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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
2 months 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!

2 months 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.

2 months 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.

2 months 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.

2 months 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.
3 months 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!

3 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.
3 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.

3 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

3 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.
The talent just keeps on coming! Our Cherry Knoll Wildcats really brought the house down with some incredible vocal performances and perfectly timed group dance numbers. It’s been so much fun watching everyone show off what they’ve been working on. We definitely have some future stars in our midst!
3 months ago, Cherry Knoll Elementary
A girl in a floral peach dress stands on stage holding a microphone, ready to perform.
Four girls in blue and black dance attire strike a synchronized pose with arms raised on stage.
Two girls in matching yellow shirts and grey pants wave to the audience during their performance.
Our Annual Talent Show was a great success! From beautiful piano and ukulele solos to energetic dance routines and heartfelt singing, our students truly brought their best to the stage. Watching our students step into the spotlight with so much confidence was the highlight of our week. Huge shoutout to all our performers for sharing their skills with us. Go Wildcats!
3 months ago, Cherry Knoll Elementary
Two young girls smiling on stage, one holding a microphone and the other holding a script.
Two performers in dark green and brown costumes singing into a microphone during a musical performance.
A boy in a "Steamboat" t-shirt playing a Yamaha piano from sheet music for an audience.
A young girl in a blue top and bright pink pants strikes a graceful dance pose on the stage.
A woman in a plaid shirt with a clipboard introduces a girl in a yellow shirt to the audience.
A girl in a flowing, colorful red and orange dress leaps mid-air during a dance routine.
A student in a light-colored hoodie sits at a piano performing a solo for the crowd.
A boy in a grey plaid shirt sings into a microphone next to a music stand.
A girl with a pink hair bow sits on a bench while playing a ukulele for her performance.
Two girls in matching red "2025" shirts jump in unison during a high-energy dance number.

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.

3 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Early release promotional graphic
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.
3 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
TCAPS Alert Graphic
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.
3 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.

3 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
TCAPS ALERT Schools are closed due to inclement weather.
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.
3 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.

3 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.

3 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
TCAPS Alert Schools are closed due to inclement weather.

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!