District Elementary Parent Handbook

2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR

WELCOME!

We look forward to working with you and your child during these critical, formative years. The Elementary Parent Handbook is intended to provide you with important information common to all of our elementary schools. You are also encouraged to contact your school directly if you need more specific information. We sincerely welcome your interest and involvement in your child’s education.

ADMISSION & ENROLLMENT

Enrollment for new students is available online for families to enroll their student at the school serving your attendance area. If you are not sure which school your child should attend, you may call Transportation at 425-837-6342. A copy of your child’s birth certificate, immunization record, guardian identification and proof of residency are documents that need to be submitted during the online process or in person prior to applications being approved by the school. A complete immunization record is required by state law as a condition of admittance.

Your child must be five years of age on or before August 31 of that school year to register for kindergarten, or six years of age to register for first grade. Some exceptions are allowed. For information on Early Entrance, call 425-837-7025.

ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL

School bell times may be revised each spring in time for families to make plans for the upcoming school year. Final school start and dismissal times may vary to accommodate enrollment changes from one year to the next.

Bell times and bus schedules are coordinated with the district transportation department to make the most efficient and economical use of the district’s buses.

If your student rides a school bus, you also can find the student route information through E-Link on the district website. Bus routes and bus stop times may change during the school year as necessary.

If your child must be excused early please notify your child’s teacher/school office prior to dismissal. Messages should be called in to the school office at least one hour prior to dismissal. When picking up or returning your child during the school day, you must sign your child in or out at the office. Under no circumstances will a child be allowed to leave school with another person without prior permission from the parent.

ATHLETIC EVENTS

Elementary-age students must be accompanied by a parent or adult in order to be admitted to KingCo athletic contests.

ATTENDANCE

As provided in Regulation 3122, regular school attendance is necessary for mastery of the educational program provided to students. Daily attendance and active participation in class are critical parts of the learning process. Students, at times, may appropriately be absent from class. If a student is absent and not excused, a computerized message will contact households in the evening informing parents that their student(s) missed a portion of the school day. The message also will notify parents of the potential consequences of additional unexcused absences.

Per Washington law, excused absences are absences due to:

Illness, health condition or medical appointment (including, but not limited to, medical, counseling, dental, optometry, pregnancy, and in-patient or out-patient treatment for chemical dependency or mental health) for the student or person for whom the student is legally responsible;
Family emergency, including, but not limited to, a death or illness in the family;
Religious or cultural purpose including observance of a religious or cultural holiday or participation in religious or cultural instruction;
Court, judicial proceeding or serving on a jury;
Post-secondary, technical school or apprenticeship program visitation, or scholarship interview;
State-recognized search and rescue activities consistent with RCW 225.055;
Absence directly related to the student’s homeless or foster care/dependency status;
Absences related to deployment activities of a parent or legal guardian who is an active duty member consistent with RCW 705.010;
Absences due to suspensions, expulsions or emergency expulsions imposed pursuant to chapter 392-400 WAC if the student is not receiving educational services and is not enrolled in qualifying “’course of study” activities as defined in WAC 392-1212-107;
Absences due to student safety concerns, including absences related to threats, assaults, or bullying;
Absences due to a student’s migrant status; and
An approved activity that is consistent with District policy and is mutually agreed upon by the principal or designee and a parent, guardian, or emancipated youth.

A school principal or designee has the authority to determine if any absence meets the above criteria for an excused absence. The principal or designee may only grant permission for a student’s absence providing such absence does not adversely affect the student’s educational process.

See Regulation 3122 and Procedure 3122P for more detail on excused and unexcused absences.

Required conference for elementary school students regarding attendance

If an elementary school student has five or more excused absences in a single month during the current school year or ten or more excused absences in the current school year, the district will schedule a conference with the student and parent(s) at a reasonably convenient time. The conference is intended to identify barriers to the student’s regular attendance and to identify supports and resources so the student may regularly attend school. A conference is not required if (1) prior notice of the excused absences was provided to the district by 8:30 a.m. on the day of the absence or (2) a pre-arranged absence form has been submitted and approved or (3) a doctor’s note has been provided and a plan is in place to ensure the student will not fall behind in their coursework.

At some point after the second full-day unexcused absence and before the seventh full-day unexcused absence, the district will take data-informed steps to eliminate or reduce the student’s absences as specifically set forth in RCW 28A.225.020(1)(c).

A conference with the parent or guardian will be scheduled after three full-day unexcused absences within any month during the current school year to discuss what measures should be taken to ameliorate the cause for the student’s absences from school. If the parent does not attend the conference, the conference may be conducted with the student and principal/designee. If the parent does not attend, the parent will be notified of the steps the district has decided to take to eliminate or reduce the student’s absences.

