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Edgenuity Family Handbook

Lakewood Online Academy with Imagine Edgenuity Family Handbook

*Need help with the Imagine Edgenuity system? Please call: (877) 202-0338 for assistance.
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Welcome to Lakewood Online Academy with Imagine Edgenuity!

We want to thank you for choosing our program to support your student in their educational goals. Established in 2020, Lakewood Online Academy with Imagine Edgenuity serves students in grades 6-12 in an online instructional format under alternative learning experience (ALE) guidelines. As part of the Lakewood School District, we must comply with all state education rules and regulations. Our staff, who we call Edgenuity Coaches, look forward to serving the individual needs of students in the Lakewood School District.

Our mission is to provide a high quality, educational experience with a more flexible schedule. We know that each student is an individual and that the needs of each unique student will not be met with a one-size-fits-all approach. All students are provided a written student learning plan which specifies which courses they are taking, outlines our policies and procedures, and is used as a guideline for student success.

At Lakewood Online Academy with Imagine Edgenuity, we provide our curriculum entirely online through Imagine Edgenuity. Imagine Edgenuity is a video-based curriculum with built-in activities. Imagine Edgenuity is a leading provider of online curriculum and blended learning solutions. Our goal is for students to practice valuable twenty-first century skills such as critical thinking, analysis and synthesis of resources, and digital creativity.

The Lakewood Online Academy with Imagine Edgenuity prides itself on providing a caring and safe environment where all students and families are treated with respect and flexibility to meet their needs. As a program, we will continuously work to meet the needs of our students. We appreciate feedback and view our students and families as part of our team in regard to student success.

Thank you for your partnership in this learning opportunity.

Best regards,
Lynn Konkol
Director of Teaching & Learning
Lakewood School District
lkonkol@lwsd.wednet.edu

Student eLearning Quick Information Guide

Important Information:

  • Full-time students, regardless of the number of courses, should be spending approximately 28 hours per week on their course work.
  • Weekly two-way communication between the student and Edgenuity Coach is required. This includes attending synchronous instruction, email, phone conversation, or text. Student and coach weekly communication is required by the Washington State rules of ALE and we also hope to continue with positive communication with families as well.
  • To earn a satisfactory monthly evaluation, students need to engage in weekly contact with their Coach. Students are expected to attend their designated time and discuss their progress, goals, and any questions they have for their courses each and every school week.
  • If a student completes under 28 hours per week and doesn’t communicate and/or met with weekly meetings with the Coach, then the student receives an unsatisfactory monthly evaluation, they need to respond back to the email they receive and follow the directions within the due dates listed in the email.

Contact Information:

Important Dates: Please check our calendar and newsletter for all updated information.

SECONDARY

  • End of first semester January 23rd
  • End of second semester: June 16th 

Student FAQs

What are the requirements of an alternative learning experience (ALE)?

  1. Written Student Learning Plan (WSLP)-Created by your Edgenuity Coach in tandem with your parents, counselors and you that outlines an individual learning plan based on state standards for each student.
  2. Weekly Contact-This is documented two-way direct communication between parents (elementary), students (secondary) and Coaches where the purpose is to discuss academic progress and serves as their attendance for the week.
  3. Monthly Evaluation-Once a month, Edgenuity Coaches are required to create a monthly evaluation of student progress toward the goals outlined in their WSLP. This information is obtained through weekly contacts. Progress in Imagine Edgenuity and SeeSaw/MS Teams.

How will my courses be scheduled?

Courses are scheduled on a semester or year-long basis and are chosen by graduation requirements that need to be met in consultation with your counselor and your Edgenuity Coach.

What happens if I finish my course/learning path early?

If you finish your courses/learning path early, please contact your Edgenuity Coach and let them know you are ready for your next course in your yearlong plan. They will enroll you in the next course.

What happens if I don’t finish my course/learning path by my end-date?

The answer to this question depends on the time of the year and how far you have made it in your course. The first step will be to contact your Coach and discuss a plan for completing your course/learning path.

How does state testing work with Lakewood Online Academy with Imagine Edgenuity?

