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Kent School District
Handbook for
Students and Parents
2016 - 2017
GRASS LAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Home of the Gators
28700 191 s t Place SE
Kent, WA 98042
(253) 373-7661
www.kent.k12.wa.us/GL
2
Grass Lake Gators are expected to follow these
rules at all times:
SWAMP S Show Respect
W Work Together
A Accept Responsibility
M Mind Your Manners
P Prompt and Prepared
GATOR SWAMP PLEDGE
Today, I pledge to show respect, work together, accept responsibility, mind my manners, and be prompt and prepared. I can make a difference at Grass Lake
Elementary!
The Gator Song We are the Gators and we’re here to stay.
We try our best in every way.
We are the best sports that you’ve ever seen.
We are green for Gators. White is for our pride.
Our school says friendship is for everyone.
Our PTA is really great!
We learn to read and write and think and share.
Gators Care!
CHEER
Grass Lake Gators—We are the best!
Grass Lake Gators—in all the Northwest!
Schoolwide Expectations
3
Welcome to Grass Lake Elementary School and the 2016-2017 school year! We are all so
excited to begin this new school year! This Student/Parent Handbook has been prepared to
foster a good working relationship between the school, students and parents. We want to make
our expectations explicit by clearly presenting rules, procedures and other school information.
Please read it carefully and refer to it as needed.
The school alone cannot teach the whole child. It takes the effort of the school, the parents, and
the community working together. Parents are their child’s first teacher. Parents are encouraged
to become involved in the education of their children. You can become involved by reviewing
homework each evening, listening to and reading with your child/children, becoming a
classroom volunteer, and an active member of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA).
We are proud of our school! As a staff, we are committed to helping each student grow and
learn. We want all our students to be successful at school and throughout their whole life. We
expect all students in the Grass Lake community to treat others with respect, to work hard every
day and to do their best!
Respectfully,
Dan Irvine
Principal
Grass Lake Elementary Mission Statement The mission of Grass Lake is to do whatever it
takes in successfully preparing all students
for their futures.
Welcome to Grass Lake Elementary School!
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A Path to Academic Success
Talk, talk, talk! The language of the home helps
students build vocabulary and language skills.
Socialize! Just like puppies, children need to be
socialized. Play alone play beside play together
play with a group! It’s a process.
Read, read, read! Read to your children often, even
when they’re 12 years old. Read aloud books that
challenge them to imagine and think. Read articles
that are of interest to you. It’s guaranteed to lead to
more… talk!
Read, read, read some more! Show them how much
you love to read. Children tend to do what you do, not
necessarily what you say.
Read, read, read independently! Reading their own
books needs to be part of their everyday routine.
Homework is home practice! Homework practice
helps students build skills, access knowledge, and
learn the importance of work.
Study, study, study! Homework gives you insights
about the curriculum. You can use it to predict what
will be on the test and help your child be prepared.
Get mathematical! Math is everywhere. Find it,
speak it, use it! Math is the gatekeeper to many
careers. Don’t let it pass your child by.
Celebrate Success! Embrace challenges and
overcome obstacles together! For them, you are
number one! Enjoy the status while it lasts!
5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..3
A Path to Academic Success…..…………………………………………………………………………………………...4
Table of Contents…………………………………………………………………………………………………………...5
Mission/Vision Statements……………………………………………………………………………………………….....6
Gator SWAMP Expectations………………………………………………………………………………………..….7-19
Voice Levels………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…….19
Attendance Policies and Procedures…………………………………………………………………...........…………...20
Breakfast and Lunch Programs…………………………………………………………………………………….........21
Dress Code………………………………………………………………………………………………………………....22
Emergency Procedures and School Safety……………………………………………………………..…………….22-24
General Information…………………………………………………………………………………………………...25-30
Health Information………………………………………………………………………………………………….…30-31
Playground Agreements…………………………………………………………………………………………………..32
Programs………………………………………………………………………………………………...…………...…33-34
Release of Information…………………………………………………………………………………………………….34
Student Behavior Policy………………………………………………………………………………..………..…….35-39
Volunteer Policy……………………………………………………………………………………………………......40-41
KSD Non-Discrimination Statement ………………………………………………………………………………….....42
Kent School District Policies and Procedures……………………………………………………………………….43-60
Compulsory Attendance Law
District Discipline Policy
Guidelines for School Sanctions (Elementary, Middle and High School)
6
Kent School District Mission
Successfully preparing all students for their futures.
Superintendent Dr. Calvin Watts
Grass Lake School Dr. Millicent Borishade
Improvement Officer [[email protected]]
President of School Board Karen DeBruler
District Board of Directors Agda Burchard
Russ Hanscom
Debbie Straus
Maya Vengadasalam
Grass Lake Elementary Vision
All staff, students, and community members working
together to create lifelong learners.
Grass Lake Learning Improvement Team Mission Statement
The mission of the Grass Lake Elementary School Learning Improvement Team is
to enable the staff, parents and community to work collaboratively to develop,
implement and evaluate the best educational program, with an emphasis on teaching
and learning.
Grass Lake Parent Teacher Association
The Grass Lake PTA is an essential part of our school. It sponsors a very active
volunteer program and offers many special events and programs throughout the
year. The students at Grass Lake would miss a great many wonderful opportunities
if it were not for the dedication of our PTA members. Please join, but more
importantly, please volunteer your time and your talent! Your kids and school
really do need you!
Co-Presidents of the PTA Andrea Clibborn-Anderson & Danielle Austin
Vice President TBD
Secretary Naome Fouts
Treasurer Debbie Bevier
7
SWAMP
Show Respect
Work Together
Accept Responsibility
Mind Your Manners
Prompt and Prepared
GATOR SWAMP PLEDGE
Today, I pledge to show respect, work together, accept
responsibility, mind my manners, and be prompt and prepared. I
can make a difference at Grass Lake Elementary!
Gator Expectations
8
Our Philosophy
Our goal is to help each child develop self-discipline to make good choices.
Together the home, school, and community share the responsibility for
developing good citizens. Parents, staff, and students must work together to
maintain a safe learning environment.
What is Gator S.W.A.M.P. success at Grass Lake Elementary?
Grass Lake has established a “Gator S.W.A.M.P. Success” program for the entire
school. The S.W.A.M.P. program is a researched-based, positive program to
recognize students for appropriate behavior. Each student who shows respect,
works together, accepts responsibility, exhibits appropriate manners, and is prompt
and prepared is acknowledged with praise and celebrations.
Gator S.W.A.M.P. Success
Expectations for student behaviors are defined by a building based team with
input from staff.
Appropriate student behavior is taught throughout the day.
Positive behaviors are publicly acknowledged.
Problem behaviors have clear consequences.
Discipline is implemented consistently by staff and administration.
Student behavior is monitored and staff receives regular feedback about
student progress.
Gator SWAMP Expectations
9
SWAMP
S Greet driver
Follow directions the first time they are given
W Encourage others by sitting together
Allow the students in front of you to exit first
A Stay seated and face forward
Keep bus clean and undamaged
M Use appropriate language
Be courteous to others
Keep hands and feet to yourself
Voice Level 0 or 1
P Be on time to bus stop
Stand in line and be safe
Bring necessary items for school
Bus and Bus Stop Expectations
10
SWAMP
S Follow directions the first time they are given
Return equipment back to the appropriate area
W Watch for others and use walking feet
Exit out of the classroom door and follow your
teacher out to the front of the building during
dismissal time from school
A Drop off backpack, eat breakfast and then go to
your assigned area of the playground before
school
Only bring items necessary for school
Keep backpacks and instrument cases closed
M Remove hats/hoods when entering building
Keep hands to yourself and on your own
personal belongings Keep cell phones off and in backpack until you
leave campus
P Be on time by going directly to designated
classroom lineup area when bell rings Stand in line and be safe
Arrival/Dismissal Expectations
11
Classroom Expectations
SWAMP
S Greet teacher
Follow directions the first time they are given
Respect learning environment
W Treat others with respect
Put things where they belong
Share ideas and materials
A Try your best and do quality work
Use supplies appropriately
Only go into your desk or backpack
Sit correctly with all furniture legs on the
floor and facing the speaker
M Listen quietly to adults
Raise your hand and wait your turn
Keep hands and feet to yourself
Be courteous/speak politely
Voice Level 0, 1, or 2
P Bring necessary supplies and homework to
school Respect class time by coming ready to learn
12
Library
SWAMP S
Follow directions the first time they are given
Respect learning environment
W Enter/Exit library quietly and orderly
Push in chairs
Return books on time
A Voice Level 0 when selecting a book
Treat books and equipment properly
Sit correctly with all furniture legs on the
floor and facing the speaker
M Listen quietly to adults
Raise your hand and wait your turn
Keep hands and feet to yourself
Be courteous/speak politely
Voice Level 0, 1, or 2
P Bring only necessary supplies
Respect class time and be ready to learn
Follow library procedures
13
Computer Lab
SWAMP S
Sit in assigned seat
Follow directions the first time they are given
Respect learning environment
W Wait for your computer to be checked before
and after using it
Push in your chair, hang up headphones, and
log off when leaving the lab
A Use assigned computer equipment
Treat computer equipment properly
Only go into your work space on the computer
M Listen quietly to adults
Raise your hand and wait your turn
Keep hands and feet to yourself
Be courteous/speak politely
Voice Level 0, 1, or 2
P Bring only necessary items to the computer
lab
Respect class time and be safe
Take all materials with you
14
Assembly
SWAMP
S Sit quietly and listen
Keep hands, feet and objects to self
Respect school property
Sit with legs folded and facing forward
W Encourage others
Be seated in an orderly manner
Wait to be dismissed
A Be considerate
Respond to “silent” signal
Pay attention
M Be quiet for speaker/presentation
Stay seated so others can see
Clap and laugh at the right time
Stop, look, listen to program
P Plan to participate
Go to assigned seating area for your class
Use walking feet and be safe
15
Playground Expectations
SWAMP
S Follow directions the first time they are given
Maintain personal space
Use kind words and actions
Return equipment back to the appropriate
area
W Share and include others
Play fairly
No play fighting or contact sports
Snow, ice, rocks and pinecones must remain
untouched
A Dress for the weather and wear
appropriate shoes
Stay in designated area
Keep the area clean by picking up trash
Report all problems
M Listen/watch for signal from recess staff
Be a good sport and play fairly
Keep hands, feet and objects to self
Got a problem, ask for help
P Be on time by going directly to designated
classroom lineup area when bell rings
Use walking feet and be safe
Stand in line
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SWAMP S
Follow directions the first time they are
given
Use kind words
Keep food on your tray/desk
W Stay in personal space
Throw away trash
Be safe and use walking feet
A Get necessary items before sitting down
Stay in your seat
Clean up your area
M Practice good table manners
Chew with your mouth closed
Use utensils properly
Eat only your food. Sharing is not an option
Voice Level 0, 1, or 2
P Wait patiently and quietly in line
Memorize your lunch/breakfast number
Lunch Expectations
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SWAMP
S Be quick
Respect privacy
Respect school property
Go to assigned bathroom
W Keep bathroom clean, dry and graffiti-free
Report bathroom problems
A Use restroom pass and sign-out and sign-in
sheet Throw away paper towels in trash can
M Flush toilet
Wash hands with soap and water
Turn off water
Keep feet on the ground
Voice Level 0
P Use restroom and return to class quickly
Wait your turn patiently
Restroom Expectations
18
SWAMP
S Follow directions the first time they are given
Maintain personal space
Respect posted work
W Stay in a single file line on the right side of
the hallway
Keep hallways clean by picking up trash
Report all problems
A Individual students leaving the classroom
will need to carry the appropriate hall pass
with them and sign in and out when leaving
the classroom
M Remain quiet
Smile and wave nicely
Allow others to pass
Keep hands and feet to yourself
Use walking feet
Voice Level 0
P Line up immediately and pay attention to
your teacher
Go directly to and from place carrying the
appropriate hall pass
Hallway Expectations
19
VOICE LEVELS
3 Outside Voices
Too Loud for Inside
2 Regular Speech
Classroom Voice
1 QUIET TALKING
Table Group Voices
0 No Talking
Silence
20
ATTENDANCE The Kent School District recognizes regular punctual attendance has a positive effect on student learning and
achievement. If you know your child will be absent, please call the school office at (253) 373-7661. Excused
absences from school are for personal illness, family emergencies, health care appointments or religious
observances. Following an absence, we ask for your assistance. A note explaining the absence is REQUIRED
for admittance back to class. If you are concerned about your child’s attitude toward school and about his/her
attendance record, contact your child’s teacher, counselor and/or school principal. Through a joint effort, we
can work together to design an individualized plan to help your child stay in school.