Not later than the student’s seventh unexcused absence in a month the district will enter into an agreement with the student and parents that establishes school attendance requirements, refer the student to a community engagement board as defined in RCW 28A.225.025 or file a petition and affidavit with the juvenile court alleging a violation of RCW 28A.225.010.

After the student’s seventh full-day unexcused absence within any month and not later than the student’s fifteenth full-day unexcused absence during the current school year, 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.

BUSES

Bus stop information will be available in mid-August. Route information also will be available online on the Transportation web page. Access E-Link for bus stop information. The district will mail the Emergency Transportation Bulletin to all students each fall. Drivers are expected to meet schedules as closely as possible. Students are required to arrive at their stops five minutes prior to the published pick-up times. Pick-up times may change during the school year; parents will be notified. Parents are responsible for their children prior to pick-up and after drop-off. Drivers do not allow parents or any other person to board the bus.

Students are expected to behave properly and safely on the bus and at bus stops, and to comply with the driver’s directions. Disciplinary rules are enforced on buses in the same manner as on school campuses, and video cameras are installed to maintain good order and increase safety. The video recordings may be used to identify students who violate the rules of conduct for buses and for decisions based on those violations. A complete list of bus rules may be obtained on the web, from Transportation, or the school.

Students may ride on other buses or get off at a different stop on a space available basis with a written request from the parent to the school. A bus pass must be obtained from the school office at least a half hour before school is dismissed.

Students will be dropped off only at authorized bus stops. Kindergarten students must be released to their parent or guardian unless there is a “Release Form” signed by the parent. If you have any questions or concerns regarding a particular bus route, bus stop or bus driver or if you wish to speak with someone regarding student bus behavior, you may contact the Transportation Department at 425-837-6330.

CHECK ACCEPTANCE POLICY

The district has established the following protocol for accepting checks and collecting bad checks: For a check to be an acceptable form of payment, it must include the current, full, accurate name, address and telephone number. If a check is returned for non-payment, the face value may be recovered electronically along with a state allowed recovery fee. In the event a check is returned for non-payment, checks will not be an acceptable form of payment for the rest of the school year.

COMMUNITY FLYERS ACCESS TO RESOURCES

The district allows outside organizations access to distribute information to students and families through the Peachjar eflyer distribution system. All fliers must be submitted through the Peachjar website, and then be approved by the district office in accordance with the Access to Resources regulation and procedure (Distribution of Materials and Promotions Regulation 4320 and Access to Resources Flow Chart 4320F2). Upon approval by the district, flyers are emailed directly to parents via Peachjar. They are also posted on each school’s eflyers webpage.

For more information on how to participate in our Peachjar eflyer program, please visit the district website.

Contact Beth Egan if you have any questions.

COMPUTERS/TECHNOLOGY

Our community has provided a rich base of technology resources for student learning and for teacher instruction. Inappropriate use of network resources will result in loss of access to computers, network, the Internet and other disciplinary action as provided in district Regulations and Procedures.

Please stress the importance of maintaining privacy of personal information including passwords, as your student is responsible for all activity in or from his/her account. Discuss issues such as cyber bullying, intellectual property and copyright, and alert your student that no file/picture/text sent out to the Internet is private and instead can be shared with anyone with access anywhere in the world.

Despite filters and firewalls there are still unacceptable and controversial material and communications that students could access. It is also not possible for all students to be directly supervised at all times and it is not possible to filter all material posted on the Internet to which some families may object. Please discuss your expectations with your student regarding the use of these publicly provided resources for learning. Students may bring personal electronic devices to school, subject to the same rules that apply for using school computers. In addition they must use the district wireless network in compliance with CIPA. Printing from personal devices is not available. Devices must be charged at home and run on batteries.

The school may inspect devices if there is reason to believe Regulation 2022 or school rule violations have occurred. The district is not responsible for the security, repair, troubleshooting, technical support, loss, misplacement, theft, or damage of personal electronic devices.

CURRICULUM

The district’s mission is “Our students will be prepared for and eager to accept the academic, occupational, personal and practical challenges of life in a dynamic global environment”. Skilled and caring staff strive to achieve that mission using a variety of teaching methods and measurements of how well students are learning. All elementary grade levels and content areas use a standards based curriculum that is aligned with the State Standards.

Student Progress Reporting

You will access three report cards online and be invited to a parent conference. Your school will communicate more specifics about the reporting procedures and schedules. Scoring guides are on the district website at this link. If you have questions about your child’s elementary learning, please contact your teacher.

