Student & Family Handbook (2024)

Lakewood High School Student Handbook

• Jeanette Grisham, Principal
• Amy Hendry, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director
• Jeff Dowhaniuk, Dean of Students

Mission Statement

Lakewood High School is dedicated to educating students to become respectful, responsible, and literate citizens with the skills to contribute to a global community.

Principal’s Message

Lakewood High School Fight Song

Fight, fight, fight for our Lakewood High! Win that victory!
Come on and win that fight for our Lakewood High! Tops in the west! We'll do our best!
Go, go, go, We'll fight till the end!
Honor and glory we will win!
So, fight, fight, fight for our Lakewood High!
Let's go, fight, win!

LHS Daily Schedule

• 1^st period: 7:35am-8:30am
• 2^nd period: 8:35am-9:30am
• 3^rd period: 9:35am-10:30am
• 4^th period: 10:35am-12:15pm

1st lunch

• Lunch: 10:35am-11:05am
• 4th: 11:10am-12:15pm

2^nd lunch

• 4th: 10:35-11:40am
• Lunch: 11:45am-12:15pm
  
• 5th period: 12:20pm-1:15pm
• 6^th period: 1:20pm-2:15pm

Thursday Advisory Schedule

• 1^st period: 7:35am-8:25am
• 2^nd period: 8:30am-9:20am
• Advisory: 9:25am-9:55am
• 3rd period: 10:00am-10:50am
• 4^th period: 10:55am-12:25pm

1st lunch

• Lunch: 10:55am-11:25am
• 4th: 11:30am-12:25pm

2^nd lunch

• 4th: 10:55am-11:50am
• Lunch: 11:55-12:25pm
  
• 5^th period: 12:30-1:20pm
• 6^th period: 1:25pm-2:15pm

Early Release Friday Schedule

• 1^st period: 7:35 am - 8:15 am
• 2^nd period: 8:20 am - 9:05 am
• 3^rd period: 9:10 am - 9:50 am
• 4^th period: 9:55 am - 11:15am

1^st lunch

• Lunch: 9:55 am-10:25 am
• 4^th period: 10:30 am-11:15 am

2^nd lunch

• 4^th period: 9:55 am-10:40 am
• Lunch: 10:45 am-11:15 am
  
• 5^th period: 11:20 am-12:00 pm
• 6^th period: 12:05 pm-12:45

Attendance

Attendance Philosophy

The laws of the State of Washington require regular attendance for students enrolled in the public schools. Frequent absences from school can contribute to lower achievement. The school cannot teach students who are not present. Poor attendance limits accomplishments and reinforces a habit that may negatively impact the individual in future education or employment. Therefore, Lakewood High School requires and expects regular on-time attendance of all students each day school is in session. If you or your teenager need support with attendance, please contact: Nancy Connor (Attendance Secretary), Jeff Dowhaniuk (Dean of Students), or your teenager’s counselor.

Attendance Procedures

Regular school attendance is necessary for mastery of the educational program provided to the students of the district. It is the student’s responsibility to check with their teachers for missed assignments or tests etc, upon their return from an absence. Students or parents should email the student’s teachers directly to obtain homework/missed assignments.

1. Daily attendance by period will be taken and recorded online.
2. Students are expected to be in class, on time, every day.
3. In order for an absence to be excused, parents can send a note, call 360-652-4505 or email to the attendance office within two days after the absence, at nconnor@lwsd.wednet.edu
   1. If a note, email or phone call is made after the two-day window expires, the absence will be marked Excused-Late Note (LN) and can be treated like an unexcused absence for the purpose of grades and make up work.
   2. If there is no graded assignment in class that day, a student’s grade may not be affected. (Board Policy 3122—Unexcused Absences).
   3. In classes where participation is mandatory, daily participation points can be awarded as long as that is written into their course syllabus. A student whose absence is unexcused will not be allowed to make up participation points unless arranged with the teacher.
   4. According to district procedure, excused absences are for illness, medical appointments, family emergencies, religious or cultural purposes, for mental health considerations, or for court appointments only.
4. Students eighteen years of age and older are allowed by law to sign their own excuses for absences.
5. Parent permission must be given and verified by the school office for any student needing to leave during the school day.

