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Tears & CheersTuesday, September 2Drop-off times, 8:30 and 10:00 AM at CarlineThis informal gathering on the first day of school is a great way to connect with parents. Join us for coffee and pastries to celebrate the beginning of the year. Tears and cheers are welcome! |
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Back-to-School Parent MeetingThursday, September 46 to 8 p.m. at The Children’s HouseALL parents, faculty, and staff Required for all TCH parents and guardians to connect as a community. Classroom guides will explain the upcoming year's program, expectations, and special events. No childcare available. *New Parent Reception and Orientation, meet in the courtyard at 5:30 p.m.
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School Skills: Setting Kids Up for SuccessISACS Webinar featuring Lisa Damour, Author & Ask Lisa Podcast7:30–8:30 p.m. on Zoom, Registration Required Please join us for a talk in which Dr. Lisa Damour will address how to help children and teenagers manage uncomfortable emotions, adapt to new challenges, and cope with stress effectively. She also will cover when it’s time to worry about how a child or teen is doing at school and, under those circumstances, what to do. All are welcome. The recording for this webinar will be available until December 31, 2025. |
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Fall FestivalSunday, October 511 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Children’s HouseThis fall gathering is our opportunity to share with families the highlights of our Wellness program! The harvest of our campus gardens is shared in a meal together, while families also enjoy crafts and games. Bring your own plates, bowls, cups, silverware, and napkins to help make this a Zero Waste Event! RSVP Today! Donate Pumpkins Sign up to volunteer
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Coffee with TrishaWednesday, October 158:30 a.m. in person at The Children’s House and on ZoomAs part of our commitment to social and emotional learning for our students, these conversations focus on topics related to the emotional well-being and mental health of children, parenting, and supporting both your child and yourself. Drop in to connect through engaging and timely parenting topics. Trisha Short, our Mental Health Consultant, will facilitate the discussion. |
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Grounds Work BeeFriday, October 178:30 to 11:30 a.m. at The Children’s HouseYou can help keep our campus beautiful! Many hands make light work. |
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Primary Visiting DayFriday, October 248:30 - 9:30 a.m. at The Children’s HouseFor Primary students and a parent or caregiver Visiting day is such a special morning for your children to show you what they have been working on. Because of our limited class space, we ask that only one parent/caregiver visit. Drop your child off at carline and then join us after your child has had a moment to settle in. There will be a Primary Visiting Day in February for another parent/caregiver to visit! |
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How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Impacted Everything + What We Can Do About ItISACS Webinar featuring Jonathan Haidt, Author & Social Psychologist7:30–8:30 p.m. on Zoom, Registration Required Jonathan Haidt wrote The Anxious Generation with a firm belief that the challenges confronting our children and our families are solvable. However, addressing these challenges requires understanding the traps we have fallen into, so we can see the escape routes. The main escape routes are four new norms: delay smartphones until high school, delay social media until 16, phone-free schools, and more independence and play in the real world. Haidt will share the research that underpins the book and leave parents with inspiration and concrete plans to facilitate change in their families and communities. All are welcome. The recording for this webinar will be available until December 31, 2025. |
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Compass Visiting DayFriday, October 312:00 to 3:00 pm at our Park Street CampusFor 7th and 8th year students and their parents Parents/caregivers are invited to visit their student during the school day and learn about the workshops, travel, and life of our Junior High learners. Learners leave with their parents. |
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Daffodil DayMonday, November 3All day, at The Children's HouseDaffodil Day occurs every November when we plant bulbs in memory of former students Sierra Fetterolf, Anna Maas, and Rowan Sanford. Children plant bulbs with their classrooms. Adults are welcome to stop by the front desk at any time throughout the day to get a bulb to plant on campus |
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Horizon Books DaySaturday, November 88 AM - 7 PM at Horizon Books Downtown Traverse CityHorizon Books will host our annual book fair AND give a percentage of all sales that day directly to The Children’s House - even when you purchase gift certificates! Stop by our table at Horizon Books to purchase pre-selected books for your child’s classroom. This annual book sale helps build our school library and collection of books in each classroom. |
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Shop Your Community DaySaturday, November 8All day in Downtown Traverse CitySupport The Children’s House on Saturday, November 8, just by shopping in Downtown TC! For every purchase you make at participating stores, 15% of the sale will be donated to the nonprofit of your choice - please select The Children’s House when you check out! We were selected as one of the 30 non-profits because we consistently have one of the highest donation amounts at the end of the day. Let’s keep this trend going! Learn more at downtowntc.com. |
