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Collegium Newsletter February 4, 2019

Welcome to Collegium Charter School's weekly digital Newsletter. Access our Newsletter content by scrolling through to the end, just like you would for popular social media feeds and timelines.

CCS Family Calendar

Mon., Feb. 4th - Day 2

  • Summer Camp Online Registration Begins! 9:00am
  • Safe2Say Something Parent Information Sessions (Six Sessions Times Available) | Conference Room 1:30pm; 2:45pm; 4:00pm; 5:15pm; 6:30pm @ 435 Administrative Offices
  • 150 Building: K-1 STEM Club | Room 961 3:45pm - 5:00pm
  • Girls Varsity Basketball vs Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy 3:45pm @ Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy
  • Boys Junior Varsity & Varsity Basketball vs Plumstead Christian School 5:30pm @ Plumstead Christian School

Tue., Feb. 5th - Day 3

  • 150 Building: ROAR T-Shirt Sale Ends (Began Tues., Jan. 22nd)
  • Grades 7-8: Candy Gram Sale Begins (Sponsored by the National Junior Honor Society) (Ends Wed., Feb. 13th)
  • Grades 9-12: Detention 3:00pm - 4:30pm @ 535 Building
  • Boys 8th Grade Basketball vs Chester Charter School For the Arts 3:30pm @ Chester Charter School for the Arts
  • TCISL Girls Basketball Quarter Finals | Gym 3:45pm - 5:15pm @ 535 Building
  • 468/486 Building: Junior Artists Club (Session 3) | Room 515 4:00pm - 5:00pm
  • Girls 8th Grade Basketball vs Chester Charter School For the Arts 4:30pm @ Chester Charter School for the Arts

Wed., Feb. 6th - Day 4

  • Boys 7th & 8th Grade Basketball vs Showalter Jr. High School | Gym 3:45pm @ 535 Building
  • 150 Building: Junior Artists Club (Session 3) | Room 908 4:00pm - 5:00pm
  • 468/486 Building: Grades K-1 Lego STEM/Coding Club (3rd Session) | 486 Building Art Room (#515) 4:00pm - 5:00pm
  • Kindergarten Science/STEM Fair: Set Up, Judging, and Assembly | 486 Building Cafeteria 4:00pm - 6:00pm
  • Grades 5-6: STEM Design Challenge Teams | Library and Room 202 4:30pm - 6:00pm @ 500 Building
  • HSA Meeting | 535 Cafeteria 4:30pm @ 535 Building

Thu., Feb. 7th - Day 5

  • 150 Building: American Heart Challenge/Wear Red Day
  • TCISL Girls Varsity Basketball Semi-Finals vs TBD @ TBD
  • Grades 9-12: Detention 3:00pm - 4:30pm @ 535 Building
  • 150 Building: Student Council Meeting | Room 902 3:45pm - 4:45pm
  • Boys Varsity Basketball vs TBD | Gym 3:45pm @ 535 Building
  • Grades 10-11: College Planning Night | Gym, Library, Cafeteria, Various Classrooms 6:00pm - 8:00pm @ 535 Building
  • Grades 6-7: Family Information Session | Young Men And Women In Charge Foundation | Rooms 206 and 207 6:15pm - 7:45pm @ 500 Building

Fri., Feb. 8th - Day 6

  • 150 Building: American Heart Challenge/Wear Red Day
  • Grades 7-12: Cougar Pride Day - Wear Your Cougar Gear With Uniform Bottoms or Jeans
  • Grades 7-8: Jr. Tri-M Nursing Homes Field Trip
  • K-6: Student Council Food Drive Ends (Began Mon., Jan. 28th) | Classrooms, Open Areas in Halls 8:00am - 3:30pm
  • Boys Junior Varsity Basketball vs Lower Moreland High School 3:30pm @ Lower Moreland High School
  • Girls Varsity Basketball vs Lower Moreland High School 5:30pm @ Lower Moreland High School
  • Grades 7-8: Valentine's Day Dance | Cafeteria 6:00pm - 8:00pm @ 515 Building
  • Grades K-6: Family STEAM Night Session B 6:00pm - 8:00pm @ 500 Building
  • Boys Varsity Basketball vs Lower Moreland High School 7:00pm @ Lower Moreland High School
  • Grades 9-12: Movie Night Sponsored By Student Council | Movie: Crazy Rich Asians, PG-13 | Library 7:00pm - 9:30pm @ 535 Building

