The Weekly Update #4
January 18th, 2024
Welcome to February! The start of February also marks the start of our assessment windows. With that being said, it is very important that students are present each day and are well rested and have a positive mindset when conquering these assessments. Here are some good habits for students to develop that will help your student’s to make the most of their learning day at school and will help tremendously during assessments.
A good night's rest the night before an assessment. (make sure they turn off their computer/phone screens)
Wake up in a timely manner the morning of an assessment so there isn’t a feeling of being rushed and anxiousness
Eat a healthy breakfast
Bring water, stay hydrated
Our assessment window includes a variety of tests. Below is a list of assessment names, dates, and group of students it is administered to at Chase Middle School.
Feb. 5-9: District Writing Assessment for grades 6-8
Feb. 5-15: KELPA for English Language Learners in grades 6-8
Feb. 6: PSAT for AVID students
We will continue with state assessments in March after spring break and the early part of April. We appreciate your support in helping your child be present at school each day and prepared to do their best on upcoming assessments. ~Ms. Spalding
Parent-Teacher Conferences & High School Enrollment
Parent Teacher Conferences will be held on February 21 from 3:30-7:30 pm and February 22nd from 7:30am-7:30pm. We will close on the 22nd for lunch from 12-1pm. Advisor base teachers will reach out to schedule a conference time with you and then you are free to schedule time with or drop in on any other teachers. Students should attend the conference with their Chromebook as they will be leading the conference.
-High school enrollment: Please take a moment during parent-teacher conferences to speak to our Chase middle school counselors. They will be prepared to walk through the high school classes that your 8th grader has expressed an interest in being enrolled into. 8th graders with last name A-K will meet with Ms. Sage and 8th graders with last name L-Z will meet with Mr. Hershberger.
-May 1st students will visit the high school they are scheduled to attend.
If you have any questions regarding the high school enrollment process, please contact Ms. Sage (students last name A-K) or Mr. Hershberger (students last name L-Z).
Daily Attendance
MAKE SCHOOL ATTENDANCE A PRIORITY
Talk about the importance of showing up to school every day.
Help your children maintain daily routines, such as finishing homework and getting a good night’s sleep.
Try not to schedule dental and medical appointments during the school day.
Keep your child healthy, and if you are concerned about Covid-19, call your school for advice.
If your children must stay home because they are sick or in quarantine, make sure they have asked teachers for resources and materials to make up for the missed learning time in the classroom.
Please contact our school counselors with any attendance questions or concerns. Mrs. Sage dsage@tps501.org or Mr. Hershberger khershberger@tps501.org We want to work with parents in getting their students to school. Please remember a missed school day is a lost opportunity for students to learn. Teacher effectiveness is the strongest predictor of student success, but chronic absenteeism reduces even the best teacher’s ability to provide learning opportunities. We appreciate your efforts! For more information regarding the importance of attendance go to www.attendanceworks.org
Chase Middle School Hours
The school building will be open to students at 7:20 a.m. Prior arrangements need to be made if students need to meet with an individual teacher or work in the media center. Students who do not have school business or are in the after school program are to be out of the building by 3:00 p.m. Parents are asked to contact the principal if there are reasons why students need to arrive at school prior to 7:20 a.m. or remain later than 3:00 p.m. Students are to be off campus by 3:15 p.m. unless other arrangements are made with the administrative staff. Breakfast will be served from 7:20-7:42 a.m. Students must be in their classroom by 7:50 a.m. Students are tardy for school if they are not in their classroom by the 7:50 a.m. bell.
Classroom Happenings
PE/Health class finished up fitness testing and learning about the components of fitness. Right now students are working on their hockey unit. We are learning the rules, history, and skills required to play the game. We will be having a class tournament to find the ultimate hockey champion for each hour. The week of February 5th-9th all PE/Health students will be doing their health unit for the 3rd quarter. Students will have daily assignments during their health week, but will have time to finish most of the assignments in class. Please help your student to remember to turn their work in.
