| August 12, 2011 | Issue 2 |
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The Collegiate
Connection
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From Our Head of School
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Dear TCS Families and Friends,
It's almost here -- that first day of school! On Tuesday
night, children will organize their clothes and backpacks
and connect with friends about what time they plan to arrive
at school on Wednesday morning. A special adrenalin comes
with the first day of school! As parents, we greet the day
with excitement and anticipation. What will the new teacher
be like? Will she understand and value my child? And, if
your family is like mine, there's the required
first-day-of-school picture. My son Donald, now 24, put up
with the picture-taking habits of his mother so that we now
have the full array of photos. There's the picture of the
3-year-old with a new backpack almost as big as he was, one
with a smile with no front teeth, the bad-stages-of-acne
picture and even one when he thought he had outgrown the
first-day-of-school picture in front of the green minivan he
drove to high school as a junior and senior! Those pictures,
now precious, bring back wonderful memories for us of school
days filled with fun, learning, challenge and friends.
You and your children will create wonderful memories this year. You will return to Topeka Collegiate to find 33 new children in our community. We have a wonderful 8th grade class ready to step up and mentor our younger students. We are thrilled to have Mr. Lamb back to guide our middle school. He will help our middle schoolers learn how to provide leadership and mentorship for our younger students. Mrs. Mosier will use her many gifts to lead our lower school and work with our teachers as they nurture our younger students, some creating their school-year memories for the first time.
I am thrilled to be here to work with a multi-talented faculty and together we look forward to creating a special place for your children where they are challenged and nurtured. The 2011-12 school year will be one full of excitement for you and your family. We hope to see you on Sunday at the Back-to-School picnic. I look forward to greeting you and your children on Wednesday morning and will enjoy watching many of you take your first-day-of-school pictures here.
Sincerely,
Mary Beth Marchiony Head of School
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Calendar Highlights -- August and September |
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For the most current information, refer to the
ParentsWeb calendar
Sunday, August 14 -- Back-to-school
picnic, 5:30 p.m. at school (see details below).
Tuesday, August 16 -- -- Complete outstanding paperwork and sign up for volunteer opportunities, 4:00 p.m., assembly hall -- Orientation for full-day Pre-K students, 4:30-5:30 p.m. -- Meet the teacher, school-wide, 4:30-5:30 p.m. -- Orientation for 6th grade students, 4:45 p.m., commons.
Wednesday, August 17 -- Welcome back! First day of school for students in full-day Pre-K through 8th grade; noon dismissal (Junior Pre-K and afternoon Pre-K begin Tuesday, September 6).
Thursday, August 25 -- Cub Scout informational meeting, 7:00 p.m., assembly hall. A representative from the Boy Scouts will be on campus to speak to parents and boys about the Topeka Collegiate BSA pack.
Friday, September 2 -- Orientation for Jr. Pre-K and afternoon Pre-K students and their families, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Monday, September 5 -- No school (Labor Day).
Tuesday, September 6 -- First day of school for students in Junior Pre-K and afternoon Pre-K.
Thursday, September 8 -- Back to School Night, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 13 -- School picture day, 8:30-11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, September 14 -- Middle School community service day (first of three).
Monday, September 26 -- No school (professional development day). |
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Back-to-School Picnic at TCS -- Sunday, August 14 |
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All parents and students, current and new to our school, are invited to join us as we kick off a new school year with a back-to-school picnic on Sunday, August 14 at 5:30 p.m. in the assembly hall and on the south playground.
We will supply hot dogs, drinks, and your table service. If your last name begins with letters A through M, please bring a dessert to share. If your last name begins with letters N through Z, please bring a side dish.
Questions? Please contact Mary Loftus at mloftus@topekacollegiate.org. |
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Tuesday, August 16 Activities |
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The evening before school begins, all of our
classrooms will be open between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m.
to give students and their families a chance to meet their
teachers. This is a casual, drop-in opportunity.
