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And just like that, they’re graduates! 🎓

Huge congratulations to the incredible Class of 2026. Watching everyone walk across that stage last Sunday, May 31st was an absolute joy. Behind that diploma is years of hard work, resilience, and endless dedication.

To the graduates: Be proud of how far you’ve come, and be excited for where you’re going next. We are all cheering you on!

Here are a few moments from the May 31st commencement ceremony:
1 day ago, West Senior High School
Collage of diverse graduation photos. Individuals wear green gowns, some with tassels. Some are on a path, others near a building.
Collage of West Senior High School students in green graduation gowns and caps, some with gold stoles.
Congrats to our May 29th Titan Performance Training students of the week!
3 days ago, West Senior High School
A gym displays two framed photos. Left, a boy in a white shirt. Right, a woman with blonde hair wearing a necklace.
Congrats to our May 29th Visual Arts department Artist of the Week!
4 days ago, West Senior High School
A collage features an artist's photo, a logo, an illustration, and a landscape scene. The logo reads "TC West Artist of the Week".
Congrats to our May 29th Titans of the week within each of our Academic Communities! THE ARTS | STEM | GLOBAL https://www.tcaps.net/page/academic-communities
4 days ago, West Senior High School
Three students are featured on a green background. Each is named and assigned to Global, Stem, and Arts.
Our WSH Students of the Week for May 29th! These Titans were recognized for embodying our Portrait of a Graduate traits. Go West!
4 days ago, West Senior High School
A collage of four student portraits with "Students of the Week" heading. Categories include Lifelong Learner, Strong Character, and Resilient.
On May 19-20, STEM 9 students set sail for hands-on science! Led by Mrs. Heydlauff and Mrs. Cole, students took part in Diving Deeper, an immersive, student-led investigation of the Great Lakes. They collected biological and water samples, analyzed data, and wrapped up the trip with some awesome peer teaching on the boat. Way to lead the way, STEM 9! 🚢💧📉
8 days ago, West Senior High School
A group of individuals in warm clothing stands on the deck of a boat. The water is calm.
Three people on a boat, one examining an object in a container, another person watches.
Four people sit on a boat deck, smiling, while one holds papers. A few people stand behind them.
Three people examine a water sample in a clear container. One man holds a black object, possibly a device. They stand on a deck, with water and distant land visible.
A person wearing a red beanie stands with a child on a boat. Both are holding a rope.
A group of people on a boat in a body of water. They are wearing jackets and some have braids.
A group of people, some wearing glasses and IDs, are sitting on a deck of a boat in water.
Last week, the music department celebrated Signing Day with seven students who will continue their musical studies after graduation. Each of these students successfully auditioned for and was accepted into prestigious music programs across the state as they prepare to pursue careers in music. Students recognized today included:

Isabelle Gelles — Central Michigan University — Music Education
Lucian Hentschel — Central Michigan University — Horn Performance
Jonathan Kirby — Interlochen Arts Academy 13th Year Program — Vocal Performance
Tayen Petoskey — Central Michigan University — Music Education
Sebastian Pickard — Northwestern Michigan College — Saxophone Performance
Luke Shumaker — Western Michigan University — Vocal Performance
Kate Zuidersma — Eastern Michigan University — Vocal Performance

Special thanks to the TC Music Boosters for organizing this event and celebrating these outstanding students! Congratulations graduates!
10 days ago, West Senior High School
A woman with glasses sits at a desk in a school auditorium, with flowers, a sign, and a paper.
Person at a table with a flower arrangement, holding papers and a pen, in front of an empty bleacher.
Person in red shirt seated at a table with a flower arrangement and a sign in front.
A woman sits at a green table with a flower arrangement, a pen, and a sign. Empty bleachers are in the background.
Person seated at a table with papers, pen, and flowers. Behind them is a bleacher seating area.
A person in a blue shirt sits at a table in an auditorium with a flower arrangement and a sign.
Person standing behind a desk with a sign reading "E" and flowers in a vase.

Reminder: There is no school today, Monday, May 25.

12 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A silhouette of a person reading a book under a tree, with the text "TCAPS" above.
Reminder: There will be no school on Monday, May 25, 2026. Enjoy the long weekend!
14 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A silhouette of a person reading a book under a tree, with the text "TCAPS" above.
Learning happens outside the classroom! 🌿

Mrs. Brisbois’s class traded their desks for the great outdoors on an exciting field trip to the Environmental Nature Center (ENC)! 🦅🎒

Our students became real-world scientists as they explored the trails, learned about local wildlife, and discovered the beauty of nature firsthand. From studying native plants to observing habitats up close, it was an unforgettable day of hands-on learning.

A huge thank you to the fantastic naturalists at ENC for guiding us, and to our wonderful chaperones who helped make this day possible!

