student parent handbook - edl€¦ · 3 section i—general information the student-parent handbook...
TRANSCRIPT
Last Updated: 8/2017
Colfax Junior Senior High School
Student-Parent Handbook
Absence Hotline 509.397.2924
CHS Office 509.397.4368
1110 N. Morton Street • Colfax, WA 99111
www.colfax.k12.wa.us Fax: 509.397.2414
2017—2018
Bulldog Pride
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Table of Contents
Section I—General Information Purpose of the Handbook…….…………………...…….......3 Required Handbook Review Documentation.…..…...3 Bulldog Spirit, Pride & Tradition…………………………....3 Faculty & Staff……………………………………………………....4 Bulldog Tales Advisory………………………………...………..5 School Clubs & Activities ………………………….…….....…6 Student Leadership………………….…………………..……….7 Academic Calendar………………………………..……………..8 Bell Schedule—Regular School Day………………...…….9 Bell Schedule—Early Dismissal Days……………..……...10 Late Start & School Cancellations……………..…………..10
Parent/Guardian Access to Skyward………..…………...10
Section II—Attendance Attendance Expectations…………………...……………....11 Excessive EXCUSED Absences………………………...…..11 Unexcused Absences & State Truancy Law………….11 Absence Procedure & Hotline………………………….….12 Absence Codes in Skyward…………………………...…….12 Parent/Guardian Access to Skyward………………......12 School-Related Absences…………………………….….…..12 College Visits & Job Shadow on School Days……....12 Signing In & Out ……………………………….…………..…...13 Discipline Release During School Day.…………...…...13 Tardies…………………………………………………………..…...13 Short Term, Unexpected Absence/Missing Work..13 Long Term, Pre-Arranged Absence……………………...14 Chronic Illness / Health Concerns………………….…....14
Section III—Student Expectations Bulldog Pride Code of Ethics……………………………...15 Compliance with School Rules…………………………...15 Before/ After School Supervision of Students….…16 Student Dress Code (Policy 3224)……………………...16 Dress Code at School Dances……………………………..17 Closed Campus (Policy 3242)……………………………..17 Traffic Safety Rules Driving Near a School Bus…...18 Student Conduct on School Buses………………….....18 Student Driving & Parking (Policy 3240)…………....18 Locker Expectations/Searches……………………….....19 Student Valuables/Theft Reports……………………...19 Backpacks/Gym Bags………………………………………...19 Lunch Expectations…………………………………………...20 Food/Drinks in Classrooms & Halls…………………....20 Skateboards/Rollerblades/Wheeled Shoes………..20 School Assemblies……………………………………………..21 School Dances (Policy 3243)……………………………...21 Dance Dress Code/Expectations………………………...22 Technology Policy (Policy 2315)……………………....23 Consequences for Violating Technology Policies..24 Cell Phone/ Handheld Technology …………………...24 Student Publications (Policies 3220 & 3221)……...25 Academic Honesty-Cheating and Plagiarism………25 Electronic Cigarettes………………………………………….26 Prohibited Substances/Severe Misconduct………..26
Section IV—Student Discipline
Purpose of School Discipline……………………………….…......27 Student Rights & Responsibilities (Policy 3200)…….…....27 Progressive Discipline Guidelines…………………………….….28 Exceptional Misconduct/Severe Misbehavior………….....29 Colfax School Board Policies………………………………….…...31 Office Of the Superintendent of Public Instruction….….31 Common School Laws of Washington State…………….….31
Section IV—Academics Grades-Junior High…………………………….....….………………...33 Grading Scale-Junior High……………...…….……………...….....33 Grades-High School…………………………………………..……......33 Grading Scale-High School…………………..……………..….......33 High School Graduation Requirements………………..…..….33 Grading Procedures…………………………………..………………...34 Drop / Add Process……………………………………………....……..34 Grad Appeals Process………………………………………….……….35 Academic Awards & Honors……………………………..……...…35 Required Credits & High School Class Standing…………….35 Testing Information……………………………………………..……...36 Academic Interventions & Support……………………..……….36 Teacher Contact / Progress Checks…………………..………….36 Highly Capable Program…………………………………..………….37
Section V—Safety
Fire & Emergency Drills……..…………………………..…………...38 Emergency Notification Procedure…………………………..….38 First Aid………………………………………………………...…………….38 Head Lice…………………………………………………………………….39 Life Threatening Health Conditions……………………………..39 Sickroom…….………………………………………...…………………...39 Prescription Medication…….…………………………….………….39 Update Health & Emergency Information…………………...39
Section VI—Other Information School Forms……………………………….…………………………..….40 Adult Visitors to the School…………….…………………………...40 Student Guests……………………………….…………………..……….40 School Volunteers…………………….………………..………………..40 Facilities Use Request………………………………..………….…….41 Announcements at School………………………..………….……..41 Driving & Parking (Policy 3240)………………..………….……...41 Lost & Found…………………………………………..……….………….41 Early Release from School…………….………..…….……………..42 Breakfast & Lunch………………………………...…….……………...42
Section VII—Extracurricular Activities Student ASB Card………………………………………………………...43 Junior High Student Leadership…………………………….....….43 High School Student Leadership………………………..…….....43 Activities and Clubs………………………………………..……...……43 Eligibility & Weekly Grade Checks……………………….....…..44 Additional Participation Requirements………………………..44 Athletic Eligibility-High School………………………………...…..45 Athletic Eligibility-Junior High………………………………....…..45 District Travel & Alternate Travel……………….………………..45 Student Medical Insurance………………………………..………..46 Concussions (Policy 3422)…………………………………..……….46
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Section I—General Information
The Student-Parent Handbook provides students and families guidelines, policies, rules and procedures upheld at Colfax Junior/Senior High School.
These policies and procedures are aligned with Colfax school board policy and Washington state school law. They are designed to enhance and protect the physical and emotional safety of our school communi-ty, promote rigorous, relevant and fun learning, and allow the development of rich relationships and meaningful school rituals and traditions.
Purpose of the Handbook
Required Handbook Review Documentation
Teachers review the contents of the handbook with students every year in our Bulldog Tales advisory We also ask parents/guardians to read the handbook annually (changes occur as we update to reflect new needs, school board policies, and state laws). The Handbook is made available on Colfax School District website, along with a form to sign and return, which documents that both students and parents have read and understand the policies in the handbook.
Clear communication and strong partnerships between staff, students and families create the safe, supportive, rigorous and fun school culture and climate we want for ourselves and our children.
Thank you, Bulldog staff, students and families for your important participation in our school.
Bulldog Spirit, Pride & Tradition
Colfax Junior/Senior High School is home of the Bulldogs! Our school colors are Blue and Gold.
Colfax Junior/Senior High has a long and rich tradition of excellence in academics, athletics, musical and dramatic performance and extracurricular activities and clubs. The Bulldogs are the pride of the commu-nity. When students perform and compete, the community in and around Colfax is behind our Bulldogs one hundred and fifty percent.
Here are the lyrics to our long-standing official school fight song:
When dear ole Colfax High School falls in line
We’re going to win this game another time
For dear ole C-H-S we love so well
And for our high school team we’ll yell, we’ll yell, we’ll yell!
We’re going fight, fight, fight for every score!
We’re going to circle in and win some more!
We’re going to roll those (______)
Down the floor, out the door!
Fight….Fight….Fight,
Hey!
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Faculty & Staff, 2017—2018
Office Staff Principal……………………………….Carrie Lipe Head Secretary…………………………...Janel Stirling Dean of Students………………….Christopher Clausen Secretary…………………………………….Nicole Wells Athletic Director…………………...Nathan Holbrook Absence Hotline…………….....509.397.2924
Counseling & Student Support
Academic Counselor…………….Krista Boyd Title I Academic Support Program…..Carrie Lipe Junior High Counselor………….Chris Carney Credit Retrieval……..Krista Boyd, Christopher Clausen School Psychologist……………..Erina Hammer Special Education Director...Travis Howell School Nurses………………………Amber Sellars Highly Capable Program…...Travis Howell Shelby Hennigar Carrie Lipe
Faculty English Language Arts………….Kelli Cox Cathy Landers Jenny Greenberg Math………………………………… Shawnna Breach Kathryn Vogler Casey Zander Science………………………………...Christopher Clausen Michael Heitstuman Kathryn Vogler
History/Social Studies………….Cody Leander Ross Swan World Language………………….Stacy Aune
Career & Tech Education (CTE) Agricultural Science…………………..Michael Heitstuman Business/Marketing……………..…..Tina Scholz Family & Consumer Science……..Altaira Bogle Health Science………………………….Christopher Clausen
Music Instrumental Music…………………..Mike Morgan Vocal Music……………………………...Cary Cammack
Visual Art ………………………….…….Henry Stinson
Physical Education…………………….Jason Cooper Nathan Holbrook Special Education……….…………...Jennifer Cooper Art Powers
Classified Staff
Nutrition Services…………....Tommi Sue Ahmann
Heidi Casten
Patty Collinsworth
Shauna Hammer, Supervisor
Building Maintenance……….Mark Brown
Grounds……………………………..Mike Koenig
Para Educators………………………………Jody Conrad
Heather Kelton
Lisa Retzer
Carrie Phillips
Custodial ………………………………………Bob Cook
Randy Dugger
David Roduner
We Educate. We Engage. We Empower. We Excel. - Building Better Bulldogs Every Day -
Last Updated: 9/2017
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Advisory Program—Bulldog Tales
HIGH SCHOOL ADVISORS
Grade 9……………………………….Altaira Bogle
Michael Heitstuman
Casey Zander
Grade 10………………..……………….Christopher Clausen
Jennifer Cooper
Kathryn Vogler
Grade 11……………………………….Cathy Landers
Tina Sholz
Ross Swan
Grade 12………………………………….Stacy Aune
Krista Boyd
Jenny Moris
Academic Advisors—for Bulldog Tales (by Grade Level)
JUNIOR HIGH ADVISORS
Grade 7 & 8……….……….Kelli Cox
Shawnna Breach
Nathan Holbrook
Cody Leander
Bulldog Tales Advisory Program Students meet for 30 minutes once per week (on Wednesdays) in a small, grade-level advisory class called Bulldog Tales. Bulldog Tales is facilitated by an advisory teacher, with student input and help from student leadership. In Bulldog Tales, advisors and students work closely together on skills and strategies that support academic and social success in junior high, high school and beyond, including college and career readiness. Examples of activities & work accomplished in Bulldog Tales:
Setting academic & social goals for the year
Tracking progress on goals & celebrating success
Understanding & tracking progress on graduation requirements (such as passing required classes & state assessments)
College & Career readiness
Preparing for Student-Led Conferences
Registering for classes
Study skills & organizational strategies
Interpersonal skills, anti-bullying, conflict resolution
Internet/social media safety
And many other activities that build skills, teamwork and a sense of control and pride in school accomplishments
Students create an advisory notebook that builds from one year to the next. The notebook contains important documents (such as Graduation Credit tracking sheets). Students share advisory notebooks with parents/guardians during Student Led Conferences.
