The TCAPS Curriculum Committee meets to guide and oversee teaching and learning across the district.

These meetings bring together school board members, staff, and district leaders to review programs, monitor student progress, and discuss instructional strategies.

The Curriculum Committee Snapshot is a new monthly series to help increase awareness and understanding of how this work supports equitable instruction, builds foundational knowledge, celebrates student and staff achievements, and advances the district’s new 2030 Vision.

Why This Meeting Matters

At this January 27 meeting, our Curriculum Committee focused on one essential question:

How do we ensure every student feels seen, supported, and connected at school?

Research consistently shows that a strong sense of belonging is closely tied to student motivation, engagement, and academic success.

The committee reviewed district-wide strategies—spanning elementary through high school—that intentionally build connection and community for students across TCAPS.

What We Discussed

• Student Belonging Across Grade Levels: Updates highlighted how TCAPS is embedding belonging into programming, curriculum, and daily interactions at every school level.
• Elementary Engagement: After-school and lunchtime programs are creating structured spaces for students to build friendships and explore interests.
• Middle School Connections: Schools are using intentional, brief one-on-one interactions to ensure no student feels invisible.
• High School Community Hubs: Libraries are serving as inclusive spaces that support both academic needs and social-emotional well-being.

What We’re Seeing

• What’s working: Increased reports of student connection to at least one adult, strong participation in enrichment programs, and positive feedback from students and families.
• What’s challenging: Reaching students who may not draw attention to themselves but still need intentional connection and support.
• How we’re responding: Using data from student surveys as a Tier 2 intervention tool and creating intentional structures to ensure every student is known.

How This Supports Students

We approach belonging and school connectedness as a foundation for learning, not an add-on.

By creating welcoming spaces, offering diverse programs, and prioritizing authentic relationships between students and adults, the district aims to reduce barriers to engagement and ensure all students have access to opportunity. When students feel they belong, they are more likely to take academic risks (like taking an honors class or AP course), persist through challenges, and succeed.

Highlights by Grade Band

Elementary School: Creative Explorers & The Den

At Courtade Elementary, students in grades 2–5 participate in Creative Explorers, a no-cost after-school STEM program featuring LEGO robotics, coding, and 3D printing. Designed especially for students who may not gravitate toward traditional sports, the program culminates in a Student Symposium where children proudly present their work to families and peers.

The school also created The Den, a structured lunchtime space where students can socialize, play games, and recharge—supporting those who may find traditional recess overwhelming.

Middle School: Moments of Genuine Connection (MGC)

East and West Middle Schools implemented Moments of Genuine Connection, a strategy built on brief (30–60 second), intentional one-on-one conversations between staff and students. Teachers track these interactions to ensure the those who often go unnoticed are reached. Survey data shows a significant increase in the number of students who report feeling connected to at least one adult.

High School: Libraries as Community Hubs
High school libraries were described as the “heart of the school.” Librarians and paraprofessionals use these spaces to build low-pressure relationships, host social activities, and act as a Tier 2 intervention for students who may be skipping class or struggling socially. Programs like peer mentoring and Key Club help students connect with both school-based and community supports.

Strategic Plan Connection

• Goal #2: School Connectedness and Student Well-Being
  The strategies discussed reflect the district’s commitment to fostering environments where students feel safe, valued, and connected.
• Goal #1: Improve Student Achievement
  By strengthening relationships and engagement, TCAPS is addressing the conditions that allow academic learning to thrive.

What Comes Next

The Curriculum Committee will continue monitoring student belonging data, refining connection strategies, and reviewing new opportunities—such as expanded courses, after-school and summer offerings—to ensure we’re meeting student needs and interests across the district.

Want to Learn More?

Check out the meeting’s presentation.

Watch the meeting recording.

Curriculum Committee meetings are open to the public and streamed/recorded online.

Agendas and meeting packets are available on the TCAPS website under Board of Education → Board & Committee Agendas.

Read our 2030 Vision strategic plan goals.

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“On Friday, our Dungeons & Dragons Game Club members were in for a magical surprise. Our special guest shared sets of dice and other fun goodies for everyone that helped our students to keep playing together. Thank you to club advisor, Ms. Shortridge, for making this surprise possible.
WMS offers a wide range of clubs and extracurricular opportunities that help students connect with one another and feel a strong sense of belonging in our school community. We encourage all students to get involved by checking out the LEAP website (https://www.tcaps.net/page/leap) or the bulletin board by the Compass for club details.”

PC: Traverse City West Middle School – TCAPS