Student Handbook Highlights

Absence Notification
When possible, the parent/guardian is expected to notify the school office of the absence by phone, e-mail, or written note, and to provide an excuse for the absence. Notifications can be made 24 hours/day at 253.298.4714 or ljaquez@fpschools.org

Excused Absences
The following are valid excused for absences and tardiness:

• Physical health or mental health symptoms, illness, health condition or medical appointment for the student or person for whom the student is legally responsible.
• Examples of symptoms, illness, health conditions, or medical appointments include, but are not limited to:  medical, counseling, mental health wellness, dental, optometry, pregnancy, and behavioral health treatment (which can include in-patient or out-patient treatment for chemical dependency or mental health);
• 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, court-ordered activity, or jury service;
• Post-secondary, technical school or apprenticeship program visitation, or scholarship interview;
• State-recognized search and rescue activities consistent with RCW 28A.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 28A.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 392-121-107.
• Absences due to student safety concerns, including absences related to threats, assaults, or bullying;
• Absences due to a student's migrant status;
• 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; and
• Absences due to the student's lack of necessary instructional tools, including internet access or connectivity.

 Unexcused Absences
An “unexcused absence” means that a student has failed to attend the majority of hours or periods in an average school day, has failed to comply with a more restrictive school district policy on absences, or has failed to comply with alternative learning experience program attendance requirements.

Unexcused absences occur when:

1. The parent, guardian, or adult student submits an excuse that does not meet the definition of an excused absence as defined above; or
2. The parent, guardian, or adult student fails to submit any type of excuse statement, whether by phone, e-mail, or in writing, for an absence.

Each unexcused absence within any month of the current school year will be followed by a letter or phone call to the parent/guardian informing them of the consequences of additional unexcused absences. The school will make reasonable efforts to provide this information in a language in which that parent/guardian is fluent. A student's grade will not be affected if no graded activity is missed during such an absence.

After three unexcused absences within any month of the current school year, the school will hold a conference with the student, and parent/guardian to analyze the causes of the student’s absenteeism.

School Sponsored Events
Extra-Curricular Activities: club or after school trips

a)       Requires Planned Absence Form for each student attending the activity.  Forms must be returned to the Attendance Office prior to the event.  If forms are not received prior, the absences will not be excused as school-related.  Please communicate this to the students attending the activity.

b)       Teacher/advisor will need to provide the Attendance Office with a list of students attending before the trip. 

Academic/Athletic Activities

a)       Please check with your teacher/advisor if this is an extra-curricular activity field trip.

b)       You will need to provide the Attendance Office with a list of students attending the event. 

Planned Absence/Parental Approved Activities
Washington High School strongly discourages students taking extended vacations during the semester or leaving school prior to the normal closing date. Students missing class lose essential instruction and place increased demands on classroom teachers in the areas of record keeping and administering make-up work.

This category of absence will be counted as excused for purposes agreed to by the principal and the parent/guardian. An absence may not be approved if it causes a serious adverse effect on the student's educational progress. The student may not be able to achieve the objectives of the unit of instruction as a result of absence from class. In such a case, a parent or guardian-approved absence would have an adverse effect on the student's educational progress, including the grade for the course (see FPS Board Policy 3122).

In order that students and parents may not be misled and suffer possible disappointment, it must be clearly understood that:

1. A letter of request outlining reasons for the absence, expected duration and departure date, must be written and turned in to the Attendance Office. Official documentation will be required for any absences exceeding three consecutive days.
2. A “REQUEST TO BE ABSENT” form will be issued from the Attendance Office to be presented by the student to his/her teachers at least three days before the absence.
3. Teachers have been asked to outline to the student possible consequences that could result from the extended absence and alternatives that would help minimize the potential harm to the student’s final grade. An indication of willingness on the part of the teacher to assist the student is not to be construed as a promise that the student will receive full credit. The responsibility for completion of all make-up requirements rests with the student.
4.  Final clearance must be completed in the office by returning the completed “REQUEST TO BE ABSENT” form to the Attendance Office.