Sat., Feb. 9th

  • Registered CCS and Community Students: ACT Testing | Cafeteria, Various Classrooms 7:00am - 3:00pm @ 535 Building
  • Girls Varsity Basketball vs Bristol Junior/Senior High School | Senior Night | Gym 3:30pm @ 535 Building
  • 150 Building: Role Model Dance | Cafeteria 5:00pm - 7:00pm
  • Boys Varsity Basketball vs Bristol Junior/Senior High School | Gym 5:00pm @ 535 Building

Middle School Students Compete in Manufacturing Video Contest

For the third year in a row, a team of Collegium Middle School students has submitted an entry into the What's So Cool About Manufacturing? Video Contest. The contest is very challenging, and our students worked hard and did a terrific job. CCS's team visited Infiana USA’s Malvern, Pennsylvania location last December and, using GoPro video equipment and Infiana employee interviews, they worked together to compile, edit, and produce their competition submission.

Middle School Principal, Mr. Sterious, shown with members of Collegium's student video team during their Infiana USA visit.

“Many teams across Pennsylvania prepare and submit videos for the What's So Cool About Manufacturing Video Contest each year,” said Mr. Harvey Scribner, Middle School Technology Teacher, and the student team’s advisor. “Our team stands out for me because of the creative and thoughtful ways the members overcame several significant challenges.” Here are four examples of the obstacles the Middle School video team faced:

  • They were only able to meet once as a full team before visiting Infiana. Even the company visit had to be done in two parts due to restrictions on the number of people permitted in the factory at one time. That meant that the team’s experiences at Infiana were split.
  • Because the team members’ schedules varied, they weren’t all able to meet together. Students overcame this obstacle by cooperating, meeting, and sharing notes online or through collaborative documents, messaging applications, and video conferencing. They then worked to complete most of the final video over Winter Break.
  • Infiana's product is very complex, and its production process and the ways different industries use it is also extremely complicated. Thanks to our students’ interest and the time, talent, and patience that Infiana personnel showed them, our team was able to create a superior and comprehensive video explaining the Infiana product, production process, and much more.
  • The last major challenge our team faced was that they could only use one laptop to review material, edit it, and otherwise create their video. The restriction had to be honored because of security surrounding how Infiana's raw video footage was handled. Despite this hurdle, all members of the team worked on the project, even over Winter Break!
Vote for CCS's team video Wednesday, February 13th through Friday, February 15th.

Winners of the What’s So Cool About Manufacturing? Video Contest are determined through online voting. Please show your support for CCS's Middle School student team by accessing the link below and voting for their video! (Note that voting will begin on Wednesday, February 13th and end on Friday, February 15th.)

Share the link with everyone you know; the more votes cast for our students, the better their chances of receiving an award at the Awards Ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, March 6th, at Penn State University-Great Valley.

Here’s the list of students who participated in the project, along with their team roles:

  • Melanie L. (Team Leader and Lead Videographer)
  • Aaron P. (Assistant Team Leader and Photographer)
  • Roman B. (Videographer)
  • Aryanna T. (Audio Production)
  • Additional Team Members: Cecelia B., Iman T., Kyla R., Abigail W., Victoreya A., Xochil H.-R., Hailey M., Sarah K., Bowen W., Tanner K., Adam E.-I., Patrick G., and Nick C.

American Heart Challenge Volleyball Tournament

Each year, 500 Building students and staff participate in “Hoops for Heart,” an American Heart Association challenge. It’s renamed “American Heart Challenge” this year and, ironically, the 500 Building’s Challenge falls on Valentine’s Day (Thursday, February 14th)!

In previous years, students played sports like basketball and handball to raise awareness for children with various heart conditions. This year, they’re doing something a little different by playing volleyball!

