April 2

April 2, 2010

Issue 16

The Collegiate Connection

Our Mission Statement

We prepare students for advanced education, successful careers and responsible citizenship through a commitment to academic excellence and humanitarian ideals.

From Our Head of School

Dear Parents, Families and Friends,

Our students have distinguished themselves in several recent math Dick Patterson competitions, including SUMday just last weekend (see results below). Their success makes us proud and we congratulate them. Math is more than contests, of course.

Proficiency in math is critical to our students no matter what career path they choose. Topeka Collegiate's mathematics curriculum combines applied math - with an emphasis on "real-world" problem solving - with calculation practice and math facts drills. How? Math Department Chair Jewelia Oswald has written an article about the curriculum, including some new additions (see "Math Curriculum" below.)

This is a very busy time of the year. Our staff is planning many activities, some new, some time-honored, that allow the students to celebrate the school year. I hope that all parents will be able to attend these events.

It's time to sign up for the excellent Summer Adventures camps Director Briana Jackson and Assistant Director Ken Park have put together. Click here to see the complete catalog.

We are very busy planning and looking forward to next year. Our staff is collaborating to make next year a very special one. Please read the curriculum guides on our Web site and share them with friends. We have a very strong staff ready to help our students discover themselves and reach their full potential. Let us know if you would like more information, or know someone who might be interested in touring our school.

Have a great spring!

Dick Patterson

Head of School

In This Issue

Calendar Highlights

Science Olympiad Team Heads to State

TCASA Has Begun!

State History Day Night

School Directory Changes

7th Grade Assemblies

SUMDay

Mathematics Curriculum

Auction 2010 Redux

Camp Invention: June 7-11

Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon

Around Campus

2nd Grade Community Service Project

TCS Chess

Alumna to Head School

Free Fundraisers

Quick Links

Academic Calendar

Past Newsletters

Join our Newsletter Mailing List!

Our Apologies. . .

Due to issues with our computer system, we were unable to distribute The Collegiate Connection last Friday as scheduled. We're working on finding solutions to the problems, and apologize for the delay in bringing you the latest news!

Calendar Highlights -- April and May

Saturday, April 3 -- State Science Olympiad competition

Monday, April 5 -- TCASA five-week sessions begin

Friday, April 9 -- Mrs. Hoyt's 6th grade assembly, 8:35 a.m.; History Day performance, 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Assembly Hall; schoolwide roller skating party at Sk8away, 815 SW Fairlawn Road, $5 per skater, all ages, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 10 -- Middle School lock-in RESCHEDULED to May 14th.

Friday, April 16 -- Combined Kindergarten classes assembly, 8:35 a.m.; half day of school, noon dismissal; child care is available - for more information, click on "Programs" > "Extended Day Care Program" on the TCS web site

Saturday, April 17 -- State History Day competition

Monday, April 19 -- No school; no child care available

Wednesday, April 21 -- Volunteer appreciation luncheon, noon - 1:00 p.m., Assembly Hall; Middle School (grades 5-8) art show and 8th grade coffeehouse/poetry reading, 5:30 p.m.

Friday, April 23 through Monday, April 26 -- 7th graders go to Heifer Ranch, Perryville, Arkansas

Tuesday, April 27 -- Middle School spring concert, 7:00 p.m., TCS gym

Friday, April 30 and Saturday, May 1 -- Middle School play, "How to Suceed in High School Without Really Trying"

Tuesday, May 4 -- Teacher Appreciation Day luncheon for faculty

Thursday, May 6 - Sunday, May 9 -- National Mathcounts Competition in Orlando, Florida; good luck, Josh Greene and team Kansas!

Friday, May 7 -- Mrs. Woodward's 1st grade assembly, 8:35, Assembly Hall; Day of the Child; family bingo night (a SeaCamp fundraiser), 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Assembly Hall

Friday, May 14 -- Mr. Martinez' 8th grade class assembly, 8:35, Assembly Hall; Middle School field day; Middle School overnight lock-in, 10:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.

