The Eastern Star Family Newsletter

I want to take this opportunity to share a debt of gratitude and appreciation to Jenn Comstock for her years of service to Eastern as PTO president. Her leadership as President of the PTO Board provided many positive impacts that lead to wonderful and memorable experiences for our STARs! Thank you, Mrs. Comstock! We appreciate you!

#shinebrighttogether

• October 22, 9:15-10:00: Coffee & Curriculum (see details below)
• October 24: Popcorn Friday and All School Spirit Day (Eastern swag, Trojan, MSU, UM, or whatever your favorite team is!)
• October 28, 9:00-10:30: Picture retakes
• October 31, 9:15-9:45: Halloween Parade
• 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 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 22-January 2: Winter Break
• TCAPS 25-26 Calendar

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!

Picture retakes for Eastern will be Tuesday, October 28, from 9:00-10:30. Order forms are in the office, or you can order online at mylifetouch.com -- use this Picture Day ID: EVTKVP99J.

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.

On Wednesday, October 22, from 9:15-10:00 am, Principal Swegles and Literacy Coach Kelly OBranovic will host Coffee & Curriculum. Join them for a relaxed and informative morning. They will be sharing more about our new reading program, Amplify CKLA, and exploring The Science of Reading - what research tells us about how children learn to read.

You'll also get a behind-the-scenes look at our curriculum adoption process and walk away with practical tips for supporting your child's literacy journey at home.

At Eastern, we believe in partnering with parents -- because when schools and families learn together, students thrive. We look forward to connecting, learning, and growing together over a cup of coffee!

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.

Ski Swap - sponsored by Grand Traverse Ski Club

Traverse City West Middle School (Gym)
Saturday, Oct. 18 | 9 AM – 1 PM

Looking for used or new downhill or cross-country ski gear?

Come shop skis, boots, poles, racing suits, coats & more — for all ages and skill levels, from little kids to expert racers! You can also sell your used gear with a small percentage of proceeds coming back to the Ski Club!

A great way for new skiers to get started and for experienced racers to score deals. Proceeds support the Grand Traverse Ski Club.

Event details:
Friday, Oct. 17 | 6:30–8:30 PM — Drop off your used gear to sell
Saturday, Oct. 18 | 9 AM–1 PM — Doors open for shopping
Saturday, Oct. 18 | 1–3 PM — Pickup unsold equipment

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 Thanksgiving Meal

Lunchroom

Recess

Mrs. LaBarre

Mrs. Stout

Ms. Ross

Mrs. Annelin

Mrs Kearney

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.

Eastern's annual Halloween Parade will be Friday, October 31, from 9:15-9:45. Weather permitting the parade will be outdoors. More information will be shared closer to Halloween.

As a reminder, costumes should be non-violent. No blood, weapons, pretend weapons, or gore is allowed. Adults in costume cannot have their faces covered or have a costume that makes them unrecognizable to staff.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a fun, safe environment for our students.

TRUNK OR TREAT IS BACK!! This year's Student Council is happy to announce that we will be hosting our (now) annual Trunk or Treat at Eastern! Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 23th from 5:30 to 7:00 and be ready for some festive fun! If you are willing to BRING a vehicle to hand out candy from please use this form to let us know so we can assign you a location!

Trojan Coaching Staff & TCC Players will be teaching the fundamentals of basketball! To sign up for a clinic, follow THIS LINK and scroll to the bottom of the page.

An emphasis will be placed on developing skills while having fun and competing.

WHO: Boys 2nd- 8th GRADE & 2nd- 8th COACHES

WHERE: Traverse City Central High School Gymnasiums (bring: water bottle & dress accordingly)

WHEN: Saturday, October 25th

2nd- 3rd Grade @ 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

4th - 5th Grade @ 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM

6th - 8th Grade @ 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM

COST:

2nd - 5th grade: $30.00 per player

6th - 8th grade: $40.00 per player

Coaches we would love to include you in this clinic free of charge!

This clinic will address what fundamentals & concepts we want taught at each grade level within the LEAP elementary and middle school programs.

