General Information

Admission and Enrollment

Enrollment for new students is available online for families to enroll their student at the school serving your attendance area. If you are not sure which school your child should attend, you may call Transportation at 425-837-6342. The ISD enrollment website links families to an online application process to enroll new students. Required documentation for this enrollment process can be accessed on the ISD enrollment website. Please review these and be prepared to submit these during the online process or in person at your neighborhood school. In person submission of documents can be done when the school has processed your student’s application. State law as a condition of admittance requires a complete immunization record. Each ISD school has a designated registrar at your neighborhood school who is available to support you in enrolling your student.

Your child must be five (5) years of age on or before August 31 of that school year to register for kindergarten, or six (6) years of age to register for first grade. Some exceptions are allowed. For information on Early Entrance, call 425-837-7025.

Arrival and Dismissal

Bell times and bus schedules are coordinated with the district transportation department to make the most efficient and economical use of the district’s buses. Bell times for your school are available on your school's website by hovering over the Our School tab and clicking on Bell Schedules.

School bell times may be revised each spring in time for families to make plans for the upcoming school year. Final school start and dismissal times may vary to accommodate enrollment changes from one year to the next.

If your student rides a school bus, you also can find the student route information by contacting Transportation via email. Bus routes and bus stop times may change during the school year as necessary.

Arrival and Dismissal

Refer to your schools specific arrival and dismissal guidelines on their school website.

Due to limited supervision, the expectation is that students arrive at school no earlier than 15 minutes before their school’s AM bell time and depart no later than 15 minutes after their school’s PM bell time.

Scooters, skateboards, roller skates/blades/shoes, and shoes with wheels (Heelys) are not allowed on school property.

ISD staff members are not allowed to transport students.

Excused Early Dismissal

If your child must be excused early please notify your child’s teacher and school office prior to dismissal. Messages should be called in to the school office at least one hour prior to dismissal. When picking up or returning your child during the school day, you must sign your child in or out at the school office. Under no circumstances will a child be allowed to leave school with another person without prior permission from the child’s parent/guardian/caretaker.

Athletic Events

Elementary-age students must be accompanied by a parent/guardian/caretaker or adult in order to be admitted to KingCo athletic contests.

Attendance

Washington state law requires that all students between 8 and 18 years of age attend school full-time, unless the student is excused from full-time attendance or meets certain exceptions. Parent/guardian/caretakers are expected to ensure regular school attendance by their students. As provided in Regulation 3122, regular school attendance is necessary for mastery of the educational program provided to students. Daily attendance and active participation in each class are critical parts of the learning process. Excessive absenteeism, whether excused or unexcused, has a negative impact on academic achievement and student graduation and dropout rates.

Students are expected to attend all classes each day. Teachers shall keep an accurate record of absences and tardiness. Students will be marked absent when they have an absence for any full class period. As used in this handbook, an “absence” means a student is (a) not physically present on school grounds, and (b) not participating in the following activities at an approved location: instruction, any instruction-related activity, or any other district or school approved activity that is regulated by an instructional/academic accountability system, such as participation in district-sponsored sports. A “full-day absence” is when a student is marked absent for fifty-percent or more of their scheduled day. A ”tardy” is non-attendance for less than a full class period.

Parent/guardian/caretakers will be informed when their student(s) misses one or more periods/class(s). Students participating in a co/extra-curricular activity must be in attendance in all periods, as assigned, to be eligible for participation in the activity or event. The district has resources available to support parent/guardian/caretakers and students who may be experiencing excessive absences. Please contact your school principal for assistance if there are barriers to your student’s attendance.

Excused Absences

Excused absences are absences due to:

• Physical or mental health symptoms, Illness, health condition or medical appointment for the student or person for whom the student is legally responsible. Examples of symptoms, illness, health conditions, or medical appointments include, but are not limited to, medical, counseling, mental health wellness, dental, optometry, pregnancy, and behavioral health treatment (which can include in-patient or out-patient treatment for chemical dependency or mental health);
• Family emergency, including, but not limited to, a death or illness in the family;
• Religious or cultural purpose including observance of a religious or cultural holiday or participation in religious or cultural instruction;
• Court, judicial proceeding 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 225.055;
• Absence directly related to the student’s homeless or foster care/dependency status;
• Absences related to deployment activities of a parent/guardian/caretaker or legal guardian who is an active duty member consistent with RCW 705.010;
• Absences due to suspensions, expulsions, or emergency removals imposed pursuant to Chapter 392-400 WAC if the student is not receiving educational services and is not enrolled in a qualifying “course of study” activities as defined in WAC 392-121-107;
• Absences due to student safety concerns, including absences related to threats, assault, or bullying;
• Absences due to a student’s migrant status;
• An approved activity that is consistent with district policy and is mutually agreed upon by the principal (or designee) and a parent/guardian/caretaker, or emancipated youth.