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Extracurricular Clubs & Activities
Extracurricular Club Advisors
HS Student Leadership (ASB)…………...…..…..Heidi Lowe, with participation from Carrie Lipe, Christopher Clausen
JH Student Leadership…………………….….……….Shawnna Breach, Nathan Holbrook
Yearbook…………………………………………….……….....Tina Scholz
Cheerleaders……………………………………………….........Connie Ellis
Future Farmers of America (FFA)…………....…..Michael Heitstuman
Family Community & Career
Leaders of America (FCCLA).…………………..……......Altaira Bogle
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)… Tina Scholz
National Honor Society…………………….…………...……...Ross Swan
Knowledge Bowl………………………………….………...Christopher Clausen, Kathryn Vogler
Robotics…………………………………………………………...Nichole Kopp (parent volunteer)
Students are encouraged to join one or more extracurricular school clubs/activities. The clubs listed below provide students a rich opportunity to develop lifelong friends and memories, as well as valuable skills in leadership, event organizing, collaboration and public speaking. Participation in extracurricular activities also helps build a high school resume with important experiences recognized by colleges, technical schools and the job market.
“Class Spirit” Adult Advisors, 2017—18 Throughout the year, each grade level class organizes one or more fun events to build class spirit, identity, membership and be-longing. In the high school years, each class also organizes a fundraising event to help raise money for that grade level’s eventual “end-of-high-school” senior trip. The following are the teachers coordinating these events with students for each grade level.
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President………………………………………………………………………….Dylan Nails
Vice-President………………………………………………………………….Ben Ahmann
Secretary……..…………………………………………………………………..Carmen Gfeller
Treasurer………………………………………………………………………….Hailey Aase
Assistant Treasurer……………………………….…………………………Casey Fulfs
ASB School Board Representative……………………………………Kylie Kackman
Associated Student Body (ASB) Officers
Student Leadership, 2017—18
Class Leaders & ASB Representatives
8th Grade Class of 2022
(To be determined)
7th Grade Class of 2023 (To be determined)
Class Leaders & ASB Representatives
Freshman Class of 2021 (9th)
President…………………...Kari Largent
Vice-President…………….Sydney Berquist
Secretary…………………….Perry Imler
Treasurer………………..…Mark Morgan
ASB Representative…… Anni Cox
Sophomore Class of 2020 (10th)
President…………………...Miya Ensley
Vice-President…………….Hayden Fulfs
Secretary…………………….Lauren Kennedy
Treasurer…………………...Cole Baerlocher
ASB Representative……..Gunnar Aune
Junior Class of 2019 (11th)
President…………………...Jenna Harwood
Vice-President…………….Bryan Rubin
Secretary…………………….Tayma Vanek
Treasurer…………………...Cassidi Shindler
ASB Representative…….Brooklyn Smith
Senior Class of 2018 (12th)
President…………………...Brett Kincaid
Vice-President…………….Kiah Miller
Secretary…………………….Sara Whelchel
Treasurer…………………...Caleb Berquist
ASB Representative……Airelle Grimaud
Effective student leadership is key in creating a dynamic and engaging school culture focused on learning, safety, and membership and belonging for all students. Student leaders have a powerful influence on the success of the school through running ASB events, organizing school assemblies, keeping annual traditions alive year-to-year, holding dances and spirit events, modeling citizenship, upholding student behavior and safety codes, mentoring younger students, fundraising and coordinating communication between classes and within the school as a whole.
Student leaders are elected by the student body every year through a democratic election process.
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT LEADERSHIP (Advisor: Heidi Lowe)
JUNIOR HIGH STUDENT LEADERSHIP (Advisor: Shawnna Breach)
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SIGNIFICANT DATES
Aug 28……………….CJHS Open House (6:30-7:30pm) Aug 29…..............First Day of School
Sept 4...................Labor Day
Oct 31….…..........1st Quarter Ends
Nov 10…………..Veteran’s Day (observed)
Nov 23, 24…….….Thanksgiving Break
Dec 21 – Jan 2 ......Winter Break
Jan 3....................School Resumes Jan 15….…...........Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Jan 19……….……..1st Semester Ends
Feb 16...……………..No School Feb 19……………..…President’s Day
Mar 1,2…................Mid-Winter Break Mar 27………….…….Student Led Conferences (7-12)
(No School Students in Gr 7-12 Regular Day for K-6) Mar 29…..…………..3rd Quarter Ends
Apr 2– 6…...........Spring Break May 28…………....Memorial Day Jun 2.................High School Graduation Jun 8………..……..Last Day of School
Sept 8.…………...…….12:30 Dismissal (Fair)
School Calendar, 2017—2018
August S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31
October S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31
September S M T W T F S
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
November S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30
December S M T W T F S
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30, 31
January S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31
February
S M T W T F S
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 25 26 27 28
March
S M T W T F S
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
April
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
May S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31
# of School Days per Month August 2 February 18 September 21 March 21 October 21 April 15 November 19 May 22 December 14 June 7 January 20 Total Days 180
June
S M T W T F S
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
LEGEND No School
First and Last Day of School
12:30 Dismissal
No School for Gr 7-12 for Student Led Conferences
Oct 18.………...….….12:30 Dismissal (P. Development)
Oct 31………..….….12:30 Dismissal (Report Card Prep)
Nov 6, 7, 8, 9……...12:30 Dismissal (Fall Conferences)
Nov 22………..……....12:30 Dismissal (Thanksgiving)
Dec 6…………………..12:30 Dismissal (P. Development)
Dec 20…………………..12:30 Dismissal (Winter Break)
Jan 19……………....12:30 Dismissal (Report Card Prep)
Feb 7………………....12:30 Dismissal (P. Development)
Mar 30……………...12:30 Dismissal (Report Card Prep)
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Regular School Day Bell Schedule
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Various 12:30pm Early Dismissal days are scheduled throughout the school year to accommodate circum-stances such as teacher professional development, report card preparation and parent-teacher conferences. Please refer to the School Calendar on the previous page for scheduled Early Dismissal days. The schedule below outlines adjustments in the regular bell schedule for planned Early Dismissal days.
Occasionally it is necessary to postpone the start of school, or close school, due to weather-related condi-tions or other unforeseen events. In such an event, our School Messenger calling system will send a phone call to student and staff homes, using the data base of phone numbers kept in the Skyward student data system. In order to for this system to reach you, it is important to keep the phone numbers in your stu-dent’s records up to date. Local radio stations and Spokane television stations will also be notified by 6am if Colfax School District schools are delayed or cancelled. We will also make every attempt possible to keep our website updated with school delay and cancellation information.
Early Dismissal (12:30 pm) Bell Schedule
Late Start & School Cancellations
For: M, T, Th, F For: Wednesday
O Hour 7:25 – 8:15 (50 min) O Hour 7:25 – 8:15 (50min)
4th Period 8:20 – 9:11 (51 min) 1st Period 8:20 – 9:11 (51min)
5th Period 9:15 – 10:06 (51 min) 2nd Period 9:15 – 10:06 (51min)
6th Period 10:10 – 11:01 (51 min) Bulldog Tales 10:10 – 11:01 (51 min)
7th Period 11:05 – 11:56 (51 min) 3rd Period 11:05 – 11:56 (51 min)
Lunch 11:56 – 12:30 (34 min) Lunch 11:56 – 12:30 (34 min)
Parent/Guardian Access to Skyward Student Information System
Skyward is the online student data system used by Colfax School District to record student class schedules, grades, attendance, address, emergency contacts, state test scores, progress toward meeting graduation requirements, and other important information. Parents/guardians are highly encouraged to gain access to Skyward, and to regularly check their student’s records for grades, missing assignments and attendance. Stu-dents receive Skyward access at school. Parents/guardians may request a Skyward Username and Password by calling Shawn Stine at the District office 509-397-3042. Once you receive your Username and Password, log onto Skyward via the school website: www.colfax.k12.wa.us. Look for Skyward under the Parent Information tab. Regular Skyward checks al-low parents to celebrate successes, and to receive immediate notice if grades or attendance problems exist. Please check your student’s attendance, grades and graduation requirements regularly, and encourage your student to do the same. Please also contact the school office as soon as possible to update any changes in addresses, phone num-bers, emergency contact and health status as soon as possible; we depend on Skyward being accurate to serve your student, mail grade reports, and provide emergency notice when necessary.
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Section II—Attendance
Attendance Procedure for Unexcused Absences (State Truancy Law)
Washington law requires children ages 6 through 17 who are enrolled in public school to attend school, as outlined in subsection (4) of RCW 28A.225.010.
Attendance is important for academic success. Unexcused absences may be an early warning sign for school failure and future dropout. When youth are absent from school without a valid cause, they are considered truant. A student who misses 18 or more days in a school year—just two days a month—for any reason is considered chronically absent. Chronically absent students are more likely to fall behind in reading and math and less likely to graduate from high school.
Washington State truancy law (known as the Becca Bill), requires the school/district and juvenile court to take specific actions when a youth is truant: One (1) unexcused absence in a month. School must inform parent in writing or by phone.
Two (2) unexcused absences. School must initiate a parent conference to discuss unexcused absences and find solutions to improve the student's attendance.
After five (5) unexcused absences in a month, the parent and school must enter a written truancy agreement with the family, where the student, family and school agree on steps to resolve student’s attendance problem.
Seven (7) unexcused absences in a month, or ten (10) unexcused absences within an academic year, the school district may file truancy petitions with the juvenile court to order the student to attend school. If this court order is violated, the court will call for a Contempt Hearing and the student could be ordered to do community service, or spend time in juvenile detention. The parent may be fined up to $25.00 for every day of unexcused absence.
The school district may also refer the family to a Community Truancy Board, if there is one in the com-munity. A truancy board is a group of citizens who help resolve truancy cases away from the court. From Washington State Office of the Education Ombudsman (www.waparentslearn.org) and Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (www.k12.wa.us)
Attendance is taken and recorded at the beginning of every class period. Regular attendance is a priority, and is required by Washington State law. Attendance establishes patterns of responsibility associated with success in school and beyond. Students who miss class lose essential instruction and learning. Grades and credit are tied to attendance. Grades are affected where participation counts toward achievement . When students miss class, they miss essential instruction and learning required for passing the course, and for passing state assessments required for graduation. Absences can affect grades and credits.
Attendance Expectations (Policy 3122)
Attendance Procedure for Excessive Excused Absences
1. Parent Conference / Student Attendance Contract—If a student receives five (5) or more Excused absences during a month, or ten (10) excused absences during a school year, a parent conference is scheduled, and an attendance contract between the student and the school may be required.
2. Physician Documentation—If a student accumulates twenty (20) Excused absences in a school year, any days past 20 that the student is absent must have a physician’s note documenting a condition prohibiting school attendance, or the absence will be marked Unexcused, even if the parent calls it in as Excused.
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It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian before or immediately following an absence to report the ab-sence to the school. Call the Absence Hotline at any time of the day or night, or present the office with a signed note and reason for the absence from the parent/guardian. If you know your child will be absent ahead of time, please call. If you tell the teacher your child will be ab-sent, you must still call the Absence Hotline in order for the absence to be excused.
You may leave a message on the Colfax School District Absence Hotline any time of day or night. When leaving a message, please provide the following information:
1. Spell the first and last name of the student. 2. State your name and relationship to the student. 3. Leave your daytime phone number for verification. 4. Give a brief reason for the absence.
Absence Procedure & Hotline: 509.397.2924
Absence Codes in Skyward
Skyward is the online student data system used by Colfax School District to record student grades, attend-ance, address, emergency contacts, and other important information. Parents and students both have ac-cess to Skyward (see below for information on accessing Skyward). The following attendance-related codes are used in the Skyward system: W Web Absence (student absent Excused or Unexcused status not yet assigned) E Excused Absence (parent/guardian excused this absence) O-SR School Related (school-initiated, such as field trip, athletic event) U Unexcused Absence (parent/guardian did not excuse this absence) SA Suspension Absence (administrator initiated) EX Extended Absence (absence due to chronic illness or long term health condition) L Late/Tardy (unexcused tardy)
Parent/Guardian Access to Skyward
Skyward is the online student data system used by Colfax School District to record student class schedules, grades, attendance, address, emergency contacts, state test scores, progress toward meeting graduation requirements, and other important information. Please check page 9 for instructions to access Skyward.
School-Related Absences
Absences required for class field trips, athletic events, and other school-sponsored activities shall be counted as school-related absences, including pre-approved college visits and job shadows (see below).
College Visits & Job Shadows on School Days
Seniors are allowed two days for college visitation and one day to job shadow as school-related absences. Students must have written prior school approval, written parent/guardian approval AND provide documen-tation following their day(s) in order to count it as school-related. See the office or the counselor to obtain the proper forms in advance of the college visit or job shadow.
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Signing In & Signing Out
Students that arrive after the 8:20 a.m. bell must sign in at the office. If a student needs to leave before the end of seventh period, they must sign out, and may only do so with parent/guardian permission. Teacher Aides working at Jennings Elementary must sign out of Colfax Junior/Senior High, and sign in at Jennings. At the end of their shift, they must then sign out at Jennings and back in at Colfax Junior/Senior High. Students must have a note or phone call from a parent/guardian before they will be permitted to sign out.
Tardies
Punctuality is expected. Being in class on time ensures students receive all class instruction; being tardy cre-ates a disruption for other students and for the teacher. Each teacher establishes and communicates (verbally and in writing) a classroom tardy policy. It is your responsibility as a student to know and follow the tardy policy for each class. Teachers inform the student any time the student is late and marked tardy in Skyward. Chronic tardies will be handled as an attendance and behavior issue. Students exhibiting chronic tardies may be given detention and/or placed on an attendance contract.
Discipline Release During School Day (Policy 3441)
Prior to sending a student to his/her home for illness, discipline, or a corrective action, the principal shall attempt to reach the student’s parent to inform him/her of the school’s action and to request that he/she come to the school for the child. If the principal cannot reach the parent, the student shall remain at school until the close of the school day. A student may be released to a law enforcement officer in accordance with Policy No. 4411 (Relations with Law Enforcement and Child Protective Agencies).
Short Term, Unexpected Absence
If a student has missed class, it is the student’s responsibility to meet with each teacher as soon as they re-turn, to collect missing work. Teachers make every attempt to keep assignment and progress records updat-ed on Skyward. Students/parents are encouraged to check Skyward regularly to keep updated on progress, including being aware of missing assignments. Please contact teachers with questions or concerns regarding progress. Teachers have individual classroom policies regarding late assignments, which they will make known verbally and in writing in their syllabus and/or classroom grading policy. It is the student’s responsi-bility to know and follow the teacher’s grading policy and requirements for late and/or make up work.
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Chronic Illness / Health Concerns Affecting Attendance
Students who are too ill to attend school will be considered by the school too ill to attend school activities on the same day. Students must attend school all day to participate in any school-related activity. If a stu-dent brings a doctor’s note to waive participation in P.E., that student is not eligible to participate in sports practices or games that same day. If a student is confined to home or hospital for an extended period, the parent shall arrange with the school for accomplishment of assignments at the place of confinement whenever practicable. If the stu-dent is unable to do schoolwork, or if major requirements of a particular course cannot be accomplished outside of class, the student may be required to take an incomplete or withdraw from the class without penalty. Students with a chronic health condition which interrupts regular attendance may qualify for placement in a limited-attendance and participation program, and/or qualify for a 504 plan outlining accommodations. A physician note with the physician letterhead indicating the student is suffering from conditions that may cause them to miss school is required, and valid for 90 days. A new note indicating the condition still exists is required after a 90 day period. The student and his/her parents or guardian shall apply to the principal or counselor and a limited program shall be written following advice and recommendations of the student’s health professional. The recom-mended limited program must be approved by the school principal. The staff shall be informed of the stu-dent’s need, though the confidentiality of the medical information shall be respected at the parent’s re-quest.
We Educate. We Engage. We Empower. We Excel. - Building Better Bulldogs Every Day -
Long Term, Pre-Arranged Absence
Colfax Junior/Senior High discourages students from taking vacations while school is in session. Teachers cannot re-teach lessons or provide make up work that covers all material missed. If occasion arises in which a long term absence is necessary, the school will make reasonable attempt to mitigate damage to the student’s educational program. In such a case: • At least two weeks prior, submit a letter of request to the office and student’s teachers outlining reasons for absence, departure and return date. • Schedule a conference with student, parent and teachers prior to absence to understand expectations and possible consequences to student’s grade. Responsibility for completion of make up requirements rests with the student. In some cases it will not be possible for a student to receive full credit.
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Section III—Student Behavior & Expectations
Bulldog Pride Code of Ethics
Colfax Junior/Senior High promotes academic integrity and ethical and civic responsibility in students and staff. Faculty members and school administrators expect themselves and students to demonstrate a stand-ard of conduct that supports a safe and orderly learning environment, provides positive role modeling and fosters leadership development on campus and away from school. The following Code of Ethics applies to actions both on campus and during school-related activities away from campus. These guidelines must be followed by participants of all organizations, clubs, activities and athletics that fall under the umbrella of Colfax Junior/Senior High. Students and faculty are expected to:
• Conform to reasonable standards of socially accepted behavior;
• Respect the rights of others;
Refrain from drugs, alcohol, tobacco and other prohibited substances;
Refrain from obscenity, profanity, verbal or physical harassment of staff, students, guests, or property;
• Refrain from violation of Civil Law;
• Refrain from cheating, copying, plagiarism, pilfering, forgery, grade tampering;
• Refrain from fighting, assault, theft and property damage;
Preserve the degree of order that is necessary for a positive climate that supports learning, by:
• Maintain punctual and regular school attendance;
Willingly follow classroom and school rules;
• Maintain grade eligibility for athletics and clubs.
Respect authority and respond accordingly:
• Abide by all District policies and school rules.
• Abide by all local, county, state and federal laws.
Compliance with School Rules (WAC 180-40) (Policy 3312, 3321, 3333, 3330,3331)
Students shall comply with all district and school rules and regulations. Failure to do so shall be cause for disciplinary action. Rules apply and shall be enforced by school administrators/staff:
On school grounds before, during, and after school hours;
On school grounds at any other time;
Off school grounds at a school activity, function or event; and
Off school grounds—if the actions of the student materially and substantially affect the educational process.
We Educate. We Engage. We Empower. We Excel. - Building Better Bulldogs Every Day -
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We Educate. We Engage. We Empower. We Excel. - Building Better Bulldogs Every Day -
Student Dress Code (Policy 3224)
The purpose of a student dress code is to foster an environment focused on learning, free from un-necessary distraction, as well as to ensure student safety and wellbeing. The dress code also models respect for others, and prepares students for expectations appropriate for college and the work-place. Students are expected to dress appropriately for school by adhering to the following policies:
Shirts & Tops
Straps—All tops must have over-the-shoulder straps of at least 1-inch or wider (no strap-less tops; no spaghetti straps); if tops are layered, at least one of the tops must have straps 1-inch or wider.
Length of Tops—tops must be long enough to cover the student’s midriff / belly button area.
Height of Tops—in the front, tops must cover cleavage; in the back and sides, tops must not be any low-er than the height of a normal bra line.
Pants, Shorts & Skirts
Pajama Pants—No pajama pants (except for on the occasion of a designated School Spirit Day, in which pajamas may be allowed).
Height of Pants Waist—pants must be high enough to cover underclothing.
Leggings & Tights—leggings & tights must not be see-through in the hip/bottom area; or, if they are, they must be covered by a skirt or shorts.
Shorts & Skirts—must not be any higher than the height of the student’s fingertips, when their hand is extended downward at their side (unless excluded as part of approved sports/activity uniform).
Hats & Hoods
Hats & Hoods—Please follow rules of individual teachers regarding hats and hoods in their classrooms.
Logos & Insignias
No statements, logos or insignia may be worn depicting alcohol, drugs, tobacco or gang affiliation, or which can be construed as derogatory to any group, racist, violent, obscene, or sexual.
Dress Code Violations:
Students violating the dress code will be notified by staff and/or the principal, and provided alternative clothing to change into. Parents will also be notified. A discipline referral may be entered in the students data management system (Skyward). Further incidents will result in progressive discipline steps.
Before / After School Supervision of Students
Students in the school buildings before or after school are to be supervised by school staff and/or coaches/advisors. If unsupervised, students should not be in the building, including the gym, weight room, auditori-um or any other areas. On early release days (Wednesdays), students waiting for practices need to leave the school grounds, or be supervised by school personnel.
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Dress Code at School Dances
The regular dress code outlined on the previous page does not apply to dress for school dances. Please refer to the School Dances Dress Code, found in Section VI—Other Information, on page 39 of this handbook.
Closed Campus (Policy 3242)
Colfax Junior/Senior High has a Closed Campus for all grade levels. Students are expected to stay on cam-pus during school hours, including lunch time. Students should be on campus the whole day, including dur-ing lunchtime, unless leaving for pre-arranged reasons such as a doctor’s appointment or student off-campus employment, in which case the parent should contact the school office prior to the student’s ab-sence. See below for Off-Campus Permission. See page 13 for Signing In & Out procedures.
Reasons for Closed Campus include:
Closed campus is a school board policy (Policy 3242), and was put into place over ten years ago by the community and the school board (Policy 3242)
Closed campus protects sudent safety during school hours;
Closed campus preventing liability in the event that a student were hurt off-campus during school hours;
Closed campus encourages a focus on learning and academics—in the past, when campus was open, distraction became a problem during lunch, with groups of students entering classes tardy, and some-times also making poor choices during lunch that ended up causing discipline issues and diverting focus from school;
Closed campus fosters fairness across all grade levels; the community and the district would not be supportive of 7th and 8th graders having open campus, for example.
Enforcing Closed Campus:
Most students comply with the closed campus policy, which is greatly appreciated. Steps are taken to ensure compliance, including:
Lunch supervision by school staff;
Colfax police stop and check in with students if they are seen off-campus during school hours;
Discipline referrals and discipline steps are taken if students are found off-campus, including notifying parents
Students found off-campus will have lunch detention, and be asked to help with lunch clean up. Further infractions result in increased disciplinary steps.
Off-Campus Permission If you must leave during school hours for an appointment, please have a parent/guardian call the office, sign out at the office, and pick up an off-campus pass. See page 13.
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Traffic Safety Rules Driving Near a School Bus (RCW 46.61.370)
State law RCW 46.61.370 outlines driving rules related to keeping students safe while riding the bus, and while entering and exiting a bus. The law includes, but is not limited to:
Drivers are required to STOP when a school bus has the stop sign out and red lights flashing;
Drivers on a two-lane, undivided road must stop when traveling in either direction;
Drivers on roads that are divided by a barrier to separate the directions of travel must stop if traveling in the same direction that the bus is traveling;
Drivers on roads with three or more lanes must stop if traveling in the same direction as the bus, even if the driver is not in the same lane as the bus.
Student Conduct on School Buses(WAC 392-145-035) (Policy 3240)
Riding the school bus is a privilege. All school safety and behavior rules apply to students riding school the school bus. Additional school bus rules also apply, and are designed to keep students safe, including, but not limited to the following:
Cooperate with and obey the school bus driver;
Keep head, hands and feet inside the bus at all times;
Stay seated, and in your seat;
No throwing anything inside the bus, or outside the bus;
Be respectful of other bus riders—no touching, pushing, teasing or bullying of any kind;
Keep voices down—no yelling on the bus;
Keep the bus clean; pick up any and trash or belongings;
Do not tamper with, write on or damage the bus in any way;
No pets allowed on the bus.
