Loading

Collegium Newsletter February 19, 2018

Welcome to the weekly digital Newsletter for Collegium Charter School. Just like popular social media feeds and timelines, access our Newsletter content by scrolling down to the end.

2018-2019 School Year Calendar

During their Thursday, February 15th Public Meeting, the Collegium Board of Trustees approved our 2018-2019 School Year Calendar. The calendar is accessible below and posted on the Calendars page of our website.

Mark Your Calendar

Monday, Feb. 19th

  • School Closed - Presidents' Day
  • CCS Presidents' Day Basketball Clinic 10:00am - 12:00pm @ 535 Gym (See Article)

Tuesday, Feb. 20th - Day 3

  • 500 Building: Advancing Artists Club 4:00pm - 5:00pm @ Room 228

Wednesday, Feb. 21st - Day 4

  • 500 Building: Principal Coffee Chat with Parents 9:00am - 10:00am @ 500 Conference Room
  • 150 Building: Junior Artists Club 3:45pm - 4:45pm @ Room 908
  • 468 Building: Little Artists Club 4:00pm - 5:00pm @ Room 425
  • 486 Building: Junior Artists Club 4:00pm - 5:00pm @ Room 532
  • National Honor Society Panera Bread Fundraiser (Exton) 4:00pm - 8:00pm (See Article)
  • Science Fair Committee Meeting 5:00pm - 6:00pm @ 435 Conference Room

Thursday, Feb. 22nd - Day 5

  • Character Counts Dress Down Day - Caring - Purple Shirt with Uniform Bottoms

Friday, Feb. 23rd - Day 6

  • Grades K-6: Spirit Day Sponsored by Elementary Student Council - Decade Day - Dress in Styles From Your Favorite Decade (See Article)
  • 515 Building: Principal Coffee Chat with Parents 8:30am - 9:30am @ 515 Conference Room
  • HS Boys' Basketball District I 2A Playoff Game 7:00pm @ Dock Mennonite Academy High School

Saturday, Feb. 24th

  • Varsity Baseball Skating Fundraiser 5:00pm - 7:00pm @ Chester County Sports Arena (See Article)

2018 TCISL Basketball Champions

Under the guidance of their Head Coach, Mr. Revnell, and Assistant Coaches, Ms. Brown and Mrs. Loescher, the CCS High School Girls' Varsity Basketball Team won their third straight Tri-County Independent School League Championship (TCISL) Title with a 52-39 victory over Mercy Academy.

This third straight Title win is unprecedented for the TCISL. Even more impressive, our Girls’ Varsity Basketball Team has not lost a single TCISL game in three years, for a record of 24 wins, 0 losses!

"I am so proud of the 2017-2018 Girls' Varsity Basketball Team’s accomplishment," said Coach Revnell. "Not only have we worked hard together, but I can say that these student-athletes and their resilience have significantly impacted me and my coaching abilities. The determination they show for the game, their respect for their teammates, and their ongoing commitment to CCS Athletics is second to none and will never be forgotten. I am very proud of you, ladies! Well done!"

Spring Elementary Intramural Programs

Spring Intramural Running Club

This program is for students in Grades 2-4 with a passion for running, as well as for students new to running. Students enrolled in the running intramural program will learn appropriate running techniques. Coaches will motivate students to set goals, accomplish their goals, and then set new ones. In addition, there will be meaningful lessons centered on team building, developing relationships, and making new friends.

Registration and payment are due by the morning of Wednesday, March 7th. Participants will be notified via email. A lottery will be used to select participants, if necessary.

Spring K-1 Club

The Spring K-1 Club Intramural Program is scheduled to begin in March. During the program, we will teach basic skills and play games to practice what is taught. We will emphasize team building and good sportsmanship traits—all while encouraging students to make new friends! To register, please complete and return a building-specific Registration Form.

Registration and payment are due by the morning of Wednesday, February 28th. Participants will be notified via email. A lottery will be used to select participants, if necessary.

Questions About Intramurals?

​Email Mr. Handley, Intramural Program Coordinator.

Career Day at the 486 Building

On Friday, March 16th, the 486 Building will host its 1st Annual Career Day for Grades 2-4. We are looking for volunteers to come and speak with our students about their careers. The event will begin at about 8:30am and end at 11:30am.

Career Day is an opportunity for students to think about what their futures could look like. At this stage in their career development, it is important for students to be exposed to and aware of all the different career opportunities available to them.

The 486 Building is excited for this 1st Annual Career Day to be a great event! With help from parents, teachers, and members of the community, students will be even more prepared for the future!

