Due to today’s inclement weather closure, the 2-hour early release originally scheduled for today has been moved to Thursday, January 22. 🗓️
Please note that the scheduled early release for Friday, January 23 remains in effect. Students will have a 2-hour early dismissal on both Thursday and Friday.
Start & Dismissal Times: https://5il.co/3jfxa
Academic Calendar: https://5il.co/3jfx6
For questions, please contact your school directly.
SCHOOL IS CLOSED: All TCAPS schools are closed today, Monday, January 19, 2026 due to inclement weather. Students in Michigan Virtual, Acellus, or Dual Enrollment classes should follow the direction of the instructors for those programs.
For more information on snow days, including how they are communicated and how decisions are made, go to www.tcaps.net.
🔔 Reminder: TCAPS has an early release day this coming Monday, January 19.
Find start and dismissal times here: https://5il.co/3jfxa
View the academic calendar here: https://5il.co/3jfx6
For questions, contact your school directly.
This week, high fives go out to:
1. Students from the Central High School TIE Program who recently showcased their woodworking and design skills by gifting custom planters to our School Board members. By sharing these symbols of growth and hard work, the students reminded everyone of the tangible impact of hands-on learning. We are grateful for this meaningful community connection and the "growth mindset" these students exemplify! 🎁⭐
2. East Middle School students who have put science into action! Through building and testing custom air-powered rockets, students are collecting critical data to compare designs and measure success. They’re using their observations to prove Newton's Third Law of Motion in real-time. Way to go, Trojans! 🧪🌟
3. Long Lake Elementary students and families who took to the "sea" to solve puzzles and find their way out of the school during their themed escape night. Panthers used their literacy and logic skills to conquer sea-themed riddles and navigate the challenge. A special thank you to Ms. Morrice, who organized such an engaging and educational event for the school community! 🌊🙌
4. Ms. Lijewski's fifth graders and Mr. Walter's fourth graders at Blair Elementary who were treated to a delicious demonstration of how to make traditional Native American fry bread. Courtesy of a Blair Elementary neighbor who provided a unique, hands on look at customary food preparation. Such a memorable and tasty afternoon for our Roadrunners! 🍞👏
5. Courtade Elementary’s staff members, Tanya Helman and Kim Herron who created the Den where students can enjoy games and activities during lunchtime. This space offers a variety of activities that allow students to socialize and recharge during their break. We love seeing our Cougars build friendships and teamwork skills in such a positive environment.💪✨
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #High5Friday
Did you know a strong vocabulary is a top predictor of reading success? At TCAPS, our CKLA curriculum builds "word power" from Kindergarten through 5th grade by immersing students in exciting, real-world topics. It’s not just about knowing a word; it’s about understanding it deeply and being able to use it!
Here is a look at the vocabulary our students are mastering:
Kindergarten: Building the Foundation In K, we introduce fascinating topics like "Farms," "Seasons and Weather," and "Colonial America" through captivating read-alouds. Your child is learning words like: harvest, migration, and colony! 📚
1st Grade: Expanding Horizons First graders delve into domains like "The Human Body," "Fairy Tales," and "A New Nation." They're learning words like circulation, heroic, and independence! 🌳
2nd Grade: Digging Deeper In second grade, topics like "Ancient Greek Civilization," "The War of 1812," and "Ecology" bring more complex vocabulary into play- such as democracy, conflict, and biodiversity. 🔍
3rd Grade: Bridging Listening to Reading Now, students are reading more independently, and CKLA helps them tackle more sophisticated texts in units like "The Ancient Roman Empire," "Astronomy," and "Immigration." They learn words like emperor, celestial, and immigrant. 🏰
4th Grade: Mastering Academic Language Fourth grade dives into subjects like "Early American Civilizations," "Geology," and "The American Revolution." Vocabulary becomes even more crucial for academic success. Words such as Mesoamerica, erosion, and patriot. 🌎
5th Grade: Preparing for Middle School In their final elementary year, students engage with challenging topics like "The Renaissance," "The Civil War," and "Human Anatomy and Physiology." Students learn words like patron, secede and skeletal. 🚀
From their first day to their elementary graduation, we are empowering TCAPS students to own their language!
