Annual Notifications

In compliance with the parent/guardian and staff notification requirements specified in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Asbestos Containing Materials in Schools: Final Rule and Notice, as directed by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) of 1986, the following information regarding asbestos can be found in the AHERA Management Plan Book located in your building principal’s office:

• Building Inspection
• The Management Plan
• The Response Actions
• Periodic Surveillance Schedule
• Re-inspection Schedule

Asbestos activities in the last year include removal of floor tile from under the carpeting in the library at Central Grade School. 

Regular six-month surveillance and scheduled re-inspection were performed at appropriate sites. Normal operations and maintenance were performed at sites as needed. Activities are determined from regular six-month periodic surveillance, inspections and scheduled projects. For more information, call 231.933.1930.

Traverse City Area Public Schools offers evaluations, programs and services to individuals who are identified as having, or who are suspected of having, a disability as defined in either the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. These services are available to eligible persons ages 0-26 who reside within, or attend a K-12 school program within Traverse City Area Public Schools’ district attendance boundaries. Referrals are accepted from parents, staff members, community agencies and other interested parties. For more information about available services, parent/student rights or referral procedures, contact the Executive Director of Special Education at 412 Webster Street, Traverse City, MI 49686 or call 231.933.1780.

Concussions and Athletic Activities

As member schools of the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA), student-athletes at East Middle School, West Middle School, Central High School, and West Senior High have access to the MHSAA’s Catastrophic Accident Medical Insurance Policy which pays up to $1,000,000 for medical expenses left unpaid by other insurance after a deductible of $25,000 per claim in paid medical expenses has been met. All students enrolled in grades 6 through 12 at MHSAA member schools who are eligible under MHSAA rules and participating in practices or competition in sports under the MHSAA’s jurisdiction are covered by this policy for injuries related to their athletic participation. Since the 2015-16 school year, the Michigan High School Athletic Association has provided athletic participants at each MHSAA member junior high/middle school and high school with additional insurance that is intended to pay accident medical expense benefits resulting from a suspected concussion. The injury must be sustained while the athlete is participating in an MHSAA covered activity. Policy limit is $25,000 for each accident. Covered students, sports and situations follow the catastrophic accident medical insurance. This new program intends to assure that all eligible student-athletes in MHSAA member schools in grades 6 through 12, male and female, in all levels of all sports under the jurisdiction of the MHSAA, receive prompt and professional attention for head injury events even if the child is uninsured or under-insured. Accident medical deductibles and co-pays left unpaid by other policies are reimbursed under this program to the limits of the policy. Should you need to make a claim under this new program please click here: https://www.mhsaa.com/sites/default/files/Administrators/MHSAA%20Insurance%20Benefits.pdf

For additional information, please contact TCAPS’ high school athletic directors:

• TC Central High School: Justin Thorington, thoringtju@tcaps.net, 231.933.6576

• TC West Senior High School: Jason Carmien, carmienja@tcaps.net, 231.933.7781

Additional information regarding concussions can be found in the student handbook.

As a precaution with COVID-19, safety procedures and protocols may be adjusted at any given time throughout the school year. Student, staff, and visitor expectations with these protocols (i.e. masks, social distancing) will be communicated as necessary.

Traverse City Area Public Schools’ Board of Education has developed specific district policies and administrative guidelines regarding student and staff behavior. Policies and guidelines cover virtually all areas of behavior including smoking, drugs, dress, weapons, sexual harassment and use of the internet. In addition, each building has a student code of conduct that specifies the behavior expected of its students. The district’s student/parent handbook also provides a compilation of information that every student and parent should know. Copies of the Elementary or Secondary Student/Parent Handbooks and all district policies and administrative guidelines are available online at www.tcaps.net, at the TCAPS Boardman Administration Center (412 Webster St.) or by contacting any TCAPS school principal.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) 

Per 34 C.F.R. § 99.37(d), a school or school district may adopt a limited directory information policy. If a school or school district does so, the directory information notice to parents and eligible students must specify the parties who may receive directory information and/or the purposes for which directory information may be disclosed.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal law, requires that Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS), with certain exceptions, obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child’s education records. However, TCAPS may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless you have advised TCAPS to the contrary in accordance with TCAPS’ procedures. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow TCAPS to include information from your child’s education records in certain school publications. Examples include:

• A playbill, showing your student’s role in a drama production;
• The annual yearbook;
• Honor roll or other recognition lists;
• Advertising and/or social media;
• Graduation programs; and
• Sports activity sheets.

Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written consent.  Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws require local educational agencies (LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with the following information – names, addresses and telephone listings – unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student’s information disclosed without their prior written consent [These laws are Section 9528 of the ESEA (20 U.S.C. § 7908) and 10 U.S.C. § 503(c)].

Disclosure of "Directory Information"

Except as otherwise stated in Board Policy 8330 (student records), school officials may disclose "directory information" without the prior written consent of a parent or eligible student unless the parent or eligible student specifically notifies the District that the parent or eligible student does not consent to the disclosure of directory information.

If you do not want TCAPS to disclose any or all of the types of information designated below as directory information from your child’s education records without your prior written consent, you must notify TCAPS in writing by the third Friday of October. The Board designates the following as directory information:  

• Student name and address
• Parent name and address
• Parent email address 
• Student & parent telephone numbers
• Student’s date and place of birth
• Student’s major field of study
• Student’s participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Student-athletes’ height and weight
• Dates of attendance
• Date of graduation
• Student honors, awards, degrees and scholarships earned
• Student honor roll designations
• Student grade placements
• Photographs and videos of students participating in school activities, events or programs
• Other information generally found in yearbooks

The Board further designates district-assigned student email addresses as directory information for the limited purposes of (1) facilitating the student’s participation in and access to online learning platforms and applications, and (2) inclusion in internal school and district email address books.

TCAPS partnership with the Traverse Area District Library (TADL) Library Card Program provides each student with a TADL library card. Students have access to digital resources, and are able to borrow books, movies, STEM kits, games, and more from any of the six TADL locations.

The online resources include databases to learn languages, reference sources, books (audio and electronic), magazines, test preparation, and much more. Click here to explore what the library has to offer. We are proud to share this community partnership and the additional resources it unlocks for your child with you. Keep reading, learning and exploring!

Directory Information Disclosure: In order to facilitate the Library Card Program, TCAPS discloses the following information for all preschool through 12th grade students to TADL to automatically enroll students who do not have an existing TADL account in the Library Card Program: student name, address, phone, parent email, grade, and birthdate. Students who already have a library account will not receive a new one under this program. If you wish to opt out of this program for any reason, please notify the district by October 21, 2022, by emailing info@tcaps.net. If you do choose to opt out, TCAPS will not release the directory information and your student will not be enrolled in the Library Card Program.

Congress has not extended free meals for all students for the 2022-23 school year. Due to this decision, we are asking all TCAPS families to complete a free and reduced application so that if your child is eligible they can receive a free or reduced meal this coming school year. We ask all TCAPS families to complete an application whether your child would be eligible or not. All application information input is used to determine eligibility for many grants and other money that TCAPS receives. 

Complete the Free and Reduced Meal Application at: www.traversecity.familyportal.cloud/. Families can also get a copy of the application in their school's main office.  Please complete one form per family

It is critical that all households complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application.  This information determines the amount of money our schools receive from a variety of State and Federal supplemental programs like Title I A, At-Risk (31a), Title II A, E-Rate, etc.  These supplemental programs have the potential to offer supports and services for our students including, but not limited to:

• Instructional support (staff, supplies and materials, etc.)
• Non-instructional services (counseling, social work, health services, etc.)
• Professional learning for staff
• Parent and community engagement supplies and activities
• Technology
• Pandemic-EBT

Please complete and submit the application as soon as possible to ensure that additional funding for our school is available to meet the needs of our students. All information on the application submitted is confidential. Without your assistance in completing and returning the application, our schools cannot maximize the use of available State and Federal funds. If we can be of any further assistance, please contact Food & Nutrition Services at 231.933.1910. 

• Apply Online

• Print Free/Reduced Application

• Request for Special Dietary Needs Accommodation Form

Request for Special Dietary Needs Accommodation Form (GSRP students only)

[Additional Services updated 09-15-22]

Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) uses G Suite for Education, a set of education productivity tools from Google used by tens of millions of students and teachers around the world. TCAPS students use their G Suite accounts to complete assignments, communicate with their teachers, sign into their Chromebooks, and learn 21st century digital citizenship skills. TCAPS student accounts may access and use the following “Core Services” offered by Google: Gmail, Calendar, Classroom, Cloud Search, Contacts, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Drive, Groups, Google Meet, Jamboard, Keep, and Sites. Students may also have access to the following “Additional Services”: Google My Maps, Google Earth, Google Maps, YouTube, Google Takeout (HS only), CS First, Google Books, Blogger (HS only), Google Arts & Culture, Google News, Google Translate, and Chrome Web Store (for approved Apps/Extensions only).