Students will take the same assessments in the Online Academy as they would in the in-person school model. Your Coach will email you approximately two weeks prior to the test and let you know that you need to attend the test session on site. If you do not receive an email within one week of the testing session, and you think you should be testing, please contact your Edgenuity Coach to see if you should attend.

What do I write for required weekly contact to my teacher(s)?

In your weekly emails, you must include course-specific goals and, if behind, clear and specific plans for catching up (example: what days you will work that week and for how long each day).

Example of course-specific weekly contact:

  • Today in ____________ class, I am ____percent complete. The target completion is ____________. This means I am _________(on track, ahead, behind). My goal for this week is ______________.
  • If behind: I am ____ percent behind where I should be. My plan for catching up is ____________.

Example: Today in English 9, I am 45% complete. The target completion is 40%. This means I am ahead! My goal for the week is to stay on track each school day and get ahead, if possible.

Example: Today in English 9, I am 30% complete. The target completion is 40%. This means I am 10% behind. My plan for catching up is to spend one and a half hours working on coursework each school day instead of one hour. If I’m not caught up by Friday, I will be spending as much time as needed on Saturday to get fully caught up so that by next Monday, I am no longer behind.

What is my Written Student Learning Plan (WSLP)?

The WSLP is a required document that outlines important information about you including your name, grade, requirements for satisfactory progress, and course information for the year. We will be sending this document to students and families. It will be updated as students finish their courses and start new ones. Staff will maintain the updates of this document, but students and families will have access to it at any time.

What is my course map, and how do I get to it?

Your course map is a useful tool in Imagine Edgenuity that shows you which assignments you need to complete in every class, every day, to stay on track. It also shows you past assignments that were already due (and whether you have completed them), and future assignments as well. To get to the course map, simply go to your dashboard and click on any class.

Family FAQs for Supporting your Online Student

How much time should my student be spending on their course and how do I check their time?

Full-time students should be spending 28 hours per week on their coursework. You can check to make sure your student is spending enough time on their course(s) through your family portal account. Check under “Attendance Log”.

How do I know if my student is making progress?

A weekly progress report will be sent via email. Your student should be either green (on target) or blue (ahead). You can also use your family portal account at any time to check your student’s progress (See page 10 for instructions).

What happens if my student states they are “locked” out of their course?

Students can take assessments (quizzes or tests) up to two times. If a student fails on the second try, the prior lesson/unit will be reset so the student can review. Suggestions to help your student if this occurs:

  • Remind your student to contact their Coach as soon as this occurs but we are always checking M-F during normal school hours. Also, they can take additional notes, study past quizzes if it’s for a test, and use other supports as discussed with Coaches throughout the year. They can also work on work from another class until the quiz/test is reset for another try.
  • Slow down, review your notes, review lesson information and take more notes.

What is the Lakewood Online Academy with Imagine Edgenuity attendance requirements?

All students must make weekly contact with their Edgenuity Coach around their schoolwork via email, phone, Zoom or text.

How can I help keep my student stay on track?

You can do this by being proactive with your student:

  • checking their progress
  • paying attention to time spent on courses
  • having discussions about where they are struggling
  • establishing and keeping a schedule

What if my student has a hybrid schedule (in-person and online)?

Students who choose a hybrid option forfeit access to school-provided transportation. Transportation to and from classes in the building each day will be the family’s responsibility.

Family Portal Guide

Introduction

The Family Portal is a site that allows families access to current information about their student’s progress and performance. Families will be able to see a range of information such as how much time the student has spent working on their courses, what their grades are, and if they are on track to finish their courses on time.

The Family Portal can be accessed at https://auth.edgenuity.com/Login/Login/Family

Family Portal Setup and Use

The Family Portal feature must be enabled by your student’s Edgenuity Coach. An access code will be provided to you by your Coach to use in the registration process.

Once you receive the email below, you can start the registration process.

 

Family Portal confirmation message

 

Clicking on the link in the email will begin the registration process. At this point, you will be prompted to enter in the email address where you received the notification email, along with the activation code you were provided by your Edgenuity Coach.