BECCA
In accordance with state law, Senate Bill 5439 (commonly referred to as the BECCA Bill), regular daily
attendance is required. A parent must exercise reasonable diligence in attempting to cause a child in their
custody to attend school. Under these guidelines, the school district is required to track and report unexcused
absences or truancies that have not been excused by the parent within 48 hours of occurring. One requirement
of the law is that we file a petition in juvenile court for any student who has five unexcused absences in a month
or ten unexcused absences in a school year.
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES
An unexcused absence means that a student has failed to attend the majority of classes in an average school day
and that the parent/guardian has not informed the school of a valid basis for the absence within 48 hours of the
absence. The school may refuse to acknowledge a parental excuse if the absenteeism was unnecessarily
prolonged and potentially harmful to the child’s academic progress. At Grass Lake Elementary, a student with
five unexcused absences in a school year will be required to participate in an attendance conference (including
the parent, child, and school officials). When a student has ten unexcused absences in a year, the school will file
a petition in juvenile court.
EXCESSIVE EXCUSED ABSENCES
Frequent absenteeism (excused or unexcused) that is unnecessarily prolonged may contribute to difficulties in
learning, create emotional strain for the student, and may be potentially harmful to the child’s academic
progress. Grass Lake Elementary has adopted a policy that 10 absences or tardies will be considered excessive.
At this time, an attendance conference will be scheduled – including the parent, child, and school officials. The
purpose of this conference is to work for solutions and appropriate actions to assist the student in eliminating
absences. An attendance agreement will be signed. Should absences reach a level of 15 excused absences in a
year or 20 excused tardies in a year, the school may file a petition in juvenile court for excessive absences.
Children must be in school by law to learn.
TARDINESS
It is important that children come to school on time. When they arrive late, they miss vital instruction time,
interrupt the entire class, announcements and directions. At Grass Lake, when a student has accumulated five
tardies in a year, a letter will be sent to the parent. If a student continues to be tardy, the guidelines for
excessive absenteeism will apply – conference at 10 tardies and a court petition at 20 excused tardies.
Attendance Policies and Procedures
21
There are breakfast and lunch programs available at school for students. Breakfast generally consists of cereal
or hot entrée, juice, and milk. Breakfast is available beginning at 9:00 a.m. each day. The cost is $1.50.
Students may purchase a school lunch or bring their lunch from home. Milk is served as a part of the school
lunch, or may be purchased separately for $.50. If your child comes late to school, he/she should bring a lunch
unless you call in an advance order. Daily lunch prices are $2.50. Lunch menus are available on KSD
website/Nutritional Services.
Pre-payments can be done by cash or check at the school campus, by credit card through the Food Services
Office or by using the on-line payment system, Lunch Money Now which can be accessed from the district's
home page at www.kent.k12.wa.us. The phone number for credit card pre-payments is (253) 373-7275. The
minimum amount for a credit card transaction (Visa or MasterCard) is $20.00).
A student's Free/Reduced meal status from the previous school year expires on September 30. Please
complete a new application before this date. Applications are in the school office or kitchen.
You have an option to receive e-mail notification when your student has reached a balance of $10, $5, or
$2. The option is on the screen that displays the student balance and the selection to add money to the
account.
The Kent School District uses an Auto-dialer telephone system to alert families when their student's
account has a negative balance of $1.00 or more.
Negative meal account balance notices and low balance notices of $10.00 or less, are sent home each
Thursday in the student packets.
School meals must be eaten at school. If a student leaves early for any reason, their meal will be
credited back to their account.
Elementary student (K-6) accounts may not exceed a maximum negative balance of $6.75. When a
purchase would cause a student’s account to exceed the maximum negative balance, the student will not
be able to purchase additional meals until the accrued negative balance is paid in full.
If you have any questions concerning your child's account, please call the KSD Food & Nutrition Services -
253-373-7275. Additional nutritional information found at www.kent.k12.wa.us/KSD/CK.
Prices for the 2016-2017 school year are as follows:
$ 2.50 Elementary Student Lunch
$ .40 Reduced Student Lunch for grades 4-6 (No Charge for Reduced Lunch Grades K-3)
$1.50 Student Breakfast
$ .00 Reduced Student Breakfast
$ .50 Milk
$2.25 Adult Breakfast
$3.75 Adult Lunch
Breakfast and Lunch Programs
22
In accordance with the Kent School District Policy #3224 on student dress, students are expected to dress
comfortably in a manner that is not educationally disruptive or unsafe. Clothing must be safe and not create a
disruption to the learning environment by either printed messages, cleanliness, odor, size, fit, or by revealing
excessive skin, private areas or undergarments. Grass Lake staff will determine whether clothing disrupts the
learning environment. Examples include, but are not limited to: excessive baggy or saggy clothing, over-
sized/undersized clothing, controversial names, insignias or icons, see-through tops, belly shirts, clothing with
inappropriate messages, odor, etc. High heeled shoes or wheeled shoes are not permitted. Students not
following this dress code will be asked to put on appropriate attire from the nurse’s room or parents will be
asked to bring in suitable clothing. Children are to wear flat tennis shoes for PE. Hats, scarves or headdresses
are not to be worn in the school building, unless approved by the principal.
The Grass Lake staff is committed to maintaining a safe school environment. To keep our school safe, we all
need to work together. If we all respect one another, make good decisions and report unsafe behavior to staff
members or administration, our school will continue to be safe.
CAMPUS SAFETY
Be safe on campus by walking at all times in designated areas. Students are not allowed to play fight, wrestle or
engage in horseplay on campus for safety reasons. Report unsafe behavior of any kind to your teacher, a staff
member or to administration immediately.
ILLEGAL ITEMS
Drugs, drug paraphernalia, tobacco products of any kind, alcohol, and weapons are all illegal for students to
have at school. Serious penalties have been established through District Policy and state laws for violations
involving illegal items at school. Weapons of any nature, including knives, "nunchucks" and, at times,
facsimiles of weapons carry automatic school suspension or expulsion provisions in state law. Parents are also
advised that smoking at any time on Kent School District property is not permitted and that alcohol and
weapons are strictly prohibited on school property.
CRIME IN OUR SCHOOLS
WeTip provides an anonymous toll-free hotline (1-800-78-CRIME) to students, staff and community members
who have information about a crime and want to report it to authorities, without having to reveal their identity.
WeTip operators immediately relay all information to the security department or to the law enforcement agency
with jurisdiction where the crime was allegedly committed. The hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a
year with at least one Spanish-speaking operator on each shift.
The Kent School District Security Team and Risk Management have formed a partnership with WeTip. We
hope that this will be a deterrent for vandalism, drugs, weapons, and other crimes.
Dress Code
Emergency Procedures and School Safety
23
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Emergency drills are held each month during the school year and include fire drills, earthquake drills, and lock
down drills. These drills are held so students and staff become familiar with what to do in case of an emergency
at school. In case of an actual emergency during school hours, parents should not telephone the school since
this only hinders emergency relief efforts. We will make every effort to provide for the safety and comfort of
the students. As conditions permit, we will communicate to parents regarding whatever emergency situation is
occurring. Parents should not attempt to enter the school building during an emergency and should report to the
main office or other designated area. Even in emergency situations, students may only be released by
authorized school personnel.
Fire Procedures
1. When you hear a fire alarm, line up and follow directions given by your teacher.
2. Exit quickly and quietly according to the evacuation plan posted in your classroom.
3. Walk to your classroom’s designated area on the field and line up.
4. Voice Level 0: No talking.
5. Your teacher or another staff member will take attendance on the field.
6. Wait for an announcement from the office stating the emergency/drill is over before returning to the
building.
7. Follow the directions of your teacher(s) at all times.
Earthquake Procedures
1. At the beginning of an earthquake, students inside the building should “duck and cover,” crouching
underneath desks and tables. If there are no tables or desks to crouch under, stay away from windows
and near inner walls and doorways. Voice Level 0: No talking.
2. Students outside the building should immediately get as far away as possible from buildings, power
poles, trees, power lines and other tall objects which might fall.
3. After an earthquake, students should stay where they are until a teacher or staff member gives them
directions. Students should follow their teacher’s directions at all times.
4. Under no circumstances should any student approach or re-enter the school building until instructed to
do so by a person in authority.
5. Under no circumstances should a student leave the school campus during or after an earthquake without
permission from a person in authority.
Intruder Procedures
Students and staff will be notified of an Intruder Alert if an unidentified person has been noticed on or near
the Grass Lake Elementary school campus. Staff members will lock all classroom doors, shut and cover
windows, and remain in lock-down until notified. During a lock-down, students should follow their
teacher’s directions at all times.
Emergency Procedures and School Safety
24
Finding Your Student in an Emergency
We have special procedures in place to keep your student safe in an emergency. Please help us keep all
students safe by following these procedures during emergencies:
1. Do not call your student on a cell phone during an emergency. Grass Lake staff members will
provide students with directions on how to keep safe. Outside calls will be disruptive and confusing
for everyone.
2. If your student calls you during an emergency, tell them to hang up the phone and listen to the
directions of the Grass Lake staff members in charge.
3. If you want to pick up your student from school, come to the Main Office or the Student Release
Center at the basketball courts behind the gym. School officials will locate your student and release
them to you.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
For a comprehensive brochure regarding our Emergency Preparedness Plan, link to:
http://www.kent.k12.wa.us/site/default.aspx?PageID=4734
Emergency Procedures and School Safety
25
BUS RIDING
Many of our Grass Lake students ride a bus. We want the bus ride to be pleasant and safe. A bus-riding
handbook will be sent home to each family in the fall. The bus drivers will review the rules and regulations for
proper behavior on the bus and at the bus stop. Please review these rules with your child. If a child repeatedly
fails to follow the rules, he/she will be denied bus-riding privileges.
The bus stops are unsupervised areas. We strongly suggest that the parents in each neighborhood work together
to arrange some supervision of the bus stop in the morning. Feel free to contact the school if a student is
misbehaving at the bus stop. Students will be subject to disciplinary action for failing to behave properly while
waiting for the bus. Glass items and pets are not allowed on buses for safety reasons.
CLASSROOM PARTIES
Harvest, Winter Break, and Valentine's Day will be the scheduled room parties for all grades. They will be held
with the assistance of the room parents. Parties will generally be held the last hour of the day.
Feel free to send a small treat for each student in class on your child's birthday. This will be celebrated at lunch
time to avoid disrupting instructional time. Please keep the item small and notify the teacher in advance. If you
plan on having a private party for your child's birthday, please do not hand out invitations at school. We want
to avoid hurt feelings.
