Student Conduct

Discipline

All certificated teachers, administrators, transportation supervisors, and school bus drivers are authorized to administer discipline in accordance with Washington State law and the district’s Regulation and Procedure governing discipline. Written expectations are distributed to every student in the fall, and a complete copy of the building plan and the district’s Regulations and Procedures may be obtained at any school or on the district’s web page.

Student discipline will be administered in such a manner as to fully take into consideration the nature and circumstances of the violation, the individual circumstances of the student, and prior forms of discipline imposed upon the student. A complete list of disciplinary terms and forms of disciplinary action are included in these links for Regulation 3241 and Procedure 3241P.

Student desks and other school property are the property of the district and subject to search if administrators have reasonable and individualized cause or grounds to suspect that something in the desk may be in violation of school rules and/or state and federal law. Administrators also may conduct a reasonable search of a student and their personal property when there is reasonable and individualized cause or grounds for suspecting or believing that the search will turn up evidence that the student has violated or is violating the law or the rules of the school.

Buying, selling, bartering items for personal gain is not allowed without permission of a building administrator.

Dress for School

Appropriate clothing in a school or at school events contributes to a positive and quality environment at school, thus student clothing must be appropriate for an academic atmosphere. Attire for school may not:

• Disrupt, interfere with, disturb, or detract from school activities.
• Create a health or other hazard to the student’s safety or to the safety of others.
• Promote by printed word or symbol the use of illegal substances or other prohibited activities which may include but not be limited to intimidation, harassment, sexual innuendo, vulgarity, and obscenities.

If a student’s appearance is considered disruptive or inappropriate by the staff or administrator, the student will be asked to change; this may include a phone call home to secure more appropriate clothing, or the school may lend the student a change of attire. If the student refuses, the student is subject to disciplinary action. A complete copy of Regulation 3224 may be obtained at any school or on the district website.

Equitable Code of Student Conduct

The Issaquah School District values equity, diversity and inclusion. As a School District we believe that building and sustaining a school community where our students feel welcomed, respected and safe, regardless of race, ability, religion, gender, sexual orientation, immigration status, language, political view, or social economic standing is an essential foundation to a student’s overall well-being and academic success. Our district and community are made up of people of varying races, ethnic backgrounds, abilities/disabilities, religions, ages, languages, socioeconomic status, immigration status, sexual orientation, gender expressions or identities. The Issaquah School District stands against all forms of hate speech, intolerance, bullying, and harassment.  

In order for students to meet our expectations, we provide age appropriate lessons on the topics, student expectations, and reporting mechanisms listed below.

Student expectations include:

• Use respectful language in person and on social media that is devoid of hate speech, bias, and micro/macroaggressions.
• Respect each individual, even if that person’s identity is different from your own.
• Seek to understand your impact on others while seeking to understand others’ intent.
• Take responsibility for your words, actions and impact.

We all have a responsibility to report behavior that interferes with having an equitable and inclusive learning environment that honors and respects people of all identities. If you become aware of any actions that violate the expectations above, we expect that you speak up or report through one or more of the following ways:

• Tell a teacher, staff member or other trusted adult immediately.
• If you are comfortable and safe doing so, speak up in the moment to encourage more equitable and inclusive talk or action, and/or support those being hurt.
• Report it anonymously via Issaquah Tip (Be sure to include details such as names of people, time, location and building): Safety Concerns - Report a Tip

Microaggressions (an indirect, subtle, or unintentional statement, action, or incident against a person or group based on ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or similar grounds)	Targeted Hate Speech (abusive, harmful, or threatening speech or writing that expresses prejudice on the basis of ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or similar grounds)	Reclaiming Language (when a group reclaims words or artifacts that were previously used in a way disparaging of that group)
1st offense = Additional Education + Restoration (when appropriate) Subsequent offense(s) = *Discipline + **Education	1st offense = *Discipline + **Education Subsequent offense(s) = *Discipline + **Education	Any offense = **Education
When considering discipline, the District strives to keep students in their classroom whenever possible; provide for early involvement of parents to support their own student in meeting behavioral expectations; make reasonable attempt to involve parents and their students in the resolution of behavioral violations for which discipline may be administered; and identify forms of discipline that should be administered before or instead of administering classroom exclusion, suspension, or removal to support students in meeting behavioral expectations. Disciplinary actions must be non-discriminatory, fair, age-appropriate and correspond to the severity of the student’s misbehavior. Types of discipline = Reteaching, Loss of Privileges, Conference with Admin and/or Parents/Caregivers, Out of School Suspension, Expulsion *Students who receive special education services for behavioral needs may receive differentiated supports and/or discipline
**Education = Review of the handbook, crafted lessons based on behavior, social-emotional lessons, intent vs impact, use of language based on setting, etc.

