Southgate Elementary School
“A School of Hope
“A School of Promise”
Southgate Parents and Students,
I would like to welcome you to the 2010-2011 school year. As we enter this
new year I would like for you to think of ways you can be involved in your
child’s educational experience. I encourage you to take advantage of the
opportunities which work for you. The staff at Southgate will work with you
to find ways you can participate in the school community. A partnership with
the community, families, and staff provide your child with the support he/she
needs to be successful.
We continue to work on improving our school and hope you will join us. We
have much good work to do. There is a place for everyone to be a part of this
work. Last school year we worked on the strategies developed by the community
planning team. We will continue to evaluate how well the strategies are
working and what our next steps will be. The home school partnership is
found in a number of our strategies to improve student achievement.
The student handbook contains information you may find valuable. It includes
some of our expectations and procedures.
It is very important to me that your child feels safe at school and enjoys
learning. From our ECEAP students to our fifth grade students we need to
prepare them for their future. It is a future that the students should own.
It is our responsibility to make sure they are ready to continue their
education journey to middle school as they leave 5th grade. For us to be
successful, we need you to partner with us.
We are fortunate to have a Family/Parent advocate, Alicia Hunsaker, at
Southgate. She is available to parents to serve as a liaison between the
family and the school. She also provides information which assists parents in
supporting their child’s educational experience. Ms. Hunsaker interprets and
translates information into Spanish. Ms. Hunsaker’s room is located in the
new building on the left hand side as you enter the door. You may also reach
her by phone at 583-5369.
If you have any questions or would like to meet with me at any time, please
call 583-5360.
Thank you,
Charlotte Clouse,
Principal
ATTENDANCE
Students are expected to attend school every day. Your child attending
school every day is a way you can make sure he/she has a successful year.
Students who have a number of absences often do not learn the material they
need to understand. Please make every effort to see that your child is at
school every day. Students absent with more than 5 unexcused absences are
subject to BECCA court filings (RCW 28A.020.030). A medical reason, such as
the student’s illness, is the only reason for an excused absence. All other
absences will be unexcused unless the principal approves the absence.
• Attendance is taken daily by the classroom teacher and reported to
the office by 8:10 a.m.
• Students arriving after 8:00 will be tardy and must check-in to the
office before reporting to their classroom.
• For each day your child is absent, please call the attendance line,
583-5361.
• Leave your child’s name and the reason for the absence. If you do not
call the attendance office, you will be called later in the day.
• When your child is well enough to return to school he/she must bring
a note reporting the reason for the absence. Additionally, we require that
the note be received within 3 days of the absence or it will remain
unexcused.
• The principal must receive a written request from the parent at
least two weeks in advance for a student’s planned absence.
Medications at School
• The administration of medications at school is not allowed except
when required by a physician. The parent and physician are urged to design a
schedule for giving medications outside the school hours. If this is not
possible, parents must get the form from the school office and file
a “Physician’s Orders for Medication at School” form with the school. This
form requires the signature of the prescribing physician. This authorization
is good for the current school year only. The health clerk may not give
orally or apply any over the counter medication.
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL
The student day begins for all grades at 8:00 A.M. Students are expected to
arrive at school no earlier than 7:30 A.M. when breakfast is served. Students
are expected to be in their classrooms by 8:00 A.M. School is out at 2:30
P.M. and buses depart the school by 2:35 P.M.
ARRIVING/LEAVING DURING THE SCHOOL DAY
If an early dismissal or late arrival is planned provide the office with a
written notice or call the attendance line. A child who leaves early or
arrives late is to report to the office. Parents/guardians who bring a child
late to school must come to the office to sign the child in. When a child is
picked up before dismissal time the parent/guardian must come to the office
and sign the child out. Please do not go directly to the classroom.
ENROLLING NEW STUDENTS
A parent or guardian must fill out all registration forms which are located
in the school office. New students must have an up-to-date immunization
record, at the time of registration. When registration materials are
completed in full students will be assigned to a classroom.
Students starting school, for the first time, in grade one, must be at least
six (6) years of age by August 31st of the starting year.
Kindergarten
Students entering kindergarten must be five (5) years of age on, or before,
August 31st, to begin school. Parents are to provide an official state
registered birth certificate, and a record of immunizations. A physical
examination is not required, but recommended.
ECEAP
Registration for ECEAP preschool program is done by the ECEAP Family Support
Workers assigned to this program.
ECEAP Dayna Brown 253-583-5365
Daniel Vela 253-583-5366
WITHDRAWALS
Student withdrawal is to be completed by the parents of any student
withdrawing during the school year. Teachers will summarize the student’s
progress and prepare the student’s file for forwarding to their next school
of enrollment. Textbooks and library materials are to be checked in, prior to
withdrawal. When a student is unable to find a book, or the book is damaged,
a cost will be determined. In order to complete a student’s portfolio, the
school should be informed of withdrawal at least a week ahead of their last
day.
SOUTHGATE MASTER SCHEDULE 2007-2008
School Hours
Start Time End Time
Staff………………………………………… 7:30 A.M. 3:00 P.M.
Students Start Time End Time
Grades Kindergarten -5 ..8:00 A.M 2:30 P.M.
ECEAP – Monday/Thursday ..8:00 A.M 2:30P.M.
ECEAP – Tuesday/Friday 8:00 A.M. 2:30 P.M.
ECEAP students do not come to school on Wednesday.
Daily Schedule
7:30 – 7:45 A.M. Breakfast Served
7:50 A.M.* Students Enter Building
8:00 A.M. * School Begins
9:30 – 9:50 Recess 3rd – 5th Grade
11:00 – 11:30 Lunch Kindergarten and 1st Grade
11:30 – 12:00 Lunch 2nd and 3rd Grade
12:10 – 12:40 Lunch 4th and 5th Grade
1:20 – 1:40 Recess Kindergarten – 3rd Grade
2:30 P.M.* Dismissal
2:35 P.M. Buses Depart
*Bell
LUNCH/BREAKFAST
Meal Prices 2009 - 2010
Lunch - $2.30
Reduced - $.40
Staff - $3.15
Milk - $.45
All students eat breakfast and lunch in the cafeteria. Families wishing to
determine their eligibility for the free and reduced price lunch program may
obtain necessary forms in the school office or the lunch room.
You may apply at anytime during the school year. Be sure to sign the form and
include all members of your household, and turn the form in to your school.
Your application is completely confidential and will be processed within 10
working days. Please call the food service office if you have questions. Only
one application per household is needed.
CANCELLATION OF SCHOOL
Emergency News
Local radio and TV stations will broadcast school closures and schedule
changes. Listen and watch for news about the Clover Park School District #400
(not Lakewood School District). You can also check the district website at
cpsd.cloverpark.k12.wa.us. The following stations will broadcast school
schedule changes/closures.
Television Stations
KOMO TV…4 KIRO TV…7 KING TV …5 KCPQ …13
AM Radio Stations
KVI…570 KIXI…880 KCIS…630 KOMO…
1000
KIRO…710 KLAY…1180 KHHO 850
KMPS…1300
FM Radio Stations
KJR…95.7 KUBE…93.3 KMPS…94.1
KMMT…103.7
KIXI…88.0 KKBY…104.9 KPLU…88.5 KCMS…
105.3
KLSY…92.5 KWRM…106.9
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
Emergency situations do occur. That is why we practice emergency procedures
here at school. Each family should establish an emergency plan as well. If an
emergency occurs during school hours the safety of the children is our
primary responsibility. Southgate and the Clover Park School District have an
Emergency Response Plan to cover almost any emergency. Communication with
parents is critical during emergency situations. You can assist the school in
safely caring for your child by following the procedures below.
We will not be answering the telephones during an evacuation or we
may not be able to answer the telephones.
