Click here to view in browser

TCAPS Horizons

BE SMART Gun Safety Resolution

TCAPS Board of Education adopted a resolution during their regular meeting held November 14, 2022, known as the BE SMART Gun Safety Resolution. The resolution focuses on the importance of gun safety and firearm storage.

The full resolution, available here, resolves that the Superintendent and Board of Education will continue to work with local law enforcement agencies, medical and mental health agencies, and non-profit organizations to collaborate and increase efforts on promoting the importance of secure firearm storage and gun violence prevention safety measures. The district will also make informational materials available to parents on an annual basis to coincide with Michigan’s hunting season.

TCAPS Continues Opportunity for Veterans to Receive High School Diploma

Veterans Receive Diplomas

Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) is pleased to continue the opportunity for Veterans to receive a diploma. Under Public Act 181 of 2001 and Public Act 55 of 2014, the Board of a Michigan school district can award high school diplomas to WWII, Korean Conflict and Vietnam Era Veterans in recognition of their service and sacrifice. The law permits WWII Veterans who left high school between December 16, 1940 and December 31, 1946 for immediate military service, and did not subsequently receive a high school degree, to now apply for a diploma. Korean War Veterans who left high school between June 27, 1950 and January 31, 1955 may also apply. Veterans of the Vietnam Era must have been drafted or enlisted between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975 to qualify for this diploma. Family members may apply on behalf of a living or deceased Veteran. For more information, please contact Erika Swartz at 231-933-1722.

School Safety Guide and Reminders

Arriving at school safely is a priority for all parents and schools. Whether walking, biking, or riding the bus, there are tips to help kids make it to school and home unharmed every single day. This Getting to School Safely Guide offers information and tips to promote student safety!

TCAPS Promotes Computer Science Fun, Starting with Hour of Code

TCAPS Codes

Computer Science Education Week is an annual call to action to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science. The Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify coding and show that anybody can learn the basics. This annual, nation-wide program has allowed millions of students to discover how accessible and fun computer science can be by doing just one Hour of Code.

During the first full week of December (12/5-12/11), all students are invited to participate in TCAPS Hour of Code! Teachers will opt in for their classrooms to participate and the classes with the most student participation will win a pizza party. There will also be other prizes, giveaways, and opportunities to meet and hear from IT and STEM professionals along the way. Families can even join in on the fun and are encouraged to participate from their home with their children. We encourage all parents to discuss and emphasize the importance of computer science and coding with their child(ren) to help get them excited about this year’s Hour of Code. For more information, click here.

Inclement Weather Alerts & School Closures

Inclement Weather

Winter is here! Families of TCAPS students will be notified of inclement weather school closures through news media, email, and if opted-in, a district text message. Announcements will also be posted to the TCAPS website, social media, and bus hotline. The determination is typically made by 5:00 a.m., if possible, and by 6:00 a.m. at the latest.

If you do not already receive texts, you can opt-in at any time by texting the word YES to 87569, using the phone number that is already on file with the school. If your cell phone number is not on file with the school and added to your child's account, you will not be able to receive text messages. Texting is limited to contact numbers tied to the district’s staff and student databases, and therefore is not available to the general public. At any time, families may also call the Bus Hotline at 231.933.1955 to hear a daily message with information about school closures or transportation delays. For additional information about inclement weather closures, alerts, and snow day FAQs, visit www.tcaps.net/alerts.

TCAPSLoop

Tech Tip of the Month for Parents from the TCAPS EdTech Loop

Does your child want to go see a new movie or are they talking about a new video game? Search any title on Common Sense Media first - the detailed, unbiased reviews and breakdown of tricky content can help you make appropriate viewing choices for your family.

For more tips on Parenting Digital Kids, check out our Parenting Digital Kids Guide. We are here to share tools and resources to support you in whatever decisions you make about the role of digital devices in your home.

Library Donations

At this time, TCAPS is requesting book donations to school libraries be limited to titles requested by the librarians. While TCAPS is grateful for all donations, we are currently at capacity for evaluating and storing unsolicited books.

Important Calendar Dates

  • November 23: No school, teacher work day
  • November 24-25: No school, holiday
  • December 6: Two Hour Early Release
  • December 12: TCAPS Board of Education Meeting

Superintendent Office Hours

Held Monthly, Open to the Community
Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) Superintendent, Dr. John VanWagoner, will have monthly “office hours”, alternating each month between in person and virtual meetings. In person office hours will be held at Horizon Books, 243 E. Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49684 on the second floor (mezzanine level). Virtual office hours will be held via Google Meet and can be accessed here or by calling +1 707-785-6547‬ and entering PIN: ‪692 435 167‬#. All meetings begin at 5:00 pm. The alternating schedule will be as follows:

Tuesday, December 13, 2022 - Google Meet
Tuesday, January 10, 2023 - Horizon Books
Tuesday, February 14, 2023 - Google Meet
Tuesday, March 14, 2023 - Horizon Books
Tuesday, April 11, 2023 - Google Meet
Tuesday, May 9, 2023 - Horizon Books
Tuesday, June 13, 2023 - Google Meet

TCAPS Board of Education Monthly Office Hours - November 17, 2022

The Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) Board of Education will host its next monthly “office hours” in person on November 17, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Horizon Books, 243 E. Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49684. The meetings will be located on the mezzanine level (second floor) of the bookstore. TCAPS Board office hours provide community members with the opportunity to talk to a school board trustee. This month, Vice President V. Flournoy Humphreys will be attending. Visit www.tcaps.net/board for additional information or to view the full Board schedule.

Upcoming Events:

Athletics
Cheer on your favorite teams! See the school athletic calendars below for more information.

TCAPS Hiring

TCAPS Open Interview Dates

Open interviews are hosted at the Tompkins Boardman Administration Center, 412 Webster Street, Traverse City.

  • Thursday, November 17th from 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
  • Thursday, December 1st from 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
  • Tuesday, December 13th from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

TCAPSMedia

TCAPS Media: In Case You Missed It

With so many amazing TCAPS events and performances happening, it's hard to catch them all! So, please enjoy these impressive performances again, if you’ve already seen them, or for the first time, in case you missed it…

Want to see more amazing TCAPS performances, events, and videos? Check out TCAPS Media on YouTube!

This Just In…

Courtade Elementary School hosted their first ever Farmers Market on October 11th. Students and community members were invited to attend and many teachers received goods to use in their classrooms. Thank you to Elena Mosher and Marisa Hrbal, the school’s NorthEd Farm to School colleagues, for organizing this event.

Courtade Farm Market


Willow Hill Elementary School students displayed their awesome pumpkin carvings during the school's annual Pumpkin Walk. Great job to the PTO, staff, and all who participated!

Pumpkin Walk


Congratulations to the Blair Elementary Library for receivings a $300 Geraldine Pagel Grant-in-Aid from The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Phi Chapter!

Library Grant


Long Lake Elementary School hosted their annual Veterans Day Program and Trick-or-Treat for Troops event where they honored Veterans and gathered nearly 200 lbs. of candy, along with personal care items, to donate to active duty members.

Long Lake Veterans


Gear Up Give Back

Student Support Network

Thank you to our local McDonald's, and local representative Tina Bosio, for the generous donation of $500 to the Traverse City West Senior High School Choir Program!

McDonald's Choir Grant