The TCAPS Board of Education will hold its next meeting on Monday, March 9.
This meeting will begin at 5:00 p.m. and will transition into a Closed Session following the agenda review, with regular business beginning 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.
Favorite characters and music delivered with sweet delights.
When: Saturday, March 14
Showtimes: 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Where: TC Central High School Auditorium, 1150 Milliken Drive, TC 49686
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
Meet TCAPS Compass Winner: Jen Couturier, School Safety Liaison, Central High School🏆
Her nomination highlights her dedication to the security of students and staff, with a positive impact.
Jen is an indispensable part of our Central High School community, serving far beyond her vital role in security. While her daily focus is on keeping our students and staff safe, she consistently goes above and beyond as an active supporter of our Band Boosters and music community.
Her dedication even extends into the summer months, where she works with the Facilities department to beautify our campuses. From East to West, Jen’s craftsmanship can be seen in the halls of many TCAPS buildings, creating vibrant spaces where students and staff feel proud to learn and work. Always building positive connections, Jen is a dedicated supporter of our Trojan family and the entire 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 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: Sara Bageris (WSH) & Josey Ballenger (CHS)
Date & Time: March 5, 2026, 5:30pm-6:30pm
Location: West Senior High (WSH), 5376 North Long Lake Road & Central High School (CHS), 1150 Milliken Drive Traverse City
We look forward to connecting with you and working together for our students.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
The Traverse City West Senior High Music Department is proud to present Little Shop of Horrors. Join us for this classic musical featuring a book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken. The production is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
Performance Dates and Times:
Evening Shows (7:00 PM): March 13, 14, 20, & 21.
Matinee Shows (2:00 PM): March 15 & 22.
Tickets:
Tickets range from $15 to $25 (plus box office fees). Secure your seats today by visiting tcaps.booktix.com.
Learn more at www.tcaps.net/enroll.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
It's High 5 Friday! 🙌🖐
This week, high fives go out to:
1. Central High students, Arthur Lijewski-Lee, Alex Potrafke, Lillian Shev, and Helly Taylor, for being named Finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Ranking among the top one percent of high school seniors in the U.S., these four students represent the pinnacle of academic achievement. They now move forward to compete for nearly 7,000 scholarships totaling approximately $26 million. This honor is a testament to their dedication and the strong academic foundation provided at Central High School. Congratulations to these scholars! 🎓👏
2. West Senior High Visual Art students for their exceptional performance at the Oliver Art Center 2026 Student Exhibition! Our Titans truly shone in this regional showcase, with 1st and 2nd-place winners earning art supply gift cards and a $2,000/year scholarship to Olivet College. We are incredibly proud of their creativity and dedication to the visual arts! 🎨🥳
3. West Middle School artists for their incredible success at the Michigan Art Education Association K-12 State Exhibit! Out of over 500 entries adjudicated statewide, these talented photographers truly stood out. One student's work was honored as one of the Top 18 middle school pieces in Michigan, while three others were recognized among the Top 100. Additionally, one photograph earned the prestigious distinction of being selected for display at the Michigan Department of Education for an entire year. 📷🙌
4. Our Courtade Elementary students and families who enjoyed a delicious evening of community and culinary skill during Family Cooking Night! A huge thank you to Chef Adam from Cook It Forward and Ms. Juday from Farm to School for sponsoring this event, which featured a livestreamed cooking class led by Chef Adam. More than 30 families joined in from their own kitchens to prepare a delicious meal of gnocchi and vegetables. It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to practice "farm to school" habits while sharing a healthy, homemade meal with their loved ones! 🧑🍳💕
5. Our Central and West ski team students who are rivals on the hills, unified when it matters. At the MHSAA Ski State Finals, these students showcased the true meaning of sportsmanship by standing together during the National Anthem. While the competition is fierce between our two teams, these strong student connections remind us that we are one community first. We are incredibly proud of these athletes for representing our district with such class and unity! ⛷️🌟
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #High5Friday
Meet TCAPS Compass Winner: Tyson Burch, Director of Transportation, TCAPS Transportation Department🏆
His nomination highlights his dedication to the students of our district and the leadership he brings to the transportation department every single day.
Tyson’s leadership is defined by his ability to remain calm and decisive when challenges arise, ensuring that the wheels of our district never stop turning. A recent dismissal situation at Central Grade served as a perfect example of Tyson's dedication. When an immediate need for a bus replacement arose, Tyson didn’t just manage the situation; he excelled. Thanks to his swift coordination and expertise in navigating complex logistics, he had a replacement bus on site and moving in just six minutes.
