Good morning Viking Nation! It's a GREAT day to be a Viking! A reminder for this week: No School on Friday (9/4) or Monday (9/7) due to the Labor Day holiday. School will be back in session on Tuesday (9/8).
Join us in welcoming our new Student Success Coach to Tri County Area Schools!
Hello Vikings!
My name is Karen Graff, and I am very pleased to be joining the TCAS family. I will be working as a Student Success Coach at the Alternative Pathways Program. This will be an exciting new chapter in my career. I bring many years of experience in education, working closely with students, families, and colleagues to support student achievement and personal growth. I recently retired from Newaygo Public Schools, and soon felt the feeling that I still had more to give. I am so thankful for the opportunity to continue working with students in a different capacity.
In this role, I am looking forward to getting to know our students and building strong connections. I am eager to support students who may benefit from flexible learning, individualized approaches, and additional guidance to help them re-engage with their education. I am committed to working closely with students, and partnering with staff to help each student move toward graduation and their individual future goals.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wonderful family and friends. I love being outdoors and making the most of the simple things in life. I enjoy crafting, hiking, day trips, and thrift shopping to find unique treasures. I value time spent with my favorite people and believe that life is about making memories, helping others, staying true to yourself, and embracing each new chapter with purpose and enthusiasm.
Hello Vikings!
My name is Karen Graff, and I am very pleased to be joining the TCAS family. I will be working as a Student Success Coach at the Alternative Pathways Program. This will be an exciting new chapter in my career. I bring many years of experience in education, working closely with students, families, and colleagues to support student achievement and personal growth. I recently retired from Newaygo Public Schools, and soon felt the feeling that I still had more to give. I am so thankful for the opportunity to continue working with students in a different capacity.
In this role, I am looking forward to getting to know our students and building strong connections. I am eager to support students who may benefit from flexible learning, individualized approaches, and additional guidance to help them re-engage with their education. I am committed to working closely with students, and partnering with staff to help each student move toward graduation and their individual future goals.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wonderful family and friends. I love being outdoors and making the most of the simple things in life. I enjoy crafting, hiking, day trips, and thrift shopping to find unique treasures. I value time spent with my favorite people and believe that life is about making memories, helping others, staying true to yourself, and embracing each new chapter with purpose and enthusiasm.
We made it through the first week, and we’re ready for another great week at Tri County! Our Vikings are settling into routines, reconnecting with friends, and getting back into the swing of school.
Here’s to a great week ahead and an even better school year!🖤💛
We'd love to introduce you to our new Middle School Social Worker. Learn a little about Mr. Dailey:
Hi, my name is Ryne Dailey, and I am excited to continue my career in education as a Social Worker at Tri County Middle School. As someone who walked these same hallways as a student, I am especially proud and grateful to now be joining the team at TCMS.
I recently graduated from Northern Michigan University with my Master of Social Work. Outside of work, my wife and I stay busy keeping up with our three little kids! When I do have some free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors, watching sports, and making the most of time with my family.
I am truly looking forward to getting to know everyone, building relationships with students and families, and becoming a part of the amazing culture and community that Tri County has to offer. I am excited for this next chapter and feel incredibly fortunate to be coming back home to serve the school community that was once such an important part of my own journey!
Hi, my name is Ryne Dailey, and I am excited to continue my career in education as a Social Worker at Tri County Middle School. As someone who walked these same hallways as a student, I am especially proud and grateful to now be joining the team at TCMS.
I recently graduated from Northern Michigan University with my Master of Social Work. Outside of work, my wife and I stay busy keeping up with our three little kids! When I do have some free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors, watching sports, and making the most of time with my family.
I am truly looking forward to getting to know everyone, building relationships with students and families, and becoming a part of the amazing culture and community that Tri County has to offer. I am excited for this next chapter and feel incredibly fortunate to be coming back home to serve the school community that was once such an important part of my own journey!
Help us welcome a familiar face in a new role! After several years with Tri County, Mrs. Elton is officially stepping into the classroom as a teacher! We’re excited to have her continue her journey with us! Learn a little about her:
I am a Western Michigan graduate, obtaining a Master's degree in Special Education with an Autism endorsement. I am a mom of 2 boys, 2 stepdaughters, and wife to an amazing husband.
Something I am most excited about this year is being a first year teacher even though I feel like I've been a teacher for many years. I have been working in the school district for 5 years with all the same kids that I still see daily and enjoy every minute of it.
I will be a resource teacher at MacNaughton Learning Center for our Alternative Pathways program and 6th-8th grade students.
When I am not as school I enjoy hanging out with my family, crafting, and watching my kids play their favorite sports!
I am a Western Michigan graduate, obtaining a Master's degree in Special Education with an Autism endorsement. I am a mom of 2 boys, 2 stepdaughters, and wife to an amazing husband.
Something I am most excited about this year is being a first year teacher even though I feel like I've been a teacher for many years. I have been working in the school district for 5 years with all the same kids that I still see daily and enjoy every minute of it.
I will be a resource teacher at MacNaughton Learning Center for our Alternative Pathways program and 6th-8th grade students.
When I am not as school I enjoy hanging out with my family, crafting, and watching my kids play their favorite sports!
What a wonderful evening at our Viking Voyage Community Event!
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make the event such a success. Thank you to our district families, staff, community members, volunteers, and local businesses for showing up, lending a hand, sharing your time and talents, and helping create such a fun and welcoming celebration for our students and families.
A special thank you to all of our parents and families who joined us for our school open houses as well. Seeing so many families excited to meet teachers, explore classrooms, and get ready for a new school year was truly special.
Events like these remind us how fortunate we are to be part of a community that comes together to support our students. Thank you for helping us kick off the school year with such incredible Viking spirit! Go TC!
Raffle drawings will take place afterschool on Monday, August 24th. Winners will be notified. 💛🖤
A FINAL THANK YOU TO OUR VIKING VOYAGE COMMUNITY!
As we get ready for Viking Voyage, we want to take a moment to give a HUGE THANK YOU to every participant, sponsor, donor, volunteer, community partner, and family who has helped make this event possible!
From generous raffle donations and school supply contributions to the amazing businesses, organizations, food trucks, universities, and community groups joining us—your support means so much to Tri County Area Schools and our Vikings!
Your generosity helps create opportunities for our students, brings our community together, and makes Viking Voyage a celebration our students and families will remember!
We couldn't do this without YOU!
Thank you for believing in our students. Thank you for supporting our schools. And thank you for helping us make Viking Voyage a HUGE success!
Smile and be proud to be a Viking!
As we get ready for Viking Voyage, we want to take a moment to give a HUGE THANK YOU to every participant, sponsor, donor, volunteer, community partner, and family who has helped make this event possible!
From generous raffle donations and school supply contributions to the amazing businesses, organizations, food trucks, universities, and community groups joining us—your support means so much to Tri County Area Schools and our Vikings!
Your generosity helps create opportunities for our students, brings our community together, and makes Viking Voyage a celebration our students and families will remember!
We couldn't do this without YOU!
Thank you for believing in our students. Thank you for supporting our schools. And thank you for helping us make Viking Voyage a HUGE success!
Smile and be proud to be a Viking!
Visit the TC Giving Tree Table at Viking Voyage!
Stop by the TC Giving Tree Table during Viking Voyage and learn how you can help make a difference for local families during the holiday season!
Come discover ways to give back, spread kindness, and help make the holidays a little brighter for others in our community.
Vikings helping Vikings—because giving makes a difference!
Stop by the TC Giving Tree Table during Viking Voyage and learn how you can help make a difference for local families during the holiday season!
Come discover ways to give back, spread kindness, and help make the holidays a little brighter for others in our community.
Vikings helping Vikings—because giving makes a difference!
Check Out BHC Screen Printing!
Looking for quality screen printing? Check out BHC Screen Printing for all of your screen printing needs!
Our Tri County staff will be showing off some awesome Viking Voyage T-shirts, featuring a design created by TC Senior Easton Harkness and professionally screen printed by BHC Screen Printing!
We love seeing our students’ creativity showcased throughout our school community, and we appreciate BHC for helping bring Easton’s design to life!
Be sure to look for our staff in their Viking Voyage T-shirts!
Looking for quality screen printing? Check out BHC Screen Printing for all of your screen printing needs!
Our Tri County staff will be showing off some awesome Viking Voyage T-shirts, featuring a design created by TC Senior Easton Harkness and professionally screen printed by BHC Screen Printing!
We love seeing our students’ creativity showcased throughout our school community, and we appreciate BHC for helping bring Easton’s design to life!
Be sure to look for our staff in their Viking Voyage T-shirts!
Viking Voyage Raffle Spotlight!
A HUGE THANK YOU to Mr. and Mrs. Phinney for generously donating two Texas Instruments Scientific Calculators for our Viking Voyage Student Raffle!
Your generosity is helping make Viking Voyage extra special for our students, while supporting learning and success along the way!
We are so grateful for the amazing families, staff, and community members who continue to support our Vikings!
Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Phinney, for helping make Viking Voyage a success!
A HUGE THANK YOU to Mr. and Mrs. Phinney for generously donating two Texas Instruments Scientific Calculators for our Viking Voyage Student Raffle!
Your generosity is helping make Viking Voyage extra special for our students, while supporting learning and success along the way!
We are so grateful for the amazing families, staff, and community members who continue to support our Vikings!
Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Phinney, for helping make Viking Voyage a success!
A huge THANK YOU to the Eagles Club for generously donating a variety of school supplies to support our Tri County Vikings!
Your generosity will help our students start the school year ready for success!
Viking Families, you can help too! Please remember to bring your school supply donations to Viking Voyage and help us STUFF THE BUS!
Together, we can make a difference for our Vikings and ensure students have the supplies they need for a successful school year!
Thank you for supporting Tri County Area Schools!
Your generosity will help our students start the school year ready for success!
Viking Families, you can help too! Please remember to bring your school supply donations to Viking Voyage and help us STUFF THE BUS!
Together, we can make a difference for our Vikings and ensure students have the supplies they need for a successful school year!
Thank you for supporting Tri County Area Schools!
Viking Voyage Raffle Spotlight!
A HUGE THANK YOU to Scott Ryan and Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling for generously donating cases of Coca-Cola and awesome Coca-Cola swag for our Viking Voyage Student & Parent Raffle!
Your generosity is helping us make Viking Voyage an exciting and memorable event for our Tri County families!
We are so grateful for the incredible support from our community partners.
Thank you for helping us celebrate our Vikings!
A HUGE THANK YOU to Scott Ryan and Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling for generously donating cases of Coca-Cola and awesome Coca-Cola swag for our Viking Voyage Student & Parent Raffle!
Your generosity is helping us make Viking Voyage an exciting and memorable event for our Tri County families!
We are so grateful for the incredible support from our community partners.
Thank you for helping us celebrate our Vikings!
We’re excited to welcome American History Tours to Viking Voyage!
Are you an 8th grade parent or student? Be sure to stop by their booth to learn more about the upcoming 8th Grade Trip and discover the exciting travel opportunities available through American History Tours!
Need help planning for the trip?
Independent Bank will be located next door to American History Tours to discuss financing options and answer questions about ways families can plan for the cost of the trip.
Stop by and:
-Learn more about the 8th Grade Trip
-Explore other student travel opportunities
-Discuss trip financing options with Independent Bank
-Get your questions answered
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more and start planning an unforgettable educational adventure!
Are you an 8th grade parent or student? Be sure to stop by their booth to learn more about the upcoming 8th Grade Trip and discover the exciting travel opportunities available through American History Tours!
Need help planning for the trip?
Independent Bank will be located next door to American History Tours to discuss financing options and answer questions about ways families can plan for the cost of the trip.
Stop by and:
-Learn more about the 8th Grade Trip
-Explore other student travel opportunities
-Discuss trip financing options with Independent Bank
-Get your questions answered
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more and start planning an unforgettable educational adventure!
Thank You, Howard City Lions Club!
A huge THANK YOU to the Howard City Lions Club for donating 2 backpacks for our Viking Voyage Student Raffle!
The Lions Club is dedicated to serving local communities and helping those in need, with service focused on areas such as vision, hunger, youth, diabetes, the environment, childhood cancer, disaster relief, and humanitarian needs.
We are grateful for the Howard City Lions Club and their continued commitment to supporting our community and our students!
Be sure to visit the Student Raffle Tent at Viking Voyage for your chance to win one of these awesome backpacks!
Thank you, Howard City Lions Club, for helping make Viking Voyage special for our students!
A huge THANK YOU to the Howard City Lions Club for donating 2 backpacks for our Viking Voyage Student Raffle!
The Lions Club is dedicated to serving local communities and helping those in need, with service focused on areas such as vision, hunger, youth, diabetes, the environment, childhood cancer, disaster relief, and humanitarian needs.
We are grateful for the Howard City Lions Club and their continued commitment to supporting our community and our students!
Be sure to visit the Student Raffle Tent at Viking Voyage for your chance to win one of these awesome backpacks!
Thank you, Howard City Lions Club, for helping make Viking Voyage special for our students!
Get Ready for Fall with Kristi’s Candles!
Don’t forget to stop by Kristi’s Candles at Viking Voyage!
As we get ready for cooler days and all things fall, it’s the perfect time to pick up a wonderful candle to bring those cozy fall scents into your home!
Find a new favorite scent
Shop for yourself or someone special
Get your home ready for fall!
Be sure to visit Kristi’s Candles at Viking Voyage and check out all the amazing candles they have to offer!
Don’t forget to stop by Kristi’s Candles at Viking Voyage!
As we get ready for cooler days and all things fall, it’s the perfect time to pick up a wonderful candle to bring those cozy fall scents into your home!
Find a new favorite scent
Shop for yourself or someone special
Get your home ready for fall!
Be sure to visit Kristi’s Candles at Viking Voyage and check out all the amazing candles they have to offer!
A huge THANK YOU to Corner Hair Design & Spa and B Well Therapeutic Massage, LLC located in Sand Lake for participating in Viking Voyage!
