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Representatives of the TC Central and TC West Student Senates, along with representatives of the TC Patriot Game, presented a check for $13,000 to 22-2-None. 22-2-None is an organization working to end Veteran suicide. 22-2-None was the organization selected to be the beneficiary of the proceeds from the 2017 TC Patriot Game, an annual crosstown football game that honors Veterans, active duty military, and first responders. The check presentation was held at halftime during the TC Central vs. TC West boys’ varsity basketball game on January 12th.

Preschool programs offer young learners the opportunity to create, explore, and think in environments that are nurturing, engaging and fun. If you are looking to enroll your child in the TCAPS preschool program next school year, please see the following registration timeline and information.

2018-2019 Registration Timeline

• January 10 - Current preschool families may begin registering for the 2018-2019 school year.  You will need your child's current access ID/ password in PowerSchool.
  
• January 11 - Pre-registration process opens for siblings of current students and new students. This process is to request a registration access ID/password ONLY. You will need this information prior to registering your child for preschool.
  
• February 7 - Sibling registration opens.
  
• February 21 - New family registration begins
  
• March 7 - Estimated date TCAPS will begin notifying families on enrollment status.
  

Go to www.tcaps.net/preschool for more information.

On Friday, January 19, 2018, Traverse City Central High School, Traverse City West Senior High School, and the four-school cooperative Great North Alpine will participate in the 2nd annual Hans “Peppi” Teichner Town Slalom. The event is named in honor of the local legend and U.S. Ski Hall of Fame inductee. Hans “Peppi” Teichner was a key figure in the development of Michigan's ski industry, helping launch Sugar Loaf, Mt. Holiday and Hickory Hills among others. The event will be held at the Hickory Hills Ski Area beginning at 5:30 p.m. and will include bleacher seating for spectators, a DJ, and concessions.

On Tuesday, January 23, 2018, Traverse City East Middle School will host a 5th into 6th Grade Orientation for students and their families from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (1776 Three Mile Rd. N.). The orientation will begin with an overview of middle school in the school’s cafeteria. Incoming students and their families will then participate in a scavenger hunt to learn more about the various elective course offerings. Parents/guardians are asked to attend along with their student to help make elective course selections. Students and families can also ask questions about the registration process and take a guided tour of the school led by EMS student ambassadors.

On Tuesday, January 23, 2018, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., all Traverse City West Middle School and TCAPS Montessori at Glenn Loomis band members in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades are invited to learn more about the high school band program at West Senior High School (5376 N. Long Lake Road). The event will feature a dessert bar, meet and mingle, information tables and spirit wear sales from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the commons. Then, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. there will be breakout sessions for both parents and students to tour the band room and learn more. The event is sponsored by the TC West Band Parent Organization.

On Thursday, January 25, 2018, Traverse City Central High School, in partnership with the Women's Resource Center, is hosting a free community screening of The Mask You Live In at 6:00 p.m. in the Central High School auditorium (1150 Milliken Dr.). The movie is recommended for audiences 15+.

“The Mask You Live In is a moving, often intense look at how boys grow up to be "men" -- and what it means to be masculine and manly in today's society. The film starts from the premise that the traditional image of strong, tough guys is the product of a culture that tells boys they can't cry, can't be "sissies," and must always show an impenetrable exterior to the outside world. And then it shows how that perspective has led to generations who aren't in touch with their feelings and have trouble connecting emotionally -- which in turn leads to everything from failed relationships and school trouble to abuse and self hatred. Through in-depth interviews with experts and dozens of discussions with boys and men of all ages, director Jennifer Siebel Newsom shows how hard it is for boys to navigate this challenging terrain. But she also offers plenty of reasons for hope as her subjects explain how they're trying to raise the next generation of men differently.” - Synopsis courtesy of Common Sense Media

For more information, visit: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/the-mask-you-live-in

On Thursday, January 25, 2018, Traverse City High School will host the “Maverick Minds All Arts Fair: Giving Back” from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (3962 Three Mile Rd. N.). The event’s focus is on giving back to the school’s contributors, donors and supporters and will include an “appreciation station” where attendees will receive tokens of gratitude. Dinner will be served from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the school’s Mitchell Creek Café and an all arts exhibit will run from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the school’s Maverick Activity Center.

On Monday, January 29, 2018, and Tuesday, January 30, 2018, the bands from Traverse City Central High School and East Middle School will host the Trombone Choir and Tuba and Euphonium Choir from Eastern Michigan University. The event will include two days of clinics for students and an evening concert on Monday, January 29, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. in the Central High School auditorium. The concert will feature performances by Dr. Donald Babcock, trombone, and Dr. Phillip Bloomer, tuba, as well as the Trombone Choir, and the Tuba and Euphonium Choir. Student musicians from Central High School and East Middle School will also participate to close the concert. Donations accepted.

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Dr. Donald Babcock is Professor of Music in the School of Music & Dance at Eastern Michigan University where he teaches both trombone and jazz. He also currently plays principal trombone in the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra and performs recitals locally and around the country.

Dr. Phillip Bloomer is instructor of Euphonium and Tuba at Eastern Michigan University. Additionally, Dr. Bloomer maintains an active performing schedule as the Tubist of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet, the Principal Tubist of the Adrian Symphony Orchestra, and BBb Bass with the Five Lakes Silver Band.

On Tuesday, February 6, 2018, and Monday, February 12, 2018, Traverse City West Middle School will host 5th into 6th Grade Orientation (3950 Silver Lake Rd.). Four different sessions will be offered and are divided by current home school. If the assigned time does not work for an incoming family, families may attend one of the other scheduled times. All sessions will begin in the Little Theater. Parents/guardians are asked to attend along with their student to help make elective course selections.

Tuesday, February 6th

• 4:45 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. - Blair Elementary School, Central Grade School
  
• 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. - Westwoods Elementary School, TCAPS Montessori at Glenn Loomis
  
  

Monday, February 12th

• 4:45 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. - Willow Hill Elementary School
  
• 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. - Silver Lake Elementary School, Long Lake Elementary School
  

Students and their chaperones from Koka, Shiga, Japan visited Traverse City as part of a student exchange program between the two sister cities. Six Japanese middle school students stayed with host families from both West Middle School and East Middle School. The exchange students attended classes with their host student and then participated in activities including meeting City of Traverse City Mayor Jim Carruthers, touring local stores, and visiting area attractions. Next, students and their chaperones from Traverse City will visit Japan from February 22nd to March 2nd.

The Traverse City Central High School student initiated business, TC Treasure Chest, a Junior Achievement Company, had a successful run with gross sales of more than $12,000 and an 82% return on investments for its stockholders. The company paid wages, salaries, rent and all typical business expenses. Department teams maintained detailed production, sales, and financial records. As with any business, the team encountered several problems and faced some difficult decisions that ultimately provided students insight and practical knowledge about running a business and the economic system. Students also learned the importance of team work and communication in a business’s success, and the value of listening to customers.

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Many thanks to Boots for Kids for ensuring our students have warm feet this winter! Each year, Boots for Kids provide children of families who struggle economically throughout the Greater Grand Traverse area with winter boots and clothing, that in return builds their self-esteem. This year they distributed over 800 boots with nearly half coming to TCAPS students. We are forever grateful for their hard work and generosity in helping our students. If you would like to support their fundraising efforts visit: http://www.bootsforkids-tc.org/donate/.

Westwoods Elementary School, working with Michigan State University Extension staff, received funding for a Fuel Up to Play 60 grant. Sponsored by the United Dairy Industry of Michigan and the Detroit Lions, the grant money of $2,921 will be used to help implement changes in the cafeteria such as adding kid-friendly serving utensils, a new restaurant themed menu board, bright-colored serving bowls, and funding to paint an awning over the cafeteria serving line. A portion of the grant money will also go toward adding new and engaging equipment to the playground space such as a permanent outdoor volleyball system, soccer goals, and various small sports equipment.

January 19th	Half day for students, full day for staff, end of second quarter/first semester
February 14th	Student Count Day
February 19th	No school, full day for staff

On Sunday, January 21, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. TCAPS' Students in Transition Empowerment Program (STEP) and Trattoria Stella invite you to Polenta & Pillows. Enjoy a communal dining experience with polenta, four sauces, two salads, and two desserts. Bring a new pillow to donate to STEP and receive a discount. Tickets are $30 (reg $36) adults and $12 (reg $15) kids. Reservations are required at 231.929.8989. STEP provides free supportive, education-related services to students, ages 3-20, who lack fixed, regular and adequate housing.