When creating a student account, TCAPS may provide Google with certain personal information about the student, including, for example, a name, email address, and password. Google may also collect personal information directly from students, such as telephone numbers for account recovery or a profile photo added to the G Suite for Education account.

When a student uses Google services, Google also collects information based on the use of those services. This includes: device information, such as the hardware model, operating system version, unique device identifiers, and mobile network information including phone number; log information, including details of how a user used Google services, device event information, and the user's Internet protocol (IP) address; location information, as determined by various technologies including IP address, GPS, and other sensors; unique application numbers, such as application version number; and cookies or similar technologies which are used to collect and store information about a browser or device, such as preferred language and other settings. For more information about how Google uses student information, visit: www.tcaps.net/about/departments/technology. 

A parent or legal guardian has the ability to opt-out of their student’s personal information being shared with Google with written notification to the student’s school administrators within the first thirty (30) days of the school year. A student who is at least age eighteen (18) or is an emancipated minor may act on his/her own behalf with respect to the opt-out. If a student is opted-out, the district will not create a G Suite for Education account and Google will not collect or use the student’s information as described in this notice. 

A parent or legal guardian can access or request deletion of his/her child’s G Suite for Education account at any time by contacting TCAPS’ technology department at tech-info@tcaps.net. To stop any further collection or use of your child's information, you can request the use of the service controls available to limit your child’s access to features or services, or delete your child’s account entirely. You and your child can also visit https://myaccount.google.com while signed in to the G Suite for Education account to view and manage the personal information and settings of the account.

TCAPS will provide interpreter/translator services to parents/caregivers of students for a variety of school functions such as enrollment, IEPs, parent-teacher conferences, disciplinary actions, follow-up written communication, etc. Administrative assistants have all been trained in the Interpreter and Translation Request Process. To request an interpreter or translation, contact the administrative assistant for the school where your child attends. The school may use a tele-interpreter service to fulfill an immediate need or situation where an in-person interpreter is not available.

• Nueva Intérprete e Intermediaria de TCAPS
• Welcome Letter Spanish Liaison - Giuliana Mullen
• Координатор переводов и связи для украинскоязычной и рускоязычной общины Системы Штатских Школ Района Города Траверс Сити (TCAPS)
• Welcome Letter Ukrainian & Russian Liaison - Alicja Power

Notice of Video Surveillance/Electronic Monitoring

(Board Policy & Administrative Guideline 7440.01)

All TCAPS facilities utilize video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment to observe, monitor and/or record the behavior and activity of all persons on school property or grounds, or participating in school functions. For more information, please contact Security Systems Manager Christopher Wise at 231.933.3316 or wisech@tcaps.net.

State of Michigan law requires that schools and daycare centers that may apply pesticides on school property must provide an annual notification to parents or guardians of students attending the facility.  

Please be advised that Traverse City Area Public Schools utilizes an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to control pests. IPM is a pest management system that utilizes all suitable techniques in a total pest management system with the intent of preventing pests from reaching unacceptable levels or to reduce an existing population to an acceptable level. Pest management techniques emphasize sanitation, pest exclusion, and biological controls. One of the objectives of using an IPM approach is to reduce or eliminate the need for chemical applications of pesticides. However, certain situations may require the need for pesticides to be utilized. 

As required by State of Michigan law, the school/district will provide advance notice regarding the non-emergency application of a pesticide such as an insecticide, fungicide or herbicide, other than a bait or gel formulation, that is made to the school buildings or grounds. Advance notice will be provided, even during periods when not in session.  Advance notice is not given for the use of sanitizers, germicides, disinfectants or anti-microbial cleaners. In certain emergencies, such as an infestation of stinging insects, pesticides may be applied without advance notice to prevent injury to students, but the school or daycare will provide notice following any such application. 

Advance Notice of pesticide applications, other than a bait or gel formulation, will be given by at least two methods. The first method will be by posting at the main entrance to the school being treated. The second method will be by posting on the school’s website.

Please be advised that parents or guardians of children attending the school are entitled to receive advance notice of a pesticide application, other than a bait or gel formulation, by first class United States mail postmarked at least three days before the pesticide application, if they so request. If you prefer to receive the notification by first class mail, please contact 231.933.1930.

Please be advised that parents or guardians of children attending the school may review the school’s Integrated Pest Management program and records of any pesticide application upon request. Contact 231.933.1930 for more information.

