This week, high fives go out to:
1. TCAPS Montessori National Junior Honor Society students who demonstrated what it truly means to lead with heart and purpose! Back in December, these dedicated leaders organized a donation drive for the Father Fred Foundation, successfully collecting over 600 items to support local families. But they didn't stop there! The team recently followed up with an in-person service trip to Father Fred, where they spent time sorting donations and assisting with operations. We are so proud of these students for their commitment to our community and for putting their values into action! ❤️🏫
2. Central Grade Elementary’s Mrs. DeMarsh’s 2nd-grade class who recently put their knowledge of measurement, perimeter, and shapes to the test. Their mission was to design and build special boxes for their Valentine’s Day celebrations! It’s so inspiring to see our students use their skills to create something meaningful and festive! 📏💪
3. A dedicated group of students at Long Lake Elementary who have been arriving early every morning with a mission to make sure every single person in the building knows they matter. Together, they taped a colorful heart on more than 280 lockers, each featuring a unique, handwritten message of encouragement. From “Believe in yourself” to “You are important,” these students are filling their school with a powerful reminder of kindness and belonging. Thank you for leading with such heart! 💝🌟
4. Students in Central High School’s TIE 10 program who participated in a unique cultural immersion experience. By stepping into the kitchen to prepare traditional Fry Bread, students moved past the pages of history books to engage with Indigenous traditions firsthand. Throughout the process, students discussed the historical context of Fry Bread. We love seeing our students learn firsthand the traditions that shape our world! 🍞👏
5. Courtade Elementary’s students who got to showcase their projects at the Creative Explorers Symposium! The students worked so hard to research, design, and present their projects. From deep dives into science to creative arts, the variety and passion on display were truly inspiring! Extended gratitude to Mr. Boyce and Ms.Partman for facilitating this incredible learning journey. Your mentorship helps these young minds soar! 🚀✨
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #High5Friday
Adventure Awaits! Enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year is open!
Learn more about early childhood education at TCAPS by visiting www.tcaps.net/enroll.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
If your student has been talking about "chains" lately, don't worry—they aren't auditioning for a construction crew! They are mastering one of the most powerful tools in our CKLA Skills toolkit.
What exactly is Word Chaining?
It’s a fast-paced "mental gymnastics" game for the brain. We start with a word like cat, and by changing just one sound at a time, we transform it: cat → can → fan → fin.
Why it’s a Game-Changer:
- Phonemic Awareness: It trains the ear to hear the tiny differences between sounds.
- Decoding Speed: It builds the "muscle memory" needed to recognize patterns instantly.
- Confidence: Using our Word Chaining Folders, students get hands-on practice manipulating letters, turning "scary" big words into a series of small, manageable shifts.
Our students are proving that building literacy is all about making the right connections!
It’s Count Day! 🗓️
Schools receive funding based on student attendance numbers taken on Count Day. Having your student in school on Count Day, when possible, helps TCAPS continue to provide a premier education for all students.
Let's make it a great day of learning! 📚
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
During this time, HR and the Superintendent’s Office will be located at the TCAPS Facilities building (1212 Cass Road) for fingerprinting and badge assistance. All other administrative staff will be relocated to various work locations across the district and can be contacted by phone and email.
Thank you for your patience as we prepare this space for Central Grade staff and students.
Learn more about early childhood education at TCAPS by visiting www.tcaps.net/enroll.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
Schools receive funding based on student attendance numbers taken on Count Day. Having your student in school on Count Day, when possible, helps TCAPS continue to provide a premier education for all students.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
TCAPS Superintendent In-Person Office Hours – February 10, 2026
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 Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
More info: https://www.tcaps.net/page/superintendent
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
The TCAPS Board of Education is holding a meeting tonight, Monday, February 9, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Join us in person at the Glenn Loomis Administration Building (1009 S. Oak Street, Traverse City).
Find out more and view the agenda at www.tcaps.net/board.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
It's High 5 Friday! 🙌🖐
This week, high fives go out to:
1. Jack Williams, an eighth-grade student at West Middle School who was recently named the District 13 winner and placed fifth in the State of Michigan for the VFW Patriots’ Pen Youth Essay Competition. We are so incredibly proud of Jack for representing the Titans with such talent and heart! ✍️🏆
2. Willow Hill Elementary’s Third Grade Postal Workers who have been busy sorting and delivering notes of thanks, encouragement, and friendship. Students and staff have loved the joy of both sending and receiving these special messages. A huge thank you to their PTO’s funding to help students deliver a "First-Class" amount of kindness! 💌👏
3. Long Lake Elementary students who volunteered to sharpen colored pencils during their time in Extended Day. It’s the small acts of service like this that keep a school running smoothly and teach students the value of stewardship. Their mission is to make the school a better place —one pencil at a time! ✏️✨
4. Cherry Knoll Elementary students who celebrated National Tutu Day. Students and staff joined in the fun by wearing tutus of all colors and sizes, turning hallways into a celebration of school spirit. These "spirit days" are a wonderful way to build community and bring a little extra joy to the learning environment. 🙌⭐
5. Eastern Elementary students whose days are full of growth opportunities. Whether it’s mastering a new math formula or collaborating in small group centers, students and staff make every moment count. A big shout-out to the 2nd-grade teams in Mrs. Hite's and Mrs. Edwardson's rooms for their hard work and dedication! 🌟
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #High5Friday
TCAPS Superintendent Monthly Office Hours – February 10, 2026 📅⏰
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, February 10, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. via Google Meet.
