esd401 · greetings, welcome back to another year of school! i’m excited to start a new year in...
TRANSCRIPT
ELLENSBURG SCHOOL DISTRICT
2017 - 2018 PARENT HANDBOOK
The Ellensburg 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 following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Cole Kanyer, Title IX Coordinator, 509-925-8315, [email protected], 1203 E. Capitol Avenue, Ellensburg, WA 98926, Kim Snider, Civil Rights Coor-dinator, 509-925-8007, [email protected], and Section 504 Coordinator, Patty Kim-mel, 509-925-8115, [email protected], 1300 East Third Avenue, Ellensburg, WA 98926.
Published by the Office of the Superintendent1300 East Third Ave, Ellensburg, WA 98926, (509) 925-8010
esd401.org
Table of Contents
Letter from Superintendent…………………………………………….……………………..2
Board of Directors………………………………………………………………..……………3
2017-2018 Academic Calendar…………………………………..….………………………4
District Contact List………………………………………….……...…………………………5
Opt Out Form…………………………………………….…………………………………….6
Transportation Information……………………………………………………………………7
2017-2017 Fees and Fines……………………………………..……………………………8
Food Service Information………………………………….…......………………………….10
Ellensburg School District Education Foundation………………………………………...16
School Board Policies…………………………………....................................................17
Title I Parent Involvement……………………………………….………………….17
Homeless Students Enrollment Rights and Services……………………………18
Sexual Harassment of Student Prohibited…………………………………..……19
Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying……………..................…20
Nondiscrimination……………………………………………………………………21
Student Conduct Expectations and Reasonable Sanctions……........…………22
Classroom Management, Discipline and Corrective Action…………………….27
Effective Communication…….....…………………………………………………..28
Language Access Plan………………………..…………………………………….29
Family Involvement………………………..……………………………….………..30
Greetings,
Welcome back to another year of school! I’m excited to start a new year in the Ellensburg School District. Even with the smoky start I believe this year will be a great year full of activities and learning.
As interim superintendent, I feel honored to be part of a great staff that puts student learning first and are dedicated to success. It takes all of us working together as a team to create the wonderful learning environment and positive experiences for our students. This year we are thrilled to welcome 28 new teachers to our team to help us achieve our mission.
Parents and community members are essential partners in our overall success for our students. We are fortunate in Ellensburg to have strong partnerships in both the commu-nity and with our parents to help us improve and grow as a district.
I want to thank all of you for your continued support towards the Ellensburg School Dis-trict as we work to help our children be all they can be.
Mike Nollan, Interim Superintendent - ESD #401Email: [email protected] Phone: (509) 925-8011Web: esd401.org/community/superintendents-page
LETTER FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
Follow us on Facebook at:https://www.facebook.com/ellensburgschools
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ELLENSBURG SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dan Shissler, President(term through 12/19)
Curtis Bull(term though 12/17)
Jennifer Hackett(term through 12/19)
Jonathan Leonard(term through 12/19)
Heather Hazlett(term through 12/17)
The Ellensburg School Board of Directors Study Sessions are generally held on the 2nd and 4th Monday’s of each month, beginning at 5:30 pm, at the Hal Holmes Center, 209 N Ruby Street, Ellensburg, WA, unless another location is announced.
Their Regular Board Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday’s of each month, beginning at 6:00 pm, at the Ellensburg City Council Chambers, 501 N Anderson Street, Ellensburg, WA. Courtesy of the Ellensburg Community Televi-sion Channel 2, Regular Board meetings are streamed and may be viewed online at www.ectv2.com shortly after the conclusion of the meeting; and they can be viewed live on Charter Channel 191.
It is the practice of the Board to cancel meetings that conflict with Thanksgiving, Christmas and spring vacations. If a meeting date falls on a holiday, the meeting will be held the next day after the holiday. Special meetings may be added to the calen-dar as necessary.
The School Board utilizes a cloud based technology called BoardDocs Pro in sup-port of all School Board Meetings. This process will allow interested parties to review agenda items, board actions and meeting minutes.
The direct link to Ellensburg School District’s BoardDocs Pro portal is:
http://www.boarddocs.com/wa/esd401/Board.nsf/Public
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Mt. Stuart 8:20 AM Mt. Stuart 2:45 PM Mt. Stuart 10:20 AMLincoln 8:30 AM Lincoln 2:55 PM Lincoln 10:30 AMValley View 8:40 AM Valley View 3:05 PM Valley View 10:40 AMMorgan 6/7 8:30 AM Morgan 6/7 3:00 PM Morgan 6/7 10:30 AMMorgan 8th 8:25 AM Morgan 8th 3:00 PM Morgan 8th 10:30 AM
18 EHS 8:25 AM EHS 3:00 PM EHS 10:30 AM
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6 7 8 Mt. Stuart 9:20 AM Mt. Stuart 12:20 PMDAY Lincoln 9:30 AM Lincoln 12:30 PM
11 12 13 14 15 Valley View 9:40 AM Valley View 12:40 PMMorgan MS 9:30 AM Morgan MS 12:30 PM
18 19 20 21 22 Morgan 8th 9:15 AM Morgan 8th 12:30 PMEHS 9:15 AM EHS 12:30 PM
25 26 27 28 29
22 19 11
M T W T F M T W T F
2 3 4 5 6 1 2 END 3 11ST QTR
9 10 11 12 13 7 8 9 10 4 5 6 7 8VETS DAY
16 17 16 17 18 13 14 15 16 17 11 12 13 14 15
23 24 25 26 27 20 21 22 23 24 18 19 20 21 22
30 31 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29
20 19 17
M T W T T
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 1 2
8 9 10 11 12 5 6 7 8 9 5 6 7 8 9
15 16 17 18 19 12 13 14 15 16 12 13 14 15 16MLK DAY
22 23 24 25 END 26 20 21 22 23 19 20 21 22 23PRES DAY
29 30 31 26 27 28 26 27 28 29 30SEM BRK
21 22 11
M T W T M T W T F M T W T F
2 3 4 5 END 6 1 2 3 4 1
9 10 11 12 13 7 8 9 10 11 4 5 6 7 8
16 17 18 19 20 14 15 16 17 18 11 12 13 14 15
23 24 25 26 27 21 22 23 24 15 18 19 20 21 22
30 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29MEM DAY
3RD QTR
LS
LS LS LS ENDS
LS LS SNOW DAY
APRIL, 2018 MAY, 2018 JUNE, 2018F
LS
LS LS LS GRADUATION
19LS 2ND QTR SPRING BREAK
LS LS
LS LS LS ER: K - 8
LS LS ER: K - 12 ER: K - 8 ER: K - 8 ER: K - 12
M T W F
WNTR BRK RETURN
F M T W T F
LS LS WINTER BREAK
JANUARY, 2018 FEBRUARY, 2018 MARCH, 2018
ER: K - 8 LS
LS LS ER: K - 8 ER: K - 12 THANKSGIVING WINTER BREAK
LS
LS LS LS
LS LS ER: K - 8 ER: K - 12 ER: K - 8
ENDS Last Day of School
OCTOBER, 2017 NOVEMBER, 2017 DECEMBER, 2017M T W T F
No School
LSER Early Release Days
LS
LS - Late Start Monday'sLS
LATE START MONDAY TIMES EARLY RELEASE TIMES
LABOR 4 STAFF 5 BEGINS-First Day of SchoolDAY BEGINS
M T W T FLEGEND
ELLENSBURG SCHOOL DISTRICT
ACADEMIC CALENDAR FOR THE 2017 - 2018 SCHOOL YEAR
SCHOOL START TIMES SCHOOL RELEASE TIMES LAST DAY RELEASE TIMES
SEPTEMBER, 2017
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Mike Nollan, Interim Superintendent 925-8011Tara Long, Administrative Assistant 925-8010 LINCOLN ELEMENTARY Phone 925-8050Kathy Hagbo, Administrative Assistant 925-8447 200 South Sampson FAX 925-8056
John Graf, PrincipalJoAnne Duncan, Assistant Principal
Kim Snider, Executive Director 925-8007 Liz Holmes, Secretary Jody Rosenberg, HR Specialist 925-8002Jennifer Miller, HR Specialist 925-8107 MT. STUART ELEMENTARY Phone 925-8400Rachel Brunson, HR Specialist 925-8448 705 West 15th Avenue FAX 925-8407Cheryl Lym, Substitute Coordinator 925-8009 Dan Patton, Principal
JoAnne Duncan, Assistant PrincipalCheri Ward, Secretary
Brian Aiken, Executive Director 925-8014Anna Charlton, Fiscal Assistant 925-8018 VALLEY VIEW ELEMENTARY Phone 925-7316Paige Nybo, Accounting/Payroll Director 925-8124 1508 East Third Avenue FAX 925-8134Kari Ponchene, Accounts Payable/Purchasing 925-8003 Rob Moffat, PrincipalDerek Stuart, Payroll Coordinator 925-8004 Heather Burfeind, Dean of Students
Sarah Hatfield, SecretaryCOMMUNITY SCHOOLSJeff Whitney, Director 925-8017 MORGAN MIDDLE SCHOOL Phone 925-8200Ken Kiesel, Building Attendant - Cell # - After Hrs 859-6354 Michelle Bibich, Principal 925-8211
Arlen Parker, Assistant Principal 925-8273FOOD SERVICES Kevin Kjorsvik, Asst Prin/Dean of Students 925-8216Patrick Garmong, Director 925-8217
6th - 7th Grade Campus Phone 925-8200MAINTENANCE 400 East 1st Avenue FAX 925-8202Dale Leslie, Director 925-8108 Sue Foy, Secretary 925-8205