DOGS ON CAMPUS
For the safety of both children and pets, dogs and other pets are NOT allowed on school campus without
permission from the school principal.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES Cell phones and music players may be used to and from school. Cell phones and music players are to be off
while on school property from the time students arrive at school until the time they leave school grounds. Cell
phones and music players are to remain in the student’s backpack, not their desk, throughout the school day.
Any cell phone, music player, or electronic device that is used during the school day without permission,
disrupts learning, or is any concern, will be confiscated. The parent or guardian would then be required to come
to school to retrieve the device. It will be the responsibility of the student to inform his or her parent or
guardian that the device has been confiscated. Violations of the cell phone or music player policy will subject
the student to the revocation of cell phone and music device privileges. Grass Lake is not responsible for lost or
stolen cell phones or music players.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
The school should be notified immediately of changes of address, home and cellular telephone numbers,
employer and emergency contact numbers so we may call you in case of emergencies. Please update your
child's emergency contact information with the office. We can only release a child from school to someone
listed on the school's information card. This information is needed in case of a child's illness or any other
emergency.
FIELD TRIPS
Chaperones for field trips need to make sure that their completed fingerprints have come back from the
Washington State Patrol and are on file in the main office. Prints need to be completed at the beginning of the
school year. Please take care of this early to avoid a last minute rush and also because sometimes it can take a
lot of time to get the results. Students are not allowed to go on field trips without signed permission slips.
General Information
26
FINES AND FEES
It is our school policy to hold report cards at the end of the year if students have unpaid fines or fees. Report
cards are also held if checks are returned due to insufficient funds. If your child has an outstanding fine, she/he
should pay it to receive the report card. If it happens to be an NSF check, cash is the required means of
redemption. Students are responsible for all school materials and textbooks checked out to them. Fines are
assessed when library books, textbooks, or classroom materials have been damaged or lost.
GUM AND SNACKS
Gum chewing is not allowed during the school day at Grass Lake Elementary. Sometimes snacks are consumed
in the classroom. Individual teachers will inform you of their guidelines regarding snacks. No food of any kind
(lunches, snacks, gum, candy, or drinks) can be brought onto the playground.
HOMEWORK AND HOW FAMILIES CAN SUPPORT STUDENT SUCCESS
An important part of a child's education is the carry-over of learning into his or her activities at home. Parents
are encouraged to participate in helping their children learn at home. Parents can be of greatest assistance by
providing the proper atmosphere for working at home: a nice, quiet room
a well-arranged desk or table
a regular time
parents also need to be available for help
You can help your child learn by asking questions which help your child clarify his thinking, listening to
him/her read, proofreading a writing assignment, or reading aloud words to be spelled. You can serve as the
audience for an oral report or help your child find the necessary research materials. The important thing is not
to do the homework for your child; little learning takes place then.
We would encourage you to arrange a "family read" time each evening where reading is the activity everyone in
the family participates in at that time. Children love to be read to, even when they are in sixth grade. Make
reading a regular part of your evening activities; it pays off in all areas of schoolwork.
Finally, don't forget to provide encouragement. Foster the feeling that work is important and that it is important
to do the best one can do. Let your child know that you are proud of his or her work and effort. The staff at
Grass Lake welcomes your continued support in this area. Please contact your child’s teacher if you have
questions or concerns.
LEARNING IMPROVEMENT TEAM
The Learning Improvement Team (LIT) is a group of dedicated parents, staff and community members that
work together to enhance the educational program at Grass Lake. This site council monitors our School
Improvement Plan (SIP), examines our educational program, and works with the staff to suggest directions and
actions we can take so that we offer the best education to our students. The group meets monthly during the
school year to discuss matters with an educational impact.
MUSIC CHOICE
Band and Orchestra classes are available to students in the 5th and 6th grade. Grass Lake 5th and 6th grade
students get to choose between General Music, Band and Orchestra classes. We refer to this as our Music
Choice Program. The students meet with their Band, Orchestra or General Music teacher from two to three
times each week.
General Information
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PARENT TRANSPORTATION OF STUDENTS
Our parking lot often becomes congested on rainy days and during special events. You can help reduce
traffic congestion by having your child ride the bus or walk. When you drive your child to school, please
follow these simple procedures:
Please be alert when picking up your children at school. Safety is always our utmost concern. Park your car
and walk to the building to meet your child. Then you can safely escort him/her across the street and to the car.
Remember to drive slowly. There is “NO PARKING” or waiting in the bus zone before 9:15 a.m. or from
2:45 p.m. until 3:40 p.m.
Because our parking area cannot accommodate the parked cars, buses and drivers waiting to pick students up,
we are asking parents picking up students to arrive at 3:40 p.m. Coming at 3:40 p.m. allows sufficient time for
the buses to pull out. You can then use the bus drive-through area. Our pick-up area is supervised until
3:40 p.m.
Drop-Off: Cars entering for drop-off must enter at the side school entrance in front of the gym. Once you have
come through the main entrance gate, all cars entering the lot for drop-off must turn left into the side parking
lot. Upon dropping off your student, please keep the flow of traffic moving by exiting through the last aisle in
the parking lot.
PERMISSION FOR CHANGE OF TRANSPORTATION
If a student wishes to change his/her regular bus transportation or chooses to walk, a note of approval from
his/her parents must be brought to the office. The note must describe the change and be signed and dated. The
detailed note will be stamped for approval in the office. Children who don't normally ride the bus must also
bring a note of approval from their parents when they wish to ride the bus to visit friends. Students must return
home directly after school unless other arrangements have been made in advance and written notification has
been provided to the office. Students must not return to the school grounds before 4:30 p.m.
PERSONAL ITEMS
Many personal student belongings are found at Grass Lake Elementary School. Please label all student items
with the child’s first and last name. All personal belongings are the student’s responsibility. To prevent
disruptions to the learning environment and enhance student safety, cameras, games, electronic games (such as
Game Boys, DS, etc.) laser pointers, rollerblades, skateboards, wheeled shoes, trading cards, basketballs,
footballs, or toys are not allowed at school without specific permission from a Grass Lake staff member for a
specified purpose and time. If permission is provided, specific items are to be stored in backpacks and used
only as directed by Grass Lake Staff. Any items brought to school without staff permission or disrupting the
learning environment will be confiscated and returned only to a parent or guardian. The school or district
assumes no responsibility for any personal student items if they are lost or stolen.
PRE-ARRANGED VACATIONS Students are discouraged from missing school to take vacations during the school year or leaving school prior to
the normal closing date. It is difficult to duplicate the classroom learning experience where group activities and
in-class participation are essential to the understanding of the lessons presented. The procedures for a
pre-arranged vacation are:
1. The parent/guardian must send a note to the school office documenting the reasons for the absence
along with expected duration one week in advance of the absence.
General Information
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2. Homework/classwork will be accumulated over the duration of the absence and will be given to
the student upon return. Students will be allowed one day for each day absent to complete
homework/classwork. (Example: If a student is gone five days, work will be due five days after return.)
The responsibility for completion of all work rests with the student. If work is not completed within the
allotted time, the student will not receive credit, and their grades may be adversely affected.
PROGRESS REPORTS
The teaching staff at Grass Lake Elementary will complete progress reports two times each year for parents.
Parents will receive a goal setting form prior to Fall Conferences and a report card in the winter and spring. The
goals established in the fall and the winter report card will be discussed at Spring Conferences. The final report
will be given to the child on the last day of the school year. The conferences are part of the reporting system
and are designed to establish a plan that best meets the needs of the student. These conferences also give the
parents and teacher an opportunity to discuss other factors of the student's development. If you have questions
about your child's progress during the year, you should contact the teacher.
PTA
The Grass Lake PTA is an essential part of our school. It sponsors a very active volunteer program and offers
many special events and programs throughout the year. The students at Grass Lake would miss a great many
wonderful opportunities if it were not for the dedication of our PTA members. Please join, but more
importantly, please volunteer your time and your talent! Your kids and school really do need you.
RELEASING OF STUDENTS
Regular attendance will help ensure continuous, successful school progress for your child. Please try to
schedule doctor and dentist appointments outside school hours. However, if a child must be excused early,
please send a note of explanation to the office. Parents wishing to pick up their child before dismissal time
must come to the office and check him/her out. Your student will be called from the classroom. If your child
returns to school the same day, you must check him/her back in at the office. Students will only be released to
someone listed on the student’s school information card. Please note: acceptable reasons for early dismissal
would be the same as outlined under excused absences. Leaving school early is highly discouraged.
SCHOOL TELEPHONES
The office telephones are to be used only for school business. In case of an emergency or for reasons granted
by the principal, teacher or head secretary, the student may use the office phone. The phones are not to be used
to get last minute parental permission to go home with a friend. That should be arranged before coming to
school. Classroom telephones are not to be used by students unless supervised by the teacher.
SIXTH GRADE CAMP
Sixth grade students attend Camp Waskowitz in North Bend, Washington. Waskowitz Outdoor School is
designed for students to participate in outdoor studies during their four day stay at the camp. Camp Fees are
between $170 to $220.00.
STUDENT COUNCIL
Student Council is an integral part of Grass Lake. The students elect their officers in the spring, and room
representatives are elected in the fall. The Student Council operates under the guidance of staff members. Its
purpose is to provide students a means to promote worthwhile school projects and activities around the school,
while providing a valuable leadership experience.
General Information
29
STUDENT MONEY
Many of the primary children who bring money to school forget its intended purpose. It would be appreciated if
parents would place all money sent to school in an envelope. Be sure to label the purpose of any money brought
to school by children in the primary grades. Children should not bring large sums of money to school as it
could easily get lost or stolen.
TEXTBOOKS AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR SCHOOL PROPERTY
Students are expected to take care of the textbooks, library books, and other school property entrusted to them.
They need to be handled with care and respect. Book covers are a great aide in minimizing wear and tear on the
books. As textbook replacement costs average between $25.00 to $50.00 each, students will be subject to fines
for damaged or lost property. Students with unpaid fines at the end of the year will not be allowed to participate
in Field Day.
THURSDAY GATOR ENVELOPES/WEEKLY COMMUNICATIONS
All students will be issued a Thursday Gator Envelope which will be sent home EVERY Thursday with
classroom, school, district, or PTA information. Please look at this folder each week, empty it, sign the
acknowledgement sheet, and return it to school with your child the next day. Any communications/items that
need to be returned to school can be returned in the folder.
VISITORS
Parents, relatives, and community members are welcome to visit Grass Lake Elementary. All visitors must
sign in and out of the main office. Each visitor will be given a visitor’s badge to wear during the stay.
Students are not allowed to bring friends to school as visitors.
VISITING THE CLASSROOM
Your visits are welcomed and encouraged. If you desire to visit your child's classroom, please make an
appointment with your child's teacher at least a day ahead of time. In order to ensure the safety of the children,
all parents, visitors, and volunteers are required to check in with the office staff, and sign in. The office staff
will contact the classroom to assure the teacher is available, before sending the parent down.
If you need to discuss something with your child's teacher, please call and make an appointment to meet with
them before or after school. We work hard to keep our instructional periods uninterrupted. Items dropped off
for students should be left in the office and the office staff will contact the classroom for pickup.
Students are not permitted to have visiting friends or relatives attend school with them. Other students visiting
our school must be supervised by an adult.
VISITING THE PLAYGROUND
Parent and/or student visitors are not allowed to be on the playground before school, or at dismissal due to
safety and district liability reasons. If you are concerned about your child's safety on the playground, please
contact the principal and/or let your child's teacher know. Gates have been installed on our campus for your
child's protection and safety, and to protect our property. Our campus is open to the public before 7:30 am and
after 4:30 pm.
