February 2, 2009  Issue 13 
   Auction Chairs
The Collegiate Connection
 
From Our Head of School
Dear Parents and Friends,
 
In a previous communication, we let you know about the transition in leadership that has taken place at our school. I want to reassure you that our educational program and the work we do with your children are our first priority and will not be compromised because of the transition.
 
Our acting Head of School, Dick Patterson, is a Topeka treasure with strong ties to Topeka Collegiate. During his nearly 47 years in education, Dick has been principal, associate or assistant principal at Topeka High School, Lawrence High School, Washburn Rural High School and Washburn Rural Alternative High School. He currently coordinates the AP (Advanced Placement) Summer Institute at Washburn University.
 
Dick has a connection with our school that dates back to its earliest history. He was a member of the team that granted TCS its first ISACS (Independent Schools Association of the Central States) accreditation. He served on the Board of Trustees from 1995 to 2001. As Founder Kent Garlinghouse reminded us recently, it was Dick, in his role as Associate Principal at Topeka High, who reached out to our graduates in the days when few public school administrators were receptive to the idea of an independent school in Topeka.
 
Dick will be communicating with you soon and often. With his steady hand on the tiller, it is the trustees' firm belief that our program will remain strong in the hands of our strong, committed teachers. We ask for your patience and support as we partner together for the good of our children.
 
Sincerely,
 
John Dietrick, President
Board of Trustees
In This Issue
Calendar Highlights
Auction 2009
All-School Information Night
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Music Program
Parent Council Meeting
Spirit Days at TCS
History Day 2009
RoadRunners Visit TCS
MATHCOUNTS Assembly
Science Olympiad Regionals
Students Attend Inauguration
3rd Grade Travel Convention
Honor Roll
Referral Rebate
No Parking in Reserved Spots
Never Bet an 8th Grader
Anti-Bullying Campaign
Locks of Love Donation
"Living the Dream" Essay Contest
Raising a Reader
4th Grade Explorers Wax Museum
TCASA
Thank you!
Summer Adventures 2009
Free Fundraisers
Quiz Answers
Quick Links
 
Calendar Highlights - January and February
Friday, January 30 -- Mrs. Mosier's pre-k assembly, 8:35 a.m.; fresh-popped popcorn for sale after school (7th grade fundraiser)
 
Monday, February 2 through Thursday, February 5 -- Spirit week
 
Tuesday, February 3  -- History Day fair, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m., Assembly Hall
 
Wednesday, February 4 -- History Day judging: performances at 1:00 p.m., Commons
 
Thursday, February 5 -- Parent Council meeting, 6:00 p.m.; music program, grades 1-4, 7:00 -7:45 p.m., Assembly Hall
 
Friday, February 6 -- Parent-Teacher conferences - no school, child care will be available
 
Tuesday, February 10 - All-school parents' coffee, 8:15 - 9:15 a.m., Assembly Hall
 
Friday, February 13 -- Mrs. Allison's 3rd grade assembly, 8:35 a.m.; fresh-popped popcorn for sale after school (7th grade fundraiser)
 
Saturday, February 14 -- Auction 2009, 5:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m., Ramada Inn Downtown
 
Monday, February 16 -- Presidents' Day - no school, no child care available
 
Friday, February 20 -- Mrs. Odermatt and Mrs. Wilk's lst grade assembly, 8:35 a.m.; all-school roller skating party, 5:00 p.m. at Sk8away, 815 SW Fairlawn, $3 per skater.  Wear your spirit gear!
 
Tuesday, February 24 -- Lower School Art Show and reception featuring works from students in grades pre-k through 4, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Assembly Hall. 
 
Friday, February 27 -- Mr. MacDonald's 6th grade assembly, 8:35 a.m.  
Spirit Days at TCS
January 30th and February 5th -- All School
February 2nd and 3rd -- Middle School Only
SCHOOL-WIDE:
 
Friday January 30th:  "School-wide School Color Day." Show your school spirit by wearing blue and white!   If you're attending the Topeka RoadRunners hockey game Friday evening, wear blue and white then, too! (see RoadRunners article below).  If possible, we'd like to have all our Collegiate fans sit together in the stands as we root for the team!
 