Jill Pennington, Attendance Secretary 925-8204MIGRANT EDUCATION AND BILINGUAL SERVICESMary Langley, Migrant Home Visitor 925-8029 8th Grade Campus Phone 925-8366Diana Wilson, Bilingual Translator 925-8042 1203 East Capitol Avenue FAX 925-8390Martha Sevilla-Lopez, Bilingual Translator 925-8042 Laurie Sloan, Secretary 925-8366
PRINT SHOP ELLENSBURG HIGH SCHOOL Phone 925-8300Lyle Hancock, Print Technician 925-8110 1203 East Capitol Avenue FAX 925-8305
Jeff Ellersick, Principal 925-8304SPECIAL SERVICES Beau Snow, Assistant Principal 925-8306Patricia Kimmel, Director 925-8115 Neil Musser, Asst. Principal/CTE Director 925-8308Marti Hazelwood, Secretary 925-8117 Cole Kanyer, Asst. Princpal/Athletic Director 925-8315Cathy Rutt, Records Secretary 925-8119 Haley Naboychik, ASB/Activities Coordinator 925-8314
Kristin Sparling, Principal's Secretary 925-8302TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT Melissa McCracken, Attendance Secretary 925-8302Mike Welch, Director 925-8019 Cee Szombathy, Attendance Asst/CTE Sec 933-7609Morgan Anderson, Systems Administrator Cell: 306-9463 Berna Zacharias, Counseling Office Secretary 925-8301 Ryan Spencer, Network Administrator Cell: 607-6105 Shirley Weyand, Athletic Dept. Secretary 925-8361
Signe Bannister, Data Specialist 925-8377TRANSPORTATION CENTEREric Engle, Director of Transportation 925-8100 EXCEL PROGRAM 963-2428John Landon, Assistant Director 925-8100 Jeff Cochran, Principal Cell Phone: 859-6353
DISTRICT SCHOOL NURSE PARENT PARTNER PROGRAM 933-7641Malinda Williard 859-6905 Jeff Cochran, Principal Cell Phone: 859-6353
Sarah Bicchieri, Teacher Cell Phone: 306-0675EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY Jeff Cochran, Director 859-6353 Revised: 8/11/2017
BUSINESS AND FISCAL
HUMAN RESOURCES
ELLENSBURG SCHOOL DISTRICT #401Address: 1300 East 3rd Avenue | Telephone: (509) 925-8000 | FAX: (509) 925-8025 | Webpage: esd401.org
SUPERINTENDENT SCHOOL DIRECTORY
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OPT-OUT OF RELEASE OF STUDENT DIRECTORY INFORMATION
FOR THE 2017 – 2018 SCHOOL YEAR
Parents/guardians should only complete this form if they do not want information shared about their child. If restriction is desired, please submit this form to your school, or to the District Office located at 1300 East 3rd Avenue, Ellensburg, WA 98926. This form must be submitted annually to keep the restriction active.
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ONLY: MILITARY RECRUITMENT OPT-OUT Please do not release student directory information (name, phone, address, etc.) to military recruiters as required
by law.
STUDENT DIRECTORY INFORMATION OPT-OUT Please do not publicly recognize my child for awards or release their name, photo or other student directory
information. Checking this box restricts your child’s name, photo and directory information from being published in staff-produced district and school newsletters and publications (including event, activities and athletic programs), recognition, public displays of student work with names or photo, honor roll and graduation lists, district/school websites and social media, district/school photos and video, classroom video recording by higher education/practicum students, etc. Parents/guardians may not authorize certain parts of school-related publicity and not others while having an active “Opt-Out of Release of Student Directory Information” form on file. Customized parent permission forms are not to be used for this purpose. If no documentation is on file, it will be assumed that permission for release of directory information has been granted. Please be aware that ensuring student privacy is not possible at school-or-district-sponsored public performances or athletic/activity events where cameras are permitted. Other students, parents, community members and news media may record/photograph/film at events and publicly share this information. By choosing to have their children participate in such activities and programs, parents/guardians are agreeing to this condition. Also, student-produced news is not legally considered student directory information. Parent/guardians who do not want their children included in student-produced news should not have their children pose for these photos or participate in student media. In addition, the District does not have control of outside news media/publications. News media access to non-public locations and events, such as inside a classroom, will be conditioned upon agreement to honor parent/guardian preferences.
YEARBOOK OPT-OUT Please do not include my child (name, phone, etc.) in the elementary, middle or high school yearbook/annual.
PTA DIRECTORY INFORMATION OPT-OUT Please do not release student director information (name, phone, address, etc.) to parent organizations for school
directories. By checking this box, your family will not be listed in the school director.
STUDENT NAME: SCHOOL: GRADE:
SIGNATURE OF PARENT/GUARDIAN OR SIGNATURE OF STUDENT IF 18 YRS OF AGE OR OLDER DATE (File in student’s cumulative folder).
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2017 – 2018 Fees and Fines Approved by the School Board 8/23/2017
LINCOLN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Lost/Damaged Library Books Replacement Cost plus Shipping & Handling ($5.00) Lost/Damaged Textbooks Replacement Cost plus Shipping & Handling
MT. STUART ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Lost/Damaged Library Books Replacement Cost plus Shipping & Handling Lost/Damaged Textbooks Replacement Cost plus Shipping & Handling VALLEY VIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Lost/Damaged Library Books Replacement Cost plus Shipping & Handling Hardback Book Shipping & Handling $5.00 Paperback Book Shipping & Handling $1.00 Lost/Damaged Textbooks Replacement Cost plus Shipping & Handling
MORGAN MIDDLE SCHOOL: Art 6th/7th/8th $6.00 Band Instrument Rental $60.00 per year Competition Fees (Estimate) $12.00 Textbooks Severely Bent Edges $9.00 Broken Spine $14.00 Unusable Replacement Cost Choir Competition Fees (Estimate) $18.00 Shop/Technology Fees Bldg & Design $5.00 CAD & Construction $5.00 STEM $10.00 ASB Card $25.00 In-School Activities, Dances and Sports
ASB Card Required
Yearbook Pre-Sale by March 1st $25.00 After March 1st
$27.00
ELLENSBURG HIGH SCHOOL: Art (Consumables) $20.00 per semester Aquatic Ecosystems (Consumables)
$25.00 per year
Band/Orchestra Instrument Rental
$60.00 per year
Choir (Robe Cleaning) $12.50 per year Lost/Damaged Textbooks Replacement Cost Lost PE Lock $3.00 Photography (Consumables)
$20.00 per semester
Towel Fee $2.00 per year Parking Tickets $10.00 per infraction ASB Card $40.00 After Game Dance $5.00 w/o ASB Card $4.00 with ASB Card $10.00 w/o ASB Card
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Fines and Fees
Continued
Mother-Son/Father-Daughter Dance $7.00 with ASB Card Tolo Dance $20.00 couple $12.00 single Prom Dance $25.00 couple $15.00 single Klahiam Without Name and Before 10/31 $45.00 With Name and Before 10/31 $50.00 No Name Allowed & After 10/31 $50.00 Family Pass $120.00 Individual Pass $60.00 Golden Age Pass
$10.00
FOOD SERVICES: Breakfast Elementary $2.25 Middle School $2.50 High School $2.50 Adult $3.00 Lunch Elementary $2.75 Middle School $3.25 High School $3.25 Adult $4.00 Reduced* $0.40 * K-3rd grade students who qualify for reduced priced meals will receive lunch at no charge Milk
$0.50
TRANSPORTATION: Bus Rates $1.91 per mile $29.25 per hour Bus Rates (For Emergency Purposes)
$3.73 per mile $35.75 per hour
Motor Pool
$0.75 per mile
TECHNOLOGY:
Chromebook Insurance Fee $20.00 REQUESTS FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION CHARGES IAW RCW 42.56.120 (FORMERLY 42.17.300): Copying District Machine (Letter/Legal Size)
$0.20 per page
District Machine (Ledger Size)
$0.25 per page
Blue Prints $3.00 per page Large Volume Requests Outsourced Actual Reproduction Costs Postage Actual Costs For Board Review on: 08/23/2017 (Items in red new or increased 2.3% from 16-17 year)
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Ellensburg School District
Food Service Department
1203 E Capitol Ave, Ellensburg
The Food Service Department operates under the regulations and standards of the United States
Department of Agriculture’s National School lunch and Breakfast Programs. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to children each school day.
