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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, Families and Friends,
Teachers returned from Thanksgiving break to
find something that made them even more thankful
- new laptop computers! It is wonderful to see
educators excited about using technology to
enhance their teaching. Faculty and staff
received basic training at what has been dubbed
"laptop university," with more extensive
professional development scheduled for the first
week of January.
 In
addition to the new computers, we have 16 new
LCD projectors ready to be installed in
classrooms,
and we have four interactive white boards on
order, which brings our total to five.
The Building Futures One Child at a Time
Capital Campaign and the Parent Council have
made these technology enhancements possible. We
thank the generous donors who have helped us
make major progress toward our goal of providing
students the skills they need to be adept at the
application and use of technology and to be
competitive in a global society.
Educationally yours,
Dick Patterson
Head of School
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Calendar Highlights -- December, 2009 |
Friday,
December 4 -- Middle School
dance 7:00 - 10:00 p.m., Commons.
This weekend -- The third
grades' award-winning "Frosty the Snowman"
Christmas tree will be on display at the
Festival of Trees at the Agricultural Hall
through Sunday, December 6 at 4:00 p.m.
Proceeds benefit Sheltered Living (see
article below).
Monday, December 7 -- Please
return your auction acquisition or
auction buy-out forms and business
advertising forms (see article
below).
Tuesday, December 8
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Book donation, noon.
Topeka Collegiate students will
donate 77 children's books to
the Doorstep Holiday Store
on Tuesday. They'll make the
delivery at the noon board
meeting at Doorstep, 1119 SW
10th Street. The school
earmarked a portion of its
recent Book Fair proceeds for
this philanthropic purpose.
Those funds were boosted by a
popular contest in which
children voted with their spare
change which teacher they wanted
to see do something crazy.
School Health Services Director
Danielle Huckins is the lucky
(or unlucky) winner! Stay tuned
to see what crazy thing she
does.
Science Fair, 6:00 - 7:00
p.m., Assembly Hall. Middle
school students will display and
explain their science projects
for families and friends from
6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the
school's Assembly Hall. Among
the subjects of students'
scientific curiosity: generic
vs. name brand consumer
products; how different
materials conduct electricity;
the effect of various incubators
on chick hatching. Members of
Washburn University's Tri Beta
Biological Society will judge
the projects and offer students
feedback on their efforts.
Exhibits will remain on display
through Wednesday, December 9.
Wednesday, December 9
--
TCS alum Andy Brownback '02 will
be presenting result of his research
in Honduras on gender equity and the
political situation to middle school
students beginning at 11:15 a.m. in
the Assembly Hall. Visitors welcome.
SeaCamp Night, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.,
Assembly Hall. This year's 8th
graders will present photos, videos,
and a panel discussion about the
experience, with time for questions.
7th grade families are encouraged to
stay afterwards for an
organizational meeting on
fundraising for next year's SeaCamp
trip.
Friday, December 11 --
Geography Bee, 8:35, Assembly Hall.
Monday, December 14 --
Multicultural Education Committee steering
committee meeting, 5:30 p.m., conference
room.
Tuesday, December 15 --
Middle School and choir holiday concert,
7:00 - 8:15 p.m., Assembly Hall.
Friday, December 18 -- Half
day of school; noon dismissal; no lunch
served. Day care is available from 12:15
p.m. until 5:45 p.m. Check our web page
under the "Programs" tab for more
information.
Monday, December 21 --
Alumni family reunion and chili feed, 6:00 -
8:00 p.m., Commons.
Monday, December 21 through
Sunday, January 3, 2010 --
No school - winter break. No child care.
Monday, January 4, 2010 --
No school - teacher in-service. Day care is
available. Check our web page under the
"Programs" tab for more information.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010 --
School resumes.
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Festival of Trees Entry Wins Award |
Our Topeka Collegiate third
graders' "Frosty the Snowman" Tree won Best Youth Tree
at the Festival of Trees!
