The first months of school at Traverse Heights Elementary are behind us. Students have settled into their routines, classrooms are filled with energy and learning, and the foundation for a successful school year has already taken shape.
This strong foundation is built on our commitment to putting families at the center from the very beginning, ensuring that every family feels welcomed, heard, and empowered from Day One.
As the principal and a former president of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), we can attest that this commitment is more than just words. It is something we work on, side by side, every single day.
One way we nurture a sense of belonging among students, staff, and families is through our House System. At the start of the school year, every new student and staff member is welcomed into one of five “houses,” each named after one of the Great Lakes. These cross-grade houses come together monthly for assemblies that celebrate accomplishments and reinforce school spirit. Before each assembly, families are invited to Coffee and Connections, a welcoming event hosted by the PTO that offers a chance to meet others, learn about school initiatives, and get involved. In fact, many of our 2025–2026 PTO board members first connected with our community through these monthly gatherings.
Our collaboration is rooted in a shared commitment to building meaningful relationships with families. TeachMichigan, a statewide initiative focused on recruiting, retaining, and supporting the development of high-impact educators across the state, has provided valuable insights that have shaped our conversations and guided our decisions to center families in every aspect of our school community.
During the first week of school, we saw this work come to life. Families helped welcome students in the morning. We had meaningful conversations in the hallways and during our Kindergarten Signing Day and Open House. Our Open House was more than a scheduled walk-through. It was a space for connection and dialogue. Caregivers asked thoughtful questions and shared ideas that are already helping us shape our next steps.
We know that real engagement is not a one-time event. It is a relationship. That is why we are continuing to open space for listening, sharing ideas, and building trust. Whether through PTO meetings, Coffee and Connections, family festivals, or informal conversations, we are committed to keeping the lines of communication open and honest. The role of Traverse Heights’ Parent Teacher Organization extends beyond fundraising and organizing events. It operates as a bridge between families, educators, and the school community. By creating clear channels of communication, the PTO ensures that every family feels informed, included, and empowered to take part in their child’s educational journey.
One parent and staff member, Holly Haywood, has experienced this partnership from multiple perspectives. As both a caregiver and our School Success Liaison through the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency’s School Success Partnership Program, Holly has played a key role in strengthening the home-school connection. Last year, she helped launch Roadrunner University, a program designed to foster positive relationships among families. Through her work with the PTO, she has seen firsthand how our community creates opportunities for all Traverse Heights families. From record-breaking fundraising efforts to vibrant, well-attended festivals and family events, these initiatives have deepened relationships and helped every family feel that they truly belong.
One example of this commitment is how our PTO funds opportunities for students to participate in after-school activities through the LEAP program and other organizations. By covering the costs, we remove financial barriers that might otherwise exclude students. Every child deserves the chance to play, grow, and be part of a team, regardless of family circumstances. When students can join teams without worrying about cost, they gain more than just exercise or skill development. They gain friendships, pride, and a deeper connection to their school. Families also feel a stronger sense of belonging when they see that their children are included in every opportunity, not left on the sidelines. This is the heart of our work: making sure no one feels like an outsider.
We are proud of how the year has begun, and we know we are just getting started. This kind of partnership does not happen automatically. It grows through intention, consistency, and shared purpose. The PTO’s mission is to enhance the home and school connection at Traverse Heights Elementary.
Whether by attending a PTO meeting, joining an upcoming event, volunteering at a PTO-sponsored activity, or simply stopping to chat during drop-off, your voice matters.
We invite every family to be part of this work. Let us continue building this school year together. When schools and families move forward as one community, our students thrive.