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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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/. 🏆
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
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.
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
#SuccessStartsWithShowingUp #GreatCommunityGreatSchools
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
#SuccessStartsWithShowingUp #GreatCommunityGreatSchools
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
TCAPS Celebrates Bike to School Day!
Meet TCAPS Compass Winner: Barry Havens, Bus Driver, Transportation🏆
His nomination highlights his commitment to our school community.
Barry played a vital role in making the Downtown Traverse City Light Parade this past year a magical experience for our students. Barry went above and beyond to make this a successful event, with a smile on his face the entire night!
He was an awesome driver and made sure to get to all of the stops safely and early. The kids from Courtade had an absolute blast. From helping decorate the bus with lights before the parade to assisting with the cleanup long after it ended, Barry’s commitment to our students and community truly shines. 👏✨
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
A stronger area begins with present students. When our students are in class and engaged, they are preparing to be the future leaders and neighbors of our community. We appreciate your support in this shared effort.
#SuccessStartsWithShowingUp #GreatCommunityGreatSchools
#SuccessStartsWithShowingUp #GreatCommunityGreatSchools