Would you like to participate? Do you want to share about your career or area of expertise? Please complete and submit the 486 Building Career Day Sign-Up Form below. Any questions, we encourage you to email Mrs. Yack for assistance.

CCS Participates in Chester County Spelling Bee

On Friday, February 9th, 6th Grader, Andrew Fedor, Collegium's Spelling Bee Champion, participated in the Chester County Spelling Bee at the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) in Downingtown. Andrew was among 48 worthy contestants representing many of Chester County’s Middle and Elementary schools.

After 15 rounds and nearly three hours of fierce competition, Andrew finished in 9th place! He correctly spelled challenging words like loiter, spoor, paddock, prattle, folksiness, sombrero, enchilada, protocol, bezoar, waterzooi, foamy, alloy, forethought, and pathetic.

Andrew alongside his proud mom, Bridget.

Congratulations, Andrew, on your impressive performance at the 2018 Chester County Spelling Bee! Collegium is thrilled with your determination throughout the competition!

To see all of the 2018 Chester County Spelling Bee action, enjoy the video below (courtesy of the CCIU).

Special Edition 500 Building ROAR T-Shirt Sale

From Monday, February 19th until Wednesday, February 28th, 500 Building students, families, and employees are encouraged to show their support for our student-created Special Edition ROAR T-shirt by purchasing one or more shirts, or by donating to the 500 Building’s ROAR Fund!

The artist who created the front of the shirt, a CCS 6th Grader, used a yin-yang symbol inspired by the forces that make CCS a great place to learn. She recognized that both failure and success must exist for growth to occur. The yin and yang symbols celebrate the need for balance in our lives. The artist also incorporated CCS’s cougar mascot in her design, applying paw prints and claw marks to illustrate that our school is tough, and that we stick together.

The back of the shirt depicts a scene where little cougars are building the CCS Community together. The artist, a CCS 5th Grader, envisioned our school as having multiple pieces, like a puzzle, and that, although we all learn and work differently, we are able to successfully create together. He was inspired by the idea of building one’s own education beyond just bricks-and-mortar.

For more information and to place your order, please access the Special Edition ROAR T-Shirt Letter and Order Form below. Questions? Email Ms. Thomas.

Elementary Student Council Spirit Day

Decade Day - Friday, February 23rd

On Friday, February 23rd, the Elementary Student Council is hosting Decade Day! Students may dress up in styles from their favorite decade. No props are allowed. This is a Spirit Day, which means it is a free Dress Down Day.

If you have questions, please email the Elementary Student Council Chair in your child's building.

Help Wanted: Part-Time Nurse

This is a school year position with a start date of as soon as possible. The schedule is Monday through Friday, for 4 hours per day—hours are flexible, but must cover the lunch hour (12:00-1:00pm). Options include 11:00am-3:00pm, 10:00am-2:00pm, etc.

Interested? Please complete and return a Collegium Application, and/or email your resume and Nursing License via PDF email attachment to our Human Resources Department.

NHS Panera Bread Fundraiser

Please join the CCS National Honor Society (NHS) on Wednesday, February 21st, from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at the Panera Bread in Exton to help support the Heifer Foundation. The Heifer Foundation is an organization that raises money to buy farm animals for communities around the world. Its goal is to end world hunger and poverty. CCS's NHS is a long-term contributor to the Heifer Foundation.

Panera Bread will donate 20% of all sales the evening of February 21st to the NHS, which will, in turn, send the funds to the Heifer Foundation.

Just bring the flyer (linked below; either paper copy or digital), and show it when ordering at Panera Bread. NHS thanks you for your support!

CCST Presents Hairspray!—Tickets Now Available!

Tickets for Collegium Center Stage Theatre's (CCST) 2018 spring musical—Hairspray!—are on sale now!

Performances will take place in Collegium’s 515 Auditorium between Thursday, March 15th and Saturday, March 17th. Tickets are $12.00 each.

We encourage you to purchase your tickets ahead of time, since this incredibly popular show will likely sell out. Visit the website below to purchase your tickets.

Please note that this show is rated "PG" by Music Theatre International. While it is generally a family-friendly show, it does include language and topics relating to race, relationships, and body image.

Collegium Employee Spotlight: Rebecca Rambo

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

Education Explained

Each week, CCS Administrators highlight common terms and philosophies in education, and explain how they impact teaching and learning at Collegium. This week's contribution comes from Sarah Rothermel, 500 Building Assistant Principal.

Blended Learning

What an amazing time it is to be an educator! Never have there been so many tools, technologies, and research data available for us to use to engage students in learning! One of the most exciting trends in education is the ability teachers now have to individualize instruction via online simulations, virtual labs, and field trips to faraway locations that help bring life to content in the classroom. By using Blended Learning tools, teachers can engage their students in rich learning experiences to broaden understanding of their courses.

