2008–2009 TOPS News Archive

This archive contains all news items that have appeared on the TOPS home page since August 1, 2002.

PARKING TIP for 8th Grade Passage, Friday, June 12

Additional parking will be available at St. Patrick's Church (2702 Broadway E) on Friday evening.

Reduction in Force Petition!!

Mr. O’Connor and Ms. Reiter

A Petition has been created in response to the recent Reduction in Force layoffs of two TOPS teachers, Tom O’Connor, 7th and 8th grade Social Studies, and Elizabeth Reiter, 5th grade.

Show your support for our teachers by signing the petition and sharing personal comments. A petition can be found in most classrooms, Main Office and the Library. Please contact Barbara Rockey barbararockey@yahoo.com with any questions about the petition.

Vote for Site Council and BLT Reps!

Now is the time to elect
parent/guardian representatives
to the 2009-2010 Site Council.

Read the Candidate Statements.
Fill out the Ballot by Monday June 8th at 3:30 pm.

Hard copies will be included in the Go Home on Thursday June 4th.

2009 TOPS Artfest– TODAY!!

This year’s Artfest happens today: May 15th, 2009 from 5:30 PM to 9 PM at the TOPS Library!

Don' miss your chance to see a school wide presentation of wonderful art created by TOPS students with the help of art teachers, Cynthia Livak and Luzita Roll. (Updated 5/14/09)

 

Elementary School Play: Friday, Saturday

Our K–5 students will perform The Moral to the Story Is, a TOPS original musical adaptation of Aesop's fables.

Performances: 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16, Todd Jamieson Auditorium.
Admission: $4.00 per adult • $2.00 per student and seniors • $20.00 family pass available for families attending both performances. (Posted 5/15/09)

Put Your Mouth Where Your Money Is!

Last year Friends of TOPS (FOT) funded over $180,000 in programs to benefit the TOPS Community.
We want your opinion as we decide which programs to fund in the 2009–2010 school year.

Please complete this online survey by Friday May 15th (extended deadline).
Hard copies will also be available in the TOPS office. Thank you from the FOT Finance Committee! (Updated 5/14/09)

Summer BASKETBALL–INTERACTIVE GAMING CAMP 2009

TOPS P.E. teacher, basketball coach and gaming enthusiast, Eric Herndon, offers his world famous basketball and gaming camps in late June and early July.
Download an application form here for more information. (Posted 5/08/09)

Spring for TOPS Online!

Many of the valuable TOPS programs are at risk due to lack of funds!
You can help, right here, right now– Click the Donate button to make your PayPal contribution to help "Bridge the Gap". 

Donations go to the Friends of The Option Program at Seward.

Bridge the Gap Video

Don and his video posse have made a video showing us all the enriching and special programs at TOPS that cannot happen with your support!

TOPS Go-Home and Newsletter: Ready to Read!

The newest TOPS Thursday Go-Home is bursting with important info about the success of the TOPS Auction, upcoming ArtFest, school district budget meeting news, Site Council announcements and much more.

TOPS still has a newspaper! The May edition TOPS News spotlights all the wonderful teachers that make TOPS the incredible place that it is! (Updated 5/14/09)

Get Your TOPS
Tee Shirts this week!

Shirts on sale outside the office: Friday, 3:00–3:40 pm. Cash or Check Only.
Or purchase your TOPS tee shirt at the TOPS Auction on Saturday where you can use your credit card.

 

 

 

 

RFPs are Due May 1st!!

If you need money from Friends of TOPS for the 2009-10 school year, download an RFP form [PDF]  [DOC]
Requests For Proposals are due on Friday, May 1st.

 

 

 

TOPS AUCTION
5 pm at the Asian Resource Center.
ONLINE PREVIEW!
View the Auction Catalog and make a donation on line at http://tops.maestroweb.com. Invitations have been mailed. Be sure to RSVP by April 8 to receive a $5 discount on your reservation.

Invite your family and friends to come to the auction! Extra invitations are available in the office. For more auction news and details go to the TOPS Auction webpage.

Call or e-mail Volunteer Coordinator Beth Eagen if you can help with the auction: 206-723-5149 or b_eagen@hotmail.com   (Updated 4/4/09)

 

 

 

TOPS Middle School Boys' Soccer Game Schedule

Date	Time	Home	Visitor	Site
Sat. March 14th	8:00	TOPS	Salmon Bay	Rainier Beach
Sat. Mar. 21st	8:00	TOPS	Madison	Denny
Sat. Apr. 11th	9:30	Meany	TOPS	Denny
Sat. April 18th	9:30	Washington	TOPS	Denny
Sat. Apr. 25th	9:30	TOPS	Denny	Denny
Sat May 2nd	9:30	Aki Kurose	TOPS	Denny

Playoffs TBA Week of May 4th–May 9th
Rainier Beach: 8815 Seward Park S • Denny Location: 8402 30th Avenue SW

Mr. Zemke documented your favorite night wrigglers at the Glowout Dance and has posted the photographic evidence at Don's Smug Mug photo site.

School Start Time May Change!

The Seattle School District may change TOPS' start time to 8:00 AM for the 2009–2010 school year. The decision will be made soon and the Site Council is collecting information.

The current proposal is posted on the SPS web site:
www.seattleschools.org/area/board/08-09agendas/030409agenda/transportationpresentation.pdf
District FAQ about the proposal are here:
www.seattleschools.org/area/m_news/20090302_bell_time_faq.pdf

See the latest Go-Home for complete information.

Spring Break 2009 CAMPS

TOPS P.E. teacher, basketball coach and gaming enthusiast Eric Herndon will be running his Basketball Camp 2009 and Interactive Gaming Camps over the upcoming Spring Break from March 30th–April 3rd.

Basketball Camp: Focus on basketball fundamentals, passing, shooting and dribbling, as well as team offensive and defensive techniques.

Gaming Camp: Includes gym activities combined with gaming on the Wii, X-Box and Playstation. Space is limited.

