Student Handbook
Message from the Principal
Hello! Welcome to the 2023 school year. Last year was a year of recovery and growth. This year it is my sincere hope that we will continue to focus on those things that matter most to ensure that every student has an excellent educational experience at GATES, and we are working together to ensure the success of all Gators.
Our district has three very specific areas of focus I would like to share and assure you that GATES is embracing each of them. They are: Social Justice and Equity, Improving Instruction, and Family and Community Partnerships. All of these are woven into the fabric of GATES, and we are committed to becoming stronger together to ensure that we progress and engage in meaningful opportunities with all students and their families within our learning community.
GATES has long been a school that uses restorative practices as an alternative to punitive discipline. We will continue this approach and realize that the relationships we build must be preserved to maintain a safe and civil learning environment. We will protect the physical and emotional safety of our students and staff through restorative practices allowing opportunities to communicate, reflect, grow, and learn from one another through mutual respect.
Mrs. Levendoski is our Family Partnership Coordinator and will focus much of her time and energy into building relationships with our parents and community members to ensure meaningful and appropriate opportunities for you to be fully involved in the education of our Gators. She is also available to help support our families who may have needs outside of school such as food, clothing, and shelter. We know that when our students have their basic needs met, it helps them come to school ready to learn.
Last, but not least, we are committed to providing culturally responsive teaching methods that are inclusive of all learners and honor the community from where they come. To do this, we realize that we must truly partner with our families and community. Your voice matters and we want to hear from you.
Thank you for trusting GATES with the education of your child. We take our work very seriously and recognize that for our students to have equitable access to their future goals we must provide them an excellent education. Regular student attendance is vital to students succeeding at GATES. Please partner with us to ensure every student graduates ready to succeed, whether they choose to be employed, enrolled, or enlisted. Please never hesitate to contact me directly with any issues or concerns.
Sincerely,
Valinda Jones
School Information and Schedule
General Expectations
General Expectations
GATES Success Orientation Application and Procedures
Any student between the ages of 15–21, who is a high school student (grades 10–12), and will be able to complete all high school credits and requirements by the time s/he turns 21 is welcome to enroll at GATES High School. Students who are currently under suspension or expulsion from another school are welcome to enroll in GATES when the conditions to re-enter her/his home school have been met. Every student entering GATES High School is required to complete a class, titled GATES Success Orientation, prior to the term s/he enters school. It is requested that new students bring a copy of their transcript with them on the first day of GATES Success Orientation. Also, a copy of any student accommodation forms should be brought if it applies.
The purpose of GATES Success Orientation is to help students understand the school and to determine if there is a match between the students’ needs and the school’s program offerings. GATES Success Orientation is required before a student can attend classes at GATES. GATES Success Orientation activities are designed to help students get to know the staff, each other, and to assess the students’ skills. Students earn .25 elective credits by completing GATES Success Orientation successfully.
GATES Success Orientation classes have been scheduled for the 2023-2024 school year. Students interested in enrolling in GATES High School and meeting the above criteria can come to GATES Success Orientation on any of the following dates that meet their needs. Students who live out of district and are attending GATES on a variance must have that variance approved prior to attending GATES. You may call for more information on variance. Students with Individualized Educational Plans need to drop off an IEP and get approval prior to placement at GATES. The placement must meet the individual learning needs of the student before a student is able to attend.
Attendance
GATES High School holds high expectations for its students. In order to achieve these high standards, regular attendance is necessary. Washington State Law and Franklin Pierce Public Schools Board Policy requires that all students make minimum academic progress to maintain their academic standing within the school. The choice not to attend regularly will result in the student’s inability to make sufficient academic progress. This may result in the student being dropped from enrollment for one school term.
Grades
Students can earn a .25 credit each class that they successfully complete a term. Credit will be awarded at the end of each term. All work at GATES High School must be completed at a mastery level of at least 70% in order to receive credit at the end of the class. An incomplete class will appear on a student’s transcript as an “I”.
Academic Probation
Students enrolled at GATES High School progress toward graduation by working at their own pace.
Students must earn 1.25 credits per term to remain on track to graduate at a four year pace. This is considered normal academic progress at GATES High School. Students must make minimum progress each term or they will be placed on academic probation. Minimum progress can be defined as less than 1.25 credits per term. While on probation, students must complete a Student Intervention plan from their advisor. Students who do not make sufficient academic progress while on academic probation may be dropped from school for one school term (WAC 392-121-182 Alternative Learning Experience Plan).
Check and Connect Class
All students at GATES High School take a Check and Connect class for the entire time they are enrolled at GATES High School. The Check and Connect class meets daily and is taught by the student’s academic advisor. The Check and Connect class emphasizes goal setting, study skills and academic progress. Attendance is required for all students. Students who do not attend Check and Connect class may be placed on contract and could be dropped if they fail to comply with the terms of the contract.