Non-Discrimination and Harassment/Intimidation/Bullying (HIB)

Nondiscrimination

The Issaquah School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employee(s) has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

Student Title IX, HIB Coordinator/Nondiscrimination Officer
Stacy Cho, Assistant Director of Compliance
5150 220^th Ave. SE
Issaquah, WA 98029
425-837-7000
ChoS@issaquah.wednet.edu

Section 504 Coordinator
Noah Westerberg, Director of Counseling and Student Well-being
5150 220^th Ave. SE
Issaquah, WA 98029
425-837-7000
WesterbergN@issaquah.wednet.edu

Parent/Caregiver/Volunteer and Employee/Applicant - Related Matters
Carleena Pfeiffer, Director of Human Resources
5150 220^th Ave. SE
Issaquah, WA 98029
425-837-7000
PfeifferC@issaquah.wednet.edu

Employee Title IX
Amanda Dorey, Director of Human Resources
5150 220^th Ave. SE
Issaquah, WA 98029
425-837-7000
DoreyA@issaquah.wednet.edu

Civil Rights Compliance Officer
Amanda Dorey, Director of Human Resources
5150 220th Ave. SE
Issaquah, WA 98029
425-837-7000
DoreyA@issaquah.wednet.edu

You can report discrimination and discriminatory harassment to any school staff member or to the District's Civil Rights Coordinator, listed above. You also have the right to file a complaint (see below). For a copy of the District’s nondiscrimination Regulation and Procedure, contact your school or the District office or view it online here:  3207

Safe and Positive Environment

The district believes that a safe, civil environment is essential to high student and staff achievement, to the free exchange of ideas central to a quality educational process, and to the development of youth as thoughtful participants in our democracy. Conversely, uncivil conduct, like other forms of disruptive behavior, interferes with a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate its students.

The Issaquah School District strives to maintain a learning environment where all students, staff and members of our community can be free from intimidation and harassment. One way we foster such an environment is by informing students and employees--as well as parents/caregivers--of their personal rights. We explain proper behavior in schools and what kinds of behavior are inappropriate. The District’s Regulations on harassment--sexual and otherwise--support our high expectations for proper behavior. Please take a moment to review the summary of Regulation 3205 and 3207, which protect students.

If an individual experiences harassment, an informal or a formal complaint process is available. If the complaint is not resolved satisfactorily, there is an appeal procedure.

Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying

If a student feels that they are being harassed, intimidated, or bullied for any reason including because of race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, or disability, the student should immediately report such incidents to a teacher, counselor, or building administrator. A complete copy of Regulation 3207 may be obtained at any school or on the district website.

“Harassment, intimidation or bullying” is defined as an intentional electronic, written, verbal or physical act that:

• Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property;
• Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education (to be determined by considering a targeted student’s grades, attendance, demeanor, interaction with peers, participation in activities, and other indicators);
• Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or
• Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school

Conduct that is “substantially interfering with a student’s education” will be determined by considering a targeted student’s grades, attendance, demeanor, interaction with peers, participation in activities, and other indicators.

Conduct that may rise to the level of harassment, intimidation and bullying may take many forms, including, but not limited to: slurs, rumors, jokes, innuendoes, demeaning comments, graffiti, pictures, photographs, drawings, cartoons, pranks, ostracism, physical attacks or threats, gestures, or acts relating to an individual or group whether electronic, written, oral, or physically transmitted messages or images. There is no requirement that the targeted student actually possess the characteristic that is the basis for the harassment, intimidation, or bullying.