Thursday, May 20 -- "Annie" performed by TCS students, time TBA, Assembly Hall

Friday, May 21 -- 1st grade poetry tea, 1:00 p.m., Assembly Hall; Middle School dance, 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., Commons

Monday, May 24 -- STUCO Talent Show, 1:00 p.m., Assembly Hall

Wednesday, May 26 -- Last day of school for pre-k through 7th grade; Middle School awards ceremony, 8:30 a.m., Assembly Hall; noon dismissal

Thursday, May 27 -- 8th grade graduation, 10:00 a.m.

Tuesday, June 1 -- Day camp begins at TCS

Monday, June 7 -- Summer Adventures at TCS begin

Monday, June 7 through Friday, June 11 -- Camp Invention at TCS

Science Olympiad Team Heads to State Competition April 3

Topeka Collegiate's Science Olympiad team of 15 students heads to Wichita for the state competition on Saturday, April 3, after qualifying at the regional contest in mid-January. Science Olympiad is a one of the premier science competitions in the nation, providing a variety of hands-on, science-based challenges to student teams.

Enroll Now for After School Adventures and Summer Adventures!

A new five-week session of After School Adventures begins April 5th!

Here is a sneak peak at the classes being offered:

Tuesdays:
     Spring Has Sprung Arts and Crafts with Mrs. Chapas (Jr. Pre-K, Pre-K and K)
     Curious Scientists with Mrs. Woodward (K-2)
     Shunga Trail Blazers with Mrs. Oswald (3-8)

Wednesdays:
     My Food Pyramid with Mrs. Huckins (Jr. Pre-K, Pre-K, and K)
     Dance and Cheer with Ms. Jackson (K-5)
     Baseball Fever with Ms. Bauer (1-6)

Thursdays:
     Music and Movement with Mrs. Mosier (Jr. Pre-K, Pre-K, and K)
     Karate with Mr. Twemlow (K-3)
     Get Crafty with Mrs. Berumen (2-5)
     Learn Chinese! with Alice Leung (K-8)

***Chess Club is a semester-long class for students in grades K-8 who know how to play chess. It is currently in session and meets from 3:45 to 5:00 every Monday that school is in session until May 17. Please contact Ms. Bauer if you would like to enroll your child (a prorated fee is available).

Packets with more information, including class descriptions and enrollment forms, have been sent home in Friday folders. Packets are also available in the front office and online, or by clicking

here.

Please enroll by Friday, April 2 by turning in an enrollment form or by e-mailing Ms. Bauer. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Bauer via e-mail at dbauer@topekacollegiate.org, in person, or by calling (785) 554-8799.

Enroll Now For Summer Adventures!

Topeka Collegiate is offering a variety of high quality programs this summer. Whether you have a preschooler who loves to "do things", a child who thrives on academic challenges, or a middle school student interested in National History Day, you will find something to suit every taste. Our flexible schedule allows you to tailor a summer program that fits your child's interests and your family's busy schedule. Check out our Summer Adventures catalog at
http://www.topekacollegiate.org/Summer%202010.pdf.

You're Invited to State History Day Night

Have you heard about History Day and wondered what it's all about? Are you interested in learning more about a variety of historical topics? Are you ready to be impressed by TCS Middle School historians? If your answer yes to any of those questions, State History Day Night is for you!

The nine Topeka Collegiate who will compete at the Kansas History Day competition on Saturday, April 17 are previewing their entries for anyone who is interested in seeing their performances, exhibits and documentaries on the topic of "Innovation in History: Impact and Change." The students qualified for the state contest by placing first, second or third at the district competition in late February. State History Day Night is Friday, April 9, beginning at 5:00 p.m. in Assembly Hall.

School Directory Change

Mia L.'s surname has been changed to L.

Dianne S. (Luxanna - K, Lucas - 2) has a new work email address: XXX.

Combined 7th Grade Classes Assembly

The 7th grade class assembly celebrated the students and teachers of TCS using the idea of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" to express their favorite memories and activities. The students wrote many of the questions asked during their assembly and were instrumental in making sure students of all ages could particpate in the audience.

