Family & Student Handbook

• District Receptionist: (360) 652-4500
• Fax: (360) 652-4502
• ECEAP/Early Learning: (360) 652-4520
• Emergency Information Line Assessment & Program Evaluation: (360) 654-2024
• Athletics: (360) 652-4501 ext. 1102
• At-risk student programs: (360) 652-4501 ext. 5110
• Career & Technical Education: (360) 652-4501 ext. 1021
• Communications & Public Relations: (360) 652-4501 ext. 1006
• Curriculum: (360) 652-4501 ext. 1102
• Distribution of materials (e-flyers): (360) 652-4501 ext. 1006
• Multilingual Learners program: (360) 652-4501 ext. 1021
• Facility use: (360) 652-4501 ext. 1018
• Graduation requirements: (360) 652-4501 ext. 1021
• Grounds and maintenance: (360) 652-4501 ext. 1018
• Highly Capable student programs: (360) 652-4501 ext. 1021
• Homeless programs (360) 652-4501 ext. 1021
• Homeschooling: (360) 652-4501 ext. 1021
• Human Resources: (360) 654-2033
• Learning Assistance Program (LAP): (360) 652-4501 ext. 1102
• Nutrition Services: (360) 652-4501 ext. 1106
• School Board: (360) 652-4501 ext. 1017
• Secondary school education: (360) 652-4501 ext. 1102
• Special Education: (360) 652-4501 ext. 1016
• Standardized testing: (360) 652-4501 ext. 1102
• Student Rights & Responsibilities: (360) 652-4501 ext. 1101
• Superintendent's Office: (360) 652-4500
• Support Services: (360) 652-4501 ext. 1101
• Teaching & Learning: (360) 652-4501 ext. 1102
• Technology Services: (360) 652-4501 ext. 1102
• Title I program: (360) 652-4501 ext. 1102
• Transportation/Bus Routes: (360) 652-4525

English Crossing Elementary (P) 360-652-4515 (F) 360-654-2036

Lakewood Elementary (P) 360-652-4520 (F) 360-654-2039

Cougar Creek Elementary (P) 360-652-4517 (F) 360-652-4519

Lakewood Middle School (P) 360-652-4510 (F) 360-652-4512

Lakewood High School (P) 360-652-4505 (F) 360-652-4507

Lakewood Administration (P) 360-652-4500 (F) 360-652-4502

Lakewood Transportation (P) 360-652-4525 (F) 360-652-4527

• Morning ECEAP (M,T,W,Th)  8:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
• Afternoon ECEAP (M,T,W,Th) 12:30-3:15 p.m.
• DD preschool, morning 8:30-11:15 a.m.
• DD preschool, afternoon 12:30-3:15 p.m.
• ECEAP and DD preschool: No classes on half days and Fridays
• Transitional Kindergarten follows the same schedule as Lakewood Elementary

Is your child's emergency information up to date?

Please provide your child's school with your emergency contact information, your address and daytime phone number, as well as the phone numbers of two alternative emergency contacts. Please keep the information up to date. If your cell phone number changes, you decide to get rid of your landline, or your email address changes, please contact your child's school right away. Your child's school may need to reach you quickly in case your child gets ill or is injured at school.

Do you qualify for free or reduced-price meals?

Complete an application at your child's school or download the application form from the school district website. Only one form per family is needed. Elementary students do not need to have a form on file as all district elementary schools currently qualify for Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a program that allows all students to receive free breakfast and lunch. Instead, all elementary families will be asked to complete a Family Income Survey at the beginning of each school year, so the school is able to maintain its CEP status.  

Is your child's immunization form on file?

Students must have complete immunization records kept at school. (See details in the Your Child's Health section.)  

Does your child receive medication at school?

A Medication Authorization form that is signed by a health care provider and by a parent must accompany all medications taken at school, including prescription and over-the counter medicines.

Does your child use an inhaler and/or epipen?

If you want your child to carry and self-administer asthma or anaphylaxis medication (such as an inhaler and/or EpiPen) during school hours or during school-sponsored events, your child's health care provider must sign a  Medication Authorization form and formulate a written care and treatment plan with the school nurse. Students must complete a skills checklist with the school nurse.

Does your child have a life-threatening condition?

If your child has been diagnosed with a life-threatening condition (such as severe bee sting allergies, severe food allergies, severe or unstable asthma, diabetes, or seizures), a  medication or treatment order and a nursing plan must be in place before your child can attend school. 

Does your child require assistance?

If your child requires assistance in feeding or self-care, a nursing plan and physician treatment order must be in place before your child can attend school.

Does your child have other health concerns?

Please contact your child's school nurse if your child has health concerns or if there are changes in your child's health status during the school year.

Registering for school

Are you new to Lakewood School District? Register your child at the local school he or she will be attending. To register your child for school, please bring the following:

• Birth Certificate or proof of legal age/name
• Medically verified Certificate of Immunization Status
• Proof of residence (such as a utility bill, lease/rental agreement, or tax statement).
• The names and phone numbers of emergency contacts.
• If your child is enrolling in the 9th through 12th grades and is new to Lakewood School District, also provide a transcript from his or her previous high school. For more information, call your local school.

Kindergarten

Kindergarten registration begins in March for the following school year and is done at local elementary schools. When registering your child for kindergarten, please bring the items listed above. To be eligible for kindergarten, a child must be 5 years old on or before August 31. Lakewood provides full-day kindergarten.

Transferring schools (resident students)

You can apply to have your child attend a school other than the one he or she would normally be assigned. Applications for a transfer are available at any school office, the District Office, or on the website. Applications will be considered on an equal basis. The superintendent shall establish rational, fair, and equitable standards for acceptance and rejection of applications. Approval depends on space and capacity in the school or specific program, as well as the student's behavior at his or her resident school. Acceptance of transfer release request for grades K-5 and 6-8 does not guarantee a transfer release request will be approved for the feeder school in the district's K-12 continuum. Transfers can be denied or revoked. If approved, parents/guardians must provide their own transportation. An exception is noted for transportation of a disabled student if required as a related service.

