Student Handbook

Shorewood Elementary
206.631.4900

Highline District Office
206.631.3000

Special Services
206.631.3037

Transportation
206.631.7502

Student Placement
206.631.3065

GUIDELINES FOR SUCCESS—THE 3 B’s

RESPECT

We speak courteously to everyone. We follow the directions of all staff.

We treat both school and personal belongings carefully. 

RESPONSIBILITY

We are accountable for our own actions. We set goals and work to achieve them. We learn from our mistakes and celebrate our growth.

SAFETY

We do nothing that could hurt ourselves or others. We resolve conflicts in a calm and thoughtful manner.

Monday - Thursday

FRIDAY

The habit of regular and punctual attendance is strongly related to student success.  We ask that you help your child to develop good work habits.  The school reserves the right to call and validate the excuse and to schedule a conference relating to tardies and absences.  Serious attendance  problems will be reviewed monthly and may result in letters, phone calls and conferences.  Every attempt will be made, however, to create a positive resolution that leads to good attendance.  

Reporting Absences

Call the office at 206.631.4900 before 9:00am to report absences.  You may also email the office and/or your student’s teacher.  Messages can be left before and after school hours on our voicemail system.  Please be sure to call the office to report an absence, or you can send a written note upon your child’s return to school.  For your child’s safety, if we have not heard from a parent/guardian, the HSD will send a notification to verify your child’s absence.  If your child will be gone for an extended period of time, please let the office know as soon as possible.  

Absences

Any absence from school is unexcused unless it meets specific criteria for an excused absence.  The Highline School District, in accordance with state mandates, will only accept the following excuses for absences from school: 

• Illness, health condition, or medical appointment
• Family emergency, including but not limited to death or illness in the family
• Religious or cultural purposes
• Court, judicial proceedings
• Absence resulting from a disciplinary/corrective action/(short-term or long-term suspension, emergency expulsion, etc.)

The principal has the authority to determine if an absence meets the above criteria for an excused absence. 

Late Arrival

 Being late for school means the student misses out on important morning announcements and their teachers’ instructional time.  Students arriving after the 9:15am bell need to check in at the office to obtain a late pass. 

Early Dismissal

Please try to arrange appointments around the school day.  Students needing an early dismissal will only be released when a parent/guardian signs them out in the office.  Teachers cannot release students to parents.

After School Plan

After school plans need to be made at home, not during the school day.  Should your child wish to go home with a friend or anywhere other than the normal after school routine, those plans should be made in advance.  Students will not be allowed to make phone calls from school to arrange for after school plans. 

Please avoid calls or emails to school regarding changes in after school plans.  Please make sure all after school plans are set before your child comes to school in the morning.  In the event of a change of plans, you need to contact the office, NOT the classroom teacher.  All changes must be communicated to the office BEFORE 3:30pm. 

Students will not be dismissed early or released to anyone other than their parent/guardian without prior arrangement with the school office.  These measures are taken to ensure your child’s safety. 

Weather & School Closures or Late Starts

Snow, ice and other unexpected closures can create confusion for all of us when it affects the school schedule.  School closures are made at the district level. The district will make calls, send emails and text messages to notify families of delays and/or closures.

Parent Drop Off/Pick Up

• Do not park in the fire lane
• Do not park in the handicap spot without a state issued handicap placard
• Pull up against the curb - DO NOT block parked cars
• Pull to the front - DO NOT leave large gaps between cars
• Single file ONLY - DO NOT double park in the circle
• If parking in the neighborhood, be a good neighbor keeping driveways clear
• Cross at designated crosswalks (116th & 126th)

Riding the Bus is a Privilege

Follow the 3 B’s: 

• Be Respectful-level “2” voice, kind words only, share seats as needed
• Be Responsible-follow bus driver’s directions, leave items in backpacks, no eating
• Be Safe-stay seated face forward, hands to self, wait for bus to stop before walking toward bus, exit front to back showing patience, exit bus & follow traffic safety rules

Walking to School

• Use only planned, safe walking routes when coming to or going from home to school.  Don’t stop at a friend’s house without parent permission
• Cross at the crosswalk only with the help of the adult crossing guard
• Report immediately to parents, teacher, or the office if anyone bothers you on your walk to or from school

Bike Riders

• Only 4th and 5th graders may ride their bikes to school
• Helmets must be worn, it’s the law! 
• Bikes are to be walked while on the school grounds
• Keep skateboards, rollerblades and heelies at home

Parents will be called to come and pick up bikes, skateboard, etc., if these rules are not followed. 

