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The Collegiate Connection
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Our Mission Statement
We prepare students for advanced education, successful
careers and responsible citizenship through a commitment
to academic excellence and humanitarian ideals. |
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From Our Head of School
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Dear Parents, Family and Friends,
I enjoyed seeing and
talking with many of you on Family Night. What a
great turnout! It was fun to see the school
filled with families and experience the
excitement of students eager to show off their
work and share their classroom experiences.
There was positive energy as families mingled
with other families, students and teachers.
One focal point was Mrs. Oswald's fourth grade
classroom. That's where we are piloting
interactive white board technology, thanks to
the fundraising efforts of the Parent Council.
The LCD projector and sensors were installed
last Wednesday. The next day, Mrs. Oswald was
using the interactive technology as part of Math
Olympics, and by evening, demonstrating her math
game and a lesson on bees for Parent Council.
Mr. Tillona showed how a drill on adverbs can be
fun when it actively engages students. Then he
dissected a frog - virtually!
On Family Night, students were lining up to try
their hand at various educational games and
puzzles. Mrs. Oswald is learning innovative ways
to use the new technology by exploring software
and communicating with teaching colleagues.
It's an exciting time! New faculty/staff
laptops, tablets and LCD projectors should be in
use by Thanksgiving thanks to generous donors to
the Building Futures One Child at a
Time capital campaign.
Your partner in the
development of your child,
Dick Patterson
Head of School
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Calendar Highlights -- October and November,
2009 |
Saturday, October 10
-- Run for a Reason, Hummer Sports
Park, 7:30 a.m.
Monday,
October 12 -- Hearing and vision
checks, all grades, 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Children should wear or bring eyeglasses or
contact lenses.
Wednesday, October 14
-- Farewell reception for Mike Jannelle,
9:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m., Community Room
(room 110).
Friday, October 16
-- Ms. Kido and Ms. Bauer's combined
3rd grade assembly, 8:35 a.m.,
Assembly Hall; Original Works orders
due.
Monday, October 19
-- No school - teacher work day. Childcare is
available from 7:15 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Students
should bring a lunch. Click on "Programs" on the TCS
web page for more information.
Friday, October 23
-- Oswald/Park/Jackson assembly, 8:35, Assembly
Hall; all-school barbecue dinner, bonfire party, and
hayrack ride at Rees Fruit Farm 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 28
-- UNICEF bake sale, 9:00 - 10:30 a.m., Assembly
Hall.
Friday, October 30
-- Halloween assembly and parade, 8:35 a.m.,
gymnasium and courtyard. Half day of school; noon
dismissal. Childcare is available from 12:15 to
5:45 p.m. Students should bring a lunch. Click on
"Programs" on the TCS web page for more
information.
Saturday, October 31
-- Annual Fund thank you/Halloween party, 1:00 -
3:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 5 -- No
school - parent/teacher conferences.
Friday, November 6 --
No school - parent/teacher conferences.
Monday, November 9 --
Hearing and vision rechecks.
Monday, November 10
through Saturday, November 14
-- 8th graders visit Sea Camp, Big Pine
Key, Florida.
Wednesday, November 11
-- Information night for parents of 8th
graders (transitioning to high school),
7:00 - 8:00 p.m., Assembly Hall.
Thursday, November 12 --
Middle School community service day; Parent
Partnership meeting, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 17 through
Tuesday, November 24 --
Book Fair, Assembly Hall. Hours vary.
Friday, November 20 --
All-school roller skating party, 5:00 - 7:00
p.m., Sk8away. $5 per skater.
Tuesday, November 24 -- VIP/
Grandparents Day. Half day of school; noon
dismissal.
Wednesday, November 25 through
Friday, November 27 -- No
school - Thanksgiving break.
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Run For a Reason -- Saturday, October 10 |
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Hearing and Vision Screenings -- Monday, October 12 |
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Students in Kindergarten through 8th grade will have
their eyesight and hearing tested on Monday, October
12. Children should wear or bring their eyeglasses
or contact lenses.
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Goodbye, Mike, and Thanks for Everything! |
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Supervisor Mike Jannelle will be leaving our school
next week due to health considerations. Please join
us for a reception in Mike's honor on
Wednesday, October 14 between 9:00 and
10:45 a.m. in the Community Room.
