Dear Parents:
The purpose of this email is to introduce all parents to our approach to continuous learning for students based on the guidance from the Kansas Department of Education. More detailed information will be sent to families from your child’s school in the next few days but the information below provides an overview of what you can expect.
Topeka Public Schools Continuous Learning Plan: Topeka Public Schools is committed to providing opportunities for meaningful learning within a manageable e-learning environment for our students in the weeks ahead. The learning opportunities will be aligned to our curriculum and designed to continue student learning in ways that support them when they return to school.
The Teaching and Learning Team has developed a plan for elementary and secondary students that best meets their needs and facilitates the use of grade-level appropriate technologies.
Elementary Student Learning: Students in grades Pk-5 will have lessons that can be accessed through the TPS Continuous Learning Resources Website. Students in preschool and kindergarten will have video lessons in reading and math, while students in grades 1-5 will have video lessons and online assignments in reading, math, science, and social studies. The time guidelines for instruction at each grade as outlined by KSDE are the following:
PK = 30 minutes
Grades K-1 = 45 minutes
Grades 2-3 = 60 minutes
Grades 4-5 = 90 minutes
Secondary Student Learning: Students in grades 6-12 will engage in lessons provided by their current teachers through Google Classroom. The lessons will include video instruction and assignments. The time guidelines for secondary students are a maximum of 30 minutes per class or a maximum of 3 hours of instruction per day.
All Students: All students will have virtual class meetings where they can maintain relationships with classmates and the teachers. Teachers will use this time to answer questions and provide support for learning.
Week of March 23:
Starting this week devices will be deployed at the following grade levels: High School, Middle School and Elementary (Kindergarten - 5th grade). Principals will be reaching out to families to schedule a time for pick-up that aligns with recommendations from CDC to ensure the safety of everyone. .
The Teaching and Learning Team has created a great instructional resource for teachers, students, and families with resources to ensure academic success for all students. This website TPS Continuous Learning Resources includes:
Pk - 12 Instructional Resources
KSDE Continuous Learning Document
TPS Continuous Learning Parent and Student FAQ
Enrichment Activities
Surveys to obtain feedback from parents, staff and students
Map of area of wi-fi access
The website will have new resources throughout the next several weeks as instructional items are added for EL, Dual Language, and Special Education.
To ensure everyone has internet access the district will maintain hotspots around the city. In addition, Cox Communication is waiving the requirements for up-to-date past bills and is also waiving the citizenship requirement. They are also now free for 60 days to students on free/reduced services.
We will also continue to have breakfast and lunch provided for students up to the age of 18 from 11:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. at the various sites (Highland Park High, Lowman Hill, Meadows, Ross, Quincy, Pine Ridge Prep, French, Landon, Robinson, Jardine, Chase, and Shaner Early Learning Academy).
Week of March 30:
E-learning officially starts and teachers welcome students back through virtual Zoom meetings. Please be on the lookout for a Zoom link from your child’s teacher.
Mobile meal distribution begins Monday, March 30th.
Elementary family tool kits that include (e.g. cards, paper, pencil, journals, crayons) will be given out with Grab-and-Go lunches.
We thank you for your patience and understanding as we all work through this together in learning to provide an education through an e-learning environment. We appreciate all feedback that helps us provide better service for our families. There is a feedback feature on the front page of the website for parents, students, and teachers. You can find more information on our COVID-19 Resource Page at :