General Behavior Expectations

Tardies

Students are expected to be on time to each class daily. Tardy is defined as not being in the classroom, in your seat, ready to learn when the bell rings. The schedule allows students 5 minutes to travel between classrooms and stop to use the restroom during passing period. It is important for students to arrive to class on-time, as teachers begin instruction as soon as the bell rings. Students who accrue multiple tardies will be given a lunch detention, if the problem persists there may be other disciplinary consequences. This is a school-wide expectation and teachers will outline their specific expectations in their course syllabus.

Leaving the Classroom

Students must be in class to be a part of the classroom community and to take full advantage of the learning opportunities presented. For that reason, students are to stay in their classroom for the entire class period each day. When emergencies arise and students need to leave the classroom, they are to follow the procedure determined by the classroom teacher. This may include asking the teacher for permission, signing out, and taking a pass. The teacher may require students to leave their cell phones in the classroom when they leave.

Cell Phone Use and Other Electronic Devices

Cell phones, and other electronic devices, such as earbuds, are not to be used in the classroom, unless explicit permission is given from the teacher. At no time should a cell phone be in use for any reason while a teacher is instructing. Cell phones and other electronic devices should be put away, in a bag or backpack, when entering the classroom. If a student has an emergency, they will let the teacher know ahead of time. Students have 5 minutes each passing period and 30 minutes at lunch to use their phones for personal use. Improper use of cell phones can distract students from the community building and learning opportunities being presented in the classroom, and thereby limit student learning.

Failure to follow this policy may result in any of the following:

• Confiscation of phone, earbuds or other electronic device(s) for the remainder of the period.
• Confiscation of phone, earbuds or other electronic device(s) for the remainder of the day.
• Parent notification.
• Parent needing to pick up item(s) at the office after school.

Plans will be put in place for students who have ongoing issues with the distraction of their cell phones, with the input of teachers, student, parents, and administration. Students may not use their cell phones to take pictures or videos of staff and students at any time without their permission. Students who continue to use cell phones when asked not to will be given a lunch detention or other disciplinary consequence, depending on the severity of the issue. Parents will be notified.

Restrooms should be used during passing periods or lunch. Students must sign out and/or have teacher permission and take a hall pass in order to use the restrooms during class time. The expectation is for students to use the bathroom for their intended purpose only. There should be no food in the bathroom. Stalls in the bathroom and gender neutral/family bathrooms are for one person at a time; any group of students found in a stall together will face immediate disciplinary consequences.

Public Display of Affection (PDA)

Students are expected to demonstrate appropriate boundaries when in a relationship with another student at school, such as holding hands and hugging. They should refrain from other displays of affection for private.

Offensive language

Students will use appropriate language at school in order to contribute to our community of belonging and inclusivity. Racial slurs, hom*ophobic slurs, transphobic slurs will not be tolerated and may result in a disciplinary consequence and guardian contact.

Vaping/Drugs/Alcohol

Any alcohol, tobacco or drug delivery device found on students will be confiscated. Parents will be notified, and disciplinary consequences will be assigned. Law enforcement will be contacted if deemed appropriate. Students may be referred to the Student Assistance Professional.

Fighting, Assault and Aggressive Behavior

Dress Code

• Students must wear a top garment (shirt, blouse, etc) and a bottom garment (pants, shorts, sweats, skirt, etc).
• Top garments must have fabric in the front, back and on the sides. Undergarments should not be visible.
• Clothing must be suitable for all scheduled classroom activities including physical education, science labs, construction shop and other activities where unique hazards exist.
• Specialized courses may require specialized attire, such as sports uniforms or safety gear.