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Coffee with TrishaWednesday, November 128:30 a.m. in person at The Children’s House and on ZoomAs part of our commitment to social and emotional learning for our students, these conversations focus on topics related to the emotional well-being and mental health of children, parenting, and supporting both your child and yourself. Drop in to connect through engaging and timely parenting topics. Trisha Short, our Mental Health Consultant, will facilitate the discussion. |
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Daffodil Circle LuncheonWednesday, November 12Noon to 1:00 p.m. at the Traverse City Golf and Country ClubThe Daffodil Circle is a giving circle created in memory of Dr. Karen Gilhooly — a beloved parent, physician, and champion of healthy living — and three young students, Anna, Rowan, and Sierra, whose vibrant lives were tragically cut short in 2005. Their loss forever shaped our school community. For more information and to join, visit our Daffodil Circle page. |
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Ruby Bridges Walk to School DayFriday, November 14For Elementary and Primary classrooms Every year, our students learn about Ruby Bridges and bravery, community service, and how we can all contribute toward a more peaceful and harmonious future. In her honor, our school has the tradition of walking around our campus as a community. We start in the Barn with an all-school assembly where Elementary students will talk about Ruby Bridges and how she has inspired them. Primary students are paired with Elementary students for the walk. |
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Montessori Up Close: Partnering with You to Raise Lifelong LearnersTuesday, November 186:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Children's HouseThis is the event you should attend! During this school-wide social event, you will experience interactive, small-group presentations by our entire faculty. Appetizers and beverages will be provided; however, childcare will not be available. |
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Junior High ShowcaseThursday, December 45:30 - 7 p.m. at the Park Street CampusFor Upper Elementary students and their parents Current Junior High students and faculty will give presentations and answer questions about the curriculum and everyday life of Compass Montessori Junior High. Alumni will be on hand to connect with families and share their experience. |
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Coffee with TrishaWednesday, December 178:30 a.m. in person at The Children’s House and on ZoomAs part of our commitment to social and emotional learning for our students, these conversations focus on topics related to the emotional well-being and mental health of children, parenting, and supporting both your child and yourself. Drop in to connect through engaging and timely parenting topics. Trisha Short, our Mental Health Consultant, will facilitate the discussion. |
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Seasonal SingFriday, December 193:00 PM at The Children's HouseThis is a time-honored tradition on the final day of school before winter break. Families and friends gather to sing a variety of festive songs from many cultures, celebrating this wonderful time of year. The campus closes immediately following the event. Nido and YCC parents will receive specific instructions from their guide. |
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Elevating Discipline with the Brain in MindISACS Webinar featuring Tina Payne Bryson, Author, Speaker & Pediatric PsychotherapistTuesday, January 137:30–8:30 p.m. on Zoom, Registration Required Join Dr. Tina Payne Bryson as she shares transformative ideas that can serve as a go-to guide for parents and caregivers. With candid stories, compassion, and humor, Bryson will address the challenges we see in everyday parenting and help us approach them from a brain-based lens. She will revisit the true meaning of the word discipline—to teach so that kids learn essential skills—and show caregivers how “chasing the why” behind behaviors and combining nurture with structure can help us shift behaviors, strengthen relationships, and improve discipline. All are welcome. The recording for this webinar will be available until June 30, 2026. |
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Montessori Up Close: The Kindergarten YearThursday, January 154 - 5:15 p.m. at The Children's HouseFor parents and caregivers of Primary students who are not yet in Kindergarten This opportunity dives deeper into Montessori and focuses on the capstone year of the Primary program. There will be time for Q&A and lots to learn about what it means to be a kindergartner at The Children's House. Register and reserve childcare coming soon |
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Montessori Up Close: Cosmic EducationWednesday, January 214 - 5:15 p.m. at The Children's HouseFor parents of current kindergartners Elementary school at The Children's House is different from the traditional model most parents experienced growing up. This presentation will explore the prepared environment of our lower elementary classrooms and how the curriculum moves from concrete materials to more abstract thought processes while supporting social and emotional learning. Register and reserve childcare coming soon |
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Theater Intensive PerformanceFriday, January 232:00 PM, all-school assembly6:00 PM, family performance at The Children's HouseJoin us for a theater performance in the Barn involving every elementary and junior high student! This production is the result of a three-week curricular theater intensive.
