Health Information

Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) believes children deserve to feel safe, loved and understood in their daily life, and families deserve to know their child is treated with compassion and respect while in the care of a school district. For this reason, TCAPS prioritizes the mental health and wellness of all students, staff, and families. 

Here you can find helpful tips and resources to help you and your student navigate mental wellness now and in the future. 

24-Hour Help Lines & Quick Resources:

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE

988

CALL 2-1-1

A Free Community Service
Michigan 2-1-1 is a free service that connects Michigan residents with help and answers from thousands of health and human services agencies and resources right in their communities — quickly, easily, and confidentially.

OK2SAY 

Students can always anonymously report an incident at any time to the OK2SAY tip line (855-565-2729), text to 652729, or email ok2say@mi.gov.

Local Resources:

GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY & NORTHERN MICHIGAN:

• Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Authority: 24-Hour Crisis Hotline- 833-295-0616 (711 TTY)
• Traverse City Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Hotline: (855) 706-9275
• 24-Hour Substance Abuse Hotline: (800) 662-4357
• Addiction Treatment Services: (231) 346-5216
• Traverse City Munson Behavioral Health: (231) 935-6382
• Traverse City Mental Wellness Counseling: (231) 714-0282
• Traverse City Lakeview Counseling: (231) 929-0300
• TCAPS Student Health Center
• Northwest Michigan Health Services (NMHSI) 231-0451
   

National Resources:

NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS (NAMI)

NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI advocates for access to services, treatment, supports and research and is steadfast in its commitment to raise awareness and build a community for hope for all of those in need.

NAMI is the foundation for hundreds of NAMI State Organizations, NAMI Affiliates and volunteer leaders who work in local communities across the country to raise awareness and provide essential and free education, advocacy and support group programs.
 

SUBSTANCE ABUSE & MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (SAMHSA)

SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.
 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH (NIMH)

The mission of NIMH is to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, paving the way for prevention, recovery, and cure.
 

DEPRESSION AND BI-POLAR SUPPORT ALLIANCE (DBSA)

Depression and bipolar disorder can be isolating illnesses, but DBSA support groups can help you connect with others who have been there as well. Visit a DBSA support group and get the support that is essential to recovery.
 

DEPRESSION TOOLKIT

If you or someone you know is at immediate risk of seriously harming themselves or someone else, call 911.

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 a Michigan Health Department. The immunization record, from a health care provider, or a signed waiver must be on file 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 your school's main office for assistance.

• Understanding the Risks & Responsibilities of Choosing Not to Vaccinate Your Child

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)
• Teen 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 [http://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.[www.co.grand-traverse.mi.us/742/Youth-Health-Wellness-Center]
• TCAPS Student Health 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: 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 Medication 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.

• Asthma Care Plan
• Allergy Care Plan
• Medication Authorization Form
• Athletic Physical Form
• Release of Information Authorization Form
• Sex Education Advisory Committee Application

Screening Programs

• Hearing
• Dental
• 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, check with your student's main office.

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.

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.

• Communicable Diseases – Information from the GT County Health Department
• Flu – Action Steps for Parents of Children at High Risk for Flu Complications
• Flu – Protect Your Child & Family
• Head Lice Information
• How To Use An Epi-Pen
• MRSA Information
• Pertussis Information
• Reporting of Student Illnesses
• When to Keep Your Child Home from School

Sex Education Curriculum Public Hearing Notice

According to Michigan Law, all school districts must conduct two public hearings on any additions or revisions of sex education curriculum or materials and have Board of Education approval before implementation. The 2025-2026 Public Hearing Notice will be posted on this page as soon as it is available in late June 2025. You can also view all public notices on the Board of Education page, under Public Notices.

Sex Education Advisory Board (SEAB)

The PA 226 Sex Education Advisory Board meets once a month virtually (during the school year), from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., to review sex education curriculum and materials. 

Per the SEAB Bylaws, the SEAB will include:

•  Parents of children attending TCAPS schools, students within TCAPS schools, educators, local clergy, and community health professionals which reside in the TCAPS district.
•  At least half (½) of the members must be parents who have a child attending TCAPS. A majority of those parents must not be employed by a public school.    
•  If there are more volunteers than openings, a lottery system shall be used to select members.
•  The SEAB will recommend two (2) co-chairs from their membership at the last meeting of the year, to lead the following year.  The co-chairs will be formally appointed at the TCAPS Board of Education annual Organizational Meeting in January. At least one co-chair must be a parent of a child attending TCAPS. Co-chairs will serve for two (2) years.
•  Advisory members serve a three-year (3) term. All have voting privileges. TCAPS staff can remain on the SEAB for more than three (3) years.  
•  Any member who fails to attend at least one scheduled meeting for the year will need to reapply to remain on the SEAB.  

Current members include:

• Dan McGee
• Erin Johnson 
• Ian McGurn
• Kristin Laing
• Katie Strittmatter
• Jacalyn Money-Bruno
• Rev. Dr. Wendy Von Courter
• Marshall Collins 
• Carrie Ullery-Smith
• Jen Bowerman
• Josh Sloat 
• Kelsey Knaack
• Sharon Vreeland
• Hannah Wilson,
• Heather Lucynski
• Jenna Baker
• Kaitlyn Ritola
• Linden Hinsenkamp
• Ryan Klumpp
• McKeiley Buron

For More Information

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

• American Academy of Pediatrics (A good source of information for child and adolescent health.)
• American Diabetes Association
• American Epilepsy Society
• American Lung Association
• Centers for Disease Control (Information about specific diseases can be found at the CDC site. Look for “Health Topics A-Z.”)
• The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network
• Grand Traverse County Health Department
• Michigan Department of Community Health (Your child may qualify for health insurance. Contact the MDCH to find out more about MICHILD.)
• Youth Health & Wellness Center (Local center where students from the community, ages 10-21 are eligible.  Appointments also available for younger children.  Most health insurance carriers accepted; Sliding fee scale for those without insurance.)

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 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

An educational community providing opportunities and resources to relentlessly support all learners in achieving their full potential.

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.

More Information About Students with Disabilities

For more information regarding students with disabilities, please contact your child’s principal, or Tiffany Pomaville at 231.933.1780.