The 2028 Kansas Teacher of the Year nominations are closing soon! The Kansas Teacher of the Year Award recognizes and utilizes representatives of excellent teaching in the elementary and secondary classrooms of the state. Deadline to apply is Nov. 6, 2026. buff.ly/DIgYKUi

Support Your Child. Most importantly, remind your child: It isn't their fault. Listen. Believe them. Reassure them that asking for help is the right thing to do. Help your child stay connected to people and activities where they feel safe, supported and included.

KSDE offers a variety of hotlines & reporting tools for schools and parents. See these graphics for more information on how each resource can be beneficial to you. Talk with your students about the Kansas-A Friend AsKS app, which can be downloaded for free through your phone’s app store.

The 2025-26 state assessment data for reading and math can now be found on KSDE’s Data Central webpage. Read more at buff.ly/sDHJmZX

It’s America’s Safe Schools Week, and we want to make sure you have all the information you need to promote safe and productive education in our schools. Today’s focus is on mental health. Scan the QR codes or visit ksde.gov to learn how each resource can support your student’s education.

If your child tells you they're being bullied, document what happened. Keep track of: What happened When and where it happened Who was involved Names of witnesses Messages, emails or screenshots related to the incident Having specific information can help when you talk with the school.

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) will host an online informational session for district nominees for the 2028 Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY) program at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14 Learn more: buff.ly/Gy3xq85

Join us in cheering on Sydney and Viviana, students from the Kansas State School for the Blind (KSSB), as they travel to Washington, D.C. to speak at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Business Solves Conference on Oct. 27! Learn more about Sydney and Viviana’s winning project: buff.ly/QanS81e

Board Policy Committee Meeting The Board Policy Committee will meet today, Tuesday, Oct. 13. The meeting will be held from 12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. in the Boardroom. This will be livestreamed. buff.ly/8R5BufO

The Kansas State Board of Education will meet today, Oct. 13, at 10 a.m. and tomorrow, Oct. 14, at 9 a.m. Meeting information: buff.ly/B1w0YDx Agenda and meeting materials: buff.ly/2PjF9XB

Happy National School Lunch Week! 🎪 This year’s “Cafeteria Circus” theme celebrates the creativity, teamwork and dedication that make school meals a daily success. Help spread the word that school meals are healthy, delicious and an important part of student success! #NSLW26

Think something may be wrong? Start with a conversation. Try asking: “How are things going at school?” “Who do you usually spend time with?” “Has anyone made you feel uncomfortable or unsafe?” “Is there anything happening that you want me to know about?” Listen. Stay calm. Offer Support.

Board Policy Committee Meeting (Rescheduled) The Board Policy Committee will meet Wednesday, October 14th. The meeting will be held after the adjournment of the State Board meeting.

Applications are closing soon! Two Kansas students will be selected for the United States Senate Youth Program, including a week-long educational experience in Washington, D.C. Apply now: buff.ly/1dxXQph

Have you applied to the college you were looking at yet? Complete your application during Apply Free Days!

Board Policy Committee Meeting (virtual) The Board Policy Committee will meet virtually on Thursday, October 8th, at 3:30. The meeting will not be livestreamed. Public access is available on the Boardroom screens at 900 SW Jackson Street, room #102, Topeka. More information : buff.ly/8R5BufO

Time is running out! Nominations for the 2027 Kansas Horizon Award close Oct. 9. Help recognize outstanding first-year teachers making a difference in Kansas classrooms. Apply Now: buff.ly/LGaWYCh

Parents, know the signs: 🟣 Avoiding school or activities 🟣 Losing interest in friends or things they enjoy 🟣 Changes in sleep or eating habits 🟣 Frequently losing or damaging belongings 🟣 Seeming worried, withdrawn or upset The important step is checking in.

Brandy Lane, an ELA teacher at Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School, Goddard USD 265, said she was "humbled beyond belief" when she heard her name announced as the 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year on Sept. 19. Read more: buff.ly/Ota2Iv3

School is in session: ⬇️Slow down in school zones. 🚍 Look out for the bus. 🛑 Stop when the stop-arm is out.

When a school bus stops with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended, STOP. Give students the time and space they need to get on or off the bus safely. A few seconds of patience can help protect a child. 🚌

This special meeting is to meet with the Kansas School for the Deaf (KSD) Interim Superintendents for the purpose of voting for a search firm to guide KSD through the process of finding a permanent Superintendent. More information: buff.ly/HEKqURS

See the stop arm? Stop. On a four-lane roadway with a shared left-turn lane, traffic in both directions must stop when a school bus has its stop arm extended and red lights flashing. Let’s keep Kansas students safe!

Congratulations to Brandy Lane, USD 265-Eisenhower Middle School USD 265/Goddard Public Schools for being named 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year! Read more here: www.ksde.gov/news-center/...

The 2028 Kansas Teacher of the Year nominations are now open! The Kansas Teacher of the Year Award recognizes and utilizes representatives of excellent teaching in the elementary and secondary classrooms of the state. Deadline to apply is Nov. 6, 2026. buff.ly/DIgYKUi

ICYMI: The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) will pause the Kansans Can Star Recognition program for the 2026-2027 school year. KSDE is committed to an aligned, coherent approach to supporting the Kansas school improvement model... buff.ly/2M6o0wY

Celebrate Constitution Day!📜 Third grade classrooms can take part in the Nationwide Constitution Day Mock Trial on Sept. 17, and experience the court system firsthand through an interactive mock trial. Register here: buff.ly/xFfeVMF #nationwideconstitutionday

Don't forget to submit a teacher! Kansas Horizon Award Applications Are Open! The Kansas Horizon Award Program honors exceptional first-year educators across Kansas. Application deadline is October 9, 2026. Apply now: buff.ly/QCoLyyn

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) will pause the Kansans Can Star Recognition program for the 2026-2027 school year. KSDE is committed to an aligned, coherent approach to supporting the Kansas school improvement model... Learn more: buff.ly/2M6o0wY

The 2028 Kansas Teacher of the Year nominations are now open! The Kansas Teacher of the Year Award recognizes and utilizes representatives of excellent teaching in the elementary and secondary classrooms of the state. Deadline to apply is Nov. 6, 2026. Learn more: buff.ly/DIgYKUi