Thanks for your commitment to our school, Mr.
Jannelle; we're going to miss you!
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Look For Your Child's Original Works In Today's Home
Folder! -- Orders Due October 16 |
8th grade students and families are thankful
that Mrs. Zachritz instructed students during
art class in the decoration and enhancement of
the new TCS logo! This 11th annual art project
with Original Works helps to raise funds for the
8th grade students to go to Sea Camp in
November.
Your child's finished artwork will be coming
home within the Original Works catalog along
with an order form. Each product will feature
your child's artwork. If you would like to take
advantage of this program, please be sure to
follow these instructions:
-- Completely fill out the
enclosed ORDER FORM
-- Make your check payable to
TCS Class of 2010
-- Place the ORDER FORM,
PAYMENT, and ARTWORK back in the Original Works
catalog
-- Return your order to the
school no later than Friday, October 16
The 8th Grade students and families thank you for your
order! If you decide not to place an order, please
return your child's artwork to TCS. Mrs. Zachritz would
like to display it with the others. Afterwards, we'll
send it home for keeps!
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All-School Autumn Party -- Friday, October 23 |
Join us for an evening of autumn fun with a
family outing to Rees Fruit Farm! 
Gather around the bonfire and enjoy a
delicious pork sandwich meal, followed by
a hayrack ride through the orchard at
night. While you're there, pick out a pumpkin
and add some delicious apple cider to your
basket; the shop will be open until 7:00 p.m.
for your purchases.
This spook-tacular event will be held from 6:00
p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, October 23rd. The
cost is $5 per person or $20 per family. This
includes your meal (pulled pork sandwich, baked
beans, and chips) with water or cider, and the
hayrack ride. No R.S.V.P. is necessary.
Rees Fruit Farm is located at 2476 K4 Highway,
about 4 miles east of Topeka on 24 Hwy, or about
4 miles north of I-70 from the Valley Falls
exit.
Thank you to our Parent Council for coordinating
the event, to Rex and Shannon Rees and their
daughter Shaylene (7th grade)
for hosting us, and to the Miltz family for
providing Cowboy Up BBQ at a special price.
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A TCS Quiz |
Question: What is Heifer Ranch?
a) An upscale spa for lady cows
b) A vacation destination for would-be
cowpokes
c) An opportunity for
people to experience some of the challenges
of global hunger and poverty
Answer appears
below.
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Math Olympics |
Representing Canada are 4th graders Stormy
R., Grace M., and
Claire P.
Our annual Math Olympics took place this year on
October 1st.
The students in the Lower School homerooms dressed
in the colors of their home country's flag and
participated in the Games by visiting the classrooms
and playing fields of other "countries." While in
each country, the competitors played games designed
to hone their interest in math and make learning
fun. They even had time to get their "passports"
stamped!
This year's event was covered by local media. An
article appeared in the Topeka Capital-Journal
on page two Friday morning. To read the entire
article on cjonline, click
here. To see photos from the Math Olympics from
the cjonline "Spotted" gallery, click
here.
Thank you to Jewelia Oswald and to all of our parent
volunteers for their help in creating another
successful event!
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Kehres Cares |
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Last Friday, I went to Stone
Nature Center to observe what occurs at Hidden Pond
so I can communicate the experience to prospective
parents. I went with pen in hand ready to observe
and take notes; however, somehow in the process I
ended up experiencing the adventure firsthand!
After climbing a tree and
arriving at the platform in the sky, my legs were
trembling and my heart was racing. As I composed
myself I soon felt the "soothing" rocking motion of
the tree as the wind began to blow harder. Why did
I agree to harness up? Realizing there was an eager
group of 8th graders waiting on the ground below, I
fearfully took my first step off the secure platform
into midair hoping my foot would somehow land on the
dangling rope swaying to and fro. I managed to make
it through the course which ended with the zip
line. That was a blast!!
The enjoyment I felt sailing
through the air was nothing compared to the joy I
experienced as I watched one 8th grader after
another bravely make their way through the course.
One student even walked back on the cables high in
the sky to help her classmate who was scared to take
her first step. The teamwork and support they
showed one another touched me and helped me
understand the power of TCS.
