🔔 Reminder: TCAPS has an early release day on December 11.
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: TCAPS Board of Education Meeting TODAY!
The TCAPS Board of Education will hold its next meeting on Monday, December 8.
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.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
We are incredibly grateful to MAWBY Winery for their year-long partnership supporting the TCAPS Student Support Network. A portion of their flight proceeds resulted in a generous gift supporting the Student Support Network.🌟🤝
We also extend a heartfelt thank you to the MAWBY team for volunteering at our Back to School Pop-Up! Your hands-on support made a real difference for families starting the school year strong.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
This week, high fives go out to:
1. Blair Elementary students who are reading with heart! They are turning pages to grow the Grinch's heart with a love for reading! Every minute of at-home reading reported helps the Grinch's heart grow bigger. They're already off to a great start! 📚♥️
2. East Middle School’s student, Max, who achieved an incredible feat at the Scholastic Chess Tournament in Lansing. Competing against 180 students in the K–8 competition, Max secured an impressive 25th place! This highlights his dedication and strategic skill. Congratulations on this major accomplishment! ♟️👏
3. Central High School Choirs, who have officially wrapped up URINETOWN 2025! Huge thanks to everyone who poured so much time, grit, love, and care into this incredible show. Bravo to all students, directors, the creative team, parents, and volunteers! What an amazing production! 🎭
4. Central Grade Elementary’s staff member, Mrs. McKinnon, and her husband! They came into the school during the break to decorate the hallway outside the office, giving everyone a fun and festive surprise on Monday morning. This wonderful act of kindness sets the perfect tone for their December theme: JOY. Thank you for spreading the joy! 🎁🌟
5. Traverse Heights Elementary’s Roadrunners who are studying fables, understanding how these short stories teach important morals and wisdom. This is a wonderful way to build reading comprehension and character! 📖💪
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #High5Friday
Our TCAPS music students are performing all through December. Click for the complete performance list: 🔗 https://sholink.to/SoundsoftheSeason
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
A heartfelt thank you to all who have supported TCAPS inaugural year-end fundraising efforts thus far! While our campaign continues through December 31, we are honored to share that we surpassed our Giving Tuesday goal.
A special thank you to Scott Newman-Bale for generously matching the first $10,000 raised. To date, we have raised $23,088.25 for TCAPS Student Support Network and LEAP programs. 🎉
Let’s keep the momentum going! Your continued support makes a meaningful difference.
Give now: www.tcaps.net/give
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
TCAPS Superintendent Monthly Office Hours – Tuesday, December 9
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, December 9. For more information, visit www.tcaps.net/about/superintendent.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
The TCAPS Board of Education is holding its next meeting on Monday, December 8. The closed session will begin at 5:00 p.m., 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.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
Double your impact and support TCAPS students! Scott Newman-Bale, Partner at Short's Brewing Company, will match the first $10,000 received through December 2, helping us provide essentials and remove barriers so all students can access SSN and LEAP opportunities. 🎒✨
Give now: www.tcaps.net/give
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #GivingTuesday2025
Is your student interested in a faster pace and higher-order thinking? Registration for optional CogAT qualification testing for the 2026-2027 TAG Program is now open!
🗓️ Optional Info Meeting: Join us virtually on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
🔗 Register for Testing Now (Deadline Jan 21): https://forms.gle/htKyceUSR5REHEg58
Learn more at www.tcaps.net/TAG.
You can still double your impact! Scott Newman-Bale, Partner at Short's Brewing Company, will match the first $10,000 received through today, December 2. 🎁✨
Give now: www.tcaps.net/give
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #GivingTuesday2025
Scott Newman-Bale, Partner at Short's Brewing Company, will match the first $10,000 received through December 2, helping us provide essentials and remove barriers so all students can access SSN and LEAP opportunities. 🎒✨
Give now: www.tcaps.net/give
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
The Student Support Network (SSN) extends a heartfelt thanks to Hearts at Home, the Clinical Quality Department at Munson Medical Center, Ob Hospitalist Group, Step Up Northern Michigan, and the many individuals, groups, and community agencies who provided Thanksgiving meals for our families. Your generosity and compassion make an incredible difference this holiday season! 🦃❤️
Meet TCAPS Compass Winner: Adam Stricker, Kitchen Leader, TCAPS Montessori🏆
His nomination highlights his dedication and positive impact on students and staff.
