Traverse City Area Public Schools -

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

Big Stage. Big Talent. Big Weekend for TCAPS. 🎶

Grand Rapids was filled with the sound of TCAPS talent this past weekend! We are incredibly proud of our students and staff who represented our district at the 2026 Michigan Music Conference.

Join us in celebrating these outstanding achievements:

• Performances: Emerick Dee and the West Middle School 7th/8th Grade Tenor/Bass Choir, and Doug Downer with the West Middle School Symphony Band

• Professional Growth: Margaret Harrod-Burch (WW, SL) shared her expertise with a presentation on general music techniques

• All-State Honors: A huge shoutout to our 11 band students who earned seats in the prestigious MSBOA All-State Ensembles: Colten Beaver, Abe Blackburn, Graeme Chapman, Sebastien Fritch, Brett Gerkin, Eric Haag, Porter Lawens, Rhys Miller, Daniel Ramirez, Evan Tamlyn, and Brock Walter.

Our music programs continue to shine! Thank you for representing our district with such talent and dedication! 👏👏

The TCAPS Board of Education is holding a Study Session on 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

Meet TCAPS Compass Winner: Jamie Romanowski, Cook's Assistant, West Middle School🏆

Her nomination shines a light on her dedication to teaching students the importance of a good meal for academic success.

West Middle School is incredibly fortunate to have Jamie and such a dedicated team in our cafeteria. Jamie is a crucial part of our kitchen staff, known for being incredibly hard-working, positive, and inclusive. She is deeply committed to providing excellent food and top-tier customer service to our students and staff every single day.

Jamie emphasizes that good nutrition and a nurturing environment are essential to a child's development and learning. Thank you, Jamie, and the entire WMS kitchen group, for fueling our Titans with kindness and great meals!🍎✨

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

SCHOOL IS CLOSED: All TCAPS schools are closed today, Tuesday, January 27, 2026 due to inclement weather. Students in Michigan Virtual, Acellus, or Dual Enrollment classes should follow the direction of the instructors for those programs.

For more information on snow days, including how they are communicated and how decisions are made, go to www.tcaps.net.

It's High 5 Friday! 🙌🖐

This week, high fives go out to:

1. West Middle School’s Dungeons & Dragons Game Club Advisor, Ms. Shortridge, who surprised her students with a special guest. The group was treated with the perfect tools to help them keep playing, collaborating, and storytelling together. A huge thank you to Ms. Shortridge and her guest for supporting the creative quests of our Titans! ✨

2. Traverse City High School students who spent the day at the Grand Traverse Courthouse. Students gained a deeper understanding of how the judicial system functions and the essential roles that keep it running smoothly. A big thank you to the courthouse staff for the warm welcome and for showing our students "behind the gavel"! 🏛️✨

3. Traverse City West Senior High students, led by NorthEd Career Tech’s Welding instructor Mark Stein, who took their expertise on the road to Westwoods Elementary. Ms. Howey’s 3rd graders were treated to an inside look at the world of welding. This collaboration allowed our high schoolers to act as mentors while introducing younger students to the technical skills and creativity involved in the trades. Thank you to the West Senior High team for inspiring our Westwoods students! 🔧✨

4 . Blair Elementary’s first graders in Ms. Woodin’s class who recently learned about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his lasting contributions. The students expressed their thanks by writing beautiful letters to celebrate his legacy. It’s a wonderful reminder of the impact one person can have on the world! 👏💌

5. Eastern Elementary students who officially traded their sleds for pencils this week. They were back to utilizing their learning skills to navigate their curriculum and solve new problems after a few snowy days. Way to shine Eastern Stars! 📖 ⭐

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #High5Friday

All TCAPS schools are closed tomorrow, Friday, January 23, 2026, due to inclement weather. Students in Michigan Virtual, Acellus, or Dual Enrollment classes should follow the direction of the instructors for those programs.

Due to the inclement weather closure, we are moving the 2-hour early release to Thursday, March 26, 2026. Based on staff and community feedback, we want to prioritize full days of instructional time for this upcoming week. 

Thank you for your flexibility as we work to maximize learning time for our students!

Reminder: TCAPS has an early release day today, January 22. 🔔

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.

Reminder: Upcoming Early Release Days 🔔

TCAPS will have a 2-hour early release on both Thursday, January 22 and Friday, January 23.

Thursday's early release was rescheduled due to Monday's weather closure, while Friday's remains as originally scheduled.

Start & Dismissal Times: https://5il.co/3jfxa

Academic Calendar: https://5il.co/3jfx6

For questions, please contact your school directly.

Reminder: Support the Hockey Fights Hunger Food Drive! 🏒✨

The Hockey Fights Hunger Food Drive is officially underway through January 23. The Trojan and Titan hockey teams have joined forces with the Student Support Network to help stock our local TCAPS school food pantries, and we need your help to make it a success.

How you can help: Please consider dropping off non-perishable food items at Central High School, East Middle School, West Senior High School, or West Middle School now through Friday, January 23.

Join us at the game: Donations will also be accepted during the Hockey for Hunger game at Howe Arena on Saturday, January 24, at 6 p.m.

Most needed items: Cereal, granola or protein bars, protein shakes, individual cups of mac & cheese, ramen, and soup.

Every donation goes directly to food pantries at all TCAPS middle and high schools. Thank you for helping us support our students and community!

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools

Meet TCAPS Compass Winner: Hannah Pohlman, Lead Administrative Assistant, West Senior High School 🏆

Her nomination highlights her dedication and positive energy towards all.

Hannah exemplifies what it means to be a leader at TCAPS. Since stepping into the lead administrative assistant role, she has shown incredible humility and grace, ensuring that every staff member and student who enters the office feels comfortable and valued. By putting students first and fostering an environment of inclusivity, she truly embodies the district's core values.

Hannah consistently seeks ways to enhance school operations, striving to ensure everything runs smoothly for everyone. She takes the time to know students as individuals, creating a supportive atmosphere where everyone feels seen. Despite navigating constant change, Hannah’s dedication to supporting and encouraging those around her never wavers. 🌟💐

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

Final Call: Talented and Gifted Program (TAG) Testing Registration Window Closing!

Don't miss this opportunity! If your 3rd grader is interested in optional CogAT testing for the TAG Program, you must complete the online registration form.

DEADLINE: Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Testing will be administered at your student's home school during the Feb 2–13 window.

➡️ Register Here: https://forms.gle/htKyceUSR5REHEg58

Learn more at www.tcaps.net/TAG.

SCHOOL IS CLOSED: All TCAPS schools are closed today, Tuesday, January 20, 2026 due to inclement weather. Students in Michigan Virtual, Acellus, or Dual Enrollment classes should follow the direction of the instructors for those programs.

For more information on snow days, including how they are communicated and how decisions are made, go to www.tcaps.net.

SCHOOL IS CLOSED: All TCAPS schools are closed today, Monday, January 19, 2026 due to inclement weather. Students in Michigan Virtual, Acellus, or Dual Enrollment classes should follow the direction of the instructors for those programs.

For more information on snow days, including how they are communicated and how decisions are made, go to www.tcaps.net.