Thank you to Mr. Shinn and the
8th graders who let me tag along on such a wonderful
ride.
Linda Kehres
Admissions Director
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Volunteer Spotlight On: Stephanie V. |
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Stephanie V. is described by her son Baker's
teacher, Ms. Bauer, as her go-to volunteer ("My
reliable, help-when-needed volunteer"). Mrs. V. has
helped with auction projects for both her sons'
classes (older son is 5th grader Bryce),
and chaired the Decorations Committee for the annual
auction. She designs and creates Annual Fund hallway
displays, provides teacher snacks and is currently
putting her interior design skills to work on the
new Community Room. Thank you, Mrs. V.!
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Welcome, Baby! |
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Trinity B. (2nd grade) has a new
baby brother!
Cooper James W. was born to parents Brandi and Richard
W. on September 26, 2009 at 4:52 a.m., weighing
8 pounds, 4 ounces and was 21 inches long. Cooper also
has an older sister, Ainsley.
Congratulations, Trinity and family!
Chloe W.
(pre-K) has two new baby sisters! Twins
Diana (left) and Katherine were born
August 11th to parents
Stephen and Robin W.
Congratulations, Chloe and family!
Chloe (right) shows off her new baby
sisters. She's wearing a shirt that says, "I am the
big sister of twins!"
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TCS Directory Additions |
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Please add Randy B.'s cell phone (XXX-XXXX) and work
number (XXX-XXXX) to your copy of the school directory.
Updated information for the W. family:
Stephen and Robin W. (Chloe -
pre-K, Diana, and Katherine)
XXXXX
Topeka, KS 66606
(XXX) XXX-XXXX
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Iron Family: Four Ps Compete in Triathlons |
After a full year of training, school parent
Stefano P. recently competed in his first
triathlon, the Ironman Wisconsin. He finished
in a total time of 12 hours, 16 minutes, and 53
seconds (1:19 for a 2.4 mile swim, 6:21 to
complete a 112 mile bicycling route, and a 4:11
full marathon) to place in the 25th percentile
for his age group.
Stefano P. crosses the finish line at Ironman
Wisconsin
 Inspired
by their dad's hard work and training regimen,
the three P. boys competed in a triathlon of
their own - the Herman J. Kevikow Kids Triathlon
in Overland Park on June 28. Dario
(3rd) swam 100 yards, biked three miles, and ran
one mile to finish 5th in his age group.
Leonardo (5th) and
Federico (8th) both swam 200 meters,
biked five miles, and completed a 1.5-mile run.
Leonardo placed 19th in his age group, and
Federico placed 15th in the 13-14 year old age
group.
Stefano reports that he and the boys all had fun
competing in their events, and were proud of
their accomplishments. All four Ps plan on
entering triathlons in the future.
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2nd Graders Design and Launch Rockets |
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Second graders finished their unit
on outer space last week by designing and creating
rockets out of 2-liter soda bottles.
Science teacher Loren Shinn
added the technical know-how by partially filling
each rocket with water and connecting it to an air
compressor. When the release cord was pulled, the
rockets blasted into the air, much to the delight of
the students. Thank you to parent Micah F. for
running home for a replacement air compressor when
the school's compressor gave out!
To read the feature story and view the
photographs on Cjonline, click here.
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1st Graders Participate in Hallwork |
Marsha M. and daughter Maude
graph their favorite ice cream flavors for the first
grade hallwork
You've heard of homework;
the first graders are working on hallwork.
Their hallwork is an interactive graph: Questions are
posted by the teachers, then parents ask their first
grader the questions. The first grader answers the
questions and discusses the data with their parent.
Parent and student sign the posted question sheet when
they have completed the hallwork.
In celebration of National Ice Cream Month, the data for
the graph pictured above is the students' favorite ice
cream flavor, as well as the favorites of their book
buddies in Mrs. Hoyt's and Mr. MacDonald's home rooms. |
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7th Graders Visit Hidden Pond |
 
7th graders visited Hidden
Pond at the Stone Nature Center on October 1. Hidden
Pond contains one of the largest adventure challenge
courses in the state. Students learn and enhance
problem-solving skills and teamwork.