If you would like to know more about curriculum or about testing, please contact the Teaching & Learning Services Department at 425-837-7030.

DISCIPLINE

All certificated teachers, administrators, transportation supervisors, and school bus drivers are authorized to administer discipline in accordance with Washington State law. Written expectations are distributed to every student in the fall, and a complete copy of the building plan and the district’s Regulations and Procedures may be obtained at any school or on the district's web page.

Student discipline will be administered in such a manner as to fully take into consideration the nature and circumstances of the violation, the individual circumstances of the student, and prior forms of discipline imposed upon the student. A complete list of disciplinary terms and forms of disciplinary action are included in Regulation 3241 and Procedure 3241P.

Student desks and other school property are the property of the district and subject to search if administrators have reasonable and individualized cause or grounds to suspect that something in the desk may be in violation of school rules and/or state and federal law. Administrators also may conduct a reasonable and individualized search of a student and his/her personal property when there is reasonable and individualized cause or grounds for suspecting or believing that the search will turn up evidence that the student has violated or is violating the law or the rules of the school.

Buying, selling, bartering items for personal gain is not allowed without permission of a building administrator.

DISTRIBUTION OF PRINTED MATERIALS ON SCHOOL GROUNDS

In respect for the rights and beliefs of all of our students, you must obtain prior approval from the principal before you or your student attempt to hand out any printed information, including invitations, to students or staff on school grounds. If you wish to post information on the school’s community bulletin board or other area set aside for this purpose, please contact your principal for approval. Guidelines for distribution of material on school grounds are included in Regulations 2340 and 4320.

DRESS FOR SCHOOL

Appropriate clothing in a school or at school events contributes to a positive and quality environment at school, thus student clothing must be appropriate for an academic atmosphere. Attire for school may not:

Disrupt, interfere with, disturb, or detract from school activities.
Create a health or other hazard to the student’s safety or to the safety of others.
Promote by printed word or symbol the use of illegal substances or other prohibited activities which may include but not be limited to intimidation, harassment, sexual innuendo, vulgarity, and obscenities.

If a student’s appearance is considered disruptive or inappropriate by the staff or administrator, the student will be asked to change; this may include a phone call home to secure more appropriate clothing, or the school may lend the student a change of attire. If the student refuses, the student is subject to disciplinary action. A complete copy of Regulation 3224 may be obtained at any school or on the district website.

DRUG FREE

All Issaquah schools and buses are drug-free zones. Any person found guilty of dealing in illegal drugs within 1,000 feet of school grounds is subject to double the usual penalties. Issaquah schools are also gun-free and smoke-free zones.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

ECEAP is a free preschool program funded by the state of Washington for income-eligible children living within the district's boundaries. ECEAP serves children who are 3 and 4 years old. For more information, please contact Elementary Education - Early Learning at 425-837-7096.

EMERGENCY CLOSURES OF SCHOOLS

School may be delayed or closed when extreme weather, power outages, or other events occur that interfere with our ability to safely hold school. Announcements regarding school closures are posted on your school’s website and the district website. The district also sends emailed E-News alerts, text messages, and posts information to the district's Facebook and Twitter accounts. You may also check local radio and TV stations for announcements or call 425-837-7000 for a recorded message.

How to Ensure You Receive Notifications

During emergencies, the district uses our Blackboard mass notification system to send E-News to families. This is our primary method of direct communication with families. Short Alert Texts will also be sent to the primary telephone number listed in Family Access that will ask families to check their email for E-News for an important message. Please ensure your email is up to date in Family Access and that ISDe-news@issaquah.wednet.edu is added to your safe subscribers list. Check your spam or junk mail folder if you do not receive an email. Important Note: If you have additional persons who need closure and delay notifications, such as a child care provider or grandparent, they must sign up for the District’s E-News on the ISD website. They will not receive text messages.

How the District Transportation Department Informs Families

The Transportation Department also communicates with parents using our Blackboard Mass Notification System for real-time changes to snow routes and snow stops. Please ensure your information is correct in Family Access. Anyone who wants to receive general school closure and delay information by text or email from the Transportation Department can sign up for district's Flash Alert text service at www.FlashAlert.net. This is a great option for additional family members, childcare providers, etc. who are not in Family Access to receive a text alert. Please watch for the Emergency Transportation Bulletin that is mailed to home addresses in October. It contains important route and communication additional information. In case you miss it in the mail, it is available online on the Transportation Department Web Pages.

EQUITABLE CONDUCT EXPECTATIONS

The district values equity, diversity and inclusion. The district is committed to building and sustaining a welcoming school community. Our district and community are made up of people of different backgrounds, needs and perspectives. Our learning community includes people of varying races, ethnic backgrounds, abilities/disabilities, religions, ages, languages, socioeconomic status, immigration status, sexual orientation, gender expressions or identities.

