Events
These events are great ways to become more connected with what is happening at school. See you there!
Tears & Cheers
Tuesday, September 2
Drop-off times, 8:30 and 10:00 AM at Carline
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!
Back-to-School Parent Meeting
Thursday, September 4
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.
School Skills: Setting Kids Up for Success
ISACS Webinar featuring Lisa Damour, Author & Ask Lisa Podcast
Thursday, September 25
7:30–8:30 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 January 31, 2026.
Fall Festival
Sunday, October 5
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Children’s House
For the entire TCH community
This 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!
Coffee with Trisha
Wednesday, October 15
8:30 a.m. in person at The Children’s House and on Zoom
For the entire TCH community
As 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.
Grounds Work Bee
Friday, October 17
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.
TCH Clothing Swap
Saturday, October 18
9 to Noon, in the Barn at The Children’s House
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 from 9 am to Noon. 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
Primary Visiting Day
Friday, October 24
8:30 - 9:30 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. 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!
How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Impacted Everything + What We Can Do About It
ISACS Webinar featuring Jonathan Haidt, Author & Social Psychologist
Tuesday, October 28
7:30–8:30 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.
Compass Visiting Day
Friday, October 31
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.
Daffodil Day
Monday, November 3
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.
Horizon Books Day
Saturday, November 8
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 8
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.
Coffee with Trisha
Wednesday, November 12
8:30 a.m. in person at The Children’s House and on Zoom
For the entire TCH community
As 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.
Daffodil Circle Luncheon
Wednesday, November 12
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.
Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day
Friday, November 14
For 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.
Montessori Up Close: Partnering with You to Raise Lifelong Learners
Tuesday, November 18
6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at The Children's House
For the entire TCH community
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!
Junior High Showcase
Thursday, December 4
5:30 - 7 p.m. at the Park Street Campus
For Upper Elementary students and their parentsCurrent 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.
Coffee with Trisha
Wednesday, December 17
8:30 a.m. in person at The Children’s House and on Zoom
For the entire TCH community
As 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.
Seasonal Sing
Friday, December 19
3:00 PM 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.
2026
Elevating Discipline with the Brain in Mind
ISACS Webinar featuring Tina Payne Bryson, Author, Speaker & Pediatric Psychotherapist
Tuesday, January 13
7:30–8:30 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.
Montessori Up Close: The Kindergarten Year
Thursday, January 15
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 21
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.
Theater Intensive Performance
Friday, January 23
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.
Montessori Up Close: Exploring Upper El
Thursday, January 29
4 - 5:15 p.m. at The Children's House
For parents and caregivers of current 3rd-year studentsThis 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.
"Chill Out" Fridays
Fridays, January 9 through March 20 (weather-dependent)
4 to 6 p.m., at Hickory Hills
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.
Sledding Party
Saturday, February 7
10 a.m. to Noon
For the entire TCH community
Join 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.
10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People
ISACS Webinar featuring David Yeager, University of Texas at Austin, Psychologist & Author
Tuesday, February 10
7:30–8:30 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.
Junior High Trip to the South Slideshow
Thursday, February 12
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 Civil War to Civil Rights workshop, and their experience in Atlanta, GA, Montgomery, AL, and Birmingham, AL.
Coffee with Trisha
Wednesday, February 18
8:30 a.m. in person at The Children’s House and on Zoom
For the entire TCH community
As 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.
Parent Night Out at Rare Bird
Thursday, February 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!
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.
Primary Visiting Day
Friday, February 27
8:30 - 9:30 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. Drop your child off at carline and then join us after your child has had a moment to settle in.
Talent Show
Friday, March 20
2 p.m. at The Children’s House
For the entire TCH community
Dancing, 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.
Montessori Up Close: The Montessori Toddler
Tuesday, April 14
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.Register and reserve childcare by Monday, April 11.
Happier Parenting: Evidence-based Strategies for Improving Parent Happiness
ISACS Webinar featuring Laurie Santos, Yale University
Wednesday, April 15
7:30–8:30 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.
Coffee with Trisha
Wednesday, April 22
8:30 a.m. in person at The Children’s House and on Zoom
For the entire TCH community
As 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.
May Day Celebration
Friday, May 1
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.
Student Presentation Fair
Friday, May 1
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!
Conscious Parenting: Raising Resilient, Self-aware & Connected Children
ISACS Webinar featuring Dr. Shefali Tsabary, Clinical Psychologist & Author
Wednesday, May 6
7:30–8:30 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.
Grounds Work Bee
Friday, May 15
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.
Junior High Grandparents and Special Friends Day
Thursday, May 21
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, sign up coming soon!
Grandparents and Special Friends Day
Friday, May 22
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, sign up coming soon!
Kindergarten Moving Up Ceremony
Tuesday, June 2
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 2
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 3
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 5
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!