Third graders visited the Festival to see their tree at
the Kansas Expocentre Ag Hall Friday, December 4. The
children hand-crafted the ornaments, and were very
excited to see their hard work rewarded.
They are also happy to know their tree will be
auctioned, and the proceeds will help disabled people
live independently.
The Festival of Trees will
remain open through 4:00 Sunday, December 6.
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Auction 2010 -- A Starry Night |
The Topeka
Collegiate School annual auction is
scheduled for the evening of March 6, 2010!
Auction 2010 co-chairs Amy H.
(left) and Erin Bess P. (right).
Auction co-chairs Erin Bess P. (Satchel
- 5th, and Rose -
2nd) and Amy H. (Chase
- 5th, and Cooper -
2nd) have been busy making plans for
our annual fundraising auction
scheduled for Saturday, March 6,
2010. They have assembled a
terrific group of volunteers to
prepare for this fun, festive
event.
This year we're hosting the Auction
right here at school!
You'll be amazed by the
transformation of the gymnasium and
the commons into an elegant, magical
space. We'll be serving delicious
meals - including vegetarian choices
- prepared by Aboud's Catering.
Adult beverages will be available
for purchase.
The annual Auction is one of
two major annual fund raisers at Topeka
Collegiate. Together with the Annual Fund,
proceeds account for roughly 12% of our
day-to-day budget for things such as teacher
salaries, textbooks, and technology
enhancements and upgrades. We literally
could not operate without these fund
raisers.
In order to make this a successful
fundraiser, it is vital that our entire
school population contributes to the
pool of items to be sold in the live and
silent auctions. We ask each family
to procure one or more
items worth a combined total of $90. Over
the years there have been many creative
items, products and services procured by
members of the school family. You do not
necessarily need to purchase an
item; you may ask a business to donate an
item or service. Or, if procuring and
donating something just isn't for you, you
may choose the buy-out option and simply
contribute $150 to the pool.
In addition, we ask each family to purchase
two tickets to the Auction whether or not
they are able to attend. If you are not able
to be at the Auction, the two tickets may be
designated for faculty to attend the event.
A packet of auction materials has come home with
your child. Among the items in the packet you will
find an acquisition form, a buy-out form, a
pre-registration and ordering form, and a form to
purchase advertising in the auction catalog. Please
complete the appropriate forms and return
them in your child's home folder by Monday, December
7th. Plan to bring your items to school
after the winter break (by February 1st).
If you would like to participate in the
procurement of items to auction off, help
coordinate your child's classroom auction
project, volunteer on one of the committees, or
if you have any questions, please contact one of
this year's co-chairs.
See you March 6th!
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Sea Camp 2009
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SeaCamp is one of the
highlights of a Topeka Collegiate education. It
offers students a once-in-a-lifetime experience to
study the ocean at a level not possible in
vacation-type experiences.
Fresh from their trip to SeaCamp in the Florida
Keys, this year's eighth graders will present
photos, videos and a panel discussion about the
experience, with time for your questions on
Wednesday, December 9, beginning at 7:30
in the Commons.
Seventh grade families are encouraged to stay
afterwards for an organizational meeting on
fundraising for next year's SeaCamp trip. This
year's class will have lots of tips for next
year's class -- thanks to your support, their
fundraising efforts this past year raised $700
of the $1,100 per student cost of the trip!
(Above: Abbey R.; Alec B.)
(Above: Dylan C. and
Connor B.)
(Above: Ashley S.)
(Above: Carter P.; below,
left: Mike E.; right: Nick B. and Connor B.)
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Founders Honored as Philanthropists of Year |
Topeka Collegiate founders Susan and Kent Garlinghouse
were honored as Philanthropists of the Year at the
Association of Fundraising Professionals' National
Philanthropy Day celebration last month, in recognition
of their leadership in making the Kansas Children
Discovery Center a reality for Topeka.
