It's High 5 Friday! 🙌🖐
This week, high fives go out to:
1. West Senior High School's Visual Arts students, Norah Forton, Emali Duggar, and Alexia DeMercurio, who were recently recognized for their Outstanding Achievement at the Crooked Tree Arts Center Youth Art Exhibit. These talented individuals have shown incredible dedication to their craft, and their hard work is now being celebrated on a regional stage. We are so proud of their creativity and the way they represent their school’s dynamic arts program! 🎨🥳
2. Long Lake Elementary students who enjoyed a vibrant and social day during their Mix It Up Lunch event! This special lunch encouraged students to step out of their usual routines, sit with someone new, and foster new friendships across the school community. To add to the festive spirit, both students and staff participated by wearing mismatched clothes, creating a fun and inclusive atmosphere. 🥪🙌
3. West Middle School 8th grader Bishop Morgan, who was honored with a Titan Ticket for his initiative and helpfulness in the classroom. Bishop was recognized for stepping up to support his peers and teachers, embodying the positive spirit of the WMS community. A big fan of his science class, Bishop credits his teacher, Mrs. Wares, and his great classmates for making it his favorite subject. We are proud to see students like Bishop leading by example and contributing to a supportive learning environment! 👏✨
4. Central High School students who dove deep into scientific research this week, wading into the water to collect samples for local water quality monitoring. This hands-on project allowed students to apply classroom data analysis to real-world environmental health. Despite the challenges of changing conditions on the bay—and a few forgotten boots along the way—the team remained dedicated to their "price of discovery." 🌅💪
5. Eastern Elementary students who were happy to be back in the classroom and eager to dive back into learning. Mrs. Brott’s class spent time reconnecting by sharing stories and highlights of their Spring Break. This meaningful time together helped the students transition back into their school routine while strengthening the supportive community within their classroom. 👍🌟
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #High5Friday
The TCAPS Board of Education is holding its next meeting on Monday, April 13 at 6:00 p.m. Join us in person at the Glenn Loomis Administration Building (1009 S. Oak Street, Traverse City).
Find out more at www.tcaps.net/board.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
Have you ever wondered how to build background knowledge for students? CKLA builds background knowledge for reading comprehension. In our Amplify CKLA curriculum, we use "spiraling"—revisiting big topics at a deeper level as students grow! For example, TCAPS 5th graders learned about Maya, Aztec and Inca this year, but this isn’t the first time students will be exposed to these ideas.
In 1st Grade (The Foundation): Students first "meet" these cultures. They listened to stories about maize, stepped into the floating gardens of Tenochtitlan, and learned basic geography. 🌽
In 5th Grade (The Deep Dive): Now, they are investigators. They aren’t just listening; they are analyzing primary sources, decoding Maya hieroglyphics, and comparing the sophisticated political systems of the three empires.
Connecting the Dots: This unit isn't just about the past, it’s a bridge! It sets the stage for future units on the Age of Exploration and the American Revolution by giving students the "big picture" of who was here first.
By revisiting these big ideas, our students aren’t just memorizing facts for a test—they are building a permanent library of knowledge that makes them better readers and critical thinkers for life.
Meet TCAPS Compass Winner: Jill Warren, Science Teacher, WMS🏆
Her nomination highlights her dedication to student well-being and a positive role model for others.
Success in our district is driven by high-quality staffing, and Jill is a shining example of that pillar in action. While her students adore her for her lighthearted, engaging classroom environment, her colleagues value her leadership and professional generosity.
As a mentor to our newer educators, Jill shares her expertise and innovative instructional approaches, strengthening the entire team. Her ability to foster resilience and respect while maintaining a legendary sense of humor makes her an invaluable asset to our school community. She doesn't just teach science; she models the passion and professionalism we strive for across the district. 💐🌟
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.
TCAPS Superintendent Monthly Office Hours – Tuesday, April 7
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, April 7.
For more information visit www.tcaps.net/about/superintendent.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
2026 TCAPS District-Wide Art Show
The community is invited to celebrate student creativity from all grade levels at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons.
Dates: April 23 – May 7, 2026
Opening Reception: April 23, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Admission: Free and open to the public
The opening reception is supported by Oryana Community Co-op, Harvitt Insurance Agency/Meemic, Tom’s Food Markets, and Mundos Coffee.
At the March 9 meeting, the Board of Education officially proclaimed April 2026 as Social Host Responsibility Month. This resolution reaffirms our commitment to preventing underage substance use and protecting the health of our students.
The Board calls upon all parents, family members, and homeowners to host gatherings responsibly and ensure alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs remain inaccessible to anyone under the age of 21.
Read the full resolution: www.tcaps.net/board
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
It's High 5 Friday! 🙌🖐
Even though we’ve officially kicked off spring recess, we couldn’t head into the break without celebrating the incredible energy in our district this week. Our students and staff have been crushing it, and we want to keep that momentum going.
This week, high fives go out to:
1. Our community partners at Norte, who teamed up with the preschoolers at Cherry Knoll Elementary this week for a major milestone. We are so proud of our youngest learners, who officially traded their wobbles for wheels as they mastered the art of balance and steering! 🚴👏
2. Willow Hill Elementary who officially concluded its March is Reading Month festivities this week, and the results were nothing short of magical. Under the theme "The Magic of Reading," students engaged in a variety of literacy-based challenges and activities designed to spark a lifelong love for books. 📖🎉
3. TCHS students who kicked off Spring Break with their annual student-organized Egg Hunt. We love seeing our students lead the way in creating fun traditions and lasting connections. Enjoy the break you’ve earned it! 🐰👍
4. West Middle School and Montessori Elementary students who have turned months of hard work into state-qualifying projects competing in the Michigan History Day Competition. Their persistence and passion for discovery have earned them spots at the State Competition, and we couldn't be more excited to cheer them on! 🥳✨
5. Our Traverse Area District Library, who hosted our Central Grade Elementary 1st grade readers this week. Partnerships like this remind our students that the entire Traverse City community is cheering them on as they grow into lifelong readers. We love seeing our reading stars shining bright in our local library! 🌟📖
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #High5Friday
Reminder: There will be no school for students from Friday, March 27, through Friday, April 3. Additionally, all TCAPS school offices and the TCAPS Administration Building at Glenn Loomis will be closed to the public during this time.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday, April 6.