Sexual Harassment

Students and staff are protected against sexual harassment by anyone in any school program or activity, including on the school campus, on the school bus, or off-campus during a school-sponsored activity. 

Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct or communication that is sexual in nature when:

• A student or employee is led to believe that he or she must submit to unwelcome sexual conduct or communications in order to gain something in return, such as a grade, a promotion, a place on a sports team, or any educational or employment decision; or
• The conduct substantially interferes with a student's educational performance, or creates an intimidating or hostile educational or employment environment.

Examples of Sexual Harassment:

• Pressuring a person for sexual favors
• Unwelcome touching of a sexual nature
• Writing graffiti of a sexual nature
• Distributing sexually explicit texts, e-mails, or pictures
• Making sexual jokes, rumors, or suggestive remarks
• Physical violence, including rape and sexual assault

You can report sexual harassment to any school staff member or to the District's Title IX Officer, who is listed above. You also have the right to file a complaint (see below). For a copy of the District’s sexual harassment Regulation and Procedure, contact your school or the District office, or view it online here: 3205

Discrimination and Sexual Harassment Complaint Options

If you believe that you or your child have experienced unlawful discrimination or harassment at school, you have the right to file a complaint.

Before filing a complaint, you can discuss your concerns with your child’s principal or with the District’s Section 504 Coordinator, Title IX Officer, or Civil Rights Coordinator, who are listed above. This is often the fastest way to revolve 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 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 District’s decision, you may appeal to the District’s board of directors. You must file a notice of appeal in writing to the secretary of the board within 10 calendar days after you received the District’s response to your complaint. The board will schedule a hearing within 20 calendar days after they received your appeal, unless you agree on a different timeline. The board will send you a written decision within 30 calendar days after the District received your notice of appeal. The 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 District’s appeal decision, state law provides the option to file a formal complaint with 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

Parent/Caregiver Concerns

The district believes that a safe, civil environment is essential to high student and staff achievement, to the free exchange of ideas central to a quality educational process, and to the development of youth as thoughtful participants in our democracy. Conversely, uncivil conduct, like other forms of disruptive behavior, interferes with a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate its students. Reference the district’s civility Regulations for an understanding on conduct for students, parents/caregivers and staff Regulation 4011 and Regulation 5282. Copies can be obtained from the school.

The district is dedicated to the swift resolution of problems through respectful communication where all parties’ perceptions and input are considered. Please take a look at our website under Issues, Questions, or Concerns. If you have a problem or concern involving your child’s education, you are encouraged to schedule a conference with the teacher. If a problem or concern continues, contact the principal for assistance. Continuing concerns, following teacher and principal contact, may also be referred to the appropriate district administrator; or, as a last resort, to the Superintendent or the Board of Directors.

If your concern is in regard to the district, you may communicate your concern to the Board of Directors by phone or by letter. Board meetings are held the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. All regular meetings are open to public participation, or you may request placement on the regular agenda by notifying the Superintendent’s executive assistant at 425-837-7002 one week in advance of the meeting.

The district is dedicated to serving your needs through responsive, caring actions. Please let us know if we can help you.

Telephone Use/Electronic Devices

To limit interruption of the learning process, student to parent/caregiver communication should only be for emergency situations. Cell phone use is prohibited during the school day and on school buses unless authorized by school personnel. No mechanical or electronic device shall be used to audio or video record any classroom instruction or activity on district premises immediately before, immediately after or during the school day, or on district provided transportation without the express permission of the classroom teacher and administrative staff at the school. Please help your child to organize for the day by planning which texts, materials, and clothes will be needed in advance.

Weapons

A weapon or facsimile brought to school may result in an emergency removal or other discipline. Possession of firearms on any school property, including school provided transportation, will result in a one year mandatory expulsion, subject to appeal with notification to parents/caregivers and law enforcement. (RCW 28A.600.420) Violence or threats of violence are not tolerated in any school or bus. To report suspicious activity go to the ‘safety concern’ tab on the ISD site.