Waitsburg School District

Preston Hall

Middle School

Student Handbook

2009-2010

605 Main

PO Box 217

Waitsburg, WA. 99361

Office: 509-337-9474

Fax: 509-337-6170

www.waitsburgsd.org

Welcome to Preston Hall Middle School! The faculty and staff at Preston Hall are excited to see you after a restful summer. If you are new to Preston Hall and/or new to our community – Welcome! Waitsburg School District and Preston Hall are both full of history…many of you have relatives that have attended Waitsburg Schools and some of those same relatives can remember when Preston Hall was used as a community center! We have a strong tradition of academic excellence and we are happy to see you create your own memories within our great buildings of academia. Preston Hall Middle School is proud of the quality education it provides to students. Your teachers and the staff at Preston Hall are dedicated to preparing you for the rigors of high school. Our classroom numbers are small and this gives you the unique opportunity for a more individualized education. Take advantage of this and do your best at every opportunity. This handbook is to provide information about Preston Hall Middle School and Waitsburg School District policies. It will give you day-to-day information, as well as, policies to help guide you into respectful behavior. Remember not only to respect others, but to respect yourself. Let’s work to make this a great year for Preston Hall Middle School! Proud to be a Waitsburg Cardinal and a Preston Hall Mustang,

Mrs. Wooderchak, Principal

Telephone Directory

Preston Hall Office……………… 337-9474 Elementary Office……………… 337-6461 High School Office…………….. 337-6351

Student Code of Conduct

Attendance

Regular and prompt attendance is the responsibility of the student and parent/guardians. Only illness, medical appointments, family emergencies or absences that are prearranged will be excused. If you are going to be absent, your parent/guardian should call the school between 7:30 and 8:30 am the morning of the absence. If no call is made, a note is required when the student returns to school. The note will need to be brought to the Preston Hall Office within two days of the absence. If a student fails to bring in a note, the absence will be unapproved and unexcused. Unexcused absences will result in truancy and may require disciplinary action.

Tardiness

Walking into class as the bell rings or after the bell is a tardy. Tardiness interferes with learning and will require a refocus.

Hall Pass

Students are not permitted in the hallways during instructional time unless they have a hall pass. Students should have a signed note from his/her teacher in their daily planner.

Leaving School Early

Students who need to leave school before regular dismissal time will need to check out of the Preston Hall Office before leaving the campus.

Homework-Makeup Work

Homework and makeup work is the responsibility of each student. If you are absent, your parent/guardian may request your assignments from the Preston Hall Secretary. The request should be made prior to 10:00 am on the day your parent/guardian wishes to pick up your work from the office. When a student has an excused absence from school, he/she has one day to make up schoolwork for each day absent.

Discipline, Suspension and Expulsion

It is impossible for teaching or learning to take place in the classroom unless good order is maintained. The Waitsburg School District has adopted the Time to Teach discipline program district-wide. Parts of the program include absolutes, critical decisions, refocuses, and academy. Absolute and Critical decision behaviors may result in suspension for a period of time or expulsion for the remainder of a semester or school year depending upon severity of incident. Absolutes are an automatic out of school suspension.

o No Drugs, Tobacco, Alcohol, or Drug Paraphernalia o No Weapons o No Major Vandalism

Critical Decisions will be investigated by administration. A critical decision may result in a refocus, in school suspension, an out of school suspension, or possible expulsion depending on the severity and frequency of the incident.

o No physical, verbal or sexual harassment o No fighting o No theft or stealing o No enabling or inciting others o Obey all authority/ Follow All Directions o No cheating

REFOCUS is the procedure in which a student is redirected from a situation in which: o The teacher is unable to teach and/ or, o The other students are unable to learn and/ or, the student is unable to learn, o Discipline issues. The procedure for a refocus are:

o The student is signaled to refocus. o The student exits the room in a respectful and non-disruptive manner and goes to the doorway of

the “team teacher” and waits patiently for acknowledgement. o The student enters the team teacher’s room respectfully and completes the refocus form. o The student waits appropriately for the team teacher to review and initial the refocus form. o The student walks directly back to his or her classroom and gives the refocus form to the teacher

and waits for approval from the teacher. The refocus form must be completed and include the students name, date, time left the room, signature of the team teacher, and have complete sentences in all questions. After three refocuses in any quarter a student will be assigned Academy.