 

Verify Student screenshot

 

 

Create your account

 

With the account now generated, you will automatically be logged into the Family Portal. Once you are logged in, you will be able to see a listing for all students that are associated with your account. You also can view the Attendance Log and/or Progress Report for any of your associated students. It’s helpful to bookmark this page in your browser for future use.

 

Edgenuity screenshot

 

The Family Portal site contains explanations for all the information you’ll be able to find, such as the attendance log, progress reports, and more, so that you can understand all the details about how your student is doing.

Logging into the Family Portal

When you return to the Family Portal at https://auth.edgenuity.com/Login/Login/Family, you can log in using your email address and the password you created. If you have trouble remembering your password, you can click the Forgot your password link, enter your email address, and your password will be emailed to you.

 

Family screenshot

 

Make a note of your Activation Code. 

Understanding Your Student’s Progress Report

Introduction

Knowing how your student is performing in their courses is something important to all families. We want to make sure that you have access to that information and that you know how to interpret it.

How to Receive Progress Reports via Email

Your student’s progress report will be sent to you, via email weekly on Monday mornings.

If you are not yet receiving your student’s progress report, contact your student’s Coach and provide the following information:

  1. Your student’s name
  2. Your name
  3. Your email address

Understanding the Progress Report

Students also see this same progress report each time they log into the Virtual Classroom to perform work in their courses. Imagine Edgenuity is dedicated to ensuring that students, as well as families, always know how they are performing in their course work.

 

screenshot of class dashboard

 

NAME OF COURSE: At the top of the report, you will see the name of the course.

COURSE COMPLETED: There are three elements in the Course Completed section that advise you on the progress your student is making in that specific course:

  1. Course Completed percentage: Indicates how much of the course a student has completed, working towards the goal of 100% completion.
  2. Color coded completion squares: Indicate what the colors in the square blocks just below the Course Completed percentage represent:
      • Red: Your student is falling behind in the course
      • Blue: Your student is on track with the course
      • Green: Your student is ahead of schedule in the course

3. Target Completion: Indicates how far along in the course the student should be.

OVERALL GRADE: The grade your student has earned thus far in the course, based on all activities and assessments he or she has completed:

  1. Overall Grade percentage: Percentage grade based on a 0%–100% scale.
  2. Color coded grade squares: Quick-reference colors to indicate what your student’s grade is in the course(s):
  • Red: Indicates a grade between 0%–59%
  • Orange: Indicates a grade between 60%–69%
  • Yellow Indicates a grade between 70%–79%
  • Olive: Indicates a grade between 80%–89%
  • Green: Indicates a grade between 90%–100%

COMPLETE COUNT: Indicates the percent of the course completed, calculated by the number of assignments completed vs. the total number of assignments in the course (this number may be slightly different than the Course Completed percentage).

RELATIVE GRADE: Represents the grade that your student would receive if he or she stopped working in that course today and received 0% for all unfinished activities.

ACTUAL GRADE: Represents the overall grade adjusted for progress. This grade will be lower than the Overall Grade if your student is behind in the course; it will be the same as the Overall Grade if your student is on time or ahead of schedule in the course.

TARGET COMPLETION: This is the percentage of the course the student should have completed based on the start and target dates set by the teacher.

TAKEN: This shows the number of activities, by category, completed by the student.

TOTAL: This shows the number of activities, by category, assigned in the course.

GRADED: This shows the number of activities, by category, that count toward the student’s grade. By default, activities such as Vocabulary and Lectures do not factor into the grade; this is why the Graded number is lower than the Taken number.

SCORE: This shows the average grades for each type of activity that the student has completed.

WEIGHT: This shows how the grade values of the different activity categories combine to form the overall grade.

*Note: Elementary end-of-year report cards will be assigned a 1-4 score by subject. *Note: Secondary end-of-year report cards will follow the scale below by subject.

GRADING SCALE

  • A 100%-93%
  • A -92%-90%
  • B+ 89%-87%
  • B 86%-83%
  • B-82%-80%
  • C+ 79%-77%
  • C 76%-73%
  • C-72%-70%
  • D+ 69%-67%
  • D 66%-60%
  • F 59% and below

We are a team, so if you are having any issues, please do not hesitate to schedule a meeting with your student’s Edgenuity Coach.