Monday-Thursday

Friday

Help Your Child Be Successful at School

• Teach them the value of good, prompt attendance
• Promptly return all forms to school 
• Check homework to make sure it’s complete 
• Check the school calendar often so you are aware of early release days, special events and no school days
• Do not send a sick child to school - students must be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school
• Make sure your student is dressed appropriately

Staffing

Each year our staffing can change and is affected by certification, seniority, student enrollment, state funding and distribution, allocation and/or scheduling of itinerant service across the district.  Staffing can also fluctuate based on changes over the summer.  In August, each school awaits final enrollment numbers as enrollment is what drives staffing allocation at the state level.  Staffing allocation is based upon October 1st enrollment.  All classroom teaching staff are qualified to teach kindergarten through grade eight and hold a Washington State Teaching Certificate. 

Student Placement

From time to time at the beginning of the year, we might find ourselves with an imbalance of students at a particular grade level.  We try our best to be proactive about this by making adjustments to student placement before the first day of school.  However, in the case that our student enrollment continues to change, at the recommendation of our district office, we may need to move students or collapse classrooms.  Student placements are subject to change through the month of September.  We regret having to make any adjustments after the start of the year and thank you in advance for your understanding, flexibility and support.  

Students are very familiar with our Guidelines for Success also known as the 3 B’s.  They are:  Respect, Responsibility and Safety.  Your child should be able to tell you what each of these mean.  Our expectations are a combination of common courtesy and safety considerations.  Our Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) team has posters in the classroom and school wide, without our behavior expectations.  Students are rewarded for displaying the Guidelines for Success.

The following types of behavior are NEVER allowed at Shorewood:

• Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB)
• Fighting
• Teasing
• Disrespectful conduct
• Intentional harm to others
• Possession of weapons or other dangerous objects
• Possession or use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol

For details on student discipline, refer to Highline Public Schools DisciplinePolicy and Students’ Rights and Responsibilities, published on the district website, www.highlineschools.org  Highline Public Schools has a zero tolerance policy for any type of weapon

Beginning your School Day

Breakfast is served from 8:50-9:10.  If your student does not eat breakfast, please do not arrive at school until 9:00.

Follow the 3 B’s:

• Be Respectful-clean up your area
• Be Responsible-go to breakfast or line up outside, keep personal items in backpack
• Be safe-walk, stay in lines, backpacks on your back

Bathroom Expectations

Follow the 3 B’s:

• Be respectful-flush toilet, Level “0” voice
• Be Responsible-put garbage in can, take care of your needs quickly
• Be safe-wash your hands

Do you have a pass?  No writing or drawing in the bathroom.  It is your duty as a member of our Shorewood family to report students to the office or your teacher, who are vandalizing the bathrooms. 

Cafeteria Expectations

Follow the 3 B’s:

• Be Respectful-Level “2” voice, be polite to others
• Be Responsible-clean your space, dump and stack trays, eat what you take
• Be Safe-eat your food only, stay in seat until dismissal time, keep food on tray, walk at all times

Hallway Expectations

Follow the 3 B’s:

• Be Respectful-Level “0” voice
• Be Responsible-hands, feet and objects to yourself, always have a pass for the bathroom, office or clinic
• Be Safe-walk, stay to the right

Playground Expectations

• Safety first!  Listen to adult recess supervisors
• If you need help, find an adult recess supervisor
• Follow Shorewood’s Guidelines  for Success:  The 3 B’s:  Respect, Responsibility and Safety
• You must have a pass to enter the building from the playground area at recess

All meals (breakfast & lunch) are free to all students

For any questions regarding student meal information, please contact our Nutrition Services Department at 206.631.3010.

Appropriate dress for school is expected.  Any type of dress or grooming which is distracting to the learning environment or is unsafe is not acceptable. Examples include but not limited to:  

Clothing Items not Allowed

Pajamas (unless Pajama day)

Shirts with inappropriate pictures or logos

Other Items not Allowed at School

Toys

Gum

Skateboard

Rollerblades

Heelys

All lost and found items are located right outside of the cafeteria.  Lost and found items that are not claimed, will be donated to charity throughout the year.  Please check the lost and found or check with the office for lost items as soon as possible.  We are not responsible for lost or stolen items.