Specific questions? Please contact Coach Luke Johnson: johnsonlu@tcaps.net


NOTE: Payment is required at the time of registration. You may register online using a Discover, MasterCard, Visa, or ACH (via a checking or savings account) please register below. Registration is not complete until your course appears in your dashboard. You will also receive an email from Eleyo confirming your registration. If you need assistance please call the LEAP office (231.933.7480).

The Board of Education is looking at a temporary and long-term school location(s) for the Talented and Gifted (TAG) program. This is happening, in part, because of the renovation planned for Central Grade School, which will be a multi-year project starting after the 2025-2026 school year.

At this week's Board Curriculum Committee meeting, Superintendent VanWagoner discussed the idea of moving the program to two locations: Silver Lake Elementary on the west side and Eastern Elementary on the east side. The Board of Education will be discussing this further at its regular board meeting on Monday, October 13, to determine the best locations for the program.

Traverse City Area Public Schools is honored to offer veterans the opportunity to receive their high school diploma and be part of the 2026 graduation ceremonies!

Under Michigan's Public Act 181 of 2001 and Public Act 55 of 2014, the TCAPS Board of Education is authorized to award diplomas to veterans of WWII, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam Era in recognition of their service and sacrifice.

Eligibility Details:

• WWII Veterans: Must have left high school between December 16, 1940, and December 31, 1946.

• Korean War Veterans: Must have left high school between June 27, 1950, and January 31, 1955.

• Vietnam Era Veterans: Must have been drafted or enlisted between February 28, 1961, and May 7, 1975, and must have attended a TCAPS high school.

This opportunity is for veterans who did not subsequently receive a high school degree. Family members are welcome to apply on behalf of a living or deceased veteran.

For more information, please call 231.933.1722.

Lost and Found Growing

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!

Jog-A-Thon 2025

Thank you to everyone who helped make Jog-A-Thon a success! The donation website will be shut down after today and we will have a grand total soon.

I know students are VERY excited to learn who will create their very own moomers flavor or help turn Principal Swegles into a human sundae at the wrap-up assembly on Thursday, October 30, from 3:15-3:45. We will have the assembly on FaceBook Live. Names will be drawn next week!

Last Week's Class Winners

Winner of highest earning class on October 10th gets a pizza party for the entire class : Lindsay Annelin

The class that submits the most donations (number of donations, not monetary) Sept 19-October 10th wins extra recess AND $40 worth of playground toys: Lindsay Annelin

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

New PTO Board Members

At the October 10th PTO meeting Danielle Hawley, Amanda Milalic and Kim Carey were unanimously voted onto the board or a new position. Here is the 25/26 PTO school board:

Danielle Hawley, Co-President

Kim Carey, Co-President

Amanda Mihalic, Vice President

Lydia Potthoff, Treasurer

Kelly Bulloch, Secretary

Important Dates

November 11th @ 6pm - PTO Meeting

BREAKFAST

MONDAY

Assorted muffins (contains egg)

cheese stick, fruit and milk

TUESDAY

cereal

yogurt, fruit and milk

WEDNESDAY

mini pancakes (contains egg)

cheese stick, fruit & milk

THURSDAY

Cereal

cheese stick, fruit & milk

FRIDAY

Assorted sweet breads (contains egg)

cheese stick, fruit & milk

LUNCH

MONDAY

1st choice: Bosco sticks

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

TUESDAY

1st choice: beef soft tacos

2nd choice: Cheese quesadilla (contains egg)

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

WEDNESDAY

1st choice: chicken nuggets with dinner roll

2nd choice Pizza bento box

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

THURSDAY

1st choice:Pancakes and sausage and hash browns (contains egg)

2nd choice:sunbutter & jelly with yogurt and crackers

FRIDAY

1st choice Cheese Pizza

2nd choice: Pepperoni pizza

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

The Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) Board of Education will host its next monthly “office hours” at the Traverse Area District Library (TADL) in the McGuire Room, 610 Woodmere Avenue, on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 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)