Montessori Newsletter

Dear Timberwolves Families:

This week, I was able to join a group of TCAPS educators to attend The Reading League’s National Conference in Chicago. It was inspiring to collaborate with leaders in the field and reinforce our commitment to evidence-based reading instruction. As you know, TCAPS Montessori is excited to be collaborating with all TCAPS elementary schools this year on the implementation of the new district ELA curriculum: Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA).

We know that a Montessori education is built on meeting children where they are. Our Guides are working diligently to integrate the strong, research-backed content of CKLA with the powerful, individualized methods of the Montessori approach. This ensures your child receives both:

High-Quality, Systematic Instruction: Utilizing the best tools and resources the district provides.
Individualized Learning: Tailoring instruction to their unique needs and pace, a core component of the Montessori method.

This month, a significant focus of our professional work is on data-driven instruction. We are holding our Tier 1 and 2 data meetings to ensure that every student is on the path to reading proficiency.

During these collaborative meetings, our Guides are focused on:

Analyzing student performance data to celebrate successes.
Identifying specific areas where students might need additional support.
Differentiating our lessons to meet students at their current level, ensuring we are effectively upholding district standards while utilizing our individualized Montessori approach.

We strongly believe that literacy is a fundamental human right, and we take our responsibility in developing skilled readers and writers very seriously. As always, thank you for choosing our school, where your children are developing into well-rounded humans, capable of strong literacy and communication. Your support at home makes a tremendous difference! Please keep up the great work of reading with your children and encouraging a love for books—it truly partners with the work we do here.

Happy Friday,

Tracy

Get ready for a night of spooky fun at the TCAPS Montessori Halloween Festival on Friday, October 24th! This family-friendly event will be packed with activities for kids of all ages. The Toddler - Third grade event will take place from 4:30 to 6:00 pm. 4th through 8th grade students may attend from 6:30 to 8:00 pm.

Highlights include a haunted house, a dance floor with music, exciting games and an obstacle course, and fun Halloween-themed crafts. Families can also enjoy seasonal treats, Halloween snacks, and a light dinner included with entry.

This event is hosted by the TCAPS Montessori National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). Proceeds will support NJHS service projects that give back to the Traverse City community all year long.

Bring your family, bring your friends, and don’t forget your costumes—it’s going to be a spooktacular evening you won’t want to miss!

Updates & Reminders

The playground is closed to the public from 3:40 until 4:20 every day after school for the SEEDS program. Thank you for your understanding.
Early Release day Monday - reminder that dismissal is at 1pm for Toddlers and 1:12 for PreK - 8th grade on Monday, October 13.
Are you looking for flexible work and enjoy working with young children? We are looking for substitute assistants to cover staff absences in our toddler and primary classrooms. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Mrs. Liz Yarch at 933-6421.

For more details + other family resources, click here: PTO Update

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.

2. Michigan law requires TCAPS to share information with parents and caregivers about the safe storage of firearms. Here are the resources provided by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE): What is the Secure Storage Law in Michigan, and the Safe Storage Notice. Additional resources and information can be found on MDE’s Safe Storage Law webpage. Questions may be directed to MDE’s Office of Health and Safety at MDE-OHS@Michigan.gov.

3. Super Science Saturday The robotics team is hosting Super Science Saturday on October 11!

4. Board Office Hours 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.

5. Superintendent Office Hours 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 in person on Tuesday, Otober 14, 2025 at 5:00 p.m., and will be held at Horizon Books, 243 E. Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49684 on the second floor (Mezzanine level).

1. Parent High School Credit Information for Spanish Class

Spanish Class Wish List of Supplies
This link: Spanish classes parent updates will take you to updates about all the levels of Spanish: CASA, Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary and Adolescent. Find out what vocabulary your student is learning, what songs we are currently singing & what questions your student should be able to answer in Spanish.