Transferring schools (non-resident students)

Consistent with Chapter 28A.225 RCW, any student who resides outside the district may apply to attend a school in the district. All applications for nonresident attendance will be considered on an equal basis. The superintendent shall establish rational, fair, and equitable standards for acceptance and rejection of applications. The district shall provide to applicants written notification of the approval or denial of the application in a timely manner. If the application is rejected, the notification shall include the reason or reasons for denial and information on the appeal process. Applicants for admission must obtain a release from their home school district each year. If approved, parents/guardians must provide their own transportation. For more information, call the Administrative Office at 360-652-4500.

Withdrawing a student

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

Who can ride the bus?

School bus transportation is available to and from school for students who live within their school attendance area. School bus route information is available on the school district's website. For more information, call the Transportation Department at 360-652-4525.

School bus stops & bus passes

Students should be waiting at their designated school bus stop at least five minutes prior to the published stop time. Drivers are instructed not to arrive at stops early, and also not to wait at stops for students who are not there. Please help us to be on time by being at your stop five minutes early. Students are allowed to depart the bus only at their assigned stop. Exceptions to this can only be made by pre-arrangement with a note from a parent delivered to the school office. The office will then write a bus pass to the bus driver allowing the student to get off at a different stop.

Behavior on the bus

Students are expected to demonstrate safe behavior on school buses so the bus driver can concentrate on driving. A video/audio system is installed in all buses to help monitor the behavior of bus riders. Transportation privileges can be revoked for students who repeatedly violate bus safety and behavior standards.

Video/audio recording on the bus

Students and parents are notified that, for safety and student behavior management, activity on school buses shall be recorded by video/audio recording systems installed in all Lakewood School District buses.

District policy #6608 governs the use of recorded material.

Items not allowed on the bus

Heavy, sharp, and bulky items are not allowed onto the school bus because they may present a hazard to other riders if there is an accident or if the driver is forced to make an emergency stop. Students may not bring any large items on board that would encroach upon or take over another student's seating space. The following items are not allowed on a school bus:

• Musical instruments in a case larger than 42 inches, by 12 inches, by 9 inches deep
• Glass objects
• Food, drinks, or chewing gum
• Balloons
• Weapons (toy or real)
• Live animals, including insects
• Flammable items, such as lighters
• Skateboards

If the safety of transporting an item is in question, the bus driver has the final authority to determine if the item is hazardous to transport.

Limited Transportation Routes

The school district may operate transportation on designated limited routes when there are unsafe travel conditions due to weather. Check local media outlets and the school district's website to determine if limited routes have been declared. Specific details about pick-up locations for limited routes are distributed to bus riders in the fall and are also available on the district's website.

Special Notice to Kindergarten Parents

Kindergarten students need to be met at the bus stop by a parent/guardian or other adult. Kindergarten students can be released from the bus with an older sibling. If you are a parent of a kindergarten student, please communicate to your bus driver if someone other than you will be meeting your student, or if your student should be released with an older sibling. Thank you for your cooperation.

Transportation Information Line

Any time traffic and/or road conditions affect the operation of school buses, this recorded message will be updated, providing you as much information as possible. The information line can be reached by dialing direct (360) 654-2024. During inclement weather, when there are conditions that will affect transportation services, we will make every effort to update this line by 5:30 am.

Release/Removal of Student During School Hours-Policy #3124

The board recognizes its responsibility for the proper care of students during school hours. Students will not be removed from school grounds, any school building or school function during school hours except by a person authorized according to district procedures. Before a student is removed or excused, the person seeking to remove the student must present to the satisfaction of the superintendent or principal evidence of his/her proper authority to remove the student. A teacher should not excuse a student from class to confer with anyone unless the request is approved by the principal. The superintendent is directed to establish procedures for the removal of a student during school hours.

Prior to sending a student to his/her home for illness, discipline or a corrective action, the principal will 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 will remain at school until the close of the school day. A student may be released to a law enforcement officer in accordance with the district policy. For details, see Board Policy and Procedures #3124 on the district website.

In the event of emergency situations such as severe winter road conditions, school closure, or delays in opening, the decision to delay or close schools is usually made by 5:30 a.m.

How can I find out about changes?

The best way to find out if schools are closed or on a different schedule, or if school buses are operating on limited transportation routes, is to visit FlashAlert at http://www.flashalert.net/ or watch your local news. FlashAlert notifies radio and television stations of changes for the school district. Visit FlashAlert for current information or to sign up to receive e-mail or text notifications of changes.

Television and Radio Stations:

Local radio and television stations will be announcing schedule changes by district name and number. District: For pre-recorded information on weather-related delays or closures, call 360-654-2024.

Family notification system

The school district uses a family notification system called Finalsite Mass Notifications to send important messages to families if school has been canceled or delayed. Because these messages typically go out in the early-morning hours, they will not be sent by telephone, but instead via email and text to email addresses and mobile phones that are on file with your school. Contact your school if you are not receiving notifications. 

Limited bus transportation

During the school year, there may be times when our buses will be running on limited transportation routes. This usually occurs when there is snow or ice on the roadways. These alternate routes have been established to avoid the more difficult areas to travel during hazardous conditions. Please note: When buses are operating on limited transportation, no out-of-district transportation will be provided. Also, during limited transportation, all Lakewood School District elementary (K-5) students who do not have an adult or family member to meet them at an alternate bus stop will be returned to school. Families will then be contacted at home or work to pick up their student.

Schools closed

All schools will be closed for one day at a time only! All meetings, field trips, after-school activities, etc. will be canceled for the day.

Schools open 2 hours late

When school opening is delayed, students will be dismissed at the regular time unless otherwise announced. When two hours late, school breakfast will not be served and AM/PM DD preschool and AM/PM ECEAP preschool will be canceled. Transitional kindergarten will follow the Lakewood Elementary schedule.

