It's High 5 Friday! 🙌🖐

This week, high fives go out to:

1. Our newly graduated seniors from Central High School, West Senior High, and Traverse City High School. A massive congratulations to our incredible TCAPS Class of 2026! You have worked so hard to reach this incredible milestone, and we could not be prouder of the dedication, resilience, and talent you have shown throughout your time in our district. As you head out into the world, remember that you always have a community here rooting for you. Go out and shine bright, graduates! 🎓🌟

2. East Middle School and West Middle School 6th-grade science teachers, Mrs. Garrett and Miss Harma, who teamed up to host a student and family Beach Clean-Up event at Clinch Park! The turnout was fantastic, with 55 dedicated TCAPS volunteers joining forces. Together, they collected over 2,000 pieces of garbage and hauled in 43.2 pounds of plastic waste! Thank you to all the students, families, and teachers who stepped up to keep our beaches clean and beautiful! 👏🏖️

3. Mrs. Jesse-McPherson at Westwoods Elementary, who is helping her students grow a deeper love for nature and environmental stewardship! She has created a wonderful, engaging lesson plan focused on planting milkweed to support our local butterfly populations directly. After purchasing the seeds, her students were thrilled to officially get their hands in the dirt and begin planting! Through this hands-on project, students aren't just learning about ecosystems—they are actively building a brighter, more sustainable future for local wildlife. 🦋💞

4. Montessori’s Adolescent Community, who bring their micro-economy to life every Friday by making and serving fresh popcorn for the entire building! Through this hands-on business, these students aren't just making a delicious snack; they are learning real-world skills in customer service and teamwork. Thank you to these amazing entrepreneurs for keeping the school smelling great and kicking off the weekend on such a high note! 🍿🙌

5. Our incredible TCAPS Elementary Schools that soaked up the gorgeous sunshine during their annual Field Days! Our students, staff, and volunteers made the absolute most of the perfect weather, teaming up for a fantastic day of outdoor games, relay races, and high-energy fun. It was the absolute perfect way to celebrate a year of hard work and officially kick off the countdown to the end of the school year. A huge thank you to everyone who stepped up to volunteer, cheer, and make these days so uniquely memorable! 🏃🌞

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #High5Friday

about 6 hours ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Multiple photos of students in green gowns, some in a group, some in pairs, and some with a tassel.
Graduates in black caps and gowns stand in a line, some with caps on, outside a building.
A group of people wearing purple graduation gowns and caps, posing for a photo in front of a building.
Two individuals are sitting at a table outside, with items like a helmet and a sign that says Titans Go West.
A group of children in various colored shirts and pants poses in a wooded area.
Three female students in a room, one by a popcorn machine, another by a table, and a third by a window.
students standing and kneeling outside with a building and tress in the background
A boy sits on a tarp with "Dupont" and "Tyvek Wrap" written on it, against a grassy background.
A boy pours water from a yellow cup over another boy's head. They sit in an outdoor field with other kids.
Several children are lying on blankets in an outdoor area in front of a brick building.

TCAPS Superintendent Monthly Office Hours – Tuesday, June 9 📅⏰

Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) Superintendent, Dr. John VanWagoner, invites community members to attend his upcoming monthly office hours. The next session will be held in person on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Community members are welcome to stop by the second floor (Mezzanine level) of Horizon Books, located at 243 E. Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49684.

For more information, visit www.tcaps.net/page/superintendent.

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools

about 11 hours ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Superintendent Dr. John VanWagoner
We would like to thank our families for their partnership. By prioritizing attendance, you have provided your children with a strong foundation for success and equal learning opportunities. We appreciate your efforts throughout this school year.

#SuccessStartsWithShowingUp #GreatCommunityGreatSchools
1 day ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Four children sit at a table, smiling. One holds scissors, another holds a paper. Text reads "Success starts with showing up".

TCAPS Board of Education Meeting – Monday, June 8 📅🏫

The TCAPS Board of Education is holding its next meeting on Monday, June 8, 2026. The closed session will begin at 4:30 p.m., with regular meeting business beginning at 6:00 p.m.

This meeting will be held in the Auditorium at Traverse City West Senior High School (5376 N Long Lake Rd, Traverse City, MI 49685).

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

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools

1 day ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A school with a grassy lawn, trees, and a paved path leading to the entrance.
Yesterday, we visited Traverse Heights Elementary for the 6th Annual Amazing Shake. 🤝

The gym was filled with community partners and TCAPS staff who came together to interview 5th-grade students. Every interaction began with a confident handshake, highlighting the professional skills these students have been working hard to master. A big congratulations to the students for all their hard work and dedication to learning these important life skills because their effort truly shined!

