TCAPS' Press Releases

Traverse City High School Poetry Workshop on May 15, 2008

neibauerto@oper.tcaps.net — Fri, 09 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT

On Thursday, May 15, 2008 students at Traverse City High School will participate in a poetry workshop during their language arts classes from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Critically acclaimed poet and musician, Derrick Brown will conduct the workshop to enhance students’ poetry experience and assist students in the creative writing process.

Derrick Brown has performed at over 1200 venues and universities internationally, including a performance with rock band Cold War Kids on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. His shows are unpredictable, incorporating music and striking visuals into his spoken word performances. Brown will also be performing at the City Opera House on Friday, May 16, 2008.

The media is invited to attend the workshop at Traverse City High School. All visitors are asked to sign in at the Main Office prior to attending the workshop. Please contact Mary Preston at 933-5874 for further information.

Old Mission Peninsula School Day of Sharing on May 21, 2008

neibauerto@oper.tcaps.net — Fri, 09 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday, May 21, 2008 Old Mission Peninsula School (OMPS) will host several activities throughout the day to share student work with the community and to give thanks to the many volunteers who give their time to the students and the school. Activities include:

· Zoo Day Presentations – Fourth grade students will be sharing their animal research projects with the school and the community from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in the fourth grade classrooms. These 3-dimensional projects are presented to visitors by the students. Visitors will have the opportunity to walk around and hear and/or visit all projects.

· Young Author’s Display – Student writing projects will be displayed all day in the school gymnasium. Writing displays include both finished work and works in progress in an effort to show the writing process from beginning to end. Visitors will be able to see writing development as student’s progress through the grades.

· Annual Volunteer Luncheon – OMPS staff will host its annual volunteer luncheon from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. to thank the 200+ volunteers who contribute their time throughout the year on behalf of the students.

Please contact Old Mission Peninsula School at 933-7420 for further information.

Watch Our World Come Together! TCAPS’ Students Present a LIVE TCAPS’ TV 98 on May 10, 2008

neibauerto@oper.tcaps.net — Fri, 09 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Saturday, May 10, 2008 is Pangea Day, a global event with the aim to unite the world through the power of digital media communications and film. Students from Traverse City West Senior High School’s Model United Nations and Video Production classes will host a four-hour “Live” multimedia “Pangea Day Panorama” broadcast on TCAPS’ TV 98 from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

TCAPS’ students will participate in a global communications campfire with the aim to unite to world. Programming includes:

· World Café of “Live” Interviews and Special Guests

· Student Performances, Videos, Discussions, and More

· Web Casts and Video Stream Connections with Pangea Celebrations Around the World

Media is encouraged to come and see the “Live” show being broadcasted from the Tompkins/Boardman Administration Building, Second Floor Curriculum Rooms, 412 Webster Street. The public is invited to watch and record this dynamic event on TCAPS’ TV 98.

For more information:

· Visit www.tcaps.net/pangeaday for TCAPS’ Pangea Day Panorama program schedule.

· Visit https://www.tcaps.net:8080/pangea to view this “Live” event via Web site from
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

· Visit www.pangeaday.org for more information about Pangea Day and/or to view
programming from around the world.

TCAPS’ Odyssey of the Mind Teams Host Fundraisers as They Prepare to Travel to World Finals Competition

neibauerto@oper.tcaps.net — Thu, 08 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Three Odyssey of the Mind (OM) teams from Traverse City Area Public Schools qualified for the World Finals Competition to be held at the University of Maryland from May 31 – June 3, 2008. The teams are from Traverse City West Senior High School, Traverse City West Junior High School, and Central Grade School. In preparation for the trip, the three teams are hosting several fundraisers to help cover travel expenses. They need to raise $30,000 by May 30^th.

Planned fundraisers include:

· Car Wash and Flower Sale, May 10^th & May 17^th, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Oak Park Elementary School Parking Lot

Students will be providing car washes, selling hot dogs, selling flats of flowers, vegetables, herbs, and hanging baskets. Special orders on plants will be accepted and can be picked up at the Oak Park location on May 17^th.

· Pasta Dinner and OM Performance, May 14^th, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Central Grade School Cafeteria

Central Grade School Odyssey of the Mind team will present their OM performance that qualified them for the World Competition.

· Moomers Ice Cream Fundraiser, May 16^th, 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Moomers Homemade Ice Cream, 7263 North Long Lake Road

Students will be on-site at Moomers serving ice cream, cleaning tables, and talking with customers. Moomers has generously agreed to donate a portion of the proceeds to the teams.