The primary responsibility for the education of children is vested in the regular classroom teacher, but a combination of the following specialists and special programs are available to assist in assessment and to help meet individual needs.

• Nurse
• Counselor
• Bilingual Tutors
• Psychologist
• Speech and Language Pathologist
• Occupational and Physical Therapy
• Hearing and Vision Specialist
• SEL Specialist
• Success Dean
• Family Liaison

We look forward to having your child participate in our Physical Education Program!  If your child cannot participate in the regularly scheduled physical education class, please send a doctor’s note.  If your child cannot participate because of a temporary restriction, you may send a note excusing them from participating for that day only.  Tennis shoes are requested for PE days.  Boots, flip-flops, sandals, etc. are not safe for PE activities.  Comfortable clothing is also recommended.

5th grade students will choose to participate in band.  Musical instruments are not provided but are for sale or rent at local music stores.  There are a select number of district-owned instruments for families to borrow. 

Every Shorewood student gets to use and check out books from the library during the school year.  The number of books students can check out depends on their grade level.  Students are expected to be respectful, responsible and safe with all library materials. Library materials need to be returned or renewed each week.  It is a privilege to check out books and to be able to take them home.  Students who are irresponsible with library materials, will have limited privileges.  If library materials are lost or damaged, those items will need to be paid for.  Students will not receive their report card at the end of the school year if they have a library fine.  The library is a classroom during the school day and is not open for visitors or meetings when classes are in session.  

We understand that some parents need their children to carry cell phones or smart watches for safety reasons.  Please be aware that cell phones  and smart watches must be kept turned off and in backpacks until after school.  If an adult sees a student with a cell phone or smart watch out during the school day, one reminder will be given and then on the second time, the phone or watch will be turned in to the office and a parent/guardian will be called.  The student may pick up the item at the office after the first offense.  If a second offense occurs, a parent must pick up the item.

Shorewood loves and appreciates our volunteers!  Volunteering is a very rewarding experience.  If you are interested in volunteering, stop by the office and pick up a volunteer form or visit the Highline School District website.  Once approved, (which generally takes a few days), you can make arrangements with your child’s teacher to volunteer in the classroom or help out with field trips, etc.  When you come to the school, please check in at the office.

Parents are requested to contact their student’s teacher ahead of time to make arrangements when requesting to visit a classroom.  All visitors must check in at the office and get a visitor badge before proceeding to the classroom.  

The Highline School District website has an abundance of resources for parents and students.  At www.highlineschools.org, you can find information such as school calendars, lunch menu, bus schedules, health services, internet safety, parent resources and individual school websites.  Download the ParentSquare app for free to keep up to date with all school and district information! Everyone should have a ParentVUE account.  It is important that you update your information on a yearly basis, especially keeping phone numbers up to date.  

We encourage staff and parents to join the Shorewood PTA!  Our PTA provides our students with assemblies, field trip transportation, spring carnival and many other family events. 

The Highline School District is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees, parents/legal guardians, volunteers, and community members that is free from harassment, intimidation, or bullying.

“Harassment, intimidation, or bullying” means any intentionally written message or image - including those that are electronically transmitted - verbal, or physical act, including but not limited to one shown to be motivated by race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, mental or physical disability, or other distinguishing characteristics, when an act:

• Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property.
• Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education.
• Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; and/or
• Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

“Other distinguishing characteristics” can include but are not limited to physical appearance, clothing or other apparel, socioeconomic status, and weight.

Harassment, intimidation, and bullying can take many forms, including but not limited to, slurs, rumors, name calling, jokes, insinuations, demeaning comments, drawings, cartoons, pranks, ostracism, gestures, hazing, physical attacks, or threats.

In order to ensure respect and prevent harm, it is a violation of district policy for a student to be harassed, intimidated, or bullied by others in the school community, at school sponsored events, or when such actions create a substantial disruption to the educational process.

Incident Reporting

Any student or students who believe they have been the target of unresolved, severe, or persistent harassment, intimidation, or bullying, or any other person in the school community who observes or receives notice that a student has or may have been the target of unresolved, severe, or persistent harassment, intimidation, or bullying may report incidents verbally or in writing to any staff member.

