Hello Families and Friends,

Topeka Collegiate's Annual Fund provides an essential support base for our school. While tuition and fees cover salaries and benefits for our faculty and staff, donations to the Annual Fund are unrestricted and support our student programming, designed to inspire and prepare every student for a successful future through academic excellence, active citizenship, and humanitarian ideals.

Middle School Science teacher Mr. Simons had this to say about the Annual Fund's impact:

A middle school science teacher at Topeka Collegiate appreciates gifts to the school because they directly enhance the learning experience for students. For example, donations that allow the purchase of microscopes open up a whole new world of discovery. With these tools, students can explore the intricate details of life on a cellular level, making abstract concepts tangible and exciting. Gifts to the school empower teachers to provide hands-on, immersive learning opportunities that inspire curiosity and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

We understand that every family’s financial situation is unique, and we deeply appreciate any level of support you can provide. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference.

To donate you may complete the pledge card included in the packets sent home and return it to school or go HERE. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 785-228-0490 ext. 2130 or bgannaway@topekacollegiate.org.

Thank you for your continued support!

Barbara Gannaway

Director of Development

From Dr. Rantz, Head of School

At Back to School Night, we shared our exciting plans for growth at Topeka Collegiate. While we remain committed to our small class sizes and exceptional Beyond the Book experiences, we are focusing on increasing enrollment in grades with available space. This initiative will continue throughout the school year, and we are thrilled to partner with WIBW for a digital marketing campaign to support this effort.

This week, several of our families and faculty were interviewed, and video footage was captured across campus, showcasing the incredible joy and vibrant energy within our community. We will keep you updated on the campaign's progress and encourage you to help by referring like-minded families who may be interested in an independent school education.

As one mother expressed during her interview, "It’s an investment you’ll never forget giving your child." A father also shared, "This school has been a wonderful place for my son to grow up. He has confidence for high school and beyond and is eager to learn."

Beyond personal referrals, there is something everyone can do to help:

Give a specific and positive review on Google Reviews and/or Niche
Engage on Instagram & Facebook by “check-in” when on campus, Like our posts, Share our posts, Tag us when you post (field trips, Halloween assembly, etc)
Invite others to our events and Visitation Days
Share the Collegiate experience within your network

Thank you to those who have participated in this project thus far!

Sincerely,

Lyn Rantz, Ed.D. P'19, P'21

Head of School

EDUCATE

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

Topeka Collegiate Welcomes Author Jo Renfro

Next Friday, Topeka Collegiate is excited to welcome author Jo Renfro to our campus. Ms. Renfro will be in Kansas as part of the Kansas Book Festival, taking place next weekend at Washburn University. We are honored to have her present three sessions, each tailored to our different school halls, with content appropriate for the respective age groups. All sessions will be held in our new Center for Curiosity, Awe, and Wonder, and we invite parents to join us.

The schedule is as follows:

11:00 AM – Early Childhood: Jo will share Peg Gets Crackin’, a delightful story that explores the fear of the unknown through the character of a chick breaking out of its shell.
11:30 AM – Grades 2-5: Ms. Renfro will engage with our students in a discussion focused on literature and the writing process.
Following this session, eighth-grade students will provide a campus tour for Ms. Renfro.
Lunch – Ms. Renfro will join the middle school students for lunch, with eighth graders serving as table companions.
1:00 PM – Middle School: Jo Renfro will present on the entire writing process, from the initial idea to publishing a book.

We are thrilled to offer this unique opportunity to our students and families. If you haven’t yet experienced the Kansas Book Festival, it’s a wonderful event featuring many talented authors native to Kansas. We encourage you to attend!

CONNECT

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

Nancy Perry Day of Caring

Today, our middle school students were not in class, rather they were out in the community working for the betterment of others. They spent hours helping the Community Action Head Start as part of the Nancy Perry Day of Caring.

They were ready to work after Nancy Perry who returned to meet and visit with our Eagles on Thursday. Nancy Perry was the United Way Director for 24 years and believes strongly in working within the community to improve the lives of others. This year’s event was expanded to two days. The theme was a remix of Doublemint gum: Double the Days, Double the Difference.

Be sure to watch the story on WIBW and KSNT news stations!

Calling All Alumni

Recently, we sent out an invitation asking you to share your personal and professional updates for our upcoming alumni edition of Collegiate Life. Whether it’s a career milestone, academic achievement, family news, or a personal accomplishment, your story helps inspire both our community and future generations of students.

If you haven’t had a chance to respond yet, we encourage you to share your updates by October 10, 2024. Simply click here to submit your news. Thank you to those who have responded!

As we celebrate our alumni, we want to say congratulations to Ellen Austin ‘22 who was awarded United Way Ad Astra Youth Volunteer 2024 this morning at the recognition breakfast!

From Mrs. Smith; Community Engagement Coordinator

School pictures are now available to purchase! Orders are due by Friday, September 27, 2024, and will be delivered to the school. Please visit https://bit.ly/TCS2025 to order. The gallery password is Eagles.

If you are able to help Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Siebert decorate the gym for the 2024 Halloween Assembly, please fill out the following Google Form- https://forms.gle/CA82rGAYMDGHdfvQ8 Decorating will be on Wednesday, October 30 in the Gym from 2:30 PM-4:30 PM.

Volunteers Needed

Parents are invited to thank our outstanding Topeka Collegiate faculty and staff by participating in our Friday Treats for Teachers tradition.

Collegiate Kitchen has begun! Enjoy time with our fantastic students by volunteering. Sign-up for the Collegiate Kitchen can be found here.

Mark Your Calendar!

Best of luck to our Soccer and Volleyball teams in their upcoming games! Find the full game schedules here. GO EAGLES!

September 20: Seacamp Mums Pick up
September 20: Soccer Game at Topeka Collegiate; 6:00 PM
September 21: Soccer Game at Hayden HS East Field; 10:30 AM
September 27: Jo Renfro, visiting author from the Kansas Book Festival
October 2: Grade 2 Rocket Launch; South Field; 2:45 PM-3:30 PM
October 3: Kindergarten Field Trip; Kansas Museum of History Trail; 2:00 PM-3:30 PM
October 4: Soccer Game at Topeka Collegiate; 5:00 PM
October 7: Volleyball Game at St. Matthew’s; 7:00 PM
October 8: Grade 4 Field Trip; Topeka Zoo; 9:10 AM-11:40 AM
October 11: Grade 6 Assembly; Assembly Hall; 8:30 AM
October 11: Soccer Game at Topeka Collegiate; 5:00 PM
October 11: Middle School Dance; 7:00 PM
October 14: Volleyball Game at St. Matthew's; 8:00 PM
October 16: Volleyball Game at CTK South Court; 6:00 PM

Sustain

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

From Our Director of Finance and Operations

The end of the quarter is approaching on October 11. To receive your report card and take part in parent-teacher conferences, please ensure your financial accounts are up to date.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to Debra Ricks, Director of Finance and Operations, at dricks@topekacollegiate.org.

Bingo Night

Help the Class of 2025 raise funds for Sea Camp by joining us for a fall-themed Bingo Night!

Look for details on this October 25 event soon.

Stay cool this week and we will see you Monday!

View the 2024-2025 Academic Calendar here.

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