Student Driving & Parking (Policy 3240)
School authorities are empowered to supervise and control private transportation of students on the way to and from school, as well as at school, if it is required to protect the health and safety of other students. Ad-ditionally, district policy requires students to:
Park vehicles properly between parking lines;
Students may not use motor vehicles during the day without permission of principal (or designee);
Abide by the speed limit of five (5) miles per hour in all school driveways and parking lots
Special care is expected in and around school buses, especially when loading and offloading students
Students parking in prohibited areas (such as yellow zones, at entrances and street corners, in visitor parking and in handicapped zones) will be subject to citations by local policy
Vehicles improperly parked are subject to removal from school grounds by a towing service, with ex-penses paid by vehicle owner.
Violations will result in progressive discipline, parent and police notification and/or loss of driving privileges.
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Locker Expectations / Searches (RCW 28A 600.210.240) (Policy 3232)
Students are assigned a school locker for storing and securing books, supplies and personal items. Do not damage your locker in any way. No scratching, bending hinges, applying stickers or writing in permanent ink on or in your locker.
Lockers remain the property of the school district, and as such, no right or expectation of privacy exists for students as to the use of any locker issued or assigned. No student may use a locker, desk or storage area for items or substances prohibited by law or school rules, or which poses a threat to the health, safety or welfare of the occupants of the school building, or of the building itself. If reasonable grounds exist to sus-pect a search will yield evidence of student’s violation of law or school rules, school authorities have the right and obligation to search school lockers and contents of lockers to protect interests and safety of stu-dents and the school community as a whole. All school lockers may be searched at any time without prior notice, and without reasonable suspicion that the search will yield evidence of any particular student’s violation of the law or school rules. If the school official conducting such a search develops a reasonable suspicion that any container inside the locker, in-cluding but not limited to a purse, backpack, gym bag or article of clothing, contains evidence of a student’ violation of the law or school rules, the container may be searched according to board policy governing per-sonal searches.
Student Valuables / Theft Reports
Students are cautioned to not bring large amounts of money, electronics, or other valuables to school. Stu-dents—not the school—are responsible for student personal property. Thefts at school should be immedi-ately reported to the principal, and local police.
Theft of personal property is always a serious concern. To discourage theft, please take the following steps:.
1. Do not give your lock combination out to anyone (except principal / office staff).
2. Do not bring valuables to school; if for some reason you have valuables, bring them to the office for-safekeeping.
3. Mark personal items with a waterproof, permanent marking pen.
4. Report theft or loss of property to the office immediately.
Backpacks / Gym Bags
Some backpacks/gym bags are too large to fit inside lockers. Therefore, some students store gym bags/packs in hallways outside the gym, auditorium or band room. To increase safety, avoid tripping hazard, and help our school stay neat, please follow these guidelines:
Line bags/backpacks up neatly against a wall;
Place bags/packs one bag deep (not several together, or in a pile);
Do not place bags/packs in front of any utility panel;
Do not place bags/packs in front of any doorway;
Do not place bags/packs in any walkway or area likely to create a tripping hazard.
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Lunch Expectations
Lunch is divided into Junior High lunch (first) and High School lunch (second). Please adhere to the following DO’s and DON’Ts to help make lunch run smoothly and safely for all:
DO eat lunch in designated areas only: Junior High—in the cafeteria or in the outdoor courtyard, if accompanied by an adult supervisor High School—in the cafeteria, the outdoor courtyard, or in the kennel (for seniors outside the band room)
DO stay on campus; DO NOT leave campus for lunch;
DO create an orderly line if you are purchasing hot lunch;
DO talk and visit with friends; please use you “indoor voice”;
DO NOT talk loudly, shout or yell;
DO clean up your lunch area, including putting your tray away, throwing packaging away AND wiping your table down (wash clothes and soapy water is provided in the lunchroom);
DO NOT eat in hallways;
DO NOT eat in classrooms (unless explicitly invited to do so by a teacher or club advisor)
DO NOT push or cut in line;
DO NOT touch or grab other people or their items, including their food;
DO NOT horseplay inside; DO NOT throw water bottles, food, hats or other items.
DO wait for lunch supervision staff (junior high students) to release you to go to your 4th period class;
DO thank our lunch staff for preparing our school meals, and thank our custodians for tirelessly clean-ing our school every day.
Skateboards / Rollerblades / Wheeled Shoes
Our school is lucky to have beautiful terrazzo floors in the lobby and hallways, and nearly pristine wood floors in our gym and cafeteria. Our custodians work hard keeping floors shiny, clean and free of scuff marks. Our floors are a point of school pride with students, staff and our community. Skateboards, roller-blades and wheeled shoes are prohibited on the floors and in other areas of the school because they cause undue wear and scuff marks on the floors. In addition, wheeled devices lead to potentially unsafe condi-tions or interactions.
If a student brings a skateboard to school, they are required to either lock the board in their locker, or check the board into the main office for the day.
Food/Drinks in Classrooms & Halls
No cafeteria food is allowed outside the cafeteria, except for in the courtyard (if adult supervision is pre-sent) or in the kennel (seniors only). Teachers and club advisors may, on occasion, allow lunch in class-rooms for a designated lunch meeting; students need prior permission to eat lunch in a classroom. All food and trash must be cleaned up by students, and tables wiped down. Trays must be returned to the cafeteria. No food or water is allowed to be consumed in the hallways at any time. During classroom hours, rules about food/drink in classrooms is determined by each individual classroom teacher. If food/drink is al-lowed, please clean up; keep classrooms clean and free of trash, food particles and crumbs.
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School Dances (Policy 3243)
School Assemblies
Assemblies are a scheduled part of the curriculum, and are to be attended by all students and staff. All school rules and policies apply to assemblies. In addition, cell phones and other devices are to be silenced, and not used at assemblies in order for students to devote attention to the assembly, and to avoid distracting other students.
Junior High and Senior High dances are to be held separately, on separate days/times. Junior High Dances (gr 7 & 8)— are held from 7:00pm to 9:30pm. Students must enter the dance by 8:00pm. Once students enter the dance, they are not permitted to leave (except in an emergency), and once they leave, they are not permitted to return to the dance. Extenuating circumstances are dealt with on an individual basis. High School Dances (gr 9 to 12) —the club sponsoring the dance decides admission price and dance hours, but the dance must not go past midnight. The club must arrange for dance chaperones, including at least one administrator, one faculty member and two other adult individuals at least 21 age or older. Dances oc-curring after a game will have doors locked one and a half hours after start of the dance; all other dances lock doors one hour after the dance begins. Once a student enters the dance, they are not permitted to leave (except in an emergency), and once they leave, they are not permitted to return to the dance. Extenu-ating circumstances are dealt with on an individual basis. Student Guests at Dance—guests are allowed for high school dances if the guest meets the criteria outlined in the Dance Guest Application Form. Criteria include, but are not limited to: must be no older than 20 years; must be a member of another 9-12 high school or college student ; must be in good academic stand-ing. Please read additional criteria on the application form, which can be downloaded from the school web-site, or picked up at the school office. This form must be signed by the guest’s school principal or counselor and turned in by 3:30 of the day before the dance, so plan accordingly.
Dance Dress Code—the dance dress code is different from the dress code for the regular school day. Con-sult the High School Dance Dress Code on the next page.
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High School Dance Dress Code & Behavior Expectations The following guidelines for high school dances allow administrators and chaperones authority to maintain dress and behavior standards consistent with our district and community. The dress code for dances is different than the academic daily dress code; the dress code outlined in this document is for high school dances, not daily school attire.
Dance Dress Code
Students are encouraged to wear semi-formal or formal attire, such as dress gowns, suit or sports coat. At a minimum, semi-formal wear is considered slacks, nice shoes, a clean button-up. Ties are encouraged, but not required.
Non-Colfax High School Guests
A date or guest of a CHS student attending a school dance can only attend if the Dance Guest Application Form has been filled out, signed and approved by the deadline on the form. Approved guests are placed on the ap-proved guest list, and cannot be added at the door on the day of the dance. No exceptions.
Inform Guests of Dress Code & Policies: It is the responsibility of the CHS student to inform his or her guest date of the required dress code and behavior expectations.
Dance Behavior Expectations All students and guests are expected to comply with all school, city, county, state and federal laws and policies. No alcohol, tobacco/vapor or other prohibited substances are allowed. Students must not be under the influence of al-cohol or other substances.
Suggestive Dancing and Public Displays Affection Appropriate behavior is expected on and off the dance floor. Styles of dancing that the administration/chaperones determine to be inappropriate for a school dance setting will not be permitted. Dance styles that strongly suggest sex-ual activity are not permitted.
Public displays of affection are not acceptable, including kissing or other displays of intimacy inappropriate for a school dance setting.
Permitted NOT Permitted
Top of the Dress
Spaghetti straps permitted Strapless permitted Two-piece dresses allowed See-through fabric allowed in
midriff area (see next box).
No extremely low cut dresses in front or back. Back of dress must not extend any lower than
student’s waistline. Front of dress must not extend any lower than
bra line If two-piece dress, no more than 2 inches can
be exposed in stomach area. If see-through fabric used between top and
skirt of dress , no more then 2 inches per-mitted.
Bottom of Dress
Short dresses are permitted (see next box).
Bottom of dress with side or back slit permitted (see next box).
Short dresses must be no shorter than the length of student’s fingertips when stu-dent’s arms are extended downward along their sides.
Side or back slits in bottom of dress must not rise higher than the height of student’s fingertips when student’s arms are extend-ed downward along their sides.
Shirts Shirts must be worn at dances Shirts must be worn at dances
Shorts Not permitted Shorts are not permitted
Logos/Insignia See next box. Clothing must NOT contain logos or insignias that depict drugs, alcohol, tobacco, gang affiliation, or which can be construed as sexual, violent, vulgar, racial, profane, or inappropriate in nature.
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Technology Policy (Policy 2315P)
Colfax Public Schools provides access to the district computer network for recognized educational uses. To gain access to the network and the Internet, all students under the age of 18 must obtain parental permission by filling out and returning to the school a signed District Technology Policy Form. Students 18 and over who live independently outside the home of a parent or guardian may sign their own forms. School computers will be used for educational purposes only; however families are warned that some materi-al accessible via the Internet may contain material that is illegal, defamatory, inaccurate or potentially offen-sive to some people. The district restricts access to known offensive materials. However, neither the school district nor it’s staff can completely control the content. The school district and the staff strives to reduce and/or eliminate student exposure to inappropriate material by using an internet filter that denies access. Parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards for their children to follow when using media and information sources. Colfax Public Schools respects each family’s right to decide whether or not to apply for school internet access. District Internet, computer, and technology rules include the following guidelines: 1. Students/parents are responsible for repair costs for any technological damages incurred due to deliber-
ate student violations of the established technology usage guidelines found in this policy. 2. School rules for behavior and communications in the student handbook apply to technology use. Commu-
nications on the network are public in nature. 3. Network storage areas are school property. Administrators may review files and communications to main-
tain system integrity and insure that users are using the system responsibly. 4. As outlined in Board policy and procedures on Student Rights and Responsibilities (3200), copies of which
are available in school offices, the following are not permitted: No sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures;
No using profanity, obscenity, or other language that may be deemed offensive to other users;
No harassing, bullying, insulting or attacking others;
No damaging computers, computer systems, software, or computer networks;
No forwarding personal communications without the author’s prior consent;
No copying commercial software/information in violation of copyright laws;
No using the school network for financial gain, for commercial activity, or for any illegal activity;
No downloading to the hard drive or network drive from the internet or installing home software
without prior approval from the technology coordinator or building administrator;
No changing displays, sounds, etc., from original settings without prior approval from the classroom teacher where the computer is located;
No using another’s password;
No theft of technological hardware/software, either physical or electronically;
No damaging or otherwise causing hardware to be inoperable;
No accessing another’s folder, work or files;
No intentionally wasting limited resources;
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Cell Phone / Handheld Technology Policy
Consequences for Violating Technology Policies
Violations may result in a loss of computer access , as well as other disciplinary or legal action which may in-clude (at the discretion of the school administrator):
First Offense—loss of computer usage in the school district for five (5) school days.
