Ross Elementary School

Dr. Nick Gardner, Principal

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I am beginning my twelfth year in Topeka Public Schools.  This will be my third year as the principal at Ross Elementary. Before this position, before this, I was Building Administrative Intern at Eisenhower Middle School and a physical education teacher at Quincy Elementary.  My educational background consists of receiving my undergraduate degree in physical education and master’s degrees in administration and special education from Emporia State University.  I completed my Educational Leadership and Policy Studies doctorate from the University of Kansas in 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 partnering with the community, parents, and staff to impact every Ross Elementary student positively.  

Rita Hinck, Assistant Principal

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I am beginning my twentieth year in education and my twelfth year in USD 501. This is my second year as assistant principal at Ross Elementary serving our third through fifth grade students.  I have had many opportunities in Topeka Public Schools  teaching various grades, becoming an instructional coach, building leader intern, and assistant principal. I worked in Auburn-Washburn for one year as an instructional facilitator. An opportunity came available to lead my building in Chapman, Kansas, where I served as building principal for five years.

I was born and raised in Goodland, Kansas. I graduated from Fort Hays State University in 2004 with a degree in Elementary Education. I began my career in Burlingame, Kansas where I taught for two years. I moved to Topeka Public Schools and during my time, I graduated from Baker University in 2009 with a degree in Building Leadership. 

I am so excited to return to the district I love and the students that attend Topeka Public Schools. 

ANDREA KECK, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

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Ms. Keck is beginning her 11th year in education and is originally from the Topeka area. After graduating from Washburn University in 2014 with a degree in Elementary Education, she began her career in Dodge City Public Schools. After graduating 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, and sixth grade and has experience as an Instructional Coach and Dean of Students. These years were formative in her growth as an educator, and they provided a solid foundation of quality leadership in both elementary curriculum and decision-making. Ms. Keck joined the Ross Team in 2022 as the primary grades Assistant Principal. 

Ms. Keck enjoys spending time with friends and family. She loves her dogs, traveling, and reading.

Raub kirkwood, dean of students

This will be my fifteenth year in education and my eighth year in USD 501.  This will be my third year as Dean of Students at Ross Elementary working with the third through fifth grade students.  During my years of education I have taught special education, physical education, and now am the Dean of Students.  I am a product of the Topeka Public School systems going all the way from kindergarten through twelfth grade, graduating from Topeka High in 2002.  I enjoyed helping coordinate the first year of the Ross summer bridge program and look forward to another successful school year.

Alexis Brown, dean of students

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This will be my fifth year in education and my fourth year in USD 501.  This will be my first year as Dean of Students/ Instructional Coach at Ross Elementary working with Pre-K through 2nd grade students. During my years of education I have taught 1st grade, Kindergarten, and now am the Dean of Students/ Instructional Coach.  I am a product of the Labette County Public School systems going all the way from Kindergarten through twelfth grade, graduating from Labette County High in 2015.  In my free time, I enjoy nature walks with my dog and cooking. I am excited to be a part of such a hardworking team!