Montessori Newsletter

Head of School News and Notes

Welcome Back to School!

We’re so excited to welcome your family back for the first day of school on Tuesday, September 2, 2025! Drop-off begins at 7:55 a.m., with doors opening at 8:00 a.m. and instruction starting at 8:15 a.m. Dismissal is at 3:12.

The transition from a relaxed summer to a structured school routine can be a big change for children. To help your child feel prepared and secure, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Establish a routine: Re-establishing a consistent bedtime and wake-up time now can make a huge difference in their energy and focus.
Prioritize healthy meals: Nutritious meals are key to keeping them fueled for a day of learning and engaging.
Offer support and love: As children adjust to new schedules and environments, they may experience some discomfort. Reassuring words, positive praise, and a calm presence from you can help them feel safe and loved.

Our instructional team is ready to help all students acclimate to their new classroom routines, schedules, and peers. This period of adjustment is a natural part of growth, and we believe that learning happens even in moments of discomfort. Your encouragement and support at home are invaluable as we begin this new school year together.

A gentle reminder: If you haven't already done so, please ensure that you communicate your family's preferred drop-off and pick-up procedure (see the link for options) directly to your child's teacher.

I look forward to seeing everyone soon!

Tracy Rucker

Head of School

Updates & Reminders

Medications must be brought to school by parent to the office with medication authorization form (link). This medication authorization form must be on file whenever medication is brought to school. The form includes written instructions from the child’s health care provider, specific information about the medication, and a parent's signature. This policy applies to prescription as well as over-the-counter medications. The forms are available in all school offices and many physicians’ offices. Medication can not be sent in with your student.
Hello SEEDS Families, Enrollment for the '25-'26 SEEDS After-school program is now open for TCAPS Montessori and Traverse Heights Students, with our estimated start date of September 15th! To enroll your child, please complete the New Student Enrollment Packet. Priority enrollment will be given to students who attended Summer Seeds '25. Our After-school program is offered Monday-Thursday from 3:12 pm-6 pm and Friday from 3:12 pm-5:30 pm. The current cost of programming is $5 per day. We anticipate switching to a fully paid program in January, as 32N grant funding may not be available. We will conduct feasibility studies to determine the new cost per day
Spanish Class Wish List of Supplies
BATA Bus Information: Secondary students can ride BATA free on school days from school to a location. They just show their student ID cards.

The Bayline stop @ Meijer is great for folks who work downtown! Drop your kiddo off at school and then pick up the BATA to avoid downtown traffic and parking.
We have a BATA stop right in front of our school. Email Bill Clark for more information on accessing this option for your student: clarkw@bata.net

1. Volunteers: Volunteers are asked to review the Volunteer Page on the district's website and read the Volunteer Standards of Conduct.

Volunteers are asked to complete the online volunteer application form.

Once the form has been completed, volunteers can expect to hear back in 1-2 business days, after submission, from TCAPS Human Resources Department.

2. SUPERINTENDENT OFFICE HOURS: September 16, 2025, 5:00-6:00 p.m., and will be a virtual meeting: join using this link: meet.google.com/cpo-wwwz-qat or you can join by phone:

‪(US) +1 475-549-0438‬ PIN: ‪961 104 679‬#

3. Volunteer Members Needed for TCAPS PA 226, Sex Education Advisory Board: The TCAPS Sex Education Advisory Board meets five to eight times per year to review sex education curriculum, materials, and methods of instruction. The meetings are typically scheduled from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month.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:

a. Parent of a student attending TCAPS

b. Student in the school district (age-appropriate)

c. Educator

d. Local clergy

e. Community health professional

f. Other interested citizens residing in the district.

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 29, 2025, using the 25-26 TCAPS Sex Education Advisory Board Application. Any questions can be directed to Dan McGee, TCAPS Sex Education Coordinator at mcgeeda@tcaps.net.