Adam is new to Montessori and has stepped into the Lead Kitchen Position this year! Adam has been incredibly respectful and proactive as he learns his new role and navigates our building's operations. His dedication to improving our daily operations is highly valued by the staff.
Adam's positive attitude creates a wonderful atmosphere in the cafeteria. He consistently smiles at the students and is especially diligent about keeping students with allergies safe with customized food options. No matter how busy the cafeteria gets, Adam remains positive and helpful. His efforts ensure every student has an enjoyable and safe lunch experience. Welcome to the team, Adam! 👏
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: No School Nov 26-28. Enjoy the time off! School is back in session Dec 1.
The Administration Building at Glenn Loomis will be open for visitors until 12:00 PM on Wednesday, Nov 26.
View the academic calendar here: https://5il.co/3jfx6
🔔 Reminder: TCAPS has an early release day today, November 25.
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.
Thank you to our amazing staff, students, and families who made it happen.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
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.
It's High 5 Friday! 🙌🖐
This week, high fives go out to:
1. Silver Lake Elementary’s amazing preschool teacher, Sarah Leonard, who was recognized as the "Teacher of the Month" by Z93 radio! Nominated by families and community members, Mrs. Leonard always goes above and beyond for our youngest learners. She is so deserving of this honor! 🍎🎊
2. Traverse City High School students, Bailey and Sadie, who have been recognized as Rotary Outstanding Students. Nominated by their school counselor, Blaise Lowe, both honorees exemplify excellence by embracing every opportunity their school provides and consistently striving to make the most of the educational experience. As a part of their award, both Bailey and Sadie will receive a scholarship to attend the Rotary Life Leadership Conference in 2026. 🙌🌟
3. Ms. Kate from the Traverse City Area District Library who visited Ms. Murray's Junior Kindergarten class at Central Grade Elementary. Students learned about the library's services, enjoyed a captivating story, and, best of all, visited the Book Mobile! Thank you, Ms. Kate, for bringing the library to our students! 📖✨
4. Mrs. Feaster's preschool class at Eastern Elementary who celebrated National Butter Day by enjoying mini pumpkin pies made with real butter they churned themselves! This delicious lesson included learning about spices and grating fresh ingredients. Thank you, Mrs. Feaster, for creating such a bright and delicious memory! 🧈🥧
5. Cherry Knoll Elementary who rocked the plaid for Windemuller Electric Inc.’s “Flannel Friday”! Staff and students participated, ensuring Windemuller makes a generous donation of $5 for every person in a team photo wearing flannel. This collective effort helps support essential Skilled Trades Programs in our community. Thank you, Windemuller, for this great challenge! 👏🎉
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #High5Friday
Meet TCAPS Compass Winner: Anette Ponder, Custodian, Traverse Heights Elementary 🏆
Her nomination highlights her positive outlook and dedication to our building.
Annette is an awesome person and coworker who is an invaluable part of our team! Annette is a key reason our building is consistently clean and detailed for the start of every school day. Annette's meticulous work truly shines in the morning, setting a positive and welcoming tone for students and staff alike. Her attention to fine details reminds us all of her deep care and commitment to maintaining a wonderful school environment.
Beyond her essential role in facilities, Annette is a model of reliability and compassion. She is incredibly dependable, a quality demonstrated by her numerous years of perfect attendance. Annette brightens the workplace with her inherently kind and caring personality. We are incredibly grateful for Annette's outstanding work ethic and her ability to uplift those around her. ✨💐
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.
