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The August 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://qr.tcaps.net/AugDistrictNews26

Desktop & Print Version: https://aptg.co/NH2QmD

#GreatCommunityGreatSchools
4 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A child in a hoodie stands with arms raised in a classroom. Behind him, another child raises their arm.
Dear Kindergarten Parents,
We are excited to welcome you and your incoming kindergartener to Westwoods Kindergarten Signing Day on Thursday, August 27, 9 a.m.- 12 p.m.!
On Signing Day, your child will meet and visit with our amazing kindergarten teachers, giving them a chance to get to know your child.
When you arrive at the school, please park in the south parking lot and enter through the south doors into the gym. Look for signs/balloons to show you the way. The first stop is to check in with the administrative assistants, Ms. Kelly and Ms. Dibi - look for the red balloon. While your child completes stations with the teachers, you will be asked to complete a student information form, providing useful information for teachers as they prepare for the school year.
Click this link to see our SignUp schedule: https://signup.com/go/OGMrUfF. Please select the time slot that works best for you.
Below is a list of all documents required to complete enrollment. If you have not submitted any of the following, you can bring them with you to Signing Day. All documents must be turned in by September 4th.
Complete the following forms in PowerSchool:
2026-27 TCAPS K/JK Student Registration Form

Contacts

Turn in to the office staff or upload in PowerSchool:
Birth certificate

Immunization records or immunization waiver

Proof of residency (driver's license or utility bill showing your home address)

Oral Health Assessment

Kindergarten Waiver (if student turns 5 after 9/1/2026)

Kindergarten Signing Day is an exciting and busy event for our new students, and we ask that only parents and the kindergarten student attend. Students who were enrolled in the Junior Kindergarten Program for the 25-26 school year are not obligated to attend Signing Day. Ms Trillet feels confident using parent input, assessment data, and daily observations to place her kiddos into appropriate Kindergarten classrooms for the 26-27 school year!
Additionally, because Signing Day data is used to create informed and balanced class lists, students enrolled in the Junior Kindergarten Program for the 26-27 school year are also exempt from Signing Day. These students will be auto-enrolled into Ms. Trillet's JK classroom.
For those families who can not attend Signing Day, please click on this link Kindergarten Info Sheet for the student survey info. We will have a station at the open house for parents to take their students' pictures using the same setup, banner, and props as Signing Day.
If you are still deciding between the Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten programs for the 26-27 school year, however, we encourage you to please sign your child up for Signing Day on August 27th. Data gained from this visit will support our JK and K teachers in placing your child in the appropriate class for the 26-27 school year.
If you have any questions at all, please contact the school office at 933-7900.
We look forward to seeing you and your child on Thursday!
7 days ago, Westwoods Elementary

Reminder that today, Wednesday, June 10, is a half day and the last day of the school year! ☀️

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

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

For questions, please contact your school directly.

3 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A colorful advertisement announces a TCAPS Update for June 10, 2026. It reads: "Half Day, Last Day of School."
Reminder that Wednesday, June 10, is a half day and the last day of the school year! ☀️

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

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

For questions, please contact your school directly.
3 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A colorful advertisement announces a TCAPS Update for June 10, 2026. It reads: "Half Day, Last Day of School."
We were thrilled to welcome back our Westwoods Alumni for one last walk through the halls where it all began! Congratulations to all of you. We wish you the absolute best of luck in your next chapter!
3 months ago, Westwoods Elementary
A group of people in graduation attire standing in a hallway. They hold a red banner that reads Westwoods.
Summer Plans Still Coming Together? We’ve Got You Covered!



Still finalizing your summer plans? There’s one epic adventure you won’t want your child to miss! Camp Invention is coming to Westwoods Elementary June 22–25, bringing four days of hands-on STEM challenges, creativity, teamwork, and unforgettable fun.



Registration is filling fast, and fewer than 15 spots remain! Whether you’re just beginning to map out summer activities or you’re a proud last-minute planner, now is the time to secure your child’s place.




Don’t let this summer’s biggest adventure pass by—register today before all spots are filled.
3 months ago, Westwoods Elementary
Two children, a boy and a girl, smile with science toys and glasses. A rocket, stars, and a "Less Than 15 Spots Left" banner.

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

3 months 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!
3 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A silhouette of a person reading a book under a tree, with the text "TCAPS" above.

The Weswoods cookout will be on June 1, 2026, during your regular lunch time.
Kindergarten 11:30-11:50
1st grade 11:50-12:10
2nd grade 12:10-12:30
3rd grade 12:30-12:50
4th grade 12:50-1:10
5th grade 1:10-1:30

We are also in need of volunteers to help out.
volunteer link : https://signup.com/go/WcaMwcQ

3 months ago, Westwoods Elementary
Invitation for June 1st Westwoods Cookout with different times for Kindergarten to 5th grade. Background of flowers, grass, and picnic items.
TC West Robotics Boosters welcome parents and caregivers to the TC West High School Innovation and Manufacturing Center to learn about elementary school robotics. Meet with coaches, ask questions, and see demonstrations of the middle and high school robots, too! Geared toward 4th through 6th graders, robotics is a great introduction to engineering, building, and coding and provides an opportunity for cerebral competition with a focus on building skills in collaboration and teamwork.

