Student Handbook

It is the policy of the Highline School Board that students are expected to attend all assigned classes each day.

Excused Absences

The following are valid excuses for absences:

• Participation in a district or school approved activity or instructional program
• Illness, health condition or medical appointment for the student or a person for whom the student is legally responsible
• Family emergency including, but not limited to, a death or illness in the family
• Religious or cultural purpose including observance of religious or cultural holiday or participation in religious or cultural instruction
• Court, judicial proceeding, or serving on a jury
• Post-secondary, technical school or apprenticeship program visitation, or scholarship interview
• State-recognized search and rescue activities consistent with RCW 28A.225.055
• Absence directly related to the student’s homeless status
• Absence related to deployment activities of a parent/guardian who is an active duty member consistent with RCW 28A.705.010
• Absence resulting from a disciplinary/corrective action (e.g. suspension or expulsion)
• Principal and parent/guardian/emancipated youth mutually agreed upon activity

When possible, the parent/guardian is expected to notify the school office on the morning of the absence by phone, e-mail or written note and to provide the excuse for the absence. If no excuse is provided with the notification, or no notification is provided, the parent/guardian will submit an excuse via phone, e-mail or written note upon the student’s return to school.

Tardy

The term “tardy” shall be defined as being late to school, class, or an activity, with or without permission of parents/guardian or school personnel.

Unexcused Absences

Any absence from school for the majority of hours or periods in an average school day is unexcused unless it meets one of the criteria above for an excused absence. This includes absences for which no excuse is ever provided. Not later than the student’s fifth unexcused absence in a month the district shall enter into an agreement with the student and parents that establishes school attendance requirements, refer the student to a community truancy board or file a petition and affidavit with the juvenile court alleging a violation of RCW 28A.225.010.

If such action is not successful, the district shall file a petition and affidavit with the juvenile court alleging a violation of RCW 28A.225.010 by the parent, student, or parent and student no later than the seventh unexcused absence within any month during the current school year or upon the tenth unexcused absence during the current school year.

Schools are meant to be safe and inclusive environments where all students are protected from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB), including in the classroom, on the school bus, in school sports, and during other school activities. This section defines HIB, explains what to do when you see or experience it, and our school’s process for responding to it.

What is HIB?

HIB is any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act of a student that:
•    Physically harms another student or damages their property;
•    Has the effect of greatly interfering with another student’s education; or,
•    Is so severe, persistent, or significant that it creates an intimidating or threatening education environment for other students.

HIB generally involves an observed or perceived power imbalance and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated. HIB is not allowed, by law, in our schools.

How can I make a report or complaint about HIB

Talk to any school staff member (consider starting with whoever you are most comfortable with!). You may use our district’s reporting Form 3207 to share concerns about HIB, but reports about HIB can be made in writing or verbally. Your report can be made anonymously, if you are uncomfortable revealing your identity, or confidentially if you prefer it not to be shared with other students involved with the report. No disciplinary action will be taken against another student based solely on an anonymous or confidential report

If a staff member is notified of, observes, overhears, or otherwise witnesses HIB, they must take prompt and appropriate action to stop the HIB behavior and to prevent it from happening again. Our district also has a HIB Compliance that supports prevention and response to HIB.

Your School HIB Compliance Official: Victoria Terry, Principal or her designee
Highline Public Schools HIB Coordinator: 
Name: Isuzu Niizuma Arambula 
Phone: 206-631-3104
Email: isuzu.niizumaarambula@highlineschools.org

What happens after I make a report about HIB?

If you report HIB, school staff must attempt to resolve the concerns. If the concerns are resolved, then no further action may be necessary. However, if you feel that you or someone you know is the victim of unresolved, severe, or persistent HIB that requires further investigation and action, then you should request an official HIB investigation.

Also, the school must take actions to ensure that those who report HIB don’t experience retaliation.

What is the investigation process?

When you report a complaint, the HIB Compliance Officer or staff member leading the investigation must notify the families of the students involved with the complaint and must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The investigation must be completed within 5 school days, unless you 
 
agree on a different timeline. If your complaint involves circumstances that require a longer investigation, the district will notify you with the anticipated date for their response.