Location: TOPS Gym • 2500 Franklin Ave., E (206) 252-3516
Contact: Eric Herndon elherndon@seattleschools.org
Download the Spring Camps Form for more details.

April Newsletter Deadline Almost Here!

The deadline for submissions to the April issue is Monday, March 9th. The April issue is usually full of information on the TOPS Auction, Earth Day and stewardship activities, preview of WASL, summer camps, elementary play, Art Fest, and all those spring things to come.
If you have a contribution, send it ASAP to Jamie Flaxman or Ann Simonson at topsnewsletter@gmail.com!

Donate to the TOPS Auction the FUN WAY!!

Host a TOPICS for Grown-Ups Party!
Here's how your TOPS family can host a fun, social event:

• The host chooses a theme, a date, how many guests they would like to have, and how much to charge per person.
• The sign up fee usually ranges anywhere from $20 to $100 per person, depending on what you feel your Topic is worth.
• At the auction, guests sign up to attend the party until the party is full. Many people join with two or three other families to host a party.

Previous TOPICS party themes included:

Adult Ski Bus to Crystal Mt. • Cabernet and Crafts • Evening in Casablanca Dinner • Flip Flop Lemon Drop • Garden Stone Workshop • Guilty Pleasures: Pride and Prejudice Marathon, • Jewelry Class • Learn How To Make Challah • Literary Scavenger Hunt • Sanity Saturday For Moms • Truffle Making • Watercolor En Plein Air • Wine Tasting

So think of something you enjoy doing, share it with the TOPS community and raise money for our school– all at the same time!
Download the TOPICS for Grown-Ups Donation Form.

2nd Annual TOPS BOOK FAIR!

Wednesday, March 18, 2009– 10 am to 4:30 pm
Taste of TOPS Night Thurs., March 19, 2009– 10 am to 9 pm
Join us at the TOPS Library to browse and buy books that will benefit TOPS, you and a local bookstore, The Secret Garden.
Download the Book Fair flyer for more details.

Volunteers Needed! Help make this year's Book Fair a success!
Contact Susan Welch at susan.welch1@comcast.net  (Updated 2/22/09)

TOPS Go-Home and Newsletter: Ready to Read!

The newest TOPS Thursday Go-Home is bursting with important info about the 2009 Spring Into Action TOPS Auction, TOPS Movie Night, TOPS Book Fair, the The Big Climb for Mikael Perla to raise money for the Leukemia/Lymphoma foundation and much more.

The March edition TOPS News features a great photo spread about the TOPS ski bus fun and the latest scuttlebutt about the Taste of TOPS, Book Fair, Social Justice Topics, the library, the Spring Auction and more.  (Updated 2/26/09)

10th Annual Taste of TOPS

Honoring Chinese Culture–

The Taste of TOPS is an all school multicultural celebration, family potluck, and talent showcase featuring–

• A potluck where all TOPS families bring a favorite family heritage dish or dessert to share with the whole school
• Chinese food specialties served at our Featured Table
• Ongoing entertainment, activities, and culturally-related events throughout the school
• A Book Fair and Talent Showcase

See the Taste of Tops webpage for complete details
Volunteers Needed!! Join the team that makes this all happen:
Lynne Goodrich at goodrich_yas@msn.com or 725-6656  (Updated 2/22/09)

2009 TOPS Artfest

Mark your calendars!
This year’s Artfest will take place on May 15th, 2009 from 5:30 PM to 9 PM at the TOPS Library– the same day as the TOPS Elementary Play ( to be announced).

Here is a chance to see a school wide presentation of wonderful art created by TOPS students with the help of art teachers, Cynthia Livak and Luzita Roll.

Volunteers Needed!! This monumental task needs lots of volunteers and if you are interested in helping, please contact Nancy Hom at skallywag@comcast.net

No Bake a Success!

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s No Bake fall fundraiser a success! Although we came up a bit short of our $90,000 and 100% participation goals, we are thrilled to have raised at least $77,683 contributed by 53% of families for programs that support TOPS students!

There may be a few more donations trickling in and we’ve had a few problems reconciling donations that were made at the workplace. Please be assured that we are working hard to work out the bugs and we hope to have better systems in place for tracking these donations next year.

In the meantime, let’s look forward to even more fundraising success at our TOPS Spring Auction. We would love to have your feedback on this year’s No Bake–

• What types of events or notices would encourage you to donate?
• What did you think of the involvement of the ASB students?
• Do you have any comments or input you’d like to share?

Forward your feedback to Marlies van Bergeijk at 328-3064 or marliesvanb@att.net

Many thanks from the No Bake team!  (Updated 2/13/09)

 

New Dates Added to Tour TOPS 2009 Schedule

Prospective parents may still visit TOPS on these scheduled tour dates–
K-5 Tours: February 10 from 9:30 to 11:00 am, Date Just Added! March 3 from 9:30 to 10:30 am in the Lunchroom.
Middle School Tour: Date Just Added! March 3 from 8:30 to 9:30 am in the Library.

When you visit, please arrive early to find parking. Click for more details.  (Updated 2/10/09)

 

Winter/Spring After School Sports

Ultimate Frisbee! Circus Arts! Jogging! They're all starting soon. Check out the TOPS After School Sports webpage for details.

Save on Mission Ridge Ski Lift Tickets!

Elissa Benson has offered to organize a group purchase of Mission Ridge lift tickets for the TOPS All School Family Ski Weekend, February 19–22, 2009.
Group rates are:

• Adult (ages 18-61): $38.00 incl. WA sales tax
• Student (ages 7-17): $28.00 incl. WA sales tax
• Senior (ages 62 & up): $28.00 incl. WA sales tax

If you are interested in discount priced tickets, contact Elissa by February 10 at benbran@comcast.net or 325-6832.

Please have this information ready: • Your name  • Phone Number  • Email Address  • Number of Adult, Student, Senior tickets • Date for each ticket. We will need at least 15 tickets per day to get the group rate.

