March Updates: KTOY Visit & Student Recognitions

Dear TPS Staff & Families:

We hope all of our students, families, and staff enjoyed a restful Spring Break. It was wonderful welcoming everyone back to school last week, and we look forward to many exciting events taking place across the district throughout the Spring.

We were thrilled to welcome members of the Kansas Teacher of the Year team (pictured above) who toured the district on March 25. These inspiring educators met with students and staff, highlighting the excellent work happening across Topeka Public Schools. View additional photos from their visit on Flickr and our social media channels. We look forward to celebrating this year's nominees, Mr. Troy St. Clair and Mr. Michael Kates, at the Kansas Teacher of the Year Region 2 Awards Banquet on April 6.

We congratulate the Highland Park High School basketball team for their outstanding performance in the recent KSHSAA State Tournament, where they placed as one of the top teams in the state for the third year in a row. The team received numerous individual and team awards, including KSHSAA's 2025 Class 5A Coach of the Year for Coach Mike Williams, as well as Conference Coach of the Year honors for the third consecutive year. We look forward to honoring them at the first board meeting in April.

Registration is now open for our Summer Academic & Enrichment Programs. These programs offer valuable opportunities for students to continue their learning and explore new interests during the summer months. Information on how to register is included in this newsletter.

We are truly heartbroken with the passing of our beloved Jardine Middle School student, Davaeh Peeples, who passed away after a brief battle with cancer, as well as Ms. Josephine Wright, a beloved paraprofessional at Capital City School. Information on memorial services and ways to support their families are included in the newsletter below. Both Davaeh and Ms. Wright will be greatly missed by students and staff across the district.

Thank you for your continued support.

Dr. Tiffany Anderson

Superintendent