Counselor's Corner
High School Counselors came to speak with the 8th graders about what high school is all about. Our 8th graders have been working diligently on creating their schedules with Mrs. Sage and Mr. Hershberger. Please stop and see the counselors with questions during Parent-Teacher Conferences.
We are gearing up for the 2nd Annual Chase Middle School Career Fair. Mrs. Sage and Mr. Hershberger have gathered professionals from around the community to come and speak with all students about what they love about their jobs, education, salary, and training that is necessary to be a part of those fields. Students will get the opportunity to hear about 6 different occupations and ask questions from those professionals on February 13th.
Items for Families
Chase Middle School is fortunate to have acquired hygiene items to provide our families with items they may need. Here is a list of items that we currently have in stock. If your family has a need for any of these items, you can fill out this simple form, or call us with which items you need. This link will also be on our school website to access as needed.
- Laundry detergent
- Deodorant
- Chapstick
- Combs
- Toothpaste
- 2 in 1 Shampoo/Conditioner
- Face wash
- Bar soap Hand sanitizer
8th Grade Trip
It is our plan to take our 8th grade class to Worlds of Fun, Friday, May 17, 2024. This trip is a reward for all 8th graders who earn it by demonstrating the CHASE WAY. The cost of the trip will be $31 per student. Any food or drink purchased at the park will be at the student’s expense. We will provide a sack lunch for each student. A payment plan option is available to you this year. Simply bring in any
amount of money that you would like to go toward your ticket cost. It will be put in an "account" in your name and you will be given a receipt. Once you have paid for the ticket in full you will receive a
receipt showing "PAID IN FULL” Payment for the field trip must be paid in advance. Checks should be payable to Chase Middle School.
Eighth graders wishing to attend are expected to have no F’s, no out of school suspensions, and less than 3 ISS incidents. Students must also have at least one eligibility point remaining during the 4th quarter. We will check student profiles weekly beginning March 19th and will continue until Thursday, May 16, 2024. Students must meet the eligibility criteria in order to be invited to attend. Students who purchase a ticket and then become ineligible after the tickets have been ordered, will NOT be reimbursed for their ticket as it is non-refundable through WOF.
Students will leave Chase MS by 8:15 AM on May 17th. Students will be given ample time to explore the park independently with friends. They will be required to appear at two mandatory “check point” times. Students will need to bring money for lunch. Students will return to Chase around 5:00 p.m. We will leave and return from the parking lot at Chase MS.
Please remember that this is a reward for students who meet the criteria, not an absolute for every 8th grader. Students who are not eligible to attend the trip or do not wish to go will have an alternate schedule the day of the trip.
If you have further questions, please call your student’s Advisor Base teacher at 295-3840.
Girls Researching Our World
Middle school students will participate in hands-on STEM activities designed by K-State faculty, staff and student organizations. Each activity will showcase a "STEM superhero" (past or present) and the amazing contributions they made or are making in their field. The mission of GROW is to increase girls' interest in STEM fields. All students in grades 6-8 are welcome to attend. You will find information below.
Athletic Updates
Boys Basketball is off to a great start this year. We have 45 boys out at this time. All practices are after school with the Varsity/JV practicing after school from 3:00- 5:00. Games are Mondays and Thursdays, with one varsity tournament on Saturday February 10th@ Topeka West High School, and the final play night on Wednesday March 6th @ Highland Park HS @ 6:00. All regular games start at 3:15 PM and are usually over by 5:30 PM. Games cost $2.00 to enter. Students with an honors card get in for $1.00. Students must be passing all classes to come to games. Students that become a distraction at the games will be asked to leave and not return. If a student is asked to leave a game, they may not come to any more games the remainder of the season.
Failure Policy
Just a reminder that a district wide grade policy is in effect. Any student athlete with an F on their grade checks will be ineligible for the next game until the F is brought up. An F list will be created every Friday, with student athletes informed that day if they are on the report. It is then their responsibility to bring that grade up and communicate with the coach when that has happened with a note from the teacher.
