Falcons Weekly News
Week of October 25, 2026
From the Principal
From the Principal
Dear Willow Hill Families,
We are off to a fantastic start for our PTO Fundraiser! Thank you to all who have set up a Fund Hub Page. It has been a lot of fun hearing the buzz of excitement as we advance toward our stretch goal of $30,000. The students are very excited at the prospect of sliming me!
We have set up a few milestone ‘prizes’ in the form of Spirit Days at school. Here are the upcoming celebrations along with the dollar amounts needed to ‘unlock’ each Spirit Day:
$10,000 Hat Day UNLOCKED! Held Thurs 10/22
$15,000 Green Out Day (Wear ALL green) UNLOCKED! Planned for 10/26
$20,000 Monster’s University (Wear Fav. College Sports Team) LOCKED
$25,000 Monster Mash-ion Fashion (Mismatch Day + Principal Surprise) LOCKED
$30,000 School Shirt Day (Slime the Principal Assembly) LOCKED
HALLOWEEN PARADE: The class at the top of our leaderboard at 8:00 a.m. on Friday 10/30 will have the honor of being the front classes (with their buddy classes) for our Halloween Parade!
There are many other prize incentive possibilities for students or classes to achieve. In the end, we all benefit from the classroom support and school activities provided by our PTO. Thanks for your ongoing support of our school!
Go Falcons!
Angela
Falcon Flight Deck: Upcoming Flights & Events
Calendar
October 26-29 GTHD Hearing/Vision Screening
October 30 Halloween Parade, 9:30am & Monster Mash
November 2 No School, Regional Staff Development Day
November 4 Parent/Teacher Conferences, 4:30-7:30
November 9-13 Scholastic Book Fair
November 10 Parent/Teacher Conferences, 4:30-7:30
November 12 Parent/Teacher Conferences, 4:30-7:30
November 13 Picture Retake Day
Halloween Costume Guidelines
We will have our traditional all-school Halloween Parade, on 10/30/26 at 9:30 a.m.
Spectators: Families are welcome to cheer on our students as we parade through Slabtown. Adults choosing to dress up are asked to keep their faces visible without masks.
General costume guidelines for students include:
No full face coverings
Non-violent
No weapons or gore
Please have students come to school ready in their costumes with change of clothes for after the parade. Please check with your child’s teacher regarding specific classroom festivities.
PTO
We’re looking for volunteers to help make our Monster Mash a spooktacular event for our students! Sign-up here to volunteer for 30 minutes at the event. You must already be a TCAPS approved volunteer.
The Willow Hill PTO annual fundraiser is live! There are prizes just for registering. Funds go directly to support classrooms, teachers, and school events. Help us reach our stretch goal of $30,000 so we can SLIME THE PRINCIPAL!!
Log in or register at www.getmovinfundhub.com. Use School Identifier: 618185a129c58
If you are/know a business that would like to contribute, please email w.hillpto@gmail.com with contact information and/or donation details.
Thank you to those who have already contributed!
Fall Parent/Teacher Conference Sign Up
Sign up is happening now for Parent/Teacher Conferences.
Wednesday, November 4, 4:30-7:30pm
Tuesday, November 10, 4:30-7:30pm
Thursday, November 12, 4:30-7:30pm
In order to remain within each teacher’s schedule of appointments, we request that parents make one appointment per child.
To get to the Willow Hill Elementary Conference Scheduler, follow the link provided:
https://ptcfast.com/schools/Willow_Hill_Elementary
Select the teacher(s) from the list that you need to conference with, then click submit.
You will be prompted to provide a working email
PTCfast will send you an email with a link to the teacher schedule(s) you requested.
Select your conference time. If you choose more than one teacher, you can coordinate the conference times for each of your children.
Please schedule your child(ren)’s conference before Thursday, October 29.
Thank you in advance for helping us to achieve our school goal of holding a parent-teacher conference for 100% of our students. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher or the office.
Lost & Found
Overflowing With Items
Please check with your child on missing items. More LOST and not much FOUND!
It is helpful to label all of your child’s items. Parents are encouraged to stop in and take a look.
Library
Book Fair Save the Date!
