Montessori Newsletter

Our first week back was a success! Several students received a key lesson from me about Dr. Maria Montessori, her work, and why we do what we do following her method at TCAPS Montessori. I also gave the students two things they are going to work on for the year to be successful learners and to ensure we all have an inclusive, safe learning environment:

1. Believe in ourselves. When things are hard, say, “I can do it, I can do hard things!”

2. Be Stewards of Peace. Dr. Montessori was a Nobel Peace Prize recipient. Her quest for world peace was integrated into her method. At TCAPS Montessori, we start our days with our Peace Pledge (exclusively written for our school by our last Head of School, Lisa Borths):

I promise to make peace my personal goal every day. I will stand up for what is right, step in with kind words when I see injustice, and help foster PEACE in others. As a Montessorian, I pledge peacefulness with honor, and I will lead by example.

This pledge can be used in your home, too! It helps us all remember Maria’s vision for a peaceful world.

Have a peaceful weekend,

Tracy

Get ready for some fantastic family fun! We're thrilled to invite you to our All-School Picnic – a wonderful opportunity to connect with other families, enjoy the outdoors, and let the kids burn off some energy on the playground.

Date: Thursday, September 11th Time: 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM Location: TCAPS Montessori Playground.

This is a casual, bring-your-own-everything picnic designed for community building. PTO will provide some family friendly beverages and Dan the Ice Cream Man will make an apperance (10% of proceeds go to PTO)! Here's what you need to know:

• Main Course & Place Settings: Please bring your family's favorite main course to enjoy, along with your own picnic blanket or camp chairs, and all necessary plates, cups, and utensils.

• Community Sweets Table (Optional): If you're feeling inspired, we'd love for you to bring a dessert to share at our community sweets table! It's a great way to sample some delicious treats and share your baking talents (or your favorite store-bought goodie!).

• Activities: The playground will be open for all students to enjoy, and there will be plenty of space for families to socialize and catch up as we kick off the new school year.

We can't wait to see you there for an evening of laughter, good food, and community spirit!

• DISMISSAL CARLINE REMINDERS:

1. Afterschool carline is for families with students K-3 ONLY. UE and AC only families must use Playground gate, Flagpole, BATA or Top of the Trail for pick up.
2. Please place your family green card on the PASSENGER side visor. Please add teacher's name to the bottom of the card.

• BATA Bus Information:

1. Secondary students can ride BATA free on school days from school to a location. They just show their student ID cards.

2. 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.

3. 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

• Elementary Families - please use the following link to review the 2025-2026 Student/Parent Elementary Handbook. A Student/Parent Handbook Acknowledgement Form has be sent home with each student for families to sign and return to school. PLEASE DO THIS ASAP.
• AC Families - please use the following link to review the 2025-2026 Student/Parent Secondary Handbook. A Student/Parent Handbook Acknowledgement Form has be sent home with each student for families to sign and return to school. PLEASE DO THIS ASAP.

• Move-a-thon fundraising campaign begins next week! Fliers are coming home in backpacks.
• Spirit Wear ship-to-school orders are due next week!
• PTO Kickoff Meeting is Tuesday, Sept 23 @ 3:30 PM
• We've booked a space at Jacob's Farm for Fall Fest, Oct 9th!

For more details + other family resources, click here: PTO Update

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. Board of Education Office Hours. The Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) Board of Education will host its next monthly “office hours” as a virtual meeting on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. You can use this link to join VM: (Google Meet)- meet.google.com/ten-gqes-pow or call 1.440.462.2802; PIN 243 200474#TCAPS Board office hours provide community members with the opportunity to talk to a school board trustee. This month, Trustee Bageris is scheduled to attend.

4. Free & Reduced Meal Application Your Application Powers Our Schools!

1. Michigan Career Pathfinder is an excellent, no-cost online tool for families and young learners to explore future career and education choices. This information is backed by real data on job demand and training paths. We strongly encourage you to check it out with your child to help map out a rewarding future. Michigan Career Pathfinder Information from MDE

2. Dear parents, School pictures are ready! To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.com or create an account using your student's student ID number.All families can also log on and order a FREE Digital SmileSafe card.More about the Smilesafe program here.Thank you!

1. Spanish Class Wish List of Supplies

2. This link: Spanish classes parent updates will take you to updates about all the levels of Spanish: CASA, Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary and Adolescent. Find out what vocabulary your student is learning, what songs we are currently singing & what questions your student should be able to answer in Spanish.

September 11 - School Picnic from 5:00 to 6:30

September 15 - October 3 - NWEA Window

TCAPS District Website

TCAPS Montessori Lunch Menu

District Calendar

American Montessori Society Parent Resources

SEEDS

TCAPS Media

TCAPS Montessori Website

Like us on: TCAPS Montessori Facebook

School Hours: 8:00 am to 3:12 pm

Full Day Dismissal: 3:12 pm

Half Day Dismissal: 11:22 am

Early Release Dismissal: 1:12 pm