Date: Wednesday, May 20

Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Location: TC West High School Innovation and Manufacturing Center
3 months ago, Westwoods Elementary
Green poster with white text: "TC WEST ELEMENTARY ROBOTICS INFO NIGHT & ROBOTICS OPEN HOUSE". Additional text reads "Wednesday, May 20 | 4-6PM".
What an incredible week for our fifth-grade student council!

Thanks to their hard work, creativity, and dedication, our student council members proudly delivered a $1,200 donation to Noah’s Animal Rescue Farm!

The students worked diligently to raise these funds through fundraising efforts, all to support the amazing animals. During their visit, they had the opportunity to meet the animals, learn more about the rescue’s mission, and see firsthand the impact of their generosity.

A huge thank you to Noah’s Animal Rescue Farm for welcoming our students and giving them such a memorable experience. By the end of the day, the unanimous student review was: “Best field trip ever!”

We are so proud of these compassionate student leaders for making a real difference in our community!
3 months ago, Westwoods Elementary
A group of children and adults at a farm, looking at animals through a metal fence.
People stand at a fence and feed an animal with horns. The animal is a large, brown cow.
Group of children and young adults, two holding a large white dog, posing for a photo outside on a dirt field.

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

3 months 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".
Opening New Chapters: The Power of the Novel Study

Did you know that 3rd - 5th graders have the opportunity to engage in novel studies through the CKLA curriculum? These Novel Study Units are where "learning to read" transforms into "loving to read." By diving deep into these specific titles, our students are building more than just literacy—they’re building character:

- Stella Díaz Has Something to Say: Students are finding their own "inner starfish" as they learn about confidence, identity, and the bravery it takes to speak up.

- The Seasons of Styx Malone: This adventure pushes kids to analyze loyalty and friendship, weighing the thrill of the "extraordinary" against the value of home.

- The Science of Breakable Things: A beautiful look at using the scientific method to understand empathy and hope, connecting lab reports to real-life emotions.

The Big Benefit: Novel studies build reading stamina and critical thinking. Instead of just skimming, students learn to track complex themes and see the world through a new lens.
3 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A group of people poses outside a building with large windows, some holding bags, on a sunny day.
People standing on a ladder throwing bags of eggs into the air, while others watch from below.
Exterior of a building with several cars parked outside. People are walking on a sidewalk. Trees in the background.
Four children sit around a table in a classroom. One child poses with a peace sign.

We earned the Michigan Evergreen School designation, the highest level possible! 🌲✨

We are incredibly proud of our students and staff at Westwoods Elementary for their dedication to our environment. By completing 20 or more environmental projects, our school helped TCAPS become one of only two districts in the state to reach 100% participation! 🏆

This achievement shows just how hard our students are working to protect the Traverse City community. We are honored to lead the way at the Evergreen level! 💚

Read more about the Michigan Green Schools program here: https://greenschools-michigan.hub.arcgis.com/.

3 months ago, Westwoods Elementary
Logo for Michigan Green Schools with a shield design. It includes a tree, a house, and Michigan's outline.
Experience an evening of community music at the Traverse City Music Boosters Benefit Concert. This fundraiser supports student scholarships and music classroom mini-grants.
When: May 21, 2026, at 7:00 P.M.
Where: Traverse City Central High School Gym
Donation: Suggested $5 per person or $20 per family
Stop by to enjoy the performance and support local music education!
3 months ago, Westwoods Elementary
A poster for a Traverse City Music Boosters Benefit Concert. Musical notes and symbols decorate the background.
The PTO needs volunteers for the Carnival.
Please use the link below to sign up. Thank you.

https://signup.com/go/WRzjAGg
4 months ago, Westwoods Elementary
Today Team McPherson and Team Steele took their annual May Basket walk to one of the local neighborhoods. This tradition started in Germany years ago and the learning buddy team has been doing it for the past few years to spread happiness, friendship, and kindness.
4 months ago, Westwoods Elementary
A boy with blonde hair smiles widely in a blue shirt, with other children and trees in the background.
Four people walk on a paved path with trees and a canopy in the background.
A group of children and adults stand outside near a house. Trees are visible. A man stands with his hand in his pocket.


Westwoods friends and family, you have to check out @CampInvention this summer. It’s an awesome week full of confidence-boosting, creative, hands-on STEM fun.
Right now there’s a special discount for friends to save $35 when you register using the code SHARE35. Learn more and register at invent.org/camp.

4 months ago, Westwoods Elementary
Today was Principal Day. Mr. Tisdale received flowers and Diet Cokes throughout the day. Thank you for being an amazing principal.
4 months ago, Westwoods Elementary
A man and two children inside a room with a bookshelf, a flower vase, and a window with blinds.
A man in an office chair talks with two children standing next to him.
Teacher Appreciation Spirit Week
Week of 4-8
Monday- Bring a note to a staff member
Tuesday: Bring a picture of your teacher or one you would like to give them.
Wednesday: Brighten someone's day: wear bright colors
Thursday: Bring a flower day, make a flower, or draw a picture of a flower.
Friday: Future dreams day- Dress as what you want to be when you grow up
4 months ago, Westwoods Elementary
A poster displays a week-long schedule for Teacher Appreciation Spirit Week, May 4-8. Each day includes a suggested activity.