When the investigation is complete, the HIB Compliance Officer or the staff member leading the investigation must provide you with the outcomes of the investigation within 2 school days. This response should include:
•    A summary of the results of the investigation
•    A determination of whether the HIB is substantiated
•    Any corrective measures or remedies needed
•    Clear information about how you can appeal the decision

What are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome?

For the student designated as the “targeted student” in a complaint:
If you do not agree with the school district’s decision, you may appeal the decision and include any additional information regarding the complaint to the superintendent, or the person assigned to lead the appeal, and then to the school board.

For the student designated as the “aggressor” in a complaint:
A student found to be an “aggressor” in a HIB complaint may not appeal the decision of a HIB investigation. They can, however, appeal corrective actions that result from the findings of the HIB investigation.

For more information about the HIB complaint process, including important timelines, please see the district’s HIB webpage or the district’s HIB Policy 3207 and Procedure 3207.

Our School Stands Against Discrimination

Discrimination can happen when someone is treated differently or unfairly because they are part of a protected class, including their race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, creed, disability, use of a service animal, or veteran or military status.

What is discriminatory harassment?

Discriminatory harassment can include teasing and name-calling; graphic and written statements; or other conduct that may be physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating. Discriminatory harassment happens when the conduct is based on a student’s protected class and is serious enough to create a hostile environment. A hostile environment is created when conduct is so severe, pervasive, or persistent that it limits a student’s ability to participate in, or benefit from, the school’s services, activities, or opportunities.

To review the district’s Nondiscrimination Policy 3210 and Procedure 3210, please see the district’s Nondiscrimination webpage.

What is sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome conduct or communication that is sexual in nature and substantially interferes with a student's educational performance or creates an intimidating or hostile environment. Sexual harassment can also occur when a student is led to believe they must submit to unwelcome sexual conduct or communication to gain something in return, such as a grade or a place on a sports team.

Examples of sexual harassment can include pressuring a person for sexual actions or favors; unwelcome touching of a sexual nature; graphic or written statements of a sexual nature; distributing sexually explicit texts, e-mails, or pictures; making sexual jokes, rumors, or suggestive remarks; and physical violence, including rape and sexual assault.

Our schools do not discriminate based on sex and prohibit sex discrimination in all of our education programs and employment, as required by Title IX and state law.

To review the district’s Sexual Harassment Policy 3205 and Procedure 3205, please see the district’s Sexual Harassment Prohibited webpage.

What should my school do about discriminatory and sexual harassment?

When a school becomes aware of possible discriminatory or sexual harassment, it must investigate and stop the harassment. The school must address any effects the harassment had on the student at school, including eliminating the hostile environment, and make sure that the harassment does not happen again.

What can I do if I’m concerned about discrimination or harassment?

Talk to a Coordinator or submit a written complaint. You may contact the following school district staff members to report your concerns, ask questions, or learn more about how to resolve your concerns.

Concerns about discrimination:
Your School Coordinator: Victoria Terry, Principal or her designee 
Highline Public Schools Civil Rights Coordinator: 
Name: Isuzu Niizuma Arambula 
Phone: 206-631-3104
Email: civilrightscoordinator@highlineschools.org
Mail: Highline Public Schools
Attention: Civil Rights Coordinator
15675 Ambaum Boulevard SW
Burien, WA 98166

Concerns about sex discrimination, including sexual harassment:
Your School Coordinator: Victoria Terry, Principal or her designee 
Highline Public Schools Title IX Coordinator: 
Name: Isuzu Niizuma Arambula 
Phone: 206-631-3104
Email: title.ix@highlineschools.org 
Mail: Highline Public Schools
Attention: Title XI Coordinator
15675 Ambaum Boulevard SW

Concerns about disability discrimination:
Your School Coordinator: Victoria Terry, Principal or her designee
Highline Public Schools Section 504 Coordinator: 
Name: Rovenna Johnson
rovenna.johnson@highlineschools.org   
206.631.3250 
Mail: Highline Public Schools
Attention: Section 504 Coordinator
15675 Ambaum Boulevard SW

To submit a written complaint, describe the conduct or incident that may be discriminatory and send it by mail, fax, email, or hand delivery to the school principal, district superintendent, or civil rights coordinator. Submit the complaint as soon as possible for a prompt investigation, and within one year of the conduct or incident.

What happens after I file a discrimination complaint?

