Safety in our school parking lots is a team effort. 🚦During drop-off and pick-up, please follow school traffic patterns, use designated crosswalks, and be patient. Staying off your phone and avoiding double parking helps keep everyone safe. Whether you're in a hurry or it's raining, safety must come first.
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Student and staff safety is our top priority. We keep our schools safe every day through building security, regular safety audits, and well-practiced emergency drills. These proactive steps ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency. Families can help too! Always check in at the main office when visiting and report anything that seems out of place.
For more information, please visit our website: www.tcaps.net/safety.
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Meet TCAPS Compass Winner: Colin Iverson, Special Education Teacher, WSH 🏆
His nomination highlights his amazing impact not only on his students, but also on his fellow colleagues.
Colin is a second-year special education teacher who exemplifies the core values by masterfully fostering inclusive, student-first classrooms that create the optimal conditions for growth for all learners. 💡✨
He demonstrates wisdom and experience beyond his years, ensuring his impact is consistently positive. Despite a challenging schedule, Colin displays impressive command over a variety of subject areas. His most significant strength, however, is his ability to excel at connecting with students of all attitudes and abilities, ensuring they all feel genuinely valued and recognized in his presence.
This recognition is well-deserved! The Compass Award celebrates employees who contribute to the District's Strategic Plan through their daily work.
Creating a safe environment for our students is a shared responsibility, and it starts at home 🏡. We want to remind all families about Michigan’s Secure Storage Law, which requires that unattended firearms be unloaded and secured with a locking device, or stored in a locked box or container, if a minor is or is likely to be present. This is a crucial step to prevent accidents and keep our kids safe. For more information, please review the resources from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) that we've shared.
Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/safety-injury-prev/firearm-injury-prevention/secure-storage-law
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TCAPS Board of Education Office Hours - Thursday, October 23, 2025 📅✏️
Traverse City Area Public Schools Board of Education will host its next monthly “office hours” at the Traverse Area District Library (TADL) in the McGuire Room, 610 Woodmere Avenue, on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. TCAPS Board office hours provide community members with the opportunity to talk to a school board trustee. This month, Trustee Moon Mohr is scheduled to attend.
Learn more at www.tcaps.net/board.
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It’s Bus Safety Week! 🚌 A huge shoutout to our incredible bus drivers who work tirelessly to get our students to and from school safely every single day. We all have a role to play in keeping our roads safe. Drivers, please remember to stop for buses with their stop arm out 🛑. Students, remember to stay seated and listen to your driver's instructions. Families, this is a great time to talk to your students about bus safety, both on and off the bus. Let's work together to make this a safe school year for everyone!
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Get ready for the annual TC Patriot Game! 🏈
This Friday, October 24, the TC Central Trojans and TC West Titans will face off at Thirlby Field. More than just a game, this is a night to honor our local Veterans, first responders, and military heroes. Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m.
Tickets are on sale now! Find all the details, including where to buy your commemorative shirts, at www.tcaps.net/tcpatriotgame.
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It's High 5 Friday! 🙌🖐
This week, high fives go out to:
1. Aimee Cole from WSH who has been recognized with the University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award! This honor celebrates her for being an exceptional educator who shapes young minds in meaningful ways and shares an engaging love for learning. What a well-deserved honor! ✨
2. Westwoods Kindergarten students in Mrs. Lauters’ class who held a fun Pajama and Nursery Rhyme Celebration. They brought the CKLA domain to life by retelling "Baa Baa Black Sheep" with sheep they created, and making their names shine like "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." Way to go, Kindergartners! ✨🐑
3. TheTraverse City Fire Department Local 646 for an essential lesson for the DMC students at East Middle School. They got the opportunity to learn about AEDs and hands-only CPR. This presentation kicks off their You and Your Health collaboration for Trojan TV. Great job, students and firefighters! 🚒❤️
4. Silver Lake's Ms. Frick's students who celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day by collecting natural treasures on a reflective fall walk. It was a beautiful way for students to engage with their environment and honor the day. 🌲🍂
5. Everett at Montessori, who earned the title "Head of School for the Day"! Everett raised the most money during our successful Move-a-Thon, earning him the top job. Way to show leadership! 👏🌟
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Traverse City Area Public Schools is honored to offer veterans the opportunity to receive their high school diploma and be part of the 2026 graduation ceremonies!