Blended Learning is instruction where students receive guidance from their teachers, coupled with instruction and learning experiences available through online modules, virtual labs, or research activities. For instance, teachers can assign an open-ended topic, and students can pace their own learning with guided, online resources to complete their assignments. By taking charge of their own learning in this way, students can better understand themselves as learners, and will take great pride in the learning process and finished project.

Here’s an example of how Mr. Scribner, a Collegium Middle School Technology Teacher, applies Blended Learning in his classroom: As part of a larger unit on Internet Safety and Security, Mr. Scribner's students are accessing an online learning site, LifeJourney, to independently review the skills and abilities needed for careers with the National Security Agency (NSA). The online content is from the NSA Day of Cyber, a "career exploration" sponsored by the NSA. At the end of the unit, and with the help of technology as a learning tool, students will be able to complete the learning objectives outlined in the online curriculum, and also identify and discuss topics related to cybersecurity, electronic and systems security, signals interception, and cryptology. Access the link below to learn more about the NSA Day of Cyber.

Mrs. Kahl, our 5th/6th Grade Technology Teacher, is using Google Expedition with 5th Graders to go back in time to the Lewis and Clark Expedition. She incorporated Google Earth in the unit, as well, so students could actually see land formations the explorers encountered and follow their route from Collegium and the Missouri River to the reconstructed Fort Mandan in North Dakota. The technology aspects of this unit allowed students to immerse themselves in the experience and feel like they were actually standing in Fort Mandan and visiting surrounding buildings. Learn more about Google Expeditions by viewing the video below.

Are you as excited about Blended Learning as we are? Check out the website below to learn more about Blended Learning in the classroom and how to enrich learning experiences at home.

Athletic Department Reminders

Cougars Basketball Presidents' Day Clinic

Join the Collegium High School Coaching Staff and players on Monday, February 19th, for their Cougars Basketball Presidents' Day Clinic.

All participants must register at the door and bring the $10.00 registration fee. Questions? Please email Coach Revnell.

Baseball Skating Party Fundraiser

The CCS Varsity Baseball Team will host a Skating Party at Chester County Sports Arena on Saturday, February 24th, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm.

The cost of tickets is $10.00 per person. The event is open to CCS students and guests in Grades K-12. Parents with participating children in 3rd Grade and under must stay for the event. Permission Slips are required, and can be accessed via the link below. Coach Slusser will send confirmation emails when completed Permission Slips and payments are received.

Questions? Email Coach Slusser.

Elementary Placement Requests for 2018-2019

Elementary student parents who have requests regarding their child’s placement for the 2018-2019 school year should send an email to the Administrative Assistant to the Principal in their child's current building.

The email should share your child's strengths and weaknesses, along with an idea of the teaching style and learning environment that work best for your child.

This is also the time to let Collegium know things like whether you would like siblings to be in the same building, or that it would be convenient for all children on your block to be in one building since they carpool together. Parent emails or letters must be received by Friday, March 30th.

Requests for specific teachers will not be honored, and requests received after Friday, March 30th will not be considered.

NEHS Pajama Read-a-Thon Party

On Friday, March 2nd, from 6:30pm until 9:15pm, our National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS) will host its 9th annual Pajama Read-a-Thon Party for students in Grades 3-6.

Reading activities will include Reader's Theater, Book Blitz, Read Alouds, Partner Reads, and lots of D.E.A.R. time. Permission Slips are available below and are due, along with the participation fee, by Friday, February 23rd. First-come, first-served, as there are limited spaces available.

Camp Collegium 2018 Online Registration

To register children for our Camp Collegium 2018 program, please complete the following steps:

1. Access and submit our online Camp Collegium 2018 Registration Form.

2. Submit applicable 2018 Camp Collegium fees in full (including the $60.00 non-refundable registration fee) to the attention of Ms. Horsey, 435 Creamery Way, Suite 300, Exton, PA, 19341.

3. Fees must be submitted in a sealed envelope, with the camper's first and last names indicated on the front. Fees MUST be paid in full by Friday, May 25th.

4. Registration fees must be received within 14 days after submission of a completed Registration Form. Failure to submit your registration fee within 14 days forfeits your camper’s spot in the program. Exceptions will not be considered.

5. Registered campers will receive camp confirmation via email within 5-7 business days after their families submit their registration fees.

Learn more about Camp Collegium 2018 by accessing the Summer Camps page of our website.

Questions? Please email our Director of Child Care Programs, Ms. Horsey.