 Accepting
the award, the Garlinghouses were characteristically
modest. Kent encouraged others to become active
philanthropists. "What can you do?" he asked. "You have
already identified yourself as a philanthropist by being
here. You have already identified an entity in which you
have great interest. What you can do now is stoke your
passion, learn more about the history of their mission,
the most effective part of their operations, and let
them know you want to be more involved."
For the Garlinghouses, not surprisingly, education is a
core philanthropic passion. "Kent and I began to think,"
Susan explained, "that if we wanted to really positively
impact tomorrow, to help children dream dreams, to help
them fulfill their dreams, to build a brighter world, we
had to not only provide band-aids but also find ways
that did not require the use of quite so many band-aids.
This meant changing paradigms and creating ideas for new
institutions that offered opportunities to children who,
after all, are truly the hope for all of our futures.
"It seemed to Kent and to me that the avenue for
this is through education: Instilling the love of
learning that can last a lifetime; that this
approach really can change the world for the better.
"And we found, that in doing these small things, our
lives grew in meaning. Our identities were shaped by
what we committed ourselves to. We built meaning
into our lives through our connections with our
community."
Our community is richer and our children's futures
brighter because of their generosity.
Congratulations, Susan and Kent Garlinghouse!
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Topeka Collegiate Alumni Family Reunion -- Monday,
December 21 |
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Calling all
alumni and their families!
Please join us for:
Chili Supper
Monday, December 21
6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Topeka Collegiate School
See old friends and teachers. Laugh at stories of
the old days. Enjoy a hearty meal.
Featuring: The O'Shea Sisters (Erika
'04 and Shannon '06) (pictured,
above)
$5/person or $20/family
Adult beverages available. Please bring I.D.
Volunteers who would like to
help plan the reunion are welcomed and encouraged!
Please contact Phyllis Hoyt at 785-228-0490 or
phoyt@topekacollegiate.org
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We're Thankful For. . . |
The Most Important Things
About My Family
The most important thing about my mom is that she
loves me very much
My mom had me as her child, and she is nice and
lovable
She kisses me goodnight and tucks me in at night
when I feel like it
We laugh together, and she tickles me, and I
tickle her
But the most important thing about my mom is that
she loves me very much
The most important thing about my dad is that he
cares about me
He plays line tag with me at the YMCA
We ride bikes together outside
He likes to surprise me when we're going to have
my birthday cake, and he likes to play hot and cold
with me to try to find my birthday present!
But the most important thing about my dad is that he
cares about me
The most important thing about my brother is that he
likes to have fun with me
We wrestle together, and sometimes one of us gets
hurt, but we always care for each other
He and I like to play with our cats together
He makes me laugh with funny jokes
But the most important thing about my brother is
that he likes to have fun with me
The most important thing about me is that I love my
family
I am a good artist
I like to do gymnastics at my house
I really like to play on the piano
But the most important thing about me is that I love
my family
Susan Garlinghouse, Madisyn V., Caleb G., Jimmy
P.; Emily P., Grace K.
-- Drew M.
The important thing about my mom is that she is
always there for me
She always helps me through tough times
She is like a sadness shield
And she is the computer teacher at my school
But the important thing about my mom is that
she's always there for me
The important thing about my dad is that he
always loves to see me
He always comes homes with a smile
He's fun to play with
And he's really good at working with
computers
But the important thing about my dad is that he
always loves to see me
The important thing about Matt is that he loves
to play with me
He loves to do crazy things
He's very good at soccer
And he's really smart
But the important thing about Matt is that he
loves to play with me
The important thing about me is that I'm me
I'm really good at math
I love sports
And my favorite thing to do when I have a
break is go race quarter midgets
But the important thing about me is that I'm me
Alex C., Blake R., Tanner H.
Important Things
-- Jazmine J.
The important thing about my mom is that she
is always there for me
It is true that my mom is a teacher
She is a great cook
And she likes to talk on the phone a lot
But the important thing about my mom is that
she is always there for me
The important thing about my grandma is that
she is mine
It is true that my grandma is unique
because
She is very interested in what I do
And she volunteers a lot at my school and
other places
But the important thing about my grandma is
that she is mine
The important thing about my grandpa is that
he loves me
It is true that he owns a mortuary
And he is as tall as a tree
And he likes cowboy
But the important thing about my grandpa is
that he loves me
The important thing about me is that I'm me
It is true that I am nine years old
And I'm strong
And I like to be silly
But the important thing about me is that I'm
me
Ethan P., Toma D.
