Health Information

Healthy children are more successful learners.

The health of a child directly impacts his or her ability to fully access educational opportunities that will allow them to reach their fullest capacity. Parents have the basic responsibility for the health of their children. TCAPS’ health coordinator, Liisa Szarapski,  is available to assist parents with this responsibility. If your child has a “life threatening”illness, Liisa can provide assistance for your family to develop a care plan and in training  your child’s school staff on the care plan. Contact Liisa at 231.933.1789.

View district updates and information/resources related to COVID-19 (coronavirus).

All children who enter and attend schools in Michigan are required by state law to have a certificate of immunization on file showing completion of the minimum requirements of immunization, or a signed waiver. TCAPS requires this information for all preschool, kindergarten, seventh grade students and any new students transferring to the district.

Waivers for medical reasons must be obtained from a physician or health care provider. Waivers for non-medical reasons must be obtained from the Health Department. The immunization record, from a health care provider, or a signed waiver must be on file at the school office prior to the first day of school.

Students who enroll in a public school who do not have up-to-date immunizations or an authorized waiver will not be allowed to attend school until the appropriate paperwork is on file in the school office. Contact TCAPS’ health coordinator at 231.933.5610 for more information.

Requirements for ages 3 years - 4 years

  • 4 doses of Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis vaccine
  • 3 doses of Polio vaccine
  • 3 doses of H. influenza type b (Hib) vaccine; one dose on or after 15 months, or age appropriate complete series
  • 1 dose of Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine on or after 12 months of age
  • 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine
  • 1 dose of Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine on or after 12 months of age, or date of the Chickenpox disease
  • 4 doses or Age-appropriate complete series  of Pneumococcal Conjugate vaccine

Requirements for ages 4 years - 10 years

  • 4 doses of Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis vaccine including a booster dose on or after the 4th birthday
  • 3 doses of Polio vaccine including a booster dose on or after the 4th birthday
  • 2 doses of Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine at least one month apart and with one dose on or after 12 months of age
  • 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine
  • 2 doses of Varicella (chickenpox) the first dose of vaccine on or after 12 months of age, or date of the Chickenpox disease; the second dose of vaccine on or after 4 years of age

Requirements for Children between the ages 11 – 18 years

  • 4 doses of Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (Td booster required every 10 years)
  • 3 doses of Polio vaccine
  • 2 doses of Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccine, at least one month apart and with first dose on or after 12 months of age
  • 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine
  • 2 doses of Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine
  • 1 dose of Meningococcal (Meningitis)
  • PDF DocumentTeen Vaccines – Information from MI Dept. of Community Health

Date of immunizations is important in determining protection achieved.  Written proof of immunization from a healthcare provider or waiver signed by a parent/guardian must be provided to the school.

Where To Go For Immunizations

  • Your family health care provider, by appointment.
  • Grand Traverse County Health Department, for an appointment call 231.995.6131 [External Linkhttp://www.co.grand-traverse.mi.us/498/Health-Dept]
  • K-Town Youth Care, Serving ages 10 to 21. Open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Located at 112 Brownson Avenue, Kingsley, Call 231.263.5895 for an appointment. Walk-ins accepted if schedule allows.
  • Munson Medical Center Specialty Immunization Walk-In Clinic at 106 S. Madison St., Traverse City. Weekend and off-hours times are available. Call 231.935.8125 in advance or for more information.
  • Youth Health & Wellness Center, ages 10-21, for an appointment call 231.922.6416.[External Linkwww.co.grand-traverse.mi.us/742/Youth-Health-Wellness-Center]

*Bring immunization records. Parent or guardian must accompany child under 18 years. Your health insurance may cover vaccines. If no health insurance or if health insurance denies coverage of vaccines, ask about the Vaccines for Children Program (VFC.)

Vaccines for Children Program

If your health insurance does not pay anything for vaccines, your child may be able to get VFC vaccine.  Check with your doctor or contact the Health Department. The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program provides childhood vaccines to eligible children and the government pays for the vaccines. Doctors and clinics give VFC vaccines to children who qualify in order to help kids stay healthy. Children from birth through 18 years of age can receive VFC vaccines if they: are currently on Medicaid or eligible for Medicaid, do not have health insurance, are American Indian or Alaskan Native, are under-insured. For more information on VFC, go to:External Link www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/vfc/parents.

Many children must take medication during the school day. Our school policy was developed in accordance with state law and provides for the safe administration, storage and transporting of medication. We realize the effort it takes and we appreciate your support and cooperation.

A PDF DocumentMedication Authorization Form must be on file whenever medication is brought to school. The form includes written instructions from the child’s health care provider, specific information about the medication and a parent signature. This policy applies to prescription as well as over-the-counter medications. The forms are available in all school offices and in many physician’s offices. We can also fax a form to you or your health care provider.

