Events
These events are great ways to become more connected with what is happening at school. See you there!
Tears & Cheers
Tuesday, September 8
Drop-off times, 8:30 and 10:00 AM at The Children’s House
For parents and guardians
This 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!
Tears & Cheers
Wednesday, September 9
8:00 and 9:00 AM at Grand Traverse Pie Co.
For parents and guardians of Junior High students
This informal gathering is a great way to kick off the new school year and connect with fellow Compass parents. Join us for coffee and pastries to celebrate the beginning of the year. Tears and cheers are welcome!
Back-to-School Parent Meeting
Thursday, September 10
6 to 8 p.m. at The Children’s House
ALL 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.
Fall Festival
Sunday, September 20
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Children’s House
For the entire TCH community
New! This year, we're combining our classroom picnics with Fall Festival into one school-wide event! Classrooms will gather for picnics in designated areas of our campus before coming together for activities. Look for an email from your room parents with details about your classroom picnic. Help us make this a Zero Waste Event — please bring your own plates, bowls, cups, silverware, and napkins!
Montessori 101
Tuesday, September 22
4 - 5 p.m. at The Children's House
For all new parents and anyone who has not attended in the past
Join Michele Shane, Head of School, to connect and learn about our Montessori approach to learning, child development, and our school community.
School Readiness: Executive Function Needed to "Do School”
ISACS Webinar featuring Sarah Ward, Executive Function Expert
Tuesday, September 29
7:30–8:30 p.m. on Zoom, registration coming soon!
As school begins, we focus on giving students the right tools—planners, folders, schedules, and routines—to set them up for success. What if these tools aren’t the starting point? What if they depend on executive function skills that many students are still developing? We will shift from tools to the underlying skills students need to successfully “do school.” Gain a deeper understanding of executive function skills—such as working memory, time awareness, task initiation, and organization—and why challenges in these areas can make even the best systems fall apart. Explore how everyday school demands—getting out the door with materials, recording and completing homework, managing time across the day, and following through independently—require more than reminders and checklists. Learn strategies to help start the school year strong.
Content is particularly useful to those with children in grades 3-12.
2026 Bright Futures Gala: Where Wonder Begins
Friday, October 2
at The Children’s House
For the entire TCH community
This magical evening will celebrate the joy, curiosity, and promise that begin right here. Save The Date!
TCH Clothing Swap
Sunday, October 18
Details coming soon; stay tuned!
For the entire TCH community
It's time to clean out the closets! Drop off your children's gently used winter clothing during carline from October 13 - 17, then get ready to "shop" on October 18! We will have a "store" set up inside the Barn. Donate to our Bright Futures Fund and stock up on the next sizes. This swap is open to TCH families only.
Suggested gently used items include:
- Winter Boots, Hats, and Gloves
- All Coats
- Snowsuits and Rainsuits
- Snowpants
- Long Sleeve Shirts / Dresses
- Long Pants
- TCH Spirit Wear
All remaining items will be donated to classrooms in need and then to the Women's Resource Center. Interested in volunteering? Volunteers get first pick. Contact Erin Lutke
Montessori Up Close: Partnering with You to Raise Lifelong Learners
Tuesday, October 20
6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at The Children's House
For parents and guardians
This is the event you should attend! During this school-wide social event, you will experience interactive, small-group presentations led by our entire faculty. Appetizers and beverages will be provided; however, childcare will not be available. When you attend, you’ll be entered to win the “Premo Parking Spot” for the Seasonal Sing and Dance of the Cosmos!
Grounds Work Bee
Friday, October 23
8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at The Children’s House
For the entire TCH community
You can help keep our campus beautiful! Many hands make light work.
Daffodil Day
Monday, November 2
All day, at The Children's House
For the entire TCH community
Daffodil 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.
Compass Visiting Day
Friday, November 6
2:00 to 3:00 pm at our Park Street Campus
For 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.
Primary Visiting Day
Saturday, November 7
8:30 - 10:30 a.m. at The Children’s House
For 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. You will be assigned a time to visit either at 8:30 a.m. or 9:30 a.m.
There will be a Primary Visiting Day in February for another parent/caregiver to visit!
Horizon Books Day
Saturday, November 7
8 AM - 7 PM at Horizon Books Downtown Traverse City
For the entire TCH community
Horizon 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.
Shop Your Community Day
Saturday, November 7
All day in Downtown Traverse City
For the entire TCH community
Support 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.
Daffodil Circle Luncheon
Wednesday, November 18
Noon to 1:00 p.m. at the Traverse City Golf and Country Club
The 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.
Parent Night Out at Loco Boys
Thursday, November 19
6:00 - 7:30 PM at Rare Bird
This is a fun night of socializing with Children's House and Compass Junior High parents. First drink and appetizers on us. We hope to see you there!
Light Parade Party
Friday, November 20
at our Park Street Campus
Details coming soon!