Contact information Food Service Department Office
Director: Patrick Garmong Phone: 925-8217
Email: [email protected] Morgan Middle School
Manager: Val Snyder Phone: 933-7625
Email: [email protected]
Mt Stuart Elementary School Cashier: Denica Seed Email: [email protected]
Student Meal Account Information
The Food Service Department utilizes a computerized point of sale system to track student
accounts and meal purchase. Each student has a unique student ID number that is often referred to
as their “lunch” number.
Ellensburg High School
Manager: Bev Days Phone: 925-8373 Email: [email protected] Lincoln Elementary School Cashier: Gemma Wolfenbarger Email: [email protected]
Valley View Elementary School Cashier: Heather Lombardi Email: [email protected]
What is a Student ID Number?
Upon enrollment into the Ellensburg School District each student is provided with an ID number that will remain the same throughout their time as a student in the District. You may often hear this referred to as
the student’s “Lunch Number.”
Student Meal Prices
Breakfast
Elementary: $2.25
Middle and High School: $2.50
Lunch
Elementary: $2.75
Middle and High School: $3.25
Parents are Welcome!
Parents, we welcome you to come and enjoy a meal with your child. If you are going to join you child we simply ask that you contact the school secretary before 9am so we can have a meal ready for you. Stay on the lookout thought the year for special events; these are always a great chance to share a meal with your
child and their friends.
Adult Meal Prices Breakfast: $3.00 Lunch: $4.00 10
Food Service Department Student Meal Account Charge Procedure
The Ellensburg School District Food Service Department adheres to the following procedures regarding student meal account charges.
Free and Reduced Meals: For Households who find themselves in need of financial assistance with the purchasing of meals there is help. Please fill out an application for Free and Reduced Meals, applications may be found at your child’s school office or cafeteria. If you have questions or need assistance filling out the form please reach out to the Food Service Office for assistance. We are Happy to help! Elementary School Student Accounts: Meal accounts need to be kept current to ensure your student is able to obtain a meal. There are several ways to keep track of your student’s account (please see below). Understanding that an occasional mishap may occur, students are allowed to charge a Maximum of two (2) meals to their account. Accounts that exceed the maximum number of borrows will be referred to the parent group fund, a limited fund to assist with emergency purchases of meals. The parent group is a limited resource and may not always be available if being regularly utilized by households. Please note: building principals will be notified of households that make frequent use of parent group funds. Middle School and High School Accounts: Charging of meals to accounts of Middle and High School Students will not be allowed.
How to track student’s meal account: Online: Mealtime online (www.mymealtime.com)- You can track your students account via the online service as well as set-up low balance notifications to remind you to add funds to your students account.
In Person: Please feel free to check with your school’s cafeteria cashier. They will be happy to assist you.
Notifications via email: Please make sure your email address is updated with your child’s school. Our Elementary School Cashier will send out low balance and negative account balance notifications on a weekly basis. (please note email notifications do not include funds borrowed from parent group accounts.)
Contact the Food Service Department Office: Please feel free to reach out to our main office by phone (509-925-8217) or email [email protected] We can provide up to date account information as well as assist you in registering with Mealtime online.
For full department procedure please visit our web page or email our office for a copy.
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To Use MealTime Online Go directly to: www.mymealtime.com Step 1: Create a MealTime Online profile. Click on the "Create new profile" link and create a Username and Password that you will use to login to MealTime Online. The Username and Password must be at least 6 characters. For example, Username: jsmith Password: pty845. Step 2: Add your student. Login to your MealTime Online account (using the Username and Password that you created in Step 1). Click on “Meal Account Deposits” then click the "Add New Student" link and add your student by entering their First Name only and their Student ID number with the leading zero. Repeat to add more students. Step 3: Make a Deposit. Click the "Make Deposit" link to make a deposit into a school account. Click the "View Details" link next to your student's name to view their cafeteria account balance and purchase history. There is a $25 minimum deposit and a small transaction/convenience fee for making deposits online. A deposit can be divided between multiple accounts. Note: Online deposits are retrieved and added to your student’s balance at their school every 5 minutes. Student information, such as purchase history and their current cafeteria account balance are updated on the web site every 4 hours.
Accommodating Children with Special Dietary Needs
Each child is unique and a child’s needs may change from year to year. The Food Service Department requires, to best serve your child’s needs, a
Diet Prescription Form be completed and turned into our office each school year.
Life-Threatening or Severe Disabilities
Special Dietary substitutions and modifications will be provided for students with life-threatening reactions or disabilities. These conditions must be supported by a physician’s written statement and a “Diet Prescription for Meals at School”, and identify: · The child’s disability · An explanation of why the disability restricts the child’s diet. · The major life activity affected by the disability. · The food(s) to be omitted from the child’s diet, and the food or choice of foods that must be substituted.
Non-Disabling Medical Conditions
The school food Service may make food substitutions, at their discretion, for individual children who do not have a disability, but who are medically certified as having a special medical or dietary need. Such determination will be made on a case-by-case basis. This provision covers those children who have food intolerances or allergies which are not life-threatening reactions (anaphylactic).
Each special dietary request must be supported by a “Special Dietary Needs Request for Student WITHOUT Disability” form, which explains the food substitution that is requested. It must be signed by a recognized medical authority, physician (MD, DO or ND), physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. The medical statement must include: · An identification of the medical or other special dietary condition which restricts the child’s diet. · The food or foods to be omitted from the child’s diet. · The food or choice of foods to be substituted.
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USDA Nondiscrimination Statement In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil
rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and
institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from
discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including
gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental
status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or
retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by
USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by
program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program
information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should
contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and
TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally,
program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination
Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at
any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the
information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-
9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue,
SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3)
email: [email protected].
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
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Dear Parent/Guardian: Children need healthy meals to learn. Your child’s school offers healthy meals every school day. Your Children may qualify for free meals or for reduced price meals. Applications are available in English and Spanish at your child’s school and online at : http://www.esd401.org/departments/food-services
WHY SHOULD MY HOUSEHOLD APPLY? MY STUDENT(S) CHOOSE(S) NOT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SCHOOL MEALS PROGRAMS.
We strongly encourage all households that may qualify for Free or Reduced Priced Meals to apply regardless of your intent to use the benefit. Our schools may benefit from increased financial assistance, for educational programs, based on the percentage of students who qualify for Free and Reduced meals. Your households’ eligibility status will be kept confidential.
DO I NEED TO FILL OUT AN APPLICATION FOR EACH CHILD? No. You can use one Free and Reduced Price School Meals Application for all students in your household. We cannot approve an application that is not complete, so be sure to fill out all required information. Return the completed application to one of your children’s school. If you need assistance please contact the food service Department- 509-925-8217
WHO CAN GET FREE MEALS? All children in households receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations or, States Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), can get free meals regardless of your income. Also, your children can get free meals if your household’s gross income is within the free limits on the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines.
CAN FOSTER CHILDREN GET FREE MEALS? Yes, foster children that are under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court are eligible for free meals. Any foster child in the household is eligible for free meals regardless of income. The benefit is not extended to non-foster children in the household. Non-foster children may still qualify, based on household eligibility.
CAN HOMELESS, RUNAWAY, AND MIGRANT CHILDREN GET FREE MEALS? Yes, children who meet the definition of homeless, runaway, or migrant qualify for free meals. If you haven’t been told your children will get free meals, please call or email your child’s school to see if they qualify or contact the Food Services Department.
WHO CAN GET REDUCED PRICE MEALS? Your children can get low cost meals if your household income is within the reduced price limits on the Federal Eligibility Income Chart, shown on this application.
SHOULD I FILL OUT AN APPLICATION IF I RECEIVED A LETTER THIS SCHOOL YEAR SAYING MY CHILDREN ARE APPROVED FOR FREE MEALS?
Please carefully read the letter you got and follow the instructions. Call the Food Services Department if you have questions.
