School Board Policies and State Regulation

Lincoln High School rules, expectations, and procedures concerning student conduct and discipline are based on the following school district policies:

Discipline, Short Term Suspension, Long Term Suspension, and Expulsion Conditions and Limitations

Discipline, short-term suspension, long-term suspension, and/or expulsion may be imposed upon a student for violation of school district misconduct rules adopted pursuant to WAC 392-400, subject to the following limitations and conditions: the prior informal conference procedures set forth for short-term suspension in WAC 392-400-250, the notice requirements set forth for long-term suspension in WAC 392-400-265 and expulsion in WAC 392-400-280, the grievance procedures set forth for discipline in WAC 392-400-240 and short-term suspension in WAC 392-400-255, and the hearing requirements set forth for long-term suspension in WAC 392-400-270 and expulsion in WAC 392-400-285.

Readmission

Any student who has been suspended or expelled shall be allowed to make application for readmission at any time according to the guidelines and procedures for application for readmission (WAC 392-400-245 and 275).

Misconduct

Misconduct shall mean unlawful and/or improper behavior of a student that interferes with the school operation or educational program at any single class, subject, or activity or at any full schedule of classes, subjects, or activities conducted by or in behalf of the school district.

The types of misconduct for which discipline, short-term suspension, long-term suspension, or expulsion may be imposed upon a student shall include, but not be limited to, the following school district rules:

1. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND/OR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES - The possession, use, delivery, and/or sale of alcoholic beverages and/or controlled substances or drug paraphernalia is not permitted on district premises or at any or all school-sponsored activities.
2. ASSAULT - An attack, either physical or verbal, on another person; a threat to physically or verbally harm another person.
3. CRIMINAL ACTS IN GENERAL - A student may be guilty of a criminal act or violation if the student acts with intent to accomplish a result which constitutes a crime or violates the law.
4. DISORDERLY AND/OR DISRUPTIVE CONDUCT - A student may be guilty of disorderly and/or disruptive conduct if the student creates a disturbance and/or uses written, verbal or physical abuse during school hours or at any or all school-sponsored activities.
5. HARASSMENT - Including, but not limited to, verbal, physical, or sexual harassment.
6. INTIMIDATION - A threat of force or violence (spoken or unspoken) directed toward any person that causes another person fear.
7. MALICIOUS MISCHIEF - A student may be guilty of malicious mischief if the student maliciously causes physical damage to the property of another and/or the school district.
8. THEFT - A student may be guilty of theft if the student obtains or exerts unauthorized control over the property or services of another or the value thereof, with intent to deprive the person of such property or services.
9. THREAT - A student may be guilty of threat if the student communicates, directly or indirectly, the intent to cause bodily injury to the person threatened or any other person or to cause physical damage to the property of a person.
10. TOBACCO PRODUCTS - The possession or use of tobacco products by all students is prohibited on school grounds or at school activities.
11. WEAPONS - (Policy #4210 - Regulation of Dangerous Weapons on School Premises) Students who are found in possession of weapons on school property are subject to a one-year mandatory expulsion, subject to appeal and notification of law officials and parents.

In addition to the above general rules, individual schools are authorized to develop and implement building discipline plans specifying additional expectations and consequences for student behavior. Such plans shall be reasonable in nature and shall have the primary purpose of creating an orderly and appropriate educational environment within the building. Such plans shall be periodically reviewed and approved by the board of directors. Building discipline plans may include appropriate procedures for the following discipline measures: detention, inschool suspension, office referral, parent-student-teacher conference and short- and long-term suspensions. Discipline plans shall not include and no district employee shall administer any form of physical discipline (corporal punishment) to any student. Physical discipline is defined as any forceful striking of a student. Grasping or restraining a student in self-defense, to prevent injury to him/herself or to another student, or to avoid damage to property shall not be considered physical discipline.

Due Process

Any student, parent, or guardian who is aggrieved by any disciplinary action or the imposition of a short-term suspension, long-term suspension, or expulsion shall have the right to an informal conference with the building principal or his/her designee for the purpose of resolving the grievance. If the grievance is not resolved through the informal conference, the student, parent, or guardian may present a written grievance to the superintendent or his/her designee. If the grievance is not resolved through the appeal to the superintendent, the student, parent, or guardian may present a written grievance to the board of directors. Procedures and time limitations for presenting a grievance, written notice for a hearing, or an appeal shall be developed by the superintendent.