500 Building Physical Education and Health teachers, Ms. Winters and Mr. Schultz, are working hard to teach their students the fundamentals of volleyball before their American Heart Challenge Volleyball Tournament later this month. Ms. Winters said, “We’re excited to offer this event to our students to show our support for the American Heart Association and to provide a variety of physical, heart-healthy activities for our students.”

By joining in the American Heart Challenge, the 500 Building plans to support the American Heart Association’s mission statement and also raise money for childhood heart disease research. In the process, students will learn to participate in a different sport. “The overall engagement students have in the event is something we emphasize every year. We hope this year’s activities surpass all expectations,” said Mr. Schultz.

To register their 5th and 6th Grade students for the American Heart Challenge, parents and guardians can access the link below or complete the form on the fundraiser envelope that was sent home with your children.

Questions? Email Ms. Winters.

New Fashion Club At CCS

Students in Grades 9 through 12 can watch the video below to learn more about the newly formed FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising) Fashion Club in our 535 Building.

Interested in joining their community? Complete the interest form below.

CCS Teacher Commissions Student-Artist

“Stack”* has a new piece of artwork in his classroom! Created by student-artist Amina T., the piece vividly portrays Collegium’s mascot, Carl the Cougar, in bright colors and with excellent technique.

“Amina was painting a poster for our pep rally, and I really liked her work. I asked her if she could do a mural or painting for my classroom,” Mr. Stackhouse explained. High School Principals, Dr. Pat O’Brien and Mr. Graham Dryburgh, gave the project their go-ahead, and Art Teacher Mr. Jason Springer supplied Amina with the paint and brushes.

“I was really thrilled when Mr. Stackhouse invited me to paint Carl for his classroom. We researched cougar logos together, and he and I decided the cougar face with the text behind it would be the best option. I worked on the painting over Thanksgiving break. Mr. Stackhouse seemed really pleased with it when I brought it in!”

For her efforts, Amina, an 11th Grader, will receive either Art Honor Society or Community Service credit toward her graduation from Collegium. As for Mr. Stackhouse, “I’m so glad to have this rendering of Carl in my classroom. It will be here for years to come...a great reminder of our students' talent and the aspirations each holds for their time at Collegium and their futures.”

*Mr. Brian Stackhouse is a High School Math Teacher. Students and colleagues most often call him “Stack”!

150 Building Career Day

Career Day is rapidly approaching for the CCS 150 Building, and we need YOUR experiences! We're looking for a variety of people interested in spending a morning talking about their careers with our students. Whether you're a nurse, mechanic, astronaut, custodian, or business owner—our students want to hear from you!

Many students are unaware of the different career opportunities available to them. Career Day is a fantastic way to provide students with first-hand knowledge of potential career paths. The event will also help you to get involved with CCS and make an impact on our students’ future. If you're interested, please use the link below to sign up for the Friday, March 22nd Career Day.

Questions? Email our 150 Building K-1 School Counselor, Mr. Dower.

Upcoming Parents' Night Out

Need a few hours to yourself? The CCS Middle and High School Music Departments have just the solution: A Parents’ Night Out with childcare! This evening will feature lots of fun for kids, including games and a movie. Pizza and juice will be provided, along with a snack.

Our Parents' Night Out Fundraiser will take place on Saturday, February 23rd from 5:00pm until 9:00pm in our 515 Building. The child care fee is $20.00 for the first child, and $15.00 for each additional child. Children must be at least three (3) years old and fully toilet-trained (no pull-ups or diapers). Children must be CCS students or CCS students’ younger siblings (fully toilet-trained). Younger siblings may only attend if their older CCS student siblings attend.

Interested? Fill out the form below, and send it to the attention of Mrs. Jones in the 515 Building, along with your payment (cash, or check made payable to “CCS”) by Wednesday, February 20th.

All proceeds of this fundraiser will benefit CCS's Middle and High School Music Departments. If you have questions, email Mrs. Jones for assistance.

College Board AP Exam Registration: May 2019

Taking the Advanced Placement (AP) Exams is an important part of all AP courses. Collegium would like all students to take AP Exams for the AP classes that they've completed. Scoring well on an AP Exam can often earn students college credit for the high school class, saving a significant amount on tuition for families.

