October 24, 2008  Issue 7 
   Auction Chairs
The Collegiate Connection
 
From Our Head of School
Dear Parents and Friends, Mr. Hudspeth
 
There's no happier place to be on Halloween than a school!  Please join us for the fun Friday, October 31.  The assembly begins at 8:35 a.m. in the gym. The pre-K and Kindergarten classes will perform, followed by the Halloween parade.  It's not to be missed!  Dismissal is at noon.
 
I look forward to seeing you.
 
Warm Regards,  
 
Hudspeth signature
   
David K. Hudspeth, Jr.
Head of School
In This Issue
Calendar Highlights
Original Works magnets
Halloween at TCS
Chess Tournament
MEC Movie Night
Parent/Teacher Conferences
New Students
Ms. Kido's Assembly
Lost and Found
TCASA Music Lessons
M.S. at Let's Help
Hayrack Ride and Bonfire Party
Pumpkin Patch Trip
T-Shirt Contest Winner
New Spirit Shirt Design
Math Olympics
Grayson M. Meets Carrie Underwood
What TCS Students Do When School is Cancelled
UNICEF Bake Sale Results
Annual Fund Update
Health Room News
Nail Polish Prohibited
Grandparents/VIP Day
Merry Market
Free Fundraisers
Quick Links
 
Calendar Highlights - October and November
Monday October 27 -- Original Works orders due
 
Wednesday October 29 through Tuesday November 4 at 3:30 -- Sign up for November 6th and 7th parent/teacher conferences
 
Friday October 31 -- Halloween; assembly at 8:35; half day of school - noon dismissal - no lunch served; child care will be available. Spiritwear orders due. Creepy Crawly Bug House Chess Tournament 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
 
Saturday November 1 -- MEC movie night, 7:00 p.m.
 
Wednesday November 5 -- Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF boxes due back to Mrs. Oswald or Mr. Park
 
Thursday November 6 -- Parent Teacher Conferences noon - 7:00 p.m.; no school; child care will be available
 
Friday November 7 -- Parent Teacher Conferences 9:00 a.m. -  5:00 p.m.; no school; child care will be available
 
Friday November 7 and Saturday November 8 -- Merry Market at Agricultural Hall
 
Monday November 10 through Friday November 14 -- 8th grade students at Sea Camp

Tuesday November 11 -- Coffee and conversation for all parents, 8:15 - 9:15 a.m., Assembly Hall
 
Thursday November 13 -- Open Forum; dinner at 5:30 in the Commons; meeting from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Assembly Hall
 
Sunday November 16 - Annual Fund Thank You Party, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
 
Friday November 21 -- All-school roller skating party, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Sk8away, 815 Fairlawn; $3 per skater. Wear your TCS spiritwear!
 
Monday November 24 -- Thanksgiving feast for students, faculty, and staff
 
Tuesday November 25 -- VIP/Grandparents Day
 
Wednesday November 26 through November 30 -- Thanksgiving break; no school; no child care
Original Works Orders Due Monday, October 27th
A reminder that it is time to turn in orders for your child's Original Works project.  If you are purchasing the preview magnet that was sent home in your child's home folder or other products, please do so by Monday. 
 
If you are not placing an order, please return the preview magnet to your child's teacher or to the office.
Halloween at TCS
Halloween is always a special day at Topeka Collegiate!
 
Parents are invited to attend the Halloween assembly, which begins at 8:35 a.m. in the gym. The pre-K and Kindergarten classes will be performing several songs, followed by a sing-along for all, including the traditional TCS song "Have You Seen The Ghost of John?":  
Have you seen the ghost of John?
Long white bones with the skin all gone
Ooo, Ooo, Ooo, Ooo, Ooo, Ooo, Ooo
Wouldn't it be chilly with no skin on, no skin on? 
Plan to stay for the parade, as the students circle the gym, walk through the courtyard and return to their classrooms. Most homerooms will be having a Halloween party; please contact your room parent or your child's teacher if you would like to bring refreshments or help out in some other way.
 