MY CHILD’S APPLICATION WAS APPROVED LAST YEAR. DO I NEED TO FILL OUT ANOTHER ONE?
Yes. Your child’s application is only good for that school year and for the first few days of this school year. You must send in a new application unless you received a letter from the Food Services Department stating that your child is eligible for the new school year.
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I GET WIC, CAN MY CHILD(REN) GET FREE MEALS? Children in households participating in WIC may be eligible for free or reduced price meals. Please fill out an application.
WILL THE INFORMATION I GIVE BE CHECKED? Yes and we may also ask you to send written proof. Applications are randomly selected for verification. Households that do not respond to the Verification request, in the allotted time, will lose benefits until verification can be completed. You will be notified by mail if selected for verification.
IF I DON’T QUALIFY NOW, MAY I APPLY LATER? Yes, you may apply at any time during the school year. For example, children with a parent or guardian who becomes unemployed may become eligible for free or reduced price meals if the household income drops below the income limit.
WHAT IF I DISAGREE WITH THE SCHOOL’S DECISION ABOUT MY APPLICATION? You should talk to school officials. You also may ask for a hearing to have the decision reviewed.
MAY I APPLY IF SOMEONE IN MY HOUSEHOLD IS NOT A U.S. CITIZEN? Yes. You or your child(ren) do not have to be U.S. citizens to qualify for free or reduced price meals. Household information will NOT be used for immigration-related purposes.
WHO SHOULD I INCLUDE AS MEMBERS OF MY HOUSEHOLD? You must include all people living in your household, related or not (such as grandparents, other relatives, or friends) who share income and expenses. You must include yourself and all children living with you. If you live with other people who are economically independent (for example, people who you do not support, who do not share income with you or your children, and who pay a pro‐rated share of expenses), do not include them.
WHAT IF MY INCOME IS NOT ALWAYS THE SAME? List the amount that you normally receive. For example, if you normally make $1000 each month, but you missed some work last month and only made $900, put down that you make $1000 per month. If you normally get overtime pay, include it, but do not include it if you only work overtime sometimes. If you have lost a job or had your hours or wages reduced, use your current income.
MY FAMILY NEEDS MORE HELP. ARE THERE OTHER PROGRAMS WE MIGHT APPLY FOR?
To find out how to apply for other assistance benefits, contact your local assistance office. Department Contact Information Patrick Garmong Food Services Ellensburg School District (509) 925-8217 [email protected]
The Civil Rights Division (CRD) mission is to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies for FNS customers and employees regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.) Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. CRD also facilitates equal and timely access to FNS programs and services for all customers. Our vision is to provide superior customer service while ensuring equity for all.
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Ellensburg School District Education Foundationwww.esdef.net
The Ellensburg School District Education Foundation (ESDEF) was launched in the fall of 2001. A group of community leaders recognized that not all growing challenges in the public school system could be met through traditional funding sources.
The Foundation’s goal is to enhance programs, equipment and services available to the Ellensburg public school students and staff. Schools, departments, student and parent groups, faculty and administrators are encouraged to de-velop innovative programs and projects for their schools and submit them to the Foundation for funding consideration. To qualify, it must be shown that the project cannot be funded through regular means.
The Foundation also offers a tax-deductible way for individuals, groups and businesses to enhance public school programs, projects, and scholarship funds. They are also able to access money from national foundations that grant only to other foundations. The Ellensburg School District Education Foundation is designated as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization by the Internal Revenue Service and all donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law.
We invite you to contact us at [email protected] or Mike McCloskey at (509) 925-8200
ANNUAL MEETING AND FUNDRAISINGThe Ellensburg School District Education Foundation meets the first Wednesday of every month at 6:45 a.m. at the iHop. Our annual meeting will be held in April and is open to the public. Our Annual Fundraiser is held each year on the Friday of Superbowl weekend.Since 2001, Annual Meeting fundraising profit has been used in support of mini-grants that provided teachers with much needed resources. Since starting our annual fundraiser outside our annual meeting, our available funds have increased allowing us to provide additional support to education in Ellensburg.On the large project scale, ESDEF purchased Geo-Fit fitness equipment in 2009 and contributed toward the purchase of a new computer lab for Morgan Middle School by combining proceeds from the 2010 and 2011 events.In 2012, a large donation was given to the EHS library to help pay for much needed upgrades to furniture, computers and books. In 2013 the Foundation provided funds for performance attire for EHS band students and for District technology in support of wireless capability. In 2014 our proceeds purchased the Book Mobile van for the summer reading program.
Board members look forward to involving our commu-nity in this opportunity to support education through the Education Foundation.
LEGACY WALLOne way to support the Foundation is to purchase a tile on the Legacy Wall at EHS. The engraved tiles provide a lifetime memory for graduates, faculty members, busi-nesses and community members and can be purchased at any time.Tiles are engraved yearly and orders are due annually by June 30th. You can find an order form and instruc-tions on the Foundation website: esdef.net
SCHOLARSHIP FAIRThe Ellensburg Education Foundation, in conjunction with the Ellensburg High School Counseling Office, annually of-fers a Scholarship Fair for high school students consideringpost-secondary education. The Fair is divided into two parts. During the first part, local and regional scholarship donors are available to promote their scholarships, answer ques-tions, and distribute applications about their scholarships. The second half of the Fair allows the participants to choose from several different workshops to assist them with the scholarship process. Some previous topics have included: Writing a Killer Essay, Filling Out Financial Aid Forms, Find-ing the Right Scholarship, Putting Together the Package, and Acing the Interview.
MINI-GRANTSThe Ellensburg School District Education Foundation spon-sors a mini grants program to enhance educational experi-ences and programs in the Ellensburg School District.The program supports new and innovative programs pro-posed by faculty, classified staff, current students, parent groups, or administrators that enhance or supplement district educational goals and the Ellensburg School District Stra-tegic Plan that otherwise would not be funded by traditional means.Eligibility: Any faculty, classified staff, student, parent group or administrator of the Ellensburg School District may apply for a project that enhances education and student learning. All applications must be approved by the building principal. Technology applications must also receive prior approval and signature from the Technology Director.Application: The application for Foundation grants is ob-tained by contacting the building principal or by downloading from the Foundation website at www.esdef.net and are ac-cepted through November 1st.
FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBERSCurtis Bull, Michele Cawley, Deborah Gauck, Mary Gordon, Linda Graf, John MacRae, Mike McCloskey, Lowell Mur-phree, Mike Nollan, Noreen Norfleet, Maureen Rust, Staci Sleigh-Layman, Brandon Robertson, Jeff Slothower, Dick Wedin
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Title I Parental Involvement – Policy 4130
A. The Board recognizes that parent involvement contributes to the achievement of academic standards by students participating in district programs. The Board views the education of students as a cooperative effort among school, parents and community. The Board expects that its schools will carry out programs, activities and procedures in accordance with the statutory definition of parental involvement. Parental involvement means the participation of parents in regular, two-way, and meaningful communication involving student academic learning and other school activities, including ensuring that parents:
1. Play an integral role in assisting their child’s learning;
2. Are encouraged to be actively involved in their child’s education at school; and
3. Are full partners in their child’s education and are included, as appropriate, in decision-making and on advisory committees to assist in the education of their child.
B. The board of directors adopts as part of this policy the following guidance for parent involvement. The District will:
1. Put into operation programs, activities and procedures for the involvement of parents in all of its Title I schools consistent with federal laws including the development and evaluation of policy. Those programs, activities and procedures will be planned and operated with meaningful consultation with parents of participating children;
2. Provide the coordination, technical assistance, and other support necessary to assist participating schools in the planning and implementing of effective parent involvement activities to improve student academic achievement and school performance;
3. Build the school’s and parent’s capacity for strong parental involvement;
4. Coordinate and integrate Title I parent involvement strategies with parent involvement strategies under other programs, such as Head Start, Reading First, Early Reading First, Even Start, Parents as Teachers, Home Instruction, Preschool Youngsters, or state-run preschools;
5. Conduct, with the involvement of parents, an annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness of this policy in improving the academic quality of schools served with Title I funds including: identifying barriers to greater participation of parents in Title I related activities, with particular attention to participation of parents with limited English proficiency, parents with disabilities and parents of migratory children; and
6. Involve the parents of children served in Title I, Part A schools in decisions about how the 1 percent of Title I, Part A funds reserved for parental involvement are spent.
