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STUDENT BEHAVIOR

Note:  The student discipline section of this book is designed as a guide.  Administrators will issue discipline based on the situation at hand and will use this section as a guide to help them make the correct decision.  Eligibility to participate in activities and athletics is based on good attendance and citizenship.  The school has the right to ban students from such activities if they are not students in good standing.  These activities include, but are not restricted to, such events as assemblies and participation in athletic events and other activities such as running for Prom Homecoming king or queen, Mr. LSHS and the student talent show etc.

APPEARANCE/APPROPRIATE ATTIRE

Student dress and grooming affects the general learning environment of the school and must meet minimal health and safety standards which include cleanliness, neatness, the wearing of shoes, and clothing appropriate to the school.  Clothing, personal items, or other medium that promotes the use of tobacco products, alcohol or other drugs, inappropriate language, sexual innuendo, slang or gang slang, or is indecent, too revealing, or too suggestive is not allowed.  Shirts and pants must be the type that covers the body in an appropriate and decent manner for school.  Pants cannot be sagging below the hips and undergarments must be covered.  Beachwear, short shorts, and gang style dress are not acceptable.  These clothing and dress standards extend to all student athletics and activities.  All shorts/skirts must pass the fingertip length rule.  Straps of shirts must be an inch or more in width (approximately 2 fingers wide) in both the front and back of the shirt.  The straps also need to be attached. 

Consequences of inappropriate attire:

•1st offense:           warning/reprimand removal from class until attire is corrected

•2nd offense:          sent home – one day suspension

•3rd offense:          short term suspension

ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, AND OTHER DRUGS (ATOD)

Any student under the influence of or in possession of drugs, paraphernalia, or alcohol or soliciting for sale or purchase drugs, paraphernalia, or alcohol will face immediate long-term suspension or expulsion.

•First Offense: Suspension for one semester (or 90 days) with a loss of all credit.  Suspension may be reduced to ten (10) days if the student completes a drug/alcohol assessment, urine analysis (UA) within 10 days of the suspension, and complies with the recommendation for follow-up (or 8 day suspension if 10/8 day protocols are followed).  Results of the UA must be given to the parent/guardian of the student.

•Second Offense:  Expulsion from the Lake Stevens School District

The sale of, solicitation of, or distribution of an ATOD substance will result in

expulsion from the Lake Stevens School District.

CHEATING/PLAGIARISM

Willful copying of another paper or professional source with intent to present it as one's own work for use on classroom assignments or projects without prior approval from the instructor or without proper recognition of the original source (footnoting, quotation marks, etc.) constitutes a form of cheating and misconduct.  Disciplinary action may range from failure of the particular project or test to loss of credit and removal from class.  Consequences of cheating:

            1st offense: Zero on that project or test

2nd offense: F in the class if a failing grade at that time; if passing at that time, grade becomes a NC

CLOSED CAMPUS

The policy of the Lake Stevens School District is that all school campuses shall be closed during the regular school day.  Upon arrival students will remain on the school campus until the end of the regular day, unless given permission to leave in accordance with School District Policy 5150.  Students may not loiter/visit in the student parking lot.  All trails are off limits at all times except for students who use them for walking to and from school.

Consequences of violating closed campus rules:

¨       1st offense:                     reprimand/warning

¨       2nd offense:                    Saturday School

¨       3rd offense:                    short term suspension

ELECTRONIC DEVICES AT SCHOOL

Students are STRONGLY encouraged not to bring any electronic devices such as cell phones, MP3s, I-Pods, Zooms, Shuffles, CD players (and CDs), etc. to school.  Further, teachers may confiscate items which cause a disruption to the educational environment.  Electronic devices should not be used or turned on during classroom instruction time.  All cell phones are to be off and put away at all times during all the classes.  Basically, all electronic devices need to be off and out of sight at all times during class time.  Failure to comply will result in confiscation of the electronic device and possible referral to an administrator.  Laser pointers will not be allowed on campus and will be confiscated.  LSHS WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR STOLEN OR MISSING ELECTRONIC ITEMS.  LSHS does not have the time or manpower to investigate such situations.  Students need to either keep such items at home or be very cognizant of protecting their own equipment.  Engraving your name and recording your electronic device ID is strongly encouraged.

