Thanksgiving: A Time to be Thankful and Thoughtful

Dear Topeka Families, Staff and Community,

As the Thanksgiving break approaches, we find ourselves with a special time to reflect on the things we have to be thankful for. We, at Topeka Public Schools, are very fortunate to be a part of such a vibrant and supportive community that values the work of preparing our students for their future.

We have a great deal to be thankful for; not the least of which is the opportunity to serve nearly 14,000 students and their families. As the Topeka community continues to grow, we will have many opportunities to come together, in a concentrated effort to ensure that our students continue to gain the best educational experience possible.

We are fortunate to have the strong support of community businesses and civic organizations. They provide volunteers, classroom resources, technology, school supplies and recognition for our teachers and students. Their generosity allows us to offer more opportunities for our children.

I wish you and your family a very safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

Dr. Tiffany Anderson
Superintendent

Great Things Take Place in Classrooms

Spending time with Ms. Lonna Latimer's kindergarten class at State Street Elementary.

Dear Topeka Families, Staff and Community,

It's Veteran's Day this weekend and many of our schools are taking the time to recognize our military men and women who have sacrificed so much for all of us. We will be highlighting some of our amazing staff members who have served through TPS social media. We'd like to thank all of our veterans and those currently serving for their courage and sacrifice.

It is a momentous time for our district's history, as our overall four-year graduation rate has increased to 81.7 percent. Together, with the commitment of our parents and educators, we truly accomplish great things. There is no better time than the present to make a positive impact on the lives of our students.

This past week, I had the opportunity to spend time teaching in Ms. Lonna Latimer's kindergarten classroom at State Street Elementary School. The day was a great reminder of what an important job our teachers are tasked with. Our students are our future, and we must be mindful of their limitless potential.

I am thankful for teachers like Ms. Latimer. She is a fun, kind, teacher, who puts the needs of her students first. She was announced as October's winner of the Crystal Apple Award from Magic 107.7, which is an honor given to one teacher each month for going above and beyond for their school and their students. Congratulations, Ms. Latimer. You can view the video of Ms. Latimer's surprise by clicking here.

Thank you for all your support of Topeka Public Schools.

Dr. Tiffany Anderson

Superintendent

Graduation Rates Reach New Heights in 2018

We are excited to share the overall four-year graduation rates for our district has increased to 81.7 percent. This is the first time above the 80 percentile, since 2010, when the State changed the graduation formula. In addition to the overall district rate, we are pleased to share that all three of our high schools saw an improvement in graduation rates this year.

• Topeka High increased from 77.9 percent to 81.3 percent graduation rate.
• Topeka West increased from 93 percent to 95 percent graduation rate.
• Highland Park saw the largest gain, from 68.6 percent to 86.9 percent graduation rate.

For the first since at least 2011, the graduation rate across African-American students, Hispanic students, and Caucasian students are equal at 81 percent, eliminating the graduation achievement gap by race across our district. The 2018 graduation numbers prove to be the highest graduation rate in 8 years for African-American students, Hispanic students, English Language Learner students, and free lunch students.

On top of graduation rates, USD 501 ACT participation rate has also increased 13 percent in the last 5 years.

Thank you to all of our faculty and families who have worked as a team for continuous improvement in order to help our students continue on their path towards graduation.

Watch the video below to view chart data regarding graduation rates.

Read all the details from CJOnline

Thank you for all your support of our Topeka Public Schools.

Dr. Tiffany Anderson

Superintendent