

Advisors Excel

Westar Corporate Bigs

Students Learn Job Skills

Businesses Provide Invaluable Partnerships

While the partnership with Advisors Excel is fairly new, it has proved to be a great resource on many levels. School supplies were the start of the partnership as they help stock many schools within our district. They reached out to each school asking for a wish list of supplies. Employees from Advisors shopped for the best deals to be able to provide the most to students. In addition to school supplies, they are assisting in funding transportation for educational field trips for students. They are working to provide new shoes and clothing for students at Sheldon Head Start, in addition to finding other community partners to help stock a district food pantry. This partnership has already directly impacted the lives of students and their families and will continue to do so throughout the year.

Capitol FederalPartnerships come in all forms for our students. Capitol Federal Savings has worked directly with students at Highland Park Central Elementary (HPC) for over 20 years. Employees from Capitol Federal Savings are assigned students at HPC where they come and spend time with them and help with their school work. These volunteers show our students that people in the community truly care about their well-being and want to see them succeed.

Collective energy from business partners helps ensure schools are successful. With limited resources, basic student needs are met and enrichment opportunities are provided in schools through the generosity of the businesses within the Topeka community. Numerous business partners have supported TPS in various ways and the following articles share some of the ways organizations have chosen to partner. We invite all businesses in Topeka to be part of the work we are doing in Topeka Public Schools. If you are not currently partnering with a school, we invite you to join us in helping all students succeed at the highest possible level. Please contact Misty Kruger at 295-3092.

As a thank you to our businesses we will be highlighting partnerships that support Topeka Public Schools.

In September 2015, Westar Energy, with the help of Big Brothers Big Sisters, launched their Corporate Bigs program with students of Topeka Public Schools. Westar Energy, a partner with the district since 2013, already offered many opportunities and programs for TPS students, including scholarships, job shadowing and internship opportunities, educational summer camps, field trips, after-school programs, and so much more. The implementation of the Corporate Bigs program was a natural next step in the partnership. Best of all, it allowed students the chance to work one-on-one with Westar employees.

The Westar Energy Corporate Bigs program paired 4th and 5th graders from Williams Science and Fine Arts Magnet Elementary School with employees from Westar’s

The 8th grade students from several TPS middle schools have had the opportunity to participate in an internship at restaurants in Topeka each year. Through the program students learn job readiness skills. Those students who are selected to participate in the program, travel to the restaurant once a week for a month to learn and practice on-the-job skills.

French Middle School and Jardine Middle School students take part in this program through CiCi’s Pizza, while Landon Middle School students particiapte at Coyote Canyon. Their duties could include anything from busing tables, to working the buffet line or washing dishes. At the end of each shift the manager sits down with the students to answer questions and discuss their performance.

corporate office. The students now board a bus after school once each week to head over to the energy company’s downtown offices. There, they meet with their mentors to share a snack and engage in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities together.

Williams students and Westar employees are now in their second year of the Corporate Bigs program and continue to meet each week. The partnership prepares students for further STEM education and provides a way for Westar employees to volunteer their time without ever leaving the office.

Sheldon staff measure shoe sizes for students.

Capitol Federal continues their partnership with Highland Park Central Elementary for over 20 years.

Westar Corporate Bigs allows students to participate in STEM.