Magic at Traverse Heights Elementary: Building Community, Connection, and Success

Ty Schmidt

January 5, 2025

Behind The Bell is a monthly storytelling series that takes readers beyond the classroom and into the heart of Traverse City Area Public Schools’ mission, values, vision and strategic goals. Through inspiring profiles, this series highlights the people, programs, and moments that shape our schools and connect our community. From unsung heroes to innovative initiatives, Behind The Bell offers an inside look at the stories that make TCAPS a special place to learn and grow.

When you step into Traverse Heights Elementary, you immediately feel it: a buzz of energy, belonging, and connection.

It’s not just a school—it’s a community where every student, teacher, school staff and community member plays a vital role in bringing TCAPS’ mission to life. It’s a school where Roadrunners come together with a shared purpose: to create a place where every student belongs and thrives.

This year, I had the privilege of visiting Traverse Heights during one of their famous House Assemblies.

Picture this: five houses—Michigan, Erie, Huron, Superior, and Ontario—all cheering each other on as students spin a prize wheel to earn points for their house. The excitement was contagious, and I couldn’t help but chant, “Spin that wheel!” right alongside the students. I then awarded, with fellow Board of Education Trustee Erica Moon Mohr, the coveted Spirit Stick to the month’s winning house, the cheers echoing through the gymnasium.

Principal Bryan Kay and his team have created something magical here. This house system—part Hogwarts magic, part Traverse Heights innovation—embodies the school’s motto, “We are one.”

It’s more than just fun and games; it’s a cornerstone of a deeper mission to build community, foster mentorship, and celebrate every child’s unique contributions.

Students of all ages are grouped into houses, where older students mentor younger ones, and everyone works together to embody the school’s values: safety, respect, and responsibility.

The houses, the Spirit Stick, and the prize wheel might seem like just fun and games, but they’re rooted in something deeper: a commitment to building a supportive, inclusive environment where every student can succeed. This commitment is reflected in the school’s focused efforts to achieve key district strategic goals.

How Traverse Heights Achieves District Strategic Goals

From students spinning the prize wheel at weekly ceremonies to earning house points for acts of kindness, every moment builds a sense of pride and ownership.

And it’s working.

Traverse Heights is making strides towards district strategic goals of:

Continuous academic achievement to maximize student success
Identifying and implement strategies regarding student behavior to maximize learning
Providing additional resources and supports for diverse learners so that all students can be successful

Student Success: This year, Mr. Kay and instructional coach Mrs. Beamish have visited over 100 classrooms, offering feedback to enhance teaching practices. The staff also wrapped up their second Teaching Sprint, focusing on monitoring student progress and engagement. The Instructional Leadership Team is now planning for their first Instructional Internal Rounds in February. It’s a commitment to continuous improvement that’s evident in every classroom.

Supporting Behavior to Maximize Learning: Traverse Heights’ incredible School Social Work Team has responded to over 280 student support requests since September through their Student Support Response System, ensuring no child falls through the cracks. And those 9,000 house points awarded since the beginning of the school year? They’re not just for fun—they’re a testament to the school’s dedication to recognizing and celebrating positive behavior.

Diverse Learner Support: Families are also part of the magic. The school’s Roadrunner University invites families to learn about trauma-informed practices while sharing a meal together. Events like the Fall Festival also bring families into the fold to learn about school goals, school resources while connected with their children and teachers in the classroom with cider and donuts.

Leadership in Action: Principal Bryan Kay

Behind these initiatives is Principal Kay, recently named the 2024 MEMSPA Region 13 Principal of the Year. His vision for Traverse Heights is rooted in a simple but powerful idea: when students feel they belong, they thrive.

When Mr. Kay became principal in the fall of 2020, Traverse Heights faced significant hurdles. Many students come from difficult circumstances (Traverse Heights is one of four Title 1 schools in TCAPS), and the pandemic only heightened feelings of disconnection. “How can we make our school a welcoming place where everyone feels like they belong?” Mr. Kay asked.

The answer? Start with connection.

From second graders solving currency problems in Mrs. Thomas’ class to junior kindergarten students setting goals with Mrs. White, every moment at Traverse Heights reflects TCAPS’ mission to educate, inspire, and support all learners.

As Mr. Kay puts it, “We’re one big family; we’re in this together. When one of us isn’t doing what we need to, magic can’t happen.”

As the Roadrunners head into the new year, their efforts align seamlessly with TCAPS’ vision to relentlessly support all learners in achieving their full potential.

Traverse Heights is a shining example of TCAPS’ values—putting students first, fostering excellence, and ensuring success for all.

Thanks to the leadership of Mr. Kay, the dedication of his staff, and the support of the community, that magic is happening every day at Traverse Heights. And it’s nothing short of inspiring.

The magic lies in a simple yet profound idea: when students feel they belong, they thrive. Every assembly, every classroom visit, and every family event reflects the school’s unwavering commitment to TCAPS’ mission, values, vision, and strategic goals.

Together, Traverse Heights is building a community where every student is empowered to achieve their full potential—proving that success starts with connection.

Keep awesome, Roadrunners.

And thank you.