The TCAPS Student Support Network extends a huge thank you to The Mitten Group!
For the third year in a row, they have hosted The Mitten Drive, a community-wide winter clothing collection to support our students. We are so grateful for their incredible generosity and their dedication to keeping TCAPS students warm. Thank you for the amazing community support that makes this possible! ❄️✨
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
The TCAPS Student Support Network extends a heartfelt thank you to the team at North Flight Aero Med!
For the third year in a row, this team chose to skip their internal gift exchange to instead purchase winter gear for our students. Because of their generosity, many TCAPS students will stay warm this winter with brand-new gear. ✈️❄️
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It's High 5 Friday! 🙌🖐
This week, high fives go out to:
1. Montessori Elementary’s Lego League Robotics team, Bricks (4) Brains, who competed at the Michigan State Championship, and took home 2nd place overall in Robot Performance! They also had the opportunity to show off MARA, the multifunctional archaeological robot assistant they developed to help archaeologists safely move and document artifacts. Congratulations to these bright young engineers on their state-level success! 🏆🎉
2. Eastern Elementary 4th graders who are becoming true masters of metaphor! Mrs. Nelson’s students have been sharpening their craft during their recent poetry unit. By practicing their “poet-tree” skills, they are learning how to express themselves in creative and impactful new ways. We are so proud of these budding writers! ✍️🙌
3. Ms. Varnum’s kindergarten class at Traverse Heights Elementary who are becoming master storytellers! Students were hard at work during their CKLA block, practicing how to retell a story about pets. Building these foundational literacy skills is a huge step in their reading journey. Way to go, Roadrunners! 📖✨
4. West Middle School’s 8th Grade Symphony Band who will represent the district at the 2026 Michigan Music Conference. They have been selected as one of only two middle school bands in Michigan to receive this invitation. This "state championship" level recognition is a rare honor, marking only the second time in the school’s history that WMS has been selected. Way to outshine!🎻🌟
5. The students in Ms. Forrest’s Junior Kindergarten class at Silver Lake Elementary who had a blast during singing and movement time. With Ms. Penny. Music and movement are essential building blocks for our youngest learners, helping to develop gross motor skills and literacy while building coordination and confidence. It’s wonderful to see the classroom full of joy and rhythm. Keep up the great work Seahawks! 💙✨
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #High5Friday
TCAPS Superintendent Monthly Office Hours – January 13, 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, January 13, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. via Google Meet.
For more information and to access the virtual meeting, visit www.tcaps.net/page/superintendent.
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The TCAPS Board of Education is holding its next meeting on 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 at www.tcaps.net/board.
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Meet TCAPS Compass Winner: Kelly OBranovic, Reading Interventionist, Eastern Elementary 🏆
Her nomination highlights her exemplary leadership skills and her nurturing collaboration with colleagues.
One of Kelly’s most commendable qualities is her ability to build trust among those she empowers. By consistently demonstrating honesty and empathy, she fosters a transparent school environment where everyone feels valued and seen. She leads with an unwavering commitment to others, providing individualized attention to the teaching staff through a courageous, hands-on approach that inspires the entire building.
Beyond coaching, Kelly plays a pivotal role in leading the Multi-Tiered System of Supports process and serves as an integral member of the district ELA committee. Whether she is conducting site visits or recruiting staff for new curriculum pilots, she balances district-wide initiatives with a fierce dedication to her daily duties. Her proactive communication with leadership ensures that the entire school community remains aligned. Ultimately, Kelly exemplifies excellence through her resilience, collaborative mindset, and deep-rooted drive to help her colleagues succeed. 👏🌟
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
There’s still time to make a difference for TCAPS students before the year ends!
Your year-end gift helps provide essentials and remove barriers so all students can access SSN and LEAP opportunities. Together, we are changing futures one gift at a time.
Give today: www.tcaps.net/give
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As the year comes to a close, we invite you to support TCAPS students!
Your gift helps us provide essentials and remove barriers so all students can access SSN and LEAP opportunities. Together, we are changing futures one gift at a time.
