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 Conduct Expectations

The district values equity, diversity and inclusion. The district is committed to building and sustaining a welcoming school community. Our district and community are made up of people of different backgrounds, needs and perspectives. Our learning community includes people of varying races, ethnic backgrounds, abilities/disabilities, religions, ages, languages, socioeconomic status, immigration status, sexual orientation, gender expressions or identities.

Student expectations include:

• 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 other’s intent.
• Communicate respectfully with others in person, on social media and in any other form.
• Use what you are learning to use good judgment and make ethical and informed decisions.
• Take responsibility for your words and actions.

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 encourage you to speak up 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.

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

Non-Discrimination

The district will provide equal educational opportunity and treatment for all students in all aspects of the academic and activities program without discrimination based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by person with a disability. The district will provide equal access to school facilities to the Boy Scouts of America and all other designated youth groups listed in Title 36 of the United Sates Code as a patriotic society. District programs will be free from sexual harassment. Auxiliary aids and services will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities. The District will annually publish notice of the district's discrimination complaint procedure in a language recipients can understand and in a format reasonably calculated to inform students, and students' parent/guardians.

You can report discrimination and discriminatory harassment to any school staff member or to the district's Civil Rights Coordinator, listed below.

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 district’s Regulations on harassment support our high expectations for proper behavior. Please take a moment to review the summary of these policies. A complete copy of the applicable Regulations and Procedures is available on the district’s website. See Regulations 3205 and 3205P (Sexual Harassment); 3207 and 3207P (Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying); and 3210, and 3210P (Nondiscrimination).

Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying

If your student feels that they are being harassed, intimidated, or bullied you or your student should immediately report such incidents to a teacher, counselor, or building administrator. Concerns can also be reported using an online HIB form on the ISD's Safety concern webpage.

“Harassment, intimidation or bullying” is defined as any intentional written message or image including those that are electronically transmitted, a verbal or physical act, including but not limited to one shown to be motivated by race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or mental or physical disability, or other distinguishing characteristics, when the act:

• Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property;
• Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education (for example, substantially interfering with classroom performance, attendance, or pattern of tardiness);
• 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.

Nothing in this section requires the affected student actually to possess a characteristic that is a basis for harassment, intimidation, or bullying. “Other distinguishing characteristics” can include but are not limited to: physical appearance, clothing or other apparel, socioeconomic status, and weight. “Intentional acts” refers to the individual’s choice to engage in the act.

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.

Sexual Harassment

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

Sexual harassment is unwelcome behavior or communication that is sexual in nature. Sexual harassment can occur adult-to-student, student-to-student or can be carried out by a group of students or adults. The district prohibits sexual harassment of students by other students, employees, volunteers, or third parties involved in district activities or engaged in the authorized use of district facilities.

You can report sexual harassment to any school staff member or to the district's Title IX Coordinator, listed below.

Discrimination and Harassment Complaints

If you believe that you or your child has 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 school district’s Title IX Officer, HIB Coordinator, Civil Rights Coordinator, or Section 504 Coordinator, listed below. This is often the fastest way to revolve your concerns.

Title IX Coordinator

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

Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying (HIB) Compliance Officer

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

Section 504 Coordinator

Pam Ridenour, Director of Student Interventions
5150 220^th Ave. SE
Issaquah, WA 98029
425-837-7000
ridenourp@issaquah.wednet.edu

Parent/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

The complaint procedure for allegations of harassment, intimidation, and bullying is in District Procedure 3207P. 

The complaint procedure for allegations of discrimination is in District Procedure 3210P.

The complaint procedure for allegations of sexual harassment is in District Procedure 3205P.

Reporting a Concern

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 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 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 Expulsion 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 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.