ALL SCHOOL Family Ski Weekend

The TOPS mid-winter break ski and snowboard party at Mission Ridge happens February 19–22, 2009. The Cedars Inn in nearby Wenatchee has set aside a block of rooms for TOPS families at a special group rate. The deadline for reservations is February 6th, 2008.

See the Ski Weekend 2009 webpage on the TOPS site or the TOPS December Newsletter, page 9 for complete ski weekend details.  (Updated 1/29/09)

TOPS Go-Home and Newsletter: Ready to Read!

The newest TOPS Thursday Go-Home is bursting with important info about the TOPS Movie Night, the The Big Climb for Mikael Perla to raise money for the Leukemia/Lymphoma foundation, third grade Shakespeare and much more.

The February edition TOPS News features some great photo spreads of the Middle School play, Our Town, ski bus fun and TOPS basketball plus coverage of the School Closures, Food Drive, Penny Harvest and more.  (Updated 1/29/09)

Parent Math Nights– RSVP by Wed., Jan. 28th

TOPS Math Specialist Debbie Bermet is sponsoring three sessions to help parents help our kids with math. If you didn't receive a flyer from your child last week, download it here. Sessions dates are:

• Friday: Jan 30th, 2:30-3:15 pm
• Monday: Feb 2nd, 8:30-9:15 am
• Monday: Feb 2nd, 5:15-6:00 pm

Respond (check the form for details) to Debbie Bermet by January 28th so she knows how many home baked treats to bring! If not enough people RSVP the session will be cancelled.  (Posted 1/24/09)

 

TOPS Movie Night– January 30th

Friday January 30th, 6:00-9:00 pm in the TOPS Library.
TOPS Movie Night presents Kids on the Ave, a documentary about teen homelessness in Seattle. Doors open at 6:00 pm and the films will show at 6:30 pm.

Afterwards parents can discuss the movie and issues with the director of a University District based homeless program. The evening will end by 9:00 pm. Download the flyer for complete details.  (Posted 1/24/09)

Space Available TOPS Adult Ski Bus– February 11

There is still room on the TOPICS for grownups ski bus to Crystal Mountain. We'll be hitting the slopes on Wednesday, February 11th!

The Bus will depart TOPS at 8:00 am; muffins and mimosas will be served. We should arrive at Crystal around 9:30 for a great day of fun in the snow. We'll meet back at the bus at 3:30 pm for Happy Hour back to Seattle!!! Snacks provided!

The cost for this TOPIC is a $25 donation to Friends of TOPS (does not include lift ticket).
Contact Sandy Green if you would like to sign up at sandygreen@real.com or call 328-1998   (Posted 1/24/09)

 

Taste of TOPS Volunteers Needed!

If you've never attended or need reminding, the Taste of TOPS is–

• A potluck where all TOPS families bring a favorite family heritage dish or dessert to share with the whole school
• Where an ethnic food specialty is chosen and served at our Featured Table
• Entertainment, activities, and culturally-related events are ongoing throughout the school
• A Book Fair and Talent Showcase
• An eagerly anticipated and incredibly fun social and cultural event for all TOPS families

To help join the team that makes this all happen, contact Lynne Goodrich at goodrich_yas@msn.com or 725-6656

 

TOPS Family Directories

TOPS Family Directories were sent home with the youngest child in the family. If you haven't received one, first check your kid's backpack! A limited number of extra copies are available for families with more than one household or are missing their copy.

To request a directory, contact
Maureen Germani at mwgermani@seattleschools.org or 545-1771
Collette Hubbard at chubbard@seattleschools.org or 252-3513.

We all owe Ellen Markman a huge debt of gratitude for making the Directory possible for the past several years. Thank you, Ellen!

 

 

2009 TOPS Spring Auction

This year's Auction is Saturday, May 2nd at the Asian Resource Center. Look for your Auction kick-off packet in early February. Extra donation forms will be available in the TOPS office next week. Watch the TOPS Auction webpage for updates.

Call or e-mail Volunteer Coordinator Beth Eagen if you can help with the auction: 206-723-5149 or b_eagen@hotmail.com   (Posted 1/15/09)

NO SCHOOL: Monday, January 26, 2009

Day between Semesters  (Posted 1/23/09)

2009 TOPS Spring Auction

This year's Auction is Saturday, May 2nd at the Asian Resource Center. Look for your Auction kick-off packet in early February. Extra donation forms will be available in the TOPS office next week. Watch the TOPS Auction webpage for updates.

Call or e-mail Volunteer Coordinator Beth Eagen if you can help with the auction: 206-723-5149 or b_eagen@hotmail.com   (Posted 1/15/09)

 

 

SCHEDULE FOR TUESDAY, JANUARY 20TH

Elementary School classes will watch a tape of the Inauguration on Tuesday, January 20th at 1:00 p.m. in the gym. Middle Schoolers will watch the Inauguration in their individual homeroom classes. Tuesday will be an A Day. Parents are welcome to visit the gym and watch.  (Posted 1/16/09)

 

ALL SCHOOL Family Ski Weekend

The TOPS mid-winter break ski and snowboard party at Mission Ridge happens February 19–22, 2009. The Cedars Inn in nearby Wenatchee has set aside a block of rooms for TOPS families at a special group rate. The deadline for reservations is February 6th, 2008.

See the Ski Weekend 2009 webpage on the TOPS site or the TOPS December Newsletter, page 9 for complete ski weekend details.  (Posted 1/19/09)

Go Get the Go-Home!

The newest TOPS Thursday Go-Home is bursting with important info about the TOPS Movie Night, rescheduled MLK Assembly, the TOPS team for the The Big Climb to raise money for the Leukemia/Lymphoma foundation and much more.  (Posted 1/15/09)

Martin Luther King Assembly Postponed!

Due to work in the gym, the MLK Day assembly has been rescheduled for Wed Jan 28th at 10:00 am. Come and join the TOPS celebration of Dr. King’s legacy. Lift Every Voice and SING!  (Posted 1/15/09)

Site Council Meeting: Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009

Meeting is from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the TOPS Library. Attendance is open to all. Download January 2009 agenda.