Early Dismissal (checking out for the day)
If a student has to leave school prior to the end of the school day, he/she is to check into the Attendance Office before school and get an early dismissal slip.

1. The student should bring a note from a parent or guardian stating the reason for the early dismissal. Notes must contain the date, reason for absence, signature of the parent/guardian and a telephone number where the parent/guardian can be contacted. Notes written in pencil will not be accepted because pencil writing fades over time.
2. Students are required to check out with the Attendance Office immediately before leaving campus.  Failure to do so will automatically convert the absence to unexcused/truant.
3. Washington High School is a CLOSED campus (see FPS Policy 3242). Students leaving campus without approval from the Attendance Office will be considered unexcused/truant.

 

Late Arrival/Early Dismissal (12^th grade only/period within course schedule)

1. Students who are needed by their parents or employer during school hours on a regular basis can apply for a permanent late arrival or early dismissal for the school year.
2. This privilege is permitted to those students who are progressing satisfactorily toward graduation and who have a parent permission slip on file in the Counseling Center.
3. Students requesting a permanent late arrival or early dismissal can get the permission slip from their counselor.
4. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of schedule changes that will change arrival time on campus.
5. Students are not to be on campus until their first classes begins and or must leave after their last class.
6. Students who abuse this privilege by loitering around campus will have it revoked.

Tardies
A student is tardy to class when they arrive to class after the scheduled start time. Students are considered tardy after the final bell rings to start each period and the student is not in the classroom. Teachers will close the door to the classroom at the end of the final bell ringing. Tardy students are to report to the Main Office or Library kiosk, or be escorted by teachers/administrators and delivered there. Once a student receives a ticket/pass, students are to return to their class promptly.  If a student takes more than four (4) minutes after their tardy is processed to return to class, it is considered an “elopement” from class. All tardies will be monitored by the attendance office and will not be excused without third party documentation (staff member, doctor or dentist), including first period.

Truancy/Elopement
Students shall be expected to be in school each day except in the case of personal illness. (See FPS Board Policy 3122/3122P) Students are considered truant when they are absent from school or class without the knowledge and consent of the parent(s) or guardians or when they are absent from the school or class once arriving on the campus without the knowledge and consent of school administrators.

Contact WHS Multimedia Technician, Jena Lefebvre, at (253)298-4750 or by email at jlefebvre@fpschools.org for:

• Login - Password Reset
• New Student – Device/Charger Checkout
• Connectivity (or battery/power) Troubleshooting - Laptop Update (or exchange device) 
• Home Internet Connection Need – Hotspot Request/Fulfillment/Checkout
• Withdrawn Students – Device Returns
• Loaner Laptop for students who left theirs at home

FOR OTHER TECH ISSUES, CALL THE
FP SCHOOLS IT HELP DESK - 253.298.4647

We encourage parents and students to take advantage of the many communication methods available to learn about upcoming events.

• FP Schools & Washington HS Websites
• Digital Newsletters & Flyers (Smore & PeachJar)
• Social Media (Facebook & Instagram: @whspatriotpride)  
• Translation Options
• QMLATIV/Skyward Family Access
• School Messenger (automated phone calls/emails)
• Remind (text messaging & emails)
• TeacherEase (Get information from the website or direct to the website)

Note: If you need to update or add your email to your Skyward account so that you can access TeacherEase, or if you need to update your primary telephone number to receive autodialer messages, etc., please email our registrar, Bonnie Wiklund, at bwiklund@fpschools.org with the following information:

Your name, the information you wish to update, the names of your students who attend WHS, and each of their birthdates. Please include a phone number where you can be reached as well, in case Ms. Wiklund has questions or needs additional information.

Student Conduct Expectations
As authorized by chapter 28A.600 RCW, the following procedure sets forth rights and conduct expectations for students, along with the sanctions that may be imposed for violations of such expectations. At all times, this procedure will be read consistent with federal statutes and regulations, state statutes, common law, and rules promulgated by the Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. For procedures and legal requirements related to the imposition of suspension and expulsion, see FPS Policy 3241/3241P, Classroom Management, Discipline, and Corrective Action.

 Respect for the Law and the Rights of Others
The student is responsible as a citizen to observe the laws of the United States, the state of Washington, and local ordinances and laws. The student will respect the rights of others while in school, on school property, at all school activities, on district-provided transportation, or otherwise under school authority.

 Compliance with Rules
All students will obey the written rules and regulations established for the orderly operations of the district and the reasonable requests, instructions, and directives of district personnel. For purposes of Policy 3240 and this procedure, the term "district personnel" includes all adults, including contractors and volunteers, authorized to supervise student activities. Failure to do so will be cause for disciplinary action. All students will submit to reasonable discipline by the school district and its representatives for violations of policies, regulations, and rules.

Student Rights
In addition to individual rights established by law and district policies, students served by or on behalf of the district will have the right to:

• High educational standards in a safe and sanitary building;
• Education consistent with stated district goals;
• Equal educational opportunity and in all aspects of the educational process freedom from discrimination based on economic status, pregnancy, marital status, 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 trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability;
• Access to their own education records at reasonable school times upon request;
• Fair and just treatment from school authorities and freedom from mistreatment and physical abuse;
• Establish appropriate channels to voice their opinions in the development of curriculum;
• Representation on advisory committees affecting students and student rights;
• Present petitions, complaints, or grievances to school authorities and the right to prompt replies;
• Consult with teachers, counselors, administrators and other school personnel at reasonable times;
• Be involved in school activities, provided they meet the reasonable qualifications of the sponsoring organization;
• Free election of their peers in student government and the right to hold office;
• Know the requirements of the course of study, be informed about and know upon what basis grades will be determined;
• Citizenship privileges as determined by the United States and Washington State Constitution and its amendments; and
• Annual information pertaining to the district's rules and regulations regarding students, discipline and rights
• When administering discipline under WAC 392-400-805, the school district must not:

  • Unlawfully discriminate against a student on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal;

  • Deprive a student of the student's constitutional right to freedom of speech and press, the constitutional right to peaceably assemble and to petition the government and its representatives for a redress of grievances, the constitutional right to the free exercise of religion and to have the student's school free from sectarian control or influence, subject to reasonable limitations upon the time, place, and manner of exercising the right;

  • Deprive a student of the student's constitutional right to be secure in the student's person, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures;

  • Unlawfully interfere in a student's pursuit of an education while in the custody of the school district; or

  • Deprive a student of the student's right to an equal educational opportunity, in whole or in part, by a school district without due process of law.

Scope of District Authority
Students who involve themselves in acts that have a detrimental effect on the maintenance and operation of the school or the school district, criminal acts, and/or violations of school rules and regulations, may be subject to disciplinary action by the school and prosecution under the law. The rules will be enforced by school officials:

• On school grounds during and immediately before or immediately after school hours;
• On school grounds at any other time when school is being used by a school group(s) or for a school activity;
• Off school grounds at a school activity, function, or event;
• Off the school grounds if the actions of the student materially or substantially affect or interfere with the educational process; or
• In school-provided transportation, or any other place while under the authority of school personnel

*ACADEMIC DISHONESTY (Disruptive Conduct)

Students are not to plagiarize (physically or electronically) by using another person’s ideas in words, artwork, computations, projects, models, etc., and indicating it was their own; use notes, texts, electronic devices, or memory aids during tests when instructed otherwise; steal or knowingly use test master copies or teacher answer keys to get information before or during a test; or knowingly allow another person to use their work as if it were the other person’s work. “Electronically” refers to the use of the internet or other computer-accessed digital reference source. Any violations of academic dishonesty will be subject to disciplinary action.

*CLOSED CAMPUS (Disruptive Conduct)

Students shall remain on school grounds from scheduled time of arrival to departure, unless officially excused or dismissed. Students are not to remain at school after the normal dismissal time unless they are participating in a scheduled activity or are under teacher or school supervision.

Washington State Law makes school districts responsible for students from the time they leave their home until they return. In order to abide by this law, students must remain under the supervision of school personnel. Therefore, the Franklin Pierce School District policy regarding closed campus is as follows:

a.       “Students shall remain on school grounds from scheduled time of arrival to departure, unless officially excused or dismissed. Students are not to remain at school after normal dismissal time unless they are participating in a scheduled activity, or under teacher or school supervision.”
b.       Any student leaving the high school campus between 7:25 a.m. and 1:55 p.m. must have permission from the principal or assistant principal and must sign out through the main office.
c.        During school hours, students are not permitted behind the 900 building, gym, cafeteria, parking lots, or in the Wake Lake area.
d.       Students found in an out of bounds location or returning without being accounted for will be subject to a search of their person and property for safety reasons.

 

EATING AND DRINKING ON CAMPUS
Students are expected to eat food provided by the cafeteria or brought from home. Food deliveries by paid drivers or outside companies are prohibited. School discipline will apply for repeat offenses.

*DRESS AND APPEARANCE (Disruptive Conduct)
Students are to observe modesty, appropriateness, and neatness in clothing and personal appearance. Students may express individuality in their dress and grooming within reasonable bounds. Students are not appropriately dressed or groomed if their appearance causes a disruptive influence either to themselves or to others while in the pursuit of the educational process, or if their appearance presents a health or safety problem.

Social or secret clubs and/or gangs are prohibited in Franklin Pierce Schools. In keeping with this policy, students shall not be permitted to wear clothing, insignia or markings that identify them as members of such organizations, or any combination of apparel that law enforcement agencies currently consider to be gang related (which is subject to change).

Students are not permitted to wear clothes, belts, hats, pins, buttons, patches, other insignia, or any other article of clothing that is profane, lewd, or would cause disruption or interference with school operation. Students are not allowed to wear clothing displaying the confederate flag, Nazi swastika, or any symbols or language that may be considered to negatively target other individuals or groups.

Students are not allowed to wear clothes, belts, hats, pins, patches, buttons or any other article of clothing that advertises alcohol, tobacco products, weapons and/or illegal drugs.
Students shall not wear anything that bares or exposes underwear/bra, buttocks, breasts, or other private parts.

Students shall be required to wear shoes, except as specified in certain school activities.
Teachers have the right to establish specific dress expectations during class time (i.e., hats, hoods, sunglasses, etc.).

Students are not allowed to wear or display traditional paisley printed bandanas (of any color) to school or to any school event. Acceptable dress and appearance for students is that which does not endanger their health or safety, is not offensive to others, and is not disruptive or detrimental to the educational process.

Students not complying with the above standards of dress and appearance will be asked to change clothes or remain the in the office for the remainder of the school day or shall be sent home from school until the matter is corrected. School discipline will apply to repeat offenders (see Consequence chart for more details). The decision to send a pupil home for such reasons will be made by the principal, assistant principal, or designee.

HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION OR BULLYING

For school discipline purposes, “harassment, intimidation and bullying” includes:

• Intentional hurtful, threatening, or intimidating verbal and/or physical conduct in violation of FPS Policy 3207 and procedure 3207P;
• Unsolicited or unwelcome verbal or physical conduct that is harassing or intimidating that can be of a sexual, religious, racial or ethnic nature, or based on disability; 
• A threat to cause bodily injury, property damage, or to cause the physical confinement or restraint of the person threatened, or any other act causing substantial harm to the physical or mental health of the person threatened.

 

Note: Harassment, intimidation, or bullying that does not constitute criminal “harassment” under Chapter 9A.46.060 RCW (i.e., threats) or any other offense specifically listed in in Policy 3241 or procedure 3241P (e.g., assault or malicious mischief) is a discretionary discipline offense under RCW 28A.600.015 that cannot result in long-term suspension or expulsion.

Exceptional Misconduct
Exceptional misconduct is a violation of rules so serious in nature and/or so disruptive as to warrant an immediate emergency expulsion, short-term or long-term suspension. After consultation with an ad hoc citizens committee, the district has determined exceptional misconduct includes the following offenses:

• Arson;
• Assault, if the assault involves
  • Injury to another;
  • Bodily fluids; or
  • A weapon;
• Commission of any crime on school grounds, or the commission of a crime or other dangerous conduct anywhere that indicates the student’s presence on school grounds poses a danger to other students or staff;​*
• Cumulative violations;*
• Causing intentional, substantial damage or destruction to school property or the property of another on school grounds or at school activities;
• Dangerous use of motor vehicles on school grounds or at school activities, or endangering students on a school bus;
• Disruption of the school program by bomb scares, false fire alarms, firecrackers, etc.;*
• Extortion;*
• Fighting: Fighting and instigating, promoting, or escalating a fight, as well as failure to disperse. Engaging in any form of fighting where physical blows are exchanged is prohibited, regardless of who initiated the fight.  This prohibition includes hitting, slapping, pulling hair, biting, kicking, choking, and scratching or any other acts in which a student intentionally inflicts or attempts to inflict injury on another;*
• Harassment/intimidation/bullying of others;*
• Knowingly possessing stolen property;*
• Possession, use, sale, or delivery of illegal or controlled chemical substances, including marijuana or substances containing marijuana and alcoholic beverages, as well as possession of items reasonably determined to be drug paraphernalia as used or possessed;
• Presence on school property or at a school activity following the consumption or use elsewhere of an alcoholic beverage or a controlled substance, including marijuana;
• Sexual misconduct on school grounds, at school activities, or on school provided transportation;*
• Theft on school grounds, at school activities, on school provided transportation, or of school property at any time;*
• Threats of violence to other students or staff;
• Use or possession of dangerous weapons, including firearms, air guns, knives, nun-chu-ka sticks, throwing stars, stun guns, explosives and other weapons prohibited by state law and Policy 4210.

*Note:  While these marked offenses are “exceptional misconduct” and an immediate imposition of short-term suspension is permissible, each offense may be a “discretionary discipline offense” for which long-term suspension and expulsion/emergency expulsion cannot be imposed.  If the school is considering imposition of long-term suspension, emergency expulsion, or expulsion for any offense marked with an asterisk (*), the behavior must also be explicitly listed in FPS Board Procedure 3241P under the section entitled “Long-Term Suspensions and Expulsions – Conditions and Limitations”. See also FPS Discipline Matrix Form 3241.

Teachers set expectations for personal electronic device (cell phone) use in the classroom. Teachers will use a green, yellow, red card system to indicate if a student can use their device, headphones or neither in class.

Should a teacher have the expectation that devices (cell phones) should not be allowed in the classroom, students will be told to put their devices (cell phones) away individually.  Should the student continue to use their cell phone in class, the teacher will confiscate the device and place it in the calculator pouch at the front of the classroom. If a student refuses to put the device (cell phone) away when requested, the teacher will send a Behavior Response Referral to the administration.  Teachers may confiscate phones or request the student deliver it to the office for safekeeping.

Progressive discipline will apply for cell phone infractions as follows:

Student was requested to turn in phone to    office or teacher AND complied	Student was requested to turn in phone to office  or teacher AND refused
#3 and #4 = Restorative Justice Conversation with student advocate #5: Cell Phone Contract (1 week) or 1 day In School Suspension (ISS) #6: Cell Phone Contract (2 weeks) or 2 days Out of School Suspension (OSS) #7: Cell Phone Contract (1 month) or 5 days OSS #8: Cell Phone Contract (remainder of semester if more than 1 month) or 10 day OSS	#1 Friday School #2 1 day In School Suspension #3 1 day Out of School Suspension

 

Prohibited Items
To ensure an optimum learning atmosphere, students should not bring items prohibited by district rules to school or to school events. All such items are subject to confiscation by school personnel. An item that has been confiscated will only be returned to a student’s parent or guardian, or to an adult student from whom the item was confiscated after the conclusion of the school day or event if the adult student was in lawful possession of the item. Items that have no personal value, such as tobacco products or alcohol, may be disposed of within 72 hours of notice to a parent or guardian that the item has been confiscated. Items left unclaimed at the end of the school year will be donated to charity or disposed of. Illegal items and items possessed illegally will be handed over to law enforcement or disposed of.

