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Trojan Nation
A Message From Our Administration
GREETINGS!
On behalf of Dr. Wiley and the entire
Topeka High School staff, we want to extend
our warm welcome to the 2013-2014 school
year! It has been a tremendous start to the
school year and as this newsletter indicates,
there are so many positive activities and
accomplishments taking place. Our students
continually set lofty standards through their
participation in state and national events
and staff continues to garner local, state,
and national recognition. Please be sure
to read about Lauren Sherwood and her
work at NASA, and about the recognitions
recently received by our teachers. In
addition, our school climate couldn’t be
much better and our students are a primary
reason for that. From the start, they have
demonstrated qualities and characteristics
that we affectionately call “The GOLD
Standards.” These GOLD Standards are our
guiding principles that everyone –staff and
students - uses to guide ourselves at school.
Our staff is to be commended as well as
they continue to teach, instill and model
these principles. In addition, our Fall Sports
and Activities seasons have begun in earnest.
Already, our teams and student athletes are
accomplishing great things and garnering
high recognition.
If you haven’t already, please be sure to
visit the Topeka High School website. Our
website is designed and produced by Topeka
High students and it is filled with information
regarding the school, academics, athletics,
staff, resources, activities, events,
announcements, signature programs, a
virtual tour, and so much more! In addition,
if you wish to know what is going on in your
student’s class, you can find Teacher Lesson
plans under the “Staff” icon.
We are pleased to introduce many new
staff members this year. Already, they have
become great assets to our students and
school. Here is a list:
Heather Campbell – Family and Consumer
Sciences
Derek Jensen – Theatre and Rhetorical Arts
Penny Jones – Language Arts
Kimberly Sonnich – Language Arts/AVID
Bryan Candea-Kram – School Psychologist
Celestial Arnold – Science
Amanda Bixel – Science
John Keller – Social Studies
Tim Overman – Social Studies
Richard Lewallen – MCJROTC
Matthew Robert – Technology Education
Fatima Blanco – World Languages
Sarah Perryman – World Languages/ELL
Phillip Wrigley – World Languages/ELL/
Social Studies
Braden Conrad-Heibner – Jobs for
American Graduates (JAG)
Ednice Metz – Migrant Services
In addition to these new staff members,
Topeka High School is happy to welcome
new student resource staff members. They
are:
Dave Brown – Career Transition Job
Coach – Primary Service: Help students
graduate and transition into secondary
education or work force opportunities.
Susan Ortega – Communities in Schools –
Primary Service: Surround students with
a community of support to empower
them to succeed in school and achieve
in life.
Shannon Keys – Kansas
KIDS @ Gear Up –
Primary Service: While
not a new program,
Shannon
provides
support to low income/
foster students to
help prepare for
postsecondary
education.
Support
includes
test
prep, financial aid, and scholarship
opportunities.
Shannon Solander – Truancy Prevention/
Kansas Children’s Service League –
Primary Service: Work with staff and
community partners to help provide
support and structures to students
facing obstacles getting to school.
Braden Conrad-Heibner – JAG (Jobs for
America’s Graduates) – Primary Service:
Name is mentioned above as Mr. ConradHeibner teaches two sections of JAG.
He specializes in student graduation and
transition to workforce, col+0lege, or
military.
Finally, we would like to thank each
member of our Trojan Nation for their
contributions and support of Topeka High
School. Each of you help make our school
the special place that it is. We hope you
enjoy the rest of our Trojan Nation.
TOPEKA HIGH SCHOOL, THE
GOLD STANDARD
Giving Respect
Taking Ownership
Living Responsibly
Being Dedicated
Table of Contents
Trojan Staff.........................................................2
Trojan Students.................................................3
Counseling Center...........................................4
Volume 1, Issue 1
Historical Society.............................................5
Media Center....................................................5
Department News...........................................6
1
September
Trojan Nation
2013
Trojan Staff
AHRENS
NAMED CHEMISTRY TEACHER OF
THE YEAR!
KANSAS TEACHER OF THE YEAR
NOMINEE
Congratulations to Kristen Cigler Nelson for being nominated
for Kansas Teacher of the Year, Region 2.
Ms. Nelson is a Language Arts teacher at Topeka High School. “I
work hard and I expect them (students) to work hard. I hold them
accountable. I expect them to seek me out and get help. They
know they can tell me what they think and I won’t hold it against
them and they know that I will tell them the truth,” said Nelson.
