District policies and regulations can be viewed: by scrolling down through the different subject areas, or by clicking on the subjects below to jump immediately down to that subject.

PDF Title I Parent Involvement

PDF District Policies and Notifications for Parents

Parent and Student Rights in Administration of Surveys, Analysis, or Evaluations

Nondiscrimination Compliance

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Release of Student Information

CHILD FIND NOTICE

Information for Parents

Attendance Law

Drug/Alcohol Policy

Tobacco Free and Weapon Free Zone

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Student Conduct Policy

District Corrective Actions or Punishment

Bullying and Harassment

Sexual Harassment

No Child Left Behind Notification of Teacher Quality

Pesticide Notification, Posting and Record Keeping

Use of Pesticide Substances in the District

Application

Notification

 

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PARENT AND STUDENT RIGHTS IN ADMINISTRATION OF SURVEYS, ANALYSIS OR EVALUATIONS

All instructional materials, including supplementary materials and teacher's manuals, used with any survey, analysis or evaluation in a program or project supported by federal funds are available for inspection by parents and guardians. No student will be required as part of any project or program supported by federal funds to submit to survey, analysis or evaluation that reveals information concerning

A. Political affiliations

B. Potentially embarrassing mental or psychological problems

C. Sexual behavior and attitudes

D. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior

E. Critical appraisals of close family members

F. Privileged or similar relationships

G. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or student's parent; or

H. Income, other than information necessary to establish eligibility for a program; without the prior consent of adult or emancipated students, or written permission of parents.

The district shall make arrangements to protect student privacy during the administration of surveys and the collection, disclosure or use of personal information for marketing, sales or other distribution purposes.

Procedure

Right to Inspect

Parents, upon request, shall have the opportunity to inspect the following"

1. Surveys created by a third party before the survey is administered or distributed by a school to students:

2. Instructional materials used as part of the educational curriculum; and

3. Any survey document used to collect information from students.

Notice

At the beginning of each school year the district shall provide the emancipated student or parent notification in writing of the district policy and the specific or approximate dates of any student survey, analysis or evaluation scheduled during the school year.

Opt-Out

The notification shall include provisions to opt a student out of participating in:

1. Any protected information survey, regardless of funding.

2. Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or selling to others; or

3. Involving any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student.

Scheduled Surveys for the 2004-2005 School Year

The Aberdeen School District intends to participate in the Healthy Youth Survey 2004. This survey will be administered in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12 during the period from October 11-15, 2004.

 

 

Nondiscrimination Compliance

The Aberdeen School District complies with all federal and state regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender or disability. This holds true for all students who are interested in participating in educational programs and/or extracurricular activities. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the school district's Title IX/RCW 28A.640 Officer and/or Section 504/ADA Coordinator.

Title IX/RCW 28A.640 Officer: Anna Shanks

Address: 216 North G Street; Aberdeen, WA 98520

Telephone Number: (360) 538-2004

Section 504/ADA Coordinator: Shawn Dickson

Address: 216 North G Street; Aberdeen, WA 98520

Telephone Number: (360) 538-2017

 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

 FERPA affords parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. They are:

 1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the District receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal (or appropriate school official) a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

 2. The right to request the amendment of student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes is inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask the Aberdeen School District to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.

 If the District decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the District will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

 3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

 One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the District has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on a official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate education interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the District discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

 4. The right to file a complaint with the US Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:

 Family Policy Compliance Office,

US Department of Education,

600 Independence Avenue, SW.,

Washington DC 20202-4605

*State Law Qualification: Although FERPA allows 45 days to honor a request, the state policy records law requires an appropriate response to a "public records" request within five business days. RCW42.17.320

 

Release of Student Information

The district is prohibited from releasing any personally identifiable records or files about an individual student without written parental consent. However, the district may release a list of students belonging to a group (e.g., graduating seniors, etc.) A student's name will be excluded from a listing of students on written request by a parent. Information on a list may include:

• The student's name, address and telephone number
• Date and place of birth
• Major field of study
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Weight and height of members of athletic teams
• Dates of attendance
• Degrees and awards received and
• The most recent previous educational agency or institute attended by the student.

The district may also release photographs of students for public information purposed.

Parents may request that any or all of these categories of information, including personally identifiable photographs, not be release without their prior consent. To make such a request, please contact the principal at your child's school.

 

CHILD FIND NOTICE

Aberdeen and Cosmopolis School Districts are responsible for locating, evaluating, and identifying every student with any suspected disability (including students who attend private schools) who lives within the boundaries of the Aberdeen and Cosmopolis Schools and who is not currently receiving special education and related services.

Any child with a disability, from birth through age 21, may be eligible for special education and related services. For information about eligibility, please contact your neighborhood school or Aberdeen Special Services Department (538-2018) for further information.

This notice is intended to comply with the applicable requirements in WAC 392-172-100.

 

Information for Parents

If your family lives in any of the following situations:

1. In a shelter, motel, vehicle, or campground

2. On the street

3. In an abandoned building, trailer, or other inadequate accommodations, or

4. Doubled up with friends or relatives because you cannot find or afford housing

Then, your preschool-aged and school-aged children have certain rights or protections under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act.

Your children have the right to:

1. Go to school, no matter where you live or how long you have lived there. They must be given access to the same public education, including preschool education, provided to other children.

2. Continue in the school they attended before you became homeless or the school they last attended, if that is your choice and is feasible. If a school sends your child to a school other than the one you request, the school must provide you with a written explanation and offer you the right to appeal the decision.

3. Receive transportation to the school they attended before your family became homeless or the school they last attended, if you or a guardian request such transportation.

4. Attend a school and participate in school programs with children who are not homeless. Children cannot be separated from the regular school program because they are homeless.

5. Enroll in school without giving a permanent address. Schools cannot require proof of residency that might prevent or delay school enrollment.

6. Enroll and attend classes while the school arranges for the transfer of school and immunization records or any other documents required for enrollment.

7. Enroll and attend classes in the school of your choice even while the school and you seek to resolve a dispute over enrolling your children.

8. Receive the same special programs and services, if needed, as provided to all other children served in these programs.

9. Receive transportation to school and to school programs.

When you move, you should do the following:

 1. Contact the school district's local liaison for homeless education (see phone number below) for help in enrolling your child in a new school or arranging for your child to continue in his or her former school. (Or, someone at a shelter, social services office, or the school can direct you to the person you need to contact.)

 2. Contact the school and provide any information you think will assist the teachers in helping your child adjust to new circumstances.

 3. Ask the local liaison for homeless education, the shelter provider, or a social worker for assistance with clothing and supplies, if needed.

 Local Area Contacts: Heather Lawhead - 360-538-2253

Shawn Dickson - 360-538-2018

State Coordinator: Melinda Dyer - 360-725-6050

If you need further assistance, call the National Center for Homeless Education at the toll-free Help Line number: 1-800-308-2145

 

 Attendance Law

Students and parents must be informed of the compulsory attendance law each year.

A student's parents or guardian will be informed in writing or by phone if the juvenile has one unexcused absence within any month during the school year.

A conference with the parents/guardian and juvenile will be scheduled after two unexcused absences within any month during the current school year; if a regularly scheduled parent-teacher conference day is to take place within thirty days of the second unexcused absence, the district may schedule the required conference on that day. In addition, quarterly attendance letters are sent to parents of students not making the required 90% attendance for all students. Letters are also sent to parents of students with excessive tardies.

The law permits a school to take one of the following actions after five or more unexcused absences:

1. Attendance officer may petition the juvenile court to assume jurisdiction for the purpose of alleging a violation of the compulsory attendance law by the parent.

2. A petition alleging a violation of the compulsory attendance law by a child may be filed with the juvenile court by the child's parent or the school attendance officer at the parent's request.

The law authorizes the court to order the child be punished by detention or alternatives to detention such as community service hours or participation in dropout prevention programs, or referral to a community truancy board if available.

 

Drug/Alcohol Policy

Federal Law requires that parents and students be notified in writing annually about the district discipline policy regarding drugs and alcohol. Ours is as follows:

 

• The use of illicit drugs and unlawful possession and use of alcohol is wrong and harmful.
  
• No student shall consume or have in his possession any alcoholic beverage on any school grounds, or immediately prior to, or while engaged in, or scheduled to be engaged in, any school activity, or while on the way to, or from, school or a school activity.
  
• Students under the influence, or in possession of, drugs/alcohol illegally will be subject to the following actions:
  
  •  1. They will be removed from the class or activity where they will be isolated from others.

     2. The student's parent, guardians, or other designated responsible persons will be notified.

     3. Law enforcement officials may be contacted and the facts reported to them

     4. Consequences: a) long-term suspension or suspension for the remainder of the semester or expulsion; or b) students who agree to a drug/alcohol assessment by a Drug/Alcohol Counselor to determine if a chemical problem exists, and who agree to follow the recommendations made by the assessment counselor during the follow-up conference, may be placed on a short-term suspension.