In the fall, the day is divided in
half: during one half, students participate in
team-building skills on the ropes course. The second
half of the day, students go with Mr. MacDonald and
discuss, explore, and write various forms of poetry. One
of their assignments was to write a poem about the still
life Mr. Tillona created from natural objects in the
area. Following are samples of their poetry:
Marisol K.:
The stick from the tree is pointy like anger.
Its curves and rigid edges weep and whimper of
The sadness within.
It cannot be broken
The leaf curls in sorrow.
It cries for help, but silence is all that's known.
The pile of rocks know nothing of individuality,
And sit there unable to leave without the rest.
Sure enough, they will realize that they are all
Different, and will break away.
The great stone is simple, round with no edges.
Solid color.
Beyond the eye, it is unique. The rock must believe
This from within.
Ryland E.:
Nature lies on a plastic table
Bugs crawling across it.
Children sit around it
Scrutinizing its every aspect,
Its placement solely for the hollow quasi-education of
children
Lying in the middle of a ferret-like area,
Empty creativity fills the air
Nature placed on the table by man for our amusement.
The irony wreaks havoc in one's mind.
Courtney B.:
Nature has been smashed and spread out
The grass and twigs have been crushed by feet
And a monolith has invaded the serene field.
It has destroyed the food supply with war.
It has polluted the space with the feelings of anger and
sorrow.
Someday life will go on here.
The past will always haunt it
But life will go on.
For now it is still and quiet.
Some day birds will hung, ants will gather
In this field of battle as if nothing happened.
Mariella K.:
The rock is the heart of earth.
The grass and wood are earth's arms and legs.
The flowers and leaves decorate the earth
As the earth grows old.
Earth grows wise.
The life of earth is cradled in the gentle arms
Of Nature's beauty.
Nature is precious
On our planet Earth.
Shay R.:
Just one thing
That makes it great.
Because without this rock,
We could never see the
Whole picture.
But just this rock alone
Wouldn't make it complete.
And this rock
Seems ugly
But still makes such a difference. |
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Fly With the Eagles! |
Annual Fund Nears 25%
Participation
With October nearly a third gone, 22% of Topeka
Collegiate families have shown their commitment to TCS
students and teachers by making a pledge or a gift to
Annual Fund. If you have not received an Annual Fund
mailing with a pledge card, or if you have questions,
please contact either of this year's Annual Fund
Co-Chairs, Mary Etzel or Mindy Bowman, or your Annual
Fund Class Captain.
Annual Fund Class Captains
Forstein - Diana Larson
Odermatt - Leslie Ham
Chapas - Sherry Miltz
Berryman - Winnie Kimata
Van Aalst - Chelle Decker
Frederick/Schwerdt - Debbie Gibson
Wells - Joe Anderson
Mosier - Linda Fricke
Bammes - Nikki Kemp
Bauer - Alex Glashausser
Kido - Callie MacDonald
Oswald A - Tammy Schmidt
Oswald B - Kathy Petty
Jackson - Jill Dykes
Park - Athena Andaya
Hoyt - Mary DeCoursey Brennan
MacDonald - Kathy Duncan
Cross - Steve Halley
Moyer - Carolyn Vanderstaay
Martinez - Ben Coates
Shinn - Isolde Pettinella
Class Participation Sweepstakes
Each class that reaches 100% parent participation will
receive a pizza party. The early leaders are: Ms.
Jackson's 5th grade (54%) and Mrs. Hoyt's 6th grade
(53%). Way to go!
Annual Fund Thank You Party
The Annual Fund Thank You Party is set for October 31,
Halloween Day, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at a local
airplane hangar (Fly with the Eagles). All school
families are invited. In addition to the 31-foot bouncer
obstacle course, there will be a costume parade, costume
contest, relays, crafts, Halloween photo opportunities
and a special Halloween story from Mr. Patterson. Mark
your calendars now!
This year's Annual Fund goal is 100% participation among
school families at whatever level they are able. All
families who have made a pledge or gift to Annual Fund
will be entered in a drawing for a half-hour airplane
flight around the Capitol City, courtesy of the Etzel
family. There will be two drawings and two winners -
three passengers per flight. One passenger must be a
parent.
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We Want Your Snapshots! |
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Although we wish it were
otherwise, we can't be everywhere at once!
