Collegiate Connection: February 2, 2024

Hello, Families and Friends,

Thank you to all who completed our mid-year feedback survey.

We have taken the time to review all of the submissions, having a formal opportunity to get valuable insights from our current families.

Survey participants gave the school a score of

4.5 out of 5 for their overall experience
4 out of 5 for feeling informed of school information
9.2 out of 10 for likely to recommend our school to a friend or colleague

When asked for words to describe Topeka Collegiate, the following were provided:

We pride ourselves on partnering with families and appreciate the narrative feedback. We have yet to discover any trend feedback but will share the individual comments with the respective Collegiate persons.

Thank you for your partnership to make Topeka Collegiate the very best independent school it can be. We are independent, but for true success, we are interdependent. Please help us grow by sharing your positive experiences with others (Roundup and STEAM Expo, February 10), and help us improve by sharing your concerns with your teacher or office, as well as specific ideas to help us improve.

As always, thank you for supporting our school and our Sustain Campaign. Weekly updates continue to be provided on our website. We will be wrapping up the first phase of all construction in April.

Best,

Dr. Lyn D. Rantz

Head of School

EDUCATE

Topics that support the Educate Pillar of the Strategic Plan, ensuring that we provide an unparalleled foundational education.

It's been an incredible week, full of Beyond the Book activities!

Quiz Bowl

Excellent job to all our Quiz Bowl Eagles! Our varsity team moved through eight rounds, answering trivia, facts, and various additional topics, sweeping the competition for an 8-0 win. Our junior varsity team performed well through their five rounds, taking second in the event. Mr. Simons guides the teams in preparing for the multiple categories.

Good luck to our Eagles at the next Quiz Bowl, February 26, at Cair Paravel, 3:45 PM-5:45 PM.

100 Days of School

Today we celebrated 100 days of learning, growing, and adventures! Some of the class projects included a 100 Lego count and build challenge, 100 compliments to classmates, 100 Days spirit wear creations, and "When I'm 100 Years Old" creative writing and photo fun.

STARBASE

The 5th grade students had their second of five total visits to STARBASE today and were thrilled to learn about and explore a Black Hawk helicopter.

STARBASE not only gives students a deeper dive into STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) but also allows them to explore careers they may not usually be exposed to.

CONNECT

Topics that support the Connect Pillar of the Strategic Plan, fostering an inclusive and supportive community.

2025 SeaCamp Fundraiser

Don't miss your opportunity to enjoy some Cashmere Gourmet Popcorn while supporting your Topeka Collegiate SeaCamp Class of 2025! We are offering six different flavors of popcorn, with 20 cups per bag for $25 and $10 from each bag purchased supporting the

Class of 2025 fundraising efforts for their SeaCamp trip.

Check the link or QR code for specific popcorn flavors and the online order form. Deadline to order is Sunday, February 4 at Noon. Orders will be available for pick-up after school on Friday, February 9, in the Main Entry foyer. Gourmet popcorn has never tasted so good and been so powerful!

Evening on Eveningside

By now, you have received an email regarding our spring event: Evening on Eveningside on April 27. I hope you have saved that date and plan to join us to celebrate and raise funds together for our school. This year’s event will be on campus, in our completed new building, and will be the perfect opportunity to come together and see the new spaces. It will be an adults-only evening you will not want to miss.

Please complete the donation form found here by Friday, March 1, 2024, to ensure all items are listed in the event catalog. Items must be delivered to the school on or before Monday, April 1, 2024. In addition, volunteers are the heartbeat of our successful event. Check out our list of committees with descriptions and time commitments here.

We look forward to showcasing the new spaces with the broader Collegiate school community!

ISACS Parent Series

On Tuesday, February 13, author and educator Rosetta Lee will discuss ways to reinforce family values without instilling disrespect for other perspectives and guide young people toward authentic and respectful dialogue across differences. Young people witness challenging or traumatic events in current events, media, and local communities. They are often trying to process thoughts, feelings, and reactions without our explicit help and guidance–thereby increasing their confusion and anxiety. This discussion will give insight into tools to discuss identity, difference, and justice in age-appropriate ways. This webinar will focus on Grades K-8 but will be applicable to all.

Registration is required via the ISACS Zoom Link.

2024-2025 Admissions Events

Our 24-25 Admission Season is swiftly approaching, but it’s never too early to send a referral our way. Our Admissions events are great opportunities to invite prospective students and their families. Space is limited, and registration is required.

To learn more about the referral program and requirements, visit our website!

SUSTAIN

Topics that support the Sustain Pillar of the Strategic Plan, ensuring a strong future through strategic investments.

Topeka Collegiate Support Opportunities

We are independent, but truly, we are interdependent. We appreciate your help in these key ways:

If you have positive things to say about Topeka Collegiate, tell others. If you have a concern, please tell us. Niche Reviews are an excellent way of sharing how we are able to prepare students for a successful future.
Like and Share our posts on your social media.
Volunteer in a classroom, at an event, and within Collegiate Kitchen.

Mark Your Calendar!

February 3: MATHCounts at Henderson Learning Center; 8:30 AM-11:30 AM
February 3: Basketball vs. MPH at Most Pure Heart; 10:00 AM
February 7: Coffee & Conversation with Lyn & Leilani; 7:40 AM
February 8: Book Buddies; Innovators
February 9: Grade 6 Assembly; 8:30 AM
February 9: Day 3 of Grade 5 STARBASE Field Trip
February 10: Round-up and STEAM Fair; 9:00 AM-Noon
February 10: Shawnee County Spelling Bee; 9:00 AM
February 16: NO SCHOOL - Parent/Teacher Conferences
February 17: Divide and Conquer Math Competition; 8:30 AM-12:15 PM
February 19: NO SCHOOL - President’s Day
February 21: Day 4 of Grade 5 STARBASE Field Trip
February 23: Grade 2 Assembly; 8:30 AM
February 23: Regional Science Fair at Keystone Learning Center; 8:30 AM-Noon
February 23: Day 5 of Grade 5 STARBASE Field Trip
February 23: Grade 4 Field Trip; Kid Wind Challenge
February 24: District National History Day; 9:00 AM-Noon
February 26: Quiz Bowl at Cair Paravel; 3:45 PM-5:45 PM
February 28: Grade 4 Wax Museum; 2:25 PM-3:15 PM
February 28: Grade 8 Model UN Conference at KU Student Union; 8:00 AM-2:30 PM
February 29: Grade 8 Model UN Conference at KU Student Union; 8:00 AM-2:30 PM