Our Community
June 2016 |
|
|
TCAPS Families, Staff and Friends,
In my message to this year’s graduating class, I challenged them to be, in the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “an opener of doors.” I believe that education opens doors for each of us. One of the most important lessons we want our graduates to understand is that people who work to help others reach their full potential are able to contribute to their community and world in a way that will make it a better place for all of us. It is that strength of character that we strive to help each of our students achieve. Ultimately being a door opener means that you understand that how you get to where you are going is more important than where you go. What more honorable statement about someone at the end of life’s journey than “he or she opened doors for others”? I am proud to work for an organization that seeks to open doors for the generations of tomorrow. It is a lesson that I hope our students will take with them throughout their lives. I wish each of you a summer season filled with sunshine and memorable moments with family and friends. Be safe and enjoy this time off. In the meantime, we will be hard at work preparing to make 2016-17 another great year! Sincerely, Paul A. Soma |
|
|
Congratulations Class of 2016 Graduates The TCAPS Class of 2016 includes:
TCAPS High Schools Top 5% in the State As ranked by U.S. News & World Report and The Washington Post
Traverse City Area Public Schools Awards Diploma to Local Veteran
TCAPS had the distinguished honor of awarding Army Sergeant First Class, Lyle David Sutton, his high school diploma. Sutton served from 1964-1966, during the Vietnam Era. He has received the Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Overseas Service Bar. He also spent 1991 in Kuwait supporting Operation Desert Storm with the 182nd Transportation Company. Many veterans involved in World War II, the Korean Conflict, and Vietnam Era had their high school careers cut short in service to their country. In the state of Michigan, Public Act 181 of 2001 and Public Act 55 of 2014, allow school districts to recognize the important contributions and sacrifices these generations of men and women have made in our nation’s defense by awarding them a high school diploma. It was a humbling honor for Traverse City Area Public Schools to be able to include Mr. Sutton as part of our TCAPS Class of 2016. |
|
TCAPS’ Music Program to Perform at Premier State Music Event
The TCAPS K-12 Music Department has been selected to present the opening night concert at the 2017 Michigan Music Conference on Thursday, January 19, 2017, at DeVos Hall in Grand Rapids. The Music Department completed an extensive application process that included providing written documentation describing the district’s music curriculum and audio recordings from the last three years of each of the secondary ensembles. In addition to demonstrating a comprehensive curriculum and high performance levels, the district also needed to submit a creative program proposal for the 2017 concert. The 2017 program will feature 5th through 12th graders with general music, band, choir and orchestra performances. Planning for the concert will occur throughout the summer with rehearsals beginning in the fall. The TCAPS K-12 Music Department was last featured in 2005 at the 60th Annual Midwestern Music Conference performed at the Hill Auditorium at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. More information about the Michigan Music Conference: www.michiganmusicconference.org.
Three Cherry Knoll Elementary School Students Receive Summer Enrichment Scholarships
Cherry Knoll Elementary School announced that three students will receive Nancy McKinney Summer Enrichment Scholarships this year. The scholarships provide financial assistance to up to three “graduating” 5th graders who wish to participate in a summer enrichment experience, like taking a summer class, participating in special lessons (music, dance, sports), or attending a camp. Nancy McKinney was a beloved 5th and 6th grade teacher at Cherry Knoll Elementary School for 24 years. She passed away in September of 2000, and since the spring of 2001, the school’s current and retired staff and PTO, together with Cherry Knoll alumni, parents, and friends, have set up a memorial scholarship fund to honor the dedicated educator. Students who are interested in being considered for the opportunity write a paragraph summarizing the activity they wish to participate in and describe why the summer enrichment activity is important to them. Applications are then reviewed by a group of colleagues who knew and worked with McKinney. To donate to the Nancy McKinney Summer Enrichment Scholarship Fund, visit: www.tcaps.net/pie/donate.
CHS Hall of Fame Class of 2016
The Traverse City Central High School Hall of Fame proudly inducted four new members in its Class of 2016: McKeel Hagerty, Michelle Witkop, Dayna Ryan and Les McCorkle. Inductees are recognized for their contributions to society and their successes. Hagerty is a 1986 graduate and the CEO of Hagerty Insurance. Witkop graduated in 1975 and works for at Munson Medical Center. Ryan is a 1981 graduate and was a member of the 1982 Big Ten Conference championship University of Michigan gymnastics team, and has served as an advocate for people with disabilities. McCorkle graduated in 1980 and then enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served for 32 years. He has received the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Action Badge. Fifty-four Trojan alumni and staff have been selected for the Hall of Fame since its creation in 2004.
Eastern Elementary School “Clap Out”
Eastern Elementary School held their annual celebration of former Eastern Stars who are graduating from Central High School. The members of the Class of 2016 who started their educational journeys at Eastern Elementary donned their caps and gowns as pre-K-5th grade students and school staff lined the halls to clap and high-five this year’s graduates. The multi-generational tradition shows young students the achievement they are reaching for and provides future alumni with the opportunity to reconnect with the place that started it all.