Ms. Nelson, as a representative from Topeka Public Schools, was
honored, along with nominees from throughout Northeast Kansas,
at the regional awards banquet held September 8, in Topeka.
Topeka High School chemistry teacher Anton Ahrens has
been selected to receive the 2013-14 Phyllis Johnson Patrick
Outstanding High School Chemistry Teaching Award. The Phyllis
Johnson Patrick High School Chemistry Teaching Award annually
recognizes an outstanding Kansas high school teacher who has
demonstrated the ability to inspire excitement and interest about
chemistry among his or her students through exemplary teaching.
Ahrens is a 1980 graduate of Kansas State University who
earned his B.S. degree in Chemistry. He taught chemistry, physics
and physical science at Highland Park High School in Topeka from
1980 - 1982, before earning his M.S. degree in Physical Chemistry
at the University of Kansas in 1984. In 1984, he accepted his
current position on the faculty of Topeka High School. At Topeka
High, Ahrens has taught more than 4,500 students in chemistry,
physical science and AP chemistry, many of whom have gone on to
successful careers in scientific research, medicine and education.
Anton Ahrens will receive his award, which includes an
honorarium of $1,000, at a special luncheon on the K-State campus
on Thursday, October 3, 2013.
YALE EDUCATOR AWARD TO
TOPEKA HIGH TEACHER
Topeka High School teacher Kimberly Sonnich is the recipient
of the 2013 Yale Educator Award. The Yale University Award
recognizes outstanding educators from around the world who
support and inspire their students to perform at high levels and
to achieve excellence. Sonnich was one of 52 teachers from 36
states and 13 countries to receive the award. She was nominated
by former Topeka High School student Leobardo Espinoza who
now attends Yale University. Sonnich teaches language arts at
Topeka High.
NATIONAL RECOGNITION
Congratulations are extended to Ms. Pam McComas for
distinguished recognition by the National Federation of State High
School Associations (NFHS) for her work with the National Policy
Debate Topic Selection Committee. At the national meeting in
Portland, Oregon, on August 2-4, 2013, Ms. McComas served as the
wording chair and delegate for this committee. Her work involved
extensive preparation and long hours of committee collaboration.
Her participation was specially recognized and demonstrates her
commitment to her field.
Topeka High School’s Web address:
http://ths.topekapublicschools.net
Volume 1, Issue 1
2
Trojan Nation
Trojan Students
CONGRATULATION LAUREN
SHERWOOD!
Lauren Sherwood, senior, attended a week
at NASA in Houston this summer where she
planned a robotics and radiation mission and
experienced life as an engineer and scientist.
Lauren was one of ninety female high school
students from 41 states who visited Johnson
Space Center to participate in the Women
in STEM High School Aerospace Scholars
project, or WISH.
She was selected based on completion
of interactive, online lessons focused on
space exploration and mapped to national
education standards, academic merits and
geographic diversity. The WISH program
encourages young women to pursue
science, technology, engineering and
mathematics degrees and exposes them to
the real-world applications of STEM careers
at NASA.
Lauren Sherwood attended the Dole
Institute of Politics Youth Civic Leadership
Institute July 17 - 20. Forty seniors of across
the state were chosen to attend this event
at the University of Kansas. Lauren had the
opportunity to “experience” college life via
dormitory living as well as meet Kansas
political leaders, participate in seminars
on juvenile delinquency, gun control, child
obesity, college loan default issues, and
enjoy many other activities.
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF
TEACHER AWARD
Congratulations to the following students
who have been nominated to write for the
National Council of Teachers of English
Award in Writing! They are:
Libby Butler
Alex Goudie-Averill
Lucas Ryan
THS WEB TEAM
These students are vital to our web
presence. They update the Topeka High
School web site daily.
