Montessori Newsletter

Head of School News and Notes

Dear Timberwolves Families,

As Thanksgiving approaches, we want to express our sincere gratitude to this wonderful school community. We are so incredibly thankful for the dedicated teachers and staff who nurture and inspire our children every day. The Montessori philosophy thrives here, creating a place where curiosity is celebrated and true growth happens.

Thank you also to the fellow parents and families who make this community so warm, supportive, and vibrant. It is a true gift to share this journey with all of you.

We had a great school Thanksgiving feast yesterday! Shout-out to Chef Adam and Ms. Blanchard, and our AC students for preparing and helping with this special meal for our students and staff.

Next week we have a short, but learning packed week with school on Monday and Tuesday - Tuesday is an Early Release Day with dismissal at 1:12. Wednesday will start our Thanksgiving break, and school will resume on Monday, December 1, 2025.

Wishing everyone a restful and joyful Thanksgiving filled with peace, warmth, and good company.

With heartfelt thanks,

Tracy

Our fantastic music teacher, Mrs. Smith, will be hosting several performance opportunities for students this school year on December 4th and 5th. The first will be for our Primary-aged Montessori students (Pre-school - Kindergarten). Lower Elementary performances will take place in February, and Upper Elementary performances will take place in the spring.

Please take a look at the invitation below for the December - informances. This will be an informal time for PARENTS/GUARDIANS to attend a music class with their child to see how our students participate and learn during music instruction.

EARLY RELEASE DAY ON TUESDAY, NOV. 25 - Dismissal at 1:12

1. November 26: Our main school office will close after the school day ends on Tuesday, November 25, to allow staff time to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday. The office will reopen on Monday, December 1. If you need immediate assistance during this time, please contact the TCAPS District Office at (231) 933-1700. We wish you a wonderful and restful Thanksgiving break.

2. Attendance Notification: One crucial part of the partnership between school and home is strong school attendance. When students are absent, they miss essential instruction that is difficult to make up later. Imagine being asked to solve subtraction problems when you weren’t present for the intro lesson to build the skill; those gaps can be hard to fill. Our curriculum builds each day and is not easily replicated through makeup work.

The updated TCAPS attendance policy includes a letter home once a student reaches a concerning number of absences (10). The purpose of these letters is simply to bring awareness to how quickly occasional absences can add up. We want to support your child in building consistent school habits that set them up for long-term success. Thank you for doing your part to help limit absences and make each school day count!

3. CLOTHING ON THE PLAYGROUND: Our staff is working to help remind students about leaving clothing/personal items outdoors. Try not to send students to school with extras. A good natural consequence if they forget something is to get it the next school day. If you are playing on our playground after school, please be sure your child has gathered all their personal belongings. Thank you for your support.

4. TOYS @ SCHOOL: Toys, including stuffed animals, are NOT allowed at school. If your child has toy keychains on their backpack, they must STAY on their backpack at all times. If they are caught playing with these during the day, the staff will take them away. The items will be in the office for parents to pick up.

5. Does your family love downhill skiing or snowboarding? TCAPS Montessori participates in the Crystal Mountain School Ski Program. Click this link for more information. PAPERWORK is due by November 25!

Want to sign up for Lunch Buddies? Do you need to order some spirit wear? Wondering about how to get your name into the PTO Family Directory? It's all available in the PTO Update, HERE (https://secure.smore.com/n/3ct649).

Contact PTO (tcapsmo.pto@gmail.com) if you want to make a year-end donation, have questions about how to get involved, or need contact info for the room parent of your child's class.

Spanish Class Wish List of Supplies
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.

November - January

November 25 - Early Release Day; Dismissal @ 1:12 (3 of 9)

November 26, 27, 28 - No School; Thanksgiving Recess

December 1 - School Resumes

December 11 - Early Release Day; Dismissal @ 1:12 (4 of 9)

December 12 - Band & Orchestra Holiday Concert @ 2:00 pm

December 15 - 19 - Holiday Sprit Week

December 22 - Winter Recess Begins

January 5 - School Resumes

January 7 - 23 - Winter NWEA Testing Window

January 8 - New Family Tour @ 3:30

January 19 - Early Release Day; Dismissal @ 1:12 (5 of 9) HOWL Assembly

January 20 - PTO Meeting @ 3:30

January 23 - Early Release Day; Dismissal @ 1:12 (6 of 9); End of 1st Semester

January 23 - Winter Dance (UE Camp Fundraiser Event)

January 27 - Greenhouse Team Meeting @ 3:30

January 29 - Perspective Families Adolescent Community Information Night @ 5:30

1. ⛷️ Shanty Creek Student Pass News: Shanty Creek Resorts is launching a NEW Locals Student Season Pass Program for the 2025-26 winter season, offering a reduced-rate, all-area pass for only $125 to reward students' dedication to education. This offer is available to students in grades 4-12 (ages 9-17) residing in Antrim, Crawford, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Otsego counties. Purchase the pass online using your school's unique code, TRAVERSE, and remember to bring proof of student enrollment when you pick up your pass starting November 29, 2025. Click here for more information.

2. High School Diplomas for Veterans: Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) is honored to offer veterans from WWII, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam Era the opportunity to receive their high school diploma and participate in the 2026 graduation ceremonies! This recognition is authorized by Michigan law for veterans who left school early to serve and haven't yet received a diploma. Who is Eligible? Veterans who served during the specified eras (WWII, Korean Conflict, Vietnam Era). Note: Vietnam Era veterans must have attended a TCAPS high school.

Family members can apply for a living or deceased veteran. For details, call TCAPS at 231.933.1722.