Student Handbook

Contents of this page:

LAKEWOOD
MIDDLE SCHOOL
"Pride is our Middle Name"

COUGAR PRIDE PLEDGE
At Lakewood Middle School we will:
Be PROMPT
Be PREPARED
Be POLITE
Be POSITIVE
Find ways to PARTICIPATE
And show our Cougar PRIDE!

Mission Statement
The LMS mission is to create a safe learning environment where everyone works together to help each student achieve high academic standards.

CHARACTERISTICS OF HIGH PERFORMING SCHOOLS

Lakewood Middle School recently completed a School Improvement Plan focusing on the 9 characteristics of high performing schools. Our goal at LMS is to effectively address the nine characteristics of high performing schools.
These characteristics are:
1. Clear and Shared Focus
2. High Standards and Expectations
3. Effective School Leadership
4. Supportive Learning Environment
5. High Level of Community and Parent Involvement
6. High Levels of Collaboration and Communication
7. Frequent Monitoring of Teaching and Learning
8. Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Aligned with Standards
9. Focused Professional Development

WELCOME

It is a pleasure to welcome you to LMS! We are very proud of our school and we look forward to continuing our tradition
of excellence as we begin our eighth year. This handbook is provided as a resource and guide to acquaint you and your
parent/guardian with the policies and practices of LMS. Please read through this handbook. Should you have any questions
be sure to ask a teacher, counselor, administrator, or our school resource officer. At LMS “Pride Is Our Middle Name!” is
more than our motto; it is a way of life. Again, welcome to Lakewood Middle School.

TELEPHONE & MAILING ADDRESS
Lakewood Middle School
P.O. Box 9
N. Lakewood, WA 98259
(360) 652-4510 FAX: (360) 652-4512

NEWSLETTER
The quarterly newsletter of LMS, The Cougar Pride Post, will be mailed to each student’s home. The newsletter contains
information about current and upcoming events and activities in addition to valuable information that will facilitate
communication between school and home.

ATTENDANCE
Regular school attendance is necessary for mastery of the educational program provided to students of the district. At
times, students may appropriately be absent from class. The following principles shall govern the development and
administration of attendance procedures within the district.

• Absences due to illness or a health condition, religious observances, when requested by the student’s
parent/guardian, school approved activities, and family emergencies shall be excused. The principal may upon
request by a parent/guardian, grant permission in advance for a student’s absence providing such absence does not
adversely affect the student’s educational progress.
• If an absence is excused, the student shall be permitted to make up all missed assignments outside of class under
reasonable conditions and time limits established by the appropriate teacher(s). Given individual circumstances,
students with lengthy or multiple absences may be asked to produce a doctor’s note verifying the illness or
physical ailment.
• The term “unexcused absence” means that a student has failed to attend at least the majority of hours or periods
(six at LMS) in an average day and has failed to meet the school district policies for excused absences.

PARENTS/GUARDIANS: PLEASE CALL THE SCHOOL SECRETARY BY 8:00 A.M. ON THE DAY YOUR
STUDENT WILL BE ABSENT.

This information greatly assists the school secretary who checks on absences and serves
to alert the office staff to possible student truancy. If a phone call is made, the student does not need to bring a note to
school from the parent/guardian indicating the reason for the absence on the day she/he returns to school. All other
students must produce a written excuse signed by the parent/guardian and present it to the office staff on the day the student returns to school.
If the parent/guardian does not notify the school of their student’s absence, the school will make every attempt to contact the parent/guardian at home or at their worksite. For your convenience, you may leave a message at (360) 652-4510
twenty-four hours a day to report your child’s absence. A follow-up call may be made to verify the absence.

Attendance will be taken each period.
All students, regardless of age, must comply with attendance rules. (WAC 180:40-210)

ATTENDANCE PROCEDURE CHART (click here for pdf chart)

PREPLANNED ABSENCES
If a student knows ahead of time that they are going to be absent from school for an extended period they need to complete
a prearranged absence form which is available in the office.

BECCA BILL
All students, parents, and guardians are advised of the Becca Bill Law. In cases of seven (7) unexcused absences in a
month, or a total of ten (10) during the school year, school districts are required to report students to the Snohomish County
Prosecutor offices. Please review the Lakewood School District’s attendance policy and procedures and the Students Right
& Responsibilities Handbook.

