Health & Safety

Minnesota Transitions Charter Schools (MTCS) is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all students. MTCS provides health related services designed to meet the individual needs of students across the district. It is a focus of the Health Services Department that all students receive the care they need throughout the school day to support their educational success.

MTCS health services consists of trained health assistants working under the delegation of a licensed school nurse to provide a variety of medical procedures that support a healthy learning environment for all students.

The office staff in each building is equipped to handle minor injuries requiring first aid. If a student experiences a more serious medical emergency at school, staff will contact 911/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for any serious or life-threatening condition that occurs. It is imperative to be able to have trained medical personnel onsite as soon as possible to assist with the health and safety of your student. EMS will evaluate the situation at the school and determine if they need to bring the student into a nearly Emergency Department. Every attempt will be made to immediately notify the parent/guardian/emergency contact as well.

Suicide Support Line
Call, Text or Chat: 988
Emergency: 911

MTCS Mental Health Resources

Applying for Medical Assistance (MA) and MinnesotaCare

Minneapolis Free and Income Based Clinics: https://www.freeclinics.com/cit/mn-minneapolis

MN Low Cost Healthcare Directory: http://www.bridgetobenefits.org/MN_Low_Cost_Health_Care_Directory

Immunizations

For the safety of all students in grades K-12, Minnesota law requires proof of immunizations or filing of legal exemption signed by a health care provider or a conscientious objection signed by a parent/guardian and notarized.

Immunizations can be administered by your family’s physical or through one of the following:

  • The No Shots No School Program is available during the month of August and the first week of September. The barrier-free clinics will immunize students who were not previously patients with the clinic, without a doctor visit or preventative care exam, and without direct charge to families. Call the number listed to schedule an appointment.

Barrier-free Hennepin County clinic list
Barrier-free Ramsey County clinic list

  • Minnesota Vaccines for Children (MnVFC) may provide immunizations at no charge if:
    • You are uninsured;
    • You are enrolled in a Minnesota Healthcare Program (MHCP): Minnesota Medical Assistance (MA), Minnesota Care (MnCARE) or Prepaid Medical Assistance Program (PMAP);
    • You are American Indian or Alaskan Native; or
    • You have health insurance that does not cover the cost of vaccines.

Clinics providing MnVFC-eligible immunizations:

Hennepin County: 612-384-2884
Ramsey County: 651-266-1234

IEP Health Related Services

If your child is evaluated to determine special education eligibility and will receive Health related services as part of the Individual Education Program (IEP), MTCS will share your student’s name and date of birth with the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) to find out if your child utilizes Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare.

If you do not wish to share your child’s name and date of birth with DHS, you must notify us in writing at least one week before the evaluation begins. Email your request to ecopeland@emailmtcs.org or mail in care of the following:

Erin Copeland
Director of Special Education
2872 26th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55406

Prior to the beginning of each school year, students requiring individual health plans or emergency care plan(s) and/or emergency medication(s) must turn in a medication form as well as an emergency action plan from their clinic for review by the Licensed School Nurse.

Attention Families of Incoming 7th and 12th Graders:

7th Grade
As your child gets ready for 7th grade, we want to remind you that under MN state law, they need updated immunizations for school entry this fall.
The good news is that it’s a simple process! 7th graders must show proof of receiving the Meningococcal Vaccine and Tdap between ages 11-12. Don’t worry, other vaccines should also be up to date.

You have multiple options for getting the required immunizations! Visit your healthcare provider, local clinic, or county public health department. They will be happy to assist you. If you have any questions, feel free to contact your child’s school health office.

12th Grade
As your child gets ready for 12th grade, we want to remind you that under MN state law, they need updated immunizations for school entry this fall.

The good news is that it’s a simple process! 12th graders must show proof of receiving the Meningococcal booster at the age of 16. Don’t worry, other vaccines should also be up to date.

You have multiple options for getting the required immunizations! Visit your healthcare provider, local clinic, or county public health department. They will be happy to assist you. If you have any questions, feel free to contact your child’s school health office.

Working together, we can ensure the safety and good health of our community! Let’s start this school year on a positive, healthy note.

Forms & Information

Student Health Form

Student Health Form (fillable)

Medication Administration Form

Medication Administration Policy

COVID-19 Guidance

Preparing and Responding to Measles

Free Sports Physicals:
  • See attached flyer with dates
Links to register:
Free Meals for Kids: Mobile App
Wellness Check-ups: Free child and teen checkups (C&TC) are a fantastic resource to ensure your child’s health and well-being.

Contact your local county to schedule a Free Checkup.

  • C&TC Team: 763-324-4280 in Anoka
  • Public Health: 952-891-7500 in Dakota
  • C&TC Team: 612-543-2222 in Hennepin
  • C&TC Team: 651-266-2420 in Ramsey

Additional resources:

  • Finding a medical or dental clinic
  • Hearing and Vision Screenings
  • Transportation assistance
  • Translation services
  • Scheduling
  • Resources such as food, mental health, crisis or shelter assistance,
  • Peb Hais Lub Hmoob,
  • Hablamos Español,
  • Waan ku hadalnaa afka Somaliga.

MTCS District Nurse

Danielle Partyka
612-499-4485
dpartyka@emailmtcs.org

Is My Child Too Sick for School?

Many parents are concerned about when to keep students home due to illness. This information is intended to help parents with this decision. District Health Services follows public health guidelines when determining when students should remain at home due to illness.

  • If the student has a fever of 100 degrees or more (without the use of fever-reducing medication), the student should stay home for 24 hours after the temperature returns to normal
  • If the student has vomited or has diarrhea, the student should stay home until 24 hours after the last episode
  • If the student has any rash that may be disease-related or if you do not know the cause, check with your medical provider before sending the student to school
  • If your student begins taking an antibiotic, the student should stay home for 24 hours after the antibiotic is started
  • Please keep your student home if your student has a condition that may interfere with their or another student’s education (i.e.: lethargy or uncontrollable cough)
  • A physician’s order and written parent/guardian permission is required to administer any medication while at school
  • If your student is ill, please call the school to report the student’s absence