The State of Michigan requires that all students be properly immunized pursuant to the provisions of the Michigan Department of Community Health and the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). The State of Michigan also requires that all students be properly immunized at the time of registration or not later than the first day of school pursuant to those provisions. Before a child can be permitted to enter or attend school, parents/guardians must present documentation that a child has had the required doses of vaccine. Immunization requirements are to be in accordance with Board Policy and Administrative Guideline 5320. Board Policy reflects State Law. The only exception is if the parents/guardians submit a signed waiver of immunization. A licensed health care provider will certify that a medical contraindication exists and that a specific immunization is or may be detrimental to the student’s health. The County Health Department will issue a waiver for non-medical reasons.  

As a service to students and their families, TCAPS makes available an affordable 80/20 student accident insurance plan with several coverage options. All school-sponsored/supervised activities and time spent in school are covered in accordance with the terms and limitations of the policy. For an added premium, the policy will cover your student 24-hours a day, 12 months a year, rather than only during school-time. There are additional options available to cover interscholastic sports (note that grades 9-12 football coverage must be purchased separately). Extended dental coverage can be added to any other purchased coverage option.

This policy pays the first $100 of eligible medical costs regardless of other insurance. Medical bills beyond the first $100 must first be filed with your private/group insurance plan, if applicable. Those items not covered by your own insurance plan will then be processed by this optional insurance plan, within the coverage limitations outlined in the brochure. Please read the brochure carefully so that you understand the extent of the coverage. The plan is underwritten by the Guarantee Trust Life Insurance Company. The agent is First Agency, Inc., 5071 West H Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI  49009-8501 (269.381.6630). View the student insurance information brochure.

Students identified with a disability are entitled to a Free and Appropriate Public Education. Modifications, accommodations or interventions will be put into place, regardless of mitigating factors. In some cases, a 504 Plan, which is an accommodation plan for a student with a disability, may be indicated. Any service provided for a child with a disability must be aligned with the impairment and decisions are made on data.

For the computer and network operations to operate at peak efficiency, TCAPS’ technical team needs to perform regular maintenance. Maintenance nights are scheduled for every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month beginning at 6:15 PM. The typical “down” time is 1-2 hours. We strive to have all systems back in normal operations by 7:00 AM Friday mornings. During these times, applications (such as PowerSchool) may have intermittent availability. Though most applications would only be down for a brief time during the maintenance window, services requiring down time of more than one hour will be designated as “extended maintenance.” For additional information on applications that undergo monthly scheduled maintenance, please visit the technology webpage.

The government has made legal provisions to ensure that no person is discriminated against on the basis of the protected classes of race, color, national origin, gender, sex (including sexual orientation or transgender identity), age (except as authorized by law), religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, “Protected Classes”) in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. In order to protect these rights and assure compliance, Traverse City Area Public Schools has appointed the following employees as the Coordinators of Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, the Age Discrimination Act, and Title II.

Inquiries concerning the application of, or grievances for, any of these regulations or concerns that the rights of an individual may have been violated should be directed to:

• Coni Taylor, Esq.
  Associate Superintendent
  Labor Relations & Legal Services
  Traverse City Area Public Schools
  412 Webster Street
  Traverse City, MI 49686
  231. 933.1716
  taylorco@tcaps.net

Further, Traverse City Area Public Schools has designated the following employees as Title IX Coordinator(s), Title IX Investigator(s), Title IX Decision Maker(s), and Title IX Appeals Officer(s): 

• Coni Taylor, Esq.
  Associate Superintendent
  Labor Relations & Legal Services
  Traverse City Area Public Schools
  412 Webster Street
  Traverse City, MI 49686
  231.933.1716
  taylorco@tcaps.net

• Erika Lahti
  Director, Human Resources
  Traverse City Area Public Schools
  412 Webster Street
  Traverse City, MI 49686
  231.933.1719
  lahtier@tcaps.net

• Maire Lajko
  Compliance Coordinator
  Traverse City Area Public Schools
  412 Webster Street
  Traverse City, MI 49686
  231.933.1703
  lajkoma@tcaps.net

• Kendal Glaze
  Executive Assistant|
  Traverse City Area Public Schools
  412 Webster Street
  Traverse City, MI 49686
  231.933.1711
  glazeke@tcaps.net

• Dr. John VanWagoner
  Superintendent
  Traverse City Area Public Schools
  412 Webster Street
  Traverse City, MI 49686
  231.922.1727
  vanwagonjo@tcaps.net

Any person who feels that the rights of an individual may have been violated in relation to the provision of equal opportunity in any educational programs, activities, or services may contact: 

• Coni Taylor, Esq.
  Associate Superintendent of
  Labor Relations & Legal Services
  Traverse City Area Public Schools
  412 Webster Street
  Traverse City, MI 49686
  231.933.1716
  taylorco@tcaps.net