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Grandparent/VIP Day |
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The Tuesday before Thanksgiving we welcome more than
200 grandparents and VIPs to our school. This is a
very special day for students and their guests, on
which we are reminded how special people enrich our
lives.
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Volunteer Spotlight On TCS Alum Dan Thompson '01 |
Dan Thompson '01 has completed his
bachelor's degree in economics at KU and is applying 
to law schools. He plans to specialize in
international law, and he jokes that it all stems
from Model United Nations. Dan began participating
in Model UN as a Topeka Collegiate middle school
student and continued in high school.
This year, as he has for the past several years, Dan
returned to TCS to help prepare current middle
school students for their Model UN experience in
March.
Watch for Dan's article on his study abroad in China
in the upcoming Collegiate Life.
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Around Campus
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Sage P.
(6th) earned a Top Performance trophy and medal
with his performance of Linkin Park's "What I've Done"
during the mid-November DuBois Music Studio Fall
Recital.
Watch the video proud father Payam posted on YouTube by
going to YouTube.com and and then typing in key words
"Sage" and "DuBois Music."
Aditi M. and Tanisha M.
sample the construction materials
As a fun conclusion to their unit on the Native
Americans of the Great Plains, the second grade
students constructed tepees using ice cream cones
and icing. They then decorated the outside of the
tepees with a variety of candy circles, sprinkles
and squiggly lines that symbolized Native American
story writing.
Talented TCS students, alums, and family members are
involved in holiday festivities this month:
- Jill Siebert (daughter of music teacher Kay
Siebert), Mia L., (3rd) and Rose P.
(2nd) will dance in the Metropolitan Ballet of
Topeka's production of The Nutcracker at
TPAC this weekend. Look for TCS parent Rick B. (Edward,
4th) on trombone in the orchestra pit. For
performance and ticket information, go to
tpactix.org.
- Look for Karyna C. (pre-K),
Tessa D. (6th), India M.
(3rd), Kiana M. (3rd), and
Micaela M. (6th) in the Ballet Midwest
production of The Nutcracker December 18,
19, and 20. For performance and ticket information,
visit
www.balletmidwest.info.
- Teddy Mac D. (K) (pictured
at center, below) and parent Dan D. are part of
the cast of the musical It's A Wonderful Life
through December 20th at the Topeka Civic
Theatre. For more information and to purchase
tickets, go to
www.topekacivictheatre.com.
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Kehres Cares |
 As
the temperature drops outside it's easy to get lazy
inside as we cuddle up in front of the TV or computer
for long hours of little or no exercise. Researchers
believe children burn half as many calories in the
winter as they do in the summer. Here are some helpful
tips to increase your child's minutes in motion and keep
your family active all winter long.
1. Host a basketball shoot out using foam balls and
a trash can. Blow up balloons and play "keep off the
floor." Set up a bowling alley using empty water
bottles and foam balls.
2. Organize a dance contest or a game of dance
freeze.
3. Encourage your children to try spinning a hula
hoop, juggling or jumping rope.
4. Recruit your kids to help with house cleaning
chores.
5. Check with local parks and recreation centers
for organized indoor sports.
6. Go to the mall for a family power-walk.
7. Limit screen time. Research shows that kids who
have less screen time (TV, computer and video games)
read more and do better in school. Check out
www.aap.org/family/smarttv.htm for recommendations
on TV viewing.
8. Encourage your child to take stretch breaks
during their favorite TV program. Make a game out of
doing jumping jacks, sit-ups and push-ups during
commercial breaks.
9. Model active behavior. Don't tell your kids to
go out in the cold if you're camped out on the couch.