Detention

A student will be assigned after school detention after receiving three refocuses per quarter. o Detention will be one night a week o Detention will be from 3:15 until 4:15 o Students will sit silently and use this time as a study hall o If students choose to skip Detention, it will be an automatic one-day in-school suspension

After a student has attended two detentions the next refocus may result in an Out-of-School Suspension for each refocus he/she receives as noted in the misconduct section of this handbook.

Suspension

Suspension is the temporary removal of a student from the school setting by school authorities. Suspension is a part of progressive discipline for violations of school rules. Suspension may be an in-school-suspension in which a student is removed from their assigned classroom to a study area. Suspension may also be out-of-school suspension in which a student will be removed from the school building. A student is not permitted to participate in after school activities or sportsduring the time that they have been assigned an out-of-school suspension.

Expulsion

Expulsion is the removal of a student from the school setting for the remainder of a school year or semester. Expulsion is a part of progressive discipline for violations of school rules.

Misconduct

The following behavior is strictly prohibited at Preston Hall and will be dealt with in a stern and serious manner. Misconduct will be dealt with at the Absolute or Critical Decision Level. Consequences for misconduct may include in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, or the possibility of recommendation for expulsion depending on severity and frequency of incident. Law enforcement may be contacted.

Misconduct Toward Persons

WEAPONS/EXPLOSIVE DEVICE: Possession of any weapon anywhere on campus is illegal. Use or threat to use a weapon of any kind to do harm to another person is illegal. ASSAULT/PHYSICAL INJURY: An attempt, with force, to do physical harm to someone. FIGHTING: The exchange of blows or other means of violent physical contact between or among two or more students. HARASSMENT/BULLYING: Intimidating or harassing another person because of his or her race, gender, religious beliefs, etc. Threats or other acts intended to substantially harm the physical or mental health of the person threatened. INTIMIDATION/BULLYING: The act of frightening by threat, which may be verbal, physical, or visual. EXTORTION/COERCION: To knowingly obtain property or services or to force someone to do something against his/her will by use of threats. CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES: The possession, use, sale, or distribution of any controlled substance, prescription drug, “look alike” drugs, alcohol or tobacco. THEFT: Wrongfully obtaining or taking another person’s property without his/her consent. VERBAL ABUSE: Unprovoked, overt verbal or nonverbal communication of disrespect or contempt directed to staff or peers.

Misconduct Towards Property

ARSON: Burning of property belonging to the school, school personnel, or another person. MALICIOUS MISCHIEF: Causing physical damage to property or equipment. This includes graffiti. ALTERATION OF RECORDS: Forging of signatures, alteration of documents (written or electronic), computer software violation, falsifying of records. TRESPASS: To enter or remain unlawfully in or on school property or to intentionally gain access to a computer system or database of another. Disruption to Educational Process: ACTS OF DISRUPTION TO THE OPERATION OF THE SCHOOL: Any Student action or behavior, which interferes with the duties of a staff member or the normal operation of the school. Examples include but are not limited to refusal to follow teacher directions, cheating, failure to follow school rules, or any illegal act. Law enforcement may be contacted for any act defined as illegal according to the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). WILLFUL DISOBEDIENCE: Disregard of a legal request or order given by a recognized school or civil official or their designee. INCITEMENT OF DISORDER: The incitement, by individual or group to commit or engage in any behavior limited by the code. GANG ACTIVITY: Any student wearing, carrying, or displaying gang related apparel; exhibiting behavior or gestures that symbolize gang membership, or causing and/or participating in activities that intimidate or affect the attendance of another student.

CELL PHONES and ELECTRONIC DEVICES: Cell phones, radios, tape and CD players, iPods and similar devices are not to be used or played in classrooms. These items distract students from focusing on regular class activities. Cell phones and other devices must be turned off during class time. Cell phones and other electronic devices used in class may be confiscated. The cell phone will be taken to the office on the first offense and the student may retrieve the phone at the end of the day. The cell phone will be taken to the office on the second offense and a parent/guardian must come to school to retrieve the phone. The cell phone will be taken to the office and remain in the school safe for 30 days on the third offense.

