Skip To Main Content

Student & Family Handbooks

 

Home of the Cougars

 

Welcome

It is a pleasure to welcome you to Lakewood Middle School! This handbook is provided as a resource and guide to acquaint you and your parent/guardian with the policies and practices at Lakewood Middle School.

Mission Statement

The LMS mission is to create a safe and respectful learning environment where everyone works together to help each student take ownership in achieving high academic standards.

Telephone and Mailing Address

Lakewood Middle School
16800 16th Dr. NE
Marysville, WA 98271
Phone: 360-652-4510
Fax: 360-652-4512

LMS Administration and Office Staff

  • Amanda Coté, LMS Principal
  • Jim Barth, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director
  • Sarah Wallis, Dean of Students
  • Shannon Lane, Administrative Assistant
  • Courtney Farr, Registrar/ASB and Athletic Secretary
  • Julia Bloomquist, Attendance/Discipline Secretary

LMS Counseling and Student Support Staff

  • Steve Hecimovich, 6th grade Counselor
  • Meghan Corrales, 7th & 8th grade Counselor
  • Kelsey Yost, School Psychologist
  • Student Assistance Professional
  • Student Support Advocate

Regular Bell Schedule

1st lunch

 

2nd lunch

 

3rd lunch

 

1st

7:30-8:29

1st

7:30-8:29

1st

7:30-8:29

2nd

8:33-9:32

2nd

8:33-9:32

2nd

8:33-9:32

3rd

9:36-10:34

3rd

9:36-10:34

3rd

9:36-10:34

LUNCH

10:34-11:04

4th

10:38-11:36

4TH

10:38-11:36

4th

11:08-12:06

LUNCH

11:36-12:06

5TH

11:40-12:38

5th

12:10-1:08

5th

12:10-1:08

LUNCH

12:38-1:08

6th

1:12-2:10

6th

1:12-2:10

6th

1:12-2:10

***Weather conditions may impact bell schedules

Cougar Tuesday Schedule

1st lunch

 

2nd lunch

 

3rd lunch

 

1st

7:30-8:28

1st

7:30-8:28

1st

7:30-8:28

2nd

8:32-9:25

2nd

8:32-9:25

2nd

8:32-9:25

Cougar Time

9:25-9:45

Cougar Time

9:25-9:45

Cougar Time

9:25-9:45

3rd

9:49-10:42

3rd

9:49-10:42

3rd

9:49-10:42

LUNCH

10:42-11:12

4th

10:46-11:42

4th

10:46-11:42

4th

11:16-12:12

LUNCH

11:42-12:12

5TH

11:46-12:39

5th

12:16-1:09

5th

12:16-1:09

LUNCH

12:39-1:09

6th

1:13-2:10

6th

1:13-2:10

6th

1:13-2:10

Early Release Friday Schedule

1st lunch

 

2nd lunch

 

3rd lunch

 

1st

7:30-8:12

1st

7:30-8:12

1st

7:30-8:12

2nd

8:16-8:59

2nd

8:16-8:59

2nd

8:16-8:59

3rd

9:03-9:46

3rd

9:03-9:46

3rd

9:03-9:46

LUNCH

9:46-10:16

4th

9:50-10:33

4th

9:50-10:33

4th

10:20-11:03

LUNCH

10:33-11:03

5TH

10:37-11:20

5th

11:07-11:50

5th

11:07-11:50

LUNCH

11:20-11:50

6th

11:54-12:40

6th

11:54-12:40

6th

11:54-12:40

Weather Conditions and School

Every effort is made by the district to operate the schools every day of the school year. However, on those rare occasions of extreme weather conditions, school starting times may be delayed, bus transportation may be limited, or school may be closed altogether. Families should watch local tv news or listen to AM radio stations KWYZ (1230), KRKO (1380), KOMO (1000) for updated information on school closures. This information is also available on our website, http://www.lwsd.wednet.edu. In addition, closure information goes out through our notification system on the Lakewood School District app.

** Please see more at the bottom of this page for tips regarding emergency situations**

Academic Procedures and Reporting

Conferences

Conferences will be held in November. Please view the district calendar for exact dates. Communication will be sent to families prior to the conferences. We encourage all to attend.

Family Access

When schools and families partner, students usually have more school success. We encourage you to keep the lines of communication open by utilizing the school email. Your student’s teacher's email address is, for example: zsmith@lwsd.wednet.edu (z-teacher’s first initial and smith-teacher’s last name). Staff email addresses can also be located on our district website: www.lwsd.wednet.edu.

Family Access is another useful tool for tracking your child’s attendance, assignments and academic progress. To open Family Access, please go to: http://www.lwsd.wednet.edu/domain/46 and click on the Family Access Login Screen link. Family Access allows parents/guardians to access their own student’s grades, report cards, progress reports, attendance, discipline and missing assignments. Teachers update grades at least once every two weeks. It is important that you and your student check grades regularly on Family Access. Students will receive their student ID and password information at the beginning of the school year. If you do not have access to the internet, or have additional questions or comments please contact the LMS office, 360-652-4510.

Interviews by DCFC or other Governmental Agency

Upon receiving reports of abuse or neglect, Representatives of the Department of Child and Family Services, shall be allowed to interview students on school premises with permission of the building administration. School officials may be present for interviews.

Interpreter

Parent involvement is vital to every child’s education. Your input is welcome and your participation is encouraged. If you need an interpreter, please contact our district office at 360-652-4500.

Interprete

La participación de los padres es vital para la educación de todos los niños. Sus comentarios son bienvenidos y se alienta su participación. Si necesita un intérprete, comuníquese con nuestra oficina de distrito al 360-652-4500.

Устный переводчик

Участие родителей жизненно важно для образования каждого ребенка. Ваш вклад приветствуется, и ваше участие приветствуется. Если Вам нужен переводчик, обратитесь в наш районный офис по телефону 360-652-4500.

Перекладач

Залучення батьків є життєво важливим для навчання кожної дитини. Ваш внесок вітається, і ваша участь заохочується. Якщо Вам потрібен перекладач, зверніться до нашого районного офісу за номером 360-652-4500.

Report Cards

Report cards are accessible through Family Access approximately ten school days after the end of each quarter and semester. Please contact our office should a hard copy of your student’s report card be necessary.

Semester Grades

Semester grades are recorded on the student’s permanent record and reflect the teacher’s evaluation of student progress. Semester report cards will be mailed home.

Student Planner and Handbook

Your child will receive an LMS Planner that includes the handbook within the planner. One of the most valuable functions of the planner is that it will centralize communication between home and school. It will also help you be informed about your child’s progress and activities throughout the year.