Community Opportunities

In this section, Collegium passes along information on local events and activities our families may want to explore. We will not include information about activities that compete with Collegium programs, non-Collegium fundraisers, or information from for-profit companies.

Philadelphia Area Team Tennis Association

Beginning Saturday, April 21st and Sunday, April 22nd, the Philadelphia Area Team Tennis Association will hold spring programs on Saturdays in Downingtown and West Chester, and on Sundays in Exton. The program runs for seven weeks and is open to all children ages 5-14. The cost is $85 per child. Players in the program receive instruction, playing time, a T-shirt, and an award! For more details, please access the link below.

Henderson Dance Team

Henderson Dance Team is offering a Hip Hop Dance and Performance Workshop for Elementary school children on Saturday, March 24th, from 12:30pm-5:00pm at Henderson High School. For more information, please visit our website using the link below.

Amerikids Summer Camp

Registration is currently open for the July 30th - August 3rd Amerikids Summer Camp. Amerikids' mission is to build core values in the youth of Chester County, including girls of all backgrounds and abilities in Grades 5 through 12. Amerikids Summer Camp includes singing, dancing, learning sign language, public speaking skills, team building exercises, crafts, and leadership skills. For prices, registration, and additional information, please send an email using the address below.

From the CCS Home and School Association (HSA)

Serving in a capacity similar to a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) or Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO), our HSA owes its success to the efforts of our many parent, teacher, and staff volunteers!

Pawsitive Praise

Thank you to everyone involved in the planning of our 1st Annual Outgrown & Vendor Sale! We are looking forward to a very successful event!

Our CCS Outgrown & Vendor Sale

The CCS Outgrown & Vendor Sale is scheduled for Saturday, May 19th. Please add this exciting event to your family calendars.

The next planning meeting is on Sunday, March 4th, at 2:00pm in the 515 Conference Room. Want to be a part of the planning? Just complete the form below, and come to the meeting! The HSA will contact you with related details. Thank you!

Box Tops Classroom Contest

The HSA is proud to announce the winners of our Box Tops Classroom Contest. Congratulations to the following classes:

  • 500 Building: Mr. Nemic (6th)
  • 150 Building: Ms. Sayler (4th)
  • 468/486 Building: Ms. Capolarello (2nd)

Teachers: We will contact you soon to plan your reward! Students and families: The spring contest will be in April, so keep collecting those Box Tops!

Elementary School Store Volunteers Needed!

The HSA needs your help to ensure that the School Stores in Buildings 150, 468, 486, and 500 are open for students every Wednesday before school and at lunchtime. Please sign up to volunteer today! Clearances are required.

Share Your Ideas With The HSA!

The HSA is always looking for new ideas and for volunteers to help make them happen! We invite you to share your suggestions with us now via email. You can also complete our HSA Interest Form and/or attend our monthly HSA meetings.

HSA Meetings are where families and employees suggest HSA activity ideas, learn about upcoming fundraisers and events, and find out how they can get involved. Our HSA General Meetings will be on the first Wednesday of each month for the rest of the school year.

The next General Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 7th at 4:30pm in the 535 Cafeteria. To attend, enter the 535 Building using the rear entrance (shown in photo) furthest from the rear 535 Gym entrance.

Please arrive before 4:30pm, as building access will not be provided after 4:45pm. Thank you!

Save the Dates

1. Hershey Park Ticket Sale: Discount ticket sales will begin in March.

2. Box Tops Classroom Contest: April 3rd - April 20th. Stay tuned for more details!

3. Chick-fil-A Spirit Night: Wednesday, April 11th from 4:30pm until 7:30pm (Downingtown and Lionville locations).

4. Teacher Appreciation Week: May 7th - May 11th

5. HSA Outgrown & Vendor Sale: Saturday, May 19th

Ongoing Fundraisers

AmazonSmile

Simply shop at AmazonSmile and choose Collegium Charter School as your charity. A percentage of your purchase will be donated back to CCS!

Ongoing Fundraisers

Shoparoo

Download the free app, shop as you normally do, and then snap a picture of your receipt to earn money for Collegium.

HSA Social Media Chair Wanted

The HSA’s Facebook Page is an important way the HSA communicates with the Collegium Community. We need your help to develop, organize, and post photos and content. Interested? Please email the HSA Officers directly.

Collegium Main Number

610-903-1300

Campus 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 deny material for submission if deemed to be inappropriate or of little or no interest to CCS families.

Report Abuse

If you feel that this video content violates the Adobe Terms of Use, you may report this content by filling out this quick form.

To report a Copyright Violation, please follow Section 17 in the Terms of Use.