TCAPS celebrates Veterans Day! We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the veterans in our schools, families, and community.
Connect with TCAPS Superintendent Dr. John VanWagoner!
TCAPS community members are invited to join the next virtual Superintendent Monthly Office Hours:
📅 Date: Wednesday, November 11, 2026
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Virtual via Google Meet
Whether you want to share feedback, ask questions, or just say hello, all parents, staff, and community members are welcome!
🔗 Find the Google Meet link at: www.tcaps.net/page/superintendent
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
Reminder: The TCAPS Board of Education will hold a Regular Board Meeting on Monday, November 9 at 6:00 p.m. at West Middle School (3950 Silver Lake Rd).
Details: www.tcaps.net/board
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
Mark your calendars, our regional resource fair is coming up! 🗓️
Don't miss "Navigating Life After High School for Students with Disabilities" on Thursday, November 12, at 6:00 PM in the Central High School Cafeteria.
Get one-on-one time with state and local organizations ready to help your student build a clear path forward after graduation. Free and open to the entire community!
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
Honoring Our Local Veterans: Class of 2027
Traverse City Area Public Schools is proud to invite local veterans from WWII, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam Era to receive their high school diploma and walk in our 2027 graduation ceremonies! 🎓
Under Michigan law, TCAPS awards honorary diplomas to veterans whose military service interrupted their education. Family members are also welcome to apply on behalf of a living or deceased veteran.
📞 To learn more or apply, please call 231.933.1722.
Traverse City Area Public Schools is proud to invite local veterans from WWII, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam Era to receive their high school diploma and walk in our 2027 graduation ceremonies! 🎓
Under Michigan law, TCAPS awards honorary diplomas to veterans whose military service interrupted their education. Family members are also welcome to apply on behalf of a living or deceased veteran.
📞 To learn more or apply, please call 231.933.1722.
The TCAPS Board of Education will hold a Regular Board Meeting on Monday, November 9 at 6:00 p.m. at West Middle School (3950 Silver Lake Rd).
Details: www.tcaps.net/board
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
Details: www.tcaps.net/board
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
It's High 5 Friday! 🙌🖐
This week, high fives go out to:
1. Central High School Trojans and West Senior High School Titans cross-country athletes heading to the Division 1 State Finals at Michigan International Speedway this weekend! We are so proud of the dedication, hard work, and grit both programs have shown all season long. 🏃♀️🏆✨
2. Our Eastern Elementary students who recently wrote heartfelt letters to soldiers and shared some of their Halloween treats to send directly to Coast Guard members serving overseas. Spreading holiday cheer and gratitude across the globe! Thank you to our generous students and families for supporting our service members! ❤️🤍💙
3. Our 3rd graders at Westwoods Elementary got an up-close look at native Michigan birds of prey thanks to a special visit from the Skegemog Raptor Center! Students learned about raptor rehabilitation, local wildlife conservation, and the incredible adaptations that make these birds top predators. Huge thanks to the Skegemog Raptor Center team for sharing their wonderful ambassadors and bringing wildlife education directly to our classrooms! 🦅✨
4. East Middle School 7th-grade science students who were tasked with designing solutions to a brand-new, never-before-seen problem! They practiced key engineering principles by using previously tested, similar scenarios to model and inform their own spaghetti tower designs. By analyzing what works, adapting to specific criteria, and navigating design constraints, they are building critical thinking and problem-solving skills from the ground up! 🍝💡
5. Courtade Elementary students who got creative with leftover giant pumpkins! They cut them open and explored what's inside, dissecting and investigating every scoop, seed, and strand of two massive pumpkins. A huge thank you to 9 Bean Rows for donating the pumpkins and giving our Courtade Cougars such a fun, memorable learning experience! 🔍
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #High5Friday
Navigating college funding doesn't have to be overwhelming! Join us for Financial Aid 101 for Parents, presented by Nick Messing from Michigan Student Aid. Get expert insight on scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities to help plan for your student's future.
📅 Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Traverse City West Senior High School (Library Media Center)
🗺️ Address: 5376 N. Long Lake Rd
Don't miss out on this valuable session. Mark your calendars and bring your questions! 💡✨
TCAPS Board Community Connections 🤝
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: Sara Bageris
Date/Time: Wednesday, November 4, 2026, from 5:00–6:00 p.m.
