The Eastern Star Family Newsletter

As you schedule conferences, it is a good time to consider what questions you can ask your Star student to involve them in the process as well. The elementary years see our tiny humans grow so much in the process as a whole child. Really lean into the power of "yet" that embraces the struggle. Leaning into our growth edges is where the magic happens! As always, celebrate little wins along the way. These seemingly small wins are truly what makes a BIG difference over time.

Possible questions:

What is something you've worked really hard on so far this year?

What has been hard and how did you get through it?

What is something you are most proud of this year?

What is something you are looking forward to?

#ShineBrightTogether

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Last year we started our Eastern Staff shoutout form. This is a great opportunity to share the good stuff about any staff member at Eastern Elementary. I (Mr. Swegles) receive an email notification when the form has been filled out, and I have the pleasure of sharing your shoutout with them.

• October 27, 9:00-10:30: Picture Re-Takes
• October 29, 5:30-6:30: Trunk or Treat
• October 30, 9:15-9:45: Halloween All School Parade
• November 2: No School; Staff Professional Development
• November 4, 4:30-7:30: Parent-Teacher Conferences
• November 10, 4:30-7:30: Parent-Teacher Conferences
• November 12, 4:30-7:30: Parent-Teacher Conferences
• November 24: Early Release Day; Eastern Dismisses at 1:57
• November 25-27: No School; Thanksgiving Break
• TCAPS 26-27 Calendar

Congratulations to Beatrix and Benjamin for being selected as this year's Eastern Cherry Festival Prince and Princess. Beatrix and Benjamin's names were entered in a drawing with all other interested 1st graders. We are excited to cheer them on next summer!

Eastern will host a Book Fair with Artemis Books with November 19 and 20. Here are the details:

Thursday, November 19: 8:30-4:30 (for students and visitors)

Friday, November 20: 8:30-6:30 (for students and visitors)

There will be an after school event from 4:00-6:30 on Friday. It will be a fun evening of guest readers and activities. Students must be accompanied by an adult. This is not a drop-off event where your child can just stay after school. An adult must be with them.

The Book Fair is a great opportunity to support the Eastern Library. If you have any questions, contact Ms. Asiala (asialahe@tcaps.net).

Mrs. Richmond, Mrs. Ray, and Mrs. Neveau have enjoyed the first few weeks getting to know your students and getting them moving in physical education class. We are now cruising along at a good pace!

Our stars have our routines down and are showing us they know what we are expecting when they come to PE. We’ve been able to get into some fun activities and completed our first assessment. We’ve practiced some football and soccer skills both inside and outside. The students have worked on their fitness through a variety of games and activities and we completed our first aerobic conditioning assessment, the Pacer.

Next, we are excited to embrace the excitement of Halloween and play some Halloween themed activities. We always like when fitness and fun can go hand in hand. Ask your student(s) what their favorites have been so far!

Each year Eastern helps provide Thanksgiving meals to families. Jim Cooley, parent of two Eastern Stars, helps coordinate this effort. If you are interested in helping, please email Jim at james.cooley@und.edu. Thank you in advance for your support.

In addition to the handicap spaces, please, be cognizant of the three additional reserved spaces that are in Eastern's parking lots. We have two spaces in the north and one in the south parking lot. Two of which were part of our spring auction with funds going to support Eastern students and staff. The third is in support of someone going through a season of life and it's our small way of helping .

Please, refrain from parking in these spots or utilizing during drop off and pickup. Please, reach out to Mr. Swegles with questions.

All Eastern families must submit the Student Handbook Acknowledgement form. First you will review the TCAPS Student Handbook. Then you will access your PowerSchool parent account and fill out the Handbook Acknowledgement form. The office will send hard copies of the form to families who don't fill out the online form. Thank you in advance for filling out the form.

Wanted to give this item some additional attention as we continue to see a plethora of personal items at school. We've also had a few situations where students are working on their bartering skills and one side is left feeling upset due to a poor business decision. TCAPS/Eastern are not responsible for items of personal value that are not needed for education purposes. Squishies, trading cards, stuffies, or any general item worth more than $5 is encouraged to be left at home.

Handbook/Policy language is below:

Personal Property

Students should not bring personal property to school that is not needed for educational purposes.

Responsibility and Maintenance

• Student Liability: The care and maintenance of personal items is the sole responsibility of the student. TCAPS does not assume any responsibility for these items.

• Prohibited High-Value Items: Items worth more than $5.00, treasured toys, trading cards, and electronic devices should NOT be brought to school.

• Confiscation: Any item that causes a disruption to the school environment will be confiscated and held in the principal’s office until a parent or guardian picks it up.

Each year PTO organizes meals for teachers on parent-teacher conference nights. If you would like to help, please add your name to the November 10 Meal Sign Up.

Thank you to everyone for helping, and thanks to Shanna Girrbach for organizing.

Picture retakes are October 27 from 9:00-10:30 a.m. Bring your original package if available. You can still order on the Lifetouch Website. The Eastern Picture Day ID is EVTFHQSH7.

Mark your calendars! The Eastern Student Council will host the annual Trunk or Treat on Thursday, October 29nd, from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM in the school parking lot. Please note that the school will be closed.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, October 29th

• Time: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM (Trunk host arrival & setup begins at 5:00 PM)

• Location: Eastern Elementary Parking Lot

If you are interested in hosting a trunk, please sign up here: Use This Link to Host a Vehicle for Trunk or Treat

Eastern’s fall parent-teacher conferences are November 4, 10, and 12. Sign up at the links below. Please remember the following:

• Conferences are limited to 15 minutes, so please make sure you are on time.

• Consider scheduling a break between conferences if you have multiple children; that will allow you to be on time for your conferences and stay the full amount of time.

• If you have a child in 4th or 5th grade, only sign up with your child’s homeroom teacher.

Mrs. Feaster's Conference Sign Up

Mrs. Harwell's Conference Sign Up

Mrs. Odette's Conference Sign Up

Ms. Edwardson's Conference Sign Up

Ms. Freeman's Conference Sign Up

Miss Luecke's Conference Sign Up

Dr. Chaprnka's Conference Sign Up

Ms. Ross's Conference Sign Up

Mrs. Stout's Conference Sign Up

Mrs. Fak's Conference Sign Up

Mrs. Hites's Conference Sign Up

Mrs. LaBarre's Conference Sign Up

Mrs. LaBlanc's Conference Sign Up

Mrs. Norton's (Blanchard) Conference Sign Up

Mrs. Shembarger's Conference Sign Up

Ms. Stoudt's Conference Sign Up

Mrs. Berger's Conference Sign Up

Ms. Lutes's Conference Sign Up

Mrs. Nelson's Conference Sign Up

Mrs. Annelin's Conference Sign Up

Mr. Cooper's Conference Sign Up

Mrs. Kearney's Conference Sign Up

Mrs. Markey's Conference Sign Up

Mr. Swegles's Conference

Join us at Thirlby Field on Friday, Oct 23 as the Trojans and Titans come together to honor Veterans, active-duty military, and first responders! Gates open at 5:30 PM, with ceremonies starting at 6:35 PM and kickoff at 7:10 PM.

Tickets are $7 in advance on GoFan.co or $7–8 at the Thirteenth Street gate. Admission is FREE for all Veterans, active military, and first responders. Be sure to pick up commemorative apparel at either high school from Oct 12–23 (red for Trojans and blue for Titans) with all proceeds benefiting Reining Liberty Ranch.

Skip the lines and get full event details at www.tcaps.net/tcpatriotgame!

Please read this Crystal Mountain Ski Informational Letter if you are interested in learning about skiing and snowboarding opportunities.

Eastern's annual Halloween Parade will be Friday, October 30, from 9:15-9:45. Weather permitting the parade will be outdoors. More information will be shared closer to Halloween.

As a reminder, costumes should be non-violent. No blood, weapons, pretend weapons, or gore is allowed. Adults in costume cannot have their faces covered or have a costume that makes them unrecognizable to staff.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a fun, safe environment for our students.

Eastern is looking for volunteers to help in the cafeteria and at recess. You can sign up at the links below. If you have any questions, please contact the office.

All volunteers must submit the TCAPS Volunteer Form.

1st and 3rd Grade Recess Volunteer Sign Up (10:10-10:40)

Kindergarten and 2nd Grade Recess (2:05-2:35)

4th and 5th Recess (3:10-3:40)

JK. Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd Grade Lunchroom/Lunch Recess Volunteer Sign Up (11:05-12:25 )

3rd, 4th, 5th Grade Lunchroom/Lunch Recess Volunteer Sign Up (12:00-1:30)

Please remember to report your child's absence. You can call the attendance line (933-5600) and leave a message at any time. If your child is sick, report the symptoms (GI and/or fever). Students must be fever-free without meds for 24 hours before they can return to school; they almost must not have vomited and/or had diarrhea for 24 hours before returning to school.

BREAKFAST

MONDAY

Muffins

fruit, juice and milk

TUESDAY

Cereal,

fruit, juice and milk

WEDNESDAY

Mini bagel pastries

fruit, juice and milk

THURSDAY

Cereal

fruit juice and milk

FRIDAY

Assorted sweet breads

fruit, juice and milk

LUNCH

MONDAY

1st choice: Bosco sticks

2nd choice: soft pretzels

3rd choice: sunbutter & jelly with crackers

TUESDAY

1st choice: soft tacos

2nd choice: quesadillas

3rd choice: sunbutter & jelly with crackers

WEDNESDAY

1st choice: chicken nuggets with dinner roll

2nd choice: pizza bento box

3rd choice: sunbutter & jelly with crackers

THURSDAY

1st choice: french toast bites with egg bites

2nd choice: sunbutter & jelly and crackers

No 3rd choice

Friday

1st choice: cheese pizza

2nd choice: pepperoni pizza

3rd choice: sunbutter & jelly with crackers

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!

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.

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!

• 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!

Elementary Handbook

LEAP Website

School Menus

TCAPS Volunteer Form

TCAPS Volunteer Standards of Conduct