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.
Due to today’s inclement weather closure, the 2-hour early release originally scheduled for today has been moved to Thursday, January 22. 🗓️
Please note that the scheduled early release for Friday, January 23 remains in effect. Students will have a 2-hour early dismissal on both Thursday and Friday.
Start & Dismissal Times: https://5il.co/3jfxa
Academic Calendar: https://5il.co/3jfx6
For questions, please contact your school directly.
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.
🔔 Reminder: TCAPS has an early release day this coming Monday, January 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. Students from the Central High School TIE Program who recently showcased their woodworking and design skills by gifting custom planters to our School Board members. By sharing these symbols of growth and hard work, the students reminded everyone of the tangible impact of hands-on learning. We are grateful for this meaningful community connection and the "growth mindset" these students exemplify! 🎁⭐
2. East Middle School students who have put science into action! Through building and testing custom air-powered rockets, students are collecting critical data to compare designs and measure success. They’re using their observations to prove Newton's Third Law of Motion in real-time. Way to go, Trojans! 🧪🌟
3. Long Lake Elementary students and families who took to the "sea" to solve puzzles and find their way out of the school during their themed escape night. Panthers used their literacy and logic skills to conquer sea-themed riddles and navigate the challenge. A special thank you to Ms. Morrice, who organized such an engaging and educational event for the school community! 🌊🙌
4. Ms. Lijewski's fifth graders and Mr. Walter's fourth graders at Blair Elementary who were treated to a delicious demonstration of how to make traditional Native American fry bread. Courtesy of a Blair Elementary neighbor who provided a unique, hands on look at customary food preparation. Such a memorable and tasty afternoon for our Roadrunners! 🍞👏
5. Courtade Elementary’s staff members, Tanya Helman and Kim Herron who created the Den where students can enjoy games and activities during lunchtime. This space offers a variety of activities that allow students to socialize and recharge during their break. We love seeing our Cougars build friendships and teamwork skills in such a positive environment.💪✨
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #High5Friday
Did you know a strong vocabulary is a top predictor of reading success? At TCAPS, our CKLA curriculum builds "word power" from Kindergarten through 5th grade by immersing students in exciting, real-world topics. It’s not just about knowing a word; it’s about understanding it deeply and being able to use it!
Here is a look at the vocabulary our students are mastering:
Kindergarten: Building the Foundation In K, we introduce fascinating topics like "Farms," "Seasons and Weather," and "Colonial America" through captivating read-alouds. Your child is learning words like: harvest, migration, and colony! 📚
1st Grade: Expanding Horizons First graders delve into domains like "The Human Body," "Fairy Tales," and "A New Nation." They're learning words like circulation, heroic, and independence! 🌳
2nd Grade: Digging Deeper In second grade, topics like "Ancient Greek Civilization," "The War of 1812," and "Ecology" bring more complex vocabulary into play- such as democracy, conflict, and biodiversity. 🔍
3rd Grade: Bridging Listening to Reading Now, students are reading more independently, and CKLA helps them tackle more sophisticated texts in units like "The Ancient Roman Empire," "Astronomy," and "Immigration." They learn words like emperor, celestial, and immigrant. 🏰
4th Grade: Mastering Academic Language Fourth grade dives into subjects like "Early American Civilizations," "Geology," and "The American Revolution." Vocabulary becomes even more crucial for academic success. Words such as Mesoamerica, erosion, and patriot. 🌎
5th Grade: Preparing for Middle School In their final elementary year, students engage with challenging topics like "The Renaissance," "The Civil War," and "Human Anatomy and Physiology." Students learn words like patron, secede and skeletal. 🚀
From their first day to their elementary graduation, we are empowering TCAPS students to own their language!
Thank You, TCAPS Board of Education! 🍎🪴
January is School Board Recognition Month, and we had a wonderful opportunity to celebrate during this week’s Organizational Meeting. TCAPS students and staff took some time to recognize the seven dedicated volunteers who serve on our Board of Education.
The trustees were presented with several thoughtful gifts, including a large poster signed by many students and a variety of hand-drawn cards. Each board member also received a potted plant in a wooden planter that was uniquely designed and constructed by our students. These gifts served as a small token of appreciation for the work the board does to help our district grow.
Our board members spend many hours behind the scenes ensuring TCAPS provides a quality education for our community. We truly appreciate the time and care they put into their roles.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
SCHOOL IS CLOSED: All TCAPS schools are closed today, Wednesday, January 14, 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.
Meet TCAPS Compass Winner: David Payne, Elementary LEAP Manager, East Middle School🏆
His nomination highlights his patience, respectfulness, and positive influence towards students and staff.
David Payne consistently goes above and beyond to support our district and exemplify the spirit of the TCAPS Strategic Plan. As the Elementary Sports Manager, David’s dedication extends far beyond his assigned responsibilities. His willingness to help in any capacity reflects a deep commitment to high-quality staffing and team-oriented dependability.
A consummate team player, David is always ready to solve problems or fill gaps to ensure our schools run smoothly. He builds strong connections with students and models the respectful, supportive relationships that help foster a positive school culture. By consistently lending a hand wherever needed, his actions truly embody the collaboration, care, and commitment that move our district forward. 🙌💫
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
Hockey Fights Hunger Food Drive: January 12–23 🏒✨
The Trojan and Titan hockey teams are teaming up with the Student Support Network to fight hunger in our schools and community. In support of the Hockey Fights Hunger game on January 24, donation boxes will be available at Central High School, East Middle School, West Senior High School, and West Middle School from January 12–23 and at the game at Howe Arena on Saturday, January 24, at 6 p.m.
Please consider donating non-perishable food items to help TCAPS students—donations will go directly to food pantries at all TCAPS middle and high schools. Requested items include cereal, granola or protein bars, protein shakes, individual cups of mac & cheese, ramen, and soup. Every donation makes a difference!
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
The Talented and Gifted Program offers 4th graders accelerated learning with less repetition, focusing on growth mindset and challenging projects. Give your student the opportunity to learn in this unique environment.
Qualification testing (CogAT) is optional for all interested 3rd graders.
Register by January 21, 2026! Learn more at www.tcaps.net/TAG.
The TCAPS Board of Education is holding a meeting tonight, Monday, January 12, 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