Student expectations include:

Respect each individual, even if that person’s identity is different from your own.
Seek to understand your impact on others while seeking to understand other’s intent.
Communicate respectfully with others in person, on social media and in any other form.
Use what you are learning to use good judgment and make ethical and informed decisions.
Take responsibility for your words and actions.

We all have a responsibility to report behavior that interferes with having an equitable and inclusive learning environment that honors and respects people of all identities. If you become aware of any actions that violate the expectations above, we encourage you to speak up through one or more of the following ways:

Tell a teacher, staff member or other trusted adult immediately.
If you are comfortable and safe doing so, speak up in the moment to encourage more equitable and inclusive talk or action, and/or support those being hurt.

FIELD TRIPS

Permission slips are sent home with your child prior to a field trip and must be returned before your child can be transported off school grounds. If you do not wish your child to participate in a particular field trip, alternative activities will be arranged.

FOOD SERVICES

The Food Service Department is committed to providing well balanced nutritious meals consistent with the USDA’s standards for the National School Lunch Program. Menus are nutritionally analyzed to ensure compliance with established ranges of calories, saturated fat, sodium and zero grams of trans fat. Our menus feature whole grains and a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables on our serving lines and salad bars. Each complete meal includes your student’s choice of entrée, 1% white, fat free chocolate milk or lactose-free milk, featured fruit and vegetable of the day, and a trip through the salad bar.

Every enrolled student is assigned a lunch account that is accessed by entering their unique PIN on the keypad at the cash register during lunch serving times. Parents are encouraged to assist students learn their unique PIN as well as discuss appropriate lunch room behavior to reinforce the lessons given at school.

Students may pay for lunches daily or funds may be deposited into the lunch account. Cash or check deposits may be made directly through the school office or the cashier in the kitchen. For your convenience, online payments may also be made by visiting www.MySchoolBucks.com.

MySchoolBucks

Food Services partners with MySchoolBucks.com, a service that allows the use of credit cards to make payments for a student’s lunch account. Parents may select an auto-pay feature as well by visiting the website. There is a $2.75 fee per credit card transaction charged by MySchoolBucks.com however the use of their website to monitor a student’s lunch balance and account activity is free. Log on instructions and link to myschoolbucks.com can be found on the district website by clicking here.

Balance Notification

Food services recently implemented an automatic e-mail system that sends low balance and negative balance notifications to the guardian’s email address on file. You may opt out of this service by contacting the Food Service Office at 425-837-5060.

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance for meals is available for families that qualify. Applications for financial assistance are available on the district’s website and can also be obtained from the school office any time during the school year.

For additional information or assistance, contact the Food Service office at 425-837-5060.

FUNDRAISERS

PTSA and the Associated Student Body (ASB) occasionally sponsor fundraisers to benefit their schools or charitable organizations. All fundraisers must have prior approval from the building principal.

GIFTS

Parents who wish to donate gifts to the school or the district may contact their school office for regulations and guidelines. Some businesses will match gifts to the school or district (Regulation 6114). Gifts are tax deductible. Gifts may also be given through the Issaquah Schools Foundation or the PTSA.

GUIDANCE/SPECIAL SERVICES

Each school has a Guidance Team that problem solves student concerns. Parents may contact their school guidance counselor for more information about this process. If a student is suspected of having a disability, the Guidance Team may refer the student for special education or 504 assessment. The school psychologist assigned to the school will coordinate the special education process. For more information, contact your school. A copy of the special education notice of procedural safeguards is available on the Washington Office of Public Instruction's website.

HEALTH

It is essential that emergency notification information be on file at the school and that it be kept current. Be sure to designate other individuals who can be contacted in case of emergencies. Although staff are trained to provide first aid, 911 will be called and parents will be notified in case of serious injury or medical emergency. The Health Information and Regulations webpage on the district website contains links to school nurses, current health issues, district health policies and forms and health resources for parents.

Communicable Diseases:

The following rules are in place for the 21-22 school year:

If your student is ill for any reason, they should stay home and not come to school. Here are the symptoms of Coronavirus illness.
Because we care about you and members of our learning community, we will want to know when/if you feel the onset of these symptoms so that appropriate action can be taken and appropriate communication made.
All students must wear a mask or face covering. The mask should be worn to cover above the nose to below the chin. Exceptions are made case by case for students who have documented sensory integration issues, respiratory issues or other medical conditions.
In order to return to school after illness, the student must be fever free for 24 hours without taking any medication intended to reduce fever AND 10 days from the initial onset of symptoms OR with a note from a medical practitioner stating they can return to school OR evidence of a negative COVID-19 test.
It is extremely important that you provide an alternate contact who can pick up your child from school in the event the student becomes ill and you are unable to be reached or available. Please update all your emergency contact information.
Rules will be updated per guidance from DOH.

A school nurse is available for consultation and may be contact through the school office.

Other Concerns:

To prevent the spread of head lice and scabies, please notify the school if your child has one of these conditions. Students may return to return to school after receiving treatment for head lice. The school nurse will recheck the student 14 days after treatment.

Immunizations:

All students in Washington State must comply with immunization standards. Immunizations must be medically verified. Exemptions are allowed for religious, philosophical, or medical reasons.

A completed Certificate of Immunization Status form must be submitted to the school on or before the first day of attendance. Students may not attend school until all immunization requirements are met.

Medications:

The district is authorized to administer prescription and over-the-counter oral medications to students in accordance with state law. Medication administration forms are available in the school office and on the district's website.

The administration of any prescription or over-the-counter medication to a student by a district employee must be requested and authorized in writing by both the parent and a licensed health care provider. Specific instructions for administration must be provided. Epinephrine is the only injectable medications school staff will be trained to administer.

All medications must be current and in their original containers, labeled with the name of the student, and name of the medication and the dosage. Medications must be hand delivered by an adult. Students are not allowed to carry medication with them during the school day. If the student must carry emergency medication, please contact the school nurse.

Additional information and requirements related to the administration of medication at school may be found in district Regulations and Procedures 3416 and 3416P (Medication at School), 3417 and 3417P (Catheterization), 3419 and 3419P (Self-Administration of Asthma and Anaphylaxis Medications), and 3420 and 3420P (Anaphylaxis).

Emergency Health Care Plans:

If your child has Diabetes or another Life-Threatening Condition, Washington State law requires that a nursing care plan, medication orders, and the medication/s are in place at school before the child comes to school. Life-Threatening Conditions are defined as a health condition that will put the child in danger of death during the school day if a medication or treatment order and nursing plan are not in place. Examples of these are allergies requiring epinephrine, asthma, diabetes, seizure disorders, and some cardiac conditions. Contact your school nurse to discuss these conditions before your child comes to school each year. Appropriate paperwork must be turned in to prior to August 16, 2021 to ensure attendance the first day of school.

HOME/HOSPITAL INSTRUCTION

Students suffering from illnesses, surgery, or other conditions which require absence from school for at least four weeks but no more than eighteen weeks during a school year are eligible for tutoring assistance. Parents must request the services and provide a written statement to their student’s school from a qualified medical practitioner that states the student will not be able to attend school for an estimated period of at least four weeks. You do not have to wait until your student has been absent for four weeks to submit an application. Application forms can be obtained from your school nurse or counselor. The application contains a form to be completed by the parent and a form to be completed by your medical provider. Please notify your principal or counselor of the need for home instruction. Additional information may be obtained by calling Special Services at 425-837-7085.

HOMEWORK

Homework may be assigned to enhance or reinforce classroom instruction. Questions about homework assignments should be directed to your child’s teacher.

INSURANCE

Optional accident and dental insurance application forms are available at the school. Cost is included in the information packet which is sent home at the beginning of the school year.

LASER PENS/POINTERS PROHIBITED

Because of the potential for serious injury to the eyes, students are not allowed to bring or use laser pens/pointers on school grounds or buses. If a student is found in possession of a laser pen/pointer, it will be confiscated and may only be retrieved by the parent. It may result in further discipline.

LOST AND FOUND & PERSONAL ITEMS

Check with the school office for lost items. Students are discouraged from bringing expensive or treasured possessions to school. You are also encouraged to label your child’s possessions for ease of identification. The school cannot assume responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged items, including electronic devices.

MOVING

If your family is moving, please notify the school one week prior to withdrawing your child from school. Student records will be sent to the child’s new school upon written request from the new school.

NON-DISCRIMINATION & HARASSMENT/INTIMIDATION/BULLYING

Non-Discrimination

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, martial status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by person with a disability. The district will provide equal access to school facilities to the Boy Scouts of America and all other designated youth groups listed in Title 36 of the United Sates 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. The district will annually publish notice of the district's discrimination complaint procedure in a language recipients can understand and in a format reasonably calculated to inform students, and students' parent/guardians.

You can report discrimination and discriminatory harassment to any school staff member or to the district's Civil Rights Coordinator, who is listed below.

