Priorities
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Making LEAP Work for All Kids: What Should Expanded After-School and Summer Learning Look Like?
If we’re expanding our PK–12 after-school and summer learning and enrichment opportunities—the why behind the proposed East Middle multi-use fieldhouse—what should that actually look like? Our after-school and summer program, LEAP, has a clear vision: “To provide students with increased opportunities for engagement beyond the school day through educational and recreational activities to improve learning,…
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Equity in Action: Room to Grow for Our Roadrunners
Thanks to the 2024 bond, construction is underway to add three new classrooms and expand the cafeteria at one of our Title I elementary schools. What this could mean for our Traverse Heights Elementary Roadrunners: Smaller class sizes—especially in those crucial early grades Improved student success and outcomes Better learning environments for all We’re building…
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Traverse City has a lot going for it—becoming the next Aspen isn’t one of them
Jason Tank’s piece in Sunday’s Record-Eagle was a good reminder: When big tax breaks go to the top and cuts hit programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and the Child Tax Credit, the need doesn’t disappear—it just shifts to local communities like ours. And here in Traverse City, that shift will only widen the already massive gap…
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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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Happy, Healthy, Ready-to-Learn in Traverse City—Safe Routes to Student Success
Building schools for happy, healthy, ready-to-learn kids—not car line and parking convenience—isn’t just about walking or biking or exercise. It’s a proven way to support the goals just outlined in our new strategic plan: • Student Achievement • Health and Safety • Student Behavior • Student and Staff Wellbeing As we invest millions this summer…
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Mississippi’s Reading Miracle: A Lesson for Michigan?
Between 2013 and 2024, reading scores for the lowest-performing students dropped significantly across 40+ states — but one state defied the trend: Mississippi. Despite being the poorest state in the country, Mississippi’s literacy gains—especially among Black and low-income students—are now leading the nation. How? They didn’t just tweak policy. They invested in literacy coaches, screened…
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A Community for Student Success: Building a Districtwide Tutoring Network
If equity becomes a pillar (and closing our student achievement gap becomes a priority) of our next strategic plan, what could/should a district-wide Student Success Network look like? One idea: a robust team of trained, intentional tutors to help level the playing field like this Math Club crew at Traverse Heights Elementary. They have been…
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Behind the Bell: TeachMichigan Fellows Thrive at Blair Elementary
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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Relentlessly: My Favorite Word in TCAPS’ Vision Statement
re·lent·less·ly adverb: in an unceasingly intense way. I love that we include this word in our district’s vision: “An educational community providing opportunities and resources to relentlessly support all learners in achieving their full potential.” When it comes to supporting all of our kids, let’s be relentless.
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My 5 Takeaways from Michigan Association of School Boards’ Spring Institute
Last weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the Michigan Association of School Boards’ (MASB) Spring Institute—a powerful gathering of school board members from across the state. The sessions were packed with inspiration, practical tools, and thoughtful conversations about how we can better serve students, families, and our communities. Here are my five key takeaways:…
TY FOR TCAPS 