We're happy you're here!

With one month under our belts for this school year we hope you and your family are getting back into the groove of the school year and developing routines that will contribute towards success.  If you haven't gotten into that routine, this is your friendly nudge. Even small adjustments can contribute to big results. Our program is excited to help in supports and connecting you with resources to contribute to a successful school year. 

Program Update

Our program has been through a restructuring due to funding.  The change impacts our services at the elementary level, previously we employed instructional aides at each elementary based on the number of students in our program. The restructuring will include one instructional aid providing support at all TCAPS elementary schools on a rotating schedule. Their time at elementary schools will offer small groups, coordinating academic support resources in the building, student advocacy, and cultural enrichment through the buildings with bulletins and library read-ins.  We are currently hiring for this position, see TCAPS employment webpage if you are interested or know someone who would be perfect for this role.  Please feel free to call me if you have any questions. Once we fill the position we will be sure to share it here in the Biidajimotaage. 

Indigenous Peoples' Day

This school year, TCAPS honored and celebrated Indigenous Peoples' Day through an Indigenous-focused curriculum for all students from junior kindergarten through 12th grade.  Additionally, the half day of school allowed an opportunity for students to participate in community events. Lesson planning included an amazing team of educators across the district and our program. We consulted with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Language and Culture Program.  Oose, chi miigwech to all of those who contributed towards the day honoring and celebrating Indigenous contribution with our next generation. 

Not only does our program provide individualized support to Indigenous learners we strive to contribute towards changes on a systems level that supports students, families, and community.  To stay attuned to our program in real time and opportunities please give us a follow on Facebook and Instagram.

Thank you!

Oose! (Shoshone)

Peshaiyu! (Bannock)

Miigwech! (Anishinaabemowin)

Summer Baldwin,

Indigenous Education Coordinator

Office: (231) 933-5897

Cell/Text: (231) 499-2421

Email: baldwinsu@tcaps.net

Indigenous Education Parent Committee Meeting November 11, 2024 

Date: November 11, 2024

Locations: West Middle School Library and Google Meet

Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/cbc-pmma-snu

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 662-434-4951‬ PIN: ‪346 395 385‬#

More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/cbc-pmma-snu?pin=3916455301035 

Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The November meeting will include an election of officers and a discussion of student needs funding. Please take time to review and be ready to discuss the following at our November meeting.

• IPC Officer Roles

• IPC Bylaws

• 06/10/2024 Meeting Minutes (pending approval)

• 09/09/2024 Meeting Minutes (pending approval)

The TCAPS Indigenous Education Parent Committee was established to provide input and assistance with the program.  All parents and guardians of TCAPS Indigenous students are encouraged to attend informative meetings and to share their thoughts and opinions.

📅 Add to your Google calendar

📥 Download Letter size list of meetings

Recent Report on Youth and non-traditional tobacco use

The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released a report on youth tobacco use. We want to share this important data with you and provide a resource to help teens quit vaping.

2024 Findings on Youth Use for All Tobacco Products 

Current Use

• 8.1% (2.25 million) of all students reported current use of tobacco products

• 10.1% (1.58 million) of high school students reported current use of tobacco products

• 5.4% (640,000) of middle school students reported current use of tobacco products

• 2.8% of students (760,000) reported current use of any combustible tobacco product 

• 3.0% of students (840,000) reported current use of multiple (≥2) tobacco products

Most Commonly Used Tobacco Products

• E-Cigarettes (5.9%)

• Nicotine Pouches (1.8%)

• Cigarettes (1.4%)

• Cigars (1.2%)

• Smokeless Tobacco (1.2%)

• Other Oral Nicotine Products (1.2%)

• Heated Tobacco Products (0.8%)

• Hookahs (0.7%)

• Pipe Tobacco (0.5%)

• Demographics

Current Use (past 30 days) of Any Tobacco Product (middle and high school): 

• 16.3% of non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AN) students

• 10.0% of Black students 

• 8.4% of Hispanic students

• 9.0% of Multiracial students

Read more about the report findings.

Michigan College Month

Michigan College Month (October) - Michigan College Month is part of the American College Application Campaign initiative with the goal to provide every graduating high school senior the opportunity to apply to college and for financial aid. Special focus is placed on assisting students who would be the first in their families to attend college and students who may not have otherwise seriously considered applying to college.

Gda-Gindaasomin: Fall book reviews!

TCAPS Indigenous Education is seeking Indigenous Education student book lovers to read and provide reviews of books through the Fall!

• Who can submit?    TCAPS Indigenous Education Students

• What to submit?     Provide a book review of Indigenous-authored books. Submissions can be written, video, or audio.  

• When to submit? Fall 2024

Multiple book reviews are welcomed and encouraged! 

An anonymous and fellow bookworm donor sponsored two $10 gift cards! 

Winners will be selected and notified on the day before Winter Solstice, December 20, 2024.

For more information and to submit click here! 👈