Safe and Positive Environment

The district believes that a safe, civil environment is essential to high student and staff achievement, to the free exchange of ideas central to a quality educational process, and to the development of youth as thoughtful participants in our democracy. Conversely, uncivil conduct, like other forms of disruptive behavior, interferes with a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate its students.

The district’s Regulations on harassment support our high expectations for proper behavior. Please take a moment to review the summary of these policies. A complete copy of the applicable Regulations and Procedures is available on the district's website. See Regulations 3205 and 3205P (Sexual Harassment); 3207 and 3207P (Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying); and 3210, and 3210P (Nondiscrimination).

Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying

If your student feels that he or she is being harassed, intimidated, or bullied you or your student should immediately report such incidents to a teacher, counselor, or building administrator.

“Harassment, intimidation or bullying” is defined as any intentional written message or image including those that are electronically transmitted, a verbal or physical act, including but not limited to one shown to be motivated by race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or mental or physical disability, or other distinguishing characteristics, when the act:

Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property;
Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education (for example, substantially interfering with classroom performance, attendance, or pattern of tardiness)
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.

Nothing in this section requires the affected student actually to possess a characteristic that is a basis for 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.

Conduct that may rise to the level of harassment, intimidation and bullying may take many forms, including, but not limited to: slurs, rumors, jokes, innuendoes, demeaning comments, graffiti, pictures, photographs, drawings, cartoons, pranks, ostracism, physical attacks or threats, gestures, or acts relating to an individual or group whether electronic, written, oral, or physically transmitted messages or images.

Sexual Harassment

Students and staff are protected against sexual harassment in any school program or activity, including on the school campus, on district-provided transportation, or off-campus during a school-sponsored activity.

Sexual harassment is unwelcome behavior or communication that is sexual in nature. Sexual harassment can occur adult-to-student, student-to-student or can be carried out by a group of students or adults. The district prohibits sexual harassment of students by other students, employees, volunteers, or third parties involved in district activities or engaged in the authorized use of district facilities.

You can report sexual harassment to any school staff member or to the district's Title IX Coordinator, who is listed below.

Discrimination and Harassment Complaints

If you believe that you or your child has experienced unlawful discrimination or harassment at school, you have the right to file a complaint.

Before filing a complaint, you can discuss your concerns with your child’s principal or with the district’s Title IX Officer, HIB Coordinator, Civil Rights Coordinator, or Section 504 Coordinator, who are listed below. This is often the fastest way to revolve your concerns.

Title IX Coordinator Amanda Dorey, Director of Human Resources 5150 220^th Ave SE Issaquah, WA 98029 425-837-7000 doreya@issaquah.wednet.edu		Civil Rights Compliance Officer Amanda Dorey, Director of Human Resources 5150 220^th Ave SE Issaquah, WA 98029 425-837-7000 doreya@issaquah.wednet.edu
Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying (HIB) Coordinator Jordan Frost, Assistant Director of Student Interventions-Compliance 5150 220^th Ave SE Issaquah, WA 98029 425-837-7000 frostj@issaquah.wednet.edu		Section 504 Coordinator Pam Ridenour, Director of Student Interventions 5150 220^th Ave SE Issaquah, WA 98029 425-837-7000 ridenourp@issaquah.wednet.edu
Parent/Volunteer and Employee/Applicant - Related Matters Carleena Scammon, Director of Human Resources 5150 220^th Ave SE Issaquah, WA 98029 scammonc@issaquah.wednet.edu

The complaint procedure for allegations of discrimination is in Procedure 3210P. The complaint procedure for allegations of harassment, intimidation, and bullying is in Procedure 3207P. The complaint procedure for allegations of sexual harassment is in Procedure 3205P.

PARENT CONCERNS

The district is dedicated to the swift resolution of problems through respectful communication where all parties’ perceptions and input are considered. Please take a look at our website under Issues, Questions, or Concerns. If you have a problem or concern involving your child’s education, you are encouraged to schedule a conference with the teacher. If a problem or concern continues, contact the principal for assistance. Continuing concerns, following teacher and principal contact, may also be referred to the appropriate district administrator; or, as a last resort, to the Superintendent or the Board of Directors.

If your concern is in regard to the district, you may communicate your concern to the Board of Directors by phone or by letter. Board meetings are held the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. All regular meetings are open to public participation, or you may request placement on the regular agenda by notifying the Superintendent’s executive assistant at 425-837-7002 one week in advance of the meeting.

The district is dedicated to serving your needs through responsive, caring actions. Please let us know if we can help you.

PARTIES/CELEBRATIONS

We encourage children to be sensitive to the needs and feelings of others. Accordingly, we ask parents not to send birthday or other party invitations to school, especially when all children in a classroom are not included. In some schools, birthdays are celebrated once a month. Ask your child’s teacher for the procedure regarding classroom birthday parties or favors. District Nutritional Regulation 6700 should be followed.