Non-Allowable Dress:

• Clothing that depicts, advertises, or advocates the use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana or other controlled substances.
• Clothing that depicts p*rnography, nudity, or sexual acts.
• Clothing that contains hate speech or targets groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, or any other protected groups.
• Clothing must not threaten the health or safety of any other student or staff; this includes gang identifying articles of clothing.
• Flags may not be worn as articles of clothing, including as a cape, shirt, skirt, etc....

Students will be asked to change clothes if they are wearing clothing that violates the dress code. If they refuse, parents will be notified.

Possible Disciplinary Consequences

Lunch Detention

When a student is assigned a lunch detention, they will get their lunch and then report directly to room 1417. Students will turn their electronic devices in to the staff member monitoring their detention. Students may eat their lunch in detention and may work on class assignments. The lunch detention will last for 30 minutes, the entirety of the lunch period. Lunch detentions will be served on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

After School Detention

When a student is assigned an after-school detention, they will report to room 1417 as soon as the bell rings after 6th period. Students will turn their electronic devices in to the staff member monitoring their detention. Students will spend the 30 minutes working on class assignments. After school detentions will be on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Bus transportation will be provided for students.

Exclusion

Students who present a major or repeated disruption to the classroom learning environment may be moved to a different location. Students will go to the office where they will meet with administration to discuss what happened and create a plan for the student to be successful in the classroom. Students are not permitted to use their cell phones or other electronic devices during the exclusionary time period. Teachers have the right to request a meeting with the student and administration before the student can return to class.

Friday School

Friday schools will be offered on all early release Fridays. They will last from the end of sixth period until 2:15. Students will report to room 1417 by 12:50 pm. Students will turn their electronic devices in to the staff member monitoring their Friday School. Students will spend the 90-minute period working on class assignments. Bus transportation will be provided for students.

In-School Suspension

Students who are assigned an in-school suspension will report to the office where they will be given a quiet place to work. Students will turn their electronic devices in to the administrator monitoring their suspension. They will spend the day working on class assignments. Students will spend the entire suspension period in their designated location, including lunch. If they are buying school lunch, this will be done for them, and their food will be brought to them.

Suspension

Students who present a danger to others or to the learning environment may be suspended. When this happens, an administrator will contact the student’s guardian and request that the student is picked up from school. Administrators will follow up with witnesses, so everyone feels safe.

Restorative Practices

Students may participate in restorative conversations with other students and/or staff members. This allows them to understand the impact of their behavior. Restitution may also be required if property is damaged.

Academic Procedures and Reporting

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity simply means doing your own work. Although teachers may have students collaborating on assignments and projects, students are expected to turn in their own academic work in each class. Any student who copies another student’s work, cheats, or plagiarizes will have a meeting with the teacher and be expected to complete the assignment, project, quiz, test, etc. on demand. The teacher may also conference with the student and parent. If necessary, the teacher will consult with administrators about next steps.

Family Access

When schools and families partner, students usually have more school success. We encourage you to keep the lines of communication open by utilizing the school email. Your student’s teacher email address is for example: zsmith@lwsd.wednet.edu (z-teacher’s first initial and smith-teacher’s last name). Staff email addresses can also be located on our district website: www.lwsd.wednet.edu.

Family Access is another useful tool for tracking your child’s attendance, assignments and academic progress. To open Family Access, please go to: http://www.lwsd.wednet.edu/domain/46 and click on the Family Access Login Screen link. Family Access allows parents/guardians to access their own student’s grades, report cards, progress reports, attendance, discipline and missing assignments. Teachers update grades at least once every two weeks. It is important that you and your student check grades regularly on Family Access. Students will receive their student ID and password information at the beginning of the school year. If you do not have access to the internet, or have additional questions or comments please contact the LHS office, 360-652-4505.

Interpreter

Parent involvement is vital to every child’s education. Your input is welcome and your participation is encouraged. If you need an interpreter, please contact our district office at 360-652-4500.

Interprete

La participación de los padres es vital para la educación de todos los niños. Sus comentarios son bienvenidos y se alienta su participación. Si necesita un intérprete, comuníquese con nuestra oficina de distrito al 360-652-4500.

