The Eastern Star Family Newsletter

The first week is always one of nervous excitement. Thank you to our entire school community for supporting your Eastern Stars this week as they embark on another school year. We also appreciate the grace that was provided as we worked out first week issues, especially our families on route 103! We'll continue to focus on practicing our routines in the coming weeks and before we know it we'll be holding parent teacher conferences and making Thanksgiving plans.

#ShineBrightTogether

Last year we started our Eastern Staff shoutout form. This is a great opportunity to share the good stuff about any staff member at Eastern Elementary. I (Mr. Swegles) receive an email notification when the form has been filled out, and I have the pleasure of sharing your shoutout with them (with your approval).

• September 15, 6:00-7:00: PTO Meeting
• September 21: Picture Day, Day 1 (classroom schedule below)
• September 22, Picture Day, Day 2 ( classroom schedule below )
• October 9: Jog-a-thon
• TCAPS 26-27 Calendar

If you fill out the form, you will then receive access to a spreadsheet that lists all items needed by Eastern families. You will enter your name next to item, and then bring the item(s) to the office. We are trying to create a food pantry and are always accepting the following items: toilet paper, paper towels, pasta, pasta sauce, canned vegetables, canned soup, etc.

If you have any questions, please contact the office. We appreciate the support and generosity of our Eastern families.

Don't forget to submit your Education Benefits Form by October 1!

Completing this form brings critical state and federal funding to TCAPS schools, and it could qualify your student for LEAP scholarships and reduced program fees.

By completing this form, you help fund:

• LEAP scholarships and lower fees for after-school activities

• Staff and resources that help every student learn

• Exciting field trips and extra learning opportunities

Help support our schools and fill it out today!

Complete the Education Benefits Form

Our PTO provides much-appreciated support to the students and staff at Eastern Elementary. A new addition to this year's spring auction was a second reserved parking spot located in the south parking lot. Thank you for respecting these reserved spots—in both the north and south lots—and for recognizing the families whose generous PTO donations earned them.

Picture Day is coming on Monday, September 21 and Tuesday, September 22. Here is the schedule for photos.

Monday, September 21:

Preschool

Mrs. Nelson

Ms. Freeman

Ms. Luecke

Mrs. Berger

Mrs. Shembarger

Mrs. Norton

Ms. Lutes

Mrs. LaBlanc

Mrs. Odette

Ms. Edwardson

Tuesday, September 22:

Preschool

Dr. Chaprnka

Ms. Ross

Ms. Stoudt

Mrs. Stout

Mr. Cooper

Mrs. Annelin

Mrs. Kearney

Mrs. LaBarre

Mrs. Hites

Mrs. Fak

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.

To fill out the form, follow this link: Eastern Field Trips and Parent Permission.

Please contact the office at 933-5603 with any questions.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Dismissal has and will continue to get better. In a building of 535 students, it's a lot going on at one time. It is very helpful to have parents waiting in the grassy area between the car line and bus loop. Kindergarten parents are encourage to wait near the bike rack area. Once you have your kiddo(s), it is asked that you begin your departure to reduce the foot traffice while students to continue to exit the building.

Again, thank you for your grace and patience as we all get used to our exit procedure.

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)

Please remember to report your child's absence. You can call the attendance line (933-5600) and leave a message at any time. If your child is sick, report the symptoms (GI and/or fever). Students must be fever-free without meds for 24 hours before they can return to school; they almost must not have vomited and/or had diarrhea for 24 hours before returning to school.

Welcome back Eastern Families!

PTO is looking forward to another great year engaging with families and staff to support our Eastern Stars. Join us for our first meeting on Tuesday, September 15th at 6p in the art room to learn where PTO dollars go and how you can get involved. Hope to see you there!

2026 JOG-A-THON is Friday October 9th! Corporate Sponsorships are now open and are highly impactful in the success of this fundraiser. If your business is interested in becoming a 2026 JAT Corporate Sponsor, sign up at Corporate Sponsor Sign Up or email easternelementaryschoolpto@gmail.com. The deadline is September 16th!

JOG-A-THON kick off is next week. Get a head start and

Register or log in to your Parent Dashboard and customize your student's page. Visit www.getmovinfundhub.com | School Identifier: 5d56da0b155ed

Questions for your PTO???

Reach out to us anytime at easternelementaryschoolpto@gmail.com

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.

MONDAY

Muffins

fruit, juice and milk

TUESDAY

Cereal,

cheese stick

fruit, juice and milk

WEDNESDAY

Mini bagel pastries

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

1st choice: Chicken drumstick with fries and dutch waffle

2nd choice: Sunbutter and jelly with crackers and cheese stick

No 3rd option

Tuesday

1st choice: Beef nachos

2nd choice: Cheese quesadilla

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

Wednesday

1st choice: Chicken patty sandwich

2nd choice: Bosco sticks

3rd choice: sunbutter and jelly with crackers and yogurt

Thursday

1st choice: chicken tenders

2nd choice: mac & cheese

3rd choice: sunbutter and jelly with crackers and yogurt

Friday

1st choice: cheese pizza

2nd choice: pepperoni pizza

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

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.

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.

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.

Elementary Handbook

LEAP Website

School Menus

TCAPS Volunteer Form

TCAPS Volunteer Standards of Conduct