Lakewood Online Academy with Imagine Edgenuity Academic Intervention Policy

One requirement to remain in good standing with Online Academy is to stay on-track or ahead in all classes. It is very important that students make sure they log in regularly and are where they should be in their courses each day.

If a student falls behind a certain percentage in any class, there are interventions that their coach will implement to help the student get back on track. Note that this process will be completed for every class the student is enrolled in. For example, if the student is enrolled in three classes, and is behind in three classes, then this process will be followed for each class. Below is a list of percentages behind and what intervention follows.

  • 0-14% behind: Student is considered in good academic standing.
  • 15-24% behind: Coach will email the student and families to alert them that the student is falling behind in the course and is in danger. It is expected that students and families talk together about a plan for catching up.
  • 25-34% behind: Coach will call the student and family and discuss the student’s progress, ideas for catching up and making further progress, and letting the student and family know that if the student reaches more than 35% behind, they will be required to attend a Zoom intervention meeting.
  • 35% or more behind: Coach will call student and family and arrange an in-person or ZOOM academic intervention meeting that both are required to attend if the student is younger than 18. During this meeting, their Imagine Edgenuity Coach, counselor, and school administrator will talk with student/family about any issues/struggles that are occurring with course work, and create measurable goals for a two-week follow up.
  • After two-week follow up: If student still has not made adequate progress on goals created during the in-person intervention meeting, student’s counselor will be notified and student is at risk for not earning credit for the course and/or being withdrawn from Online Academy.

Weekly Contact

  • Students must have weekly contact with their Edgenuity Coach. All student contact must be educational and instructional in nature. This can include communication through email coming to weekly meetings, text or phone calls, and Zoom. This is a requirement of the state of Washington. All our students are encouraged to Zoom with peer tutors or their Coach to get support in their courses. Parent/Guardian contact does not count towards weekly contact for secondary.

Plagiarism policy

  • Plagiarism, including not citing sources, will not be tolerated. Plagiarism is defined as the practice of taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as one's own. Students will be given an opportunity to redo an assignment that is found to contain anyone else’s work without giving due credit or consists entirely of someone else’s work. Repeated offenses will warrant a disciplinary meeting with the student involved, the student’s online coach, parents/guardians, and eventually, an administrator should the problem persist. A course will not be considered complete until an honest attempt is made of each assignment with the student’s own ideas. This policy is an especially important part of the online learning environment and will be enforced as assessments rely heavily on written work.

 

Our School Protects Students from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB)

We strive to make our school a safe and inclusive environment where all students are protected from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB), including in the classroom, on the school bus, in school sports, and during other school activities. This section explains what HIB is, what to do when you see or experience it, and how our school responds to it.

What is HIB?

State law (RCW 28A.600.477(5)(b)(i)) defines HIB as “any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act including, but not limited to, one shown to be motivated by any characteristic in RCW 28A.640.010 and 28A.642.010 (discrimination based on a protected status) or other distinguishing characteristics, when the intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act:

  1. Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property;
  2. Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education;
  3. Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or
  4. Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.”

HIB often involves one student having, or appearing to have, more power than another student. While HIB often appears as repeated behaviors, it is important to take single serious incidents seriously. It usually happens more than once or is very likely to happen again. HIB is against the law in our schools.

HIB policy only applies to actions between students. It does not cover harassment, intimidation, or bullying of an employee, volunteer, parent/legal guardian, or community member.

How can I make a report about HIB?

Talk to any school staff member, start with whoever you feel most comfortable with, such as a teacher, counselor, coach, or other school staff. You can report HIB by telling school staff in person or in writing (written reports can be made in your home language; please ask your school or district for support with translation). You can make your report anonymously/without giving your name or confidentially (asking that your name not be shared with other students or parents/caregivers involved). No student will be disciplined based only on an anonymous or confidential report.

If a staff member learns about, sees, or hears HIB happening, they must act quickly to stop the behavior(s) and keep it or them from happening again. Our district also has a HIB Compliance Officer (Tim Haines, Executive Director of HR & Student Services, at 360-652-4500) who helps prevent and respond to HIB.

