It’s Count Day! 🗓️
Schools receive funding based on student attendance numbers taken on Count Day. Having your student in school on Count Day, when possible, helps TCAPS continue to provide a premier education for all students.
Let's make it a great day of learning! 📚
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
During this time, HR and the Superintendent’s Office will be located at the TCAPS Facilities building (1212 Cass Road) for fingerprinting and badge assistance. All other administrative staff will be relocated to various work locations across the district and can be contacted by phone and email.
Thank you for your patience as we prepare this space for Central Grade staff and students.
Learn more about early childhood education at TCAPS by visiting www.tcaps.net/enroll.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
Schools receive funding based on student attendance numbers taken on Count Day. Having your student in school on Count Day, when possible, helps TCAPS continue to provide a premier education for all students.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
TCAPS Superintendent In-Person Office Hours – February 10, 2026
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, February 10, 2026.
More info: https://www.tcaps.net/page/superintendent
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
The TCAPS Board of Education is holding a meeting tonight, Monday, February 9, 2026, at 6:00 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
It's High 5 Friday! 🙌🖐
This week, high fives go out to:
1. Jack Williams, an eighth-grade student at West Middle School who was recently named the District 13 winner and placed fifth in the State of Michigan for the VFW Patriots’ Pen Youth Essay Competition. We are so incredibly proud of Jack for representing the Titans with such talent and heart! ✍️🏆
2. Willow Hill Elementary’s Third Grade Postal Workers who have been busy sorting and delivering notes of thanks, encouragement, and friendship. Students and staff have loved the joy of both sending and receiving these special messages. A huge thank you to their PTO’s funding to help students deliver a "First-Class" amount of kindness! 💌👏
3. Long Lake Elementary students who volunteered to sharpen colored pencils during their time in Extended Day. It’s the small acts of service like this that keep a school running smoothly and teach students the value of stewardship. Their mission is to make the school a better place —one pencil at a time! ✏️✨
4. Cherry Knoll Elementary students who celebrated National Tutu Day. Students and staff joined in the fun by wearing tutus of all colors and sizes, turning hallways into a celebration of school spirit. These "spirit days" are a wonderful way to build community and bring a little extra joy to the learning environment. 🙌⭐
5. Eastern Elementary students whose days are full of growth opportunities. Whether it’s mastering a new math formula or collaborating in small group centers, students and staff make every moment count. A big shout-out to the 2nd-grade teams in Mrs. Hite's and Mrs. Edwardson's rooms for their hard work and dedication! 🌟
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #High5Friday
TCAPS Superintendent Monthly Office Hours – February 10, 2026 📅⏰
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, February 10, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. via Google Meet.
For more information and to access the virtual meeting, visit www.tcaps.net/page/superintendent.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
The TCAPS Board of Education will hold its next meeting this coming Monday, February 9, 2026, at 6:00 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: Kristin Stuedemann - Lead Principal, West Middle School🏆
Her nomination highlights her proactive and organized approach to school improvement.
Kristin Stuedemann is the portrait of what makes a school thrive. According to those who work alongside her, she’s a leader who is never complacent and is always supportive of everyone in the building. Kristin “Stu” promotes a growth mindset and constantly seeks ways to improve every aspect of our school.
By utilizing resources and prioritizing stakeholder feedback, she makes informed decisions that improve our community culture and climate. As an exceptional instructional leader, Kristin encourages growth in everyone she meets. West Middle School continues to reach new heights under her prideful and inspiring leadership! 🌟👏
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
Information sessions will be held February 3 - 10 at the following schools:
Tuesday, February 3
Eastern (5:30 PM)
Thursday, February 5
Montessori (4:30 PM)
Westwoods (5:30 PM)
Monday, February 9
Blair (4:30 PM)
Courtade (5:30 PM)
Long Lake (5:30 PM)
Traverse Heights (4:30 PM)
Willow Hill (5:30 PM)
Tuesday, February 10
Central Grade (5:00 PM)
Cherry Knoll (5:30 PM)
Silver Lake (5:00 PM)
Learn more about early childhood education at TCAPS by visiting www.tcaps.net/enroll.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
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
Families are invited to learn more about our Traditional Kindergarten, Junior Kindergarten, and TCAPS Montessori programs by attending one of our upcoming information sessions. Staff will be available to answer questions.
Learn more at www.tcaps.net/enroll.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
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.