This efficiency reflects the dedication of Tyson and his team to our students. Although he often works largely behind the scenes, his impact is felt by every family whose child arrives home safe, warm, and on time. 💫👏
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
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: Scott Hardy
Date & Time: February 26, 2026, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Location: Traverse Heights Elementary School, 933 Rose Street, Traverse City, MI 49686
We look forward to connecting with you and working together for our students.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
This week, high fives go out to:
1. West Middle School’s amazing Math Club students! They are now the #1 team in the region, and they are headed to the State Competition in March! Not only did the team dominate, but several students also ranked as the top individual performers in the entire region. We are so proud of their hard work and spirit! 🏆🥳
2. Blair Elementary students who hosted their first-ever STEM Day! There were STEM stations located throughout the building and led by 4th and 5th grade students. They even had rangers from Sleeping Bear Dunes visit with their mobile planetarium! All of this was organized by their incredible 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Laurie Lijewski. Thank you for bringing learning to life for Bobcat students! 👏🌟
3. East Middle School’s band members who turned the main office into a "mini stage" by surprising staff with an impromptu performance! It was the perfect way to brighten everyone's morning and show off their talent. We love seeing our Trojans take the initiative to share their musical gifts with the whole school. Bravo, musicians! 🎵🙌
4. Eastern Elementary’s Mrs. Hites' first grade classroom who celebrated the Chinese New Year. The Wang family, whose son is in the class, shared the rich history and vibrant customs of the Holiday. Students enjoyed learning Chinese words and Zodiac signs. Thank you to the Wang Family for sharing your traditions and giving our students such a memorable gift of learning! 🎋❤️
5. Westwoods Elementary 5th graders who found a unique way to bring their CKLA unit to life! They engaged in a friendly jousting match, using their skills and knowledge to compete. It wasn’t just about the competition; students utilized their critical thinking and communication skills to navigate the challenge. Who knew the Middle Ages could be this much fun? 💪🛡️
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #High5Friday
Reminder: TCAPS has an early release day today, Thursday, February 19. 🔔
Note: There is no school for students tomorrow, Friday, Feb 20 (Teacher Work Day).
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.
Meet TCAPS Compass Winner: Vicky Ackerman, Bus Driver, TCAPS Transportation Department🏆
Her nomination highlights her patience and positive influence on students.
As the first school personnel many of our students see each day. Vicky sets the tone with positive words, school spirit, and genuine care. Whether she’s rocking a spirit day outfit or gently enforcing safety rules, she leads with heart.
Vicky exhibits each of the Compass values, putting students first, operating with excellence, showing integrity, and leading students and other staff members with empathy and mindfulness. She cultivates a supportive environment, starting each student's day with a positive connection and promotes respect and responsibility on each of her routes. 💖👏
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 this Thursday, February 19. 🔔
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. TCAPS Montessori National Junior Honor Society students who demonstrated what it truly means to lead with heart and purpose! Back in December, these dedicated leaders organized a donation drive for the Father Fred Foundation, successfully collecting over 600 items to support local families. But they didn't stop there! The team recently followed up with an in-person service trip to Father Fred, where they spent time sorting donations and assisting with operations. We are so proud of these students for their commitment to our community and for putting their values into action! ❤️🏫
2. Central Grade Elementary’s Mrs. DeMarsh’s 2nd-grade class who recently put their knowledge of measurement, perimeter, and shapes to the test. Their mission was to design and build special boxes for their Valentine’s Day celebrations! It’s so inspiring to see our students use their skills to create something meaningful and festive! 📏💪
3. A dedicated group of students at Long Lake Elementary who have been arriving early every morning with a mission to make sure every single person in the building knows they matter. Together, they taped a colorful heart on more than 280 lockers, each featuring a unique, handwritten message of encouragement. From “Believe in yourself” to “You are important,” these students are filling their school with a powerful reminder of kindness and belonging. Thank you for leading with such heart! 💝🌟
4. Students in Central High School’s TIE 10 program who participated in a unique cultural immersion experience. By stepping into the kitchen to prepare traditional Fry Bread, students moved past the pages of history books to engage with Indigenous traditions firsthand. Throughout the process, students discussed the historical context of Fry Bread. We love seeing our students learn firsthand the traditions that shape our world! 🍞👏
5. Courtade Elementary’s students who got to showcase their projects at the Creative Explorers Symposium! The students worked so hard to research, design, and present their projects. From deep dives into science to creative arts, the variety and passion on display were truly inspiring! Extended gratitude to Mr. Boyce and Ms.Partman for facilitating this incredible learning journey. Your mentorship helps these young minds soar! 🚀✨
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #High5Friday
Adventure Awaits! Enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year is open!
Learn more about early childhood education at TCAPS by visiting www.tcaps.net/enroll.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
If your student has been talking about "chains" lately, don't worry—they aren't auditioning for a construction crew! They are mastering one of the most powerful tools in our CKLA Skills toolkit.
What exactly is Word Chaining?
It’s a fast-paced "mental gymnastics" game for the brain. We start with a word like cat, and by changing just one sound at a time, we transform it: cat → can → fan → fin.
Why it’s a Game-Changer:
- Phonemic Awareness: It trains the ear to hear the tiny differences between sounds.
- Decoding Speed: It builds the "muscle memory" needed to recognize patterns instantly.
- Confidence: Using our Word Chaining Folders, students get hands-on practice manipulating letters, turning "scary" big words into a series of small, manageable shifts.
Our students are proving that building literacy is all about making the right connections!