Absences: Excused and Unexcused (Policy #3122 - Excused & Unexcused Absences):

Regular school attendance is necessary for mastery of the educational program provided to students of the district. Students at times, may appropriately may be absent from class. The following principles will govern the development and administration of attendance procedures within the district: The following are valid excuses for absences:

1. Participation in a district or school approved activity or instructional program;
2. Illness, health condition or medical appointment (including, but not limited to, medical, counseling, dental or optometry);
3. Family emergency, including, but not limited to, a death or illness in the family;
4. Religious or cultural purpose including observance of a religious or cultural holiday or participation in religious or cultural instruction;
5. Court, judicial proceeding or serving on a jury;
6. Post-secondary, technical school or apprenticeship program visitation, or scholarship interview;
7. State-recognized search and rescue activities consistent with RCW 28A.225.055;
8. Absence directly related to the student’s homeless status;
9. Absence resulting from a disciplinary/corrective action. (e.g., short-term or long-term suspension, emergency expulsion); and
10. Principal (or designee) and parent, guardian, or emancipated youth mutually agreed upon approved activity. The school principal (or designee) has the authority to determine if an absence meets the above criteria for an excused absence.

If an absence is excused, the student will be permitted to make up all missed assignments outside of class under reasonable conditions and time limits established by the appropriate teacher. In participation type classes, a student’s grade may be affected because of the student’s inability to make up the activities conducted during a class period. Unexcused: Absences not noted above may be considered as unexcused absences. A student’s grade may be affected if a graded activity or assignment occurs during the period of time when the student is absent. Due process procedures as established in Policy #3200 will be followed. It will be the responsibility of the building principals and certificated staff to enforce the district’s attendance policies and procedures. Because the full knowledge and cooperation of students and parents is necessary for the success of the policies and procedures, procedures will be disseminated broadly and made available to parents and students annually. The school will notify a student’s parent/guardian in writing or by telephone whenever the student has failed to attend school after one unexcused absence within any month during the current school year. A conference with the parent/guardian will be held after two unexcused absences within any month during the current school year. Should the child’s unexcused absences continue, the Interagency Truancy Committee will be asked to take corrective action up to and including petitioning the court system for assistance.

Asbestos Management

In January 2013, the mandatory three-year inspection of the Walla Walla Public Schools facilities was successfully completed. This inspection is required by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response ACT (AHERA) of 1986. AHERA regulations also require that annual notification be given to teachers, workers, and the students’ parents/guardians to update them on the status of asbestos in their schools and of the availability of the management plans. Walla Walla Public Schools conducts six-month periodic surveillance inspections in January and July to check the condition of the asbestos-containing building materials and the records are kept at Plant Facilities. The inspection reports are included in the updated copies of the AHERA Management Plans that are located in the district plant facilities office and district schools. For more information contact the Facilities Director (Asbestos Designated Person) for the district (1174 Entley Street, Walla Walla, WA 99362, 527-3018).

Child Custody (Policy 3126 - Child Custody)

The person who enrolls a student in school is the residential parent/legal guardian of the student. The residential parent/ guardian is responsible for decisions regarding the day-to-day care and control of the student. Parents or legal guardians have rights to receive information contained in the school records concerning their child and to forbid or permit the disclosure of such information to others, subject to the authority granted to the residential parent’guardian. The district, unless informed otherwise, assumes that there are no restrictions regarding the nonresidential parents/guardians right to be kept informed of the student’s school progress and activities. If restrictions are made relative to the above rights, the residential parent/guardian will be requested to submit a certified copy of the court order which curtails these rights. If these rights are questioned by the nonresidential parent/guardian, the issue will be referred to law enforcement authorities for resolution. Unless there are court-imposed restrictions, the nonresidential parent/guardian, upon request, will be given grade reports, notices of school activities, reports of disciplinary actions, or notices of teacher or principal conferences or summaries. If there is a court order on file with the district that restricts and/or prohibits any parent or other person from contact with a student at school or picking up a student from school, then the district will not permit the student to visit with or be released to that parent, or other person. The residential parents/guardians will have access to their children and their classrooms pursuant to RCW 28A.605.

Comprehensive Nondiscrimination Statement:

The Walla Walla School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The Walla Walla School District will also take steps to assure that national origin persons who lack English language skills can participate in all education programs, services and activities. For information regarding translation services or transitional bilingual education programs, contact (509) 527-3000. The Assistant Director of Personnel, 364 South Park Street, Walla Walla, Washington 99362, (509) 527-3000, has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination.

Compulsory Attendance (Policy #3110 - Qualification of Attendance & Placement & Policy #3121 - Compulsory Attendance):

Children eight years of age and children under eighteen years of age are required by law to attend private or public school. Children six or seven years of age are required to attend private or public school once they have been registered for school.Under certain circumstances, children who are at least sixteen and less than eighteen years of age may be excused from further attendance at school. The superintendent shall exercise his or her authority to grant exceptions. A resident student who has been granted an exception retains the right to enroll as a part-time student and shall be entitled to take any course and receive any ancillary services offered by a public school to full-time students.