VOLUNTEERS Grass Lake Elementary School welcomes volunteers in the classroom, including at parties, on field trips, and
during special events. All volunteers must be screened by the Washington State Patrol, which includes
fingerprinting. Prints need to be completed at the beginning of the school year. Please take care of this
early in the school year, to avoid a last minute rush and also because sometimes it can take a lot of time to
General Information
30
get the results. Forms are available in our school office for this purpose. All volunteers are required to sign in
at the main office, and wear a nametag. Please complete Parent Volunteer Policy on pages 40 and 41 and
return to your child’s teacher.
WALKERS
1. The district transportation department assigns walking and bus routes.
2. Please respect private property rights.
3. Use extreme caution while walking to and from school. Students are to use sidewalks whenever they are
available. Where there is a line marked at the side of the road to indicate a walkway, students are to use the
walkway. Where there is neither a sidewalk nor a marked walkway, students are to walk on the left side of
the road facing oncoming traffic. Many of our sidewalks have driveways that cross them. Caution your
students about the fact that cars may be using these driveways and the drivers may be looking up the street
for traffic.
Emotional and physical well-being are closely related to the learning process. Healthy students make better
learners! Good food, proper clothing, and adequate sleep are recognized factors in the student's health. When a
student's appearance, performance or health findings indicate a possible problem, parents are consulted.
Students will be sent home from school when a fever of 100.0 degrees or higher is recorded. Should head lice
or pink eye be suspected, students will not be able to stay at school. Parents are responsible for the care of
students who become ill. The school office must be able to contact you or another adult who will assume
responsibility in case of emergency. It is very important that we have accurate home, work, and emergency
telephone numbers on file at school. Please notify the office of any changes in telephone numbers. Students are
expected to participate in all activities scheduled during the school day. Any request for limitation of a
student’s physical activity should be accompanied by a statement from your physician or discussed with the
school principal.
SCHOOL NURSE
The school nurse is in the building two days a week. She deals with any special health/medical concerns
students at school might have, as well as making sure all of our children have their immunizations up-to-date.
The nurse teams with the health tech and office staff to run the health room. This health team works with our
children to keep them healthy and safe, conducts health and vision screenings and notifies parents if further
attention by a doctor or other health professional is warranted.
LIFE-THREATENING ILLNESS TREATMENT PLAN
Washington law requires students with life-threatening illnesses or allergies to have treatment orders and
medication orders from your doctor at school before the first day of school. A life-threatening condition is a
health condition that could put your child in danger of death during the school day if medication or treatment
orders are not in place. Examples include: severe food allergies, severe insect bite, allergies/bee sting allergies,
severe asthma, diabetes, heart disorders and bleeding disorders. Students with food allergies need to have a
written notice, including a physician’s signature, listing foods a child should not eat. This information will be
shared with school staff and the cook.
Health Information
General Information
31
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS
The State of Washington requires that students in school be fully immunized against diphtheria, pertussis,
tetanus, polio, measles and rubella unless their parents request an exemption for medical, religious or
philosophical reasons. Complete details are available at the school office.
DISEASE REGULATIONS
Please state on written excuses why your child was absent and the condition or disease he/she had. This will
help in the accurate reporting of communicable diseases to the Health Department, and help control the spread
of illnesses at school. Below are the regulations for the more common diseases:
CHICKEN POX: Exclusion from school until free of symptoms and until all vesicles or sores have crusted
(usually 7-8 days). All the open or fluid-filled blisters must be scabbed over.
CONJUNCTIVITIS: (Pink Eye) A person with inflammation of the eye or eyelid shall be excluded from
school until (1) the inflammation has cleared, or (2) a physician certifies that the student does not have
conjunctivitis in an infectious stage. Symptoms include a red, irritated, itchy eye, and blurry vision with
possible yellow drainage.
COLDS: Children with active cold symptoms with fevers should not come to school. Please take their
temperature before sending them back to school.
HEAD LICE: Kent School District policy states any child with live lice will be excluded from school until
adequately treated and all nits are removed.
IMPETIGO: Exclusion from school while lesions remain or until a physician certifies the student is under
adequate and continuing treatment. This is a bacterial skin condition where small blisters appear and turn into
scabs (common around the mouth or nose).
DIARRHEA/ VOMITING: Children who have diarrhea, had vomiting through the night before or do not feel
well in the morning, should remain home from school until they are better.
ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
Students are expected to participate in all activities scheduled in the school program. Any request for limitation
of a student’s physical activity should be accompanied by a statement from your physician or discussed with the
school principal. Parents are responsible for the care of students who become ill or injured. It is, therefore,
important that the school be able to contact you or another adult who will assume responsibility in case of
emergency. Children are not allowed to go to their homes unless the parent or another adult is there. The
school should be notified immediately of changes of address, telephone, employer and emergency numbers.
MEDICATIONS AT SCHOOL
All medication to be administered by the school staff requires the signed authorization of the physician and
parents. When possible, parents and physicians are urged to schedule giving medication outside school hours.
The only exceptions involve special circumstances where it is absolutely necessary for the child to have the
medication in order to be able to attend school.
Medications must be in the original container with the pharmacist’s label stating the child’s name, doctor’s
name, medication and dosage. Please do not send medications with your child for self-administration (this is a
safety concern for all students). Medication sent to school in a "baggy" will NOT be given. It will be locked in
the health room and the parent notified.
Health Information
32
Playground Philosophy: Students have the right to be safe and have fun on the playground.
Students have the responsibility to keep the playground safe and fun for others.
We agree to be truthful and trustworthy to friends and Recess Teachers, we will not use put-
downs or profanity, and we will always do our personal best to be good sports and good
friends.
We agree to show positive school behavior by following the SWAMP school rules:
1. Show Respect
2. Work Together
3. Accept Responsibility
4. Mind Your Manners
5. Prompt and Prepared
6. We agree to stay in bounds on the playground.
7. We agree that all games are open to all kids.
8. We agree that once a game has started the ball stays in play.
9. We agree to retrieve the ball any time we make it go out of the game area.
10. We agree to put the ball away where it belongs when the first bell rings at the end of recess.
11. We agree that when you are out of a game, you go out!
12. We agree to walk around games not through them.
13. We agree to play fair and be good sports (win twice, start again).
14. We agree that only school equipment will be used for recess. Everything else, including
all sports equipment, should be left at home.
15. We agree to resolve all disagreements using “rock/paper/scissors” one time only.
16. We agree to ONLY use school rules for games, not our own rules!
17. We agree to respectfully follow the Recess Teacher’s directions.
18. We agree to get a pass before entering a building for any reason.
19. We agree not to have food of any kind (lunches, snacks, gum, candy, or drinks) on the
playground.
We agree to respect the rules, respect the game, and to always treat each
other with kindness and respect!
Playground Agreements
33
ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS
English Language Learners (ELL) is a program for teaching English language skills to students whose first
language is not English.
HIGHLY CAPABLE PROGRAM
Special classes for children whose abilities classify them as "highly capable" are available at Grass Lake and
within the district. Children are tested once each year at the request of parents or teachers to determine their
qualification for the program.
INCLUSIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM
The Kent School District offers an extensive program of special educational services. The Integrated Program
at Grass Lake is for students with specific learning disabilities. Students must meet specific state-identified
guidelines for this program. A typical student spends from thirty minutes to one and one-half hours a day with
a specialized teacher in a small group setting.
The Behavior Improvement/School Adjustment program consists of one classroom at Grass Lake. Class size is
small and the major emphasis is on teaching appropriate behavior. Students in this program qualify for special
education and have specific behavior goals identified.
Children needing additional services can be recommended by either parents or staff. A Student Support Team
(SST) reviews the children who are recommended. This team typically meets once a week and consists of the
building principal, classroom teacher, resource room teacher, school counselor (facilitator for SST), school
psychologist, speech language pathologist, school nurse and parent(s). The team reviews the information
available and the alternative educational approaches that have been tried with the child. If the team determines
that further testing by the school psychologist appears to be warranted, permission slips will be sent home for
parent signatures before any testing is started. If the child qualifies for special education services, a
recommendation for placement will be made at a parent conference, and an Individualized Educational Program
(IEP) is developed to meet the needs of that child. Children are not placed in special education programs
without parent permission. Students who do not qualify for an IEP may qualify for a 504 health impairment
plan. Our Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) serves part-time at Grass Lake. Students are screened by the
nurse for hearing and speech problems, and referred to the SLP if warranted. The SLP offers Services for
students with communication, language development, and speech difficulties.
RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION PROGRAM
Response to Intervention (RTI) is a process that provides intervention and educational support to all students at
increasing levels of intensity based on their individual needs in Reading and Math. The goal is to prevent
problems and intervene early so that students can be successful.
What can I expect with RTI?
You will be informed and involved in planning and providing interventions for your child.
You will see levels of support (academic and behavioral) that increase or decrease in intensity
depending on your child’s needs.
You will receive frequent progress monitoring about how your child responds to the intervention
provided.
Programs
34
What does RTI Look Like?
The RTI process has three tiers that build upon one other. Each tier provides more intensive levels of
support:
Tier I includes high quality instruction. The school provides all students with access to high quality
curriculum, instruction, and behavior supports in the general education classroom.
Tier II includes additional targeted, supplemental instruction/interventions. The school provides
interventions to small groups of students who need more support than they are receiving through Tier I.
Tier III includes intensive interventions. The school develops and implements interventions to meet the
individual needs of students.
Your child’s progress is monitored and results are used to make decisions about additional instruction
and intervention every 6 weeks.
SPECIALIZED STAFF
Several staff members enrich our program through the special services they offer. We have special teachers for
music, physical education, band, and orchestra, as well as a full-time librarian.
Health Information
Most information about Kent School District students cannot be made public without the consent of parents or
guardians. Federal law prohibits schools or the district from releasing information without permission, except
for what is termed “directory information”. According to the Federal Family Educational Right and Privacy
Act of 1974, directory information about students may be released by the district without parental consent,
provided annual notification has been given and the school does not have on file written denial to release
directory information.
Directory information is defined as the student’s name, address, and phone number; parent/guardian’s name,
address, phone number; student’s photograph; student’s date and place of birth; student’s course of study;
student’s participation in recognized activities and sports; weight and height of members of athletic teams; dates
of attendance; degrees and awards received; and the most recent previous school attended.
Directory information is only released without parental consent when the request is for a directory, listing, or
group of students. Examples would be requests for address labels or student listing by non-commercial groups
such as the PTA, a foundation sponsoring a scholarship, a community group sponsoring a recognition
celebration, and the citizens committee (levy/bond information). Directory information, particularly
photographs, is also published in yearbooks, student/school newspapers, school handbooks, school or district
web pages, etc., are considered public domain and can be reproduced by the media. Directory information on a
specific, individual student (not part of a group listing) will not be released without prior parental consent. The
school district will not release directory information for commercial purposes. Even if consent is given, the
building administrator reserves the right to deny the release of directory information should he/she determines it
would not be in the best interest of the student.
RELEASE OF STUDENT DIRECTORY INFORMATION
Parents/Guardians or students 18 years of age or older who do not want any or all categories of directory
information released without their prior consent must notify the school principal in writing no later than
October 1. If no written denial to release directory information with prior consent is received by October
1, the school will assume that consent has been given.
Release of Information
Programs
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The Grass Lake Elementary School Staff believe discipline to be a positive learning experience where children
learn to manage their own behavior in a responsible manner; all consequences will have a learning component.
Every effort will be made to engage in restorative conversations with those impacted to repair the harm caused.
We believe, for any discipline plan to be effective, it must be clear, consistent, and communicated.