The Civil Rights Coordinator will give you a copy of the school district’s discrimination complaint procedure. The Civil Rights Coordinator must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The investigation must be completed within 30 calendar days unless you agree to a different timeline. If your complaint involves exceptional circumstances that require a longer investigation, the Civil Rights Coordinator will notify you in writing with the anticipated date for their response.
When the investigation is complete, the school district superintendent or the staff member leading the investigation will send you a written response. This response will include:
•    A summary of the results of the investigation
•    A determination of whether the school district failed to comply with civil rights laws
•    Any corrective measures or remedies needed
•    Notice about how you can appeal the decision

What are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome?

If you do not agree with the outcome of your complaint, you may appeal the decision to the School Board and then to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). More information about this process, including important timelines, is included in the district’s Nondiscrimination Procedure 3210 and Sexual Harassment Procedure 3205.

I already submitted an HIB complaint – what will my school do?

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying (HIB) can also be discrimination if it's related to a protected class. If you give your school a written report of HIB that involves discrimination or sexual harassment, your school will notify the Civil Rights Coordinator. The school district will investigate the complaint using both the Nondiscrimination Procedure 3210 and the HIB Procedure 3207 to fully resolve your complaint.  

Who else can help with HIB or Discrimination Concerns?

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
All reports must start locally at the school or district level. However, OSPI can assist students, families, communities, and school staff with questions about state law, the HIB complaint process, and the discrimination and sexual harassment complaint processes.

OSPI School Safety Center (For questions about harassment, intimidation, and bullying)
•    Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/health-safety/school-safety-center
•    Email: schoolsafety@k12.wa.us
•    Phone: 360-725-6068

OSPI Equity and Civil Rights Office (For questions about discrimination and sexual harassment)
•    Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/equity-and-civil-rights
•    Email: equity@k12.wa.us
•    Phone: 360-725-6162

Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO)
The Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds works with families, communities, and schools to address problems together so every student can fully participate and thrive in Washington’s K- 12 public schools. OEO provides informal conflict resolution tools, coaching, facilitation, and training about family, community engagement, and systems advocacy.
•    Website: www.oeo.wa.gov
•    Email: oeoinfo@gov.wa.gov
•    Phone: 1-866-297-2597

U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
The U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces federal nondiscrimination laws in public schools, including those that prohibit discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, disability, and age. OCR also has a discrimination complaint process.
•    Website: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html
•    Email: orc@ed.gov
•    Phone: 800-421-3481

Our School is Gender-Inclusive

In Washington, all students have the right to be treated consistent with their gender identity at school. Our school will:
•    Address students by their requested name and pronouns, with or without a legal name change
•    Change a student’s gender designation and have their gender accurately reflected in school records
•    Allow students to use restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity
•    Allow students to participate in sports, physical education courses, field trips, and overnight trips in accordance with their gender identity
•    Keep health and education information confidential and private
•    Allow students to wear clothing that reflects their gender identity and apply dress codes without regard to a student’s gender or perceived gender
•    Protect students from teasing, bullying, or harassment based on their gender or gender identity

To review the district’s Gender-Inclusive Schools Policy 3211 and Procedure 3211 please see the district’s Gender Inclusive Schools webpage. 

Concerns about discrimination based on gender identity:
Your School Coordinator: Victoria Terry, Principal or her designee
Highline Public Schools Gender Inclusive Schools Coordinator: 
Name: Isuzu Niizuma Arambula 
Phone: 206-631-3104
Email: isuzu.niizumaarambula@highlineschools.org
Mail: Highline Public Schools
Attention: Gender Inclusive Schools Coordinator 
15675 Ambaum Boulevard SW
Burien, WA 98166

Our School Stands Against Discrimination

Discrimination can happen when someone is treated differently or unfairly because they are part of a protected class, including their race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, creed, disability, use of a service animal, or veteran or military status.

What is discriminatory harassment?

Discriminatory harassment can include teasing and name-calling; graphic and written statements; or other conduct that may be physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating. Discriminatory harassment happens when the conduct is based on a student’s protected class and is serious enough to create a hostile environment. A hostile environment is created when conduct is so severe, pervasive, or persistent that it limits a student’s ability to participate in, or benefit from, the school’s services, activities, or opportunities.