   

• Students taking prescribed medication must be able to produce a doctor's authorization if requested to do so.
  
• Compliance with standards of conduct is mandatory.

   

   

  Tobacco Free and Weapon Free Zone

  The state legislature has passed laws making state schools both smoke (tobacco) free and gun (weapon) free zones. No individual, either student or adult, is allowed to use tobacco products on school property. It is not against the law for any individual under the age of 18 years to smoke. Furthermore, state law prohibits any individual (except designated law enforcement officials) from possessing or using guns, look-alike guns or other weapons (including dangerous items of clothing or jewelry) on any school campus. Students who violate the weapon law face possible expulsion from Washington State Schools.

   

  Student Rights and Responsibilities

  If a student is accused of misconduct, he/she is entitled to hear or receive a written notice of the allegations against him/her. The student is also entitled to present his/her side of the matter. Students, who are assigned disciplinary action, have the right to appeal the decision. To do so, the student or parents must:

  • Submit a request for an informal conference with the principal, within three days, to discuss the grievance.
  • If the grievance remains unresolved, the student or parent may request a hearing from the superintendent.
  • If the grievance is still unresolved, the student or parents may take the case to the school board.

   

  Student Conduct Policy

  All students are expected to obey all rules at school, during the school day, as well as during any school activities conducted on or off campus. Special rules are also applicable while riding on a school bus. The following rules of conduct have been adopted by the district and are subject to disciplinary action by the school.

  Respect for the Law and the Rights of Others - While in the school, the student shall respect the rights of others. Students who involve themselves in criminal acts on school property, off school property at school-supervised events, or off school property are subject to disciplinary action by the school and prosecution under the law.

  Alteration of records - A student who falsifies, alters, destroys a school record or any communication between home and school shall be subject to corrective action.

  Cheating - Any student who knowingly submits work of others represented as his/her own shall be considered to have cheated. Cheating also includes the aiding and abetting of cheating by others. A student caught cheating shall be subject to corrective action or punishment.

  Attendance - A student shall not be absent or tardy from classes without an approved excuse. Such a student shall be subject to corrective action or punishment.

  Alcohol, Chemical Substances and Tobacco Products - A student shall not knowingly possess, use, transmit, be under the influence of, or show evidence of having used any alcoholic beverage, illegal chemical substance or opiate, or tobacco product.

  Disruptive Conduct - A student shall not intentionally cause a substantial and material disruption of any school operations. Illustrative of the kinds of offenses, including, but not limited to are:

  1. Occupying a school building or school grounds in order to deprive others of its use;

  2. Blocking the entrance or exit of any school building or room in order to deprive others of passing through;

  3. Setting fire to or substantially damaging school property;

  4. Using, or threatening to use, firearms, explosives or other weapons on the school premises, including use by an unauthorized student of a personal protection spray device, or use of such device in other than self-defense as defined by state law;

  5. Preventing students from attending a class or school activity;

  6. Blocking normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic on a school campus;

  7. Interfering seriously with the conduct of any class or activity; and

  8. Gambling or encouraging other students to gamble

  Damage or Theft of Property - A student shall not intentionally or with gross carelessness damage school or private property.

  Extortion, Assault or Causing Physical Injury - A student shall not extort anything of value, threaten injury or attempt to cause physical injury or intentionally behave in such a way as could reasonably be expected to cause physical injury to any person.

  Leaving Campus During School Hours - A student shall not leave the school campus during the school day unless excused by the school office.

  Loitering - A student shall be expected to leave the school campus at the official close of the school day unless permission to do otherwise has been granted.

  Vulgar or Lewd Conduct - Any lewd, indecent or obscene act or expression is prohibited.

  Weapons and Dangerous Instruments - A student shall not possess or transmit any object that can reasonably be considered a firearm, air gun or a dangerous weapon. Students over eighteen years of age and students between fourteen and eighteen years of age with written parental or guardian permission may possess personal protection spray devices. No one under eighteen years of age may transmit such devices, nor may they be used other than in self-defense as defined by state law. Possession, transmission or use of personal protection spray devices under any other circumstances is a violation of this rule.

     

  District Corrective Actions or Punishment

  All students shall submit to the reasonable rules of the district. Refusal to comply with written rules and regulations established for the governing of the school shall constitute sufficient cause for discipline, suspension or expulsion. Corrective action and/or punishment for misconduct must reflect good faith effort on the part of the staff. For the purposes of the district's policies relating to corrective action or punishment:

  1. "Expulsion" is the exclusion from school or individual classes for an indefinite period.

