The students recited short poems about their everyday dealings in school: homework, writing reports, and getting called on when they don't know the answer. We were also treated to several poems about winter - the winter wind, snowballs, and the classic "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy evening" by Robert Frost.  We were reminded to "Keep a poem in your pocket/And a poem in your head/And you'll never feel lonely/At night when you're in bed."

 

None of the Gutierrez/Estrada family members speak German, although this doesn't seem to be a problem; prior to coming to the United States five years ago, Lucia and Alvaro didn't speak English, either!

 

Fifth grader Alvaro will be attending an international school where several languages are spoken, though German will be the primary language.

 

Good luck, Lucia and Alvaro; we'll miss you!

Mrs. Lucía Gutiérrez

 

Ms. Keim has fifteen years' experience teaching elementary, intermediate, and advanced Spanish at Orange Coast College and Santa Ana College, both in California, at Global LT in Troy, Michigan, and as a graduate teaching assistant at KU. She comes to us from the Shawnee County Health Agency, where she is the Spanish interpreter/translator between staff and patients. She has one daughter, Jorianne, age three.

 

Welcome to our school, Ms. Keim!

 

The menu has been set for the event. We will be offering these delectable choices:
 
Salad ~ Fall greens with tangerine vinaigrette dressing
 
Vegetarian Entree ~ Marbled polenta marinara, stuffed with wilted baby spinach; served with a side of saffron risotto and rustic Italian vegetables; rolls and butter
 
Entree ~ filet mignon au poivre, stuffed with mushrooms and topped with a Bordelaise sauce; served with garlic mashed potatoes, fresh asparagus spears; rolls and butter
 
Dessert ~ "Heart's Desire": Cheesecake with a chocolate-covered strawberry and rose petals

It is the time of year when we have to make decisions as to whether or not we will go outside for recess. We will send children out for recess as long as the wind chill temperature is 15 degrees or higher, there is little or no precipitation, and the playground conditions are safe.  This will include times when there is snow on the ground. Children need to be in the proper attire in order to play in the snow.

 

Some suggestions for winter clothing:

Getting the children outside is very important to us. The children love it, except when their clothes do not provide proper warmth or are frustrating to get on. Getting 36 preschool students dressed and undressed is a challenge! With your help and forethought, your child will enjoy winter recess!

 

 

 

In observance of Santa Lucia Day on December 13th, first graders from Mrs. Wilk's class delivered treats to their schoolmates.

 

Santa Lucia Day is the feast day dedicated to St. Lucy (Lucia), and is mainly celebrated in Scandanavia. In traditional celebrations, Santa Lucia comes as a young woman dressed in a white dress with a red sash, wearing a candle-lit wreath as a crown. She delivers candy and sweets to the children.  

 

The boys in the procession are wearing cone-shaped hats decorated with golden stars, and are referred to as stjärngossar (star boys).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

For more information on Let's Help, visit their website at http://www.letshelpinc.org/.

The TCS Youth Choir performed their holiday program in the Assembly Hall on December 19th. As part of their holiday schedule, the choir also appeared earlier this week at the Capitol building, the public library, Plaza West nursing home, and at West Ridge Mall - you may have seen their photograph in the newspaper!

"My class went to the Festival of Trees. Our tree sparkled like a holy angel. It was surrounded by gleaming lanterns. It was all white and sparkling. Our tree wore many glittering garments. It was very beautiful. But there were many more gorgeous trees. The winning tree bragged with a ribbon saying 'Judges favorite tree.' One tree was covered with furry teddy bears, another wore feathery birds. Some were elegant, some were chubby. One was magnificent as a soldier, and all the trees sparkled like the sun." -- Charlie L.-A.

 

 

Thank you for your assistance. 

 

Thank you, Mr. Cello! 

 

From Capitol Hill to the Smithsonian Institution, and from Gettysburg National Military Park to the International Spy Museum, they will examine the characteristics of American leadership during times of national challenge and prosperity. Forum delegates will also participate in small-group discussions and exercises to experience first-hand how successful leaders develop strategies, make decisions, build consensus, and foster change.

 

The program is coordinated by People to People Leadership Programs to fulfill the vision Dwight D. Eisenhower had for fostering world citizenship when he founded People to People during his presidency in 1956. For additional information, visit http://www.peopletopeople.com.

 

The most important thing about my mom is she's mine.

It's true that she's a fantastic artist

She's an awesome nurse

And she's always trustworthy

But the most important thing about my mom is she's mine.

 

The most important thing about my dad is he doesn't let me down.

It's true he plays poker with me

He gives me money when I need it

And is always there for me

But the most important thing about my dad is he doesn't let me down.

 

The most important thing about my brother is he cheers me up.

It's true he shares his toys with me

And he plays with me

And he is really nice

But the most important thing about my brother is he cheers me up.

 

The most important thing about me is I'm me.

It's true I can make friends easily

And I am really fun

And I do well in school

But the most important thing about me is I'm me.

     -- Isabel H.

 

 

The Most Important Things

Mark B.'s birthday wristwatch that was reported missing in the last newsletter has been located. Thank you for your help! 

 

Sandy and John Smith
Tonya and Scott Smith
Cindy and David Stillings
Heather Stults-Lindsay and Chad Lindsay
Jeanne and Bob Taggart
Lisa and Mark Taylor
Anita and Eldon Thiessen
Katrina and Craig Van Aalst
Jyothi Dodlapati and Gautham Varakantham
Annie Voth
Susan Walton Hooge '92 and John-David Hooge
Susie and Gary Warner
Jean and Harry Washington
Judy and Robert Welch
Erin Wen
Tracy Wickham and Charles and Frances Wickham
Isabelle and Robert Williams
Becky and Jeff Wylie
Mary Powell and Craig Yorke
Arwa Felfel-Yunis and Nidal Yunis
Blake and Robert Zachritz

We extend our profound apologies. We thank these donors and acknowlege their contributions to Topeka Collegiate School.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.