To review the district’s Nondiscrimination Policy 3210 and Procedure 3210, please see the district’s Nondiscrimination webpage.

What is sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome conduct or communication that is sexual in nature and substantially interferes with a student's educational performance or creates an intimidating or hostile environment. Sexual harassment can also occur when a student is led to believe they must submit to unwelcome sexual conduct or communication to gain something in return, such as a grade or a place on a sports team.

Examples of sexual harassment can include pressuring a person for sexual actions or favors; unwelcome touching of a sexual nature; graphic or written statements of a sexual nature; distributing sexually explicit texts, e-mails, or pictures; making sexual jokes, rumors, or suggestive remarks; and physical violence, including rape and sexual assault.

Our schools do not discriminate based on sex and prohibit sex discrimination in all of our education programs and employment, as required by Title IX and state law.

To review the district’s Sexual Harassment Policy 3205 and Procedure 3205, please see the district’s Sexual Harassment Prohibited webpage.

What should my school do about discriminatory and sexual harassment?

When a school becomes aware of possible discriminatory or sexual harassment, it must investigate and stop the harassment. The school must address any effects the harassment had on the student at school, including eliminating the hostile environment, and make sure that the harassment does not happen again.

What can I do if I’m concerned about discrimination or harassment?

Talk to a Coordinator or submit a written complaint. You may contact the following school district staff members to report your concerns, ask questions, or learn more about how to resolve your concerns.

Concerns about discrimination:
Your School Coordinator: Victoria Terry, Principal or her designee 
Highline Public Schools Civil Rights Coordinator: 
Name: Isuzu Niizuma Arambula 
Phone: 206-631-3104
Email: civilrightscoordinator@highlineschools.org
Mail: Highline Public Schools
Attention: Civil Rights Coordinator
15675 Ambaum Boulevard SW
Burien, WA 98166

Concerns about sex discrimination, including sexual harassment:
Your School Coordinator: Victoria Terry, Principal or her designee 
Highline Public Schools Title IX Coordinator: 
Name: Isuzu Niizuma Arambula 
Phone: 206-631-3104
Email: title.ix@highlineschools.org 
Mail: Highline Public Schools
Attention: Title XI Coordinator
15675 Ambaum Boulevard SW

Concerns about disability discrimination:
Your School Coordinator: Victoria Terry, Principal or her designee
Highline Public Schools Section 504 Coordinator: 
Name: Rovenna Johnson
rovenna.johnson@highlineschools.org   
206.631.3250 
Mail: Highline Public Schools
Attention: Section 504 Coordinator
15675 Ambaum Boulevard SW

To submit a written complaint, describe the conduct or incident that may be discriminatory and send it by mail, fax, email, or hand delivery to the school principal, district superintendent, or civil rights coordinator. Submit the complaint as soon as possible for a prompt investigation, and within one year of the conduct or incident.

What happens after I file a discrimination complaint?

The Civil Rights Coordinator will give you a copy of the school district’s discrimination complaint procedure. The Civil Rights Coordinator must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The investigation must be completed within 30 calendar days unless you agree to a different timeline. If your complaint involves exceptional circumstances that require a longer investigation, the Civil Rights Coordinator will notify you in writing with the anticipated date for their response.
When the investigation is complete, the school district superintendent or the staff member leading the investigation will send you a written response. This response will include:
•    A summary of the results of the investigation
•    A determination of whether the school district failed to comply with civil rights laws
•    Any corrective measures or remedies needed
•    Notice about how you can appeal the decision

What are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome?

If you do not agree with the outcome of your complaint, you may appeal the decision to the School Board and then to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). More information about this process, including important timelines, is included in the district’s Nondiscrimination Procedure 3210 and Sexual Harassment Procedure 3205.

I already submitted an HIB complaint – what will my school do?

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying (HIB) can also be discrimination if it's related to a protected class. If you give your school a written report of HIB that involves discrimination or sexual harassment, your school will notify the Civil Rights Coordinator. The school district will investigate the complaint using both the Nondiscrimination Procedure 3210 and the HIB Procedure 3207 to fully resolve your complaint.  

Who else can help with HIB or Discrimination Concerns?