Устный переводчик

Участие родителей жизненно важно для образования каждого ребенка. Ваш вклад приветствуется, и ваше участие приветствуется. Если Вам нужен переводчик, обратитесь в наш районный офис по телефону 360-652-4500.

Перекладач

Залучення батьків є життєво важливим для навчання кожної дитини. Ваш внесок вітається, і ваша участь заохочується. Якщо Вам потрібен перекладач, зверніться до нашого районного офісу за номером 360-652-4500.

Report Cards

Report cards are accessible through Family Access approximately ten school days after the end of each quarter and semester. Please contact our office should a hard copy of your student’s report card be necessary.

Semester Grades

Semester grades are recorded on the student’s permanent record and reflect the teacher’s evaluation of student progress. Semester report cards will be mailed home.

Other Important Information

Closed Campus

Lakewood High School is a closed campus requiring all students to remain on the school campus from the time of arrival until dismissal. Any student leaving the campus during the day must check out through the attendance office or main office. Guardian notification must occur prior to the student leaving the campus. This is in accordance with School Board Policy #3242. Furthermore, transportation home may NOT be provided for students leaving campus without permission during the school day.

No Walk District

Lakewood School District is a no walk district. The safety of our students is our priority. We do not have sidewalks that lead to school from our neighborhoods. Walking, biking, skateboarding, etc…poses a risk to our students’ safety. Please do not allow your students to walk to or from school.

Illness at School or Unscheduled Early Dismissals

PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE SCHOOL WITHOUT PROPERLY CHECKING OUT WITH THE ATTENDANCE OFFICE. Emergency dismissals are made via the nurse, the counselor, the administration or the attendance office. In all cases, the student's name and time of departure must immediately be made known to the attendance office and the parents must be notified. Leaving campus without permission will not be excused after the fact.

Student Vehicles/Parking

Video Surveillance

Parent/Guardian Messages to Students

Visitors

Parents/guardians are welcome to visit the school. However, all classroom visits must be arranged at least 24- hours in advance with the principal and teachers. For reasons of safety, we require all visitors to sign in at the office and obtain and wear a visitor badge while on campus. Unless invited for a school event, friends or other non-guardian relatives of students are not allowed to visit during school hours. For reasons of student’s safety, parents/guardians are required to wait in the office for their student.

Weather Conditions and School

Every effort is made by the district to operate the schools every day of the school year. However, on those rare occasions of extreme weather conditions, school starting times may be delayed, bus transportation may be limited, or school may be closed altogether. Families should watch local tv news or listen to AM radio stations KWYZ (1230), KRKO (1380), KOMO (1000) for updated information on school closures. This information is also available on our website, http://www.lwsd.wednet.edu. In addition, closure information goes out on our notification system on the Lakewood School District app.

Withdrawal from School

Please inform our office as soon as possible when your student will be moving and withdrawing from school. We will need a parent/guardian signature, forwarding information, fines cleared, and books returned.

Air Quality

For outdoor air quality we utilize the website www.airnow.gov to monitor and follow the Washington State Department of Health Guidelines for Children and Youth Activities. If our air quality deteriorates, we will adjust in school and out of school activities as indicated by the guidelines from the department of health. Please familiarize yourself with these tools and be ready to adapt to possible changes due to poor air quality. We will communicate our adjustments out as quickly as possible.

Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying

The Lakewood School District 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) or verbal or physical act, including but not limited to one shown to be motivated by race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, marital status, age, mental or physical disability or other distinguishing characteristics, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by person with a disability, when an act:

• physically harms a student or damages the student's property or school property
• has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's education;
• is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

Harassment, intimidation, and bullying can take many forms. It includes but is not limited to slurs, rumors, "put-downs," jokes, innuendoes, demeaning comments, drawings, cartoons, pranks, gestures, physical attacks, threats, or other written, oral, physical, or electronically-transmitted messages or images.