If you are coming to pick your child up, be sure to check-in at the
office (or designated site). We have a procedure in place that will insure
the safety of all children and get your child to you as quickly as possible.
Make sure that all of your emergency information is correct
(telephone numbers updated).
Some emergencies may keep you from picking up your child at school
and transportation (school buses) may not be operable. The school will only
release students to those persons listed on school registration card or on
the Disaster Release Form completed and signed by the parent.
FIRE/EARTHQUAKE DRILLS
Southgate students practice fire drills twice a month. At lease one
earthquake drill is held each year.
BUSES
Riding the school bus should be a pleasant experience for all students. The
bus driver’s main concern is the safety of the passengers. The following
requests ensure the safety of all of our students. Most of the Southgate
routes are not longer than fifteen minutes.
If a student is putting the bus into danger, the bus driver and principal
will work with the parent to support the student’s safe bus behavior and
following the bus driver’s request. If the student continues to cause
disruption or causes a major safety concern the student will be prohibited
from riding the bus. If this happens, it is the parent ‘s responsibility to
find the student a way to school.
If your child is having problems with other students on the bus, please talk
with the bus driver, your chlld’s teacher or with the principal. It is
important that each child feels safe on the way to and from school.
Students are asked to:
Stay in their seat ( Seats may be assigned);
Keep their hands/feet to themselves;
Keep their voice at an indoor level;
Follow the driver’s direction.
Students may only ride their assigned bus. When a student requests to ride a
bus, other than their assigned bus, or wait at school for a parent, a written
note must be sent by the parent. Students, who do not have a note, will be
required to follow their normal routine. This note should be received in the
office by the morning of the requested change.
Bus Stops
To help get your child’s day started in a positive way, we encourage parents
to wait at the bus stops with their children. Parents are responsible for
maintaining a safe bus stop environment. We suggest K-3 grade students be
walked to the stop by a parent. Students are to use only their assigned bus
stop. Students and parents are encouraged to notify the school immediately of
any safety hazards they have observed at their bus stop. No student is
expected to cross a busy street to reach his or her bus stop. Questions about
buses can directed to the Clover Park School District Transportation
Department at 583-5495.
BICYCLES
The Washington State Patrol recommends allowing students to ride their bikes
to school no earlier than grade four. Traffic conditions and the route
should have major considerations before allowing your child to ride his/her
bike. Bikes should be locked in the bike rack during the school day. Helmets
are now required for all bike riders. Remember to practice safety rules
riding to and from school. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen
bicycles.
COMMUNICATION
Consistent, timely and effective communication on the part of every adult
directly involved in the child’s learning situation is essential. Every
effort should be made, for the good of the student, to communicate questions
and concerns directly to the person/s involved rather than someone who does
not have all the information.
Parents are encouraged to confer with the school staff in regard to their
child(ren)’s progress in school. It is considerate and appropriate that an
appointment be made with the person(s) concerned. (Please avoid Wednesdays
for such appointments as this is staff development day.)
As a courtesy, we ask that parents contact the teacher to schedule classroom
visits. A 24 hour notice is appreciated.
All parents are welcome to contact the principal and/or teachers whenever
necessary. If the principal is not readily available, leave a message and a
suggested time and number to be reached. You will be contacted as soon as
possible. Parents are asked to respect the personal privacy of the school
staff by not contacting them at their homes unless that staff member
specifically made this an option.
A difficulty with a child should first be discussed with the teacher.
Communication should occur promptly before a problem or a concern gets out of
hand. If, after discussing the issue with the teacher(s) there is no
resolution, parents are encouraged to call the Principal. The principal will
gladly arrange a conference to include the principal, teacher, parent, and
child when appropriate to discuss the concern and to seek a satisfactory
solution.
VISITING SCHOOL
We encourage you to visit Southgate Elementary School. Please arrange visits
by note or phone call. All visitors are to check in to the school office
before going to the classroom, lunchroom or playground. For safety reasons,
each visitor will be given a Visitor Badge to identify him or her to staff
and students.
VOLUNTEERS
Parents are welcomed and encouraged to volunteer at Southgate. All volunteers
are required to have a Washington State Patrol background check before
working in the school. Background checks are available in the main office.
Please remember to check into the office before going to classrooms.
School Policies and Specific Guidelines
Expectations
The staff will prepare students to be contributing citizens by providing rich
and varied opportunities for academic achievement. The following guidelines
are in place to ensure a safe and respectful learning environment.
1. Come to school prepared to learn with enough sleep, school supplies,
completed homework, and a positive attitude.
2. Be involved in learning without disrupting others.
3. Refrain from the use of obscene, racial, or sexual words or gestures.
4. Be appropriate at all times in language, action and appearance.
Swearing, cursing, the use of obscene gestures, etc., are forbidden at all
times and in all places at Southgate.
5. Show respect to all adults.
6. Follow a reasonable request by a teacher or staff member.
7. Treat property and supplies with respect.
8. Observe modesty, appropriateness, and neatness in clothing and
personal appearance. Students may not wear clothing that would cause
disruption of the school operation, or advertise alcohol, tobacco or illegal
drugs. Gang apparel, style or dress (sagging pants) or signs will not be
allowed
9. Striking another student (either by accident or intention) will
result in disciplinary action. i.e. parents called, playground restriction,
community service or suspension from school.
10. Respect the laws of the State of Washington and the policies of
Clover Park School District. Assault, harassment, intimidation, theft,
fighting and stealing are strictly forbidden. Fighting: one or both parties
may be suspended from school – parents will be called.
11. Stay within the boundaries established by the adult in charge.
12. Walk to and from school and observe safe walking procedures including
crossing at cross walks and obeying the school safety patrol.
13. Wait quietly in waiting areas until the school day begins.
14. Walk on the walkways and use quiet voices.
15. Leave toys, personal PE equipment, and battery powered devices at
home unless requested by a teacher. Money should not be brought to school
unless requested by teacher or for lunch. Trading cards are not allowed at
school.
16. Cell phones and electronic devices are not allowed at school. If
you feel your child needs a cell phone for his/her safety before arriving on
the school campus or after leaving the school campus, please contact the
school office. If a staff member sees a cell phone or electronic device, it
will be confiscated and a parent will need to pick it up.
17. Leave gum and candy at home.
18. Wear hats only at recess, outside, and with teacher permission in the
classroom.
19. Weapons of any kind will not be brought to school. Please see the
attached weapons policy.
20. Note passing among students can be cause for school discipline
DRESS CODE
Students should dress appropriately. The following guidelines include, but
are not limited to:
Pants/Shorts/Skirts/Dresses
• Must wear appropriate undergarments
• Waist band will fit at a student’s waistline, with the use of a belt
if necessary
• Shorts, shirts, dresses will be no shorter than fingertip length
• Shorts and skirts will be visible below any top worn with them.
• Tank tops, halters, and blouses with midriffs showing are not
acceptable.
Shirts
• The printing/writing/fabric must be appropriate for an elementary
school
• Shirts with sleeves will be worn under tank tops (girls and boys
midriffs will remain covered when arms are raised)
Shoes
• Students will wear shoes that allow full and safe participation in
all school activities (such as P.E., nature walks, relays in math/spelling,
etc.) No skate or wheelie shoes allowed at school. These shoes will be
confiscated and a parent/guardian will have to come to the school and pick
them up. High heels and shoes without a back strap are not appropriate for
school.
Jackets/Hats/Caps/Mittens/Gloves
• These are outside clothing; they will not be worn inside the building
• Students are expected to dress for the temperature with whatever
layers of inside clothing required for their comfort
• Bandannas and head scarves are not permitted
• Sunglasses are not permitted in the classroom. They may be worn
outside if student’s eyes are sensitive to light.
• Large dangling ear rings are not safe to wear to school.
The enforcement of this dress code may include, but not be limited to
appropriate clothing being supplied for the child to wear at school (child
will change back into own clothing before returning home), home being called
for appropriate clothing to be brought for the student to change into, home
being called for student to be picked up, student being removed from
classroom as long as inappropriate clothing is continued to be worn.
Playground Expectations
Students are expected to:
• Attend to and follow directions of playground staff. (Whistles,
bells, voice).
• Treat playground staff with respect.
• Settle differences peacefully. No fighting or play fighting. See
playground supervisor if needed. No concerns will be presented in the
classroom unless there is a note from the playground supervisor.
• Follow playground game/equipment rules (Reviewed in PE).
• Play safely on the playground and on the big toy (no tag, pushing,
shoving, or rough play)
• Use Kelso’s Choice as first step.
• Ask for concern slips when needed (not just at end of recess).
• Report safety concerns immediately to playground staff. (Fighting,
dangerous objects, strangers, etc.).
• Only leave the playground with a pass.
• Stay in designated areas.
• Use only the restrooms in building 5.
• Leave rocks, sticks, pine cones or other dangerous objects on the
ground
• Take turns on the equipment
• Remain seated on the swings - only one person to each swing -
swinging front to back only with stepping off of the swing the method for
dismount
• No food or gum
• Leave the playground immediately when the bell rings.
• Quietly line up in designated spot.
•
Breakfast/Lunchroom Expectations
Students will:
• Watch and listen to signals from the breakfast/lunchroom staff.
• Enter and leave the lunchroom in a quiet and orderly manner.
• Move quietly and quickly through the lunch line (Taking only one
entrée, one milk and some fruits and vegetables.)
• Students must be seated and eating breakfast to remain in the
cafeteria in the morning. When students finish breakfast they must raise
their hand and be excused by an adult. After the bell rings students will be
dismissed by tables.
• Eat and clean-up their area and use the trash barrels.
• Treat staff with respect.
• Keep hands, feet, and objects to themselves (Throwing food will lead
to disciplinary action)
• Not share their food
Southgate Discipline Plan
Purpose: The purpose of a disciplinary plan is to develop among students,
staff and parents/guardians a common understanding of the guiding rules in
use. Playground rules, classrooms rules and general philosophy are developed
by the staff and parents. Each one of us wants a learning environment where
teachers can teach and students can learn.
Southgate encourages parents to become an active partner in keeping the
campus safe. If you are aware of something that may endanger the safety of
our students, please let a staff member at the school know. Everyone wants
a safe and orderly school. You can help us by letting us know of anything
that creates a threat to the safety of our students. Bullying, harassment,
intimidation, or threatening someone is a serious violation of district
policy.
Southgate uses the Make Your Day citizenship program. Our goal is to create
a physically and emotionally safe learning environment for all of our
students. The purpose of the program is for students to understand that
their actions result in fair, logical, and predictable consequences that are
enforced in a manner that preserves their dignity. Free-will and choice are
important components that help the student develop self-control. Students
make decisions that result in fair, reasonable, predictable, and enforceable
consequences that interfere with the learning, or safety of others. The
consequence immediately follows a behavior that interferes with the learning
or safety of others. The program is based on respectfully preserving a
person’s dignity and responsibility. Students are empowered to make decisions
that will provide them the opportunity to learn through their successes and
mistakes while preserving their dignity.
There is one basic rule: No one has the right to interfere with the
learning, safety or well-being of others.
In addition, there are two over-riding expectations:
1) Do what is expected.
2) Do the best you can.
STEPS
When a student chooses to interfere with the learning, safety or well-being
of others he/she goes on a step. There are five possible steps. When a
student chooses a step, the teacher quietly whispers to the student to go to
the step and the reason the student chose the step. This is done in a way
that does not interrupt the learning of the other students. During this time,
students may mentally review their behavior, think of alternative choices,
and make a decision to rejoin the group. Students may progress through Steps
2 and 3 by continuing to interfere with the learning or safety of others.
