The Eastern Star Family Newsletter
August 28, 2026
Principal Ponderings
We had the great opportunity to host our incoming Kindergarten students on Thursday for Kindergarten signing day. It was the appetizer to the main course when all of our Eastern Stars are going to be here Tuesday at Open House. There is going to be a wonderful buzz in the air, and we look forward to seeing everyone to kick off the 2026-27 school year.
#ShineBrightTogether
Upcoming Events
- September 1, 4:30-6:00: Back to School Open House. Classroom open from 4:30-5:30; PTO provides popsicles from 5:00-6:00.
- September 8: First Day of School
- September 11: Early Release Day; Eastern Dismisses at 1:57
- September 15, 6:00-7:00: PTO Meeting
- September 21: Picture Day, Day 1 (classroom schedules to be shared next month)
- September 22, Picture Day, Day 2 (classroom schedules to be shared next month)
- TCAPS 26-27 Calendar
New Information
Class Placement Notification
Class placement information will be emailed to families Tuesday, September 1, by 1:00 PM.
A Note About Class Placement:
We have an exceptional staff with many strengths and talents, and we continue to add experienced educators to our staff every year. Our teachers work in collaborative teams to ensure that every child receives a guaranteed and viable learning experience aligned to the same common core standards in each grade level.
When assigning students to specific classrooms, the principal and teachers strive to provide the best possible learning environment for students. Considerations are given to the recommendation of the previous classroom teacher, balance of student social, academic, and emotional needs, gender, how many students are receiving exceptional services, the number of students who are being pulled out for small groups, and much more.
If parents have a concern regarding their child’s placement, the following procedures must be followed:
- Allow two weeks for student adjustment to class;
- Conference with the teacher following the end of the second week of school;
- If you still have concerns, submit the concern(s) in writing and make an appointment to meet with the school principal after two weeks.
Drop-Off and Pick-Up
Safety is our top priority, and we need your help to keep our students safe. The morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times are especially busy with a lot of people and vehicles. Please follow the building's established protocols for these times of day.
Review the diagram below to understand the flow for drop-off and pick-up. Your patience is greatly appreciated as we work to make these processes as smooth and secure as possible.
If your child will be riding the bus, all bus information can be found in the My Ride K-12 app.
Do you have any questions about the drop-off and pick-up process? I'm happy to help clarify!
Morning Drop off--JK-5
Supervision starts at 8:45
- Bus riders: buses will drop off in the bus loop. Students will exit from the bus and enter the main doors at the appropriate time.
- Car riders: In the morning, you may drop off your child in the spaces in the pink or the orange. Once your child is dropped off, turn on your left blinker and pull into the inside/left lane to exit the drop off area. It is important that if there is space in front of you, pull your vehicle up as far as you can to allow cars to move in behind you. The bottle necks occur when we don't take up the available space.
- Walkers/Bikers: bikes are to be parked at either the orange or silver bike racks. Walkers and bikers should then wait to enter the building through the main entry doors at the appropriate time.
- Park and walk up: Grades JK-5 may park in the north parking lot and walk their child up. The south parking lot is designated for preschool parking only as they are required to walk their child in through south doors just inside the playground gate.
Afternoon Pickup grades--JK-5:
- Bus riders: bus riders will go straight to their bus and enter.
- Park and Pickup: park in the north parking lot and walk over to connect with your child. Please, wait in the grassy area between sidewalks or near the bike racks.
- Junior Kindergarten students will exit through cafeteria doors. JK parents of older siblings are also asked to communicate with any older children to meet them on the side of the building after they exit through the main doors.
- Kindergarten students will exit through main doors and congregate near the flagpole. Supervising staff will need to get eyes on your before we release them. If wanting an older sibling to pick them up at the flagpole, please, communicate that your Kindergarten teacher.
- Car Riders: First through 5th grade students who are car riders will congregate just in front of preschool windows on sidewalk. A staff member will be present near the cross walk area with megaphone. Using your yellow name cards, staff will call for the student to entering the pink zone to be picked up at a specific numbers. Parents should pull up to that number and wait for their child.
- Walkers/Bikers: students who are walkers or riders should head to their after school destination as quickly as possible.