Discrimination

The Lakewood 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, gender 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 employee(s) has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

Civil Rights Coordinator and Title IX Officer
Tim Haines, thaines@lwsd.wednet.edu
17110 16th Drive NE
Marysville, WA 98271
360-652-4500 ext. 1101

504 Coordinator
Lissan Wipfli, lwipfli@lwsd.wednet.edu
17110 16th Drive NE
Marysville, WA 98271
360-652-4500

You can report discrimination and discriminatory harassment to any school staff member or to the district's Civil Rights Coordinator, listed above. You also have the right to file a complaint (see below). For a copy of your district’s nondiscrimination policy and procedure, contact your school or district office or view it online here:

Discriminatory Harassment Policy

Communication

What to do if you have a Question, Problem, or Concern
We make every effort to communicate with our students, parent/guardians, and patrons concerning events, procedures, and other school related activities. Should you have a question or concern, by addressing the issue early and working together we can successfully resolve the issue. We ask our patrons to use the following procedures:

1. Bring your question or concern to the person closest to the problem. If you have a question about something that happened in your child’s classroom, please contact the teacher first. If the question or concern is related to the bus, please start with the driver. If you don’t know where to start or who has responsibility for the issue with which you are dealing, call Jeanette Grisham at 360-652-4505.
2. If your question or concern is not answered to your satisfaction or you are unable to resolve the issue, the next step is to take your question or concern to the immediate supervisor of the person or department in question. The supervisor will communicate the need to the employee or department for them to see a satisfactory solution and respond to you within five (5) working days.
3. If you do not receive satisfaction and wish to pursue the matter further, you will be asked to lodge a formal complaint in writing to the employee and conference with the employee’s immediate supervisor and the employee with five (5) working days.
4. If, again, you do not receive satisfaction and wish to pursue the matter further, the next step is to resolve your concern with the superintendent who will respond within five (5) working days.
5. If you do not receive satisfaction from the superintendent and wish to pursue the matter further, you will then be asked to inform the Board of Directors, in writing, of your desire to meet with the Board to try to resolve your concern. The secretary of the Board of Directors shall submit such request to the chairman of the board for inclusion in the board agenda for the board’s review and action.
6. All written requests shall contain the following information:

• • The nature of the complaint
  • The person(s) with whom you have worked to alleviate the concern
  • The remedy sought

Again, our goal is to resolve any issue to the satisfaction of all concerned. Early communication, accurate information, and cooperation are the keys to successful resolution.

Extracurricular Events

School events that occur outside of the regular school day such as plays, concerts, activity nights, dances, and sporting events are an excellent way for students to get involved in their school and connect with other students. As these events are school sponsored, all school rules are in effect for students in attendance. This includes school events that take place off campus. Students not following these rules and the LHS Spectator Code of Conduct may be asked to leave. When this happens, a parent meeting with the high school administrators will be required before the student will regain the privilege to attend future events.

LHS Spectator Code of Conduct

The Lakewood School District views good sportsmanship as a conscientious and intentional effort by students, parents, staff, and participants to create and maintain a safe, positive, and welcoming environment during all activities and competitions. For these reasons, the students, athletes, and all spectators agree to the following.

Student & Athlete Sportsmanship Code:

• I will be courteous to teammates, opponents, fans, administrators, and cheerleaders.
• I will respect and abide by the officials’ decisions.
• I will display appreciation for a good performance or play regardless of who makes it.
• I will cheer for our school team and refrain from making negative or derogatory comments about the opponents, their fans, or the officials.
• I will respect the abilities and diversity of all participants, officials, and coaches regardless of the outcome of the contest or event.
• I will make my best effort to represent my community in a positive way and encourage others to do the same.
• I will be a leader in the school and league and represent the best of high school athletics and activities.
• I will adhere to all school and WIAA rules.
• I will follow the directions given by the adults in charge of the event.