Parent Group Directory
School Meeting Day/Time Meeting Location Contact
Mount Stuart Elementary 2nd Thursday / 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Library Stephanie Jackson [email protected]
Lincoln Elementary 3rd Wednesday Lincoln Cafeteria Nichol Thomas (509) 899-4364
Valley View Elementary 2nd Monday / 5:30 PM
Library [email protected]
Morgan Middle School First meeting Oct. 4 @ 6PM
Morgan Staff Lounge Pauline Clyburn [email protected]
Ellensburg High School Contact EHS for parent group contact information 925-8316
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Homeless Students - Enrollment Rights and Services – Policy 3115
To the extent practical and as required by law, the district will work with homeless students and their families to provide them with equal access to the same free, appropriate education (including public preschool education) provided to other students. Special attention will be given to ensuring the identification, enrollment and attendance of homeless students not currently attending school, as well as mitigating educational barriers to their academic success. Additionally, the district will take reasonable steps to ensure that homeless students are not stigmatized or segregated in a separate school or in a separate program within a school on the basis of their homeless status.
Homeless students will be provided district services for which they are eligible, including Head Start and comparable pre-school programs, Title I, similar state programs, special education, bilingual education, vocational and technical education programs, gifted and talented programs and school nutrition programs.
Homeless students are defined as lacking a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence, including those students who are:
A. Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing or economic hardship; B. Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate
accommodations; C. Living in emergency or transitional shelters; D. Abandoned in hospitals; E. Living in public or private places not designed for or ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodation; F. Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, transportation stations or
similar settings; or G. Migratory children living in conditions described in the previous examples.
The superintendent will designate an appropriate staff person to be the district’s McKinney-Vento liaison for homeless students and their families. The liaison may simultaneously serve as a coordinator for other federal programs, provided they are able to carry out the duties listed in the procedure that accompanies this policy.
If the district has identified more than ten unaccompanied youth, meaning youth not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian and including youth living on their own in any of the homeless situations described in the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act, the principal of each middle and high school building will establish a point of contact for such youth. The point of contact is responsible for identifying homeless and unaccompanied youth and connecting them with the district’s homeless student liaison. The district’s homeless student liaison is responsible for training the building points of contact.
Best Interest Determination
In making a determination as to which school is in the student’s best interest to attend, the district will presume that it is in the student’s best interest to remain enrolled in their school of origin, unless such enrollment is against the wishes of a parent or guardian or unaccompanied youth.
Attendance options will be made available to homeless families on the same terms as families resident in the district, including attendance rights acquired by living in attendance areas, other student assignment policies, and intra and inter-district choice options.
If there is an enrollment dispute, the student will be immediately enrolled in the school in which enrollment is sought, pending resolution of the dispute. The parent or guardian will be informed of the district’s decision and the reasons therefor, (or informed if the student does not qualify for McKinney-Vento, if applicable) and their appeal rights in writing and in a language that they can understand. The district’s liaison will carry out dispute resolution as provided by state policy. Unaccompanied youth will also be enrolled pending resolution of the dispute.
Once the enrollment decision is made, the school will immediately enroll the student, pursuant to district policies. However, enrollment may not be denied or delayed due to the lack of any document normally required for enrollment, including academic records, medical records, proof of residency, mailing address or other documentation, or denied or delayed due to missed application deadlines or fees, fines or absences at a previous school.
If the student does not have immediate access to immunization records, the student will be admitted under a personal exception. Students and families should be encouraged to obtain current immunization records or immunizations as soon as possible, and the district liaison is directed to assist. Records from the student’s previous school will be requested from the previous school pursuant to district policies. Emergency contact information is required at the time of enrollment consistent with district policies, and in compliance with the state’s Address Confidentiality Program when necessary. However, the district cannot demand emergency contact information in a form or manner that creates a barrier to enrollment and/or attendance at school.
Homeless students are entitled to transportation to their school of origin or the school where they are to be enrolled. If the school of origin is in a different district, or a homeless student is living in another district but will attend his or her school of origin in this district, the districts will coordinate the transportation services necessary for the student, or will divide the costs equally.
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The district’s liaison for homeless students and their families will coordinate with local social service agencies that provide services to homeless children and youths and their families; other school districts on issues of transportation and records transfers; and state and local housing agencies responsible for comprehensive housing affordability strategies. This coordination includes providing public notice of the educational rights of homeless students where such children and youth receive services under the McKinney-Vento Act, such as schools, family shelters and soup kitchens. The notice must be disseminated in a manner and form that parents, guardians and unaccompanied youth receiving such services can understand, including, if necessary and to the extent feasible, in their native language. The district’s liaison will also review and recommend amendments to district policies that may act as barriers to the enrollment of homeless students and will participate in professional development and other technical assistance activities, as determined by the state-level (OSPI) coordinator for homeless children and youth programs. The superintendent will:
Strongly encourage district staff, including substitute and regular bus drivers to annually review the video posted on the OSPI website on identification of student homelessness;
Strongly encourage every district-designated homeless student liaison to attend trainings provided by the state on identification and serving homeless youth. Ensure that the district includes in materials provided to all students at the beginning of the school year or at enrollment, information about services and support for homeless students (i.e., the brochure posted on the OSPI website).
Use a variety of communications each year to notify students and families about services and support available to them if they experience homelessness (e.g., distributing and collecting a universal annual housing intake survey, providing parent brochures directly to students and families, announcing the information at school-wide assemblies, posting information on the district’s website).
Sexual Harassment of Students Prohibited – Policy 3205
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 For purposes of this policy, 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 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. Investigation and Response If the district knows, or reasonably should know, that sexual harassment has created a hostile environment, it will promptly investigate to determine what occurred and take appropriate steps to resolve the situation. If an investigation reveals that sexual harassment has created a hostile environment, the district will take prompt and effective steps reasonably calculated to end the sexual harassment, eliminate the hostile environment, prevent its recurrence and as appropriate, remedy its effects. The district will take prompt, equitable and remedial action within its authority on reports, complaints and grievances alleging sexual harassment that come to the attention of the district, either formally or informally. The district will take these steps every time a complaint, alleging sexual harassment comes to the attention of the district, either formally or formally. Allegations of criminal misconduct will be reported to law enforcement and suspected child abuse will be reported to law enforcement or Child Protective Services. Regardless of whether the misconduct is reported to law enforcement, school staff will promptly investigate to determine what occurred and take appropriate steps to resolve the situation,
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to the extent that such investigation does not interfere with an ongoing criminal investigation. A criminal investigation does not relieve the district of its independent obligation to investigate and resolve sexual harassment. Engaging in sexual harassment will result in appropriate discipline or other appropriate sanctions against offending students, staff or other third parties involved in school district activities. Anyone else who engages in sexual harassment on school property or at school activities will have their access to school property and activities restricted, as appropriate. Retaliation and False Allegations Retaliation against any person who makes or is a witness in a sexual harassment complaint is prohibited and will result in appropriate discipline. The district will take appropriate actions to protect involved persons from retaliation. It is a violation of this policy to knowingly report false allegations of sexual harassment. Persons found to knowingly report or corroborate false allegations will be subject to appropriate discipline. Staff Responsibilities The superintendent will develop and implement formal and informal procedures for receiving, investigating and resolving complaints or reports of sexual harassment. The procedures will include reasonable and prompt time lines and delineate staff responsibilities under this policy. Any school employee who witnesses sexual harassment or receives a report, informal complaint, or written complaint about sexual harassment is responsible for informing the district Title IX or Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator. All staff are also responsible for directing complainants to the formal complaint process. Reports of discrimination and discriminatory harassment will be referred to the district’s Ti tle IX/Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator. Reports of disability discrimination or harassment will be referred to the district’s Section 504 Coordinator. Notice and Training The superintendent will develop procedures to provide age-appropriate information and education to district staff, students, parents and volunteers regarding this policy and the recognition and prevention of sexual harassment. At a minimum sexual harassment recognition and prevention and the elements of this policy will be included in staff, student and regular volunteer orientation. This policy and the procedure, which includes the complaint process, will be posted in each district building in a place available to staff, students, parents, volunteers and visitors. Information about the policy and procedure will be clearly stated and conspicuously posted throughout each school building, provided to each employee and reproduced in each student, staff, volunteer and parent handbook. Such notices will identify the District’s Title IX coordinator and provide contact information, including the coordinator’s email address. Policy Review The superintendent will make an annual report to the board reviewing the use and efficacy of this policy and related procedures. Recommendations for changes to this policy, if applicable, will be included in the report. The superintendent is encouraged to involve staff, students, volunteers and parents in the review process.
Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying – Policy 3207
The board is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees, parents/legal guardians, volunteers and community members that is free from harassment, intimidation or bullying. “Harassment, intimidation or bullying” means any intentionally written message or image - including those that are electronically transmitted - 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, mental or physical disability or other distinguishing characteristics, when an act:
A. Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property; B. Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education; C. Is so severe, persistent or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment;
or D. 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. “Other distinguishing characteristics” can include but are not limited to physical appearance, clothing or other apparel, socioeconomic status and weight. “Intentional acts” refers to the individual’s choice to engage in the act rather than the ultimate impact of the action(s).
