Word Smithing In Progress! Or Chain Reactions We Actually Like!

If your student has been talking about "chains" lately, don't worry—they aren't auditioning for a construction crew! They are mastering one of the most powerful tools in our CKLA Skills toolkit.

What exactly is Word Chaining?

It’s a fast-paced "mental gymnastics" game for the brain. We start with a word like cat, and by changing just one sound at a time, we transform it: cat → can → fan → fin.

Why it’s a Game-Changer:
- Phonemic Awareness: It trains the ear to hear the tiny differences between sounds.
- Decoding Speed: It builds the "muscle memory" needed to recognize patterns instantly.
- Confidence: Using our Word Chaining Folders, students get hands-on practice manipulating letters, turning "scary" big words into a series of small, manageable shifts.

Our students are proving that building literacy is all about making the right connections!
2 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A young student smiling at the camera while sitting at a school desk. They are working on a CKLA activity with a white board containing various letters and phonics tiles.
A young student smiling at the camera while sitting at a school desk. They are working on a CKLA activity with a white board containing various letters and phonics tiles.
A young student smiling at the camera while sitting at a school desk. They are working on a CKLA activity with a white board containing various letters and phonics tiles.
Join us today, Monday, February 9, at 4:30 p.m. for the Kindergarten and Junior Kindergarten Information Session. Families seeking to enroll an incoming Kindergarten or Junior Kindergarten student for Fall 2026 are invited to attend!

Learn more about early childhood education at TCAPS by visiting www.tcaps.net/enroll.
3 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
TCAPS Enrollment for Kindergarten and JK
WE ARE FUN! Happy 100th day of school from Mrs. Miller's classroom and from our amazing Roadrunner team!
3 months ago, Bryan Kay
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Roadrunner Families -

Stay warm out there this weekend! Here is your latest Roadrunner Newsletter -

https://secure.smore.com/n/n6qts

Go Roadrunners -

Mr. Kay
3 months ago, Traverse Heights Elementary School
Roadrunner Newsletter 2-6-26
Join us on Monday, February 9, at 4:30 p.m. for our Kindergarten & Jr. Kindergarten Information Night! Our amazing teachers will share all about our programs, what to expect, and how we make learning fun! You will also receive step by step registration details to make sure your child is all set for the big year ahead! We look forward to seeing you there!

Learn more about early childhood education at TCAPS by visiting www.tcaps.net/enroll.
3 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
TCAPS Enrollment for Kindergarten and JK
WE ARE ONE. Second graders really cleaned up this week! Way to go second graders!
3 months ago, Bryan Kay
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WE ARE ATHLETIC. Our 🏀 team had a game last night and looked 💪 out there!
3 months ago, Bryan Kay
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WE ARE PROUD. Happy Friday from our Students of the Week!
3 months ago, Bryan Kay
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WE ARE ONE. Students in Mrs. Cobb's class cracked open new CKLA books for their new unit on "Life in the Fathoms!" 🌊 🐠 🦈
3 months ago, Bryan Kay
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WE ARE WISE. Students in Mrs. Mullen's class are learning all about Geology during their CKLA block this morning!
3 months ago, Bryan Kay
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WE ARE ONE. Happy Monday from our Roadrunners!
3 months ago, Bryan Kay
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Roadrunner Families -

Here is your latest Roadrunner Newsletter -

https://secure.smore.com/n/n6qts

Go Roadrunners -

Mr. Kay
3 months ago, Traverse Heights Elementary School
Roadrunner Newsletter 1-30-26
WE ARE ONE. Congratulations to our newest House Champions - House Superior! We had an eventful morning celebrating you and our Students of the Month!
3 months ago, Bryan Kay
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WE ARE ARTISTIC. Art class with Mrs. Payne is always the best!
3 months ago, Bryan Kay
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WE ARE BACK! Our Roadrunners are back at it at TH and we are so glad to see everyone. Thanks for your flexibility families, this winter has been a ❄️ one!
3 months ago, Bryan Kay
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SCHOOL IS CLOSED: All TCAPS schools are closed today, Tuesday, January 27, 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, go to www.tcaps.net.

3 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
TCAPS ALERT Schools are closed due to inclement weather.
WE ARE FUN. Winter Field Day is a 💥 so far today!
3 months ago, Bryan Kay
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Roadrunner Families -

Stay warm out there this weekend! Here is your latest Roadrunner Newsletter -

https://secure.smore.com/n/n6qts

Go Roadrunners -

Mr. Kay
3 months ago, Traverse Heights Elementary School
Roadrunner Newsletter 1-23-26

All TCAPS schools are closed tomorrow, Friday, January 23, 2026, due to inclement weather. Students in Michigan Virtual, Acellus, or Dual Enrollment classes should follow the direction of the instructors for those programs.

Due to the inclement weather closure, we are moving the 2-hour early release to Thursday, March 26, 2026. Based on staff and community feedback, we want to prioritize full days of instructional time for this upcoming week. 

Thank you for your flexibility as we work to maximize learning time for our students!

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

Reminder: TCAPS has an early release day today, January 22. 🔔

Find start and dismissal times here: https://5il.co/3jfxa

View the academic calendar here: https://5il.co/3jfx6

For questions, contact your school directly.

3 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
TCAPS Alert Early Release Day