Thursday, February 5th: "Color Day" -- Book Buddies should wear everything in one solid color!
1st  and  6th grades -- wear green
2nd and 7th grades -- wear blue
3rd and 8th grades -- wear black
Kindergarten and 5th grades -- wear red
Pre-K and 4th grades -- wear yellow
FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL ONLY:
Monday, February 2nd: "Clash Day" -- Wear clothes that don't match!

 
Tuesday, February 3rd: "Pajama Day" -- Don't bother getting dressed in the morning!

 
Wednesday, February 4th: "History Day" -- History Day presentations
Topeka Collegiate History Day and Judging -- February 3rd and 4th
                                          History Day logo
Middle school students will present their History Day projects at a fair Tuesday night, February 3rd in the Assembly Hall.  From 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., students will showcase their exhibits, web sites, or documentaries on the theme, "The Individual in History:  Actions and Legacies."  
 
 
Judging of all projects takes place the following day, Wednesday, February 4th, including performances, which are presented before judges and all middle school students in the Commons at 1:00 p.m. The fair concludes at 3:30 p.m.
 
The entire school community is invited to Tuesday night's fair and Wednesday's performances.
Parent Council Meeting -- Thursday, February 5th
If you are a parent at Topeka Collegiate, you are a member of our Parent Council!  We need YOUR attendance and input to help us help our school.
 
Please plan to attend the Parent Council meeting on Thursday, February 5th at 6:00 p.m. in the Commons. In response to recent budget concerns at school, Parent Council officers and attendees will conduct a brainstorming session to discuss ways in which we as parents could help the school when it comes to volunteering time and/or talent in a way which can help the school financially or otherwise.
 
No child care available.
 
We value your input and think this will be an important meeting to determine how we can further develop volunteerism at the school.
Music Program, Grades 1 - 4 -- Thursday, February 5th
Students in first, second, third, and fourth grades will present a musical program titled "Recollections of European Holidays" next Thursday at 7:00 in the Assembly Hall, immediately following the Parent Council meeting.
 
Since the whole school was involved in the VIP program and there was so little time between Thanksgiving and the end of first semester this year, the students were not able to present their program before winter break. They have worked hard learning music in different languages and they are excited about sharing it with you.
 
Parents, please have your child wear his or her blue collared TCS for the performance. 
Parent-Teacher Conferences -- Friday, February 6th
With the end of the second quarter, it is nearly time to sign up for optional parent/teacher conferences. Homeroom and resource teachers will be available to meet with parents from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6th.
 
To schedule your conference with your child's teachers, please sign up in person in the notebooks that will be available in the foyer by the Assembly Hall between Wednesday, January 28th at 3:30 and Tuesday Wednesday, February 4 at 5:30 p.m.  Please schedule your meetings during this time period; it is difficult to accommodate requests the day of the conferences.
 
There is no school on Friday, February 6th. Childcare will be available. To reserve a spot for your child, contact Karen Benson at kbenson@topekacollegiate.org.
All School Information Night/Open House -- Tuesday, March 3rd
 
All current and prospective families are encourged to attend the school-wide information night and open house on Tuesday, March 3rd from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
 
Information Night is an opportunity for interested new families to learn about the benefits of attending Topeka Collegiate School.  Current families will have the chance to meet their child's teachers for next year and learn about that grade level's curriculum. 
 
The evening will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the assembly hall with a program designed to answer your questions about independent schools.  The TCS choir will sing, and a panel composed of current TCS students will be available to speak about their experiences at our school and answer any questions families might have.
 
Following the program, parents will be directed to the appropriate grade-level classrooms. Middle School parents will be given a schedule to follow where they will have the chance to meet all middle school teachers and learn about the changes that take place in middle school, and will receive a middle school curriculum.  This time will give parents the opportunity to have teachers address your questions and concerns.

 
Don't forget the $500.00 referral rebate!  Bring a friend along who may be interested in enrolling their child at Collegiate and if they enroll, you will receive a credit or check for $500.00!
 
 
Auction 2009 -- Updates and Reminders
                               Auction 2009 logo 
 
Auction 2009 - "Bid From Your Heart" - has been scheduled for Saturday, February 14, 2009 at the Ramada Inn downtown.
 