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
All reports must start locally at the school or district level. However, OSPI can assist students, families, communities, and school staff with questions about state law, the HIB complaint process, and the discrimination and sexual harassment complaint processes.

OSPI School Safety Center (For questions about harassment, intimidation, and bullying)
•    Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/health-safety/school-safety-center
•    Email: schoolsafety@k12.wa.us
•    Phone: 360-725-6068

OSPI Equity and Civil Rights Office (For questions about discrimination and sexual harassment)
•    Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/equity-and-civil-rights
•    Email: equity@k12.wa.us
•    Phone: 360-725-6162

Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO)
The Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds works with families, communities, and schools to address problems together so every student can fully participate and thrive in Washington’s K- 12 public schools. OEO provides informal conflict resolution tools, coaching, facilitation, and training about family, community engagement, and systems advocacy.
•    Website: www.oeo.wa.gov
•    Email: oeoinfo@gov.wa.gov
•    Phone: 1-866-297-2597

U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
The U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces federal nondiscrimination laws in public schools, including those that prohibit discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, disability, and age. OCR also has a discrimination complaint process.
•    Website: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html
•    Email: orc@ed.gov
•    Phone: 800-421-3481

Our expectation is that student personal electronics (cellphones, iPods, speakers, etc.) are out of sight and put away at all times during class- unless explicitly directed by the teacher. We know that personal technology can be an asset for students and learning, but it can also be a distraction, and we want to ensure the learning environment at Tyee is conducive to deep thinking. 

Please know that if your student does not relinquish their phone when asked, a school administrator will confiscate it and the student may pick it up in the office at the end of the day. The administrator will call home to let you know this happened. If the issue is reoccurring, your student may be asked to check their phone in with the office daily when they arrive on campus and pick it up at the end of the day. Please know this will be a last resort because our goal is to have students make good choices with the use of their electronics. 

If you need to get in touch with your student by phone, please contact our main office at 206-631-6400. 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding our electronics policy, please feel free to reach out to Principal Terry by calling the office.

Our School is Gender-Inclusive

In Washington, all students have the right to be treated consistent with their gender identity at school. Our school will:
•    Address students by their requested name and pronouns, with or without a legal name change
•    Change a student’s gender designation and have their gender accurately reflected in school records
•    Allow students to use restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity
•    Allow students to participate in sports, physical education courses, field trips, and overnight trips in accordance with their gender identity
•    Keep health and education information confidential and private
•    Allow students to wear clothing that reflects their gender identity and apply dress codes without regard to a student’s gender or perceived gender
•    Protect students from teasing, bullying, or harassment based on their gender or gender identity

To review the district’s Gender-Inclusive Schools Policy 3211 and Procedure 3211 please see the district’s Gender Inclusive Schools webpage. 

Concerns about discrimination based on gender identity:
Your School Coordinator: Victoria Terry, Principal or her designee
Highline Public Schools Gender Inclusive Schools Coordinator: 
Name: Isuzu Niizuma Arambula 
Phone: 206-631-3104
Email: isuzu.niizumaarambula@highlineschools.org
Mail: Highline Public Schools
Attention: Gender Inclusive Schools Coordinator 
15675 Ambaum Boulevard SW
Burien, WA 98166

Our Schools Protect Students from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying. Schools are meant to be safe and inclusive environments where all students are protected from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB), including in the classroom, on the school bus, in school sports, and during other school activities. This section defines HIB, explains what to do when you see or experience it, and our school’s process for responding to it.

Learn More

Our School Stands Against Discrimination

Discrimination can happen when someone is treated differently or unfairly because they are part of a protected class, including their race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, creed, disability, use of a service animal, or veteran or military status.

What is discriminatory harassment?

Discriminatory harassment can include teasing and name-calling; graphic and written statements; or other conduct that may be physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating. Discriminatory harassment happens when the conduct is based on a student’s protected class and is serious enough to create a hostile environment. A hostile environment is created when conduct is so severe, pervasive, or persistent that it limits a student’s ability to participate in, or benefit from, the school’s services, activities, or opportunities.

To review the district’s Nondiscrimination Policy 3210 and Procedure 3210, please see the district’s Nondiscrimination webpage.

