We invite you to join us for an informal conversation regarding district-wide updates and TCAPS policy. These sessions offer a dedicated space for families and community members to engage in open dialogue and strengthen our partnership.
Featured Trustee: Scott Hardy
Date & Time: February 26, 2026, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Location: Traverse Heights Elementary School, 933 Rose Street, Traverse City, MI 49686
We look forward to connecting with you and working together for our students.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
This week, high fives go out to:
1. West Middle School’s amazing Math Club students! They are now the #1 team in the region, and they are headed to the State Competition in March! Not only did the team dominate, but several students also ranked as the top individual performers in the entire region. We are so proud of their hard work and spirit! 🏆🥳
2. Blair Elementary students who hosted their first-ever STEM Day! There were STEM stations located throughout the building and led by 4th and 5th grade students. They even had rangers from Sleeping Bear Dunes visit with their mobile planetarium! All of this was organized by their incredible 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Laurie Lijewski. Thank you for bringing learning to life for Bobcat students! 👏🌟
3. East Middle School’s band members who turned the main office into a "mini stage" by surprising staff with an impromptu performance! It was the perfect way to brighten everyone's morning and show off their talent. We love seeing our Trojans take the initiative to share their musical gifts with the whole school. Bravo, musicians! 🎵🙌
4. Eastern Elementary’s Mrs. Hites' first grade classroom who celebrated the Chinese New Year. The Wang family, whose son is in the class, shared the rich history and vibrant customs of the Holiday. Students enjoyed learning Chinese words and Zodiac signs. Thank you to the Wang Family for sharing your traditions and giving our students such a memorable gift of learning! 🎋❤️
5. Westwoods Elementary 5th graders who found a unique way to bring their CKLA unit to life! They engaged in a friendly jousting match, using their skills and knowledge to compete. It wasn’t just about the competition; students utilized their critical thinking and communication skills to navigate the challenge. Who knew the Middle Ages could be this much fun? 💪🛡️
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #High5Friday
Reminder: TCAPS has an early release day today, Thursday, February 19. 🔔
Note: There is no school for students tomorrow, Friday, Feb 20 (Teacher Work Day).
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.
Meet TCAPS Compass Winner: Vicky Ackerman, Bus Driver, TCAPS Transportation Department🏆
Her nomination highlights her patience and positive influence on students.
As the first school personnel many of our students see each day. Vicky sets the tone with positive words, school spirit, and genuine care. Whether she’s rocking a spirit day outfit or gently enforcing safety rules, she leads with heart.
Vicky exhibits each of the Compass values, putting students first, operating with excellence, showing integrity, and leading students and other staff members with empathy and mindfulness. She cultivates a supportive environment, starting each student's day with a positive connection and promotes respect and responsibility on each of her routes. 💖👏
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
Reminder: TCAPS has an early release day this Thursday, February 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. TCAPS Montessori National Junior Honor Society students who demonstrated what it truly means to lead with heart and purpose! Back in December, these dedicated leaders organized a donation drive for the Father Fred Foundation, successfully collecting over 600 items to support local families. But they didn't stop there! The team recently followed up with an in-person service trip to Father Fred, where they spent time sorting donations and assisting with operations. We are so proud of these students for their commitment to our community and for putting their values into action! ❤️🏫
2. Central Grade Elementary’s Mrs. DeMarsh’s 2nd-grade class who recently put their knowledge of measurement, perimeter, and shapes to the test. Their mission was to design and build special boxes for their Valentine’s Day celebrations! It’s so inspiring to see our students use their skills to create something meaningful and festive! 📏💪
3. A dedicated group of students at Long Lake Elementary who have been arriving early every morning with a mission to make sure every single person in the building knows they matter. Together, they taped a colorful heart on more than 280 lockers, each featuring a unique, handwritten message of encouragement. From “Believe in yourself” to “You are important,” these students are filling their school with a powerful reminder of kindness and belonging. Thank you for leading with such heart! 💝🌟
4. Students in Central High School’s TIE 10 program who participated in a unique cultural immersion experience. By stepping into the kitchen to prepare traditional Fry Bread, students moved past the pages of history books to engage with Indigenous traditions firsthand. Throughout the process, students discussed the historical context of Fry Bread. We love seeing our students learn firsthand the traditions that shape our world! 🍞👏
5. Courtade Elementary’s students who got to showcase their projects at the Creative Explorers Symposium! The students worked so hard to research, design, and present their projects. From deep dives into science to creative arts, the variety and passion on display were truly inspiring! Extended gratitude to Mr. Boyce and Ms.Partman for facilitating this incredible learning journey. Your mentorship helps these young minds soar! 🚀✨
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #High5Friday
Adventure Awaits! Enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year is open!