Jamal Samo........................................Web Master
Austin McClure..............Assistant Web Master
Zach Hastings...........................Expert Web Help
Mariah Rodriguez...................Expert Web Help
NATIONAL ENGLISH HONOR
SOCIETY NEWS
National English Honor Society officers for
2013-2014 are:
President: Lauren Sherwood
Vice President: David Gernon
Secretary: Connor Brennan
Book Club: Megan Anderson and Elizabeth
Goodrow
Community Service: Samantha Erickson
Social: Emma Fiander
Initiation: Alexandra Millhuff
Congratulations to the new inductees for
National English Honor Society! They are:
Dele Adegbore
Peyton Barber
Isabelle Bauguess
David Brennan
Alexander Carter
Mychale Christopher
Jacob Cole
Emily Daigler
Bryan Davis
Samantha Friess
Alex Goudie-Averill
Bryan Grabauskas
Molly Hatesohl
Whitney Holloman
Helena Howell
Megan Lacolla-Linquist
Elizabeth Lange
Grayson Manley
Jessica Moore
Summer Morrissey
Crystal Raub
Lorena Reyes
Baileigh Rager
Lucas Ryan
Madison Sawyer
Katherine Sweeney
Joselyne Villa
Yamilex Zamora
WOULD YOU LIKE CUSTOMIZED THS SPIRIT WEAR?!
Through MyLocker.Net, the Topeka High School PTO Is now able to provide spirit wear and other items
that are customizable, and bemifit the PTO! If you are a student,staff, parent, alum, or fan you’ll be sure to
appreciate this offer! YOU design it! WE make it! YOU wear it! 100% Custom. www.Shop.MyLocker.Net
Volume 1, Issue 1
3
Trojan Nation
Counseling Center
COUNSELING CENTER STAFF
The Counseling Center staff welcomes
you to a new school year. Our office is
staffed with four academic counselors, two
personal/social counselors and a registrar/
secretary. We are here to assist you as you
navigate through your successful high school
career and beyond.
Academic Counselors are:
Pat Bordewick (students with last names A – D)
Angela Locke (students with last names E – K)
Willie Skaggs (students with last names L – Ri)
Carolyn Altman (students with last names Ro-Z)
Personal/Social Counselors are:
Jeri Miller (students with last names A-K)
Greg Fallon (students with last names L-Z)
Our secretary and registrar is Cindi Hewitt.
New Staff Member in Counseling Center
Angela Locke is new in the counseling
office (replacing Mr. Joe Silsby). This is
Mrs. Locke’s first year at Topeka High. She
has worked for the district for the past 14
years in the District Communications Office.
Prior to that, she worked as a training and
policy specialist for the Kansas Association
of School Boards. She began her career as
a teacher in Language Arts, speech, debate,
forensics and theatre and later moved into a
counseling position.
COUNSELING CENTER
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please listen closely to the daily
announcements for information on when
college and other representatives will be
visiting THS and for a host of other important
announcements. Come to the counseling
center to sign up to see a rep.
The Pittsburg State University rep. will visit
THS at 8:30 on September 11.
Wichita State University will visit THS on
September 11 at 10 a.m. and Washburn
University will be here at 2 – 3.
Fort Hays State University will have a rep.
here on September 19 at 8:30. Others will
probably be scheduled before the next
Trojan Nation is issued, so please listen to
announcements for details.
Marinello Schools of Beauty will have a
representative at THS on September 25
from 10 – 11.
Wichita State University is hosting a high
school freshman and sophomore night on
their campus Saturday, September 21 from
5 – 9 p.m. If interested, see Mrs. Locke for
details.
CAREER EXPLORATION OPPORTUNITY
“Electrify Your Future”
Westar Energy is working with area high
schools to inform students and their parents
of career opportunities in the electric utility
industry. Throughout the next 10 years, 50
percent of Westar’s workforce will be eligible
for retirement, creating a need for highly
qualified and well prepared individuals to fill
these vacancies.
“Electrify Your Future” is an evening
planned by Westar tonight to allow students,
parents and teachers to see demonstrations
of the many craft positions currently at
Westar Energy.
Examples of these craft positions are
lineman, substation tech, mechanical tech,
relay tech, power meter man, instrument and
control tech, operator and cable splicer.
Please join us at the Westar Energy
Professional Development Center located
at 801 N.E. Hwy 24, Topeka, from 7:00 p.m.
to 8:30 p.m. on October 14. We are excited
about preparing an opportunity to “Electrify
Your Future.”
Teachers are invited too!
2013-2014 Testing Dates
More information on these tests can be
found in the counseling center.
A handout explaining the Differences/
Similarities between SAT and ACT can be
found in the counseling center.