Location: Silver Lake Elementary School, 5858 Culver Road, Traverse City, MI 49685
We look forward to connecting with you and working together for our students.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
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: Sara Bageris
Date/Time: Wednesday, November 4, 2026, from 5:00–6:00 p.m.
Location: Silver Lake Elementary School, 5858 Culver Road, Traverse City, MI 49685
We look forward to connecting with you and working together for our students.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
TCAPS families! 🗓️
There is NO SCHOOL for students today, Monday, November 2, due to Regional Staff Development for our team.
Enjoy the day off, and we look forward to welcoming students back in class tomorrow, Tuesday, November 3!
View the academic calendar here: https://5il.co/3jfx6
Traverse City Central High School Music Department presents the Michigan premiere of WONDERLAND!✨
Join us for an unforgettable show featuring our talented CHS students! Shows run Nov. 13, 14, 20, & 21 at 7 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees on Nov. 15 & 22.
Tickets are $20 ($25 for VIP) and can be purchased now at tcaps.booktix.com.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
Join us for an unforgettable show featuring our talented CHS students! Shows run Nov. 13, 14, 20, & 21 at 7 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees on Nov. 15 & 22.
Tickets are $20 ($25 for VIP) and can be purchased now at tcaps.booktix.com.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
TCAPS celebrates Native American Heritage Month!
Friendly reminder, TCAPS families! 🗓️
There is NO SCHOOL for students on Monday, November 2 due to Regional Staff Development for our team. Enjoy your day off, and we look forward to welcoming students back in class on Tuesday, November 3!
There is NO SCHOOL for students on Monday, November 2 due to Regional Staff Development for our team. Enjoy your day off, and we look forward to welcoming students back in class on Tuesday, November 3!
It's High 5 Friday! 🙌🖐
This week, high fives go out to:
1. Mr. Cooper’s 5th graders at Eastern Elementary recently got a first-hand look at science by dissecting salmon! Mr.Cooper pulled the salmon directly from the downtown fish weir, providing students with an incredible hands-on look at organs, body systems, and skeletal structures. This interactive lesson gave students a perfect real-world foundation to compare fish anatomy to human biology as they launch into their next science unit! 🌊🧫👏
2. Long Lake Elementary’s second graders who wrapped up their Ancient Greek civilization unit by sampling delicious Greek foods, while our kindergarteners teamed up for interactive stations to explore the 5 Senses. Hands-on learning at its finest! 💡🐾💙
3. Students at Westwoods Elementary who had a blast trying spaghetti squash, and it was a huge hit! In fact, a few kids even asked if we could add it to the regular lunch menu! Thank you to our awesome food service team for bringing fun, healthy, and hands-on food exploration to our schools! 🥗👏
4. Our 6th grade geographers at West Middle School put their teamwork and critical-thinking skills to the test during a Geographical Scene Investigation! Using different types of maps, students analyzed clues and collaborated to solve complex problems together. Way to go, geographers! A big thank you to Mr. Bishop for creating such an engaging, hands-on resource for our students! 🧭🗺️🕵️♂️
5. Central High School’s Burgers with Berger, which incorporates big ideas and a real seat at the table! Each month, Principal Berger sits down with the Student Advisory Council over a burger lunch to hear what’s working, what could be improved, and what’s top of mind for our students. We love seeing student voices in action and working together to make our school community even better! 👏🍔💡
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #High5Friday
This week, high fives go out to:
1. Mr. Cooper’s 5th graders at Eastern Elementary recently got a first-hand look at science by dissecting salmon! Mr.Cooper pulled the salmon directly from the downtown fish weir, providing students with an incredible hands-on look at organs, body systems, and skeletal structures. This interactive lesson gave students a perfect real-world foundation to compare fish anatomy to human biology as they launch into their next science unit! 🌊🧫👏
2. Long Lake Elementary’s second graders who wrapped up their Ancient Greek civilization unit by sampling delicious Greek foods, while our kindergarteners teamed up for interactive stations to explore the 5 Senses. Hands-on learning at its finest! 💡🐾💙
3. Students at Westwoods Elementary who had a blast trying spaghetti squash, and it was a huge hit! In fact, a few kids even asked if we could add it to the regular lunch menu! Thank you to our awesome food service team for bringing fun, healthy, and hands-on food exploration to our schools! 🥗👏
4. Our 6th grade geographers at West Middle School put their teamwork and critical-thinking skills to the test during a Geographical Scene Investigation! Using different types of maps, students analyzed clues and collaborated to solve complex problems together. Way to go, geographers! A big thank you to Mr. Bishop for creating such an engaging, hands-on resource for our students! 🧭🗺️🕵️♂️
5. Central High School’s Burgers with Berger, which incorporates big ideas and a real seat at the table! Each month, Principal Berger sits down with the Student Advisory Council over a burger lunch to hear what’s working, what could be improved, and what’s top of mind for our students. We love seeing student voices in action and working together to make our school community even better! 👏🍔💡
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #High5Friday
SRP Action Spotlight: Shelter
Directive: "State hazard and safety strategy."