TOPS Basketball Schedule

Date		Time		Visitor		Home
Mon Jan 12th		Boys 2:45		Hamilton		TOPS
		Girls 4:00
Thur Jan 15th		Girls 2:45		TOPS		Blaine
		Boys 4:00
Thur Jan 22		Boys 2:45		Eckstein		TOPS
		Girls 4:00
Tues Jan 27th		Girls 2:45		TOPS		Whitman
		Boys 4:00
Thur Jan 29th		Girls 2:45		TOPS		Summit
		Boys 4:00
Mon Feb 2		Boys 2:45		Mercer		TOPS
		Girls 4:00

Go-Home Deadline Coming Up

The Go-Home due date is Tuesday, January 13. Send your materials to Maureen Germani at mwgermani@seattleschools.org.

 

Newsletter, Go-Home Deadlines Coming Up

The deadline for the February TOPS Newsletter is Friday, January 9.
Submit your info to either Jamie Flaxman or Ann Simonson at topsnewsletter@gmail.com.

The Go-Home due date is Tuesday, January 13. Send your materials to Maureen Germani at mwgermani@seattleschools.org.

Visiting TOPS: 2009 Tour Schedule

Prospective parents may visit TOPS on these scheduled tour dates during January and February–
K-5 Tours: January 13, January 27 and February 10 from 9:30 to 11:00 am.
Middle School Tour: February 5 from 9:30 to 11:30 am.

When you visit, please arrive early to find parking. Click for more details.  (Posted 1/04/09)

Give Thanks to TOPS!

TOPS community members have donated $68,106 towards our goal of $90,000!
We are entering our final month. One important goal is 100% participation. No gift is too small, so be as generous as you can.

Names of all donors who sent in their pledges and checks by December 15th were entered in a special drawing. The lucky winners were: Alys and E.J. Raferty. They received a gift bag with toys, donated by precocious, a toy store in Madrona.

If you need a donation form, you can get it here or in a November Go Home which also contains answers to No Bake FAQs. Keep your eyes peeled for the poster near the office that will track our status.

For questions or offers to help–
Marlies van Bergeijk at 328-3064 or marliesvanb@att.net

No Bake letter?
Maureen Germani at 545-1771 or mwgermani@seattleschools.org

Many thanks from the No Bake team!  (Updated 1/08/09)

School Closure, Change Proposals

On January 6, Seattle School District Superintendent Maria L. Goodloe-Johnson, Ph.D., announced her final recommendations on building closure and program moves, proposed to take effect for the 2009–10 school year. TOPS is not part of the proposed changes.

For complete details, go the District web site: www.seattleschools.org/area/capacity/index.dxml.

Other sources of information and parent conversation are CPPS of Seattle: www.cppsofseattle.org/news.html and the Seattle Schools Community blog: www.saveseattleschools.blogspot.com.  (Updated 1/7/09)

No School Friday, December 19, 2008

Thursday's snowstorm forced the closing of all Seattle Public Schools for Friday, December 19, 2008. TOPS students are now on vacation until next year. Classes resume on Monday, January 5, 2009.  (Updated 12/18/08)

Snow Status Information

SchoolReport.org (http://www.schoolreport.org/schoolDetail.php?schoolId=63) is a direct link to the latest snow delay information.

You may also go to SchoolReport.org, click on Member School Districts and scroll down to Seattle Public Schools. No listing for Seattle Public Schools means a normal schedule.  (Updated 12/17/08)

Third Grade Shakespeare

Katie’s third grade class will perform "As You Like It" by William Shakespeare on December 16th at 1:50 pm and 7:00 pm in the TOPS lunchroom. Please enter only through the north doors. The play will run approximately an hour. Everyone is welcome!  (Posted 12/15/08)

Freshly Posted! Square Affair Mug Shots! The Times Square Affair Dance was a blast and Don Zemke has the pictures to prove it! He has posted them all in a gallery here. Sssh–Don't tell anyone! The password is TOPS. If you want your own copy of the photo, all you have to do is "right click" on the picture of your choice and save it to your computer's desktop or selected folder.

Buy your Yearbook online NOW!
	The 2008–2009 TOPS Yearbook can now be purchased online for only $20.00!
Hurry– after January 27, 2009, the price will be $24.00 plus you won't be able to personalize your yearbook with your own name stamp and icons printed on the book. See the yearbook website for details and prices for personalization. If you have questions, contact Colette Hubbard at chubbard@seattleschools.org or 252-3513.  (Posted 12/10/08)

TOPS news you can use!

The TOPS Thursday Go-Home is bursting with important info about Conferences, No Bake Sale progress, the upcoming Middle School Dance and Play, the Holiday Food Drive and much more.

The December/January edition of the TOPS News is also ready for reading with great stories about skiing and snowboarding, math games, photos of the Middle School Dance and soccer and more!  (Updated 11/21/08)

Give Thanks to TOPS!

TOPS community members have donated $28,931 towards our goal of $90,000! The second mailing will go out this week. Keep your eyes open for a sweet incentive to donate early!

If you need a donation form, you can get it here or in a November Go Home which also contains answers to No Bake FAQs. Keep your eyes peeled for the poster near the office that will track our status.

Marlies van Bergeijk at 328-3064 or marliesvanb@att.net for questions or offers to help! No Bake letter? Maureen Germani at 545-1771 or mwgermani@seattleschools.org

Many thanks from the No Bake team!  (Updated 11/20/08)

Still Room in Chinese and Spanish Language Classes

The TOPS Chinese Language and Culture program still has spaces in the 3-5 and K classes. The 3-5 class has already started (Thursdays 3:20-4:15 pm), and the K class starts in January (Thursdays, 3:20-4:00 pm). Now in its fourth year, the program provides Chinese language instruction that is fun and developmentally appropriate. The emphasis is on speaking and listening with some character writing.