What happens after I make a report about HIB?

When you report HIB, school staff must act quickly to stop the behavior and prevent it from happening again. If you and the school agree the problem is resolved, then no further action may be needed. But, if you feel that you or someone you know is facing HIB that is unresolved, severe, or keeps happening, you should ask for an official HIB investigation by completing an Incident Reporting Form.

The school must also make sure that students who report HIB are not treated badly for speaking up. This is called retaliation, and it is not allowed.

What is the investigation process?

The HIB investigation begins if you submit the HIB Incident Report Form, and the incident meets the definition of HIB toward a student. When you submit the Incident Reporting Form, the HIB Compliance Officer or the staff member leading the investigation must notify the families of the students involved that a complaint was received. They must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The investigation is usually finished within five school days. If it takes longer, the school will keep you updated, generally once a week, until it is done.

When the investigation is complete, the HIB Compliance Officer or the staff member leading the investigation must share the results with you within two school days.

This response should include:

  • A summary of what the investigation found
  • A decision about whether the HIB was substantiated (found to have happened)
  • Any steps the school will take to address the problem
  • Clear information about how you can appeal the decision

If HIB is confirmed, the school will address it.

What are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome?

For the student named as the “targeted student” in a complaint:

If you disagree with the school district’s decision, you may appeal. To appeal, send a written request asking the superintendent (or the person they've assigned) to review the investigation. They will send you a written decision.

For the student named as the “aggressor” in a complaint:

A student found to be an “aggressor” in a HIB complaint may not appeal the decision of the investigation itself. They can, however, appeal any corrective actions (consequences) that come from the HIB investigation findings.

What information may I have about other students?

Student privacy laws limit what the school can tell you about any intervention or discipline given to another student. You will be told whether HIB was found to have happened and that steps were taken, even if the details of those steps impacting all students involved cannot be shared.

For more information about the HIB complaint process, including important timelines, please see the district’s HIB webpage or the district’s HIB Policy #3207 and Procedure #3207P.

How do I make a HIB complaint about a staff member?

This process is for concerns about one student harassing, intimidating, or bullying another student. If your concern is about a staff member's behavior, ask your school for information on how to report it.

Our School Stands Against Discrimination

Discrimination can happen when someone is treated differently or unfairly because of a protected status, including their race, ethnicity, color, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, homelessness, religion, creed, disability, neurodivergence, use of a service animal, or veteran or military status.

What is discriminatory harassment?

Discriminatory harassment can include teasing and name-calling; graphic and written statements; or other behavior that is threatening, harmful, or humiliating. It happens when the behavior is based on a student’s protected status and is serious enough to create a hostile environment. A hostile environment is created when behavior is so severe, pervasive, or persistent that it limits a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the school’s services, activities, or opportunities.

To review the district’s Nondiscrimination Policy #3210 and Procedure #3210P, view our Board Policies.

What is sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment is unwelcome behavior or communication that is sexual in nature and seriously interferes with a student's educational performance or creates an intimidating or hostile environment. Sexual harassment can also occur when a student is led to believe they must accept unwelcome sexual behavior or communication to receive something in return, such as a better grade or a place on a sports team.

Examples of sexual harassment include:

  • Pressuring a person for sexual actions or favors.
  • Unwelcome sexual touching.
  • Written, graphic, or electronic messages that are sexual in nature.
  • Sharing sexually explicit texts, emails, or pictures.
  • Making sexual jokes, spreading sexual rumors, or making suggestive comments.
  • Physical violence, including rape and sexual assault.

Our school does not discriminate based on sex. We prohibit sex discrimination in all education programs, activities, and employment, as required by Title IX and state law.

To review the district’s Sexual Harassment Policy #3205 and Procedure #3205P, view our Board Policies.

What should my school do about discriminatory and sexual harassment?

When a school learns about possible discriminatory harassment or sexual harassment, it must investigate and take steps to stop the unwanted behavior. The school must address any effects of the harassment on the student at school, including eliminating the hostile environment, and prevent the harassment from happening again.

What can I do if I’m concerned about discrimination or harassment?