TARDIES
On regular schedule, students have four minute and one five minute passing times between classes. All students are expected to be in the classroom and seated when the tardy bell rings. Continued violations may result in disciplinary action including but not limited to Wednesday School, tardy contract, long or short-term suspension. If a student is late to class by 10 minutes, the student will be marked with an unexcused absence.

HOMEWORK REQUESTS

LEAVING EARLY
LMS is a closed campus. This means students are to remain on campus for the entire school day including lunch.
Whenever it is necessary for a student to leave early, we request that the parent/guardian personally come to the office and check out their student completing the student check out sheet. Students are not to leave school until the proper procedures have been completed. Failure to follow these procedures may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension.

WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL
Please inform our office as soon as possible when your student will be moving and withdrawing from school. We need a
parent/guardian signature, forwarding information, any fines cleared, and books returned.

VISITORS
Parent/guardians are welcome to visit the school. However, all classroom visits must be arranged at least 24 hours in
advance with the principal. We require all visitors to register at the office to obtain and wear a visitor badge while on
campus. We do not allow friends or other non-guardian relatives of students to visit during school hours. PLEASE BE
ADVISED: For reasons of student’s safety parent/guardians are required to wait in the office for their student.

BUS PASSES
Students wishing to ride a bus other than their regularly assigned bus must secure a bus pass in advance, prior to the
beginning of the school day from the office. The parent/guardian is asked to provide the student with a written note
indicating the day and bus route for which the pass is to be issued. For reasons of student safety, bus passes cannot
be issued over the telephone. Parent/guardians may fax written permission to: Lakewood Middle School,
attention Connie Coulter at (360) 652-4512.

Bus passes will not be issued on ½ days without notification at least one day in advance.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS
Each student’s correct street address and phone number(s) where parent/guardian(s) can be reached at all times must be on
file. Please inform the office whenever there is a change of phone number and/or address. We must have an emergency
number for each student.

STUDENT TELEPHONE
A telephone is located in the office for student use. Permission from your teacher and/or an LMS office staff member is required prior to use.

MESSAGES TO STUDENTS
The office staff will get a message from a parent/guardian to their student in a timely matter.

WEATHER CONDITIONS AND SCHOOL
Every effort is made by the district to operate the schools every day of the school year. However, on those rare occasions
of extreme weather conditions, school starting times may be delayed, bus transportation may be limited, or school may be
closed altogether.
Families should listen to AM radio stations KWYZ (1230), KRKO (1380), or KOMO (1000) for updated information on
school closures. To hear a recording regarding bus route and schedule changes due to adverse weather conditions, please
call (360) 652-4501, ext. 9061. This information is also available at our website, http://www.lwsd.wednet.edu.

STAYING AFTER SCHOOL
For the safety and security of all, unless involved in a school sponsored and supervised activity, no student is to remain on
campus after the 2:05 PM ending bell. Only an LMS staff member can make exceptions to this policy. Failure to comply
with this procedure may result in disciplinary action.

ILLNESS AND ACCIDENTS
Students who become ill will notify their teacher immediately and obtain a pass to report the nurse’s office. The office is a
“temporary” place for ill students. Students who are not picked up within a reasonable amount of time may be asked to
return to class.
If a student is injured during the course of the school day, she/he must report to the office/nurse as soon as possible to
receive assistance and contact parents. An accident report will be filed.

MEDICATIONS
All medications, including over-the-counter drugs (i.e. cough drops, Tylenol) need to have a pharmacy label, a doctor’s authorization form, a parent permission form, and stored in a nurse’s station. Medication forms are only good for the current school year. Forms need to be renewed annually. In addition; parents must transport medication directly to the nurse. Students are not permitted to carry or bring medication on campus. Students breaking this rule will be suspended for 20 days as per board policy.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION, PROBLEM, OR A CONCERN
We make every effort to communicate with our students, parent/guardians, and patrons concerning events, procedures, and other school related activities. Once in a while something occurs about which you may have a question or concern. By addressing the issue early and working together we can successfully resolve the issue. We ask our patrons to use the following procedures:

• Bring your question or concern to the person closest to the problem. If you have a question about something that happened in your child’s classroom, please contact the teacher first. If the question or concern is related to the bus, please start with the driver. If you don’t know where to start or who has responsibility for the issue with which you are dealing, call Crystal Knight, Principal, or Rob Dahl, Assistant Principal, at 652-4510 and we will help direct you to the appropriate person.
• If your question isn’t answered to your satisfaction or you’re unable to resolve the issue, the next step is to take your question or concern to the person who supervises the person or department in question. For example, the principal or transportation director.
• If you do not receive satisfaction and wish to pursue the matter further, you will be asked to lodge a formal complaint in writing with the employee. The employee will seek a satisfactory solution and respond in writing within five (5) working days.
• If you do not receive satisfaction and wish to pursue the matter further, you will be asked to try to resolve your concern with the employee’s immediate supervisor or principal, who will respond in writing within five (5) working days.
• The next step if you wish to pursue the matter further is to resolve your concern with the superintendent, who will respond in writing within five (5) working days.
• If you do not receive satisfaction from the superintendent and wish to pursue the matter further, you will then be asked to inform the Board of Directors, in writing, of your desire to meet with the Board to try to resolve your concern. The secretary of the Board of Directors shall submit such request to the chairman of the board for inclusion in the board agenda for the board’s review and action.
• All written requests shall contain the following information:
• The nature of the complaint
• The person(s) with whom you have worked to alleviate the concern
• The remedy sought

Again, our goal is to resolve any issue to the satisfaction of all concerned. Early communication, accurate information, and cooperation are the keys to successful resolution of an issue to the satisfaction of all concerned.

COUNSELING
Two counselors comprise the Counseling and Guidance Department of LMS. These professionals can help students with school, personal, and social issues. Ms. Gilbert works with students whose last names begin with the letter A-L and Ms.
Bartness works with students with the last names M-Z.
A wide variety of services are offered. Students may be involved with the counselors in individual and/or group counseling, career awareness activities, and classroom lessons. Students may refer themselves or may be referred by a staff
member, friend, or parent/guardian.

BASMATI
Lakewood Middle School offers Basmati to parents and students. Basmati allows parents/guardians to access their own student’s grades via the Internet. Students will receive their student ID and password from their homeroom teacher. The Internet address for Basmati is: http://basmati.esd189.org/lakewood/login.php

REPORT CARDS
Report cards are distributed directly to students approximately ten school days after the end of the first and third quarter.
Report cards will be mailed directly to the student’s home approximately ten days after the end of the second and fourth
quarters. The report card provides the following information: subjects, teachers, letter grades, comments, grade point
average (GPA), and attendance.

PROGRESS REPORTS
At the midpoint of each quarter (see school calendar), all LMS students receive a progress report completed by teachers. It
is the responsibility of the student to present the progress report to their parent/guardian. Other progress reports may be
sent home with students any time during the year. Parent/guardians may also contact teachers for information about their student. E-mail addresses are available for the teachers as well.

GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA)
The GPA is determined by dividing the sum of the individual grades by six (the number of classes). The value for grades
are: A=4; B=3; C=2; D=1; F=0.

HONOR ROLL
Students who earn a GPA of 3.2 or above will be placed on the LMS Honor Roll.

CONFERENCES
Conferences will be held on the first full week of November. A schedule will be mailed to parents prior to the conferences.

SEMESTER GRADES
Semester grades are recorded on the student’s permanent record and reflect the teacher’s evaluation of student progress
associated with credit.

PERSONAL PROPERTY
Students are responsible for the care and custody of their personal property. The school assumes no liability or responsibility for personal items lost, damaged, destroyed, or stolen on school property or at school-sanctioned functions; so be careful.

PERSONAL PROPERTY
Students are responsible for the care and custody of their personal property. The school assumes no liability or
responsibility for personal items lost, damaged, destroyed, or stolen on school property or at school-sanctioned functions;
so be careful.

