In a letter to student families Friday, Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) Superintendent Dr. John VanWagoner addressed rumors of protests planned for next week against the district's universal masking policy, saying that TCAPS is working with law enforcement to protect student and staff safety.

"TCAPS is aware of numerous concerned families who have reached out regarding community protests scheduled to take place around TCAPS property in the coming days and weeks," VanWagoner wrote. "While we respect the rights for individuals to express opinions through freedom of speech, TCAPS also demands and prioritizes the physical safety and emotional wellbeing of students and staff members attending school during these potential moments of unrest. TCAPS has worked closely with local law enforcement and legal counsel to ensure the necessary procedures are utilized should it be necessary. We take our position to keep your students and our staff safe."

VanWagoner continued that he would like to "personally ask our community to begin this new academic year with a renewed sense of community. Working together, we can all remain focused on teaching and learning and allow the tensions associated with political views to remain separated from the places and individuals who work tirelessly everyday to support all students and public education. Shifting our priorities to our students, staff and community is a step towards healing and building a positive future for our kids and our community."

Tuesday is the first day of school for TCAPS students, who will then be in session the rest of the week with a half-day planned for Friday.