Personal Items

Leave personal items at home. Headsets, musical devices, i-pods, pagers, cell phones, video games and cameras are a distraction at school and may be confiscated for the day if learning is interrupted.

DISRUPTIVE DEVICES/TOYS: Possession of disruptive toys or devises such as pagers, laser devices, party poppers, water balloons, water squirting devices, smoke bombs, cameras, etc is not allowed. Such items will be taken from students and placed in the office for the remainder of the day. Repeated offenses may lead to additional consequences. Students are not to bring personal computing devices to school without teacher permission.

Minor/Miscellaneous Infraction of Individual School Rules

DRESS CODE WSD Policy 3224: School is a setting for education. It is necessary that certain standards of dress and appearance be observed. Dress standards are designed to train students for the transition from school to career. Attire that is appropriate for the traditional “workplace” setting is likely to be appropriate for school. Clothing must be conducive to learning, orderliness, and safety. Clothing must be modest and without inappropriate exposure of the body, vulgarities or sexual connections. Any apparel or items that advertise or promote the use of illegal substances, alcohol or tobacco are not acceptable. Students shall make every effort to dress and maintain themselves in an appropriate manner which includes:

• Keeping oneself in a clean and neat manner.

• Tops must cover the chest (no cleavage showing), belly, sides, and midriff. Spaghetti straps (straps must be at least two inches), sagging pants, open sides, bare midriffs, tank tops, shorts with less than a four inch inseam, excessively hanging belts, underwear showing, pajama-type pants, slippers and skirts above finger-tip length, are prohibited.

• No hats are to be worn in Preston Hall classrooms.

• Any apparel that reflects an attitude that is in poor taste, is not allowed. Students who violate dress code will be sent home to get appropriate clothing, and given an unexcused absence. Students are expected to go home and change clothes and return immediately to school. Any form of dress that may present a health of safety hazard. This may include a means of intimidation. OBSCENITY/PROFANITY/LEWD CONDUCT: The use of vulgar or offensive terms or actions in classrooms or assembly setting. TRUANCY: An individual’s intentional absenting himself/herself from class. If truancy is not resolved, truancy is referred to juvenile court.

OTHER

BUS MISCONDUCT: Violation of safety rules or disrespect shown to fellow riders, the bus driver, or school property. (Suspension of bus privileges may occur.) ACCUMULATION OF REFOCUSES: Consequences for students receiving more than 3 detentions in any quarter may include in-school-suspension, out-of-school-suspension, or the recommendation for expulsion from school. DANGEROUS GAMES: Any students participating in any activity that may endanger them self or another student may be subject to suspension. Such activities may include, but are not limited to, activities causing oneself or another student to pass out, loose consciousness, or any other dangerous activity.

Activity Expectations

Come to the games and matches to support our community, teams, coaches and the referees by……………

• Staying in the bleachers until the end of the quarters or halftimes. That is the time you may move about.

• Be courteous to both teams.

• Stay in the building. Once you leave, you may not come back.

• Clean up after yourself by placing litter in the receptacle provided. If you spill clean up after yourself.

• Appropriate behavior is also expected on field trips and other extra-curricular activities.

In School Suspension Guidelines

Listed below are the rules and expectations related to in-school-suspension. (ISS) o ISS is from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Student will be dismissed at 4:00 p.m. by office staff . o Student will be allowed one bathroom break in the morning and one bathroom break in the

afternoon. o Books, paper, pencils, and specific study materials only. Only academic activities are to be

preformed by student while in the ISS room. No tote/book bags, jackets, coats, etc. allowed in the (ISS) room.

o No food or drinks allowed in the ISS room except for lunch. o Student will eat lunch in the ISS room. o Student must remain seated in the chair in the ISS room. No slouching, sleeping, resting

head, feet, or legs on desk. Student may not lie on the floor.

ACT Opportunity

An ACT Opportunity function will be available to students twice a year (at the end of each semester) provided the student does not have the following behavior and/or grade concerns during the semester that the function recognizes:

• 3 refocuses (or more)

• Detention

• Suspensions

• Failing grades

• Grades marked as incomplete The student’s behavior and/or grade concerns will be reevaluated each semester. Students have the opportunity to begin each semester with an exceptional performance record.