SANCTIONS

Guidelines for Sanctions
WAC 392-400-435 contains the following restrictions for suspensions: 

• Kindergarten through grade four - No student in grades kindergarten through four shall be subject to short-term suspensions for more than a total of ten school days during any single semester or trimester as the case may be, and no loss of academic grades or credit shall be imposed by reason of the suspension of such a student.
• Grades five and above - No student in grade five and above shall be subjected to short-term suspension for more than a total of fifteen school days during any single semester or ten school days during any single trimester, as the case may be.

In all cases where sanctions are imposed, a reasonable effort to contact parents or guardians will occur prior to, or contemporaneous with, the imposition of the sanction, in addition to any written notice required by law.  When a school administrator has good and sufficient reason to believe that a student’s presence poses an immediate and continuing danger to the student, other students or school staff, or an immediate and continuing threat of substantial disruption of the educational process, immediate emergency removal or emergency expulsion may be appropriate.  (See FPS Board Procedure 3241P, “Emergency removal”)

In conjunction with the following sanction guidelines, administrators may also consider any alternative form of corrective action—including programs intended to lessen the time of exclusion from class attendance—which has been approved by the Board of Directors and/or Superintendent. The district encourages the use of alternative forms of corrective action when possible and practicable in light of the duty to maintain safe and orderly school environments conducive to student learning.

 In addition to school sanctions, administrators should determine whether restitution for damage or injury should be considered.

Implementing the Guidelines for Sanctions
It is presumed that school administrators will sanction a student for the following offenses within each listed standard range, beginning at the presumptive sanction and determining whether mitigating or aggravating factors warrant a sanction higher or lower within the standard range. School administrators are expected to use their professional judgment and experience when assigning students sanctions and will, to the best of their abilities, attempt to apply these sanctions to all similarly situated students in a fair and equitable manner.  The administrator’s judgment and discretion will carefully balance the duty to maintain order and discipline in a safe school environment, the appropriate corrective action needed to address the student’s misconduct, and the student’s long-term educational success. 

The sanctions listed do not prohibit administrators from considering approved alternatives to out-of-school suspension or expulsion, including in-school suspension.  The standard range for each offense does not prohibit a school administrator from exceeding the range, up to and including expulsion, if sufficient aggravating factors warrant such corrective action or if the threat of danger or substantial disruption supports an emergency expulsion under WAC 392-400-510.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT (Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying)
Any unwanted sexual attention which makes a student uncomfortable, interferes with his or her educational opportunities, or ability to do work. 

1)       Sexual harassment may be treated as a criminal act.

2)       Every report of sexual harassment will be investigated in a sensitive manner.  In determining whether the alleged conduct constitutes sexual harassment or more severe sexual misconduct, the totality of the circumstances, the nature of the harassment, and the context in which the alleged incidents occurred will be investigated.

More specifically, sexual harassment includes any unwanted sexual attention, whether written, verbal, electronically transmitted or physical, such as:    

a.       Sexually suggestive looks or gestures
b.       Sexual teasing or jokes
c.        Pressure for dates
d.       Sexually demeaning comments
e.       Attempts to handle or touch the clothing of others
f.         Deliberate cornering
g.       Attempts to kiss or fondle
h.       Pressure for sex
i.         Request for sex in exchange for something else

*SEXUAL MISCONDUCT (Exceptional Misconduct)

1)       Sexual misconduct will result in a referral to the Pierce County Sheriff.

2)       Sexual misconduct will be investigated in a sensitive manner. In determining whether the alleged conduct constitutes sexual misconduct, the totality of the circumstances, the nature of the conduct, and the context in which the alleged incidents occurred will be investigated.

Sexual misconduct is any exploitive act with or to another student including, but not limited to the following:

a.       Handling or touching the clothing of others to cause an exposure
b.       Indecent exposure as defined in RCW 9A.88.010
c.        Sexual contact, i.e., intentional touching of the sexual or other intimate parts of a student
d.       Sending, sharing, viewing, or possessing pictures, text messages, emails or other material of a sexual nature in electronic or any other form, e.g. “sexting”