The Shelter action is used for environmental threats like severe weather or hazardous materials. Students and staff take specific protective measures based on the situation.
That wraps up our 6-week SRP series! By using clear language and practicing these 5 actions (Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter), TCAPS prioritizes safety every day. 💙
Learn more at iloveuguys.org.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
Directive: "State hazard and safety strategy."
The Shelter action is used for environmental threats like severe weather or hazardous materials. Students and staff take specific protective measures based on the situation.
That wraps up our 6-week SRP series! By using clear language and practicing these 5 actions (Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter), TCAPS prioritizes safety every day. 💙
Learn more at iloveuguys.org.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
Join us for an area-wide event for all families across the Grand Traverse region on Thursday, November 12, at 6:00 PM at the Central High School Cafeteria. 🤝 TCAPS invites you and your student to explore post-secondary options together.
Whether your student is looking into job training, college programs, career placement, or independent living skills, this event is designed to give your family clear, actionable next steps. 🎓
Admission is completely free, and light refreshments will be served.
Questions or accommodation requests? Contact PomavillTi@tcaps.net.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
Honoring Our Local Veterans: Class of 2027
Traverse City Area Public Schools is proud to invite local veterans from WWII, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam Era to receive their high school diploma and walk in our 2027 graduation ceremonies! 🎓
Under Michigan law, TCAPS awards honorary diplomas to veterans whose military service interrupted their education. Family members are also welcome to apply on behalf of a living or deceased veteran.
📞 To learn more or apply, please call 231.933.1722.
Traverse City Area Public Schools is proud to invite local veterans from WWII, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam Era to receive their high school diploma and walk in our 2027 graduation ceremonies! 🎓
Under Michigan law, TCAPS awards honorary diplomas to veterans whose military service interrupted their education. Family members are also welcome to apply on behalf of a living or deceased veteran.
📞 To learn more or apply, please call 231.933.1722.
The TCAPS Board of Education will hold a Board Study Session today, Monday, October 26 at 5:00 p.m. Join us in person at the TCAPS Administration Building (2075 Cass Rd, Traverse City, MI 49684).
Find out more at www.tcaps.net/board.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
📌 REMINDER: CHS Construction Information Session
Join us on Wednesday, October 28, at 6:30 PM in the Central High School Cafeteria for an update on CHS construction projects! TCAPS administration, architects, and contractors will share details on the new competition gym, wrestling room, main office secure entry, and facility updates, as well as answer community questions.
Hope to see you there!
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
What does the future look like after graduation? Come discover the options! 🎓
Our upcoming area-wide resource fair brings regional experts directly to you. Meet representatives from:
Northwest Ed (Regional transition services)
Grand Traverse Industries (Vocational training & paid employment)
Michigan Career & Technical Institute (Trade credentials)
Michigan Rehabilitation Services (Funding & career placement)
Ready for Life & Calvin University (College campus experiences)
📅 Thursday, November 12 | 6:00 PM
📍 Central High School Cafeteria
Open to all families across the region. Questions? Email PomavillTi@tcaps.net.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools