Opportunity
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Early literacy isn’t just a school issue — it’s a community promise
This powerful op-ed applauds TCAPS for embracing the science of reading — and reminds us that the foundation for success is laid long before kindergarten. With fewer than 50%* of our third graders reading proficiently, and only about half of our children entering school ready to learn, this is exactly why our new 5-year 2030…
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Full Speed Ahead: Year One of Our Five-Year 2030 Vision
Last week, our school board took an important first step in bringing our new 2030 Strategic Vision* to life. Year One matters. It’s where vision turns into action that will carry us forward over the next five years. Our focus for our superintendent in this first year is clear: Early Literacy: Improving elementary reading outcomes.…
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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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Expanding Access and Opportunity: Spotlight on Our Nonprofit PTOs and Boosters
Happy #GivingTuesday! Today’s a great day to recognize our many 501c3 organizations whose sole mission is to support TCAPS students — from our 11 elementary PTOs to music and athletic boosters. These school-based nonprofits help expand equitable access and opportunity by funding co-curricular enrichment, building community, and ensuring every student has what they need to…
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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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TCAPS’ Chronic Absenteeism Rates Drop in 2024/25 – Important Work Ahead
Encouraging progress — and important work ahead. Our chronic absenteeism (students who miss more than 18 days of school/year) has dropped from 22.6% to 18.6% in just two years, even as Michigan’s statewide rate remains close to 30%. That’s real progress, thanks to the care and commitment of our educators, staff, and families. But we’re…
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Equity vs Equality – And Why it Matters
Sometimes you’ll hear public officials — including school board members — talk about equity. But what they’re really describing is equality. Thanks to the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation for helping explain the difference — and why it matters for our region. Because when we invest in equity, we create communities where every one of…
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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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Leveling the Field: How Community Giving Helps Close Opportunity Gaps
In 2023, a few of us came together to launch Roadrunner Nation, a friends group supporting the Traverse Heights PTO. We created it to help level the playing field—so every student at Traverse Heights Elementary School has the opportunity to access things like field trips, recess equipment, after-school cubs, and scholarships for sports and arts.…
TY FOR TCAPS 