Be sure to come by the assembly hall at 4:00
before visiting the classrooms; we'll have copies of all the
paperwork we'll need from you. We will also have volunteer
sign-up sheets available. To preview the volunteer
positions we have available, click here.
Please print out, staple together, and return the last three
pages indicating your preferences.
Orientation for students and parents enrolled in our full-day Pre-K will begin at 4:30 p.m. in the Pre-K classroom.
An orientation for incoming 6th grade students and their parents will take place in the commons beginning at 4:45 p.m. |
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Forms We'll Need From You On or Before the First Day of School |
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To make sure that we have all the necessary information to begin our school year smoothly, please take a couple minutes to look over the forms we require before your child begins attending classes. All forms may be found on our web page (www.topekacollegiate.org) under the "Forms" link at the top of the page or by clicking here . Please return completed forms to the school office. We will have copies of the forms available in the assembly hall between 4:00 and 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 16th (see article above).
Information for All Students:
Every family will need to print out and
complete a new Directory Form
and a Health Form '11-'12.
If your child needs a new spirit shirt (the
cost of which is included in your tuition),
you will need to print and complete a
Spirit Shirt Order Form. A
completed Computer Acceptable Use
Form is required to be signed by
both the student (all ages) and a parent.
Parents should review (but not necessarily
print out) the Tuition Management
Plan, Health Room
Information, 2011-2012 Immunization
Guidelines, and When Is My
Child Too Ill to Attend School?
document.
Information for New Students:
In addition to the
pertinent forms required of all students,
a School Entry Health Assessment Form is
required for new students in grades K through
3rd. Parents with Pre-K students will
need to contact the office for a state health
assessment form.
Information for Middle School Students:
If you have a middle school student (grades 6-8)
who is interested in participating in Parochial
League sports, the student needs to have a
physical exam dated after May 1. The
Sports Physical Form must be completed
and signed by a physician or other qualified
medical provider. Students will only be allowed
to participate in practice and competitions when
this form is on file in the health room.
Parents of Middle School students should also review the Middle School Supply List. The supplies should be sent with your student on the first day of school.
Please contact the office at 228-0490 if you have any
questions regarding our enrollment forms.
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First Day of School for Full Day Pre-K Through 8th -- Wednesday, August 17 |
WELCOME BACK TO TOPEKA
COLLEGIATE SCHOOL!
We hope your summer has been rejuvenating and restful, and
that you're ready for a another school year to begin! We've
been working hard all summer preparing for your return, and
are looking forward to saying hello to our old friends and
to making new friends!
The first day of school for students entering full-day Pre-K through 8th grade is Wednesday, August 17th. School begins at 8:15 a.m. (8:25 a.m. for Pre-K students). The first day of school is a half day; students will be dismissed at noon (11:45 a.m. for Pre-K students). No lunch will be served and no child care will be available.
Thursday, August 18 is our first full day of school. Lunch will be served and extended day care will be available. The current month's lunch menu is available on the school's web site under the "Calendar" tab.
The first day of school for students enrolled in our Jr. Pre-K and afternoon Pre-K classes will be Tuesday, September 6.
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Orientation for Jr. Pre-K and Afternoon Pre-K -- Friday, September 2 |
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Orientation for students entering Jr. Pre-K and Afternoon Pre-K will be held Friday, September 2 at 10:00 a.m. More details about the orientation will be released as the date approaches. |
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First Day of School for Jr. Pre-K -- Tuesday, September 6 |
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Classes begin Tuesday, September 6 for students enrolled in our half-day Jr. Pre-K program. |
| Back to School Night -- Thursday, September 8 |
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All parents and caregivers are invited to join us in the
assembly hall at 6:00 p.m. for a welcome from our new
Head of School, Mary Beth Marchiony. The president of
the school's Board of Trustees, Michel' Cole, will give
a short presentation, followed by a brief tutorial on
the school's RenWeb parents' web program, information
regarding the Annual Fund, and other important school
topics.
