As a new school year gets underway, Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) is reminding families that a simple step can make a big difference for local classrooms. Following an effort last year that made a huge impact across the district, TCAPS is asking all families to make the Education Benefits Form a priority once again before the October 1, 2026 deadline to ensure the district receives its full share of state and federal funding.

While the form is often associated with school meals, its impact reaches much further, directly affecting the broad range of resources available to TCAPS students.

"This form does so much more than people realize," said TCAPS Superintendent Dr. John VanWagoner. "We were deeply grateful for our families' participation last year, which made a real difference in protecting and expanding important resources. We encourage our community to make it a priority again this year. When families take just a few minutes to fill it out, they are directly supporting the teachers, tools, and programs that help every single student grow and succeed."

Funding secured through the completion of these forms helps TCAPS provide:

• Lower Fees for Activities: Helps reduce the cost of important student experiences and items, including field trips, LEAP scholarships, yearbooks, and AP exams, making them accessible to more families.

• Stronger Classroom Support: Helps fund key staffing positions and learning tools that benefit all students across the district.

• More Learning Opportunities: Helps secure resources for unique enrichment programs and after-school activities.

The form takes only a few minutes to complete online, is entirely confidential, and benefits the district regardless of a family's income level. TCAPS encourages all families to participate by October 1, 2026 to help set our schools up for another successful year.

Families can fill out the form online at: qr.tcaps.net/EducationBenefitsForm

Printable paper forms are also available in the main office of any TCAPS school.