For more info download the application form, go to the TOPS Chinese language page, stop by the TOPS office or email Nancy Bacon at nancy@bahiastreet.org

The Spanish Language program is also still accepting students in some grades. Contact Marcia Weaver at mweaver@u.washington.edu for details. For complete schedule, pricing and class information, go to the Spanish language page of the TOPS website.  (Updated 11/9/08)

Friday, December 5, 2008 6:30pm – 9:00pm in the TOPS Cafeteria

Start Spreading the News! "A Times Square Affair" Winter in New York City comes to the TOPS middle school! Students are $6.00 Guests are $7.00 ($1 off admission price with donation for the food drive). The TOPS ASB is still looking for chaperones for the dance. If you would like to chaperone, please contact Collette Hubbard in the TOPS Office: (206) 252- 3513

Spirit Week Schedule

Spirit Week from the December 1-5. Use the chart below to guide your daily fashion sense!  (Posted 12/1/08)

Day	Elementary	Middle School
Monday 1st	Pajama Day	Pajama Day
Tuesday 2nd	Sports Day	Sports Day
Wednesday 3rd	Twin Day	Fashion Disaster Day
Thursday 4th	Wacky Hair Day	Color War: 6th green/red; 7th blue; 8th pink
Friday 5th	Story or TV character	Nerd/Geek

Social Justice TOPICS Party

TOPS Coalition for Social Justice members are getting together on Friday, December 5th 6:30-9:00 pm at the home of Karen Stuhldreher & Johnny Calcagno. This evening of wine and light dinner will provide an opportunity for us to come together to brainstorm and organize the TOPICS to be offered this year. Please join us and bring a salad or side dish to share. Pizza will be provided. E-mail Karen at kstuhldr@sccd.ctc.edu to RSVP.  (Posted 12/1/08)

No School Next Week– Conferences Nov. 24th-26th!

Due to conferences and the Thanksgiving holiday, there will be NO SCHOOL the week of November 24th. If your child will miss additional days, be sure to notify Michele Lamb in the TOPS office: 252-3518 or bllamb@seattleschools.org.

The TOPS Thursday Go-Home includes a brochure from the WA Office of the Education Ombudsman for tips on making the most of your parent-teacher conference.   (Updated 11/20/08)

Ski Bus Scholarship Forms Due!

Middle School Ski/Snowboard scholarship forms are due in the office on Friday November 21st!! The rest of the forms are due on Dec. 1st. Forms are available in the office or online at: http://topsk8.org/afterschool/skibus_2009/ski.shtml.

We ski these Friday evenings: January 9, 16, 23, 30 and February 6.
Day-between-Semesters Monday, January 26 is our all-day ski day.
Questions? Detailed info with all needed forms and rates available on the TOPS website.
Still have questions? Contact Molly LaPatra lapatra@comcast.net

November 20 Go-Home–
TOPS news fresh out of the oven!

The TOPS Thursday Go-Home is bursting with important info about Conferences, Thanksgiving school schedule, No Bake Sale progress, the upcoming Middle School Dance and Play, the Holiday Food Drive and much more.  (Posted 11/20/08)

MORE School District Meetings on Assignment Plan

The Seattle School District is in the process of redesigning the assignment plan and closing or consolidating more schools. This may (or may not?) have major repercussions for the TOPS community. "The purpose of the upcoming meetings is to consult with the public in reviewing and commenting on Student Assignment Plan models, based on academic and operational principles (the impact of various decisions)."

For more details on scheduled meetings and more, download the School District flyer and see the article in the latest TOPS Thursday Go-Home.   (Updated 11/20/08)

TOPS Dance October 2008 Photos

Photographer Don Zemke has posted 14 pages of non-stop mugging for the camera from the October 2008 Middle School Dance. Preview formal portraits and candid craziness here!! Password is "TOPS"

No School on Tuesday

There will be NO SCHOOL on Tuesday November 11th, due to the Veteran’s Day holiday. If your child will miss school on Monday, be sure to notify Michele Lamb in the TOPS office: 252-3518 or bllamb@seattleschools.org.  (Posted 11/8/08)

School Picture Retakes

Make-up-Retake day will be on Wednesday, Nov. 19th in the morning. School portraits can be retaken at no cost if the photographs are unsatisfactory for a valid reason (eyes closed, technical defect). Retakes at a student’s request will be half the original package price. Simply return all the pictures to Don Zemke on Make-up Retake day.  (Posted 11/8/08)

No Bake Is Gathering Steam!

TOPS community members have donated $11,281 towards our goal of $90,000! Letters should have arrived at your house by now. If you need a donation form, you can get it here or in this week's Go Home which also contains answers to No Bake FAQs.

Keep your eyes peeled for the poster near the office that will track our status.
Many thanks from the No Bake team!

Marlies van Bergeijk at 328-3064 or marliesvanb@att.net for questions or offers to help! No Bake letter? Maureen Germani at 545-1771 or mwgermani@seattleschools.org   (Updated 11/9/08)

Newsletter Deadline

Happy November! The deadline for the December/January issue of the TOPS News is Monday, November 10th.

We combine December and January into one issue due to winter break, so anything that has to do with January (such as middle school ski bus, mid-winter break ski trip) should be included in this issue. For items submitted through hard copy or CD in the mailbox in the TOPS office, the deadline is 3 pm on November 10th.  (Posted 11/2/08)

Still Room in Chinese and Spanish Language Classes

The TOPS Chinese Language and Culture program still has spaces in the 3-5 and K classes. The 3-5 class has already started (Thursdays 3:20-4:15 pm), and the K class starts in January (Thursdays, 3:20-4:00 pm). Now in its fourth year, the program provides Chinese language instruction that is fun and developmentally appropriate. The emphasis is on speaking and listening with some character writing.

For more info download the application form, go to the TOPS Chinese language page, stop by the TOPS office or email Nancy Bacon at nancy@bahiastreet.org

The Spanish Language program is also still accepting students in some grades. Contact Marcia Weaver at mweaver@u.washington.edu for details. For complete schedule, pricing and class information, go to the Spanish language page of the TOPS website.  (Updated 11/9/08)

School District Meetings on Assignment Plan

The Seattle School District is in the process of redesigning the assignment plan. This could have major repercussions for the TOPS community.

