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The Collegiate Connection
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From Our Head of
School |
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Dear Friends,
Our 25th Anniversary Reunion Weekend was a great
success and a wonderful celebration of our
school and those whose passion and persistence
moved it from vision to reality. Watch for a
special 25th Anniversary edition of The
Collegiate Connection - with plenty of
photos - next week.
For 22 of our school's 25 years, Mrs. Young has
taught pre-k. We are lucky indeed to have had
her planting the seeds of lifelong learning in
our youngest children's minds for so long. I am
sorry to say that Mrs. Young is retiring at the
end of this year, despite my best efforts to
dissuade her. Please plan to attend a special
reception for Mrs. Young on Sunday, May
18, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the
commons. We want to show her how much we
appreciate her and how much we will miss her.
Our 25th Anniversary guests this weekend
included Carl Graves, the Harvard Ph.D. who was
hired in the fall of 1982 - the year our school
opened its doors as Shawnee Country Day School.
It was Dr. Graves who introduced History Day to
our students. How fitting that he was in the
audience Saturday night to hear me announce this
year's History Day winners: Travis Lamb, Kansas
History Day Teacher of the Year, and the nine
TCS students who will head to national
competition this summer at the University of
Maryland: Cooper Self, Shelby Carpenter,
Soren Lamb, Nyalia Lui, Alex Chanay, Nicky
Henriquez, Julian Mullican, Patrick Elisha
and Reston Phillips.
(Details below)
The days between now and the end of the year are
short and very busy. Enjoy them and please join
us for two special events at the end of school:
- Middle School Recognition Assembly
Wednesday, May 21 - 8:30 a.m.
- Graduation Thursday, May 22
- 10:00 a.m.
Even if you don't have a middle school student, I
think you will enjoy these demonstrations of our
school's traditions, and of our faculty's and
students' admiration and affection for one another.
Warm regards,
David Hudspeth
Head of School
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AIM Study Survey Is Online |
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Many thanks to all
participants is the AIM Self-Study meetings. The
meetings were completed Wednesday night and were
very productive.
The next step is the
Online School Climate Survey. This survey takes
from 10-20 minutes to complete. Families may
input results from each parent--the more
individuals we have completing the survey, the
more representative of the school family it will
be. PLEASE take the time to give your input.
The survey is both anonymous and confidential.
Results will be tabulated and evaluated at the
survey headquarters, not the school. Follow the
link below or visit the website under "Programs"
"Diversity" and click on the survey link. Thank
you so much for your time and answers.
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Calendar Highlights |
May 2 -- Day of
the Child
May 2 -- Bingo Night,
5:30 Pizza, 6:00 games
begin
May 4 -- (Sunday) Track
Meet at 12:30 p.m.
May 6 -- Lower School
Field Day
May 9 -- Middle School
Field Day
May 9 -- 1st grade
Poetry Tea
May 16 -- STUCO Spring
Dance
May 19-20 -- Talent
Show--see website
calendar for specific
times.
May 21 -- Last day of
school for grades PK-4.
May 21 -- Middle School
Awards Assembly
May 22 -- Last day of
school for grades 5-8.
Graduation at 10:00 a.m.
June 6 -- Progress
Reports go home.
Follow the
quick link (above right) to a
concise academic calendar for 2007-2008.
Follow the
quick link (above right) to a full
events calendar for 2007-2008.
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2008-2009 Academic Calendar Now Online |
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The 2008-2009 Academic
Calendar is now online. To view the calendar use
the link below or go to our website, click
"Calendars" and select the 2008-2009 Academic
calendar button.
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Time to Settle Up! |
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With the end of the school year right around the
corner, it's time to settle any outstanding account
balances for your family. All outstanding balances
for the current year must be paid in full before
contracts for the upcoming year can be honored.
Records are not released when there is an overdue
outstanding balance. Please contact Mrs. Tilghman
in the Business Office if you have any questions or
need additional information. |
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Lower and Middle School Field Days |
Tuesday, May 6
style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt">
12:30-2:00 pm PreK-1st
1:30-3:15 pm 2nd-5th
Approximate times
Middle School
Friday, May 9th
1:30-3:30 p.m.
Students need: tennis shoes,
shorts (no jeans), t-shirts, sunscreen, hat, towel
to sit on and water bottle.
Parents may bring lawn chairs
and are asked to sit behind their child's class.
Please help your child stay seated with his/her
teacher and class.
We
will provide water and ask all parents NOT to bring
food, sport drinks or juices
for the children. Popsicles will be provided
during a break. |
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Nine Students Advance to History Day Nationals
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Nine TCS students have advanced to the national
History Day competition in College Park,
Maryland this summer by placing first or second
at the state contest Saturday, April 26.