Network Acceptable Use Policy

As outlined in Board policy and procedures on Electronic Resources #2022 regarding student Internet responsibilities, copies of which are available on the district website and at the administration office, unacceptable network use by district students includes but is not limited to:

  • Downloading, sending, or displaying offensive messages or pictures
  • Using obscene language
  • Harassing, insulting, or attacking others
  • Violating copyright laws
  • Using another’s password
  • Trespassing in another’s folders, work, or files
  • Malicious use or vandalizing of the computer system
  • Personal gain, commercial solicitation, and compensation of any kind
  • Saving or storing games, audio files, video files, or other applications (including shareware or freeware) to the network
  • Support or opposition for ballot measures, candidates, and other political activity
  • Hacking, cracking, vandalizing, the introduction of viruses, worms, Trojan horses, time bombs, and changes to hardware, software and monitoring tools
  • Unauthorized access to other district computers, networks, and information systems
  • Cyber bullying, hate mail, defamation, harassment of any kind, discriminatory jokes, and remarks
  • Information posted, sent, or stored online that could endanger others (e.g., bomb construction drug manufacturing)
  • Accessing, uploading, downloading, storage, and distribution of obscene, pornographic, or sexually explicit material
  • Attaching unauthorized equipment to the district network

Network administrators may review files and communication to maintain system integrity and ensure that users are using the system responsibly. Users should not expect that files stored on district servers will always be private.

Students are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or a school hallway. Access to this network includes the services provided by the district’s service provider (Washington State K-20 Education Network) to access public networks such as the Internet. All students will be provided access to Lakewood School District services, including the Internet, unless parent/legal guardian notifies the district by contacting the building principal by the last day of September or within ten (10) days of enrollment, that they do not wish their child to have access. Violations of the acceptable use policy may result in a loss of access, as well as other disciplinary or legal action.

Attendance Policies and Procedures

Teachers and staff at Lakewood Middle School look forward to seeing your student every day. Regular school attendance supports students to be successful in their academics as well as their social development. We understand that absences do occur, so in those events, please follow the procedures below in order to communicate with the school regarding your student’s absence. Your partnership in support of regular school attendance ensures the greatest chance for student success.

Parent/Guardians: Please call the school by 8:00 AM, or email the office @ lmsoffice@lwsd.wednet.edu on the day your student will be absent.

This information greatly assists the school secretary who checks on absences and serves to alert the office staff to possible student truancy. If a phone call or email is made, the student does not need to bring a note to school from the parent/guardian indicating the reason for the absence on the day she/he returns to school. All other students must produce a written excuse signed by the parent/guardian and presented to the office staff on the day the student returns to school.

If the parent/guardian does not notify the school of their student’s absence, an automated phone call will be sent in the morning regarding the student’s absence. For your convenience, you may leave a message at 360-652-4510 twenty-four hours a day to report your child’s absence. A follow-up call may be made to verify the absence.

Attendance will be taken each period.

According to the compulsory attendance law (RCW 28A.225.010) all students are required to attend school between the ages of eight and eighteen. Students who fail to attend school or are absent without an excuse, seven times in a month or ten times in a school year, may be referred to the juvenile court according to RCW 28A.225.030.

At times, students may appropriately be absent from class. The following principles shall govern the development and administration of attendance procedures within the district:

  • Absences due to physical health or mental health symptoms, illness, health condition, religious observances, school approved activities, and family emergencies shall be excused.
  • The principal may, upon request by a parent/guardian, grant permission in advance for a student’s absence providing such absence does not adversely affect the student’s educational progress.
  • If an absence is excused, the student shall be permitted to make up all missed assignments outside of class under reasonable conditions and time limits established by the appropriate teacher(s). (Note: Teachers are not obligated to allow you to make up work that you have missed due to an unexcused absence.)
  • Given individual circumstances, students with lengthy or multiple absences may be asked to produce a doctor’s note verifying the illness or physical ailment.
  • The term “unexcused absence” means that a student has failed to attend at least the majority of hours and or periods in an average day and have failed to meet the school district policies for excused absences.
  • Students who have an unexcused absence from school may not participate in practice, contest, or activities on the day of absence.
  • Excessive excused absences may result in a parent/guardian conference, attendance contract, BECCA Petition, and/or referral to LWSD Community Engagement Board.
  • All students, regardless of age, must comply with attendance rules. (WAC 180:40-210)

Homework Request

If your student will be absent for more than two days, please contact their teachers directly (via email) to request homework. A minimum of twenty-four-hour advance notice is requested when seeking to pick-up homework assignments in person so teachers have time to gather appropriate materials.

Tardies

Students have four-minute passing times between classes. All students are expected to be in the classroom and on task prior to when the tardy bell rings.

    1. The tardy kiosk in the main office is only for students in the following situations: o
      1. When a student first arrives at school, if it is after 7:30 am.
      2. If a student is returning to school after being checked out by a parent/guardian.
    2. If a student arrives late to a class, without a kiosk slip or a signed note from another staff member, they must go to one of the Student Conductor Kiosks located in Cougar Hall and in the 300-building next to room 307.  At the kiosk, they will need to enter their lunch number (4 digits) and once the pass is printed out, they will show that to their teacher. Important to note – the Student Conductor Kiosk will have the consequence for that tardy already printed on it. (See next page for example)

Tardy Consequences:

Note** Tardy totals are cumulative – so a tardy in 1st, 3rd and 4th periods puts a student at tardy #3. Tardy totals will reset at quarters and semesters.

  • Tardy #1: Warning
  • Tardy #2: Warning
  • Tardy #3: 30-minute lunch detention
  • Tardy #4:  30-minute lunch detention

  • Tardy #5:  After school detention (either Wednesday or Friday)

  • Tardy #6:  After school detention (either Wednesday or Friday)

  • Tardy #7:  After school detention (either Wednesday or Friday)

  • Tardy #8 and beyond – referral to an administrator & additional consequences may be applied

tardy pass

Campus Rules

Advertising and Sales

Except for participation in school related and school sponsored activities, students are not allowed to advertise, display posters, or conduct sales of any kind.

Bicycles, Roller-skates, Rollerblades, Scooters, and Skateboards

Since there are no sidewalks to and from school, we are a no-walk district. As a result, students are expected to arrive to and depart from campus using the district’s bus service or a parent/guardian vehicle (see Transportation for more information). For the safety of all students, staff, and visitors, bicycles, roller-skates, rollerblades, scooters and skateboards are not allowed on campus.

Fines and Fees

Students will be responsible for all textbooks, library books, athletic equipment and other auxiliary materials (including Chromebooks) the student either damages or does not return during the school year.  Student will be responsible for replacing items or fines assessed. Students who destroy or vandalize school property will also have fines assessed.

Hallways

Please walk on LMS campus. In order to keep traffic moving smoothly, please avoid standing in large groups.

When leaving or entering a building, please use the right-side door only. Food should only be consumed in the commons or in the classroom with teacher permission.

Leaving and Returning to School

For safety reasons, LMS is a closed campus which means that once a student has arrived to school in the morning, they may not leave until the end of the school day even if school has not yet started, nor can they leave and return to campus during sporting events, tutoring, or any other after school activity. Whenever it is necessary for a student to leave early, parents/guardians will come to the office and check out the student. If a student returns to school, they need to sign back in at the main office and will receive a note to return to class.

Lost and Found

Students who have lost or misplaced items should check the lost and found located in the commons. Small items such as jewelry, watches, etc., are placed in the office lost and found. Items not claimed are donated to charity periodically throughout the year.