Three or four TOPS parents attended one of last week’s meetings. Lynn Goodrich was good enough to post a summary to the TOPSMiddleSchool Yahoo group that will be forwarded to the TOPS_Info Yahoo group. More meetings are scheduled for November and December. “The purpose of the upcoming meetings is to consult with the public in reviewing and commenting on Student Assignment Plan models, based on academic and operational principles (the impact of various decisions).”

If you are interested in exchanging information about School District plans with other TOPS families, sign up for the TOPS_Info Yahoo group. To sign up go to groups.yahoo.com search TOPS_Info and follow the directions. Sheri Toussaint and Johnny Calcagno are moderators; contact them with questions. If you do attend a meeting, please do join the group and send your impressions to the rest of us. Thank you!

For more details on scheduled meetings and more, download the School District flyer and see the article in the latest TOPS Thursday Go-Home.   (Updated 11/9/08)

TOPS Middle School Ski/Snowboard Program
Mandatory Information Meeting and Video
Wednesday November 12, 2009, 7pm in the TOPS Gym

The 2nd Annual Ski/Board Swap and Sale is 6:30 - 7pm in the gym. Please bring items you wish to sell, swap or donate by 6:30pm. Meeting and video will start promptly at 7pm after the sale.

Please plan to attend to sign up for the program and have all of your questions answered. Parents and students need to hear the information. Parents please have your student sit with you during the program and plan to sign agreements and pay for the bus at the meeting that evening.

Please bring your checkbook to expedite the process. Grade coordinators will be there for class signups. Forms will be sent via email before the meeting with detailed information. All the required forms can be also downloaded in advance from the After School–TOPS Ski/Snowboard webpage and brought to the meeting.

The 5 Friday evenings we ski are January 9, 16, 23, 30 and February 6. Day-between-Semesters Monday, January 26 is our all-day ski day.

Questions? Molly LaPatra lapatra@comcast.net but please wait until you get the detailed info email as most questions will be answered with that document.  (Updated 11/5/08)

Ultimate Frisbee Playoffs this week at Ingraham High School fields !!

"A" Pool Division Championship
Quarter Finals	(4) Tops A	Friday Nov. 7, 2008 • 3:00 pm	Field 1
	(5) Whitman A
Semi-Finals	A1 winner	Friday Nov. 7, 2008 • 4:30 pm	Field 1
	A2 winner
Finals	Semi-Final Winner	Saturday Nov. 8, 2008 • 2:15 pm	Field 1
	Semi-Final Winner
Consolation	A1 Loser	Friday Nov. 7, 2008 • 5:30 pm	Field 2
	A2 Loser

"B" Pool Division Championship
Quarter Finals	Pre-Quarters Winner	Saturday Nov. 8, 2008 • 10:15 am	Field 4
	(1) Tops B
Semi-Finals	B7 Winner	Saturday Nov. 8, 2008 • 12:45 pm	Field 4
	B8 Winner
Finals	Semi-Final Winner	Saturday Nov. 8, 2008 • 2:15 pm	Field 3
	Semi-Final Winner
Consolation	B2 Loser	To Be Announced	Field 3
	B3 Loser

"C" Pool Division Championship
Quarter Finals	(1) Tops C	Saturday Nov. 8, 2008 • 9:00 am	Field 1
	(8) AAA
Semi-Finals	C1 Winner	Saturday Nov. 8, 2008 • 11:30 am	Field 1
	C4 Winner
Finals	Semi-Final Winner	Saturday Nov. 8, 2008 • 12:45 pm	Field 1
	Semi-Final Winner
Consolation	C1 Loser	Saturday Nov. 8, 2008 • 11:30 am	Field 2
	C4 Loser

For additional information
Contact Don at 252-3516 (school) or 784-9320 (cell) or dwzemke@seattleschools.org  (Posted 11/5/08)

Updates to the TOPS Music Program–

TOPS Choirs
Hummingbird Choir (3rd, 4th Grade) – Wednesday 12:00–12:40 pm
Inspire Choir (5th through 8th Grades) – Friday 12:00–12:40 pm
Our new Choir Director is Anna "Camila" Landrum-Recchi. We'll call her Camila, pronounced like Camille with an extra soft "a" at the end. Camila is a longtime member of Pat Wright's Total Experience Gospel Choir, one of the premier choirs in Seattle, and promises to bring a lot of youthful energy and drive to the position. She's a great singer, and is working on bringing fun and interesting music to our community.

K-2 Sing
We will continue to have in-class singing with our Kindergarten through Second Grade classes with longtime TOPS music teacher Sari Breznau.

TOPS Guitar
Monday/Tuesday/Thursday – 12:00–12:45pm
Our surveys have indicated that many of our students would like an opportunity to study guitar, so this year we have added a guitar component to our music program. Our first instructor is Ryan Hoffman, a jazz guitar player with the local band Pearl Django and other groups, and a player and teacher of many different styles. Ryan will bring plenty of enthusiasm and knowledge to the job! Each student will have one session per week.

See the TOPS Music webpage for more information about all the TOPS Music programs.  (Updated 10/30/08)

October 23 Go-Home–
The Latest TOPS news is now available!

The TOPS Thursday Go-Home contains important info about School District Meetings on Assignment Plan, No Bake Sale, Box Top collections, Kids Company Food Drive.  (Updated 10/24/08)

New Math Standards! Penny Harvest!
Cedar River! The Fremont Bridge!

The November Newsletter is out and filled with the latest TOPS news.  (Updated 10/23/08)

No Bake Is Gathering Steam!

