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.
14 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A group of people poses outside a building with large windows, some holding bags, on a sunny day.
People standing on a ladder throwing bags of eggs into the air, while others watch from below.
Exterior of a building with several cars parked outside. People are walking on a sidewalk. Trees in the background.
Four children sit around a table in a classroom. One child poses with a peace sign.

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/. 🏆

14 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Green background with icons and a shield logo saying "Michigan Green Schools Certified" at the top.

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

14 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
TCAPS Administration Building

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.

15 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A smiling woman in a hexagon shape is on a blue background with the TCAPS Compass Award logo.
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
15 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A clock, books, and a green chalkboard are displayed. The chalkboard says "Success Starts With Showing Up."
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
16 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A large brick building with several windows and a white door is surrounded by trees and greenery.

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

16 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
TCAPS Administration Building

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

17 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
TCAPS Administration Building

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

19 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Child's hand drawing a red heart with text: Education is a work of HEART. Thank You, TCAPS Staff.
A decorative banner saying "Thank You Teachers & Staff" is displayed on a brick wall, with colorful flowers and a rainbow.
A collage of eight photos shows staff members holding items during a staff appreciation week. Each photo is set against a blue background.
Two boxes of pie stacked on a wooden table. One box has the word "Handmade with Love" and a Michigan outline.
Printed badges with the text "TCAPS" and QR codes on them. A blue carabiner with the text "TCAPS" attached to a document.
Four winners of a scholarship program are shown in a blue background. Each student is listed with their name and school.
A group of children and adults gather near a picnic table on a grassy field with cars parked in the background.
Collage of images showing students in a biomedical science lab, working on various tasks.
Two students sit at a table in a classroom, one holds scissors and the other poses with a peace sign.
Two individuals are in a lab, examining a yellow liquid in a cup with a straw. Lab equipment is on a table.

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

19 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Superintendent Dr. John VanWagoner
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
20 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
TCAPS Foundation Changing Futures One Gift at a time visit www.tcaps.net/give
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
20 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A person in a graduation gown and cap throws their cap into the air against a blue sky.

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

20 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
TCAPS Administration Building
TCAPS Celebrates Bike to School Day!
21 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A boy with a helmet holds a bicycle, standing near a metal fence. A school banner reads "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

22 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A blue background features a man in glasses and a logo for the TCAPS Compass Award.
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
22 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A child raising hand in classroom. Text reads "SUCCESS STARTS WITH SHOWING UP". Background shows a classroom with desks and lights.
TCAPS Celebrates Cinco de Mayo!
22 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A blue background with colorful circular patterns displays a text that reads "TCAPS Celebrates Cinco de Mayo."
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, May 6, 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
23 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
TCAPS Open Interviews
Staff Appreciation Special Recognition: May 4 – May 8, 2026

In alignment with National Teacher Appreciation Week, the Traverse City Area Public Schools Board of Education publicly acknowledges and recognizes all staff members of Traverse City Area Public Schools. 🍎

Schools are the hub of a community and TCAPS is no exception. Our community takes great pride in the ongoing successes of our students and our programming, all of which rely on the professionals working inside our buildings. It is said it takes a village to raise a child, and this week we honor every staff member who makes our village a vibrant, safe, and rewarding place for children to learn and grow. We thank you for your commitment to excellence and for the vital role you play in our community's future. ✨

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
23 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Drawing of a heart with the text "Education is a work of heart, Thank You, TCAPS Staff".
TCAPS invites you to the Groundbreaking Ceremony

Join us as we break ground on the new TCAPS Afterschool Clubhouse and Multi-Purpose Fieldhouse!

Tuesday, May 5 | 4:00 p.m. Carlisle Road Project Site

The public is welcome to attend. Please join Superintendent Dr. John VanWagoner, TCAPS Board of Education, and our contributing partners as we officially begin construction on this new facility for our students and community.

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
24 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Poster with blue background featuring a building and field, and text about a groundbreaking ceremony.