A school principal or designee has the authority to determine if any absence meets the above criteria for an excused absence. The principal or designee may only grant permission for a student’s absence providing such absence does not adversely affect the student’s educational process.

Verification 

Parent/guardian/caretakers are expected to notify the school office by 8:00 a.m. of the day following the absence or send a signed note of explanation with the student upon the student’s return to school. Adult students or emancipated students must notify the school office of their absences with a signed note of explanation. If attendance is taken electronically, either for a course conducted online or for students physically within the district, an absence defaults to unexcused until such time as an excused absence may be verified by a parent/guardian/caretaker or emancipated or adult student. See Procedure 3122P for additional information regarding the procedures governing excused absences. 

Unexcused Absences

Unexcused Absences are any absence from school that does not meet one of the criteria above for an excused absence.

• Each full-day unexcused absence shall be followed by a warning letter or telephone call to the parent/guardian/caretaker.
• At some point after the second full-day unexcused absence and before the seventh full-day unexcused absence, the district will take data-informed steps to eliminate or reduce the student’s absences as specifically set forth in RCW 28A.225.020(1)(c), including all subsections.
• After three full-day unexcused absences within any month, a conference will be scheduled with the parent/guardian/caretaker, student, and principal/designee. If the parent/guardian/caretaker does not attend the conference, the conference may be conducted with the student and principal/designee. If the parent/guardian/caretaker does not attend, they will be notified of the steps taken to eliminate or reduce the student’s absences.
• Not later than the student’s seventh full-day unexcused absence within any month, the district will enter into an agreement with the student and parent/guardian/caretakers that establishes school attendance requirements, refer the student to a community engagement board as defined in RCW 28A.225.025, or file a petition and affidavit with the juvenile court alleging a violation of RCW 28A.225.010.
• After the student’s seventh full-day unexcused absence within any month and not later than the student’s fifteenth full-day unexcused absence during the current school year, the district shall file a petition and affidavit with the juvenile court alleging a violation of RCW 28A.225.010 by the parent/guardian/caretaker, student, or parent/guardian/caretaker and student.

Generally, a student’s grade shall not be affected if no graded activity is missed during an unexcused absence. However, any work due or assigned during an unexcused absence cannot be made up for credit. 

Attendance Procedures

• Upon returning to school from an absence, students must obtain an admit slip at the main office and present it to each teacher that day.
• Students who become ill at school must check out with the attendance office even if the health attendant speaks with a parent/guardian/caretaker. Failure to do so could result in an unexcused absence and disciplinary action, however, a student may not be suspended or expelled for absences or tardies.
• Students who leave class during the school day must be properly checked out through the Attendance Office (see 3124 and 3124P). An absence that results from a student leaving class during the school day will be deemed excused or unexcused based on the criteria set forth in Regulation 3122. Leaving class without prior approval and without properly signing out may be cause for disciplinary action.
• Procedures outlined in the BECCA Bill will be followed as unexcused absences See Procedure 3122P.
• Disciplinary action may be assessed for truancy, however, a student may not be suspended or expelled for absences or tardies.
• Families are encouraged to contact their teachers via email and class websites to get make up work. Arrangements can be made with teachers to pick up work through the attendance office. Homework/make up work will not be gathered for students missing school because of personal choice or truancy.
• Families are expected to take care of attendance business during their own time such as before school, during break, at lunch or after school.

Make Up Work

Assignments and/or activities not completed because of an excused absence or tardiness may be made up in the manner provided by the teacher. A student is allowed reasonable time necessary to make up work, preferably within a few days of the absence.

Required conference for elementary school students for excused absences

If an elementary school student has five or more excused absences in a single month during the current school year or ten or more excused absences in the current school year, the district will schedule a conference with the student and their parent/guardian/caretakers at a reasonably convenient time. The conference is intended to identify barriers to the student’s regular attendance and to identify supports and resources so the student may regularly attend school. A conference is not required if (1) prior notice of the excused absences was provided to the district by 8:00 a.m. on the day following the absence or (2) a pre-arranged absence form has been submitted or (3) if a doctor’s note has been provided and a plan is in place to ensure the student will not fall behind in their coursework.