Our student behavior plan has a foundation of five basic school rules (SWAMP):
1. Show Respect
2. Work Together
3. Accept Responsibility
4. Mind Your Manners
5. Prompt and Prepared
The SWAMP expectations apply to all students at Grass Lake Elementary. Each classroom has a system for
dealing with minor infractions of these rules. Each classroom system is explained to the student by the teacher
at the beginning of the year.
PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE
Progressive discipline is a term we use to describe step-by-step consequences for students who break school
rules. If a student breaks a rule, they will be given a consequence for their behavior. If the behavior continues
and the student breaks the rule again, the consequences will be more severe. The following consequences may
be assigned to students who break school rules:
Warning
Detention
Loss of Privileges
Parent Contact
In-School Suspension/Short or Long-Term Suspensions/Expulsion
Confiscation
Restitution
Removal from programs or teams
Exclusion from school activities (i.e. Camp, assemblies, field trips, etc.)
Other appropriate consequences
FIGHTING
It is the intent of Grass Lake Elementary Staff to make it known that fighting is extremely dangerous and is not
acceptable behavior. FIGHTING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. We expect our students to use non-violent
means of solving everyday disagreements.
PLEASE DO NOT INSTRUCT YOUR CHILD TO FIGHT BACK. THIS MESSAGE CONFLICTS WITH
OUR OVERALL GOAL OF TEACHING PEACEFUL WAYS OF SETTLING DIFFERENCES and
FIGHTING BACK IS NOT CONSIDERED SELF-DEFENSE.
Though each fight situation will be considered individually, in almost all cases, any party inflicting blows in a
fight will receive discipline as follows:
Students will be sent to the principal or other person in charge for appropriate disciplinary action.
Parents will be notified immediately.
Student Behavior Policy
36
NOTE: Grass Lake Administration may make exceptions to the above consequences depending
on the nature and severity of the incident.
Level One Violations:
These situations are usually handled by non-administrative staff.
Consequences will become more severe after repeated offenses.
Behaviors Consequences
Breaking playground rules
Chewing gum
Disruptive classroom behavior
Dress Code Violations
Inappropriate behavior in the
bathrooms/hallways
Loud voices/yelling
No hallway pass
Noise making
Off-task behavior
Out of seat
Running (hallway, classroom, arrival &
dismissal)
Unnecessary items at school
Other:
The staff member addresses the behavior using
classroom management strategies such as:
Buddy Room/Loss of Recess
In-class time out
Nonverbal cue to correct behavior
Phone call/other correspondence to parent/
guardian
Private conference with student (in
classroom or hallway)
Proximity control
Redirect to the correct behavior
Review SWAMP expectations
Stop & Think Form
Unnecessary items confiscated
Warning
Student Behavior Policy
37
NOTE: Grass Lake Administration may make exceptions to the above consequences depending
on the nature and severity of each incident. Repeated offenses of any kind may be cause for
suspension and expulsion.
Level Two Violations:
These situations are usually handled by non-administrative staff
depending upon severity. If staff interventions and/or parent
contacts do not resolve these behaviors, students will be referred to
the administration.
Behavior Consequences Defiance
Forgery
Indirect, inappropriate language/gestures
Lying/Cheating
Pushing/Roughhousing
Repeated Level 1 Behaviors
Spitting
Theft (minor)
Other:
SWAMP infraction completed for
documentation. The staff member addresses
the behavior using logical consequences such
as:
Stop & Think Form
Redirection
Student/Teacher conference
Buddy Room/Loss of Recess
Parent contact
Loss of privilege
Other:
Student Behavior Policy
38
NOTE: Disciplinary consequences may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.
School Administration will make the final decision on disciplinary consequences after
considering the nature and severity of student conduct and the disciplinary record of the student.
Level Three Violations:
Staff member may initially investigate/intervene, however, these
situations are usually handled by administrative staff.
Behavior Consequences
Assault: Fighting/physical aggression,
spitting, etc.
Denying other students the opportunity to
learn
Direct, inappropriate language/gestures
Harassment/bullying/cyber-bullying
Internet misuse
Leaving supervised area without
permission
Overt defiance of authority (refusal to leave
class when directed by adult)
Property destruction/misuse
Reference in conversation, writing or
pictures to weapons or acts of violence
Repeated Level 2 behaviors
Theft (major)
Unsafe behavior
Other:
Staff member completes Discipline Referral
Form and administrative staff investigate and
issue consequences:
Buddy Room/Loss of Recess
Parent Conference
Restitution
Mediation
In-School Suspension
Out-of-School Suspension
Other:
Student Behavior Policy
39
Level Four Violations: These situations are immediately
handled by administrative staff.
Behavior Consequences Arson
Assault to student (severe)
Assault/Threat to Staff with intent to harm
Bomb threat
Drug use/possession
Extortion, Blackmail, Coercion
Extreme property damage/vandalism
False Alarm (includes false calls to 911)
Leaving campus without permission
Possession or use of Fireworks
Severe harassment/bullying/cyber-
bullying
Severe internet misuse
Weapon use/possession
Administrative staff member completes
Discipline Referral Form, investigates, and
issue consequences:
In-School Suspension
Out-of-School Suspension (short and
long-term)
Expulsion
Police contact
Student Behavior Policy
40
Volunteers: We Couldn’t Do It Without YOU!
When children enter Grass Lake Elementary School, teachers and parents must become partners in facilitating
children’s learning. One of the most important things we can do for children is to allow them to see parents and
teachers working together. This helps children realize that there is a bond between home, community and
school. Parents and other caregivers who work in the school come to understand their child’s education better.
School Volunteers serve under the direction of school staff to meet the needs of students. There are many
opportunities for you to become involved at Grass Lake. Contact your child’s classroom teacher.
In order to promote a quality education, Grass Lake’s building leadership team (staff members, parents and
community member) has developed this Volunteer Policy. These are the expectations we have for all adults
who work with Grass Lake students. Please read and complete the Volunteer Agreement. Before you volunteer
you must attend an orientation meeting and submit the agreement to the office for review. You only need to
attend orientation once while your children are at Grass Lake.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is of the utmost importance in your association with teachers and students.
What you see and hear at the school is private. You are in a unique position when you volunteer in the
classroom to have information that is not to be shared. Students you observe in the classroom or the
school cannot be discussed with other parents, faculty or staff. You may not discuss a child even with
that child’s parents. You must always refer any questions regarding students at Grass Lake to the child’s
teacher or the principal.
Volunteers During School Hours
When you are volunteering at Grass Lake you are demonstrating your support for education. Please
understand that in academic settings it is important to be able to give your full attention to the task at
hand. For this reason, do not bring any children with you when you are volunteering during school
hours.
Drivers or chaperones on fieldtrips agree to abide by Kent School District Board Policy as it pertains to
safety and private vehicles used as transportation. Each driver on a field trip will complete the required
forms. Volunteers may not bring other children with them.
If you are on a fieldtrip we assume you are either driving or chaperoning. We are expecting your full
attention for the children you are supervising on the field trip.
Exceptions: At times, teachers invite other family members for special functions. Some of these
functions might be the Harvest, Winter Break, and Valentine’s Day celebrations. At this time, siblings or
other family members may be invited by the teacher.
Volunteers Outside School Hours
Parents who volunteer outside school hours may at times find it necessary to bring siblings to school. At these
times, those children must be under the parent’s direct supervision. The parent is responsible for the children’s
safety and must keep the children with them at all times.
Volunteer Policy
41
Language/Behavior
Remember we are all - teachers, staff and volunteers - role models for the children around us. "Little eyes" are
watching, listening and learning appropriate behavior from our actions.
Classroom Disruptions
Please conduct all private conversations outside of the classroom. Teachers need the attention of the students to
direct the instruction. Extraneous conversations distract from the task at hand. Remember that conversations in
the hallways are distracting as well.
Cell Phones
Cell phones are to be turned off in the classrooms.
Discipline
Volunteers are not to discipline students. Discipline is solely the responsibility of the teacher. The teacher is the
professional whose responsibility it is to plan the course of study and see that it is implemented. The volunteer
always works under the direction of the teacher to HELP, not replace the teacher.
On fieldtrips when you are the adult supervising a group of children and the teacher is unavailable, volunteers
may appropriately address safety or behavior issues. It is the responsibility of the volunteer to inform the
teacher as soon as possible about these issues. However, any consequences for behavior are the responsibility of
the teacher, not the volunteer.
Students Treat Volunteers with respect
Adults are respectful to children and children are always expected to be respectful in return. If on any occasion
you are treated disrespectfully, tell the teacher or the principal as soon as possible. Elementary age children are
still learning appropriate behavior and this is an opportunity to reteach respect. Children should call you Mr./
Ms. or Mrs., but should not address you by your first name.
Volunteer Policy Continued
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KSD Non-Discrimination Statement
Kent School District does not discriminate in admission, access, treatment, or employment on the
basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or
military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any
sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of trained dog guide or service animal by a
person with a disability. Student, school district employees, parents/guardians, and community
members will not be excluded from participation in or be subjected to discrimination with respect
to any educational program or activity.
If you have any questions, please contact one of the following:
Our Title IX Officer/ADA District Officer and Section 504/ADA Student Officer is Randy
Heath, Chief Talent Officer. He can be reached at 253.373.7081 or by email at
Kent School District will also take steps to assure that national origin persons who lack English
language skills can participate in all education programs, services and activities. For
information regarding translation services or bilingual education, contact Rona Popp, Assistant
Director of Student Support Services at 253-373-7269. Further, the District complies with all
requirements and objectives of applicable state and federal laws.
To Successfully Prepare All Students For Their Future
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Compulsory Attendance Law
Did You Know?
• Attendance is important in all grade levels, from Pre-K through 12th grade. Students who
attend regularly are much more likely to be at or above grade level standards. Poor
attendance at any grade increases the likelihood of falling behind academically.
• All absences (excused and unexcused) have the potential of harming students
academically. Students who miss 10% of the school year are defined as being chronically
absent. Students who are chronically absent have greater risk of falling behind one or
more grade levels.
• A student can be chronically absent by missing 2 or more days a month. New state laws
regarding attendance now require schools to address both excused and unexcused
absences.
• Other students, beyond the one that is absent, are negatively impacted by an absence.
When any student in a class misses instruction it takes time for the teacher to catch that
student up and move forward with instruction. Students often work together on projects,
when one student is absent it can slow down the progress of all the students in the group.
• Maintaining good attendance is one of the most important things a student can do to be
successful.
Plan for Good Attendance
• Staying healthy is one of the most important things you can do to have good attendance.
Get plenty of sleep, eat a balanced diet, wash your hands regularly, and make sure you are
up to date on your immunizations.
• Make a plan for good attendance. Keep a copy of your school calendar accessible. Ask your
parents to make appointments outside of the school day or on non-school days.
• Know when you need to be at the bus stop. Make a plan for if you miss the bus in the
morning. Discuss with your parents what options you have (city bus, ride from a relative,
Uber).
• Keep up on your school work. Students will often be anxious and be tempted to miss school
if they haven’t done their homework or studied for a test. Approach each day with
confidence.
• If you are not attending because someone is harassing, intimidating or bullying you it has
become a serious issue and it is time to enlist the assistance of an adult. Find an adult at
your school (teacher, counselor, safety officer) you trust and report the suspected bullying.
Please review the section on Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying for more information
on how to report suspected bullying.