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Behaviors/Expressions
Harassment, intimidation or bullying can take many forms including, but not limited to, slurs, rumors, jokes, innuendoes, demeaning comments, drawings, cartoons, pranks, gestures, physical attacks, threats or other written, oral, physical 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 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. Training
This policy is a component of the district’s responsibility to create and maintain a safe, civil, respectful and inclusive learning community and will be implemented in conjunction with comprehensive training of staff and volunteers. Prevention
The district will provide students with strategies aimed at preventing harassment, intimidation and bullying. In its efforts to train students, the district will seek partnerships with families, law enforcement and other community agencies. Interventions
Interventions are designed to remediate the impact on the targeted student(s) and others impacted by the violation, to change the behavior of the perpetrator, and to restore a positive school climate. The district will consider the frequency of incidents, developmental age of the student, and severity of the conduct in determining intervention strategies. Interventions will range from counseling, correcting behavior and discipline, to law enforcement referrals. Students with Individual Education Plans or Section 504 Plans
If allegations are proven that a student with an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Section 504 Plan has been the target of harassment, intimidation or bullying, the school will convene the student’s IEP or Section 504 team to determine whether the incident had an impact on the student’s ability to receive a free, appropriate public education (FAPE). The meeting should occur regardless of whether the harassment, intimidation or bullying incident was based on the student’s disability. During the meeting, the team will evaluate issues such as the student’s academic performance, behavioral issues, attendance, and participation in extracurricular activities. If a determination is made that the student is not receiving a FAPE as a result of the harassment, intimidation or bullying incident the district will provide additional services and supports as deemed necessary, such as counseling, monitoring and/or reevaluation or revision of the student’s IEP or Section 504 plan, to ensure the student receives a FAPE. Retaliation/False Allegations
Retaliation is prohibited and will result in appropriate discipline. It is a violation of this policy to threaten or harm someone for reporting harassment, intimidation, or bullying. It is also a violation of district policy to knowingly report false allegations of harassment, intimidation, and bullying. Students or employees will not be disciplined for making a report in good faith. However, persons found to knowingly report or corroborate false allegations will be subject to appropriate discipline. Compliance Officer
The superintendent will appoint a compliance officer as the primary district contact to receive copies of all formal and informal complaints and ensure policy implementation. The name and contact information for the compliance officer will be communicated throughout the district. The superintendent is authorized to direct the implementation of procedures addressing the elements of this policy.
Nondiscrimination – Policy 3210
The district will provide equal educational opportunity and treatment for all students in all aspects of the academic and activities program without discrimination based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. The district will provide equal access to school facilities to the Boy Scouts of America and all other
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designated youth groups listed in Title 36 of the United States Code as a patriotic society. District programs will be free from sexual harassment. Auxiliary aids and services will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities.
Conduct against any student that is based on one of the categories listed above that is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive as to limit or deny the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the district’s course offerings; educational programming or any activity will not be tolerated. When a district employee knows, or reasonably should know, that such discriminatory harassment is occurring or has occurred, the district will take prompt and effective steps reasonably calculated to end the harassment, prevent its recurrence and remedy its effects.
The district’s nondiscrimination statement will be included in written announcements, notices, recruitment materials, employment applications, and other publications made available to students, parents, or employees. The statement will include: 1) notice that the district will not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of any of the above-listed categories; 2) the name and contact information of the district’s compliance officer designated to ensure compliance with this policy; and 3) the names and contact information of the district’s Section 504 and Title IX compliance officers.
The district will annually publish notice reasonably calculated to inform students, students’ parents/guardians (in a language that they can understand, which may require language assistance) and employees of the district’s discrimination complaint procedure.
The Board authorizes the superintendent to designate a staff member other than themselves to serve as the compliance officer for this policy; subject to Board approval. The compliance officer will be responsible for investigating any discrimination complaints communicated to the district.
The district will provide training to administrators and certificated and classroom personnel regarding their responsibilities under this policy and to raise awareness of and eliminate bias and discrimination based on the protected classes identified in this policy.
Student Conduct Expectations and Reasonable Sanctions – Policy 3240
The board acknowledges that conduct and behavior is closely associated with learning. An effective instructional program requires a wholesome and orderly school environment. The board requires that each student adhere to the rules of conduct and submit to corrective action taken as a result of conduct violations. The rules of conduct are applicable during the school day as well as during any school activity conducted on or off campus. Special rules are also applicable while riding on a school bus. Students are expected to:
A. Respect the rights, person and property of others; B. Pursue the required course of study; C. Preserve the degree of order necessary for a positive climate for learning; and D. Comply with district rules and regulations; E. Submit to the authority of staff and reasonable discipline imposed by school employees and respond
accordingly. The board also recognizes that schools must take reasonable steps so that students who fail to adhere to the District’s rules and regulations and who receive discipline for such misconduct remain engaged or are effectively reengaged in their educational program. The superintendent will develop written rules of conduct that will carry out the intent of the board and establish procedures necessary to implement this policy.
Student Conduct Expectations – Procedure 3240
The following procedure sets forth rights and conduct expectations for students. At all times, this procedure will be read consistent with federal statutes and regulations, state statutes, common law, and rules promulgated by the Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. For procedures governing imposition and contesting of corrective actions (e.g., suspensions and expulsions), see Policy 3241 and Procedure 3241P. I. Respect for the Law and the Rights of Others The student is responsible as a citizen to observe the laws of the United States, the state of Washington, and local ordinances and laws. The student will respect the rights of others while in school, on school property, at all school activities, on District provided transportation or otherwise under school authority. II. Student Rights
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In addition to individual rights established by law and District policies students served by or on behalf of the District will have the right to:
High educational standards in a safe and sanitary building; Education consistent with stated District goals; Equal educational opportunity and in all aspects of the educational process freedom from discrimination based
on economic status, pregnancy, marital status, sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorable 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 a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability;
Access to their own education records at reasonable school times upon request; Fair and just treatment from school authorities and freedom from mistreatment and physical abuse; Freedom from unlawful interference in their pursuit of an education while in the custody of the District; Security against unreasonable searches and seizures; The substantive constitutional rights listed in WAC 392-400-215, subject to reasonable limitations upon the
time, place, and manner of exercising such rights consistent with the maintenance of an orderly and efficient educational process within limitations set by law, including the right to freedom of speech and press; to peaceably assemble; petition the government and its representatives for a redress of grievances; the free exercise of religion and to have their schools free from sectarian control or influence;
Participate in the development of rules and regulations to which they are subject and to be instructed on rules and regulations that affect them;
Establish appropriate channels to voice their opinions in the development of curriculum; Representation on advisory committees affecting students and student rights; Present petitions, complaints, or grievances to school authorities and the right to prompt replies; Consult with teachers, counselors, administrators and other school personnel at reasonable times; Be involved in school activities, provided they meet the reasonable qualifications of the sponsoring organization; Free election of their peers in student government and the right to hold office; Know the requirements of the course of study, be informed about and know upon what basis grades will be
determined; Citizenship privileges as determined by the United States and Washington State Constitution and its
amendments; and Annual information pertaining to the District’s rules and regulations regarding students, discipline and rights.
III. Compliance with Rules All students will obey the written rules and regulations established for the orderly operations of the District and the reasonable requests, instructions and directives of District personnel. For purposes of Policy 3240 and this procedure, the term “District personnel” includes all adults, including contractors and volunteers, authorized to supervise student activities. Failure to do so will be cause for corrective action. All students will submit to reasonable corrective action by the District and its representatives for violations of policies, regulations and rules. Students who involve themselves in acts that have a detrimental effect on the maintenance and operation of the school or the District; criminal acts; and/or violations of school rules and regulations, may be subject to disciplinary action by the school and prosecution under the law. The rules will be enforced by school officials:
On school grounds during and immediately before or immediately after school hours; On school grounds at any other time when school is being used by a school group(s) or for a school activity; Off school grounds at a school activity, function, or event; Off the school grounds if the actions of the student materially or substantially affect or interfere with the
educational process; or In school-provided transportation, or any other place while under the authority of school personnel.
IV. Guidelines for Corrective Action
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. Administrators may designate prescribed penalties for certain types of misconduct. Disciplinarians will review the nature and circumstances of each case separately and may make exceptions in cases involving exceptional circumstances. The frequency of student’s misconduct may determine the form of corrective action imposed, including suspension and/or expulsion. Except in cases of exceptional misconduct, District administrators shall impose alternative forms of corrective action for incidents of misbehavior prior to imposing a suspension or expulsion for that same type of behavior.