Learn more about early childhood education at TCAPS by visiting www.tcaps.net/enroll.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
If your student has been talking about "chains" lately, don't worry—they aren't auditioning for a construction crew! They are mastering one of the most powerful tools in our CKLA Skills toolkit.
What exactly is Word Chaining?
It’s a fast-paced "mental gymnastics" game for the brain. We start with a word like cat, and by changing just one sound at a time, we transform it: cat → can → fan → fin.
Why it’s a Game-Changer:
- Phonemic Awareness: It trains the ear to hear the tiny differences between sounds.
- Decoding Speed: It builds the "muscle memory" needed to recognize patterns instantly.
- Confidence: Using our Word Chaining Folders, students get hands-on practice manipulating letters, turning "scary" big words into a series of small, manageable shifts.
Our students are proving that building literacy is all about making the right connections!
It’s Count Day! 🗓️
Schools receive funding based on student attendance numbers taken on Count Day. Having your student in school on Count Day, when possible, helps TCAPS continue to provide a premier education for all students.
Let's make it a great day of learning! 📚
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
During this time, HR and the Superintendent’s Office will be located at the TCAPS Facilities building (1212 Cass Road) for fingerprinting and badge assistance. All other administrative staff will be relocated to various work locations across the district and can be contacted by phone and email.
Thank you for your patience as we prepare this space for Central Grade staff and students.
Learn more about early childhood education at TCAPS by visiting www.tcaps.net/enroll.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
Schools receive funding based on student attendance numbers taken on Count Day. Having your student in school on Count Day, when possible, helps TCAPS continue to provide a premier education for all students.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
TCAPS Superintendent In-Person Office Hours – February 10, 2026
Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) Superintendent Dr. John VanWagoner invites community members to “office hours.” Office hours will be held at Horizon Books, 243 E. Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49684 (Mezzanine level) at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
More info: https://www.tcaps.net/page/superintendent
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
The TCAPS Board of Education is holding a meeting tonight, Monday, February 9, 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
It's High 5 Friday! 🙌🖐
This week, high fives go out to:
1. Jack Williams, an eighth-grade student at West Middle School who was recently named the District 13 winner and placed fifth in the State of Michigan for the VFW Patriots’ Pen Youth Essay Competition. We are so incredibly proud of Jack for representing the Titans with such talent and heart! ✍️🏆
2. Willow Hill Elementary’s Third Grade Postal Workers who have been busy sorting and delivering notes of thanks, encouragement, and friendship. Students and staff have loved the joy of both sending and receiving these special messages. A huge thank you to their PTO’s funding to help students deliver a "First-Class" amount of kindness! 💌👏
3. Long Lake Elementary students who volunteered to sharpen colored pencils during their time in Extended Day. It’s the small acts of service like this that keep a school running smoothly and teach students the value of stewardship. Their mission is to make the school a better place —one pencil at a time! ✏️✨
4. Cherry Knoll Elementary students who celebrated National Tutu Day. Students and staff joined in the fun by wearing tutus of all colors and sizes, turning hallways into a celebration of school spirit. These "spirit days" are a wonderful way to build community and bring a little extra joy to the learning environment. 🙌⭐
5. Eastern Elementary students whose days are full of growth opportunities. Whether it’s mastering a new math formula or collaborating in small group centers, students and staff make every moment count. A big shout-out to the 2nd-grade teams in Mrs. Hite's and Mrs. Edwardson's rooms for their hard work and dedication! 🌟
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #High5Friday
TCAPS Superintendent Monthly Office Hours – February 10, 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, February 10, 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 will hold its next meeting this coming Monday, February 9, 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
Meet TCAPS Compass Winner: Kristin Stuedemann - Lead Principal, West Middle School🏆
Her nomination highlights her proactive and organized approach to school improvement.
Kristin Stuedemann is the portrait of what makes a school thrive. According to those who work alongside her, she’s a leader who is never complacent and is always supportive of everyone in the building. Kristin “Stu” promotes a growth mindset and constantly seeks ways to improve every aspect of our school.
By utilizing resources and prioritizing stakeholder feedback, she makes informed decisions that improve our community culture and climate. As an exceptional instructional leader, Kristin encourages growth in everyone she meets. West Middle School continues to reach new heights under her prideful and inspiring leadership! 🌟👏
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