For more information and to access the virtual meeting, visit www.tcaps.net/page/superintendent.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
The TCAPS Board of Education will hold its next meeting this coming Monday, February 9, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Join us in person at the Glenn Loomis Administration Building (1009 S. Oak Street, Traverse City).
Find out more and view the agenda at www.tcaps.net/board.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
Meet TCAPS Compass Winner: Kristin Stuedemann - Lead Principal, West Middle School🏆
Her nomination highlights her proactive and organized approach to school improvement.
Kristin Stuedemann is the portrait of what makes a school thrive. According to those who work alongside her, she’s a leader who is never complacent and is always supportive of everyone in the building. Kristin “Stu” promotes a growth mindset and constantly seeks ways to improve every aspect of our school.
By utilizing resources and prioritizing stakeholder feedback, she makes informed decisions that improve our community culture and climate. As an exceptional instructional leader, Kristin encourages growth in everyone she meets. West Middle School continues to reach new heights under her prideful and inspiring leadership! 🌟👏
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
Information sessions will be held February 3 - 10 at the following schools:
Tuesday, February 3
Eastern (5:30 PM)
Thursday, February 5
Montessori (4:30 PM)
Westwoods (5:30 PM)
Monday, February 9
Blair (4:30 PM)
Courtade (5:30 PM)
Long Lake (5:30 PM)
Traverse Heights (4:30 PM)
Willow Hill (5:30 PM)
Tuesday, February 10
Central Grade (5:00 PM)
Cherry Knoll (5:30 PM)
Silver Lake (5:00 PM)
Learn more about early childhood education at TCAPS by visiting www.tcaps.net/enroll.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
Reminder: The TCAPS Board of Education is holding a Study Session tonight, Monday, February 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Join us in person at the Glenn Loomis Administration Building (1009 S. Oak Street, Traverse City).
Find out more and view the agenda at www.tcaps.net/board.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
Nicolet National Bank and Blarney Stone Broadcasting are teaming up to help the Student Support Network "Fight the Freeze" at the Titans and Trojans basketball games on Tuesday, February 3rd.
Nicolet National Bank is purchasing tickets for both games! Please consider donating grocery gift cards or snacks like granola bars, protein shakes, meat jerky sticks, and individually bagged crackers. Every donation goes directly to our high school food pantries.
Game Times:
Girls: 5:30 p.m.
Boys: 7:00 p.m.
Thank you for helping us support our students. Let's fight the freeze—together! 🏀❄️
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
It's High 5 Friday! 🙌🖐
January marks National Mentoring Month, a time to recognize those who dedicate themselves to making the TCAPS community more united.
This week, high fives go out to:
1. Central High School’s Peer-to-Peer group, who recently headed to Incredible Mo's with students for a special field trip. They had a great afternoon of bowling and fun, but more importantly, they spent time building the bonds that make our school community so supportive. We love seeing our Trojans leading with kindness and ensuring everyone is part of the team! 🎳👏
2. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan mentors who are building life-changing, positive relationships with our young students at Westwoods Elementary. Whether they are playing games, working on crafts, or just talking through the day, these mentors provide the extra layer of support that helps our young students reach their full potential. Thank you for making a difference! 🌟🙌
3. National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society students for their incredible help at Cherry Knoll Elementary’s Winter Family Fun Night! These student leaders played a vital role in making the evening a success. It’s so inspiring to see our older students giving back and serving as role models for our younger students. Thank you for helping Cherry Knoll families have a night to remember! ❄️✨
4 . West Middle School volunteers who make lunch and recess so special. By being consistent, caring adults whom students can look up to, they provide a vital sense of belonging. Whether it’s through a competitive game of basketball, a craft project, or just a simple chat, their presence makes all the difference. Thank you for the time and the heart you give to students! ❤️ ✨
5. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan who partner with Eastern Elementary students to give them consistent, one on one mentoring that fosters both academic confidence and social-emotional growth. These volunteers provide personalized guidance that helps our younger students reach their full potential in a supportive school environment. We are so grateful for these mentors who invest their time in the future of our Eastern Stars! 🎉👏
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #High5Friday
Families are invited to learn more about our Traditional Kindergarten, Junior Kindergarten, and TCAPS Montessori programs by attending one of our upcoming information sessions. Staff will be available to answer questions.
Learn more at www.tcaps.net/enroll.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