Ten rooms at the Ramada have been reserved at the discounted price of $79.  Remember to mention you're with the Topeka Collegiate Auction when you book your room to receive the discount.
 
Have you booked your babysitter yet?  8th grader Alix W. is available for that evening.  Her phone number is XXX-XXXX.
Dylan Cox
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dylan C. assists with assembling invitations.  
  • Auction items are due now. The items or services that you have procured may be brought in now.  Items may be delivered to the front office or to the Development office (room 109).
  • RSVPs are due now. Please let us know how many people in your party will be attending the auction. Replacement or additional invitations and RSVP forms are available in the Development office, or you may request one by contacting Karen Benson at kbenson@topekacollegiate.org. You may also respond online by clicking here.

See you on February 14th!

RoadRunners at TCS
                      RoadRunners 2
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Topeka Roadrunners team members pose with fans in Mrs. Odermatt's lst grade classroom.
 
 
 
Members of the Topeka RoadRunners hockey team visited the Lower School on January 22nd as part of their "Read With the RoadRunners" program.
 
Players spent an hour in classrooms reading, answering questions, signing autographs, and speaking about the importance of working hard in school. 
 
Each child even received a ticket to see the RoadRunners play against the St. Louis Bandits this Friday, January 30th!  Please plan to attend with your child and show our TCS spirit!* 
 
We'd like to thank the RoadRunners for visiting and sharing their day with us.  We'll be rooting for you on Friday!
 
*RoadRunners officials recommend arriving early to ensure a good seat. 
MATHCOUNTS Countdown Assembly
Mathletes headed for the Chapter MATHCOUNTS competition, to be held at KU on February 7, competed in a practice Countdown Round last Friday. Students buzz in for the chance to answer the problem correctly. Speed counts! 
 
Some sample questions: 
 
1) The length and width of a rectangle are each increased by 20%. By what percent is the rectangle's area increased?
 2) The product of two positive integers is 36. The difference of the same two integers is 9. What is the value of the larger integer?
 3) How many seconds are in 7.8 minutes?
(Answers appear at the bottom of the newsletter)

   
                          Mathcounts 2009
 
 
Competing in the Countdown round were (back row) Lang P., Sahil R., Joe V., Eddie L., Cody J. and (front row) Irene N., Cain M.Alix W., and Josh G.
 
Good luck on February 7th!
Science Olympiad Regional Results
Science Olympiad regional medalists
At the Science Olympiad regional competition in Salina on January 14th, Topeka Collegiate's  team medaled in 9 out of 23 events and placed 2nd overall.
 
Coach Loren Shinn presented the medalists at a school assembly earlier this month.  Congratulations to our participants and good luck competing at the State Science Olympiad April 4th at Wichita State University!
 
Amphibians and Reptiles: Christine E. and Natalie S., 2nd place
Anatomy: Cain M and Joe V., 3rd place
Compute This: Eddie L. and Max H., 2nd place
Disease Detectives: Carter P. and Gabriel B., 2nd place
Dynamic Planet: Cody J. and Carter P., 3rd place
Ecology: Eddie L. and Luke M., 3rd place
Environmental Chemistry: Christine E. and Cain M., 1st place
Meterology: Christine E. and Josh G.
Pentathalon: Eddie L. and Luke M., Meredith R. and Sahil R., 3rd place
 
Mr. Shinn and team would like to extend thanks to TCS Lower School Science teacher Mary Kate Baldwin; WIBW Meteorologist Amy Schmidt; TCS alum Robert Hamilton; and TCS alum Pete Ebeling.

 
Junior Leaders Attend Obama Inauguration
             Alix W. at inauguration
8th grader Alix W. (far right in photo) was among a group of students invited to attend the January 20th inauguration of President Barack Obama in Washington, D.C. She couldn't see much from her viewing spot between between the Capitol Building and the Lincoln Memorial, but describes the experience as really fun.
 
Alix is among a group of Collegiate middle schoolers who have been nominated by their teachers to join LeadAmerica Youth Leadership Conferences. The latest conference included attending the inauguration earlier this month.
 