Pictured above are:
Cooper Self
- 1st place, Individual Exhibit
(center)
Julian M./Nicky H./Alex C. -
1st place, Group Documentary
(left)
Reston P./Patrick E. -
2nd place, Group Documentary
(right)
Pictured at right are the other three
students
bound for History Day nationals:
Nyalia L./Shelby C./Soren L. -
1st place, Group Performance
Thomas C./Dylan C.
won a topical prize from the Society
for American Baseball Research for
their exhibit on Jackie Robinson.
TCS alum
Sjobor H. '06, now a Topeka
High School student, was awarded first
place in the Senior Individual
Documentary category. She also won an
award from the Kansas State Historical
Society.
Travis Lamb
(left) was named Kansas
History Day Teacher of the Year
in recognition of "innovative
history teaching within and outside
the classroom, for development and
use of creative teaching methods
that interest students in history .
. .and for exemplary commitment to
helping students develop their
interests in history . . . ."
Congratulations to these
History Day participants and to Mr.
Lamb!
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Math Olympiad Results 2007-2008 |
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The final, cumulative results
for this year's Math Olympiad have produced these
fourth, fifth and sixth grade winners:
Gold Pins (20-25
score)
Josh G. (22)
Irene N. (20)
Silver Pins (15-19 score)
Alec B. (19)
Sahil R. (16)
Patch
Megan A.
Billy B.
Bailey B.
Thomas C.
Connor D.
Mike E.
Caty F.
David G.
Maria K.
Carter P.
Naftali Z.
5th Grade
Savia P.
4th Grade
Silver Pin
Laura N. (17)
Patch Winners
Michael B.
Micaela M.
Brennan S.
Jeremiah S
Jordie S.
Congratulations to
these fine scholars
on their
accomplishments in
the Math Olympiad!
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Science Olympiad State Results |
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Topeka Collegiate students fared well in the
State Science Olympiad. They were joined by
Collegiate alum Daniel K. '07
this year as a member of the team. The
following students received medals at the state
competition on April 5 in Wichita:
Food Science- 3rd Place
Cain M. (7th
grader)
Natalie S. (7th
grader)
Biology Process Lab- 2nd
Place
Daniel K. (9th
grader)
Chris S. (7th
grader)
Ecology- 2nd Place
Daniel K. (9th
grader)
Soren L. (7th
grader)
Congratulations to all team
members for their efforts, participation and strong
results:
Daniel K.
'07, Luke M., Edward C., Joe V.,
Matthew R., Patrick E., Shelby C., Chris
S., Soren L., Meredith R., Cain
M., Natalie S, Eddie L., Nick P. and
Josh G.
Luke M.
and Shelby C. were not able to
compete at state, but have participated with the
team throughout the year.
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Parent Council News |
In about a week, the Parent Council will
be making a call for nominations for
both the Officer positions and the
Volunteer Chairpersons using an online
form. Many of the volunteers have
offered to run again and to train
co-chairs to enable a smooth transition
next year. If you would like to run for
any position this year or to act as a
co-chair, please contact Tracey Goering
at
tgoering@topekacollegiate.org.
This would be a great way to be involved
without having the stress of having to
take on the tasks yourself. We would
love to see new parents sign up, or
parents who want to be involved, but
haven't yet been able to join us in our
efforts.
PC Meeting Minutes 04/03/08
2007-2008 Officers
President - Joe
Pennington (contact Joe with
agenda items)
Vice President - Dave
Lob
Treasurer - Elena
Carrington
Secretary - Tracey
Goering
Volunteer Chairpersons for
2007-2008 School Year
Fundraising - Julie
Unruh
Special Events - Debra
Ricks & Sarah Shipman
School Support - Kim
Baker
Marketing - Mary
Brownback
MEC - Dallas Bauer
Communications - Jill
Cox
Anyone wishing to volunteer on
any of these committees should
contact the Volunteer
Chairperson listed above.
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The Rules of Comedy |
The reviews are in and the
middle school play - The Rules of Comedy -
was a smashing success! Connor B. survived
his beating with rubber chickens and cream pies.
Alexandra M. has finally regained her voice
after her blood-curdling scream, and Alex C.
sustained only minor injuries as the Godfather of
Soul. But seriously folks, many thanks and
congratulations to the cast and crew--your
dedication certainly paid off! I am proud to have
worked with such talented actors!
Mrs. Nesseth, Director
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STUCO News |
The TCS Student Council has
sponsored several events in the past month. STUCO
organized the annual middle school lock-in which was
held on Thursday April 10. Activities included
bowling, a dance, a Texas Hold 'Em tournament, a
basketball tournament, video games, movies, pizza,
snacks, games in the gym and some sleeping.
Overall, the event went well and the kids had a
great time. Thanks to the sponsors for their time
and support! Extra thanks to the teachers
volunteering their time for extra curricular
activities. We couldn't have a successful lock in
without the parents who drove, bought the pizza and
chaperoned throughout the night.