Directory Information Policy (Policy 3233):

Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, “directory information” may be released to anyone, including the media, colleges and universities, and the military for educational purposes. “Directory information” includes: student’s name, address, age, birthplace, participation in officially recognized school events and programs, weight of athletic team members, awards, diplomas, photographs, and student work - both print and electronic, such as school publications, and web sites. REQUEST TO PREVENT DISCLOSURE OF DIRECTORY INFORMATION: To prevent release of this information, you must inform Walla Walla Public Schools by using the “Request to Prevent Disclosure of Directory Information form (available online: www.wwps.org or at all school offices). Under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, 20 U.S.C. § 9528, the military is entitled to request the names, telephone numbers and addresses of students unless the parent, guardian or eligible student requests that such information not be provided. You have the right under the above laws to choose whether your student’s information is released or not. Parents and eligible students considering withholding disclosure of directory information should evaluate the consequences of such a decision carefully. The request to prevent disclosure of directory information will be honored for the current school year unless specifically revoked in writing. Continuing students must complete a new non-disclosure form each school year. Submission of this form will not affect directory information already published or released.

Drug Free Schools (Policy #5201 - Drug Free Schools, Community and Workplace):

The Federal Drug Free Schools and Communities Act requires all school districts to communicate to their employees, students, and parents the necessity of maintaining a drug-free working and learning environment. This requirement places emphasis on conveying to students, employees, and parents the standards of conduct that are applicable to students and employees regarding illicit drugs and alcohol. Compliance with the following standards of conduct is mandatory. 
1. The unlawful possession, use, sale or distribution of alcohol or illicit drugs by students and/or employees on school district property or as part of any school district activity is wrong and harmful. It is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated under any circumstances. 
2. Violation of this policy or any other district policy prohibiting drug or alcohol activity will subject students to disciplinary action (consistent with district discipline policies and local, state, and federal laws). Disciplinary action may include expulsion, completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program or referral for prosecution. 
3. Violation of this policy or any other district policy prohibiting drug or alcohol activity by employees, consistent with any applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement, will subject employees to disciplinary action (consistent with local, state, and federal laws). Disciplinary action may include termination of employment, completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program or referral for prosecution. 
4. The district will provide information about any available drug and alcohol counseling and rehabilitation and re-entry programs that are available to students and/or employees.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (Policy #3231 - Student Records)

The district shall maintain those records necessary for the educational guidance and/or welfare of students, for orderly and efficient operation of schools, and as required by law. The parent or eligible student has a right to: 
1) Inspect and review the student’s education records; 
2) Request amendment of the student’s education records to ensure that they are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy or other right;
3) Consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that the Act and regulations in this part authorize disclosure without consent; 
4) File with the U.S. Department of Education a complaint under Section 99.64 concerning alleged failures by the agency to comply with the requirements of the Act.

Homeless Students: Enrollment Rights and Services (Policy No. 3115)

To the extent practical and as required by law, the district will work with homeless students and their families to provide stability in school attendance and other services. Special attention will be given to ensuring the enrollment and attendance of homeless students not currently attending school. Homeless students will be provided district services for which they are eligible, including Head Start and comparable pre-school programs, Title I, similar state programs, special education, bilingual education, vocational and technical education programs, gifted and talented programs and school nutrition programs.

Internet Access by Students (Policy #2022 - Electronic Resources – Internet Safety)

Each student attending Walla Walla Public Schools has the privilege of Internet access. This access is meant to serve as an extension of instructional materials to help meet curriculum goals. Teachers will provide appropriate supervision and will instruct students about their role as “digital citizens” and the etiquette and conduct expected in this global community. Students and staff will receive appropriate grade level training on internet and social media safety, as well as appropriate use of electronic devices. Students will also receive instruction on appropriate use of electronic devices. Student pictures or names can be published on any public class, school or district website unless parents/guardians of students less than 18 years of age “opt out” in writing to the principal in accordance with district Directory Information Policy 3233. Parents and guardians of minors are expected to assist the school by setting and conveying the standards that their son/daughter should follow when using the Internet. Misuse of the Walla Walla Public Schools Electronic Information Network may result in loss of access privileges, disciplinary action in compliance with existing district policy, or other legal or criminal action, including restitution, if appropriate. PLEASE NOTE! A parent/guardian who does not want their student to participate in the use of the Internet as an extension of instructional materials and curriculum must notify the school principal in writing. The parent/guardian acknowledges that information and resources available to their student may be limited due to lack of Internet access. All users of this network are governed by the district Acceptable Use Guidelines which should be reviewed annually. These guidelines may be found at http://tech.wwps.org listed under LINKS – Internet Safety.