More information about LeadAmerica and their leadership programs, visit their website at www.lead-america.org.
3rd Grade Travel Convention
Travel convention 1-09 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jazmine J.'s
report on Georgia included samples of peaches.
 
As part of their geography unit on regions and states in the United States, each 3rd grade student researched a state of his or her choice, creating  three-dimensional displays designed to entice tourists to visit their state.
 
On the evening of January 22nd, the students assembled their displays in the Assembly Hall to form a "Travel Convention." The students gave a short report to each visitor, pointing out the factual information and special virtues they had uncovered about their state, as well as relating a few interesting facts.
 
Most state representatives had a sample of their state's resources - food, drinks, minerals - to share with interested travelers. For instance, did you know that milk is the official state beverage of New York?  New York ranks third in the USA for the amount of milk produced.
Second Quarter Honor Roll Recipients
Congratulations to this quarter's middle school honor roll students! Keep up the good work!
 
Parents, you may pick up Honor Roll car decals at the main office. 
 
8th Grade - High Honors
Christine E.
Bailey E.
Eddie L.
Cain M.
Riley M.
Luke M.
Cooper S.
Natalie S.
Joe V.
Alix W.
 
8th Grade - Honors
Blair A.
Alex B.
Megan B.
Ryan B.
Cody J.
Connor K.
Mackenzie M.
Meredith R.
Devin R.
Marshall S.
Sam T.
Hannah W.
 
7th Grade - High Honors
Megan A.
Nick B.
Alec B.
Dylan C.
Caty F.
Brandon F.
David G.
Josh G.
Maria K.
Irene N.
Federico P.
Carter P..
 
7th Grade - Honors 
Connor B.
Thomas C.
Mike E.
Julia G.
Jessica J
Austin M.
Alex M.
Sahil R.
Andreia S.
Ashley S.
 
6th Grade - High Honors
Sky D.
Mariella K.
Grayson M.
Lang P.
Savia P.
Michael P.
Shay R.
 
6th Grade - Honors
Kyle B.
Courtney B.
Elena B.
Emma B.
Dakota B.
Gabriel B.
Ella B. R.
Noah C.
Ryland E.
Cheyenne K.
Marisol K.
Mollie M.
Sophie O.
Lauren S.
Ariel S.
Tyler V.
This $500 Could Be Yours!
$500 bill
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 Kristen Tillona at 228-0490 or ktillona@topekacollegiate.org.
 
*Rebate applies only to enrolling families not already in the school's system. Enrolling family must name referring family on application.
Please Observe Our Reserved Parking Spots
When you're looking for a parking place in front of the school, please keep in mind that the spots marked with blue and white signs are reserved. These spots were purchased by families at our fundraising auction last year, and we are obliged to them for their generosity. Please help us thank them by refraining from parking in these marked spots at any time.
 
Thank you for your cooperation. 
Isn't He Lovely?
TCS grandparent and kitchen volunteer Stephen Twemlow swallowed his pride and slipped on this stunning burgungy tea-length dress earlier this month as payment on a wager he made with 8th grader Marshall S.
 
As the sign indicates, Stephen's Kansas State Wildcats lost to Marshall's Kansas University Jayhawks on January 13th by a score of 87 to 71. 
 
Better luck next time, Stephen. And remember: always match your hangbag to your shoes.

                                  Twemlow Loses a Bet
Collegiate Initiates Anti-Bullying Campaign
January 26, 2009 
 
Dear Parents,
 
We have kicked off our anti-bully program here at Topeka Collegiate School.  Mrs. Ginapp and I have already been to every classroom to do our first two lessons.  The middle school students get their lessons as part of health class.  The kids 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 we start class 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, clench our fist and scrunch our faces to name a few.  So 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.  Each week we will focus on one subject after we go through our routine.
 
Week one dealt with recognizing a bully and bully behaviors:
 
  • A bully doesn't think about others' 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 - one of our Character Counts Pillars of the Month
The children were able to give us examples of bully characteristics and we wrote them 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 we 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!"
We handed out bookmarks that listed the "9 Ways to Deal with a Bully" as a constant reminder and the children role-played these behaviors.  We also kicked off our school-wide 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 the week of February 2nd for judging.  A surprise will go to the grade K-1, 2-3, 4-5 and Middle School 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.
 