Talk to a Coordinator or submit a written complaint. You may contact the following school district staff to report your concerns, ask questions, or learn more about how to resolve your concerns. If English isn’t your first language, you can request an interpreter or prepare the complaint in your language. If you have a disability and need accommodations to make a complaint, let the school know your disability needs.

  • Concerns about discrimination:
    • Civil Rights Coordinator: Timothy Haines, PO Box 220, N. Lakewood, WA 98259, 360-652-4500, thaines@lwsd.wednet.edu
  • Concerns about sex discrimination, including sexual harassment: 
    • Title IX Coordinator:  Timothy Haines, PO Box 220, N. Lakewood, WA 98259, 360-652-4500, thaines@lwsd.wednet.edu
  • Concerns about disability discrimination:
    • Section 504 Coordinator: Lissan Wipfli, PO Box 220, N. Lakewood, WA 98259, 360-652-4500, lwipfli@lwsd.wednet.edu
  • Concerns about discrimination based on gender identity: 
    • Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Timothy Haines, PO Box 220, N. Lakewood, WA 98259, 360-652-4500, thaines@lwsd.wednet.edu

To submit a written complaint, describe the behavior or incident that you believe may be discriminatory. Send it by mail, fax, email, or hand delivery to the school principal, district superintendent, or civil rights coordinator. Submit the complaint as soon as possible so the school district can investigate it promptly. You must submit your complaint within one year of the behavior or incident.

What happens after I file a discrimination complaint?

The Civil Rights Coordinator will give you a copy of the school district’s discrimination complaint procedure. The Civil Rights Coordinator will make sure your complaint is investigated promptly and thoroughly. The investigation will be completed within 30 calendar days unless you agree to a different timeline. If exceptional circumstances require more time, the Civil Rights Coordinator will notify you in writing and tell you the expected date for the response.

When the investigation is complete, the school district superintendent or the staff member leading the investigation will send you a written response. The response will include:

  • A summary of the investigation results.
  • A determination of whether the school district failed to comply with civil rights laws.
  • Any corrective actions or remedies that are needed.
  • Information about how to appeal the decision.

What are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome?

If you disagree with the decision about your complaint, you may appeal the decision to the school district’s board of directors and then to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). For more information about this process, including important deadlines, see the school district’s HIB webpage or the district’s HIB Policy #3207 and Procedure #3207P.

I already submitted a HIB complaint – what will my school do?

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying (HIB) can be discrimination if it is based on a protected status. If you give your school a written report of HIB that involves discrimination or sexual harassment, your school will notify the Civil Rights Coordinator. The school district will investigate the complaint using both the Nondiscrimination Procedure #3210P and the HIB Procedure #3207P to fully address your concerns.

Our School is Gender-Inclusive

In Washington, all students have the right to be treated consistent with their gender identity at school. Our school will:

  • Address students by their requested name and pronouns, whether or not they have legally changed their name.
  • Update students’ gender designation so they accurately reflected in school records.
  • Provide students with access to restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity.
  • Ensure students can participate in sports, physical education classes, field trips, and overnight trips consistent with their gender identity.
  • Keep students’ health and education information private and confidential.
  • Allow students to wear clothing that reflects their gender identity and enforce dress codes without regard to a student’s gender or perceived gender.
  • Create an inclusive, respectful environment and protect students from teasing, bullying, or harassment based on their gender or gender identity.

To review the district’s Gender-Inclusive Schools Policy #3211 and Procedure #3211P, view our Board Policies. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Timothy Haines, 360-652-4500, thaines@lwsd.wednet.edu.

For concerns about discrimination or discriminatory harassment based on gender identity or gender expression, please see the information above.

Our School is Committed to Students and State Law  

Students have the right to learn in schools that follow state law and protect their rights. Willful noncompliance happens when a school district leader or school board member does something—or fails to do something—that they knew, or reasonably should have known, would violate state law. Under ESHB 1296, OSPI is responsible for investigating complaints about willful noncompliance and working to find fair solutions. 

