The Eastern Star Family Newsletter

This will be my last Principal Ponderings before Thanksgiving*. I wish you all a wonderful day of family, friends, and feasting...oh, and football! I hope the extra time together will bring your family many moments of joy.

#shinebrighttogether

*Next week an email will be shared with lunch choices for the following week and any pertinent information needed.

• 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

Each year Eastern organizes wish lists for families in our school community who need extra support. We are always so thankful those who are able to make any level of a donation.

You can access the list here: Eastern Holiday Giving.

Please make sure all items are at the office no later than Friday, December 12. We ask that items be unwrapped and labeled. The gifts on the list are all labeled by family number.

From December 8-19 we are asking Eastern students to share their musical talents with us! We would love for you to greet students and staff with some holiday music right before school. You can SIGN UP HERE. You will need to arrive at school at 8:35 to get set up.

Food Drive Time! Eastern’s Student Council is spearheading a Non-Perishable Food Drive to benefit Project Feed the Kids this month. Right now families are struggling more than ever and we are committed to helping our community. Please consider sending in non perishable goods between November 17th and 25th. The grades with the most donated items will win a fun prize after Thanksgiving Break.

Join the CHS choir on December 11 to sing carols and eat cookies! Information is on the image below.

Here are some of the volunteer opportunities at Eastern in December. If you want to be contacted early about volunteer opportunities, please fill out THIS FORM.

Volunteer Areas:

Lunchroom

Recess

Ms. Ross: Kindergarten

Mrs. Myers: 2nd Grade

Mrs. Annelin: 5th Grade

Mrs. LaBarre: 2nd Grade

Mrs. Kearney: 5th Grade

Mrs. Stout: 4th Grade

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

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!

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.

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.

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

MONDAY

plain donut

yogurt

TUESDAY

cereal

cheese stick

WEDNESDAY

No school

THURSDAY

Happy Thanksgiving

FRIDAY

No school

LUNCH

MONDAY

1st choice: Louie's hotdogs

2nd choice: Alfredo pasta with breadstick (new item)

3rd choice: sunbutter and jelly, cheese stick and crackers

TUESDAY

1st choice: pizza quesadilla

2nd choice: Ham & cheese sub

3rd choice: Sunbutter & jelly with cheese stick and crackers

WEDNESDAY

No School

THURSDAY

Happy Thanksgiving!

FRIDAY

No school

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)