Drugs – Alcohol - Tobacco

Preston Hall Middle School is concerned for the health, safety, and well being of all students. We want to make it clear that the use, possession, distribution or sale of alcohol, tobacco or dangerous, illegal, or controlled drugs constitutes a hazard to students, and has a disruptive impact on the entire school. Consequently, the use, possession, distribution, or sale of alcohol, tobacco, illegal or controlled drugs or drug paraphernalia, including lighters and matches is prohibited in all schools, on school grounds, at school sponsored activities, on student trips, or when students are transported in school vehicles. Students selling, in possession of, or under the influence of, any of the above will be subject to immediate disciplinary action and may be reported to the local law enforcement. A drug/alcohol assessment or a rehabilitation program may be required before returning to school.

Regulation of Dangerous Weapons on School

WSD Policy 4210

It is a violation of district policy and state law for any person to carry a firearm or dangerous weapon on school premises, school-provided transportation or areas of other facilities being used exclusively for school activities. The superintendent is directed to see that all school facilities post “Gun-Free Zone” signs, and that all violations of this policy and RCW 9.41.280 are reported annually to the superintendent of Public Instruction. The following persons may carry firearms into school buildings, as necessary, although students engaged in these activities are restricted to the possession of rifles on school premises: A. Persons engaged in military, law enforcement, or school district security activities;

B. Persons involved in a school authorized convention, showing, demonstration, lecture or firearm safety course;

C. Persons competing in school authorized firearm or air gun competitions; and

D. Any federal, state or local law enforcement officer.

The following persons over eighteen years of age and not enrolled as students may have firearms in their possession on school property outside of school buildings: A. Persons with concealed weapons permits issued pursuant to RCW 9.41.070 who are picking up or

dropping off students; and

B. Persons conducting legitimate business at the school and in lawful possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon if the weapon is secured within an attended vehicle, is unloaded and secured in a vehicle, or is concealed from view in a locked, unattended vehicle.

Persons may bring dangerous weapons, other than firearms, onto school premises if the weapons are lawfully within the person's possession and are to be used in a school-authorized martial arts class. Persons over eighteen years of age and persons between fourteen and eighteen years of age with written parental or guardian permission may possess personal protection spray devices on school property. No one under eighteen years of age may deliver such devices, nor may anyone eighteen years or older deliver a spray device to anyone under fourteen or to anyone between fourteen and eighteen who does not have parental permission.

Personal protection spray devices may not be used other than in self-defense as defined by state law. Possession, transmission or use of personal protection spray devices under any other circumstances is a violation of district policy. School officials shall notify the appropriate law enforcement agency of known or suspected violations of this policy. Students who violate this policy shall be subject to discipline, including a one-year expulsion for a violation involving a firearm.

Closed Campus

For your safety, we have closed campus. This means that you may not leave the school grounds without permission from the time you arrive in the morning until school is dismissed at the end of the day. If a student wishes to go home for lunch, a parent must provide a written note describing home as being the destination for lunch. A student may only go to their own home. Leaving school for a different destination is not permitted and will result in disciplinary action.

Athletics

Preston Hall offers many sports opportunities. Sports offerings for 7th and 8th graders are:

• September/October o Volleyball-girls o Football-boys o Cross Country - Coed

• November/December o Basketball-boys

• January/February o Basketball-girls

• April/May o Track-Coed/Baseball/Softball

All students participating in sports will need to obtain a $30.00 ASB card, current physical, proof of insurance, participation form, assumption of risk, and students and parents signing off on the Waitsburg Athletic Code. Please refer to the code for rules and regulations for extra curricular participation.

Student Government

Through the operation of our Associated Student Body (ASB), we offer students the opportunity to participate in a democratic form of government. Students declare their candidacy the first few weeks of school. Each candidate will give a speech to the ASB and at that time a primary election will be held. The following week a general election will be held if necessary. President-8th grader Vice President-7th/8th grader Secretary-7th/8th grader Treasurer-7th/8th grader Auditor-6th/7th grader Please see the student constitution for more details of qualifications for officers. ASB officers will need to sign the extra-curricular Code of Conduct.

School Bus

Students who reside outside of a one-mile radius of Waitsburg are eligible for bussing. Students are expected to obey Waitsburg School bus rules. Students may ride their assigned bus only. Passes to ride other buses must be approved by administration, and require a written request from parent/guardian.