Lunches

Students may buy lunch or bring a lunch from home. Funds for school lunches can be deposited electronically by using Family Access.

Parents can bring lunch for the student and it must be delivered to the main office.  We do not allow Uber Eats or other food delivery services during the school day. If food delivery is brought to campus, it will be held at the main office until the end of the day.

Personal Property

Students are responsible for the care and custody of their personal property. Lakewood Middle School discourages students bringing expensive items and/or electronic devices to school as the school assumes no liability for personal items lost, damaged, destroyed or stolen on school grounds. The student should fill out a report in the office for documentation. It is highly recommended that all personal items be permanently labeled for identification purposes, including personal calculators and clothing.

Staying after School

For the safety and security of all, unless involved in a school sponsored and/or supervised activity, students should go home as soon as school is dismissed.

Video Surveillance

In the interest of the safety and security of students, staff, visitors, and property, video surveillance equipment is present and visible in many areas of the LMS campus. It will be understood that there is no reasonable expectation of privacy in these areas. Students will be held responsible for any violations of school discipline rules caught by the cameras.

Video recordings shall be considered student education records, and any release or viewing of such records shall be in accordance with current law. Videos containing evidence of violation of student conduct rules and/or state or federal law shall be retained until the issue of the misconduct has been settled.

Students that vandalize, damage, disable, or render inoperable surveillance cameras and equipment shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action and referral to appropriate law enforcement authorities.

Vape Detectors

In all of our student restrooms and the locker rooms there are vape detectors. Administrators are notified in real time when vaping occurs in the restroom. Our staff wants to be proactive and reduce the use of vapes and e-cigarette devices. If a student is identified as being in the restroom when a vape alarm goes off, this constitutes a reasonable suspicion and may result in a student search.

Communication

What to do if you have a Question, Problem, or Concern

We make every effort to communicate with our students, parent/guardians, and patrons concerning events, procedures, and other school related activities. Should you have a question or concern, by addressing the issue early and working together we can successfully resolve the issue. We ask our patrons to use the following procedures:

  1. Bring your question or concern to the person closest to the problem. If you have a question about something that happened in your child’s classroom, please contact the teacher first. If the question or concern is related to the bus, please start with the driver. If you don’t know where to start or who has responsibility for the issue with which you are dealing, call Amanda Coté at 360-652-4510.
  2. If your question or concern is not answered to your satisfaction or you are unable to resolve the issue, the next step is to take your question or concern to the immediate supervisor of the person or department in question. The supervisor will communicate the need to the employee or department for them to see a satisfactory solution and respond to you within five (5) working days.
  3. If you do not receive satisfaction and wish to pursue the matter further, you will be asked to lodge a formal complaint in writing to the employee and conference with the employee’s immediate supervisor and the employee with five (5) working days.
  4. If, again, you do not receive satisfaction and wish to pursue the matter further, the next step is to resolve your concern with the superintendent who will respond within five (5) working days.
  5. If you do not receive satisfaction from the superintendent and wish to pursue the matter further, you will then be asked to inform the Board of Directors, in writing, of your desire to meet with the Board to try to resolve your concern. The secretary of the Board of Directors shall submit such request to the chairman of the board for inclusion in the board agenda for the board’s review and action.
  6. All written requests shall contain the following information:
    1. The nature of the complaint
    2. The person(s) with whom you have worked to alleviate the concern
    3. The remedy sought

Again, our goal is to resolve any issue to the satisfaction of all concerned. Early communication, accurate information, and cooperation are the keys to successful resolution.

Weekly Updates

Each week, our “Cougar News” is published on our website, which contains information about current events and upcoming activities. In addition, the newsletter will be emailed out to all families. For those families who prefer a hard copy, please contact the school office.

Counseling Center

Our Counseling Center focuses on the social and emotional needs of students and addresses academic progress, conflict resolution, loss, and other concerns. The information shared with the counselor is kept confidential unless someone is potentially in danger. Counselors act as a liaison between school, home, and the community, and can provide referral information for families seeking counseling or other support services. Students may refer themselves to their school counselor by completing an Office Request Form (located in the main office with Julia Bloomquist, or in the Counseling Center itself with Courtney Farr). They may also be referred by a staff member, friend, or parent/guardian. Students can meet with the counselor individually, in a small group setting, or through career awareness activities and classroom guidance lessons.

If a student needs to leave a classroom for a counseling emergency, the student needs to bring a pass from their teacher.

Office and Health Room Procedures

Bus Passes

Students wishing to ride a bus other than their regularly assigned bus must secure a bus pass in advance. The parent/guardian can either email or call to give permission for a bus pass. Please email the office at lmsoffice@lwsd.wednet.edu.

Bus passes must be secured before the start of 6th period except with an administrator’s approval.

Change of Address or Phone number

In case of emergency, it is vital that we have all student’s correct street address and phone number(s) where parent/guardian can be reached. Please inform the office as soon as possible whenever there is a change of phone number and/or a change in a student’s residence. If there has been a change in residency, you will need to provide proof of residency to change it with the district.

Illness and Accidents

Students who become ill should notify their teacher immediately and obtain a pass to report to the nurse’s office. The office is a “temporary” holding place for ill students. If the health room attendant deems that the student is healthy enough to return to class, they may be asked to do so while waiting for parents to pick them up.

  • If your student is home with fever or vomiting, please remember that school board policy states the child should be fever free and/or no vomiting for 24 hours before sending them back to school. We appreciate your cooperation.
  • If a student is injured during the course of the school day, he/she must report to the office/nurse as soon as possible to receive assistance and contact parents. An accident report will be filed.

Medications

All medications, including over-the-counter drugs (i.e. cough drops and Tylenol) need to have a pharmacy label, a medication authorization form signed by the doctor and parent/guardian and be stored in the health room. Medication authorization forms are valid for the current school year only and all forms, including care plans, need to be renewed annually. Parent must transport medication directly to the nurse. Students are not permitted to carry or bring medication on campus (see School Board Policy 3416P). Exceptions would include rescue medications (i.e. inhalers and epi pens) with written permission by the doctor and parent allowing student to self-carry medication(s). Students who have permission to self-carry their medication(s) will need to have all medications with them for a field trip. They will be required to check in with the School Health Room / Office prior to loading the bus or leaving campus. If they do not have their medication(s) with them, they will not be allowed to participate in the field trip. Also, if students are granted permission to self-carry it is with the understanding that they will have it with them every day. As per board policy, the school has the right to withdraw this permission if it is deemed necessary.

Parent/Guardian Messages to Students

If you need to contact your student during regular school hours, our office staff is able and willing to assist you. Please consider the urgency of the message and whether it is imperative to contact your child. If not, we request that regular communications be made with your student outside of school hours as this will assist in limiting the disruptions to the core academic structure of class.

Please do not contact your child directly on their cell phone as it disrupts the learning process. If your student needs to contact you during regular school hours, they may do so by either using the office phone or going to the office to use their cell phone.