Step 4: If a student chooses to continue to Step 4, he or she will be given
a Step 4 Conference Referral and will be sent to phone a parent/guardian.
With an adult present, the student is expected to explain to his or her
parent that he or she has chosen to call for a parent conference. The
student will remain out of class in a partner classroom until the student has
the opportunity to meet with the parent/guardian in order to determine if the
student is ready to return to class for the purpose of learning. If the
student and parent/guardian decide the student is ready to return to class,
the student presents his or her plan of action to the staff member. The
student then returns to Step 3, then 2, then 1, then to his or her regular
seat.
Step 5: A student chooses to advance to Step 5 when he or she interferes with
the learning, safety, or well-being of others while waiting for a Step 4
parent/guardian conference. At this point, an administrator or designee will
contact the parent/guardian.
Automatic Step 4
Immediate Step 4 placement will occur should the student participate in the
following behaviors:
1. Physical aggression due to anger (biting, kicking, pushing, pinching,
hitting, pulling hair)
2. Extreme and continuous bullying
3. Extreme profanity towards another
4. Severe insubordination/defiance
5. Vandalism
6. Sexual harassment
7. Leaving the playground without permission after warnings
Step 5 Exceptional Misconduct
This step is used only when a child is out of control and not functioning
appropriately in the school setting. At this point, the principal will
contact the parent and indicate that the child needs to be picked up at
school immediately. If that is not possible, the principal or designee will
transport the student to the parent at home or at work. The student will
remain at home the following day or until they have satisfied the sanction
requirements appropriate for their infraction as outlined in the Clover Park
School District’s discipline policy and a successful conference has occurred.
Please note that Step 5 sanctions may involve short and long term suspension
and or expulsion from Southgate Elementary School.
Make Your Day procedures are superceded should the student participate in any
of the following exceptional misconduct behaviors:
Exceptional misconduct includes, but is not limited to: fighting; assault
and/or battery; possession, sale, use or delivery (including intent to sell
or deliver) or being under the influence of controlled substances (drugs) or
alcohol; firearms or weapons; arson; vandalism; threats or harassment
(including sexual harassment); extortion; larceny; possession or use of
tobacco; multiple truancies; false alarms; forgery; commission of any
criminal act while under school jurisdiction; computer trespass; failure to
comply in an defiant or intimidating manner with school or classroom rules,
procedures, or reasonable directions, corrective action, or punishment
imposed by a school employee.
In addition to choosing step a student also self-assesses him/her self by
assigning points for a specific period of time.
Points are used as a measure of a student’s effort to “DO WHAT IS EXPECTED
AND DO IT THE BEST YOU CAN” in every school setting. In order for students
to make positive changes in their behaviors, they learn to review and
evaluate their efforts. By having students assign their own point value to
their efforts, students learn to understand if they are meeting school and
personal expectations or if there is room for improvement. Points take a few
minutes each period and provide an opportunity for students to enhance their
decision making, problem-solving, and communication skills.
KELSO’S CHOICE: CONFLICT MANAGEMENT FOR CHILDREN
Conflict or disagreement is normal and often happens when children get
together. However, hurtful words, gestures, or physical attack are
unacceptable ways to deal with conflict and disagreement at school. Our goal
is to teach students several positive ways to deal with these difficult
situations. To do this, we are asking students who have minor problems to
try at least two of the following ideas:
1. Go to another game or activity.
2. Share and take turns.
3. Respectfully talk it over and listen to each other.
4. Walk away from the problem.
5. Ignore the problem behavior.
6. Tell the person to stop the problem behavior.
7. Apologize.
8. Make a deal or compromise.
9. Wait to cool off.
This process can be done before asking for adult help. When a request for
adult help is made, it will include the two ideas tried — “Mrs. Smith, Tad is
teasing me about my glasses. I tried ignoring him, and I’ve told him it
hurts my feelings when he makes fun of me. He’s still calling me names.”