Don Sattler to Perform Final End of Year “Taps” at Central Grade School
For the last 26 years, Central Grade School has celebrated the last day of school with the lowering of the school’s American flag to “Taps” performed by 3rd grade teacher, Don Sattler. Sattler will retire at the end of the school year, making this his final performance as the school’s trumpeter. Sattler has been a part of the TCAPS Music Department since his elementary school years and has been a teacher at Central Grade School since September 4, 1990. The tradition started when he began to work at the school and quickly came part of the fabric of Central Grade School. Parents and community members join the school’s students, teachers and staff each year on the front lawn of the building to witness the annual event. The 2016 end of year sendoff at Central Grade School (301 W. Seventh St.) will take place on Thursday, June 9, 2016, with “Taps” played by Don Sattler beginning just after 11:00 a.m.
19th Annual Peace Rally
TCAPS held the 19th annual Peace Rally at Central High School. The event was a celebration of volunteerism and positive relationship-building within the district’s schools. This year, students from Central Grade School, TCAPS Montessori at Glenn Loomis, Interlochen Community School, Old Mission Peninsula School, Eastern Elementary School, Courtade Elementary School, Westwoods Elementary School, and West Middle School participated, along with students and staff from Central High School. The event included a presentation by Anthony Ianni’s Relentless Tour and lunchtime entertainment by Trojan graduate Levi Britton. Students participated in team building games, a parade, a group dance choreographed by Central High School’s Dance Team, and a flyover by the U.S. Coast Guard, Air Station Traverse City.
Summer Programs
TCAPS offers a wide variety of options for students and families interested in summer enrichment, adventure and athletic camps. TCAPS’ programs serve students of all ages and are available to children living in the Traverse area region as well as those visiting the area for the summer.
Sports Camps - Grades K-12 Sports camps are offered through both Traverse City Central High School and Traverse City West Senior High School. Athletic camps include: boys’ basketball, girls’ basketball, cheerleading, cross-country/running, cross-country skiing, football, hockey, soccer, softball, speed/agility, strength/flexibility workouts, tennis, volleyball and wrestling. Sign up or learn more here.
LEAP Summer Enrichment Camps - Grades K-12 The Learning Enrichment and Athletic Program (LEAP) offers a number of outdoor adventure and athletic camps, including: Crystalaire Backpacking McCormick Wilderness trip, basketball, LEAP girls’ volleyball, martial arts, rowing, youth soccer, youth football, softball and Water’s Edge gymnastics. Sign up or learn more here.
Summer Adventure Day Camps – Ages 3-12 Summer Adventure Day Camps are available at five locations for children ages 3 – 12. Offering weekly field trips games, sports, arts and crafts and more. Sign up or learn more here.
Camp Invention – Grades 1-6 Camp Invention inspires creativity and inventive thinking. Students are immersed into fun-filled, exciting activities that connect science, technology, engineering and math through fun hands-on activities. Children will work together to solve real world challenges that prepare them for the 21st Century. Sign up or learn more here.
Invention Project – Grades 6-8 Invention Project takes fun to the next level while exploring circuitry, energy, bio-engineering and economics to create smart gear, program a mini-bot and prototype lifesaving technology. Students will use these newly acquired abilities to research, pitch and invest in a product while learning alongside fellow creative thinkers. To sign up or learn more here.
Summer Academy: First Time Classes, Credit Recovery Options for Grades 9-12 TCAPS Summer Academy is open to all 9th - 12th students. No residency is required. Students enrolling in this program are offered the opportunity to take new classes, remediate courses previously taken or complete courses where an incomplete or withdrawal was received. Sign up or learn more here.
TCAPS Calendar Reminders
|
|
|
From Eastern Elementary School to the West Coast: A TCAPS alumnus follows her dream
A 2016 spring graduate of Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism, Eva Nienhouse has been selected for a position as an NBCUniversal (NBCU) Page in Los Angeles, California. Since its inception in 1933, the New York and Los Angeles based NBCUniversal Page Program has launched the careers of thousands of young graduates pursuing jobs in the media and entertainment field. A 2013 graduate of Traverse City Central High School, Eva leaves MSU with a 3.92 GPA that also earned her high honors and recognition as the top MSU student earning a journalism degree at convocation. Eva graduated with a minor in Public Relations.
Eva Nienhouse offers insight into her opportunity:
Q: What type of work in your field inspires you knowing it’s your future career? I am inspired by all of the possibilities and opportunities that the world of entertainment offers. I have always been attracted to the industry, from red carpet interviews to celebrity news to movie premieres. I still can't believe that I'm starting my career at the center of it all with NBCU. I'm of course also inspired by all of those that came before me in the NBCU Page Program—current Pages too! They motivate me to really shoot for the stars!
