The Eastern Star Family Newsletter

Another month down already! I just counted the number of school days between now and winter break and it was a bit alarming! So much good is happening at Eastern for the betterment of our student learning experience as we strive to get 1% better each and every day. Keep encouraging your students at home and we'll continue to do the same here. TEAMwork!

If you're headed out tonight, have fun, be safe, and don't make it too obvious that you snuck into your child's candy stash after they went to bed!

#shinebrighttogether

• November 4: No School
• November 6, 11, and 13, 4:30-7:30: Parent-Teacher Conferences (sign up below)
• November 11, 6:00-7:00: PTO Meeting
• November 19, 3:20-3:45: TBA Student Run Credit Union Deposit Day
• November 21: Popcorn Friday
• November 25: Early Release Day; Dismissal at 1:57 p.m.
• November 26-28: No School; Thanksgiving Break
• December 9, 6:00-7:00: PTO Meeting
• December 17, 3:20-3:45: TBA Student Run Credit Union Deposit Day
• December 22-January 2: Winter Break
• TCAPS 25-26 Calendar

Congratulations to first graders Leo Bearss and Evelyn Crouch! They will be representing Eastern at the 2026 Cherry Festival. Leo and Evelyn's names were randomly selected earlier this week.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has been directed to temporarily pause the November payment of SNAP benefits (food assistance) due to an ongoing federal funding lapse. This situation affects approximately 1.4 million Michigan residents, placing many families with students at high risk of food insecurity. Key resources for families experiencing food insecurity are listed below.

Internal Resources for Families:

• Free Meals Continue: All eligible students should continue to eat free school breakfast and lunch without interruption.
• Get Help: Families needing assistance are strongly encouraged to reach out to their School Social Worker or Counselor for help with food and other essential needs

External Resources for Families:

• For Immediate Food & Assistance Referrals: Call 2-1-1 or visit 2-1-1 Michigan.
• For Local Pantries: Visit the Northwest Food Coalition website to find food pantries near you.

For Benefit Updates: Check your local MDHHS office or MI Bridges for official information on benefit release.

The Trojan Wrestling Team has an elementary program that starts November 5. You can sign up through the QR code on the poster below or on the LEAP WEBSITE.

In conjunction with Rock Your Mocs week, which is nationally celebrated, we are hosting a spirit week, November 10-14. Themed days were thoughtfully selected by our program staff and students. Show your support, celebrate, and share your looks with us each day on social media, email (henionly@tcaps.net). Share with us on social media using the hashtag #TCAPSIE so we can feature your participation on our social media.

Themed Days:

• Monday, Nov. 10: Rock Your Braids - Hair is culturally significant to Indigenous people, back the braid, and wear your hair in braids.
• Tuesday, Nov. 11: Rock Blue or Red - Celebrate Veterans' Day and honor Ogichidaa (warriors). Click here to watch a YouTube video on how to say Ogichidaa.
• Wednesday, Nov. 12: Rock Red or Ribbon Skirt/Shirt - Support Indigenous resilience through fashion.
• Thursday, Nov. 13: Rock Kindness & Indigenous Bling - This World Kindness Day, wear Indigenous bling and tell someone they are Maamakaaj (awesome)! Click here to watch a YouTube video on how to pronounce.
• Friday, Nov. 14: Rock Your Mocs or Crocs - In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, wear your mocs, crocs or turquoise.

Math Movie - Counted Out. Counted Out investigates the biggest crises of our time through an unexpected lens: math. Northwest Ed is hosting the movie at AMC Cherry Blossom theaters on 11/9 at 4:30pm. Community members and students are encouraged to attend - Non-educators Register Here

The Detroit Lions Touchdowns for Teachers program is designed to celebrate and support outstanding educators by providing them with Lions experiences and classroom grants to enhance their teaching experience while benefiting their students. Nominate a teacher here: Touchdowns for Teachers.

Thank you to everyone who signed up to be an Eastern volunteer through DOGS/MOMS. We are changing the way we coordinate volunteers through this program. Each Friday we will include sign ups for classrooms/school areas that need extra support.

We will also reach out to those who have signed up with DOGS/MOMS. If you would like to be on that list, please fill out THIS FORM.

Volunteer Areas:

Lunchroom

Recess

Mrs. Annelin

Mrs Kearney

The ongoing government shutdown has left many of our Traverse City Coast Guard members and their families in a difficult position. They serve our community tirelessly and need our support more than ever.

Thanks to the generosity of Fox Motors, Truly Free, and our community, we have established a fund to provide free groceries to these brave individuals. We want to ensure that no family goes hungry during this challenging time. Simply shop with your photo ID and a voucher from the CPOA, and we will cover your groceries (excluding alcohol) until the funds run out.

Your donation, regardless of its size, can make a significant difference. You can contribute to our GoFundMe, donate in-store, or make a deposit at Traverse Catholic Federal Credit Union under the East Bayside Coast Guard account. Let’s come together to support those who protect us every day. Thank you for your kindness and generosity. https://gofund.me/0f8a36117

Each year Eastern provides Thanksgiving meals for some of our families. If you would like to help purchase items for these dinners, please email Jim Cooley (james.cooley@und.edu).

