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TCAPS District Newsletter

Dear Families, Students, and Staff,

I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to our school community for an amazing academic year. I am immensely proud of our students for their hard work, perseverance, and growth. Their achievements are a testament to the strong partnerships with families, teachers, and staff.

To our dedicated staff,
Thank you for your tireless efforts, creativity, and commitment to providing a nurturing and enriching educational environment. Your passion and dedication continue to leave lasting impacts on our students' lives.

To our families,
Thank you for your unwavering support, involvement, and trust. Your collaboration has been vital in ensuring a thriving community for our students.

To our students,
I commend you on your completion of a successful year. I encourage taking time to rest, recharge, and enjoy the summer. TCAPS Student Support Network remains available to all who need assistance with food, hygiene supplies, and resources during the summer months. We encourage you to let us know if we can help in any way. Look for the Sunshine Bus in your neighborhood, or submit a form for assistance.

Wishing you a safe and happy summer.

Dr. John R. VanWagoner, II
Superintendent


TCAPS Bond Millage

2023-2024 OPIE Winners

Congratulations to three TCAPS staff members who received an Outstanding Persons in Education (OPIE) award from the Michigan Education Association (MEA) 15‑A Union Coordinating Council.

  • Jamie Roster, Westwoods Elementary School Lead Administrative Assistant
  • Jody Macky, East Middle School Digital Media and Yearbook Teacher (Not pictured)
  • Tracey Westerman, Cherry Knoll Elementary School Academic & Behavioral Coach

OPIE Award

TCAPS Compass Award Program Recognizes Staff

Compass Awards

The Compass Award is an employee recognition program that recognizes the contributions individual staff members are making toward the implementation of the District's Strategic Plan in their daily work.

Congratulations to the June TCAPS Compass Award recipients for all you do to educate, inspire, and support learners to maximize individual excellence and success.

Neila Barnes - AFSCME
Building Lead Custodian, Traverse City High School
2 years at TCAPS

Jeannie Kraus - TCTA
Alternate Bus Driver, Transportation
1 year at TCAPS

Matt Medler - TCEA
Mathematics Teacher, West Middle School
25 years at TCAPS

Luke Johnson - TCAA
Assistant Principal, East Middle School
2 years at TCAPS

Sharon Piatek - Non-Affiliated Support/Child Care (Not pictured)
Day Care Manager; GSRP Aide, Courtade Elementary School
14 years at TCAPS

Kelly Walter - Non-Affiliated Administrator
Curriculum & Instruction Executive Assistant, Glenn Loomis Administrative Building
14 years at TCAPS

Tyler Mons - FSEA (Not pictured)
Kitchen Leader, East Middle School
3 years with TCAPS

Liz Sievers - TCCAPSA
Lead Administrative Assistant, TCAPS Montessori School
21 years with TCAPS

Sunshine Bus Summer Food Service

Sunshine Bus

The TCAPS Sunshine Bus will be rolling throughout the district providing free food (provided by The Father Fred Foundation) and basic needs (provided by the TCAPS Student Support Network). Look for the TCAPS school bus making stops at various locations three times a week from June 12 to August 31 (no service the week of July 4). The bus provides food and basic needs for all children 18 and under. Route Details and Information available online. Questions? Email kubeshca@tcaps.net.

Congratulation to the Class of 2024

Congratulations to the graduates of the Class of 2024! The graduating classes at Traverse City Central High School, Traverse City West Senior High School, and Traverse City High School were celebrated during commencement ceremonies held May 31 and June 2. Learn more about the class of 2024 by visiting www.tcaps.net/graduation.

TCAPS Graduation

All Employee Retirement Recognition Celebration

The Board of Education recently held an All Employee Retirement Recognition Celebration for 2023/2024. TCAPS has 37 retirees totaling 868 years of service. During the celebration, the Board of Education extended its appreciation for the service of these employees and wished them well in all future endeavors.

Learn more about the 2023/2024 retirees here.

TCAPS Retirees

The Great Titan/Trojan Read 2024

The fifth annual reading contest, that pits each grade level (including staff) against one another, was short and sweet this year at both middle schools. In just four short weeks, nearly 500 book tickets were collectively submitted by 178 participants. In the end, it was the seventh grade, Class of 2029, that prevailed at each campus!
Read Full Article

Great Trojan and Titan Read

2024-2025 Enrollment Information

Enrollment is now open for the 2024-2025 school year! Learn more at www.tcaps.net/enroll.

TCAPS Enrollment

This Just In

We are pleased to share the Navigator newsletter, a showcase of district highlights that celebrate the students, staff, and progress of Traverse City Area Public Schools. Read the Navigator here.

Teddy Bear Clinic

Kindergartners from Eastern Elementary School had an amazing time at the Teddy Bear Clinic, where they got to learn about health and wellness from students in the Health Sciences program at Northwest Education Services.

Traveling Trophy

Having the highest percentage of participation from account holders, Blair Elementary School received the traveling trophy from the Student-Run Credit Union program. The Student-Run Credit Union program through TBA Credit Union encourages students to create lifelong saving habits and provides first-time job experiences.

Comic Book Class

Ryan Lee, comic book illustrator, visited Eastern Elementary School 5th grade classrooms to inspire the classes' comic book unit. Ryan designs comics for Cartoon Network, Marvel, and other well-known publishers. The 5th graders then created comics to share with their Kindergarten buddies.

AP Government in Grand Rapids

AP US Government students from Central High School and West Senior High School visited the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan in Grand Rapids. Students watched a hearing for a criminal case, explored the courtroom, and toured the judge’s chambers.

Mentor Program

East Middle School started a mentor program where 7th grade EMS Honor Society students are paired with 5th graders from Traverse Heights Elementary School. These partnerships will continue into the following school year, allowing 8th graders to mentor incoming 6th graders.

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.

Health Center

Upcoming Events & Calendar Dates:

2024-2025 School Year Information

Now Hiring

Employment Information & Open Interviews

TCAPS Learning, Enrichment, and Athletics Program

Health and Wellbeing Team Newsletter

TCAPSMedia