West Senior High Updates

In an ongoing effort to keep students at the center of our work, next week West will seek feedback from students in two different ways. You can read about each below. Thank you for sharing your students with us. We value their input!

~Brian Guiney. Lead Principal

• Nov 15 | WSH Craft Show 10am-3pm
• Nov 17 | Extended 2nd hour schedule
• Nov 17 | Girls basketball, wrestling, & skiing start
• Nov 18 | Student Voice in the LMC from 8:30 - 10:30. Students can sign up here.

• Nov 25 | Early release day #3
• Nov 26 | No school for students
• Nov 27-28 | No school, Thanksgiving break
• Dec 1 | Musical - 1st round auditions
• Dec 3 | Sophomore class meeting
• Dec 8 | WSH/WMS Jazz Concert @WSH 7-8:30pm
• Dec 10 | Winter band concert @WSH 7-9:00pm
• Dec 11 | WSH/WMS Holiday concert @WMS 7-8:30pm
• Dec 11 | Early release day #4
• Dec 12 | Freshman class ring distribution at lunch
• Dec 13-14 | Orchestra Christmas in the Village @Grand Traverse Commons
• Dec 15 | Choir Holiday concert @St. Francis Catholic Church @7:30-8:30pm
• Dec 16 | Orchestra Holiday concert- GREEN night 7-8pm
• Dec 17 | Orchestra Holiday concert- GOLD night 7-8pm
• Dec 19 | Special Holiday assembly schedule
• Dec 20-Jan 4 | Holiday Break- no school
• Jan 5 | School resumes

Students can sign up here to attend our student voice summit in the LMC on Tuesday. In past years, these summits have resulted in changes to building security, adding single user bathrooms, and improvements to the culture and climate of West. Mrs. Heydlauff, Mrs. Pylvainen, and Mr. Gillespie will facilitate the discussion and feedback protocol for students.

Any student in need of tutoring can drop into the library after school at 3:15 - 4:15 Monday - Thursday. WSH staff members will be there to support your student. Students will sign into the LMC. Pick up arrangements will need to be made for your student.

• Dec 5 - Senior photos due for the yearbook. Submit digital photo to wshyearbook@tcapsstudent.net
• Dec 8 - Senior Financial Aid 101 (Auditorium) 9:05-10:05am
• Dec 8 - Parent Financial Aid 101 (LMC) 6:00-7:30pm
• Senior timeline linked here

Senior Class Panoramic Photo

If you are interested in ordering a copy of the class photo taken in September click here.

The College Application Process

This graphic explains a step by step process of how to apply to college and what to consider along the pathway. Included in the graphic are tips on financial aid, transcripts, test scores, implications for those hoping to compete athletically at the college level, and several other considerations.

Michigan Achievement Scholarship

Students and their families looking to secure more financial aid for college are encouraged to

register for an informational webinar about the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which is the

newest State of Michigan scholarship program expected to impact the majority of students.

WSH Curated List of Non-Local Scholarships

This list is a complilation of non-local scholarships with criteria details, target students, and application deadlines. The list truly has a wide variety of opportunties that target all types of students.

This course is designed to help students develop the skills and confidence needed to write a powerful college application essay. Because many colleges now place less emphasis on standardized test scores, the admissions essay has become an even more important part of the college application process. The Common Application Essay, often called a personal statement, is an opportunity for students to set themselves apart from other applicants by sharing something that admissions readers can’t tell simply from their grades, extracurriculars, or letters of recommendation. The college essay is the ideal place for students to showcase their unique voice and style. Sign up here if you are interested.

This week, WSH will be surveying our students - seeking feedback around school culture and climate. If you would like to see the questions, you can review them here. You will notice the answer formatting in the pdf with "Strongly Agree" is clunky. The actual google form for students will have logical answer wording. Additional transparencey around other distict level information can be accessed here.

LEAP is looking for Juniors or Seniors to referee 4th and 5th grade basketball or run the scoreboard for middle school boys basketball. We pay $15 per game or the hours can be used toward community service. We provide a whistle and striped shirt and have 2-3 games in each gym.

4th & 5th Grade Girls Basketball Officiating

• Games are on Tuesdays and Thursdays (11-11-25 thru 12-11-25) between 5 & 7pm

• Games take place at various TCAPS elementary schools starting 11-11-25

• Officials training clinic is TBD

Middle School Boys Basketball Games Scoreboard Operators

• We pay $13 per game. 2-3 games per night per gym. We have games at both East Middle School and West Middle School.

• Mondays and Wednesday starting 11-6-25. Game start times 4:30 - 6:30pm

• payneda@tcaps.net, 231.313.9653.

The Crystal Mountain After School Program offers discounted lift tickets and rental equipment for students ages 7-18 that includes professional on-hill instruction. This program has been a part of Crystal Mountain for over 40 years in some way, shape, or form. Many of our local skiers and snowboarders can say they have been a part of this program at some point in their lives. Thank you all for making it possible. TC West contact: Courtney Francisco franciscco@tcaps.net 231-933-7718. Further detail can be found here.

If your WSH student needs support with any of these items, please reach out to our school liaison, Kate Habers. (Haberska@tcaps.net, or 933-7788), or complete the following: Student Supports Network Request

Congrats to Keagan Kaberle and Cameron Baker for earning the October Kiwanis Senior of the Month nominations!

This prestigious recognition highlights your excellence in the classroom, strong leadership skills, and commitment to making a difference through service. Great job!

School Begins at 8:05am and ends at 3:02pm. Students can be in the academic wings of the school (A,B,C, Music, HPE Wings) from 7:40-3:30 on school days. Outside of those times, students must be in the Commons area unless supervised by staff. Students must have a plan to be off campus by 3:30pm on school days (unless in an afterschool activity).

Location: 5376 North Long Lake Road, Traverse City, MI, 49685

Athens Office: 231-933-7590

• Athens Attendance: 231-933-7555

Sparta Office: 231-933-7503

• Sparta Attendance: 231-933-7555

Olympia Office: 231-933-7707

• Olympia Attendance: 231-933-7555

• Head Principal: Brian Guiney 933-7500
• Lead Admin. Assistant Hannah Pohlman 933-7501
• Admin. Assistant: Rebecca Seyferth 933-7507
• Admin. Assistant: Molly Pahl 933-7505

• Jennifer Lee (student last names A-E): leeje@tcaps.net, 933-7715
• Melissa Kamm (student last names F - Laf): kammme@tcaps.net, 933-7705
• Tom Ford (student last names Lag - Rom): fordth@tcaps.net, 933-7706
• Lauran Pinto (student last names Ron - Z): pintola@tcaps.net, 933-7544
• Registrar: Pamela Jean 933-7702
• Admin. Assistant: Jennifer Roy 933-7700

• Athletic Director: Jason Carmien, carmienja@tcaps.net, 933-7781
• Admin. Assistant Amy Rickenbeam@tcaps.net, 933-7780

WSH Academic Communities: Academic Communities are not courses. Rather, they are experiences students opt into that extend their learning in an area of interest.

• Stay tuned for more information about Academic Communities at West (Global, The Arts, & STEM). Students who would like to join an Academic Community at WSH for the 2025-26 school year can do so here: t.ly/AvVR

• Incoming freshman can sign up now if they are interested in the STEM community (Sci-Ma-Tech or Sci-Ma-Health). Incoming freshman can sign up for Global or the Arts after they have completed a semester at West Senior High.

• TC West Sports Schedules have MOVED to: https://tcwathletics.com/
• Tickets & sports passes are available on GO FAN https://gofan.co/app/school/MI10300

Academic Eligibility (Fall 2025 eligibility is based on 2024-25 Semester 2 Grades)

• Students who do not pass 66% of their class are ineligible for 60 school days and will miss fall sports (must pass a minimum of 4 of their 6 classes).

• Students who passed 66% of their classes but fall under a 2.0 grade point average will be monitored on a grade card for the fall sports season.

• Student athletes should be on track with graduation credits.

November SNAP food benefits have been temporarily paused due to a federal funding lapse. This delay affects approximately 1.4 million Michigan residents, putting many TCAPS families at high risk of food insecurity.

Please continue to offer support to all students experiencing food insecurity by connecting them to free school meals without delay. The SSN (Student Support Network) is also responsible for helping families access other food resources.

While assisting families, please guide them to these key resources:

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.

We have an urgent need for special trip bus drivers to make sure our student-athletes have transportation for the upcoming Spring sports season. This opportunity is a great way for parents, coaches, or fans already attending events to get paid for their time! Training is FREE: TCAPS covers all necessary CDL bus driver training. Total Flexibility: You choose the trips you want to drive. There is no minimum hours or long-term commitment. You can apply for the position directly by clicking here.To begin your CDL bus training and get ready for the Spring, please contact Tyson Burch at 231.933.1930 as soon as possible.

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.

Board Office Hours

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.

Superintendent Office Hours

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#

Through a partnership with Northwest Michigan Health Services Inc (NMHSI) the Student Health Center provides convenient and affordable primary care and behavioral health services to TCAPS students ages 3-21. Whether serving as your child’s sole primary care provider or as supplemental care for urgent needs and injuries, we look forward to helping students feel their best, right at school. The TCAPS Student Health Center is open year-round and is always accepting new patients. Health insurance or not, everyone is welcome here. Request an appointment | Available Services

Email: pohlmanha@tcaps.net
Website: https://linktr.ee/tcwsh
Location: 5376 North Long Lake Road, Traverse City, MI, 49685
Phone: 2319337500
Facebook: facebook.com/TCWSH
Twitter: @tcwshtitans