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Washington State’s Attendance Law
It is mandatory that all children eight years of age and under eighteen years of age attend school
and the child will have the responsibility to attend for the full time when school may be in
session, unless the child is enrolled in an approved private school or is receiving home-based
instruction. Once a child who is six or seven years old in a public school, the child is then
required to attend and that parent has the responsibility to ensure that the child attends school
while it is in session. Exceptions may be granted by the superintendent for children who are
fifteen years of age or older if the child has the following circumstances:
• The student is physically or mentally unable to attend school;
• The student is attending a residential school operated by the Department of Social and
Health Services;
• The student’s parents have requested a temporary absence for purposes agreed to by the
district and which will not cause a serious adverse effect on the student’s educational
process;
• Upon approval by the student’s parent for a reason of faith or conscience, or an organized
activity conducted under the auspices of a religious denomination, church, or religious
organization for up to two days per school year without any penalty;
• The student is sixteen years of age, regularly and lawfully employed and either has parent
permission or is emancipated pursuant to R.C.W. 13.64;
• The student has met graduation requirements;
• The student has received a certificate of educational competence (GED).
Any law enforcement officer authorized to make arrests can take a truant child into custody
without a warrant and must then deliver the child to the parent or to the school.
The district will not require enrollment in coursework which exceeds the enrollment time
necessary for a student to meet established course, credit and test requirements for high school
graduation. Excessive absences could result in violation of the State’s Truancy Law RCW
28A.228.020. Students deemed truant will be referred to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s
office. After seven unexcused absences in a month, or ten unexcused absences in an academic year, the school district may file truancy petitions with the juvenile court. The following are valid excuses for absences:
• Participation in a district or school approved activity or instructional program;
• Illness, health condition or medical appointment (including, but not limited to, medical,
counseling, dental or optometry);
• Family emergency, including, but not limited to, a death or illness in the family;
• Religious or cultural purpose including observance of a religious or cultural holiday or
participation in religious or cultural instruction;
• Court, judicial proceeding or serving on a jury;
• Post-secondary, technical school or apprenticeship program visitation, or scholarship
interview;
• State-recognized search and rescue activities consistent with RCW 28A.225.055;
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• Absence directly related to the student’s homeless status;
• Absence resulting from a disciplinary/corrective action. (e.g., short-term or long-term
suspension, emergency expulsion); and
• Principal (or designee) and parent, guardian, or emancipated youth mutually agreed upon
approved activity.
For more information, you can visit Policies 3121 regarding Compulsory Attendance and 3122
Excused and Unexcused Absence
Vacation/Extended Absence
Pre-planned absences of less than 20 days usually require only parental permission by way of a
phone call, fax, email, or written note explaining the reason for the absence and the dates
involved. The absence must meet the criteria listed above in order for the absence to be
considered excused. Additional documentation (such as a doctor’s note) may be required by the
principal. Students are responsible for completing all assigned coursework from their absence.
For pre-planned absences extending to or beyond 20 days, students and/or parent/guardians are
required to make an appointment with an administrator at the school prior to the absences
occurring. A student with 20 or more consecutive days of absences may be withdrawn from the
school and may not be able to be placed back in the class or even school in which they were
previously enrolled. Please try to schedule extended trips during scheduled school vacation
periods (summer, winter, midwinter and spring breaks).
Discipline Policy
The Kent School District supports efforts to bring about a positive learning climate in the
school. The district strives to employ staff who are skilled in the most effective instructional
techniques and who are sensitive to the unique needs of students. The need for order in the
school and classroom is basic to learning. Rules are established to preserve the integrity of
classroom and school in order to accomplish this need.
Students who are in violation of school rules deprive themselves of the opportunity to
learn and interfere with the progress of others. All students shall submit to the rules of the
district. Refusal to comply with written rules and regulations established for governing the
school shall constitute sufficient cause for discipline, suspension or expulsion. Corrective action
for misconduct must reflect good faith effort on the part of the staff.
All certificated teachers, school administrators, school bus drivers, and any other school
employees designated by the board shall have the authority to discipline students for any
disruptive or disorderly conduct while under his/her supervision on or off the campus. The
sanctions will be the same whether the violation was on or off campus.
No form of discipline shall be administered in such a manner as to prevent a student from
accomplishing specific academic grade, subject or graduation requirements or adversely affect a
student’s academic grade or credit in a subject or course because of tardiness or absences except
to the extent that the student’s attendance and/or participation is related to the instructional
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objective of the subject or course and such attendance and/or participation has been identified
pursuant to school district policy as a basis for grading.
Corporal punishment is not authorized, but district staff may use reasonable force when
deemed necessary to restrain a student or prevent harm to self or others. The following
information is a summary of the highlights of Policies and Procedures 3240, 3240P, 3241, and
3241P. For more detailed procedures, please reference the Kent School District Board Policies
website.
Definitions
Discipline: All forms of corrective action other than suspension or expulsion. It shall include, but
not be limited to, the removal of a student from a class or activity by a teacher or administrator.
Detention: Detention may be given for up to 75 minutes after regular student dismissal time, but
will not extend beyond bus departure time, unless prior arrangements have been made with the
student’s parents or guardians.
Emergency Removal: Immediate removal of a student from class or activity because, in the opinion
of the teacher or administrator, that student poses either an immediate and continuing danger to
him/herself, other students, or school personnel, or poses a threat of substantial disruption to the
educational process. Emergency removal shall continue only until the danger or threat ceases or
the principal imposes discipline, suspension, or expulsion. The principal shall meet with the
student as soon as reasonably possible following the student’s removal in order to initiate
corrective action and not later than the commencement of the next school day.
Suspension: The denial of the right of attendance at any single class or any full schedule of
classes, or at any other activity conducted on or by the school district for a stated period of time.
In-School Suspension: A suspension which removes the student from the regular classroom
environment but permits the student to maintain his/her educational progress in the school
environment and under school staff supervision.
Short-Term Suspension: A suspension for all or any portion of a calendar day up to and not
exceeding ten (10) consecutive school days.
Long-Term Suspension: A suspension that exceeds ten (10) consecutive school days up to one
calendar year.
Expulsion: The denial of the right of attendance at any single class or any full schedule of classes,
or at any other activity conducted on or by the school district for an unstated period of time, but
in no case longer than one calendar year.
Emergency Expulsion: Emergency Expulsion is immediate removal of the student from school for
posing an immediate and/or continuing danger or disruption. Emergency expulsion must be
converted into some other form of discipline within 10 school days.
Exceptional misconduct: Is a violation of rules so serious in nature and /or so disruptive as to
warrant an immediate short- or long-term suspension or expulsion. Behavior that constitutes
exceptional misconduct in the Kent School District can be found in procedure 3240P.
Discipline
Short-term suspension: No student in grades kindergarten through four (4) shall receive a short-
term suspension for more than a total of ten (10) school days in any semester or trimester, and
no loss of grades or credit shall occur because of the suspension. No student in grades five (5) and
above shall receive short-term suspensions for more than a total of fifteen (15) school days in a
single semester, or ten (10) days in any trimester. Any student so suspended may make up
assignments and tests if they have a substantial effect upon his/her grades or if failure to make
up the work would cause him/her to fail the course.
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Prior to the suspension, a conference with the student shall be held in which an oral or written
notice of the alleged misconduct and violations, the evidence in support of the charge, and the
corrective action to be taken shall be provided. The student shall then be given the opportunity
to present his/her explanation. If the suspension exceeds one (1) calendar day, the parent shall
be notified of the reasons and the right to a conference to discuss the length of the suspension
and to resolve any other grievance relative to the suspension.
Grievance Procedure for Discipline and Short-Term Suspension: Any student, parent, or guardian who
is aggrieved by the imposition of discipline and/or short-term suspension has the right to an
informal conference with the principal and staff members involved for the purpose of resolving
the grievance. If, after the conference, the student, parent, or guardian is still aggrieved, he/she
may, upon two (2) school business days prior notice, present a written and/or oral grievance to
the superintendent or his/her designee. If the grievance is not resolved, the student, parent, or
guardian, upon two (2) school business days prior notice, shall have the right to present a written
and/or oral grievance to the board at its next regular meeting, or at a special meeting held within
thirty (30) days, whichever is earlier. A closed meeting will be held for the purpose of considering
the grievance. Notification of the decision shall be delivered, in writing, within ten (10) school
business days following the meeting. The disciplinary action or short-term suspension shall
continue throughout the grievance process unless the principal, superintendent, or board elects
to postpone such action.
Long-Term Suspension and Expulsion: No student in grades kindergarten through four (4) shall
receive a long-term suspension and no loss of grades or credit shall occur because of the
suspension. No student in grades five (5) and above shall receive a long-term suspension that
causes him/her to lose academic grades or credit for in excess of one semester, or equivalent,
during the same school year. No long-term suspension shall be imposed until written notice has
been delivered by certified mail or in person to the student and parent. The notice shall specify
the violation; notify the student of his/her rights to a hearing and indicate that a request for a
hearing must be received by the school authority by the end of the third day after the suspension
letter was received. If a reply is not received within this three (3) day period, the right to a
hearing shall have been considered waived and the suspension may be imposed.
Expulsion: No student shall be expelled unless other forms of corrective action or punishment
have failed unless there is a good reason to believe that other methods would fail if employed.
Carrying a firearm onto school premises, school-provided transportation, or areas of facilities
while being used exclusively by public or private schools shall result in expulsion. Notice
procedure for expulsion shall be the same as for long-term suspension. See above.
Emergency Expulsion: This sanction may be imposed if the expelling authority has good and
sufficient reason to believe that the student poses an immediate and continuing danger to
him/herself or others or is a threat of substantial disruption to the educational process. The
emergency expulsion may continue for up to ten (10) days unless (a) rescinded by the
superintendent or his/her designee or (b) modified or reversed pursuant to a hearing or appeal.
Within ten (10) days of the emergency removal from school, the emergency expulsion must either
end or be converted to another form of discipline. Notice procedure for emergency expulsion
shall be the same as for long-term suspension and expulsion with the following exceptions: The
written notice must be delivered or post marked within 24 hours of the expulsion and attempts
to telephone the parent or guardian shall be made as soon as reasonably possible; the student or
parent shall have three (3) school business days in which to submit a written request for a
hearing.
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Hearing Procedure for Long-Term Suspension and Expulsion: Long-term suspension or expulsion
hearings will begin within three (3) school business days after the school authority receives such
a request and will be conducted by either a hearing panel of district administrators randomly
selected from schools other than the student’s schools at which he or she is currently enrolled or
an officer appointed by the superintendent. Documentary and other physical evidence may be
inspected by students, parents, and school authorities prior to the hearing. The students shall
have the following rights at the hearing:
• The opportunity to be represented by counsel;
• The opportunity to express his or her explanation;
• The opportunity to present evidence and witnesses; and
Examine evidence and the opportunity to question witnesses appearing for the district. (Please
see more details on 3241P, section 14.2)
Appeal Procedures to Board of Directors: Notice that the student wishes to appeal the decision from
the hearing shall be provided to the superintendent’s office within three (3) days of receipt of the
hearing decision. The board of directors shall schedule and hold an informal conference to review
the matter within ten (10) school business days from the receipt of the appeal. The suspension or
expulsion may be imposed during the appeal period subject to the following conditions and
limitations:
A long-term suspension or non-emergency expulsion may be imposed during the appeal period of no
more than ten (10) consecutive school days or until the appeal is decided, whichever is the shortest
period;
An emergency expulsion may be continued during the appeal period so long as the student continues to
pose an immediate and continuing danger to the student, other students, or school personnel, or an
immediate and continuing threat of substantial disruption of the educational process of the student’s
school; and
Any days that a student is temporarily suspended or expelled before the appeal is decided, shall be
applied to the term of the student’s suspension or expulsion and shall not limit or extend the term of the
student’s suspension or expulsion.
