Reminder: Spring Recess Ahead! ☀️🌸

There will be no school for students from Friday, March 27, through Friday, April 3. Additionally, all TCAPS school offices and the Administration Building at Glenn Loomis will be closed to the public. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday, April 6. Have a safe and relaxing spring recess!

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

2 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A silhouette of a person sitting under a large tree and reading a book against a warm, golden sunset background. Centered in the frame is the white logo for "TCAPS" with the text "Traverse City Area Public Schools" written underneath it.

We were at Blair Elementary’s Family Night yesterday and found TCAPS Board of Education Vice President Erica Moon Mohr and Secretary Josey Ballenger in the library. Both were guest readers for the students and families in attendance.

Staff joined them and spoke to families about the importance of reading to young children. We really appreciate our board members and staff for prioritizing literacy and sharing the value of reading during the event.

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools

2 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A woman in a striped shirt sits in a rocking chair reading a picture book to a group of children in a library.
A woman in a patterned sweater reads a picture book to a group of children sitting on a blue rug in a library.
Four women stand in a library, each holding a different children's picture book in front of wooden bookshelves.
In celebration of March is Reading Month, students at TCAPS Montessori have been enjoying some unique reading experiences!

Equipped with flashlights, they recently took part in "flashlight reading." It was a wonderful way to spend time during the school day while focusing on building strong reading habits. 🔦📖

It is great to see the students so engaged and excited about literacy!
2 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Students reading in the library media center using flashlights to read their book.
Students reading in the library media center using flashlights to read their book.

Meet TCAPS Compass Winner: Jeremy Howe, Assistant Principal, WMS🏆

His nomination highlights his dedication to creating a successful environment for all.

Although Jeremy is a seasoned administrator, he joined the West Middle School family this year with fresh energy and a "jump in with both feet" attitude. In just a few short months, he has become an indispensable pillar of our school community!

Jeremy works tirelessly to ensure that all students feel appreciated. With a specialized focus on our Special Education population, he has brought a renewed sense of detail, responsiveness, and genuine care to our programs. Beyond academics, Jeremy’s co-leadership of our PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) efforts ensures that every student at West Middle School feels valued, known, and respected through intentional Moments of Genuine Connection. Jeremy truly goes above and beyond to make our school a better place for every learner.”⭐👏

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.

2 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
TCAPS Compass Award Recipient

Reminder: TCAPS has an early release day on Thursday, March 26. 🔔

Find start and dismissal times here: https://5il.co/3jfxa

View the academic calendar here: https://5il.co/3jfx6

For questions, please contact your school directly.

2 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Early release promotional graphic
Last week, Willow Hill Elementary welcomed a special guest to celebrate March is Reading Month!

State Representative Betsy Coffia visited the school as a guest reader and read a book aloud to the classroom. It was a great opportunity for the students to focus on the importance of literacy with a visitor. 📖

Thank you, Representative Coffia, for taking the time to visit and read with the students!
2 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
State Representative Betsy Coffia is reading to a group of students in the library for March is Reading Month.
State Representative Betsy Coffia is reading to a group of students in the library for March is Reading Month.

Mystery Reader Alert! 🕵️‍♂️

Courtade Elementary had a special surprise earlier this month! Superintendent VanWagoner joined the school as a Mystery Reader to read to students and celebrate the joy of literacy. 📖✨

We are having a great time celebrating March is Reading Month. A big thank you to Superintendent VanWagoner for taking the time to inspire our young readers!

2 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Superintendent reading to classroom full of students.
It's High 5 Friday! 🙌🖐

This week, high fives go out to:

1. Our Courtade Elementary students who have been busy spreading warmth following this past week’s winter storm! Students spent time creating handcrafted “Thank You” cards for the famous “ROAR Runner” plow and the entire crew of dedicated drivers who worked endlessly to keep our roads safe. These special deliveries are on their way to the crews who braved the elements for our community. We are so proud of our students for recognizing the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. 💌🙌

2. Our Westwoods Elementary students who traded their books for tool belts during a special craft day for their March Read-a-thon. This incredible event, brought together by PTO volunteers and experts from Home Depot to help students bring their creativity to life. Our young makers built and decorated unique crafts to take home. A huge thank you to everyone who helped our students build something special! 📏👍

3. Our West Middle School students who had an incredible day of discovery as National Park Service Rangers visited to lead an immersive study on the Great Lakes! Inside a high-tech interactive dome, students explored the hidden world of our local ecosystems and the serious impact of invasive species. A massive thank you to our Park Rangers for inspiring our students to be informed, responsible stewards of our environment, and to the WMS Outdoors Club for making this unforgettable experience possible! 🐟🌲

4. Our Silver Lake Elementary students who took part in a school-wide Read-In to celebrate March is Reading Month! From cozy spots to favorite bookmarks, the energy was focused and full of imagination. Events like these remind us that reading isn’t just a skill—it’s an adventure. Whether they were diving into a new graphic novel or revisiting a favorite picture book, students proved that there’s no better way to spend the day than lost in a story. 📖🥳

5. Long Lake Elementary students who have the potential to lead with kindness and confidence! With the guidance of their amazing school social worker, Mrs. Andrea Martin, students across the building are learning the tools they need to navigate challenges, build strong friendships, and show up as their "best selves" every single day. We are so proud of the resilience and character our Long Lake students display in every classroom and on every playground. 🌟👏

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #High5Friday


2 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Adults and children standing by a snow plow that has the words Roar Courtade Runner painted on it
Students sitting on the floor making crafts wearing Home Depot aprons
Volunteer doing crafts with students at a table
Students sitting underneath the interactive dome
Students sitting underneath the interactive dome
Adult and students sitting on the floor reading a book together
Stuents sitting in teh hallway reading books with their mascot standing by them
School Social Worker and a student siting together on the floor looking at her badge
TCAPS schools will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. This decision was made to prioritize the safety of our students, staff, and community by allowing our facilities team and local road crews the time needed to clear the heavy snow received throughout the district and on secondary roads. While all school buildings are closed, the TCAPS Administration Building will be open. Employees who normally report on closure days should report as scheduled.

Students currently enrolled in Michigan Virtual, Acellus, or Dual-Enrolled classes should follow the specific direction of their instructors for those programs.

For more information, please visit www.tcaps.net.
2 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
TCAPS Alert Graphic

Meet TCAPS Compass Winner: Stephanie Havens, Kitchen Leader, Willow Hill Elementary🏆

Her nomination highlights her overall dedication and teamwork in the kitchen and beyond.

A sincere appreciation to Stephanie, who went above and beyond to support our students during the Downtown Traverse City Light Parade. Alongside her husband, Barry (our fantastic bus driver), Stephanie was a key part of the team that made the night so special.

From helping decorate the bus with festive lights to wearing her own glowing gear and ensuring the kids had an absolute blast, her energy was contagious! She even stuck around until the very end to help with the cleanup. Thank you, Stephanie, for your incredible heart and for making it a night our students will never forget! ⭐👏

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.

2 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
TCAPS Compass Award Recipient photo
All TCAPS buildings, including TCAPS Administration, are closed on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. No employees should report to work on Tuesday unless their supervisor contacts them for essential work. This includes first, second, and third shift employees.
2 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
TCAPS Update Graphic

School is Closed: All TCAPS schools will be closed on Tuesday, March 17, 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, visit www.tcaps.net.

2 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
TCAPS ALERT Schools are closed due to inclement weather.
We're eager to meet you and discuss our open positions. Join us for Open Interviews at the Glenn Loomis Administration Building (1009 S. Oak Street, Traverse City) on Wednesday, March 18, from 8:00-10:00 a.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
2 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
TCAPS Open Interviews
All TCAPS buildings, including TCAPS Administration, are closed today, March 16, 2026. No employees should report to work today. This includes first, second, and third shift employees.
2 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
TCAPS Update Graphic

Update: The TCAPS Administration at Glenn Loomis Building will open at 11 AM. Staff who usually report on a school closure day should report at 11 AM.

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All TCAPS buildings will open at 11 AM on Monday, March 16, 2026. No TCAPS staff should report prior to 11 AM.