Thank You, TCAPS Board of Education! 🍎🪴
January is School Board Recognition Month, and we had a wonderful opportunity to celebrate during this week’s Organizational Meeting. TCAPS students and staff took some time to recognize the seven dedicated volunteers who serve on our Board of Education.
The trustees were presented with several thoughtful gifts, including a large poster signed by many students and a variety of hand-drawn cards. Each board member also received a potted plant in a wooden planter that was uniquely designed and constructed by our students. These gifts served as a small token of appreciation for the work the board does to help our district grow.
Our board members spend many hours behind the scenes ensuring TCAPS provides a quality education for our community. We truly appreciate the time and care they put into their roles.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
SCHOOL IS CLOSED: All TCAPS schools are closed today, Wednesday, January 14, 2026 due to inclement weather. Students in Michigan Virtual, Acellus, or Dual Enrollment classes should follow the direction of the instructors for those programs.
For more information on snow days, including how they are communicated and how decisions are made, go to www.tcaps.net.
Meet TCAPS Compass Winner: David Payne, Elementary LEAP Manager, East Middle School🏆
His nomination highlights his patience, respectfulness, and positive influence towards students and staff.
David Payne consistently goes above and beyond to support our district and exemplify the spirit of the TCAPS Strategic Plan. As the Elementary Sports Manager, David’s dedication extends far beyond his assigned responsibilities. His willingness to help in any capacity reflects a deep commitment to high-quality staffing and team-oriented dependability.
A consummate team player, David is always ready to solve problems or fill gaps to ensure our schools run smoothly. He builds strong connections with students and models the respectful, supportive relationships that help foster a positive school culture. By consistently lending a hand wherever needed, his actions truly embody the collaboration, care, and commitment that move our district forward. 🙌💫
This recognition is well-deserved! The Compass Award celebrates employees who contribute to the District's Strategic Plan through their daily work. Review the full Strategic Plan here: www.tcaps.net/strategicplan
Hockey Fights Hunger Food Drive: January 12–23 🏒✨
The Trojan and Titan hockey teams are teaming up with the Student Support Network to fight hunger in our schools and community. In support of the Hockey Fights Hunger game on January 24, donation boxes will be available at Central High School, East Middle School, West Senior High School, and West Middle School from January 12–23 and at the game at Howe Arena on Saturday, January 24, at 6 p.m.
Please consider donating non-perishable food items to help TCAPS students—donations will go directly to food pantries at all TCAPS middle and high schools. Requested items include cereal, granola or protein bars, protein shakes, individual cups of mac & cheese, ramen, and soup. Every donation makes a difference!
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
The Talented and Gifted Program offers 4th graders accelerated learning with less repetition, focusing on growth mindset and challenging projects. Give your student the opportunity to learn in this unique environment.
Qualification testing (CogAT) is optional for all interested 3rd graders.
Register by January 21, 2026! Learn more at www.tcaps.net/TAG.
The TCAPS Board of Education is holding a meeting tonight, Monday, January 12, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Join us in person at the Glenn Loomis Administration Building (1009 S. Oak Street, Traverse City).
Find out more and view the agenda at www.tcaps.net/board.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
The TCAPS Student Support Network extends a huge thank you to The Mitten Group!
For the third year in a row, they have hosted The Mitten Drive, a community-wide winter clothing collection to support our students. We are so grateful for their incredible generosity and their dedication to keeping TCAPS students warm. Thank you for the amazing community support that makes this possible! ❄️✨
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
The TCAPS Student Support Network extends a heartfelt thank you to the team at North Flight Aero Med!
