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.

Some of our first graders had a visit from four high school students from Interlochen Arts Academy, part of an initiative called "Back to Bach." The high school musicians are "very passionate" about their instruments and studies and hope to inspire and open the eyes and hearts of others to the possibilities of classical music. They talked about their instruments - cello, classical guitar, viola and piano - played some pieces and answered questions. Thank you to these very talented students for sharing their love of classical music and hitting a high note with our Stars!

3 days ago, Eastern Elementary School
Four high school musicians stand together in front of a screen with a piano keyboard, a teacher takes a picture.
Classroom with a projector screen. Four adults stand, and a violin is held. Students sit at desks, engaged.
A high school student plays a cello in a classroom, with a projector screen behind him showing music composers. A student sits in front.
A high school student in a black t-shirt and blue jeans is playing a violin in front of a whiteboard.
A high school student sitting on stool with guitar, performing in front of a student in a classroom.
A high school student shows a piano keyboard on a screen in a classroom. Students sit at desks, watching the presentation.

Mrs. Ferguson's Kindergarten Class recently had a visit from Jennifer Whitten, Probate Judge for Grand Traverse County. The kindergartners' current language arts knowledge unit is National Icons: Presidents and American Symbols. In addition to learning about some well-known presidents, the US flag, the Declaration of Independence and voting, they have also talked about the balance of power and the three branches of government. Who better to give them an up-close, personal look into the who and what of the judicial branch than a judge herself? Ms. Whitten talked with the students about her job duties, education, and experience. It was a star-studded learning experience for all involved. Thank you for coming, Judge Whitten!

4 days ago, Eastern Elementary School
A group of children sitting on a floor in front of the classroom white board with Judge Whitten who is standing in the left corner back row. The floor has an alphabet carpet.
A woman in a black robe, GT Probate Judge Jennifer Whitten, sits on a chair next to a student in a green shirt.
Probate Judge Jennifer Whitten addresses a classroom of kindergarteners holding a gavel, sitting next to a table.

Today is one of the staff's favorite days of the year! It's Staff Appreciation Week at Eastern and students were encouraged to celebrate staff by bringing them flowers. These simple, beautiful blooms from students and families become amazing bouquets that bring smiles, scents and sincere joy to all of us in the building. Thank you! We're also grateful for the Monday morning treats from MoJo's Coffee, delivered personally to staff by a group of 4th graders, and today's lunch from Raduno, all sponsored and organized by our wonderful PTO!

18 days ago, Eastern Elementary School
Colorful flowers in a pink vase on a table with a green basket beside it.
A vase with assorted colorful flowers, including yellow, red, and pink, on a wooden table.
Two young boys stand in a parking lot. One holds a cup, and a school bus is in the background.
A clear glass vase with a ribbon holds a bouquet of purple and pink flowers in front of a window.
Five glass vases with flowers sit on a windowsill, with a playground visible in the background.
Colorful flowers in a glass vase on a table. Behind the vase is a book shelf.
A vase full of multi-colored fresh flowers on a desk top

These Eastern Stars are shining! Congratulations to our Stars of the Week! Keep up the good work.

22 days ago, Eastern Elementary School
Six Eastern Elementary students, 4 boys and two girls, standing against a lobby brick wall with star paintings in the background.
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.

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.

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.

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.

about 2 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Early release promotional graphic
Back by popular demand, the student council sponsored Book Swap. Students can donate used books and get a new to them book when their class visits next week. Not many things better than a new story!
#ShineBrightTogether
about 2 months ago, Jonathan Swegles
Members of Eastern Elementary Student Council getting our book swap.

Congratulations to our STAR students for the past two weeks! Way to go! All of you shine bright!

about 2 months ago, Eastern Elementary School
Six students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade standing against a school brick wall recognized as Eastern star students of the week.
Big shoutout to 2nd-grade parent, Dr. Shaun Ramsey, ER doctor at Muson and EMS Medical Director. He shared with Mrs. LaBarre's class information about his job and tolls that he uses like an EKG and ultra sound machine. Thank you for shining bright, Dr. Ramsey, and sharing your time and talents with our STARS.
#ShineBrightTogether
about 2 months ago, Jonathan Swegles
Dr. Ramsey and Mrs. LaBarre's students.
Dr. Ramsey and Mrs. LaBarre's students.
Dr. Ramsey and Mrs. LaBarre's students.
Dr. Ramsey and Mrs. LaBarre's students.
Dr. Ramsey and Mrs. LaBarre's students.
Representative Betsy Coffia stopped by Eastern Elementary to help us celebrate March is Reading Month. Mrs. Roeder's and Mrs. Hites' classes enjoyed the story Worm Makes a Sandwich by author Brianne Farley. #ShineBrightTogether
about 2 months ago, Jonathan Swegles
Rep. Coffia reading a story to 2nd grade students.
Rep. Coffia reading a story to 2nd grade students.
Rep. Coffia engaging Mrs. Sarah and Mrs. Aimee's preschoolers.
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