2 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
TCAPS Update Graphic

School and Afternoon Activities Canceled - Monday, March 16, 2026

All TCAPS schools are closed tomorrow, Monday, March 16, 2026, due to inclement weather. All afternoon activities are also canceled. 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.

2 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
TCAPS Alert Schools are closed due to inclement weather.
TCAPS Celebrates Pi Day!
2 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
TCAPS celebrates Pi Day with a retro-style graphic on a black background. The central element is a large Pi symbol on a layered orange and yellow sunset. Below it, the text reads "CAN'T STOP WON'T STOP" in a bold white font. Faded brown numbers representing Pi curve around the top.

It's High 5 Friday! 🙌🖐

This week, high fives go out to:

1. East Middle School Student Senate who collected and donated a mountain of supplies to the Cherryland Humane Society. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our students and families, they were able to help fill their shelves and provide vital support for animals in our community. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to the drive. You are truly making a difference for our four-legged friends! 🐶👏

2. Members of the Traverse City Central High Football team and Coach Eric Schugars who visited Eastern Elementary to help celebrate Reading Month! Whether they were reading to a full class or sitting down in small groups, the energy was electric. Reading together was the highlight of the week for our elementary students. Thank you, Central Football, for being such incredible role models for our young students! 🏈📖

3. West Middle School’s 7th-grade Accelerated Math students who celebrated Pi Day a little early—and with a lot of flavor! Over the last few days, these students have been diving deep into the geometry of circles. They didn’t just memorize formulas; they became "mathematicians in the field," investigating the relationship between circumference, diameter, and that famous infinite number: 3.14. To wrap up their hard work, the class enjoyed some delicious slices of pie. Brain power + pie = a "well-rounded" success!📐💪

4. Traverse City High School who turned Family Night into a high-powered "Future Planning Hub." They hosted a comprehensive FAFSA and College Application Workshop, providing seniors and their families with expert guidance. It was an inspiring night of looking forward to the next chapter. We are so proud of these graduates for taking these proactive steps toward their legacy! 🎓✨

5. Traverse Heights Elementary students who were highly engaged in their lessons this week. In Mrs. Mullen’s class, students spent the morning immersed in the study of the American Revolution, exploring the events and figures that shaped our country. While Mrs. Varnum’s Kindergarten students were equally focused on practicing their daily vocabulary routines. We are so proud of the hard work and curiosity displayed by students this week! 📖🌟

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #High5Friday

2 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Student handing a Cherryland Humane Society Worker a bag of pet food from their donation drive.
Central High football players sitting on chairs reading books to elementary students who are sitting on the floor
West Middle math students practicing math skills at thier tables
TCH student holding a banner that says I Applied
Two Traverse City High students standing next to each other holding a banner that says I Applied.
Elemenatary student sitting at his desk reading about the American Revolution
A teacher and her elementary students standing on the classroom rug as they listen to her teach.

Free Meals at TCAPS! 🍎🥪

TCAPS is offering free breakfast and lunch meals at every building, every school day.

Free breakfast is served daily! TCAPS Food and Nutrition Services reminds parents and students that TCAPS offers free breakfast before the start of every school day at every building in the district.

Secondary buildings offer breakfast in the cafeterias, and elementary buildings offer a convenient "Grab & Go" breakfast for students to enjoy in the classrooms or the cafeterias. TCAPS encourages every student to grab a free breakfast to ensure they have the energy necessary to excel! 📚

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

3 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
TCAPS Food & Nutrition Services graphic with vegetables and the text: FREE MEALS!
At this week’s meeting, the TCAPS Board of Education recognized four Central High School students, Arthur Lijewski-Lee, Alex Potrafke, Lillian Shev, and Helly Taylor, for becoming National Merit Finalists.

Ranking in the top 1% nationwide, these students represent the very best of TCAPS excellence. Congratulations on this prestigious honor! 🎓👏
3 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A group of seven people stands in front of a white TCAPS (Traverse City Area Public Schools) backdrop in a boardroom setting. The group includes four students and three staff members or officials.