For the 2019 College Board AP Exams, CCS students will register online through a third-party website, called "Total Registration." Using Total Registration (linked below), you can directly access Collegium's Advanced Placement Exam Registration page.

AP Exam registration will close on Friday, February 22nd at 12:00pm. After that time, all registrations will incur a $10.00 late fee. Late registrations will only be accepted until Friday, March 1st. Letters were mailed home in December to AP students' families with all the details pertaining to the online AP Exam registration process.

Questions? Contact Ms. Jenkins.

Education Explained: The Role of a High School Counselor

Each week, CCS employees highlight common terms and philosophies in education and explain how they impact teaching and learning at Collegium. In honor of National School Counseling Week, this week's contribution comes from our High School Counselors, Mrs. Tracy Wolfe and Mrs. Jocelyn White, who explain the role of a High School Counselor.

School Counselors are educators who are specially trained in child and adolescent development, youth mental health, different learning styles, emotional regulation (how to control emotions), and social skills. They support students in their academics, personal/social development, and college and career planning. School Counselors also work closely with teachers, administrators, families, and community organizations, always with the goal of helping students succeed.

Academic Development

School Counselors provide academic assistance to students in several important ways. These cover:

  • Course selection and exploring course options that line up with careers and college majors of student interest
  • Learning study skills and how to plan for short and long term assignments
  • Linking students with additional academic support and tutors when needed

High School Counselors also coordinate PSAT testing by helping students to register for SAT/ACTs, providing exam preparation materials and resources, and reviewing scores to assist with academic planning. In addition, CCS’s High School Counselors coordinate dual enrollment classes at both Immaculata University and Delaware County Community College for students who meet eligibility requirements.

Personal/Social Development

Another important role High School Counselors play is to support students’ personal and social needs by:

  • Providing individual and group counseling
  • Conducting peer mediation to help resolve conflicts
  • Addressing mental health needs when students are concerned about themselves or other students
  • Making community counseling recommendations if long term counseling support is needed
  • Collaborating with mental health service providers as necessary to promote continuity of care and student support in school

College and Career Development

Our High School Counselors are an essential part of the college and career planning process. They are able to assist students in their different post-High School plans, such as higher education, the military, trade school, and entering the workforce. In fact, career development begins in the Elementary grades and continues throughout Middle and High School at Collegium!

Our High School Counselors use a variety of tools to help students and families plan for the future:

  • Beginning in Middle School, students and families can access Naviance, a college and career planning web-based program
  • High School Counselors are available to meet individually with students and families as often as they wish
  • The High School Counselors also teach classes on steps students can take to plan for their futures
  • Students in Grades 9 through 12 and their families are invited each year to a College Fair hosted by Collegium’s High School Counselors
  • The High School Counselors also host evening events for families that focus on college planning, the financial aid process, FAFSA completion, and Dual Enrollment programs. (This year’s College Planning Night is scheduled for Thursday, February 7th, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.)

Your child’s counselor is happy to talk to you about resources available as well as individual needs. Please email them with your questions or to arrange a meeting. You can also learn about available High School Counseling resources on the Collegium High School Counseling website linked below.

Students in Grades 9-12 with last names A-K:

Students in Grades 9-12 with last names L-Z:

Thank you for your support as we work together to help your children succeed now and in their futures!

Collegium Employee Spotlight: Stephanie Kistler

This Newsletter section highlights one Collegium employee each week, and allows families and students to get to know them better. Now, when you see featured employees on campus, you can greet them by name and strike up conversations!

Watch this video to learn more about Stephanie Kistler, K-4 Music Teacher and Director of the 468/486 Building's 3rd and 4th Grade Choir.

College Planning Night

Please mark your calendars for Collegium Charter High School’s College Planning Night, scheduled for Thursday, February 7th in our 535 Building from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm.*

This event will be open to Sophomore and Junior students and families, and will serve as an information session for the college planning process. Students and families will have the opportunity to rotate through sessions with knowledgeable college representatives. Please come prepared with any questions you may have, as the representatives will be at your disposal!