Do you have photographs of school
events that you would be willing to share with us and
with others? We would love to add them to our archives,
and maybe even to future Collegiate Connections!
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From the Business Office |
Topeka Collegiate School is proud
of our financial aid program offered to qualifying
families in accordance with the school's mission of
socioeconomic diversity within our student population.
It is the policy at Topeka Collegiate School, for
families who wish to be considered for financial aid, to
file a personal financial statement with School and
Student Services every two years. If you wish to be
considered for financial aid for the 2010-2011 school
term, it is time to apply. If you aren't sure whether it
is a your year to file again, please contact the
business office. |
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5th Grader Aces Online Learning Course |
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Satchel P. (5th grade) recently
received his evaluation from Northwestern University's
summer program, Gifted Learning Links. Satchel
completed an online course, Tech Gaming I, in which he
scored an impressive 100%.
In the class, students develop computer programming
skills while logically processing actions and events
through game development tools. Students are given
opportunities to communicate with teachers and
classmates to review their creations via internet
discussion boards, live chat, and video.
The instructor, Kari Stellphlug, said of the Topeka
Collegiate fifth grader, "I was very impressed by how
motivated and responsible he was. Satchel earned all
possible points, and if I were to post a grade for him
it would be A+." Ms. Stellphlug also applauded his
positive attitude for learning and working hard.
To learn more about Northwestern's Gifted Learning
Links and online courses, click
here. |
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Community Volunteer Helps Women in Prison |
Suzanne MacDonald works as a
social worker for Heart of America Hospice, but two of
her favorite hobbies are running and reading. As Mrs.
MacDonald told middle school students recently, her
leisure-time interests, combined with her compassion for
women serving time in prison, led her to a pair of
community service projects.
Mrs. MacDonald helped organize women inmates at the
Topeka Correctional Facility into a running club in
2007. The inmates run for physical and mental health,
and to boost self-esteem. They also raise money for
worthy causes. Running Free, as the club is called, has
sponsored its own Race Against Breast Cancer for three
years, raising thousands of dollars - all from inmates
who earn only about $1 a day.
 Mrs.
MacDonald says, "Our belief is that running empowers
women to make changes in their lives in a positive
way."
Earlier this year, Mrs. MacDonald spearheaded the
effort to build a new track for the women prisoners
and won a $20,000 grant from former TV talk show
host Jenny Jones to make it possible.
Mrs. MacDonald also leads a prison book club. In
addition to conducting twice-a-month book
discussions with inmates, she is constantly on the
lookout for books for the women to read and discuss.
Mrs. MacDonald is married to middle school language
arts teacher John MacDonald
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Grounds Beautification Under Way |
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I'd like to thank Barbara S. (Sarah,
6th) for her donation of hired help to clean up the
community garden. In addition, Barbara donated tools
and new flowers that the students in the Gardening
Elective have already put in the planters by the main
entrance! We have been working on getting the garden
weeded and putting bulbs in the south garden. But we
could use more adult help! If anyone would like to get
involved by volunteering their labor, help organize a
work party, or donate supplies, soil, seeds, plants, and
other materials, we would really appreciate it!
After the clean up, we are working on planting bulbs,
some early spring crops (maybe spinach, garlic), and
starting winter projects (composting, cold frames,
greenhouse seedlings). If you can help, please contact
Sonja Czarnecki, 228-0490 ext. 16.
Sonja Czarnecki
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Calling All Grandparents and VIPs |
This year's Grandparent/VIP Day is Tuesday, November 24,
from 8:30 a.m. to noon - the last half-day of school
before Thanksgiving vacation. Students are encouraged to
invite their grandparents or VIPs to spend time with
them in their classrooms, browse the book fair, and
enjoy refreshments and a musical performance.
Invitations will be in next week's home folders. We ask
that you RSVP with the number of guests. |
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Family Read Night |
Leslie H. and sons
Tanner (lst) and Daxton
(pre-K) take part in the activities on Family Read
Night on October 1st.
Thank you to Mrs. Allison for organizing this
event, and to the families who participated in
the reading project.