Unplanned early dismissal

Conditions could develop during the school day that require school to be dismissed earlier than planned.

Information about early dismissals will be provided to local radio and television stations and distributed through the school district's automated parent notification system. If school is dismissed early, and transportation home is not available, a child will be released only to his or her parent or guardian or to a person previously authorized by the parent or guardian. We ask that parents please bring photo identification (such as a driver's license) to ensure student safety. School staff will remain at the school until all students have been released.

Lakewood School District is making a special effort to ensure that all students fully benefit from their education by attending school regularly, which helps children feel better about school and themselves. Your child can start building this habit as early as preschool so he or she will learn right away that it's important to go to school on time, every day.

Did you know? Starting in kindergarten, too many absences, both excused and unexcused, can cause a child to fall behind in school. Missing 10 percent of school (or about 2 days per month) increases the chance that a student will not read or master math at the same level as his or her peers. Students can still fall behind if they miss only a day or two every few weeks. Being late to school may lead to poor attendance. Excessive absenteeism by 6th grade is one of three signs that a student may drop out of high school or not graduate on time.

By being present at school, your child will learn valuable social skills and will have the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with other students and school staff. Absences can be a sign that a student is losing interest in school, is struggling with schoolwork, is dealing with a social/emotional issue, a bully, or is facing some other potentially serious difficulty. Regular attendance by 9th grade is a better predictor of graduation rates than 8th grade test scores. Missing school may mean not completing assignments or completing assignments on time. It also may mean lower test scores, which may result in lower grades and not getting high school credit for a class that a student has taken. Students must earn all 24 of their 24 credit opportunities in order to graduate on time from high school, so every credit counts.

The teachers and other staff members at your child's school value the contribution of every student and will greatly miss your child if he or she is not in school. We know that there are a wide variety of reasons that cause students to be absent, from health issues to transportation challenges. That's why many people at your child's school are prepared to help you if your child is facing challenges getting to school regularly or on time. Those staff members will communicate with you to understand the barriers that cause your child to be absent and will try to identify supports that might be available to help you overcome those challenges.

Absences

It's important that you understand our school policies, as well as Washington state law, with regard to absences from school. You must notify the school as soon as possible when your child will be absent from school. As your child's parent or guardian, you also must sign a note that explains the reason for your child's absence and must have the note delivered to school within two days of his or her return to class. If your child attends elementary school and has five excused absences in any month, or more than 10 excused absences during the school year, the school district is required to contact you to schedule a conference with a staff member to identify the barriers and supports that are available to you and your child. That conference is not required if you have provided a doctor's note or if you have pre-arranged the absence in writing in advance and you, your child, and the school have made a plan so your child does not fall behind academically. If your child has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 Plan, the team that created that plan will need to reconvene.

State law for mandatory attendance, called the Becca Bill, requires that children from age 8 to 17 must attend school or a home-school program that has been approved by the school district. Children who are 6 and 7 years old are not required to be enrolled in school, but if he or she is enrolled, the child must attend school full time. Youth who are 16 years old or older can be excused from attending public school if they meet certain requirements.

If a student has three unexcused absences in one month, state law requires that the school schedule a conference with you and your child to identify barriers and supports that are available to ensure your child's regular attendance. The school is obligated to develop a plan that may require an assessment to determine how to best meet the needs of your child and reduce his or her absenteeism. If a student has seven unexcused absences in a month or 10 unexcused absences within the school year, the school district is required by state law to file a petition with the juvenile court alleging a violation of the state's mandatory attendance laws. The petition may be automatically stayed and your child and family may be referred to a community truancy board, or you and your child may be asked to appear in juvenile court and face the possibility of a court order to attend school.

For more information, call your child's school.

What can a parent do to improve attendance?

Here are a few things that parents can do to help assure that their child attends school regularly:

• Set a regular bedtime and morning routine. Make sure your child gets a good night's sleep.
• Prepare for school the night before by having homework finished.
• Don't let your child stay home from school unless he or she is truly sick.
• Avoid appointments and extended trips while school is in session.
• Develop a back-up plan for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent to take your child to school.
• Keep track of your child's attendance. Missing too many days can put your child at risk of falling behind.
• Talk to your child about the importance of attending school.
• Talk to your child's teacher if you notice a sudden change in behavior. The issue could be tied to something else that is going on at school.
• Encourage your child to be active in meaningful after-school activities such as sports or clubs.

School meals and food service

Lakewood's Food Service Program participates in the National School Lunch Program. Full pay or free and reduced-price meals are served to students whose families qualify under the federal eligibility guidelines. Applications must be resubmitted each school year and are available on the district's website or may be picked up at all schools. Menus for breakfast and lunch are available on the district website. The district also follows the Smart Snacks in Schools guidelines that state, "All foods sold on campus during the school day (e.g., vending machines, bake sales, school stores) must meet USDA Smart Snacks in Schools standards." No food or drink items will be offered in vending machines unless they have been approved by the principal. The district uses the Food Service Module within Skyward to provide families easier access to view when and what their child has eaten. It also allows parents online access for payments and fees.

Elementary schools in Lakewood are approved to participate in the federal Community Eligibility Program (CEP), which provides free meals for all students in the school. Elementary families do NOT need to complete a free and reduced meal form to receive free meals. Instead, elementary families will be asked to complete a Family Income Survey so the schools may continue eligibility for the program.

Food service charge policy

All Lakewood students that come through the meal line at their school will receive a regular menu meal regardless of their ability to pay for the meal. The parent/guardian, on file with the school, will be notified by automated phone call, text, and/or email notification if the meal puts the student into a negative amount on their Food Service account. These notifications will go out on Wednesdays. Free/reduced applications can be obtained at any Lakewood school office or the district office. If help is needed to fill out the application, school principals and counselors are available to assist. No student will be denied a meal unless the parent/guardian has instructed the Lakewood Food Service Department in writing to deny meals to the student. Snacks or extras will not be covered under this policy, and charging will not be allowed of snacks or extras. If you have questions, please contact the Business Office at (360) 654-2033.