Eastern’s fall parent-teacher conferences are November 6, 11, and 13. Sign up at the links below. Please remember the following:

• Conferences are limited to 15 minutes, so please make sure you are on time.

• Consider scheduling a break between conferences if you have multiple children; that will allow you to be on time for your conferences and stay the full amount of time.

• If you have a child in 4th or 5th grade, only sign up with your child’s homeroom teacher.

Preschool: Mrs. Feaster

Preschool: Mrs. Roeder

Junior Kindergarten: Mrs. Odette

Kindergarten: Ms. Edwardson

Kindergarten: Mrs. Ferguson

Kindergarten: Ms. Freeman

1st Grade: Mrs. Brott

1st Grade: Dr. Chaprnka

1st Grade: Ms. Ross

2nd Grade: Mrs. Fak

2nd Grade: Mrs. Hites

2nd Grade: Mrs. LaBarre

2nd Grade: Ms. Myers

3rd Grade: Mrs. LaBlanc

3rd Grade: Mrs. Norton

3rd Grade: Mrs. Shembarger

4th Grade: Ms. Lutes

4th Grade: Mrs. Nelson

4th Grade: Mrs. Stout

5th Grade: Mrs. Annelin

5th Grade: Mr. Cooper

5th Grade: Mrs. Kearney

PTO provides dinners for two of the nights of parent-teacher conferences. For the other night, they ask parents to make a donation. Please SIGN UP HERE if you are able to help provide an item for the Taco Bar on November 11.

Thank you to PTO and Shanna Girrbach for organizing this!

Our school is participating in a creative fundraiser with Art to Remember that allows you to purchase keepsake products customized with your child's art. There are over 60 products and many are less than $20.

These make great gifts and a percentage of every purchase goes right back to our school. Click on the link below and search for your child's name to see their artwork. Then, have fun shopping!

All orders are due by November 17th.

Thanks for supporting the arts!

Mrs. Culik

https://arttoremember.com/school/UXVC89

The TCAPS Student Support Network is hosting the Winter Warm-Up Shop on Thursday, November 13th and Friday, November 14th. The Winter Warm-Up Shop offers FREE new and gently used winter outerwear and footwear for students currently enrolled in TCAPS. Shopping is by appointment only and items are available while supplies last. Please complete this form to request an appointment.

Eastern yearbooks are on sale now! Each yearbook costs $12. You can order your yearbook HERE. Yearbooks are handed out at the end of each school year.

We’re making plans to honor the veterans in our Eastern school community on Veteran’s Day, Tuesday, November 11th. Are you a veteran? Do you have a family member who is a veteran? Or are you currently serving in our US military? Please take just a few minutes to fill out this form by October 30th and help us recognize these everyday heroes.

We’ll start the day with an all-school ceremony that will include the Pledge of Allegiance, a tribute to veterans and flag-placing by our students, staff and invited guests.

If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Asiala, asialahe@tcaps.net.

Please read THIS LETTER to find out more information about the Crystal Mountain Ski/Snowboard Program for Family and Friends of Eastern Elementary. All applications are due by November 18.

Lost and Found Donated at Thanksgiving

The next time you are in Eastern, please stop by the lost and found. We have many, many sweatshirts and coats that we know belong to our Stars! Any items not labeled will be donated at Thanksgiving. Encourage your child to look through lost and found, too -- and remember to label items. Thank you!

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

Help us provide snacks for students! Read the flyer below to see how you can help.

BREAKFAST

MONDAY

Muffins

yogurt, fruit and milk

TUESDAY

No school

WEDNESDAY

mini pancakes

yogurt

fruit & milk

THURSDAY

cereal

cheese stick fruit and milk

FRIDAY

assorted sweet bread

cheese stick fruit & milk

LUNCH

MONDAY

1st choice: Chicken drumstick with dutch waffle (NEW ITEM)

2nd choice: Sunbutter & Jelly with cheese stick and Crackers

TUESDAY

1st choice: NO SCHOOL

2nd choice: ELECTION DAY

3rd choice:

WEDNESDAY

1st choice:Pancake turkey sausage wrap on a stick (NEW ITEM)

2nd choice Bosco sticks

3rd choice: Sunbutter & jelly with yogurt and graham crackers

THURSDAY

1st choice:chicken tenders with dinner roll(contains sesame)

2nd choice: Cavatappi macaroni & cheese with dinner roll ( twisted noodles)

3rd choice: sunbutter & jelly with yogurt and crackers

FRIDAY

1st choice Cheese Pizza

2nd choice: Pepperoni pizza

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

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 virtual on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at 5:00 p.m., Virtual office hours will be held via Google Meet and can be accessed here - https://meet.google.com/cpo-wwwz-qat?hs=122&authuser=0 , or by calling +1 475-549-0438‬ and entering PIN: ‪961 104 679‬#.

The Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) Board of Education will host its next monthly “office hours” as a virtual meeting on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. You can use this link to join VM: (Google Meet)- meet.google.com/ten-gqes-pow or call 1.440.462.2802; PIN 243 200474#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.

Elementary Handbook

LEAP Website

School Menus

TCAPS Volunteer Form

TCAPS Volunteer Standards of Conduct

WATCH D.O.G.S. Sign Up

WATCH D.O.G.S. Calendar (see where D.O.G.S. have already signed up)