Attending Colleges and Universities:

  • Arcadia University
  • Delaware County Community College
  • Drexel University
  • Immaculata University
  • Millersville University
  • Neumann University
  • Penn State University
  • St. Joe’s University
  • SUNY New York
  • Villanova University

Immaculata University and Delaware County Community College representatives will also discuss Collegium’s Dual Enrollment partnership with their schools, which provide opportunities for students to earn college credit while still in High School.

We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, February 7th!

Please RSVP by emailing the High School Counseling Office at the link below by Wednesday, February 6th.

*Snow Date for College Planning Night is Thursday, February 21st.

CCS 2019-2020 School Year Calendar

The CCS Board of Trustees is scheduled to vote on the CCS 2019-2020 School Year Calendar during its Thursday, February 21st Regular Public Meeting. Once the Calendar is approved, we will share it with the entire Collegium Community.

Kindergarten Science Fair

Kindergarten Families, it's not too late for your children to join the Kindergarten Science Fair on Wednesday, February 6th! The Fair will be held from 4:00pm to 6:00pm in the 468 Building Cafeteria. Families are invited to join us for a brief awards ceremony at 6:00pm to honor their children and their hard work to learn more about science!

Children who participate in the Kindergarten Science Fair will stay after school to present their projects, eat a quick snack, and have some pictures taken. Participating Kindergarteners from the 150 Building will be transported by Collegium staff to the 468 Building to present their projects.

Ms. Yanoviak, the Kindergarten Science Fair Coordinator, will be with your children every step of the way. Please email Ms. Yanoviak with questions and to talk about your child's participation.

The CCS Science Fair Website also has helpful tips and content to guide you. Access the website at the link below.

Elementary Student Council Annual Food Drive

Our annual Elementary Student Council Food Drive continues through Friday, February 8th. Food Drive flyers were previously sent home with students in Kindergarten through 6th Grade by their homeroom teachers.

We welcome donations of all non-perishable foods in boxes, cans, or plastic. No donations in glass are allowed. The items most needed are:

  • Pasta and Rice
  • Canned Fruits and Vegetables
  • Canned Tuna and Chicken
  • Peanut Butter
  • Cereal and Oatmeal
  • Soups

Collection boxes will be placed in the Main Offices and waiting areas of our 150, 468/486, and 500 Buildings so that any member of the CCS Community can drop off donations.

All donations will go to the Chester County Food Bank. Here's to another year of generously helping our local community!

Family STEAM Night Returns

Last year's K-6th Family STEAM Night was a huge success. We hosted over 50 families, and the feedback was stupendous. So, we've decided to host another Family STEAM Night on Friday, February 8th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm in the 500 building.

The night will feature engineering and coding fun for the whole family! Plus, pizza, pretzels, drinks, and other refreshments will be available at our Snack Shack (cash only).

The event cost is $5.00 per family. Space is limited, and registration is required. Please register by Tuesday, February 5th.

For more information, please email Mrs. Kahl.

February K-12 Menus and Payment Form

The Food Service Department's February K-12 Menus and Payment Form are now available via the link below. This information is also posted as a Resource on the Food Service page of our website.

468/486 Building Heritage Celebration

The 468/486 Building will host its first annual Heritage Celebration on Wednesday, March 20th between 6:00pm to 7:30pm.

This celebration is intended to be a colorful international event where students and their families can celebrate the diversity of students and cultures at our school. Students are invited to display items from their country of heritage (or any country in which they're interested). Ideas include:

  • Traditional clothes
  • Foods
  • Flags
  • Pictures
  • Songs and Dances
  • Artifacts, and more!

Informational booths/tables, food samples from around the world, ethnic performances, and even a cultural fashion show will also be part of the fun and education at the event.

468/486 Building Families, please mark your calendars for this event – you will not want to miss it!! More details about the Heritage Celebration and a sign-up form will be coming home soon.

150 Building Role Model Dance

On Saturday, February 9th, students in our 150 Building are encouraged to bring a positive adult role model in their lives to dance the night away at our Role Model Dance! The dance will take place between 5:00pm and 7:00pm in the 150 Building Cafeteria.

The cost to attend our 150 Building Role Model Dance is only $1.00 per person (paid at the door). There will be a DJ, photo booth, dancing, and refreshments, making the cost well worth signing up!