Be sure to visit their booth during Viking Voyage to learn more about the services they offer and check out their giveaways!
We are so grateful for the local businesses and community partners who are joining us to make Viking Voyage a great experience for our students, families, and community!
Come visit their booth and say hello!
Be sure to visit their booth during Viking Voyage to learn more about the services they offer and check out their giveaways!
We are so grateful for the local businesses and community partners who are joining us to make Viking Voyage a great experience for our students, families, and community!
Come visit their booth and say hello!
A huge THANK YOU to Northern Trails for donating a $50 gift card for our Parent/Guardian Raffle at Viking Voyage!
Parents and guardians, don’t forget to download the TC App and stop by the Technology Tent at Viking Voyage to get your raffle ticket!
We appreciate our amazing community partners who help make Viking Voyage such a special event for our families!
See you at Viking Voyage!
Parents and guardians, don’t forget to download the TC App and stop by the Technology Tent at Viking Voyage to get your raffle ticket!
We appreciate our amazing community partners who help make Viking Voyage such a special event for our families!
See you at Viking Voyage!
We are overjoyed to share that Mrs. Jen Rykse will be joining the staff at Tri County Area Schools. Enjoy a few words from Mrs. Rykse:
I am excited to join the district as a 7th grade science teacher! Although I am new to the district, I bring 25 years of teaching experience and a love for science.
I’m proud to call this community home and have children in the district, making this opportunity especially meaningful to me. I am married to Jason who is at Tri County Elementary. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, hanging out on the lake and being involved in our community. My husband and I also run a youth center in Howard City for teens.
I am excited to dissect pig hearts and frogs, and teach the students about the environment! I’m looking forward to getting to know my students and families! It will be a great year!
I am excited to join the district as a 7th grade science teacher! Although I am new to the district, I bring 25 years of teaching experience and a love for science.
I’m proud to call this community home and have children in the district, making this opportunity especially meaningful to me. I am married to Jason who is at Tri County Elementary. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, hanging out on the lake and being involved in our community. My husband and I also run a youth center in Howard City for teens.
I am excited to dissect pig hearts and frogs, and teach the students about the environment! I’m looking forward to getting to know my students and families! It will be a great year!
Every new school year brings new faces and new opportunities. We're excited to welcome Mrs. Kirkwood to our team and can't wait for our students and families to get to know her.
Hello, Viking community! My name is Alexis Kirkwood, and I’m so excited to be joining the Tri County Elementary family this fall as a first-year Kindergarten teacher! As a Tri County graduate myself, it feels incredibly special to return to the district that helped shape me. After graduating from Tri County, I attended Ferris State University, where I discovered my passion for teaching and earned my degree in Elementary Education. Along the way, I married my husband, Collin, and we are happy to call Howard City home. In our free time, we love spending time outdoors and enjoying everything Michigan's seasons have to offer. Some of our favorite activities include golfing, playing pickleball, and skiing or snowboarding during the winter.
This fall, I am especially excited to welcome our newest Vikings into Kindergarten! I can't wait to build meaningful relationships with my students and watch them grow throughout the school year! I look forward to meeting many of you and making this a wonderful year together. Go Vikings!
Hello, Viking community! My name is Alexis Kirkwood, and I’m so excited to be joining the Tri County Elementary family this fall as a first-year Kindergarten teacher! As a Tri County graduate myself, it feels incredibly special to return to the district that helped shape me. After graduating from Tri County, I attended Ferris State University, where I discovered my passion for teaching and earned my degree in Elementary Education. Along the way, I married my husband, Collin, and we are happy to call Howard City home. In our free time, we love spending time outdoors and enjoying everything Michigan's seasons have to offer. Some of our favorite activities include golfing, playing pickleball, and skiing or snowboarding during the winter.
This fall, I am especially excited to welcome our newest Vikings into Kindergarten! I can't wait to build meaningful relationships with my students and watch them grow throughout the school year! I look forward to meeting many of you and making this a wonderful year together. Go Vikings!
We are excited to introduce Miss Wardell, who is joining the staff at Tri County Elementary. We know she be a wonderful addition to our school community, and we look forward to a great year ahead.
Meet the newest member of our team:
Hello, everyone! My name is Emily Wardell and I'm excited to be joining the TCE team this year as a Kindergarten teacher! I recently graduated from Ferris State University with a bachelors degree in Elementary Education. Go Dawgs! With this being my first year teaching, I can't wait to learn and grow with my students. I look forward to building relationships, creating a fun and welcoming learning environment, and helping my students discover a love for learning. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading, being outdoors, and exploring new places. I am also a HUGE Detroit Lions fan! I look forward to a fun and memorable year and I can't wait to get to know all my Kindergarten friends!