General Information
FRANKLIN PIERCE SCHOOL DISTRICT MISSION AND BELIEF STATEMENT
Core Business Statement
The core business of Franklin Pierce Schools is to engage all students in rigorous, relevant, high quality work.
FPSD Mission Statement
To provide students an engaging educational environment, built upon proven academics and high standards, resulting in successful and contributing citizens.
We Believe
- Every student can learn to think, reason, and achieve at high levels.
- Every student can learn more every day.
- Every student has potential for educational and economic success beyond high school.
- Every teacher is a “Leader of Learning” whose primary job is to engage students in meaningful experiences that result in desired learning.
- Our ability to build positive relationships with students contributes to learning.
- Every school principal is “Leader of Leaders”
- Every staff member has the responsibility to support the core business.
GATES High School Beliefs
-Build partnerships among students, staff, families, and community.
-Focus on the positive to create an environment where students feel secure to be who they are while respecting the individuality of others.
-Offer a safe, small learning environment that provides resources to meet individual student needs.
-Increase student achievement by providing meaning and engaging work.
-Encourage students to take responsibility for their lives and to formulate educational plans that direct them toward success during and after high school.
ACCIDENTS
Any accident in a school building, on school grounds, at practice sessions or at any athletic event sponsored by the school must be reported immediately to the person in charge and to the school office. The appropriate accident report form must be completed by the supervising staff member and turned into the office manager. During school hours, students involved in an accident are expected to report to the health room for evaluation.
ASSEMBLIES
Assemblies are scheduled as a part of the total school program to be attended by all students, and as such are designed to be educational and supportive of the educational program. They provide one of the few opportunities in school to learn formal audience behaviors.
All students will sit on the benches provided in the gym. Students will not be allowed to stand or sit in aisles or pathways because of fire regulations.
Assemblies will be held at regularly scheduled times during the school year. On these days an activity schedule will be published to provide an assembly agenda and time period.
On assembly days, students are expected to:
1. Report directly to their C&C and then to the assembly, as directed by the classroom teacher
2. Sit in the proper section
3. Listen considerately and attentively to speakers
4. Participate in the manner requested
5. Remain in seats unless requested to participate in assembly
Early dismissal:
If a student has to leave school prior to the end of the school day, he/she is to check into the main office to sign out with a parent or guardian. If the student is not being signed out by a parent or guardian they should bring a written and signed request stating the reason for the early dismissal. If the student does not have a note, personnel in the office will attempt to contact the parent(s) or guardian(s) before a student will be released from school. If contact is not made, and the decision is made by an administrator that it is in the best interest of the student to allow him/her to leave school, the student will be responsible to see that a parent/guardian contacts the school prior to their return to verify knowledge of their absence. Students leaving campus without approval from the main office will be considered unexcused/truant, regardless of the circumstances.
Late arrival:
Students arriving to school late are required to check into the office for a pass prior to reporting to class. A note of verification is required. Notes must contain the reason for the late arrival, signature of the parent or guardian, date, and a telephone number where the parent or guardian may be reached.
Scheduled late arrival or early dismissal:
Students who are needed by their parents or employer during school hours on a regular basis can apply for a permanent late arrival or early dismissal. This privilege is permitted to those students who are progressing satisfactorily toward graduation and who have a parent permission slip on file in the attendance office. Students who abuse this privilege by loitering around campus will have it revoked. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of schedule changes that will change their arrival time on campus. Students are not to be on campus until their first class begins and/or must leave after their last class dismisses.
Planned absence:
GATES High School strongly discourages students from taking extended vacations during the term or leaving school prior to the normal closing date. Students missing class lose essential instruction and place increased demands on classroom teachers in the areas of record keeping and administering make-up work.
During the planning for a pre-arranged absence, parents and students should understand that teachers cannot possibly, in all cases, pre-teach the lessons nor provide make-up assignments to cover all the material that will be missed. However, occasions arise where extended absences are necessary.
So that students and parents may not be misled and suffer possible disappointment, it must be clearly understood that:
1. A letter of request outlining reasons for the absence, expected duration and departure date, must be written to the school.
2. A Planned Absence form will be issued by the office to be presented by the student to his/her teachers at least three days before the absence.
3. Teachers have been asked to outline to the student possible consequences that could result from the extended absence and alternatives that would help minimize the potential harm to the student’s final grade. An indication of willingness on the part of the teacher to assist the student is not to be construed as a promise that the student will receive full credit. The responsibility for completion of all make-up requirements rests with the student.
