New Message from Michele:
Calendar:
Nov 25: Nido, YCC, Primary Harvest Feasts in classrooms
Nov 25: Elementary & Junior High Harvest Feast/Stone Soup in the Barn
Nov 25: Junior High Only Early Dismissal, 12:30 p.m. (after Harvest Feast) from Long Lake Campus
Nov 26-28: No School, Thanksgiving Break
Dec 3: CHiPA meeting, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m., in the Community Room or via Zoom, details here
Dec 4: Compass Junior High Showcase, for parents of Upper El students, see below
Dec 11: Junior High Only, Early Dismissal, 12:00 p.m.
Dec 12: Winter Wonderland Upper Elementary Student Dance, 6 p.m. in the Barn
Dec 17: Coffee with Trisha, 8:30 a.m. in person at The Children’s House and on Zoom, details here
Dec 17: Elementary Robotics Family Open House, 4-5 p.m.
Dec 19: Seasonal Sing, 3 p.m. in the Barn, school closes after the event, no Friends Club, details here
Dec 23-Jan 3: Winter Break, No School
Jan 5: Staff Work Day, No School
Jan 6: School Resumes
In The Know:
New! Time to Order Lunch
December Lunch Menu is now available, view menu here.
New! Compass Junior High Showcase, Thursday, December 4, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
All parents of upper-elementary students are invited to visit our Park Street Campus to learn more about Compass Montessori Junior High. Compass students and faculty will give presentations and answer questions about the curriculum and student life. Alumni will be on hand to connect with parents and share their experience. Sign up here.
New! Recap of Montessori Up Close: Partnering with You to Raise Lifelong Learners
We developed a new approach to sharing with parents how the Montessori philosophy comes to life in our classrooms. On Tuesday evening, participants explored the classrooms, manipulating the materials and reading descriptions of their purpose. The guides explained how they inspire and connect with children in their learning at every level. Small group reflection and socializing had a positive vibe. A few takeaways from participants:
“I appreciated hearing how a lesson might be tailored to the age group it’s presented to, with thought around what concepts are still developing in their minds.”
“The elementary story was really passionate and wonderful - I felt so engaged and eager to hear more!”
“In the Primary classroom, there was a station where the children could sit together and have a conversation with one another. Especially in the times of smartphones, social media, etc., it’s more important than ever to instill and foster this foundational skill.”
“To be able to see and manipulate the materials and to read how each material relates to a specific subject was a very helpful way to see what my child might be experiencing academically in the future."
New! Volunteers Needed: Meadow Valley Collaboration
Upper El students, Alexandra, Jane, and Estelle, presented to CHiPA about their collaboration with our neighbors at Meadow Valley. Every Friday, from 10:15 to 11:30, they visit with the residents and do crafts. They requested the need for chaperones to walk with four elementary students each week. (Contact Andrew to become an approved chaperone and driver.) Reach out to Renee with all other questions about the program.
Signup Genius for Meadow Valley
Updated! Bright Futures Fund: Off to a Strong Start!
We’re excited to share that we’ve passed $35,000 toward our $275,000 Bright Futures Fund goal—thank you to everyone who has already contributed! A quick reminder that any gifts made before December 31 count toward your 2025 tax year. This year, our Bright Futures Fund is helping us move forward on several essential projects, including replacing our entire outdoor fence, installing a new water heater, and upgrading our kitchen classroom to better support daily learning. Thank you for helping us build a safe, vibrant, and inspiring environment for our students.
Mind Up Take Home Lesson
Students K-6 receive MindUP lessons each Monday. Our learners are having fun learning about their brains and how they work. MindUP take home lessons are available to families on this Google Document. It will be updated weekly with new lessons and will always be accessible on our Learning Resources page.
Blog & Video:
New! Learning through Food
by Jeanette Kania
As we enter the season of many holidays, it is a wonderful time to reflect on all the meanings that food can have. Food can be used as a means of connection, showing love, building community, and preserving traditions. In the Nido, meals are a central part of our community. Exploring food provides young children with opportunities to develop focus and patience, as well as fine and gross motor skills and language. Continue Reading...
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Detroit Trip Summary
By Compass Junior High Students
Our journey to Detroit started bright and early. As we drove our school vans into the city, we made memories that will last a lifetime. When we finally arrived after the vigorous drive, we headed straight to the DIA. We got to take in meaningful art and creations while reflecting on the pieces we loved. Continue Reading...
Extracurriculars:
Upcoming Registrations:
New! Navigators Girls basketball (6th-8th)
Registration deadline: Friday, December 12, 2025
Registration: FinalForms
Learn More
New! Comets Boys Basketball (4th-5th)
Registration deadline: December 12, 2025
Registration & Learn More: LEAP website
New! Battle of the Books (4th-5th)
Registration deadline: December 31, 2025
Registration: Final Forms
Learn More
New! Navigators Robotics (6th-8th)
Registration deadline: January 7, 2026
Registration: Final Forms; (pay participation fee here)
Learn More
New! Parent volunteers make student extracurricular experiences possible!
Please fill out this form if you are willing to coach or assist. We do not need expert coaches, just adults who would like to help, so that we can have these teams!
In Season:
New! Navigators Boys Basketball, Robotics, D&D
Navigator Boys Basketball is underway, as well as Elementary Robotics and Dungeons & Dragons clubs. Thank you to all of the volunteer parents making these extracurriculars happen! Students are having fun exploring their interests.
Athletics Survey
Survey Goal: To better understand parents’ current perceptions, pain points, and communication preferences around the school’s elementary athletics program — in order to inform a future-state strategy that improves clarity and engagement.
Take the Survey
Community Bulletin:
Welcome to the Community Bulletin! This is your space to share activities, events, and extracurriculars that your family is involved in outside of school. To submit a message for the bulletin, email Arielle@traversechildrenshouse.org.
- Kids Night Out! Friday, Nov 21, 6 - 8:15 in the school gym, learn more
- Kathryn Burke, TCH parent, is raising money for her hometown community in Jamaica that was recently devastated by a Category 5 hurricane. learn more
- New! Interlochen Arts Academy winter events include a winter celebration and two children's shows, learn more
This Week in Photos:
