We are one. Roadrunners are all 😀 this week!

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.

We are back! Welcome back and welcome home, Roadrunners!

Roadrunner Families -

We look forward to seeing you on Monday! Here is your latest Roadrunner Newsletter -

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

Go Roadrunners -

Mr. Kay

Roadrunner Families -

Enjoy your spring break! Here is your latest Roadrunner Newsletter -

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

Go Roadrunners -

Mr. Kay

We are proud. Congratulations to our Students of the Month and House Erie, our House of the Month!

We are one. Mrs. Nikki was leading a CKLA lesson with 3rd graders in Mrs. Mapes class today as they talked all about character traits and finding text evidence to support their thinking.

We are mathematicians. 3rd graders in Mrs. Beamish's class worked on making equivalent fractions during math today!

We are mathematicians. Mrs. Mapes' class was on a roll working on making equivalent fractions today!

We are readers. Kindergarteners were partner reading this morning!

We are welcoming. Welcome home, Roadrunners!

We are wise. Mrs. Szabo's class was reading a new story together during their CKLA reading block this morning!

Roadrunner Families -

Enjoy the weekend! Here is your latest Roadrunner Newsletter -

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

Go Roadrunners -

Mr. Kay

We are wise. 1st graders in Mrs. Miller's class were writing all about habits this unit!

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.

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.