Talk about physical activity as an opportunity to take
care of your body, rather than a punishment or a chore.
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Welcome, Kyasa Family! |
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Sisters Noor and Maha K.
began classes at Topeka Collegiate this week. Noor is a
fifth grader in Ms. Jackson's class; Maha is a third
grader in Ms. Kido's class.
Welcome to Topeka Collegiate!
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Student Directory Additions |
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From the Music Department |
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Mrs. Siebert would like to thank whoever donated the
"Christmas Sing-Along Carioke" book to the music
classroom. There was no name on the sticker, but she
wants the family to know she appreciates the gift very
much! |
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Cold Weather and Recess |
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:
-- Warm boots that do not have removable liners. Boots
should be tall enough so that snow cannot get between
the snow pants and boots (to protect ankles and feet
from frostbite).
-- Snow pants
-- Coats should be easy to zip, button, or snap so that
your child can be independent in the process of putting
on and taking off outdoor clothing. Jackets should be
long enough to cover below snow pants hipline.
-- Waterproof, lined mittens or ski gloves with attached
strings or mitten clamps should be attached to the coat.
Please do not buy thin, knitted gloves; they are
difficult to get on, are not warm, and aren't
waterproof.
-- Hats should cover the forehead and cheeks and ears.
Please be sure the coat or hat provides neck coverage.
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. With
your help and forethought, your child will enjoy winter
recess! |
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From the Health Room |
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Shawnee County
Health Agency To Expand Free H1N1 Clinic To General
Public
Time for 2nd dose for children vaccinated prior to
November 10th
Shawnee County Health Agency (SCHA) will offer all
residents 6 months and over the opportunity to get the
H1N1 vaccination. "As the holiday season approaches, now
is the perfect time to get the vaccine and protect
yourself from H1N1 influenza," stated Anne Freeze,
Director.
The next H1N1 vaccination clinic is scheduled for
Tuesday, December 8th at Kansas Expocentre Ag Hall
located at One Expocentre Dr, off of 17th and Topeka
Blvd. This clinic will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., unless
vaccine supplies are diminished prior to 7 p.m. As with
several other Kansas counties, Shawnee County will no
longer limit clinics to "target" groups.
Vaccine will be available to all individuals 6 months of
age and older beginning with the Tuesday, December 8th
clinic and all future clinics.
Children 9 years old and younger will need to have a
second dose of the H1N1 vaccine. If they received their
first dose on or before November 10th, they will be
eligible for a second dose on December 8th.
There is no charge to receive the H1N1 vaccine at SCHA
public clinics. Entrance to the vaccination clinic will
be on the west side of the building.
The SCHA's Immunization department will be closed on
Tuesday, December 8th. All other services will remain
open.
Making Your Trip to an H1N1 Clinic Easier
Shawnee County residents attending the H1N1 vaccination
clinic on Tuesday, December 8th between 3:00 p.m. to
7:00 pm (as supplies allow) are encouraged to consider
the following:
-- Individuals may have to wait outside in the weather
conditions, so dress appropriately. Camping out is
strongly discouraged.
-- Nurses will be on site to evaluate individuals to
identify the most appropriate vaccine type a person
qualifies for and receives. Both injectable and nasal
mist versions of the vaccine will be available in
limited supplies.
-- Wearing layers over a short-sleeved shirt is
encouraged for those who may receive injectable version
of the H1N1 vaccine.
Individuals experiencing influenza like illness should
not seek a vaccination until they feel well and have
been fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever
reducing medications.
-- Vaccinations will be provided at no cost during this
clinic.
The Shawnee County Health Agency is dedicated to
protecting health in the community by providing
prevention, education, and health care services.
-- Be patient! The Shawnee County Health Agency is
working as quickly as possible to vaccinate the public.
Your patience and cooperation are greatly appreciated.
Danielle Huckins
Health Services Director
Topeka Collegiate School
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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.
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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.
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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. Go to www.elabelsforeducation.com to
register for e-Labels for Education.
  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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