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Where an incident of misconduct also appears to be a violation of the law, administrators may contact law enforcement. V. Prohibited Misconduct
A student will not intentionally engage in conduct causing disruption to school operations. The following illustrate the kinds of offenses that are prohibited:
Intentionally obstructing normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic on a school campus; Intentionally obstructing the entrance or exit of any school building or room in order to deprive others of passing
through; Causing a disturbance or disruption on school grounds, at school activities, or on District-provided
transportation, including substantially interfering with any class or activity; Cheating or disclosure of exams; Defiance of school personnel; Disobedience of reasonable requests, instruction and directives of school personnel; Refusal to leave an area when instructed to do so by school personnel; Refusing a reasonable request to identify oneself to District personnel (including law enforcement officers) while
under the supervision of the school; Refusal to cease prohibited behavior; Disruptive and/or dangerous use of motor vehicles or conduct on a school bus that endangers students; Extortion; Theft; Forgery; Fighting; Gambling or encouraging other students to gamble; Gang-related behavior, association, and/or affiliation; Harassment, intimidation, and bullying of others; Inappropriate dress or appearance; Lewd, obscene, or profane language, gestures, or materials; Tardiness/unexcused absences; Trespassing on school property or school transportation at a time or place the student’s presence is not
permitted; Occupying a school building or school grounds in order to deprive others of its use; Preventing students from attending class or school activities; Use or possession of tobacco or nicotine products; Using any object in a dangerous manner; Intentionally defacing or destroying the property of another.
VI. Exceptional Misconduct The District has determined, following consultation with an ad hoc citizen’s committee, that the following misconduct is either (1) of such frequent occurrence, notwithstanding past attempts of District staff to control such misconduct through the use of other forms of corrective action, or (2) so serious in nature or in terms of the disruptive effect upon the operation of the District to warrant immediate resort to short-term or long-term suspension for a first-time offense. Such misconduct may also result in an expulsion or emergency expulsion. See Procedure 3241P. Exceptional misconduct includes the following:
Arson; Assault; Commission of any crime on school grounds or the commission of a crime or other dangerous conduct
anywhere that indicates the student’s presence on school grounds poses a danger to other students or staff; Cumulative violations (including chronic disruption of the educational process); Causing intentional, substantial damage or destruction to school property or the property of another on school
grounds or at school activities; Dangerous use of motor vehicles on school grounds or at school activities, or endangering students on a school
bus; Disruption of the school program by bomb scares, false fire alarms, firecrackers, etc.; Disruptive Conduct: Conduct that materially and substantially interferes with the educational process; Extortion; Failure to Cooperate: Repeated failure to comply with or follow reasonable, lawful directions or requests of
teachers or staff. This includes but is not limited to non-compliance, defiance and disrespect; Falsifying documents; Fighting: Fighting and instigating, promoting (including promotion by presence as a spectator), or escalating a
fight, as well as failure to disperse at the scene of a fight; Harassment/intimidation/bullying of others;
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Knowingly possessing stolen property; Possession use, sale, or delivery of illegal or controlled chemical substances, including marijuana or
substances containing marijuana and alcoholic beverages, as well as possession of items reasonably determined to be drug paraphernalia as used or possessed;
Possession or use of tobacco or nicotine products; Presence on school property or at a school activity following the consumption or use elsewhere of an alcoholic
beverage or a controlled substance, including marijuana; Sexual misconduct on school grounds, at school activities, or on school provided transportation; Theft on school grounds, at school activities, on school provided transportation, or of school property at any
time; Threats of violence to other students or staff; Use or possession of dangerous weapons, including firearms, airguns, knives, nun-chu-ka sticks, throwing
stars, stun guns, explosives and other weapons prohibited by state law and Policy 4210; Displaying any gang sign, symbol, writing or clothing items.
VII. Discretionary Discipline
In addition to other restrictions on imposing long-term suspensions and expulsions, long-term suspensions and expulsions may not be imposed as a form of discretionary discipline. Discretionary discipline refers to any form of corrective action taken by the District in response to student behavior that violates the rules, policies, or procedures, other than the behavior listed below (See Procedure 3241P):
A. Having a firearm on school property or school transportation in violation of RCW 28A.600.420;
B. Any of the following offenses listed in RCW 13.04.155, including:
1. any violent offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030, including:
a. any felony that Washington law defines as a class A felony or an attempt, criminal conspiracy, or solicitation to commit a class A felony;
b. manslaughter;
c. indecent liberties committed by forcible compulsion;
d. kidnapping;
e. arson;
f. assault in the second degree;
g. assault of a child in the second degree;
h. robbery;
i. drive-by shooting; and
j. vehicular homicide or vehicular assault caused by driving a vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, or by operating a vehicle in a reckless manner;
2. any sex offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030, which includes any felony violation of chapter 9A.44 RCW (other than failure to registered as a sex offender in violation of 9A.44.132), including rape, rape of a child, child molestation, sexual misconduct with a minor, indecent liberties, voyeurism, and any felony conviction or adjudication with a sexual motivation finding;
3. inhaling toxic fumes in violation of chapter 9.47A RCW;
4. any controlled substance violation of chapter 69.50 RCW;
5. any liquor violation of RCW 66.44.270;
6. any weapons violation of chapter 9.41 RCW, including having a dangerous weapon at school in violation of RCW 9.41.280;
7. any violation of chapter 9A.36 RCW, including assault, malicious harassment, drive-by shooting, reckless endangerment, promoting a suicide attempt, coercion, assault of a child, custodial assault, and failing to summon assistance for an injured victim of a crime in need of assistance;
8. any violation of chapter 9A.40 RCW, including kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, custodial interference, luring, and human trafficking;
9. any violation of chapter 9A.46 RCW, including harassment, stalking, and criminal gang intimidation; and
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10. any violation of chapter 9A.48 RCW, including arson, reckless burning, malicious mischief, and criminal street gang tagging and graffiti;
C. Two or more violations of the following within a three-year period:
1. criminal gang intimidation in violation of RCW 9A.46.120:
2. gang activity on school grounds in violation of RCW 28A.600.455;
3. willfully disobeying school administrative personnel in violation of RCW 28A.635.020; and
4. defacing or injuring school property in violation of RCW 28A.635.060; and
D. Any student behavior that adversely affects the health or safety of other students or educational staff.
Except as provided in RCW 28A.600.420, the District is not required to impose a long-term suspension or expulsion for behavior that constitutes a violation or offense listed in this section and should first consider alternative actions.
VIII. Definitions of Misconduct and Offense-Specific Provisions Arson: 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. Assault: 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. Defacing or Destruction of School Property (Vandalism): The unauthorized, intentional damage to District property or the property of others (other than arson, above). Restitution may be required.
Note: Under RCW 28A.635.060(1), the 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/guardian are unable to pay for the damages, the 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 District policy that the student either refuses to correct at the directive of a school administrator, or that is a persistent and repeated violation of District policy. Defiance of school authority can also include intentional disruptive behavior. Drug, Alcohol and Prohibited Controlled Substance Possession, Consumption, Use, or Storage: 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. “Drugs” includes any controlled substance, medication, stimulant, depressant, mood altering compound, marijuana or substances containing marijuana, and 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 prohibition includes:
Entering 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
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.
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. Fighting: Fighting and instigating, promoting (including promotion by presence as a spectator) or escalating a fight, as well as failure to disperse at the scene of a fight. Engaging in any form of fighting where blows are exchanged is
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prohibited, regardless of who initiated the fight. This prohibition includes hitting, slapping, pulling hair, biting, kicking, and scratching or any other acts in which a student intentionally inflicts or attempts to inflict injury on another. Any actual or attempted hitting or wrongful contact may be punished as assault, defined above. Gang Conduct:
The creation, display, or communication of gestures, language, imagery, or symbols as defined below commonly associated with gang culture. Gang imagery and symbols include, but are not limited to:
o 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.
o Displays of gang affiliation on personal belongings, including clothing, school assignments, notebooks, body, etc.
The promotion of gang culture and/or gang violence, or The solicitation or recruitment of gang members.
Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying: Intentional hurtful, threatening, or intimidating verbal and/or physical conduct in violation of District policy, which defines “harassment, intimidation or bulling” as any intentionally written message or image (including those that are transmitted electronically), 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, mental or physical disability or other distinguishing characteristics, when an act:
Physically harms a student or damages a student’s property; Has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s education; Is so severe, persistent or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment;
or Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school?
Lewd, Obscene, or Profane Language, Gestures, or Materials: 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. 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:
Note: Under RCW 28A.635.060(1), the 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 unti l directed otherwise by the Superintendent.
