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TCAPS District Newsletter

Building For Success: TCAPS 2018 Bond Overview

Building For Success

As TCAPS closes in on the remaining projects of the 2018 bond, a thank you goes out to our greater community for the longstanding support of TCAPS and public education! The 2018-2024 bond overview video highlights the numerous projects made possible through strong community support. For more information, visit www.tcaps.net/bond.

TCAPS Board of Education Approves Purchase Agreement for Bertha Vos Property

The TCAPS Board of Education approved with a 7-0 vote authorizing Superintendent Dr. John VanWagoner to fully execute the sale of the Bertha Vos property for a purchase price of $1,225,000 with SH East Bay Commons North LLC, a real estate development company specializing in both commercial and residential properties. Read More.

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 happen at every elementary 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. 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

Tompkins Boardman Administration Building Winter Break Hours

The Tompkins Boardman Administration Building will be closed for regular hours Monday, December 25, 2023 through Monday, January 1, 2024. All visitors must make appointments prior to entry and be admitted by the staff member they are meeting. Please ensure you have the phone number or email address of the individual you are scheduled to meet with so you can reach them directly when you arrive.

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.

This Just In
Feed the Kids

Students across the district participated in Hour of Code during Computer Science Education Week, December 4-10. Learn more at www.tcaps.net/code.

Teddy Bear Toss

Traverse City Central High School Trojan Hockey hosted their annual Teddy Bear Toss Game! Spectators were invited to bring a new teddy bear or stuffed animal to throw on the ice after the game. All toys were collected and donated to Toys For Tots, coordinated by Project Feed The Kids.

Blair Credit Union

Students at Blair Elementary School opened their first Student Run Credit Union through a partnership with TBA Credit Union. Student volunteers were interviewed by the TBACU marketing team and selected for various positions. With the help of their parents, students are able to make deposits throughout the year.

Boots for Kids

TCAPS Board of Education honored the Boots For Kids program during this month’s regular meeting. In attendance to accept this recognition was Don Schmuckal, President of Boots for Kids. We are so thankful for their contributions to area students and the community!

International Affairs Conference

Traverse City Central High School and Traverse City West Senior High School students participated in the Mid-American International Affairs Conference (MAIAC) in Lansing. Each student represented a specific country on a specific committee (Security Council, Pacific Island Forum, European Union, Organization of American States) and debated topics relevant to each committee. Henry Swanson, a fourth-year participant, won highest honors and Evi Burtt and Honorae Shore received second highest honors!

Charlie Attwood

Eastern Elementary School 5th grader, Charlie Attwood, had the privilege of introducing the Executive Director of the Michigan Elementary & Middle School Principals Association, Mr. Paul Liabenow, prior to Mr. Liabenow's keynote at this year’s state conference. Charlie even got quizzed on his math skills by State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Michael Rice, to which he performed admirably.

Super Science Saturday

Super Science Saturday took place on December 2. Families were invited to enjoy a variety of free STEM activities and demonstrations from TCAPS Robotics teams. This year’s event was hosted by the CHS Raptors with special assistance from the WSH Titans.

Thespian Festival

Twenty-six Traverse City West Senior High School students attended the Michigan Thespian Festival in Lansing this month. Students engaged in professional workshops for two days, saw performances by other high school theatre groups, auditioned for college scholarships, and performed scenes, monologues, and songs for adjudication.

Congratulations to Cameron Sinclair, Miah Lessner, Emma Herrington, Ella Maloney, and Katie Roth for all receiving EXCELLENT ratings in Acting, and to Caleb Mienk, Isaiah Gallegos, and Isaac Mikesell for receiving SUPERIOR ratings in a Group Song. Emily Michalski, Jada Stewart, and Annabelle Gray all auditioned for several colleges at the festival and were offered a combined $576,500 in college scholarships. Over 400 students participated in adjudications and TCAPS students were among the best represented!

Hagerty Cares

Hagerty staff delivered presents and $25 gift cards to 100 TCAPS students this holiday season! The Hagerty CARes tradition has helped hundreds of students and families for 20 years. Hagerty gives so much to our schools throughout the year. We are grateful for the generosity of Hagerty and its staff. It is wonderful to see how excited the children are when they receive these gifts! It is the perfect way to end the year.

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.

Thank You Donors

This holiday season is a reminder of the amazing community we are privileged to be a part of. TCAPS wishes to thank every family, business, and community partner that helped make this holiday season magical for others in our community.

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