Monday, School Community Day: Students will go to clubs, activities, and build community with their advisory class. Students who need to work on homework can still choose this option.

Tuesday, Character Strong Day: Students will explore social and emotional learning through the Character Strong Curriculum

Thursday, WICORT Day: Students will work on AVID strategies around writing, inquiry, collaboration, reading, and technology. Each month has a specific theme:

Organization (August/ September)
Collaboration (October/ November)
Writing (December/ January)
Inquiry (January/ February)
Reading (March/ April)

Friday, Intervention Day: Intervention Day is an opportunity for students to get caught up on work, Alek’s, missed tests, etc.

ATTENDANCE

24-hour attendance number: (360) 396-3403

Attendance is mandatory in schools. Schools are required to take daily attendance and notify guardians when students have an unexcused absence.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HAVE CONSISTENT ATTENDANCE:

Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.
Prepare for school the night before, finishing homework and getting a good night’s sleep.
Students should not stay home unless they are truly sick. Keep in mind complaints of a stomach ache or headache can be a sign of anxiety and not a reason to stay home.
Avoid appointments and extended trips when school is in session.
Develop back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
Keep track of your attendance. Missing more than 9 days could put a student at risk of falling behind.

Form relationships with teachers and school staff

Encourage meaningful afterschool activities, including sports and clubs.

Need to Leave School Early?

If you become ill during the day, you should get a pass and report to the office. If you are too ill to attend class, the attendance office will notify your parents to take you home. Please click this link for the most up to date COVID related information.

Students who must leave school during the school day must check out at the attendance office. Parent approval is necessary prior to leaving campus. When possible, please give the office 1-hour minimum notice so that the student and teachers may be aware of departure time by calling (360) 396-3403.

What is an Excused Versus an Unexcused Absences?

All absences are considered unexcused unless it meets the criteria outlined in board policy 3122. It shall be considered a truancy (unexcused) if an absence is not cleared by a parent/guardian by communicating to the school WITHIN 48 HOURS.

Understanding Excused Absences:

Students needing to miss school for an approved reason (see Board Policy 3122) are to have their parent or guardian contact the attendance office in advance for an excused absence. All students are to provide documentation to the attendance office WITHIN 48 HOURS from a parent or guardian upon return to school.

Documentation may be provided by:

A. Calling the 24-hour attendance number: (360) 396-3403

B. A written note to the attendance office.

Phone and written documentation should include:

-Student’s first and last name

-Date of absence

-Parent/Guardian name and signature

-Reason

Note: After more than 20 days of excused absences from school, Kingston Middle School will require documentation including but not limited to medical excusal notes from a provider in order to excuse further absences from school.

Personal Pre-Arranged Absences (vacations, surgery, etc.)

The absence form (available in the attendance office) must be filled out if one or more days of absence are to be requested by the parent. The form must be completed by the student/parent and each of the student’s teachers.

School Pre-Arranged Absences:

Excused absences or absences for field trips, athletic contests, or other absences created by approved school sponsored functions have guaranteed make-up work privileges as per school policy.

TARDINESS: Students arriving to class more than ten minutes late are considered ABSENT. Unexcused tardies (less than five minutes late) may be subject to disciplinary action as follows:

1st Offense: Student conference with teacher – Warning
2nd Offense: Student conference with teacher – Warning
3rd Offense: Student conference with teacher – Warning
4th Offense: Student conference with teacher - Parent/guardian contact
5th Offense: Student success plan/attendance is created with administration and family support. Lunch reset is assigned to provide time to design this.

Chronic Absences

If a student has between two-five unexcused absences in one month, state law (RCW 28A.225.020) requires we schedule a conference with the student and parent to identify the barriers and supports available to ensure regular attendance.

If a student has seven unexcused absences in any month or 15 unexcused absences within the school year, we are required to file a petition with the Juvenile court, alleging a violation of RCW 28A.225.010, the mandatory attendance laws. The student and guardian(s) may need to appear in Juvenile Court.

WARNS

Students who have an excessive number of absences may be asked to take the Washington Assessment of the Risks and Needs of Students (WARNS). According to Washington State Center for Court Research, “The purpose of the survey is to help adults at your child’s school or agency to gather data to create a meaningful truancy intervention for your child.”

BECCA BILL

State law requires that a juvenile court petition be filed with the Prosecuting Attorney when a student reaches seven (7) unexcused absences in a calendar month or fifteen (15) accumulated truancies in a school year. The court then may schedule a hearing and refer the child to a community engagement board. See the chart below for more information about the Kitsap County School District Truancy Process.

K. M. S. Counseling Department

School Counselors provide social/emotional services, academic and career planning to all students.

Stephanie Robinson - srobinson@nkschools.org

Serves students in 6th and 8th grades

Pat Jensen - pjensen@nkschools.org

Serves students in 7th grade

Holly Marsh, Counseling Secretary and Registrar hmarsh@nkschools.org

Please complete the Request to see the counselor form to schedule an appointment with the school counselor. Or, students can scan the QR code below to schedule:

Students may also come into the Counseling Office to make an appointment before/ after school and during passing time prior to the one minute warning bell.

Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Resources:

Suicide Prevention: 1-800-273-TALK

24 Hour Crisis Line -1-888-910-0416

Kitsap Mental Health - 360-373-5031 or 1-888-816-0488

Peninsulas’ 211 for comprehensive info and referral to health and human services - Call 2-1-1

Bainbridge Island Youth Services 206-842-9675

KMS Counseling Department can also provide additional community service information

ATHLETICS AND ACTIVITIES

Kingston Middle School - Cavalier Schedules (Arbiter Live)

https://www.arbiterlive.com/Teams?entityId=33488

Kingston Middle School provides a variety of activities in which students may become involved. It is hoped that you will find an area of interest and participate in activities at KMS.

KMS is a member of theWest Sound Middle School League. Students interested in turning out need to clear their eligibility through the athletic coordinator’s office before their first turn out. In order for students to be eligible to participate in any interscholastic program you must:

1) Have been fully enrolled in the previous spring to be eligible for the following fall sports.

2) In season student-athletes must be passing all six classes.

2) Have a current physical examination on file.

3) Have proof of insurance, emergency information and consent form.

4) Complete an athletic registration.

5) Purchase an ASB card and pay a seasonal participation fee.

6) Have no outstanding fines at Kingston Middle School.

ATHLETIC HANDBOOK

The NKSD Code of Conduct for Student Athletes can be found in the NKSD Athletic Handbook. Copies of the complete policy can be obtained in the Main office, Athletic office or NKSD website.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

1. Academic: Must meet both WIAA and KMS scholastic standards for participation. (See Eligibility Standards in the next section.)

2. Regular In-Season Eligibility Checks: On the Tuesday of the grade check week, students will be notified of their academic eligibility status. Students with F’s will not be eligible to compete the following week. They will have until the end of the grade check week to bring up their grade(s) in order to regain eligibility. Students with D’s will complete a Plan of Improvement before being eligible to compete the following week. Student athletes that are not academically eligible (all grades of C or better) will be placed on the Cavalier Academic Support and Help (C.A.S.H.) list and have to attend C.A.S.H. sessions to focus on getting their grades improved and regaining their academic eligibility. C.A.S.H. details will be provided to each student needing that academic intervention as a result of the recurrent grade eligibility checks.

3. Residence: Parent/Guardian must live in the North Kitsap School District and Kingston High School designated attendance boundaries. If they do not live in this service area, you must clear your eligibility with the West Central District Eligibility Board before participation to avoid jeopardizing the team with forfeiture of interscholastic contests.

4. Attended school last semester.

5. NKSD requires students to be passing all subjects during a season to be eligible for competition.

6. Are not over the age of 19.

7. Are not a professional athlete in the sport in which you wish to participate.

8. Complete the required number of practices.

9. Have attended school at least 15 weeks of the previous semester.

Students of ASB recognized clubs and sports teams are required by the ASB Constitution to purchase asb privileges: ASB card sales are the primary source of income which pays for equipment, game officials, athletic awards and entry fees for our athletic teams. Gate receipts from games are used to supplement the budgets of all athletic teams, but ASB card sales are still the number one source of income. All students should purchase a card at the beginning of the school year to take full advantage of free entry to home athletic contests and reduced prices for other ASB sponsored events.

ASB/Elections

All students enrolled at Kingston Middle School (KMS) are members of the Associated Student Body (ASB).

The Student Council (KMS ASB) consists of the Executive Board (the elected ASB officers that represent the whole school), grade level officers, and club representatives. The KMS ASB makes decisions related to the cultural, athletic, recreational and social activities at school. Purchasing an ASB card helps to support these activities and students with ASB cards receive discounts on tickets to after school social events.

Officer Positions by Grade Level:

8th Grade:

Executive Officer (6 positions) Advisor: Cheryl Foreman

Class Officer (4 positions) Advisor: Tracy Knizek

7th Grade:

Class Officer (4 positions) Advisor: Stephanie Robinson

6th Grade:

Class Officer (4 positions) Advisor: Brandy Lacey

Elections occur twice a year; in the fall for 6th grade officers and remaining officer positions, and again in the spring for the following school year’s 7th and 8th grade officers.

Dance Policies

All Kingston Middle School students are eligible to attend ASB dances unless they have had disciplinary action taken for exceptional misconduct that leads to after school detention, or any form of suspension in the 10 school days leading up to the dance. This also includes excessive referrals from classroom teachers.

A signed permission form is required and must be presented at the time of in-person ticket purchase, or read/electronically verified via parent/guardian prior to purchasing ticket online.

No tickets are sold on the day of the dance. Students must be in attendance for the entire day to participate in the dance unless it is for an excused medical appointment with doctor note.

Dance Expectation:

Be Kind

Avoid taking photos and videos of other students, unless using photo booth.
Offer to help peers who may need a friend.
Avoid touching the DJ's equipment and say please/thank you.
Leave decorations as-is.
Clean up after yourself.

Make Progress

Be on time to the dance. Go immediately to the lineup, with wristband on, if required.
Put backpack and school stuff away in the designated area (girls/boys locker room).
Take phone, $, as well as anything you may need during the dance with you, as locker rooms will be locked and permission is required to access before the dance concludes.

Be Safe

Only KMS Students are permitted to attend dances.
Students who leave campus and return before a dance must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Students must remain inside of the designated areas for the entire duration of the dance unless a parent or guardian signs them out early. Students may not have in and out privileges during the dance.
All school rules apply.

ASB Cards

ASB cards are required for athletic participation and can also be used to reduce the cost of other things such as spirit gear, yearbook, high school sporting events, etc. ASB funds also help fund things like assemblies, sports, ASB events, etc.

Yearbooks (will be updated soon)

ACADEMICS

GRADING POLICIES

Each Department at KMS has a slightly different policy on grading, including grading scales. However, you can count on some key consistent practice:

A failing grade should not be a surprise to a parent/guardian and student. Regular dialogue between the teacher and family is essential; parents are encouraged to reach out if you have not heard from your child’s teacher.

We do not believe in zeros for missing assignments. Instead, teachers will place a 50% grade, or not count the work toward the final grade. There are a few exceptions for this if the assignment has little to no impact on the final grade and for formal assessments.

Students should always have an opportunity to turn in late work, complete an alternative assignment, or demonstrate a standard prior to the quarter end in place of a missing assignment. (Teacher discretion for how to show standard).

Skyward should be updated regularly and at a minimum at least every two weeks.

If you have been quarantined and you are not sure how to keep up your grades, you are welcomed to contact your teacher directly. We all have a lot of grace and understanding and want to help your child stay successful.

ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS

Students, you are the main influence on your academic success. Many supports are available to you when you need help including homework club, Student Support Room, Advisory, etc.

ACADEMIC HONESTY, CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM

Honesty is a compelling principle by which we operate all aspects of student and school life. Academic honesty is valued highly at Kingston Middle School. Students should not cheat, nor should they tolerate any other student who cheats. Plagiarism, according to the Modern Language Association (MLA), is a specific form of cheating that involves the taking of “language” or “ideas or thoughts from another person or source” and “representing them as their own work.” Cheating is defined as an attempt to earn credit or receive a grade for course work in a manner other than is defined by the individual teacher. Students who use plagiarized papers, either in part or in whole, alter grades, or otherwise cheat will be subject to our academic honesty policy as follows:

1st Occurance:

Assignment redone or alternative assignment given for full credit,parent/guardian contact will be made by the teacher, student & teacher conference to reteach expectations and develop a student success plan (ex. monitored testing environments). All incidents will be noted in the student’s record (Skyward).

All Additional Occurrences: Assignment redone or alternative assignment given for full credit, Parent/guardian and student conference with teacher/administrator, review student success plan & create additional interventions.

*Additional consequences may include: lunch reset, after school detention, and reduction of participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities; there may also be opportunities for additional learning.

NUTRITION and WELLNESS

Free and reduced lunch info

Costs of lunches and policies

Medication Policies

Health Room Procedures

ShareNet Food2Go Form

Free and Reduced Meals

Families must complete the Free and Reduced Meal form this year to be eligible. Families may apply for Free/Reduced Meals at any point during the school year. Breakfast and lunch will be served at no cost/reduced cost to students who qualify.

See Free and Reduced Meal Link for an application.

Sharenet - Food2Go Program

Sharenet provides packs of Food2Go home with students.

Contact the Counseling Department at 360-396-3435 for a ShareNet Food2Go form.

You can also use the ShareNet Link to complete the application and turn in to the Counseling Department.

ShareNet may also provide temporary emergency assistance with rent, utilities and other situations. Call ShareNet at 360-297-2266.

SAFETY

Brief overview of ALICE

KMS Active Intruder Safety Reminders:

Call 9-911 in the event of an active intruder if possible (or 911 on a cell); assume no one else has.

Communicate to Others: on any phone, dial 05555001 to access the intercom to share information about who/what/where the intruder is.

Be Empowered to decide to evacuate or lockdown based on available information. If evacuating, run to a safe location. Staying together as a class is not a priority. If locking down, barricade doors with furniture and prepare items to throw. Stay quiet, lights off, windows pulled. Never unlock the door for anyone.

If you see something, say something: Keep exterior doors closed and locked. Keep keys nearby or interior doors locked. Notify authorities if you see an unidentified person.

TECHNOLOGY

Family Access and Skyward links for families and students

Google Classroom

Chromebook Policies:

Resources are available to make sure students have equitable access to the blended learning educational program.

Chromebooks

Each student is issued a Chromebook and a charger when they enroll at Kingston Middle School.

Students who transfer in-district will bring their assigned Chromebook with them to their new NKSD school.

Students may personalize their Chromebooks and are encouraged to label their charger to lessen the likelihood of loss.
When students experience technical difficulties with their Chromebooks:

At school: Bring the Chromebook to the library.
At home: Submit a Student Technical Service Request or call (360) 396-3953.

Charging Chromebooks

Charging carts are available in the library and in the two-story building before school, during passing (if there is time without the student arriving late to class), during Advisory, or during lunch.

During class periods, it is up to the teacher to decide whether or not to send a student, with a pass, to the charging carts.

Students are responsible for making up any work missed in class while their Chromebooks are charging.

Loaner Chromebooks

Loaner Chromebooks are available if a student comes to school without a computer or if their Chromebook has a technical issue that requires repair.
Students should check out their loaner laptop before school, during passing period (if there is time without the student arriving late to class), during Advisory, or during lunch.

It is up to the teacher whether or not to send a student, with a pass, to the library to check out a loaner.

Students will complete a survey to record data on the reasons for borrowing a Chromebook.
Daily Loaners should be returned to the library by the end of the school day. A laptop that is not returned by the end of the school day may be assigned a fine. The charge for a missing laptop is $300. Communication on fines will come from staff to student parents/guardians. Lost fines are deleted when the loaner is returned.
Repair Loaners may be kept in the student’s possession until they are notified that their repaired Chromebook is ready to pick up.

Future Ready students have strategies for maintaining their assigned technology and having the materials they need to learn each day.Digital citizenship violations will be handled following the traditional classroom management process.

Chromebook Maintenance Support

Students who need assistance keeping their Chromebooks charged and in good condition or who have trouble bringing their Chromebook to school each day will collaborate with the librarian and/or administration to come up with a success plan.

Tier 1 Interventions	Tier 2 Intervention Options	Tier 3 Interventions Options
Charging carts available in each building Technical Service Requests for repairs Repair loaners	Problem solving conference with a staff member Reteaching expectations and/or Chromebook care/maintenance Parent contact for mutual plan	Chromebook stays at school Daily check in and connect with a staff member Parent contact for mutual plan

We are committed to each student’s success and will do all we can to help students successfully use technology in preparation for high school and beyond.

Lost or Stolen Device Procedure

If a student device is lost, the student should report it to the principal or library media specialist as soon as possible. The device will be inventoried as lost or destroyed and removed from the student account; however, a fee of $300 will be assessed to the student’s account and parents/guardians will be notified. The library media specialist will assign a new device for the student to use. If a student device has been stolen, the student should report it to the principal or library media specialist as soon as possible. Local law enforcement should also be notified, and a copy of the report should be sent to the school office. The device will be inventoried as stolen and removed from the student account. Should a police report not be submitted to the school, a fee of $300 will be assessed to the student’s account. The library media specialist will assign a new device for the student to use.

Future Ready students use technology responsibly.

Inappropriate Behavior

Students are expected to follow all school rules when using their Chromebook. Most tech-related behavior violations are equivalent to “traditional” classroom violations.

Leaving your Chromebook at home is equivalent to leaving your textbook or school supplies at home.
Cutting and pasting without citing sources or putting it into your own words is equivalent to plagiarism.
Cyber-bullying is equivalent to bullying or harassment.
Damaging or defacing the device or accessories is equivalent to vandalism or property damage.
Using the Chromebook to access inappropriate or off-topic sites or materials is equivalent to bringing inappropriate print materials to school.

PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICE EXPECTATIONS

Classroom Personal Device Expectations

Phones should be put away for the entire class period unless directed otherwise by the teacher
Phones out in class without permission may be confiscated (Warning, Choice, Consequence)
Headphones out in class will be immediately confiscated without a warning (except for PE class when given permission by the teacher)
Some students require headphones to help with their learning; teachers will direct some students to use their headphones, and that is okay. Be respectful of these needs.

Lunch Personal Device Expectations:

Phones are okay at lunch
Remember that video and photos of other students are not allowed.
Accessing any school inappropriate content is also a violation of student conduct. This includes sexually explicit material, videos with adult ratings, material that is offensive, racist, or is considered harrassment of others.
Phones may still be confiscated or asked to be put away even at lunch if any adult feels it is a safety or behavior concern that interrupts the school learning environment.

Passing Period and Hallway Personal Device Expectations:

Phones are okay during the passing period. Headsets or AirPods are not okay
Photos and videos of other students is not permitted (NKSD Board Policy)
Phones should never be used on the stairs for safety.

First Time Having Your Phone out in Class:

Note: Headphones/Airpods skip this step and are immediately confiscated.

Refusal to Give Your Device to an Adult When Asked

KMS DISCIPLINE & INTERVENTION

Classroom Discipline Steps Explained:

First Step:

Warning

Adverse behaviors and Minor Behaviors

Second Step:

Reflection Form in Student Support Classroom

Minor Behaviors

Third Step:

Push-In Support Called

Minor behaviors

Fourth Step:

Administrative Action (Office Referral)

Teacher clearly states the expectation and reminds/redirects student to follow expectation.

If student redirects, no further action is necessary.

1. Teacher says “I have reminded you of the expectation to (insert expectation). It is now time to reflect in another classroom.

2. Student picks up reflection form from teacher and a pass.

3. Student goes to teacher’s buddy classroom.

4. Student is invited in to complete the reflect/ reset form before going back to class.

*Refusal to follow expectations in buddy room=

Administrative Action

Principals, counselors, campus security, or TOSA comes to the classroom to offer options for student support.

Options include:

1. Support supervises the classroom while the teacher talks with the student.

2. Support meets with students in hall to deescalate.

3. Support removes student to learn in alternative location.

Teacher requests that an administrator remove the student from the classroom. Or, teacher provides a pass for the student to go to the office as well as a phone call notifying office of student arrival.

Next steps may include:

1. Classroom exclusion

2. Parent meeting with administrator and teacher

3. Lunch reset assigned

4. After school detention or suspension

Major behaviors and severe misconduct should always refer directly to step four, administrative action. These include:

Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying
Hate speech
Multiple minor behaviors (insubordination)
Repeated disruption to the educational process
Exhibiting unsafe behavior
Actions pose a threat to safety
Clear suspicion of drugs, alcohol, or weapon
Appearance of intoxication or under the influence
Severe classroom disruption continues after ALL of strategies have been employed
Concern of harm towards others or self

Classroom Intervention Steps

Expectation Reminder

Buddy Room

Extra Support

Office Referral

Teacher reminds student of classroom expectation.

*This is an opportunity to change behavior before step 2 is implemented.

Take pass to buddy room
Student completes reflect/ reset form before going back.

*This is an opportunity to change behavior before step 3.

*Refusal to follow expectations in buddy room may result in an office referral

Support arrives to meet with student and assist with teacher/ student meeting:

*This is an opportunity to change behavior before step 4.

Support Team:

Principal, Assistant Principal, Counselors, Campus Security, Interventionist

Student brought to the office after previous steps have not improved behavior.

Office referral
Parent/ Guardian contacted
Intervention/discipline assigned

Dangerous behavior
Harassment, intimidation, bullying
Substitute Behaviors

--->

Intervention Progression
Behavior	Outcome
Referral to Administrator/office for classroom behaviors	Lunch Reset Assigned
Referral to Administrator for major/repeated behaviors	After School Detention Assigned
Unsuccessful Lunch Reset or multiple office referrals in one day	After School Detention
Unsuccessful After School Detention or repeated severe misconduct	In School Suspension
Unsuccessful In School Suspension	Out of School Suspension
Accumulation of 5 tardies (Resets each quarter)	Lunch Reset Assigned
Accumulation of 10 tardies (Resets each quarter)	Lunch Reset Assigned

KMS DRESS CODE

Preserving a beneficial learning environment and assuring the safety and well-being of all students is essential for all staff and students. Having appropriate dress and appearance in the middle school setting while also respecting the personal choices and dignity of students is a priority. Students’ choices in matters of dress should be made in consultation with their parents/guardians.

Student dress will only be regulated when, in the judgment of school administrators, there is a reasonable expectation that:

A Health or Safety hazard will be presented by the students dress or appearance, including possible membership or affiliation in a gang or hate group;

Damage to school property will result from the student’s dress; or

A material and substantial disruption of the educational process will result from the student’s dress or appearance.

For the purpose of this policy, a material and substantial disruption of the educational process may be found to exist when a student’s conduct is inconsistent with any part of the educational mission of the school district. Prohibited conduct includes the use of lewd, sexual, drug/tobacco/alcohol related, or gang messaging and/or apparel. If the student’s dress or grooming is objectionable under these provisions, an administrator will request that the student make appropriate corrections.

Additional Clarification is Noted Below:

KMS expectations clearly state that students may not wear hooded garments while at school. Hats are okay. Sunglasses indoors are not okay. This is for student identification and safety.

Bare feet and shoes without adequate grips such as slippers also pose a safety hazard and are not permitted. High heels higher than 4” are not permitted to ensure students can be mobile in an emergency.

Culturally offensive or inappropriate dress including full face paint is also not permitted.

Students in middle school are minors and thus, must be protected from any potential sexual exploitation while at school. Students with undergarments showing, or with clothing that could potentially expose undergarments or reproductive body parts will be asked to correct the clothing. (Note: Students frequently ask about midriffs. Shirts that show a midriff are okay, but shirts that may expose undergarments or chest/breast are not okay).

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

NKSD STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

STUDENT DISCIPLINE RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND LIMITATIONS

It is the goal of the North Kitsap School District to promote in all students a sense of their civic rights, and also their responsibilities. The conduct of one student should not impair the rights or opportunities of other students. The Board of Directors has adopted policies related to student conduct.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

According to the Washington Administrative Code (Laws of Washington) WAC 392-400-210 and North Kitsap School District Board Policy #3241, the mission of the school district is to provide learning experiences which will assist all students to develop skills, competencies and attitudes that are fundamental to an individual’s achievement as a responsible, contributing citizen. It shall be the responsibility and duty of each student to pursue his/her course of studies, comply with written rules of the school district and submit to reasonable corrective action imposed by the school district and its agencies for violation(s) of such rules.

Students at school, school-sponsored events, school-sponsored off-campus events shall be governed by school district policy and regulations and are subject to the direction of school district authorities. Failure to obey the rules and regulations and/or failure to obey the lawful instructions of school district authorities shall result in disciplinary action.

SCHOOL OFFENSES DEFINED

Use, possession or distribution of any alcoholic beverage;
Use, possession or distribution of any illegal chemical substance or opiate as defined in Chapter 60.50 RCW (including, without limitation, any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic substance, or marijuana, or any controlled substance not prescribed by a physician for such possessor or user or substance that purports to be an illegal drug or controlled substance), or any material purporting to be such;
Use, possession or distribution of drug paraphernalia, intended or designed for use, storage, or distribution of any illegal chemical substance, except to the extent authorized by a physician for such a possessor or user;
Abuse by inhalation, ingestion, or otherwise of any substance for its intoxicating effect;
Being under the influence of any intoxicant, including, but not limited to, an alcoholic beverage, illegal chemical substance, opiate, or controlled substance;
Use, possession, or distribution of tobacco or tobacco products, including any device which is capable of being used to consume tobacco or nicotine;
Use, possession, or distribution of:

A gun,
A bomb, or other explosive device, or substance,
A weapon other than a firearm,
Fireworks or other incendiary device
Any other dangerous object
A look-a-like of any gun, bomb, or other weapon
A knife of any size

Threatening damage to persons or property from a bomb or other explosive device;
False activation of a fire alarm
Tampering with a fire extinguisher;
Arson;
Damage or destruction to school property or property belonging to another;
Theft of school property or property belonging to another;
Disruptive conduct; conduct which materially interferes with the educational process including, but not limited to, the use of abusive, foul or insulting language to a teacher or other person;
Refusing to follow reasonable directions (non-compliance) of school administrators, teachers, or other staff members;
Refusing to identify oneself to the proper school authorities, upon request, in school buildings, on school grounds or at school-sponsored events;
Lewd conduct; lewd, obscene, vulgar, indecent, or profane language, gestures, act, expression, or materials;
Assault of another student, staff member, or other person;
Participation in a fight with another student or other person;
Engaging in threats, verbal abuse, or fighting words;
Harassment including, but not limited to, the intimidation of another student or staff member, or any other malicious act which may harm the physical or mental health of another;
Extortion or intimidation of another student or staff member;
Cheating/altercation of records;
Trespass: presence in an unauthorized place or at an unauthorized place or at an unauthorized time;
The commission of any criminal act as defined by law;
Non-attendance (truancy); Daily attendance is required in accordance with State Law and District Policy. Students will attend regularly scheduled classes unless officially excused. State law requires written excuse from parent/guardian;
Violation of building rules which have been promulgated to the students attending that schools including, but not limited to, dress and appearance standards;
Use or possession of laser pointers;
Participation in gang activity or association including, but not limited to, intimidating or coercive activities and placing gang graffiti or symbols on papers, books, clothing, or any school property;
Cyberspace bullying, harassment, threats, profane, lewd and obscene language, conduct, or images are prohibited in email, text messaging, and other electronic communications.

CRIMINAL OFFENSES DEFINED

The acts listed below are among those defined as criminal offenses under the laws of the State of Washington and Kitsap County. Students involved in criminal acts are subject to prosecution whether these acts occur in the community, at school, or at school-related functions. Appropriate action may be taken by school authorities if the incident falls under the district’s authority as defined in WAC 392-400-225(2) quoted above regardless of whether or not criminal charges result.

ARSON - The intentional setting of fire.

ASSAULT - Physical threats or violence to persons.
BOMB THREAT - Threatening damage to persons or property from exploding bombs, whether real or imagined.
BURGLARY - Entering with the intent to steal school or personal property.
DAMAGE OR THEFT OF PROPERTY - If a student damages or steals school property, the Superintendent or designee shall seek restitution from the student or his/her parents or guardians as permitted by law.
DRUGS, ALCOHOL AND OTHER CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES - Use, possession or distribution of drugs, alcohol, or other controlled substances, and items that purport to be, is prohibited.
EXCEPTIONAL MISCONDUCT - Misconduct other than absenteeism which a school district has judged (in consultation with an ad hoc citizens committee) to be of frequent occurrence, after attempts to control such misconduct as to warrant immediate short or long term suspension. Examples of exceptional misconduct are indicated with a (*) in the “school offenses defined” section of this document.
EXPLOSIVES - Possession or use of explosive substances that could cause injury or damage are prohibited on school property unless written authorization from the district is received in advance and the explosive is part of an instructional lesson.
EXTORTION, BLACKMAIL or COERCION - Obtaining money or property by violence or forcing someone to do something against his/her will by force or threat of force.
FALSE FIRE ALARMS - Setting off false alarms.
FORGERY - Fraudulent imitation of a signature or document.
MALICIOUS MISCHIEF - Damage or destruction of school or personal property.
TOBACCO/NICOTINE PRODUCTS & DELIVERY DEVICES - Use or possession is prohibited.
TRESPASS - Presence in an unauthorized place or refusing to leave when ordered to do so.
UNLAWFUL INTERFERENCE WITH SCHOOL AUTHORITIES - Interfering with administrators or teachers by force or violence, or threat of force.
WEAPONS - Firearms, knives, and other types of weapons are prohibited on school property unless written authorization from the district is received in advance and the weapon is part of an instructional lesson. A student expelled for a firearm violation is also expelled from all public schools in the state of Washington for a period of one calendar year.

SEARCH AND SEIZURE

General searches of school property, including lockers and desks, may be conducted at any time by school authorities. The following rules shall apply to an individual search of school property assigned to students (locker, desk, etc.) or to a student’s property and the seizure of items in their possession:

Prior to searching an area where a student has a right to privacy, there must be reasonable cause for school authorities to believe that the student or property has contraband or materials relating to a violation of school rules.
Illegal items or other possessions reasonably determined to be a threat to the safety or security of others or pertinent to a possible violation of school rules may be seized by the school administration.
Items which are used to disrupt or interfere with the educational process may be removed.

DEFINITION OF DISCIPLINARY TERMS

SOURCE OF TERMS: WAC 392-400-025

IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION means a short-term suspension in which the student remains under school supervision.

SUSPENSION means a denial of attendance (other than for the balance of the immediate class, subject or activity period for discipline purposes) for any single subject or class, or full schedule of classes or subjects for a stated period of time. A suspension also may include a denial of admission to or entry upon real and personal property that is owned, leased, rented, or controlled by the school district.

SHORT-TERM SUSPENSION means a suspension for any portion of a school day up to and not exceeding ten (10) consecutive school days. Students will have the opportunity to complete work missed while suspended.

LONG-TERM SUSPENSION means a suspension of eleven (11) school days or more. A long-term suspension may carry with it a loss of credit for the semester at the secondary level. A long-term suspension cannot be imposed beyond the school year in which the alleged misbehavior occurs.

EXPULSION means a denial of attendance for a period of time up to, but not longer than, one calendar year from date of removal. The superintendent may authorize an extension of an expulsion beyond one calendar year in response to a petition by a school. An expulsion also may include a denial of admission to or entry upon real and personal property that is owned, leased, rented or controlled by the school district.

EMERGENCY EXPULSION means an immediate removal of a student when the superintendent or designee believes that the student’s presence poses an immediate and continuing danger to other students, or school staff or an immediate and continuing threat of substantial disruption of the educational process. Emergency Expulsions must end or be converted to another form of corrective action within 10 school days of the date of the emergency removal from school. If the Emergency Expulsion is converted to another form of corrective action, notice and due process rights appropriate to the new corrective action must be provided.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Removal of students eligible for services under the IDEA or Section 504 will be conducted in accordance with those statutes. See district policy 2161. Staff should consult with the student’s case manager at the time of removal.

EMERGENCY REMOVAL FROM A CLASS, SUBJECT, OR ACTIVITY

A student may be removed immediately from a class, subject, or activity by a teacher or an administrator and sent to the building principal or a designated school authority when the student’s presence poses an immediate and continuing danger to the student, others, or an immediate and continuing substantial disruption to the educational process.

The principal or school authority shall meet with the student as soon as reasonably possible following the student’s removal, and not later than the commencement of the next school day and take or initiate corrective action. The removal shall continue only until the danger or threat ceases or until the principal or designee imposes corrective action.

DUE PROCESS (DISCIPLINE, SUSPENSION, EXPULSION, APPEALS)

Constitutionally and legally sound procedures of due process, as outlined below and specified in WAC 392-400, will be followed in the administration of discipline in the North Kitsap School District. A complete text of student discipline procedures is available in WAC 392-400.

1. Discipline authority shall be exercised with fairness.

2. Every effort shall be made by administrators and faculty members to resolve problems through effective utilization of school district resources in cooperation with the student and his/her parent(s) or guardian(s).

3. In cases of the application of discipline (all forms of corrective action or discipline other than suspension or expulsion) the student, parent(s), or guardian(s) shall have the right to an informal conference with the building principal or his designee for the purpose of resolving the grievance. Subsequent to the building level grievance meeting, the student, parent(s), or guardian(s), upon two business days prior notice, shall have the right to present a written and/or oral grievance to the Superintendent or his/her designee. If the grievance is not resolved the student, parent(s), or guardian(s), upon two school business days prior notice, shall have the right to present a written and/or oral grievance to the School Board at a regularly scheduled meeting, unless otherwise notified. The School Board will notify the student, parent(s), or guardian(s) or its decision within ten school business days after the date of the meeting. The discipline action shall continue notwithstanding the implementation of the grievance procedure, unless the principal or his designee elects to postpone such action.

4. Prior to the imposition of a short-term suspension, a conference will be conducted with the student. During this conference, the student must receive notice of the alleged misconduct and the rule of conduct alleged to have been violated, an explanation of the evidence in support of the allegations, an explanation of the corrective action which may be imposed, and an opportunity to present his/her explanation. In cases of short-term suspension, the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the student shall be notified of the reason for the student’s suspension and the duration of the suspension, orally and/or by letter. The notice shall inform the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the right to an informal conference with the building principal or his designee. During this conference, the student, parent, or guardian shall be subject to questioning by the principal or designee and shall be entitled to question school personnel involved in the matter being grieved. Subsequent to the building level grievance meeting, the student, parent(s) or guardian(s), upon two school business days notice, shall have the right to present a written and/or oral grievance to the Superintendent or his/her designee. If the grievance is not resolved, the student, parent(s), or guardian(s), upon two school business days prior notice, shall have the right to present a written and/or oral grievance to the School Board at the Board’s next regularly scheduled meeting. The short-term suspension shall continue notwithstanding the implementation of the grievance procedure, unless the principal or his designee elects to postpone such action.

5. In cases of long-term suspension or expulsion, the student and his/her parent(s) or guardian(s) shall be notified of the alleged misconduct and the rule of conduct alleged to have been violated, the proposed corrective action and its duration, and the opportunity for a hearing. This notification will be in writing and will be delivered by certified mail or in person by a certified employee. If the student and/or parent/guardian predominantly speaks a language other than English, the notice shall be provided in that language, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The notice will also indicate that a written or oral request for a hearing must be received by the school district hearing officer, Mr. Craig Berry or his office at the District Office on or before the third school business day after receipt of the notice of opportunity for a hearing. If such a request is not received within that time, the right to a hearing is waived and the long-term suspension or expulsion shall commence. A student may remain in school during the appeal to the district hearing officer unless an emergency expulsion is issued. Appeals from decisions rendered by the district hearing officer may be made to the School Board. Appeals must be requested within three (3) school days after the receipt of the decision of the hearing officer. The notice of appeal must be in writing. If the request is not received within this three-day period the right to a hearing will have been waived.

6. In cases of emergency expulsions the same procedure will be followed as for a long-term suspension or expulsion, with these exceptions:

a. Notification of the expulsion will be made to the parent(s) or guardian(s) within twenty-four hours. This notice must specify the alleged reasons the emergency expulsion standard is met and the beginning and end date for the emergency expulsion, and must include notice of hearing rights.

b. Student is immediately removed from school.

c. The hearing will be held by the district hearing officer, “as soon as reasonably possible,” but no later than the second business day following receipt of request for the hearing.

d. A hearing decision must be made within one school business day after the hearing.

7. If a hearing is requested by the student or his/her parent(s) or guardian(s), the following procedural guidelines will govern the hearing:

a. The student and his/her parent(s) or guardian(s) have the right to inspect in advance any evidence the school district intends to introduce at the hearing.

b. The designee(s) of the school district assigned to present the case shall have the right to inspect in advance any evidence the student or his/her parent(s) or guardian(s) intend to introduce at the hearing.

c. The student has the right to question and confront witnesses, unless a school district witness does not appear and the nonappearance of the witness is excused by the hearing officer based on evidence of good reason for doing so. The evidence must establish either that the district made a reasonable effort to produce the witness and has been unable to do so, or that it is not advisable for a student to appear due to an expectation and fear of retaliation against the student.

d. The student has the right to be represented by legal counsel.

e. The student may present his/her explanation of the alleged misconduct and make relevant showings by way of witnesses and the introduction of documentary and other physical evidence.

f. The hearing officer shall not be a witness and the final decision regarding the imposition of corrective action shall be determined solely on the basis of evidence presented at the hearing.

g. Either a tape recorded or verbatim record of the hearing shall be made.

h. A written decision setting forth the findings of fact, conclusions, and the corrective action to be imposed, if any, shall be provided to the student and his/her parent(s) or guardian(s) and legal counsel.

8. Appeals from decisions rendered by the district hearing officer may be directed to the School Board. The following guidelines govern this procedure (Policy 3241 and WAC 392-400-315):

a. Oral or written requests for appeal from the student, parent(s), or guardian(s) shall be provided to the district hearing officer or superintendent within three school business days after receipt of the hearing officer’s decision.

b. If an appeal is not received within the three school business day period, the suspension or expulsion will be imposed. If an appeal is received, the student may be removed from school pursuant to the long-term suspension or expulsion for up to ten school days or until the School Board issues a final decision, whichever occurs first.

c. If an appeal is received by the School Board, following the appropriate procedure, the Board shall schedule and hold a meeting to review the matter within ten school business days after receipt of the appeal notice. The purpose of this meeting shall be to meet and confer with the individuals involved in order to decide upon the most appropriate means of handling the appeal. At that time the involved parties shall be given the opportunity to be heard.

d. At this meeting the School Board shall decide on one of the following courses of action:

1. Render a decision within ten school business days.

2. Schedule a special meeting to hear further arguments and render a decision within fifteen school business days after the date of the initial meeting.

3. Schedule and hold a meeting within ten school business days after the date of the initial meeting for the purpose of hearing the case de novo.

9. An appeal to a decision by the School Board, related to the affirmation of the imposition of a long-term suspension or an expulsion, shall be to superior court. The appeals to the court must be within thirty days of the receipt of the School Board’s final decision.

10. Any student who has been placed on a long-term suspension or an expulsion may make a written application to be readmitted to school. The application is to be made through the district superintendent of schools or his designated representative.

11.If corrective action is imposed upon a student subject to compulsory attendance, the school district must:

a. Provide notice to the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) or custodial parent(s) in writing in English or, if different, the primary language of the parent(s), guardian(s) or custodial parent(s), that the student has failed to attend school without valid justification, and by other means reasonably necessary to achieve notice of such fact;

b. Schedule a conference or conferences with the parent(s) or guardian(s) or custodial parent(s) and the student at a time and place reasonably convenient to all persons included to analyze the causes for the student’s absence, and to determine whether the student should be made a focus of concern for placement in special programs designed for his or her educational success; and

c. Take steps to reduce the student’s absence which include, where appropriate in the judgment of local school officials) and where possible, discussed with the student, parent(s), or guardian(s), adjustments of the student’s school program or school or course assignment or assisting the student or parent to obtain supplementary services that might ameliorate the causes for the student’s absence from school.

12. A student’s academic grade or credit may be adversely affected by reason of absence or tardiness only if:

Attendance or participation is related to the instructional objectives or goals of the particular course;
Attendance or participation has been identified by the teacher pursuant to the policy of the district as a basis for grading in the particular subject or course; and
The circumstances pertaining to the student’s inability to attend have been taken into consideration, including whether the absences or tardiness are directly related to a disability.

13. Students given a long-term suspension for disciplinary infractions which have been ascertained to have been related to drug/alcohol use may have the suspension reviewed at any time following the tenth day of the suspension provided suspension was for use and/or possession not sale or distribution and if the student can provide evidence of having completed an assessment by a state certified drug/alcohol agency which meets the North Kitsap School District’s criteria for assessment, and evidence of having taken steps to follow the recommendations based on the assessment. After the review, the student may be readmitted on a probationary basis for the balance of the suspension period or the student’s educational opportunities may be continued in some other appropriate way. In order to return to school on a probationary basis, students may also be required to state where and how they obtained the drug or alcohol.

REENGAGEMENT

RE ENGAGEMENT MEETING must be convened when a long-term suspension or expulsion is issued. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss a re engagement plan with the student and parent. A re engagement meeting must be convened within 20 days of a long-term suspension or expulsion, and no later than five days before the student’s reentry or re enrollment.

RE ENGAGEMENT PLAN is a written plan developed between a school district, student, and parent to aid the student in taking necessary steps to remedy the situation that led to the corrective action and return the student to an educational setting as soon as possible.

CUMULATIVE VIOLATIONS

NKHS discipline is reasonable, consistent and progressive. Cumulative violations can accrue due to either a recurrence of an act of misconduct or a different offense, as listed under the category “Aggressive Student Behavior.” Individual teachers’ expectations and rules may be more detailed and restrictive than those listed here. Students who do not respond to counseling or detention, contracts, Saturday School, in-school or out-of-school short-term suspension or parent conferences by continuing to violate school rules, or students who exhibit acute discipline problems or exceptional misconduct, may lose their privilege to attend this high school.

STUDENT RIGHTS

In addition to individual rights established by law and district policies, students served by or on behalf of North Kitsap High School 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;
Freedom from unlawful interference in their pursuit of an education while in the custody of the district;
Security against unreasonable searches and seizures;
The substantive constitutional rights listed in WAC 392-400-215, subject to reasonable limitations upon the time, place, and manner of exercising such rights consistent with the maintenance of an orderly and efficient educational process within limitations set by law, including the right to:
Freedom of speech and press,
Peaceably assemble
Petition the government and its representatives for a redress of grievances,
The free exercise of religion and to have their schools free from sectarian control or influence, and
Participate in the development of rules and regulations to which they are subject and to be instructed on rules and regulations that affect them, including the periodic review and update of discipline rules, policies, and procedures;
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.

TRANSGENDER STUDENTS

The district is required to provide an educational environment that is safe and free of discrimination for all students, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Please refer to the student’s counselor and/or refer to Board Policy 3211P for more information. Some worth noting here include:

Schools may change a student’s official gender designation upon parent or student request pursuant to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction’s (OSPI’s) process found at http://www.k12.wa.us/cedars/CEDARSDataFormQA.aspx. To the extent that the District is not legally required to use a student's legal name and biological sex on school records or documents, the District should use the name and gender by which the student identifies. In situations where school employees are required by law to use or report a student's legal name or gender, such as for standardized testing, school staff should adopt practices to avoid the inadvertent disclosure of the student’s transgender or gender nonconforming status.

Restroom Accessibility Students will be allowed to use the restroom that corresponds to the gender identity they assert at school. No student will be required to use a restroom that conflicts with his or her gender identity.

Locker Room Accessibility Use of locker rooms by transgender or gender nonconforming students will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, with the goal of maximizing transgender or gender nonconforming student social integration, providing an equal opportunity to participate in physical education classes and athletic opportunities and ensuring the student’s safety. In most cases, the district should provide the student access to the locker room that corresponds to the gender identity they assert at school. Reasonable alternatives to locker room conditions include, but are not limited to:

∙ use of a private area (e.g., nearby restroom stall with a door, an area separated by a curtain, an office in the locker room, or a nearby health office restroom);

∙ a separate changing schedule (i.e., utilizing the locker room before or after the other students.

Any alternative to locker room conditions will be provided in a manner that allows the student to keep his or her transgender or gender nonconforming status private. No student, however, will be required to use a locker room that conflicts with his or her gender identity.

NONDISCRIMINATION

The North Kitsap School District will provide equal educational opportunity and treatment for all students in all aspects of the academic and activities program without discrimination based on sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, immigration status, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Questions or complaints of alleged discrimination can be directed to the district’s Title IX/RCW 28A.640 Compliance Officer Rachel Davenport, Executive Director, rdavenport@nkschools.org (360) 396-3003 and /or the ADA and 504 Coordinator, Courtney O’Catherine, Assistant Director of Special Education, COCatherine@nkschools.org (360) 396-3023; address - 18360 Caldart Ave NE, Poulsbo WA 98370

PESTICIDE NOTIFICATION

The North Kitsap School District applies pesticides (herbicides, fungicides, insecticides) as needed throughout the year by district employees and licensed contractors. District employees responsible for applying pesticides are required to attend annual pesticide application training.

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. Such records will be available on request by interested persons under the state Public Records Act and other laws.

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 product 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.