· OM Performance and Dessert Night, May 19^th, 7:00 p.m.
Traverse City West Senior High School Auditorium

Traverse City West Senior High School Odyssey of the Mind team will present their OM performance that qualified them for the World Competition. Evening events include dessert
and a raffle.

Please contact Judy Roman at 231-668-6080 for further information.

Student Artwork on Display at Espresso Bay

neibauerto@oper.tcaps.net — Thu, 08 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Artwork from Traverse City Area Public Schools’ Montessori students will be on display at Espresso Bay 1110 E. Hammond Road, during the month of May. Friends, family, and community members are invited to stop by to enjoy the students’ beautiful artwork.

Please contact TCAPS’ Montessori at 933-5608 for more information.

Traverse City Central High School Students Receive Recognition at Michigan Interscholastic Press Association’s Spring Conference

neibauerto@oper.tcaps.net — Thu, 08 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Traverse City Central High School’s Black & Gold Newspaper students received recognition at the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association’s (MIPA) 2008 Spring Conference. The following students placed First, Second, Third, or Honorable Mention for writing in various genres, photography, graphics, or layout design:

Newspaper – Second Place

· Marissa Garrock, Sports Page Spread & Sports News Story

· Sarah Herpst, Information Graphic

Newspaper – Honorable Mention

· Marissa Garrock, Erin Wiggins, Kelyn Krygier, and Sarah Herpst, News Page/Spread

· Staff, Photo Story

· Kelyn Krygier, Portrait

· Marissa Garrock, Sarah Herpst, Kelyn Krygier, and Spencer Emerson, Front Page/Magazine Style

· Marissa Garrock and Spencer Emerson, Front Page/Magazine Style

· Travis Troxell, Illustration

· Bobby Busley, Bylined Opinion Article

· Jack Hagen, Bylined Opinion Article

· Taylor Byington, Feature Column

· Kelyn Krygier, Portrait

· Margaret Parsons, Entertainment Page/Spread

· Mo Stych and Katie Jacobson, Feature Page/Spread

· Kristen Vermetten, Sports Column

· Kelyn Krygier, Sports Photo

· Elise Kaufmann, Sports Photo

· Bobby Busley, Editorial

Yearbook – First Place

· Elliott VanHorn, Feature Writing Student Life

Yearbook – Second Place

· Callee Newhouse, Academic Writing

Yearbook – Third Place

· Stephanie Ackerman, Personality Profile

· Samantha Breaux, Academics Writing

· Samantha Breaux, Callee Newhouse, and Stephanie Ackerman, People Spread

· Samantha Breaux and Callee Newhouse, Cover and Endsheet Design

Yearbook – Honorable Mention

· Callee Newshouse, Organizations Writing

· Stephanie Ackerman, Feature Photo

· Samantha Breaux, Opening & Closing Design

· Megan Fischer, Advertising Spread

· Samantha Breaux and Stephanie Ackerman, Academics Spread and Sports Spread

· Emily Mueller and Samantha Breaux, Academic Spread

· Jillian Randazzo and Samantha Breaux, Student Life Spread

· Jillian Randazzo and Arielle Davey, Sports Feature Writing

Please contact Missi Yoemans at 933-3671 for more information.

Long Lake Elementary School to Offer Preschool/Kindergarten Enrichment and Young Fives Programs for 2008 – 2009 School Year

neibauerto@oper.tcaps.net — Thu, 08 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Long Lake Elementary School will be offering a variety of options for four and five year old children during the 2008-2009 school year including:

· Regular kindergarten operating two full days and one-half day each week for children who will be five years old on or before December 1, 2008. All children attending kindergarten can enroll in a half-day kindergarten enrichment session on Fridays at no cost to the parents.

· Full-day and half-day Preschool/Kindergarten Enrichment for four year olds and kindergarten age children Monday through Thursday. Four-year-old children must turn four by December 1^st to attend the enrichment program. Preschool/Kindergarten Enrichment offers participants an age appropriate, theme-based educational experience. Tuition rates are $27.00 for a full day and $16.00 for a half-day.

· Young Fives, a half-day/every day program, designed for kindergarten eligible children with late birth dates (after May 1). This tuition-free program prepares children for success in kindergarten the following school year.

Please contact Long Lake Elementary School at 933-7800 for further information.