The board shall render a decision within ten (10) school business days or schedule a second
meeting to hear further arguments and render its decision within fifteen (15) school business
days, or schedule and hold a meeting within ten (10) school business days after the date of the
informal conference to hear the case anew. Any further appeal shall be made to the Superior
Court within thirty (30) days of the board’s decision.
Readmission: Any student who has been suspended or expelled may apply for readmission at any
time by written application to the superintendent. The letter shall include the reasons for
readmission, evidence which supports the request, and a statement assuring that the problems
will not reoccur. The superintendent shall reply in writing.
Reengagement: School and district administrators will make reasonable efforts to assist students
and parents in returning to the educational setting prior to and no later than the end date of the
corrective action or sanction. The school and/or district will convene a meeting to discuss a plan
to reengage the student in a school program, with the student, and the student’s parents or
guardians, within twenty (20) days of the student’s long-term suspension or expulsion and no
later than five (5) days before the student’s return to school.
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The school and/or district must create an individualized reengagement plan tailored to the
student’s individual circumstances, including consideration of the incident that led to the
student’s long-term suspension or expulsion. For more information, you can visit Policy 3240
Student Conduct Expectations and 3241 Classroom Management, Corrective Actions or
Sanctions
Students With Disabilities
Decisions made regarding corrective action or sanctions upon students in the abovementioned
groups will be made following special education programming and legal procedures.
Discipline procedures for students with disabilities are consistent with the Individual with
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These procedures apply when:
• The student has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan.
• The student has been referred to special education (the referral is in process but eligibility
has not yet been determined).
• The school has knowledge that the student has a disability before the behavior that
precipitated the discipline action occurred.
Knowledge of the disability is defined as:
• Parent has expressed a concern in writing that the student is in need of special education
and related services;
• The student’s behavior or performance demonstrates a need for services;
• The parent has requested an evaluation of the student;
• The teacher, other school staff or an outside agency has expressed concern about the
performance or behavior of the student to the director of special education or other school
personnel.
For more specific details regarding discipline and student with disabilities, please reference Kent
School District Board Policy 2162.
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Kent School District Guidelines For School Sanctions
It is presumed that school administrators will sanction a student for the following offenses
within each listed standard range, beginning at the presumptive sanction and determining
whether mitigating or aggravating factors warrant a sanction higher or lower within the
standard range. School administrators are expected to use their professional judgment and
experience when assigning students sanctions and will, to the best of their abilities, attempt to
apply these sanctions to all similarly-situated students in a fair and equitable manner. The
administrator’s judgment and discretion will carefully balance the duty to maintain order and
discipline in a safe school environment, the appropriate corrective action needed to address the
student’s misconduct, and the student’s long-term educational success.
The sanctions below do not prohibit administrators from considering approved alternatives to
out-of-school suspension or expulsion, including in-school suspension. The standard range for
each offense does not prohibit a school administrator from exceeding the range, up to and
including expulsion, if sufficient aggravating factors warrant such corrective action or if the
threat of danger or substantial disruption supports an emergency expulsion under WAC 392-400-
295. In addition to school sanctions, administrators should determine whether restitution for
damage or injury should be considered. Please note that this is not a total list but instead is the
most common seen state defined discipline categories. Additionally, each school has the authority
to develop their own list of rules and regulations in which discipline can be administered.
ARSON For purposes of school discipline, “arson” means any intentional or reckless setting of a fire or
other burning of personal or public property. “Reckless” means that the student understood, but
acted with disregard for, the consequences of his or her conduct.
STANDARD RANGE: 0-20 Day Suspension
PRESUMPTIVE STANDARD SANCTION:
Elementary: Short-Term Suspension of 1 Day
Secondary: Short-Term Suspension of 5 Days
ASSAULT For purposes of school discipline, “assault” means actual or attempted hitting, striking or other
wrongful physical contact inflicted on another either directly or indirectly through an object. For
verbal threats, see Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying.
STANDARD RANGE: 0-10 Day Suspension
PRESUMPTIVE STANDARD SANCTION:
Elementary: 0 Days
Secondary: Short-Term Suspension of 5 Days
REASONABLE SELF-DEFENSE:
It is expected that a student must always first retreat from any threat of harm and/or contact an
adult staff member for assistance before engaging in any type of physical response to an assault.
However, an administrator may decide not to subject a student to discipline if, following a
reasonable investigation, the administrator determines that all of the following are true:
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• A student who is being assaulted or witnesses another student being assaulted acts only
in a manner that is defensive and protective of himself/herself or others;
• The student is acting in a manner that a building administrator determines is reasonable
and necessary in light of the circumstances; and
• The student did not instigate, provoke, or promote the violence by his or her words or
conduct immediately prior to the assault.
A reasonable physical response to an assault may include holding the assailant’s hands or arms
to prevent the assault, or pulling two fighting students apart and holding them until adult staff
can arrive and intervene.
DEFACING OR DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY For school discipline purposes, means the unauthorized, intentional damage to district property
or the property of others (other than arson, above).
STANDARD RANGE: 0-10 Day Suspension
PRESUMPTIVE STANDARD SANCTION:
Elementary: Discipline other than Suspension
Secondary: Short-Term Suspension of 3 Days Restitution
will usually be required.
Note: Under RCW 28A.635.060 (1), the school district may withhold the grades, diploma, and
transcripts of a pupil responsible for intentional damage or loss to the property of the district, a
contractor of the district, an employee, or another student until the pupil or the pupil’s parent or
guardian has paid for the damages. If a student has been suspended or expelled, the student
may not be readmitted until the student or parents or legal guardian has made payment in full,
or until the superintendent directs otherwise. If the property damaged is a school bus owned
and operated by the district, a student suspended for the damage may not be permitted to enter
or ride any school bus until the student or parent or legal guardian has made payment in full or
until directed otherwise by the superintendent. When the pupil and parent or guardian are
unable to pay for the damages, the school district will provide a program of voluntary work for
the pupil in lieu of the payment of monetary damages. Upon completion of the voluntary work
the grades, diploma, and transcripts of the pupil shall be released.
The parent or guardian of the pupil is liable for damages as otherwise provided by Washington
state law.
DEFIANCE OF SCHOOL AUTHORITY Refusal to obey reasonable requests, instructions, and directives of any school personnel,
including volunteers or contractors working for the school. Defiance includes dress or
appearance in violation of Policy 3224 that the student either refuses to correct at the directive of
a school administrator, or that is a persistent and repeated violation of Policy 3224. Defiance of
school authority can also include intentional disruptive behavior.
STANDARD RANGE: 0-10 Day Suspension
PRESUMPTIVE STANDARD SANCTION:
Elementary: Discipline other than Suspension
Secondary: Discipline other than Suspension
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DRUGS/ALCOHOL AND OTHER PROHIBITED CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES The possession, consumption, use, storage, or distribution of drugs, alcohol, and other similar
chemical substances on school grounds, at school activities, or on district-provided transportation
is prohibited. For purposes of student conduct expectations:
This section applies to any controlled substance, medication, stimulant, depressant, or mood
altering compound, including simulated compounds intended to produce intoxication or euphoria,
whether or not such compounds have been designated a controlled substance by state or federal
law;
This section applies to marijuana or substances containing marijuana;
This section applies to legally-prescribed drugs which a student is nevertheless not lawfully
authorized to possess on school grounds, at school activities, or on district-provided
transportation;
This section applies to students who enter school grounds, school activities, or district-provided
transportation following the unlawful use or consumption of drugs, alcohol, and other similar
chemical substances, including students who appear to be under the influence of such
substances; and
This section applies equally to the possession or use of paraphernalia or other items used to
possess, consume, store, or distribute drugs, alcohol, and/or other illegal chemical substances,
including marijuana or substances containing marijuana.
STANDARD RANGE Elementary: 0-10 Day Suspension
STANDARD RANGE Secondary: 3-20 Day Suspension
PRESUMPTIVE STANDARD SANCTION FOR POSSESSION OR USE:
Elementary: Short-Term Suspension of 1 Day
Secondary: Short-Term Suspension of 10 Days
PRESUMPTIVE STANDARD SANCTION FOR DISTRIBUTION:
Elementary: Short-Term Suspension of 5 Days
Secondary: Long-Term Suspension of 20 Days
Generally, a suspension for possession, use, or consumption should not exceed ten (10) days, and
a suspension for distribution should not exceed twenty (20) days. A suspension for secondary
students in either case should not fall below three (3) days.
An expulsion may be imposed for such conduct when sufficient aggravating circumstances are
present and in consultation with the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee.
Emergency expulsion may be imposed when the student’s conduct meets the requirements of
WAC 392-400-295.
An administrator may draw up a contract with a student serving a suspension, and a maximum
of fifty percent (50%) of the suspension may be held in abeyance when the student successfully
complies with the terms and conditions of the contract.
In all cases in which a student possesses or is distributing on school grounds, at school activities,
or on district-provided transportation a substance prohibited under this section that is also a
violation of the law, a report will be made by school officials to law enforcement.
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FIGHTING OR FIGHTING INVOLVEMENT Includes instigating, promoting (including promotion by presence as a spectator), and escalating
a fight, as well as the failure to disperse at the scene of a fight.
SANCTIONS: See Assault
GANG CONDUCT For school discipline purposes this includes:
• the creation, display, or communication of gestures, language, imagery, or symbols as
defined below commonly associated with gang culture
• the promotion of gang culture and/or gang violence, and/or
• the solicitation or recruitment of gang members.
Gang imagery and symbols include, but are not limited to:
• apparel (including shoelaces, bandanas, belts, or hats) which by virtue of color,
arrangement, trademark, symbol, or any other attributes indicate or imply gang
membership or affiliation
• displays of gang affiliation on personal belongings including clothing, school assignments,
notebooks, body, etc.
STANDARD RANGE: 0-10 Day Suspension
PRESUMPTIVE STANDARD SANCTION:
Elementary: Discipline other than Suspension
Secondary: Discipline other than Suspension
Expulsion or Long-term suspension for gang conduct alone, absent any other misconduct, may
only occur under extraordinary circumstances following consultation with the Superintendent or
Superintendent’s designee.
HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION OR BULLYING For school discipline purposes, “harassment, intimidation and bullying” includes:
• intentional hurtful, threatening, or intimidating verbal and/or physical conduct in
violation of Kent School District Policy 3207 and procedure 3207P;
• unsolicited or unwelcome verbal or physical conduct that is harassing or intimidating that
can be of a sexual, religious, racial or ethnic nature, or based on disability;
• a threat to cause bodily injury, property damage, or to cause the physical confinement or
restraint of the person threatened, or any other act causing substantial harm to the
physical or mental health of the person threatened.
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STANDARD RANGE Elementary: 0-10 Day Suspension
STANDARD RANGE: Secondary: 3-20 Day Suspension
PRESUMPTIVE STANDARD SANCTION:
Elementary: Discipline other than Suspension
Secondary: 3 Day Suspension
LEWD, OBSCENE, OR PROFANE LANGUAGE, GESTURES OR
MATERIALS For purposes of school discipline, this includes, but is not limited to, lewd, obscene or profane
language, gestures or materials that are unrelated to authorized school curriculum. Prohibited
“materials” includes digital or electronic text, images, or sounds that are possessed, displayed, or
transmitted while under the supervision of school authorities.
STANDARD RANGE: 0-10 Day Suspension
PRESUMPTIVE STANDARD SANCTION:
Elementary: Discipline other than Suspension
Secondary: Discipline other than Suspension
Any conduct under this section that could constitute a criminal act will be reported to law
enforcement. Any conduct under this section that involves the use of district resources or
equipment may result in the loss or restriction of a student’s use of district systems, resources, or
equipment.