Take a look at some of our favorite moments from the day! 👇📸

#FieldTrip #NatureIsCalling #HandsOnLearning #OutdoorEducation #ClassroomAdventures #ENCOutdoors
15 days ago, West Senior High School
A group of people stand on a wooden bridge in a forest, with a small stream beneath.
Three people are outdoors, examining a shallow body of water. They are wearing jackets and boots.
Three people investigate a stream in a wooded area. One person holds a collection tray.
Two people stand in a forest, smiling and giving thumbs up. One holds a pen. Behind them, another person sits on the ground.
A person holds a transparent plastic spoon containing a small invertebrate over a table. People stand behind them.
A group of students are outdoors examining small items in bowls. They are looking at a map on a wooden table.
A group of people examining specimens in shallow containers on a wooden platform. The floor is covered in leaves.
Five women in a forest smile at the camera. One woman holds a clipboard with a grid of small holes.
Congrats to our May 15th Titan Performance Training students of the week!
17 days ago, West Senior High School
Display of two students, Jordan Reynolds and Liam Hirko, under the Titan Performance Training logo.
BIG NEWS FROM THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT! 🎉

Please join us in celebrating three incredibly talented Traverse City West High School students who have been recognized in the 2026 National Writers Series Awards!

Not only did these students place at the national level, but all three of their pieces will be published in the upcoming National Writers Series Literary Journal. 📖✨

Here are the amazing writers making us Titan Proud:

Tess Tarchak-Hiss – 1st Place, Journalism. Tess won the prestigious Judith Lange Journalism Scholarship ($1,000) for her powerful piece, "We Need to Talk About the Lack of Eating Disorder Treatment Up North." (Bonus: Her work was also featured in the Northern Express!) https://www.northernexpress.com/news/feature/lack-of-eating-disorder-treatment-up-north/

Ava Hickman – 2nd Place, Nonfiction, for her deeply moving piece, "The Night 6 Years Ago."

Elijah Wynn – Honorable Mention, Poetry, for his beautifully crafted poem, "Widow of the Pecos (B Minor)."

Read the winning submissions here: https://nationalwritersseries.org/raising-writers/scholarships/2026-scholarship-winners/

#TCWest #TitanPride #NationalWritersSeries #StudentWriters #TCAPS Proud
17 days ago, West Senior High School
An award announcement displays three winners of the 2026 National Writers Series Awards with photos.
Congrats to our May 15th Visual Arts department Artist of the Week!
17 days ago, West Senior High School
Two images. A smiling woman with brown hair, Payton Lamb. Next to it, a blue and white striped ceramic vase.
Congrats to our May 15th Titans of the week within each of our Academic Communities! THE ARTS | STEM | GLOBAL https://www.tcaps.net/page/academic-communities
18 days ago, West Senior High School
Three students are shown on a green background, each in their respective category: Global, STEM, Arts.
Our WSH Students of the Week for May 15th! These Titans were recognized for embodying our Portrait of a Graduate traits. Go West!
18 days ago, West Senior High School
Display with four student portraits and descriptions. Four students named Emma, Kaydence, Madeline, and Cooper.

Huge congratulations to Karlee Tenbusch of TC West Senior High for being named a 2026 Outstanding Educator! Selected from a pool of peer and community nominations across five counties, Karlee is being recognized for her incredible dedication to student success and excellence in the classroom. In addition to being an amazing social studies teacher, Karlee's work as the Global Communities advisor and Occidentalist advisor have supported our students in making an impact throughout our community. Karlee also sits on the board of the National Writer's Series. This prestigious honor is a partnership between North Ed, Traverse Connect, and TBA Credit Union.

Join the Celebration! Want to cheer Karlee on? The awards ceremony is open to the public.

When: Wednesday, June 3 @ 6:30 p.m.

Where: City Opera House, Traverse City

18 days ago, West Senior High School
A smiling woman with curly hair stands against a green background. Text reads "Outstanding Educator" and "Karlee Tenbusch, Civics, Government & Journalism Teacher."

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

22 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".
Congrats to our May 8th Titan Performance Training students of the week!
23 days ago, West Senior High School
Two students, Olivia and Eric, stand in front of a gym with Titan Performance Training logo.
Congrats to our May 8th Visual Arts department Artist of the Week!
24 days ago, West Senior High School
Collage of three images: one woman in glasses, a logo, a drawing of a fox, and a title.
Congrats to our May 8th Titans of the week within each of our Academic Communities! THE ARTS | STEM | GLOBAL https://www.tcaps.net/page/academic-communities
24 days ago, West Senior High School
Three students with names: Liam, Trey, and Domino. Categories: Global, Stem, Arts. Logos next to categories.