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Please Bring In Box Tops by October 23 |
 If
you're been clipping and saving Box Tops for Education
coupons, now is the time to bring them into
school. Please deliver your box tops to the office or
deposit them in the marked blue box across the hall. We
redeem them twice a year, and the fall deadline is at
the end of October. Thank you! |
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TCS's Peaceful Schools Project |
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Dear Parents,
We have kicked off our anti-bully program here at Topeka
Collegiate School. Stephen Twemlow, grandfather to
Isaiah (1st) and Isabel (5th), has been to every Lower
School classroom to do the first two lessons. Plans are
underway to develop a program for the Middle School
students.
Students have been very receptive to the information.
We wanted to make sure that parents knew the specific
language we use when discussing the
bully-victim-bystander dynamics. Involving parents in
the process enhances the lessons learned with
reinforcement at home. Keeping consistent on how we
address the topics to the children at school and home
ensures its success.
Each week the class starts by playing the "Back Off
Bully" song. This is the children's signal to clear
their desks and be ready to listen. You can find the
words to the song on www.backoffbully.com.
The children were taught a quick breathing and
relaxation technique that can be used when they are
nervous, angry or scared to clear their thoughts and
help make rational decisions. We identified different
physiological changes that happen to our body when we
become angry: heart pounding, stomach feels like it's
tied in knots, clenched fists and scrunched-up faces,
etc. In order to reorganize our bodies when they feel
this way, we have a quick breathing and relaxation
response:
1. Take a deep breath and unclench your jaw
2. Let your tongue relax and fall to the bottom of
your mouth
3. Let your breath out slowly
4. Take another deep breath, hunch up your
shoulders, and then let your shoulders drop down quickly
5. Tighten your fingers into a fist and then let
them completely relax
6. Tighten your legs, feet, and toes and then let
them completely relax
Please ask your children about this; they know it very
well.
Week one dealt with recognizing a bully and bully
behaviors:
-- A bully doesn't think about
other's feelings
-- A bully threatens and
harasses friends and enjoys their pain
-- A bully is selfish
-- A bully spreads rumors about others
-- A bully lacks friends
-- A bully doesn't respect authority
-- A bully has a sick sense of humor and makes fun
of others
-- A bully is dominant and always wants control
-- A bully starts the conflict
-- A bully shows no respect
The children were able to give examples of bully
characteristic and they were written on the board
for them to see. We pondered on whether we thought
we had ever been a bully or have been bullied
before. It was reinforced that you never respond to
a bully in a violent way, that our best defense
against a bully is our voice. We practiced taking a
stance with our hands up, palms out and assertively
saying "Back-Off". "Back-Off" is telling our peer
that they have invaded our personal space, that we
feel uncomfortable with the interaction that is
taking place and to simply back-off. We informed
the children that it would not be appropriate to
tell that to their teacher, parent or any other
adult they know, but a stranger would be O.K.
Please ask your children to show you this.
Week two began with our normal routine, recapping
from the week before and started a discussion on who
is the victim. The children learned ways they can
respond to a bully if ever confronted:
-- Use a strong confident voice and don't act as
though you're frightened.
-- Walk and sit with confidence.
-- Ignore the bully and walk away.
-- Get someone to help: teacher, parent, police,
etc.
-- Try to talk to the bully.
-- Agree with the bully, even if the bully is
wrong.
-- Make friends with the bully.
-- Make the bully laugh: tell a joke.
-- Trick the bully.
-- Refuse to fight - no matter what happens.
-- Use your voice: yell "Back Off!"
Bookmarks were handed out that listed the
"9-Ways to Deal with a Bully" as a constant
reminder and the children role-played these
behaviors. We will be kicking off our school
poster contest that they can do alone or with
friends. They are not obligated to participate
if they do not want to. Posters are due Friday,
October 23rd for judging. A surprise will go to
the grade K-1, 2-3, 4-5 winners. All posters
will be displayed throughout the school. The
topic can be anything related to our
bully-victim-bystander subject; displaying a way
to deal with a bully, examples of bully
behavior, relaxation techniques or recognizing
anger. It will be great to see all their
creative ideas!
Week three will follow our routine and then
focus on the bystander and their role in the
bully-victim situations. This stresses how much
power a bystander has; a bully doesn't typically
want to act out if he/she doesn't have an
audience.
There are four main types of bystanders:
1. Bully Bystander - Supports the bully
and encourages him or her.