A conference with the parent/guardian/caretaker will be scheduled after two unexcused absences within any month during the current school year. The parent/guardian/caretaker will be notified in writing in his/her primary language that the student has unexcused absences. A conference will be scheduled to determine what corrective measures should be taken to ameliorate the cause for the student's absences from school. If the parent/guardian/caretaker does not attend the conference, the parent/guardian/caretaker will be notified of the steps the district has decided to take to reduce the student’s absences. A student may not be suspended or expelled for absences or tardies.

Not later than the student’s fifth unexcused absence in a month, the district will enter into an agreement with the student and their parent/guardian/caretakers 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.

Excessive Excused Absences

For many valid reasons, students are absent from school. However, even with communication from parent/guardian/caretakers, absences add up and can significantly impact a student’s opportunity and progress towards learning. Building administrators will work proactively with families to understand the cause of excessive excused absences and discuss ways to ensure access to education for the student. Once a student reaches fifteen (15) excused absences in a year building administrators may require a doctor’s note in order to excuse all future absences. Absences not excused by a doctor’s note, may be marked unexcused.

Buses

Student bus route information will be available via E-Link in mid-August. Parent/guardian/caretakers can access E-Link through the ISD Transportation page, using this link: Access E-Link to look up your student’s bus route information. Each fall, the district will mail the Emergency Transportation Bulletin to all students. Bus drivers are expected to meet schedules as closely as possible. Students are required to arrive at their stops five minutes prior to the published pick-up times. Pick-up times may change during the school year; parent/guardian/caretakers will be notified. Parent/guardian/caretakers are responsible for their children prior to pick-up and after drop-off. Bus drivers do not allow parent/guardian/caretakers or any other person to board the bus.

Students are expected to behave properly and safely on the bus and at bus stops, and to comply with the bus driver’s directions. Disciplinary rules are enforced on buses in the same manner as on school campuses, and video cameras are installed to maintain good order and increase safety. The video recordings may be used to identify students who violate the rules of conduct for buses and for decisions based on those violations. Click here to view the School Bus Information Handbook.

Students may ride on other buses or get off at a different stop on a space available basis with a written request from the parent/guardian/caretaker to the school. A bus pass must be obtained from the school office at least a half hour before school is dismissed.

Students will be dropped off only at authorized bus stops. Kindergarten students must be released to their parent/guardian/caretaker unless there is a “Release Form” signed by the parent/guardian/caretaker. If you have any questions or concerns regarding a particular bus route, bus stop or bus driver or if you wish to speak with someone regarding student bus behavior, you may contact the Transportation Department at 425-837-6330.

Community Flyers Access to Resources

The district grants outside organizations access to distribute information to students and families through the Peachjar online distribution system. All flyers must be submitted through the Peachjar website, and then be approved by the district office in accordance with the Access to Resources regulation and procedure (Distribution of Materials and Promotions Regulation 4320 and Access to Resources Flow Chart 4320F2). Upon district approval, flyers are emailed directly to parent/guardian/caretakers via Peachjar. Flyers are also posted on each school’s electronic bulletin board webpage.

For more information on how to participate in our Peachjar online flyer program, please visit the district website.

Contact the Communications Department at ISDCommunications@issaquah.wednet.edu if you have any questions.

Computers/Technology

Our community has provided a rich base of technology resources for student learning and for teacher instruction. Inappropriate use of network resources will result in loss of access to computers, network, the Internet and other disciplinary action as provided in district Regulations and Procedures.

Please stress the importance of maintaining privacy of personal information including passwords, as your student is responsible for all activity in or from their account. Discuss issues such as cyber bullying, intellectual property and copyright, and alert your student that no file/picture/text sent out to the Internet is private and instead can be shared with anyone with access anywhere in the world.

Despite filters and firewalls, there are still unacceptable and controversial material and communications that students could access. It is also not possible for all students to be directly supervised at all times and it is not possible to filter all material posted on the Internet to which some families may object. Please discuss your expectations with your student regarding the use of these publicly provided resources for learning. Students may bring personal electronic devices to school, subject to the same rules that apply for using school computers. In addition they must use the district wireless network in compliance with CIPA. Printing from personal devices is not available. Devices must be charged at home and run on batteries.