We will reinforce being good citizens and being respectful - our Character Counts Pillars of the month.  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 us with any questions or comments. 

Thanks for your assistance in making this program a success, 

Danielle Huckins                   Cassie Ginapp
Health Services Director         School Psychologist

 
Student Donates Hair to Locks of Love
Haven's hair  Haven during  Haven after  Haven's hair 
2nd grader Haven L. recently had about nine inches of her beautiful strawberry-blonde hair cut off and donated to Locks of Love.
 
Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada who are suffering from long-term medical hair loss.
 
We think you look great, Haven!
MLK, Jr. "Living the Dream" Essay Contest Winners
 Living the Dream 2009
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Savia P., Marisol K., Christine E., Joe V.
 
Each year, Shawnee Country sponsors a Martin Luther King, Jr. "Living the Dream" Essay Contest.  Students must pick a quote from a famous person and write an essay that expresses their beliefs on subjects such as peace, human rights, peace, and community service based on that quote.
 
Marisol K. (6th) won first place the 5th and 6th Grade category with her essay based on King's quote "At the center of nonviolence stands the principal of love": "As individuals, it is our responsibility to fight the magnetic pull of hostility, which dominates our culture, and utilize tranquility of the mind to achieve peace and love."
 
Savia P. (6th) placed second in the same category. Her essay was centered on Indira Gandhi's quote "You can't shake hands with a clenched fist": "Even though people agree with peace being extremely important, they are only 'peaceful' as long as their vital interests and values are not affected."
 
In the 7th and 8th Grade category, Joe V. (8th) was awarded second place for his essay based on "Peace comes from being able to contribute the best we have, and all that we are, towards creating a world that supports everyone..." spoken by Hafsat Abiola, the world-renowned Nigerian civil rights activist: "Whether it's keeping your cool at work, volunteering in your neighborhood, or striving to end wars across seas, peace is only met by you and me, regular people trying to make a difference."
 
Christine E. (8th) was chosen as the third place winner with her essay titled "Making a Difference: Honoring the Dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.": "Imagine the things we could do as a race of human beings if we all worked together to improve our world. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, 'The time is always right to do what is right.'"
 
To read the complete essays at cjonline, click here.
Raising a Reader -- Tips for Parents
HOW CAN I RAISE MY CHILD TO BE A GOOD READER? 

You can help by making reading a rich and enjoyable experience. 

      *READ TO YOUR CHILD EVERY DAY
      You can start when your child is a baby! Children who are read to from a young age are more likely to become good readers. Enjoy a book together. Read the story aloud-or just talk about the pictures. 

      *MAKE READING A LEARNING EXPERIENCE
      It can help your child: do well in school, get a good job, and understand more about the world around him or her. 

One of the greatest gifts you can give your child is a love of reading! 

HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD GET THE MOST OUT OF READING? 

Help by getting your child to: 

      *SEE THE VALUE OF READING
      Show your child how you use reading every day-for everything from following road signs to shopping. 

      *WANT TO READ
      Make reading fun, not a chore. Your child will be more likely to make reading a habit if he or she enjoys it. 

      *LEARN READING SKILLS
      Use reading together as a chance to help your child: get ready for learning to read-reading daily to your baby or toddler can be a great way to start, learn new words, think about the meanings of words, and think through what happens in a story. 

You can help your child with reading-whether he or she is a toddler, a preteen or in between. More tips to come in the upcoming Collegiate Connection...
 
4th Graders Portray Explorers in Wax Museum 
Wax Museum 1-09
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adam H. portrays Juan Ponce De Leon.
 
One of the highlights of being a 4th grader is participating in the Explorer Wax Museum. 
Mrs. Oswald's and Mr. Park's classes shared their knowledge of the Age of Exploration with parents and their schoolmates during a presentation January 14th in the Assembly Hall.
 
Each student researches an early explorer, writes up a short oral report, and creates a period costume. During the wax museum, the "explorer" is "activated" when a visitor pushes a button (also created by the student). The explorer recites his biographical information, but like a real wax museum figure, isn't able to answer questions!
After-School Adventures Classes -- Enrollment Update
Dear Parents:
 
We're excited to offer a variety of fun, interesting, educational classes for your child to be involved in after school at TCS this spring!  You'll find full descriptions for each class on the TCS website by clicking on the "Programs" tab.
 