THEFT/STEALING Possession of another person's or district property, regardless of value, without the person's
permission with the intent to deprive the owner of such property. As part of the sanction,
restitution will usually be required.
STANDARD RANGE: 0-10 Day Suspension
PRESUMPTIVE STANDARD SANCTION:
Elementary: Discipline other than Suspension
Secondary: Short-Term Suspension of 2 Days
Restitution will usually be required if property is not recovered and returned.
Note: Under RCW 28A.635.060 (1), the school district may withhold the grades, diploma, and
transcripts of a pupil responsible for intentional damage or loss to the property of the district, a
contractor of the district, an employee, or another student until the pupil or the pupil’s parent or
guardian has paid for the damages. If a student has been suspended or expelled, the student
may not be readmitted until the student or parents or legal guardian has made payment in full,
or until the superintendent directs otherwise. If the property damaged is a school bus owned
and operated by the district, a student suspended for the damage may not be permitted to enter
or ride any school bus until the student or parent or legal guardian has made payment in full or
until directed otherwise by the superintendent. When the pupil and parent or guardian are
unable to pay for the damages, the school district will provide a program of voluntary work for
the pupil in lieu of the payment of monetary damages. Upon completion of the voluntary work
the grades, diploma, and transcripts of the pupil shall be released. The parent or guardian of the
pupil is liable for damages as otherwise provided by Washington state law.
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TOBACCO/NICOTINE PRODUCTS - USE OR POSSESSION Students may not participate in smoking, use of tobacco products or products containing
nicotine, or possess tobacco products on the school premises or at school-sponsored functions.
Elementary Students
See sanctions for Defiance of School Authorities
Secondary Students
First Offense: Complete Tobacco Intervention Packet. [Refusal or failure to complete Tobacco
Intervention Packet shall be considered to be a tobacco related offense for which students may
receive school discipline sanctions as set forth in Defiance of School Authorities]
Second Offense: Complete Tobacco Intervention Packet and attend extended after school
detention. [Refusal to complete Tobacco Intervention Packet shall be considered to be a tobacco
related offense for which students may receive school discipline that includes short-term
suspension with days that may be held in held in abeyance for community service].
Third Offense: Complete Tobacco Intervention Packet and attend extended after school detention.
[Refusal to complete Tobacco Intervention Packet shall be considered to be a tobacco related
offense for which students may receive school discipline that includes short-term suspension
with days that may be held in held in abeyance for community service].
WEAPONS This section addresses the possession or use of actual weapons in violation of Kent School
District Policy 3245, including firearms, dangerous weapons, and other items listed within that
policy. This includes when a student acts with malice as defined under RCW 9A.04.110 and
displays a device that appears to be a firearm. Objects and conduct that fall outside of Policy
3245 should be addressed under other sections, as appropriate.
STANDARD RANGE: 0-20 Day Suspension
PRESUMPTIVE STANDARD SANCTION:
Elementary: Short-Term Suspension of 3 Days
Secondary: Long-Term Suspension of 11 Days
SANCTION FOR FIREARM AT SCHOOL: Emergency Expulsion (see below)
Any Kent School District student who is determined to have carried a firearm or to have
possessed a firearm on school premises, school-provided transportation, or school sponsored
activities at any facility shall be expelled from school for not less than one year (12 months) under RCW
28A.600.420, with notification to parents and law enforcement. The district superintendent or the
superintendent’s designee is authorized to modify the expulsion of a student on a case-by-case
basis.
The school district may also suspend or expel a student for up to one year if the student acts with
malice as defined under RCW 9A.04.110 and displays a device that appears to be a firearm.
Expulsion may result based upon the administrator's judgment of the seriousness of the act or
circumstances surrounding the act, and/or the previous record of the student.
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Healthy Youth Survey
All Kent School District schools will participate in the 2016 Healthy Youth Survey during the
weeks of October 10th to 21st.
What is the Healthy Youth Survey?
The survey asks questions about risk for injury, health outcomes, and alcohol and drug use.
Schools, communities and state and local health departments use survey results to support our
youth and reduce their risks. The Healthy Youth Survey is voluntary and anonymous.
Who will be asked to take the survey?
Students in Grades 6, 8, 10, and 12 across Washington State.
What questions are on the survey?
Survey questions come from surveys that have taken place across the nation and in Washington.
Parents or guardians can see a copy of survey questions in the school office. Question topics
include:
• Background information, such as age, gender, and race or ethnicity.
• Feelings about school and community.
• Relationships with parents, friends, and neighbors.
• Eating habits, physical activity.
• Health education.
• Attitudes about and the use of tobacco, alcohol and other
drugs.
• Behaviors related to safety and feelings about safety
• Behaviors related to violence
Is the survey voluntary?
Yes! Students taking the survey can skip questions and stop taking the survey at any time. If
you do not want your student to participate in the survey, you can excuse your student from
participating by calling the school. Students can also excuse themselves by telling their teacher
that they do not want to take the survey. Students not taking the survey will participate in a
different activity, such as studying or reading in the library. There is no penalty for not taking
part in the survey. Your student’s grades will not be affected
How are the survey results used?
Schools, school districts, counties and state agencies use the results to better understand our
students and to provide them with the services they need. Results are used for planning,
evaluating and improving programs and obtaining money to support them. Data sets are also
shared with local health departments and legitimate researchers
How is student identity protected?
Students will not write their names on the survey. There are no codes or other information to
match a survey to a student. No one from the school will look at the survey answers. Students
will put completed surveys into an envelope that is sealed before it leaves the classroom. Survey
reports of results will not identify any student.
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Need More Information?
If you have any questions about the purpose of the survey or survey procedures, please contact
Department of Health, Kevin Beck: Call toll-free1-877-HYS-7111 or Email
Support for the survey is provided by Looking Glass Analytics. Additional information about the
Healthy Youth Survey 2016 can be found at: http://www.AskHYS.net
The Washington State Institutional Review Board has approved the procedures for conducting
the Healthy Youth Survey that are described in this brochure. If you believe these procedures
have not been followed, please call 1-800-583-8488. You do not have to leave your name. All
messages will be returned.
The Healthy Youth Survey is sponsored by the following state agencies: Department of Health,
Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, DSHS Division of Behavioral Health and
Recovery, Department of Commerce, and Liquor and Cannabis Board
Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB)
Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation and/or Bullying
The district is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees,
parent/legal guardians, volunteers, and patrons that is free from harassment, intimidation or
bullying. “Harassment, intimidation or bullying” means any intentional written message or
image--including those that are electronically transmitted--a verbal or physical act, including but
not limited to one shown to be motivated by race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin,
gender, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, or mental or physical
disability, or other distinguishing characteristics, when the intentional written, verbal, or
physical act:
• Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property;
• Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education;
• Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening
educational environment; and/or
• Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.
Nothing in this section requires the affected student to actually possess a characteristic that is a
basis for the harassment, intimidation, or bullying.
Harassment, intimidation or bullying can take many forms including: slurs, rumors, jokes,
innuendo, demeaning comments, drawings, cartoons, pranks, gestures, physical attacks, threats,
or other written, oral or physical actions, or electronically transmitted messages or images.
This policy is not intended to prohibit expression of religious, philosophical, or political views,
provided that the expression does not substantially disrupt the educational environment.
Many inappropriate behaviors that do not rise to the level of harassment, intimidation or bullying may still be prohibited by other district policies or building, classroom, or program rules.
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How to report Bullying
Suspected bullying can be reported to any adult at the school. Common individuals that student’s
often report bullying to include: counselors, safety officers, and principals/assistant principals.
They will often have you complete a Report It form. You may download this form to fill out and
turn it in to your school’s main office.
Your report will initiate an investigation which in most cases will be completed within a week.
You and/or your parents will be informed of the outcome of the investigation. The school will
work with you to decide next steps to help address the issue. If you and/or your parents disagree
with the decision of the investigation you can appeal the decision.
The Kent School District HIB Compliance Officer is Mr. Randy Heath, Executive Director of
Student and Family Support Services and can be reached by calling 253-373-7235.
Sexual Harassment
This District is committed to a positive and productive education free from discrimination,
including sexual harassment. This commitment extends to all students involved in academic,
educational, extracurricular, athletic, and other programs or activities of the school, whether
that program or activity is in a school facility, on school transportation or at a class or school
training held elsewhere.
Definitions Sexual harassment means unwelcome conduct or communication of a sexual nature. Sexual
harassment can occur adult to student, student to student or can be carried out by a group of
students or adults and will be investigated by the District even if the alleged harasser is not a
part of the school staff or student body. The District prohibits sexual harassment of students by
other students, employees or third parties involved in school district activities.
Under federal and state law, the term “sexual harassment” may include:
• acts of sexual violence; • unwelcome sexual or gender-directed conduct or communication that interferes with an
individual’s educational performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive
environment;
• unwelcome sexual advances; • unwelcome requests for sexual favors; • sexual demands when submission is a stated or implied condition of obtaining an
educational benefit;
• sexual demands where submission or rejection is a factor in an academic, or other
school related decision affecting an individual.
A “hostile environment” has been created for a student when sexual harassment is sufficiently
serious to interfere with or limit the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the school’s
program. The more severe the conduct, the less need there is to demonstrate a repetitive series of
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incidents. In fact, a single or isolated incident of sexual harassment may create a hostile
environment if the incident is sufficiently severe, violent, or egregious.
A complaint of Sexual Harassment can be made to any adult at the school. Common individuals
that student’s often report bullying to include: counselors, safety officers, and
principals/assistant principals. After a complaint is made the administrator who is investigating
the complaint will outline the different options for making a formal or an informal complaint.
If you have any questions and/or concerns regarding the investigation or the outcome of the
investigation you can contact the Kent School District Title IX Compliance Officer, Ms. Moriah
Martin, Chief Human Resources Officer at 253-373-7203.
Non –Discrimination Policy
Kent School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race,
creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender
expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides
equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The employees listed below
have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
Anyone may file a complaint against the district alleging that the District has violated anti-
discrimination laws.
The primary purpose of this procedure is to secure an equitable solution to a justifiable
complaint. To this end, specific steps will be taken. The District is prohibited by law from
intimidating, threatening, coercing or discriminating against any individual for the purpose of
interfering with their right to file a grievance under this policy and procedure and from
retaliating against an individual for filing such a grievance.
Anyone with an allegation of discrimination may request an informal meeting with the
compliance officer or designated employee to resolve their concerns. Such a meeting will be at the
option of the complainant. If unable to resolve the issue at this meeting, the complainant may
submit a written complaint to the compliance officer. During the course of the informal process,
the District must notify complainant of their right to file a formal complaint.
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The procedures for filing a formal complaint can be found in Procedure 3210
Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator
Section 504/ADA Coordinator
Mr. Randall Heath
Executive Director
Student & Family Support Services
Kent School District
12033 SE 256th Street A-
300 Kent, WA 98030-6503
253-373-7235
Title IX Officer
Ms. Moriah Martin
Chief Human Resources Officer
Human Resources
Kent School District
12033 SE 256th Street A-
100 Kent, WA 98030-6503
253-373-7203
New Civil Rights Resources for Schools and Families
Students' Rights Handouts, Translated into 11 Languages
OSPI developed Students' Rights handouts to explain common civil rights topics into plain
language. The handouts can be shared with families and school staff, and could be incorporated
into student handbooks.
Students' Rights: Discriminatory Harassment
Students' Rights: Section 504 and Students with Disabilities
Students' Rights: Religion in Schools
Students' Rights: Gender Identity & Gender Expression
Students' Rights: Discrimination Dispute Resolution Options