Spectator expectations
We would like to remind spectators that Chase Middle School is a member school of the Kansas State High School Athletic Association (KSHSAA) and is governed by their rules. One of those rules which, we completely support is Rule 52 which states:
ALL ACTIONS are to be FOR, NOT AGAINST; POSITIVE, NOT NEGATIVE or DISRESPECTFUL
Section 1: General Regulations (apply to grades 7-12)
Art. 1: SPORTSMANSHIP is a general way of thinking and behaving. The following sportsmanship policy items are listed below for clarification:
a. Be courteous to all. (participants, coaches, officials, staff and fans)
b. Know the rules, abide by and respect the official’s decisions.
c. Win with character and lose with dignity.
d. Display appreciation for good performance regardless of the team.
e. Exercise self-control and reflect positively upon yourself, team and school.
f. Permit only positive sportsmanlike behavior to reflect on your school or its activities.
We hope that you can attend the games this year to cheer on the Cougars!
Personal Belongings
Chase Middle School takes no responsibility for lost, stolen or broken personal items. We discourage students from bringing ANY electronic devices (including cell phones and wireless earpods), toys or games to school and they must remain OFF in the classroom. Lasers are not allowed in school. Electronic devices including cell phones and wireless earpods used during the school day will be brought to office by an administrator and secured until the end of day.
Cellular phones and electronic devices are not needed at school and must be stored in the student locker during the school day. No student cell phones can be out in the classroom or hallways during school hours. Wireless earpods cannot be used at school for any reason. If a staff member sees a student’s cell phone or wireless earpods, the student will be asked to put them in their locker. If the student refuses, an administrator will be notified to come take the cell phone or earpods to a secure location in the office. Parents will be contacted to come pick up the item(s).
Multiple violations of this policy may result in additional consequences. Sharpies or other permanent markers are not allowed on school property and will be confiscated and not returned. We discourage parents from sending presents, balloons, flowers etc to their children at school. We do not have a safe place to store these during the day. Our school will not take responsibility for these items.
Check out our new reading app: Beanstack!
Beanstack is a reading tracker to encourage students to read outside of class. Musicians get better at their instrument through practice. Athletes get better at their game through practice. Guess how readers can get better?? READING!
Students can log in to Beanstack on their Chromebook or other computer, but you can also download the app to a tablet, phone, or other mobile device to make it as convenient as possible!
We are encouraging students to log their minutes spent reading every time they read. There is even an optional timer built in!
Beanstack creates a reading log showing which days students have read, how long their reading sessions average, reading streaks, reading lists, and they can even check the leaderboards to see how they are doing compared to their friends.
Students who complete challenges can also win prizes! Reading 500 minutes before March 1 will earn any student completing the challenge a hot chocolate break in the library. Stay tuned for future challenges!
For more information, contact Ms. Schwanke in the Chase Library at cschwanke@tps501.org.
Chromebook Repairs
Any student having problems with their chromebook should contact Mrs. Schwanke, Media Specialist at Chase. She can help determine if repairs are needed and help answer questions about "chromebook health"! Call 295-3840 or see Mrs. Schwanke's Techology Help page at:
From the Nurse
Letters have been mailed to parents of students needing immunizations before next school year. T-dap booster and Meningitis are the immunizations needed for 7th grade. If you have any questions, please call Ms. Garst at 785-295-3845.
Grace Med Dental Clinic
GraceMed will be at Chase Middle School, providing dental cleanings during the school day on Thursday, March 21. If you would like your student to be seen by a hygienist, please complete the following link. A representative from GraceMed will contact you directly with more
information. https://gracemed.org/dental-consent You may contact GraceMed directly at (785) 861-8800 or via their website: https://gracemed.org
Sick or Not Sick?
Students learn best when they are healthy and alert in school. Keeping your student home when they are sick promotes a quicker recovery and helps prevent illness for classmates. Below is the district exclusion policy for keeping/sending students home when they are ill, and conditions for when they should return
Here Comes the Bus
Parents can stay updated on transportation by downloading the Here Comes the Bus app!
- View the real-time location of your child’s bus.
