Our Fourth and Fifth Grade Music Concerts were held yesterday. Congratulations to Mrs. Burnell and all of her students on a job well done!
9 days ago, Cherry Knoll Elementary
A group of children stands on a stage in a gym with a wooden floor. They wear various clothes and hold musical instruments.
A group of children stand in a gymnasium, with some holding musical instruments, in front of a wall with "CHERRY KNOLL" written on it.
A group of musicians in a gym. A woman plays the flute on the left, with others playing various instruments.
A group of children on a stage, possibly singing, in a gymnasium with a red wall.
Group of children standing on stage, holding and playing flutes, in a room with red wall.
A group of children stand on stage in a gymnasium, dressed in various colored outfits, clapping and performing.

The May 2026 edition of TCAPS District News is officially live! 🗞️✨

Stay connected with the latest stories, student highlights, and important updates from across our schools.

Mobile Version: 📱https://itl.ink/DistrictNewsMay26

Desktop & Print Version: 💻 https://aptg.co/YbKds7

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools

2 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Six people in hard hats stand in a dirt pile. A blue banner behind them reads "TCAPS DISTRICT NEWS".
Opening New Chapters: The Power of the Novel Study

Did you know that 3rd - 5th graders have the opportunity to engage in novel studies through the CKLA curriculum? These Novel Study Units are where "learning to read" transforms into "loving to read." By diving deep into these specific titles, our students are building more than just literacy—they’re building character:

- Stella Díaz Has Something to Say: Students are finding their own "inner starfish" as they learn about confidence, identity, and the bravery it takes to speak up.

- The Seasons of Styx Malone: This adventure pushes kids to analyze loyalty and friendship, weighing the thrill of the "extraordinary" against the value of home.

- The Science of Breakable Things: A beautiful look at using the scientific method to understand empathy and hope, connecting lab reports to real-life emotions.

The Big Benefit: Novel studies build reading stamina and critical thinking. Instead of just skimming, students learn to track complex themes and see the world through a new lens.
3 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A group of people poses outside a building with large windows, some holding bags, on a sunny day.
People standing on a ladder throwing bags of eggs into the air, while others watch from below.
Exterior of a building with several cars parked outside. People are walking on a sidewalk. Trees in the background.
Four children sit around a table in a classroom. One child poses with a peace sign.
Miss Brown's 5th grade class had an Egg Drop Competition on Friday. It was inspired by their CKLA novel study “The Science of Breakable Things.”
5 days ago, Cherry Knoll Elementary
An educator on a ladder drops a student-designed egg protection device as excited students watch.
A student's egg drop project falls toward a target while a group of students observes the experiment.
An educator prepares to drop a cushioned egg project from a ladder for a science experiment.
Students watch intently as a handmade parachute device is dropped from a ladder during a science trial.
A large group of students poses outside their school building holding their completed egg drop projects.
May 6th was National Walk and Roll to School Day. Our students had the option to walk or ride bikes to Cherry Knoll yesterday morning. This year we had the largest participation of students ever! Fun was had by everyone.
9 days ago, Cherry Knoll Elementary
There are approximately 30 to 35 children and about 5 to 6 adults posing on a grassy area.
Children running and walking down a paved path outdoors next to a chain-link fence and a school playground.
Elementary students with backpacks walking along an outdoor paved path next to a school playground and fence.
Six children posing with their bikes and helmets in a park next to a picnic table
On Thursday, April 30th our third grade students had the opportunity to listen to Aaron Chivis, cultural department manager, from the Eyaawing Museum & Cultural Center as a cumulative activity to our Regions & Cultures: Native Americans CKLA unit.

He shared with the students some of his native history and language. The students enjoyed asking him many questions and learning more about the indigenous tribes we have in our community.
15 days ago, Cherry Knoll Elementary
A guest speaker in a patterned jacket speaks to a group of children seated on a library floor.

We’re Feeling the Love!