Free or reduced-price meals

Middle school and high school families should complete an application form to receive free or reduced-price meals. The form can be found at your child's school or downloaded from the school district's website. Only one form is needed per family.

School treats and approved nut-free snack list 

Washington State Health guidelines do not allow homemade treats to be served at school. Only store-bought items on the District Approved Nut-Free Snack List may be shared. Food and beverages are not allowed in the school except at lunch and classroom snack/party times. Please make arrangements with your child's teacher before sending treats to school. All treats must be checked by office staff before being delivered to a classroom. Per School Board Policy #3420, parents/guardians are responsible for informing the school about their child's potential risk for allergic reactions and the district will take reasonable measures to avoid allergens. Due to the increase in nut allergies and varied/lengthy ingredients, we can no longer allow cupcakes to be served at school.

Use of Technology

Lakewood School District provides students with access to the Internet to find online instructional material, explore educational topics, conduct research, and contact others in the educational world. But access to the school district's computer network also is a privilege that comes with responsibilities for its appropriate use. It is important that students and parents understand both the benefits of using the computer and the potential hazards. The school district makes a concerted effort to prevent student access to objectionable material on the Internet by using Internet filtering software.

While filters make it more difficult for objectionable material to be received or accessed, filters are not a solution in themselves. Every user must take responsibility for his or her use of computers and avoid objectionable content. Teachers and other staff members supervise computer use to assure that students are accessing educationally relevant information. Guidelines for the acceptable use of computers are contained in the Board Policy #2022. The district requires an annual Acceptable Use Permission form signed by a guardian. If you have questions about your child's use of the Internet while at school, please contact your child's principal.

Report Cards

Report cards for elementary students are distributed at the end of each trimester. Report cards for high school and middle school students are distributed at the end of each quarter.

Conferences

Parent/teacher conferences are held twice a year (fall and spring) for elementary students and in the fall only for middle school and high school students. You will be notified of scheduling choices. Your child will have half days on conference days. Conferences provide the opportunity for parents and teachers to exchange information, discuss the child's special needs, and review his/her progress. However, you are always welcome to contact the teacher any time during the year. If you need an interpreter for your parent-teacher conference, please call the school office.

Standardized Testing

The district gives standardized tests to evaluate student and school performance. The tests provide information that can be used to improve the learning environment in classrooms, to measure the effectiveness of curricula, and to compare the achievement of Lakewood students with students elsewhere in the state and nation.

The Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) measures student achievement toward Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts (ELA) and in math. The tests are given in the spring to all 3rd through 8th grade students and to 10th grade students. In addition, students in the 5th, 8th, and 11th grades are given the Washington Comprehensive Assessments of Science (WCAS). Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (WaKIDS) is given to kindergarten students. The Washington Access to Instruction and Measurement (WA-AIM) is an ELA, math and science alternate assessments for students with significant cognitive challenges documented in the Individualized Education Program (IEP).

The school district also administers other standardized tests for program placement and evaluation of achievement. The World Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA) is administered to all multilingual learners who are developing English proficiency skills. STAR Enterprise and Early Literacy for math and reading assessment is administered in classrooms to students in K-12. For more information, call the district's Teaching and Learning Department at 360-652-4500.

Graduation Requirements

To earn a diploma from Lakewood High School, a student is required to complete course credits as established by Lakewood School Board Policy 2410, develop a High School and Beyond Plan, and complete one of several graduation pathways. For more information, see Lakewood High School's website.

The safety and security of Lakewood School District students and staff members is always a priority. The school district's efforts regarding safety and security fall into three broad categories:

1. Finding ways to ensure that buildings and grounds are as secure as they can be by using best practice prevention and mitigation solutions.
2. Practicing emergency response to make sure students and staff members know what to do should an event happen.
3. Offering services to support the social and emotional needs of students and staff. As the school district does these things, it solicits the advice and involvement of experts from law enforcement and fire departments, as well as other people familiar with the latest and best practices regarding safety and security, to develop solutions that are based on knowledge that has been learned through past experiences.

Emergency Information

Each school has a plan for responding to emergencies and for providing information to parents. Please remember that communicating can become very difficult during an emergency. Telephone service may be unavailable for outgoing or incoming calls to your child's school. As a result, the school district will provide local radio and television stations with current information because they may offer the only reliable means of communication to parents and the public during an emergency. Updates will also be made available as much as possible through regular communication processes. Those options include:

• Information posted on the school district website.
• Text and email notices through the parent notification system.
• FlashAlert and other text messaging services offered by local TV and radio stations.

Contact Information

School staff members may need to contact you in the event of an emergency. The school needs the emergency contact information (address and daytime phone number) of each parent or guardian, as well as the phone numbers of two alternate emergency contacts. Be sure that your child's records are kept current. If any contact information changes, please notify your child's school.

Parent/Student Reunification

If weather or an emergency occurs that requires students to be picked up at a different time of day or at a different location than usual, a process will be established so that parents or guardians can take their child home. We ask that parents or guardians please bring photo identification (such as a driver's license) to ensure student safety.

Video Cameras

For purposes of promoting and maintaining a safe environment, protection of district property, and deterrence and prevention of criminal activity and conduct violations, Lakewood School District utilizes more than 200 video cameras on its school grounds and in district school buses. Students, parents, staff, volunteers, and visitors may be videotaped while on school grounds or in district school buses. Further information on the use of video surveillance can be found in Board Policy #6610, located on the school district website.

Department of Health & K-12 partnership to promote health and safety

Visit the DOH website for information about substance use trends, overdose symptoms and response, and the secure storage of prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and firearms and ammunition.

What does Lakewood Health Services Provide?

Lakewood Health Services strives to partner with you, your child, your child's primary healthcare provider and your child's educational team to offer all students the best educational experience possible.

