School News

SchoolNews

LIMITLESS. LEARNING. POTENTIAL.

FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Why Topeka Collegiate?

In the Midwest, it is not uncommon for friends and family to ask why a family would choose to spend money on an independent education.

I have been asked, and I’m sure you have too. While it may seem obvious to those of us who have experienced Topeka Collegiate, this is a valid question to those who are less familiar with the many benefits of an independent school education.

The choice to invest in Topeka Collegiate, and one’s child at an early age, is an important financial decision for any family. The question of “Why Topeka Collegiate?” merits thoughtful consideration and answers.

For me, there are three key reasons, three differentiators, that demonstrate why investing in a child’s foundational education is the very best investment one can make.

Topeka Collegiate Graduating Year

High School Graduating Year

Our Percentage of Shawnee County’s National Merit Scholars

2015 2019 20%

2016 2020 57%

2017 2021 25%

2018 2022 20%*

* This number contains data for Shawnee (6) and Riley (4) as we had graduates in both counties

1An independent school is able to focus programming on the essential things that parents want for their child: to grow, learn, and thrive.

We are not bound to an established stagnant curriculum, paced toward an average achievement score and measured by the constant interruptions of standardized exams.

Rather, we hire the most talented teachers who are specialized in content and have a passion for instilling a love of learning and critical thinking. With a smaller number of students in the classroom, teachers are able to support each individual student while providing creative, innovative Beyond the Book experiences. The field trips, hands-on projects, assemblies, and long-term exploration of interesting topics allows each child to have fun while learning in a safer, supportive environment.

2The outcomes are clear. Our graduates are successful.

We produce some of the very best students by helping each child shine on a daily basis. Since opening in 1982, our graduates have displayed incredible success, year after year.

Take, for example, the Topeka Collegiate class of 2016 college choices: nine are attending “Top 200” ranked universities,* one is overseas pursuing a professional

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athletic career, another at an independent conservatory of music, while another graduate is attending one of the “Top 50” Liberal Arts Colleges.**

Each year we are honored to send our graduates into the world, having been a small but significant part of their journey. They are high-achieving high school students, college students, and beyond. They exemplify our mission to inspire and prepare for a successful future of academic excellence.

The success of the 2016 class is no anomaly. One of the best data points that indicates strong outcomes for our students is the National Merit Scholarship (NMS) program. We beam with pride when our students earn this national recognition. Take a look at the table on the previous page.

3When parents invest in their child’s formative education, they give a gift that remains for life.

Topeka Collegiate instills confidence in a child. A belief in their future. First, though, parents must make the choice to invest in their child in this way. We see the results in a child’s attitude and behaviors. Students grow into strong scholars, ready for advanced education, prepared for leadership opportunities, and truly interested in being active citizens.

Recent examples include Adriane Caracioni ‘18, who is leading the Topeka Youth Commission, and Lilian Thornton ‘18, a Questbridge Scholar. We are small but mighty. Our alums believe in their ability to do good things for others and are proud to take steps to improve their world. Investing in a child’s earliest nine years with the very best education preparation is not cheap, but it provides a lasting value for the child for life. The commitment to our students’ foundational education sets them up with confidence and competence for their future.

It is an important investment for our city, our community, and their life. And that is why an independent school education at Topeka Collegiate was the answer for our 592 Topeka Collegiate graduates.

Lyn D. Rantz, Ed. D.

Head of School

*US News and World Report, 2016 **Forbes, 2016

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BEYOND THE BOOK Learning from the Ocean

The culminating Beyond the Book experience at Topeka Collegiate is the eighth grade trip to Sea Camp. The class spends a week on the east or west coast or on an island for a hands-on unit on marine biology.

Students explore the ocean and land environments by participating in hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving, animal dissection, and other lab activities.

The 2020 and 2021 graduating classes spent their Sea Camp week in Hawaii. The class of 2020 was able to travel before the pandemic, but having Sea Camp on the island afforded the class of 2021 with a more isolated and “socially distanced” experience. In Hawaii, both classes were able to hike a volcano, experience inland clear water lakes and waterfalls, as well as snorkel in the ocean learning marine biology and learning about unique Hawaiian culture and history.

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LEAVING A LEGACY

Where does it start?

Family has lasting impact at Topeka Collegiate & beyond

In 2013, a new student came to Topeka Collegiate and joined Ms. Kido’s 3rd grade class.

Her name was Laura Beatty. Laura fit in perfectly at Topeka Collegiate — she was funny and kind, curious and smart, caring and insightful.

Laura is the youngest of three kids, and from the time she began at Topeka Collegiate, her mom says she “flourished due to outstanding teachers, small class sizes, individual attention, and opportunities for enriched experiences.”

Laura graduated from Topeka Collegiate in 2019 and was the chosen speaker to represent her class in the graduation ceremony. She then went on to attend Topeka West High School where she is currently a junior, active in marching band and cheer. She (along with fellow Topeka Collegiate alumni Teddy Decker ’18) joined 23 other high school students to attend the Washburn University High School Leadership Academy during the summer of 2021.