  2. "Suspension" is the exclusion from school, or individual classes for a specific period of time, after which the student has a right to return.

  • A suspension is "short term" if it is for a period of 5 consecutive school days or less. Separate short-term suspensions shall not total more than 10 school days in a semester for any student in grades K-4. Separate short-term suspensions shall not total more than 15 days in a semester for a student in any other grade. Students' grades shall not be affected substantially as a result of a short-term suspension.
    
  • Suspensions which exceed 10 consecutive school days are long-term suspensions.

  3. "Discipline" constitutes all other forms of corrective action or punishment, including brief exclusions from a class for not more than the remainder of the class period, including exclusion from any other type of activity conducted by or for the district. Discipline shall not adversely affect specific academic grade, subject, or graduation requirements, so long as all required work is performed.

  As a general rule no student shall be suspended for a short or long term unless other forms of corrective action or punishment reasonably calculated to modify his/her conduct have previously been imposed upon the student as a consequence of misconduct of the same nature. However, a student may be suspended for exceptional misconduct, other than absenteeism, when such misconduct is of frequent occurrence or is serious in nature and/or is disruptive to the operation of the school. The superintendent, following consultation with a representative committee of administrators, staff, parents, and citizens, shall recommend for board approval, the nature and extent of the corrective actions and/or punishments which may be imposed as a consequence of prescribed misconduct. An exception may be granted by an administrator and/or hearing officer when warranted by extenuating circumstances. Suspensions or expulsions shall be used only for instances of serious student misconduct.

  Prior to the imposition of a corrective action or punishment upon a special education student, the school principal and special education staff who have knowledge of the student's handicapping condition will determine if there is a causal relationship between the handicapping condition and the misconduct giving rise to the corrective action or punishment. When a relationship is found to exist, special education programming procedures shall be employed.

  Once a student is expelled in compliance with district policy, the expulsion shall be brought to the attention of appropriate local and state authorities, including, but not limited to, the local juvenile authorities acting pursuant to the statutes dealing with the Basic Juvenile Court Act, in order that such authorities may address the student's educational needs.

  No student shall be expelled, suspended, or disciplined in any manner for the performance of or failure to perform any act not related to the orderly operation of the school or school sponsored activities or any other aspect of the educational process.

  The superintendent shall have the authority to discipline, suspend or expel students. The superintendent shall identify the conditions under which a teacher may exclude a student for all or any portion of a school day and shall also designate which staff have the authority to initiate or to impose discipline, suspensions or expulsions.

  The following actions are considered exceptional misconduct for students. Corrective actions will be imposed as a consequence of exceptional misconduct.

  • Possessing, selling and/or using alcohol, drugs, illegal chemical substances, or improper use of inhalants or over the counter drugs
  • Threatening or verbal abuse, fighting or fighting words, all forms of harassment or for situations where administrative staff feel there is a threat to staff or students
  • Setting fire or damaging school, staff, or other students' property
  • Possession and/or using weapons or explosive devices
  • Possessing and/or using firearms
  • Possessing/using tobacco products
  • Disrupting the educational process
  • Interference by force or violence
  • Theft

    

  Bullying and Harassment

  The District is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees, volunteers and patrons, free from harassment, intimidation or bullying. "Harassment, intimidation or bullying" means any intentional written, verbal, or physical act, including but not limited to one shown to be motivated by any characteristic in RCW .9A.36.080(3), (race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or mental or physical disability), or other distinguishing characteristics, when the intentional written, verbal, or physical act:
  

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

   Nothing in this section requires the affected student to actually possess a characteristic that is a basis for the harassment, intimidation, or bullying. "Other distinguishing characteristics" can include but are not limited to: physical appearance, clothing or other apparel, socioeconomic status, gender identity, and marital status. Harassment, intimidation or bullying can take many forms including: slurs, rumors, jokes, innuendos, demeaning comments, drawings, cartoons, pranks, gestures, physical attacks, threats, or other written, oral or physical actions. "Intentional acts" refers to the individual's choice to engage in the act whether or not the impact or results were intended.

   Anyone may use informal procedures to report and resolve complaints of harassment, intimidation or bullying. In addition, anyone may initiate a formal complaint of harassment, intimidation or bullying, even if the informal complaint process is being utilized.