The Power of Beliefs: How Strengthening Seven Core Beliefs Predicts Greater Success & A Better Life
ISACS Webinar featuring Shawn Schor, Author
Tuesday, December 1
6:30–7:30 p.m. on Zoom, Registration coming soon
A great predictor of future educational performance is the beliefs a student holds about the world. Beliefs change the math about what is possible and probable, whether it’s making a team or getting accepted to a great school or thriving with ADHD. By changing the math, beliefs change our path. Parents can actively shape those beliefs in ways that measurably increase student resilience, happiness, and long-term success, and Achor will reveal the seven core beliefs that predict educational outcomes and well-being. Gain practical tools to help kids strengthen the most predictive core beliefs like “I am not alone,” “My behavior matters,” “I have something to give” and “I matter” and leave with strategies that can rewire how their children see themselves and their world. Learn how to improve your child’s emotional immune system, especially in the midst of social media and technology. Beliefs about ourselves, our children, our work and our world don’t just reflect reality. Beliefs bend our future reality. Same world. Different beliefs. Different outcomes.
Content is useful to all parents & caregivers.
Junior High Showcase
Tuesday, December 8
5:30 - 7 p.m. at the Park Street Campus
For 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.
Mom’s Holiday Party
Wednesday, December 9, 2026
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Details coming soon!
Seasonal Sing
Friday, December 18
2:45 p.m. at The Children's House
For the entire TCH community
This 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.
"Chill Out" Fridays
Fridays, January 8 through March 19 (weather-dependent)
4 to 6 p.m., at Ski Hill TBD
For the entire TCH community
Tired 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.
The Family Guide to Screen/Life Balance: What to Do About Tech & Kids
ISACS Webinar featuring Catherine Price, Author and Founder of Screen/Life Balance
Wednesday, January 13
6:30–7:30 p.m. on Zoom, Registration coming soon
For many parents and educators, fights over screen time seem like an inevitable part of raising kids. But what if it didn’t have to be this way? What if it were possible to transform these conflicts into conversations, and work on better screen habits with our children and students, instead of engaging in endless battles against them? Drawing from a decade’s worth of work—as well as her bestselling books How to Break Up With Your Phone, The Power of Fun, and The Amazing Generation (co-authored with Jonathan Haidt)—Price will reveal why it’s essential to rethink our approach to kids and screens, and will offer a fresh and empowering perspective on how we can talk with our kids instead of at them. She’ll discuss strategies for how to inspire kids to choose to delay smartphones and social media, rethink their relationships with devices, create better boundaries with technology, and prioritize real-life friendships, skills, and experiences. She’ll also address newer challenges, including AI and chatbots, and offer ways to help our children—and ourselves—create healthier relationships with technology and build lives full of real friendship, freedom, and fun.
Content is particularly useful to those with children under 13.
Montessori Up Close: The Kindergarten Year
Thursday, January 14
4 - 5:15 p.m. at The Children's House
For 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.
Montessori Up Close: Cosmic Education
Wednesday, January 20
4 - 5:15 p.m. at The Children's House
For 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
Montessori Up Close: Exploring Upper El
Thursday, January 28
4 - 5:15 p.m. at The Children's House
For 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.
Sledding Party
Saturday, February 6
10 a.m. to Noon
For the entire TCH community
Join us on February 6 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.
Protecting Your Child in the Age of Deepfakes, ISACS Webinar featuring Evan Harris, Expert on AI Risks in Schools
Tuesday, February 9
6:30–7:30 p.m. on Zoom, Registration coming soon
Deepfake technology is no longer a future concern. Students are encountering AI-generated scams, manipulated media, and abuse through the apps, games, and platforms they use every day. Most parents know the term but aren’t sure what it means for their family or what to do about it. Walk through the deepfake landscape in plain language: what these tools can do, where children are most exposed, and what the new federal laws mean for families. Learn how to recognize warning signs that a child may be targeted, how to have age-appropriate conversations about online manipulation, and what steps to take if an incident occurs. Leave with a framework for ongoing conversations with your children, a clear response plan, and the confidence that comes from understanding what they’re dealing with. The single most protective thing a parent can do is make sure their child knows they can come to them without fear of judgment.
Content is particularly useful to those with children in grades 4-12.
Junior High Trip to the Florida Keys Slideshow
Thursday, February 11
2:00 to 3:00 pm at our Park Street Campus
For 7th and 8th-year students and their parents
A celebration for Junior High families after their Applied Technology workshop, and their experience in the Florida Keys.
Parent Night Out
Thursday, April 22
6:00 - 7:30 p.m. location TBD
This is a fun night of socializing with parents and guardians from Children's House and Compass Junior High. First drink and appetizers on us. We hope to see you there!
Human Growth and Development Curriculum for Parents
Thursday, February 26
Upper El at 7:15 p.m. and Jr. High at 8 p.m. via Zoom
For 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.
Cosmic Fair & Compass Convention
Friday, March 5
2 - 3:30 p.m. at The Children's House
For the entire TCH Community
Elementary 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!