PSAT
October 19th **Given at THS**
• Register in room 132, the counseling
center
• $18 registration fee – check made out to
Topeka High School
• Register ASAP (because no additional tests
can be ordered after Sept 27th)
• You receive a PSAT Bulletin when you
register – information, practice tests, etc.
Some fee waivers are available for juniors
receiving free or reduced lunch (talk to your
counselor)
WHY TAKE THE PSAT?
• See how well you are doing, how well
prepared you are for college – NOT for
the scholarships (only a very few will
qualify for scholarships through the PSAT/
NMQT)
• Practice for the SAT or ACT. You will get
your test back when you receive the test
results, along with the correct answers, etc.
ACT
September 21st
October 26th **Given at THS**
December 14th **Given at THS**
February 8th
April 12th **Given at THS**
June 14th
Register on-line at:
www.actstudent.org/start
SAT
October 5th
November 2nd **Given at THS**
December 7th
January 25th
March 8th
May 3rd
June 7th **Given at THS**
Register on-line at:
www.sat.collegeboard.org
The THS Theatre Department’s Schedule for this Year:
The Sound of Music
November 15-16 at 7:00 PM
November 17 at 2:00 PM
Volume 1, Issue 1
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead
February 20-22
7:00 PM
4
The Misanthrope
April 10-12
7:00 PM
Trojan Nation
Historical Society
and Media Center
WELCOME BACK FROM THE THS
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Topeka High School Historical Society
wants to welcome back to school new and
returning students. Our wish for you is a year
full of memories that will last your lifetime.
Tradition is what makes Topeka High unique
from other schools. We suggest that you
become involved in one or many of those
traditions. Go to the Friday night football
games; try out for the musical; help your
class build a float for Homecoming; submit
a piece for Mandala; sign up for the Daisy
Chain; eat lunch in the Student Cafeteria;
be on the SRO crew; join one of the many
clubs; expect excellence in your studies; and
so much more. We challenge all students to
become part of the rich heritage of Topeka
High.
The mission of the THS Historical Society
is to Preserve, Promote and Enhance the
Traditions and Heritage of Topeka High
School. We are able to achieve this mission
with the support of Topeka High graduates
and friends. Because of the generosity of
people who love Topeka High, we have been
able to assist the Topeka Board of Education
with many projects at Topeka High. Some
of those projects include: creation of the
Trojan Statue and Trojan Plaza; repair and
restoration of 6 areas of stained glass;
restoration and replication of 24 Student
Cafeteria chandeliers; restoration of the
David Overmyer mural in the THS Woodward
Library; and restoration and repair of the
Volume 1, Issue 1
Mulvane Chimes.
We assist classes who are planning their
reunions, organize the THS Graduate Hall
of Fame ceremony during Homecoming
weekend; keep track of contact information
for all THS graduates; sponsor an Alumni &
Friends Lunch on the first Monday of each
month; and help celebrate Topeka High
milestones (Ultimate Reunion in 1996 and
75th Anniversary in 2006).
Remember that ‘Once a Trojan, Always a
Trojan’. Fill your four years at Topeka High
with experiences that you’ll remember with
pride for a lifetime. Topeka High’s tradition of
excellence was created by its students. It’s up
to you to carry on the tradition.
We invite parents and students to stop
by our office on second floor, across from
the Hall of Fame Room, where Topeka High
memorabilia is displayed in your Topeka High
museum. For more information about the
Topeka High School Historical Society go to
our website (Alumni tab) linked to the THS
website.
THE CHESTER WOODWARD
LIBRARY/MEDIA CENTER!
Your students were offered the
opportunity to come to the library during
their Science, Social Studies, Language Arts,
Special Ed., FACS, World Language, AVID, and
Math classes at some point in the month of
September. October looks to be just as busy
as students explore the Career Pipeline.
Mornings are also a busy time. For the
5
month of September, over 500 students spent
their early mornings in the facility. If your
student needs a place to finish homework or
just hang out, please encourage him/her to
come up and have a look. Please point out to
your student that there are fliers on display
in the hallways highlighting the “Best Books
offered at the Chester Woodward Library”.
Additionally, the Chester Woodward
Library presented displays on careers,
banned books, Hispanic Heritage month and
all the newly delivered titles. The library also
held a ‘just-for-fun” contest to see who could
correctly guess the number of items buried
in the jar of rice. Congratulations go out to
Marissa Fillyaw for making the correct guess.
