Nick Gardner, Principal
[email protected]
785-274-6280
I am beginning my tenth year in Topeka
Public Schools. This will be my first year as the principal at Ross
Elementary. Prior to this position, I was most recently a Building Admin Intern
at Eisenhower Middle School and a physical education teacher at Quincy
Elementary. My education background consists of receiving my
undergraduate degree in physical education and master’s degrees in
administration and special education from Emporia State University. I am
currently working toward my doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and
Policy Studies from the University of Kansas, I plan to graduate May 2023.
I was born and raised in Topeka, Kansas
and I am proud to call Topeka my home. My family has a vested interest
in Topeka Public Schools. My dad is a former principal in Topeka Public
Schools, my sister is an elementary teacher in the district, and my two nieces
attend Topeka Public Schools at the elementary and middle school levels.
Topeka is my home, and I look forward to having a partnership with the
community, parents, and staff to have a positive impact on every student at
Ross Elementary.
Haley lawson, Assistant Principal
[email protected]
785-274-6280
Mrs. Lawson joined the Topeka Public School District in
2016. This is her second year as Assistant Principal at Ross Elementary.
Previously she taught fourth grade at State Street Elementary. Mrs. Lawson grew
up in Overland Park, Kansas..
Mrs. Lawson’s education background consists of receiving undergraduate degrees in Elementary Education and Spanish from Kansas State University then a master’s degree in Administration and Leadership from the University of Kansas. Outside of school,
Mrs. Lawson is married and has two cats, Leena and Cain. Mrs. Lawson enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time
with her family and friends. Mrs. Lawson is focused on building a strong learning community where students, families and community members work together for student success. Mrs. Lawson is excited for another Rossome year!
ANDREA KECK, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
[email protected]
785-274-6280
Ms. Keck is beginning her 9th year in
education and is a Topeka native. After graduating from Washburn University in
2014 with her degree in Elementary Education, she began her career in Dodge
City Public Schools. When she graduated from Newman University with a degree in
Building Leadership in 2016, she moved back to Topeka and taught in the
Auburn-Washburn District for two years. Ms. Keck then joined the Topeka Public
Schools family in 2019. She has taught fourth, fifth, sixth grade, and has
experience as an Instructional Coach and Dean of Students. These years were
formative in her growth as an educator and it provided a solid foundation of
quality leadership in both elementary curriculum and decision making. Ms. Keck
is honored to begin her administrative career at Ross Elementary.
Ms. Keck enjoys spending time with
friends and family. She loves her dogs, traveling, reading, and the color pink.