2. Avoidant Bystander- Denies the problem.
3. Victim Bystander - Freezes in fear and
cannot function.
4. Ambivalent (uncertain) Bystander - Can
go either way. An uncertain bystander can become
involved and help. Then he or she is no longer
called a bystander, but instead, a Peacemaker or
quickly become the Bully Bystander.
Being good citizens and respectful will be
reinforced. There will be discussion on how
these contribute to the conflict and what they
can do to help.
Our final week is an overview of our routine and
the previous lessons. We do emphasize more on
the characteristics of being a good student
(citizenship). We will also read a story about
good character. The children will then have a
chance to share their posters and we will hang
them in the halls.
Throughout the year, Topeka Collegiate faculty
and staff will
continue to reiterate
the language and base for anti-bully behavior. The
goal is for the children to begin to recognize these
traits in themselves and others and have the tools
to cope.
Please do not hesitate contacting
Mrs. Huckins with any questions or comments.
Danielle Huckins
Health Services Director
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Around Campus |
Bob the Praying Mantis, a
resident of Ms. Bauer's 3rd grade classroom, chows
down on a lizard captured on the playground.
Third graders at Topeka
Collegiate School have become fascinated with the
dietary habits, reproduction and life cycle of the
Praying Mantis. It began when a school parent found
a large Praying Mantis and offered it to the class.
They accepted, and named the insect Bob. Bob turned
out to be pregnant. Since she was eating for roughly
one hundred, she was hungry, and downed two small
lizards (named Lunch and Dinner) the children caught
on the playground. Ultimately, Bob laid an egg sack.
The children want to safely usher the next
generation of Praying Mantis' into the world, so
they sought professional help. Washburn Biology
Professor Dr. Ursula Jander is a Praying Mantis
expert, and came to talk to the children Thursday,
October 8.
The third graders learned so much about their
Praying Mantis, and even taught Dr. Jander
something: she didn't know that a Praying Mantis
would eat a lizard! She shared some other facts
with the class, too:
1. What kind of Praying Mantis is Bob and how many
different kinds are there in this area? (Bob is a
Chinese Introduced; we also have a European
Introduced and Common type in our area).
2. What was Dr. Jander suggestion for Bob's egg
sack? We were told to put the egg sack in the
refrigerator during its diapause and then take it
out after the new year. In about four weeks after
that, we should expect approximately 100 babies!
3. A Praying Mantis' eyes are made up of thousands
of eyes that look in different directions. Each eye
sees a small pixel and together they form an image.
4. A Praying Mantis sheds about ten times before it
reaches adult size.
5. A Praying Mantis does not hibernate; it lives
for one season.
KTKA Channel 49 interviewed Dr. Jander and three
third grade students. To view the
interview online, follow this link:
http://media.49abcnews.com/video/2009/10/08/mantis.mov
(Below, left) Ella
A. (K) and brother Marley present Mr.
Patterson with a craft pumpkin carved by their
father with the Topeka Collegiate logo. (Below,
right) Edward B. (4th) shows off
his glass pig necklace, joking it will ward off
swine flu.
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Transitioning to High School -- November 11 |
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8th Grade
Parents
Mark Your Calendars!
November 11, 2009
7:00-8:00
Topeka Collegiate Assembly Hall
"Transitioning to High School"
An informational meeting for
current 8th grade parents to assist with the
transition from middle school to high school.
Topics of discussion to
include:
● Selecting a high school - completing necessary
paperwork for district changes
● Understanding the qualifications and process for
gifted evaluations
● Schedule and format for upcoming high school
visits to TCS
● The enrollment process and selecting classes for
your child
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This $500 Could Be Yours! |
By simply referring a family
to Topeka Collegiate School, you can earn $500!
Do you know a family who might be
interested in enrolling their child at Topeka Collegiate
School? For every child who enrolls based on your referral,
we will give you a $500 rebate on your tuition!
To refer a student or for more
information, contact Admissions Director Linda Kehres at
228-0490 or
lkehres@topekacollegiate.org
*Rebate applies only to enrolling
families not already in the school's system. Enrolling
family must name referring family on application.
