The Mother Goose Parade and The Enchanted Library, by Leslie Prechtel

The Mother Goose Parade is an annual tradition for Early Childhood students. It began in 2000 as a culminating activity after a month of studying Mother Goose rhymes. Early childhood students and faculty dress in costumes that represent their favorite Mother Goose characters. Everyone is encouraged to create a costume from things they have at home. The parade travels through the campus and over to the Coleman Library in the Middle School building.

Beginning in 2008, our little ones have also enjoyed The Enchanted Library as part of their Mother Goose Parade. The Coleman Library is transformed into the “Enchanted Library”, which is a magical storybook wonderland of Mother Goose rhymes and fairy tales. The library staff and volunteers bring the characters to life for Early Childhood and Lower School students. Students parade past various vignettes and stop to hear classic favorites.

Robin Kraft's class on parade.

Rapunzel, Rapunzel... Let down your golden hair!

Mrs. Maddox shares a tale...

Jenny Paulseen as our original Mother Goose.

Mr. Davis gets into the act!

Hey diddle diddle, it's the cat and the fiddle!

The inhabitants of The Enchanted Library.

Hey there Little Red Riding Hood!

The All-School Picnic, by Devon Rothwell

The All-School Picnic is one of our longest standing traditions  at Collegiate. It began in its present form in 1974. But a form of it existed from the school's very beginning. Starting in 1969 we had the all school Play Day. Every student was assigned to be on either the Blue or Gold team and had relays and games all afternoon. Also in 1969 the junior class sponsored a Tacky Day where the usually dressed up Collegiate student could come to school in tacky clothes to help raise money for the prom.  This was then combined with Play Day to make for an extra fun day for all. This was an anticipated tradition every year and in 1974 its format changed into the current form.

,

The All-School Picnic Day, which has had this name since 1974, is a highlight for everyone involved.  The older students are paired with younger ones and they are picnic buddies for the day. They share lunch on the lawn together and then participate in the various activities.  Most of you probably remember the magic show, hay rack rides, face painting, bounce house, cake walk, sidewalk chalk, bean toss and many more. The young ones always remember their special picnic pal and enjoy staying in touch as they grow at Collegiate. Ask any senior and I'm sure they can tell you about all their favorite picnic buddies. Can you remember yours?

Homecoming, by Kevin Mykel

One of the beliefs that has guided Wichita Collegiate School through the years is the idea that, even though students are divided into four divisions, we are one unified school.  Nowhere is this belief more evident than during Homecoming.

Throughout the week of Homecoming, Upper School students engage in a series of special events: “Theme” days, Homecoming King and Queen elections, float construction, and preparation for the Friday football game.  However, as important as the actual game may be, the culmination of the week occurs during the day on Friday with the All-School Picnic. 

For the picnic, older students are paired with students from the Early Childhood and Lower School divisions as “picnic buddies.”  Collegiate students may not always remember a particular math formula or all the symbolism in The Great Gatsby, but they will almost always remember the names of their Upper School picnic buddies.   

On the evening of Homecoming, classmates reunite at class reunions and in the stands at the football game.  Friendships are rekindled, memories shared, and the connection to Wichita Collegiate School reaffirmed once again by generations of Spartans.