CELL PHONES

Any electronic communication device are not allowed to be used, turned on, or visible in class or during class time.Violations will result in the following:

  • 1st offense:  The electronic item will be taken from you and held by the staff member until the end of the day.  At the end of the school day, and only then, will you be able to come back to the staff member and retrieve the item.
  • 2nd offense:  The electronic item will be taken from you, placed in a plastic bag with your name on it, and then delivered to an administrator where upon a parent/guardian will be notified to pick the item up for you.
  • 3rd offense:  Similar to step two with the addition of further discipline including the possibility of suspension under the non-compliant rule.

FAILURE TO COMPLY

Students must obey the lawful instructions of school district personnel at school, during the day, and at all school sponsored events.  This includes the right by LSHS personnel to confiscate electronic devices being used inappropriately.  All students must, upon request, identify themselves to proper school authorities in school building, on the school grounds, or at school sponsored events.  All students will be required to carry and show I.D. upon request.  Failure to comply will result in either a minor consequence (detention/Saturday School/other) or major consequence (progressive discipline 1 – 3 – 5 – 10 days suspension etc.)  We believe that every student has the right to an education in an environment free from the threat of physical or mental harm.  Any physical, verbal or written abuse, violence, harassment, intimidation, extortion, or any restriction of/or prevention of the free movement of any individual is prohibited.  Any inappropriate act whether deliberate, intentional, or unintentional, directed towards or specifically related to any individual or group of individuals regarding race, color, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or political or religious ideology will not be tolerated.  Those in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action.

HAZING

Hazing includes, but is not limited to , any act that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental health, physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or as a condition or precondition of attaining membership in, or affiliation with, any district co-curricular or extracurricular activity or grade level attainment. Hazing is prohibited.

HACKY SACKS

The use of hacky sacks are allowed outside of the building in designated areas only, such as the western/alley wall of the 400 building.

HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, AND BULLYING

The district is committed to providing a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees, volunteers, and patrons free from harassment, intimidation, or bullying.  “Harassment, intimidation, or bullying” means any intentional written, verbal, or physical act, including but not limited to one shown to be motivated by any characteristic in RCW 9A.36.080(3), (race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or mental or physical disability), or other distinguishing characteristics, when the intentional written, verbal, or physical act:

·         Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property; or

·         Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education; or

·         Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or

·         Has the effect substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

If a harassment incident is reported to administration that one student has harassed another, the following penalties will occur:

¨       First Offense: Report is taken and harassing student receives penalty ranging from a warning to suspension.  Parents may be contacted.

¨       Second Offense: Parents and legal authorities will be contacted; student is suspended from school for up to ten days.

¨       Third Offense: Parents and legal authorities will be contacted and student will be long-term suspended for the remainder of the semester with loss of credit.

¨       Additional Offense: Student is expelled from school.        

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Sexual harassment, bullying, or any harassment of any kind will not be tolerated at Lake Stevens High School. Examples of sexual harassment may include, but are not limited to, physical touching or graffiti of a sexual nature, displaying or distributing of sexually explicit drawings, pictures and written materials, sexual gestures or obscene jokes, talking about one’s sexuality in front of others, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. All complaints about behavior that may violate this policy shall be promptly investigated. Any student or employee who has knowledge of conduct in violation of this policy or feels he/she is a victim of sexual harassment should report his/her concerns to an administrator. A student may also report concerns to a teacher, counselor, or other staff, who will notify the appropriate official. Students in violation of this policy shall be subject to the full range of discipline sanctions including expulsion and reporting to law enforcement, depending on the severity of the act. Students may also face criminal and/or civil law suits.