Schedule Changes

A student’s schedule has been designed to meet their academic needs as well as their interest in elective courses. Changes during the course of a semester are disruptive to the educational environment and create an impact on other courses, and therefore will be made on a limited basis. Schedule change forms are available in the counseling office. The form must be signed by the "add" and "drop" teachers and be approved by the parent/guardian, the student’s counselor and administrator. The change will be made depending on class size, the reasons for change and the results on the overall schedule. No schedule change requests will be accepted after the second week of the semester; changes after this point will be made only at an administrator’s direction.

Visitors

Parents/guardians are welcome to visit the school. However, all classroom visits must be requested at least 24 hours in advance in order to allow administration to schedule the visit with the classroom teacher.  For reasons of safety, we require all visitors to sign in at the office and obtain and wear a visitor badge while on campus.  Unless invited for a school event, friends or other non-guardian relatives of students are not allowed to visit during school hours. For reasons of student’s safety, parents/guardians are required to wait in the office for their student.

*The district is now using the Raptor system for visitors and all visitors to campus will be asked to show a government issued photo ID to be scanned prior to a visitor badge being given.

Withdrawal from School

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

Student Activities and Athletics

Students who participate in extracurricular activities and/or athletics have a stronger connection to their school and sense of belonging. In addition, research shows that students who are involved in school find more success in their academic classes. All students are encouraged to participate in sports and/or other extra-curricular clubs or activities.

ASB

Every student of LMS is a member of the Associated Student Body (ASB). Each spring, ASB elections are held to elect student body officers which include President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. In addition, there are 6th grade elections in October to select three Sargent of Arms positions. Classroom representatives are elected the first weeks of school in September. and participate in the monthly Student Council Meetings. Eligibility for each of these elected offices can be found in the election information.

ASB CARDS

If a student participates in any sport or ASB sponsored club during the year, they must purchase an ASB card. ASB cards are $30 and can be purchased during Cougar Days or at any point online through Family Access. By purchasing an ASB card, funds are provided to support all student activities.

There are many benefits to an ASB card; with an ASB card, students can participate in ASB sponsored clubs and sports, have discounted entrance fees for HS athletic events as well as enjoy discounted prices for school socials and the purchase of a school yearbook.

Assemblies

School assemblies are an important feature of a student’s education; assemblies build a sense of school community and help to promote a positive school culture.  Students are to give their attention to the Master of Ceremonies or any speaker or performer at the beginning and throughout the assembly. Students are expected to follow appropriate pre-taught assembly expectations. Phones are not allowed during school assemblies, as they fall within the school day.  Inappropriate behavior that results in a student being removed from an assembly will result in disciplinary action and/or possible exclusion from future assemblies.

Athletic Program

Interscholastic sports are open to all LMS students. Specific information pertaining to participation in Lakewood Middle School’s athletic programs can be found on the LMS website under “Athletics & Activities”. Athletic registration is completed through Final Forms which is also linked on the website.

  • Girls’ sports consist of Cross Country, Volleyball, Soccer, Basketball, Wrestling and Track.
  • Boys’ sports include Cross Country, Soccer, Basketball, Wrestling and Track.

Athletes must pay a $40 Athletic Participation Fee for up to three sports per year. If the athlete participates in a fourth sport, there is no fee for that season. Prior to turning out for a sport, each athlete must have sports physical documentation, completed sport specific forms, and any outstanding fines resolved. Forms for athletes are found on the LMS website under “Athletics & Activities”. If you have any questions regarding sports, please contact Courtney Farr at cfarr@lwsd.wednet.edu. If the athletic fees are a hardship, please contact the school. We have resources available to support athletes and families.

Extra-Curricular Academic Standards

All LMS students participating in extra-curricular activities are expected to be passing all of their classes; this means no F’s based on current semester grades during the season. Grade checks will be initiated at the end of the first two weeks of the season. Students not meeting the minimum standards after the grade-check will go on probation for two weeks. Students on probation are allowed to practice and participate in competition. After four weeks of the season, the second grade-check will occur. If a student on probation is still not meeting the minimum standard, they will ineligible for competition until all of their grades are passing. If a previously eligible student is not meeting minimum standards at this time, they will be placed on probation and follow the rules above. Additional grade checks will be run every two weeks. An ineligible student becomes immediately eligible once Skyward indicates passing grades in all classes.

Socials

Socials are for LMS students only and permission slips are required. Students will not be permitted to leave a social early unless their parent/guardian has checked them out with the principal, assistant principal, or staff member in charge of the event. Students are expected to dance and behave in a manner that is consistent with all LMS rules and policies.

Discipline Policy

In order to promote a healthy and safe learning environment, it is expected that all students, staff, parents and guardians will treat one another with respect, courtesy and kindness by honoring our PRIDE values. Students are to exhibit and practice good citizenship, be honest and ethical, and settle conflicts in a proactive manner. Physical aggression, horseplay and harassment of any kind is not tolerated. All students will be held accountable to all team, classroom, school and district standards, rules, and procedures. The Students Responsibilities and Rights Policy will be applied at school, at school bus stops, at school events, functions or activities and for transportation on school vehicles. Events that occur outside of the school can impact the safety and educational process of school and may result in disciplinary action.

Bus Conduct

Students should be waiting at their designated school bus stop at least five minutes prior to the published bus arrival time. Students are allowed to depart the bus only at their assigned stop. Exceptions to this may only be made by pre-arrangement with permission from a parent. The student’s school will issue a bus pass after receiving the parent’s permission. Bus passes should be obtained during the school day (preferably before school); bus passes should be obtained before 6th period, unless approved by an administrator.

All school rules and regulations apply to bus conduct. School bus drivers have the authority to discipline students for misconduct related to School District Rules (WAC 180.40.230). School discipline may also be applied. All school rules apply at the bus stop. Misconduct may result in suspension of bus riding privileges. For safety and student behavior management, video/audio recording systems are installed throughout the fleet as per District Policy and Procedure #6608 which governs the use of recorded material. Any questions related to bus misconduct should be directed to the Director of Transportation at 360-652-4525.

Civil and Legal Rights of Students in Disciplinary Action

Short Term Suspension: Any student, parent or guardian who is aggrieved by the imposition of discipline or short-term suspension shall have the right to a formal conference with the building principal or designee for the purpose of resolving the grievance. Such conference must occur within (3) calendar days of the imposition of the discipline.

Long Term Suspension: Cannot be imposed beyond the academic term in which the alleged misconduct occurs.

Expulsion: Must not exceed one calendar year from the date of removal. However, the superintendent may authorize an extension of an expulsion beyond one calendar year in response to a petition by a school.

Emergency Removal: An emergency removal can only be imposed with sufficient reason to believe that the student poses an immediate and continuing danger to other students or school staff or an immediate and continuing threat of substantial disruption of the educational process. Any emergency removal must end or be converted to another form of corrective action with 10 school days of the date of the emergency removal from school. If an emergency removal is converted to another form of corrective action, notice and due process rights appropriate to the new corrective action must be provided.