   

  Sexual Harassment

  The Aberdeen School District is committed to a positive and productive educational environment free from discrimination, including sexual harassment. The district prohibits sexual harassment of students, employees and others involved in school district activities.

  Sexual harassment occurs when:

  • Submitting to the harasser's sexual demands is a stated or implied condition of obtaining an education or work opportunity or other benefit;
  • Submission to or rejection of sexual demands is a factor in an academic, work or other school-related decision affecting an individual; or
  • Unwelcome sexual or gender-directed conduct or communication interferes with an individual's performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.

  Sexual harassment can occur adult to student, student to adult, student to student, adult to adult, male to female, female to male, male to male, and female to female.

  The district will take prompt, equitable and remedial action within its authority on confirmed reports of sexual harassment. Engaging in sexual harassment will result in appropriate discipline and/or other sanctions against the offending person.

   

   No Child Left Behind Notification of Teacher Quality

  "No Child Left Behind" federal legislation requires that we notify parents annually of their right to request information about the professional qualifications of their child's teacher(s). Such requests can be made to: Anna Shanks, Personnel Director at 538-2004

    

  Pesticide Notification, Posting and Record Keeping

  The district complies with all legal requirements for record keeping regarding the application of pesticides to school grounds or school facilities. This includes creation of an annual summary report of pesticide usage and compliance with state department of agriculture rules regarding record keeping. These records are available on request by interested persons under the State Public Records Act and other laws.

  Definition of Pesticide

  A pesticide is defined as:

  1. Any substance or mixture of substances intended to prevent, destroy, control, repel, or mitigate any pest.

   2. Any substance or mixture of substances intended to be used as a plant regulator, defoliant or desiccant; and

   3. Any spray adjuvant, such as a wetting agent, spreading agent, deposit builder, adhesive, emulsifying agent, deflocculating agent, water modifier, or similar agent with or without toxic properties of its own intended to be used with any pesticide as an aid to the application or effect thereof, and sold in a package or container separate from that of the pesticide with which it is to be used.

   

  Use of Pesticide Substances in the District

  1. The school district will use the Integrated Pest Management Program to control insects by improving the vitality of the turf and beds to preclude the use of chemicals to deal with infestation.

   2. Products Used:
  

  • Weedar, a 24-D based herbicide, available over the counter at any home and garden supplier, is used to control broadleaf weeds such as dandelion. Application will be once each year while students are out of school.
  • Crossbow is used to control blackberries and salmonberry bushes and is applied primarily in the summer as to lessen exposure.
  •  Roundup is used to control fence line weeds and for killing any unwanted vegetation. Special care is used to minimize contact with students, staff, or the general public.
  • Agrilance is a commercial grade fertilizer use in the ratio of 21-7-14 in the spring and 16-16-16 for fall use.
  •  Capril - is the product name for the lime used for changing the PH of soil to heighten the effectiveness of the fertilizers applied.

     

  Application

  Application of herbicides and pesticides will be made only by employees knowledgeable about the use of application and who have been trained in order to be licensed by the state. In the case of any large infestation, the district may contract with commercial applicators.

   

  Notification

  At least 48 hours before the application of a pesticide to school facilities or school grounds, the district shall notify parents and staff of the planned application in writing, including the heading, "Notice: Pesticide Application." This notice shall be posted in a prominent place in the building office in addition to being provided to parents and staff. This pre-notification is not required if the school grounds or facilities will not be occupied by students for two days following the application of the pesticide. If the application is not made within 48 hours of the notification, another notification shall be made prior to the application. The pre-notification is not required in the case of any emergency application of pesticides to a school facility such as an application to control stinging pests, but full notification shall be made as soon as possible after the application.

  Following the application of a pesticide to school facilities a sign shall be posted at the location of the application. The notice shall be at least 8.5 x 11 inches in size, shall include the heading, "Notice" Pesticide Application," and shall state the product name, date, time and specific location of the application; the pest for which the application was made; and a contact name and telephone number. The notice shall remain posted for 24 hours, or longer if required by the label of the pesticide.

  Following the application of a pesticide to school grounds notice shall be posted at the location of the application and at each primary point of entry to the grounds. The notice shall be at least 4 x 5 inches in size and state that the landscape recently has been treated with a pesticide and provide a contact name and telephone number. The notice shall remain posted for 24 hours, or longer if required by the label of the pesticide.

  These notices are not required for the application of antimicrobial pesticides (substances used to sanitize or disinfect for microbial pests: viruses, bacteria, algae and protozoa). These notices are not required for the placement of insect or rodent bait that are not accessible to children.