When you are helping your child choose his or her costume, please help them use good judgment in picking an appropriate theme. Students should not wear costumes that may be perceived as being too gory, violent, or sexually provocative.
 
Also, please keep in mind that no weapons of any kind are allowed on the Topeka Collegiate campus, not even play weapons. Please do not send a sword with your swashbuckler, a rifle with your Army Ranger, or a light saber with your Star Wars Jedi knight.
 
Friday, October 31st is a half day of school; classes will be dismissed at noon. No lunch will be served. Child care will be available.
 
Have a safe and fun Halloween!
Creepy Crawly Bug House Chess Tournament -- Friday, October 31st
black widow spiderCreepy Crawly Bug House Chess Tournament Ants playing chess
 
 
 
The Chess Club will be sponsoring a Bug House Chess Tournament on Halloween from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.  (School will be dismissed at 12 p.m. on this day.) 
 
Children who do not know how to play chess are also invited, as there will be plenty of non-chess fun!  Teachers -- including Ms. Bauer, Mr. Ginapp, Mrs. Zachritz, Mrs. VanAalst, and Ms. Wilk -- are planning gym activities, playground games, and other Halloween-themed indoor fun!
 
This event is for TCS scholars of all grades. Friends from other schools are also invited!  There will be prizes for each member of the winning team!
 
Admission for this fun event is $25 per child or $40 per family.  All proceeds to benefit the chess club and athletic department.
 
Please sign up outside Ms. Bauer's classroom or e-mail her at dbauer@topekacollegiate.org.  Questions are also welcomed!
MEC Movie Night -- Saturday, November 1st
The Multicultural Education Committee (MEC) will be presenting the film "Millions" (2004, rated PG) at a movie night on Saturday, November 1st at 7:00 p.m. at the school. TCS staff spouse Curt Waugh will moderate a discussion before the show.  All members of the school faculty, staff, school community, and their guests are welcome to this free showing.
 
MEC will also present a short clip of a Spanish-language puppet show created by a TCS alumnus.  
 
Free popcorn and bottled water will be provided.  Please bring blankets and pillows if you'd like to get comfy while you watch the movie.
  
From movies.msn.com:
"Millions" opens with recent widower Ronnie (James Nesbitt) moving his two precocious pre-pubescent sons to the suburbs. Missing his mother and the comforts of his old neighborhood, the young Damian (Alex Etel) builds a cardboard-box fort on the outskirts of the suburb, where one day his placid introvert existence is literally crushed by a giant gym bag full of thousands of pounds' worth of cash. Less concerned with the origin of the money than with how to spend it, Damian and his older brother, Anthony (Lewis McGibbon), decide to keep it a secret from their father, which becomes an increasingly tricky proposition as the days pass. His conscience getting in the way of his spending, Damian debates the ethics of his ill-gotten gains with a handful of imaginary saints, and begins to try to spend his cash a little more altruistically. But his charitable deeds inadvertently attract the attention of a mysterious, threatening man who's desperate to get his hands on the money.
Parent / Teacher Conferences -- November 6th and 7th
With the end of the first quarter, it is nearly time to sign up for parent/teacher conferences. Homeroom and resource teachers will be available to meet with parents from noon to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday November 6th and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday November 7th.
 
To schedule your conferences with your child's homeroom teacher, please sign up in the notebooks that will be available in the front hall between Wednesday October 29th and Tuesday November 4 at 3:30 p.m. Please schedule your meetings during this time period; it is difficult to accomodate requests the day of the conferences.
 