- Access the app from your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
- Receive push notifications or email alerts.
- Send your child to the bus stop at just the right time.
How to get started:
- Download the Here Comes the Bus app or visit herecomesthebus.com
- Sign Up by visiting the Here Comes the Bus website.
- Enter school code 29036 and click “Next” followed by “Confirm”
- Complete the “User Profile” box
- Under “My Students,” click “Add" then enter your child’s last name and student ID number
- Once you confirm your information, you’re ready to begin using Here Comes the Bus!
TPS Board of Education Elects New President & Vice President
During their January 18 meeting, the Topeka Public Schools Board of Education elected Mr. Keith Tatum as President and Dr. Randall Schumacher as Vice President for the upcoming year.
We thank board members Ms. Sue Bolley and Mrs. Melanie Stuart-Campbell for their service as the 2023 TPS Board President and Vice President.
As we celebrate School Board Recognition Month throughout January, you can learn more about our outstanding board members by visiting topekapublicschools.net.
TPS Students, Staff, & Families Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
On January 15, Topeka Public Schools students, staff, and families attended the annual Living the Dream, Inc. Scholarship & Awards Banquet in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Students from across the district were honored for their artwork, poetry, and essays inspired by the life and legacy of Dr. King, and numerous students from each high school received scholarships.
Congratulations to Mr. Lalo Muñoz, TPS Board of Education member, Mrs. Laura Cluke, music teacher at Williams Science & Fine Arts Magnet School, and Rev. John R. Williams, former TPS Board of Education member, who were all honored with community service awards from Living the Dream, Inc.
TPS Accepting Applications for College Prep Academy
On February 1, the district's middle school College Prep Academy will begin accepting applications from current 6th-grade students for the 2024-2025 school year!
The College Prep Academy, which offers an accelerated curriculum in Math and Computer Science, is housed at TCALC, and students are bused from their home school for a portion of the school day. Students in the College Prep Academy are also exposed to career pathways offered at TCALC.
To have your student considered for a spot in the College Prep Academy, please complete the application form online by March 10, 2024. Accepted students will be notified during the week of April 7.
Dillons Community Food Stores Rewards
To Use the Dillons Food Stores Community Rewards Program:
Simply encourage your participants to visit the appropriate link below..
- For Dillons Stores - go to http://www.dillons.com
- For Baker's Stores - go to http://www.bakersplus.com
- For Gerbes Stores - go to http://www.gerbes.com
*Customers must have a registered Dillons Food Stores rewards card account to link to your organization.
*If a member does not yet have a Dillons Food Stores rewards card, please let them know they are available at the customer service desk at any Dillons Food Stores
REMEMBER, purchases will not count for your organization until after your participants register their rewards card.
Participants must swipe their registered Dillons Food Stores rewards card or use the phone number that is related to their registered Dillons Food Stores rewards card when shopping for each purchase to count.
Thank you!
Dillons Food Stores Community Rewards Department
Bullying Policy
Chase Middle School will not tolerate bullying of any kind. Bullying is defined as any ongoing verbal or physical mistreatment where there is an imbalance of power, and the target/victim is exposed repeatedly to negative actions by one or more students. Bullying can be direct (physical or verbal), or indirect (exclusion, cyber-bullying, emotional). In order for everyone to feel safe and secure at school, every Topeka Public School has adopted the following rules against bullying. “I will not bully others. I will try to help students who are bullied. I will do my best to include students who are easily left out. When I know somebody is being bullied, I will tell an adult at school and an adult at home.” Students, staff, and parents should report any bullying that they are aware of to administration through the on-line bully report link on the Chase website. Students who bully others will receive consequences. Our counselors and administration have visited 6th, 7th and 8th grade classes in August and January to remind students what bullying is, what we can do to prevent bullying, and what students should do if they or someone else is being bullied.
Notice of Non-Discrimination
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 VI and Title IX compliance coordinator is the Assistant Superintendent for Teaching/Learning/Administration. The Section 504/Title II compliance coordinator is the Coordinator of College and Career Ready 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, KS 66611-1294.