Counselor-Student Assistance

Students, who are finding it hard to cope with a crisis situation that is interfering with academics, or social/emotional well-being, may request assistance through a counselor, administrator, or teacher. Parents, teachers, or other students may refer a student they know who may be involved in a situation too difficult to handle alone. All referrals are handled sensitively and confidentially.

Illness/Medication

If you are not feeling well at school, come to the Preston Hall Office. Parents will be contacted if a student is not able to remain in class.

Medication at school – WSD Policy 3416:

The Waitsburg School District is aware that a situation may arise where a student must take medication during school. Provisions will be made pursuant to the written permission of the student’s parents or guardian, and in compliance with the instructions of the physician(s).

The following procedures shall be followed:

• Written permission from the parents or guardian requesting that the school district comply with the physician’s order.

• Written instruction from the physician indicating the name of the student, name of the drug, and the time interval that the medication is to be taken.

• A member of the staff shall be designated to administer the medication.

• Medication brought to school by the parents or guardian shall be kept in a container appropriately labeled by the pharmacy or physician. All medication not picked up by the end of the year will be destroyed.

• Medications shall be kept in a secured location; not accessible to other students.

• Should an emergency arise, notification to parents or guardian by school officials shall be made as quickly as possible.

Breakfast & Lunch Programs

Breakfast and lunch is provided at a reasonable rate. You may bring your lunch and purchase milk. All food should be eaten in the lunchroom or on the student picnic tables. Students are responsible for cleaning up after themselves. Forms for free and reduced lunch may be picked up and returned to the Preston Hall Office.

Library

The library is a place intended to provide magazines, books, pamphlets and other materials needed for class work and leisure reading. The library provides access to an Student an Online Public Access Catalog. The library opens at 8:00 am and closes at 3:15 pm. Students are welcome to use the library during their lunch break. The library will be closed daily from 11:00 to 11:30.

Cubes

All students will be assigned a cube for their books and personal belongings. Students are to keep their books, coats, and other belongings in their cube. Cubes are not to be decorated or marked in any way. Items left on the floor will be placed in the office. P.E. lockers are also assigned to all students. For your protection do not exchange your P.E. locker or locker combination with any other students. Students are responsible for their locker and the contents. Lockers and cubes are the property of the school and may be inspected.

Academics

Academic achievement is encouraged for all students. Academic grade points are earned as follows: A 4.0, A- 3.7, B+ 3.3, B 3.0, B- 2.7, C+ 2.3, C 2.0, C- 1.7, D+ 1.5, D 1.0, F 0. Students failing more than 25% of the classes in which they are enrolled may be recommended for retention in the same grade for the following school year.

Honor Society

Preston Hall Students in 7th and 8th grades have the opportunity to participate in National Junior Honor Society. Participants must maintain a 3.25 grade point. 6th graders are inducted in the spring following 3rd quarter.

Visitors

Friends and other student visitors are not permitted on school premises during school hours. Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit our school anytime. Visitations should be arranged in advance through the office. If you would like to meet with a teacher, please schedule a conference with that teacher or team a time other than during visitation. PE (Fitness) Uniforms Fitness (PE) uniforms – RED SHORTS and GREY OR WHITE T-SHIRTS - are required for all middle (grades 6-8) and high school students who are taking fitness (PE).

The red shorts must fit appropriately (not so large that the crotch sags and that underwear can be seen above the waist) and must be of regulation length (at least a 4” inseam but not below the knees). The short-sleeved solid grey or white t-shirt must be long enough to cover the student’s stomach. No tank tops or sleeveless shirts are permitted. Items will be personalized with a permanent marker by Mr. Bartlow so as to facilitate sorting of laundered uniforms.

Emergency Drills

Preston Hall will practice different emergency drills. 1. The fire drill is one continuous ringing bell. When the alarm sounds, students start at once and move rapidly, without running, to the nearest exit. The alarm will continue ringing until the building is clear. Do not stop to obtain clothing or articles from your locker, stay in line and keep the line moving at a steady pace. 2. A building lockdown will be a silent drill. Students remain in the classroom in silence until the administration directs an “all clear”. Students who are not in their regular classroom will remain where they are until the “all clear” is given.

Important Other…………….