Second Offense—loss of computer usage in the school district for ninety (90) school days which may carry over into the next school year.
Third Offense—loss of computer usage in the school district for one hundred and eighty (180) days which may carry over into the next school year.
Severity Clause—school administration may enact the severity clause anytime a student commits an act(s) that requires the administration to advance the student on the consequence progression. The admin-istration will place the student on the offense most appropriate for the violation of rule(s). The student’s right to computer and internet access is a privilege. If the student continues to violate access/use policies, they may be removed from the district network.
Handheld Technology Devises are personal devices used for listening, viewing, recording and or/communicating, including (but not limited to) internet-connected (smart) cell phones, digital gaming devic-es, MP3 players, i-Pods, tablets and the like. Handheld technology devices are frequently distracting to the educational environment, causing focus away from school, conflict between peers, unnecessary teacher/administrator time managing student use/misuse, and upset if a device is broken or stolen at school. The school encourages students to leave personal technology at home, and asks parents to partner in monitor-ing the appropriateness of bringing handheld technology devices to school. Cell Phone Policy: Students are asked not to bring cell phones to class, and not to bring cell phones to school assemblies. Any cell phone brought to class are placed by the student in a numbered cell phone pocket (or other area designated by the teacher, not the student) at the beginning of class. Under certain circumstances, a teacher may decide to allow students to use smart phone technology as part of planned instruction. Under all other circumstances during instructional time, cell phones are to remain out of class-rooms, or in the classroom cell phone storage area designated by the teacher. Any student who does not comply will have the cell phone held in the office. First offense, the student may pick the phone up from the office at the end of the day. Second offense, the parent/guardian may pick the phone up. The third or more offenses are subject to progressive discipline. Certain designated areas of the school allow limited use of handheld devices, if students are using them appropriately: hallways before/after school, and the bus during rides to/from school or travel to club/sport events. Students must respect the rights of others, including keeping volume turned down, or off, if asked. Inappropriate use of technology (such as digital bullying/harassment/intimidation, inappropriate recording/photos, violation of the boundaries of others, etc.) will be subject to progressive discipline. Use of cell phones, MP3 players and other hand held devices are prohibited at school assemblies. The school is NOT responsible for lost or stolen personal electronic devices.
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Student Publications (Policies 3220 & 3221)
Free expression of student opinion is an important part of the educational process in a democratic society. Student’s verbal and written expression of opinion is to be encouraged, as long as that expression is re-spectful of others, and does not substantially disrupt the operation of the school. Students are expressly pro-hibited from using vulgar and/or offensive terms in the school or at school-related functions. Student publications, such as the Yearbook, are overseen by the publications instructor or advisor, who has the primary responsibility for supervising student publications. The principal may request to review any copy prior to publication. Such copy shall be returned to the student editors within twenty-four (24) hours after it has been submitted for review.
Any dispute that cannot be resolved at the building level shall be submitted to the Superintendent for further consideration. When appropriate, the Superintendent shall seek legal counsel. If the complaint cannot be resolved at that level, the Board, upon request, shall consider the complaint at its next regular meeting.
While the District believes that students should be encouraged to exercise good judgment in the content of the student publication program, expressive writing must be in keeping with the school’s instructional mis-sion and values. Material must be free of content that runs counter to the instructional program, invades the privacy of individuals, demeans or otherwise damages individuals or groups, supports the violation of school rules or is inappropriate for the maturity level of the students. Publication activities must also teach respect for the sensitivity of others and standards of civility as well as the elements of responsible journalism.
Cheating—means knowingly submitting the work of others represented as one’s own work. Cheating also includes assisting others to cheat. Plagiarism—means the act or instance of using or closely imitating the words and/or thoughts of another author and representing that author’s work or ideas as one’s own, by not crediting the original author.
Cheating and Plagiarism are both forms of Academic Dishonesty, and are not tolerated at Colfax Junior/Senior High School. Teachers and staff expect a high standard of academic achievement; students are taught to develop their own ability to think critically and communicate clearly, as well as how to properly research and document information sources with citations that properly reference the work and ideas of others (such as outlined in the MLA Handbook). Academic dishonesty is handled as a serious offense, with progressive discipline applied:
Step 1—on confirming first offense, teacher discusses incident with student; a discipline record of the offense is entered into Skyward; a call is made home; the student will be required to re-do the assign-ment, which the teacher may grade for reduced points (at teacher discretion).
Step 2—on confirming second offense, teacher follows Step 1, and additionally also refers student to an administrator for discipline. Discipline may include, but is not limited to, after school detention and/or appropriate service to the school community. Additionally, the student may be assigned an Academic Honesty research assignment.
Step 3—on confirming a third offense, teacher follows Step 1, and refers the student to an administra-tor for progressive discipline, which may include, but is not limited to, removal from the class with a fail-ing (F) grade, short term suspension and/or appropriate service to the school.
Academic Honesty—Cheating and Plagiarism
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Electronic cigarettes (vapes, and vaping) are illegal for minors, and should not be brought to school, or used on school property or at any school function, on or off school property. If found, electronic cigarettes will be confiscated and parent/guardian will be contacted. Students will be subject to progressive disciplinary action for possessing and/or using electronic cigarettes at school.
Electronic Cigarettes
Other Prohibited Substances / Severe Misconduct
Students are expected at all times to operate within local, state and federal laws, and within the policies set forth in this Handbook, and by the school Board (School Board policies are posted on the Colfax School District website). Serious misconduct and progressive discipline policies are covered in the next section.
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Section IV—Student Discipline
Student Rights & Responsibilities (Policy 3200)
Each year, Colfax School District updates and provides a copy of the Parent/Student Handbook to students, families and staff. The handbook outlines school policies, expectations, student rights, corrective and disci-plinary action that are developed with participation of parents and the community, and in alignment with local, state and federal laws. The principal or principal designee is responsible for ensuring appropriate student conduct is established and maintained at school. Teachers, principals and other school authorities make every attempt to involve parents/guardians and the student in the resolution of student misconduct. Students are subject to corrective action when they have committed offenses or violations of school rules as defined in this handbook and district policy and procedures, and federal, state or local law while on school property, on school sponsored transportation, at school events off school property, and off school property if the conduct materially and substantially affects the educational process or district operations. Students are expected to comply with the reasonable rules of the district. Refusal to comply with written rules and regulations established for the governing of the school and its activities shall constitute sufficient cause for discipline. Corrective action and/or punishment for misconduct must reflect good faith effort on the part of the staff. The methods employed in enforcing the rules of the school involve professional judgment. Such judgment should be: 1. consistent from day to day and student to student; 2. balanced against the severity of the misconduct; 3. appropriate to the student and the student's prior behavior; 4. fair; and 5. effective. Consult School Board Policy 3200 on the district website for additional details about Student Rights and Re-sponsibilities.
Clearly communicated behavior expectations and consistent, fair school discipline work hand-in-hand to promote a positive climate and foster a safe learning community for all. Staff and administrators at Colfax Junior/Senior High School are committed to modeling and teaching appropriate school behavior, self-management, teamwork and community building, preparing students for success in school, and success in future college and the work place. Students and families are asked to become familiar with the school’s rules and policies, and make every effort to abide by them. Be courteous to those who teach you, as well as to one another. At times, it is nec-essary for a student to be sent to the administration office due to habitual discipline offenses, or to a major offense. In such cases, corrective measures will be taken within federal and state law and guidelines and according to Colfax School District Board policy.
Purpose of School Discipline
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Progressive Discipline Steps
Colfax Junior/Senior High uses a progressive discipline system, in which consequences increase depending on repeat occurrences and/or on the severity of an infraction. Unless behavior warrants immediate removal from class or school, progressive discipline levels are followed (not necessarily in this order, as a discipline may start at a step higher than Step 1, depending on the situation):
Step Severity Examples Description of Discipline
Step 1 Minor infraction or infractions
- tardiness - talking in class - goofing off - distracting other students - not turning work in - playing on cell phone in class - leaving class to go to the bath room frequently
Teacher notifies student of the infraction;
Teacher reviews behavior expectations with student;
Teacher & student discuss the infraction;
And work out a correction/solution.
Repeat offense(s) at same level of severity do not nec-essarily need to result in Step 2; Step 1 can be repeated at teacher discretion.
Step 2 Minor Infraction or infractions, repeat-ed, or slightly more severe
- repeated tardiness - ear buds in, against class policy - reluctance to put phone away - throwing paper airplane across room
Teacher follows Step 1;
In addition, teacher documents infraction in Skyward
Teacher also contacts students parent/guardian to in-form parent, discuss incident & teacher intervention
Step 3 Minor infraction, repeated, or more severe (but not Severe Misconduct)
- skipping class - cheating/plagiarism offense - damaging property, such as school computer keyboard - drawing obscene picture on desk - using inappropriate language - threatening student but not physically fighting - refusal to put phone away when asked
Teacher follows Step 1 and Step 2;
In addition, teacher writes a discipline referral in Sky-ward
Teacher alerts administrator about the referral;
Administrator meets with student for intervention, which may include actions such as community service back to the classroom/school, apology letter, detention, referral for additional problem-solving, etc.
Administrator may contact parent before or afer inter-vention
Administrator documents intervention and communi-cates intervention back to teacher(s) within the bounds of confidentiality dictated by FERPA.
Step 4 Exceptional Misconduct / Severe MIsbehavior (interferes sub-stantially with edu-cational process, and may pose a safety threat to self and/or others)
- physical fighting - harassment, intimidation, bullying - vandalism/property damage - theft - setting false alarms, bomb threats - firearms/weapons - computer hacking, pornography - alcohol, drugs, controlled substances
Administrator contacted immediately
Law enforcement/911 may be contacted
Immediate intervention takes place, which may include removal from class, interview(s), out of school suspen-sion, restitution, explusion or other intervention as needed.
Administrator documents intervention and communi-cates intervention back to teacher(s) within the bounds of confidentiality dictated by FERPA.
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Exceptional misconduct so serious in nature and/or in terms of the disruptive effect on operation of the school as to warrant immediate disciplinary action, which may include emergency action, suspension, or ex-pulsion. Examples of severe misbehavior are outlined in Colfax School Board Policy 3330, and includes (but are not limited to) the following: 1. Fighting: Students involved in fighting receive a minimum of a short-term suspension and may be required to complete conflict mediation on return to school. A second fighting incident may result in long-term suspension. 2. Firearms/Other Weapons: Possession or use is prohibited of any object that is, or reasonably can be, considered or viewed as a firearm, air gun, dangerous weapon, or explosive. Students in possession of dangerous weapons other than firearms may be expelled. Possession of firearms on school property will result in a one year mandatory expulsion, subject to appeal, with notification to parents and law enforcement.
Students may not bring knives onto school property, including pocket knives. Any knife with a blade longer than 3-inches will be handled as a weapon. If a student accidentally brings a pocket knife to school, the stu-dent is asked to voluntarily bring the pocket knife to the office for safekeeping; if a student does so, no disci-plinary action will ensue; the knife will be turned over to the student’s parent/guardian.
3. Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying: 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, mental or physical disability), or other distinguishing characteristics, when the intentional written, verbal, or physical act: • Physically harms a person or damages a person’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 of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school. Harassment, intimidation, or bullying can take many forms, including slurs, rumors, jokes, innuendos, de-meaning comments, drawings, cartoons, pranks, gestures, physical attacks, threats, or other written, oral, or physical actions. “Intentional acts” refers to the individual’s choice to engage in the act rather than the ulti-mate impact of the action(s).
Harassment, intimidation or bullying occurring on school property during the school day or off school proper-ty at a school activity/event is prohibited and may result in one or more of the following: short-term suspension; expulsion; long-term suspension; criminal charges; or emergency expulsion. 4. Use and/or possession of alcohol, drugs and tobacco Or any controlled substance or purported controlled substance not prescribed by a physician for such posses-sor or user. Washington law requires school properties are to be smoke free. Students are not allowed to smoke on campus, and doing so will result in progressive disciplinary action. By Washington law, use and/or possession of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco products by students is prohibited in school buildings, on school property, on school buses or other vehicles used for school functions, at school-sponsored events or activi-ties.
Exceptional Misconduct / Severe Misbehavior (Policy 3300)
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5. Sale or delivery of alcohol or any controlled substance—or purported controlled substance to another
person;
6. Possession of drug paraphernalia;
7. Being under the influence of alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs or controlled substances;
8. Setting false alarms, false bomb threats on school property. Students involved in setting false alarms, or
bomb threats, will be subject to emergency expulsion;
9. Commission of any criminal act classified as a felony or gross misdemeanor under the laws of the State
of Washington;
10. Other acts which could include:
i. Arson;
ii. Possession of an explosive;
iii. Theft/burglary/robbery; and
iv. Gang intimidation.
Exceptional Misconduct / Severe Misbehavior (Policy 3300) Continued
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Colfax School Board Policies
Colfax School Board policies and procedures can be found on the Colfax School District website at
www.colfax.k12.wa.us, covering all operations of the school.
Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction
The Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction oversees kindergarten through 12th grade public education in Washington State, working with the state’s 295 school districts to administer edu-cation programs and implement education reform. Families are encouraged to visit the OSPI website for information on learning standards, state assessments, attendance law and other important information about public education.
www.k12.wa.us
Common School Laws of Washington State
RCW 28A.600.040, Pupils To Comply with Rules and Regulations All pupils who attend the common school shall comply with the rules and regulations established in pursu-ance of the law for the government of the schools, shall pursue the required course of studies, and shall submit to the authority of the teachers of such schools, subject to such disciplinary or other action as the local school officials shall determine.
RCW.600.420, Firearms on School Premises, Transportation, or Facilities Any elementary or secondary school student who is determined to have carried a firearm onto, or to have possessed a firearm on public elementary or secondary school premises, public school-provided transporta-tion, or areas of facilities while being used exclusively by public schools, shall be expelled from school for not less than one year.
RCW 28.A.600.455, Gang Activity-Suspension or Expulsion A student who is enrolled in a public school or an alternative school may be suspended or expelled if the stu-dent is a member of a gang and knowingly engages in gang activity on school grounds.
RCW 28A.635.060, Injury to Property Provides that pupils that deface or injure school property may be suspended and punished. The parent/guardian/custodian of such pupil(s) is liable for damages.
RCW 28.635.010, Abusing or Insulting Teachers Any person who shall insult or abuse a teacher anywhere on the school premises while such teacher is carry-ing out his or her official duties shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
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RCW 28A.635.020, Willfully Disobeying School Administrative Personnel or Refusing to Leave Public Property
It shall be unlawful for any person to willfully disobey the order of the chief administrative officer of a public school district, or of an authorized designee of any such administrator, to leave any motor vehicle, building, grounds or other property which is owned, operated or controlled by the school district if the person so or-dered is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or is committing, threatens to imminently commit or incites another to imminently commit any act which would disturb or interfere with or obstruct any lawful task, function, process or procedure of any student, official, employee or invitee of the school district.
RCW28A.635.030, Disturbing School, School Activities or Meetings Any person who shall willfully create a disturbance on school premises during school hours or at school activ-ities or school meetings shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
RCW 28A.635.100, Intimidating Any Administrator, Teacher, Classified Employee, or Student
It shall be unlawful for any person, singly or in concert with others, to intimidate by threat of force or vio-lence any administrator, teacher, classified employee, or student of any common school who is in the peace-ful discharge or conduct of his or her duties or studies.
FERPA (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act)
The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal law, requires written consent prior to the dis-closure of personally identifiable information from your records. However, Colfax School District may dis-close appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless you have advised the district on a yearly basis to the contrary in accordance with district procedures.
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Section IV—Academics Grades—Junior High
Grading scale for transcripts and GPA’s (Grades 7 & 8):
The grading scale for junior high students is outlined below.
Grading Scale—Junior High
A 92.5-100 4.0 GPA
A- 89.5-92.4% 3.7 GPA
B+ 87.5-89.4% 3.3 GPA
B 82.5-87.4% 3.0 GPA
B- 79.5-82.4% 2.7 GPA
C+ 77.5-79.4% 2.3 GPA
C 72.5-77.4% 2.0 GPA
C- 69.5-72.4% 1.7 GPA
D+ 67.5-69.4% 1.3 GPA
D 59.5%-67.4% 1.0 GPA
F Below 59.4% 0.0 GPA
Grades—High School
Grading Scale—High School
Grading Scale For Transcripts and GPA’s (GRADES 9-12) :
A
A-
94%-100%
90% - 93% 4.00 GPA
3.70 GPA
B+ 87% - 89% 3.30 GPA
B 83% - 86% 3.00 GPA
B- 80% -83% 2.70 GPA
C+ 77%-79% 2.30 GPA
C 73%-76% 2.00 GPA
C- 70%-72% 1.70 GPA
D+ 67%-79% 1.3 GPA
D 60%-66% 1.0 GPA
F 0% - 59% 0.0 GPA
Students in grades 9—12 must pass the credit and course requirements outlined by the State of Washing-ton and the Colfax School District for their year of graduation. Any failed courses will need to be retaken by a student. As of the date of this handbook, any grade below 69.5% is considered a failing grade for high school students. Colfax High School currently has a “no D” grade policy, as shown below.
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High School Graduation Requirements (Policy 2410, 2410P)
No student will be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony unless he/she has fulfilled all gradua-tion requirements. Graduation requirements and course descriptions are in a separate publication entitled Registration Handbook.
Credits attempted for courses taken more than once to improve a grade/mark may count only once toward the number of credits required for graduation. The higher of the two grades will be the transcript grade and used to calculate grade point average.
Recurring courses are those taken by a student to further develop their understanding and skills in the sub-ject (e.g., journalism, advanced art, concert band), or taken more than once to satisfy different credit re-quirements (such as an elective credit). Credits attempted for recurring courses may count toward the number of credits required for graduation on the condition that the letter grades earned for all attempts are included in the calculation of the student's grade point average.
Grading Procedures (Policy 2420)
A mid-semester progress grade is issued at the nine-week point each semester to inform students and par-ents about academic progress. Credits are granted only for final semester grades. Periodically, additional progress reports will be issued in cases where students are not meeting course objectives, or are exceeding course objectives. Final grades are issued at the end of each course. Teachers identify the criteria used in their classroom to determine grades. Tardiness, attendance, and participation may be used as a component of grading for some courses. Teachers provide grading policies both verbally and in writing at the beginning of each course; students are reminded of policies throughout the course.
Drop/Add Process
To add, drop, withdraw from or take no/credit in a class, students must operate within the following constraints:
1. Requests must be made to the counselor within one (1) week of the beginning of the course.
2. Students return a completed Add/Drop Form, signed by teachers and parent to counselor’s office.
3. Withdrawing from a class after the drop/add period results in a failing grade (F) in that course, unless teachers, parents, and the counselor agree otherwise. Every high school credited course attempted must appear on the transcript, including the course from which the student has withdrawn. If the student withdraws without earning a letter grade, the mark “W” will be reflected on the transcript, indicating a withdrawal.
4. The principal, counselor, or MDT team, upon referral from a certified staff member, may act in a case by case manner to assist a students’ academic success. If one or all agree that a modification to a stu-dent’s schedule at any time may be successful under special circumstances, the add/drop policy may be modified for that student. Any recommendation of this nature must be the recommendation of the building administration or MDT team and not that of the student/parent. The student/parent may work in cooperation with the building administration to deviate from policy under special cir-cumstances that would benefit the student’s success.
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Grade Appeals Process
All grade appeals must be made within one (1) year of completing the course. The following steps are re-quired:
Step 1: The student must discuss the grade with the instructor.
Step 2: The student must meet with the Principal regarding the grade.
Step 3: The student and/or parent must request a hearing with the Superintendent if he/she does not agree with the decision of the Principal.
Step 4: The student and/or parent must request a hearing with the Board of Directors if he/she does not agree with the decision of the Superintendent.
Academic Awards & Honors
Students who earn honor standing are recognized at the end of each semester. Awards, including lettering in a club or sport, are noted in the student’s portfolio. Honor Roll: 3.75 - 4.00 GPA - Highest Honors 3.50 - 3.74 GPA - High Honors 3.25 - 3.49 GPA - Honors
Testing Information
Students take state assessments in 7th and 8th, and 10th or 11th grades to measure progress toward mas-tery of state learning standards in each core academic subject (math, reading/writing, and science). Stu-dents must pass required assessments at a proficient level in order to graduate high school (if students have not yet passed by 11th grade, they take the assessments again in 12th grade). For more information, visit the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction website at www.k12.wa.us, or www.YourChildsProgress.com. Throughout the school year, students may also participate in building-level Measurement of Academic Pro-gress (MAPS) tests to measure learning growth over the course of the year.
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Academic Interventions & Supports
We are committed to supporting student success. A variety of supports are available for students struggling to meet, or readily exceeding, learning standards. Please contact the school counselor, principal and/or your teacher for more information: 1. Differentiation in the Classroom—teachers work to address the variety of learning styles and learning needs of the individual students in their classrooms. 2. Individual Study Sessions—teachers are available before or after school for individual support. Please contact your teacher to schedule a session. 3. Academic Support Classes—in math and reading/writing for students who have not yet met grade level learning standards as measured by passing state assessment at the proficient level, or above. 4. Round-Table Interventions—request a round table, in which all of the student’s teachers meet together with the parent and student to discuss progress, identify challenges and plan supports. 5. Individual Education Plans—for students with a qualifying learning disability. 6. 504 Accommodation Plans—can be requested for students who need instructional modifications due to a situation such as eyesight, hearing, health concern, etc. 7. Credit Recovery—available through our online program for students who have failed a high school course required for graduation. Enrollment in one or more credit recovery courses is available during the school year, or during summer school. Students earn a Pass (P) or No Credit (NC) through the credit recovery option. 8. Highly Capable Program—students may be referred for screening by parent, teacher, community member for screening. If a student qualifies, the school will work with the student and family to provide extensions and/or accelerations to help meet the student’s learning needs. See the next page for more information.