Student Guide to Understanding sexual Harassment at School and on the Job

1.  What is sexual harassment?

Simply stated, it is a form of discrimination based on sex and, if it occurs at school or work, you are protected by state and federal law.  More specifically, it is unwelcome sexual overtures in the workplace or school when 1) your education or employment depends on your putting up with or giving in to the overtures, or 2)the sexual overtures make a hostile environment.  The overtures may be from a person in authority like a supervisor at work or a teacher, or from a co-worker or another student.  Both males and females may be victims of sexual harassment.

2.  What is meant by unwelcome?

Unwelcome is in the mind of the victim.  For example, one person may do or say something and it’s enjoyed or taken as a compliment; a different person may do or say the same thing to the same person and it’s unwelcome.

3.  Does this mean I can be accused of sexual harassment even if I didn’t intend to sexually harass anyone?

Yes, intent is not part of the definition.  Even though you may have thought it was just a harmless teasing, or flirting or being funny, it’s how the other person feels about the words or acts.  In other words, you have to think about how your message will be received.

4.  Since I can’t read someone’s mind, how do I know if my behavior is welcome or if I’m sexually harassing?

Try asking yourself these questions:

·         Have I been told my actions are unwelcome or inappropriate?

·         Would I say/do the same to someone of the same sex?

·         Would I say/do this if my parent, girl friend, boy friend, or teacher were present?

·         Would I want someone to say/do this to my sister or brother or girl friend or boy friend?

·         Would I want my actions to be on the evening news?

·         Is the person to whom I’m saying/doing this in an equal position of power as me?

·         Do my words/action show respect for the other person?

If your answer is no to any of these questions, there is a good chance your behavior is unwelcome.

5.  So, if the words or acts are welcome, there is no sexual harassment?

Not necessarily.  If other people in the same area who observe the behavior find it offensive and unwelcome, this can create a hostile environment which is a form of sexual harassment.

6.  What are some examples of sexual harassment?

There is no absolute list because whether or not certain behavior is considered sexual harassment depends on whether others find the behavior unwelcome, but here are some actions that are likely to be viewed as sexual harassment:  dirty jokes, sexual name calling, comments about a person’s physical/sexual development or sexual orientation, requests for sex, nude pictures, touching, grabbing, pinching, generalizations about members of one sex or different expectations based on gender, graffiti or repeated requests for a date.

7.  What can I do if I feel like I’m being sexually harassed at school or work?

Let the person know that you don’t appreciate their words/acts.  Be clear.  Some people still think no means yes.  If you don’t feel comfortable talking to the person, write a letter and keep a copy.  Talk it over with a friend or your parents.  Ask for help.  Report it to a teacher, counselor or principal if it occurs at school or to your employer if it occurs at work.  If it doesn’t stop, file a complaint.  If this is occurring at school, you can file a discrimination complaint with your school district or state agency that deals with discrimination in education, or the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights.  If it is a work situation, it can be reported to the state agency dealing with labor or employment.  School officials and employers have a legal responsibility to put a stop to the harassment.

8.  What if I’m sexually harassed somewhere other than at work or school?

The law provides specific protection in these places.   In other places, like at a party or at the mall, you will need to rely on your assertiveness and your ability to avoid the person or leave the area.  If the acts are severe enough, they may be the basis for criminal charges or a civil law suit.

9.  This all sound pretty complex.  Are there any simple solutions?

Sexual harassment could be wiped out with three steps:

  • Expect equality and respect
  • Treat everyone with common courtesy and respect.
  • Think about not only what you’re saying or doing, but what the other person may be hearing and feeling.  When in doubt, ask.

SKATEBOARDS, IN-LINE SKATES, SCOOTERS, BICYCLES

Skateboards, in-line skates, or scooters, may not be used on the high school campus at any time during the day or night.  All skateboards, in-line skates and scooters are to be locked up during the school day.

THREATS

Students making serious verbal and/or written threats of physical harm toward others may be subject to emergency expulsion.  Expulsion may be reduced upon receipt of a satisfactory report from a mental health professional and other mandated protocols.