November 9-13
Follow the link to volunteer, donate, or create an eWallet (starting 10/19).
The book fair will be open during conferences on Tues 11/10 & Thursday 11/12.
Willow Hill Library Volunteer sign up
School Pictures
Lifetouch Pictures
-Pictures went home with students on Friday.
-Retake day is Friday, 11/13
-Any student who was absent on 10/9 will have their picture taken on retake day. For those wanting to retake photos, the picture package must be returned for retakes.
Lunch Menu
Week of October 26th
MONDAY
1st choice: Mozzarella stuffed breadstick w/marinara
2nd choice: Soft pretzel & cheese dip
3rd choice: soy jammer with crackers & yogurt
TUESDAY
1st choice: Beef soft tacos
2nd choice: Cheese quesadilla
3rd choice: soy jammer with crackers & cheese stick
WEDNESDAY
1st choice: Baked chicken nuggets
2nd choice: Mini pizza bento box
3rd choice: soy jammer with crackers & yogurt
THURSDAY
1st choice: Egg bites & French toast bites
2nd choice: X
3rd choice: soy jammer with crackers & yogurt
FRIDAY
1st choice: Cheese Pizza
2nd choice: Pepperoni Pizza
3rd choice: soy jammer with crackers & cheese stick
Salad bar with fruit and veggies are offered every day to all hot lunch students.
**Students who are bringing lunch from home are able to purchase milk for $0.75
District News
Make an impact right in our district! Two great opportunities are hiring now:
College Coaches & Advisers (MCAN & AdviseMI): Help high school students navigate applications and financial aid starting Dec. 1. Earn a $20,000 living allowance plus benefits. Bachelor's degree required; paid training provided!
EcoSchool Site Coordinator (SEEDS): Lead outdoor activities, academic support, and summer camp at Traverse City Heights Elementary ($21.36/hr). Requires 1+ year of youth experience.
Check their websites to apply today!
Honoring Our Local Veterans: Class of 2027
Traverse City Area Public Schools is honored to offer veterans the opportunity to receive their high school diploma and participate in our 2027 graduation ceremonies!
Under Michigan's Public Act 181 of 2001 and Public Act 55 of 2014, the TCAPS Board of Education is authorized to award high school diplomas to veterans of WWII, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam Era in recognition of their service and sacrifice.
Eligibility Details:
WWII Veterans: Must have left high school between December 16, 1940, and December 31, 1946.
Korean War Veterans: Must have left high school between June 27, 1950, and January 31, 1955.
Vietnam Era Veterans: Must have been drafted or enlisted between February 28, 1961, and May 7, 1975, and attended a TCAPS high school.
This opportunity is available to eligible veterans who did not subsequently receive a high school diploma. Family members are welcome to apply on behalf of a living or deceased veteran.
For more information or to submit an application, please call 231.933.1722.
CHS Music Department Presents WONDERLAND
Don't miss the Traverse City Central High School Music Department’s Michigan premiere of WONDERLAND!
Showtimes: Evening performances (7 p.m.) on Nov. 13, 14, 20, and 21; Matinees (2 p.m.) on Nov. 15 and 22.
Tickets: $20 General Admission | $25 VIP
Reserve your seats today at tcaps.booktix.com to support our talented students!
TCAPS Safe Schools Week 2026
As Safe Schools Week comes to a close, thank you to our entire community for partnering with us to keep our learning environments secure, welcoming, and prepared.
Here is a quick recap of the key resources and safety topics highlighted throughout the week:
Road & Bus Safety: Reviewing proper bus light signals (yellow means prepare to stop; red means stop completely in both directions) and staying alert during peak pick-up and drop-off times.
Building Security & Drills: Routine practice of safety drills, including fire, high wind, and lockdown scenarios, using standardized response protocols across all district facilities.
Cybersecurity: Protecting personal information and practicing responsible habits online.
Mental Wellness: Supporting student health through everyday habits like spending time outdoors, maintaining regular routines, and utilizing the confidential, 24/7 OK2SAY tip line.
Free Community Gun Locks: A limited supply of free gun locks provided by the Michigan State Police remains available for pickup at the TCAPS Administration Building (2075 Cass Road) Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to keeping our school community safe, supported, and thriving!