4. A parent’s signature of approval is required on the absence request form after reading the teacher’s consequences.
5. Final clearance must be completed in the office by returning the Planned Absence form to the Attendance Office with the parent’s signature. Planned absences must be approved by an administrator to have the absence excused.
6. Pre-arranged absences will be classified as an absence (except for school sponsored absences).
COMPUTER LAB RULES & PRIVILEGES
Computer and printer use is only for academic projects, class assignments, and research that relates directly to school work. Students must obtain staff permission to use school computers and are prohibited from downloading games, music or programs, and from visiting unauthorized social networking, email, chat or other non-school-related sites. Violations of computer lab rules will result in After School Intervention and loss of computer privileges for up to the remainder of the school year.
DISRUPTIVE OBJECTS
Students are prohibited from bringing to school objects that interfere with or disrupt the educational process. Squirt guns, stink bombs, cards, laser pointers, bandanas, and other items, serve no useful educational purpose. Students found using or in possession of these items will have the object confiscated and be subject to school discipline. Electronic devices such as mp3 players, cell phones, portable video games, etc. are not allowed in class. They are to be turned off and put away. Students using these items while in a classroom will have them confiscated and may only have them returned to a parent or guardian. Some items may not be returned.
DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION
The school building, school grounds or school activities are not the places for public displays of affection (i.e. kissing and touching). Students involved in public displays of affection will be subject to school discipline.
EIGHTEEN-YEAR OLD STUDENTS
The State of Washington recognizes a student who is eighteen as an adult and responsible for his or her own actions. This fact does not alleviate their responsibility to adhere to all of the rules and policies of the Franklin Pierce School District and GATES High School in order to maintain enrollment.
Students must have a written notice on file in the office to be able to sign themselves in or out of school.
Information may be released to parents of an adult student (over 18) when parents provide more than half of the student’s support. We will therefore use the student’s residence as the determining factor. If a student over 18 is living with his/her parents, GATES High School will release information to the parents.
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSURE
Each year the School District is faced with the possibility that an emergency may arise which necessitates closing the schools without advance notice. Such emergencies may be weather-related (heavy snow, icy roads, etc.); natural (earthquakes, volcanoes, etc.); or man-made (nuclear fallout, crime, physical damage, etc.).
If schools are in session, students may be sent home early or they may be retained at school beyond the regular closing time, depending upon the circumstances.
FINES AND BILLS
A student’s diploma, transcript, or report card may be withheld until the student pays fines for any school property that has been lost or damaged at any school they have attended either Franklin Pierce or another school district . Upon payment for damages, the diploma, transcript, or report card will be released.
FIRE DRILL/EMERGENCY/DISASTER PROCEDURES
The procedures for safe and orderly evacuation, lock down, etc. are located in each classroom, in the main office, and in the administrative offices. In order to ensure that all school personnel and students are effectively trained in emergency and disaster situations, regularly scheduled drills will occur each month while school is in session.
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS/ALARMS
Tampering with fire extinguishers/alarms is defined as a criminal act under the laws of the State of Washington. In the interest of safety, life and property, students are directed to refrain from tampering in any way with fire extinguishers/alarms.
GRADING
Letter grades of A, B, C, and F are used. All carry credit except the F which carries no credit, but is averaged in the grade point average.
Grades and Grade Points
A…………………….4.0 B…………………….3.0 C……………………2.0
A-…………………..3.7 B-……………………2.7 C-…………………..1.7
B+………………….3.3 C+………………….2.3 F…………………….0.0
STUDENT GRADING
Grades from off Campus Programs: Grades issued through institutions not on the campus of GATES High School will be included on GATES High School transcripts and calculated into the GPA of students enrolled in these institutions. These institutions include but are not limited to Running Start, Pierce County Skills Center, high school completion, vocational classes, and correspondence courses.
HONOR ROLL
Honor roll is compiled each term and students are recognized who meet the following criteria:
GATES High Honor Roll: 3.00 or better
GATES Honor Roll: 2.5 to 2.99
Honors at graduation are conferred upon any senior who has a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or greater for grades 9-12.
ONLINE GRADES
By going to the Website at fpschools.org, students and parents may access the following information:
- A summary of the grades for each class, including detailed progress reports showing an itemization by assignment and missing work.
- An indication as to when the grades were last updated.
- A link to email teachers.
- A calendar which teachers may use to list assignments and links to assignments to be downloaded.
- A summarization of test scores for WASL and other school-based assessments.
- Downloadable version of student handbook.
LOST AND FOUND
Any articles found should be brought to the office where a Lost and Found service will be maintained. Items not claimed within thirty days will be donated to charity.
LUNCH ROOM RULES
The appearance and cleanliness of the lunch area depends upon the cooperation of all persons to exercise appropriate lunchroom conduct and to be responsible for removing their own trays, dishes, etc. from tables. Students are expected to respond to reasonable requests of supervising staff to remove items from tables and/or to clean up tables. The lunchroom can be maintained as a healthy and pleasant environment only with the help of students working to keep it clean.
MEDICATION
Medication will be administered at school only when it is absolutely necessary to do so and a Physicians Orders for Medication at School form has been received by the school signed by your physician or dentist and the parent or guardian. The medication must be in the original pharmacy container, with the student’s name and name of the medication, the dosage, and the frequency of administration. “Medication” includes all prescription and non-prescription medications. All medications must be given directly to the main office for storage. Students may not carry any medications, prescribed or otherwise, on their person while on Franklin Pierce School District property.
OUTSIDE FOOD
Students are not allowed to have food delivered to campus under any circumstances. If special food is required the office must be notified.
PROGRESS AND PERFORMANCE
When a student does not meet performance standards at GATES High School (passing at least .75 credit per term, regular attendance) a parent conference will be arranged in which a student intervention plan will be created and agreed upon by student, parent and administration. If the student continues to fail to meet the expectations set forth on the student intervention plan, he/she can expect one or more of the following corrective actions:
- renewed intervention plan
- change in program placement
- removal from GATES High School
RECORDS
Permanent Records: A permanent record will be kept on all students who attend school. The goal of record keeping is to place in the student's file data and information which is as objective as possible. This record will consist of identifying information, attendance records, and documents pertinent to the school situation. All information maintained in student files will be reviewed annually to assure relevancy and appropriateness. All dissemination, inspection and review of the student records will be in accordance with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.
Annual Notification Regarding Parents' Rights of Access: Each year parents and students need to be reminded of the student's record policy of the Franklin Pierce School District. Parents of students or 18-year-old students who wish to review any or all of their school record should contact the building principal for an appointment. The records will be reviewed with school personnel, and parents may have copies of the records for the cost of copying.
Record information will not be released to most persons or agencies without the written consent of parents. Nonetheless, it is the policy of this district to forward school records, without parent consent, to a school in another district to which a student transfers. This is to facilitate the prompt placement of the student in the new school. However, parents may request a copy of the record. Similarly, without parent consent, the district forwards transcripts, or other information requested by high school students, to colleges and other educational institutions to which the students are applying.
Also, federal law permits a school district to identify certain information as “Directory Information” which may be publicly released without permission of the parents. If you do not want this information released, please complete the attached form and return within ten (10) school days. If we do not receive your notice by that date, we will assume that you have no objection to release of such information. We believe that it is in the students’ best interests to have such information released in school and community newspapers because of the recognition it gives them. We make every reasonable effort to protect our students’ privacy. For example, it is our policy not to release information to businesses for commercial purposes or to individuals without good reason. Therefore, most parents do not restrict the release of directory information. If you wish to rescind this notice or a previous notice, please notify the school in writing.
DIRECTORY INFORMATION: Directory information includes the student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, awards and honors earned and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student.
If you have any questions concerning the procedures followed by the high school in safeguarding the privacy rights of students please feel free to contact us.
SIGNS AND POSTERS
Signs and posters related to school events, including campaign publicity are permitted under the following conditions:
1) Signs and posters must be approved by the building principal.
2) Advertisement of non-school sponsored events must be approved by district.
3) Signs and posters should be placed ONLY on bulletin boards or display cases, and on brick or wood surfaces. Because of wind, rain, etc. signs placed outside of buildings are at your own risk.
4) The sign making kit owned by the Student Body is available to school clubs and classes.
SKATEBOARDS AND SCOOTERS
For safety reasons skateboards and scooters are not allowed on campus. Students using these items as transportation to school must check them in at the office upon arrival. These items will not be allowed on district transportation.
TELEPHONE USE
Telephones are to be used for business purposes and should be used by students for emergencies only. Students are not allowed to use a school telephone without permission from the office staff. Under no circumstances are students to use cell phones during class time. If needed, students must ask to be excused to the office and then make calls using a cell phone only after receiving approval from administration or office staff. Calls must be of an emergency nature. Please have a communication plan in place if your student plans to stay after school beyond normal hours.
VALUABLES
Students are cautioned not to bring large amounts of money, electronic devices, iPods, MP3 players, electronic communication devices, cameras, or any items of value to school. Students are responsible for their personal property. GATES High School is not responsible for any of the above items and will not investigate the theft and/or loss of them.
VISITORS ON CAMPUS
All visitors must sign in and receive a visitor’s badge/slip in the main office. Under no circumstance are students allowed to invite non-students or former students onto campus. All visitors must be able to provide visitor’s pass when stopped.