Our Community
February 2016 |
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TCAPS Families, Staff and Friends,
Last week, we received two new pieces of information that will help further inform our conversations about resources at the district level. The first was Governor Snyder’s proposed 2016-17 budget. The proposal called for an investment in education, including a proposed $60 to $120 funding increase per student for K-12 public schools. TCAPS and the other lowest funded districts in the state, would receive the higher funding amount of $120 per student. If the budget passes, it would move us one step closer to closing the funding gap that creates winners and losers in public school funding across the state. The second piece of new information was the preliminary February student count. State funding amounts, which help schools pay for student programs and services, are based on student enrollment numbers collected during October and February count days. The numbers showed a decrease of 119 students between February of 2015 and February of 2016. These numbers appear to reflect a continuation of the trend of declining numbers of students in the district, region and state, which we have been discussing at recent Board of Education meetings. Our district has embarked on difficult conversations about how to continue to provide excellent educational opportunities for our students in the face of revenue challenges, declining enrollment and aging facilities. While the Governor’s budget offers some hope that we will see better than expected revenues for next year, the student count numbers show that we will continue to face financial challenges in the years ahead. As a district, we must proactively address these challenges in order to be in a position to reinvigorate the district's curriculum materials, avoid fiscal distress and invest in our children's future. Even though there will always be obstacles to overcome, our kids and our schools continue to shine. I encourage you to keep reading and you will see some of the many examples of the great things that can be achieved when we work together on behalf of our community's children. Sincerely, Paul A. Soma |
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Michigan Attorney General Visits Eastern Elementary School
Eastern Elementary School students listen intently as Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette reads a story.
Last Friday, 2nd grade students from Eastern Elementary School got a special treat when Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette stopped by their school to be a guest reader. He chose to read one of his family’s favorites, The Three Little Javelinas, to students. After reading the book, students shared one of their traditions with the A.G. by sharing what they liked about the book and giving compliments to their guest reader. Go Eastern Stars!
West Senior High School Presents Once Upon a Mattress—March 4th-13th
Traverse City West Senior High School’s music department will present Once Upon a Mattress from March 4th-13th. The musical includes smart humor, amazing dancing and songs you will leave the theater singing! Loosely based on Hans Christian Anderson's fairytale The Princess & the Pea, Once Upon A Mattress tells the story of a prince searching for his true love. Come see the show, and watch how this musical comedy unfolds like you never expected! Tickets are available now at www.mynorthtickets.com.
TCAPS Alumni Network Crosstown Campus 10K/5K Run—May 7th
Mark your calendar for the 3rd annual TCAPS Alumni Association’s Crosstown Campus Run to be held on Saturday, May 7, 2016, at 8:00 a.m. This year's event includes a 10K run and a new a 5K run/walk. The 10K course will begin at Traverse City West Senior High School (5376 N. Long Lake Rd.) and the 5K run/walk will begin at TCAPS Montessori at Glenn Loomis (1009 Oak St.).
The Crosstown Campus Run is a great opportunity for TCAPS alumni, staff, families and the community to come together to enjoy a fun event. You can participate as a runner, volunteer or event sponsor. All proceeds will benefit the Students in Transition Empowerment Program (STEP), which helps hundreds of area students each year who lack fixed, regular and adequate housing. Visit www.tcapsalumni.weebly.com to register, volunteer or review a course map.
February Local Harvest of the Month: Beets
The February Harvest of the Month is beets. For fun facts, recipes and crafts using beets, check out this link.
TCAPS Calendar Reminders
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TC Central Alum Wins Miami University’s Goldman Memorial Prize
TC Central alum Jordan Martin will soon be conducting cutting edge research on the marmoset.
Traverse City Central High School alum, Jordan Martin, is the recipient of Miami University’s Goldman Memorial Prize. The award is one of the largest of its kind in the nation and provides support for a graduating senior to carry out an independently designed project for a year. Jordan will be using the prize to spend the next year doing cutting-edge behavioral research in Finland and Austria on the adorable and fascinating common marmoset.
“This is truly a dream come true,” said Martin. “I want to extend my deepest thanks to all of the friends, mentors, and family members who have provided their love and support to me over the past few years. This is without a doubt going to be the most exciting year of my life!”
Jordan received support through the Students in Transition Empowerment Program while he was a student at Central High School and we could not be prouder of his successes.
Three TCAPS Students Named Young Playwright Finalists
Three TCAPS high school students were selected from among 70 submissions to be workshopped with a playwright this year. Their plays will be staged at the Old Town Playhouse this spring. The following students and their work were selected:
Combined Trojan-Titan Girls’ Nordic Ski Team Wins State Championship
Last weekend, the combined TC Central and TC West Nordic Ski team competed in the high school state championships. The combined Trojan and Titan girls’ team came in 1st place! The boys’ team also had a great finish, coming in 3rd overall. Mary Lyon of TC West was named girls’ State Champion and Kelly Peregrine of TC Central was the runner up. Congratulations racers!
Students in Central High School’s Advertising Class Work with Local Businesses
Central High School students work with area businesses to develop advertising and promotional campaigns.