STUCO has entered the busy
time of the year! They are organizing elections
for the 2008- 2009 Student Council, to be held
on May 7. They are planning the spring dance on
Friday, May 16. The 8th grade
members will be planning the 2008 STUCO Talent
Show scheduled for May 19 and 20.
STUCO Sponsored a Girl's
Makeover Day on Saturday, April 19. Denise
Smith, an Arbonne representative, supervised and
taught the girls skin care and proper make up
application. About 20 TCS middle school girls
participated in the clinic. Some are pictured
here. Aren't they gorgeous? Everyone had a
wonderful time. A big THANKS to Denise Smith
for sharing her time and expertise!
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TCS Photo Gallery Updated |
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Use the link below to view new
events from this school year. If you have pictures
you would like to have posted for others to see
(from school events) or if there are events that you
would like to see posted, please contact Tracey
Goering. The 25th anniversary event(s) pictures
will be posted in approximately 3 weeks.
TCS Photo Gallery |
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Revised Summer Adventures Catalog is Posted |
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The revised Summer Adventures
catalog is now posted on the website. Several new
and exciting Summer Adventures camps will be offered
this summer as well as our traditional themed Summer
Day Camp. Day camp is offered from May 27 to August
15. Printed copies of
the catalog are in the home folders and are also
available at either main entrance. Registration
forms are located in the back of the book.
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Book Swap |
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Do you have books in boxes,
books taking up space that your children or you are
no longer reading? Do you want some new books to
get ready for summer reading? Here is your chance -
participate in the TCS Book Swap.
Bring all books that you no
longer want to school on May 5 and 6 (not before).
Tables will be set up in the hallways, two for Pre-K
- 1st, two for 2nd - 5th;
along with one in the commons for 6th - 8th
and one in the Eagle Foyer for adults. These two
days you will bring your books and sort them on the
appropriate tables. You or your child will not
take any books these two days. Please do not just
leave a box in the hallway; it is up to you, if you
are participating, to sort the books on the
appropriate tables yourself. Remember how many
books you bring to school over the two days.
On May 7 and 8 the tables will
be moved to the Assembly Hall. Doors will be opened
before school from 7:30 - 8:30am and after school
from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. You may go in anytime to pick
out books to replace the ones you brought to swap.
So, for example, if you brought 10 books (any age
level including adult) you could pick out up to 10
books (any age level including adult). This is all
on the honor system, so if you allow your children
to go in and pick out books on their own please
remind them how many books they are allowed to
choose.
Teachers will have the option
of taking for their classroom libraries any books
left after 5:00 p.m. on May 8. If there are books
left after that, they will be donated to the TCS
library or taken to the public library.
Happy Reading!
Sue Badsky |
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TCS Alum Available for Summer Childcare and
Tutoring |
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Jordan Carter '03 will soon be home
for the summer after her freshman year at Washington
University in St. Louis. She babysat and tutored -
primarily math and English - throughout high school
and has continued tutoring in St. Louis public
schools. She has a car and flexible hours and is
available from mid-May through early August for
tutoring and/or childcare. Feel free to call
785-221-8875 or email her at
jaecarter@gmail.com if you have a need for
either service. |
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Travis Lamb Recognized by Bill of Rights
Institute |
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Travis Lamb, along with
several teachers statewide, was recognized by the
Bill of Rights Institute for Outstanding Education
in Civics and History in Kansas. He was honored at
a luncheon sponsored by the Bill of Rights
Institute, a non-profit organization whose
instructional materials and curricula on America's
founding documents are utilized in more than 91,000
classrooms nationwide. Other teachers honored work
in schools in more than 30 Kansas cities and exhibit
exemplary leadership in their teaching of the United
States Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Congratulations, Mr. Lamb! |
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Talent Show Sign-up |
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TALENT SHOW FORMS have been sent out! Please look
for sign up sheets on the Eagle Foyer bulletin
board.
The talent show will be
held on May 19th at 2:00 p.m. and May 20th at
8:30 a.m. This is a fun event for all
students--encourage your kids to participate!
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CASA Motorcycle Ride |
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Middl School Language Arts
Teacher John MacDonald participated
in the 12th Annual Casa Motorcycle Benefit on
Saturday, April 26th. The middle school sponsored
him and made a donation of more than $600 to CASA.
Mr. Mac carried a special passenger with him -
seventh grader Natalie S. The
two rode with approximately 40 other motorcycles.
CASA raised more than $16,000 for Court Appointed
Special Advocates, special advocates for children in
the court system.