Traverse City Central High School Football Fundraiser at Bubba's on May 19, 2008

neibauerto@oper.tcaps.net — Wed, 07 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT

On Monday, May 19, 2008 Bubba’s Restaurant will donate a portion of its food receipts sold during the hours of 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. to the Traverse City Central High School Football team. Family, friends, and community members have the opportunity to show their support for the team while enjoying good food in a fun, friendly atmosphere. Bubba’s is located at 428 E. Front Street in downtown Traverse City.

Please contact Tom Passinault at 933-3562 for further information.

Bertha Vos Elementary School Celebrates 55 Years of Excellence in Education on May 13, 2008

neibauerto@oper.tcaps.net — Wed, 07 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT

On Tuesday, May 13, 2008 Bertha Vos Elementary School will host an open house to celebrate 55 years of excellence in education. The open house will run from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Classrooms will be open for viewing and teachers and staff will be available for conversation. Refreshments will be served.

All current and former students, staff, and families, as well as members of the community are invited to attend the open house.

Please contact Bertha Vos Elementary School at 933-6420 for further information.

Student Radio Dramas to Air on Interlochen Public Radio on May 10-11, 2008

neibauerto@oper.tcaps.net — Wed, 07 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Traverse City High School (TCHS) language arts students spent the past several months working in collaboration with English as a Second Language and Audio Writing students from Interlochen Arts Academy (IAA) to create and perform an original radio drama. TCHS students also created an NPR-style interview introduction to the live performance based on interviews they conducted with local experts in their fields. The interviews and performance served as catalysts for understanding how a past event in Michigan history connects to contemporary issues and shapes our understanding of the value of human life.

George Zarr, world recognized radio drama producer, has worked closely with the students throughout the project by overseeing the process, writing original music for the performance, and producing the audio CD of the performances and interviews.

The students’ final work will air this weekend, May 10-11, on Interlochen Public Radio (IPR). The radio dramas, “The Lost Journals of Dr. William Beaumont” and “The Dr. Beaumont Roundtable” will air back-to-back on Saturday, May 10^th, from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday, May 11^th, from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. The two programs are described below:

“The Lost Journals of Dr. William Beaumont: A Speculative Docu-drama” –A lighthearted yet provocative half hour audio drama based on the pioneering work of Dr. William Beaumont, the historical Michigan figure who in the 1820’s revolutionized our understanding of the human digestive system.

“Dr. William Beaumont Roundtable" – An analysis program following the audio drama. It peels back the historical layers of the Dr. William Beaumont story, considering past events in the context of today. This radio roundtable discussion includes interviews of a historian, two philosophers, and a nurse about the historical, medical, and ethical issues raised by Dr. Beaumont’s experiments.

This project was made possible by a Michigan People, Michigan Places, Our Stories, Our Lives grant received through the Michigan Humanities Council. Please contact Mary Preston at 933-5874 for further information.

Westwoods Elementary School Mother’s Day Program

neibauerto@oper.tcaps.net — Tue, 06 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT

On Thursday, May 8, 2008 fourth grade students at Westwoods Elementary School will host the Mother’s Day Program “Poetry, Prose, and Punch” from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from

1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Students from Mrs. Jeffrey’s, Mrs. Nerychel’s, and Mrs. Thompson’s classes have finished a poetry unit and will be reading their poetry to their mother’s. Students will share two poems – one about their mother and one on a subject of their choice. Mother’s attending the program will also be served punch and cookies to enjoy during the presentation.

Please contact Linda Thompson at 933-8584 for more information.

Note: When schools are in session, all visitors are required to sign in at the Main Office and receive a “Visitors Pass” upon entering a TCAPS school or event.

Traverse City Area Public Schools’ Employees to Receive Outstanding Person in Education Award

neibauerto@oper.tcaps.net — Tue, 06 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT

On Thursday, May 8, 2008, three Traverse City Area Public Schools’ employees will receive the 15A Coordinating Councils Outstanding Person in Education Award (OPIE) at the Park Place Dome, 300 East State Street. The OPIE awards presentation begins at 5:30 p.m.

The following employees will be awarded for their dedication to all TCAPS’ students, the community, and their colleagues:

§ Traverse City Clerical, Assistants, Paraprofessional, and Secretarial Association:

Helen MacArthur, Library Media Paraprofessional, Cherry Knoll Elementary School

§ Traverse City Transportation Department:

Bill Parrish, Bus Driver

§ Traverse City Teachers Association:

John Scrudato, Special Education Teacher, Norris Elementary School

Please contact Connie Boylan at 933-8669 for further information.

Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser and Silent Auction to Benefit Johnson Family

neibauerto@oper.tcaps.net — Tue, 06 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT

On Friday, May 16^th, Westwoods Elementary School will host a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser and Silent Auction to benefit the family of first grade teacher, Jennifer Johnson, whose husband, Tom Johnson was injured in an explosion. Tom has been unable to work due to injuries sustained from the explosion. Tom and Jennifer must travel to Grand Rapids frequently for Tom’s treatments. The Westwoods Elementary School staff would like to raise money to help with the family’s travel and medical expenses.

The fundraiser will be held at Westwoods Elementary School, 1500 Fisher Road, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Dinner offerings include spaghetti, salad, breadsticks, and homemade desserts. Take out will be available. Donations for the family are being accepted.

Please contact Bonnie Shaw at 933-7970 for further information.

9th Annual Westwoods Elementary School 5K Run/Walk and Kid's Fun Run on May 31, 2008

neibauerto@oper.tcaps.net — Tue, 06 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT

On Saturday, May 31, 2008,Westwoods Elementary School PTO will host its 9^th annual run/walk event held at Westwoods Elementary School, 1500 Fisher Road. The event has been successful not only in promoting physical fitness, but also in raising funds to promote literacy development at the school. Over the last several years the profits from the run/walk have purchased materials for the library and enabled classroom teachers to enrich students’ experience in literacy and its development.

The 5K Run/Walk features a scenic and flat course that begins across the road from Westwoods Elementary School, winds its way through beautiful Carter Woods subdivision, and finishes back on the circle drive in front of the school. Following the race, the participants and their families are invited to enjoy a cook out and fun day, complete with a dunk tank, jump house, face painting, and a silent auction.

Recognition is given to the top three male and female finishers in each age group in the

5K Run/Walk and awards will be given to all participants in the children’s event. This event has become known as one of the area’s best 5K races. The public is invited to attend and participate in the events.

Registration details are as follows:

To register, visit www2.tcaps.net/westwoods to download a registration form.
Pre-register through May 17^th and receive an Eco-Friendly Tote Bag. Pre-registration fee is $15.
Registration fee after May 17^th is $20.
Kids 1-mile fun run is free.

Scheduled race start times are as follows:

Race day registration and packet pick-up: 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Children’s Fun Run: 8:45 a.m.
5K Run/Walk: 9:15 a.m.

Please contact Donna Raymond at 933-0242 or Westwoods Elementary School at 933-7970 for further information.

Athletic Sports Physicals Offered at Traverse City East Junior High School on Saturday, May 10, 2008

neibauerto@oper.tcaps.net — Tue, 06 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT

On Saturday, May 10, 2008 athletic sports physicals will be offered to all TCAPS’ students at the junior high school or senior high school level for the 2008 – 2009 school year. Physicals will take place at Traverse City East Junior High School, 1776 Three Mile Road, from 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Cost is $20.00 per athlete.

Physical cards must be signed by parents and students in order for the physical to be performed. Physical cards are available at TC Central High School and TC West Senior High School Athletic Offices as well as both junior high schools and all TCAPS’ elementary schools.

Physicals are required for any student wanting to participate in athletics in grades 7-12 during the 2008 – 2009 school year. Please note: There will be no make-up physical date.

Please contact Traverse City Central High School Athletic Office at 933-8207 for more information.

GED Tests to be Offered at Traverse City Central High School

neibauerto@oper.tcaps.net — Tue, 06 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

When: May 12-13, and June 9-10; begins promptly at 3:30 p.m. and lasts approximately four hours.

Where: Traverse City Central High School, Room F145, 1150 Milliken Drive, Traverse City, MI 49686

Why: GED Testing will be offered at Traverse City Central High School for all persons, 18 years of age or above, seeking to complete their high school equivalency requirements. To qualify the person must have been out of a regular school program for one year or their class must have graduated.

Participants must pre-register at the Principal’s Office at Traverse City Central High School one week prior to the test date chosen. To take the complete GED test, participants will need to attend both dates listed. Cost is $100.00 (cash or money order only) due at time of registration; $20.00 for individual tests including retakes. A photo ID is required at the time of taking the test.

Contact Person: Please contact the GED information hotline at 933-3503 or Anna Kane at 933-3500 for further information.

Note: When schools are in session, all visitors are required to sign in at the Main Office and receive a “Visitors Pass” upon entering a TCAPS school or event.