Lakewood Health Services Can Provide:

• First-aid care
• Illness evaluation (to determine need to be home)
• Vision & hearing screenings
• Specialized individual health care plans for chronic or life-threatening health conditions
• Referrals to health care resources in the community

What Lakewood Health Services Cannot Provide:

• We cannot diagnose or treat any condition (other than First Aid)
• We cannot take the place of your child's primary healthcare provider
• We cannot give medication (prescribed or over-the-counter) unless we have written, signed orders from your child's primary healthcare provider

Hearing and Vision Screenings

Students in kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 7th grades are screened for vision and hearing. Parents are notified of possible problems and recommendations may be made for further evaluation.

Immunizations

Washington state law requires school-aged children to receive specific immunizations in order to attend school. Lakewood School District works with the Washington State Department of Health to comply with state laws on required vaccinations.

Washington state law RCW 28A.210.080 requires that all children show proof of immunization or certification of exemption to attend school. Students cannot start school without the required documentation.

All students must have a completed Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) form on file in the school office. Parents/guardians must complete the form and turn it into the school before the student can start school. Students will not be assigned to classes until the information has been turned in with the vaccines required for school attendance documented.

Chapter 246-105 WAC requires medically verified immunization records for school and child-care entry. A medically verified record includes one or more of the following: 

1. A Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) printed from the Immunization Information System (IIS)
2. A physical copy of the CIS form with a healthcare provider signature
3. A physical copy of the CIS with accompanying medical immunization records from a healthcare provider verified and signed by school staff
4. A CIS printed from MylR

Parents/guardians are now able to print their own child's Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) through a new web portal called MylR. This secure online system pulls data from the WA Immunization System (IIS) and will auto-populate the CIS with immunizations contained in the IIS. Parents/guardians simply need to print, sign, and submit the CIS to the school. We encourage parents/guardians to utilize this new system at https://myirmobile.com/.

Parents/guardians requesting an exemption from the immunization requirement (for personal, philosophical, religious, or medical reasons) are required to submit a Certificate of Exemption form, which must be signed by a healthcare provider stating that he or she gave parents/guardians information about the benefits and risks of immunization. The Certificate of Exemption form must also be signed by the child's parent/guardian, which signifies his/her understanding that his/her child may be excluded from school during a communicable disease outbreak. A recent change in state law provides that personal and philosophical objections may not be used to exempt a child from the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

For more information about immunization requirements, please contact your school nurse or go to https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/schools/immunization/families.

Health Information

The health information you provide at registration and throughout the year is shared with staff as necessary to benefit the health and safety of your child and others. Please notify your child's school when there are changes in your child's health and when your emergency contact phone numbers change.

Does Your Child Need to Take Medication at School?

Whenever possible, parents/guardians and health care providers are encouraged to work out a schedule of medications that takes place outside of school hours. If your child must receive medication while at school, you must complete and sign a Medication Authorization Form that is signed by your child's healthcare provider. This applies to prescription and over-the-counter medication. The form is available from your school nurse or can be downloaded from the school district's website. A new Medication Authorization form is required each school year. The form provides parent permission to store and administer their child's prescription or non-prescription medicine at school.

Life-Threatening Conditions

All children who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening condition must have a medication or treatment order and a nursing plan in place before he or she can attend school. The state law defines 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 a nursing plan are not in place." Examples of a diagnosed life-threatening condition include severe bee sting allergies, severe food allergies, severe or unstable asthma, diabetes, or seizures. The medication or treatment order for children with a life-threatening condition must be from the child's licensed healthcare provider. If a medication or treatment order is not provided for a child with a life-threatening condition, the chief administrator of the child's school is required to exclude the child until the medication or treatment order has been provided and a nursing plan has been prepared. If your child has a life-threatening health condition that may require medical services to be performed at the school, IT IS VITAL TO YOUR CHILD'S HEALTH AND SAFETY that you notify your school's principal or school nurse. The necessary forms will be provided and a time will be arranged for you to meet with your child's school nurse to develop a nursing plan. Please contact your child's principal or school nurse if you have any questions about what to do concerning your child's life-threatening health condition.

Self-Carry Life-Saving Medication at School

If you want your child to carry and/or self-administer a life-saving medication (such as an inhaler, Epi-Pen, and/or Glucagon) during school hours or during school-sponsored events, your child's health care provider must complete and sign a Medication Authorization Form and formulate a written care and treatment plan. A Medication Authorization Form is available from your school nurse or can be downloaded from the school district's website. The Medication Authorization Form must be completed, dated, signed by both you and your child's health care provider, and submitted to your child's school before he or she can self-carry a life-saving medication at school.

For the safety of students with Life-Threatening Nut Allergies, parents are asked to follow the district protocol regarding food/snacks brought to your student's classrooms for special occasions and celebrations (other than school lunches):

• Notify the classroom teacher prior to sending snacks.
• Parent or child will bring the food/snack to the front office.
• The item will be checked by office staff to ensure it is on the approved nut-free snack list.
• All snacks must be store purchased and have a label identifying the ingredients.
• PLEASE NO CAKES, CUPCAKES, BAKERY ITEMS, OR HOMEMADE GOODS

• Fruits/Veggies: Apple Slices, Bare apple chips, Applesauce cups, Gogo squeeze packs, Oranges, Grapes, Raisins, Craisins, Bananas, Berries, Mango Slices, Stretch Island fruit leather, Watermelon cubes, Kiwi slices, Peach Slices, Celery, Carrot Sticks, Snap peas
• Grains and Cereals: Popcorn, Snyders or Rold Gold pretzels, Rice crackers, Pirates Booty, Saltines, Goldfish, Wheat Thins, Chex mix, Cheetos, Graham Crackers (Nabisco or Honey Maid), Teddy Grahams, Pepperidge Farm Crackers, Doritos, most plain potato chips (Frito Lay) Smartfood Popcorn, Cheese-Its, Pringles
• Cookie/Bars: Oreos (original or double stuffed Nabisco), Animal Cookies unfrosted (Barnum’s), Rice Krispy Treats (Kellogg’s), Kellogg’s cereal (without nuts), Chips ahoy original, Nutrigrain bars. ALL COOKIES MUST BE FROM NUT FREE FACILITY
• Candy: Hershey Milk Chocolate Kisses (plain only), Tootsie Rolls (name brand), Tootsie Roll Suckers, Skittles, Starbursts, Lifesavers, Wonka Nerds, Smarties, Twizzlers, Welch's or Motts fruit snacks, Haribo Gold bears, Dum dums, Laffy Taffy, Swedish fish, Sour patch kids, Jolly ranchers, Jelly bellies, Dots

