The Eastern Star Family Newsletter
March 20, 2026
Principal Ponderings
Well, that was (insert adjective here). Last year, we had a snow day on March 20 so I had a feeling that we may not be done with snow days. I did not imagine the scenario we experienced last week. I know the kids were super excited, but I also recognize the strain that it puts on families and work schedules. Mother Nature is unpredictable and we do appreciate your flexibility. It was so great to see the faces of our school community at drop off this morning!
#ShineBrightTogether
Upcoming Events
- March 27-April 3: Spring Break
- April 14, 6:00-7:00: PTO Meeting
- April 15. 3:20-3:40: TBA SRCU Deposit Day
- April 16: Early Release; Dismissal at 1:57 p.m.
- TCAPS 25-26 Calendar
New Information
Join the Great Lakes Region 2026 Child Safety Conference
The Great Lakes Region 2026 Child Safety Conference is coming to the Central High School Auditorium in Traverse City on Thursday, May 7. This event provides a dedicated space for officers, parents, and faculty to learn about protecting children in schools, sports, and across the community.
The afternoon and evening will feature four sessions led by national and local experts:
4:00 PM – Campus Safety: MSU Deputy Chief of Police Chris Rozman will draw on 25 years of experience to discuss security risks and building a positive safety culture.
5:00 PM – Bullying and Abuse Prevention: Jenna Baker of the Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center and Prosecuting Attorney Noelle Moeggenberg will provide training on awareness and reporting child abuse.
6:00 PM – Online Exploitation: Founding partner of Marsh Law Firm, James Marsh, will share insights on protecting children from digital threats.
- 7:00 PM – Keynote Presentation: Renowned advocate and attorney Rachael Denhollander will deliver the keynote on supporting injured students through trauma-informed care.
Eastern Employment Opportunity
The Cook's Assistant performs a variety of tasks in the preparation and cooking of food; helps with production records, inventory and conforms to schedules established by the Kitchen Leader. The Cook’s Assistant reports to the building Kitchen Leader or other kitchen workers as assigned by the Kitchen Leader.
Previous Information
Spring Break Post Cards
Eastern is once again asking families to send us a post card of your spring break travels -- whether that's leaving town or staying in Traverse City. Send your post card to:
Eastern Elementary School
1600 Eastern Avenue
Traverse City, MI 49686
We will create a bulletin board with the post cards!
Dismissal and Building Exit Points
Per our dismissal protocol for our JK-5 students, the only two building exit points are the cafeteria doors for our JK students and the front door for all others. We have noticed increase traffic out of the back door. All students must exit in the two aforementioned exit areas. This area is not supervised and not in line with our building protocol that helps to ensure to student safety.
Birthday Party Treats--Reminder
We love birthdays and we all need to celebrate as many as possible. Here at Eastern, students get a card from the office with a sticker, a shout out on the announcements, and anything extra that the classroom teacher may do.
I would ask you to review our district/building expectations regarding celebrations and birthday parties. Below you find wording from our Student/Parent Elementary Handbook.
CELEBRATIONS/PARTIES
Classroom celebrations/parties can offer a fun learning experience and an opportunity to celebrate cultural traditions. For example: a school’s Halloween celebration typically includes a parade of costumes that highlight a student’s creativity and ingenuity. Celebrations/parties should not interfere with the instructional program. Each school may have a special way to recognize birthdays. A note on sensitivity: please refrain from sending invitations to birthday parties, balloons, gifts, or food during the school day for your child’s birthday.
Traverse City West Senior High School Music Department Presents Little Shop of Horrors
The Traverse City West Senior High Music Department presents Little Shop of Horrors. Join us for this classic musical featuring a book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken. This production is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
Performance Dates and Times:
Evening Shows (7:00 PM): March 13, 14, 20, and 21.
Matinee Shows (2:00 PM): March 15 and 22.
Tickets: Tickets range from $15 to $25, plus box office fees. Secure your seats today by visiting tcaps.booktix.com
Notes from the Eastern Office
PTO
Spring Auction Information
Auction Donations Needed
No item is too big or too small! We are accepting all donations to be used during our Spring Fundraiser on April 25th!