Students Compete in SUMday

On March 27, 4th through 8th grade students participated in the SUMday competition. The Top Ten Students in each of the two events, Number Sense and Geometry, are awarded a ribbon, and the top three in each event are awarded an additional medal. Congratulations to the following students for their amazing accomplishments!

SUMday 2010 Results

4th Grade
Kai G.2nd Place Number Sense, 2nd Place Geometry

5th Grade
Bryce V.- Top Ten Geometry

6th Grade

Laura N. - 3rd Place Number Sense; 3rd Place Geometry
Sage P.- Top Ten Number Sense and Geometry
Anjum S.- Top Ten Number Sense
Sarah S.- Top Ten Geometry
Mira R.- Top Ten Geometry

7th Grade
Skyler D.- Top Ten Number Sense
Max H.- Top Ten Geometry

8th Grade
Josh G. - 1st Place Number Sense; 1st Place Geometry
Irene N.- 2nd Place Number Sense; 2nd Place Geometry
Alec B.- Top Ten Number Sense; 3rd Place Geometry
Sahil R. - Top Ten Number; 4th Place Geometry
Federico P.- Top Ten Geometry
Carter P.- Top Ten Number Sense

Mathematics Curriculum

Topeka Collegiate students benefit from a deep, rigorous math curriculum. In Lower School, that means a combination of the Everyday Mathematics curriculum, designed to cultivate real-world problem solving skills, with enrichment strategies to build and sharpen computation speed. It's the best of both math worlds.

By middle school, most students are ahead of their peers at other schools by at least one year. Most enter high school prepared to enroll one or even two grade levels ahead of their counterparts from other schools.

Read on for more detail about how we are making sure your student receives a strong, well-rounded mathematics education.

Lower School

Students from Pre-K through fifth grade use the third edition of the Everyday Mathematics series. Everyday Mathematics is a research-based curriculum developed by the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project which seeks to cultivate true mathematical literacy, extending far beyond basic calculation skills. Based on extensive research, the program is designed around the principle that children are capable of learning a great deal more than previously expected and so best when mathematics is framed in real-world applications. The scope of the curriculum includes the following strands:

Algebra and uses of variables
Data and chance
Geometry and spatial sense
Measures and measurement
Numeration and order
Patterns, functions, and sequences
Operations
Reference frames

The sequence of instruction interweaves concepts from each of the strands throughout the curriculum. The curriculum is structured to provide multiple exposures to topics and frequent opportunities to review and practice skills. Concepts and skills that are first introduced in Kindergarten or first grade, for example, are revisited, developed, and expanded upon numerous times throughout that year and during later grades. Calculation and fact problems were added to all of the Study Links in the third edition of the Everyday Math curriculum to offer students daily calculation and fact practice.

First Grade Second Grade Third Grade Fourth Grade Fifth Grade

In addition to the excellent problem-solving skills and daily calculation practice that are taught through Everyday Math, at appropriate grade levels teachers offer additional practice toward mastery of basic math facts though enrichment including drills, Greg Tang strategies, Math First and Passkey Learning.

Students who want more challenge have the opportunity to participate in Math Olympiads and the SUMday competition beginning in 4^th grade.

Middle School

The main goal of our Middle School curriculum is to provide a strong foundation in mathematics through challenging courses that are appropriate to the age, abilities, and needs of our students. Students who want more challenge have the chance to be part of several competitive teams. All middle school students have the opportunity to participate in the AMC-8 (sponsored by the American Mathematics Competitions). Sixth graders compete in the Math Olympiad, which is a monthly in-class problem-solving competition. Advanced students also compete in the local SUMday competition. The MATHCOUNTS competition is also available for advanced students. Topeka Collegiate students have historically been very successful regionally and statewide in these competitions. This year, for the fifth time, we are sending a student (eighth grader Josh Greene) to national MATHCOUNTS.

