Student Handbook

 

This handbook informs you about areas that affect you. If, after you have read the material, you still have questions, feel free to contact a staff member at GATES High School. We are here to serve you and pledge to offer you all possible assistance.

GATES High School Vision Statement

GATES provides diverse and flexible learning experiences for Gators to become inspired and develop curiosity while persevering to become impactful members of their community.

This is accomplished through intentionally designed instruction focused on individual student learning needs based on rigorous standards in every content area.  Students can expect engaging learning opportunities where they will think critically about subject matter that is fine tuned to their personal interests and honors and elevates their diverse uniqueness.

GATES at a Glance: (FPS 3210 Policy and Procedure)

• Grades 10–12
• 5 Days a Week Program
• 7:20 a.m. – 1:50 p.m.
• Transportation Provided
• Maximum Enrollment: 130 students
• Same graduation requirements as other district schools
• You can still play sports/participate in activities at home school

Principles that Guide our Culture

We the GATES community...

• Value every day as a new day.
• Believe diversity is strength to be embraced with open-mindedness, compassion, and empathy.
• Act with integrity and treat everyone with respect.
• Communicate honestly and openly under all circumstances.
• Show care, kindness and generosity towards each other.
• Are reflective learners who collaborate and support each other in continuous learning.
• Foster joy, laughter, and celebration.
• Build sincere relationships.
• Advocate for student and family empowerment.
• View conflict as an opportunity to communicate in an open, timely, and healthy manner which results in resolution.
• Believe our relationships with the community are vital and mutually beneficial.
• Make every moment meaningful.

…we choose to trust each other and be held accountable to this code of conduct. 

We will:

• 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 meaningful 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

Enrollment Requirements:

• Complete intake meeting with you, your parent/guardian, and the principal.
• Complete GATES Success Orientation class before attending (earns .25 credit)
• Bring immunization records, transcript, accommodation/IEP forms if applicable

Progress at Franklin Pierce comprehensive high schools can be 6 credits per year for four years; progress at GATES can be up to 10.5 credits earned for 4 full learning cycles. GATES High School will provide meaningful and appropriate learning activities in addition to an environment that is conducive to learning.

 

GATES Requires the Following:

• Learning cycle review to determine if overall student progress is Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory, which will be communicated with the student and parent/guardian at the end of every learning cycle through either progress report or transcript; to remain satisfactory, students must pass a minimum of three classes per learning cycle.
• If the review indicates progress is Unsatisfactory, a student, parent, and advisor conference will be required to determine the student’s continuation at GATES High School

Attendance (FPS 3122 Policy and Procedure)

GATES High School holds high expectations for its students.  The program at GATES is full-time. In order to be successful, 90% or better attendance is expected. No more than 7 absences will be excused by parents/guardians, absences beyond 7 must be excused by third-party documentation. *Students and parents should strive to avoid making other appointments or scheduling other activities during the scheduled class time.  Schedule changes must be approved by staff. 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.

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).

Emergency School Closure (FPS 3432 Policy and Procedure)

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.

Behavior (FPS 3241 Policy and Procedure)

Because of the nature of this program, there are specific behavior requirements:

1.       Students and staff will always behave in a respectful manner towards each other.

2.       Students will always behave in a way that is conducive to their own learning and the learning of others.

3.       Students will be engaged in learning while they are here and will take advantage of the limited time on site to seek help needed to complete their course work.

4.       Students will behave in ways that promote good relations with surrounding properties.

5.       No smoking, vaping, drugs, or alcohol will be tolerated.

6.       Our dress code is the same as the district 3224 policy and procedure; we ask that students dress appropriately. Clothing can be provided should circumstances warrant.

