It's High 5 Friday! 🙌🖐

This week, high fives go out to:

1. Jennifer Whitten, Probate Judge for Grand Traverse County, who visited Mrs. Ferguson's Kindergarten Class at Eastern Elementary. Judge Whitten spoke with the students about her daily duties, the education required to become a judge, and her experiences in the courtroom. A huge thank you to Judge Whitten for taking the time to inspire our students and for being such a wonderful community partner! 👏✨

2. East Middle School 6th graders in Mrs. Garrett’s science class who took their learning to the open water! Sailing aboard the Schooner Alliance with Inland Seas, students became scientists for the day on West Grand Traverse Bay. The crew studied the impact of microplastics on our Great Lakes. They even learned the ropes of becoming sailors! It was an unforgettable hands-on experience in environmental stewardship.⛵👍

3. Tritons Rowing athletes from TC Central, TC West, and St. Francis who made waves last weekend at the Midwest Scholastic Rowing Championship! Competing in this prestigious 9-state regional and national qualifier, our rowers showed incredible skill and determination. Congratulations to all our athletes on a phenomenal season so far. Row Tritons! 🚣🙌

4. Miss Brown's 5th-grade class at Cherry Knoll Elementary took science to new heights! Students held an exciting Egg Drop Competition this past Friday, putting their engineering skills to the ultimate test. The event was inspired by their current CKLA novel study, The Science of Breakable Things. Students designed creative protective casings to see if their eggs could survive the fall. It was a fantastic way to bring literature to life through hands-on STEM learning! 🥚🌟

5. Interlochen Arts Academy high school students who visited our young learners as part of the "Back to Bach" initiative. These talented musicians are incredibly passionate about their instruments and shared that enthusiasm to open our students' eyes and hearts to the world of classical music. Thank you for hitting a high note with our Stars and inspiring the next generation of performers! 🎻👏

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #High5Friday

1 day ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Woman in a black robe and a boy holding a mallet sit together in a classroom.
People on a boat with a cloudy sky in the background. Some sit on benches, others on the floor.
Two people in yellow and blue jackets on a boat, one holding a net, over calm ocean water.
Three people in yellow jackets stand on a boat, with one holding onto a railing. The boat floats on water.
Two boats on a body of water with people rowing. One boat has three people. Logos on top left corner.
A group of people in front of a building, some kneeling, holding bags and banners.
Four students with instruments and a projector screen stand before a classroom of children.

Just a reminder that the TCAPS spring concert season is in full swing. We hope you’ll join us for an evening of music to celebrate the hard work of our students. 🌸

Check the "Sounds of the Season" schedule here: https://sholink.to/SoundsoftheSeason

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools

1 day ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Graphic for TCAPS Music Department Spring Concerts, titled "Sounds of the Season," featuring a play button icon over a spring landscape with flowers and hills.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! 🎓✨

The countdown is on! We are honored to celebrate the incredible achievements of our seniors from Central High School, West Senior High School, and Traverse City High School. As you prepare to cross the stage, TCAPS stands proud of your hard work and the bright futures ahead of you.

Mark Your Calendars:
For the full lineup of commencement dates, times, and ceremony locations, please visit www.tcaps.net/graduation.

1 day ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Poster for TCAPS Class of 2026, featuring a silhouette of a graduate tossing a cap into the air.

A Spring Campaign Rooted in Local Support 🌷

Your gift helps provide essential resources, opportunities, and support for TCAPS students through SSN and LEAP programs, supporting more than 3,000 students each year. Help us ensure every student has the chance to succeed.

Give today: www.tcaps.net/give

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools

2 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Two children lie on grass with daisies. "TCAPS FOUNDATION" and "CHANGING FUTURES ONE GIFT AT A TIME" text. Website address: www.tcaps.net/give.

The May 2026 edition of TCAPS District News is officially live! 🗞️✨

Stay connected with the latest stories, student highlights, and important updates from across our schools.

