Westwoods Newsletter

Dear Westwoods Elementary Families,

As the Principal of Westwoods, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2026-2027 school year, my fifth year with this learning community and the Westwood Wings families. We are all excited to have students back in our classrooms. It is our mission to exist to educate and believe that education improves the quality of life for everyone, and we look forward to partnering with you to achieve it.

We know each student is an individual, bringing unique talents and needs to school every day. We pride ourselves on the opportunities that we have available to help each and every child succeed. These opportunities are included in our academic programming, which ensures that each student is challenged appropriately while building a foundation of knowledge and skills. In addition to basic core subjects, students have access to electives, extracurricular activities and other resources (such as the library and technology) that help them develop their strengths, interests and talents, whether in the arts, music, athletics, STEM (science/technology/engineering/mathematics) or other areas. We also offer a wide range of services that support the total child, including social/emotional support, social work, tutoring and more. We are always looking to the future, searching for new strategies to help students succeed—and preparing them for what comes next.

This work is not easy, but Westwoods is a community of professionals. We all—teachers, administrators, school social workers, support staff and the many others working with us—are collaborating to create a safe, supportive, welcoming learning community where all students are treated fairly and have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Families and other community members play a critical role as partners in supporting both your students at home and work in the schools. We look forward to working with you throughout the year to make important decisions that impact both your child as an individual and the school as a whole. As a start to this partnership, we hope you will consider signing up to volunteer throughout the school year, joining the PTO, reading to students 20 minutes a day or many other opportunities that arise throughout the school year. To stay up-to-date on what’s happening throughout the year, please stay in touch with your classroom teacher, as well as using our school website and facebook page.

Westwoods is a wonderful learning community. I feel so privileged to be a part of it. This is a very special place, and my colleagues and I appreciate the trust that you’ve shown in us by sending your children here every day. We will do our best to ensure they have a fulfilling, happy and safe year.

Please do not hesitate to contact me at tisdaleto@tcaps.net or 231-933-7903 if you have any questions or concerns.

I am looking forward to a great school year.

Sincerely,

Toby Tisdale

Principal

First Day of School: Tuesday, Sep 8, 2026

On the first day, our staff will be on the front lawn from 8:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. to greet students and help them find their classrooms. The teachers will be lined up on the lawn holding signs with their names, from kindergarten at the north/playground end of the building to 5th grade near the main entrance. You’ll also find a "Westwoods" sign set up by the PTO for a first day of school photo op!

Drop-off Procedures:

Click on the link below to view a more detail map of drop off and pick procedures.

Carline Safety

• Car Loop: If you use the car loop, please remain in your vehicle and do not park.

• Parking Lot: If you choose to walk your child to the building, please park in either the main or side parking lot.

• Bus Riders: For students arriving by bus, staff members will be there to greet them and walk them to their teachers on the front lawn.

• Late Arrivals: If your child arrives after 9:00 a.m., please sign them in at the front office. A staff member will then accompany them to their classroom.

Our Westwoods PTO, staff, and community do an outstanding job of fundraising to enhance our children’s experience here at Westwoods. The majority of the classroom supplies that your child will need have been purchased in advance in order to ensure all students are prepared for the start of the school year.

TCAPS 2026-27 Calendar

Here is the link for the TCAPS 2025-26 school year calendar: 2026-27 District School Year Calendar which includes dates for half days, early release days, and holidays.

2026-27 Medications at School

A Medication Authorization Form is required for all medication that needs to be kept and administered at school. The form needs to be filled out by a physician or licensed health care provider and turned into the office. Medications, including over-the-counter products, must be delivered by a parent/guardian - do not send medications in your child’s backpack. If your student has any life-threatening medical conditions or allergies, please be sure you have let the Westwoods Office staff know to ensure that a Care Plan is created.

2026-27 TCAPS Food Services Update

This year, free breakfast and lunch will continue for all students.TCAPS Urges All Families to Complete the Free & Reduced Meal Application to Secure Vital District Funding

2026-2027 Breakfast/Lunch Application.

2026-2027 Student/Parent Handbook

The TCAPS 2026-2027 Student/Parent Elementary Handbook is available on our school’s web page and is intended for use by students, parents/guardians, and staff as a guide to the rules, procedures, and general information about the district. Please familiarize yourself with the handbook and use it as a resource to assist your student(s) with following its rules and procedures.

To acknowledge your receipt of the handbook, you may log into your PowerSchool Parent Portal account and submit the 2026-2027 Handbook Acknowledgement Form (under Forms → Enrollment), or sign and return the physical form that will be sent home during the first week of school.