LOCKERS
Students are assigned a locker at the beginning of the school year and are responsible for its care and contents. The
assigned locker is to be kept clean and locked at all times. Jamming a locker so it opens without the combination is not
permitted. Lockers are school property and may be inspected periodically as a general inspection of school property (RCW
28A.600.210-240). Office personnel retain a master key for all lockers. Lockers may also be searched when there is
reasonable suspicion of inappropriate contents within.
The school accepts no responsibility for lost or stolen items. If a locker does not operate correctly, please notify the office.
Combinations will not be changed during the school year. Money, purses, or other valuable items should not be left in
lockers. Any student who damages or defaces a locker will be subject to disciplinary action and will be liable for the cost of
repairs. Locks are not to be brought from home and used at school.
The privilege of using lockers may be revoked for sufficient cause. Your backpack is to be kept in your lockers during the
school day. Backpacks are not allowed in the commons or classrooms.

LOST AND FOUND
Students who have misplaced or lost articles of clothing should check the lost and found container located in Cougar Hall.
Items not claimed are donated to charity at the end of each semester.

LUNCHES
Our food service personnel work hard to provide nourishing meals that may be purchased at a reasonable price. Students
may bring their lunch from home. In order to maintain the commons in an orderly manner the following procedures have
been established:
1. Students are to report immediately to the commons after being dismissed from class.
2. Please be respectful and courteous to the food service personnel and lunchroom supervisors.
Please and thank you are appreciated.
3. Please help fellow students as well as staff by leaving the tables and the floors in a neat condition. Place all debris
from your table into the proper containers. Recycle containers are available for your use as well.
4. Socialization among friends and classmates is encouraged during the lunch period. The same standards of behavior
for student conduct are in effect. This is not the time for loud or boisterous behavior. The key is to respect the
privilege of each student to experience an enjoyable lunchtime atmosphere.
5. Except in certain circumstances, all food and beverages are to be consumed while seated at your table in the
commons.
6. Students are requested to wait until the dismissal time before leaving the commons.

ADVERTISING AND SALES
Except for participation in school related and school sponsored activities, students are not allowed to advertise, display
posters, or conduct sales of any kind. It is forbidden to bring and/or sell any item on school premises. Only the principal
may make exceptions to this policy.

BICYCLES, ROLLERSKATES, ROLLERBLADES, SCOOTERS, AND SKATEBOARDS
Since there are no sidewalks to and from school, buses and cars are the only form of transportation that students may use to get to school. Bicycles, roller skates, roller blades, scooters, and skateboards are not allowed on campus. For the safety of
all students, staff, and visitors, these items are not to be brought on campus or on school vehicles. Failure to observe these safety expectations may result in confiscation of the item, parent notification, and possible disciplinary action.

ASB
Every student of LMS is a member of the Associated Student Body (ASB). Each spring, ASB elections are held to elect
student body officers, which include President, 6th and 7th grade Vice Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, and Historian.
Homeroom representatives are elected the first weeks of school in September for first semester and February for second
semester, if needed.

STUDENT ACTIVITY PROGRAMS
Students are encouraged to participate in sports and other extra-curricular activities. A variety of activities are available to
meet individual and group needs. Students are encouraged to purchase an ASB card. This money goes directly back to
students by helping to support the activity and athletic programs. The ASB card also entitles students to free admission to all LMS home games, and a reduced charge to other events (i.e. dances).

ATHLETIC PROGRAM
Specific information pertaining to participation in the district athletic programs is provided in the extra-curricular code. This code is distributed to students at the beginning of each season.

Interscholastic sports are open to all LMS 7 th and 8 th grade students. The sports are girl’s volleyball, football, cross-country, girl’s soccer, basketball, wrestling, and track.

DANCES
Dances are for LMS students only and permission slips are required. Students will not be permitted to leave a dance early
unless their parent/guardian has checked them out with the principal or assistant principal. Students are expected to dance
and behave in a manner that is consistent with all LMS rules and policies.

ASSEMBLIES
School assemblies are an important feature of a student’s education. Students are to give their undivided attention to the
Master of Ceremonies or any speaker or performer at the beginning and throughout the assembly. Whistling and loud,
boisterous behavior are not appropriate and may result in disciplinary action. Students are expected to show appreciation
by their attention and applause.
Inappropriate behavior that results in a student being removed from an assembly will result in disciplinary action and/or
possible exclusion from future assemblies.