It was wonderful to see our community show up in such a meaningful way to support the growth and confidence of these students. Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time. 💙
2 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A group of people, some holding items, pose for a picture in a lobby. Behind them, a wall displays the words "We Are Respectful."
A young girl and a man sit in chairs shaking hands in a basketball court. Other people are sitting at tables.
Woman in a gym holding a board with text and sticky notes. A chair and wooden wall in the background.
A man and a woman converse in a room with chairs, a woman with a clipboard, and others seated.
Two women in gym, one holding a gong, with a table and chair nearby, a whiteboard on the wall.
Two women in chairs, one holding a clipboard, converse in a gym with a wooden floor and black walls.
People sit in chairs with numbered signs, conversing in an indoor gym setting. The floor has wooden panels and markings.
A boy pets a dog on a blue mat in a gym.
Two people sit in chairs inside a gym, labeled with numbers. A basketball hoop is in the background.
Student interviews with community member in gym for Amazing shake event

Meet TCAPS Compass Winner: Debbi McMaster, Special Education Teacher, Blair Elementary🏆

Her nomination highlights her positive attitude and commitment to our students and staff.

Debbi’s thoughtful, calm, and caring demeanor makes her a true pillar of strength for both students and staff. She is a vital resource for her colleagues, an exceptional advocate for families, and a trusted mentor for our most trauma-impacted and behaviorally challenging students.

She consistently goes above and beyond to support the holistic needs of our building, embodying a truly exceptional educator. Her classroom serves as a vital safe space for students who may not always feel secure at school. Furthermore, she works creatively to build connections with our toughest students, often advocating for maximized opportunities for them to connect.

Thank you, Debbi, for your fierce advocacy, your creative approach to connection, and for providing a safe harbor for the students who need it most. You represent the absolute best of TCAPS! 🙌💫

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.




3 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Woman with glasses on blue background with hexagons. Text: "TCAP's Compass Award" in center.
As we look back on the school year, we see how much our students have achieved. Their dedication to showing up has led to significant growth, and we are proud of the work they have accomplished as confident learners.

#SuccessStartsWithShowingUp #GreatCommunityGreatSchools
3 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Silhouette of a person throwing a cap up in the air. Text overlay reads "Success Starts with Showing Up".
It's High 5 Friday! 🙌🖐

This week, high fives go out to:

1. The Spanish National Honor Society students at West Senior High who recently organized a powerful community event to support the local Migrant Education Program through Northwest Ed. These dedicated Titan leaders hosted a special screening of the documentary La Cosecha at the State Theatre. Through their hard work, they raised vital funds, increased awareness, and collected essential school supplies to benefit our local migrant students. 👏🌟

2. Blair Elementary Bobcats who turned pages into planting this spring! Thanks to the incredible reading students did back in March, five beautiful new maple trees now shade the Blair playground, along with a brand-new cherry tree out front! Great job to all of our dedicated readers who worked hard to green up their school. A huge thank you also goes out to Grand Traverse Nursery for helping get these trees safely planted. 🍁✨

3. Silver Lake Elementary, who had the absolute best time at their Fun Field Day! The weather was perfect for students to get outside and celebrate the end of the school year. A huge thank you to all the staff and volunteers for making the event such a massive success! 😎🏃

4. West Middle School ESL students and their NJHS tutors who gathered at China Fair Restaurant to celebrate a year filled with delicious food, fun, and lifelong friendship! This special event honored their departing 8th graders for their incredible contributions to the program. As a parting gift, each graduate received a beautiful, hand-painted canvas crafted by their younger classmates. Thank you to China Fair for their wonderful generosity in hosting this celebration of community! 🥳🙌

5. Courtade Elementary students who showed off their green thumbs this week! Several classes headed outside to work in the school garden, taking the opportunity to plant seeds. Thanks to the hard work of these young gardeners, the beds will soon be bursting with delicious vegetables and fresh herbs to harvest and share with our community. Way to grow, Courtade! 🥕👍

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #High5Friday

7 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Three people sit on a red couch with boxes of food in front of them. One holds a blue bag.
Two women stand on stage, one holding a microphone, with a large screen behind them displaying a field.
A group of children in a park pose around a young tree with raised hands. Trees in the background.
Kids in pink shirts gather around a multicolored parachute on a grassy field. People are in the background.
Child with blonde hair, yellow tie-dye shirt, sunglasses, and a white hat stands on a grassy field.
Group of children pulling on ropes during a tug-of-war in a grassy field. Trees and a building are in the background.
A group of people sit around a long table in a restaurant, smiling, with fish paintings on the wall.
Children plant seeds in a garden area. Some wear gloves and hold tools. Background shows a fenced garden with plants.
Children and adults in a dirt area behind a fence, engaging in outdoor activities, some seated and others standing.
Last night was incredibly special. ✨ The TCAPS Board of Education held our All-Employee Retirement Recognition, bringing together a room filled with staff, students, and families to celebrate our 2025-2026 retirees.