Additional Rules

The following rules are also observed at GATES High School:

• Forgery – Students are not to sign another person’s name to any paper, absence note, or other document which requires an official signature. Violations will result in ASI and/or parent conference.
• Littering – The willful discarding of wrappers, cans, containers, paper, etc. onto the floors or grounds of campus will not be tolerated. Violations will result in Lunch Intervention and/or ASI.
• Closed Campus (FPS 3242 Policy)  – Students are not able to leave the site during their scheduled class time at GATES. Once a student arrives on campus they may not leave unless a parent/guardian checks them out. Once a student leaves campus, they may not return to campus that day unless it has been cleared in the office.

Accidents (FPS 3418 Policy and Procedure)

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

Assessments

Participation with all required assessments and the High School and Beyond Plan are required if you are a student of GATES.

Computer Rules & Privileges (FPS 3245 Policy and Procedure)

A district laptop is checked out to all students. Students must use the device in accordance with the Franklin Pierce School District acceptable use policy.

Displays Of Affection (FPS 3241 Policy and Procedure)

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.

Disruptive Objects (FPS 3241 Policy and Procedure)

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. 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.

Fines And Bills (FPS 3520 Policy and Procedure)

A student’s diploma 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 (FPS 3418 Policy and Procedure)

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 (FPS 3241 Policy and Procedure)

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.

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 (FPS 6700 Policy and Procedure)

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.

Outside Food (FPS 6700 Policy and Procedure)

Outside food deliveries are not allowed during the school day. This includes, but is not limited to, deliveries from restaurants, food delivery services (such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, etc.), or parents/guardians bringing fast food or takeout items. If special food is required, the office must be notified.

Telephone Use (FPS 3245 Policy and Procedure)

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. Phones and Bluetooth devices/earbuds and headphones are not allowed during class time. Devices must be silenced and out of site throughout the entire period. Students are not permitted to use their phones when leaving the classroom during class time (e.g., for restroom breaks, office visits, Pause Room or counseling office).

Failure to follow this policy will result in the student’s phone being locked in the main office until the end of the day. Continual violation will result in progressive discipline per district policy.

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 (FPS 3432 Policy and Procedure)

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.

Student Photographs (FPS 3231 Policy and Procedure)

Franklin Pierce School District uses photographs of students in district publications, newsletters and occasional news releases for television and local newspapers.  If you do not wish to have your child's picture used for this purpose, please complete the attached form, sign and date it, and return the form to the GATES High School office.

Valuables (FPS 3241 Policy and Procedure)

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 (FPS 4200 Policy and Procedure)

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.

Student Rights and Responsibilities (FPS 3241 Policy and Procedure)

It is impossible for teaching or learning to take place in a classroom unless good order is maintained.

Students are reminded to adhere to a code of good behavior, not only for their own benefit, but for the benefit of others as well. Students are responsible for their own actions and are held accountable for:

a)      All rules and responsibilities within this handbook

b)      The Franklin Pierce School District Board of Directors’ policies concerning student conduct.

c)      other rules set forth by the GATES High School staff and administration.

Students not adhering to any of the above will be subject to school discipline, including suspension and/or expulsion

Eighteen-Year Old Students (FPS 3241 Policy and Procedure)

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 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.

Searches of Students and Personal Property (FPS 3230 Policy and Procedure)

Personal privacy is a fundamental aspect of individual liberty. All students possess the constitutional right to be secure in their persons, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures. Staff shall take particular care to respect students' privacy.

School officials have authority to maintain order and discipline in the schools and to protect students from exposure to illegal drugs, weapons, and contraband. The superintendent, the principal, school security officers, and other staff designated by the superintendent shall have the authority to conduct reasonable searches on school property as provided by Board policy.

A search is required when there are reasonable grounds to suspect a student has a firearm on school grounds, transportation, or at school events.

Prior to conducting a search, school officials shall ask that the student consent to be searched by removing all items from pockets or other personal effects. If the student refuses to consent to the search, school officials may proceed to search the student, the student's personal belongings, and the student's locker, as follows:

1.       Any search of a student conducted by a school district employee must be reasonably related to the discovery of contraband or other evidence of a student's violation of the law or school rules.