  • Any appeal must be made on a Long-Term Suspension, Expulsion or Emergency Removal either in writing or verbally to the school within 3 school days of the suspension. All appeals will go through the Executive Director of Human Resources and Student Services.
  • A re-engagement meeting should be convened when a Long-Term Suspension, Expulsion or Emergency Removal is issued. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss a re-engagement plan with the student and parent/guardian. This meeting needs to take place within twenty (20) days of the long-term suspension, expulsion, or emergency removal and no later than five days before the student’s reentry or re-enrollment. A written plan will be developed between the school, student, and parent/guardian to aid the student in taking necessary steps to remedy the situation that led to the corrective action and return the student to an educational setting as soon as possible.

Academic Dishonesty

Academic honesty simply means doing your own work and not turning in others' work as yours. If it is determined that a student turns in work that is not theirs, the teacher will conference with the student and parent. If necessary, the teacher will consult with administrators about next steps.

Detention & Friday School

Students are expected to act appropriately while serving lunch detention and after school detentions on Wednesday or Friday. If a student fails to do so, consequences may apply. Consequences may include, but are not limited to additional lunch detentions or after school detention. Lunch detentions are held during the student’s lunch time; students are to either bring their lunch directly to the office or get in the lunch line first and then report to the assigned location. After school Friday detention is held from 12:45-2:10 pm on early release Fridays and after school detention on Wednesday is from 2:15 pm-3:00 pm.

Except in the case of an absence, if a student does not attend lunch detention, the student will receive an additional lunch detention. If removed from detention for disruptive behavior, consequence will be determined by an administrator.

Disruption to the Educational Process/Repeated School Violations

If a student repeatedly fails to comply with LMS or district policies, and/or with the directions of teachers, student teachers, substitute teachers, teacher aides, principals, or other authorized personnel during any period when the student is properly under the authority of school personnel, student disciplinary action may be taken. This may include but is not limited to: Warning, Lunch Detention, After School Detention, Short Term Suspension, and Expulsion.  Additionally, a conference with the student, parent/guardian, teacher and/or administrator may be required to resolve conflicts.

Office Referral

An office referral may be initiated by staff member for student behavior in or outside the classroom for failing to comply with LMS or district policies.  Consequences will be determined by an administrator after conferencing with the student, staff and family as necessary.

Scented Items

To help protect our building environment and those with allergies, no aerosol or non-aerosol scented spray cans are allowed at LMS including aerosol deodorant and/or perfume. Students are also not allowed to have Sharpies and permanent markers. 

Insubordination

Students are required to obey the reasonable requests of all staff members. Willful disobedience will result in student discipline action.

Identification of Self

For safety reasons, all students must, upon request, correctly identify themselves to proper school authorities in school buildings, on school grounds, or at school sponsored events. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action.

Personal Electronic devices (including but not limited to cell phones, airpods, etc.)

If a student chooses to bring a cell phone to school, the phone should be turned off and put away at the first bell. Students must also put headphones/earbuds and other electronic devices away at this time. Students may turn on their cell phones at the conclusion of the school day as they depart campus. If you need to contact your student during regular school hours, our office staff is able and willing to assist you. Please do not contact your child directly on their cell phone as it may disrupt the learning process. If your student needs to contact you during regular school hours, they may do so by either using the office phone or going to the office to use their cell phone. 

More and more students also have smart watches. Between the hours of 7:30-2:10 pm, texting, internet searching, etc. on smart watches is also prohibited.

This includes a “no electronic device” policy during lunch and passing time. We encourage students to interact with staff and other students during these times.

Phone usage in each classroom will be for academic purposes only, at the teacher’s discretion

Consequences for not following cell phone expectations:

  • 1st offense:  Cell phone is turned into main office; student may pick up at the end of the school day.
  • 2nd offense:  Cell phone is turned into main office; student may pick up at the end of the school day.
  • Additional offenses: Cell phone is turned into the office, student may pick up at the end of the school day.  Discipline action will be applied, which may include lunch detention and/or after-school detention, or temporarily turning in cell phone to the office daily, as assigned by an administrator. 
  • Excessive offenses may lead to a cell phone contract written in conjunction with the parent/guardian, student and administrator.

General Library Expectations

  • Students are expected to treat library staff, other students, and library property with respect.
  • Students are expected to use quiet voices (only students sitting next to the speaking student should be able to hear them) to promote a learning environment in the library.
  • Students visiting the library are expected to have an intended purpose for being in the library, i.e. to study, to find a book, use the computer for school-related assignments and research, etc. Unless a student is visiting with a class, he/she must have a signed pass for the library.
  • Students may check out books for four weeks.
  • Students are expected to return borrowed materials on time. Overdue notices are delivered to classes and should be taken seriously. Fine lists are issued every three months from the library; all materials which are overdue at the time of the issuance of this list will appear on this list which is sent to the office and can be paid in the office.
  • Students are expected to keep all food and drink out of the library to ensure proper care of library materials. Students bringing in food/drink to the library will be asked to leave until the food/drink is finished or to leave the unfinished beverage at the entrance counter to be returned to the student upon leaving.
  • Students are expected to comply with the Lakewood School Board Policy (4610) regarding the acceptable use of electronic information systems. The library’s computer systems are intended for research purposes and are not for the use of visiting chat rooms, downloading ANYTHING, or for gaming.
  • Students initially disobeying the general computer rules will be asked to leave computer stations for the day. In the case of more extreme misconduct in this area, students may be prohibited from using the library computers for the semester or for the year.
  • Students are expected to comply with the Lakewood School District’s Code of Conduct and general rules.

Dress Code

Lakewood Middle School’s student dress code supports educational access and is written in a way that does not reinforce stereotypes. School staff will enforce the dress code consistently and in a manner that does not reinforce marginalization or oppression of any group based on race, sex, gender identity, ethnicity, religion, household income or body type.

Our values are:

  • All students should be able to dress comfortably for school and engage in the educational environment without fear of or actual unnecessary discipline or body shaming.
  • Student dress code enforcement should not result in unnecessary barriers to school attendance.

Allowable dress

  • Students must wear clothing including both a shirt with pants or skirt, or the equivalent and shoes.
  • Shirts and dresses must have fabric on all sides.
  • Clothing must cover undergarments; waistbands and bra straps excluded.
  • Fabric covering all private parts must not be see through.
    1. Hats and other headwear must allow the face to be visible and not interfere with the line of sight to any student or staff. Hoodies must allow the student’s face and ears to be visible to staff.
      • This also means that sunglasses are not worn inside the buildings.
    2. Clothing must be suitable for all scheduled classroom activities including physical education, science labs, stem lab and other activities where unique hazards exist.
    3. Specialized courses may require specialized attire, such as sports uniforms or safety gear.

Non-Allowable Dress

  • Clothing may not depict, advertise or advocate the use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana or other controlled substances. (This includes, but is not limited to, brands that advertise such as "Cookies.")
  • Clothing may not depict, advertise or advocate pornography, nudity or sexual acts.
  • Clothing may not use or depict hate speech targeting groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation or any other protected groups. (Clothing must not threaten the health or safety of any other student or staff.)
  • If the student’s attire threatens the health or safety of any other person, then discipline for dress code violations should be consistent with discipline policies for similar violations. For example, a threat to a student written on a shirt will be handled in the same way as a verbal threat.
  • No clothing or jewelry that shows profanity, obscenity, weapons, violence, symbols of hate, demeaning images or content that disrupts the educational process.