Mobile Version: 📱https://itl.ink/DistrictNewsMay26

Desktop & Print Version: 💻 https://aptg.co/YbKds7

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools

2 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Six people in hard hats stand in a dirt pile. A blue banner behind them reads "TCAPS DISTRICT NEWS".
Celebrating TCAPS Student Leaders! 👏✨

At this week’s meeting, the TCAPS Board of Education formally recognized student leaders from West Senior High and Central High School.

The Board honored the National Honor Society Presidents and Student Senate Governors for their exceptional leadership and commitment to their school communities.

TCAPS is proud to highlight these students for their hard work and the positive impact they continue to make.
3 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A group of people wearing business attire stand before a banner with text. They are holding awards.
Opening New Chapters: The Power of the Novel Study

Did you know that 3rd - 5th graders have the opportunity to engage in novel studies through the CKLA curriculum? These Novel Study Units are where "learning to read" transforms into "loving to read." By diving deep into these specific titles, our students are building more than just literacy—they’re building character:

- Stella Díaz Has Something to Say: Students are finding their own "inner starfish" as they learn about confidence, identity, and the bravery it takes to speak up.

- The Seasons of Styx Malone: This adventure pushes kids to analyze loyalty and friendship, weighing the thrill of the "extraordinary" against the value of home.

- The Science of Breakable Things: A beautiful look at using the scientific method to understand empathy and hope, connecting lab reports to real-life emotions.

The Big Benefit: Novel studies build reading stamina and critical thinking. Instead of just skimming, students learn to track complex themes and see the world through a new lens.
3 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A group of people poses outside a building with large windows, some holding bags, on a sunny day.
People standing on a ladder throwing bags of eggs into the air, while others watch from below.
Exterior of a building with several cars parked outside. People are walking on a sidewalk. Trees in the background.
Four children sit around a table in a classroom. One child poses with a peace sign.

We Are Green! 🌿

TCAPS is proud to announce that every school building in our district has earned a Michigan Green School designation for the 2025–2026 school year! TCAPS is one of only two districts in the state to reach this 100% participation milestone.

From Green to Emerald to Evergreen, our students and staff are leading the way in protecting Northern Michigan’s natural resources. This achievement ensures that every student is engaged in meaningful sustainability efforts that benefit the entire Traverse City community.

Find out which badge your school earned on their website, and read more about the Michigan Green Schools program here: https://greenschools-michigan.hub.arcgis.com/. 🏆

3 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Green background with icons and a shield logo saying "Michigan Green Schools Certified" at the top.

Reminder: The TCAPS Board of Education is holding a Study Session tonight, Wednesday, May 13, at 5:00 p.m. Join us in person at Glenn Loomis (1009 S. Oak Street, Traverse City).

Find out more at www.tcaps.net/board.

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools

3 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
TCAPS Administration Building

Meet TCAPS Compass Winner: Emma Hindle, Toddler Manager, TCAPS Montessori🏆

Her nomination highlights her flexibility and commitment to her students.

We are proud to recognize Emma with the Compass Award for her incredible resilience and dedication as a Lead Teacher in our Toddler program. The start of a school year is always a whirlwind, but Emma has navigated the last few months with extraordinary grace. Despite facing staffing transitions and a "revolving door" of substitutes, she has remained a rock for her students and families.

Thank you, Emma, for your unwavering positivity and for providing a steady, loving environment for our youngest learners when they needed it most. You are a true asset to the TCAPS team! 👏💐

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.

4 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A smiling woman in a hexagon shape is on a blue background with the TCAPS Compass Award logo.
We understand that barriers to attendance can arise. Whether it involves transportation, health or other hurdles, our school is here to provide support. If your family is facing challenges with attendance, please reach out to our office so we can help.

#SuccessStartsWithShowingUp #GreatCommunityGreatSchools
4 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A clock, books, and a green chalkboard are displayed. The chalkboard says "Success Starts With Showing Up."
The TCAPS community is invited to a Community Walk-Through at Central Grade School on Wednesday, May 20, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

As we prepare for upcoming renovations, this event offers a final opportunity to photograph the building’s historical features and view design renderings of the planned improvements. Members of the architectural team will also be on-site to answer questions regarding the project. We look forward to welcoming students, staff, and alumni as we celebrate the history of the building and look toward its future.

Location: Central Grade School
Date: Wednesday, May 20
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
5 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A large brick building with several windows and a white door is surrounded by trees and greenery.

Reminder: The TCAPS Board of Education meets tonight, May 11, at 6:00 p.m. Join us in person at Glenn Loomis (1009 S. Oak Street, Traverse City).

Find out more at www.tcaps.net/board.

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools

5 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
TCAPS Administration Building

The TCAPS Board of Education is holding a Study Session on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Join us in person at Glenn Loomis (1009 S. Oak Street, Traverse City).

Find out more at www.tcaps.net/board.

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools

6 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
TCAPS Administration Building

It's High 5 Friday! 🙌🖐

This week, high fives go out to:

1. Our incredible community partners! ✨We are so grateful for the way you came together to support and celebrate our staff during Staff Appreciation Week. Your generosity is what makes this community so special! 💙

2. Dawson P. and Tucker B., who were each awarded a $2,000 "Invested In Scholarship” by TBA Credit Union! Every year, this scholarship is presented to students who are pursuing higher education and have shown a true dedication to volunteerism. Way to go! 🙌

3. Rachel Noller’s 1st and 2nd hour labs, where students are trading textbooks for trauma shears to master CPR, tourniquet application, and splinting. The class is even using face paint to simulate realistic wounds, providing the messy, fast-paced triage training these future healthcare pros need.

4. The students, staff, and families who participated in Walk and Roll to School Day! A special shout out to Cherry Knoll Elementary, which saw its largest student participation ever! 🚲 🌟

5. Mrs. Garrett’s 6th-grade science students at East Middle School! To study thermal energy transfer, teams engineered eco-friendly, budget-conscious cups designed to keep drinks cold. Each design had to fit a standard cup holder and maintain a near-perfect temperature.

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #High5Friday

8 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Child's hand drawing a red heart with text: Education is a work of HEART. Thank You, TCAPS Staff.
A decorative banner saying "Thank You Teachers & Staff" is displayed on a brick wall, with colorful flowers and a rainbow.
A collage of eight photos shows staff members holding items during a staff appreciation week. Each photo is set against a blue background.
Two boxes of pie stacked on a wooden table. One box has the word "Handmade with Love" and a Michigan outline.
Printed badges with the text "TCAPS" and QR codes on them. A blue carabiner with the text "TCAPS" attached to a document.
Four winners of a scholarship program are shown in a blue background. Each student is listed with their name and school.
A group of children and adults gather near a picnic table on a grassy field with cars parked in the background.
Collage of images showing students in a biomedical science lab, working on various tasks.
Two students sit at a table in a classroom, one holds scissors and the other poses with a peace sign.
Two individuals are in a lab, examining a yellow liquid in a cup with a straw. Lab equipment is on a table.

TCAPS Superintendent Monthly Office Hours – Tuesday, May 12 📅⏰

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, May 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. via Google Meet.

For more information and to access the virtual meeting, visit www.tcaps.net/about/superintendent.

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools

8 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Superintendent Dr. John VanWagoner
We invite you to support TCAPS students this spring! 🌸

Giving to the Student Support Network (SSN) and the Learning, Enrichment, Activities, & Performance (LEAP) programs helps ensure all students have access to the resources and opportunities they need to grow and succeed. Your gift goes directly to supporting TCAPS students.

Give today: www.tcaps.net/give

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
9 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
TCAPS Foundation Changing Futures One Gift at a time visit www.tcaps.net/give
Attendance is an important life skill. Being present today helps prepare students for the expectations of the workforce and adulthood. We are working together to build a strong foundation for their future success.

#SuccessStartsWithShowingUp #GreatCommunityGreatSchools
9 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A person in a graduation gown and cap throws their cap into the air against a blue sky.

The TCAPS Board of Education is holding its next meeting on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Join us in person at Glenn Loomis (1009 S. Oak Street, Traverse City).

Find out more at www.tcaps.net/board.

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools

9 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
TCAPS Administration Building
TCAPS Celebrates Bike to School Day!
11 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A boy with a helmet holds a bicycle, standing near a metal fence. A school banner reads "TCAPS Celebrates Bike to School Day."