• Preston Hall doors open at 7:30 am. Teachers arrive by 8:00 am.

• Students may ride their bikes, skateboards and scooters to and from school. Preston Hall students must enter and exit the parking lot with their bikes, scooters and skateboards. Once on school property all skateboards and scooters must be carried to the office. Bikes are to be walked to bike racks. Students are expected to obey all traffic regulations. From 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., no skateboards, bikes or scooters may be ridden on any school property except as described above. Skateboards, bikes, and scooters are prohibited on any school building steps at all times, including weekends. Bicycles will remain in the bike rack from the time that the student arrives at school until the last bell has rung for the day. Bicycles should always be locked when on the school grounds.

• The use of (the internet) is supported provided that abuses do not occur. Access is a privilege that will be denied if used inappropriately. In addition, disciplinary and/or legal actions may be taken.

Designated Areas

• The far south basketball court and grass field are designated for Preston Hall students before school and during lunch.

• The east stairway has been designated as an emergency exit only. Students may use this stairway in case of emergency or when escorted with a teacher. The west stairway has been designated for use as students travel from floor to floor. The 2nd floor west exit is also an emergency only exit.

• Students may eat lunch in the lunchroom or may bring lunch from home and eat on the picnic tables. After eating lunch, students may utilize the outside areas or the student areas in the buildings. Students are not to go to the classroom until 12:05, unless they have a hall pass from a teacher.

• Preston Hall students are not allowed to use the beverage machines in the High School cage. They are also not permitted to “hang-out” in any areas of the high school during the school day.

• The Preston Hall gym is off limits unless supervised by a staff member.

• The Preston Hall elevator is designated for students and visitors who cannot use the stairs. Please contact the office for assistance.

WAITSBURG SCHOOL DISTRICT

184 Academy St

P O Box 217

Waitsburg, WA 99361

(509) 337-6301

Waitsburg School District

Public Notice of Non-Discrimination of Programs

Waitsburg School District does not discriminate in admission, access, treatment or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, creed, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, or disability. Students, school district employees, parent/guardians, and community members will not be excluded from participation in or be subjected to discrimination with respect to any educational program or activity, such as instructional programs, special services, athletic programs, or after-school programs.

Inquiries regarding compliance procedures may be directed to the school district's Title IX Officer and/or Section 504 Coordinator. Mrs. Stephanie Wooderchak Dr. Carol Clarke Title IX Officer Affirmative Action/Section 504 Coordinator P O Box 217 P O Box 217 Waitsburg, WA 99361 Waitsburg, WA 99361 509-337-9474 509-337-6301

Waitsburg School District

Child Find Notice

The Waitsburg School District provides programs for students with identified disabilities. The District seeks to locate young people from birth to age 21 who are not currently enrolled in school and may need special education services. Parents or guardians who have concerns about their child in any of the areas of

• hearing

• vision

• speech

• language

• health

• learning developmental delay

• behavior management

• mental retardation

• birth defects

• orthopedic or spinal problems

• other disabilities are encouraged to contact Dr. Carol Clarke, Superintendent at the District office - 337-6301.

Waitsburg School District

Discipline, Suspension and Expulsion

WSD Policy 3240 and 3241

It is impossible for teaching or learning to take place in the classroom unless good order is maintained.

Students are reminded that they must adhere to the code of good behavior, not only for their own benefit, but also for the benefit of others. Students are responsible for their own actions and are held accountable for all the rules of Waitsburg High School. For school activities, when a student is on suspension, the student will not be permitted to participate in co-curricular activities, practices, attend or compete inter-scholastically during the suspension time.

Waitsburg School District

Sexual Harassment – WSD Policy 8700

The district is committed to a positive and productive education and working environment free from discrimination, including sexual harassment. The district prohibits sexual harassment of students, employees and others involved in school district activities. Sexual harassment occurs when:

1. Submitting to the harasser’s sexual demands is a stated or implied condition of obtaining an education, work opportunity or other benefit;

2. Submission to or rejections of sexual demands is a factor in an academic, work, or other school related decision affecting an individual;

3. Unwelcome sexual or gender directed conduct or communication interferes with an individual’s performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.

