West Senior High Updates
2025-26 Back to School Newsletter
Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation scholarship opportunities. Applications open Jan 15th! Click here
Senior Class Meeting! Monday, January 26th at 9:00am in the Auditorium!
Senior Class Panoramic Photo
If you are interested in ordering a copy of the class photo taken in September click here.
The College Application Process
This graphic explains a step by step process of how to apply to college and what to consider along the pathway. Included in the graphic are tips on financial aid, transcripts, test scores, implications for those hoping to compete athletically at the college level, and several other considerations.
Michigan Achievement Scholarship
Students and their families looking to secure more financial aid for college are encouraged to
register for an informational webinar about the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which is the
newest State of Michigan scholarship program expected to impact the majority of students.
WSH Curated List of Non-Local Scholarships
This list is a compilation of non-local scholarships with criteria details, target students, and application deadlines. The list truly has a wide variety of opportunities that target all types of students.
Post-Graduation Opportunities Informational Packet for Families
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) office supports students and families each year with information regarding post-graduation options. These MDE support guides can be found at this site: Michigan Career Pathfinder.
The Harper Academy, at the University of Michigan's College of Engineering, is actively recruiting students for its 4-week summer residential program in Ann Arbor for students who are strong in math and science and interested in engineering -- in particular, nuclear engineering. The program offers full days of instructional time, guest speakers, team projects, field trips, social, and recreational activities -- all with adult supervision; housing on North Campus (Bursley Hall); all meals; and even a generous stipend.
The Harper Academy, at the University of Michigan's College of Engineering, is actively recruiting students: Applications are open now -- with a firm deadline of Feb. 28). (1) The program manager (Otis Waters, otis.waters34@gmail.com, 443-736-0191) is happy to schedule phone or Zoom meetings (even 1:1) with counselors, students, parents, etc.
Apply Here: Harper Academy 4 Future Nuclear Engineers — Charles Harper Charities.
Congrats to Elizabeth Vollbrecht and Edward Chan on earning the January Kiwanis Senior of the Month nominations!
This prestigious recognition highlights your excellence in the classroom, strong leadership skills, and commitment to making a difference through service. Great job!
The American Legion Department of Michigan is more than just a veterans' organization; it is a primary investor in the state's future leaders. Driven by the motto "For God and Country," their youth programs are designed to mentor young people in civic responsibility, leadership, and patriotism.
The group stands for the belief that the survival of the republic depends on training youth in the ideals of American government, discipline, and community service.
Key Programs & Opportunities
From Traverse Bay Lifestyles Magazine: We want to invite all area students who are Freshman and above to write a Short Story and email it to us in late January. We will publish one of the 4 winning 'Short Stories' in each of our 2026 quarterly issues beginning with the Spring issue of Traverse Bay Lifestyles. www.traversebaylifestyles.com Students can find the contest details here.
- TC West Sports Schedules: https://tcwathletics.com/
- Tickets & sports passes are available on GO FAN https://gofan.co/app/school/MI10300
Academic Eligibility (Fall 2025 eligibility is based on 2024-25 Semester 2 Grades)
Students who do not pass 66% of their class are ineligible for 60 school days and will miss fall sports (must pass a minimum of 4 of their 6 classes).
Students who passed 66% of their classes but fall under a 2.0 grade point average will be monitored on a grade card for the fall sports season.
Student athletes should be on track with graduation credits.
Ensure you are getting communication!
- Parents should log in and select the 2025-26 MHSAA sports their child plans to participate in in our Final Forms system. If you have not signed up for 2025-26 sports in final forms you are likely missing communications from the coach.
WSH Academic Communities: Academic Communities are not courses. Rather, they are experiences students opt into that extend their learning in an area of interest.
Stay tuned for more information about Academic Communities at West (Global, The Arts, & STEM). Students who would like to join an Academic Community at WSH for the 2025-26 school year can do so here: t.ly/AvVR
Incoming freshman can sign up now if they are interested in the STEM community (Sci-Ma-Tech or Sci-Ma-Health). Incoming freshman can sign up for Global or the Arts after they have completed a semester at West Senior High.
Superintendent Monthly Office Hours: Open to the Community
Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) Superintendent, Dr. John VanWagoner, will have monthly “office hours”, alternating each month between in person and virtual meetings. In person office hours will be held at Horizon Books, 243 E. Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49684 on the second floor (Mezzanine level). Virtual office hours will be held via Google Meet and can be accessed here or by calling +1 475-549-0438 and entering PIN: 961 104 679#. All meetings begin at 5:00 pm. The alternating schedule will be as follows:
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 - Google Meet
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 - Horizon Books
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 - Google Meet
Tuesday, April 7, 2026 - Horizon Books
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 - Google Meet
Tuesday, June 9, 2026 - Horizon Books
Contact
Email: pohlmanha@tcaps.net
Website: https://linktr.ee/tcwsh
Location: 5376 North Long Lake Road, Traverse City, MI, 49685
Phone: 2319337500
Facebook: facebook.com/TCWSH
Twitter: @tcwshtitans