Westwoods Newsletter

Dear Westwoods Elementary Parents,

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to take a moment to express my deep gratitude for the incredible spirit of generosity shown by our students, families, and staff.

This week is a time for reflection and thankfulness, and I am especially thankful for the overwhelming success of our recent drive to collect food and other essential items for those in need in our community. The response to our collection drive was truly inspiring. Because of your kind contributions, we were able to gather a significant amount of items, including:

• Non-perishable food: Filling pantries and ensuring families have meals during the holidays.

• Warm clothing and blankets: Providing comfort as the weather grows colder.

• Essential toiletries and supplies: Offering dignity and relief to those facing hardship.

The sheer volume of donations speaks volumes about the compassion within the Westwoods community. Our students learned a powerful lesson this past week about empathy and the importance of helping others, demonstrating the very best of what it means to be part of the Westwoods family.

Sincerely,

Toby Tisdale

Principal

• When dropping students off before school, parents are not to enter the building. Please drop off students at the exterior doors.

  
  

• All visitors to the building must check in at the office first.
  
  

• If dropping off students at 9:00 or later, you must walk in with your student to sign them in at the office. Doors lock promptly at 9:00.

• Please make sure kids are keeping their toys, Pokémon cards, etc. at home to avoid loss, damage or other issues.

Yearbooks can now be ordered online at ybpay.com. Our yearbook ID code is 15176226.

Flyers will be sent home this week.

Dear Parents,

As a token of appreciation, Lifetouch is offering discounts on school photography!

50% off a purchase of $50+ with code 50THANKS

40% off a purchase of $40+ with code 40THANKS

30% off a purchase of $30+ with code 30THANKS

Valid through 12/01/25

To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.com or create an account, find your student and order using your student's student ID number (if available at your school). Don’t forget to order your FREE Digital SmileSafe card!

More about the Smilesafe program here.

Thank you!

Interested in hanging new student art around the school at your leisure?

Email gangta@tcaps.net to set up a time!

Art Room Donation Requests:

• Clean brown paper bags
• Cereal box front and backs
• Old buttons or beads

Thank you!

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!

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.

Crystal Mountain Ski Program is starting up soon!

The program runs Jan 6- Feb 12, 2026 for all students ages 7 & up. Tuesday will be Westwoods night to ski again this year.

All registration will be online this year, on the Crystal Mountain website. All registrations are due by NOV 25, 2025

*Please be sure to check the box to release contact info to the school advisor so that you can be contacted with the most up to date information! (Must provide own transportation to ski hill)

Anyone interested in more information about the Crystal Mountain Ski Program can reach out to Westwoods advisor Andrea Loomis at 313-468-2944.

*Upcoming Ski Swaps*

Crystal Mountain - Held in James Bay, lower level of the Crystal Center
Sale Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 9am - 2pm

Grand Traverse Ski Club - Held at West Middle School

Sale Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 9am - 1pm

Shanty Creek Resorts is launching a NEW Locals Student Season Pass Program for the 2025-26 winter season, offering a reduced-rate, all-area pass for only $125 to reward students' dedication to education. This offer is available to students in grades 4-12 (ages 9-17) residing in Antrim, Crawford, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Otsego counties. Purchase the pass online using your school's unique code, TRAVERSE, and remember to bring proof of student enrollment when you pick up your pass starting November 29, 2025. Click here for more information.

There are multiple ways you can find out if school is closed due to inclement weather:

• All local radio and televisions stations announce school closings on a regular basis
• Visit the district website or the school website. A pop up will come on the screen if there is a closing alert (pop up blocker must be turned off)
• Follow the district on Facebook, Instagram, or X.

Want more information? View Snow Day FAQs

November 25 Early Release Day: Dismiss at 1:57

November 26-28 No School - Thanksgiving Break

December 3 3rd grade Winter Music Concert

December 11 Early Release Day: Dismiss at 1:57

December 15-19 Holiday Spirit Week

December 22-January 2 No School - Holiday Break

January 19 Early Release Day: Dismiss at 1:57

January 23 Early Release Day: Dismiss at 1:57

January 23 End of 1st Semester

April 22 4th & 5th grade Spring Music Concert

April 23 2nd grade Spring Music Concert

Westwoods PTO is excited to host the annual Holiday Night event on Thursday, December 11th from 5:30pm-7:30pm. All Westwoods families are invited to attend and enjoy a festive evening of hot cocoa, cookies, visiting with Santa, writing letters to Santa, games and activities, and more!

If you are able to bring cookies or volunteer at the event, please sign up here: https://signup.com/go/pvNaFAr

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.

Cookies & Carols - a Fundraiser to Benefit Traverse City Central Choirs! Please click here for more information.

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 (TCAPS) is honored to offer veterans from WWII, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam Era the opportunity to receive their high school diploma and participate in the 2026 graduation ceremonies!

This recognition is authorized by Michigan law for veterans who left school early to serve and haven't yet received a diploma.

Who is Eligible?

Veterans who served during the specified eras (WWII, Korean Conflict, Vietnam Era).

Note: Vietnam Era veterans must have attended a TCAPS high school.

Family members can apply for a living or deceased veteran.

For details, call TCAPS at 231.933.1722.

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