Keeping children home when they are too sick for school protects other students and staff from potential illness. If your child has any of the following symptoms, please keep him/her home, or make appropriate childcare arrangements. It will be necessary to pick your student up from school as soon as possible if he/she shows any of the following symptoms at school:

• Fever: temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. A child must not have a fever for 24 hours be­fore returning to school.
• Vomiting: a child should not return to school for 24 hours following the last episode of vomiting.
• Scabies: Children with scabies can return to school after treatment.
• Diarrhea: more than one watery stool in a 24-hour period, especially if the child acts or looks ill.
• A chronic cough and/or a runny nose: continual coughing and greenish nasal discharge. Conditions may be contagious and may require treatment from your healthcare provider.
• A sore throat: especially with fever or swollen glands in the neck.
• Rash: body rash, especially with fever or itching.
• Ear infection: with fever. Without fever can attend school, but the child may need medical treatment and follow-up. Untreated ear infections can cause permanent hearing loss.
• Eye infection: pink eye (conjunctivitis) or thick mucus or pus draining from the eye.
• Unusual appearance, behavior: abnormally tired, pale, lack of appetite, difficult to wake, confused or irritable. This is sufficient reason to exclude a child from school.

24 HOUR FEVER POLICY: Please keep your child home for 24 hours following a fever. Students may return to school when they've been fever free for 24 hours without the use of medication.

24 HOUR VOMITING and DIARRHEA POLICY: Please keep your child home for 24 hours following the last episode of vomiting or diarrhea.

The district follows Washington Department of Health air quality guidelines when keeping students indoors. If air quality deteriorates, we will adjust in-school and out-of-school activities as indicated. Please familiarize yourself with these tools and be ready to adapt to possible changes in air quality.

Our staff will monitor Lakewood's air quality via https://www.airnow.gov/. All students stay inside if the AQI is above 150. Be sure to carefully monitor your email and phone for messages from your school about extracurricular activities and athletics.

See more details about children’s health, improving indoor air quality, and steps to reduce exposure in the Washington DOH Children and Youth Activities Guide for Air Quality.

In accordance with RCW49.60, the Lakewood School District does not discriminate in employment and schools. The Lakewood School District provides Equal Educational and Employment Opportunity without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, handicap/disability, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, religion, age, veteran or military status, use of a trained dog to guide or service animal by a person with a disability, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and designated youth groups. The district complies with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations to include, but not limited to, Title IX, Title VI of the Civil Rights Acts, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, RCW 49.60 “The Law Against Discrimination,” and RCW 28A.640 “Sex Equity,” and covers, but is not limited to, all district programs, courses, activities, including extracurricular activities, services, access to facilities, etc. Inquiries regarding compliance procedures should be directed to Lakewood School District, 17110 16th Drive NE, Marysville, WA 98271, Attention: Title IX and Civil Rights Officer, Timothy Haines, 360-652-4500, thaines@lwsd.wednet.edu or ADA Compliance Officer and Section 504 Compliance Officer, Lissan Wipfli, 360-652-4500, lwipfli@lwsd.wednet.edu.

The Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO) is an independent state agency that helps to reduce educational opportunity gaps by supporting families, students, educators, and other stakeholders in communities across Washington in understanding the K-12 school system and resolving concerns collaboratively. OEO services are free and confidential. Anyone can contact OEO with a question or concern about school.

OEO listens, shares information and referrals, and works informally with families, communities, and schools to address concerns so that every student can fully participate and thrive in our state’s public schools. OEO provides support in multiple languages and has telephone interpretation available. To get help or learn more about what OEO does, please visit: https://www.oeo.wa.gov/en; email oeoinfo@wa.gov, or call: 1-866-297-2597 (interpretation available).

Family Access

Parents can have Internet access to their student's information using a feature called Skyward Family and Student Access. Using Family Access, parents can access student information details about their student, attendance records, health information, assessment results, schedule information, and other details concerning their student's school record. Parents with students at the secondary level also can view their student's grade point average, transcript, and progress toward graduation. If you need help accessing your student's records through Family Access, please contact your school.

Release Of Directory Information

A federal law called the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) gives schools and school districts the authority to publish directory information about students and make directory information available to certain people or institutions, such as the news media and colleges. Directory information includes basic information about a student, such as the student's first and last name; photographic and electronic images; parent email address; dates of school attendance; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; weight and height of members of athletic teams; degrees, honors, and awards received; and the most recent school attended. (Lakewood School District will not release directory information for commercial purposes.) Parents and guardians have the right to tell the school district and its schools to keep private any directory information about their child. "Do Not Release Directory Information" is included in each student's registration packet and returning student forms annually. The form is also available on the school district's website. A new Privacy Rights form should be submitted each year. You also have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if you believe Lakewood School District has failed to comply with the requirements of FERPA. For more information, call 360-652-4500.

Student Records

You may review your child's records by making a request to the principal. Students over 18 years of age may make such requests personally. If you feel an item in the record is not accurate or is misleading, you may ask to have it corrected or you can add your comments to the record. You may discuss the accuracy of the records with the principal and, if necessary, request a hearing with the superintendent. Release of student records is by written request only and with parent or guardian consent, except when a student transfers to another educational institution. For more information, call your child's school.

