Long Lake Newsletter

Dear Families,

This week is a busy one on campus! This Thursday, April 16th is an Early Release Day for TCAPS. Long Lake Elementary dismisses at 2:02 p.m. We have a PTO Meeting after school on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. You can join in person in the library or virtually at https://meet.google.com/fxd-mvaf-iic

On Friday, thanks to funding from PTO, we get to experience the North Sky Raptors who will be leading three assemblies for our students! We will be wrapping up the week on Saturday with our Bro Glow PTO event at 6:30 p.m. in the gym.

It's a great week to be a panther!

Warm regards,

Kate Burwinkel

Long Lake Elementary Principal

Three photos. The first one is three students playing a board game, the second photo shows two students pushing manipulatives to show word parts, the third photo shows a teacher naming letter sounds with two student leaders

Three photos from 1st grade transformation. The first photo is the entrance to the class door decorated like the earth's layers. The second photo is the teacher teaching about the earth's layers, the third photo shows the students making volcanoes.

Three photos from Spirit Week. The first one shows students at mix it up lunch sitting with new friends. The second photo is students wearing silly hats and the third photo is two teachers wearing mix matched clothing.

Save the Date All School Field Trip May 28th

We are excited to partner with the Boardman River Nature Center again this year to participate in our All School Field Trip on May 28th. They are organizing and planning specific field lessons to match each grade level content standards. We will be looking for parent chaperones for the date. Please see the permission slip and chaperone information here. A direct link to the online volunteer form can be found here. Paper copies of the permission slip will be coming home this week!

Class Formation Input Survey for Families

Believe it or not, we are starting to plan for next school year! We are asking families to provide input for next year through the completion of an optional survey. The purpose of the survey is to give an opportunity to relay information that will help develop balanced classes for next year. Class roster development for the 2026/27 school year involves collaboration between current grade teacher(s) and the principal. The development of class rosters is complex, and includes looking at class size, varying learning styles, student behavior, balancing special needs, and balancing academic needs of the group. Our classroom teachers know their students well, and will have a high level of input for development of rosters that merge those qualities into a class community where success is the goal for ALL students. If you are interested in sharing feedback for this process, please use the survey below. Please do not request specific teachers as this information will not be used to create rosters. The information provided will be taken into consideration when classes are being built. Parent input will only be accepted through May 3, 2026: SURVEY LINK

Moovers for Moms Partnership

Long Lake Elementary is proud to continue to partner with Two Men and a Truck, collecting essential women's care donations from now until May 5th! We’re collecting items such as shampoo and conditioner, hairbrushes, paper towels, toilet paper, laundry detergent, diapers, baby items, body wash, and any other comfort items. The items will be assembled in gift baskets and delivered to the Woman’s Resource Center for Mother’s Day. Thanks for helping moms this Mother’s Day! Thank you Ms. Casey for leading this community outreach activity.

Happy Feet is BACK starting April 21st and will continue on Tuesdays and Thursdays this Spring!

This is a fun extra that is made possible by our parents! Happy Feet allows students to run/walk on the track during lunch recess to earn foot tokens. Our students absolutely LOVE this opportunity and we’re excited to get it back up and running this spring! Find out more about the Happy Feet Program and consider signing up to punch running cards at the track. Please sign up using the Volunteer Sign Up Link This is a fun extra that is made possible by YOU! Thanks for considering!

Toys at Schools

We’re noticing more and more students bringing toys and Pokemon cards to school. This can become a problem because items end up getting lost, broken or a precious card unintentionally traded. Please help us out by keeping personal items at home. Students can bring equipment for recess that mirrors things that we already have in our recess tubs. For example, if a student would like to bring a basketball, football or a 4 Square Ball, they can write their name on the ball and keep it in their lockers ahead and after recesses. Unfortunately, items that are not part of our regular recess equipment stash cannot be brought. If a student or family is unsure on an item, please check the office. Thanks for your support!

Yearbooks for Purchase

Last call for Yearbooks! They are available to purchase online and the deadline to order is April 17, 2026. To order, visit the following website: www.ybpay.lifetouch.com. You will need the Long Lake yearbook ID Code which is 15170526. The cost is $12 per yearbook. They will not be available for purchase at the end of the school year so buy them now! If your family would benefit from a scholarship for a yearbook, please complete the request scholarship for yearbooks form or contact the school office to let us know.

Photo of bunny with QR code for yearbook

Photos of each of the House Logos: Lighthouse Keepers in Yellow, Inland Navigators in Blue, Dune Climbers in Orange, Orchard Harvesters in Red, Woodland Explorers in Gree, and Rock Hunters in Purple

House Assembly:

Our next House Assembly is Friday, April 24th @ 9:30 a.m. Families are welcome to join us and be a part of this celebration! Just sign in at the office upon arrival. We will highlight one student per class and recognize classes for attendance and for following our lifelong guidelines!