The school may inspect devices if there is reason to believe Regulation 2022 or school rule violations have occurred. The district is not responsible for the security, repair, troubleshooting, technical support, loss, misplacement, theft, or damage of personal electronic devices.

Distribution of Printed Materials on School Grounds

In respect for the rights and beliefs of all of our students, you must obtain prior approval from the principal before you or your student attempt to hand out any printed information, including invitations, to students or staff on school grounds. If you wish to post information on the school’s community bulletin board or other area set aside for this purpose, please contact your principal for approval. Guidelines for distribution of material on school grounds are included in these links in Regulations 2340 and 4320. A complete copy of these policies may be obtained at any school or on the district’s website. 

Drug Free Schools

All district schools and buses are drug-free zones. Any person found guilty of dealing in illegal drugs within 1,000 feet of school grounds is subject to double the usual penalties. District schools are also gun-free and smoke-free zones.

Emergency Information

School may be delayed or closed when extreme weather, power outages, or other events occur that interfere with our ability to safely hold school. Announcements regarding school closures are posted on your school’s website and the district website. The district also emails a special announcement bulletin, sends text messages and posts information to the district’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. You may also check local radio and TV stations for announcements or call 425-837-7000 for a recorded message.

How to Ensure You Receive Notifications

During emergencies, the district uses our weekly bulletin system to send a special announcement bulletin to families at the email address on file. This is our primary method of direct communication. A short text message will also be sent to the primary telephone number listed in Family Access that will ask families to check their email for an important message. Please ensure your email is up to date in Family Access. If you do not receive an email during a school closure, please check your spam or junk mail folder. If it is not there, families can email weeklybulletin@issaquah.wednet.edu for subscription assistance. Important Note: If you have additional persons who need closure and delay notifications, such as a child care provider or grandparent, they must sign up on the district’s Weekly Bulletin on the ISD website. They will not receive text messages.

How the District Transportation Department Informs Families

The Transportation Department also communicates with parent/guardian/caretakers using our SchoolMessenger Notification System for real-time changes to snow routes and snow stops. Please ensure your information is correct in Family Access. Anyone who wants to receive general school closure and delay information by text or email from the Transportation Department can sign up for the district’s Flash Alert text service at www.FlashAlert.net. This is a great option for additional family members, childcare providers, etc. who are not in Family Access to receive a text alert. Please watch for the Emergency Transportation Bulletin that is mailed to home addresses in October. It contains important route and communication additional information. In case you miss it in the mail, it is available online on the Transportation Department Web Pages.

Fees and Payments

The district has established the following protocol for accepting checks and collecting bad checks:

• For a check to be an acceptable form of payment, it must include the current, full, accurate name, address and telephone number.
• If a check is returned for non-payment, the associated fee/fine payment will be re-assessed.

Field Trips

Permission slips are sent home with your child prior to a field trip and must be returned before your child can be transported off school grounds. If you do not wish your child to participate in a particular field trip, alternative activities will be arranged. 

Food Services/Meals

The Issaquah School District participates in the National School Lunch Program and serves breakfast at some of our school sites. We serve meals that are convenient, economical and healthy. Our menus are designed to provide good nutrition and variety for our students.

The ISD Food Service Department has partnered with Health-e Pro to enhance the lunch menu viewing experience for students and parent/guardian/caretakers.

Click here to review and learn more about digital menus and pricing information. 

The Issaquah School District adopted Nutrition and Wellness Regulation 6700 / 6700P to increase the nutritional value of school lunches. The district will establish guidelines for foods and beverages sold through the food service program and those sold in vending machines, snack bars, school stores, and school-sponsored fundraising events. Students will have opportunities for physical activity and appropriate exercise and accurate information on nutrition and wellness will be available.

Every enrolled student is assigned a lunch account that is accessed by entering their unique PIN on the keypad at the cash register during lunch serving times. Parent/guardian/caretakers are encouraged to assist students learn their unique PIN as well as discuss appropriate lunch room behavior to reinforce the lessons given at school. PIN numbers are available in Family Access.

Students may pay for lunches daily or funds may be deposited into the lunch account. Cash or check deposits may be made directly through the school office or the cashier in the kitchen. For your convenience, online payments may also be made by visiting www.MySchoolBucks.com. 

