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TCAPS District Newsletter

2024-2025 Enrollment Information

TCAPS Enrollment

It’s time to start thinking about the 2024-2025 school year! Early enrollment begins February 15, 2024. Learn more at www.tcaps.net/enroll. For information about enrolling your student in a TCAPS Kindergarten or Junior Kindergarten program, we invite you to attend an information session:

2024-2025 Kindergarten Information Sessions

February 12, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.

  • Blair Elementary
  • Central Grade Elementary
  • Courtade Elementary
  • Long Lake Elementary
  • TCAPS Montessori CASA Information Night
    (Includes Pre-K, Jr. Kindergarten, and Kindergarten)
  • Westwoods Elementary
  • Willow Hill Elementary
February 13, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.
  • Cherry Knoll Elementary
  • Eastern Elementary
  • Silver Lake Elementary
  • Traverse Heights Elementary

Junior Kindergarten Information Session

A Junior Kindergarten presentation will be held virtually on February 14, 2024 at 5:30 PM. Join the meeting here: JK Parent Information Meeting

To learn more, visit www.tcaps.net/kindergarten. For information about TCAPS Preschool and Early Childhood Education, visit www.tcaps.net/preschool.

TCAPS Student Health Center Now Open

Health Center

TCAPS Student Health Center celebrated with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Traverse City West Middle School on Monday, January 29, 2024! Learn more at www.tcaps.net/healthcenter.

TCAPS Expands Lunch Buddies Mentorship Program: Volunteers Needed

Lunch Buddies

Calling all community mentors, leaders, and friends: TCAPS is still in need of volunteer mentors for the Lunch Buddies mentorship program! Lunch Buddies now happens at every elementary AND middle school building in the district on a specific day of the week. Mentors commit to at least one season where they will eat for one (20 minute) lunch and play for two (20 minute) recesses or afternoon mentorship period at the middle schools. We invite individuals who are passionate about contributing to the growth and success of TCAPS students to join Lunch Buddies as mentors. Learn more at www.tcaps.net/lunchbuddies

Inclement Weather Alerts & School Closures

TCAPS Alert

Winter has arrived in northern Michigan, bringing with it ice, snow, and potentially slick roads! 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 79041, 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.

As a reminder, if school is canceled on a two hour early release day, the two hour early release day will occur on the following Thursday when school is in session. If school is canceled on a half day, the half day will occur on the following Tuesday when school is in session.

BIGS Up North
This Just In
Music Fittings

TCAPS fifth grade students are beginning their middle school tours this month. Incoming 5th graders do several visits to Traverse City East and West Middle Schools in preparation for their transition next fall. Pictured here, future Trojans select the musical instruments they would like to try and receive fittings.

Blair Skiing

Blair Elementary School 4th graders had the opportunity to receive free cross country ski lessons on real skis at Crystal Mountain! Volunteer with Vasa Ski Club and Crystal Mountain, Sara Cockrell has helped students at Blair use Nordic Rock skis for the last 7 years during P.E. She provided the information about Crystal's ski program, helped make the arrangements, and paid for the bussing out to Crystal for both 4th grade classes. The classes will return to Crystal Mountain for two more weeks. Thank you to Sara, Crystal Mountain, and Vasa Ski Club for your support and generosity!

Essay Scholarship

Traverse City West Middle School students, Wyatt Fewins and Jonah Chacon were named the winners of the Patriots Pen Essay Scholarship, presented by our local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2780. Wyatt and Jonah wrote essays about how they are inspired by America. Thank you and congratulations also to WMS social studies teacher, Mr. Livengood for his leadership with the essay project, and for being recognized by VFW Post 2780 as their Teacher of the Year!

H.O.M.E.S. Donation

This semester, Traverse City Central High School's Junior Achievement class created a company called H.O.M.E.S. with the letters representing the first initials of the Great Lakes. They sold sweatshirts and hoodies with the H.O.M.E.S. artwork. The Class donated $1 from each sweatshirt to Habitat for Humanity-Grand Traverse Region. In total, the class was able to donate $210. Well done!

Titan Wrestling

Traverse City West Senior High School Titan wrestling hosted their first female tournament. Female wrestlers from 15 schools attended the tournament. Great job to all of the athletes and all who helped make the tournament a success!

Veteran's Hockey Cup

Traverse City Central Hockey and Bay Reps Varsity Hockey took part in the 10th Annual Veterans Cup hockey game this month. Thank you Veterans for your service, and thank you to all who attended the game in support of Mid Michigan Honor Flight Inc.!

Anishinaabe Expressive Culture Series

Members of the community and program participants recently gathered for January’s Anishinaabe Expressive Culture Series – “Learn About Round Dance”. Aaron Chivis, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Culture Manager shared the history and teachings accompanying the round dance. Participants joined in to round dance to songs sung by Aaron Chivis and Ryan Memberto, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Tribal member. Thank you to all who attended, to Aaron and Ryan for presenting and singing, and to Ms. Essenberg's 3rd hour class at Traverse City High School for setting up the room!

The Anishinaabe Expressive Culture Series is a monthly series that focuses on highlighting a variety of cultural educational topics and includes language, art, music, dance, and regalia. The Anishinaabe Expressive Culture Series is funded by the Native American Heritage Fund. All events are free and open to the community. Learn more: https://www.tcaps.net/programs/indigenous-education/

TCAPS thank you

Student Support Network (SSN)

The Student Support Network (SSN) is a program administered by Traverse City Area Public Schools that provides free supportive, educational-related services and non-academic support to help overcome obstacles that may create barriers to learning for all students, ages 3-20. SSN provides backpacks, school supplies, personal hygiene items, clothing for school purposes; referrals for housing, medical and mental health needs, transitional living, and more. If your student(s) needs help overcoming obstacles, please contact SSN Coordinator at 231.933.1789 or complete the Student Support Network Request Form.

The Student Support Network is successfully removing barriers to learning thanks to community donations and programs. If you would like more information about SSN, or to donate, please visit www.tcaps.net/ssn.

The Mitten Group Donation

Thank you to the entire team at The Mitten Real Estate Group for delivering a tremendous amount of winter gear for TCAPS students in need. We are grateful for your community partnership! If your student is in need of winter gear or other basic needs, please contact your school social worker or TCAPS' Student Support Network at 231. 933.1789 or kubeshca@tcaps.net.

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2023-2024 School Year Information

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TCAPS Learning, Enrichment, and Athletics Program

Health and Wellbeing Team Newsletter

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