This group represents a remarkable 956 years of combined service to our district, and we were proud to honor their legacy last night.

We want to extend a big thank you to our generous community sponsors for making this event possible, the staff members who worked hard behind the scenes to ensure its success, and everyone in attendance who helped us celebrate.

To our retirees, thank you for your years of dedication and for the lasting difference you have made in our schools. We wish you all a fantastic and well-earned retirement! 💙

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
8 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A group of adults stands in a line in a room with a white wall. They wear various colors and styles of clothing.
Five people in light clothing pose together in a room with white walls and chairs behind them.
Table with a blue-white checked tablecloth holds bowls of popcorn, candy, fruit, and snacks. A black tray holds a sign for Shorts Event.
Five people sit around a table with food and drinks. Two women wear glasses. One woman has sunglasses on her head.
Three women stand smiling with a person in a tan shirt in the background. The background contains a wooden piano.
Two women smile and stand close together, one wearing a teal blouse, the other a brown floral dress. A flag and several people sit behind them.
Two women pose together for a photo. One wears a straw hat and orange shirt. The other wears a black sweater.
Two people stand in a kitchen area, one with a scoop of ice cream and the other holding a package.
Three women stand together in a room with white walls and green accents. One wears a denim jacket, one a white blouse, and the other a striped shirt.
Two women stand smiling next to each other in a room with tiled walls and a white countertop.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! 🎓✨

Congratulations to our seniors from Central High School, West Senior High School, and Traverse City High School! We are so proud of your achievements and the bright futures ahead.

Find all graduation dates, times, and locations at: www.tcaps.net/graduation

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools

8 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Poster for TCAPS Class of 2026, featuring a silhouette of a graduate tossing a cap into the air.
We are entering the final weeks of the school year, and every day remains an important opportunity for our students. We have 10 days left to learn, connect, and grow together before the summer break. We look forward to seeing everyone in the classroom as we work toward a strong finish.

#SuccessStartsWithShowingUp #GreatCommunityGreatSchools
9 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Text reads "SUCCESS STARTS WITH Showing Up." Alarm clock on top of books. Background has a blackboard with equations.

Meet TCAPS Compass Winner: Kreg Krupa, Custodian, CHS🏆

His nomination highlights his dedication and commitment to our school community.

At Central High School, we know that academic success is built on a foundation of a safe, welcoming, and pristine environment. That is why we are proud to recognize Kreg and the entire custodial department for their outstanding year-round commitment to our school community.

Kreg leads by example as he and the rest of the team work across all shifts to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness. The results of their "single unit" approach are visible in every hallway and classroom. His positive attitude and dedication to supporting staff and students alike make him and the entire custodial crew an invaluable asset to the Trojan family. 🙌💫

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.

10 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Man in glasses, smiling, over blue hexagon background with "TCAPS Compass Award" logo.
Traverse City Area Public Schools remembers and honors on Memorial Day.
11 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
White background with text "TCAPS Traverse City Area Public Schools REMEMBER AND HONOR" and stars. The American flag is diagonally across.

Reminder: There is no school today, Monday, May 25.

12 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A silhouette of a person reading a book under a tree, with the text "TCAPS" above.

It's High 5 Friday! 🙌🖐

This week, high fives go out to:

1. Our Class of 2026 seniors from Central High School and West Senior High who were celebrated at Honors Convocation this week! It was an incredible event to kick off the seniors' final few days as Titans and Trojans. We are so proud of all the students who earned scholarships, received academic awards, and maintained their place on the honor roll through years of hard work and dedication. Congratulations on these well-deserved honors! 💛🎓💚

2. Long Lake Elementary Junior Kindergarten students who brought learning to life with their very own Farmer's Market! These young entrepreneurs worked incredibly hard to design and create their own goods, practice essential communication skills, count money, and welcome eager shoppers from all across the campus. 🍎🙌

3. East Middle School 8th graders who had a fantastic day exploring our local community during Clean & Green Day! Throughout the field trip, students learned firsthand how local government operates, how public funds are utilized, and the vital role that conservation and community planning play in keeping Traverse City beautiful.🌷🌟

4. Westwoods Elementary 5th-grade student council. Thanks to their hard work, creativity, and dedication, our student council members proudly delivered a $1,200 donation to Noah’s Animal Rescue Farm! The students worked diligently through various fundraising efforts to raise these funds, all to support the care of the rescue's amazing animals. 🐄👏