A HUGE thank you to the incredible local businesses who have donated to our Cherry Knoll Silent Auction

Because of you, we have an amazing mix of items… from wine tastings and spa packages to family adventures and one-of-a-kind experiences.

Now it’s our turn to show up and support them!

Join us April 24 at Mt. Holiday
Bring a friend
Bid on something amazing

Let’s make this a night to remember for our kids and our community use this link to register: https://charity.pledgeit.org/CKBlackandWhiteParty26

24 days ago, Cherry Knoll Elementary
Black and white event flyer with balloons, ribbons, and confetti. "Cherry Knoll Elementary School's Spring Silent Auction A Black & White Party" reads the title. Friday, April 24, 2026 from 6

Something for Everyone!

Looking for fun family experiences? We’ve got you covered at the Cherry Knoll Silent Auction!

Zoo passes
Tennis camp
Open skate passes
Mini golf passes
Art experiences
Pop-up movie night kit

Plus tons of gift cards, baskets, and local experiences!

Bid on something fun while supporting Cherry Knoll students—win-win!

April 24 | Mt. Holiday use this link to register: https://charity.pledgeit.org/CKBlackandWhiteParty26

27 days ago, Cherry Knoll Elementary
Black and white event flyer with balloons, ribbons, and confetti. "Cherry Knoll Elementary School's Spring Silent Auction A Black & White Party" reads the title. Friday, April 24, 2026 from 6

New Auction Item Alert: Teacher Experiences!

We’re so excited to introduce something NEW at this year’s Cherry Knoll Silent Auction… Teacher Experiences!

Your student can spend special time with their favorite teacher.  How fun is that?!

Options include:
Music time/lessons
Putt-putt golf outing
Terrarium building
…and more!

These one-of-a-kind experiences are sure to be a hit and make amazing memories for your kids!

Check them out and start bidding on the auction platform now: https://charity.pledgeit.org/CKBlackandWhiteParty26

Don’t wait—these will go fast!

29 days ago, Cherry Knoll Elementary
Black and white event flyer with balloons, ribbons, and confetti. "Cherry Knoll Elementary School's Spring Silent Auction A Black & White Party" reads the title. Friday, April 24, 2026 from 6
Of the fifty-three teams that competed on April 11th at the 2026 Battle of the Books tournament, 3 had students from Cherry Knoll. We are super proud of these kids who read eight books over a twelve week time period to prepare for the day.


Teams compete in the all-day Tournament with three events to demonstrate their knowledge of the books and show their team strategy and spirit. The day's finale includes recognition of top-scoring teams and an appearance by a well-known children's author.


Upon returning to school it has been fun listening to the children recommend the books and talk about their experience at the battle with their classmates. I see some future leaders in the group!
29 days ago, Cherry Knoll Elementary
Six children in yellow t-shirts with a duck logo pose for a photo in a grassy area.
The 2026 State of the District video is now live! Stay up to date with TCAPS’ initiatives and see how we are educating, engaging, and supporting all learners to maximize individual excellence.

Watch the video here: https://itl.ink/TCAPSStateoftheDistrict26
about 1 month ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A blue logo displays "TCAPS" with "Traverse City Area Public Schools" written underneath in smaller text.

We are thrilled to welcome our incoming principal, Mr. Tony Pascoe, to Cherry Knoll as he prepares for the upcoming school year. He is eager to meet our wonderful Wildcat families, so please join us for a casual Meet & Greet this Tuesday from 5:30 - 6:30pm in the cafeteria. Whether or not you plan to stay for the PTO meeting, we’d love for you to stop by, grab a sandwich, and say hello!

about 1 month ago, Cherry Knoll Elementary
A man in a purple shirt and tie smiles with a mustache and beard.

Reminder: TCAPS has an early release day today, Thursday, April 16.

