The Eastern Star Family Newsletter

Thanks to those who kicked off conference week last night! Conference time is a perfect opportunity to scale up what is working for those family routines and tweak what might need some adjusting. I know on a personal level that bed times have been creeping later and later at the Swegles' household. Going to need to tighten that up!

I look forward to a highly productive 2 1/2 weeks before we break for Thanksgiving! Thank you for your ongoing support of our school-community!

#shinebrighttogether

• November11 and 13, 4:30-7:30: Parent-Teacher Conferences (sign up below)
• November 11, 6:00-7:00: PTO Meeting
• November 19, 3:20-3:45: TBA Student Run Credit Union Deposit Day
• 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 17, 3:20-3:45: TBA Student Run Credit Union Deposit Day
• December 22-January 2: Winter Break
• TCAPS 25-26 Calendar

On Tuesday, November 11, our Eastern community will gather around the flag pole to pay respects to our Veterans. We will have some words shared by Dr. James Cooley, USCG, prior to everyone reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. We will finish our brief ceremony with each student planting an American flag in our circle drive area.

Please sign up HERE would be willing to donate food for Eastern families who may need extra support. We will send a list of what items are needed and ask that you bring them in Monday morning, so that families can pick up early in the week.

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.

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

Recess

Mrs. Annelin: 5th Grade

Mrs Kearney: 5th Grade

Mrs. Ferguson: Kindergarten

Mrs. LaBarre: 2nd Grade

Mrs. Stout: 4th Grade

Mrs. Nelson: 4th Grade

Eastern’s fall parent-teacher conferences are November 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

Social Work: Ms. Markey

Principal: Mr. Swegles

Congratulations to first graders Leo Bearss and Evelyn Crouch! They will be representing Eastern at the 2026 Cherry Festival. Leo and Evelyn's names were randomly selected earlier this week.

Our school is participating in a creative fundraiser with Art to Remember that allows you to purchase keepsake products customized with your child's art. There are over 60 products and many are less than $20.

These make great gifts and a percentage of every purchase goes right back to our school. Click on the link below and search for your child's name to see their artwork. Then, have fun shopping!

All orders are due by November 17th.

Thanks for supporting the arts!

Mrs. Culik

https://arttoremember.com/school/UXVC89

Math Movie - Counted Out. Counted Out investigates the biggest crises of our time through an unexpected lens: math. Northwest Ed is hosting the movie at AMC Cherry Blossom theaters on 11/9 at 4:30pm. Community members and students are encouraged to attend - Non-educators Register Here

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has been directed to temporarily pause the November payment of SNAP benefits (food assistance) due to an ongoing federal funding lapse. This situation affects approximately 1.4 million Michigan residents, placing many families with students at high risk of food insecurity. Key resources for families experiencing food insecurity are listed below.

Internal Resources for Families:

• Free Meals Continue: All eligible students should continue to eat free school breakfast and lunch without interruption.
• Get Help: Families needing assistance are strongly encouraged to reach out to their School Social Worker or Counselor for help with food and other essential needs

External Resources for Families:

• For Immediate Food & Assistance Referrals: Call 2-1-1 or visit 2-1-1 Michigan.
• For Local Pantries: Visit the Northwest Food Coalition website to find food pantries near you.

For Benefit Updates: Check your local MDHHS office or MI Bridges for official information on benefit release.

In conjunction with Rock Your Mocs week, which is nationally celebrated, we are hosting a spirit week, November 10-14. Themed days were thoughtfully selected by our program staff and students. Show your support, celebrate, and share your looks with us each day on social media, email (henionly@tcaps.net). Share with us on social media using the hashtag #TCAPSIE so we can feature your participation on our social media.

Themed Days:

• Monday, Nov. 10: Rock Your Braids - Hair is culturally significant to Indigenous people, back the braid, and wear your hair in braids.
• Tuesday, Nov. 11: Rock Blue or Red - Celebrate Veterans' Day and honor Ogichidaa (warriors). Click here to watch a YouTube video on how to say Ogichidaa.
• Wednesday, Nov. 12: Rock Red or Ribbon Skirt/Shirt - Support Indigenous resilience through fashion.
• Thursday, Nov. 13: Rock Kindness & Indigenous Bling - This World Kindness Day, wear Indigenous bling and tell someone they are Maamakaaj (awesome)! Click here to watch a YouTube video on how to pronounce.
• Friday, Nov. 14: Rock Your Mocs or Crocs - In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, wear your mocs, crocs or turquoise.

The Detroit Lions Touchdowns for Teachers program is designed to celebrate and support outstanding educators by providing them with Lions experiences and classroom grants to enhance their teaching experience while benefiting their students. Nominate a teacher here: Touchdowns for Teachers.

The TCAPS Student Support Network is hosting the Winter Warm-Up Shop on Thursday, November 13th and Friday, November 14th. The Winter Warm-Up Shop offers FREE new and gently used winter outerwear and footwear for students currently enrolled in TCAPS. Shopping is by appointment only and items are available while supplies last. Please complete this form to request an appointment.

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.

The ongoing government shutdown has left many of our Traverse City Coast Guard members and their families in a difficult position. They serve our community tirelessly and need our support more than ever.

Thanks to the generosity of Fox Motors, Truly Free, and our community, we have established a fund to provide free groceries to these brave individuals. We want to ensure that no family goes hungry during this challenging time. Simply shop with your photo ID and a voucher from the CPOA, and we will cover your groceries (excluding alcohol) until the funds run out.

Your donation, regardless of its size, can make a significant difference. You can contribute to our GoFundMe, donate in-store, or make a deposit at Traverse Catholic Federal Credit Union under the East Bayside Coast Guard account. Let’s come together to support those who protect us every day. Thank you for your kindness and generosity. https://gofund.me/0f8a36117

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.

Lost and Found Donated at Thanksgiving

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!

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

Join Us at the next PTO Meeting Tuesday, November 11th at 6pm!

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

Help us provide snacks for students! Read the flyer below to see how you can help.

BREAKFAST

MONDAY

plain donut

yogurt, fruit and milk

TUESDAY

cereal

cheese, fruit and milk

WEDNESDAY

mini bagel pastry

yogurt

fruit & milk

THURSDAY

Cereal

cheese stick, fruit & milk

FRIDAY

Assorted sweet breads

cheese stick, fruit & milk

LUNCH

MONDAY

1st choice: Cheeseburger with fries

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

TUESDAY

1st choice: beef walking tacos

2nd choice: meatless walking tacos

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

WEDNESDAY

1st choice: Grilled Cheese with tomato soup

2nd choice Mini Pepperoni calzones

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

THURSDAY

1st choice: chicken tenders basket with emojis, dinner roll

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

Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) Superintendent, Dr. John VanWagoner, will have monthly “office hours”, alternating each month between in person and virtual meetings. This month’s meeting will be virtual on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at 5:00 p.m., Virtual office hours will be held via Google Meet and can be accessed here - https://meet.google.com/cpo-wwwz-qat?hs=122&authuser=0 , or by calling +1 475-549-0438‬ and entering PIN: ‪961 104 679‬#.

The Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) Board of Education will host its next monthly “office hours” as a virtual meeting on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. You can use this link to join VM: (Google Meet)- meet.google.com/ten-gqes-pow or call 1.440.462.2802; PIN 243 200474#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)