1. Students and staff should not reveal personal information -- including home address and phone number on web sites, blogs, podcasts, videos, social networking sites, wikis, or e-mail -- on any electronic medium. 
2. Students and staff should not reveal personal information about another individual on any electronic medium without first obtaining permission. 
3. Student pictures or names can be published on any public class, school or district website unless parents/guardians of students less than 18 years of age “opt out” in writing to the principal in accordance with district Directory Information Policy 3233. 
4. Users, including students, should never meet people in person that they have contacted on the system without parent/guardian permission. 
5. If students encounter dangerous or inappropriate information or messages, they should notify the appropriate school authority.

Internet Safety – Instruction Overview 
1. Age appropriate materials will be made available for use across grade levels. 
2. Training on online safety issues and materials implementation will be made available for administration, staff and families.

Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action (Policy #5010 - Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action):

The Walla Walla School District will provide equal employment opportunity and treatment for all applicants and staff in recruitment, hiring, retention, assignment, transfer, promotion, and training. Such equal employment opportunity will be provided without discrimination with respect to race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorablydischarged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. The Walla Walla School District complies with all Title IX/RCW 28A.640 and Section 504 requirements and does not discriminate against any protected class as defined by state and federal regulations. This holds true for all students who are interested in participating in educational programs and/or extracurricular school activities. The Work Place Diversity Plan is on file and available for review from building administrators and the Administration Office, 364 South Park Street, Walla Walla, WA. Copies are available upon request. Individuals with disabilities who require assistance or special arrangements to attend a program or activity sponsored by the Walla Walla Public Schools should contact the district’s compliance officer 24 hours in advance of the event to arrange accommodation. Inquiries regarding accommodation, compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the Personnel Department, 364 South Park Street, Walla Walla, WA 99362 (509) 527-3000.

Nondiscrimination – Students (Policy #3210):

The district will provide equal educational opportunity and treatment for all students in all aspects of the academic and activities program without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation (including gender expression or identity), marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, participation in the Boy Scouts of America or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. District programs will be free from sexual harassment.

Discrimination, Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Prohibited (Policy #3207 - Unlawful Discrimination, Harassment Intimidation, and Bullying — including cyber-bullying — Prohibited)

Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (Policy #3207 - Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying): The District is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees, parents/legal guardians, volunteers, and patrons that is free from harassment, intimidation or bullying. “Harassment, intimidation or bullying” means any intentionally written message or image - including those that are electronically transmitted - verbal, or physical act, including but not limited to one shown to be motivated by race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, mental or physical disability or other distinguishing characteristics, when an act: Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property; Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education; Is so severe, persistent or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school. Reporting procedures are available on the district web site (www.wwps.org) and by contacting Building Administrators or the District Office.

Public Disclosure (Policy #4040 - Public Access to district records):

Parents may make public records requests under the Washington Public Disclosure Act, chapter 42.17 RCW, regarding school employee discipline.

Removal of Students from School Premises (Policy #3124 - Removal/Release of Student During School Hours)

Except in cases of emergency, court order or arrests, schools will obtain written authorization from custodial parents, parents or guardians before permitting the removal of any child from school grounds or buildings. Written authorization will also be required for students to participate in a field trip outside of the district. Custodial parents, parents or guardians will be notified immediately anytime it is necessary to allow a student to be removed without their written authorization. Custodial parents, parents or guardians will be notified in advance by the school concerning any scheduled activities that will take the student away from the school site and be given the opportunity to request that their students be excused from participation.

School Visitors (Policy #4200 - Safe and Orderly Learning Environment)

The district welcomes and encourages visits to schools by parents and community members. All visitors except those attending scheduled school activities must immediately register at the office upon their arrival at a school. Visitors will be asked the reason for their visit so that they may be appropriately accommodated. The district has adopted procedures for visitors requesting classroom observations, solicitations, meetings with staff members and deliveries to students. Visitations will be approved according to these procedures and depending on the scheduled activities taking place at the time of the visit.

Sexual Harassment (Policy #5011):

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 can occur adult to student, student to adult, student to student, adult to adult, male to female, female to male, male to male and female to female. The district will take prompt, equitable and remedial action within its authority on reports, complaints and grievances alleging sexual harassment that come to the attention of the district, either formally or informally. Allegations of criminal misconduct will be reported to law enforcement and suspected child abuse will be reported to law enforcement or Child Protective Services. Persons found to have been subjected to sexual harassment will have appropriate school district services made reasonably available to them and adverse consequences of the harassment will be reviewed and remedied, as appropriate.