At 6:30, parents will be dismissed to their child's
homeroom, where teachers will outline the classroom goals
and expectations for the upcoming year.
Parents will also have the opportunity to explore ways in
which they can help in their child's classroom and within
the school at large. Volunteer position descriptions and
sign-up sheets will be available for parents, and staff will
be on hand to answer questions.
Spirit Gear will be available for purchase outside the
assembly hall.
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About our Lunch Program |
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Students may bring lunch from home or eat school lunch. The monthly menu will be posted on the TCS website under the "Calendar" tab.
School lunch choices are: hot entree, salad bar, or peanut butter and jelly sandwich, with healthy side dishes. A choice of milk or water is included with all meals. Healthy snacks (fruit, cheese, yogurt) are also available. Lunch is charged to your RenWeb account. Prices are:
Hot lunch, pre-K - 2nd grade: $3.00
Salad bar, pre-K - 2nd grade: $3.00
Hot lunch, 3rd - 8th: $3.40
Salad bar, 3rd - 8th: $3.40
Milk, pre-K - 8th: $.60
Second entree: $1.30
Second side dish: $.80
Sandwich only: $1.30
Healthy snack: $.55
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| IndiaFest and Topeka Collegiate | ||
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You
may know that IndiaFest is the annual celebration of Indian
culture that raises money to support Topeka charities. But did
you know that IndiaFest was the brainchild of a Topeka
Collegiate grandparent? Or that this year's event co-chairman is
the father of a TCS fourth grader? Many current and alumni
parents are busy planning IndiaFest 2011, scheduled for
Saturday, August 27, at the Big Gage Shelterhouse near the
Topeka Zoo from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
IndiaFest began in 2003, the brainchild of Laxmi Donepudi, grandmother of pre-kindergartner Adia van Doren. It was a way for the Indian community - now numbering some 200 families - to thank Topeka for making them feel welcome. IndiaFest proceeds go to a different charity each year. This year it's Easter Seals Capper Foundation. Since the beginning, more than $60,000 has been donated to local non-profits. Co-chairman Raghu Malay, father of 4th grader Aditi, says, "We are so lucky to be able to express our appreciation in a way that benefits the community. Without Laxmi Donepudi, this dream would never have been realized."
IndiaFest crowds have grown each year, with an estimated 1,500 people attending last year. One of the big draws is the food, representing the various regions of India. "Many people think Indian food is all curry," says Malay, "but that's a misconception. At IndiaFest, you will find a delicious variety of homemade dishes that you're not likely to find even in Indian restaurants in Topeka." Raghu's wife Suchmita Veloor, for example, has been in charge of the dosa stall for three years. Dosa is a lentil crepe. You'll find TCS Technology Coach Asha Tripathi, mother of 5th grader Sachin and 8th grader Neha, at the chole puri stall with alumni mom Rajni Rattan, mother of Sahil '10. Tripathi says the fried bread with chickpea curry is a popular item that "sells like hot cakes!" There's Tandoori Chicken, cooked on outdoor grills, and much more.
In addition to the diverse cuisine, there are opportunities to have your picture taken in traditional Indian garb, experience mehndi or traditional henna application, browse a variety of Indian handicrafts and costume jewelry for sale, and enjoy traditional Indian dance performances by children, many of them TCS students. The children will also staff a lemonade and soft drink stand.
Other members of the Indian community with Topeka Collegiate ties helping to organize IndiaFest include the Challa, Parulkar, Gandhi, Maru, Biju and Varakantham/Dodlapati families.
You'll find friendly, familiar faces, good food and fun at IndiaFest on Saturday, August 27. Don't miss it! |
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Around Campus |
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Luxanna Sands (entering 2nd) participates in the "Doodle It Downtown" chalk art competition July 28th.