Students in Central High School’s advertising class are getting real world experience as part of their final exam project. Working with area businesses, students are putting together a year-long advertising and promotional campaign for their clients. Students met with the owners to learn more about each business and they will meet again at the end of May to hear the students' proposals.
Participating businesses include:
West Senior High School in Running for MHSAA “Battle of the Fans”—Vote Today
TC West Bleacher Creatures show off their school spirit during the MHSAA "Battle of the Fans" competition.
Traverse City West Senior High School’s Bleacher Creatures are vying to win this year's MHSAA "Battle of the Fans." You can vote for the Titan squad on MHSAA’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. The MHSAA Student Advisory Council will name a champion on Friday, so vote today! Go Titan Bleacher Creatures!
TC West Alum Co-Founder of “Sweet” New Business
TC West alum Austin Groesser (right) and partner Daniel Fuller (left) selling their product
Last January, Austin Groesser, TC West Class of 2013 graduate, saw a chickpea cookie dough recipe on Instagram. A budding entrepreneur, Austin added the egg-free recipe to his long list of great business ideas. By April 2015, he had narrowed his list of 140 ideas down to one: egg-free edible cookie dough. His requirements were simple; he wanted to produce delicious raw, egg and junk-free dough that could also be baked into cookies. Austin spent months creating test batches to develop recipes. Then, in September, he met Daniel Fuller in his English class at Northwestern Michigan College and the two teamed up to launch Big Dipper Dough Co.
“I am highly motivated and want to encourage and promote young entrepreneurs to follow their passions to strengthen our economy through innovation, creativity, and hard work,” Groesser said.
Big Dipper Dough Co. currently offers two flavors: Rocket Chip which is chocolate chip and Domination which is a mix of chocolate chip, oatmeal, peanut butter and coconut. New flavors are on their way and the company is always looking for ideas that can be shared on their website. You can find Big Dipper Dough Co. products at Tom’s, Oleson’s, the Indoor Farmer’s Market at the Grand Traverse Commons or online at http://bigdipperdough.com.
Central High School Team Wins Northern Michigan Academic WorldQuest Competition
2016 Northern Michigan Academic WorldQuest Champions
TC Central students showcased their global competency, taking first at the Northern Michigan Academic WorldQuest competition! Congratulations to Meredith Allen, William Chown, Nick Friar and Dante Vozza for their winning performance. Congratulations also go to the CHS team made up of 9th graders Massimo Vozza, Lukas Hazen-Bushbaker, Matt Failor and Jack Myers, who came in third place! Great job WorldQuesters! |
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TCAPS Receives Targeted Literacy Instruction and Intervention Grant
TCAPS was awarded a 2016 Michigan Department of Education Targeted Literacy Instruction and Intervention Grant. The grant provides professional development to K-3 teachers and additional reading instruction to K-3 at-risk learners in five TCAPS buildings that do not currently receive Title I funds: Eastern Elementary School, TCAPS Montessori at Glenn Loomis, Old Mission Peninsula School, Westwoods Elementary School and Willow Hill Elementary School. The purpose of the grant is to focus on K-3 students in an effort to help struggling readers reach grade level expectations by the end of third grade.
TC West Opens Pantry for Students
Traverse City West Senior High School is opening its new TCW Pantry. Over the last two months, class councils under the leadership of advisors Kim Kramer, Kate Heydlauff, Ben Zenner and Melissa Clone have been working together to organize a pantry to serve West Senior High School students. The pantry will hold food and toiletry items and is located in the counseling office. Donations of nonperishable food items, as well as, personal hygiene items, such as deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes, etc. are currently being collected. If you are interested in donating, please drop the items off at the West Senior High School main office.
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Board of Education Recognizes GT Pie Company
Partner In Education, GT Pie Company, receives recognition from the TCAPS Board of Education for their support of the Blair Elementary School community.
On February 8th, the TCAPS Board of Education recognized the Grand Traverse Pie Company for their support of our students, families and staff this year at Blair Elementary School. As a Partner in Education, Grand Traverse Pie Company adopted the Blair school community, providing resources for parents, including gas cards that reduce barriers to participating in afterschool events and activities. They sponsored trauma-informed professional development, materials for the sensory integration room, and the parent education support group. The academic and behavioral change results since the implementation of these additional programs in the fall have been measurable and incredibly positive.
Students created handmade cards as a way to say "thank you" and the Grand Traverse Pie Company shared some of their always delicious pie! Many thanks to Mike and Denise Busley, Tim Rice and Margaret Alexander for your kindness and generosity to our schools and community!
For information on how you or your business can get involved, contact Karyn Hertel at hertelka@tcaps.net.
A Great Way to Give Back
Brilliant Books is in the running for The Readers Recommend Your Favorite Bookstore sweepstakes, which will award the bookstore with the most votes as favorite a $3000 grant to be used at their discretion. Brilliant Books, if awarded the grand prize, will match the funds and give twelve local schools, including many TCAPS schools, $500 each in books! The sweepstakes ends on Friday, February 19th. VOTE HERE.
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.
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Copyright (c) 2016
Traverse City Area Public Schools
Contact Us: info@tcaps.net