Helpful Links

2026-27 District School Year Calendar

TCAPS Food & Nutrition Services Info

LEAP (Learning, Enrichment, & Athletic Programs)

Extended Day Information

Westwoods Facebook Page

Westwoods Office Hours & Contact Information

The Westwoods Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can reach the Westwoods Office staff at:

• Main Office/Attendance Line: (231) 933-7900

• Toby Tisdale
  Principal
  (231) 933-7903
  tisdaleto@tcaps.net
  

• Dibiangie Craig
  Administrative Asst.
  (231) 933-7901
  craigdi@tcaps.net
  

• Kelly Niskanen
  Administrative Asst.
  (231) 933-7902
  niskanenke@tcaps.net
  

• Westwoods Fax Number: (231) 933-7904

To read more information, view the Snow Day FAQs

We want to showcase your child's interests outside of school on our TV slideshow for staff and students to enjoy. The slides will be updated each season: Fall (September - November), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - May).

Please send pictures to Kelly Niskanen at niskanenke@tcaps.net.

• Please make sure kids are keeping their toys, Pokémon cards, etc. at home to avoid loss, damage or other issues.

First Day - 9/08/2026

Early Dismissal - 9/11/2026

Picture Day - 10/12/2026

First PTO Meeting 9/15/2026 6:30pm

Social Event 9/17/2026 Westwoods Elementary

Please click on the link below to visit the PTO's Website.

Per state requirements developed in collaboration with Michigan Tribal Nations, families have the option to annually report their student’s tribal affiliation. This optional data helps strengthen communication with Tribal Nations and allows our district to explore potential grant opportunities to support Indigenous students. All submitted information is strictly confidential and protected under privacy laws, including FERPA.

How to participate: If you choose to share your family's affiliation, please complete the 2026-27 Tribal Affiliation Questionnaire by September 30, 2026. To learn more, visit the Tribal Affiliation Data in Michigan Schools page.

Taking first-day photos is a great way to celebrate heading back to school! The Michigan State Police reminds families to be careful when posting these pictures online. Even with strict privacy settings, sharing too many details can help scammers or strangers learn about your child.

What to Leave Out:

• School names or locations

• Grade level or age

• Teacher or classroom information

• Physical descriptions such as height or weight

• Other identifying details that could be used to answer security questions or reveal personal information

Safe Ways to Share:

• Snap close-ups of new shoes, a fun backpack, or a big smile.

• Focus captions on excitement rather than specific details.

Have fun celebrating the big day while keeping your family's personal information safe!

• Extended Day staff will be at school Open Houses (where applicable). Extended Day families are encouraged to stop by to meet the Staff and complete the required paperwork before the program begins.

The TCAPS Sex Education Advisory Board meets five to eight times per year to review sex education curriculum, materials, and methods of instruction. The meetings are typically scheduled from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month. Membership terms are for 3 years, and members must attend at least 50% of the scheduled meetings for the year to maintain their seat.

Selection of members will be based on three criteria – expressed interest, ability to attend meetings as required, and that you meet one of the following categories:

• Parent of a student attending TCAPS

• Educator

• Local clergy

• Community health professional
  
  

According to the committee bylaws, 50% of the membership shall be the parents of current TCAPS students. If there are more volunteers than there are openings, a lottery system will be used to select members.

If you are interested, please apply on or before September 28, 2026, using the 26-27 TCAPS Sex Education Advisory Board Application.

Any questions can be directed to Erin Johnson, TCAPS Sex Education Coordinator, at johnsoner@tcaps.net.

TCAPS is offering free breakfast and lunch meals at every building, every school day.
Free breakfast is served daily! TCAPS Food and Nutrition Services reminds parents and students that TCAPS offers free breakfast before the start of every school day at every building in the district. Secondary buildings offer breakfast in the cafeterias, and elementary buildings provide a convenient "Grab & Go" breakfast for students to enjoy in the classrooms or the cafeterias. TCAPS encourages every student to grab a free breakfast before the start of each school day to ensure they have the energy necessary to excel.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Monday

No School

Tuesday

Cheese Quesadilla

With

Tomato Salsa

Turkey & Cheese Sub OR Ham & Cheese Sub

Soy Jammer with Cheese Stick and Assorted Snack Crackers

Wednesday

Rotini Pasta and Meatballs with Marinara Sauce

With

Grated Parmesan Cheese

Breadstick

Soy Jammer with Yogurt and Graham Crackers

Thursday

Turkey Sausage, Egg, and Cheese English Muffin Sandwich

Maple Turkey Sausage Pancake Wrap

Soy Jammer with Yogurt and Assorted Snack Crackers

Friday

Four Cheese Pizza

Big Daddy's Pepperoni Pizza

Soy Jammer with Cheese Stick and Assorted Snack Crackers