All Topeka Collegiate students are advanced at least one grade level by seventh grade; as a result, TCS graduates enter high school prepared to enroll one to two grade levels ahead of their grade-level classmates. They also often enroll in Honors or AP (Advanced Placement) math classes. Math classes offered in Middle School are: Sixth Grade Everyday Math; Transition Math (advanced pre-algebra); Algebra I; and Geometry.

Auction 2010 Goods and Services Still Available!

Even though Auction 2010 is over, some offers and deals are still available! Check out the list below; the first part consists of items that sold auction night, but which we are able to offer to multiple buyers at the auction night price. Below that you'll find items that did not receive the minimum bid on auction night.

You may view items in the Development office (room 109). Contact Karen Benson to purchase items and to ask questions.

Multiple bid opportunities:

One dozen cinnamon rolls baked by our own Krystal Hall - four dozen available at $20 per dozen; choice of April 28 or May 10 delivery.
Fire alarm drill participation - pull the fire alarm without fear of summoning the fire department or getting kicked out of school! Ten+ opportunities are available at the auction night high bid of $250.
Be Head of School for a day! Ten+ opportunities are available for the auction night high bid of $350.
Plan the TCS lunch menu for a week! With help from Krystal Hall and Kate Hilbert, your child may choose any five entrees and sides from currently-offered menu items. Ten+ are available for the auction night high bid of $150.
TCS gym banner: a full-color 3' X 8' banner containing your message will hang prominently on the gym wall for all to see during the 2010-2011 school year. Ten+ available for the auction night high bid of $400.
Your child and a friend will take a lunchtime ride with Mr. Patterson in his orange VW bug to Sonic Drive-In or another fun restaurant of their choice. Ten+ are available at $200.
Overnight stay in the TCS teepee for up to ten children (3rd grade and older) with adult supervision supplied by you. School families only, please. Ten+ are available at $50.

Last chance offers:

Framed original art of a Native American by TCS grandmother Betty Fox. Measures 26" X 32". Value: $500; buy it now for $150 or best offer.
Two matching framed botanical fruit prints. Measure 17" X 22". Value: $130; buy them now for $45 or best offer.
Self defense clinic: six total hours with Stephen Twemlow. Up to 15 participants, ages 12 and up; under 18 requires an adult partner. Value: $250; buy it now for $83 or best offer.
Cat basics: litter pan, scoop, pan deodorizer, bowls, and safety collar. Value: $20; buy it now for $8 or best offer.
Chinese language lessons with native speaker and retired teacher Alice Leung. Four one hour lessons for all ages and abilities. Value: $100; buy it now for $33 or best offer.
Child's reading level diagnosis or two hours of tutoring for reading and writing K through 8 or K through 5 math tutoring. Offered by Rene' Armbruster. Value: $80; buy it now or best offer.
Grund memory finishing spray, 4 ounces. Value: $9; buy it now $3 or best offer.
Grund styling spray, 12 ounces. Value: $19; buy it now for $7 or best offer.
Grund cleanse hair, face, and body wash, 12 ounces. Value: $12; buy it now for $4 or best offer.
Grund styling paste, 2.4 ounces. Value: $9; buy it now for $3 or best offer.
Chico's bracelet style wristwatch. Blue, green, and topaz beads with enameled charms on a stretch bracelet band. Silvertone face with faceted crystal inserts. Value: $25; buy it now for $8.50 or best offer.
Collectible 1:50 scale Komatsu PC200 LC excavator backhoe die-cast model. Value: $100; buy it now for $35 or best offer.
Group German lessons for lower school children. TCS parent and native German speaker Sabine Schmidt will meet with you for 90 minutes on three Fridays after school in May to teach songs, poems, greetings, and other basic phrases, and to sample German snacks. Value: $75; buy it now for $25 or best offer.
Verizon Wireless BlackBerry Pearl 8130 Smartphone. Offers email, web browser, telephone, camera, media player, voice activated dialing, and more. Value: $375; buy it now for $125 or best offer.
Verizon Wireless inpulse pay-as-you-go music phone with camera and $30 refill card. Pay only on the days you use it. Unlimited Verizon mobile to mobile calling. Value: $200; buy it now for $70 or best offer.
YMCA youth sport registration good for basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, or indoor soccer for children in grades K through 12. Expires December 31, 2010. Value: $75; buy it now for $25 or best offer.
Washburn University Lady Blues 2010 soccer camp for girls aged 9 through 13, 8th grade and below. 14 hours of instruction and fun with WU coach Tim Collins and staff at a date to be determined. Value: $75; buy it now for $25 or best offer.
Signed 8" X 10" color photograph of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel. Value: $20; buy it now for $7 or best offer.