Chase Hochard (entering 7th) (left)
and Cheyenne Kahler ('11) (below, right)
were among 7,000 athletes from all 50 states who qualified in
regional competitions to participate in the USA Track and Field
Jr Olympics National Championships. This year's National
Championships were held in Wichita at Cessna Stadium July 25th
through 31st.
Cheyenne competed in the 3,000 meter event, placing 12th overall
among girls from all over the United States. Both are members of
the North East Kansas (NEK) Track Club here in Topeka and ran on
the MO-Kan team at the event. They have been running all summer
and this meet ended their hot summer of running in glory!
-- Amy Spurgeon Hochard
"What does my school supply fee cover?" parents often ask us. Earlier this month, Lower School home room teachers gathered in the wee hours at Walmart to purchase classroom supplies for the school year while the prices on essentials are at their lowest. (Left to right) Ken Park, Ruth Bammes, Jaime Frederick, Erin Forstein, Dallas Bauer, Katrina Van Aalst, Kelley Berryman, Julie Lippold, Rachel Hundley, Briana Jackson. |
Chase
qualified for nationals in the 4x800 team relay race. The
boys ran some of their fastest times in 111 degree weather to
take 4th in their heat and 13th overall at the national
championships. 
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Auction 2012 -- We Need YOU! |
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Our annual fundraising auction is the evening when we get to
shine! The decorations, the sequins, the candles - it all comes
together in a glittering, festive celebration.
But before the glimmer and the glamour comes the effort - a group effort that includes many different populations of our school community. We have already heard from many parents who would like to lend their talents to our efforts in supporting roles. We have a need for lead actors - committee chairs, organizers, and especially, co-chairs. Do you have the passion, creativity, and direction that we seek for the important co-chair position? We aren't asking you to go it alone; we have experienced, helpful staff, parent volunteers, and past co-chairs who will provide you with support along the way.
If you would like to learn more about auction leadership, please contact Mary Loftus at 228-0490 or mloftus@topekacollegiate.org. |
| Babysitters Available | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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As a service to our families, we have begun a babysitting registry with names of TCS Middle School students and high school alumni.
If you are interested in babysitting for school families, please let us know by e-mailing mloftus@topekacollegiate.org. Please note: We can't add names to the list without parental permission.
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Fall Sports |
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Parochial League fall sports are coed soccer and girls' volleyball. Coach Ginapp reminds Middle School students interested in going out for either sport to bring their completed sports physicals to school next week, and to sign up to play. |
| Volunteer Spotlight on Alums |
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Thank you to Katie Field '10 (left) for volunteering her time all summer, helping make Day Camp fun for our boys and girls.
Thanks to the four alums (left to right Shelby Carpenter '08, Soren Lamb (T) '09, Hillary and Nicole Rosacker '08) and Tracie Lamb, for moving furniture and boxes back into Middle School buildings and helping ready classrooms for the first day of school after storm damage repairs were completed.
Sjobor Hammer '06 helps Mrs.Franklin return her classroom to normal after cleaning and restoration, in preparation for the start of school. |
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Referral Rebate Program |
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Do you know a family who might be interested in enrolling their child at Topeka Collegiate? If so, you might interested in our referral rebate program. The program offers a $500 rebate for new student referrals, to be awarded once the student is enrolled. Options on how to apply your rebate are listed below:
To refer a student please contact, Linda Kehres at 228-0490 or lkehres@topekacollegiate.org. Thank you for helping us grow our school by referring new families to Topeka Collegiate. We appreciate your ongoing support. |
| 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.
-- Dillons grocery store merchandise cards are available for
purchase in denominations of $20, $50, and $100 in the
school office.The cards may be used at any Dillons 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. 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.
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HyVee grocery store merchandise cards are available for
purchase for $20, $50, and $100 each in the school
office. Like the Dillons cards, Topeka Collegiate receives
6% of all sales. 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.
  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).
 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. |
