The Eastern Star Family Newsletter

Principal Ponderings

Cartoon image of Mr. Swegles with the greeting, "Oh, hi there!"

Greetings Eastern Star Families!

Regardless of how late we stay up and sleep in to prolong the days of summer, the start of school is officially right around the corner at Eastern Elementary! We are so excited to have a building full of Stars once again in what will be the 69th year of Eastern Elementary serving our TCAPS community.

You’re going to start receiving communications from Eastern and TCAPS. Please, make sure checking email is part of your routine and to read messages in their entirety. Communications will be packed with critical information—drop-off procedures, supply lists, key dates, and beyond.

Get those backpacks ready and start slowly scaling back those bedtimes, but please be sure to soak in these last few weeks of summer freedom in our beautiful hometown. We can't wait to see all of our Star families very soon!

Regards,

Mr. Swegles

#ShineBrightTogether

Give an Eastern Staff Member a Shoutout! Share the good stuff!

Upcoming Events

August 27, 9:00-1:30: Kindergarten Signing Day (by appointment only)
September 1, 4:30-6:00: Back to School Open House. Classroom open from 4:30-5:30; PTO treat from 5:00-6:00.
September 8: First Day of School
September 11: Early Release Day; Eastern Dismisses at 1:57
TCAPS 26-27 Calendar

New Information

Bus Routing Information

To find out your child's bus route, be sure to get the My Ride K-12 app. You can find directions here: MyRide App. The district will not be contacting families with route information. You will need to access to app.

2026-2027 Classroom Supply Lists

Each year families ask about supply lists. Teachers created suggested supply lists. You can find links to them below.

Junior Kindergarten Supply List

Kindergarten Supply List

1st Grade Supply List

2nd Grade Supply List

3rd Grade Supply List

4th Grade Supply List

4th Grade TAG Supply List

5th Grade Supply List

Give an Eastern Staff Member a Shoutout! Share the good stuff!

District Information

Back-to-School Photos: Share Smiles, Not Sensitive Information

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.

Volunteer Members Needed for TCAPS PA 226 Sex Education Advisory Board

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.

Annual Tribal Affiliation Data Collection

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.