VIOLENT BEHAVIOR / ASSAULTS / FIGHTING

Physical violence, intimidation, fighting, aiding /abeting a fight, or cheering on a fight will not be tolerated on the campus of Lake Stevens High School nor at any school-sponsored activity.  Each situation will be investigated and treated as unique and, depending on the severity of the incident, may result in action up to an emergency expulsion.  In general, the following consequences of violating this policy are as follows:

¨       First Offense: Parent/guardian will be notified and student suspended for a minimum of five (5) days out of school with anger management sessions mandated.  A parent/administrative conference must be held before the student is readmitted. In addition, conflict mediation will be required.

¨       Second Offense: Parent/guardian will be notified and student suspended for a minimum of ten (10) days out of school. 

¨       Third Offense: Parent/guardian will be notified and student long term suspended for the remainder of the semester with a loss of credit.

INAPPROPRIATE DISPLAY OF PUBLIC AFFECTION

Inappropriate and overactive public displays of affection can possibly lead to sexual harassment charges.  Lewd or inappropriate affection – kissing, touching, fondling, etc. – are not allowed and will result in the following:

¨       First Offense:                warning/reprimand

¨       Second Offense:           Saturday School

¨       Third Offense:              short term suspension

POSSESSION OF WEAPON

State law (RCW 28A.600.420 and RCW 9.41.280) and District Policy (5570) prohibits any student from possessing a weapon or weapon look-alike on school district property or at any school related event.  Violating this policy by possessing any weapon will result in immediate referral to legal authorities, parent notification, and emergency expulsion from school.

SAFETY

Every student has the right to feel safe and secure at school.  We have a no-tolerance policy in place regarding the possession or use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco on school property, and for exceptional misconduct actions that include vandalism, theft, physical injury, sexual harassment, bullying or possession of any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon.  Consequence for offenses can include suspension or expulsion.  Possession of a firearm or other dangerous weapons, as defined by law enacted by the Legislature, will result in the student’s emergency expulsion and notification of law enforcement and the parents or guardian.  Physical or verbal harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. (State law RCW 9.41.280).

Lake Stevens High School personnel have the right to search and seize illegal items and contraband from a students person, bag, locker, vehicle parked on school grounds, or other as the situation warrants.  LSHS personnel have different and more liberal legal guidelines than do the police and the courts and we reserve the right to use appropriate search and seizure protocols under the reasonable suspicion guideline. 

PROFANITY, OBSCENE GESTURES AND LEWD BEHAVIOR

Profanity is not allowed on school grounds or at any school function.  Profanity and obscene gestures DIRECTED at school personnel and district personnel will result in suspension from school for a minimum of three (3) days. 

Profanity in the classroom or on campus in general will be dealt with in the following manner: 

¨       First offense:                detention/warning/reprimand

¨       Second offense:           Saturday School

¨       Third offense:              short term suspension

Profanity/lewd behavior is defined as behavior that goes beyond generally accepted rules of common courtesy, common decency, common sense.

RULES FOR STUDENT BEHAVIOR

The School Board has adopted Rules and Regulations for Students in Lake Stevens Schools.  These guidelines apply in the following situations:

·         On or near school grounds during school, immediately before, and after school hours.

·         On or near the school grounds at any other time when the school is being used by a school group.

·         Off the school grounds at a school activity, function, or event, including bus stops.

STUDENT DISCIPLINE SANCTIONS

Lake Stevens School District Policy 5100.1 was adopted in order to provide a suitable learning environment, to maintain good student conduct and control, and to administer discipline on a fair and consistent basis.  LSHS discipline is reasonable, consistent, and progressive.  Students who do not respond to counseling or detention, behavior or attendance contracts, timeout, in or out of school suspension, or parent conferences, and continue to violate school rules (or students who exhibit acute discipline problems) will lose their privilege to attend LSHS.  We are committed to providing a positive and orderly learning environment for everyone.  We encourage you to carefully read the information provided in this handbook so you have a good understanding of appropriate student behavior.  If you have question or concerns, please direct them to a teacher, counselor, or administrator for clarification. This policy establishes that the corrective action will be taken for misconduct and exceptional misconduct as outlined below:

Misconduct (serious)   Misconduct includes but is not limited to:

  • Disruption in the classroom
  • Failure in a passive manner to follow reasonable directions, corrective actions or punishment imposed by a school employee
  • Forgery
  • Harassment/Bullying/Sexual Harassment
  • Inappropriate display of public affection
  • Inappropriate exchange of class materials/information
  • Littering
  • Profanity/obscene gestures/lewd behavior
  • Skateboarding/rollerblading on school grounds
  • Snowball throwing
  • Spitting
  • Truancy

Corrective Misconduct Actions:

Students may not be long term suspended on the first offense for minor misconduct.

·         First Offense—Counseling with student and/or parent, loss of privileges, detention, lunch detention, ISS, Saturday School, restrictions, short term suspension.

·         Second Offense—Additional counseling with student and/or parent; loss of privileges; detention; restitution; and/or short/long term suspension.

·         Repeated Offenses—Short term or long term suspension

Exceptional (very serious) Misconduct.  Exceptional misconduct includes but is not limited to:

  • Alcohol (ATOD violation---alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs)
  • Arson
  • Burglary
  • Commission of any criminal act while under school jurisdiction
  • Continued forgery
  • Explosive devices and weapons (use or possession)
  • Extortion
  • Failure in an active or intimidating manner to follow reasonable direction, corrective action or punishment imposed by a school employee
  • False alarms
  • Fighting
  • Harassment/Bullying/Sexual Harassment
  • Larceny and fraud
  • Immoral conduct
  • Malicious mischief
  • Possession, sale or use of controlled substances (drugs) (ATOD violation)
  • Property damage
  • Tobacco possession, sale, or use (ATOD violation)
  • Theft
  • Vandalism (greater than $50)

Exceptional Misconduct Corrective Actions:

Students may be suspended or expelled for exceptional misconduct on the first offense:

¨       First Offense—Student/parent conference and short term or long term suspension (3-5-10-90), OSS.

¨       Second Offense—Short term or long term suspension

¨       Repeated Offenses—Long term suspension or expulsion

School Board Policy grants these additional authorities and abilities:

5100.2     Authorizes each secondary school to establish other reasonable rules and regulations and sanctions thereof regarding student conduct.

5100.3     The jurisdiction of behavior and resultant corrective action noted in 1.0 above shall be applicable during any program or activity controlled by or in behalf of the school district regardless of its location.

5100.4     Students who are suspended as a result of repeated misconduct or exceptional misconduct while participating in a school sponsored activity off campus, may be denied further off campus participation on school sponsored activity by the principal.

SNOWBALL POLICY

Throwing snowballs is prohibited in all areas of the campus.  Students observed throwing snowballs will be subject to disciplinary action.

SPITTING

Spitting is prohibited in all areas of the campus because it is socially inappropriate and a major health hazard.  Spitting is against city ordinance and can result in a fine.  Students observed spitting can be subjected to disciplinary action.

SUSPENSION

As a disciplinary measure, students may be suspended from school. A short-term suspension is any suspension of ten (10) days or less.  Any suspension over ten days is a long-term suspension.  Teachers will not count suspension days towards loss of credit and students will be allowed to make up work missed while suspended.  Students who are suspended from school may not participate in any school activity as a participant or as a spectator.  This includes athletic events, practices, music performances, field trips, dances, etc.

TOBACCO POLICY

Possession or use of any tobacco products is prohibited on or near school district property.  This shall include all district buildings, grounds and district-owned vehicles.  Student use of tobacco products is not permitted within two blocks of LSHS nor at any school-sponsored events.  The use of any tobacco product on school grounds is prohibited by State law.  Students are subject to discipline for violations of this policy.

¨       First Offense:                5 day suspension which can be reduced if student participates in a                                     tobacco education class

¨       Second Offense:           5 day suspension

¨       Third Offense:              10 day suspension

¨       Fourth Offense:            20 day suspension