There is no school on November 6th and November 7th.  Childcare will be available.  To reserve a spot for your child, contact Karen Benson at kbenson@topekacollegiate.org.
Welcome, New Students!
Please help us welcome four new students to TCS:
 
Cheyenne K. -- Mrs. Hoyt's 6th grade homeroom
Lorinc K.  -- Mrs. Hubbell's Pre-K class
Benedek "Beni" K.  -- Mrs. VanAalst's Kindergarten class
Thomas S. -- Mrs. Hubbell's pre-K class
 
Contact information for new families may be found on ParentsWeb by clicking on the "Directory" tab under "School Information."
 
Our current student enrollment is now 282.
Ms. Kido's Class Assembly
Kido assembly 10-08Ms. Kido's third graders put on the first class assembly of the school year October 17th with a short history of the Olympics and the kids' take on what competitions they would like to see included in the Olympic Games.
 
We were treated to demonstrations of competitive video gaming, rapping,  dancing, Webkinz, and Pokemon trading card battles. We're convinced these kids would all be champs in their chosen games!  
 
These third graders urge us to follow their example and strive for excellence, friendship and respect. 
 
Gold medals all around, kids!
Found: Nintendo DS Game
Have you misplaced a brand new Nintendo DS game? If so, call the office to describe and claim it.
Private Music Lessons Through After-School Adventures
Todd Weller will begin offering guitar lessons to students Monday through Thursday after school.
 
If you are interested in taking private music lessons on any other instruments, let us know and we will attempt to match you with an instructor. 
 
The TCASA  Private Instruction Recital is scheduled for December 14th at 2:00 p.m. in the Assembly Hall.

For information on enrollment and fees, or for any questions, please contact Ken Park at 228-0490 or at kpark@topekacollegiate.org.
6th Graders Volunteer at Let's Help
6th grade at Let's Help
As part of the middle school program that teaches community service, Mr. MacDonald's 6th grade class recently volunteered their time at Let's Help.
 
Every two weeks a middle school homeroom goes to Let's Help for approximately 90 minutes. They eat lunch, then work or perform tasks that need to be done.  
 
During this session, Mr. Mac's homeroom was divided into two groups after lunch.  One group cleaned tables in the cafeteria, and the other group put together more than 200 cookbooks titled "Share The Goodness - 15th Anniversary Cookbook, a Collection of Recipes by Family and Friends." 
 
 
Pictured above assembling the cookbooks are (from left) Ryland E., Ariel S., and Kyle B..

Let's Help is a non-profit organization that provides community services, including a free lunch program, adult education and employment services, and aid for emergency rent, utilities, food, and medication costs. For more information, visit http://www.letshelpinc.org.
Hayrack Ride and Bonfire Party
 Cameron O.
206 Topeka Collegiate students and family members took part in the autumn party at Rees Fruit Farm on October 17th.
 
Everyone enjoyed the delicious pulled pork meal prepared and served by the Maichel family, followed by a hayrack ride through the orchard at night pulled behind Rex Rees's tractor.  We think the orchard may have been haunted by little spooks!
 
Thank you to Parent Council officers for organizing this event, and to the Rees family for hosting our school and for going the extra mile to accomodate us.
 
 (Above) Pre-K student Cameron O. picks the perfect pumpkin (or two).
 
(Left) Gathered 'round the bonfire are pre-K students Lincoln Patrick D., Olivia O., and Van B.; and Van's sister Maya B. (1st grade). Campfire 2 Decker family 
(Right)Teddy Mac D. enjoys the party with his parents, Chelle and Dan.
Kindergartners Visit the Pumpkin Patch
 K pumpkin patch trip 10-08Mrs. Berryman's  Kindergarten class took a field trip to the pumpkin patch earlier this month.  
 
They all piled on for a hayrack ride through the fields, then each child picked out a pumpkin to take back to school with them.
 
 
T Shirt Contest Winner -- Order Yours Today!
Cooper S., t-shirt contest winnerIn the contest among 5th through 8th graders to design a Topeka Collegiate shirt, the votes have been tabulated, and Cooper S. (8th grade) has been declared the winner!
 
Spiritwear committee members Debbie Gibson and Leslie Ham announced the winner and the two runners-up, Sarah S. (5th) and Neha T. (5th) at the October 17th assembly.
 