5. To the 54 incredible 5th-grade students from across our district who were honored at the Optimist Club Youth Appreciation Day Luncheon! Two outstanding students from each 5th-grade classroom were selected for this special recognition, celebrating those who demonstrate what it truly means to lead with positivity, kindness, and character. Whether they are showing respect and responsibility, uplifting their peers, or making a tangible difference in their schools, these young leaders represent the very best of our community. 🥳💫

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #High5Friday

14 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Students in graduation robes gather in a hallway, smiling and posing for a photo with a cellphone.
A group of people in green graduation robes stand on a stage, holding papers, with a green screen as the background.
A group of children in front of a sign that reads "Long Lake Farmers' Market" inside a room.
Three children sitting at a table with artwork and various items, against a wall with framed paintings.
A group of people standing on a bridge over a body of water, with a construction site and greenery in the background.
Five young people standing on a railing, smiling, and giving thumbs up. A river and city buildings are behind them.
A group of people stands on a dock next to a lake with trees and houses in the background.
Group of children and adults standing outside in a park with a large dog, wearing various clothes.
A group of students poses for a photo with certificates in a room with white walls and wooden floors.
Reminder: There will be no school on Monday, May 25, 2026. Enjoy the long weekend!
14 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A silhouette of a person reading a book under a tree, with the text "TCAPS" above.
Thank you to all the TCAPS students, staff, alumni, and community members who joined us for the Community Walk-Through at Central Grade School. The event provided an opportunity for everyone to come together to walk through the halls, take final photos of the building’s historic features, and view the design renderings for the upcoming renovations.

We appreciate the many attendees who shared their memories and reminisced about their days attending school there. ❤️

Our district is grateful to everyone who came out to celebrate the history of Central Grade School as we look forward to these upcoming improvements. ✨

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
15 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A person wearing a blue hoodie writes on a wall with a marker.
A staircase with dark steps and black railings, leading up to a large arched window with glass panes.
Two people stand in front of the Lars Hockstad Auditorium. The sign above them has large letters.
Indoor basketball court with a brick wall. A sign on the wall explains the layout changes to honor a historic date.
Four women stand in a room, each wearing black t-shirts and jeans. Two have white pants, and one wears a denim jacket.
White sign attached to a brick wall reads "The decorative tiles above this point will be removed the grade will be raised to meet modern building code."
A man holds a young girl up against a wall. The girl draws on the wall with a marker.
An empty classroom with wooden floors, white walls, and tables with chairs. Colorful decorations are on the walls.
Five adults, one man and four women, watch a black-and-white image on a classroom monitor.
An entrance with a brick wall and windows. A large gray stone base in front of the doorway.
Every school day until the final bell represents an important step in a student’s progress. We are committed to maintaining a steady learning environment as we move toward the end of the year. Consistent attendance during these final weeks helps students stay engaged with their peers and reinforces the growth they have achieved.

#SuccessStartsWithShowingUp #GreatCommunityGreatSchools
16 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Four children seated around a table, smiling. Text: Success starts with showing up.

Get the kids moving this summer! 🏃‍♂️⚽ Registration is now open for the TCAPS Kids Camp: Play-Based Movement at West Middle School.

Designed for students in grades 3-8, this camp is led by certified teachers and offers everything from flag football and soccer to dodgeball and board games.

Camp Details:
- Session 1: June 22–25 (9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
- Session 2: July 20–23 (9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
- Where: West Middle School
- Cost: $200 per session (Sibling discount available!)

Don't forget to pack a lunch, water, and sunscreen! ☀️

Register today: https://tcaps.ce.eleyo.com/course/654/summer-2026/movement-based-kids-camp

Questions? Email quineer@tcaps.net.
16 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A flyer with a blue sky and clouds background advertises a play-based movement camp for grades 1-3. It offers sessions on various activities.

Meet TCAPS Compass Winner: Jill Jenkins, Administrative Assistant, Eastern Elementary 🏆

Her nomination highlights her positive attitude and commitment to students and staff as well.

We are proud to celebrate Jill Jenkins as a recipient of the Compass Award! As the lead administrative assistant, Jill is the heart of the school, expertly managing a hundred things at once while keeping everyone moving forward with kindness and a "can-do" spirit.

Recently, Jill went above and beyond by launching a new school-community initiative. She has worked with our school community to create a small food pantry for families that may need a little extra support from time to time. It has been a huge success and a terrific support system for many Eastern families.

Whether she is welcoming a parent, guiding a new staff member, or creating vital support systems for our community, Jill reflects the absolute best of TCAPS values. Thank you, Jill, for being a true STAR and for providing the steady hand and positive attitude that make Eastern Elementary such a special place to be!💐🌟

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.




17 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A smiling woman with glasses in a hexagon cutout, with a blue background and a "TCAPS Compass Award" logo.