The Eastern Star Family Newsletter

The last week of learning in 2025 at Eastern Elementary is upon us. We're doing our best to stick to our routines and procedures to maintain a culture of learning, but the excitement for the break and what comes with it is growing by the day! We're so proud of the hard work and achievement that has taken place since our first day in September and we want to finish strong next week!

#shinebrighttogether

December 17, 3:20-3:45: TBA Student Run Credit Union Deposit Day
December 22-January 2: Winter Break
TCAPS 25-26 Calendar

Congrats to Mr. Cooper

Congratulations are in order for Mr. Cooper who was selected by the Detroit Lions as an outstanding educator as part of their Touchdown for Teachers program! He is one of three chosen throughout the entire state of Michigan. Our local 9 and 10 news was on hand to caputre the morning celebration. You can check it out here.

Playground Expectations

I'm guessing the snow is here stay so it is a good reminder to solicit your help in backing up our STAR expectations for playground play at home. Snow is expected to stay on the ground. We do encourage kids to roll snow, make snow structures, and the like, however, tossing snow is strongly discouraged.

I also want to encourage conversation with kiddos about physical play. With winter comes the extra padding of thick jackets, snowpants, and the cushion of snow on the ground. We see an uptick in physical play and it is not in line with our expectations.

We appreciate any conversation that can support our conversations here at school.

Missed the Talented & Gifted (TAG) Info Meeting? Recording is Available!

If you missed Wednesday’s TAG Program informational meeting, the full recording has been posted to the website. This is a great opportunity to learn about the accelerated pace, focus on higher-order thinking, and challenging projects the program offers. Remember, mandatory registration for the optional CogAT test must be completed by Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

Watch the recording and find the registration link at www.tcaps.net/TAG.

TCAPS Clubhouse & Multi-Purpose Fieldhouse Meeting

On December 18th TCAPS will hold an information and discussion meeting for the Carlisle Field Afterschool Clubhouse and Multi-Purpose Fieldhouse planning and building design. The meeting will be held at 6 pm at the East Middle School Library.

Free Breakfast and Lunch Offered Daily

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.

TCAPS School & Central Office Holiday Hours

As you plan ahead for the holiday season, please note that winter break runs from December 22 through January 2. All TCAPS school offices and the TCAPS Central Office will be closed during this time, with buildings reopening on January 5, 2026. Thank you for preparing accordingly as we look forward to a strong start to the new year.

Volunteer Opportunities at Eastern

Here are some of the volunteer opportunities at Eastern in December. If you want to be contacted early about volunteer opportunities, please fill out THIS FORM.

Volunteer Areas:

Lunchroom

Recess

Ms. Ross: Kindergarten

Mrs. Myers: 2nd Grade

Mrs. Annelin: 5th Grade

Mrs. LaBarre: 2nd Grade

Mrs. Kearney: 5th Grade

Mrs. Stout: 4th Grade

Spirit Week December 15-19

Eastern students are invited to participate in our Spirit Week, December 15-19.

December 15: Channel the Flannel

December 16: Grinch Day -- Dress like the Grinch or wear green

December 17: You're Such a Character -- Dress like your favorite Holiday Character

December 18: Ugly Holiday Sweater

December 19: PJ Day

Holiday Music in the Lobby

From December 8-19 we are asking Eastern students to share their musical talents with us! We would love for you to greet students and staff with some holiday music right before school. You can SIGN UP HERE. You will need to arrive at school at 8:35 to get set up.

Lost & Found

All non-labeled items in lost and found will be donated at winter break. Please take the next week to stop in and look at lost and found. Thank you.

PTO News

Where Do PTO Dollars Go?

We are temporarily unable to make changes to our PTO website. For important information regarding budget, creating a proposal or viewing submitted proposals PLEASE see these links below. We want you to stay informed and know how PTO is using funds. If you would ever like to comment on a proposal please reach out to us via email at easternelementaryschoolpto@gmail.com

BUDGET: Click here for the 25/26 approved budget.

SUBMIT A PROPOSAL: Any staff member or parent may submit a proposal. We love hearing from you and want your ideas! Click here and submit one today.

PENDING / GRANTED PROPOSALS: To view a log of what has been submitted or accepted for the 25/26 school year click here

Weekly Breakfast & Lunch Menu

BREAKFAST

MONDAY

muffins

fruit and milk

TUESDAY

Cereal

fruit and milk

WEDNESDAY

mini bagels

fruit & milk

THURSDAY

Cereal

fruit & milk

FRIDAY

sweet bread

fruit & milk

LUNCH

MONDAY

1st choice: Bosco sticks

2nd choice: soft pretzel with cheese dip

3rd choice:Sunbutter & Jelly with yogurt and Crackers

TUESDAY

1st choice: beef fiestada pizza (thin crust pizza with beef crumbles and cheese)

2nd choice: Pizza quesadilla

3rd choice: sunbutter & jelly with crackers & cheese stick

WEDNESDAY

1st choice:Chicken drumstick with rosemary potatoes & texas toast

2nd choice: sunbutter & jelly with yogurt and crackers

No 3rd option

THURSDAY

1st choice: Pancakes with sausage and hash browns

2nd choice Sunbutter & jelly with yogurt and graham crackers

No 3rd option

FRIDAY

1st choice Cheese Pizza

2nd choice: Pepperoni pizza

3rd choice: sunbutter & jelly with string cheese & crackers

TCAPS Board Office Hours

The Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) Board of Education will host its next monthly “office hours” in-person at the Traverse Area District Library (TADL) in the McGuire Room, 610 Woodmere Avenue, on Thursday, December 18, 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, Board President Newman-Bale is scheduled to attend.