Primary Visiting Day
Saturday, March 6
8:30 - 10:30 a.m. at The Children’s House
For 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. You will be assigned a time to visit either at 8:30 a.m. or 9:30 a.m.
There will be a Primary Visiting Day in February for another parent/caregiver to visit!
Montessori Up Close: The Montessori Toddler
Tuesday, April 13
4 - 5:15 p.m. at The Children's House
For 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.
How Temperament Shapes Who We Become: Why Some Children Need More than Others to Flourish
ISACS Webinar featuring Aliza Pressman, Development Psychologist
Thursday, April 8
7:30–8:30 p.m. on Zoom, Registration coming soon
What if the traits that make a child more sensitive to stress are the very same traits that allow them to flourish most powerfully in the right environment? Every child is born with a nervous system uniquely wired to experience the world. Some children feel everything deeply, process intensely, and require specific conditions to thrive. Others are more adaptable, flexible, seemingly unfazed. And most fall somewhere in between. Yet, too often, we parent toward an imagined “average child”—one that doesn’t exist. Drawing on research and science around temperament, Pressman offers a clarifying lens: the goal is not to toughen children up or shield them from all stress—but to understand which stress builds resilience, which requires support, and which demands protection. This session challenges two common but costly parenting extremes—dismissing children’s experiences on one end and over-accommodating on the other. Gain a practical, science-backed approach to raising children who feel seen, understood, and capable. Because when children are known for who they truly are, they stop trying to be someone else and start becoming, fully and confidently, themselves.
Content is useful to all parents & caregivers.
TART Trail Spring Clean Up
Saturday, April 17
10 a.m. – Noon at Hull Park, behind the library on Woodmere
For the entire TCH community
This is a CHiPA Community Service Event! Meet at Hull Park, behind the library on Woodmere. John Olds is the TART volunteer with whom we will check in with. Please bring rakes, trash bags, work gloves, blowers, grabbers, and any other yard tools that might be handy on the trail. Wear your Children’s House or Compass swag!
May Day Celebration
Monday, May 3
10:45 a.m. at The Children's House
For 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.
The Power of One
ISACS Webinar featuring John O'Leary, Author
Tuesday, May 4
7:30–8:30 p.m. on Zoom, Registration coming soon
Playing with fire and gasoline at nine years old, O’Leary created a massive explosion in his garage and was burned on 100% of his body. Given less than a 1% chance of survival, O’Leary is proof of the power of the human spirit. His unlikely recovery meant a journey of pain and loss that could have easily been insurmountable. Far from simply enduring tragedy, he became a luminous example of thriving through adversity. And surprisingly, this “survivor” story isn’t focused on O’Leary—rather, it is a celebration of heroes who intimately served him and his family. Every individual involved in this fire teaches us this truth: one person can make a profound difference in the lives of others. Using emotional storytelling and unexpected humor to highlight the powerful role parents and caregivers play in shaping resilience, perspective, and hope in their children; he reminds us of the impact of our daily attitudes, the power of gratitude, and what it looks like to model courage and compassion—reinforcing that even small, intentional moments of connection can leave a lasting imprint on the lives of our kids. Reawaken a sense of purpose—both in parenting and beyond—that what we do everyday matters.
Content is useful to all parents & caregivers.
Grounds Work Bee
Friday, May 14
8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at The Children’s House
For the entire TCH community
You can help keep our campus beautiful and prepare the grounds for Grandparents Day! Many hands make light work.
Theater Intensive Performance
Friday, May 14
2:00 PM, all-school assembly
6:00 PM, family performance at The Children's House
For the entire TCH community
Join us for a theater performance in the Barn involving every elementary student! This production is the result of a three-week curricular theater intensive.
Bright Futures on the Fairway
Monday, May 17
10:30 a.m. at the Traverse City Country Club
Join us at The Traverse City Country Club for a golf outing supporting our school community.
Check-in and Continental Breakfast: 8:30
Putting Contest: 9:00-10:00
Shotgun: 10:30
Closing Reception: Immediately following play
Junior High Grandparents and Special Friends Day
Thursday, May 27
2 to 3 p.m. at Park Street Campus
For 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
Grandparents and Special Friends Day
Friday, May 28
9 to 11 a.m. at The Children's House
For Children's House students’ 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
Kindergarten Moving Up Ceremony
Tuesday, June 8
5 p.m. at The Children's House
For families of the kindergartners
A celebration of students moving from one Plane of Development up to the next.
6th Year Moving Up Ceremony
Tuesday, June 8
6:30 p.m. at The Children's House
For families of the 6th-year students
A celebration of students moving from one Plane of Development up to the next.
8th Year Graduation
Wednesday, June 9
6 p.m. at The Children's House
For families of the 8th-year students and the entire TCH community
A ceremony recognizing the accomplishments of our 8th-year graduates.
Dance of the Cosmos & Picnic
Friday, June 11
11 a.m. at The Children's House
For 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!