Questions? Please email Ms. Grandizio.

Camp Collegium 2019: Upcoming Online Registration

Camp Collegium will return this July for another exciting summer filled with fun activities and day trips! Registration details will be posted on the Summer Camps webpage at 9:00am on Monday, February 4, 2019. Use the Camp Collegium webpage link below to learn more!

Camp spaces fill quickly, so we encourage families to register on Monday, February 4th at 9:00am, or as soon as possible thereafter. Last year, we had over 100 families register on the first day of registration. Please, don't delay!

Questions? Email our Director of Child Care Programs, Ms. Horsey, who will be happy to assist you.

Updates From CCS's HSA

Serving in a capacity similar to a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) or Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO), our Home & School Association (HSA) owes its success to the efforts of our many parent, teacher, and staff volunteers! Proceeds from HSA fundraisers and activities help fund CCS education and operations.

HSA Annual Outgrown & Vendor Sale Back By Popular Demand

The 2nd Annual HSA Outgrown & Vendor Sale is scheduled for Saturday, March 2, 2019 from 8:00am to 2:00pm. We anticipate a fun and successful sale again this year. The Outgrown & Vendor Sale is an HSA Fundraiser that benefits Collegium.

Outgrown & Vendor Sale Consignors

Consignors are now being accepted! Pay $25.00 to consign, or volunteer for two hours and consign for free! Consignors receive 70% of their sales; 30% of each sale benefits CCS. Email Sarah Hanna to sign up.

Volunteers Needed For The Outgrown & Vendor Sale

We need volunteers for the Outgrown And Vendor Sale to run well. Please use the SignUpGenius link below to schedule one or two hours. Thank you!

Early Admission Tickets For The Sale

Want to access the sale before the general public? Purchase your Early Admission tickets using the link below.

Consignors: Information About Purchasing Your Tags

Consignors can purchase tags at the next monthly HSA meeting (Wednesday, February 6th at 4:30pm) or send an email to Mrs. Anna McFadden to coordinate pickup.

Spring Box Tops For Education Contest

Our Spring Box Tops Contest is coming soon. Don’t forget to start clipping and saving your Box Tops now!

Teacher Appreciation Week

This spring’s Teacher Appreciation Week is also approaching. We’ll be in touch soon to ask for volunteers and donations for this important recognition event!

School Store Volunteers Needed!

Please consider volunteering to work a School Store in our 150, 468, 486, and/or 500 Buildings. Your kids love their school stores, and we need volunteers to make them available to students in the morning and at lunch. The School Store SignUpGenius link is below. Note that clearances are required for School Store volunteers.

Monthly HSA Meeting

The HSA will meet next on Wednesday, February 6th at 4:30pm in the High School Cafeteria (535 Building). We hope to see you there!

Please enter the 535 Building using the rear entrance furthest from the rear 535 Gym entrance. Building access is not available after 4:45pm. If you have questions or need additional information, email our HSA Officers directly.

West Whiteland Police Department Tip Resources

Collegium is committed to maintaining a strong and trusting partnership with the West Whiteland Police Department (WWPD). Together, we encourage all Collegium students, staff, and parents/guardians to contact the WWPD with any information they feel should be investigated.

The WWPD has a dedicated email address and phone number for the public to use to provide information quickly and directly to them.

The email address and phone line above are monitored by the WWPD Criminal Investigation Unit. We encourage anyone with information about suspected criminal activity to contact the WWPD using the email address, or by leaving a voicemail message on the WWPD Tip Line. Everyone utilizing the phone number or email address can remain anonymous, if they wish.

If your concerns are specific to the Collegium campus, we ask that you also contact your Building Principal(s):

Important Collegium Telephone Numbers

Collegium's Main Number

610-903-1300

Building Main Office Extensions

  • 150 Building: Ext. 6811
  • 435 Building: Ext. 6002
  • 468 Building: Ext. 6401
  • 486 Building: Ext. 6501
  • 500 Building: Ext. 6106
  • 515 Building: Ext. 6336
  • 535 Building: Ext. 6602

Collegium reserves the right to edit submissions and to deny material for submission if it is deemed to be inappropriate or of little or no interest to CCS families.

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