Adult Spectator Sportsmanship Code:

• I will appreciate all good plays and players whether they compete for my team or against it.
• I will remember that school athletics and events are an extension of the classroom, and that learning is taking place.
• I will be positive and use respectful language toward players, coaches, officials, and school staff.
• I will respect the abilities and diversity of all participants, officials, and coaches regardless of the outcome of the contest or event
• I will acknowledge that I am not the coach of the team and will leave the coaching duties to the person hired for the job.

Associated Student Body (ASB)

Executive Council

• President – Kiana Schroeder
• Vice-President – Dylan Kirkpatrick
• Secretary – Camille Clark
• Treasurer – Noah Irish
• Activities Manager – Jasmine Zepeda

Class Officers

Class of 2024

• Toren Jack-President
• Leo Sandoval-VP
• Connor Schuller-Secretary
• Alexi Looper-Treasurer

Class of 2025

• Ben Grubb-President
• Saya Barber-VP
• Jaylei Kellar-Secretary
• Megan Omlid-Treasurer

Class of 2026

• Jocee Davis-President
• Amelia Escalante-VP
• Samiya Siddhu-Secretary
• Noah Butcher-Treasurer

Class of 2027

• Karly Stewart-President
• Jakovi Harris-VP
• Priscilla Amevo- Secretary
• Brooke Turrone-Treasurer

Activities

The following is a list of some of the clubs that are active at Lakewood High School. To find information about an active club, contact Mrs. Throndsen, Mr. Sowards, or Mrs. Hendry.

• Band
• Choir
• Cheerleading
• Drama
• Gay Straight Alliance (GSA)
• Yearbook
• American Sign Language Club (ASL)
• Bible Study
• Creative Writing Club
• Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA)
• Associated Student Body Technology Student Association (TSA)
• Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)
• Future Farmers of America (FFA)
• Knowledge Bowl
• National Honor Society
• Leadership
• Cougar Crew
• Class of 2026
• Class of 2025
• Class of 2024
• Class of 2023

Athletics

Sports available at LHS

The following is a list of the athletic teams, which are active at Lakewood High School. In order to find information about a team, check with the coach or Mrs. Hendry, Athletic Director.

Fall Sports

• Volleyball
• Football
• Girls’ & Boys’ XC
• Girls Soccer
• Cheer
• Boys Tennis

Winter Sports

• Girls’ Basketball
• Boys’ Basketball
• Girls’ Wrestling
• Boys’ Wrestling
• Cheer

Spring Sports

• Girls’ Tennis
• Girls’ and Boys’ Track
• Boys Soccer
• Baseball
• Fastpitch Softball
• Girls’ Golf
• Boys’ Golf

Co-curricular Code

Students who choose to participate in co-curricular activities, athletics, cheer, drama and music, will need to sign acknowledgment of the co-curricular code prior to the start of their activity. This code emphasizes the importance of positive attitude and citizenship as a requirement to represent Lakewood High School in co-curricular activities. The Athletic Director will go over this code with all participants at the beginning of the activity. A parent signature for the acknowledgment of this code is also required.

Supplemental Student Fees

• ASB Card: $40
• Yearbook: $65/$70
• Athletic Participation Fee:
  • First sport: $75
  • Second sport: $75
  • Third sport: Free
• Athletic event prices
  • Adults: $7
  • Senior Citizens (62+ years): $5
  • Students w/o ASB: $7
  • HS Students w/ ASB: Free
  • K-5 Students: $5
  • Visiting Students w/ ASB: $5
  • LMS student w/ ASB W/O adult: $7

Dance Attendance and Behavioral Expectations

Network Acceptable Use Policy

As outlined in Board policy and procedures on Electronic Resources # 2022 regarding student Internet responsibilities, copies of which are available on the district website and at central office, unacceptable network use by district students includes but is not limited to:

• Downloading, sending, or displaying offensive messages or pictures
• Using obscene language
• Harassing, insulting, or attacking others
• Violating copyright laws
• Using another’s password
• Trespassing in another’s folders, work, or files
• Malicious use or vandalizing of the computer system
• Personal gain, commercial solicitation, and compensation of any kind
• Saving or storing games, audio files, video files, or other applications (including shareware or freeware) to the network
• Support or opposition for ballot measures, candidates, and other political activity
• Hacking, cracking, vandalizing, the introduction of viruses, worms, Trojan horses, time bombs, and changes to hardware, software and monitoring tools
• Unauthorized access to other district computers, networks, and information systems
• Cyber bullying, hate mail, defamation, harassment of any kind, discriminatory jokes, and remarks
• Information posted, sent, or stored online that could endanger others (e.g., bomb construction drug manufacturing)
• Accessing, uploading, downloading, storage, and distribution of obscene, p*rnographic, or sexually explicit material
• Attaching unauthorized equipment to the district network

Civil and Legal Rights of Students in Disciplinary Action

Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying

The Lakewood School District 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) or verbal or physical act, including but not limited to one shown to be motivated by race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, marital status, age, mental or physical disability or other distinguishing characteristics, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by person with a disability, when an act:

• physically harms a student or damages the student's property or school property
• has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's education;
• is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

Harassment, intimidation, and bullying can take many forms. It includes but is not limited to slurs, rumors, "put-downs," jokes, innuendoes, demeaning comments, drawings, cartoons, pranks, gestures, physical attacks, threats, or other written, oral, physical, or electronically-transmitted messages or images.

Discrimination

The Lakewood 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, gender 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 employee(s) has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

Civil Rights Coordinator and Title IX Officer
Tim Haines, thaines@lwsd.wednet.edu
17110 16th Drive NE
Marysville, WA 98271
360-652-4500

504 Coordinator
Lissan Wipfli, lwipfli@lwsd.wednet.edu
17110 16th Drive NE
Marysville, WA 98271
360-652-4500

You can report discrimination and discriminatory harassment to any school staff member or to the district's Civil Rights Coordinator, listed above. You also have the right to file a complaint (see below). For a copy of your district’s nondiscrimination policy and procedure, contact your school or district office or view it online here:

Discriminatory Harassment Policy

Sexual Harassment

• A student or employee is led to believe that he or she must submit to unwelcome sexual conduct or communications in order to gain something in return, such as a grade, a promotion, a place on a sports team, or any educational or employment decision, or
• The conduct substantially interferes with a student's educational performance, or creates an intimidating or hostile educational or employment environment.
• Examples of Sexual Harassment:
  • Pressuring a person for sexual favors
  • Unwelcome touching of a sexual nature
  • Writing graffiti of a sexual nature
  • Distributing sexually explicit texts, e-mails, or pictures
  • Making sexual jokes, rumors, or suggestive remarks
  • Physical violence, including rape and sexual assault

You can report sexual harassment to any school staff member or to the district's Title IX Officer, who is listed above. You also have the right to file a complaint (see below). For a copy of your district’s sexual harassment policy and procedure, contact your school or district office, or view it online here: Sexual Harassment Policy

Complaint Options: Discrimination and Sexual Harassment

Complaint to the School District

Appeal to the School District

If you disagree with the school district’s decision, you may appeal to the school district’s board of directors. You must file a notice of appeal in writing to the secretary of the school board within 10 calendar days after you received the school district’s response to your complaint. The school board will schedule a hearing within 20 calendar days after they received your appeal, unless you agree on a different timeline. The school board will send you a written decision within 30 calendar days after the district received your notice of appeal. The school board’s decision will include information about how to file a complaint with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

Complaint to OSPI

• Email: Equity@k12.wa.us ǀ Fax: 360-664-2967
• Mail or hand deliver: PO Box 47200, 600 Washington St. S.E., Olympia, WA 98504-7200
• For more information, visit our website, or contact OSPI’s Equity and Civil Rights Office at 360-725-6162/TTY: 360-664-3631 or by e-mail at equity@k12.wa.us.