Marissa won Skittles which we’re sure she’ll
share.
http://www.facebook.com/
TopekaHighSchoolLibraryFriends.
MEDIA CENTER NEWS
The year is off to a great and hectic start.
The media center has been busy checking out
books (yeah!), helping students with projects
(already!), making student id badges, and
distributing the passwords for both computer
log ins and PS log ins.
Many students, having discovered that the
library is open at 7am, are coming in to a
quiet space in which they can finish their work
and access the computers. Encourage your
student(s) to take advantage of the hours, the
quiet atmosphere, and the new books.
Trojan Nation
Department News
BUSINESS EDUCATION NEWS
Congratulations to Miranda Figgs! She
qualified and is going to National Business
Plan Competition with her business LOL
Knitting. She will be competing for $10,000.
COMPUTER NEWS
Computer classes are “hitting the ground
running!”
Congratulations to Jamal Samo who
is our WEB MASTER this year! And Austin
McClure who is our Assistant Web Master.
Zach Hastings and Mariah Rodriguez have
also been feverishly working on the THS Web
site. The updates being done will help all stay
in touch with the happenings here.
Web Design
The new Web Design students have already
made several web pages in DreamWeaver
and in HTML. THey are helping with ideas
for the new site. We are looking forward to
designing and creating the new look for the
THS Web Site.
MultiMedia
The MultiMedia classes have been editing
photos, using PhotoShop. PhotoShop is the
first industry-standard piece of software we
will learn parts of. Students have made “Twin
Towers”, electronic tattoos, fancy lettering
and more!
Look at these samples of student work:
After PhotoShop, the students did an
interior model of a home in SketchUp, which
is a free download. Mastering the navigation
tools was the hardest part.
Currently they are using Adobe InDesign
to create a realtor flier for a realistic home.
This desktop publishing piece of software is
an industry-standard application that allows
the user to design print and web materials
with graphics, color and flare!
are working towards a program that will
provide opportunities for certifications in the
following programs.
Integrated Computer Applications
The Integrated Computer Applications
classes have learned shortcuts and
appropriate business techniques to use
so that when they are in the work force
their work will be efficient. Here are some
shortcuts you might want to try. They work
on a Macintosh (⌘) or a PC (Ctrl).
Ctrl/⌘ [ make font smaller
Ctrl/⌘ A Select All
Ctrl/⌘B Bold
Ctrl/⌘CCopy
Ctrl/⌘E Center
Ctrl/⌘I Italics
Ctrl/⌘ N New document
Ctrl/⌘OOpen
Ctrl/⌘P Print
Ctrl/⌘QQuit
Ctrl/⌘S Save
Ctrl/⌘UUnderline
Ctrl/⌘Z Undo
ProStart National Certificate of
Achievement which qualifies them for
scholarships and college credits.
For more information go to:
www.nraef.org/prostart
ServSafe Certification
We are also working towards articulation
agreements with The Hospitality and
Culinary Arts Institutes. This would allow
student to transfer college credits toward a
hospitality or culinary arts degree.
One of our goals is to have students
that will be the ones who will be
hired, whether it is an after school
job or summer job or more.
FAMILY AND CONSUMER
SCIENCE NEWS
FCS better known as the Family Consumer
Sciences utilizes the Hospitality and Tourism
pathway to implement certifications after
completion of Culinary Arts courses. We
Topeka High Culinary Instructors have
attended the ProStart Institute, the Kansas
Summer Culinary Arts School and received
certification for theses culinary arts
programs as well as the ServSafe Managers
Certification.
LINK CREW NEWS
Once again, Link Crew hosted a Freshman Spirit Day to
support the Freshman Football team. This year the event was
on Sept. 26th vs. Shawnee Heights at 5:00 at Hummer Sports
Volume 1, Issue 1
Park. The tickets included a free entrance into the pre-game
carnival, food, a bus ride to the game and entrance into the
game. This was a very fun and successful event.
6
Trojan Nation
Department News (cont.)
This year the instructors are looking for
ways to implement the ServSafe food handler
program so that students are able to pass
the exam and receive their own certification.
They are also building connections with
industry leaders. This is vital for program
development.
Culinary Club/FCCLA
This year Topeka High will have a Culinary
Club/FCCLA. We are anticipating that student
leadership will develop throughout the school
year.