PETS/ANIMALS ON DISTRICT PROPERTY

The district has implemented a no pet regulation, Animals on District Property – 2029/2029F. Pets should not be brought to school unless all district Regulations and Procedures have been followed. Please check with your building administrator for approval and necessary forms. Pets are potential health safety hazards and might cause disruptions. Pets cannot be transported by school bus. Pets that are regular visitors on school grounds may be impounded by King County Animal Control.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Professional photographers visit each school to take individual and class pictures. Students, however, are not required to purchase photographs. Information, including cost/package options, is sent home prior to the photographer’s visit. A portion of the profit is returned to each school.

RELEASE OF RECORDS & STUDENT INFORMATION/FERPA

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act affords parents and students over 18 years of age certain rights with respect to the student’s education records, which are:

The right to inspect and review the student’s educational records within 45 days of the day the district receives a request. Parents or eligible students should submit to the principal or appropriate school official a written request, identifying the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
The right to request an amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student’s rights of privacy. Parents or eligible students may submit a written request to the principal, identifying the part of the education record(s) they wish to have amended, and the reasons why they believe the record is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student’s rights of privacy. If the district decides not to amend the record as requested, the parent or eligible student will be notified of the decision, of his/her right to a hearing under 34 C.F.R. § 99.21.
The right to consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

Students and parents have the right to file a complaint about an alleged failure by the district to comply with the requirements of FERPA by contacting the U.S. Department of Education at the following address:

Family Regulation Compliance Office
U.S. Dept. of Education
400 Maryland Ave. S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20202-4605
Release of Student Information

Release of Student Information

The district cannot disclose personally identifiable student information or education records without the written consent of a parent subject to the following exceptions:

The district may disclose student information and education records without parent consent to school officials with legitimate educational interests. The term “school officials” includes district administrators, supervisors, teachers, counselors, information systems specialists, support or clerical staff members, school board members, or school resource officers. It also may include certain contractors, consultants, service providers, or volunteers, including, but not limited to, attorneys, auditors, medical consultants, service providers, or therapists. A school official has a legitimate education interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his/her professional responsibility;
The district may disclose education records to another school, school system, or institution of postsecondary education where the student seeks or intends to enroll, or where the student has already enrolled, as long as the disclosure is related to the student’s enrollment or transfer;
The district may disclose student information or records to certain organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, the district;
The district may release student information or records to comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;
The district may disclose student information or records in connection with a health or safety emergency, as defined by FERPA;
The district may disclose directory information, as provided below; and
The district may release student information and education records as otherwise permitted or required by law.

Directory Information

The district may disclose information regarding students that the district has designated as “directory information.” Directory information is defined as the student's name, photograph, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, dates of attendance, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, diplomas and awards received, and the most recent previously school attended.

The residential addresses of participants in the state Address Confidentiality Program will not be available for release as directory information. Social Security numbers, student identification numbers (with authentication factors such as a secret password or personal identification number) or other personally identifiable information are not considered directory information.

Directory information may be used for purposes such as school related fund-raising, publication of a student directory, parent organization mailing lists, school yearbooks and newspapers, commencement programs and publication of honor rolls, and other school information about students in district publications or public media. Information will not be released for commercial purposes.

Parents have the right to refuse to allow the district to designate any or all of the above types of information designated as directory information for their child. To do so, parents must submit a written request to their child’s school by September 15 of each school year. The previous year's letter will not carry over. If the school does not receive a written request by that date, school staff will assume that there is no objection to the information being designed as directory information for their child. Additional information regarding student records may be found in Regulation 3231 and Procedure 3231P. Families may have directory information withheld from the PTSA and King County Library Systems by completing the Giving Families Choices form on the district website. Families may obtain a complete copy of Regulation 3231 at any school.

RIGHTS/RESPONSIBILITIES

Students are expected to comply with the school’s written rules and regulations; to pursue the required course of studies; and to submit to the authority of teachers and principals.

Students are entitled to the rights set forth in the Constitution and laws of the United States; the Constitution and laws of the state of Washington; the laws regarding equal opportunity; First Amendment rights to freedom of press, speech, peaceable assembly and petition; and the right to be secure in their pursuit of an education while in the custody of the district. These rights are subject to the district’s authority to make reasonable rules and regulations to maintain the educational process. The complete text of Regulation 3200 may be obtained at any school.