Other Discrimination Complaint Options

Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education
206-607-1600 ǀ TDD: 1-800-877-8339 ǀ OCR.Seattle@ed.gov ǀ OCR Website
Washington State Human Rights Commission
1-800-233-3247 ǀ TTY: 1-800-300-7525 ǀ Human Rights Commission Website

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.

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.

Unresolved, Severe, or Persistent Harassment

Any student who believes they have been the target of unresolved, severe, or persistent harassment, intimidation or bullying, or any other person in the school community who observes or receives notice that a student has or may have been the target of unresolved, severe, or persistent harassment, intimidation or bullying may report incidents verbally or in writing to any staff member.

In order to protect a targeted student from retaliation, a student need not reveal their identity on an Incident Reporting Form. The form may be filed anonymously, confidentially, or the student may choose to disclose their identity (non-confidential).

All reports of unresolved, severe, or persistent harassment, intimidation or bullying will be investigated with reasonable promptness. Any student may have a trusted adult with them throughout the report and investigation process.

1. Upon receipt of the Incident Reporting Form that alleges unresolved, severe, or persistent harassment, intimidation or bullying, the school or district designee will begin the investigation. If there is potential for clear and immediate physical harm to the complainant, the district will immediately contact law enforcement and inform the parent/guardian.
2. During the course of the investigation, the district will take reasonable measures to ensure that no further incidents of harassment, intimidation or bullying occur between the complainant and the alleged aggressor. If necessary, the district will implement a safety plan for the student(s) involved. The plan may include changing seating arrangements for the complainant and/or the alleged aggressor in the classroom, at lunch, or on the bus; identifying a staff member who will act as a safe person for the complainant; altering the alleged aggressor’s schedule and access to the complainant, and other measures.
3. Within two (2) school days after receiving the Incident Reporting Form, the school designee will notify the families of the students involved that a complaint was received and direct the families to the district’s policy and procedure on harassment, intimidation and bullying.
4. In rare cases, where after consultation with the student and appropriate staff (such as a psychologist, counselor, or social worker) the district has evidence that it would threaten the health and safety of the complainant or the alleged aggressor to involve the student’s
5. parent/guardian, the district may initially refrain from contacting the parent/guardian in its investigation of harassment, intimidation and bullying. If professional school personnel suspect that a student is subject to abuse and neglect, they must follow district policy for reporting suspected cases to Child Protective Services.
6. The investigation shall include, at a minimum:
7. An interview with the complainant;
8. An interview with the alleged aggressor;
9. A review of any previous complaints involving either the complainant or the alleged aggressor; and
10. Interviews with other students or staff members who may have knowledge of the alleged incident.
11. The principal or designee may determine that other steps must be taken before the investigation is complete.
12. The investigation will be completed as soon as practicable but generally no later than five (5) school days from the initial complaint or report. If more time is needed to complete an investigation, the district will provide the parent/guardian and/or the student with weekly updates.
13. No later than two (2) school days after the investigation has been completed and submitted to the compliance officer, the principal or designee shall respond in writing or in person to the parent/guardian of the complainant and the alleged aggressor stating:

• The results of the investigation;
• Whether the allegations were found to be factual;
• Whether there was a violation of policy; and
• The process for the complainant to file an appeal if the complainant disagrees with results.

If the incident cannot be resolved at the school level, the principal or designee shall request assistance from the district.

If the matter cannot be resolved informally, the student may make a formal complaint to the principal or Director of HR and Administrative Services. They will then conduct a formal investigation. Upon completion of the investigation, the Principal or Director of Student Services will recommend a course of action or resolution.

If the matter is still unresolved, a formal complaint may be filed with the Superintendent. The Superintendent will then conduct a formal investigation. Upon completion of the investigation, the Superintendent will recommend a course of action or resolution.

The district will endeavor to protect the rights of all persons involved in this complaint process including individuals who initiate complaints, persons against whom the complaint has been filed, and witnesses.

It is the goal of the district to have all complaints treated in the strictest confidence except as is necessary to investigate the allegations.