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Cookie Dough, Coffee, and Candle Fundraising
Items Here Wednesday |
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Items purchased as part of the 7th grade fundraiser
will be here Wednesday, May 7. These items will be
delivered to your child's classroom at 3:20 p.m. If
you arrive earlier than 3:20, you may pick them up
in the commons. There is no storage available at
the school, so all items must be taken home on
Wednesday. We appreciate your support of our
seventh graders as they raise money for their eighth
grade trip to Seacamp. |
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Feast of Nations-2nd Grade |
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Last Friday's Feast of Nations
was the culmination of the 2nd grade Other
Cultures/Other Lands unit of study. Each family was
asked to bring a dish from a foreign country--any
country. The 2nd grade students and
their parents enjoyed tasting foods from many
different parts of the world.
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"Poe" Day in Mr. Mac's Class |
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Students in Mr. Mac's class
studied Edgar Allen Poe in April. They celebrated
"Poe Day" as they dressed in black, brought in "Poe
Treats" like Black Cat Cookies and Tell-Tale Heart
Cupcakes, and read and discussed Poe's themes and
style. They also decorated the room Poe-style.
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Student Helps the Make-A-Wish Foundation |
Third grader James W. shared his
birthday wishes with the kids of Make-A-Wish
Foundation of Kansas. Instead of receiving gifts
for his birthday party, James asked his friends to
give money to Make-A-Wish. James has a friend who
received a wish from the foundation and he saw what
an impact it had. James thanks his friends, who
helped him raise almost $200 in hopes of making
wishes come true.
Way to go, James!
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Mary Poppins "Lands" on TCS Stage |
The performance of Mary
Poppins by the 1st - 4th grades literally
"packed the house." Mrs. Siebert directed the
performance and managed the more than 120
students in different scenes from the musical.
Thanks to Mrs. Siebert and her students for a
performance that matched the enthusiasm of the
audience. It was fantastic!
(Ach Ja Dance)
(Bailey S.
as Mary Poppins)
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Farewell to Mr. Philipp |
Topeka Collegiate hosted a
farewell party for fifth grade teacher Jeremy
Philipp last month. His last day was April 18th.
Jeremy has accepted a position with the Audubon
Society in Arizona. We wish him all the best in
what is pretty close to his dream job.
Mr. Philipp is pictured
here with fifth grade teaching partner Stephanie
Farley, who sadly, is also departing at the end
of this year. Her family is relocating to
Wichita. Both teachers, as well as Mrs.
Farley's sons, Kian and
Stephen, will be missed. Best wishes
to both as they continue their journeys!
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Box Tops for Education Pays Off! |
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Topeka Collegiate recently
received a check from Box Tops for Education for
over $700. Wow! The simple clipping of a box top
can earn all sorts of neat items for the school.
Topeka Collegiate uses the box top money for
technology purchases--the last of which was a new
digital camera.
Special thanks to
Debbie Rosacker, who has volunteered tirelessly
for 10 years to manage this program.
Debbie's youngest child graduates this year, so
we are seeking a volunteer to take over the
program. This is a perfect volunteer job for
someone who works during the day, but wants to
support the school. It is all done on your own
time! Contact Kim Baker or Julie Unruh if you
are interested.
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Earth Day and Rain Forest |
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Earth Day proved to be a fun and exciting event
this year! Children enjoyed activities from
planting plants to making bird feeders from pine
cones. This year the journalism students in
After-School Adventures contacted the local
media to help us promote Earth Day and the rain
forest. All three stations
came to our school to promote our activities.
Alex Harrington, channel 49 meteorologist, even
did his weather live from the Topeka Collegiate
School rain forest!! We were on "The Live at
4:00 News" show on Channel 13 with Ralph Hipp,
and on 13's website they actually had a video
tour of our rain forest. Channel 27 and 49 had
us on their websites too.
See the results of the Trash to Treasure contest
in the next article! Below are pictures of the
rain forest and Earth Day activities.
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Trash to Treasure |
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Topeka Collegiate took
Earth Day to the limit by having an Earth Week. 49
News Meteorologist Alex Harrington spent part of one
day here, where he talked about global climate
change, and judged the Trash-to-Treasure contest.
Participants took their trash and found ways to
creatively and artistically honor Earth Day.
Harrington had a hard time
picking his top three choices. He thanks all the
students for working so hard to honor Earth Day!
His final results are as follows:
First Place: Matt
D. (below left) and his "man
that holds the fate of the planet in his hands"
reminded Harrington of the statue of the Greek
god Atlas, holding up the world.
Second Place
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Ryland E. and Matt
M. for their "Iron Man," a man made
of soda cans, a tin foil face, and a tin
foil guitar strapped around his shoulders.
Third Place
: (below) Ms.
Bauer's third grade class for their "recycled
crayon triangles." At first sight, Harrington
thought they were tasty treats, but soon found
out that they were a bit too waxy for his
liking. He found a better use for them: mix the
colors of crayons, melt them, and you get new,
multi-color crayons!
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