Dear CommuniTEA,

As we close out the first semester, our attention turns to all of the fantastic opportunities to gather, connect, and support our students and larger community. It’s a busy time for TEA, so grab your calendars! 

TEA’s second semester is abundant with opportunities to be uplifted! We look forward to seeing you often in the coming months!

Recently, I listened to a story with my children about the brave little hummingbird who flies toward a forest fire, carrying tiny drops of water in his beak. As the larger, stronger animals watch, they ask him what he thinks he is doing. His answer is simple and powerful: I have to do my part.

That story has stayed with me because it so beautifully captures what responsibility looks like here at TEA.

Responsibility is not always about doing the biggest or most visible thing. It is about showing up, again and again, and taking ownership of what is yours to do. Sometimes that looks small but matters deeply; it can be carrying your own skis at Ski Local in kindergarten, or cleaning up Mod 3 without being asked, or taking care of shared spaces, because they belong to all of us.

As students grow, responsibility grows with them. It can look like a fifth grader helping a pre-school student complete the challenge hike, or being a Big Friend in high school, or serving on Student Council, supporting younger students, following through on commitments, and owning mistakes and repairing harm when things go wrong.

And sometimes responsibility is bigger. It can mean standing up for what you believe in, advocating for others, speaking up when something does not feel right and choosing courage even when it is uncomfortable.

Responsibility is one of our most encompassing Character Traits, because it holds all the others inside it. It requires empathy, perseverance, collaboration, stewardship, and advocacy. It reminds us that every member of our community matters, and that the health of TEA depends on each of us doing our part.

And just like the hummingbird, none of us can put out the fire alone. But every day at TEA each of us can choose to say, I have to do my part.

As we begin planning for the upcoming school year, families are asked to submit a Letter of Intent indicating their enrollment plans for the 2026–27 academic year. This important step helps TEA plan responsibly for enrollment, staffing, and financial resources, and allows the Admissions Team to review any additional financial aid requests before enrollment agreements are finalized.

Letters of Intent are due by February 13, 2026. While not a binding contract, timely submission is essential, as available spots and financial aid funds are limited. Families who have applied for financial aid have also received proposals. Enrollment Agreements will be distributed in late February.

We’re also excited to share that TEA is transitioning to Finalsite as our new enrollment platform. This update will create a more streamlined, transparent experience for families by centralizing fees and displaying them directly within enrollment agreements. Families whose plans have changed or who no longer require financial aid are encouraged to notify the Admissions Team. For full details, key dates, and next steps, please refer to the full message on ParentSquare.

If you have questions, the Admissions Team is always happy to help at admissions@tahoeexpeditionacademy.org or (530) 513-6226.

Tahoe Expedition Academy has TEAmed up with the Tahoe Knight Monsters to co-host a special fundraising evening at the Tahoe Blue Event Center in Stateline, Nevada. Puck drops at 7:00 PM on Saturday, March 28.

The Tahoe Knight Monsters are a professional minor league hockey team affiliated with the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights and the AHL’s Henderson Silver Knights, making Nevada uniquely represented across the NHL, AHL, and ECHL.

By purchasing tickets through TEA’s dedicated fundraising link, families receive discounted tickets and 20% of every ticket sold comes directly back to TEA, supporting student programs, access to education, and hands-on experiential learning.

Bring friends, invite colleagues, and share the link with local businesses; every seat helps make a difference. Let’s fill the stands and raise funds together!

Did you know, every parent and guardian at TEA is automatically a member of TEA’s Association of Parents? We meet every month in person and via Zoom at the Truckee Airport, and everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate. You’ll get insights from leadership, the Board of Trustees, learn about current CommuniTEA events and volunteer opportunities. 

We hope to see you next Monday,​ February 9 at 8:45 a.m. at the Truckee Tahoe Airport or virtually via Zoom.

The new Lower School Library is hugely popular and needs more volunteers to help browsing and lessons run smoothly. Check the schedule and sign up to help with library lessons in classrooms or with library browsing times. You can also contact TEA’s Librarian Ann Zimmerman directly at tealibrary@tahoeexpeditionacademy.org.

And, there's always pizza! Lower School Pizza Day is Wednesday, February 11th and Upper School Pizza Day is 2/26. Treat yourself and let TAP deliver a hot lunch to your kiddos. For just $10 or $12, your student(s) will get 2 slices of cheese or pepperoni (or one of each) pizza, a fizzy water and a piece of fruit.

Zeb Schreiber, a senior at TEA and a junior freeride skier representing Palisades Tahoe, delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 YETI FIS Freeride Junior World Championships in Kappl, Austria. Competing on one of the sport’s most demanding venues, Zeb showcased exceptional technical skill and bold style, landing multiple clean 360s and earning a third-place finish against a stacked international field of young freeriders. 

His podium result at this prestigious global event highlights his dedication, progression, and growing reputation within the freeride community, marking a major milestone in his competitive skiing career.

Beyond competition, Zeb has continued to gain recognition as a member of the Blizzard-Tecnica Athlete Team, where he is known as one of the youngest and most stylish up-and-coming freeride athletes.

Powder Magazine recently named him one of “Tahoe’s Next Generation of Freeride Icons,” and Palisades Tahoe selected him for their newly formed Pursuit Team, an honor earned through years of commitment, standout performances, and an unwavering drive to progress.

Zeb is also a founding member of Truancy, a Tahoe-based film crew that released its first ski film this fall to enthusiastic audiences. The film captures skiing beyond competition, focusing on friendship, creativity, and a genuine love for the sport, values that define Zeb’s approach to skiing. These same values fuel his passion for being in the mountains and for inspiring and supporting younger freeride athletes.

Zeb is grateful to be part of TEA’s Individualized Adventure Program, which he credits with helping him thrive as both a high-level athlete and a dedicated student.

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