The duty supervisor at school will get involved and help solve the problem
using our playground discipline plan. Of course, the duty supervisor will
immediately handle any serious conflicts that cause a child to feel
threatened or frightened.
WEAPONS POLICY – POSSESSION OF WEAPONS 3233
Policy Series: Students
POSSESSION OF WEAPONS
Student possession of a weapon on district property or at district-sponsored
events creates a danger to students and staff, is disruptive to the operation
of schools and is prohibited.
Students who possess a weapon shall be subject to corrective action.
A weapon includes, but is not limited to: (a) a firearm which is a weapon or
device from which a projectile may be fired by an explosive; or (b) an
airgun, which includes any air pistol or air rifle, designed to propel a BB,
pellet, or other projectile by discharge of compressed air, carbon dioxide or
other gas, or any items which appear to be realistic firearms or air guns; or
(c) a slung shot, which is a piece of metal, or a stone fastened to a short
strap, chain or thong, used as a weapon; or (d) a sling shot, which is a
forked piece of wood, plastic or metal having an elastic band fastened to the
prongs for shooting small stones, metal balls, or pebbles; or (e) a club,
chains or metal knuckles; or (f) a device commonly known as “throwing
stars, “multipointed metal objects designed to embed upon impact from any
aspect; or (g) any knife which is a cutting or stabbing instrument ; or (h) a
dirk, which is a type of dagger; or (i) any device commonly known as “nun-chu-
ka sticks: consisting of two or more lengths of wood, metal, plastic or
similar substance connected with wire, rope or other means.
Possession includes, but/and is not limited to: having a weapon on district
property or at a district-sponsored event located: (a) in a space assigned to
a student such as a locker or desk; (b) on the student’s person or property
(such as on the student’s body, in his/her clothing, purse, backpack, gym bag
or vehicle); (c) under the student’s control or accessible or available, such
as hidden by the student; or, (d) a vehicle parked on school property or
where the student has access to the vehicle during the school day.
Policy Notice to Students
All students shall be made aware of the provisions of this policy. The
superintendent is directed to see that all school facilities post “Gun-Free
Zone” signs, and that all violations of this policy and RCW 9.41.280 are
reported annually to the superintendent of Public Instruction.
The superintendent shall establish procedures for safe and orderly schools
and the implementation of this policy.
Exception
This policy shall not apply to any student engaged in military activities
sponsored by the Federal or State government, an authorized rifle club
activity, or class or program which uses equipment and tools for
instructional and training purposes; provided, however, all exceptions must
be under the supervision of a district staff member and the object is known
to be in the student’s possession.
Persons over eighteen years of age and persons between fourteen and eighteen
years of age with written parental or guardian permission may possess
personal protection spray devices on school property. No one under eighteen
years of age may deliver such devices, nor may anyone eighteen years or older
deliver a spray device to anyone under fourteen or to anyone between fourteen
and eighteen who does not have parental permission. Written permission must
be on file at the school prior to carrying the device on school property or
school sponsored events.
Personal protection spray devices may not be used other than in self-defense
as defined by state law. Possession, transmission or use of personal
protection spray devices under any other circumstances is a violation of
district policy and shall be subject to corrective action.
Cross References:
(cf. 3240 Student Conduct)
(cf. 3241 Corrective Actions or Punishment)
Legal References:
RCW 9.41.280 Dangerous weapons on school grounds
RCW 9A.16.020 Use of force--when lawful
RCW 9.91.160 Personal Protection Spray devices
RCW 28A.600.420 Firearms on school premises, transportation, or facilities –
Penalty –
Exemptions
Policy Adopted: April 10, 1995
Amended: October 9, 2000
Policy Series: Students 3122
EXCUSED AND UNEXCUSED ABSENCES
Regular school attendance is necessary for mastery of the educational program
provided to students of the Clover Park School District. Students at times
may be appropriately absent from class. The following principles shall govern
the development and administration of attendance procedures within the
District:
A. The building administrator has the authority to determine any absence
for approval or denial, and if excused or unexcused.
