Westwoods Families,
As we near the end of the first week of the 2025-26 school year, there are a few things that we need you to do for us. Please read each of the items below carefully and complete those that apply.
1. Photo Opt-Out (Optional) - Westwoods Elementary and TCAPS often share photos and videos of students engaged in learning and school community activities throughout the year. Photos/videos may be shared in our weekly newsletter, on social media sites or TCAPS websites.
If you do not want photos/videos of your child to be shared on any platform, please submit this google form: Photo Opt-Out Request
2. Therapy Dog Opt-Out (Optional) - Wilbur has joined the Westwoods family as a certified therapy dog. Wilbur received his training from Dog Training Elite here in Traverse City. He has met all the requirements and passed all of the tests to be certified by Dog Training Elite and The Alliance of Therapy Dogs (https://www.therapydogs.com/alliance-therapy-dogs/). He also received the Canine Good Citizen Award, given by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Krissie Worden, our school librarian, is Wilbur’s mom, and he spends his days with her in the library and throughout the school. We hope that he will bring comfort to kids (and adults) on tough days, give students the chance to read to him and overall to give love to anyone here that could use some extra snuggles.
If you would like to opt out of any contact with Wilbur for your student(s), please submit this form: Therapy Dog Opt-Out Request
3. Elementary Student Handbook (Required) - Use the following link to review the 2025-2026 Student/Parent Elementary Handbook.
Please sign and return the Student/Parent Handbook Acknowledgement Form that has been sent home with each student.
4. Free & Reduced Meal Application (Required) - Your Application Powers Our Schools!
If you have not already done so, please complete your Free & Reduced Meal Application by October 1. Your application is crucial as it directly secures state and federal funding that benefits all TCAPS students and programs.
By doing this, your application helps fund:
Reduced fees for programs like LEAP and other extracurricular activities
Equitable access to education by helping fund staffing and resources that benefit all students
Educational extensions such as field trips, enrichment opportunities, and after-school programs
Thank you for your attention to these important items.