The district will take prompt, equitable and remedial action within its authority on reports, complaints and grievances alleging sexual harassment that come to the attention of the district. The action will include appropriate discipline or sanctions against responsible students, employees and others. Retaliation against any person who makes, or is a witness in, a sexual harassment complaint is prohibited and will result in appropriate discipline. The district will take appropriate actions to protect involved persons from retaliation. It is a violation of this policy to knowingly report false allegation of sexual harassment. Persons found to have knowingly reported or corroborated false allegations will be subject to appropriate discipline. Informal Complaint Process: An informal complaint of sexual harassment may be made verbally or in writing to the principal or superintendent. Anyone may use informal procedures to report and resolve complaints of sexual harassment. Informal remedies may include one or more of the following:

1. An opportunity for the complainant to explain to the alleged harasser that his/her conduct is unwelcome, offensive, or inappropriate either in writing or face-to-face.

2. A statement from the appropriate district official to the alleged harasser that the alleged conduct is not appropriate and could lead to discipline if proven or repeated.

3. A general public statement from an appropriate district official calling attention to the district’s sexual harassment policy.

Formal Complaint Process: Anyone may initiate a formal complaint of sexual harassment, even if the informal complaint process is being used. Student complaints and witnesses may have a trusted adult with them during any district initiated investigative activities. The superintendent may conclude that the district needs to conduct an

investigation based on information in his/her possession regardless of the complainant’s interest in filing a formal complaint. The following shall be followed:

• All formal complaints shall be in writing; shall be signed by the complainant; an shall set forth the specific acts, conditions or circumstances alleged to have occurred which constitute sexual harassment.

• The superintendent shall receive and investigate all formal complaints of sexual harassment.

• When the investigation is completed, the superintendent shall compile a written report of the complaint and the results of the investigation.

• The superintendent shall respond in writing to the complainant and the accused within thirty days, stating: (1) That the district does not have adequate evidence to conclude that harassment has occurred; or, (2) Corrective actions that the district has taken or intends to take; and/or, (3) That the investigation is incomplete and will be continuing.

• Corrective measures deemed necessary will be instituted as quickly as possible, but in no event more than thirty days after the superintendent’s written response, unless the accused is appealing the imposition of discipline and the district is barred by due process consideration or a lawful order from imposing the discipline until the appeal process is concluded.

• Students will be provided with age appropriate information on the recognition and prevention of sexual harassment.

Waitsburg School District

Notice for Directory Information

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, requires that Waitsburg School District, with certain exceptions, obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child's education records. However, Waitsburg School District may disclose appropriately designated "directory information" without written consent, unless you have advised the District to the contrary in accordance with District procedures. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the Waitsburg School District to include this type of information from your child's education records in certain school publications. Examples include:

A playbill, showing your student's role in a drama production; The annual yearbook; Honor roll or other recognition lists; Graduation programs; and Sports activity sheets, such as for wrestling, showing weight and height of team members.

Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent's prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws require local educational agencies (LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with three directory information categories - names, addresses and telephone listings - unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student's information disclosed without their prior written consent.(1)

If you do not want Waitsburg School District to disclose directory information from your child's education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the District in writing by September 15, 2009.

Waitsburg School District has designated the following information as directory information:

Student's name Address Telephone listing Participation in officially recognized activities and sports Weight and height of members of athletic teams Photograph Degrees, honors, and awards received Date and place of birth Dates of attendance Grade level

Please direct inquiries to: Dr. Carol Clarke Waitsburg School District P O Box 217 Waitsburg, WA 99361 509-337-6301

Waitsburg School District

Pesticide Notification, Posting and Record Keeping Requirements

To comply with state requirements regarding pesticide applications (RCW 17.21 –Pesticide Application Act), the District is informing you of which pesticides are regularly applied on our properties.

The District contracts with LC Applicators to regularly apply the following pesticides in the identified

areas.

Diuron 4L Applied to all parking areas.

Turlon II Applied to all grass areas.

Round Up Max Applied to all fence rows.

Fertilizer Applied to all grass areas.