You can report Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying (HIB) to any school staff member or to the district's HIB Coordinator. For a copy of your district’s HIB Policy 3207 , Procedure 3207 and Form 3207, contact your school or district office or view it online here: https://www.highlineschools.org/departments/student-support/bullying-civil-rights-sexual-harrassment

Your School Compliance Official: The principal (or designee) of your school 

Any person having inquiries should contact:

• HIB Coordinator: District Ombudsman, 206.631.3100, isuzu.niizumaarambula@highlineschools.org
• Address: 15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW, Burien, WA 98166

Highline School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression and identity, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.  This holds true for all students who are interested in participating in educational programs and/or extracurricular activities. Highline Public Schools also provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

You can report discrimination and discriminatory harassment to any school staff member or to the district's Civil Rights Coordinator. For a copy of your district’s nondiscrimination Policy 3210 and Procedure 3210, contact your school or district office or view it online here: https://www.highlineschools.org/departments/student-support/bullying-civil-rights-sexual-harrassment

Your School Compliance Official: The principal (or designee) of your school 

Any person having inquiries should contact:

·         Civil Rights Act (students) and Title IX: District Ombudsman, 206.631.3100, civilrightscoordinator@highlineschools.org; titleixofficer@highlineschools.org

·         Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act: Health & Social Services Compliance Manager, 206.631.3011, 504coordinator@highlineschools.org

·         Address: 15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW, Burien, WA 98166

Highline Public Schools is committed to a positive and productive education free from discrimination, including sexual harassment. This commitment extends to all students involved in academic, educational, extracurricular, athletic, and other programs or activities of the school, whether that program or activity is in a school facility, on school transportation or at a class or school training held elsewhere. 

Definitions

For purposes of this policy, sexual harassment means unwelcome conduct or communication of a sexual nature.  Sexual harassment can occur adult to student, student to student or can be carried out by a group of students or adults and will be investigated by the District even if the alleged harasser is not a part of the school staff or student body.  The district prohibits sexual harassment of students by other students, employees or third parties involved in school district activities.

The term “sexual harassment” may include:

• Acts of sexual violence;
• Unwelcome sexual or gender-directed conduct or communication that interferes with an individual’s educational performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment;
• Unwelcome sexual advances;
• Unwelcome requests for sexual favors;
• Sexual demands when submission is a stated or implied condition of obtaining an educational benefit;
• Sexual demands where submission or rejection is a factor in an academic, or other school-related decision affecting an individual.

A “hostile environment” has been created for a student when sexual harassment is sufficiently serious to interfere with or limit the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the school’s program. The more severe the conduct, the less need there is to demonstrate a repetitive series of incidents.  In fact, a single or isolated incident of sexual harassment may create a hostile environment if the incident is sufficiently severe, violent, or egregious.

You can report sexual harassment to any school staff member or to the district's Title IX Officer. For a copy of your district’s sexual harassment Policy 3205 and Procedure 3205, contact your school or district office, or view it online here: https://www.highlineschools.org/departments/student-support/bullying-civil-rights-sexual-harrassment

Your School Compliance Official: The principal (or designee) of your school 

Any person having inquiries should contact:

• Title IX Coordinator: District Ombudsman, 206.631.3100, titleixofficer@highlineschools.org
• Address: 15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW, Burien, WA 98166

Before filing a complaint, you can discuss your concerns with the school principal or with the school district’s Title IX Officer or Civil Rights Coordinator. This is often the fastest way to resolve your concerns.

Complaint to the School District

Step 1. Write Out Your Complaint

In most cases, complaints must be filed within one year from the date of the incident or conduct that is the subject of the complaint. A complaint must be in writing. Be sure to describe the conduct or incident, explain why you believe discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or sexual harassment has taken place, and describe what actions you believe the district should take to resolve the problem. Send your written complaint—by mail, fax, email, or hand delivery—to the district superintendent or civil rights compliance coordinator.

Step 2: School District Investigates Your Complaint

Once the district receives your written complaint, the coordinator will give you a copy of the complaint procedure and make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The superintendent or designee will respond to you in writing within 30 calendar days—unless you agree on a different time period. If your complaint involves exceptional circumstances that demand a lengthier investigation, the district will notify you in writing to explain why staff need a time extension and the new date for their written response.