*Dress code changes were made in consultation with staff at LMS as well as policies from Portland Public Schools, Evanston Township School District, and Marysville School District.

Fighting, Assault and Aggressive Behavior

Aggressive and unsafe behavior is not tolerated at Lakewood Middle School. In keeping with this policy, the safety of students, staff, and visitors is of paramount importance. Assault, fighting, encouraging others to fight (including recording fights and/or social media posts regarding violence), aggressive behavior, and horseplay can cause bodily harm and/or physical damage to person and school. Fighting/Assault/Aggressive Behavior consequences will be determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the severity and frequency of the situation. Consequences could be detention, short term suspension, long term suspension or expulsion.

Law enforcement agencies may be contacted.

Fire Alarms

Students who maliciously pull a fire alarm will be subject to the following consequences:

  1. Detention, short-term suspension, or long-term suspension
  2. Possible notification to Fire Marshall
  3. Possible notification to law enforcement

This is in accordance with RCW 9.40 100: Any person who willfully and without cause tampers with, molests, injures or breaks any public or private fire alarm apparatus, emergency phone, radio, other wire or signal, or any firefighting equipment, or who willfully and without having reasonable grounds for believing a fire exists, sends, gives, transmits, or sounds any false alarm of fire, by shouting in a public place or by means of any public or private fire alarm system or signal, or by telephone, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Forgery

The forging of parent(s) and/or guardian(s) or any other person’s signature on any school document will result in school discipline. Self-signed student notes will not be accepted in lieu of parent or guardian’s signature.

Gang and/or Group Activity, Intimidation or Threatening Behavior

Individuals or groups who engage in, advocate, or promote activities or behaviors which intimidate or otherwise threaten the safety or well-being of persons on school premises or in reasonable proximity thereof for any school sponsored activity are harmful to the educational process. Incidents involving intimidation or related behavior of such individuals or groups are prohibited where such behavior:

  • Disrupts and/or interferes with the school environment/activity and/or educational process.
  • Presents a physical safety hazard to students or staff members; or
  • Creates an atmosphere in which a student(s), employee(s) or other person’s well-being is affected by undue pressure, intimidating, or threats of violence.

Any activity that could be associated with gang association/involvement shall not be allowed on school premises. Activity that is considered to be gang related, includes but is not limited to:

  • Graffiti on the school or school property, personal possessions, or anywhere that disrupts the learning environment of the school.
  • Intimidation or threats of violence by any individual or group, whether in person, on-line or through a third party.
  • Clothing and/or accessories that can be associated with gang involvement or interest in gang activities.
  • Language that includes, but is not limited to, hand and/or body gestures that can be considered to be gang-related. This also includes verbal words/phrases that can be considered to be gang-related.
  • Fights related to gang involvement (affiliation, disrespect, initiations, etc.).
  • Gang related tattoos or other gang identifying marks must be removed or covered for school attendance.

Theft of Student or Staff Property

Any theft of student or staff property could lead to short or long-term suspension. In addition, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office may be notified.

Lighters, Matches, Arson

Lighters, matches, or other incendiary devices pose a safety and health hazard. These items are not allowed at school. Arson is defined as the willful and malicious burning of a building or its contents and/or other personal property of others. Consequences may include but are not limited to: Friday School, Short Term Suspension, Long Term Suspension and Expulsion. In addition, the Fire Marshall and law enforcement agencies may be contacted.

Other Prohibited Items

Students are not allowed to have Sharpies and Permanent Markers on Campus.

Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying

The Lakewood School District is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees, parents/legal guardians, volunteers and community members that is free from harassment, intimidation or bullying.

Harassment, intimidation or bullying means:

Any intentionally written message or image (including those that are electronically transmitted) or verbal or physical act, including but not limited to one shown to be motivated by race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, marital status, age, mental or physical disability or other distinguishing characteristics, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by person with a disability, when an act:

  • physically harms a student or damages the student's property;
  • has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's education;
  • 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.

Harassment, intimidation and bullying can take many forms. It includes but is not limited to slurs, rumors, "put-downs," jokes, innuendoes, demeaning comments, drawings, cartoons, pranks, gestures, physical attacks, threats, or other written, oral, physical, or electronically-transmitted messages or images.

 

Complaint to OSPI

If you do not agree with the school district’s appeal decision, state law provides the option to file a formal complaint with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). This is a separate complaint process that can take place if one of these two conditions has occurred: (1) you have completed the district’s complaint and appeal process, or (2) the district has not followed the complaint and appeal process correctly.

You have 20 calendar days to file a complaint to OSPI from the day you received the decision on your appeal. You can send your written complaint to the Equity and Civil Rights Office at OSPI:

Email: Equity@k12.wa.us ǀ Fax: 360-664-2967

Mail or hand deliver: PO Box 47200, 600 Washington St. S.E., Olympia, WA 98504-7200

For more information, visit our website, or contact OSPI’s Equity and Civil Rights Office at 360-725-6162/TTY: 360-664-3631 or by e-mail at equity@k12.wa.us.

Other Discrimination Complaint Options

Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education

206-607-1600 ǀ TDD: 1-800-877-8339 ǀ OCR.Seattle@ed.gov ǀ OCR Website

Washington State Human Rights Commission 1-800-233-3247 ǀ TTY: 1-800-300-7525 ǀ Human Rights Commission Website

Training

This policy is a component of the district’s responsibility to create and maintain a safe, civil, respectful and inclusive learning community and will be implemented in conjunction with comprehensive training of staff and volunteers.

Prevention

The district will provide students with strategies aimed at preventing harassment, intimidation and bullying. In its efforts to train students, the district will seek partnerships with families, law enforcement and other community agencies.

Interventions

Interventions are designed to remediate the impact on the targeted student(s) and others impacted by the violation, to change the behavior of the perpetrator, and to restore a positive school climate.

The district will consider the frequency of incidents, developmental age of the student, and severity of the conduct in determining intervention strategies. Interventions will range from counseling, correcting behavior and discipline, to law enforcement referrals.

Retaliation/False Allegations

Retaliation is prohibited and will result in appropriate discipline. It is a violation of this policy to threaten or harm someone for reporting harassment, intimidation, or bullying. It is also a violation of district policy to knowingly report false allegations of harassment, intimidation, and bullying. Students or employees will not be disciplined for making a report in good faith. However, persons found to knowingly report or corroborate false allegations will be subject to appropriate discipline.

Compliance Officer

The superintendent will appoint a compliance officer as the primary district contact to receive copies of all formal and informal complaints and ensure policy implementation. The name and contact information for the compliance officer will be communicated throughout the district.

The superintendent is authorized to direct the implementation of procedures addressing the elements of this policy.

Unresolved, Severe, or Persistent Harassment

Any student who believes they have been the target of unresolved, severe, or persistent harassment, intimidation or bullying, or any other person in the school community who observes or receives notice that a student has or may have been the target of unresolved, severe, or persistent harassment, intimidation or bullying may report incidents verbally or in writing to any staff member.

In order to protect a targeted student from retaliation, a student need not reveal their identity on an Incident Reporting Form. The form may be filed anonymously, confidentially, or the student may choose to disclose their identity (non-confidential).

All reports of unresolved, severe, or persistent harassment, intimidation or bullying will be investigated with reasonable promptness. Any student may have a trusted adult with them throughout the report and investigation process.

  1. Upon receipt of the Incident Reporting Form that alleges unresolved, severe, or persistent harassment, intimidation or bullying, the school or district designee will begin the investigation. If there is potential for clear and immediate physical harm to the complainant, the district will immediately contact law enforcement and inform the parent/guardian.
  2. During the course of the investigation, the district will take reasonable measures to ensure that no further incidents of harassment, intimidation or bullying occur between the complainant and the alleged aggressor. If necessary, the district will implement a safety plan for the student(s) involved. The plan may include changing seating arrangements for the complainant and/or the alleged aggressor in the classroom, at lunch, or on the bus; identifying a staff member who will act as a safe person for the complainant; altering the alleged aggressor’s schedule and access to the complainant, and other measures.
  3. Within two (2) school days after receiving the Incident Reporting Form, the school designee will notify the families of the students involved that a complaint was received and direct the families to the district’s policy and procedure on harassment, intimidation and bullying.
  4. In rare cases, where after consultation with the student and appropriate staff (such as a psychologist, counselor, or social worker) the district has evidence that it would threaten the health and safety of the complainant or the alleged aggressor to involve the student’s parent/guardian, the district may initially refrain from contacting the parent/guardian in its investigation of harassment, intimidation and bullying. If professional school personnel suspect that a student is subject to abuse and neglect, they must follow district policy for reporting suspected cases to Child Protective Services.
  5. The investigation shall include, at a minimum:
  6. An interview with the complainant;
  7. An interview with the alleged aggressor;
  8. A review of any previous complaints involving either the complainant or the alleged aggressor; and
  9. Interviews with other students or staff members who may have knowledge of the alleged incident.
  10. The principal or designee may determine that other steps must be taken before the investigation is complete.
  11. The investigation will be completed as soon as practicable but generally no later than five (5) school days from the initial complaint or report. If more time is needed to complete an investigation, the district will
    1. provide the parent/guardian and/or the student with weekly updates
      1. No later than two (2) school days after the investigation has been completed and submitted to the compliance officer, the principal or designee shall respond in writing or in person to the parent/guardian of the complainant and the alleged aggressor stating:
    2. The results of the investigation;
    3. Whether the allegations were found to be factual;
    4. Whether there was a violation of policy; and
    5. The process for the complainant to file an appeal if the complainant disagrees with results.

If the incident cannot be resolved at the school level, the principal or designee shall request assistance from the district.

If the matter cannot be resolved informally, the student may make a formal complaint to the principal or Director of HR and Administrative Services. They will then conduct a formal investigation. Upon completion of the investigation, the Principal or Director of Student Services will recommend a course of action or resolution.

If the matter is still unresolved, a formal complaint may be filed with the Superintendent. The Superintendent will then conduct a formal investigation. Upon completion of the investigation, the Superintendent will recommend a course of action or resolution.

The district will endeavor to protect the rights of all persons involved in this complaint process including individuals who initiate complaints, persons against whom the complaint has been filed, and witnesses.

It is the goal of the district to have all complaints treated in the strictest confidence except as is necessary to investigate the allegations.

Possession of Tobacco/Nicotine/Drugs/Alcohol/Illicit Drugs

The use of drugs and/or controlled substances except under professional medical supervision is dangerous and illegal. No person shall receive, possess, sell, share, purchase, attempt to purchase, attempt to sell, or in any manner use any substance that mimics alcohol, any other illicit drug, controlled substance (without a valid prescription), over-the-counter (O-T-C), or drug paraphernalia while attending any public or privately held school related function or immediately before or after attendance on school property or functions. Drug/Alcohol Possession/Purchase/Sale Consequences may include detention, short term suspension, long term suspension or emergency removal.

A recommendation may be made for drug/alcohol assessment or education. Parent/guardians are responsible for transportation to/from assessment. In addition, law enforcement agencies may be contacted.

Tobacco products are not allowed at school or at school activities, this includes the use of vaping devices.

Search and Seizure

All students shall be free from unreasonable searches of their persons, clothing, and other personal property. However, a student and/or personal belongings may be subject to search by school officials if reasonable suspicion exists that the search will yield evidence of a student’s violation of the law or school rule. Periodically, school personnel may use trained dogs to search for weapons, explosive devices, alcohol, or narcotics. The use of trained narcotics and weapons dogs to sniff objects is not considered a search and this requires no level of suspicion. Dogs may sniff objects that are not affixed to individual students, such as lockers, desks, or articles of personal property such as a book bag.

Vandalism/Malicious Mischief/Burglary/Robbery/Stealing

A student shall not cause or attempt to cause damage to school property or steal or attempt to steal school property. When school property is defaced or damaged by the accidental or purposeful actions of a student, the student and/or parent/guardian will be responsible for the restoration or payment of damages. Disciplinary action may be imposed. In addition, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office may be notified.

Weapons and Dangerous Instruments

The Lakewood School District Board of Directors recognizes the expectation of students, staff, parents, and patrons to be safe on school district premises and at school district activities. Accordingly, it is a violation of district policy and Washington State Law for any person, including students, to carry onto school premises, school provided transportation, or other facilities being used for school activities, any firearm, dangerous weapon, or other object capable of producing bodily harm as defined in this policy.

  1. Any firearm; or
  2. Any dangerous instrument or weapon including laser pens or air guns, sling shot, sand club, blackjack, billy club, brass knuckles, any knife, or any saber, sword, dagger or dirk; or
  3. Any device commonly known as “nun-chukka-sticks” consisting of two or more lengths of wood, metal, plastic, or similar connected with wire, rope, or other means; or
  4. Any device commonly known as “throwing stars” which are multi-pointed, metal objects designed to embed upon impact.
  5. Any air gun, including any air pistol or air rifle, designed to propel a BB, pellet, or other projectile by the discharge of compressed air, carbon dioxide, or other gas; or
  6. Any disabling or incapacitating items such as electronic stunning or shocking devices; or
  7. Any explosives or incendiary components which by themselves or in conjunction with other items can result in an explosion or fire, such as explosive materials, blasting caps, fireworks, gasoline, other flammable liquids, ammunition, or any combination of these items generally referred to as a bomb; or
  8. Any object used in a threatening manner and/or used as a weapon which could reasonably be perceived, given the circumstances, as having the ability to cause bodily harm even though not commonly thought of as a deadly or dangerous weapon, such as a starter pistol, flare gun, cayenne pepper, ice pick, elongated scissors, or straight razor; or
  9. Any object which looks like a weapon such as a toy or “dummy” gun, knife, or grenade.