Ideas:
- School spirit baskets
- Foodie baskets – non-perishables, please!
- Local gift certificates
- Local experiences
- Sports memorabilia
- Event tickets to a college or pro sports team
Email EasternElementarySchoolPTO@gmail.com
Lights! Camera! Become a Sponsor!
We are thrilled to announce the Eastern Elementary Spring Auction Fundraiser, and this year, we’re celebrating Hollywood Through the Ages: From Hollywood Legends to Modern Day Icons.
Save the Date
When: April 25th, 2026
Where: The Peninsula Room
Adults Only
More details to come!
We are officially calling all sponsors to join our cast!
Would you like to see your company name in the spotlight? We invite you to be a sponsor! Your partnership will not only contribute to the success of this fundraiser, but it will also provide excellent visibility for your business within our school community. To make it even better, your sponsorship is tax deductible, as the Eastern Elementary PTO is a registered 501(c)3 charitable organization.
Your sponsorship will make a direct impact on Eastern Elementary with 100% of the net proceeds from the event going back to the school.
Email easternelementaryschoolpto@gmail.com to become a sponsor.
Red Carpet Sponsorship: $750
- Reserved Table at Event
- Eight (8) event tickets ($320 value)
- Company logo on the auction program, bidding cards, and displayed throughout the event
- Social media shoutouts
Leading Role Sponsorship: $500
- Six (6) event tickets ($240) value
- Company logo on the auction program, bidding cards, and displayed throughout the event
Rising Star Sponsorship: $250
- Two (2) event tickets ($80 value)
- Company logo on the auction program
Additional PTO Information
Amical
20% of gift card sales at Amical, both online and in store for the week of March 15 - 21, will be donated to Eastern PTO specifically benefiting our Art Department (clay, glaze, cardstock, etc.)! You can purchase gift cards at the restaurant daily between Noon and 8pm or they can be purchased online at Amical Online Gift Cards.
Video Game Club
Eastern's Video Game Club is on the hunt for some new games!
We're looking for:
- 2x Nintendo Switch consoles
- Nintendo Switch games
Do you have a Switch collecting dust at home? Why not give it life where it'll bring joy to our community of gamers?
Proposals
We will be pausing proposal applications until after our Spring Auction on April 25th. A brief pause will allow us to host the event and calculate final proceeds to ensure a strong, sustainable fund to support Fall 2026 staff startup and student field trips. Thanks for understanding!
PTO Links:
BUDGET: 25/26 PTO approved budget.
PENDING / GRANTED PROPOSALS: Log of what has been submitted or accepted for the 25/26 school year
Weekly Breakfast & Lunch Menu
Menu
BREAKFAST
MONDAY
muffins
fruit and milk
TUESDAY
cereal
fruit and milk
WEDNESDAY
mini bagels
fruit & milk
THURSDAY
Cereal
fruit & milk
FRIDAY
SPRING BREAK BEGINS
LUNCH
MONDAY 3/23
1st choice: Hamburger with fries
2nd choice: Sunbutter & Jelly with cheese stick and Crackers
TUESDAY
1st choice: doritos walking tacos
2nd choice: meatless walking tacos
3rd choice: sunbutter & jelly with crackers & cheese stick
WEDNESDAY
1st choice: Grilled Cheese & tomato soup
2nd choice: Mini pepperoni calzones
3rd choice: sunbutter & jelly with yogurt and crackers
THURSDAY
1st choice: cheese pizza
2nd choice Pepperoni pizza
3rd choice:sunbutter & jelly with cheese stick and crackers
FRIDAY 3/27
🌱🪻🌷🐣🐥
SPRING BREAK HAS ARRIVED!!
ENJOY YOUR SPRING BREAK
District News and Notes
Eastern Elementary Useful Links
TCAPS Volunteer Standards of Conduct
WATCH D.O.G.S. Calendar (see where D.O.G.S. have already signed up)