Teacher Contact / Progress Checks
Students and parents/guardians are encouraged to contact teachers with questions or concerns regarding progress. Teachers can be contacted by phone, email or in person during their prep period or before/after school. Teacher contact information can be found in a variety of ways:
Teacher pages on the school website (updates to the website planned in 2016-17 school year)
Course Syllabus
Contact the school office: 509-397-4368 As students get older, please encourage your student to handle communications with their teachers di-rectly as much as possible. If additional support is necessary, parents/guardians are encouraged to also contact teachers in a timely manner to problem solve in a parent/student/teacher meeting.
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Highly Capable Program:
Referral Process: Students may be referred for screening for the Highly Capable program at any time of the year. Screening takes place twice per year; once in the fall, within 45 days of the start of school, and a second screening within 45 days of the beginning of second semester. Students may be referred by self, parents, relatives, teachers, other district staff members, community members, peers, or anyone else who knows the student. Referral forms are available on-line at www.colfax.k12.wa.us under the tab under Parent Resources. Or at the school office. Please return forms to the school secretary, who will forward the referral to the dis-trict’s program coordinator.
Screening Process: Once screening dates are set, the program coordinator will collect data available from school records or teacher input, and will convene a committee composed of teacher(s), the school psychologist, a building administrator, and the program coordinator. The committee will review recommendations for one or more of the following characteristics: A. Learning Characteristics B. Motivational Characteristics C. Creative Characteristics D. Potential for high achievement in any of the three characteristics. The committee uses various screening tools to recommend students for receiving additional assessment(s) used in the qualifying process. Parents will be notified prior to additional assessments, as well as notified about results. For additional information, please refer to the district website under Parent Resources. Interventions Provided: The school district is investing in teacher training to increase our ability to incorporate strategies in each classroom that meet the needs of highly capable learners. We are also developing extensions/enrichment opportunities, and acceleration options.
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Fire & Emergency Drills
Section V—Safety & Emergency Response
Colfax Junior/Senior High conducts regular emergency drills, in compliance with school law and district poli-cy. Procedures can be found in the Emergency Preparedness Manual for fire, evacuation, lockdown/intruder, chemical spill, blackout, earthquake, bomb threat drills, will be followed. Please ask the office for reference to this manual.
First Aid (Policy 3431)
First aid or emergency treatment is provided in case of sudden illness or injury to a student, but further medical attention is the responsibility of the parent or guardian. When a student is injured, staff see that immediate care is given the injured party until relieved by a superi-or, nurse or a doctor. Notice of the accident is sent to the principal's office and to the nurse. The principal or designated staff should immediately contact the parent so that the parent can arrange for care or treat-ment of the injured. (Please keep parent emergency contact updated in the Skyward student data system.) In the event the parent cannot be reached and no instructions from the parent are on file, in the judgment of the principal or person in charge, if immediate medical attention is required, the injured student may be taken directly to the hospital and treated by the physician on call. When the parent is located, he/she may then choose to continue the treatment or make other arrangements. A Student Accident Report shall be completed by an appropriate building staff member as soon as possible after an injury has occurred. This report shall be given to the building administrator and a copy sent to the superintendent and business manager.
Emergency Notification Process
The safety and security of Colfax School District students and staff is of utmost importance. The District has a comprehensive crisis plan and district administrators coordinate closely with city emergency management officials and law enforcement representatives to monitor and update plans on a regular basis.
In addition, schools have well-established security measures to ensure the wellbeing of students and staff. These include: visitor check-in procedures, locked doors after the start of the school day, surveillance cam-eras. In the event of an emergency, parents will be notified through the school’s phone messaging system. It is critical that parents keep phone numbers, addresses and emergency contact information updated in Skyward by completing annual registration paperwork, and by contacting the school secretary whenever updates are necessary.
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Sickroom
Students may use the sickroom for one period only to wait for an adult to pick them up from school. The stu-dent must check in with the secretary and then make contact with parent(s) to arrange transportation.
Prescription Medication
Any students taking prescription drug(s) must have an updated Health Plan completed by the school nurse, and on file. Any medication necessary for administration during school hours, or on school-related trips or activities, must be made available by the parent to the school nurse; medications will be locked in the student medicine cabinet, and kept with a copy of the student’s Health Plan. Medication will be administered accord-ing to the Health Plan signed by the student’s parent/guardian, and doctor. Under no circumstances are school staff to give students aspirin or pain relievers.
Each year, the school requires parents to fill out and update a Health Information form for each student. Our nurse, teachers and staff members reference that information to ensure we are aware of any health related issues that may affect a child’s wellbeing at Colfax Junior/Senior High School. We also need updated infor-mation in order to contact parents/guardians in the case of an emergency, or school closure. Please notify the school secretary immediately if your child’s health changes at any time during the school year so we can work together to keep your child safe and healthy at school.
Update Health & Emergency Information
Any student with a health condition considered life threatening is required to have an Emergency Care Plan in place, as well as any necessary emergency medication (Epi Pen, etc.) available at school. WAC 392.380.020 de-fines a life threatening condition as a health condition that will put the child in danger of death during the school day if a medication or treatment order and nursing plan are not in place. Examples include life threatening allergies, diabetes and some cases of asthma and seizures. The parent/guardian shall work with the school nurse to ensure the Emergency Care Plan is approved by the Stu-dent’s health care provider and shall provide prescribed medication necessary, according to the health care pro-vider’s orders. Emergency Health Care Plans must be updated annually. As a safety precaution, a student may be excluded from school until an updated Emergency Care Plan and medications are in place.
Life Threatening Health Conditions
Head Lice
Colfax School District uses best-practice guidelines for head lice in school, following procedure from Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, Centers for Disease Control, American Academy of Physicians, National Association of School Nurses, and Washington Department of Health. Head lice are a nuisance, but are not considered a health hazard, and are not responsible for spread of disease. • School-wide lice screenings are no longer recommended, but may be done on a case-by-case basis. • If lice are noticed at school, parent/guardian will be notified. • Students with live lice are allowed to remain in class, and go home at end of day, be treated at home and return to school the next day, after appropriate treatment has begun, even if nits (eggs) persist after the initial treatment. • Resources on treating lice can be found through WA Department of Health, Lice Treatment webpage: http://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Pests/Lice.aspx
The school nurse and building administrator reserve the right to alter this plan, which may include removal of a student from class and/or from school when cases are severe enough that the infestation may cause the student to be ostracized, humiliated, isolated, and/or if treatment to manage lice has not been satisfactorily performed at home.
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Section VI—Other Information
Student Guests
Students must obtain permission from the principal or principal designee before bringing a guest to school. Prior arrangements must also be made with classroom teachers. Guests may visit our school for one period before lunch and lunch or one period after lunch and lunch. There is to be only one guest per student per school year. If a student guest is allowed, the guest must sign into the office. A guest badge will also be provided, which must be worn by the student guest.
Adult Visitors to the School
All school visitors, including parents/guardians, must enter the school through the front doors of Colfax Junior/Senior High School, and sign in at the office. Occasionally, adults wish to visit the school who are not parents/guardians of students in the school or school volunteers. All such visitors shall first contact the principal or principal designee to make prior arrangements. Visitors will be asked to sign in at the front office, and will be given a visitor’s badge to wear during their time at our school. If any person is under the influence of drugs or alcohol or is disrupting or obstructing any school program activity, the administrator or staff member in charge shall direct the person to leave immediately. If such a person refuses to leave, the administrator or staff member shall immediately call for the assistance of a law enforcement officer.
School Forms
A wide variety of school forms are available at the school office, as well as posted on the district website for students, parents and staff, at www.colfax.k12.wa.us.com. Such forms include, but are not limited to:
School Volunteers (Policy 5630 and 5630P)
The district recognizes the valuable contribution made through volunteer assistance of parents and other citi-zens. If interested in volunteering, please contact the school secretary for a Volunteer Application Form, which includes a background check. The selection and use of volunteers will be consistent with policies and procedures specified in Policy 5630P (see district website, www.colfax.k12.wa.com).
Annual Required Forms Food Service Forms Health Forms Activity/Athletic Forms Misc. Forms
• Skyward Update Form • Free/Reduced Meals • Healthy Youth Survey • Athletic Summer Camps • Use of School Facilities
• Immunization Record • Medication Authorization • Concussion Information • Alternative Travel
• Attendance Law (signed) • Severe Allergy/EpiPen • Dance Guest Permission
• Technology Policy (signed) • Asthma Med. Exemption • Volunteer Form
• Media Release (signed) • Ropes Course Form
• McKenny-Vento (signed) • Transcript Requests
• School Policies/Handbook
Acknowledgement (signed)
• Senior Project Forms
• Field Trip Permission
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Lost & Found
The Lost and Found is managed by the school office, and the ASB. Please bring found items to the main office. If you have lost an item, please check in with the main office. Periodically, ASB will organize oppor-tunities to locate owners of unclaimed items. After such opportunities, unclaimed clothing will be donated to a local charity.
Driving & Parking Policy (Policy 3240)
School authorities may supervise and control private transportation of students on the way to and from school, as well as at school, if it is required to protect health and safety of other students. In addition, dis-trict rules require student-operated vehicles to be parked according to the policy of the school.
Students driving vehicles to/from Colfax High School, or school related events, will be expected to drive safely and observe the following guidelines:
1. Vehicles will be properly parked between the lines.
2. Student motor vehicles will not be used during the school day without the permission of the principal (or designee).
3. The speed limit for all driveways and parking lots on school property is 5 miles per hour. Special care is expected when buses are loading and unloading students, both in the morning and afternoon.
Violations of these regulations will result in progressive discipline, police notification, and/or loss of driv-ing privileges. Vehicles improperly parked are subject to removal from the school grounds by a local towing service, with all expenses paid by the vehicle owner. Students parking in yellow zones, at entrances and street corners, visitor parking, and handicapped zones will be subject to citations by local police.
Facilities Use Requests (Policies 7253, 7253A, 7253B)
Community groups may request after-school-hours use of the school cafeteria, library and other locations in the school by filling out the Facilities Use Form, obtained from the school secretary (or downloaded from the website at www.colfax.k12.wa.us.com ). Once turned in, the secretary will review availability and corre-spond with the group. In some cases (such as use of the kitchen facilities), groups will be asked to pay a fee to help offset costs of making the space available (such as costs for supervision and custodial costs).
Announcements at School
Daily announcements will be published and read each morning by the ASB officers and posted in the office. Intercom announcements will be made at breaks, prior to lunch, and prior to the end of school unless cir-cumstances call for immediate communications.
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Breakfast and lunch are served daily school in our school cafeteria. A monthly menu is published on our district website. Breakfast: 7:45—8:15am Junior high lunch: 11:05—1:35am High school lunch: 11:56—12:26pm Cost: Breakfast: $2.00 Lunch: $2.95
Lunch fees can be paid at the office. Students who owe more than $5.00 will not be allowed to charge for meals until the balance is paid. Parents may also access the child’s food balance on our District website, www.colfax.k12.wa. Go to the home page under Site Links; click Skyward Family Access. If you do not have your Login and password, please contact the district office at 509-397-4368. If you have additional questions or concerns regarding your child’s meal account, please contact the Colfax School District Food Supervisor, 509-397-3042.
Breakfast & Lunch
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Section VII—Extracurricular Activities & Athletics
Student ASB Cards
The Associated Student Body (ASB) is comprised of all Colfax Junior and Senior High School students. Stu-dent government is formed by electing officers from the Associated Student Body to represent each grade level (class). Students must purchase an ASB card in order to be elected to student leadership office, re-ceive school awards, and participate in clubs and athletics. This card also covers admission to home ath-letic events, dances and activities, and reduced admission at some away-from-home contests. ASB cards are sold at the CHS office. Current cost of the Junior High ASB card is $25.00 per year; the High School ASB card is $45.00 per year. Our school does not want to exclude any student based on financial hardship. Financial assistance for covering cost of the ASB card is provided on a case-by-case basis, as needed. Please inquire with the secretary at the school office.