For the purpose of this policy, “contraband” means items, materials, or substances the possession of which is prohibited by law or district policy, including, but not limited to, controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or any object that can reasonably be considered a firearm or a dangerous weapon.

2.       Staff shall conduct searches in a manner which is not excessively intrusive in light of the age and sex of the student and the nature of the suspected infraction.

No student shall be subject to a strip search or body cavity search by school staff.

School officials may consult with local law enforcement officials regarding the advisability of a search on school premises by a law enforcement officer if evidence of criminal activity is likely to be seized.

Further Information regarding searches and seizures is available in School District Policy No. 3230 and Procedure 3230P, Student Privacy and Searches.

Student Records (FPS 3231 Policy and Procedure)

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.               

Check out more here: FPSD STUDENT’S RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Medication at School (FPS 3416 Policy and Procedure)

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.

Family and Community Resources - Franklin Pierce Family and Community Partnerships Office

• Athletics
• Community Events and Resources
• Military Families
• Health Services
• Language Resources
• Students Experiencing Homelessness
• Students in Foster Care

 

In the event that an issue is not addressed in this handbook, the Franklin Pierce School District Policies and Regulations manual will be followed.

Our School is Gender-Inclusive (FPS 3211 Policy and Procedure)

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, with or without a legal name change
• Change a student’s gender designation and have their gender accurately reflected in school records
• Allow students to use restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity
• Allow students to participate in sports, physical education courses, field trips, and overnight trips in accordance with their gender identity
• Keep health and education information confidential and private
• Allow students to wear clothing that reflects their gender identity and apply dress codes without regard to a student’s gender or perceived gender
• 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 3211, visit https://bit.ly/FPS3211. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Dr. Julien Pollard, 253-298-3037, jpollard@fpschools.org

Our School Stands Against Discrimination (FPS 3210 Policy and Procedure)

Discrimination can happen when someone is treated differently or unfairly because they are part of a protected class, including their race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, creed, disability, 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 conduct that may be physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating. Discriminatory harassment happens when the conduct is based on a student’s protected class and is serious enough to create a hostile environment. A hostile environment is created when conduct 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.

What is sexual harassment? (FPS 3205 Policy and Procedure)

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome conduct or communication that is sexual in nature and substantially 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 submit to unwelcome sexual conduct or communication to gain something in return, such as a grade or a place on a sports team.

Examples of sexual harassment can include pressuring a person for sexual actions or favors; unwelcome touching of a sexual nature; graphic or written statements of a sexual nature; distributing sexually explicit texts, e-mails, or pictures; making sexual jokes, rumors, or suggestive remarks; and physical violence, including rape and sexual assault.

Our schools do not discriminate based on sex and prohibit sex discrimination in all of our education programs and employment, as required by Title IX and state law.

What should my school do about discriminatory and sexual harassment?

When a school becomes aware of possible discriminatory or sexual harassment, it must investigate and           stop the harassment. The school must address any effects the harassment had on the student at school, including eliminating the hostile environment, and make sure that the harassment does not happen 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 members to report your concerns, ask questions, or learn more about how to resolve your concerns.

• Concerns about discrimination:
  • Civil Rights Coordinator: Brandy Marshall, 253-298-3085, bmarshall@fpschools.org
• Concerns about sex discrimination, including sexual harassment:
  • Title IX Coordinator: Dr. Julien Pollard, 253-298-3037, jpollard@fpschools.org
• Concerns about disability discrimination:
  • Section 504 Coordinator: John Sander, 253-298-3051, jsander@fpschools.org
• Concerns about discrimination based on gender identity:
  • Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Dr. Julien Pollard, 253-298-3037, jpollard@fpschools.org
• All compliance officers can be reached by mail at Franklin Pierce Schools:
  • 315 129th Street South, Tacoma, WA 98444

To submit a written complaint, describe the conduct or incident that may be discriminatory and 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 for a prompt investigation, and within one year of the conduct 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 must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The investigation must be completed within 30 calendar days unless you agree to a different timeline. If your complaint involves exceptional circumstances that require a longer investigation, the Civil Rights Coordinator will notify you in writing with the anticipated date for their response.

