What an unforgettable night of community spirit and heartfelt appreciation for our Veterans, first responders, and military heroes. A huge thank you to everyone who played a part in making this event a success.
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Meet TCAPS Compass Winner: Brittany Kay, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, TCAPS Administration🏆
Her nomination highlights the positive impact she makes for both staff and students.
Brittany has brought immense energy, clarity, and organization to her role, making a profound impact across the district. She has a unique ability to take big, complex projects, such as the CKLA literacy rollout, and make them feel manageable and supportive for all staff involved.
Brittany's leadership is characterized by trust and communication; she ensures staff are informed, heard, and feel supported. Because of her work, professional development is practical, engaging, and encouraging. Her efforts have not only built teacher confidence and strengthened collaboration but have also resulted in stronger instruction for our students and clear positive momentum in literacy across the district. 👏🌟
This recognition is well-deserved! The Compass Award celebrates employees who contribute to the District's Strategic Plan through their daily work.
This week, high fives go out to:
1. WMS’s principals and counseling staff for all they do to ensure their students safely come and go from school each day, especially as we observe School Safety Week. Your dedication to student safety and well-being is truly appreciated! 🙌
2. Traverse City and Long Lake Fire Rescue departments for sharing their time and expertise with our TCAPS students. Students got an up close look at a firehouse, met with local heroes, and even tried out equipment. What a great way to learn about safety! 🚒🧑🚒
3. Eastern Elementary's STAR Student of the Month, Charlie, who demonstrated incredible integrity when he found a large sum of cash at a Trojan football game and turned it in. Since the money went unclaimed, CHS’s Football Coach Schugars and his captains gave Charlie the special recognition he deserved by presenting him with the cash and Trojan swag. What a wonderful way to connect our students and community! 👏
4. TCHS students who volunteered their lunch period to help a fellow classmate practice for his first teaching lesson at the CTC Teacher Academy. That's the spirit of Mavericks supporting Mavericks! Thank you for investing in each other's success. 🌟
5. CHS Trojan Hockey players who volunteered to help motivate the students at Traverse Heights Elementary during their Move-a-Thon. Students pledged to stay moving for 60 minutes straight. This exciting tradition encourages student well-being and raises crucial funds. Great job, everyone! 💪
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #High5Friday
We caught part of the TCAPS crew working hard to get the field set up! A huge thank you to everyone making this incredible evening possible. Tonight is dedicated to honoring our local Veterans, first responders, and military heroes.
Come see the TC Central Trojans face off against the TC West Titans! Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m.
Get your tickets and all details here: www.tcaps.net/tcpatriotgame
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A truly safe school goes beyond security plans. It's a place where every student feels seen and supported. During Safe Schools Week, we're reminding our community that mental health is a critical part of school safety. Students who feel connected are more likely to thrive. We encourage families to check in with their kids, watch for signs of a struggle, and remind them that it's okay to ask for help.
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Winter is approaching, and the TCAPS Student Support Network is here to ensure our students stay cozy and ready for the cold! 💙
Join us at the TCAPS Warm-Up Shop on November 13 & 14 for a selection of FREE winter essentials for your student, including coats, snow pants, hats, gloves, and more.
Appointments are required to visit the shop. The shop is located at the TCAPS Administration Building, 1009 S. Oak Street.
To schedule your visit, please:
Email: KubeshCa@tcaps.net
Call: 231.933.1789
Safety in our school parking lots is a team effort. 🚦During drop-off and pick-up, please follow school traffic patterns, use designated crosswalks, and be patient. Staying off your phone and avoiding double parking helps keep everyone safe. Whether you're in a hurry or it's raining, safety must come first.
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Student and staff safety is our top priority. We keep our schools safe every day through building security, regular safety audits, and well-practiced emergency drills. These proactive steps ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency. Families can help too! Always check in at the main office when visiting and report anything that seems out of place.
For more information, please visit our website: www.tcaps.net/safety.
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Meet TCAPS Compass Winner: Colin Iverson, Special Education Teacher, WSH 🏆
His nomination highlights his amazing impact not only on his students, but also on his fellow colleagues.
Colin is a second-year special education teacher who exemplifies the core values by masterfully fostering inclusive, student-first classrooms that create the optimal conditions for growth for all learners. 💡✨
He demonstrates wisdom and experience beyond his years, ensuring his impact is consistently positive. Despite a challenging schedule, Colin displays impressive command over a variety of subject areas. His most significant strength, however, is his ability to excel at connecting with students of all attitudes and abilities, ensuring they all feel genuinely valued and recognized in his presence.
This recognition is well-deserved! The Compass Award celebrates employees who contribute to the District's Strategic Plan through their daily work.
Creating a safe environment for our students is a shared responsibility, and it starts at home 🏡. We want to remind all families about Michigan’s Secure Storage Law, which requires that unattended firearms be unloaded and secured with a locking device, or stored in a locked box or container, if a minor is or is likely to be present. This is a crucial step to prevent accidents and keep our kids safe. For more information, please review the resources from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) that we've shared.
Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/safety-injury-prev/firearm-injury-prevention/secure-storage-law
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TCAPS Board of Education Office Hours - Thursday, October 23, 2025 📅✏️
Traverse City Area Public Schools Board of Education will host its next monthly “office hours” at the Traverse Area District Library (TADL) in the McGuire Room, 610 Woodmere Avenue, on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. TCAPS Board office hours provide community members with the opportunity to talk to a school board trustee. This month, Trustee Moon Mohr is scheduled to attend.
Learn more at www.tcaps.net/board.
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It’s Bus Safety Week! 🚌 A huge shoutout to our incredible bus drivers who work tirelessly to get our students to and from school safely every single day. We all have a role to play in keeping our roads safe. Drivers, please remember to stop for buses with their stop arm out 🛑. Students, remember to stay seated and listen to your driver's instructions. Families, this is a great time to talk to your students about bus safety, both on and off the bus. Let's work together to make this a safe school year for everyone!
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Get ready for the annual TC Patriot Game! 🏈
This Friday, October 24, the TC Central Trojans and TC West Titans will face off at Thirlby Field. More than just a game, this is a night to honor our local Veterans, first responders, and military heroes. Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m.
Tickets are on sale now! Find all the details, including where to buy your commemorative shirts, at www.tcaps.net/tcpatriotgame.
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It's High 5 Friday! 🙌🖐
This week, high fives go out to:
1. Aimee Cole from WSH who has been recognized with the University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award! This honor celebrates her for being an exceptional educator who shapes young minds in meaningful ways and shares an engaging love for learning. What a well-deserved honor! ✨
2. Westwoods Kindergarten students in Mrs. Lauters’ class who held a fun Pajama and Nursery Rhyme Celebration. They brought the CKLA domain to life by retelling "Baa Baa Black Sheep" with sheep they created, and making their names shine like "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." Way to go, Kindergartners! ✨🐑
3. TheTraverse City Fire Department Local 646 for an essential lesson for the DMC students at East Middle School. They got the opportunity to learn about AEDs and hands-only CPR. This presentation kicks off their You and Your Health collaboration for Trojan TV. Great job, students and firefighters! 🚒❤️
4. Silver Lake's Ms. Frick's students who celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day by collecting natural treasures on a reflective fall walk. It was a beautiful way for students to engage with their environment and honor the day. 🌲🍂
5. Everett at Montessori, who earned the title "Head of School for the Day"! Everett raised the most money during our successful Move-a-Thon, earning him the top job. Way to show leadership! 👏🌟
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #High5Friday
Traverse City Area Public Schools is honored to offer veterans the opportunity to receive their high school diploma and be part of the 2026 graduation ceremonies!
Under Michigan's Public Act 181 of 2001 and Public Act 55 of 2014, the TCAPS Board of Education is authorized to award diplomas to veterans of WWII, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam Era in recognition of their service and sacrifice.
Eligibility Details:
- WWII Veterans: Must have left high school between December 16, 1940, and December 31, 1946.
- Korean War Veterans: Must have left high school between June 27, 1950, and January 31, 1955.
- Vietnam Era Veterans: Must have been drafted or enlisted between February 28, 1961, and May 7, 1975, and must have attended a TCAPS high school.
This opportunity is for veterans who did not subsequently receive a high school degree. Family members are welcome to apply on behalf of a living or deceased veteran.
For more information, please call 231.933.1722.
The Traverse City Central High School Music Department presents "Urinetown" in November. Evening performances are at 7 P.M. and matinees are at 2 P.M. The ticket price is $20 for general seating, with VIP seating available for $25. Tickets can be purchased at tcaps.booktix.com.
See you at the theater!
Meet TCAPS Compass Award Winner: Ann Aprea, Bus Driver! 🏆🚌
Her nomination highlights the incredible impact she has on our students every single day.
One family shared how Ann quickly and calmly handled a student's medical incident on the bus, ensuring the child's safety and well-being. Her support for students doesn't stop there. She's also been described as a "master locator of lost water bottles and mittens," a cheerleader for good days, and a soft, listening ear for rough ones.
Ann, you are a trustworthy and supportive presence for our students, and we're so grateful for you! This recognition is well-deserved, as the Compass Award is an employee recognition program that celebrates individuals who contribute to the District's Strategic Plan through their daily work.
We're eager to meet you and discuss our open positions. Join us for Open Interviews at the Glenn Loomis Administration Building (1009 S. Oak Street, Traverse City) on Wednesday, October 15, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. TCAPS is hiring for various positions, many requiring no prior experience, and on-the-job training is provided. No appointment necessary.
Learn more at www.tcaps.net/jobs
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