Our district was incredibly well-represented in the parades during the historic 100th National Cherry Festival! We are so proud of the talented marching bands, beautifully crafted floats, and energetic students who filled the streets with school pride. Thank you to everyone who put so much time, heart, and hard work in behind the scenes to make this such a wonderful celebration for Traverse City. 🍒✨

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools

3 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Two young kids wearing matching green t-shirts with red text pose for a photo. A blurry background shows people.
A marching band gathers in a street, with several members seated on chairs. They wear green shirts and play instruments.
Six individuals, wearing yellow t-shirts, stand in front of a decorated yellow bus on a street.
Two young girls in a decorated float, one wearing a crown and red sash, the other with a floral dress.
A large group of students pose for a photo outdoors with some holding musical instruments.
A marching band sits on a decorated float, playing instruments, with yellow balloons, a black banner, and a blue cooler.
A marching band sits on a decorated float, playing instruments.
Children in matching T-shirts sit on a float decorated with colorful stars, windmills, and houses.
A float displays children in costumes; some sit on grass, others stand. Decorative elements include balloons and streamers. Trees and a building visible in the background.
Decorated float with people. A woman in white stands on the front. A banner reads "Long Lake Panther".

Reminder: The TCAPS Board of Education is holding a meeting tonight, Monday, July 13, at 6:00 p.m. Join us in person at TCAPS Montessori School (4053 Franke Rd, Traverse City).

Due to current road construction on Franke Rd, we are encouraging attendees to park at the WMS athletic fields and use the walkway to access the school.

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

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools

3 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A building with an American flag. The entrance is on the right. Trees and grass surround the building.

The TCAPS Board of Education will hold its next meeting on Monday, July 13, at 6:00 p.m. Join us in person at TCAPS Montessori School (4053 Franke Rd, Traverse City).

Due to current road construction on Franke Rd, we are encouraging attendees to park at the WMS athletic fields and use the walkway to access the school.

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

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools

4 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A building with an American flag. The entrance is on the right. Trees and grass surround the building.

Meet TCAPS Compass Winner: Katie Herman, HR Generalist, TCAPS Administration 🏆

Her nomination highlights her commitment and mentorship to staff members.

Katie is far more than a department contact; she is a foundational pillar of our administrative support system. She has served as an indispensable mentor and guide for new administrators.

Katie possesses a rare combination of technical reliability and genuine initiative. Her communication skills are exceptional—she has a brilliant way of making complex HR processes clear, manageable, and straightforward. Remarkably timely and deeply dedicated, she ensures that no question goes unanswered and no deadline is ever missed.

What truly sets Katie apart, however, is her deep commitment to our unique school culture. She has taken proactive initiative to learn the intricacies of Montessori programming, ensuring that her HR support is always perfectly aligned with our specific educational mission. Thank you, Katie, for your exceptional dedication, your mentorship, and for keeping our school community running smoothly and thoughtfully! 💐✨

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 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A woman with brown hair, smiling, on blue hexagons, with the logo "TCAPS Compass Award" in blue.
TCAPS Celebrates Independence Day!
4 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Independence Day celebration poster with "TCAPS" and "Celebrates Independence 4th of July Day" text on a red, white, and blue background.

Meet TCAPS Compass Winner: Arlen Herman, Preschool Manager, Willow Hill Elementary🏆

Her nomination highlights her dedication and commitment to our youngest learners.

As the Preschool Manager at Willow Hill Elementary, Arlen does an outstanding job setting our youngest learners up for success. She consistently goes above and beyond to create a classroom environment that beautifully balances warmth with academic rigor.

Arlen meets each child and family exactly where they are, fostering deeply meaningful connections and supporting growth in every single learner. For so many families, her classroom provides a wonderful first experience with TCAPS, setting the perfect tone for a lifelong love of learning. Thank you for your exceptional dedication, your big heart, and for making Willow Hill such a welcoming place to grow!🙌💫

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 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A woman with glasses and a smile is on the left. A hexagon is behind her. The text reads "TCAP's COMPASS AWARD" on a blue background.

Meet TCAPS Compass Winner: Dianne Fowler, Bus Assistant, Transportation🏆

Her nomination highlights her dedication and positive influence on our students.

As a dedicated Bus Assistant in our Transportation Department, Dianne plays a vital role in the daily lives of our students. She is an invaluable asset to the team and excels at her job, allowing her to step onto any bus route and make an immediate positive impact.

Above all, Dianne always puts the kids first. She doesn't just assist them; she genuinely inspires them to do better and be better every single day. Thank you for your incredible heart, your dedication to student safety, and for being such an inspiring, positive force on our school buses. We are so grateful to have you on 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 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A person wearing glasses and a yellow shirt, set against a blue hexagonal background, with the "TCAP Compass Award" logo.

What a fantastic start to the Sunshine Bus season last week! We loved welcoming so many students with smiles and enthusiasm. ☀️🚌

A huge thank you to the Father Fred Foundation for providing food and hygiene bags, and to Step Up Northern Michigan for sharing fresh produce, live pepper plants, and lavender! 🌱

Students also received their Sunshine Bus Passports and an enrichment bag from the TCAPS Student Support Network for last week's theme, Summer Reading: Let the Games Begin! 📚

We're looking forward to a summer of food, fun, learning, and community. See you at the next stop! ✨

Full schedule & weekly themes: www.tcaps.net/sunshine

4 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Three people stand in a school bus with crates stacked at the rear. Behind the bus is a parking lot with trees and a building.
Picture of booklets and games for TCAPS Sunshine Bus
A school bus with its back door open, a person unloading boxes, a blue cart with boxes, and a stack of blue crates.
Several cardboard boxes with peppers and red packages labeled "Artisans" on grass, with a black bag on the right.
Picture of booklets and games for TCAPS Sunshine Bus
Potted plants and a cardboard box of green peppers on a grassy surface.
The Sunshine Bus is on the go!