To help ensure that each class is a success, we must have a minimum enrollment of four students per class. If your child is interested in attending one or more of our classes, please let us know as soon as possible by contacting us at 228-0490 or by e-mailing Barbara Shinn at bshinn@topekacollegiate.org
 
Classes which do not meet minimum enrollment by Monday, February 2nd are subject to cancellation.
 
The figures below reflect the current enrollment in each class:
 
MONDAY

Creative Critters and Crafts, grades K-3, $125.00, 3:45-4:45, enrolled: 2 limit: 12
Beginning Karate I, grades K-5, $125.00, 3:45-4:45, enrolled: 2 limit: 30
Rock Chalk Jayhawk, grades 2-8, $125.00, 3:45-4:45, enrolled: 8 limit: 12
T-Shirt Creations  (3/30 - 4/27), grades 4-8, $75.00, 3:45-4:45, enrolled: 0 limit: 12

 
TUESDAY
Beginning Chess, grades K-8, $125.00, 3:45-4:45, enrolled: 5 limit: 12
Cooking With Kids, grades 2-5, $125.00, 3:45-4:45, enrolled: 4 limit: 12 
DVD Productions, grades 5-8, $125.00, 3:45-4:45, enrolled: 0 limit: 6
Intermediate Karate 2, grades K-5, $125.00, 3:45-4:45, enrolled: 2 limit: 30
 
WEDNESDAY
Dinosaurs, grade PreK, $120, 3:30-4:30, enrolled: 7 limit: 12
Manners and Etiquette, grades 1-4, $125.00, 3:45-4:45, enrolled: 5 limit: 12
Tennis at Wood Valley (at WVRC), grades 2-8, $150.00, 5:00-6:00, enrolled: 2 limit: 30
Youth Choir, grades 4-8, $175.00, 3:45-5:15, enrolled: 12 limit: 40

 
THURSDAY
Engineering With Legos, grades 1-4, $125.00, 3:45-4:45, enrolled: 8 limit: 12
Junior Singing Fun, grades 1-3, $125.00, 3:45-4:30, enrolled: 12 limit: 40
Storytime Fun!, grade PreK, $125.00, 3:30-4:30, enrolled: 3 limit: 12
Create-A-Card, grades K-3, $125.00, 3:45-4:45, enrolled: 0 limit: 12
 
Sign up today and join the fun with Topeka Collegiate's After-School Adventures!
From the Kitchen: "Thank You!"
Debbie Maichel and Carl Maichel would like to thank everyone who has volunteered to lend a hand with preparing, serving, and cleaning up lunches in the cafeteria. Your help has been invaluable, and we couldn't have done it without you!
Summer Adventures 2009
Summer may seem a long way off, but we've already begun planning the best summer program ever!
 
Barbara Shinn would like to invite all interested parents and friends to participate in the brainstorming and planning process for this summer's roster of classes.  You may reach Mrs. Shinn by calling 228-0490 or by e-mailing her at bshinn@topekacollegiate.org.
 
 
Earn Money for Collegiate Through Everyday Activities!
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.
 
Good Search.com logowww.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 logoBox 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. Your box tops have earned our school $235 since August 1, 2008!  
 
Best Choice label logoBest Choice Labels -- New this school year.  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.  
 
Campbell's labels logos   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.  
 
 
Nestle water bottle labelNestlé Pure Life Water Labels -- As part of Nestlé's Go Play! program, TCS can redeem any size or flavor Nestlé water bottle labels for sports gear or towards transportation costs for school field trips. The entire label from individual bottles should be turned in; no multi-pack wrappers or case labels. 
 
 
Tyson A+ label 1Tyson A  Label 2Tyson 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 logoOffice 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 logoTarget 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.  Last year your purchases earned Topeka Collegiate $538.49!       
 
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.  Last year your recycled materials earned the school $105.07!  
 
And the Answer Is. . .
1) 44%
2) 12
3) 468 seconds