Student Achievement – Page 2

Growing Readers Together: TCAPS and the Traverse Area District Library

Ty Schmidt

March 13, 2026

Strong readers grow in strong communities. One of the most powerful literacy partnerships we have is with the Traverse Area District Library. During Reading Month, their youth services team works closely with our eleven elementary schools to create meaningful reading experiences for our students. This year, first graders are participating in library orientations, storytime, tours,…

Community Relations, Priorities, Reading, Schools, Student Achievement

Partnership Schools: Surrounding TCAPS Students with Support

Ty Schmidt

March 12, 2026

At our recent Curriculum Committee meeting*, we learned about the “Partnership School” model and explored ways in which trained and vetted community members could provide additional academic tutoring in reading and math—especially for students who need extra practice to build literacy and numeracy fluency. This isn’t about replacing teachers – it’s about surrounding students with…

Board of Education, Community Relations, Curriculum Committee, Equity, Learning, Opportunity, Priorities, Reading, Student Achievement

March’s Newsletter

Ty Schmidt

March 10, 2026

March’s newsletter is out: – Reading month, literacy, opportunity gaps, and a community promise – A turning point: Enrollment is not down for the first time in six years – Curriculum Committee Snapshot: Parent engagement – School board meeting agenda highlights – Mr. Kay goes to the State of the State in Lansing – Compass…

Advocacy, Board of Education, Community Relations, Curriculum Committee, Enrollment, Equity, Learning, Meetings, Newsletter, Opportunity, Priorities, Reading, Schools, Staffing, Student Achievement

TCAPS Curriculum Committee Snapshot: Community, Innovation and Strengthening School–Family Partnerships

Ty Schmidt

March 4, 2026

The TCAPS Curriculum Committee meets to guide and oversee teaching and learning across the district. These meetings bring together school board members, staff, and district leaders to review programs, monitor student progress, and discuss instructional strategies. The Curriculum Committee Snapshot is a new monthly series to help increase awareness and understanding of how this work…

Board of Education, Community Relations, Connection, Curriculum Committee, Equity, Learning, Opportunity, Priorities, Schools, Student Achievement, Wellbeing

Federal Policy is Personal: Advocating for TCAPS Kids in DC

Ty Schmidt

March 2, 2026

At our Organizational Meeting this year, the Board of Education was clear: when the district invests in professional learning for trustees, we should share what we learn with our community. After attending the National School Board Association’s Advocacy Institute in DC, I reflected on the experience and what it means for TCAPS students. Here’s my…

Advocacy, Board of Education, Equity, Learning, Schools, Student Achievement, Wellbeing

Early literacy isn’t just a school issue — it’s a community promise

Ty Schmidt

February 25, 2026

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…

Advocacy, Community Relations, Equity, Framing, Learning, Opportunity, Priorities, Reading, Student Achievement

Traverse Heights Elementary principal invited to attend the State of the State address in Lansing

Ty Schmidt

February 24, 2026

Proud of this guy. Bryan Kay, principal at Traverse Heights Elementary, has been invited by the Governor’s office to attend the State of the State address in Lansing tomorrow. This honor recognizes his outstanding leadership, dedication to students, and participation in the TeachMichigan fellowship. Traverse Heights, a Title I school with TCAPS’ largest English Language…

Advocacy, Equity, Schools, Staffing, Student Achievement

Full Speed Ahead: Year One of Our Five-Year 2030 Vision

Ty Schmidt

February 17, 2026

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.…

Board of Education, Connection, Equity, Opportunity, Priorities, Student Achievement

Our 2025 Annual Education Report: What It Is & Why It Matters

Ty Schmidt

January 26, 2026

Our 2025 Annual Education Report (AER) was made public on January 13 — it’s a one-stop snapshot of how our schools are doing and how we support student success. Our AER includes: School accountability information Student assessment data Educator qualifications Graduation and participation data It also meets federal (Every Student Succeeds Act – ESSA) and…

Board of Education, Community Relations, Priorities, Schools, Student Achievement

January Newsletter

Ty Schmidt

January 12, 2026

My January newsletter is out: • One year in reflection: Lots to learn, pumped to keep learning • Mental health and safety funding • A new series: Curriculum Committee Snapshot • Every Student. Every Word. Every Future: Embracing the Science of Reading story by the Traverse City Record-Eagle • National Advocacy Institute prep series with…

Board of Education, Community Relations, Curriculum Committee, Equity, Learning, Newsletter, Reading, Schools, Student Achievement, Wellbeing