Topeka Public Schools honors Native American Heritage Month; Title VI program reports 306 opted-in students

The Topeka Public Schools Board of Education recognized Native American Heritage Month and presented a ceremonial blanket to staff member Anjane Wilbunzi during the board’s regular meeting.

Yale Taylor, who introduced the blanket presentation and described the district’s Indian education work, said the district currently has “306 kids who have opted into Title 6,” while noting a higher number identify as Native American on enrollment records. Taylor outlined recent activities — including a youth gathering that invited nearby districts, artist visits at Topeka High and community outreach — and said Prairie Band tribal partners donated funds to support a Soul Stories event for students and a December FAFSA 101 night for juniors and seniors.

Taylor said the district’s curriculum teams have been updating lessons to reflect Kansas tribal history and the ‘nations that are presently here,’ and he described the Title VI parent meeting scheduled for December 1 at TCALC to gather family input on future services. “We’ve really done a great job this year … the KSDE has rolled out new documents in our history, government, social studies standards that incorporate native Kansas history,” Taylor said.

Board members praised Wilbunzi’s work connecting students to heritage. During a short question-and-answer period, members asked about student impact; Wilbunzi said she focuses on learning students’ tribal background and family connections to help students feel seen and supported. The board noted the Title VI outreach and the district’s effort to broaden tribal consultation with Prairie Band Potawatomi and Citizen Potawatomi offices in Topeka.

The presentation closed with an invitation to the community to attend the district’s Title VI parent meeting and follow-up FAFSA support night; board members and staff said they would take photos and celebrate the honoree after the meeting.