HSLA participants are students who have demonstrated leadership potential, a diversity of perspectives, who complement one another and who have had a variety of leadership experiences.

During HSLA, each student is paired with a peer mentor, and Laura’s mentor had this to say about her: “Laura is someone who is very eager to learn and cares deeply about the people in her life. She is an amazing student and friend to spend the week with.”

Laura’s parents, Bob and Stacey Beatty, by modeling excellence in their own lives, certainly affected and shaped Laura’s passion for learning and community service.

Bob is chairman of the Political Science Department at Washburn University, and Stacey holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Indiana University. She has professional experience as a psychotherapist, psychoeducational assessment consultant, organizational development consultant, and director of management research.

Stacey has served on the Board of Trustees for Topeka Collegiate since 2017 and also served on the Topeka Collegiate Head of School Search Committee, the Topeka West High School Site Council, and PTO.

In addition to his university teaching responsibilities, Bob is a frequent contributor to political newscasts and

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articles and has the ability to make politics accessible for the layperson. Bob also volunteered as the Middle School basketball coach during Laura’s 6th through 8th grade years.

Stacey and Bob are both committed parents who encourage their children to be global citizens and give back to their community.

The quality and depth Stacey and Bob bring to the table was assuredly affected by the influence of Stacey’s parents, Peter and Sandra Beak.

Dr. Beak was the James R. Eiszner Endowed Chair in Chemistry at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), where he served on the faculty for nearly 60 years.

He was a leader in organic chemistry (physical and synthetic) and “brilliantly applied principles to advance our understanding of the structure and reactivity of organic compounds,” said Steven C. Zimmerman, the Roger Adams Professor of Chemistry at UIUC.

“He also developed a number of important concepts that have found wide usage, including complex-induced proximity effects, the endo-cyclic restriction test, and dipole-stabilized carbanions to name just a few,” Steven said. “But what was extraordinary about Peter is how unassuming he was, always wanting to highlight the accomplishments of others, especially students. “His humanity was so genuine. It just didn’t matter whether you were an incoming freshman or the University President, Peter would treat you with the same level of respect and dignity. He was uniformly loved.”

Sandra and Peter had a strong commitment to education.

“Its transformative impact on young lives was a bedrock family value,” Stacey said.

Sandra, after receiving a B.A. in education from Miami University, traveled from Ohio to Southern California for her first teaching job.

She had a 27 year career in three states as a kindergarten teacher, earned a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, and spent her life laying the foundation for a generation of young learners.

Peter and Sandra were committed to providing educational opportunities to children lacking access to quality programs.

Their belief in hard work, perseverance, and pursuing ones’ dreams is something they have passed on to their children, their grandchildren, and countless others who had the opportunity to be their student, co-worker, or friend.

This is where it starts. It starts with one couple’s intentions to raise their children to be funny and kind, curious and smart, caring and insightful. And then two generations later, their grandchild is making a difference in her world just as they did.

Dr. Beak passed away in February 2021. He and Sandra sponsored a full merit-based scholarship for a Topeka Collegiate middle schooler from 2019–2022. This scholarship paid for tuition, fees, and lunches for each of the three years of middle school.

The Beaks’ legacy and focus on education through philanthropy ensures that what they started will continue well into the future.

Peter and Sandra Beak sponsored a full merit-based scholarship for a Topeka Collegiate middle schooler.

Thank you for investing in your world and in our school!

Don’t miss these spring events

March 14-18

Spring Break No School

April 9

Virtual Celebration Auction

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STRENGTHENING EDUCATION

A New Strategic Focus

Topeka Collegiate starts school year with redeveloped strategic plan

“Once you discover how much children can do in an

environment that dignifies, magnifies, and inspires their minds to learn, there’s no going back to a traditional classroom again.” HEATHER STAKER

Co-author of Blended: Using Disruptive Innovation to Improve Schools

As the only independent school in the region, Topeka Collegiate works to create a space for each child to learn, grow, and become their very best selves.

We believe it, and we work to live it with our actions each day.

Our newly developed strategic plan, spanning 2022-2026, will help us stay the course.

This plan will continue to strengthen our relatively young school well into the future. It includes an updated mission statement and newly adopted values statements.

This document is proof we’re able to remain agile to the shifting needs of families while maintaining the academic rigor that sets Topeka Collegiate apart.

Please use the QR code to access the Strategic plan in full. And look for more information throughout the year.

May 9

Day of the Child/ Field Day

May 20

Graduation with Bridget Elmer ‘91

July 15

Young Alum Game Night

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STAFF FEATURES

Beyond the Classroom

From STEM education to summer travel, staff share about their lives

Melanie Mullican

Executive Assistant l Eagles360 Taskforce

Sheri Rippel

Prekindergarten Teacher l Lady Shakes Theater Company

When the 2019-2020 academic year finished with a quick move to distance learning, I had the opportunity to serve on the newly created Eagles360 Taskforce.

