An organization aimed at helping Veterans in emergency situations has been named as the beneficiary of this year’s TC Patriot Game. Traverse City Central High School and Traverse City West Senior High School Student Senators selected Veterans In Crisis after interviewing five Veteran organizations.

Veterans In Crisis dedicates money to help Veterans who may be struggling to make rent payments, help with college tuition, electric bills or lack of food. Last year, the organization distributed over $18,000 to Veterans in need. “The Student Senators were impressed with the ability of Veterans In Crisis to reach out to a variety of Veterans with a diversity of need,” says TC Patriot Game President Scott Herzberg. Herzberg noted the Senators struggled making their decision because all five presenting organizations demonstrated a dramatic impact in helping area Veterans.

The Senators set a goal of raising at least $25,000 for Veterans at this year’s Game. “I’m excited that the students set such a high target,” says Herzberg, “I’m confident that with their efforts and the support of the community we can reach the goal, and have a greater impact on Veterans.” Last year, the game raised a record amount and distributed $16,000 to Warrior Sailing. Since it began, the game has distributed $81,000 to Veteran causes. This year the game will be held Friday, September 20th, at Thirlby Field. More information, along with sponsorship opportunities is available at www.TCPatriotGame.com.

Traverse City Central High School hosted a week of activities and fundraisers to raise awareness about Autism from April 1st-5th. Autism World Day was Tuesday, April 2, 2019. Activities at the school included: wearing blue, students in the Peer to Peer program selling Autism temporary tattoos, kindness bracelets, and random acts of kindness lollipops, and singing a kindness pledge. The money raised will be put toward the Peer to Peer program so that it can continue to spread kindness.

On Thursday, April 11, 2019, TCAPS had the honor of hosting a town hall with Governor Whitmer. Students, staff, parents, and community members gathered in the Central High School auditorium to listen to the Governor present her proposed 2020 budget and discuss the priorities she has laid out for Michigan: fixing roads, funding for public education, clean water and closing the skills gap of Michigan workers. Governor Whitmer answered audience questions during the town hall and also set aside time to speak with student reporters from Central High School, West Senior High School, East Middle School and West Middle School.

Governor Whitmer with Student Reporters

Proud current and former TCAPS music teachers, Flournoy Humphreys and Pat Brumbaugh, shared a recent article about 2010 Traverse City West Senior High School Titan graduate Steven White who joined the MET Orchestra as a percussionist and assistant timpanist in February 2017.

Steven held a percussion position with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago for two seasons, was a regular substitute musician with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and he accompanied them on their tour to Carnegie Hall in 2015. Equally passionate about orchestral and solo playing, Steven was second prize winner at the Percussive Arts Society’s International Vibraphone Competition in 2013, as well as a competitor at the TROMP International Percussion Competition in Eindhoven, Netherlands in 2012.

Steven holds a master’s degree in orchestral performance from Manhattan School of Music and an undergraduate degree from Northwestern University.

The Traverse City Central High School Junior Achievement class is launching its new business called Front Street Treats. The business venture allows students to gain hands-on experience about how businesses are started up and operated. The student-run business will be selling a combination of fudge from Howse’s Fudge, Front Street Blend popcorn from Pop-Kies Gourmet Popcorn, along with a limited edition water bottle. Learn more about the company by visiting their Facebook page.

Students Launch New Business

The Traverse City Central High School debate team will host a fundraiser night at Panera Bread (3675 N. US 31 S.) on Thursday, April 18, 2019, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. For all guests who purchase dinner at Panera on the 18th and present this flyer or show an electronic version to the cashier when placing an order, Panera will donate a percentage of the proceeds to the TC Central debate team.

Under Michigan legislation, high school students may request the opportunity to “test out” of any high school class they select. The intent of Section 1279b is to allow students to demonstrate knowledge and skills they already possess to enroll in higher level courses. A student who successfully tests out of a course will receive credit toward graduation for the course. In order to pass, the legislation requires students to achieve a C+ (78%) or better. The test out grade will simply be a “pass” and will not be included in the calculation of the student’s grade point average. The test out opportunity will be offered at the Traverse City Central High School library (1150 Milliken Dr.) on:

- Thursday, May 16, 2019, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday, May 18, 2019, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
- Saturday, May 18, 2019, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Students must declare their intent to “test out” on or before April 19, 2019, by completing the online Test Out Application.

On April 24-25, 2019, the Traverse City West Senior High School Academic Boosters (WSH) will host a silent auction in the school’s Commons from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. during Student Led Conferences (5376 N. Long Lake Rd.). The auction will help fund scholarships for the school’s Class of 2019 seniors, which will be presented at the West Senior High School Honors Convocation in May. Note: The original event announcement included a dinner at Boone’s Long Lake Inn on April 26th, however, the dinner portion of the fundraiser has been cancelled.

The Traverse City Area Public Schools Board of Education will host “Office Hours” (formerly known as Coffee Conversations) on Thursday, April 25, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. at Horizon Books (243 E. Front Street). The new listening session format is intended to offer an opportunity for community members to have one-on-one conversations with board members in an informal setting.