Silver Lake Elementary School Hosts Reading Program “Muffins with Moms”

neibauerto@oper.tcaps.net — Mon, 05 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Students are encouraged to invite their Mothers, Grandmothers, Aunts, older sisters or that special lady who is important in the lives of their children to come to school and enjoy 30 minutes of reading time together. Muffins and beverages will be provided free of charge.

The date each student will participate in the reading event will be determined by the student’s last name. The scheduled dates and times are as follows:

Student’s Last Name Date Time

Beginning with A—L Thursday, May 8, 2008 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.

Beginning with M—Z Thursday, May 15, 2008 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.

Please contact Silver Lake Elementary School Principal Angela Sides at 933-5762 for more information.

Note: When schools are in session, all visitors are required to sign in at the Main Office and receive a “Visitors Pass” upon entering a TCAPS school or event.

Community Coffee Conversation May 20, 2008

neibauerto@oper.tcaps.net — Mon, 05 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT

On Tuesday, May 20, 2008, Traverse City Area Public Schools’ Superintendent Jim Feil will host a community coffee conversation at the Tompkins/Boardman Administration Center, Curriculum Room, 412 Webster Street, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The community is invited to join Jim Feil for coffee and to share perspectives regarding Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS). The discussion will be informal and provide community members an opportunity to offer ideas or ask questions regarding how TCAPS is working to prepare students for the future. TCAPS’ work is about students. On a daily basis, TCAPS’ employees are dedicated to ensuring the success of every child; for graduation and lifelong learning in a rapidly changing world.

To make certain that sufficient space and refreshments are planned appropriately, we kindly request that you notify the Superintendent’s Office at 933-1725 by May 13^th to indicate if you would like to participate in the discussion or for more information.

Willow Hill Elementary School Student Essay Earns Funds for Physical Education Program

neibauerto@oper.tcaps.net — Mon, 05 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Willow Hill Elementary School student Sierra Falconer was chosen as the winner in a statewide Priority Health healthy living essay contest for fourth grade students. All fourth grade students wrote letters to Priority Health explaining ways to help their classmates get more active and eat a healthy diet.

On Wednesday, May 14, 2007, at 9:45 a.m., Priority Health will present a $1,000 check to the Willow Hill Elementary School Physical Education program. Priority Health will bring healthy snacks for the fourth grade students, and a member of Priority Health’s cycling team will speak with the students and demonstrate cycling skills along with healthy snacks for the fourth grade students.

Please contact Ed Hargis at 933-8560 for more information.

Traverse City Central High School and Traverse City West Senior High School Class of 2010 Student Leaders Meet to Review “Grand Vision” Student Vision Results

neibauerto@oper.tcaps.net — Mon, 05 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Student leaders from Traverse City Central High School and Traverse City West Senior High School Class of 2010 will meet to review the research findings of student visioning sessions for the Grand Vision on Wednesday, May 7^th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce, 202 East Grandview Parkway.

TCAPS’ students served as program facilitators on March 11^th for visioning sessions that involved over 800 students at both TCAPS high schools. The visioning sessions engaged students to gather youth perspectives that will be used to help shape the region’s Grand Vision plan. Wednesday’s program will share the results of the student-led sessions.

The high school assemblies were a collaborative pilot, which involved TCAPS, the Grand Vision’s Public Involvement Committee, and the consulting team of Mead & Hunt who is facilitating the community-wide visioning initiative. At the March student assemblies, students provided input on the future of special places like Front Street and the Open Space in Traverse City; discussed maps of the region, gathered perspectives on good and bad planning, and completed online surveys.

At the meeting this Wednesday, May 7^th, students will also be recognized for their contributions and leadership in getting youth to become involved with the Grand Vision initiative.

The media is encouraged to attend the program.

Introductions: 10:00 a.m. to 10:10 a.m.
Update on the Grand Vision: 10:10 a.m. to 10:20 a.m.
Distribute reports / Presentation on the report: 10:20 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Discussion of the report results with the students: 10:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Assembly feedback: what went well, what should be changed next time: 11:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Distribute certificates: 11:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Eat/informal discussion/photo ops/media interviews: 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

* Photo opportunities will be available.

Please contact TCAPS’ Communications Director, Alison Arnold, at 933-8995. Faculty contacts at TCAPS high schools include: Charles Kolbusz, TC West Senior High School, 933-7504 and Kelly Clark, TC Central High School, 933-3586.