Release of Information to Military Recruiters

Federal law requires high schools to provide military recruiters with the names and addresses of 11th and 12th grade students. Parents have the right to request that their child's name be omitted from that list. If you object to your child's name being provided to military recruiters, please check the appropriate box and sign a form called "Do Not Release Directory Information," which is included in each student's registration packet and returning student forms annually. The form is also available on the school district's website. The military recruiters usually request the names of high school juniors and seniors in the fall, so parents objecting to the release of their child's name and address should submit the form as soon as possible after the school year has begun.

Taking Photos of Students

Parents have the right to protect the privacy of their child. See the notice above regarding the release of Directory Information. Parents and others who may take photographs at school events are asked to be aware that some students cannot be photographed while at school and should seek the permission of the child's parents before posting a photo of any student on the Internet or using such a photo for any other purpose.

District Website

Lakewood School District's website contains a great deal of information about school events and activities, news, and many other features. The website can be reached at www.lwsd.wednet.edu.

LWSD Mobile App

The LWSD mobile app gives students, staff, families and the community a convenient way to stay informed about what's happening in our schools. The free app gives you access to news, district and school calendars, notifications, staff contact information and more. You can customize the app so you receive information specific to your student's school. Our mobile app is available free for Android, iPhone, and iPad. Searching for LWSD in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. 

Social Media

Lakewood School District’s use of social media is limited to promoting its mission and goals. While the District may allow approved third-party content on its social media sites, accounts, and profiles, it does not intend to create open public forums. District social media sites, accounts, and profiles that permit third party posts and comments are limited public forums moderated by District employees. All posted content (comments, photos, links, etc.) must be related to District programs, issues, events, and activities. See our full Social Media Terms of Use on our website.

Family Notification System

The school district uses a family notification system called Finalsite Mass Notifications to send important messages to families via telephone, text, and email about a child's attendance at school, nutrition service balances, as well as important information when school is canceled or the start of school is delayed. This automated system uses the contact information that is listed in a child's student records in Skyward. Please make sure that your child's school has accurate contact information. Early-morning announcements about school closures or delays will be sent by email and text message, not by telephone. Additionally, the district will update the website, district Facebook page, FlashAlert, and the LWSD Mobile App.

School Performance Reports

Both state and federal law require school districts to publish report cards that contain specific data highlighting the progress of its schools. Performance Reports outlining each school's mission, enrollment and attendance statistics, student scores on mandated tests, and other information are distributed to parents early in the school year and are posted on the school district's website. Federal law also requires schools to provide disaggregated data on state assessments, teacher qualifications, and other data. Much of that information is supplied by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and can be accessed at https://washingtonstatereportcard.ospi.kl2.wa.us/. A printed version can be requested by calling the District Office at 360-652-4500.

Visiting School Campus

Visitors are welcome at school. For safety and security reasons, visitors are required to check in at the school office each time they arrive on campus. See Volunteer Opportunities for more information.

Civility

Lakewood School District staff members will treat parents and other members of the public with respect and will expect the same in return. The school district encourages positive communication with the public. Any person who uses abusive, hostile, or obscene speech, disrupts school or office operations, willfully causes property damage, or who threatens the health and safety of students or staff, will be politely asked to communicate civilly or will be directed to leave school property.

All parents have the right to information about their child’s education in a language they understand. When your child enrolls in school, the school will ask you about the language you would like to use when communicating with the school. This helps your school identify your language needs so they can provide an interpreter or translated documents, free of charge.

What you can expect

You are an important part of your child’s education!

The school will communicate with you—in your language—about your child’s education. This includes translated documents, a language interpreter for meetings and conversations, and information that is easily accessible through the translation feature on the LWSD website. Email communication is also translated to a parent’s preferred language automatically through the district’s Blackboard notification system. Email newsletters created in Smore have a Translation button at the top. Please contact your school if you are not receiving emails in your preferred language or have any questions.

Meetings and conversations with teachers and school employees

When you talk with teachers or school employees, the school will offer an interpreter if you need one. This includes parent–teacher conferences, meetings about special education, or any other conversations about your child’s education.

Your school may provide interpreters over the phone or over Zoom using a service called Language Link. 

For brief questions and conversations, all schools and district buildings have language tablets to help with 2-way conversations in real time. For longer conversations, school staff will usually use Language Link interpreter services. Families can request Language Link interpreter services at any time. 

Have questions or concerns? Need support?

If you have any questions or would like to request an interpreter, your school can help. You can ask anyone in the school for help, or you can ask these staff members:

• Kristina Bowman, Language Access Liaison, kbowman@lwsd.wednet.edu  
• Sophia Deogun, interpreter requests for district events, sdeogun@lwsd.wednet.edu
• Tim Haines, Civil Rights Compliance Officer, thaines@lwsd.wednet.edu

Volunteer Opportunities

Parents and community members can volunteer to serve on a variety of advisory committees, help teachers, tutor students, or assist in a school office. To ensure that there is a positive and respectful working and learning environment for students, the school district requires that volunteers complete an online application and read information about becoming a volunteer. The information and application are available on our website. All volunteers must be approved before the volunteer can begin service to the school. Applications are good for two years. For more information about volunteering, call your child's school. Non-school-age siblings may not attend while parents are volunteering.

Request to Distribute Information/Community Flyers

A variety of education and youth-related information comes to the district with the request that it be distributed through the schools. As stated in Board Policy 4060, materials from non-profit organizations that are perceived as appropriate for families and provide a service or event information that would be of interest to families may be approved for distribution to students in accordance with procedures developed by the superintendent.

Our district cooperates with approved non-profit community partners and government entities by posting e-flyers online and distributing them electronically to families through our service provider, Peachjar. Look for the Peachjar button on your school's website or district homepage. Materials will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The district neither endorses nor guarantees the accuracy of the information in the materials provided. For more information, call the District Office at 360-652-4500.

