Whether you are a first year family or the parent of a senior student, I welcome you to the 2022-2023 academic year. As with every new school year, there are a handful of important initiatives to share on behalf of the district. We have had a busy summer, and I am excited to share some of our top action items underway this fall.
Safety and Security
As we enter a new academic year, safety and security remain a top focus. TCAPS has hired Secure Education Consultants (SEC), a Grand Rapids based security firm, to provide a building-by-building assessment of all our safety initiatives and protocols. This work will begin in mid September and will provide an overview of current conditions in order to form recommendations for improvement of safety protocols and initiatives.
TCAPS has also hired Patrick McManus as the new Safety and Security Coordinator. This new position will oversee all safety initiatives and protocols to ensure we do everything we can to make TCAPS as safe as possible every single day. Please note one immediate safety initiative required at all buildings is limiting the use of exterior doors. Most exterior doors will remain closed at all times other than for emergencies. This expectation will limit interior access points, therefore increasing safety efforts district wide.
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Crucial Objectives and Metrics to Plan for Actionable Student Success
Approved in July by our Board of Education, the three year COMPASS Strategic Plan outlines our mission, vision, values, and 12 goals for TCAPS to focus upon and achieve. While this will be a multi-year approach, it is important work that will address critical topics important to our families, community, students, and staff.
Health Initiatives
Mental health remains a heightened concern for everyone, and TCAPS takes this topic extremely seriously. We remain committed to providing access to mental health support and working to reduce the stigma attached to mental health. As parents, I ask for you to have an open conversation with your children and encourage them to ask for support if they need it. Ask them to check on their friends and make sure they are also doing ok. TCAPS has resources available within every building. If your child is struggling, or if they know of someone who may be struggling, let your child’s building know so we can assist.
TCAPS is also committed to ensuring students have access to physical health resources. We are currently exploring the addition of an in-district health clinic that would accept all forms of insurance and work on a sliding scale fee (or no fee) to those who do not have health care coverage. We hope this new effort will assist families in a positive way and increase the overall well-being of our school community. More information will be shared as it becomes available!
Student Support Network
The Student Support Network (SSN) is a combination of resources and services available to students and families who may be struggling with access to housing, food, clothing, or basic daily needs such as school supplies or personal hygiene products.
We are all a part of TCAPS because of our students, and meeting their needs remains our first priority. The SSN can confidentially assist students and families in need. For assistance, or to inquire about donating to the SSN, please reach out to the SSN office at 231.933.1789 or via email.
TCAPS Academic Excellence Endowment
The mission of TCAPS Academic Excellence Endowment is to enhance the classroom experience by providing opportunities that may not otherwise be available through the district’s limited general operating budget. The endowment is stewarded by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation (GTRCF) which partners with a committee of community members to award annual grants to TCAPS employees for student programs. We hope you will consider supporting this effort. Together, we can enhance teaching and learning at Traverse City Area Public Schools! Donations can be made online at gtrcf.org.
Student Success
I am constantly impressed by the amazing work of our students and staff. Recently, TCAPS shared news of 1,399 students who participated in Advanced Placement tests. I would also like to recognize the 474 students and over 30 staff members who participated in TCAPS summer programs this year. It is an honor to be part of a community that supports quality public education and its students. I look forward to seeing how all of our students find success throughout the upcoming school year.
As we enter into the holiday weekend, I hope you and your family are excited for the new academic year ahead and have confidence in knowing TCAPS will continue to provide the best in education, opportunities, and resources for your child. Thank you for being a part of our success, and thank you for your support of Traverse City Area Public Schools. See you September 6!
John R. VanWagoner II, Ph.D.
Superintendent