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.

about 1 month ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Early release promotional graphic

TCAPS Transportation and Safety Update

Our TCAPS Administrative team spent the day working closely with Grand Traverse County to evaluate road conditions and finalize bus routing. While families whose students have been rerouted have already been notified, we ask for your patience tomorrow,  as there will likely be delays in both morning pick-up and afternoon drop-off times. School administrators are aware of these delays and are prepared to assist students as they arrive.

To stay updated on your student’s transportation status, please utilize the MyRide K-12 app. You can access Account Setup Instructions and Routing Information online to view real-time routing details at https://www.tcaps.net/page/transportation. The Grand Traverse County Road Commission asks that you plan ahead for the next few days and give yourself extra time. Please use extra caution when traveling and slow down immediately if you encounter areas with standing water.

Also, please note that tomorrow is a scheduled early release day. You can view start and dismissal times athttps://5il.co/3jfxa and the full academic calendar athttps://5il.co/3jfx6. Thank you for your flexibility and for your partnership in keeping our students and drivers safe.

about 1 month ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Orange banner with a bell icon reads "TCAPS Update" against a blue background.

Reminder: TCAPS has an early release day on Thursday, April 16. 🔔

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.

about 1 month ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Early release promotional graphic
The "Spiral" Effect: Building Background Knowledge Experts!

Have you ever wondered how to build background knowledge for students? CKLA builds background knowledge for reading comprehension. In our Amplify CKLA curriculum, we use "spiraling"—revisiting big topics at a deeper level as students grow! For example, TCAPS 5th graders learned about Maya, Aztec and Inca this year, but this isn’t the first time students will be exposed to these ideas.

In 1st Grade (The Foundation): Students first "meet" these cultures. They listened to stories about maize, stepped into the floating gardens of Tenochtitlan, and learned basic geography. 🌽

In 5th Grade (The Deep Dive): Now, they are investigators. They aren’t just listening; they are analyzing primary sources, decoding Maya hieroglyphics, and comparing the sophisticated political systems of the three empires.

Connecting the Dots: This unit isn't just about the past, it’s a bridge! It sets the stage for future units on the Age of Exploration and the American Revolution by giving students the "big picture" of who was here first.

By revisiting these big ideas, our students aren’t just memorizing facts for a test—they are building a permanent library of knowledge that makes them better readers and critical thinkers for life.
about 1 month ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Five students pose in a classroom holding handmade tri-fold projects about Maya, Aztec, and Inca civilizations.
A student project with drawings and handwritten facts about Maya, Aztec, and Inca architecture and culture.
A student project displaying Maya numbers, Aztec war weapons, and the Inca quipu system with typed research paragraphs.

Reminder: There will be no school for students from Friday, March 27, through Friday, April 3. Additionally, all TCAPS school offices and the TCAPS Administration Building at Glenn Loomis will be closed to the public during this time.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday, April 6.

Have a safe and relaxing spring recess!

about 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 wrapped up another incredible season with the Norte program! Our preschoolers officially traded their wobbles for wheels and mastered the art of balance and steering. We are so proud of these little riders and the confidence they built together this year.
about 2 months ago, Cherry Knoll Elementary
A preschooler in a red Under Armour shirt and grey helmet balances a green bike across the gym floor.
A young girl in a heart-patterned sweater successfully navigates a pink balance bike through the gym.
A child in a red shirt decorated with hearts smiles while steering a bike during a Norte session.
A line of children in helmets ride balance bikes past orange cones during their final gym practice.
A girl in a heart-patterned sweater leads a group of preschoolers on bikes under a "Learn to Move" sign.
Three young boys in helmets and superhero shirts concentrate while riding their balance bikes in a row.
A boy in a Captain America shirt and a girl in a grey sweater race their bikes across the gym.
Two preschoolers wearing blue helmets ride their balance bikes together.
A girl in a Minnie Mouse sweatshirt leads a line of young bike riders across the school gym floor.
A teacher and a large group of preschoolers pose with their bikes in the Cherry Knoll Elementary hallway.

Reminder: TCAPS has an early release day today, 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.

about 2 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Early release promotional graphic

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

about 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.