Join us today and every Friday this summer at Kings Court Mobile Home Park from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Corner of Zimmerman Rd. & Agate Way 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m., and at Silver Shores Mobile Home Park from 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Free food and basic needs will be delivered around the district all summer (no service week of July 3-11) from June 17 to September 3. This program is for all kids ages 3-20.

Visit www.tcaps.net/sunshine to learn more.

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
4 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Colorful poster promoting Sunshine Bus service. It provides free food and needs for children ages 3-20. Dates are June 17-September 3, excluding July 3-11.

The Sunshine Bus is on the move!

Join us today and every Thursday this summer at Meadow Lane Mobile Home Park from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Blair Elementary School from 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m., and the Interlochen Plaza Parking Lot from 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Free food and basic needs will be delivered around the district all summer (no service week of July 3-11) from June 17 to September 3. This program is for all kids ages 3-20.

Visit www.tcaps.net/sunshine to learn more.

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools

4 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A colorful graphic displays the "Sunshine Bus" with a school bus icon and text, June 17 - September 3.
The Sunshine Bus is back!

Join us today and every Wednesday this summer at Tradewinds Terrace Apartments from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and at Traverse Heights Elementary School from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Free food and basic needs will be delivered around the district all summer (no service week of July 3-11) from June 17 to September 3. This program is for all kids ages 3-20.

Visit www.tcaps.net/sunshine to learn more.

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
4 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A colorful poster for Sunshine Bus with a bus icon. Dates: June 17 - September 3. No service July 3-11.

Meet TCAPS Compass Winner: Gabriella Cioffi, Custodian, CHS🏆

Her nomination highlights her dedication and commitment to our school community.

Gabriella's nomination highlights her dedication and commitment to our school community. Each day, she and the entire custodial team at CHS bring wonderful energy and dedication, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and playing a vital role in our school environment.

Gabriella is always ready to assist with a smile and a willingness to help. A heartfelt thanks to Gabriella and the entire CHS custodial team for their dedication, positive energy, and immense pride in keeping our school a beautiful place to learn and work. We are incredibly grateful to have you all as part of 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.

4 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A smiling woman with glasses over a hexagonal pattern and "TCAPS Compass Award" logo.
The hallways might be quiet for the summer, but learning never stops for our leadership! 🏫

Today, our principals gathered to collaborate, share insights, and engage in professional learning together. 🌟

We’re so grateful for their dedication behind the scenes. 💙

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
4 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A group of people in various clothing poses for a photo in a room with a white board.
We're eager to meet you and discuss our open positions. Join us for Open Interviews at the TCAPS Administration Building (formerly known as Sabin Data Center), 2075 Cass Road, Traverse City, MI 49684, on Wednesday, June 17, from 8:00-10:00 a.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

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
4 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A child in school uniform stands by a chalkboard. It reads "NOW HIRING!" and "TCAPS OPEN INTERVIEWS."

Reminder that today, Wednesday, June 10, is a half day and the last day of the school year! ☀️

Find start and dismissal times here: https://5il.co/3jfxa

View the academic calendar here: https://5il.co/3jfx6

For questions, please contact your school directly.

5 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A colorful advertisement announces a TCAPS Update for June 10, 2026. It reads: "Half Day, Last Day of School."

Meet TCAPS Compass Winner: Linda Caswell, Kitchen Leader, Central Grade Elementary🏆

Her nomination highlights her passion and commitment to her position.

As a truly phenomenal Kitchen Leader, Linda's dedication to our students transforms the school lunch experience every single day. She has an incredible passion for her job, bringing serious attention to quality, presentation, and high expectations. In fact, the quality of service found in her elementary kitchen mirrors what you would expect to find in a nice restaurant.

Thank you, Linda, for treating our students like VIP guests, taking such immense pride in your work, and bringing restaurant-quality standards to our school community. You are an essential part of what makes our district thrive! 🙌💫

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.


5 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A blue hexagonal background displays a smiling woman and the text "TCAPS Compass Award".
Reminder that Wednesday, June 10, is a half day and the last day of the school year! ☀️

Find start and dismissal times here: https://5il.co/3jfxa

View the academic calendar here: https://5il.co/3jfx6

For questions, please contact your school directly.
5 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A colorful advertisement announces a TCAPS Update for June 10, 2026. It reads: "Half Day, Last Day of School."
TCAPS Board Community Connections 🤝

We invite you to join us for an informal conversation regarding district-wide updates and TCAPS policy. These sessions offer a dedicated space for families and community members to engage in open dialogue and strengthen our partnership.

Featured Trustee: Ty Schmidt
Date & Time: June 10, 2026, 5:30pm-6:30pm
Location: Traverse City Senior Center, 801 East Front Street, Traverse City

We look forward to connecting with you and working together for our students.

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
5 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A smiling man with short hair stands against a dark background. He wears a black shirt with a yellow graphic and a gray blazer.

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

The TCAPS Board of Education is holding a meeting today, 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

5 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A school with a grassy lawn, trees, and a paved path leading to the entrance.


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

5 months 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.