B. Absences due to illness or a health condition, a religious
observance/instruction when requested by a student’s parent(s)/guardian(s),
school approved activities, family emergencies or parental approved
activities and, as required by law, disciplinary actions or short-term
suspensions shall be excused. The building administrator may, upon request by
a parent, grant permission in advance for a student’s absence providing such
absence does not adversely affect the student’s educational progress. A
student, upon the request of a parent, may be excused for a portion of a
school day to participate in religious instruction provided such is not
conducted on school property, or involves the school to any degree.
C. If an absence is excused, the student shall be permitted to make up
all missed assignments outside of class under reasonable conditions and time
limits established by the supervising teacher except that in participation-
type classes a student’s grade may be affected because of the student’s
inability to make up the activities conducted during a class period.
D. Excused absences shall be verified by the parent(s)/guardian(s);
adult, emancipated or appropriately aged student; or school personnel
responsible for the absence. If a student is to be released for health care
related to family planning or abortion, the student may require that the
district keep the information confidential. Students thirteen and older have
the right to keep information about drug, alcohol or mental health treatment
confidential. Students fourteen and older have the same confidentiality
rights regarding HIV and sexually transmitted diseases.
E. As a means of instilling values of responsibility and personal
accountability, a student whose absence or tardiness is not excused shall
experience the natural consequences of his/her truancy or tardiness. A
student’s grade shall be affected if a graded activity or assignment occurs
during the period of time when the student is absent or tardy.
F. The school shall notify a student’s parent or guardian in writing or
by telephone whenever the student has failed to attend school after one
unexcused absence within any month during the current school year. The
notification shall include the potential consequences of additional unexcused
absences. A conference with the parent or guardian shall be held after two
unexcused absences within any month during the current school year. A student
may be suspended or expelled for habitual truancy. Prior to suspension or
expulsion, the parent shall be notified in writing in his/her primary
language that the student has unexcused absences.
A conference shall be scheduled to determine what corrective measures should
be taken to ameliorate the cause for the student’s absences from school. If
the parent does not attend the conference, the parent shall be notified of
the steps the district has decided to take to reduce the student’s absences.
Not later than the student’s fifth unexcused absence in a month the district
shall enter into an agreement with the student and parents that establishes
school attendance requirements or file a petition and affidavit with the
juvenile court alleging a violation of RCW 28A.225.O1O.
If such action is not successful, the district shall file a petition and
affidavit with the juvenile court alleging a violation of RCW 28A.225.010 by
the parent, student or parent and student no later than the seventh unexcused
absence within any month during the current school year or upon the tenth
unexcused absence during the current school year.
G. All suspensions and/or expulsions shall be reported in writing to the
superintendent within 24 hours after imposition.
The superintendent shall enforce the district’s attendance policies and
procedures. Because the full knowledge and cooperation of students and
parents are necessary for the success of the policies and procedures,
procedures shall be disseminated broadly and made available to parents and
students annually.
Cross References:
Board Policy 3230 Student Privacy
Board Policy 3241 Classroom Management, Corrective Actions or
Punishment)
Board Policy 3300 Suspensions or Expulsions)
Legal References:
RCW 13.34.300 Failure to cause juvenile to attend school as evidence under
neglect petition
RCW 28A.225 Compulsory School Attendance
WAC 180-16-215 (4) Minimum 180 school day year--Five day flexibility--
Students graduating from high school
WAC 180-40-235 Discipline--Conditions and limitations
WAC 180-40-260 Long-term suspension--Conditions and limitations an
educational center as provided in chapter 28A.205 RCW or is receiving home-
based instruction.
Policy Adopted: March 13, 1995
Amended: December 11, 1995
Amended: October 9, 2000