Career and Technical Education
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Back to DC: From Dad to School Board Advocate
Heading back to DC today for The National School Boards Association‘s Equity & Advocacy Institute — and feeling grateful for the opportunity. The last time I was there meeting with our U.S. Senators and members of Congress was in 2018 for National Cancer Prevention Day with LESS CANCER — and I had my son Jameson with me. This…
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Trojan/Titan Integrated Experience in Action: Where Career-Connected Learning Comes to Life
Traverse City Central High School Trojan Integrated Experience (TIE) students presenting handcrafted planters to the school board last week was a powerful reminder of why programs like TIE matter. Hands-on, career-connected learning creates opportunity for students with different strengths, interests, and pathways—and gives students who learn by doing the time, space, and tools to thrive.…
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December’s newsletter
December’s newsletter is out: – Rooted in relationships: What school connectedness and inclusive excellence look like in action – Caring adults, stronger schools: The impact of TCAPS mentors – Strategic plan update: Middle and high school goals – What inclusive excellence looks like in our community – On gun violence and keeping our students safe…
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Opening Doors: How Career & Technical Education Helps Traverse City Students Discover What’s Possible
At this fall’s Michigan Association of School Boards Leadership Conference, one idea stuck with me: “Exposure leads to expansion.” When we give students early, hands-on experiences with career and technical fields, we widen their sense of what’s possible. That’s why I loved seeing West Middle School 8th graders touring Northwest Education Services‘ North Ed Career…
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My 10 Biggest Takeaways from the 2025 Michigan Association of School Boards Annual Leadership Conference
My first Michigan Association of School Boards Annual Leadership Conference was fantastic — a great few days of learning, connecting, and recharging. Here are my 10 biggest takeaways: Lead with trust – Every decision we make as school board members helps shape community confidence and stability. Board self-reflection matters – Strong boards regularly assess how…
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My October TCAPS Newsletter
My October newsletter is hot off the presses: – A new chapter for our English Learners – We (finally) have a state education budget – Our district’s Sustainability Committee – and Traverse City Light & Power visits Willow Hill Elementary – Building tomorrow, trades kids, and Northwestern Michigan College – Community members keep showing up…
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5 New Strategic Plan Goals for TCAPS
Save the date: The next strategic plan meeting will be on August 11th – and another one will be on August 25th. And you can subscribe to have school board meeting agendas and packets emailed to you once they’re published HERE. *Story by Kathryn in the June 16th Record-Eagle Cute photo of Mrs. Helman and some…
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From Traverse City to SkillsUSA Nationals in Atlanta: The Power of Trades and Hands-On Learning
Being at SkillsUSA Nationals is a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting and developing skilled workers — not just in Traverse City or Michigan, but across the country. Thousands of talented young builders, makers, and fixers are here, competing at the highest level in their trades — and it’s incredibly inspiring. We’ve got a…
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New Innovation & Manufacturing Centers To Support our Trades Kids and Titan/Trojan Integrated Experience Programs
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,…
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TCAPS Graduation Rates On The Rise
“In today’s world, if you don’t have a high school diploma, it’s just awfully hard to get ahead and not live in poverty,” Traverse City Area Public Schools Superintendent John VanWagoner said. Our recent graduation rates*: * 4-year graduation rates **Graduation rate for our economically disadvantaged students in 2022/23 = 68%. In 2023/24 = 74%…
TY FOR TCAPS 