Dear Montessori Timberwolves Families and Friends,
A note of gratitude to everyone who made our first week of school successful!
Custodial Staff - Our school is clean and beautiful because of their diligent time and effort!
Office Staff - For all of your organization and work on our enrollment, health care plans, and so much more!
Instructional Staff, your spaces look fantastic. Thank you for welcoming us all and creating an exciting and engaging environment for our students!
Parents and Guardians, thank you for supporting your children, caring for their physical and emotional needs, and TRUSTING our school community to do the same!
ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL Do's & Don'ts
DO arrive between 7:55 and 8:10 - Doors open at 8:00, and instruction begins at 8:15.
DO park and walk up in the parking lot that works best for your family.
DO practice your child’s LAST NAME - they need to listen for this for a swift pickup.
DO be alert - pay attention - our children’s safety is imperative!
DO BE PATIENT, KIND, AND GRACIOUS! Our staff is working hard for your children!
DO NOT PARK in the moving car line in front of the school—this is for curbside drop-off/pick-up only. This is a ONE-WAY entrance. Take the first right and follow around to the curbside. MOVE FORWARD AS YOU ARE ABLE!
DO NOT buckle your child in the moving carline. If your child cannot buckle themselves, please choose a walking spot for pick-up.
DO NOT park in Circle Drive or LOT W - UNLESS you are a Toddler or Preschool family.
DO NOT use afternoon Carline if you are a UE or AC-only family—use LOT L and the trail.
Thank you for allowing extra time and grace these first few weeks to adjust to these procedures. We will get more efficient! We’ve got this!
Tracy Rucker
Head of School
You’ve undoubtedly chosen a Montessori education for your child for many reasons. Montessori promotes problem-solving, order, coordination, concentration, and independence. These characteristics support a more fulfilling childhood and can even help your child’s success throughout life!
Dr. Maria Montessori believed that children possess the innate ability to teach themselves; they are naturally curious and motivated from within. She did not believe that learning could be forced upon them but that they had the capability to foster their own love of learning. Montessori provides a framework in which intellectual and social discipline go hand in hand, laying the foundation for a happy and productive life.
The Montessori approach envisions education as an “aid to life.” Montessori is a philosophy of child development and an educational methodology that respects each child’s unique personality. The core principles are drawn from the child's natural growth and are designed to help each child with their task of inner construction. The method allows for modification to the needs of the individual, regardless of the level of ability, learning style, or social maturity. The focus of Montessori education continually changes in scope and manner to meet the child’s changing needs and interests.
Of course, a Montessori education is carefully curated. Classrooms are set up to encourage learning and taught through mindful, meticulous direction. Each week, our staff will provide A Montessori Minute featuring information and resources to further your growth and understanding of this beautiful educational opportunity we offer children. Please consider taking a minute to read and learn!
Attention Families with Siblings of Preschool & Toddler Students: We have learned that due to the state of Michigan's early childhood licensing mandates, we are not allowed to have older children enter or exit our preschool/toddler classroom doors. You must pick your older child(ren) up outside Door 8. We will have staff monitoring that door. They may also enter at this door in the morning—or Door 11 (carline). Thank you for your cooperation as we continue to keep safety a number one priority.
Open Employment Positions: Do you love our school and Montessori education and want to make a difference with kids? We currently have two upper elementary Instructional Assistant openings! These positions are for five hours every school day. We also have noon duty positions available, each for one hour a day. Please visit the TCAPS HR Employment page for more information.
Please remember that we do not have microwaves available for students to warm up food at lunchtime. Thermos are encouraged.
- September 9 - 11 - AC Program to Inland Seas
- September 16 - October 4, NWEA Fall Assessment Window
- September 20, International Day of Peace Recognition
- September 24, PTO Meeting - 3:30 to 4:30, Timberwolves Cafe - All are welcome!
- October 2, Count Day & Move-a-Thon
- October 3, Early Release Day (1 of 7) Dismissal at 1:12 pm
- October 9 & 16 - Parent Education Nights, 5:30-6:30
- October 22, PTO Meeting
- October 31, Literacy Celebrations
Highlights:
Read the PTO Newsletter for more information! Please Click HERE for the
Spanish Class News & Notes (Click Here)
Wish list for Ms. Ruggero’s Spanish classes 2024-25
Thank you for providing anything you are willing or able to for all the classes I teach at TCAPS Montessori! I will update this list throughout the year.
Pencils (plain)
Crayons - 24 colors
BIG crayons for little fingers
Washable markers
Black dry erase markers
35 Composition notebooks (7.5" x 9.75", Wide Ruled, 100 Sheets, Assorted Colors)
3x5 note cards (white and/or color)
5x8 large note cards (white and/or color)
Teachers Pay Teachers gift card https://help.teacherspayteachers.com/hc/en-us/articles/360058777211-How-can-I-purchase-a-TPT-gift-card
Vida Ruggero ruggerovi@tcapsstudent.net
- TCAPS Board of Education Monthly Office Hours: The Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) Board of Education will host its next monthly “office hours” in person on Thursday, September 26, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Horizon Books, 243 E. Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49684. The meeting will be located on the mezzanine level (second floor) of the bookstore. TCAPS Board office hours provide community members with the opportunity to talk to a school board trustee. This month, Trustee Raymond is scheduled to attend.
- Superintendent Monthly Office Hours: Dr. John VanWagoner's monthly open office hours for community members will be held virtually on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 5:00 pm. Community members may access the virtual meeting here or by calling +1 475-549-0438 PIN: 961 104 679#.
- TCAPS 2024-2025 Student/Parent Elementary Handbook is available on our school’s web page and is intended for use by students, parents/guardians, and staff as a guide to the rules, procedures, and general information about the district. Please familiarize yourself with the handbook and use it as a resource to assist your student(s) with following its rules and procedures.
- CEP Education Benefits Form. This form helps public schools receive crucial grant money to help ensure high-quality programming in our school as well as all of TCAPS. Please remember that even though all students qualify for free breakfast and lunch this year, we need households to turn in the CEP Education Benefits Form. Families can complete the form online at: traversecity.familyportal.cloud (one form per household). Many thanks for your time with this important endeavor!
TCAPS Montessori School
Email: ruckertr@tcaps.net
Website: https://www.tcaps.net/schools/elementary-schools/montessori/
Location: TCAPS Montessori School, Franke Road, Traverse City, MI, USA
Phone: 231-933-6420
Facebook: facebook.com/TCAPSMontessori
YouTube: TCAPS Montessori YouTube Channel
X: @TRuckerTCAPSmo