High School Student Leadership (ASB)
The Associated Student Body represents the interests and goals of the entire Colfax High School Student Body. ASB elected class officers and non-elected students enroll in the ASB class to gain leadership skills and to promote the mission of the school, including fostering a positive school climate and a well-rounded school experience for all. Students in ASB Leadership plan and organize activities such as formal and infor-mal dances, Homecoming, Spirit Week, grade-level competitions, community awareness projects, cultural events, and staff recognition throughout the year. Student government also supports the mission of the school, including creating a school culture that values excellence, safety, citizenship and a sense of belong-ing for all.
All ASB functions and expenses must abide by the ASB Bylaws, and officers are bound to the Bulldog Pride Code of Ethics (see p 14).
Colfax Junior/Senior High School offers a variety of clubs and activities, which students are encouraged to join. Stu-dents turning out for an extra-curricular activity will be afforded the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to participate in that activity.
A. Each activity has established criteria for participation.
B. Coaches/advisers evaluate and decide how best to utilize participants.
C. Participation is based upon a combination of factors. Factors determining playing time and participation in-clude but are not limited to:
1. Punctuality—being on time and ready to participate;
2. Commitment—dedication to the activity and team;
3. Coach-ability—listening and responding positively to coaching points;
4. Effort—positive work ethic toward task;
5. Teamwork—willingness and compatibility to work with other team members;
6. Ability—able to meet the tasks assigned at an appropriate level.
Activities and Clubs
Junior High Student Leadership
Colfax Junior High ASB is comprised of 7th and 8th grade student officers, elected each spring. Junior High student leadership helps plan events and activities that improve and enrich the junior high experience.
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In addition to maintaining weekly Eligibility, these requirements also apply:
Each student athlete must purchase an ASB card to participate in a given sport (financial assistance is provided through the Haas Fund, if needed; inquire with the school secretary in the main office).
At the end of the season, athlete participants must return all uniforms/gear to the Activities Director, as well as a signed card stating all such gear has been returned. Failure to do so will exclude the student from turning out for the next activity.
The extra-curricular activity season starts with the first date allowed for practice by the Washington In-terscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA), and conclude with the banquet or awards ceremony for that activity.
Students/families participating in sports must read and sign a concussion information form prior to being allowed to practice or to compete in a school sport.
The cheerleaders’ season coincides with the length of their respective sport season.
Any student taking part in an extra-curricular activity, practice, or competition must be in attendance the entire school day of that activity in order to participate. Emergency situations will be dealt on an indi-vidual basis by the Activities Director.
Extracurricular activities teach, model and nurture good sportsmanship and citizenship. Coaches and ad-visors establish standards of appropriate conduct and expression for their participants. Please refer to the current Handbook or guidelines provided by your coach/advisor.
Additional Participation Requirements
Eligibility & Weekly Grade Checks
To be eligible to participate in events (such as competitions and field trips) associated with extracurricular activities, students must have a 2.0 GPA and no “F” grades for the previous grading period. Grades are evaluated on a weekly basis (every Monday) to determine if participation can continue for that week. If a student is not passing all classes at weekly grade check, the student is ineligible to participate. Eligibility will be from Tuesday until the following Tuesday. During ineligibility, the student may not compete or par-ticipate. The student may practice with the group, and may travel with the group if it does not cause the student to miss school time. The purpose of this procedure is to ensure academic progress of all students. See next page for more details.
Athletics, Clubs and Activities include:
Athletic Teams (C squad, Junior Varsity & Varsity) • Jazz Band
Cheerleaders • Knowledge Bowl
Choir/Musical • National Honor Society
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) • Yearbook
Family Community & Career Leaders of America (FCCLA) • Student Leadership
Future Farmers of America (FFA)
Future Problem Solvers (FPS)
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Athletic Eligibility—High School
To be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities, such as athletics, students must have a 2.0 GPA and no “F” grades for the previous weekly grading period. Student athletes not academically eligible will be on academic probation for five (5) weeks, as per Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA). Dur-ing this time period, the student may practice but cannot compete in the activity or miss school.
Each student’s grades will be evaluated at the beginning of each week (on Monday).
If a student is not passing all of his/her classes at a grade check, the student will be declared ineligible until the next weekly grade check shows the student has re-established the level of passing all his/her classes.
The eligibility grade check will be done every Monday. The ineligible period is from Tuesday until the next Tuesday. During the period of ineligibility the student may practice, but cannot compete or travel with the group if traveling causes the student to miss any class time.
For athletic teams, if a student is ineligible three (3) consecutive times during a season because of grades, the coach has the option to drop the student from the team/squad for the remainder of that season.
This procedure allow us to be more effective in monitoring the academic progress of all our student partici-pants in extra-curricular activities.
Athletic Eligibility—Junior High
Junior high students participating in sports/activities are evaluated weekly based on the junior high grading scale for participation in junior high sports/activities. In the case of an eighth (8th) grader participating in high school sports, that student will follow the 9-12 grading scale for sports eligibility. ( See below for guidelines.)
Junior high athletes are expected to follow the same procedures as the high school athletes regarding pur-chase of an ASB card, attendance, sportsmanship and citizenship standards.
District-Provided Travel & Alternate Travel Requests for School Activities
Members of all extra-curricular school sponsored contests or events must ride to the contest in the school transportation provided. Parents/legal guardian may request their son/daughter return home from an event with them or another adult. If the student will be riding with an adult other than their own parent/guardian, request must be made in writing, by filling out and signing the Alternate Travel Request Form at least one day prior to the date of contest or event. District policy does not allow a student to return in sep-arate transportation from an away event without a completed and signed Alternate Travel Request Form on record. Alternate Travel Request Forms must also be approved by an administrator and the adviser/coach if district-provided transportation is not used. At no time may students ride together in a student-driven vehi-cle to participate in school sponsored events. Download the Alternate Travel Request Form from the school website, or pick it up from the school secretary at the main school office.
Post-season or state competition travel will be in District-provided transportation. Athletic team travel is based upon Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) guidelines. Only qualified participants/teams will be allowed to travel (no non-participating student guests).
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The Colfax Board of Directors recognizes that concussions and head injuries are commonly reported inju-ries in children and adolescents who participate in sports and other recreational activities. The Board acknowledges the risk of catastrophic injuries or death are significant when a concussion or head injury is not properly evaluated and managed. Therefore, all competitive sport activities in the District will be iden-tified by the administration.
Consistent with Washington law, the District uses guidelines developed with the Washington Interscholas-tic Activities Association (WIAA) and other pertinent information and forms to inform and educate coach-es, youth athletes, and their parents and/or guardians of the nature and risk of concussions or head inju-ries, including the dangers associated with continuing to play after a concussion or head injury.
Annually, the district will distribute a head injury and concussion information sheet to all parents and guardians of student participants in competitive sport activities. The parent/guardian and student must return a signed acknowledgement indicating they have reviewed and understand the information provid-ed before the student participates in any covered activity. Until this acknowledgement form is returned and on file with the District, the student may not practice or compete.
All coaches, including volunteers, will complete training as required in the District procedure. Additionally, all coaches of competitive sport activities will comply with WIAA guidelines for the management of head injuries and concussions. For additional information, see Policy 3422P for the procedures for staff, stu-dents, and parents.
Concussions (Policy 3422)
Student insurance coverage is mandatory (required) for all extracurricular activities. A student accident insurance policy is available to Colfax High School students. It is underwritten by a contracted insurance company. The plan offers two coverage options: (1) 24-hour coverage or (2) school time only. Either op-tion includes coverage for all activities except tackle football. Prior to enrolling your student on a sport team, inquire with the school’s Athletic Director about options for football insurance, dental, and life insur-ance. Please be advised that student insurance policies only pay after any other existing policies are exhausted. Student insurance will not duplicate benefits paid by other insurance. Please read the policy carefully. Registration is on-line and coverage begins when the company acknowledges your registration. Please di-rect questions to the school’s Athletic Director, or to the school secretary, 509-397-4368.
If parents already carry medical coverage of their own, and do not desire student school-offered student insurance, they need to waive the student accident insurance policy by including their insurance infor-mation on the required medical release of information.
Student Medical Insurance
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2017-18 Parent/Student Handbook Acknowledgment
Dear Parents/Guardians/Students:
Clear communication and strong partnership between staff, students and families create the safe, supportive, rigorous and positive school climate we want for our children.
Please review this Handbook with your student. Your assistance is key in creating a school culture governed by clearly communicated, consistent policies designed to help all children feel valued, safe and ready to learn in our classrooms, hallways, lunchroom, busses and other areas of our school.
This Handbook is reviewed at school with students near the beginning of the year in Bulldog Tales advisory—but we also ask parents/guardians to review the Handbook with their student, and discuss the importance that compliance plays in helping staff and students focus on positive learning.
Some expectations may differ from those in your home; therefore, it is imperative that parents be familiar with the Handbook as well.
After reviewing the Handbook with your student, please sign this form. Remove it from the book, and return it to the school Main Office as soon as possible. Your signatures indicate you have read and understand policies in the Handbook and consequences if your child does not hold to defined expectations.
Sincerely,
Carrie P. Lipe Mrs. Carrie Lipe, Principal Colfax Junior/Senior High School
• Remove this page, sign, and return to CHS main office as soon as possible. • If you have more than one student in school, use a separate page for each student. Print Student Name: _________________________________________ Grade: __________
Student I have reviewed the 2017-2018 Colfax Junior/Senior High Handbook and Acknowledgment: understand I am responsible for adhering to the policies within. Student Signature: _____________________________ Date: _________________
Parent/Guardian I have reviewed the 2017-2018 Colfax Junior/Senior High Handbook and Acknowledgment: understand my student is responsible for adhering to the policies within. Parent Signature: _______________________________ Date: _________________
STUDENT 1
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2017-18 Parent/Student Handbook Acknowledgment
Dear Parents/Guardians/Students:
Clear communication and strong partnership between staff, students and families create the safe, supportive, rigorous and positive school climate we want for our children.
Please review this Handbook with your student. Your assistance is key in creating a school culture governed by clearly communicated, consistent policies designed to help all children feel valued, safe and ready to learn in our classrooms, hallways, lunchroom, busses and other areas of our school.
This Handbook is reviewed at school with students near the beginning of the year in Bulldog Tales advisory—but we also ask parents/guardians to review the Handbook with their student, and discuss the importance that compliance plays in helping staff and students focus on positive learning.
Some expectations may differ from those in your home; therefore, it is imperative that parents be familiar with the Handbook as well.
After reviewing the Handbook with your student, please sign this form. Remove it from the book, and return it to the school Main Office as soon as possible. Your signatures indicate you have read and understand policies in the Handbook and consequences if your child does not hold to defined expectations.
Sincerely,
Carrie P. Lipe Mrs. Carrie Lipe, Principal Colfax Junior/Senior High School
• Remove this page, sign, and return to CHS main office as soon as possible. • If you have more than one student in school, use a separate page for each student. Print Student Name: _________________________________________ Grade: __________
Student I have reviewed the 2017-2018 Colfax Junior/Senior High Handbook and Acknowledgment: understand I am responsible for adhering to the policies within. Student Signature: _____________________________ Date: _________________
Parent/Guardian I have reviewed the 2017-2018 Colfax Junior/Senior High Handbook and Acknowledgment: understand my student is responsible for adhering to the policies within. Parent Signature: _______________________________ Date: _________________
STUDENT 2