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Earn Money for Collegiate Through Everyday Activities! |
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You can earn money for Topeka Collegiate through everyday
activities like going to the grocery store, searching and
shopping online, and recycling useful products. Click on the
links for more information on participating brands and special
promotions.
 www.goodsearch.com
-- Each time you use GoodSearch, a Yahoo!-powered search engine,
for your online searches, Topeka Collegiate receives a cash
donation. Be sure to designate Topeka Collegiate as your
designated cause.
Box
Tops for Education -- For each Box Tops 4 Education coupon
you clip and turn in to the office, TCS receives 10 cents. The
Box Tops logo can be found on hundreds of participating brands
from diapers to frozen vegetables to disposable bags. And if
you shop online at the Box Tops marketplace, a portion of every
qualifying purchase (up to 22%) is donated to our school at no
extra cost to you. Participating online stores include GapKids,
Pottery Barn, Hotels.com, and Lands' End. During the 2008-2009
school year, your contributions earned our school $748.26!
Drop off your Box Tops in the school office or in the marked
container in the school's mail room, across the hall from the
office.
 --
Dillons grocery store merchandise cards are available for
purchase for $20, $50 and $100 each in the school office.
The cards may be used at any Dillon's store for merchandise
including prescriptions and gas.
For every card you buy, Topeka Collegiate receives a six
percent rebate. For every $1,000 of Dillons cards we
sell, the school receives $60, for example. The 6%
rebate will go in to the Eagles Flight Fund, which will
be used to support our school's operating budget. Cards
may be purchased in the office.
The Dillons card is like cash. It buys a full $20 worth
of groceries or gas, but cannot be replaced if it is
lost and is not reloadable.
 --
HyVee grocery stores are available for purchase $20,
$50, and $100 each in the school office. Like the
Dillons cards, Topeka Collegiate receives 6% of all
sales. Cards may be purchased in the office.
 Best
Choice Labels -- When you purchase Best Choice brand
products, clip out and return the UPC portion
(the proof of purchase) to the office. For each bundle of 1,000
UPCs, our school will earn $30. Topeka-area stores that
carry Best Choice products are Apple Market, Tilton's Westside,
Price Chopper, Perry Lecompton and Oskaloosa Thriftways, and
Checkers. Drop off your labels in the school office or in the
marked container in the school's mail room, across the hall from
the office
Campbell's
Labels for Education -- You no longer need to save the
entire label - just the UPC code as shown
above is needed for redemption. Other brand names besides
Campbell's in this program include Pepperidge Farm, Prego,
Swanson, V8, Market Day, Franco-American, and SpaghettiO's.
Drop off your UPCs in the school office or in the marked
container in the school's mail room, across the hall from
the office
 Nestlé
Pure Life Water Labels -- Update:
PROGRAM DISCONTINUED BY MANUFACTURER.
  Tyson
Project A+ Labels -- Labels from boxes and bags of
Tyson frozen chicken products are worth 24˘ to Topeka
Collegiate. Clip the end flap from boxes (top
left) or the top edge from bags (bottom right).
Drop off your labels in the school office or in the marked
container in the school's mail room, across the hall from the
office
 Office
Depot 5% Back to Schools Program -- 5% of your purchase
comes directly to the school in the form of free
supplies. School supplies qualify for the program, while
computers, technology items, and other items do not. Simply
identify TCS as your school choice at the checkout and/or
supply the school ID number: 70039209. Past purchases can
be credited to the school as long as they were made within
the last quarter.
 Target
Take Charge of Education Program -- Apply and get approved
for a Target REDCard. When you enroll, designate TCS as your
school of choice and Target will send our school a
no-strings-attached check worth up to 1% of your REDCard
purchases at Target and Target.Com.
Recycle your old cell phones, printer
and toner cartridges, plastic containers
marked with a 1 or 2 within a triangle, paper,
corrugated cardboard, and newspapers --
all of these items are collected and redeemed for cash. Please
place old cell phones and printer cartridges in the collection
boxes across from the main office in the teachers' workroom.
Plastic, cardboard, paper, and newspaper may be placed in the
marked Dumpsters on the east side of the campus.
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TCS Quiz Answer:
The correct answer is c: Heifer
Ranch offers the extraordinary opportunity for TCS 7th
graders to experience some of the challenges of global
hunger and poverty - and come away with a re-energized
determination to be part of the solution.
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