For the contest, each of the 19 participating student entries had to incorporate into the design an eagle, the word "Collegiate" and the phrase "Building Futures One Child at a Time."  Votes were cast by students, faculty, and staff.  
 
Auction Chairs
 
Designs were also submitted by Emma B. (5th), Jenna B. (5th), Dylan C. (7th), Brian D. (5th), Alvaro E. (5th), Josh G. (7th), Madison M. (5th), Matt M. (6th), Laura N. (5th), Sophie O. (6th), Sage P. (5th), Nathan R. (5th), Meredith R. (8th), Bailey S. (5th), Jordan S. (5th), and Brennen S. (5th).

 
 
 
Cooper's shirt design  If you would like to order a shirt with the winning image (above), you may pick up an order sheet in the office and return it to either Mrs. Warner or Mrs. Mullican. The design will be available in short-sleeved t-shirts, long-sleeved t-shirts, and on a crew neck or hooded sweatshirt.  
 
Hooded and crew-neck sweatshirts for youth and adult are $30; long-sleeved shirts for youth and adults are $22; short-sleeved shirts for youth and adults are $15. For adult size XXL, add $2 to the price for all styles.
 
The deadline for submitting your completed order form is Friday, October 31st.
New Spirit Shirt Orders Being Taken
 Spirit Shirt 10-08
Orders are now being taken for shirts with the designs shown above. You may order a soccer, volleyball, or a basketball version, or a version that has a book in the eagle's talons (rather than a ball) with no sport designation printed underneath. 
 
The design will be available on short-sleeved and long-sleeved t-shirts, and on a hooded or crew-neck sweatshirt.  Both youth and adult sizes will be available. 

Hooded and crew-neck sweatshirts for youth and adult are $30; long-sleeved shirts for youth and adults are $22; short-sleeved shirts for youth and adults are $15. For adult size XXL, add $2 to the price for all styles.
 
The deadline for submitting your completed order form is Friday, October 31st
Math Olympics
 Math Olympics 10-08Math Olympics 10-08  Our annual Math Olympics took place this year on October 17th. 
 
The students in the Lower School homerooms dressed in the colors of their home country's flag and participated in the Games by visiting the classrooms and playing fields of other "countries."  While in each country, the competitors played games designed to hone their interest in math and make learning fun. They even had time to get their "passports" stamped!
 
(Top) Representing Kenya, Mrs. Berryman's Kindergarten class participates in the opening ceremonies. 
 
 Math Olympics 10-08(Center) Australians Christian T. (1st) and Austin V. (1st) share a moment of friendship
 
 
 
(Bottom) The Canadian team (a.k.a. Mrs. Oswald's 4th grade) cheers on the players.
 
 
 
 
Grayson M. Goes Backstage at Carrie Underwood Concert
Grayson M. and Carrie UnderwoodAfter winning tickets on the radio to see country music vocalist Carrie Underwood perform live in Topeka on September 30th, 6th grader Grayson M. competed in a karaoke sing-off for a chance to win backstage passes to meet Carrie Underwood in person.
 
 As you can see, Grayson's talent served her well, and we think she looks great in this photo backstage with Carrie!   
 
Way to go, Grayson!
 
A "Snow Day" in October!
 Auction Chairs  
         Day off - Matt M.

When school was closed unexpectedly on October 10th to repair broken water pipes, many Collegiate parents were left wondering What do we do with the kids?!

For several families, the beautiful autumn weather suggested a trip to the pumpkin patch! In this case, it was Lambert's Pumpkin Paradise, where the kids had the chance to pick out a pumpkin or two and chase around the corn maze and climbing structures.
 
Spotted at the pumpkin patch were Edward B. (3rd), Annabel (3rd) and Alexandra C. (1st), Ryley G. (K), Tanner (K) and Daxton H. Carter (K) and Haven L. (2nd), and Drew (3rd) and Matt M. (2nd).
 