The next section of the handbook contains information related to the LMS student management and discipline
policy. Please become familiar with these policies.

LMS DISCIPLINE POLICY
Philosophy of Behavior Management
The staff of LMS believes that each student has the opportunity for success. We also believe that each student has the right
to an education free from disruptive actions and behaviors as well as free from physical and/or psychological harm. We
recognize that the majority of students will meet the behavior standards of our school. All students will be held
accountable to all team, classroom, school and district standards, rules, and procedures.

General Behavior Expectations for LMS Students
LMS is an environment where high expectations for behavior are maintained. Students are expected to be polite and
respectful. This includes using good manners, refraining from name-calling and put-downs, inappropriate displays of
affection, and treating all students, staff, and visitors with respect and courtesy. Students are to exhibit and practice good
citizenship, be honest and ethical, and settle conflicts in a proactive manner. In addition, students must conduct themselves in a safe manner. Running, pushing, and shoving are dangerous and could result in injury to persons and/or physical damage to property. We have a zero tolerance policy for physical aggression, including horseplay, and harassment of any kind.

Honor Level Program

Lakewood Middle School uses the Honor Level Behavior Management System, which is a progressive discipline program. The honor level system promotes consistent expectations for all students and is enforced by all staff. Students with good behavior who have not received any infraction notices (for breaking school/class rules) for a fourteen-day period are placed on Honor Level 1. Special Honor Level activities are planned throughout the school year. Honor Level 1 activities might include:

• early dismissal
• free time
• treats
• prizes
• drawings for prizes
• special assemblies
• special privileges

Infractions

Students who fail to serve consequences will be automatically moved to the next level of consequence and will receive 5 additional demerits.

The Lakewood Middle School staff develops a list of “critical decisions”that explicitly details behaviors that cannot be tolerated in class and will result in immediate removal from class. For serious behavior problems, there is an emergency intervention process.

LAKEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL & LAKEWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT DISCIPLINE POLICY
The following is a list of examples of types of misconduct that shall result in disciplinary action. The behaviors described
should be viewed as representative of the misconduct that frequently causes disruptions to the orderly education
environment or activity, or behaviors that may cause physical and/or psychological harm. The behaviors are subject to the
authority of school personnel. For a comprehensive list, please view the student’s rights handbook.
Sequence for Students Referred to the Office
Any student who is sent to the office by a member of the staff due to misconduct will:
• Receive a Direct Referral to the office from the staff member.
• Complete a Problem Solving Form that describes the situation, strategies to avoid further occurrences, and a
timeline for follow-up. The student then telephones their parent/guardian.
• A conference with an administrator or designee to discuss the situation and the form, which may or may not lead
to disciplinary action.
• In some cases before a student is allowed to return to class the next day, a conference with the student, teacher,
and an administrator or designee (parent/guardians may be invited to attend) may occur.

VANDALISM/MALICIOUS MISCHIEF/BURGLARY/ROBBERY
(Board Policy #5320)
A student shall not cause or attempt to cause damage to school property or steal or attempt to steal school property.
Consequences
When school property is defaced or damaged by the accidental or purposeful actions of a student, the student and/or
parent/guardian will be responsible for the restoration or payment of damages. Disciplinary action may be imposed up to and including expulsion. In addition, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office may be asked to participate.

DISRUPTION TO THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS/REPEATED SCHOOL VIOLATIONS
(Board Policy #5320 & 5350)
If a student repeatedly fails to comply with LMS or district policies, team and classroom rules (i.e. infractions; willful
defiance), or with the directions of teachers, student teachers, substitute teachers, teacher aides, principals, or other
authorized personnel during any period of time when she/he is properly under the authority of school personnel, disciplinary action will be taken.
Consequences
Step one: Short-term suspension or long-term suspension.
Step two: Short-term suspension, long-term suspension, or expulsion.
Step three: Long-term suspension or expulsion.
Disruptive Items
Disruptive items include, but are not limited to: pagers, cell phones, portable radios/tape players, CD players, televisions,
video cameras, food and/or drinks, open containers, and obscene literature and/or materials. Not only do these items
distract from our main educational goals, they are prime targets for theft. Please leave these items at home or they may be confiscated.