When the pupil and parent/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.
Tobacco/Nicotine Products – Use or Possession: Smoking, use of tobacco products, or products containing nicotine or possession of such products on the school premises a school-sponsored function. Weapons: District Policy 4210 prohibits possession or use of weapons, including firearms and dangerous weapons. 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 4210 should be addressed under other sections as appropriate. Any 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.
Classroom Management, Discipline and Corrective Action – Policy 3241
Rules of student conduct are essential to maintain a school environment conducive to learning. A student’s refusal to comply with written rules and regulations established for the governing of the school will constitute sufficient cause for discipline or corrective action.
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Staff are responsible for supervising student behavior, employing effective classroom management methods and enforcing the rules of student conduct in a fair, consistent and non-discriminatory manner. Corrective action must be reasonable and necessary under the circumstances and reflect the district’s priority to maintain a safe and positive learning environment for all students and staff. The district will distribute its discipline policy and procedure to students, their parents/ guardians, and the community on an annual basis. Students and/or their parents/guardians will be provided all required substantive and procedural due process in regard to grievances, hearings and/or appeals of corrective action. The district will strive to provide trainings regarding policies and procedures related to student discipline for appropriate school and district staff whose duties require them to interact with students and enforce or implement components of student discipline. The district will assist long-term suspended and expelled students in returning to school as soon as possible by providing them with a 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. The district will annually collect and review data on disciplinary actions taken against students within each school. The data will be disaggregated into subgroups as required by RCW 28A.300.042 and will, include students protected by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The review must include short-term suspensions, long-term suspensions and expulsions. In reviewing the data, the district will determine whether it has disciplined a substantially disproportionate number of students within any of the disaggregated categories. If disproportionality is found, the district will take action to ensure that it is not the result of discrimination. In consultation with school district staff, students, families and the community, the district will periodically review and update this policy and its accompanying procedure.
Effective Communication – Policy 4217
In compliance with federal and state law, all District-sponsored programs, activities, meetings, and services will be accessible to individuals with disabilities, including persons with hearing, vision, and/or speech disabilities. When communicating in this context with students, families, applicants, participants, members of the public, and their companions with disabilities, the District will take appropriate steps to ensure that any communications are as effective as communications with persons who have no disabilities. Such steps will include furnishing in a timely manner appropriate auxiliary aids and services when necessary to afford an individual with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in, and enjoy the benefits of, programs, activities, meetings, or services conducted or sponsored by the District. The information contained within the District’s website is a service that will be accessible to all individuals with disabilities. When an IDEA-eligible or a Section 504-eligible student’s disability impacts his/her hearing, vision or speech, the school will apply both a FAPE (free and appropriate public education) analysis and the effective communication requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Title II) in determining how to meet the student’s communication needs and how to formulate the student’s individual education program (IEP). For families, applicants, participants, members of the public, and their companions, the District’s website will provide information on how to request auxiliary aids and services, ask related questions, or raise concerns. When necessary and upon request, such information will also be provided in an accessible format for the requestor at no cost. A form for requesting auxiliary aids and services will be available on the District website, at the District office and attached as an appendix to the implementing procedure for this policy. When determining an appropriate auxiliary aid or service, the District or school will give primary consideration to the auxiliary aid or service specifically requested by the person with a disability. For purposes of this policy, “auxiliary aids and services” include a wide range of services, devices, technologies, and methods for providing effective communication, and may include: 1. Effective methods of making aurally-delivered information available to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, such as:
qualified interpreters (on-site or through video remote interpreting services) note-takers real-time computer-aided transcription services (“CART”) written materials the exchange of written notes telephone handset amplifiers assistive listening devices assistive listening systems telephones compatible with hearing aids closed caption decoders open and closed captioning, including real-time captioning
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voice, text, and video-based telecommunications products and systems, including text telephones (TTYs), videophones, and captioned telephones, or equally effective telecommunications devices
videotext displays accessible electronic and information technology
2. Effective methods of making visually-delivered information available to individuals with visual impairments, such as:
qualified readers taped texts audio recordings Brailled materials and displays screen reader software magnification software optical readers secondary auditory programs (SAP) large print materials accessible electronic and information technology
3. Effective methods of enabling a person with a speech disability to communicate with the school or District personnel, such as:
a word or letter board writing materials spelling to communicate a qualified sign-language interpreter taped texts a computer a portable device that writes and/or produces speech telecommunication devices
4. Acquisition or modification of equipment or devices; and 5. Other similar services and actions. Auxiliary aids and services will be provided for any school-initiated program, activity, meeting, or service which may include:
Parent/teacher conferences ESE/IEP/504 meetings Conferences or hearings involving student corrective action Planning meetings Interviews for District employment Staff Meetings Interactive meetings regarding accommodations Graduation ceremonies Field Trips School Performances or Sporting Events Board Meetings Website information, including on-line information regarding curriculum, policies, and Board materials
and agendas. Reports of student grades and academic progress Parental alerts regarding school closures or events
The Superintendent is granted the authority to develop procedures in order to implement this policy.
Language Access Plan – Policy 4218
The Board of Directors is committed to improving meaningful, two-way communication and promoting access to District programs, services and activities for students and parents with limited English proficiency (LEP) free of charge. To that end, the Board of Directors requires the District to implement and maintain a language access plan tailored to the District’s current LEP parent population. At a minimum, the District’s language access plan will incorporate the procedures that accompany this policy and address: Parent Identification The District will accurately and in a timely manner identify LEP parents and provide them information in a language they can understand regarding the language service resources available within the District. Oral Interpretation
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The District will take reasonable steps to provide LEP parents competent oral interpretation of materials or information about any program, service, and activity provided to non-LEP parents and to facilitate any interaction with district staff significant to the student’s education. The District will provide such services upon request of the LEP parent(s) and/or when it may be reasonably anticipated by District staff that such services will be necessary. Written Translation The District will provide a written translation of vital documents for each limited English proficient group that constitutes at least 5 percent of the District’s total parent population or 1000 persons, whichever is less. For purposes of this policy, “vital documents” include, but are not limited to, those related to:
registration, application, and selection; academic standards and student performance; safety, discipline, and conduct expectations; special education and related services, Section 504 information, and McKinney-Vento services; policies and procedures related to school attendance; requests for parent permission in activities or programs; opportunities for students or families to access school activities, programs, and services; student/parent handbook; the District’s Language Access Plan and related services or resources available; school closure information; and any other documents notifying parents of their rights under applicable state laws and/or containing
information or forms related to consent or filing complaints under federal law, state law, or District policy.
If the District is unable to translate a vital document due to resource limitations or if a small number of families require the information in a language other than English such that document translation is unreasonable, the District will still provide the information to parents in a language they can understand through competent oral interpretation. Staff Guidance All school administrators, particularly those who have the most interaction with the public such as registrars and enrollment staff, certificated staff and other appropriate staff as determined by the superintendent, will receive guidance on meaningful communication with LEP parents, best practices for working with an interpreter, how to access an interpreter or translation services in a timely manner, language services available within the District and other information deemed necessary by the superintendent to effectuate the language access plan. Appropriate district staff, as determined by the superintendent, will also receive guidance on the interaction between this policy and the District’s policy on effective communication with students, families, and community members with disabilities. The superintendent is authorized to establish procedures and practices for implementing this policy.
Family Involvement – Policy 4129
It is the policy of the Ellensburg School District Board of Directors to encourage and support family involvement in education at home, in our schools and communities, and in school governance. The board recognizes the diversity of family structures, circumstances, and cultural backgrounds and respects families as important decision makers for their children’s education. The Board is committed to the creation and implementation of culturally inclusive and effective school-family partnerships throughout the school district and in each school, and believes these partnerships to be critical to the success of every student. The district’s family involvement efforts will be comprehensive and coordinated. The board recognizes that family involvement in education has a positive effect on student achievement and is an important strategy in reducing achievement gaps. The intent of this policy is to create and maintain a district-wide climate conducive to the involvement of families and to develop and sustain partnerships that support student learning and positive child and youth development in all schools. The board is committed to professional development opportunities for staff and leadership to enhance understanding of effective family involvement strategies. The board also recognizes the importance of administrative leadership in setting expectations and creating a climate conducive to school-family partnerships. In support of the implementation of this policy, a copy will be distributed to all schools, school staff, families, teachers and community members. Further, the district will provide support and guidance, to parents and teachers as they plan and implement effective family involvement efforts. The Ellensburg School District Board of Directors support the development, implementation and regular evaluation of family involvement efforts that includes parents and family members at all grade levels in a variety of roles. The district will use the results of the evaluation to enhance school-family partnerships within the district. The superintendent will develop procedures to implement this policy.
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