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Montessori Up Close: Exploring Upper ElThursday, January 294 - 5:15 p.m. at The Children's HouseFor parents and caregivers of current 3rd-year students This opportunity is for parents and caregivers of rising 4th-year students to meet our Upper El guides, learn how the curriculum continues through 6th grade, and tour the Cedar and Maple classrooms. Register and reserve childcare coming soon |
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"Chill Out" FridaysFridays, February 6 through March 20 (weather-dependent)4 to 6 p.m., ski hill TBDTired of looking for activities during the winter for your kiddos? Want to get outside with other TCH families and enjoy the snow? This is a chance for your kiddos to ski or snowboard, connect with other TCH families, eat some food, and celebrate the end of the week. |
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Sledding PartySaturday, February 710 a.m. to NoonJoin us on February 7 for a fun morning of sledding at Twin Lakes Park. Warm up by the fire and enjoy hot chocolate. (As part of our Green School initiative, please bring your own mug!) We are inviting families with our youngest children (Nido, YCC, and Primary) to arrive at 10 a.m. Families with children in Elementary and Junior High are invited to arrive at 11 a.m. to allow our youngest children a safe time to sled first. Indoor bathrooms are available.
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10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young PeopleISACS Webinar featuring David Yeager, University of Texas at Austin, Psychologist & AuthorTuesday, February 107:30–8:30 p.m. on Zoom, Registration Required Young people have an innate need to be respected and admired. But few parents understand how to harness it. David Yeager can help. An expert on the psychology of grit and persistence, Yeager has spent years researching how to motivate and equip young people for success. He can show us why our conventional methods of communicating with young people aged 10 to 25 tend to leave everyone frustrated, and he can teach us a better way of ensuring the younger generation feels inspired, enthusiastic, and empowered to do their best work. Learn how to adopt what he calls the “mentor mindset,” a leadership style that taps into young people’s desire for respect. He offers highly effective and surprisingly easy-to-learn practices: like being transparent about your goals rather than expecting your children to read your mind or holding them to high standards rather than coddling them. This is crucial for anyone who wants to be a more effective parent. The recording for this webinar will be available until March 11, 2026. |
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Junior High Trip to the South SlideshowThursday, February 122:00 to 3:00 pm at our Park Street CampusFor 7th and 8th year students and their parents A celebration for Junior High families after their Civil War to Civil Rights workshop, and their experience in Atlanta, GA, Montgomery, AL, and Birmingham, AL. |
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Coffee with TrishaWednesday, February 188:30 a.m. in person at The Children’s House and on ZoomAs part of our commitment to social and emotional learning for our students, these conversations focus on topics related to the emotional well-being and mental health of children, parenting, and supporting both your child and yourself. Drop in to connect through engaging and timely parenting topics. Trisha Short, our Mental Health Consultant, will facilitate the discussion. |
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Human Growth and Development Curriculum for Parents Thursday, February 26Upper El at 7:15 p.m. and Jr. High at 8 p.m. via ZoomFor parents and guardians of Upper El and Junior High students We will be hosting a parent meeting with Carrie Ullery-Smith for those interested in learning more about the human growth and development curriculum that the students will be learning. A link to join us on Zoom will be emailed to parents. |
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Primary Visiting DayFriday, February 278:30 - 9:30 a.m. at The Children’s HouseFor Primary students and a parent or caregiver Visiting day is such a special morning for your children to show you what they have been working on. Because of our limited class space, we ask that only one parent/caregiver visit. Drop your child off at carline and then join us after your child has had a moment to settle in. |
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Talent ShowFriday, March 202 p.m. at The Children’s HouseDancing, singing, comedy skits, and more make for an exciting and energetic experience shared by the entire school. Families are invited to enjoy a wide range of performances by our Elementary students. |
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Montessori Up Close: The Montessori ToddlerThursday, April 144 - 5:15 p.m. at The Children's HouseFor parents and caregivers of children ages 0 to 3 A meaningful discussion with our Nido & YCC guides around the school life of toddlers and parenting. Parents are encouraged (but not required!) to read The Montessori Toddler by Simone Davies before this discussion. Register and reserve childcare by Monday, April 11. |