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

• A summary of the results of the investigation
• A determination of whether the school district failed to comply with civil rights laws
• Any corrective measures or remedies needed
• Notice about how you can appeal the decision

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

If you do not agree with the outcome of your complaint, you may appeal the decision to the School Board and then to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). More information about this process, including important timelines, is included in the district’s Nondiscrimination Procedure (3210P) and Sexual Harassment Procedure (3205P).

Our Schools Protect Students from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) (FPS 3207 Policy and Procedure)

Schools are meant to be safe and inclusive environments 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 defines HIB, explains what to do when you see or experience it, and our school’s process for responding to it.

What is HIB?

HIB is any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act of a student that:

• Physically harms another student or damages their property;
• Has the effect of greatly interfering with another student’s education; or,
• Is so severe, persistent, or significant that it creates an intimidating or threatening education environment for other students.

HIB generally involves an observed or perceived power imbalance and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated. HIB is not allowed, by law, in our schools.

How can I make a report or complaint about HIB?

Talk to any school staff member (consider starting with whoever you are most comfortable with!). You may use our district’s reporting form to share concerns about HIB (https://bit.ly/HIBReportingForm) but reports about HIB can be made in writing or verbally. Your report can be made anonymously if you are uncomfortable revealing your identity, or confidentially if you prefer it not be shared with other students involved with the report. No disciplinary action will be taken against another student based solely on an anonymous or confidential report.

If a staff member is notified of, observes, overhears, or otherwise witnesses HIB, they must take prompt and appropriate action to stop the HIB behavior and to prevent it from happening again. Our district also has a HIB Compliance Officer (James Hester, Deputy Superintendent, jhester@fpschools.org, 253-298-3021).

What happens after I make a report about HIB?

If you report HIB, school staff must attempt to resolve the concerns. If the concerns are resolved, then no further action may be necessary. However, if you feel that you or someone you know is the victim of unresolved, severe, or persistent HIB that requires further investigation and action, then you should request an official HIB investigation. Also, the school must take actions to ensure that those who report HIB don’t experience retaliation.

What is the investigation process?

When you report a complaint, the HIB Compliance Officer or staff member leading the investigation must notify the families of the students involved with the complaint and must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The investigation must be completed within 5 school days, unless you agree on a different timeline. If your complaint involves circumstances that require a longer investigation, the district will notify you with the anticipated date for their response.

When the investigation is complete, the HIB Compliance Officer or the staff member leading the investigation must provide you with the outcomes of the investigation within 2 school days. This response should include:

• A summary of the results of the investigation
• A determination of whether the HIB is substantiated
• Any corrective measures or remedies needed
• Clear information about how you can appeal the decision

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

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

If you do not agree with the school district’s decision, you may appeal the decision and include any additional information regarding the complaint to the superintendent, or the person assigned to lead the appeal, and then to the school board.

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

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

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

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying (HIB) can also be discrimination if it's related to a protected class. 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 resolve your complaint.

Who else can help with HIB or Discrimination Concerns?

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)

All reports must start locally at the school or district level. However, 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.

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

• Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/health-safety/school-safety-center
• Email: schoolsafety@k12.wa.us
• Phone: 360-725-6068

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

• Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/equity-and-civil-rights
• Email: equity@k12.wa.us
• Phone: 360-725-6162

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

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

• Website: www.oeo.wa.gov
• Email: oeoinfo@gov.wa.gov
• Phone: 1-866-297-2597

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.

• Website: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html
• Email: orc@ed.gov
• Phone: 800-421-3481