WEAPONS AND DANGEROUS INSTRUMENTS
(Board Policy #5321.5)
The Lakewood School District Board of Directors recognizes the expectation of students, staff, parents, and patrons to be
safe on school district premises and at school district activities. Accordingly, it is a violation of district policy and Washington State Law for any person, including students, to carry onto school premises, school provided transportation, or
other facilities being used for school activities, any firearm, dangerous weapon, or other object capable of producing bodily
harm as defined in this policy.
1. Any firearm; or
2. Any dangerous instrument or weapon of any kind such as a laser pen, sling shot, sand club, blackjack, billy club,
metal knuckles, any knife, or any saber, sword, dagger or dirk; or
3. Any device commonly know as “nun-chukka-sticks” consisting of two or more lengths of wood, metal, plastic, or
similar connected with wire, rope, or other means; or
4. Any device commonly now as “throwing stars” which are multi-pointed, metal objects designed to embed uponimpact from any aspect; or
5. Any air gun, including any air pistol or air rifle, designed to propel a BB, pellet, or other projectile by the
discharge of compressed air, carbon dioxide, or other gas; or
6. Any disabling or incapacitating items such as electronic stunning or shocking devices; or
7. Any explosives or incendiary components which by themselves or in conjunction with other items can result in an
explosion or fire, such as explosive materials, blasting caps, fireworks, gasoline, other flammable liquids,
ammunition, or any combination of these items generally referred to as a bomb; or
8. Any object used in a threatening manner and/or used as a weapon which could reasonably be perceived, given the
circumstances, as having the ability to cause bodily harm even though not commonly thought of as a deadly or
dangerous weapon, such as a starter pistol, flare gun, cayenne pepper, ice pick, elongated scissors, or straight
razor; or
9. Any object which looks like a weapon such as a toy or “dummy” gun, knife, or grenade.
A violation of this section by any student constitutes grounds for expulsion.

HARASSMENT
(Board Policy #5310.1, #5310.2)
It is the policy of Lakewood Middle School that all students should be able to attend and learn in a school setting
that is free from all forms of discrimination, including sexual and racial harassment. All students have the right to
be free of unwelcome conduct based on gender or race that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to alter the conditions of the student’s education and to create an abusive educational environment. No student should be subject to unsolicited, unwelcome, or offensive conduct, either verbal or physical, of a sexual, religious, racial or ethnic nature or based on disability.
Harassing conduct includes repeated offensive sexual flirtations, advances or proposition, continued or repeated verbal abuse of a sexual or racial nature, graphic, degrading or demeaning sexual or racial comments about an individual or about his/her appearance, the display of sexually suggestive objects or pictures, or any offensive or abusive physical contact.
Harassment including sexual harassment does not refer to casual conversations or compliments of a socially acceptable
nature. It refers to behavior which is not welcome, is personally offensive, and which interferes with efficacy or creates
uneasiness.
Further, students will not be subjected to third party harassment, which is defined as behavior that is personally offensive to an observing party.
Students engaging in any act that harasses or discriminates against another student because of race, color, national origin,
sex, religion, creed, marital status, sexual preference, or the presence of a physical, mental, or sensory disability shall not be tolerated. Such conduct is specifically prohibited. Appropriate, immediate corrective action up to and including expulsion reasonably calculated to end the harassment will be taken by the district for any such conduct.

Complaint Procedures
Any student who believes she/he has been subjected to harassment or believes that another student is being harassed should immediately report the alleged harassment to any one of the following: teachers, counselors, or administrators or other school personnel.
The student and the selected confidante may consult one another confidentially and informally without filing a formal
complaint.
If the matter cannot be resolved informally, the student may make a formal complaint to the principal or assistant principal.
The principal or assistant principal will then conduct a formal investigation. Upon completion of the investigation, the
principal or assistant principal will recommend a course of action or resolution.
If the matter is still unresolved, a formal complaint may be filed with the Superintendent. The Superintendent will then
conduct a formal investigation. Upon completion of the investigation, the Superintendent will recommend a course of
action or resolution.
The district will endeavor to protect the right of all persons involved in this complaint process including individuals who
initiate complaints, persons against whom the complaint has been filed, and witnesses.
It is the goal of the district to have all complaints treated in the strictest confidence except as is necessary to investigate the
allegations.

