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

2 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".
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 days 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.
Thursday marked our 9th Willow Hill Battle of the Books! Almost 90 4th/5th grade students made up 17 teams in this year's competition. Congratulations to our top four teams who competed in the final battle! Big thanks to our planning team and volunteer coaches! Go Falcons!
15 days ago, Willow Hill Elementary
1st: My Made Me Read
Bookstreet Boys Are Back
Renegade Readers
Buzzer Beater Book Readers
Off to Dairy Lodge!
Willow Hill showed love and appreciation for our Administrative Assistants, Mrs. Forton and Mrs. Phend! Happy Administrative Professionals Day!
24 days ago, Willow Hill Elementary
Pictured Left to right Julie Phend, Lisa Forton.
The 2026 State of the District video is now live! Stay up to date with TCAPS’ initiatives and see how we are educating, engaging, and supporting all learners to maximize individual excellence.

Watch the video here: https://itl.ink/TCAPSStateoftheDistrict26
30 days ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A blue logo displays "TCAPS" with "Traverse City Area Public Schools" written underneath in smaller text.

Reminder: TCAPS has an early release day today, Thursday, April 16.

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.

about 1 month ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Early release promotional graphic

TCAPS Transportation and Safety Update

Our TCAPS Administrative team spent the day working closely with Grand Traverse County to evaluate road conditions and finalize bus routing. While families whose students have been rerouted have already been notified, we ask for your patience tomorrow,  as there will likely be delays in both morning pick-up and afternoon drop-off times. School administrators are aware of these delays and are prepared to assist students as they arrive.

To stay updated on your student’s transportation status, please utilize the MyRide K-12 app. You can access Account Setup Instructions and Routing Information online to view real-time routing details at https://www.tcaps.net/page/transportation. The Grand Traverse County Road Commission asks that you plan ahead for the next few days and give yourself extra time. Please use extra caution when traveling and slow down immediately if you encounter areas with standing water.

Also, please note that tomorrow is a scheduled early release day. You can view start and dismissal times athttps://5il.co/3jfxa and the full academic calendar athttps://5il.co/3jfx6. Thank you for your flexibility and for your partnership in keeping our students and drivers safe.

about 1 month ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Orange banner with a bell icon reads "TCAPS Update" against a blue background.

Reminder: TCAPS has an early release day on Thursday, April 16. 🔔

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.

about 1 month ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Early release promotional graphic
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.
about 1 month ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Five students pose in a classroom holding handmade tri-fold projects about Maya, Aztec, and Inca civilizations.
A student project with drawings and handwritten facts about Maya, Aztec, and Inca architecture and culture.
A student project displaying Maya numbers, Aztec war weapons, and the Inca quipu system with typed research paragraphs.

Reminder: There will be no school for students from Friday, March 27, through Friday, April 3. Additionally, all TCAPS school offices and the TCAPS Administration Building at Glenn Loomis will be closed to the public during this time.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday, April 6.

Have a safe and relaxing spring recess!

about 2 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A silhouette of a person sitting under a large tree and reading a book against a warm, golden sunset background. Centered in the frame is the white logo for "TCAPS" with the text "Traverse City Area Public Schools" written underneath it.
Willow Hill celebrated the 'Magic of Reading' for March Is Reading Month. Activities concluded with a magic show school assembly.
about 2 months ago, Willow Hill Elementary
Teachers and students involved in magic tricks
Students raising hands to volunteer during the show
Magician guessing student characters.

Reminder: TCAPS has an early release day today, Thursday, March 26.

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.

about 2 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Early release promotional graphic

Reminder: Spring Recess Ahead! ☀️🌸

There will be no school for students from Friday, March 27, through Friday, April 3. Additionally, all TCAPS school offices and the Administration Building at Glenn Loomis will be closed to the public. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday, April 6. Have a safe and relaxing spring recess!

Academic Calendar: https://5il.co/3jfx6

about 2 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
A silhouette of a person sitting under a large tree and reading a book against a warm, golden sunset background. Centered in the frame is the white logo for "TCAPS" with the text "Traverse City Area Public Schools" written underneath it.

Reminder: TCAPS has an early release day on Thursday, March 26. 🔔

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.

about 2 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Early release promotional graphic
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.
about 2 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
TCAPS Alert Graphic
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.
2 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
TCAPS Update Graphic

School is Closed: All TCAPS schools will be closed on Tuesday, March 17, 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, visit www.tcaps.net.

2 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
TCAPS ALERT Schools are closed due to inclement weather.
All TCAPS buildings, including TCAPS Administration, are closed today, March 16, 2026. No employees should report to work today. This includes first, second, and third shift employees.
2 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
TCAPS Update Graphic

Update: The TCAPS Administration at Glenn Loomis Building will open at 11 AM. Staff who usually report on a school closure day should report at 11 AM.

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All TCAPS buildings will open at 11 AM on Monday, March 16, 2026. No TCAPS staff should report prior to 11 AM.

2 months ago, Traverse City Area Public Schools
TCAPS Update Graphic

School and Afternoon Activities Canceled - Monday, March 16, 2026

All TCAPS schools are closed tomorrow, Monday, March 16, 2026, due to inclement weather. All afternoon activities are also canceled. 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.

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