The district complies with all federal and state laws regarding discrimination. If your child feels that he/she is being harassed, intimidated, or discriminated against because of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability, it should be reported immediately to a counselor, principal, bus driver, or other administrator. That person will respect your child’s right to confidentiality to the extent possible. Inquiries or formal complaints regarding Title IX/RCW 28A.85 (gender equity) should be reported to the Executive Director of Human Resources at 425-837-7060. Inquiries or formal complaints regarding Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should be reported to the Director of Special Services at 425-837-7090.

SAFETY

Safety drills are held monthly. Safety drills such as fire, earthquake, shelter in place and lock-down drills are practiced to help to help familiarize students and staff with the procedures to follow should a real emergency occur.

Bicycles: A leading cause of death and head injuries among children is bicycle accidents. Therefore, children who ride bicycles and scooters to school are required by law to wear bicycle helmets. Children also are encouraged to attach safety flags to the rear of their bicycles. Chains or other anti-theft devices should be used to secure bicycles. In most schools, third, fourth, and fifth graders may ride bicycles to school with written parental permission. Please refer to your school’s bicycle guidelines.

Recently, several additional security and safety improvements have been installed at all of our Elementary buildings, thanks to community support via the February Capital Levy. These measures include a secure vestibule area at the entrance to each building, individual visitor ID badges administered at check-in, an electronic key card access system, and cameras.

Please see our District Safety website for a video explaining the vestibule entry systems.

SAFETY PATROLS

Fifth graders are selected for patrol duty in most schools. Since it is an honor to serve on the school safety patrol, students are carefully selected, instructed in their duties, and cautioned to observe courtesy and safety when helping other children cross streets. Please ask your child to obey the safety patrol.

SUPPLIES

The district curriculum includes teaching students how to effectively organize learning tools and classroom time. To reinforce lessons, parents may be asked to purchase certain supplies. Please check with your child’s teacher or the school office before purchasing supplies. A complete list of recommended classroom supplies will be available through your school.

TELEPHONE USE/ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Students are limited in their use of school telephones except in emergency situations. Cell phone use also is prohibited during the school day and on school buses unless authorized by school personnel. No mechanical or electronic device shall be used to audio or video record any classroom instruction or activity on district premises immediately before, immediately after or during the school day or on district provided transportation without the express permission of the classroom teacher and administrative staff at the school. Please help your child to organize for the day by planning which school books, papers, materials, and clothes will be needed.

TESTING

State Assessment:

Student progress is carefully monitored through state testing of the Common Core Standards. The Smarter Balanced Assessment is administered in grades 3-5. The district's assessment calendar and information on the SBA can be found on the district's assessment webpage by clicking here.

Highly Capable Eligibility Testing:

The CogAT Screener is administered to kindergarten students during the school day in the fall. The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT), the Torrance Test of Creativity (TTCT) and the reading and math sections of the Iowa Achievement Test are administered during the winter in grade 2 during the school day. Additional information is available on the ISD Highly Capable webpage by clicking here.

Preschool Testing:

The district conducts free testing for preschoolers who may need special help in the areas of hearing, vision, language, or general development. To learn more about Child Find, call Special Services at 425-837-7090 or 7085.

VISITING THE SCHOOL

We appreciate your interest in your child’s progress and learning experiences. Parents are welcome to visit their child’s classroom. However, to avoid classroom disruption, please contact the teacher to schedule a specific visitation time. Individual conferences with a teacher should be scheduled before or after the school day. All visitors must sign in at the school office upon arrival, must comply with any safety procedures and directives indicated by the principal, and must not engage in any activity or behavior which is disruptive to the educational process. Additional information and requirement related to visitors at school are in Regulation 4311 and Procedure 4311P.

VOLUNTEERING/PTSA

Your school welcomes your volunteer time in the office, classrooms, the library, or health room. Volunteers also support art docent programs, science docent programs, and other enrichment activities in schools. Please note, visits must be scheduled in advance. For more information, contact your school.

The charge of the PTSA is to support the health, education, and welfare of children. The PTSA assists the education of children by providing enrichment programs, volunteering in the classroom, sponsoring school activities, reinforcing the student-teacher-parent relationship, and fostering a learning environment at school and in the home. The district encourages your participation in this organization. You may join your local PTSA by contacting PTSA board members or your school office. District Regulation 5630.

VOTER REGISTRATION

If you are new to the area, you may obtain a voter registration form at any school, library, or fire station. You may register to vote up to thirty days before a general election. For additional information please visit: King County Elections.

WEAPONS

Violence or threats of violence are not tolerated in any school or bus. A weapon or facsimile brought to school may result in an Emergency Expulsion. Possession of firearms on any school property including school provided transportation will result in a one year mandatory expulsion, subject to appeal with notification to parents and law enforcement. (RCW 28A.600.420)