TOPS community members have donated $5,775 towards our goal of $90,000!
Letters should have arrived this week. Note that donations forms were mistakenly left out of most envelopes. A form is attached at the end of the Go Home, or download here .
Use the donation form to–

• Pay by credit card
• Pay by installments
• Identify how you want to be listed in the newsletter
• Send a No Bake request to your friends and relatives

Marlies van Bergeijk at 328-3064 or marliesvanb@att.net for questions or offers to help!
No Bake letter? Maureen Germani at 545-1771 or mwgermani@seattleschools.org
(Updated 10/24/08)

School District Meetings on Assignment Plan

The Seattle School District is in the process of redesigning the assignment plan. This could have major repercussions for the TOPS community. They are holding three informational meetings in the next week. It would be great if members of our community could attend all three meetings and report back on what was discussed.

For more details download the School District flyer and see the article in the latest TOPS Thursday Go-Home.   (Updated 10/24/08)

Parking at TOPS

Eastlake community members have recently met with the police to discuss how TOPS people have blocked driveways and parking lots and impeded traffic by parking too close to the corners and double parking.

As a result, parking rules are being heavily enforced in the neighborhood. Be aware that parking illegally not only is inconsiderate—it can endanger our kids. Tickets are expensive and the good will of our neighbors is precious. Follow the rules, please!  (Updated 10/24/08)

Paris! London! Spring Break 2009

You can still sign up to go with Marianne, TOPS families, and their friends on next year's spring break trip to Paris with a London add-on. Students can travel with or without their parents. (Parents can even come without their kids, for that matter!)

Go to www.explorica.com.  Enter the Tour Center ID Trangen-7064 in the box For Students and Parents to get details.

Questions?  Contact Marianne at mptrangen@seattleschools.org  (Updated 10/20/08)

Picture Days

Middle School pictures will be taken Tuesday morning Oct 14th and K-5 will be Wednesday morning Oct 15th. An envelope/order form was sent home with every child.

Questions? Talk to Don Zemke, dwzemke@seattleschools.org or leave a message at 252-3510.  (Updated 10/13/08)

No Bake Kick Off

Our Fall Fund Drive got off to a sweet start on Sunday at the Ice Cream Social and Music Jam. Almost $5000 was raised towards our $90,000 goal! Look for your No Bake packet in the mail at the end of next week. Donation forms are available in the office and at the end of this Go Home. If you donate before the mailing goes out, TOPS will save on postage! Contact Marlies van Bergeijk at 206-328-3064 or marliesvanb@att.net with questions or if you can help to help stuff envelopes next week.  (Updated 10/13/08)

Spirit Week Schedule

The ASB is sponsoring Spirit Week from the 20th-24th. Dress up if you want to:  (Updated 10/13/08)

Day	Elementary	Middle School
Monday 20th	Blue and White Day	Blue and White Day
Tuesday 21st	Pajama Day	Pajama Day
Wednesday 22nd	Dress Like  a Teacher	Dress Like a Teacher
Thursday 23rd	Wacky Hair	Celebrity
Friday 24th	Cowboy/Cowgirl	Cowboy/Cowgirl

Chess Club Has Begun

Chess has a long and proud tradition at TOPS and Chess club has begun, once again featuring noted teacher and Chess Master Bill Schill. We welcome returning members and newcomers to this grand game. Scholastic chess has a myriad of benefits including: Math development, Science achievement, Creativity, Concentration, Complex Decision Making, Pattern Recognition, Sportsmanship, Commitment, and Team Spirit. And besides, it's just plain fun to belong to the TOPS chess club!

We meet on Mondays in the 3rd and 4th grade commons area from 3:30 - 4:30. We provide instruction, an opportunity to play, and a light snack. Sign up sheets are available at club meetings. If you have any questions direct them to Michael Adams at magames@gmail.com.  (Updated 10/13/08)

November TOPS Newsletter Deadline is October 9

You should be receiving your October newsletter in the mail any day (or in your mailbox if you work at TOPS), and it's online already on the TOPS website, so check it out.

The deadline for the November issue is Thursday, October 9th. It's Thursday because there's no school on October 10th. Anything for the newsletter that needs to be delivered through the TOPS office mailbox has to be in the box by October 9, 3:00 pm.  (Updated 9/30/08)

Music And Ice Cream Social

Our Fall Fund Drive (the “No Bake”) will kick in to gear at the First Annual TOPS Music and Ice Cream Social on Sunday October 5th from 1-4 p.m.! Contact Karen Stuhldreher or Brad Angell with questions.

See the latest Go-Home about this fun event plus news about Topics, trips to Europe, Picture Day, Green Card policy and much more.   (Updated 9/27/08)

Schedule Your Conference Now!

Conferences will be held on Nov. 24th-26th. Note that the timing has changed from previous years (three full days of no school vs. more than a week of early dismissals in the past.) If you didn’t sign up for a time at curriculum night then contact your child’s teacher now to do so. Middle School families can call the office 252-3510 to schedule their conference.  (Updated 9/27/08)

Health Survey in October

TOPS will be administering the Healthy Youth Survey to our 6th and 8th grade students on Thursday, October 16th. For more information, please go to http://www.hys.wa.gov/Administration/ParentBrochures.aspx for Parent and Student Information Flyers provided in English and Spanish.  (Updated 9/24/08)

Spanish Classes for 2008–2009

Spanish language and culture classes for elementary students will begin the first week of November afterschool on Tuesday and Thursdays. Middle school class startup and schedule will be determined on the basis of when the most students are available.

For complete schedule, pricing and class information, go to the Spanish language page of the TOPS website.  (Updated 9/24/08)

Welcome Home, Jeanne!

Jeanne Kuban is our new assistant principal at TOPS K-8! Many parents may remember Jeanne from her administrative internship at TOPS several years ago.

Jeanne comes with a wealth of experience to share with TOPS students, families, and staff. Jeanne was most recently an Instructional Services Coach for the Seattle Public Schools in the area of Literacy.

She worked extensively with Teachers College at Columbia University, bringing Writing Workshop to many schools in our district. Teachers may recognize Jeanne as a presenter of Literacy Professional Development throughout the district. As both a Reading Specialist and classroom teacher, Jeanne brings broad knowledge of children, learning, and teaching.