A violation of this section by any student constitutes grounds for expulsion. Firearms on school property will result in a mandatory one-year expulsion, subject to appeal, with notification to parents/guardians and notification to law enforcement.

Other Board Policies

Lakewood School District Board Policies govern the operations of Lakewood Middle School.

Nondiscrimination Notice

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

Tips for Parents in an Emergency Situation

Lakewood School District takes the safety of your student very seriously. Schools routinely practice safety drills and we have procedures in place both for keeping students on campus for long periods of time and for reunification of students with their families. We understand that an emergency situation is a stressful and emotional time for both parents and students. By reading and practicing the tips below, you can help us make sure that families are reunited as quickly and safely as possible.

  • Please do not come to the schools unless instructed to do so. Roads will likely be blocked. We will notify you when and where you may pick up your student when it is safe to do so.
  • Make sure that we have your phone number(s) and email address. Communication will be through our School Messenger system which will send messages via phone, text and email.
  • Be sure that we have names and numbers of your emergency contacts. Keep them current! We will only release students to those people whom you have identified as your emergency contacts. Do not assume that you will be able to call us to give permission to release your student. Phone lines will likely be jammed or may even be down.
  • Bring your ID when you come to pick up students. Depending on the situation, it may not be the secretary from your student’s school who is in charge of releasing students. It may be someone who doesn’t know you.
  • If we have bussed students to an alternate location to be reunited, please do not approach busses as they arrive. Follow our procedures for signing your student out and allowing us to check ID. This allows us to be sure that all students are released to an adult who has permission to take them.
  • Follow the directions of the person in charge at the site where you are. Sometimes situations can change quickly. District administrators will be working with emergency responders to make sure that we are proceeding appropriately for the safety of all.
  • Understand that you will likely be hearing more information from social media sites than from us. We will only send information when we have been able to verify that it is accurate.
  • If we are in a lockdown or shelter in place situation for a long period of time, we will periodically allow middle and high school students to text their parents with information to let you know they are safe.

Thank you for your cooperation. Keeping our students safe requires all of us working together!

Discrimination

The Lakewood School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employee(s) has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

Civil Rights Coordinator and Title IX Officer
Tim Haines, thaines@lwsd.wednet.edu
17110 16th Drive NE
Marysville, WA 98271
360-652-4500

Lissan Wipfli, 504 Coordinator
17110 16th Drive NE
Marysville, WA 98271
360-652-4500

You can report discrimination and discriminatory harassment to any school staff member or to the district's Civil Rights Coordinator, listed above. You also have the right to file a complaint (see below). For a copy of your district’s nondiscrimination policy and procedure, contact your school or district office or view it online here:

Nondiscrimination Policy

Sexual Harassment

Students and staff are protected against sexual harassment by anyone in any school program or activity, including on the school campus, on the school bus, or off-campus during a school-sponsored activity.

Sexual harassment is unwelcome behavior or communication that is sexual in nature when:

  • A student or employee is led to believe that he or she must submit to unwelcome sexual conduct or communications in order to gain something in return, such as a grade, a promotion, a place on a sports team, or any educational or employment decision, or
  • The conduct substantially interferes with a student's educational performance, or creates an intimidating or hostile educational or employment environment.

Examples of Sexual Harassment:

  • Pressuring a person for sexual favors
  • Unwelcome touching of a sexual nature
  • Writing graffiti of a sexual nature
  • Distributing sexually explicit texts, e-mails, or pictures
  • Making sexual jokes, rumors, or suggestive remarks
  • Physical violence, including rape and sexual assault

You can report sexual harassment to any school staff member or to the district's Title IX Officer, who is listed above. You also have the right to file a complaint (see below). For a copy of your district’s sexual harassment policy and procedure, contact your school or district office, or view it online here: Sexual Harassment Policy

Complaint Options: Discrimination and Sexual Harassment 

If you believe that you or your child have experienced unlawful discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or sexual harassment at school, you have the right to file a complaint.

Before filing a complaint, you can discuss your concerns with your child’s principal or with the school district’s Section 504 Coordinator, Title IX Officer, or Civil Rights Coordinator, who are listed above. This is often the fastest way to revolve your concerns.

Complaint to the School District

Step 1. Write Our Your Complaint

In most cases, complaints must be filed within one year from the date of the incident or conduct that is the subject of the complaint. A complaint must be in writing. Be sure to describe the conduct or incident, explain why you believe discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or sexual harassment has taken place, and describe what actions you believe the district should take to resolve the problem. Send your written complaint—by mail, fax, email, or hand delivery—to the district superintendent or civil rights compliance coordinator.

Step 2: School District Investigates Your Complaint

Once the district receives your written complaint, the coordinator will give you a copy of the complaint procedure and make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The superintendent or designee will respond to you in writing within 30 calendar days—unless you agree on a different time period. If your complaint involves exceptional circumstances that demand a lengthier investigation, the district will notify you in writing to explain why staff need a time extension and the new date for their written response.

Step 3: School District Responds to Your Complaint

In its written response, the district will include a summary of the results of the investigation, a determination of whether or not the district failed to comply with civil rights laws, notification that you can appeal this determination, and any measures necessary to bring the district into compliance with civil rights laws. Corrective measures will be put into effect within 30 calendar days after this written response—unless you agree to a different time period.

Appeal to the School District

If you disagree with the school district’s decision, you may appeal to the school district’s board of directors. You must file a notice of appeal in writing to the secretary of the school board within 10 calendar days after you received the school district’s response to your complaint. The school board will schedule a hearing within 20 calendar days after they received your appeal, unless you agree on a different timeline. The school board will send you a written decision within 30 calendar days after the district received your notice of appeal. The school board’s decision will include information about how to file a complaint with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

HIB, Non-Discrimination and Gender-Inclusive Schools

Our Schools Protect Students from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB)

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 but reports about HIB can be made in writing or verbally. Your report can 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 (Tim Haines, Executive Director of HR & Student Services, at 360-652-4500) that supports prevention and response to HIB.

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.

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

Our School Stands Against Discrimination

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.

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

What is sexual harassment?

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.

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

What should my school do about discriminatory and sexual harassment?

When a school 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: Timothy Haines, 360-652-4500, thaines@lwsd.wednet.edu
  • Concerns about sex discrimination, including sexual harassment:
  • Title IX Coordinator:  Timothy Haines, 360-652-4500, thaines@lwsd.wednet.edu

Concerns about disability discrimination:

  • Section 504 Coordinator: Lissan Wipfli, 360-652-4500, lwipfli@lwsd.wednet.edu
  • Concerns about discrimination based on gender identity:
  • Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Timothy Haines, 360-652-4500, thaines@lwsd.wednet.edu

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 district’s board of directors and then to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). More information about this process, including important timelines, is included on the district’s website.

I already submitted a 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)

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

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.

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

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

Our Schools are Gender-Inclusive

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

  • Address students by their requested name and pronouns, 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 #3211P, view our Board Policies. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator:

Timothy Haines, 360-652-4500, thaines@lwsd.wednet.edu.

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

Updated: 8/23/2024