Special Education (Policy #2161- Special Education and Related Services for Eligible Students)

: If your child has a mental, physical, or developmental impairment or disability that has a major impact on learning, seeing, hearing, breathing, speaking, working, and caring for oneself or performing manual tasks, s/he may be eligible for special education, related services and/or specialized educational accommodations. For more information, to refer your child for screening, or to make your youngster a focus of concern, please contact the Special Programs Department at 364 South Park, 527-3000. The eligible age range is from birth to 21 years.

Parent Notification: Response to Intervention (RTI)

Response to Intervention (RTI) is a way of organizing instruction and assessment that has two purposes: 1) To identify children needing help in reading, math, writing, and prevent the development of serious learning problems; and 2) To identify children who, even when given extra help, make very limited progress. Research has shown that these children sometimes have a learning disability. Services and strategies our district provides to ensure all children are learning: Tier I: The student receives core instruction from their general education teacher at a particular age or grade level. Tier IIa: The student receives research based interventions used with students whose progress places them at some risk for not meeting instructional goals and whose skill needs are easily grouped with other students of similar needs. Tier IIb: The student receives individualized research based interventions used with students whose progress places them at high risk for not meeting instructional goals and whose skill needs are so unique as to require individualized instructional approaches. Progress monitoring will be conducted on all students to identify the effectiveness of the intervention and make adjustments accordingly. When children continue to have difficulty: The school will keep you informed of your child’s progress. If you and the school have tried several interventions, and progress continues to be limited, you may be asked to give consent for an evaluation. The purpose of such an evaluation is to determine what your child’s educational needs are, and to consider whether your child may have a learning disability. A parent may request an evaluation for special education services at any time, including any stage of the RTI process. To request a special education evaluation, contact your building learning specialist or school counselor.

Student Publications (Policy #3220 - Freedom of Expression):

Student publications produced as part of the school's curriculum or with the support of the associated student body fund are intended to serve both as vehicles for instruction and student communication. They are operated and substantively financed by the student body and the school district.Material appearing in such publications should reflect all areas of student interest, including topics about which there may be controversy and dissent. Controversial issues may be presented provided that they are treated in depth and represent a variety of viewpoints. Such material may not be libelous, obscene, or profane, nor may it cause a substantial disruption of the school, invade the privacy of others, demean any race, religion, sex, or ethnic group, advocate the violation of the law, or advertise cigarettes, liquor, illicit drugs or drug paraphernalia.

Students’ Rights and Responsibilities (Policy #3200 - Students Rights & Responsibilities):

In order to maintain and advance the district’s mission, it shall be the responsibility and duty of each student to pursue his/her course of studies, comply with written rules of the district which are adopted pursuant to and in compliance with WAC 392-400, RCW 28A.04.132, RCW 28A.305.160, RCW 28A.600.010, RCW 28A.600.200 and submit to reasonable corrective action or punishment imposed by the district and its agents for violation(s) of such rules. No student shall be deprived of the right to an equal educational opportunity without due process of the law. Detailed information concerning students’ rights, responsibilities, discipline, disciplinary action and due process may be found in Walla Walla School Board Policy and Procedures 3200 and WAC 392-400. The Procedures that contain WAC 392-400 and information regarding student due process may be obtained upon request during business hours at the principal’s office at each school building or by contacting the Personnel Department at the Walla Walla Public Schools Administration Building at 364 South Park.

Tobacco Free Schools and Grounds (Policy #4215 - Use of Tobacco on School Property):

The Board of Directors of the Walla Walla School District recognizes that the use of tobacco may create a health hazard for tobacco users as well as non-users. In order to protect the health of students, staff, and the general public, and to provide a healthy working and learning environment, the Walla Walla School District prohibits the use of tobacco products on school district property or in school district buildings. Smoking or use of any kind of lighted pipe, cigar, cigarette, or any other lighted smoking equipment, material, or smokeless tobacco products shall be prohibited on all district property, other properties leased or rented to the Walla Walla School District for any educationally related purpose, and in district-owned vehicles. THIS POLICY INCLUDES PUBLIC ATTENDANCE AT ALL EXTRACURRICULAR AND ATHLETIC EVENTS.

Weapons (Policy #4210 - Regulation of Dangerous Weapons on School Premises):

Students who are found in possession of weapons on school property are subject to a one-year mandatory expulsion, subject to appeal and notification of law officials and parents