GANG ACTIVITY
(Board Policy 5320)
Individuals or groups who engage in, advocate, or promote activities which intimidate or otherwise threaten the safety or well-being of persons on school premises or in reasonable proximity thereof or any school sponsored activity are harmful to
the educational process. Incidents involving intimidation or related behavior of such individuals or groups are prohibited
where such behavior:
• Disrupts and/or interferes with the school environment/activity and/or educational process.
• Presents a physical safety hazard to students or staff members; or
• Creates an atmosphere in which a student(s), employee(s) or other person’s well being is affected by undue
pressure, intimidating, or threats of violence.
Any activity that could be associated with gang association/involvement shall not be allowed on school premises. Activity that is considered to be gang related, but is not limited to:
• Graffiti on the school or school property, personal possessions, or anywhere that disrupts the learning environment of the school.
• Intimidation or threats of violence by any individual or group.
• Clothing and/or accessories that can be associated with gang involvement or interest in gang activities.
• Language that includes, but is not limited to, hand and/or body gestures that can be considered to be gang-related.
This also includes verbal words/phrases that can be considered to be gang-related.
• Fights related to gang involvement (affiliation, disrespect, initiations, etc.).

BUS CONDUCT
All school rules and regulations apply to bus conduct. School bus drivers have the authority to discipline students for
misconduct related to School District Rules. (WAC 180.40.230). Misconduct may result in suspension of the bus
riding privileges.
The Students Responsibilities and Rights Policy will be applied at school, at school bus stops, at school events,
functions or activities and for transportation on school vehicles. School discipline may also be applied.
ALL SCHOOL RULES APPLY AT THE BUS STOP.
Any questions related to bus misconduct should be directed to the Director of Transportation at 360-652-4525.

LIGHTERS, MATCHES, ARSON
(Board Policy #5321.5)
Lighters, matches, or other incendiary devices pose a safety and health hazard. These items are not allowed at school.
Arson is defined as the willful and malicious burning of a building or its contents and/or other personal property of
others.
Consequences
Step one: Short-term suspension, long-term suspension, or expulsion.
Step two: Long-term suspension or expulsion.
Step three: Expulsion.
In addition, The Fire Marshal and law enforcement agencies may be contacted.

POSSESSION OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS
(Board Policy #5321.6)
Tobacco products are not allowed at school or at school activities.
Consequences
Step one: Wednesday School or short-term suspension.
Step two: Short-term suspension or long-term suspension.
Step three: Long-term suspension or expulsion.

USE, POSSESSION, DISTRIBUTION, INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE, SELLING OF ALCOHOL, CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES, UNLAWFUL SUBSTANCES, OVER-THE-COUNTER (O-T-C)
DRUGS, CONSTRUCTION, USE, POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA
(Board Policy #5321.6)
The use of drugs and/or controlled substances except under professional medical supervision is dangerous and illegal.
No person shall receive, possess, sell, share, purchase, attempt to purchase, attempt to sell, or in any manner use any
substance that purports to be (or mimics) alcohol, any other illicit drug, controlled substance (without a valid
prescription), over-the-counter (O-T-C), or drug paraphernalia while attending any public or privately held school
related function or immediately before or after attendance on school property or functions.
Consequences
Step one: 20-day short-term suspension, long-term suspension, or expulsion.
Step two: Expulsion
NOTE: For re-entry, a drug/alcohol assessment and urinalysis is required. If treatment is necessary, the student’s
enrollment status will be re-evaluated. The student is also required to follow the recommendations made by the
agency. Failure to do so may result in additional suspension. Parent/guardians are responsible for transportation,
assessment, urinalysis fees, or any prescribed treatment. In addition, law enforcement agencies may be contacted.

OBSCENTITIES AND PROFANITY
(Board Policy #5321)
The use of obscenities and/or profanity, oral, written, or gestured during school or at school-sponsored events directed
to students, staff, and/or guests is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.
Consequences
Step one: Refocus, short-term suspension, long-term suspension, or expulsion.
Step two: Short-term suspension, long-term suspension, or expulsion.
Step three: Long-term suspension or expulsion.

