Long Lake Newsletter
Panther News August 18th, 2025
9.28.25 LL News: Olympics this Friday
Dear Families,
This Friday is our School Olympics! This is an annual event where students compete in Field Day like activities and celebrate their fundraising efforts! We are close to meeting our Fundraising goal of $20,000! We kick off our Olympics with our Opening Ceremonies at 9:20 a.m. This occurs in the amphitheater and all families are welcome to join us! After this ceremony, grade levels have scheduled times to compete during the school day. Students will join their house groups and rotate through the 6 events. Below is the schedule. We hope you can join us!
9:25-9:40 Opening Ceremonies
9:40-10:35 1st/2nd Grade
10:35-11:30 4th/5th Grade
11:30-12:10 Lunch Break for Volunteers and Staff
12:10-1:05 K/JK
1:05-2:00 3rd/Preschool
We are still needing to secure a few more volunteers (especially the Kindergarten and Jr. Kindergarten time). We need at least 6 volunteers for each session. Click the link below to see available slots. Plan to arrive 15 minutes ahead of the start time for volunteering. Any questions, contact Jodi Kline klinejo@tcaps.net Thank you in advance! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044BA9AA2BA64-58643328-olympics
For more information click here.
SCHOOL PICTURES: If you haven't ordered school puctures, there is still time! To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.com or create an account using your student's student ID number.
SCHOOL YEARBOOKS: Yearbooks 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. We do have funds available to help families in need. If your family would benefit from a scholarship for a yearbook, please complete this form or contact the school office to let us know.
A FEW REMINDERS REGARDING DROP OFF/PICK UP: Safety is our highest priority and for this reason, it’s important that we are following drop off and pick up procedures. Our procedures were
included in our first day packets and also available here. It’s extremely important that families are using Crosswalks and designated parking spots. We are modeling for our students and cutting through grass areas to cross the road not only is unsafe for the crossing individuals but also clogs up moving vehicles in our lot. In the carline, please load/unload on the sidewalk side of the vehicle. We don't want students walking in moving traffic. Any student who is waiting outside the front doors before 8:50 a.m. needs to be accompanied by an adult. Earliest drop off can occur at 8:50 a.m. unless a student is enrolled in our morning Extended Day program.
Also, out of an abundance of safety, we request families leave pets at home when visiting TCAPS buildings. This measure emphasizes the safety of children and animals. It is district policy that pets are not allowed on school grounds unless they are specifically part of a classroom activity or program and with prior approval of related requirements. We understand that pets can be a beloved part of your family. However, bringing them to school during drop-off or pick-up can create additional stress for the animal and potentially pose a safety concern for both pets and students. Your cooperation in following procedures to keep everyone safe is very much appreciated!
Your Application Powers Our Schools!
Please complete your Free & Reduced Meal Application by October 1. Your application is crucial as it directly secures state and federal funding that benefits all TCAPS students and programs. Submit it today to provide essential support for our district!
By doing this, your application helps fund:
Reduced fees for programs like LEAP and other extracurricular activities
Equitable access to education by helping fund staffing and resources that benefit all students
Educational extensions such as field trips, enrichment opportunities, and after-school programs
Photo Highlights
PTO Updates
LONG LAKE OLYMPIC FUNDRAISER: TOGETHER WE REACHED OUR 2025 OLYMPIC FUNDRAISER FUNDRAISING GOAL!
The Long Lake Olympics fundraiser event is the only fundraiser of the school year! The students get to celebrate with the annual Long Lake Olympics field day on October 3rd, 2025.
How much more can we raise for the school? Donations are accepted until October 10th. The money from this fundraiser provides reading programs, supplies for teachers and students, monthly family friendly events, supplies and learning materials for each classroom and overall teacher appreciation. In addition, the money helps pay for an all-school field trip, assist in purchasing supplies for the happy feet program, as well as provide exciting school community events throughout the school year. See information below for more details.
Event webpage:2025 Olympic Fundraiser | FundHub
Fun Incentive Prizes: FundHub
CRAFT SHOW COMMITTEE: The PTO is looking for anyone who may be interested in joining a new committee to help coordinate our annual Craft Show in future years. This committee would be responsible for managing vendors, marketing/announcements, event setup and more. Please email longlakepto1@gmail.com for more information. All candidates will be considered at a future PTO meeting.
POPCORN SPONSORS: This is the last week to sign up to be a popcorn sponsor for this year for popcorn Fridays! As a $100 donor, your business logo will be posted in the front window of the principal's office, viewable to all who enter the school or use the car line. If you are interested, please complete the form. Thank you!
POPCORN POPPERS: PTO is happy to provide the entire school popcorn once a month and volunteers are needed. Bring the kids with you for extra helping hands and it is a fun way to meet new friends! Below is the sign up genius to help pop popcorn for students. Please consider helping out.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F44ACAC29A0FBCF8-58294686-popcorn
FALL FESTIVAL: Join us for our Fall Festival on Thursday, October 9th from 4:10 -6:00 p.m. This is made possible by the Farragh family! Celebrate FALL with the Long Lake Community and support Long Lake at the same time! Proceeds from this event provide school yearbook scholarships for students!
DONUT WITH CIDER - $1
MINI PUMPKINS /MINI GOURDS/SUNFLOWERS- 2/$1
SMALL PUMPKINS/GOURDS - $1
MUSIC ~ FALL PHOTO OPThe event will be located in the ourdoor picnic area near the library.
District Updates
NEW LANGUAGE ARTS PROGRAM FOR 2025-26: This school year, TCAPS has adopted a new English Language Arts program across the district. Amplify CKLA (Core Knowledge Language Arts) is a comprehensive Prek-5th grade Reading Program. The program is designed for students to develop essential skills to read, write, communicate, and problem-solve with clarity. For an overview of the program, please click here.
BOARD OFFICE HOURS: The Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) Board of Education will host its next monthly “office hours” at the Traverse Area District Library (TADL) in the McGuire Room, 610 Woodmere Avenue, on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. TCAPS Board office hours provide community members with the opportunity to talk to a school board trustee. This month, Trustee Hardy is scheduled to attend.
Long Lake Events
October 1st Count Day
October 3rd PTO Sponsored Olympics Day (Families are welcome to attend) SCHEDULE
October 7th Fire Prevention Program for Preschool-1st Grade
October 13th TCAPS Early Release Day: LL dismissal 2:02 p.m.
October 17th PTO Sponsored Olympics Closing Ceremonies 1:10 p.m. in the gym
November 4th NO SCHOOL Regional Staff Development Day
November 6th Picture Retake Day
November 6th Elementary School Conferences 5:00-8:00 p.m.
November 11th Elementary School Conferences 5:00-8:00 p.m.
November 13th Elementary School Conferences 5:00-8:00 p.m.
November 21st House Assembly 9:25 a.m.
November 25th TCAPS Early Release Day: LL dismissal 2:02 p.m.
November 26th, 27th, 28th NO SCHOOL Thanksgiving Break