Have a safe and relaxing spring recess!
Reminder: TCAPS has an early release day today, Thursday, March 26.
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.
Reminder: Spring Recess Ahead! ☀️🌸
There will be no school for students from Friday, March 27, through Friday, April 3. Additionally, all TCAPS school offices and the Administration Building at Glenn Loomis will be closed to the public. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday, April 6. Have a safe and relaxing spring recess!
Academic Calendar: https://5il.co/3jfx6
We were at Blair Elementary’s Family Night yesterday and found TCAPS Board of Education Vice President Erica Moon Mohr and Secretary Josey Ballenger in the library. Both were guest readers for the students and families in attendance.
Staff joined them and spoke to families about the importance of reading to young children. We really appreciate our board members and staff for prioritizing literacy and sharing the value of reading during the event.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
Equipped with flashlights, they recently took part in "flashlight reading." It was a wonderful way to spend time during the school day while focusing on building strong reading habits. 🔦📖
It is great to see the students so engaged and excited about literacy!
Meet TCAPS Compass Winner: Jeremy Howe, Assistant Principal, WMS🏆
His nomination highlights his dedication to creating a successful environment for all.
Although Jeremy is a seasoned administrator, he joined the West Middle School family this year with fresh energy and a "jump in with both feet" attitude. In just a few short months, he has become an indispensable pillar of our school community!
Jeremy works tirelessly to ensure that all students feel appreciated. With a specialized focus on our Special Education population, he has brought a renewed sense of detail, responsiveness, and genuine care to our programs. Beyond academics, Jeremy’s co-leadership of our PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) efforts ensures that every student at West Middle School feels valued, known, and respected through intentional Moments of Genuine Connection. Jeremy truly goes above and beyond to make our school a better place for every learner.”⭐👏
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.
Reminder: TCAPS has an early release day on Thursday, March 26. 🔔
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.
State Representative Betsy Coffia visited the school as a guest reader and read a book aloud to the classroom. It was a great opportunity for the students to focus on the importance of literacy with a visitor. 📖
Thank you, Representative Coffia, for taking the time to visit and read with the students!
Mystery Reader Alert! 🕵️♂️
Courtade Elementary had a special surprise earlier this month! Superintendent VanWagoner joined the school as a Mystery Reader to read to students and celebrate the joy of literacy. 📖✨
We are having a great time celebrating March is Reading Month. A big thank you to Superintendent VanWagoner for taking the time to inspire our young readers!
This week, high fives go out to:
1. Our Courtade Elementary students who have been busy spreading warmth following this past week’s winter storm! Students spent time creating handcrafted “Thank You” cards for the famous “ROAR Runner” plow and the entire crew of dedicated drivers who worked endlessly to keep our roads safe. These special deliveries are on their way to the crews who braved the elements for our community. We are so proud of our students for recognizing the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. 💌🙌
2. Our Westwoods Elementary students who traded their books for tool belts during a special craft day for their March Read-a-thon. This incredible event, brought together by PTO volunteers and experts from Home Depot to help students bring their creativity to life. Our young makers built and decorated unique crafts to take home. A huge thank you to everyone who helped our students build something special! 📏👍
3. Our West Middle School students who had an incredible day of discovery as National Park Service Rangers visited to lead an immersive study on the Great Lakes! Inside a high-tech interactive dome, students explored the hidden world of our local ecosystems and the serious impact of invasive species. A massive thank you to our Park Rangers for inspiring our students to be informed, responsible stewards of our environment, and to the WMS Outdoors Club for making this unforgettable experience possible! 🐟🌲
4. Our Silver Lake Elementary students who took part in a school-wide Read-In to celebrate March is Reading Month! From cozy spots to favorite bookmarks, the energy was focused and full of imagination. Events like these remind us that reading isn’t just a skill—it’s an adventure. Whether they were diving into a new graphic novel or revisiting a favorite picture book, students proved that there’s no better way to spend the day than lost in a story. 📖🥳
5. Long Lake Elementary students who have the potential to lead with kindness and confidence! With the guidance of their amazing school social worker, Mrs. Andrea Martin, students across the building are learning the tools they need to navigate challenges, build strong friendships, and show up as their "best selves" every single day. We are so proud of the resilience and character our Long Lake students display in every classroom and on every playground. 🌟👏
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #High5Friday
Students currently enrolled in Michigan Virtual, Acellus, or Dual-Enrolled classes should follow the specific direction of their instructors for those programs.
For more information, please visit www.tcaps.net.
Meet TCAPS Compass Winner: Stephanie Havens, Kitchen Leader, Willow Hill Elementary🏆
Her nomination highlights her overall dedication and teamwork in the kitchen and beyond.
A sincere appreciation to Stephanie, who went above and beyond to support our students during the Downtown Traverse City Light Parade. Alongside her husband, Barry (our fantastic bus driver), Stephanie was a key part of the team that made the night so special.
From helping decorate the bus with festive lights to wearing her own glowing gear and ensuring the kids had an absolute blast, her energy was contagious! She even stuck around until the very end to help with the cleanup. Thank you, Stephanie, for your incredible heart and for making it a night our students will never forget! ⭐👏
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.