The mission of the Culinary Club/FCCLA
is to promote and develop personal growth
areas such leadership skills, character,
creative and critical thinking, interpersonal
skills and practical knowledge. The Culinary
Club/FCCLA members regularly participate
in community service projects. Past projects
have included catering events and food
fundraisers to raise money for Camp-SmileA-Mile, suicide prevention, the ASPCA, Hanna
Home, and more.
ART NEWS
The Art Department for August prepared
the Aaron Douglas art show for September
on the 21st.
We had the Design show up for
September’s 1st Friday art show.
The Aaron Douglas Art Fair was on
Saturday the 21st and located at 12th & Lane
in the back of the Dillons, next to the Aaron
Douglas Mural Wall.
Shelby Kerr will be student director of the
show. Two other students will be helping her
in this venture.
BAND NEWS
Congratulations to our new drum majors
for this year’s Trojan Marching Band. Kris
Hernandez - jr, Savanna Whitaker-jr. and Elaina
Bargas-sr. will be leading the band this year.
This past July they attended drum major
camp at Kansas State University. Elaina
was awarded “Outstanding Drum Major”
at the camp!! Way to go Elaina. All three
girls represented Topeka High in a most
professional and spirited manner!
Kudos to Sal Cruz and his drum line for
all of their summer performances. They
performed at numerous county and city
fairs and events this past summer. They
received 1st place in the Osage County
Fair parade competition edging out the
Baldwin City Band & the Santa Fe Trail Band.
These students represented Topeka High
in a very professional and musical manner.
They are already booked for over a dozen
performances between August 15 and Sept.
15.
The Advanced Jazz Band will be
performing on Friday evening from 6 - 7 in the
new Kansas Furniture Mall in the West Ridge
Mall. Formerly the Jones Store and then
Macy’s, this store will be home to the Kansas
Furniture Mall. Come out and start the Labor
Day weekend with some free refreshments,
THS jazz music, and more couches than you
can imagine!
The Trojan Band has received an invitation
to perform at Walt Disney World in Orlando,
Florida over spring break. We have been
invited to perform at Magic Kingdom Park
on March 17th and EPCOT Center on March
18th. Pam McComas, trip coordinator and
Mr. Holloman, Mrs. Antonetti and Mr. Cruz
will be working on details for this trip. This
will be an awesome opportunity for our band
students. Sal Cruz has promised to not wear
his speedo when they visit Cocoa Beach, FL.
DEBATE
We had a big opening tournament as a
squad on Friday and Saturday, October 21,
22, at Washburn Rural.
We fielded five teams and ended the
weekend as a squad with a 17-12 record.
Here are how individual teams fared:
Sophomores Megan Lacolla-Linquist and
Elizabeth Mugler competed in the Open
division, and ended prelims with a 4-2 record.
They missed breaking into open quarterfinals,
but made it into the Sophomore Breakout
division where they lost in semifinals, but
earned a 3rd place recognition.
Our two novice teams were ON FIRE:
The team of Sophomores Isabelle
Bauguess and Madison Sawyer ended their
day with a 4-1 record earning them 4th place
in the Novice Division. Madison was the
9th place speaker, and Isabelle was the Top
Speaker of the tournament.
The team of Dele Adegbore and Colton
Glasscock ended with an impressive 5-0
record, and Dele was the 2nd place speaker
in novice.
Our two remaining teams of Sophomores
Brian Truesdale/Thomas Kensinger and Junior
Lucas Ryan and Senior Madison Lockhart ran
into some tough draws their first couple
debates, but both finished strong winning 2
of their last 3 debates on Saturday.
Our next tournament is on Saturday at
Emporia High School where we field an
additional open team, and several novice
teams will get their fist taste of the activity.
AVID 2015
The Junior AVID class will be reviewing Cornell Notes,
planner, setting up their binder, and discussing their Junior
college portfolio. On September 17th at 7:00 pm in the
Volume 1, Issue 1
Teacher’s cafeteria there was a commitment signing of the
AVID contract. We are glad to say that we received 100%
participation from students and parents.
7
Trojan Nation
Department News (cont.)
Needless to say we are all proud of how we
did weekend one, and are all anxious to see if
our debaters keep raising the bar!
Thank you for your support, and if you
ever have any questions or concerns about
our students in your classes, feel free to let
me know! If you are interested in tracking
our progress throughout the season, you can
check out our facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/
TopekaHighSchoolDebateAndForensics.