Give here: www.tcaps.net/give
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
Reminder: The TCAPS Board of Education is holding a Special Board Meeting this morning, Monday, December 29, at 9:00 a.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
The TCAPS Board of Education will hold a Special Board Meeting on Monday, December 29, 2025, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Join us in person at the Glenn Loomis Administration Building (1009 S. Oak Street, Traverse City).
For the full agenda and additional details, please visit our website at www.tcaps.net/board.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
🔔 Reminder: No School Dec 22 - Jan 2.
Enjoy the winter break! All TCAPS school offices and the TCAPS Administration Building at Glenn Loomis will be closed during this time.
Buildings and classes will resume on Monday, January 5, 2026.
View the academic calendar here: https://5il.co/3jfx6
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
🔔 Reminder: No School Dec 22 - Jan 2.
Enjoy the winter break! All TCAPS school offices and the TCAPS Administration Building at Glenn Loomis will be closed during this time.
Buildings and classes will resume on Monday, January 5, 2026.
View the academic calendar here: https://5il.co/3jfx6
This week, high fives go out to:
1. Long Lake Elementary 5th grader Maddie who is a shining example of leadership and heart! Every year, Maddie and her family create hot cocoa kits to benefit the Child Life Program at Munson Hospital. This year, her advocacy and hard work took the project to new heights, raising over $1,000 for children and families facing hospital stays. Maddie serves as an inspiration to us all! ❤️🌟
2. Our Middle School band students who absolutely shined as they wrapped up their concert series, putting their dedication, growth, and poise on full display. A huge thank you to our amazing instructors for guiding and inspiring these students every day. It was truly a wonderful week of musical excellence! 🎶👏.
3. Miner's North Jewelers for their incredible generosity, helping raise $1,500 in community donations for the West Middle School’s Giving Tree. This gift will provide Titan hoodies and "Caring Closet" items to ensure students stay warm and supported this holiday season. We are so grateful for their partnership! ❄️❤️
4. Central Grade Elementary students who definitely know how to celebrate Spirit Week! Holiday fun has been in full force with Ugly Sweater/Holiday Shirt and Crazy Hair Days. It's so much fun to see the creativity and school spirit in the hallways! 🎉⛄
5. Central High School’s Student Senate who organized a pancake breakfast for their peers. It was the perfect way to spread some holiday cheer and share a treat before heading to class. Huge thanks to Student Senate for fueling the Trojan spirit! 🥞👏
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools #High5Friday
SCHOOL IS CLOSED: All TCAPS schools are closed today, Friday, December 19, 2025 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: Meeting is Tonight
TCAPS will hold an information and discussion meeting regarding the planning and building design for the Carlisle Field Afterschool Clubhouse and Multi-Purpose Fieldhouse.
📅 Date: December 18
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Location: East Middle School Library (1776 N Three Mile Rd, Traverse City, MI 49696)
Giving to the TCAPS Student Support Network (SSN) and the Learning, Enrichment, and Athletics Program (LEAP) ensures access and opportunities for all. Your gift goes directly to TCAPS students.
Give today: www.tcaps.net/give
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Meet TCAPS Compass Winner: Marianne Haven, Bus Aide, TCAPS Transportation Department 🏆
Her nomination highlights her caring, reliability, and professionalism towards both students and staff.
Marianne is an exceptional Bus Assistant and a vital member of the TCAPS Transportation team! Her willingness to assist any driver ensures we maintain our top priority: the safety of our students. Her experience is highly relied upon to educate students on TCAPS bus behavior expectations.
In addition to her role with transportation, Marianne also supports students at Central Grade Elementary during lunch and recess. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and for being such an important part of the TCAPS team! 🚌🌟
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 of Education Office Hours - Thursday, December 18, 2025 📅✏️
The Traverse City Area Public Schools Board of Education will host its next monthly “office hours” in-person at the Traverse Area District Library (TADL) in the McGuire Room, 610 Woodmere Avenue, on Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
TCAPS Board office hours provide community members with the opportunity to talk to a school board trustee. This month, Board President Newman-Bale is scheduled to attend.
Learn more at www.tcaps.net/board.
#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
Our TCAPS music students are performing their Sounds of the Season concerts all month long! Don't miss out—check the schedule now. 🎶
🔗 https://sholink.to/SoundsoftheSeason
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