Best wishes to our four robotics teams tomorrow (Saturday, January 22) at their VEX Robotics tournament at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Middle School . They'll compete against teams from Traverse City, Petoskey, Grand Rapids, Kingsley, Fairview, Hudsonville and Benzonia. Watch them live on https://twitch.tv/bellairerobotics, starting at 9:30 am.
As a reminder, GTA follows the school closure decisions of the Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) for weather-related issues only. We have learned that all TCAPS schools will be closed tomorrow, Friday, January 7, 2022 due to staffing issues. This closure will not affect Grand Traverse Academy and we will be open as usual. We look forward to seeing everyone at school tomorrow!
Congratulations to Mustangs Michaila Kinney and Norah VanWingerden on making the Record Eagle All-Region Volleyball Team! Michaila, who led the Mustangs in every category but assists (with 280 kills, 110 aces, 352 digs, 21 blocks and 11 assists), was named to the Second Team and Norah made Honorable Mention. We're especially proud of these outstanding athletes!
Exciting news! Not one, but two of Grand Traverse Academy's choirs are finalists in WKHQ radio's Holiday Choir Competition! Use the link below to listen and vote today through December 23. The winner will receive $1,000 for their school music program and will be featured in the 106 KHQ Holiday Choir Concert on Christmas Eve. Congratulations to our students and director Mrs. Diephouse!
http://www.106khq.com/choirvoting/
Important Notice: Although school is cancelled today, we know that many students will want belongings from their lockers or their band instruments at home with them for the Holiday Break. The school building will be open today, Friday, December 17, from 11:00 am to 12:45 pm for pickup. Office staff will be available to assist if necessary. Please check in at either office when you arrive.
Thank you, and have a wonderful break!
Update: Tonight's board of directors meeting and boys' JV basketball game will take place as scheduled.
It's almost time for our Holiday Break! All students and staff are invited to celebrate the season by wearing a GTA-appropriate "ugly" sweater with uniform pants or skirt on Friday, December 17. Let's all enjoy the silliness!
School will be closed on Monday, December 6, due to the weather. Please stay warm and drive carefully!
Current GTA 7th graders planning their trip to Washington, DC in 2023 are raising funds by selling Grand Traverse Pie Company gift certificates. These make great gifts or stocking stuffers, or provide you with a super easy treat to take to your holiday festivities! Each $20 certificate is good for one 9" fruit or cream pie, a large chicken or beef pot pie or any large quiche from either Traverse City location. For details or to order, stop by either GTA office or contact Mrs. VanHouzen at vanhouzenm@mygta.us or (231) 932-6960.
GTA Parents & Staff: Thank you for your patience regarding today's construction on Three-Mile Road. We are very pleased to report that our Three-Mile entrance is now open and available for use. Afternoon carpool will function as usual today, so you may disregard yesterday's instructions. However, Three-Mile Road continues to be blocked between South Airport and Vanderlip Roads. We appreciate your understanding and thank you for sharing your children with us.
GTA Parents & Staff: Please be sure to check your email for an important message about the carpool process tomorrow, November 11.
GTA parents: If you see two fire engines in the south parking lot tomorrow morning (Wednesday, October 27) during carpool, please know that all is well at GTA! Our kindergarteners have the exciting opportunity to learn about fire safety from real firefighters and will be able to see their equipment up close. They can't wait!
As of Friday, GEMS classes had collected 771 pairs of socks and toiletry items for area homeless shelters, far exceeding their goal of 500 by the end of the month. But theyre not stopping there! They‘re raising the bar and aiming for 1,000 pairs of new adult-sized socks or personal care items (such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant, etc.). If you haven‘t participated yet, please consider helping our homeless neighbors with a donation. Items may be sent to school with your child through Friday, October 29. Thank you!
School picture retakes are scheduled for next Tuesday, October 19. Be sure to return the original picture package with your child to avoid paying twice. First-time photos will need an order form with payment (available in either office), or order and pay online at http://preorder.timeless-image.com. Order codes are 5821 for Preschool & Elementary and 6321 for Junior High & High School. School uniforms are required for school pictures.
It's not too late to sign up for Parent-Teacher Conferences! All parents are encouraged to meet with teachers to discuss their children's progress or any concerns you may have, either in person or by phone. Reserve your spot today at School Bookings online for Elementary (https://www.schoolbookings.net/code/3tmwq) or Secondary (https://www.schoolbookings.net/code/q8vb8).
As a reminder, masks will be required of students, staff and guests for the two-week period starting Monday, October 4 due to the current Grand Traverse County COVID-19 test positivity rate. Students will wear masks in common areas (including hallways), when indoors before or after school, and while present for school functions. Once students are seated in the classroom, masks may be removed, though it is strongly recommended that they be worn at all times. This temporary change in policy will be reevaluated on October 14 and the results will be communicated via email. Thank you for your understanding and assistance in keeping GTA healthy and open for in-person instruction.
Our first parent-teacher conferences of the school year are right around the corner! All parents are encouraged to meet with their children's teachers to discuss their progress or any concerns you may have, either in person or by phone. Instructions have been emailed to all families, or see the October 1 Connections newsletter for information and sign-up links.
Find out how you can help make the most of your child's GTA experience by joining the GTA Family Council for their first meeting of the 2021-22 school year! It happens this Thursday, September 23 from 6:30-7:30 pm in Multi-Purpose Rooms 3 & 4. RSVP at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C45A5AD28A5FCC34-20212022. Questions? Contact Kristin Boogaard at kristinboogaard@gmail.com or (616) 328-4646.
Don't forget our Fill the Pantry Jeans Day tomorrow, September 16. For a $2 per student donation, students and staff may wear school appropriate jeans (no holes or tears) with a uniform top. Proceeds will help stock our student lunch pantry for less fortunate students (and those who occasionally forget their lunch at home). We thank you for your participation, which is voluntary.
Is your 6th-8th grader interested in learning the fundamentals of golf? Here's a great opportunity for them to get instruction from a former PGA professional. This clinic was extremely popular last year and costs just $30 for four sessions, including all necessary equipment. Find details in the September 10 issue of the Connections newsletter here: https://www.mygta.us/page/newsletter. Classes start on September 21, so be sure to sign up right away!
