The Eastern Star Family Newsletter
September 4, 2026
Principal Ponderings
I'm thinking back to Tuesday night's open house. Despite the warm temps and busyness of the evening, there were smiling faces everywhere you looked. Sure, there was some nervousness in small doses, but mixed with that was a lot of excited anticipation for what's to come. Kiddos who get to create new friendships or build on ones that already existed. Learning that is new and exciting and affirming that we can do hard things! Every year is the opportunity to start fresh. I wish our Eastern community a wonderful Labor Day weekend and we'll see you Monday night at 7pm for our bedtime story!
#ShineBrightTogether
Bedtime Story with Mr. Swegles
Join us on Facebook Live for a Bedtime Story with Mr. Swegles Monday, September 7, at 7:00 PM!
Upcoming Events
- September 7, 7:00 p.m.: Bedtime Story with Mr. Swegles (Facebook LIVE)
- September 8: First Day of School
- September 11: Early Release Day; Eastern Dismisses at 1:57
- September 15, 6:00-7:00: PTO Meeting
- September 21: Picture Day, Day 1 (classroom schedules to be shared next month)
- September 22, Picture Day, Day 2 (classroom schedules to be shared next month)
- TCAPS 26-27 Calendar
New Information
Breakfast
This year students will be eating breakfast in the cafeteria and not in the classroom. Breakfast will be served from 8:45-9:00. Students will have until 9:05 to eat. Remaining, unopened items can be placed in backpack to be saved for a snack.
Parent Permission Form
To fill out the form, follow this link: Eastern Field Trips and Parent Permission.
Please contact the office at 933-5603 with any questions.
Order School Photos!
Picture Day is coming on Monday, September 21 and Tuesday, September 22. The classroom schedule will be shared in next week's newsletter.
You can place your order on mylifetouch.com using your Picture Day ID: EVTZD8GCB. Order before midnight on Picture Day to get FREE shipping!
Your child can also bring their completed flyer with cash or check on Picture Day. Orders after Picture Day must be placed online on mylifetouch.com
Student Data Safety and Security:
As the only SOC 3 compliant partner in school photography, Lifetouch delivers unmatched protection for student and staff information - backed by third‑party verification and trusted by schools nationwide. Learn More.
Medications at School
As a reminder, students cannot receive any medications at school without a Medication Authorization Form that gets signed by a doctor and parent. This includes all over the counter meds such as Tylenol, antacids, medicated creams, allergy medicine etc.
Eastern School Directory
Eastern PTO is putting together a family directory. It’s a great way to connect with our community. We are asking everyone to complete this form to opt in or out: Eastern Directory Sign Up. Participation is optional.
Student Handbook Acknowledgement Form
All Eastern families must submit the Student Handbook Acknowledgement form. First you will review the TCAPS Student Handbook. Then you will access your PowerSchool parent account and fill out the Handbook Acknowledgement form. The office will send hard copies of the form to families who don't fill out the online form. Thank you in advance for filling out the form.
Previous Information
Drop-Off and Pick-Up
Safety is our top priority, and we need your help to keep our students safe. The morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times are especially busy with a lot of people and vehicles. Please follow the building's established protocols for these times of day.
Review the diagram below to understand the flow for drop-off and pick-up. Your patience is greatly appreciated as we work to make these processes as smooth and secure as possible.
If your child will be riding the bus, all bus information can be found in the My Ride K-12 app.
Morning Drop off--JK-5
Supervision starts at 8:45
- Bus riders: buses will drop off in the bus loop. Students will exit from the bus and enter the main doors at the appropriate time.
- Car riders: once your child is dropped off in the right lane of the car line, turn on your left blinker and pull into the inside/left lane to exit the drop off area. It is important that if there is space in front of you, pull your vehicle up as far as you can to allow cars to move in behind you. The bottle necks occur when we don't take up the available space.
- Walkers/Bikers: bikes are to be parked at either the orange or silver bike racks. Walkers and bikers should then wait to enter the building through the main entry doors at the appropriate time. Bikers should be encouraged by families to be aware of their surroundings and follow all traffic laws and expectations.
- Park and walk up: Grades JK-5 may park in the north parking lot and walk their child up. The south parking lot is designated for preschool parking only as they are required to walk their child in through south doors just inside the playground gate.
Afternoon Pickup grades--JK-5: UPDATED 9/4/26 FOR KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS
- Bus riders: bus riders will go straight to their bus and enter.
- Park and Pickup: park in the north parking lot and walk over to connect with your child. Please, wait in the grassy area between sidewalks. For families that wish to stay and mingle, we encourage you to move to the hill area on the north side of the building.
- Junior Kindergarten students will exit through cafeteria doors. JK parents of older siblings are also asked to communicate with any older children to meet them on the side of the building after they exit through the main doors.
- Kindergarten students will exit through main doors, turn right, and wait for their adult in front of the building next to the bike racks. This change will help alleviate the crowdedness near the flagpole and safer for our younger Stars.
- Car Riders: First through 5th grade students who are car riders will congregate just in front of preschool windows on sidewalk. A staff member will be present near the cross walk area with megaphone. Using your yellow name cards, staff will call for the student to entering the pink zone to be picked up at a specific numbers. Parents should pull up to that number and wait for their child.
- Walkers/Bikers: students who are walkers or riders should head to their after school destination as quickly as possible.
Birthday Treats at School
As we look forward to a wonderful school year, we want to share a quick reminder regarding birthday celebrations at school.
To prioritize student health, safety, classroom time, and severe food allergies, we do not allow outside birthday treats (such as cupcakes, cookies, or goodie bags) to be brought to school.
We still love making our students feel special on their big day! Every child will be celebrated with:
- A special birthday card from the front office
- A slide announcing their birthday on the lobby TV
- A live birthday shout-out during our morning announcements
- A classroom recognition planned by their teacher (such as a special birthday badge, line-leader privileges, or a favorite activity)
Bus Routing Information
2026-2027 Classroom Supply Lists
Each year families ask about supply lists. Teachers created suggested supply lists. You can find links to them below.
Notes from the Eastern Office
Eastern Office Hours
The Eastern office is now open Monday through Friday from 8:00-4:30.
PTO Information
Eastern Spirit Wear is on sale NOW through September 30. Orders can be picked up at Threads, or you can have them shipped to you. To see the different styles that are offered, visit this link: Eastern Spirit Wear Order Form.
Weekly Breakfast & Lunch Menu
BREAKFAST
MONDAY
No school
TUESDAY
Cereal,
cheese stick
fruit, juice and milk
WEDNESDAY
Mini pancakes
yogurt
fruit, juice and milk
THURSDAY
Cereal
cheese stick
fruit juice and milk
FRIDAY
Assorted sweet breads
cheese stick
fruit, juice and milk
LUNCH
MONDAY
NO SCHOOL
TUESDAY
1st choice: cheese quesadilla
2nd choice: Turkey and cheese sub
3rd choice: Sunbutter & jelly with crackers & cheese stick
WEDNESDAY
1st choice: pasta with meatballs and marinara
2nd choice: sunbutter and jelly with crackers & yogurt
No 3rd option
THURSDAY
1st choice:Egg mcMuffin sandwich with sausage and cheese
2nd choice: Sausage wrapped with pancake on a stick
3rd choice: sunbutter and jelly with crackers & cheese stick
FRIDAY
1st choice: cheese pizza
2nd choice: pepperoni pizza
3rd choice: sunbutter and jelly with crackers & cheese stick
Salad bar with fruit and veggies are offered every day to all hot lunch students.
District News and Notes
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
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.