Community Use of School Facilities

Classrooms, libraries, gyms, and athletic fields can be used for evening and weekend meetings and activities. A fee may be assessed depending upon the nature of the request. See Board Policy #4260. Activities sponsored by the school district, including curricular and co-curricular functions, always have first priority. Authorization for the use of school facilities shall not be considered as an endorsement of, or approval of, the group or organization, nor for the purposes it represents. Facility use applications must be submitted. The policy and application are available on the district website. To request the use of school district facilities, please call or email Julie Harrison, Facilities Administrative Assistant at 360-652-4503.

Classic Cougar Club

Lifetime membership in the Classic Cougar Club is offered in appreciation for the support senior citizens provide to Lakewood schools. The Classic Cougar membership card entitles senior citizens to be admitted to most "home" athletic and scholastic events offered by Lakewood School District. The card cannot be used for athletic playoff games or state-sponsored athletic events. To receive a Classic Cougar Club card, complete the application on our website,  /Domain/61 or call 360-652-4500.

Lakewood Education Foundation

Lakewood Education Foundation (LEF) is an independent, non-profit organization working with Lakewood School District (LWSD) to ensure the leadership and resources essential for educational advancement and for preparation of Lakewood students for success now and in the future. LEF raises funds that will be used for scholarships, student care fund requests, and educator grants. Contributions to Lakewood Education Foundation are tax-deductible. If you have any questions about LEF programs, email lakewoodedufoundation@gmail.com or visit the website at www.lakewoodedufoundation.org.

What is the School Board?

The Lakewood School Board establishes policy for the school district, adopts the annual operating budgets, hires the superintendent, employs school personnel as recommended by the superintendent, and exercises other powers that are established by Washington state law. The school board consists of five citizens who reside within the school district area and who are elected by voters to serve four-year terms in office.

Board Meetings and Minutes

The Lakewood School Board will typically hold two meetings each month throughout the year, with a few exceptions during holidays and breaks. The times and locations of all board meetings are posted on the school district's website. The agenda of each general meeting is available on the website. The agenda is posted three business days prior to the Wednesday meeting. The regular meeting agenda also can be requested by calling the superintendent's office at 360-652-4500. Minutes of past meetings are posted on the district's website after they have been approved by the board.

School District Finances

The money used to educate students in Lakewood School District comes from three primary sources: the state of Washington, the federal government, and local property taxes. The school district receives more than two-thirds of its operating revenue from the state of Washington, which appropriates money to school districts to fund basic education and certain categorical programs. The state money is allocated generally based on enrollment or the number of students served by special programs. The federal government provides some funding for activities such as special education, programs for disadvantaged students, programs for students who are learning English, and school lunches and breakfasts for low-income students. A voter-approved Educational Programs and Operations Levy pays for programs and activities that are not funded by the state.

Among the items funded by this levy are: curriculum, facility maintenance and upkeep, student athletics and activities, safety and emergency preparedness, health and counseling services, additional resources for special needs students, staff professional development, technology updates and expansion, teacher and support staff compensation and benefits beyond state funding levels. A local property tax levy approved by voters allows Lakewood School District to collect levy funds for this purpose.

The Capital Improvements and Safety Levy provides funding to improve existing facilities and upgrade safety systems.

Large construction projects are typically funded through the sale of construction bonds, which must be approved by a super majority (60%) of voters.

More details about where district funding comes from and how it is spent is available in the district's Citizen’s Guide to the Budget.

Public Records

Lakewood School District affords the public full access to information concerning the administration and operations of the district, as provided by the state's Public Disclosure Law. Local practice is outlined in the procedure and form for Board Policy 4040, which is available on the school district's website. For more information, call our district office at 360-652-4500.

Resolving Complaints

We try hard to satisfy everybody, but there may be a time when you are not happy with a decision or the way something was done. If you find yourself in such a situation, we ask that you first take your concern to the person closest to the problem. If you have a concern about something that took place in your child's classroom, for example, we ask that you first discuss the problem with the teacher. You should not take your complaint directly to the Lakewood School Board. As a policy, the Board will not hear comments directed against students or employees of the school district, including those made through inference or implication, while it is in open public session.

The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AH ERA) of 1986 requires each school to be inspected to identify any asbestos-containing building materials, and for any such suspected materials to be located, sampled (or assumed), and rated according to condition and potential hazard. Every three years, the district conducts a re-inspection to determine whether the condition of the known or assumed asbestos-containing materials have changed, and to make recommendations on managing or removing the materials. A walkthrough inspection is also made every six months. The following buildings contain no asbestos-containing materials, therefore no operations and maintenance programs or future inspections are required: Cougar Creek Elementary, English Crossing Elementary, Lakewood High School and Lakewood Middle School additions. It is the intention of the district to comply with all federal and state regulations controlling asbestos and to take whatever steps necessary to ensure students and employees a healthy and safe environment in which to learn and work. AH ERA manuals are available at sites where asbestos remains. If you have questions regarding the District's Asbestos Management contact Alex VanDuine, Facilities Supervisor, at (360) 652-4503. 

Voter registration forms are available in all school offices or you may register online at votewa.gov:

• Director District 1: Steven Larson (Term Expires 2025)
• Director District 2: Sandy Gotts (Term Expires 2025)
• Director District 3: Dana Krueger (Term Expires 2027)
• Director District 4: Dawn Taylor (Term Expires 2027)
• Director District 5: Leah Tocco (Term Expires 2027)

• Superintendent: Dr. Erin Murphy
• Executive Director of Human Resources & Student Services: Timothy Haines
• Executive Director of Special Education: Lissan Wipfli
• Executive Director of Teaching and Learning: Bryan Toutant
• Director of Teaching and Learning: Lynn Konkol
• Executive Director of Finance & Operations: James Peckham
• Director of Technology: Baldeep Singh
• Communications Specialist: Kristina Courtnage Bowman
• Transportation Supervisor: Sheri Sandquist
• Facilities Supervisor: Alex VanDuine
• LHS Athletic Director: Amy Hendry
• LMS Athletic Director: James Barth