Please note:

Elementary students can carry emergency medications. All other medications are to be administered by school staff. Middle school students can carry and administer medications that are not “controlled substances” (i.e.. Ritalin, Dexedrine, Codeine). High school students can carry and administer all medications. It is against school policy and the law for students to share medication.

 

Health screenings are offered regularly to students attending Traverse City Area Public Schools.

Screening Programs

  • Hearing
  • Spinal Screening
  • Vision

The goal of screening programs is early detection and treatment of conditions that may progress and/or interfere with health and learning. Parents will be notified if there is a need for further evaluation. We encourage you to take advantage of these screening programs that are offered to you at no cost. For more information, please contact the TCAPS health coordinator at 231.933.1789.

Spinal Screening Update

A free spinal screening will be offered during  middle school registrations at both East Middle School and West Middle School.

TCAPS, in cooperation with Northern Michigan Helping Hands, will be conducting the screening for 6th grade girls, 7th grade boys and girls, and 8th grade boys. The purpose of the screening is to detect possible curvature of the spine (Scoliosis, Kyphosis, or Lordosis), or other abnormalities (such as leg length differences). The procedure for screening is simple, private, and takes only a few minutes. To participate in the screening, students will need to bring a parent permission slip. [PDF Document Permission Slip and Spinal Screening Information]

To provide for the safety of student athletes, all athletic programs of the district shall comply either with the concussion protocols of the Michigan High School Athletic Association, or the protocols set forth in AG 5340.01, which shall meet all the requirements of state law and Department of Community Health guidelines regarding concussion awareness training and protection for youth athletes. The district shall comply with whichever standards are more protective.

Beginning with the 2015-2016 school year, the Michigan High School Athletic Association is providing eligible athletic participants at each MHSAA member 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. This new program intends to assure that all eligible student-athletes in MHSAA member schools in grades 7 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 have need to make a claim under this new program, contact terri.bruner@kandkinsurance.com or 800.237.2917. For additional information, please contact TCAPS’ high school athletic directors:

 

Sex Education Advisory Committee

The PA 226 Sex Education Advisory Committee will meet once a month, from 4 PM - 6 PM, to review sex education curriculum and materials. 

 
  • Kathy Booker-Graham
  • Diane Burden
  • Dayna Collins
  • Marshall Collins
  • Julie Flaherty
  • Maggie Harrod-Burch
  • Dan Hyde
  • Annelle Kaspor
  • Kristie Koehler MD
  • Ann McDonough
  
  • Dan McGee
  • Devin Moore
  • Sarah Morgan
  • Lisa Nicolaou
  • Maggie Smith
  • Fern Spence
  • Liisa Szaraspki
  • Carrie Ullery-Smith
  • Kelli Weston
  • Marie Wills

Committee Meeting Dates

The advisory committee will meet on the following dates:

  • December 3, 2020
  • January 7, 2021
  • February 4, 2021
  • March 4, 2021
  • April 8, 2021
  • June 3, 2021

For More Information

For more information, please contact TCAPS Sex Education Coordinator Dan McGee at 231.933.6982 or mcgeeda@tcaps.net. 

 

As a service to students and their families, our school is making available an 80/20 student accident insurance plan for your child at a very nominal cost. All school-sponsored and supervised activities and time spent in school are covered in accordance with the terms and limitations of the policy. For an increased premium, the policy will cover your child 24-hours a day, 12 months a year, rather than only during school-time. There are additional options available to cover interscholastic sports.

Brochures and enrollment envelopes are available online at External Linkwww.1stagency.com. Please read the information carefully so that you understand the extent of the coverage. The Guarantee Trust Life Insurance Company underwrites the plan. The agent is First Agency, Inc., 5071 West H Avenue, Kalamazoo, 269.381.6630.

Students identified with a disability are entitled to a Free and Appropriate Education. Modifications, accommodations or interventions will be put into place, regardless of mitigating factors. In some cases, a 504 Plan, which is an accommodations 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.

TCAPS Vision

Every learner will reach his or her potential in an engaging, inspiring, and challenging environment.

What is a student with a disability?

Any student with a mental or physical impairment that impacts a major life activity is considered a student with a disability.

Goals for Students with Disabilities

  • To provide the least restrictive environment for learning.
  • To provide academic support services when a need is identified.
  • To provide ancillary support services when a need is identified.

Forms

Policies & Guidelines

More Information About Students with Disabilities

For more information regarding students with disabilities, please contact your child’s principal, or Heidi  Skodack at 231.933.1782.