ASSAULT, FIGHTING, AND AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR
(Board Policy #5320)
LMS has a zero tolerance policy for aggressive and unsafe behavior. In keeping with this policy the safety of students,
staff, and visitors is of paramount importance. Assault, fighting, encouraging others to fight, aggressive behavior, and
horseplay can cause bodily harm and/or physical damage to person and school.
Consequences
Step one: Refocus, short-term suspension, long-term suspension, or expulsion.
Step two: Short-term suspension, long-term suspension, or expulsion.
Step three: Long-term suspension or expulsion.
In addition, law enforcement agencies may be contacted.

DRESS CODE
(Board Policy #5322)
Student’s dress and personal grooming will reflect favorably upon the positive instructional atmosphere of LMS. Clothing that creates health, and/or safety hazards, is obscene, disruptive to the educational environment, profane, lewd or vulgar, or has connection to or inference to sex, alcohol, drugs, or violence is not permitted.

School dress codes require that shoulders and stomachs be covered, shorts shall be no shorter than the tip of your fingers plus 2 inches when your arm is extended to your sides, and all clothes be appropriate to the educational environment. Sleeveless shirts are acceptable as long as the neckline is appropriate and the sides do not expose skin. Flip Flop shoes are not to be worn at school. Trench coats are not permitted at LMS.

Chains attached to clothing are not allowed at LMS. Chains are not to be brought to school as they could create an unsafe situation. Spikes that can be worn around the neck, wrist, waist or any other area are not allowed at LMS.

Pants must be pulled up at all times with no saggy pants allowed. Pants that contain holes above the 2-inch mark when your arm is extended to your sides are not allowed.

Hats and other headwear are not permitted at LMS. Bandanas may be worn as a hair band, but the bandana must be rolled and not wider then two inches wide.

Piercing- No piercing of oneself or to others is permitted while at LMS. Piercings are fine until they become a classroom disruption or safety concern.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Academic integrity simply means doing your own work. Don’t copy other people’s homework, look at other people’s tests or quizzes, or plagiarize information. Depending on the severity of the situation, consequences may range from receiving a zero on the assignment or test to a suspension from school.

FORGERY
(Board Policy #5320)
The forging of parent(s) and/or guardian(s) or another student’s signature on any letter to the school or on any school document will result in discipline and/or suspensions. Falsely representing a parent and/or guardian in any way will result in disciplinary action. Self-signed student notes will not be accepted in lieu of parent signature.

INDENTIFICATION OF SELF
All students must, upon request, correctly identify themselves to proper school authorities in school buildings, on school grounds, or at school sponsored events.

INSUBORDINATION
Students are required to obey the reasonable requests of all staff members. Willful disobedience will result in
suspension or expulsion.

INTERVIEW BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES (RCW 13.40.140)
Law enforcement authorities may interview a student at the school with permission of building administration.
Representatives of the Department of Social and Health Services, upon receiving reports of abuse or neglect, shall be allowed to interview students on school premises with permission of the building administration. School officials may be present for interviews.

INSULTS OR ABUSE
RCW 28 A3635.010 makes it a crime to insult or abuse a teacher or staff member. Any offense will result in discipline or suspension.

TERMS
SHORT-TERM SUSPENSION: Student is not allowed to attend classes, school activities/events, or be on school district grounds for a maximum of ten consecutive school days.
LONG-TERM SUSPENSION: Student is not allowed to attend classes, school activities/events, or be on school
district grounds for a period of time greater than ten days but no longer than a semester.
EXPULSION: Student shall be removed from the school district without a specified date.

LAKEWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT #306 NONDISCRIMINATION FOR SCHOOL AND PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Lakewood School District is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Employer. Lakewood School District complies with all federal and state rules and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, or qualified individuals with disabilities. Applications from all groups are encouraged. This holds true for all students who are interested in participating in educational programs and/or extracurricular school activities. Inquires regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the school district’s Title IX/RCW 28A.640 Officer and/or Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Dr. Dennis Haddock, Assistant Superintendent, 17110 16th Dr. N.E., Marysville, WA 98223, (360) 652-4500.

Last updated
April 2008
N. Roys, Library/Media Specialist

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