Bro Glow for Parents and Sons

Mothers and Sons (or any other adult member) are invited to an evening of all things glow in the dark on Saturday April 18th from 6:30pm - 8:30pm! We will have a Photo booth, white tee shirts to decorate, glow wear, music, sports and games, snacks and treats, tattoos and more! If you would like to donate a snack or an hour of your time, check out the sign ups below. We look forward to seeing you there!

Link to Volunteer for Bro Glow

Volunteer to donate snacks: Snack Donation Volunteer Link

Flyer for PTOs Bro Glow for Mothers/sons on April 18th 6:30-8:30. §20 per Couple • $25 per Family of 3 or More Sports Activities & Games White T-Shirt Decorating Glow Wear & Tattoos Snacks & Treats Photo Booth Music & Dancing

Popcorn Poppers

The PTO is happy to provide popcorn to the entire school once a month, but we need your help! Volunteering is a fun way to meet new friends, and you are welcome to bring your children along to help. Please consider signing up here:. Popcorn Sign Up Link on Sign Up Genius.

Spring Fling Silent Auction Items

We are seeking donations for our Silent Auction at the end-of-year Spring Fling event in May. If you, your business, or someone you know may want to donate a gift certificate or auction item, please fill out the Silent Auction Donation form. Thank you for your consideration!

Princess Dance Photos

If you would like a digital copy from the Photo Booth, please email the PTO at Longlakepto1@gmail.com with your name and your daughter’s name and we will gladly send you a copy.

PTO Large Purchase Items

Thanks to the generosity of our community, our PTO exceeded their fundraising goal this year! During the last meetings, PTO discussed nominations for use of these funds and they are in the process of making these purchases! Thanks to our community we are receiving additional books for our school library and additional seating in the space, a future assembly with the North Sky Raptor Sanctuary, reupholstered hallway and library benches and renovations to the staff lounge! This wouldn't be possible without your support of our fundraising efforts each year! Thanks for allowing us to provide extras for our school!

A photo describing PTO purchases planned with extra funds raised this year. Thanks to our community we are receiving additional books for our school library and additional seating in the space, a future assembly with the John Ball Zoo, reupholstered hallway and library benches and renovations to the staff lounge!

Save the Date Spring Fling

Friday May 15th for Long Lake’s Spring Fling! Join us for an evening listening to the lovely Miriam Pico singing, horse drawn wagon rides around the track, balloon animals, hot dog dinner, games and more! We hope to see you there!

TCAPS Calendar Finalized for Next Year

The 2026-27 TCAPS Academic Calendar has been approved by the Board of Education. View the 2026-2027 Academic Calendar here.

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.

Title: 2026 TCAPS District-Wide Art Show

The community is invited to the upcoming TCAPS Art Show, a district-wide exhibition featuring student work from across all grade levels. This event provides a space to view various projects created this year.

Event Details:

Location: The Village at Grand Traverse Commons
Dates: April 23 – May 7, 2026
Opening Reception: April 23, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Admission: Free and open to the public

The opening reception of this showcase is made possible through the support of our 2026 sponsors: Oryana Community Co-op, Harvitt Insurance Agency/Meemic, Tom’s Food Markets, and Mundos Coffee. We look forward to sharing the creative efforts of our students with the community.

Banner for the 2026 TCAPS Art Show featuring colorful abstract geometric shapes on a black background. A pink stripe below the event title lists sponsors including Oryana Community Co-op, Harvitt Insurance Agency/Meemic, Tom’s Food Markets, and Mundos Coffee.

April 16th: TCAPS Early Release Day: LL dismissal 2:02 p.m

April 16th: PTO meeting at 6:30 p.m. https://meet.google.com/fxd-mvaf-iic

April 17th: North Sky Raptor Assembly 10:00-11:00 4th/5th; 11:00-12:00 1st-3rd; 12:15-1:15 Prek/K

April 18th: PTO Bro Glow @ 6:30-8:30 p.m.

April 21st: MSTEP Testing Begins for 5th Graders

April 22nd: Music Informances 10:55-11:25 1st Luecke

April 24th: Long Lake House Assembly @ 9:30 a.m. All families are welcome!

April 24th Music Informances 10:20-10:50 K Schlunentz 10:55-11:25 K Richardson

May 4th: MSTEP Testing Begins for 4th Graders

May 5th: MSTEP Testing Begins for 3rd Graders

May 15th: PTO Sponsored Spring Fling

May 18th-May 22nd: NWEA testing for K-5th Graders

May 22nd: Long Lake House Assembly @ 9:30 a.m. All families are welcome!

May 25th: No School Memorial Day

May 28th: Long Lake All School Field Trip to Boardman River Nature Center

May 28th: PTO meeting at 6:30 p.m. https://meet.google.com/fxd-mvaf-iic

Long Lake Website: https://www.tcaps.net/o/lles

Long Lake Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LongLakeElementarySchoolTCAPS

PTO Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Long-Lake-Elementary-PTO-305155839569856/