Q: How does the NBCUniversal Page Program provide experience for that? The NBCU Page Program is a complete immersive experience in the entertainment and media industry. Over the course of 12 months, I will rotate through assignments within the three tiers of the NBCUniversal company, which are consumer, business and content. A lot of Pages in the LA program work on the Universal Studios production lot and around Universal City Plaza, which is home to the LA NBC headquarters building, 10UCP.
Q: How did you discover the Page opportunity? What inspired you to take the leap despite the crazy odds for an offer? I had most certainly heard of the Page Program, but I always thought it was for individuals further along in their career. And, of course, I knew the character, Kenneth, in the show "30 Rock" was a Page. He's the best!! When NBCU campus recruiters from NYC visited MSU's campus this past fall, I learned that the Page Program was a very real opportunity. Still, after finding out that the acceptance rate was just a little over three percent, I knew it would be very hard to get accepted. I remember thinking that this was the real deal and that to be a Page would be a dream!! I knew if I didn't apply, I would always wonder. I thought, “Why not?”
Q: What was the Page application process like? The Page application process was incredibly in depth and unlike any application I've ever done. There are actually three rounds, and the first round is much like a college application. There are many "[next]" buttons and you have to write two essays. But, they are really fun topics, honestly! And, it feels very rewarding when you're done. Plus, you never know. My friend and I both completed the application and I remember texting her after we both finished it. We just sent GIFs back and forth of happy SpongeBob. Haha! We had done it!
Q: How did your TCAPS experience prepare you for college and this career opportunity? There are so many ways that I feel TCAPS prepared me for this career path. With so many performing opportunities in choir and music, I was introduced to the feeling of nerves and how to think on my feet. That has truly been an invaluable skill that I have used often since graduating high school, whether it has been sideline reporting for Big 10 Student U, completing projects on a tight deadline, or being interviewed for the Page Program. Knowing how to use the feeling of nerves to help me, even when it feels uncomfortable and scary, has helped me remain calm and focused. And, I will always treasure the friendships and memories I've made with my friends in music. They're some of the best, most genuine friends I've ever known. Most importantly, TCAPS faculty and my friends always encouraged me to be myself. In all that I have done, I have taken this with me.
Q: What are three things you suggest to students looking ahead toward their dream job? 1. Whatever you do and wherever you go, remember to be yourself and be kind. You're the only you there is!
2. Know that it's okay to ask questions; no one knows everything. Plus, once your question is answered, you can help others, too!
3. Keep busy and get involved in things you enjoy doing or want to learn more about. You never know unless you try! By joining clubs and staying involved, I learned many different skills and made great friends.
Learn more about the NBCUniversal Page Program here.
View Eva’s resume and portfolio here. |
|
|
Central High School Student Accepted into the U.S. Naval Academy
Niki Roxbury, Traverse City Central High School Class of 2016, has been accepted into the US Naval Academy Class of 2020 thanks in part to the assistance she received from Partner In Education Michigan College Planning.
“Niki continues to work on her grades while she prepares for graduation and her next chapter in life,” said Vicki Beam, owner of Michigan College Planning. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Niki and her parents, Rich and Mary Roxbury, since the summer before her sophomore year. She knew the hard work it takes in high school to keep up the grades, participate in the activities and sports and get the recommendations that colleges are looking for.”
Niki considered many possibilities including traditional colleges and universities as well as the military academy options including Navy, WestPoint, Air Force and the Coast Guard. If the Naval Academy hadn’t worked out, Niki was also considering ROTC options.
“Niki will graduate college with a degree that has been completely paid for by the U.S. Navy. In addition, she will leave college with a high paying job and a great deal of leadership training that she will use for the rest of her life, making her very marketable in the private sector when she finishes her five years of active service requirements – if she chooses to leave the military life,” said Beam.
Thank you to Michigan College Planning for your support of TCAPS and all of the students you are helping move on to higher education.
TCAPS Partner In Education Program: An opportunity to support schools, teachers, programs, teams and clubs!
The TCAPS Partner In Education (PIE) program works to connect community members, businesses and organizations to our schools through sponsorships, financial contributions, in-kind donations or givebacks. Your sponsorship or donation can benefit the school, teacher, program, team or club of your choice. Sponsor space is available at all TCAPS schools, Thirlby Field stadium and electronically via our e-newsletter. Contact Karyn Hertel at 231.933.5654 | hertelka@tcaps.net or visit www.tcaps.net/PIE to learn more.
Share This Newsletter With A Friend 
|
|
|
Great Community, Great Schools |
It has been a fantastic school year! From kindergarten graduations to commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2016, our students have grown another year in their learning, had many unforgettable experiences, and had a lot of fun along the way.
Proud parents Rich and Mary Roxbury stated “Michigan College Planning services have helped Niki in many ways that neither of us could have and feel many parents could help their kids by meeting with and using Vicki Beam’s and Michigan College Planning services.” 
In This Issue
Partner in Education
Opportunities
Copyright (c) 2016
Traverse City Area Public Schools
Contact Us: info@tcaps.net