Camp Invention Now Enrolling

Camp Invention will be held at Topeka Collegiate the week of June 7 - 11, 2010.

Enroll now at www.campinvention.org. Questions? Contact 4th grade teacher Jewelia Oswald.

Volunteer Spotlight on YOU!

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!

You are invited to a

Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon

Wednesday, April 21

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Assembly Hall

Please join us for a buffet lunch as we say "thank you" for your volunteer support.

Program Begins at Noon

Youth Choir Performance

PowerPoint Presentation

RSVP by Friday, April 16 to mloftus@topekacollegiate.org

Around Campus

On March 11, students in 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grade, under the direction of Kay Siebert, presented the musical program "Gonna Have An Earth Day."

When third graders were selecting biographies to read as a book report project, Abigayle C. (left) chose a book about activist and author Helen Keller.

Inspired by the book's subject, Abigayle created a three dimensional report that a person who is blind or deaf - such as Helen Keller - could learn from.

(Right) We hope you were able to attend the St. Patrick's Day parade in downtown Topeka over spring break. Parents Tyler L. (Charlie - 4th, Malcolm - 2nd) and Andrea R. (Jack - 3rd) led the movement to create a limousine of sorts out of the L. mobile. Inside were future Presidents; walking alongside were the Secret Service detail.

(Below) How low can you go? Parent Dave A. (Nadia, pre-K) does the limbo to the delight of other dancers at our all-school dance March 26th. Thank you to our Parent Council for organizing and hosting this fun event!

Second Grade Community Service Project

Second graders will be completing their service learning project by delivering beverage can tabs to the Ronald McDonald house next week. If you have been collecting pop tabs for them, please bring your donations in soon.

Second graders will also be delivering donations from the Ronald McDonald House wish list. If you would like to donate items such as batteries, Clorox wipes, disposable cameras, or individually wrapped snacks or juices, please drop those by the second grade classrooms as well. Contact Dene' Mosier or Ruth Bammes with questions.

TCS Chess Scholas Do Great at State!

(Left, from left to right) Teddy Mac D., Malcolm L., Malik B., Trevor J., Angel F., Jack R.; (right) Thomas K.

On March 13, eight TCS chess scholars started their spring break by competing in the Kansas State Chess Tournament which was held at Blue Valley North West High School.

Thomas K. (6th grade) competed individually in the K-6 division and earned the second place medal! The third grade team made up of Teddy Mac D., Malcolm L., Jack R., Angel F., Trevor J., and Malik B. all competed in the K-3 division and out of 20 teams earned the 3rd place trophy!

Chess scholars will attend one more tournament before the season is offically over, The 2nd Annual Kansas vs. Missouri Border Showdown. This tournament will take place on May 1 in Lenexa, Kansas. Please contact Ms. Bauer if your child would like to help reprsent Topeka Collegiate as we help Kansas keep the traveling chess trophy for another year.

--- Dallas Bauer

Alumna To Head School in Washington

Stacie Kossoy '97 stopped by TCS this week for a visit to reconnect with her former teachers (including Mrs. Hoyt and Mr. MacDonald) and to observe Pre-K and Kindergarten classes. A veteran of Teach for America, Stacie is the Founding Principal of KIPP DC: Grow Academy, an early childhood inner-city school opening in Washington DC this summer. She makes us very proud!