The Eastern Star Family Newsletter

Conferences are now in the books! Thank you again to our families for taking time out of your evening to meet with your child's teacher. I know that our teachers are working diligently to create a culture of learning in each and every one of our classrooms and our students are putting in the work that will no doubt yield positive growth. Your continued support is invaluable!

#shinebrighttogether

• November 19, 3:20-3:45: TBA Student Run Credit Union Deposit Day
• November 21: Popcorn Friday
• November 25: Early Release Day; Dismissal at 1:57 p.m.
• November 26-28: No School; Thanksgiving Break
• December 9, 6:00-7:00: PTO Meeting
• December 17, 3:20-3:45: TBA Student Run Credit Union Deposit Day
• December 22-January 2: Winter Break
• TCAPS 25-26 Calendar

This is a necessary reminder that the South Parking Lot is designated solely for families who are parking and walking their child to the building.

The South Parking Lot is not a drop-off zone. Allowing children to exit vehicles in this area directly violates our safety protocol because it:

1. Creates unexpected traffic movement and pedestrian hazards.

2. Blocks parking spots for families who need to enter the building.

Action Required:

• If you are dropping your child off quickly, you must use the designated, supervised Drop-Off Lane only.

• If you are entering the South Parking Lot, you must park your vehicle and walk your child to the door.

Our protocol is in place to keep everyone on the same page and, most importantly, to maintain a safe, consistent environment for all students during arrival. Thank you for your cooperation.

There are multiple ways you can find out if school is closed due to inclement weather:

• All local radio and televisions stations announce school closings on a regular basis

• Visit the district website or the school website. A pop up will come on the screen if there is a closing alert (pop up blocker must be turned off)

• Follow the district on Facebook, Instagram, or X.

Want more information? View Snow Day FAQs

We do have a very limited supply of spare items for emergency/isolated instances, but unfortunately, we do not have enough to lend out gear for children who regularly forget their items.

The Eastern PTO will create a scrapbook for the 2025-2026 school year. They are asking for families to upload photos to THIS SITE. Please note that 1) not all photos will be able to be used, and 2) some photos may appear in the yearbook instead of the scrapbook. Thank you for your help!

Please sign up HERE would be willing to donate food for Eastern families who may need extra support. We will send a list of what items are needed and ask that you bring them in Monday morning, so that families can pick up early in the week.

Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) is honored to offer veterans from WWII, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam Era the opportunity to receive their high school diploma and participate in the 2026 graduation ceremonies!

This recognition is authorized by Michigan law for veterans who left school early to serve and haven't yet received a diploma.

Who is Eligible?

Veterans who served during the specified eras (WWII, Korean Conflict, Vietnam Era).

Note: Vietnam Era veterans must have attended a TCAPS high school.

Family members can apply for a living or deceased veteran.

For details, call TCAPS at 231.933.1722.

Thank you to everyone who signed up to be an Eastern volunteer through DOGS/MOMS. We are changing the way we coordinate volunteers through this program. Each Friday we will include sign ups for classrooms/school areas that need extra support.

We will also reach out to those who have signed up with DOGS/MOMS. If you would like to be on that list, please fill out THIS FORM.

Volunteer Areas:

Lunchroom

Recess

Mrs. Annelin: 5th Grade

Mrs Kearney: 5th Grade

Mrs. Ferguson: Kindergarten

Mrs. LaBarre: 2nd Grade

Mrs. Stout: 4th Grade

Ms. Ross: 1st Grade

Our school is participating in a creative fundraiser with Art to Remember that allows you to purchase keepsake products customized with your child's art. There are over 60 products and many are less than $20.

These make great gifts and a percentage of every purchase goes right back to our school. Click on the link below and search for your child's name to see their artwork. Then, have fun shopping!

All orders are due by November 17th.

Thanks for supporting the arts!

Mrs. Culik

https://arttoremember.com/school/UXVC89

Please read THIS LETTER to find out more information about the Crystal Mountain Ski/Snowboard Program for Family and Friends of Eastern Elementary. All applications are due by November 18.

Attendance Calls

Please remember to notify the office if your child will be absent or late to school. Automatic phone calls go out each day to anyone who has not notified the office by 9:45. You can call the attendance line at 933-5600 at any time to report an absence.

Where Do PTO Dollars Go?

We are temporarily unable to make changes to our PTO website. For important information regarding budget, creating a proposal or viewing submitted proposals PLEASE see these links below. We want you to stay informed and know how PTO is using funds. If you would ever like to comment on a proposal please reach out to us via email at easternelementaryschoolpto@gmail.com

BUDGET: Click here for the 25/26 approved budget.

SUBMIT A PROPOSAL: Any staff member or parent may submit a proposal. We love hearing from you and want your ideas! Click here and submit one today.

PENDING / GRANTED PROPOSALS: To view a log of what has been submitted or accepted for the 25/26 school year click here

BREAKFAST

MONDAY

Assorted muffins

yogurt, fruit and milk

TUESDAY

cereal

cheese stick fruit and milk

WEDNESDAY

mini pancakes

yogurt, fruit & milk

THURSDAY

Cereal

cheese stick, fruit & milk

FRIDAY

Assorted sweet breads

cheese stick, fruit & milk

LUNCH

MONDAY

1st choice: Bosco sticks

2nd choice: soft pretzel with cheese dip (new item)

3rd choice:Sunbutter & Jelly with yogurt and Crackers

TUESDAY

1st choice: beef fiestada pizza (New Item)

2nd choice: Pizza quesadilla (new flavor)

3rd choice: sunbutter & jelly with crackers & cheese stick

WEDNESDAY

1st choice: Pancakes with sausage and hash browns

2nd choice Sunbutter & jelly with yogurt and graham crackers

3rd choice: no third option

THURSDAY

Thanksgiving meal

1st choice:Turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, stuffing & dinner roll

2nd choice:sunbutter & jelly with yogurt and crackers

FRIDAY

1st choice Cheese Pizza

2nd choice: Pepperoni pizza

3rd choice: sunbutter & jelly with string cheese & crackers

Dr. VanWagoner will be holding all staff office hours on Thursday, November 20, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. This will be a virtual meeting. You can use this link to join, meet.google.com/giu-mzkf-npd, or call +1 631-538-0233‬ PIN: ‪504 947 004‬#

Elementary Handbook

LEAP Website

School Menus

TCAPS Volunteer Form

TCAPS Volunteer Standards of Conduct

WATCH D.O.G.S. Sign Up

WATCH D.O.G.S. Calendar (see where D.O.G.S. have already signed up)