MySchoolBucks

Food Services partners with MySchoolBucks.com, a service that allows the use of credit cards to make payments for a student’s lunch account. Parent/guardian/caretakers may select an auto-pay feature as well by visiting the website. There is a $3.25 fee per credit card transaction charged by MySchoolBucks.com however the use of their website to monitor a student’s lunch balance and account activity is free. Log on instructions and link to myschoolbucks.com can be found on the district website by clicking here.

Balance Notification

Food Services recently implemented an automatic e-mail system that sends low balance and negative balance notifications to the email address on file for the parent/guardian/caretaker. You may opt out of this service by contacting the Food Service Office at 425-837-5060.

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance for meals is available for families that qualify. Applications for financial assistance are available on the district’s website. Paper applications for financial assistance are available on the district’s website and can also be obtained from the school office any time during the school year. 

For additional information or assistance, contact the Food Service office at 425-837-5060.

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

1. mail:
   U.S. Department of Agriculture
   Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
   1400 Independence Avenue, SW
   Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
2. fax:
   833-256-1665 or 202-690-7442; or
3. email:
   Program.Intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Fundraiser and Gifts

The PTSA and the Associated Student Body (ASB) occasionally sponsor fundraisers to benefit their schools or charitable organizations. All fundraisers must have prior approval from the building principal.

Parent/guardian/caretakers who wish to donate gifts to the school or the district may contact their school office for regulations and guidelines. Some businesses will match gifts to the school or district (Regulation 6114). Gifts are tax deductible. Gifts may also be given through the Issaquah Schools Foundation or the Issaquah PTSA. 

Lost and Found and Personal Items

Check with the school office for lost items. Students are discouraged from bringing expensive or treasured possessions to school. You are also encouraged to label your child’s possessions for ease of identification. The school cannot assume responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged items, including electronic devices.

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 See Regulation 3211 and 3211P. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator:  

Stacy Cho, Assistant Director of Compliance
5150 220^th Ave. SE
Issaquah, WA 98029
425-837-7000
ChoS@issaquah.wednet.edu

For concerns about discrimination or discriminatory harassment based on gender identity or gender expression, please see the HIB information. 

Parties/Celebrations

When it comes to parties and celebrations at school, staff use the ISD Equity and Cultural Humility Framework for School/Class Parties & Celebrations. The purpose of the framework is for schools to have parties or celebrations that promote inclusion and belonging in environments that are safe, welcoming, and representative of our students. 

With this same purpose in mind, we encourage children to be sensitive to the needs and feelings of others. Accordingly, we ask parent/guardian/caretakers not to send birthday or other party invitations to school, especially when all children in a classroom are not included. In some schools, birthdays are celebrated once a month. Ask your child’s teacher for the procedure regarding classroom birthday parties or favors. District Nutritional Regulation 6700 should be followed.

Pets/Animals on District Property

The district has implemented a no pet regulation, Animals on District Property – 2029/2029F. Pets should not be brought to school unless all district Regulations and Procedures have been followed. Please check with your building administrator for approval and necessary forms. Pets are potential health safety hazards and might cause disruptions. Pets cannot be transported by school bus. Pets that are regular visitors on school grounds may be impounded by King County Animal Control. 

Photography

Professional photographers visit each school to take individual and class pictures. Students, however, are not required to purchase photographs. Information, including cost/package options, is sent home prior to the photographer’s visit. A portion of the profit is returned to each school.

Release of Records and Student Information/FERPA

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act affords parent/guardian/caretakers and students over 18 years of age certain rights with respect to the student’s education records, which are:

• The right to inspect and review the student’s educational records within 45 days of the day the district receives a request for access. Parent/guardian/caretakers or eligible students should submit to the principal or appropriate school official a written request, identifying the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent/guardian/caretaker or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
• The right to request an amendment of the student’s education records that the parent/guardian/caretaker or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student’s right of privacy. Parent/guardian/caretakers or eligible students may submit a written request to the principal, identifying the part of the education record(s) they wish to have amended, and the reasons why they believe the record is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student’s rights of privacy. If the district decides not to amend the record as requested, the parent/guardian/caretaker or eligible student will be notified of the decision, of the right to a hearing under 34 C.F.R. § 99.21, and of the hearing procedures to be followed.
• The right to consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent the FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

