Long Lake Newsletter

Dear Families,

As we head into the Thanksgiving season, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for our incredible school community. Every day, we see the impact of families, students, and staff working together to create a welcoming, supportive, and joyful place to learn and grow!

We are thankful for the trust you place in us, the partnerships we share, and the many ways you support your child’s learning. This time of year reminds us how fortunate we are to learn, celebrate, and build community alongside each of you. We hope your Thanksgiving is filled with rest, connection, and moments of joy with the people you cherish most.

Thank you for being an essential part of our school family!

Kate Burwinkel

CALENDAR REMINDERS: We have an Early Release Day on Tuesday, November 25th. Long Lake dismisses at 2:02 p.m. Thanksgiving Break begins Wednesday November 26th. Our main school office will close after the school day ends on Tuesday, November 25 to allow staff time to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday. The office will reopen on Monday, December 1. If you need immediate assistance during this time, please contact the TCAPS District Office at (231) 933-1700.

LONG LAKE GIVING TREE: Each year, we are able to sponsor a Giving Tree to support Long Lake families in need. We’re pleased to continue this tradition for another year. If your able to give a gift to a school family this year, please look through the following list and sign up for any item(s) you intend to buy. The sign up is anonymous, so other donors will not see your name or information. You can sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044BA9AA2BA64-60375104-llgiving Once a gift is purchased, please wrap it and write the number on a tag or paper attached to the gift so we can make sure each present gets to the right family. Gifts should be dropped off at Long Lake Elementary by Thursday, December 11th. The gifts will be delivered to the families soon after this date, so it is very important to have the gift at the school, wrapped, and tagged by Thursday, December 11th. If it is more convenient, please feel free to have online purchases delivered to Long Lake Elementary at the following address: 7600 N Long Lake Rd, Traverse City, MI 49685. Make sure to include the correct number in the "gift message" box Questions can be directed to our office at 231-933-7800. The generosity of our community is amazing. On behalf of our Long Lake families, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

HOUSE UPDATE: Our next House Assembly is this Friday, December 19th @ 9:30 a.m. Families are welcome to join us and be a part of this celebration! Just sign in at the office upon arrival. We will highlight one student per class and recognize classes for attendance and for following our lifelong guidelines!

SEEKING SCHOOL CHEER IDEAS: We have a fun challenge for our students! We’re on the hunt for ideas for a school-wide cheer! Each House already has its own cheer, and now we’d love to create one that brings our whole school together. Please submit ideas by December 12th by completing the sheet being sent home in backpacks or this form.

HOLIDAY NIGHT: Please join us for a festive night of crafts, cookie decorating, games, fun Photo ops, and cocoa. Friday December 12th from 6:00pm-8:00pm in the cafeteria.

POPCORN POPPERS: PTO is happy to provide the entire school popcorn once a month and volunteers are needed. Bring the kids with you for extra helping hands and it is a fun way to meet new friends! Below is the sign up genius to help pop popcorn for students. Please consider helping out. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F44ACAC29A0FBCF8-58294686-popcorn

PTO LARGE PURCHASE IDEAS: We are looking for great ideas from you! There is money reserved in our budget for a larger purchase to benefit the school, students, and staff. These purchases need to provide a positive impact for our students. Please see the link below to submit an idea. Deadline is Friday, December 19, 2025.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeg-kZRTBuNM8vAno0yd5Cspa3nBLYv60C8qsCGyCnhpMB6kQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=116723536023437740044

Snow Days 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 https://www.tcaps.net/o/lles. 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

Shanty Creek Student Pass News: 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.

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

High School Diplomas for Veterans
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.