Schools
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Rooted in Relationships: Traverse Heights Shows What School Connectedness Looks Like
Loved seeing this op-ed in last week’s paper from Traverse Heights Principal Bryan Kay and former Traverse Heights PTO President Stephanie Wilson. Their message is simple and powerful: when families are centered from Day One, students thrive. Traverse Heights Elementary is building a school year rooted in relationships — from their Great Lakes House System,…
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Putting Students First in Michigan’s School Safety Debate
While we wait for the outcome of the lawsuit — and for our special school board meeting to decide whether to accept or decline the state’s school safety funds — it’s been interesting to see how other districts are navigating the same issue. Why Detroit Public Schools Community District recently agreed to the waiver: 1.…
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The Catalyst For Opportunity
“Literacy is such an important focus for TCAPS because, in the broadest sense, literacy is the catalyst for opportunity.” I love this quote by Blair Elementary Principal Kirk Ranney in our new Traverse City Area Public Schools video. Because reading opens doors — to curiosity, confidence, and lifelong learning. That’s why we’re investing deeply in…
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Roadrunner Leaders Shine at TCAPS School Board Meeting
At Monday’s school board meeting, four student leaders from Traverse Heights Elementary took the mic to share how their House System builds connection, belonging, and school pride. They crushed it. Watch their three-minute presentation. And if you want to know more about the magic happening at Traverse Heights, check out my Behind The Bell story: “Magic at…
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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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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…
TY FOR TCAPS 