Schools
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Let’s Give Every TCAPS Student a Fair Shot
“The most effective schools don’t treat equity as a buzzword. They build intentional systems of support. They use data to respond to student needs, they expand access to early learning and enrichment, and they view families as essential partners.” Excellent op-ed by Mike Radke in the Record-Eagle about our opportunity to help level the playing…
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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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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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TCAPS’ Eleven Floats Shine at National Cherry Festival Parades
Our eleven floats looked soooooo good in the National Cherry Festival Parades last week. Thank you, princes, princesses, parents and sponsors. #tcapsproud Float Slideshow
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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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Uncomfortably bold
I love this public comment from last week’s school board meeting, which advocated for the new strategic plan to be uncomfortably bold with measurable goals to significantly reduce the achievement gap between students from low-income and financially comfortable families. Thank you, May Van Valin. You can watch her full comment. Tonight is our second meeting…
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All means all – an opportunity for better
July 7th update: The next strategic plan meeting will be on August 11th – and another one will be on August 25th. Our Curriculum Committee will also discuss it tomorrow at their meeting. Here’s that agenda – note presentation slides linked at the top. And you can subscribe to have school board meetings agendas and…
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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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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 