Contact Jeanne at 206-252-3510 or jmkuban@seattleschools.org  (Updated 9/19/08)

Professional Development Days

On Wednesday September 24th school will be dismissed at 1:20 pm. Also, there will be no school on Friday October 10th for Professional Development.  (Updated 9/19/08)

Curriculum Night

Thursday Sept. 25th from 6–7 pm will be Curriculum Night for Kindegarten, 3rd, 4th grades and DHH. 7th and 8th curriculum will be presented from 7:30–8:30 pm. State of School Address will happen in the gym from 7–7:30 pm that same night.

See the September 11 Go Home for details.  (Updated 9/19/08)

TOPS Chinese Classes

The TOPS Chinese Language and Culture program is starting classes for grades 1-5 at the end of October and for Kindergarten in January. Now in its fourth year, the program provides Chinese language instruction that is fun and developmentally appropriate.

The emphasis is on speaking and listening with some character writing. It gives children early exposure to this important world language, instilling in them a love of language and appreciation for diverse cultures.

Grades 3-5 meets on Tuesdays, with K and 1-2 meeting on Thursdays.

For more information:
Download this application form, go to the TOPS Chinese language page, stop by the TOPS office or email Nancy Bacon at nancy@bahiastreet.org  (Updated 9/14/08)

Christmas in Peru???

This year Rose Cano, TOPS parent and project director of North-South ConeXiones, is organizing a two to three week trip to Peru during winter break for a small group of middle school students and their families. The trip will provide an authentic view of Lima and the coast of Peru, including national parks, adventure sports such as hang gliding, the amazing Nasca lines featured in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and Christmas, New Year's Eve and Epiphany festivals.

If you are interested, contact Rose Cano (rosecano@aol.com) as soon as possible to get the most favorable airfares.

See Peru Article by Marcia Weaver for proposed itineraries, photos and more information.  (Updated 9/12/08)

State of the School

This age old TOPS tradition will be combined with Curriculum night this year. Come hear about the focus for the year at TOPS and meet the new staff members and the new Assistant Principal!

State of the School will be presented twice:
Sept 18th and 25th, at 7:00 in the lunchroom

See the September 11 Go Home for more information about
the State of the School, Curriculum Night, Back-To-School Packets and Professional Days Off.  (Updated 9/11/08)

New Music Teachers and Programs
for the New School Year

TOPS Orchestra and String Quartet
Fourth generation Washingtonian Valerie Coon is our new orchestra director. Valerie is a recent graduate of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, plays regularly in several local symphony orchestras, substitutes for the Seattle Symphony and does regular session work for Seattle Music. Building on Erica Johansen's foundation she promises to bring fun, focus and new performing opportunities to TOPS.

TOPS Band
TOPS is fortunate to welcome David George to our music staff for 2008-9. For the past six years, David has been the musical director at Soundview Private School in Lynnwood. There he developed a successful band curriculum and jazz band program. Last year he traveled and toured Tokyo with the school's jazz ensemble.

TOPS Guitar
Ryan Hoffman will bring plenty of enthusiasm and knowledge as the first instructor for the new TOPS guitar program! Ryan is a jazz guitar player with the local band Pearl Django and other groups, and a player and teacher of many different styles. This should be a popular program.

See the TOPS Music Flyer 2008 for more information about all the TOPS Music programs.  (Updated 9/11/08)

Pianoforte program at TOPS

The Pianoforte Program at TOPS offers after-school extracurricular piano lessons. The program has openings for individual piano lessons for a student at any level. Please contact Peter Stevens for available times. Lessons take place in the middle school building in room B405. The cost is $20 per lesson. Students meets every week and all materials are provided. Lessons for the 2008-2009 year begin the first week of October.

Contact Peter Stevens for more information at:
petervstevens@gmail.com  206-226-8776 (Updated 9/10/08)

Girls' Soccer

The Girls' soccer team will again be coached by Shawn Roseman. Practices will be on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 – 5:00 pm beginning the week of September 8th. The player registration meeting will be on Friday, September 5th at noon in the gym. (Posted 8/27/08)

Ultimate Frisbee

Ultimate Frisbee will include a 6th grade team, a recreational team and a highly competitive team both made up of 7th and 8th graders. The Rec. and Comp. teams will practice after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30- 4:45 pm and the 6th grade team will practice Mondays and Fridays from 3:30 – 4:40 pm. Plan on attending the registration meeting on Thursday, September 4th at noon in the gym. (Posted 8/27/08)

After School Sports

This year’s After School Sports program will consist of a variety of different sessions that students will be required to sign up for. The idea is to give our students a larger variety of different options in a more controlled, safe environment. The program days will depend on staffing and gym availability. Check the after school sports page for details. (Posted 8/27/08)

7th and 8th Grade Curriculum Night

Please note the newsletter arriving in your homes has an error in the calendar.  The 7th and 8th grade curriculum night is on Sept. 25th at 7:30, not on Sept. 18th as listed in the calendar.  The web version of the newsletter has been corrected, but the paper copy has the error. (Posted 8/25/08)

Welcome Back

Summer's almost over! TOPS classes will resume on Wednesday, September 3. Hope you had a safe and fun summer! (Posted 8/24/08)

Kindergarten Orientation and Family Potluck

The kindergarten orientation and family potluck for the 2008-2009 school year will be on Wednesday, August 27th, at TOPS. It will start with a short meeting at 5:30, to be followed by the potluck at 6:30 (note time change!). Meet with the kindergarten teachers in their classrooms and socialize with the families of the class of 2017! Please bring a dish to share. (Updated 8/24/08)

Kindergarten Orientation and Family Potluck

The kindergarten orientation and family potluck for the 2008-2009 school year will be on Wednesday, August 27th, from 6pm to 8pm, at TOPS. Meet with the kindergarten teachers in their classrooms and socialize with the families of the class of 2017! Please bring a dish to share. (Posted 8/20/08)

Click here for the 2007-2008 archive.