LANGUAGE ARTS NEWS
iREAD20 is a district reading initiative
challenging all students at every grade level
to read 20 extra minutes outside the school
day. The research is clear-students who are
actively engaged in reading develop a greater
vocabulary, have greater academic success,
score higher on standardized assessments,
and are more likely to have a positive
educational experience. In support of this
initiative, students will be required to choose
a book from grade level lists to read on their
own time. Please be on the lookout for these
books as they come home and discuss them
with your students. With parental support, we
know this initiative can make a difference in
your student’s education.
GREETINGS FROM THE MATH
DEPARTMENT
As we approach the end of the first quarter,
things seem to be progressing smoothly
in the math department. We will soon be
welcoming Ms. Cabili back from maternity
leave and then the math department will be
back in full force. To provide for consistency
amongst the classes, we have subject
centered collaboration sessions for teachers
teaching Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry
and Algebra 2 at least once a week. As an
Algebra 2 teacher, I can tell you that the
Algebra 2 teachers are slowly learning the
traits of the new Algebra 2 textbook. We are
working together to insure that this transition
to the new text is as smooth as possible. The
other groups are also committed to working
together for the best interest of the students.
The math department will be having
students participate in the following
competitions:
1) Emporia Math Relays, October 30
2) Washburn Math Day, November 5
3) AMC 10/12, February 4
4) Pittsburg State Math Relays, April 15
5) Trig Star Competition, a date still to be determined in late April/early May
Students interested in participating in any
of these competitions should contact their
math teacher or Mrs. Bailey in room 322.
PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS
We have had a great start to the school
year. All students need to make sure they
have a shirt, shorts and tennis each day for
PE. They also need to have a notebook for
health. Our first unit has been fitness testing
that incorporates the five components of
physical fitness: body composition, muscular
strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and
cardiovascular endurance. The students have
done an amazing job, we hope they continue
to keep up the great work.
MILITARY SCIENCE DEPT.
NAVAL HONOR SCHOOL AWARD: This
selection places the Topeka High School
Marine JROTC unit in the top 5% of all
MCJROTC Units nation wide. This is the 8th
straight selection.
JUGGERNAUT AWARD: The first time
this award has been presented and named
in honor of the efforts from/of the THS
MCJROTC unit.
Portions below are excerpts from an
e-mail written by LtCol Carruth Regional
Director for the 3rd
MARINE JROTC
REGION.
Competition for Naval Honor School
(NHS) is getting pretty keen. There was only a
slim margin separating the top seven schools
(Forsyth, Kentwood, Mountain Grove,
Pacific, Portage, Selma, and Topeka (listed
in alphabetical order). Additionally, Lincoln,
Como Park and Michigan City just missed the
cut by the slightest of margins.
Special recognition to Selma for their
community service efforts and to Topeka for
their involvement in just about everything this
year. Who says that one instructor can’t do it
all.
A warm welcome goes out to Mr. Duane
Pomeroy and his wife Debbie for taking on
the challenge of working with the Marine
JROTC program at Topeka High. He will
be filling the role as the Marine Instructor
(MI) until SgtMaj Lewallen and his wife
Cheri arrive mid September of this year. Mr.
Pomeroy has hit the ground running and has
already become INVALUABLE to the cadets
and to Gunner and Kelly Kelley.
1.Regional Director’s Community Service
Award - A very important aspect of the
Marine Corps Junior ROTC Program
is what the instructors and the cadets
give back to their school and their
community. This past year, Selma High
School MCJROTC Program logged over
8,500 hours (almost 73 hours per cadet)
of community service during the 20122013 school year. Congratulations to the
instructors and cadets for their dedication
to school and community.
A Topeka High School Publication
Edited by Jaliyah Moss in conjunction with her Professional Learning Experience
Sponsored by Robert Hays and Anne Hageman
Volume 1, Issue 1
8
Trojan Nation
Department News (cont.)