Under Michigan's Public Act 181 of 2001 and Public Act 55 of 2014, the TCAPS Board of Education is authorized to award diplomas to veterans of WWII, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam Era in recognition of their service and sacrifice.
Eligibility Details:
- WWII Veterans: Must have left high school between December 16, 1940, and December 31, 1946.
- Korean War Veterans: Must have left high school between June 27, 1950, and January 31, 1955.
- Vietnam Era Veterans: Must have been drafted or enlisted between February 28, 1961, and May 7, 1975, and must have attended a TCAPS high school.
This opportunity is for veterans who did not subsequently receive a high school degree. Family members are welcome to apply on behalf of a living or deceased veteran.
For more information, please call 231.933.1722.
The Traverse City Central High School Music Department presents "Urinetown" in November. Evening performances are at 7 P.M. and matinees are at 2 P.M. The ticket price is $20 for general seating, with VIP seating available for $25. Tickets can be purchased at tcaps.booktix.com.
See you at the theater!
Meet TCAPS Compass Award Winner: Ann Aprea, Bus Driver! 🏆🚌
Her nomination highlights the incredible impact she has on our students every single day.
One family shared how Ann quickly and calmly handled a student's medical incident on the bus, ensuring the child's safety and well-being. Her support for students doesn't stop there. She's also been described as a "master locator of lost water bottles and mittens," a cheerleader for good days, and a soft, listening ear for rough ones.
Ann, you are a trustworthy and supportive presence for our students, and we're so grateful for you! This recognition is well-deserved, as the Compass Award is an employee recognition program that celebrates individuals who contribute to the District's Strategic Plan through their daily work.
We're eager to meet you and discuss our open positions. Join us for Open Interviews at the Glenn Loomis Administration Building (1009 S. Oak Street, Traverse City) on Wednesday, October 15, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. TCAPS is hiring for various positions, many requiring no prior experience, and on-the-job training is provided. No appointment necessary.
Learn more at www.tcaps.net/jobs
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REMINDER: The TCAPS Board of Education is meeting today, Monday, October 13, at 6:00 p.m.
The meeting is open to the public and will be held in person at the Glenn Loomis Administration Building, located at 1009 S. Oak Street in Traverse City.
For more information, visit www.tcaps.net/board.
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🔔 Reminder: TCAPS has an early release day today, October 13.
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.
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. The Tritons Rowing team from TC Central and TC West for an unforgettable day at the Head of the Grand Regatta on Saturday, October 4th! They went 12 for 12, bringing home 12 medals. What an amazing performance! 💪🚣
2. Our TCAPS students who participated in Walk & Roll to School Day! Whether walking or biking, they started their day with great physical exercise, ensuring they were ready to tackle the classroom. Keep up the great movement! 🚲🚶
3. TC Light & Power, who shared their expertise with Willow Hill's 2nd graders! Students had a fantastic session learning about safety, energy sources, and the difference between clean and renewable energy. The giant truck seemed even bigger up close—what a cool lesson! 🔌⚡
4. WMS’s first Titan Star students of the year. These students have stood out among the awesome Titans for going above and beyond to exemplify school standards. Thank you for being such positive contributors to our school! 🌟👏
5. Courtade Elementary’s ROAR Model award winners! Every week, staff members nominate students for this honor, providing details on why these Cougars have earned the recognition. This ensures they are celebrating specific acts of positive behavior. Keep up the great work! 👏🎉
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #High5Friday
TCAPS Superintendent Monthly Office Hours – October 14, 2025
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 October 14, 2025.
For more information visit www.tcaps.net/page/superintendent.
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