Westwoods Newsletter

Dear Westwoods Elementary Families,

I'm writing with an exciting reminder that our annual Move-a-Thon is coming up soon!

This is one of our two major school fundraisers this year, and it’s a wonderful way to raise necessary funds for our students while also promoting a key value: healthy living. We believe this event is a great opportunity to get our students active and involved in supporting their school.

You should have recently received information detailing how to sign up your student so they can participate. Please take a moment to look over that information and get your student registered!

WEBSITE: www.getmovinfundhub.com

SCHOOL CODE: 5d77aa1cadf3c

Your support and participation in the Move-a-Thon directly helps us acquire essential resources and materials for our students.

Volunteer sign-up: https://signup.com/go/dQhHWiL

Thank you in advance for helping to make this a successful and healthy event!

Have a wonderful weekend,

Toby Tisdale

Principal

Westwoods Kindergarten students in Mrs. Lauters’ class showcased their learning of Nursery Rhymes and Fables with a fun Pajama and Nursery Rhyme Celebration! Students enjoyed retelling Baa Baa Black Sheep by creating their very own sheep and making their names shine among the stars after listening to Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. This CKLA domain was packed with both learning and fun! Way to go, Kindergartners!

We're updating our pickup procedure. Going forward, if someone not on your child's Emergency Contact/School Pickup List will be picking them up, you must notify us in writing.

Please send an email to both Jamie Roster and Kelly Niskanen with the name of the person authorized to pick up your child. This helps us confirm the identity of anyone who is not a familiar face.

To add a new person to your child's permanent Emergency Contact/School Pickup List, you can also do so by email or in person. We can no longer accept these changes over the phone.

Thank you for your cooperation!

Picture Day is coming on Monday, October 13!

You can place your order on mylifetouch.com using your Picture Day ID: EVTBRM6D9.

Order before midnight on Picture Day to get FREE shipping!

Your child can also bring their completed flyer with cash or check on Picture Day.

Orders after Picture Day must be placed online only on mylifetouch.com.

We are looking for a few parent volunteers to help keep picture day moving smoothly. You will help get kids ready for pictures, keep the line moving and organized, and help photographers with any needs. Thank you!

https://signup.com/go/gftOgsG

We've had a nice start to the year, but wanted to take a minute to make sure everyone is aware of the procedure for drop off and pick up of students. Please review this document and map for details.

October 13 School Picture Day

October 13 Early Release Day: Dismiss at 1:57

November 4 No School - Election Day

November 10 Picture Retake Day

November 6, 11 & 13 Parent-Teacher Conferences

November 25 Early Release Day: Dismiss at 1:57

November 26-28 No School - Thanksgiving Break

December 22-January 2 No School - Holiday Break

Please complete your Free & Reduced Meal Application by October 1. Your application is crucial as it directly secures state and federal funding that benefits all TCAPS students and programs. Submit it today to provide essential support for our district!

By doing this, your application helps fund:

Reduced fees for programs like LEAP and other extracurricular activities

Equitable access to education by helping fund staffing and resources that benefit all students

Educational extensions such as field trips, enrichment opportunities, and after-school programs

Complete Your Application Now

Traverse City Area Public Schools is honored to offer veterans the opportunity to receive their high school diploma and be part of the 2026 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 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 must have attended a TCAPS high school.

This opportunity is for veterans who did not subsequently receive a high school degree. Family members are welcome to apply on behalf of a living or deceased veteran.

For more information, please call 231.933.1722.

Michigan law requires TCAPS to share information with parents and caregivers about the safe storage of firearms. Here are the resources provided by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE): What is the Secure Storage Law in Michigan, and the Safe Storage Notice. Additional resources and information can be found on MDE’s Safe Storage Law webpage. Questions may be directed to MDE’s Office of Health and Safety at MDE-OHS@Michigan.gov.

Traverse City Area Public Schools is excited to announce the adoption of the Amplify CKLA PreK-5 reading program, which aligns with our mission to provide a high-quality learning experience for all students. This program helps students develop essential skills to read, write, communicate, and problem-solve with clarity.

CKLA Family Letter

Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) Superintendent, Dr. John VanWagoner, will have monthly “office hours”, alternating each month between in person and virtual meetings. This month’s meeting will be in person on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 5:00 p.m., and will be held at Horizon Books, 243 E. Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49684 on the second floor (Mezzanine level).

The Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) Board of Education will host its next monthly “office hours” at the Traverse Area District Library (TADL) in the McGuire Room, 610 Woodmere Avenue, on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. TCAPS Board office hours provide community members with the opportunity to talk to a school board trustee. This month, Trustee Hardy is scheduled to attend.

We invite community members to share their time and talents with our students by becoming a volunteer in our schools and on field trips, etc. All adult (over 18 years of age) volunteers must go through a background check for the safety of all students.

• 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.

If there are any questions about the volunteer approval process, please contact Luke VanHouten at 231-933-1710 or vanhoutelu@tcaps.net