What is sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome conduct or communication that is sexual in nature and substantially interferes with a student's educational performance or creates an intimidating or hostile environment. Sexual harassment can also occur when a student is led to believe they must submit to unwelcome sexual conduct or communication to gain something in return, such as a grade or a place on a sports team.

Examples of sexual harassment can include pressuring a person for sexual actions or favors; unwelcome touching of a sexual nature; graphic or written statements of a sexual nature; distributing sexually explicit texts, e-mails, or pictures; making sexual jokes, rumors, or suggestive remarks; and physical violence, including rape and sexual assault.

Our schools do not discriminate based on sex and prohibit sex discrimination in all of our education programs and employment, as required by Title IX and state law.

To review the district’s Sexual Harassment Policy 3205 and Procedure 3205, please see the district’s Sexual Harassment Prohibited webpage.

What should my school do about discriminatory and sexual harassment?

When a school becomes aware of possible discriminatory or sexual harassment, it must investigate and stop the harassment. The school must address any effects the harassment had on the student at school, including eliminating the hostile environment, and make sure that the harassment does not happen again.

What can I do if I’m concerned about discrimination or harassment?

Talk to a Coordinator or submit a written complaint. You may contact the following school district staff members to report your concerns, ask questions, or learn more about how to resolve your concerns.

Concerns about discrimination:
Your School Coordinator: Victoria Terry, Principal or her designee 
Highline Public Schools Civil Rights Coordinator: 
Name: Isuzu Niizuma Arambula 
Phone: 206-631-3104
Email: civilrightscoordinator@highlineschools.org
Mail: Highline Public Schools
Attention: Civil Rights Coordinator
15675 Ambaum Boulevard SW
Burien, WA 98166

Concerns about sex discrimination, including sexual harassment:
Your School Coordinator: Victoria Terry, Principal or her designee 
Highline Public Schools Title IX Coordinator: 
Name: Isuzu Niizuma Arambula 
Phone: 206-631-3104
Email: title.ix@highlineschools.org 
Mail: Highline Public Schools
Attention: Title XI Coordinator
15675 Ambaum Boulevard SW

Concerns about disability discrimination:
Your School Coordinator: Victoria Terry, Principal or her designee
Highline Public Schools Section 504 Coordinator: 
Name: Rovenna Johnson
rovenna.johnson@highlineschools.org   
206.631.3250 
Mail: Highline Public Schools
Attention: Section 504 Coordinator
15675 Ambaum Boulevard SW

To submit a written complaint, describe the conduct or incident that may be discriminatory and send it by mail, fax, email, or hand delivery to the school principal, district superintendent, or civil rights coordinator. Submit the complaint as soon as possible for a prompt investigation, and within one year of the conduct or incident.

What happens after I file a discrimination complaint?

The Civil Rights Coordinator will give you a copy of the school district’s discrimination complaint procedure. The Civil Rights Coordinator must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The investigation must be completed within 30 calendar days unless you agree to a different timeline. If your complaint involves exceptional circumstances that require a longer investigation, the Civil Rights Coordinator will notify you in writing with the anticipated date for their response.
When the investigation is complete, the school district superintendent or the staff member leading the investigation will send you a written response. This response will include:
•    A summary of the results of the investigation
•    A determination of whether the school district failed to comply with civil rights laws
•    Any corrective measures or remedies needed
•    Notice about how you can appeal the decision

What are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome?

If you do not agree with the outcome of your complaint, you may appeal the decision to the School Board and then to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). More information about this process, including important timelines, is included in the district’s Nondiscrimination Procedure 3210 and Sexual Harassment Procedure 3205.

I already submitted an HIB complaint – what will my school do?

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying (HIB) can also be discrimination if it's related to a protected class. If you give your school a written report of HIB that involves discrimination or sexual harassment, your school will notify the Civil Rights Coordinator. The school district will investigate the complaint using both the Nondiscrimination Procedure 3210 and the HIB Procedure 3207 to fully resolve your complaint.  

Who else can help with HIB or Discrimination Concerns?

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
All reports must start locally at the school or district level. However, OSPI can assist students, families, communities, and school staff with questions about state law, the HIB complaint process, and the discrimination and sexual harassment complaint processes.