What did you do on your day off?
UNICEF Fundraising Updates
 
UNICEF Bake Sale
 
Thanks to your support, the 4th graders were able to raise $320.85 for the United Nations Children's Fund through the bake sale on Tuesday, October 22nd.  Thank you to everyone who helped out by baking and bagging goodies, sending money with their child to purchase a treat, and manning the check-out table.
 
 
The 4th graders have set a goal of raising $1,400 for UNICEF this year through the bake sale and the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF boxes. 
 
UNICEF box
 
Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF
 
 
Orange cardboard Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF collection boxes are coming home in your child's home folder today. Just by carrying their orange UNICEF box with them when they are trick-or-treating and collecting spare change from their neighbors, they can help kids in other parts of the world get the things they need to to survive and grow, like clean water, medicines, nutrition, and education.
 
When trick-or-treating for UNICEF, the fund has the following tips:
  • Practice what you are going to say, and let your neighbors know you'll be trick-or-treating for UNICEF so they'll be prepared with both candy and spare change
  • When you go door-to-door, call out "Trick or treat for UNICEF!" when your neighbor answers the door
  • Always be polite, explain what the donation is for, and thank everyone you ask, even if he or she does not donate
  • You may choose to thank those who put coins in your orange box by saying "Thank you for helping make the world a better place for kids!"
  • Return your box to school by November 5th
Thank you again for your continued assistance in helping us teach our students the importance of helping others in need and being good global citizens.
A Note From Your Annual Fund Co-Chairs
The Annual Fund Team thanks all the TCS families we spoke with during Tuesday's phonathon. We appreciate your courtesy and your generosity. If you have not yet made your Annual Fund pledge, you may do so by returning the pledge form in your child's home folder, bringing it to the office, or giving it to your child's teacher. You may also give online by clicking on Giving, then Annual Fund.
 
Remember, we'll be announcing at the Halloween Assembly which classes have reached 100% participation. Those classes will receive pizza parties!
 
Thank you for modeling philanthropic behavior for your students, and for your graciousness to our callers.
 
Kristina Dietrick and Mary Etzel
Annual Fund Co-Chairs
From the Health Room
Hearing and vision screening took place on October 13th, with completion of the entire school in under 3 hours!
 
Testing was done according to KDHE guidelines as follows:
PK - Neither hearing nor vision
K and 1st - Hearing and vision
2nd - Hearing
3rd - Vision
4th - Neither
5th - Hearing and vision
6th - Neither
7th - Vision
8th - Hearing
 
The USD 501 nurses who performed the screenings will return in about two weeks (date pending) to test those children who were absent on October 13th and to retest children whose hearing and/or vision screens were not within normal limits.  
 
I will contact you only if your child needs to be retested.  If you do not receive notice, then your child scored within normal limits for their hearing and/or vision screen.
 
If you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.  
 
 
Danielle Huckins
Health Services Director
New Policy Regarding Fingernail Polish
Mr. Jannelle reports that black fingernail polish was recently found spilled onto the floor in the gym and in the Commons.  He informs us that the mess cannot be cleaned up without stripping and re-finishing the floors in both areas. 
 
Please do not bring any nail polish into the school; you may WEAR it to school, but it must be applied at home.
Grandparents/VIP Day -- Tuesday, November 25th
VIP Day '06 - Haley U.Save the date!
 
All students are encouraged to invite their grandparents or other VIP to a special day at Topeka Collegiate when we welcome and acknowledge the important people in our childrens' lives.
 
As the event nears, we'll have more information to share with you.
Merry Market -- November 7th and 8th; a TCS-Sponsored Event
 

 
$500 Tuition Rebate 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.
 
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!  
 
We'd like to thank Debbie Rosacker for her past coordination of the label redemption program, and say welcome and thank you to parents Elena Carrington and Carisa Sims for taking over these important fundraisers!.