The District shall comply with all legal requirements for record keeping regarding the application of pesticides to school grounds or school facilities. This includes creation of an annual summary report of pesticide usage and compliance with state department of agriculture rules regarding record keeping. At least 48 hours before the application of a pesticide to school facilities or school grounds, the District shall notify parents and staff of the planned application in writing, including the heading, “Notice: Pesticide Application.” This notice shall be posted in a prominent place in the building office in addition to being provided to parents and staff. This pre-notification is not required if the school grounds or facilities will not be occupied by students for two days following the application of the pesticide. If the application is not made within 48 hours of the notification, another notification shall be made prior to the application. This pre-notification is not required in the case of any emergency application of pesticides to a school facility, such as an application to control stinging pests, but full notification shall be made as soon as possible after the application. Following the application of a pesticide to school facilities (structures and vehicles) a sign shall be posted at the location of the application. The notice shall be at least 8.5 x 11 inches in size, shall include the heading, “Notice: Pesticide Application,” and shall state the produce name; date, time and specific location of the application; the pest for which the application was made; and a contact name and telephone number. The notice shall remain posted for 24 hours, or longer if required by the label of the pesticide. Following the application of a pesticide to school grounds notice shall be posted at the location of the application and at each primary point of entry to the grounds. The notice shall be at least 4 x 5 inches in size and state that the landscape recently has been treated with a pesticide and provide a contact name and telephone number. The notice shall remain posted for 24 hours, or longer if required by the label of the pesticide. These notices are not required for the application of antimicrobial pesticides (substances used to sanitize or disinfect for microbial pests: viruses, bacteria, algae and protozoa). These notices are not required for the placement of insect or rodent bait that are not accessible to children.

WAITSBURG SCHOOL DISTRICT

184 Academy St

P O Box 217

Waitsburg, WA 99361

(509) 337-6301

Waitsburg School District

Rights under FERPA

for Elementary and Secondary Schools

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years

of age ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. These rights are:

(1) The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the School receives a request for access.

Parents or eligible students should submit to the School principal [or appropriate school official] a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The School official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

(2) The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate.

Parents or eligible students may ask the School to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. They should write the School principal [or appropriate school official], clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate. If the School decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the School will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

(3) The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the School as an ad-ministrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the School has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.

A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

Upon request, the School discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. [NOTE: FERPA requires a school district to make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent or student of the records request unless it states in its annual notification that it intends to forward records on request.

(4) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:

Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202-5901

If you have any questions concerning the procedures followed by the school regarding the privacy rights of parents and students, please feel free to contact us. The confidentiality designee for the Waitsburg High School is Stephanie Wooderchak, Principal.

Parent/ Student Sign-Off Form

You and your parents or guardians are to review this Preston Hall Student Handbook together. After reading the handbook, you and your parents or guardians are to sign this page and return only this page to the Preston Hall Office. Please keep the rest of the handbook for future reference. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Preston Hall Office at 337-9474. I have read and understand the Preston Hall Student Handbook. My signature below does not necessarily mean that I agree with all policies, but I have reviewed and understand them. Date __________________________ Student-Signature_________________________Parent-Signature_____________________________

Educational Right and Privacy Information

In accordance with the Buckley Amendment of Family Educational Right and Privacy Act of 1974; the Waitsburg School District must inform parents of their rights to object to release of directory information to newspaper and or the public. Directory information-Includes student’ name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth. Participation is officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams. Basically, if we want to give such information to a newspaper, prior programs for athletics events or send out eligibility list to other schools, we need to provide parents with the means to OBJECT TO THE RELEASE of the above-type information. If you are a parent and wish the school not to release any or all of the above items defined as directory information, please respond in writing on or before Sept 15, 2009 or within 30 days of enrollment. If the Waitsburg School does not receive any written request objecting to such information release, we will release that information as appropriate.

Electronic Network

Your child has the opportunity to receive access to an electronic network. Through this network, your child will be able to communicate within our schools; organizations and individuals around the world. With this educational opportunity also comes responsibility. INAPPROPRIATE USE WILL RESULT IN LOSS OF

PRIVILEGES.

The school district has established procedures and rules requiring the information for which students may search the network. In addition, the system that Waitsburg School district uses limit access to some information on the electronic network, but you need to be aware that these are materials and communications on the network that you might consider to be inappropriate. We will teach your child to search for only educational information. We encourage you to discuss this issue with your child. I have read the above information and have discussed access to an electronic network with my child. I DO NOT OBJECT to my child’s participation and DO give my child permission to use the electronic network. Signature-Parent/Guardian_______________________________________Date____________