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
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools

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.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools


🔔 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.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools


The TCAPS Board of Education will hold its next meeting on Monday, October 13, at 6:00 p.m.
The meeting is open to the public and will take place in person at the Glenn Loomis Administration Building, located at 1009 S. Oak Street in Traverse City.
You can find more information about the meeting at www.tcaps.net/board.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools


The countdown is on! The annual TC Patriot Game is on Friday, October 24 at Thirlby Field. 🏈
Join the Trojans and Titans as we honor our 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/patriotgame.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools

This week, high fives go out to:
1. TC High’s Maverick Enrichment Day which was a huge success! About 30 students and staff enjoyed a memorable trip to the Michigan Legacy Art Park at Crystal Mountain. They spent the day hiking and exploring over 40 pieces of art in a gorgeous natural setting. We love seeing our students engage with both nature and culture! 🖼️🏞️
2. Blair Elementary teachers, Mr. Walter and Mrs. Lijewski, for organizing such a wonderful field trip! With the help of generous parent volunteers, 4th and 5th graders enjoyed perfect weather and a successful learning experience, checking out the fish weir in downtown Traverse City. 🐟🍂
3. The Central High School Marching Band for their fantastic performance at East Middle School. The music and excitement were a huge hit with both staff and students! What an excellent show of Trojan Pride and a great way to link our school communities. 🥁🥳
4. Matt and Gordie, the amazing custodians at Long Lake Elementary, who were showered with appreciation for “Happy Custodian Day”. TCAPS is grateful for all their hard work and for always going out of their way to connect with the students and families. 🧹⭐
5. Mrs. Jackson's 3rd Grade students at Central Grade Elementary who put teamwork into action! They enjoyed some partner reading time with the story "Mulan". Working together makes the learning process a little brighter! 📖😊
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #High5Friday






We’d also like to give a special thank you to our community partners Graceful Logistics LLC, GT ProFILE, GT Stamping, and Cherryland Ghostbusters partnering with Staples for their incredible support with school supplies!
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools



Get ready to explore and create! First Robotics Team 1711 Raptors invites kids ages 4-14 to a day of hands-on science on Saturday, October 11. The event runs from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Central High School Innovation and Manufacturing Center (IMC). Join us for a variety of exciting experiments and activities.

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.

Traverse City Area Public Schools Celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