These laws include requirements related to:

  • Civil rights and nondiscrimination (RCWs 28A.640 and 28A.642)
  • Harassment, intimidation, or bullying (RCW 28A.600.477)
  • Curriculum requirements and instructional materials policies (RCWs 28A.150.230, 28A.300.475, 28A.320.170, 28A.320.230, and 28A.320.235)
  • Use of restraint or isolation (RCW 28A.600.485)
  • Student discipline (chapter 28A.600 RCW)

How do I make a complaint about willful noncompliance with state law?  

You must first use available complaint processes to try to resolve your concern. This means the available complaint processes start with your school district, even if the school district superintendent or a school board member is the subject of your complaints. School personnel are not allowed to retaliate for making a formal complaint.

If no available complaint processes are available, you must check OSPI's website for other OSPI complaint procedures at How to File a Complaint, and follow any applicable processes. If none exist, or you have completed all other processes, you must send written notice to the district superintendent at least 30 calendar days before filing a complaint with OSPI.

Complaints to OSPI must be submitted within 30 calendar days after a final decision in the local complaint process, when one applies. The complaint must be in writing and include enough information to describe the concern and the actions or failures to act that may be willful noncompliance. You may send the complaint by mail, email, or hand delivery to OSPI.

When OSPI receives a complaint that meets the requirements for investigation, it will open an investigation. OSPI will send you written notice of the allegations under investigation. After the investigation is complete, OSPI will issue written findings to you and your school. These findings will state whether noncompliance occurred and may require the school to take actions to fix the issue.

Who else can help with HIB, Discrimination, or Willful Noncompliance Concerns?

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)

All reports must start locally at the school or district level, even if the complaint involves the school or school district. School personnel should not retaliate against students or families for making a formal complaint.

OSPI can assist students, families, communities, and school staff with questions about state law, the HIB complaint process, and the discrimination and sexual harassment complaint processes, as well as complaints alleging willful noncompliance with state law under ESHB 1296. 

OSPI School Safety Center (For questions about harassment, intimidation, and bullying)

OSPI Equity and Civil Rights Office (For questions about discrimination and sexual harassment)

OSPI Office of Legal Affairs (For more details on the willful noncompliance complaint process)

Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO)

The Washington State Office of the Education Ombuds works with families, communities, and schools to help solve problems so every student can fully participate and thrive in Washington’s K-12 public schools. OEO provides informal conflict resolution, coaching, facilitation, and training on family and community engagement and systems advocacy.

U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

The U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces federal nondiscrimination laws in public schools, including those that prohibit discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, disability, and age. OCR also has a discrimination complaint process.

Our School is Committed to Safety at School Activities and Events

Washington State wants school activities and events, like athletic competitions, performances, and other extracurricular activities, to be safe for everyone who takes part in them or watches them.

What does state law say? 

Washington State law has long banned intimidation, force, and threats of violence at school events. ESB 5272 made those protections stronger. It now also covers officials and volunteers at extracurricular athletic activities, and it has created new consequences for breaking the law. For non-students, if they are convicted of a crime, they may be banned from school activities for up to 18 months, receive a fine, or go to jail for no more than 6 months. For students, other school consequences, including removal from school, may also apply under RCW 28A.600.015.

How is this different from HIB? 

This is different from our school's HIB policy, which deals with conduct between students through a school process. ESB 5272 covers more people and more situations and is enforced through criminal law and school discipline procedures instead of the school's HIB process.

The expectations in this section are broader. They apply to everyone at school activities — students, parents, and community members alike — and they cover behavior toward everyone involved, not just students. This section and the HIB section work together but cover different situations.

What should I do if I experience or witness this conduct?

  • Call 911 if there is an immediate safety concern
  • Report to a coach, event supervisor, school administrator, or other trusted adult as soon as possible. They can connect you with the right support and make sure the right steps are taken
  • If a student was the target of the conduct, you may also be able to file a report under our school’s HIB policy — see the HIB section of this handbook for more information

Who can I contact with questions?

For questions about safety at school events, contact your school principal. For questions about whether conduct student-to-student may also be HIB, contact the HIB Compliance Officer: Timothy Haines, 360-652-4500, thaines@lwsd.wednet.edu.