Opportunity
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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.…
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Funding Uncertainty Threatens Student Success in Traverse City and Beyond
Michigan lawmakers remain deadlocked on the state budget, leaving districts like ours uncertain about funding for teacher salaries, after-school programs, literacy interventions, school meals, and more. This uncertainty hits students hardest—especially those furthest from opportunity. Research shows that targeted investments in students with the greatest needs improve achievement, graduation rates, and school climate. Despite recent…
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Supporting Traverse City’s English Learners: Local Action, Strong Commitment
As Washington steps back and Michigan rolls out new statewide requirements to ensure English learners receive dedicated instructional time, TCAPS is stepping up our support for students and families. State Superintendent Michael Rice has made clear that while federal protections may feel uncertain, Michigan’s commitment to fairness, access, and inclusion remains strong—and we’re proud to…
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A new 5-year plan for TCAPS – Excited for what we can accomplish together
Earlier this week, we unanimously approved a new 5-year Strategic Plan for TCAPS. This new plan builds on the work of our previous 3-year plan, carrying forward four focus areas and adding a new one: health, wellbeing, and school connectedness. It also aligns closely with our mission, vision, and values—including our shared commitment to inclusive education, equitable…
TY FOR TCAPS 