OSPI School Safety Center (For questions about harassment, intimidation, and bullying)
•    Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/health-safety/school-safety-center
•    Email: schoolsafety@k12.wa.us
•    Phone: 360-725-6068

OSPI Equity and Civil Rights Office (For questions about discrimination and sexual harassment)
•    Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/equity-and-civil-rights
•    Email: equity@k12.wa.us
•    Phone: 360-725-6162

Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO)
The Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds works with families, communities, and schools to address problems together so every student can fully participate and thrive in Washington’s K- 12 public schools. OEO provides informal conflict resolution tools, coaching, facilitation, and training about family, community engagement, and systems advocacy.
•    Website: www.oeo.wa.gov
•    Email: oeoinfo@gov.wa.gov
•    Phone: 1-866-297-2597

U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
The U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces federal nondiscrimination laws in public schools, including those that prohibit discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, disability, and age. OCR also has a discrimination complaint process.
•    Website: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html
•    Email: orc@ed.gov
•    Phone: 800-421-3481

• Concentrate. Do not talk or distract others.
• Listen carefully to the directions. Ask questions if they are not clear.
• Pace yourself. Keep your eye on the time, but do not worry too much about not finishing.
• Work through all of the questions in order. If you do not think you know an answer to a problem, skip it and come back to it when you have finished the test.
• Read all of the possible answers for each question before choosing an answer.
• Eliminate any answers that are clearly wrong, and choose from the others. Words like always and never often signal that an answer is false.
• If questions are based on a reading passage, read the questions first and then the passage.
• Then go back and try to answer the questions. Scan through the passage one last time
• to make sure the answers are correct.
• When you finish the test, go back through and check your answers for careless mistakes. Change answers only if you are sure they are wrong or you have a very strong feeling they are wrong.
• Do not be afraid to guess at a question. If you have a hunch you know the answer, you probably do!
• Use all of the time allotted to check and recheck your test.

The College Application Process

• The application process begins in NINTH grade. Your grades and coursework will directly impact your admittance to college.
• Fill your schedule with a variety of subjects and difficulty. Colleges are looking for well-rounded students who are highly motivated. Do your best in each class. Do not let a class slip because it does not interest you. Colleges look for a consistent performance in all subjects.
• Take the SAT or ACT in time to include scores on your college applications.
• Look at as many potential colleges as possible. Do not limit your options.
• Visit as many campuses as possible and talk to students, staff, and the office of admissions while at the college.
• Send applications to prospective colleges beginning in early fall of your senior year.
• You can obtain applications and information in the guidance office or online at university and college websites.
• Fill out any potential scholarship forms and send them to the appropriate personnel.
• Allow at least two weeks for your counselor to process your applications.
• Many schools will respond to your application within four to six weeks.

Steps for Juniors

• Talk to your counselor about filling your junior-year class schedule with coursework in English, foreign language, social studies, science, and mathematics. It is recommended that students take as many mathematics courses as possible.
• Colleges are looking for well-rounded students in the arts, business, drama, and speech.
• Find out when potential universities are visiting your school or when your school is going on visits to potential colleges.
• It is best to visit campuses when classes are in session. (Not spring break, Christmas or any major holiday.)
• Take a course that prepares you for the SAT or ACT.
• At the beginning of your junior year, take the PSAT exam to practice for the SAT.
• Take the SAT or ACT in the spring of your junior year. If you feel the score does not reflet your ability, retake the exam during your senior year.
• Start applying for any scholarships for which you are qualified.
•  If you know your intended field of study in college, schedule your senior year with an emphasis in that area.
• Plan to visit as many colleges during the summer as possible.

Steps for Seniors

• Attend as many college fairs as possible in your local area.
• Visit as many institutions and universities as possible. It is best to visit campuses when classes are in session. (Not spring break, Christmas, or any major holiday.)
• When visiting colleges, meet with the admissions office, and financial aid office, as well as speak with professors in your intended field of study.
• Talk to older friends and students about that particular college or university.
• Ensure that your SAT or ACT scores meet the requirements of the colleges and universities that interest you. If necessary, retake the entrance exams.
• Make a list of admission deadlines at the colleges you are interested in attending.
• Submit completed college applications to your guidance counselor, and be sure to include any application fees.
• File a financial aid form.
• Inquire about any available scholarships, and be sure to meet the appropriate requirements and deadlines.
• Keep a file of any correspondence from potential colleges for future reference.