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Happier Parenting: Evidence-based Strategies for Improving Parent HappinessISACS Webinar featuring Laurie Santos, Yale University7:30–8:30 p.m. on Zoom, Registration Required Feeling overwhelmed by the unique challenges of modern parenting? Join Professor Laurie Santos of Yale University to learn science-backed strategies for happier parenting. We will tackle topics like rethinking time management, dealing with tough feelings like guilt and frustration, navigating your child’s academic stress and screen time, and how to avoid the trap of overparenting. We will also see why parents need to prioritize their own well-being, not just to help themselves but to create a happier, healthier family life. This session is for parents of children of all ages with a special focus on middle-grade to teen years. The recording for this webinar will be available until June 30, 2026. |
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Coffee with TrishaWednesday, April 228:30 a.m. in person at The Children’s House and on ZoomAs part of our commitment to social and emotional learning for our students, these conversations focus on topics related to the emotional well-being and mental health of children, parenting, and supporting both your child and yourself. Drop in to connect through engaging and timely parenting topics. Trisha Short, our Mental Health Consultant, will facilitate the discussion. |
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May Day CelebrationFriday, May 110:45 a.m. at The Children's HouseFor students and staff, Kindergarten families are also invited We welcome spring with our May Day celebration! The kindergartners dance around the maypole and we sing together. Kindergarteners play a special role in this event, so families of kindergarteners are welcome to attend. |
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Student Presentation FairFriday, May 12 - 3:30 p.m. at The Children's HouseElementary and Junior High students have been learning all year, and now they are excited to share and celebrate their work with you! Families will have the opportunity to visit the exhibits and hear brief presentations from the students about their work. Feel free to ask the students questions; they have worked hard and are very proud to share with you, and will be happy to have you take the time to listen to them. We are eager to join you in celebrating the many accomplishments of our students! |
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Conscious Parenting: Raising Resilient, Self-aware & Connected ChildrenISACS Webinar featuring Dr. Shefali Tsabary, Clinical Psychologist & AuthorWednesday, May 67:30–8:30 p.m. on Zoom, Registration Required Dr. Shefali will introduce the principles of conscious parenting— a revolutionary approach that shifts the traditional paradigm from control to connection. Participants will explore how their own conditioning and emotional patterns influence their parenting style, and how self-awareness is the key to raising emotionally healthy and resilient children. With practical tools and heartfelt wisdom, Dr. Shefali will guide parents to move beyond reactivity and into deeper, more authentic relationships with their children. Parents will leave feeling empowered to foster mindfulness, empathy, and independence in their homes. There will be a special focus for parents of children ages 5–18. The recording for this webinar will be available until June 30, 2026. |
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Junior High Grandparents and Special Friends DayThursday, May 212 to 3 p.m. at Park Street CampusFor Junior High students' grandparents and special friends This is a special day for grandparents and special friends to visit the Junior High campus and spend time with their adolescent grandchildren. Volunteers are needed, sign up coming soon! |
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Grandparents and Special Friends DayFriday, May 229 to 11 a.m. at The Children's HouseFor Children's House student's grandparents and special friends This is a heartwarming day when grandparents and special friends come to TCH to spend time in the classrooms. Visitors are treated to a musical performance, campus tours, and time spent in the classroom with their grandchildren. This is one of the best “feel-good” events of the year! Volunteers are needed, sign up coming soon! |
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Kindergarten Moving Up CeremonyTuesday, June 25 p.m. at The Children's HouseFor families of the kindergarteners A celebration of students moving from one Plane of Development up to the next. |
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6th Year Moving Up CeremonyTuesday, June 26:30 p.m. at The Children's HouseFor families of the 6th-year students A celebration of students moving from one Plane of Development up to the next. |
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8th Year GraduationWednesday, June 36 p.m. at The Children's HouseFor families of the 8th-year students and the entire TCH community A ceremony recognizing the accomplishments of our 8th-year graduates. |
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Dance of the Cosmos & PicnicFriday, June 511 a.m. at The Children's HouseFor the entire TCH community This tradition at TCH has been in place since the school was founded in 1984. The students shine in this celebration: a recognition of the importance of each of them in our community. Also recognized are the children who have completed the third year of their classroom cycle. The Nebulae is a new addition to our cosmos story; be on the lookout for alumni with silver pom poms! New! Following the event, everyone is invited to the Courtyard for an all-family picnic. YCC/Nido families: pick up your children between 10:30 - 10:45 a.m. from their classroom and join us on the soccer field! |