For the third year in a row, this team chose to skip their internal gift exchange to instead purchase winter gear for our students. Because of their generosity, many TCAPS students will stay warm this winter with brand-new gear. ✈️❄️
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
It's High 5 Friday! 🙌🖐
This week, high fives go out to:
1. Montessori Elementary’s Lego League Robotics team, Bricks (4) Brains, who competed at the Michigan State Championship, and took home 2nd place overall in Robot Performance! They also had the opportunity to show off MARA, the multifunctional archaeological robot assistant they developed to help archaeologists safely move and document artifacts. Congratulations to these bright young engineers on their state-level success! 🏆🎉
2. Eastern Elementary 4th graders who are becoming true masters of metaphor! Mrs. Nelson’s students have been sharpening their craft during their recent poetry unit. By practicing their “poet-tree” skills, they are learning how to express themselves in creative and impactful new ways. We are so proud of these budding writers! ✍️🙌
3. Ms. Varnum’s kindergarten class at Traverse Heights Elementary who are becoming master storytellers! Students were hard at work during their CKLA block, practicing how to retell a story about pets. Building these foundational literacy skills is a huge step in their reading journey. Way to go, Roadrunners! 📖✨
4. West Middle School’s 8th Grade Symphony Band who will represent the district at the 2026 Michigan Music Conference. They have been selected as one of only two middle school bands in Michigan to receive this invitation. This "state championship" level recognition is a rare honor, marking only the second time in the school’s history that WMS has been selected. Way to outshine!🎻🌟
5. The students in Ms. Forrest’s Junior Kindergarten class at Silver Lake Elementary who had a blast during singing and movement time. With Ms. Penny. Music and movement are essential building blocks for our youngest learners, helping to develop gross motor skills and literacy while building coordination and confidence. It’s wonderful to see the classroom full of joy and rhythm. Keep up the great work Seahawks! 💙✨
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #High5Friday
TCAPS Superintendent Monthly Office Hours – January 13, 2026 📅⏰
Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) Superintendent, Dr. John VanWagoner, provides a monthly opportunity for community members to attend “office hours.” The next office hours will be held Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. via Google Meet.
For more information and to access the virtual meeting, visit www.tcaps.net/page/superintendent.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
The TCAPS Board of Education is holding its next meeting on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Join us in person at the Glenn Loomis Administration Building (1009 S. Oak Street, Traverse City).
Find out more at www.tcaps.net/board.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
Meet TCAPS Compass Winner: Kelly OBranovic, Reading Interventionist, Eastern Elementary 🏆
Her nomination highlights her exemplary leadership skills and her nurturing collaboration with colleagues.
One of Kelly’s most commendable qualities is her ability to build trust among those she empowers. By consistently demonstrating honesty and empathy, she fosters a transparent school environment where everyone feels valued and seen. She leads with an unwavering commitment to others, providing individualized attention to the teaching staff through a courageous, hands-on approach that inspires the entire building.
Beyond coaching, Kelly plays a pivotal role in leading the Multi-Tiered System of Supports process and serves as an integral member of the district ELA committee. Whether she is conducting site visits or recruiting staff for new curriculum pilots, she balances district-wide initiatives with a fierce dedication to her daily duties. Her proactive communication with leadership ensures that the entire school community remains aligned. Ultimately, Kelly exemplifies excellence through her resilience, collaborative mindset, and deep-rooted drive to help her colleagues succeed. 👏🌟
This recognition is well-deserved! The Compass Award celebrates employees who contribute to the District's Strategic Plan through their daily work. Review the full Strategic Plan here: www.tcaps.net/strategicplan
There’s still time to make a difference for TCAPS students before the year ends!
Your year-end gift helps provide essentials and remove barriers so all students can access SSN and LEAP opportunities. Together, we are changing futures one gift at a time.
Give today: www.tcaps.net/give
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
As the year comes to a close, we invite you to support TCAPS students!
Your gift helps us provide essentials and remove barriers so all students can access SSN and LEAP opportunities. Together, we are changing futures one gift at a time.
Give here: www.tcaps.net/give
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