At that time, Taskforce members knew a novel virus global pandemic would not be resolved quickly.

The initial challenge our Taskforce faced in early summer 2020 was making decisions to reopen safely with on-campus learning in fall 2020 with little guidance from local, state or federal entities.

The foremost responsibility for all members of the Taskforce was the health and safety of everyone on our school campus. We also knew it was imperative we offer the best distance learning for our students.

The Eagles360 Program and Freedom with Responsibility pledge were written and adopted after many hours of collaborative work. As an independent school we are change-makers with the flexibility and agility to best serve the students in our care. I am honored to be the vice president of a women-driven outdoor Shakespeare performing group called Lady Shakes. We aim to present classic works without the restrictions of gender or ethnic boundaries while also engaging the community.

Our hope is that community members will come, express themselves with us, and experience the stories of The Bard (and other authors) in ways they may never have seen before.

We opened our season with a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in May 2021 and participated in NOTO Live in September by hosting creative presentations of short scenes and monologues.

We are looking forward to bringing more fun and important events to the Topeka and Shawnee County area.

Shelly Robinson

Technology Innovation Teacher l Kansas Corn STEM

As our society becomes further removed from the farm it has become increasingly important to share the message of agriculture and its role in the Kansas economy and workforce. For that reason I am fortunate to work for Kansas Corn Stem, funded by the Kansas Corn Commission and our Kansas corn farmers.

In this work I travel the state talking to students from Pre-kindergarten-12th grade about the importance of agriculture in feeding the growing population of the world, the role of genetics, research and engineering as well as the value of ethanol production.

In addition to sharing this message with thousands of students across the state each year, I also host teacher workshops. This makes engaging, hands-on lessons available to teachers and provides valuable tools which enable them to perform each lesson.

Leilani Grey

Director of Admissions, Diversity, and Social Responsibility l Community Engagement

My family and independent school foundation cemented the importance of active citizenship, community service, and volunteering. As a relatively new Topekan, community service has

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helped me become more connected to the community.

I work toward building a more diverse and inclusive community as a coach and facilitator for Topeka United’s MOSAIC Partners project. Serving on the city of Topeka’s Sustainability Advisory Board, I work toward a more environmentally conscious community that positively supports public health, well-being, and safety.

I participate in our city’s visioning project as a member of Momentum 2027’s Steering Committee. I am also involved in youth outreach as a Jayhawk Council Cub Scouts Den Leader for Pack 10 and a soccer coach for Upward Sports & Shawnee County Parks & Rec.

For the State of Kansas, I advocate for reasonable utility rates for residents and small commercial ratepayers as a Board Member for Citizens’ Utility Ratepayers Board (CURB). Nationally, I am a certified climate leader and mentor with the Climate Reality Project.

I think that time is just as valuable as money. People of all ages can find time to give back to their communities. Find a cause that interests you. By volunteering, you gain a deeper understanding of that cause. Whatever good deed you do in the world, big or small, every act matters.

Kevin Simons

Middle School Math l Exeter Academy Training

During the summer of 2021, I participated in Philip Exeter Academy’s math workshop alongside our academic dean, Michael Flax.

While there, we gleaned insight into an entirely unique way of approaching education in mathematics. Exeter Academy has developed a system entirely based on critical thinking and application rather than the “drill sergeant” style of math many of us are accustomed to.

This is the very same curriculum we use at Topeka Collegiate, and it was immensely validating to see how some of its originators approach it.

Through this experience, I not only gained experience with the material but also an appreciation and philosophy that I can pass on to my students so that they too can better benefit.

This was truly some of the most beneficial professional development of my career so far, and I would recommend it to any current or aspiring math teachers regardless of whether or not they use the same curriculum in their classroom.

Mary Kate Baldwin

Lower School Science l Annual Trip to Alaska

Each summer, I spend a few weeks with my cousin in Petersburg, Alaska. This small fishing town (population 3,000) is located on Mitkof Island, one of many islands that make up the area known as the Inside Passage (Southeast Alaska). We hike, fish, whale watch, bear watch, and banana slug watch!

The first year we stayed in a forest cabin that you could only get to by boat or float plane. No electricity, no running water, and four hours of darkness a day. I never needed my flashlight.

We would load our fish into a wheelbarrow at the dock and wheel it (with huge smiles) through town to a local restaurant. They would process the fish for us and keep it frozen in a box. We ate fresh halibut, dungeness crab, and prawn EVERY night for dinner, cooked up a variety of ways on a camp stove.

As years passed, things evolved. Now my cousin has a cabin in town (with showers and a laundry room), his own fishing boat, and we do our own processing. We have expanded our fishing to include king salmon and are learning how to smoke it.

This is a play hard, work hard trip. I am thankful for the fish I am able to bring back and share with my family; for the geological features, glaciers, and icebergs I encounter; for the amazing obstacle-course-like hikes which abound — huge trees, lichen, moss, and scat; and for the amazing up-close, wildlife observation opportunities which range from jellyfish smaller than a dime to humpback whales.

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