Birthday Treats at School
As we look forward to a wonderful school year, we want to share a quick reminder regarding birthday celebrations at school.
To prioritize student health, safety, classroom time, and severe food allergies, we do not allow outside birthday treats (such as cupcakes, cookies, or goodie bags) to be brought to school.
We still love making our students feel special on their big day! Every child will be celebrated with:
- A special birthday card from the front office
- A slide announcing their birthday on the lobby TV
- A live birthday shout-out during our morning announcements
- A classroom recognition planned by their teacher (such as a special birthday badge, line-leader privileges, or a favorite activity)
Previous Information
Bus Routing Information
2026-2027 Classroom Supply Lists
Each year families ask about supply lists. Teachers created suggested supply lists. You can find links to them below.
Notes from the Eastern Office
Eastern Summer Office Hours
The Eastern office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00-4:00.
PTO Information
Eastern Spirit Wear is on sale NOW through September 30. Orders can be picked up at Threads, or you can have them shipped to you. To see the different styles that are offered, visit this link: Eastern Spirit Wear Order Form.
Weekly Breakfast & Lunch Menu
BREAKFAST
MONDAY
No school
TUESDAY
Cereal,
cheese stick
fruit, juice and milk
WEDNESDAY
Mini pancakes
yogurt
fruit, juice and milk
THURSDAY
Cereal
cheese stick
fruit juice and milk
FRIDAY
Assorted sweet breads
cheese stick
fruit, juice and milk
LUNCH
MONDAY
NO SCHOOL
TUESDAY
1st choice: cheese quesadilla
2nd choice: Turkey and cheese sub
3rd choice: Sunbutter & jelly with crackers & cheese stick
WEDNESDAY
1st choice: pasta with meatballs and marinara
2nd choice: sunbutter and jelly with crackers & yogurt
No 3rd option
THURSDAY
1st choice:Egg mcMuffin sandwich with sausage and cheese
2nd choice: Sausage wrapped with pancake on a stick
3rd choice: sunbutter and jelly with crackers & cheese stick
FRIDAY
1st choice: cheese pizza
2nd choice: pepperoni pizza
3rd choice: sunbutter and jelly with crackers & cheese stick
Salad bar with fruit and veggies are offered every day to all hot lunch students.
District News and Notes
Back-to-School Photos: Share Smiles, Not Sensitive Information
Taking first-day photos is a great way to celebrate heading back to school! The Michigan State Police reminds families to be careful when posting these pictures online. Even with strict privacy settings, sharing too many details can help scammers or strangers learn about your child.
What to Leave Out:
School names or locations
Grade level or age
Teacher or classroom information
Physical descriptions such as height or weight
Other identifying details that could be used to answer security questions or reveal personal information
Safe Ways to Share:
Snap close-ups of new shoes, a fun backpack, or a big smile.
Focus captions on excitement rather than specific details.
Have fun celebrating the big day while keeping your family's personal information safe!
Extended Day staff will be at school Open Houses (where applicable). Extended Day families are encouraged to stop by to meet the Staff and complete the required paperwork before the program begins.
Volunteer Members Needed for TCAPS PA 226 Sex Education Advisory Board
Selection of members will be based on three criteria – expressed interest, ability to attend meetings as required, and that you meet one of the following categories:
Parent of a student attending TCAPS
Educator
Local clergy
Community health professional
According to the committee bylaws, 50% of the membership shall be the parents of current TCAPS students. If there are more volunteers than there are openings, a lottery system will be used to select members.
If you are interested, please apply on or before September 28, 2026, using the 26-27 TCAPS Sex Education Advisory Board Application.
Any questions can be directed to Erin Johnson, TCAPS Sex Education Coordinator, at johnsoner@tcaps.net.
Annual Tribal Affiliation Data Collection
Per state requirements developed in collaboration with Michigan Tribal Nations, families have the option to annually report their student’s tribal affiliation. This optional data helps strengthen communication with Tribal Nations and allows our district to explore potential grant opportunities to support Indigenous students. All submitted information is strictly confidential and protected under privacy laws, including FERPA.
How to participate: If you choose to share your family's affiliation, please complete the 2026-27 Tribal Affiliation Questionnaire by September 30, 2026. To learn more, visit the Tribal Affiliation Data in Michigan Schools page.