On Saturday, April 27, 2019, the Traverse City Central High School Athletic Boosters will host their annual fundraiser, this year called the Trojan “Nash Bash.” The event will feature the sights and sounds of Nashville and will take place from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at City Opera House (1669 E Front St.). Live music will be provided by Blue Footed Booby, along with hors d'oeuvres, live and silent auctions, and a raffle. Tickets are $50 per person, $300 for a 4-top VIP table, and $500 for a 6-top VIP table. Visit www.TCTrojanPride.com for more information.

The TCAPS Board of Education has made a survey available to gather feedback from the community about what qualities matter most in our next district leader. The survey will be posted until April 30th and participation is anonymous. It can be accessed at: www.tcaps.net/superintendentsearch.

TCAPS elementary schools will continue to host kindergarten roundups in April and May to conduct health screenings and assist families with completing the 2019-2020 kindergarten enrollment process. Please contact your school directly to schedule your child's round up appointment.

• Cherry Knoll Elementary School: April 25th, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM, 231.933.8940
• Courtade Elementary School, May 21st, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM, 231.933.5800
• Eastern Elementary School: May 7th, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM, 231.933.5600
• Long Lake Elementary School: May 17th, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM, 231.933.7800
• Silver Lake Elementary School: May 2nd, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 231.933.3581
• TCAPS Montessori at Glenn Loomis NEW DATE: April 30th, 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM, 231.933.6420
• Traverse Heights Elementary School: May 8th, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM, 231.933.3500
• Westwoods Elementary School: May 1st, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM, 231.933.7900
• Willow Hill Elementary School: April 29th, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM, 231.933.8540

Blair Elementary School (933.5700) and Central Grade School (933.5910) kindergarten round ups were held earlier in April. For questions regarding enrollment at these schools, please contact the school directly. Visit www.tcaps.net/kindergarten for more information.

TCAP’S Global Service will host its annual Cinco de Mayo dinner and silent auction at the Masonic Lodge (13360 S. W. Bay Shore Dr.) on Saturday, May 4th, from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. This is a fundraiser for students participating in the Global Service trip to Guanajuato, Mexico this summer. Tickets are $10 each, kids under 10 are free. There will be games, crafts, music, a traditional Mexican meal, 50/50 tickets, and more than 100 silent auction items. This is a family event, guests can buy tickets from a traveler or at the door. All proceeds will be used to support student travel expenses.

Online registration for TCAPS’ Summer Explorers Club is now open. Explorers Clubs are designed for children, ages 3-12, and will be available at four locations (Cherry Knoll, Eastern, TCAPS Montessori, and Westwoods). Each week will feature different theme-based activities, field trips and/or special guests. Explorers are invited to sign up for every week or just the weekly adventures of interest. Club fees are $180 per week ($200 preschool). Fees are set for the full week and are not based on the number of days in attendance. Clubs will run June 24 - August 23, 2019, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and are open to all area students as well as summer visitors. More information: www.tcaps.net/explorers.

Trojan Hockey Coach Chris Givens(R) with his son Cam Givens (L) Traverse City Central High School Trojan Hockey Coach Chris Givens was recently inducted into the Michigan High School Hockey Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Givens became head coach for the Trojans in 1995 and has led them to 12 conference championships, five regional titles and a MHSAA Division 2 state title in 2006. Givens who grew up in Hancock was also inducted into the Upper Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.

The Traverse City Transportation Association donated $547 to TCAPS’ Intense Student Support Network (ISSN). This donation removes barriers to learning by offering resources to a student in need. TCAPS’ ISSN offers resources to support student’s non-academic needs such as food, clothing, toiletries, gas cards, and more.

On Saturday, May 11, 2019, children from the Traverse City area can stop by F&M Park (between E. State and Washington), get fitted with a free bicycle helmet and enjoy family fun as various businesses and organizations work to prevent head injuries in children. The free event runs 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Lids for Kids is a bike helmet giveaway and bicycle safety event for children, ages 4-12, and their families. The event emphasizes the importance of bike safety and gives children the most important tool in preventing brain injury while riding a bike: a properly fitted helmet. Trained volunteers will custom fit every helmet. Children must be present to receive a helmet.

In addition to getting fitted with a free helmet, children can register to win a free bicycle from McLain Cycle & Fitness, challenge a bicycle obstacle course provided by Norte Youth Cycling, meet local police officers with their patrol vehicles, talk with firefighters, and tour a fire engine. Go Go sQueez will give away 100% fruit in a pouch with every free Lids for Kids helmet, and area organizations including March of Dimes will be represented at the morning event. Learn more at www.lidsforkidsmi.com.

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Generations Ahead, a support program for pregnant and parenting teens in the Grand Traverse region, is seeking volunteer mentors to work individually with program clients. The program is housed at Traverse City High School, but works with both students and non-students. Mentors will be expected to have weekly contact with their client, and actively support and empower them as they develop their parenting skills and move their lives forward. Both men and women are needed to serve as mentors. A six-week training will be provided, and mentors will receive support and guidance from program staff. For more information, contact Generations Ahead Director Marjie Rich at 231.360.0053 or richma@tcaps.net or visit www.GenerationsAhead.org.

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