Students and parent/guardian/caretakers have the right to file a complaint about an alleged failure by the district to comply with the requirements of FERPA by contacting the U.S. Department of Education at the following address:

Family Regulation Compliance Office
U.S. Dept. of Education
400 Maryland Ave. S.W.
Washington, D.C., 20202-4605

Release of Student Information

The district cannot disclose personally identifiable student information or education records without the written consent of a parent/guardian/caretaker, with the following exceptions:

• The district may disclose student information and education records without parent/guardian/caretaker consent to school officials with legitimate educational interests. The term “school officials” includes district administrators, supervisors, teachers, counselors, information systems specialists, support or clerical staff members, school board members, or school resource officers. It may also include certain contractors, consultants, service providers, or volunteers, including, but not limited to, attorneys, auditors, medical consultants, service providers, or therapists. A school official has a legitimate education interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill their professional responsibility;
• The district may disclose education records to another school, school system, or institution of postsecondary education where the student seeks or intends to enroll, or where the student has already enrolled, as long as the disclosure is related to the student’s enrollment or transfer;
• The district may disclose student information or records to certain organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, the district;
• The district may release student information or records to comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;
• The district may disclose student information or records in connection with a health or safety emergency, as defined by FERPA;
• The district may disclose directory information, as provided below; and
• The district may release student information and education records as otherwise permitted or required by law.

Directory Information

The district may disclose information regarding students that the district has designated as “directory information.” Directory information is defined as the student's name, photograph, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, dates of attendance, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, diplomas and awards received, and the most recent previously attended school.

The residential addresses of participants in the state Address Confidentiality Program will not be available for release as directory information. Social Security numbers, student identification numbers (with authentication factors such as a secret password or personal identification number) or other personally identifiable information are also not considered directory information.

Directory information may be used for purposes such as school related fund-raising, publication of a student directory, parent/guardian/caretaker organization mailing lists, school yearbooks and newspapers, commencement programs and publication of honor rolls, and other school information about students in district publications or public media. Information will not be released for commercial purposes.

Parent/guardian/caretakers have the right to refuse to allow the district to designate any or all of the above types of information designated as directory information for their child. To do so, parent/guardian/caretakers must submit a written request to their child’s school by September 15 that identifies the type(s) of information the parent/guardian/caretaker does not want designated as directory information for their child. If the school does not receive a written request by that date, school staff will assume that there is no objection to the information being designed as directory information for their child. Additional information regarding student records may be found in Regulation 3231 and Procedure 3231P.

Rights/Responsibilities

Students are expected to comply with the school’s written rules and regulations; to pursue the required course of studies; and to submit to the authority of teachers and principals.

Students are entitled to the rights set forth in the Constitution and laws of the United States; the Constitution and laws of the state of Washington; the laws regarding equal opportunity; First Amendment rights to freedom of press, speech, peaceable assembly and petition; and the right to be secure in their pursuit of an education while in the custody of the district. These rights are subject to the district’s authority to make reasonable rules and regulations to maintain the educational process. The complete text of Regulation 3200 may be obtained at any school.

Safety

Safety drills are held monthly. Safety drills such as fire, earthquake, shelter in place and lock-down drills are practiced to help to help familiarize students and staff with the procedures to follow should a real emergency occur.

Bicycles

A leading cause of death and head injuries among children is bicycle accidents. Therefore, children who ride bicycles and scooters to school are required by law to wear bicycle helmets. Children also are encouraged to attach safety flags to the rear of their bicycles. Chains or other anti-theft devices should be used to secure bicycles. In most schools, third, fourth, and fifth graders may ride bicycles to school with written parental permission. Please refer to your school’s bicycle guidelines.

All schools in the Issaquah School District have secure entry systems that require parent/guardian/caretakers, volunteers and visitors to identify themselves and their reason for visiting the school. Some of our schools secure entry system thanks to a vestibule, as shared about in the video from our Director of Safety and Security. 

Please see our District Safety website for a video explaining the vestibule entry systems.

Supplies

Each classroom teacher has created a supply list for the upcoming school year. A complete list will be provided to families prior to school start. Please check the list prior to purchasing supplies. If purchasing supplies poses a hardship, please contact the school counselor.

Voter Registration

If you are new to the area, you may obtain a voter registration form at any school, library, or fire station. You may register to vote up to thirty days before a general election. For additional information please visit King County Elections website.