2.Regional Director’s Juggernaut Award
- New award this year that is meant to
distinguish and reward the unit that is
leaning forward, blazing new trails, and
overcoming obstacles to get the mission
accomplished. This years’ award goes to
CWO-3 Kelley and the cadets at Topeka
High School. Running the program by
himself most of last year, CWO-3 Kelley
picked up the pace; standing a much
improved IG inspection, supervising
cadets in conducting 8850 community
service hours 88.3 hours per THS Cadet,
6 drill competitions, 6 rifle matches, 2
YPFTs, and thirteen Program of Instruction
(POI) events. That does not include this
summer’s attendance with 39 cadets at the
WMA CLC/SLC and 5 cadets at the Region
1 STEM camp this summer. That counts
for next year.
Congratulations to the Cadets of
this program! This award cycle couldn’t
have happened without the hard work and
dedication of the Cadets, their parents,
Semper Fi (our parents group) and the many
MILITARY PERSONNEL from ALL military
services in and around Topeka, Kansas. To
Dr Wiley, thank you for you leadership and
continued support. Without you, Mr.Hays
and the entire support staff of Topeka High
School, our unit couldn’t keep the arduous
pace needed for a unit of this caliber. This
unit demonstrates community projects
support the ENTIRE Topeka family.
NEWS FROM THE SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT
Science is LIFE.
L--- Live (Do)
I--- Inquire (Ask why)
F--- Find (Discover)
E--- Engage (Learn)
This year the science department
welcomes two new teachers to our midst.
Amanda Bixel is joining us for her first
teaching job after graduating from KU last
spring. She will be teaching Biology and
Zoology.
Celeste Arnold, who is originally from
Minnesota, comes to us from Derby High
School. She will be teaching Biology and
Earth Science. Ms. Arnold is also a member
of the Air National Guard.
The science staff are all very excited about
these new additions and welcome them to
our department.
Also this year, Smitha Elangikal and Karla
Gaines will be bringing a new project to their
classes. Both of these teachers, along with
18 other teachers from across Kansas, were
chosen to be part of a project developed
at Rutgers University called Project PArKa,
(Planting Antarctica in Kansas). Their students
will be working with Marine biologists and
research scientists in Antarctica studying the
effect of increased carbon dioxide levels by
looking at krill populations in Antarctica. In
the classrooms, students will be conducting
a group of labs to learn about field research
and experiment development. They will
then have an opportunity to discuss the
krill project with the research scientists in
Antarctica by way of live video conferences.
In the spring, the students will conduct their
own research projects and will present them
to other students from across Kansas and to
the Scientists from Rutgers.
Ms. Elangikal and Ms. Gaines feel that this
project will increase student motivation and
interest in field science opportunities.
SOCIAL STUDIES NEWS
The THS Social Studies department is
very excited about a new school year. The
department would like to welcome new
teachers to the building John Keller teaching
psychology and Tim Overman who will be
teaching World History and US History. The
SS department is sporting new textbooks in
all US History and Government classes. We
look forward to a great year here at THS.
WORLD LANGUAGES
Chinese, German, French, Spanish!!!
Students at THS have amazing opportunities
to learn about culture and language that
will supplement other course work. It is
important that students on this adventure
remember to study every day! Learning a
language involves homework and STUDY!!
Please e-mail the teacher if you ever have
questions about assignments or class work
so all students can continue to progress as
a class. Attendance and homework are the
two keys to success for learning a foreign
language!
All students are invited to attend the various
language club meetings. Information for
each club will be available at the club fair or
through any language teacher. Just because
you don’t study a language, doesn’t mean
you can’t socialize with students who have
a similar interest!! Come to the meetings,
make friends and have fun!!
For an even richer experience, travel
opportunities to France and Germany will
happen this summer. For more information,
e-mail/call Amy Calhoun or Janice Waldo as
these trips are open to both students and
parents.
The Topeka Public Schools, Unified School District No. 501 is committed to affirmative action and equal opportunity. No person shall, on the basis of
age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, national origin or ancestry be denied lawful
access to any appropriate educational service, program or activity provided by the school district. The Title IX compliance coordinator is the executive
director of administration. The Section 504 compliance coordinator is the general director of special services. For employment, the EEO/AA officer
is the general director of human resources. All compliance coordinators may be contacted at 624 SW 24th Street, Topeka, KS 66611-1294, (785)
295-3000. The clerk of the Board of Education has been designated to receive and redirect or handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies,
regulations and procedures. The clerk may be contacted by calling (785) 295-3045 or by writing to 624 SW 24th Street, Topeka, Kansas 66611-1294.
Volume 1, Issue 1
9
Trojan Nation