Step 3: School District Responds to Your Complaint

In its written response, the district will include a summary of the results of the investigation, a determination of whether or not the district failed to comply with civil rights laws, notification that you can appeal this determination, and any measures necessary to bring the district into compliance with civil rights laws. Corrective measures will be put into effect within 30 calendar days after this written response—unless you agree to a different time period.

Appeal to the School District

If you disagree with the school district’s decision, you may appeal to the school district’s board of directors. You must file a notice of appeal in writing to the secretary of the school board within 10 calendar days after you received the school district’s response to your complaint. The school board will schedule a hearing within 20 calendar days after they received your appeal, unless you agree on a different timeline. The school board will send you a written decision within 30 calendar days after the district received your notice of appeal. The school board’s decision will include information about how to file a complaint with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

Complaint to OSPI

If you do not agree with the school district’s appeal decision, state law provides the option to file a formal complaint with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). This is a separate complaint process that can take place if one of these two conditions has occurred: (1) you have completed the district’s complaint and appeal process, or (2) the district has not followed the complaint and appeal process correctly.

You have 20 calendar days to file a complaint to OSPI from the day you received the decision on your appeal. You can send your written complaint to the Equity and Civil Rights Office at OSPI:

Email: Equity@k12.wa.us ǀ Fax: 360-664-2967

Mail or hand deliver: PO Box 47200, 600 Washington St. S.E., Olympia, WA 98504-7200

 For more information, visit our website, or contact OSPI’s Equity and Civil Rights Office at 360-725-6162/TTY: 360-664-3631 or by e-mail at equity@k12.wa.us.

 Other Discrimination Complaint Options

Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education

206-607-1600 ǀ TDD: 1-800-877-8339 ǀ OCR.Seattle@ed.gov ǀ OCR Website

Washington State Human Rights Commission
1-800-233-3247 ǀ TTY: 1-800-300-7525 ǀ Human Rights Commission Website

Civil rights laws prohibit discrimination and discriminatory harassment on the basis of gender expression and gender identity in K–12 public schools.

Discrimination is the unfair or unequal treatment or harassment of a person or group because they are part of a defined group, known as a protected class.

Gender expression and gender identity are protected classes under Washington State law.

Discriminatory harassment is harassment based on a protected class. It can take many forms, such as threats, name-calling, derogatory jokes, physical assault, or other conduct that is physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating.

Common Terms and Definitions

Assigned sex at birth: The sex a person was given at birth, usually based on anatomy or chromosomes (e.g., male, female, intersex, etc.)

Cisgender: A term used to describe people whose assigned sex matches their gender identity and/or gender expression (e.g., someone who was assigned female at birth and whose gender identity and/or gender expression is also female.)

Gender Expansive: A wider, more flexible range of gender identities or expressions than those typically associated with the binary gender system.

Gender Expression: The external ways in which a person expresses their gender to the world, such as through their behavior, emotions, mannerisms, dress, grooming habits, interests, and activities.

Gender Identity: A person’s internal and deeply-felt sense of being female, male, both, non-binary, gender-expansive, or other—regardless of the gender assigned at birth.

Transgender: A term often used to describe a person whose gender identity or expression, or both, are different from those traditionally associated with their sex assigned at birth.

Transitioning: The process in which a person goes from living and identifying as one gender to living and identifying as another.

You can report discrimination based on gender expression or gender identity to any school staff member or to the district's Gender Inclusive Schools Officer. For a copy of your district’s Gender Inclusive Schools policy and procedure, contact your school or district office, or view it online here: Policy 3211 and Procedure 3211

 Your School Compliance Official: The principal (or designee) of your school

Any person having inquiries should contact:

• GIS Coordinator: District Ombudsman, 206.631.3100,  isuzu.niizumaarambula@highlineschools.org
• Address: 15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW, Burien, WA 98166

 Highline School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression and identity, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.  This holds true for all students who are interested in participating in educational programs and/or extracurricular activities. Highline Public Schools also provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

 Any person having inquiries should contact:

• Civil Rights Act (students) and Title IX: District Ombudsman, 206.631.3100, civilrightscoordinator@highlineschools.org; titleixofficer@highlineschools.org
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act: Health & Social Services Compliance Manager, 206.631.3011, 504coordinator@highlineschools.org
• Address: 15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW, Burien, WA 98166