Columbia Student Handbook 2011-2012                                                 

Mr. Dirk Christianson, Assistant Principal

Mr. Chuck Wyborney, Superintendent/Principal

Student Name____________________________________________

NONDISCRIMINATION FOR SCHOOL PUBLICATIONS AND PUBLICANNOUNCEMENTS

The Columbia School Districtcomplies with all federal and state rules and regulations and does notdiscriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender ordisability.  This holds true for allstudents who are interested in participating in educational programs and/orextracurricular school activities. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may bedirected to the school district's Title IX/RCW 28A.640 Officer and/or Section504/ADA Coordinator.

Title IX/RCW 28A.640 Officer:  Chuck Wyborney

Address:  Box 7, Hunters, WA 99137

Telephone Number:  509-722-3311

Section 504/ADA Coordinator:  Wendell Hendricks

Address:  Box 7, Hunters, WA 99137

Telephone Number:  509-722-3311

MISSION STATEMENT

To educate and prepare allstudents for lifelong success.

STATEMENT OF BELIEF

We at the Columbia SchoolDistrict are committed to provide our students with an education.  Education is understood to be both liberaland vocational.

Through liberal educationstudents will seek the truth, reason logically, analyze and solve problems, andcommunicate effectively.  Throughvocational education students will acquire life skills to succeed in the worldof work.

                We believe in……………………..

                ·  respectingeach individual’s uniqueness and cultivation of self worth.

                ·  recognizingand appreciating cultural diversity.

                ·  encouraginghonesty, integrity, and taking responsibility for one’s own actions.

                ·  fostering anactive partnership among students, parents, staff and community members  

                    working toward commongoals.

STUDENT LIFE

Rights and Responsibilities

Federal and state laws andrules, and interpretations thereof have been observed in the development ofschool district policies dealing with students' rights andresponsibilities.  The statementsincluded in this handbook, are consistent with those policies.  In the event that a policy is inconsistentwith a statement, district policies will prevail.

Rules promulgated by theWashington Interscholastic Activities Association and like organizations thatgovern the participation of students in inter-school activities, and appeals inconnection therewith, shall supercede the contents of this student handbook.

Freedom from Discrimination

No student shall be unlawfullydenied an equal opportunity to participate in the educational process or beunlawfully discriminated against because of national origin, race, religion,economic status, sex, pregnancy, marital status, previous arrest (unless aclear and present danger exists), previous incarceration, or non-programrelated physical, mental, or sensory handicap.

Freedom of Expression

Students shall enjoy theprivilege of free verbal and written expression providing such expression doesnot disrupt the operation of the school.

For the purposes of verbaland written expression, the following guidelines are in effect.

1. Distribution of written materials or presentation of an oral speech in an assembly or classroom setting may be restricted:

A.      Where there isevidence which reasonably supports a forecast that the expression is likely tocause

materialand substantial disruption of, or interference with, school activities,provided such disruption or interference cannot be prevented by reasonablyavailable, less restrictive means: or,

                B.    Wheresuch expression unduly impinges upon the rights of others.

2. Distribution of written material or presentation of an oral speech, which are construed to be obscene, shall not be permitted.
3. Libelous material or speech shall be prohibited.
4. Material will be considered profane when the language does not meet the standard of professional

journalismas evidenced by the daily newspapers commonly distributed in the district.  Sanctions will be imposed on a student whenhe/she engages in offensively “lewd and indecent speech.”

5. A publication may not violate a person’s right of privacy of an individual by publicly exposing private details of such person’s life, the exposure of which would be offensive and objectionable to a reasonable person.
6. A publication or oral speech which criticizes school officials or advocates violation of school rules may be prohibitedwhen there is evidence which supports a forecast that substantial disruption ofschool may develop.
7. A publication or oral speeches which advocates racial, religious, or ethnic prejudice or discrimination or seriously disparages particular racial, religious, or ethnic groups are prohibited.
8. A student shall be allowed to wear buttons, badges, arm bands, and other insignia as a form of expression, unless determined to be offensive or obscene.
9. A student shall have the right to dress and groom as he/she pleases except where damage to school propertywill result; a health or safety hazard is present; substantial and materialdisruption or obstruction to the educational process occurs; or, when suchdress or grooming impinges on the rights of others.

DISCLOSURE OF STUDENT INFORMATION

Each year the School Districtis required to send student record information to different State and FederalAgencies.  This information is forwarded,upon request, as required by law.

However, individual studentrecords are protected by FERPA (The Family Educational Rights and PrivacyAct).  This law requires School Districtsto notify parents that student information is being requested and subsequentlyallow parents to “Opt Out” of sending the information.  Parents will be notified appropriately.

The military is exempt fromFERPA.  Therefore, the district mustsubmit the name, address and phone number of all Junior and Senior studentsattending Columbia High School.  Thislist will be submitted at the beginning of each school year.

Distribution of Materials

Assembly

Privacy

A school official may searcha student, a student's locker, or a student's automobile and may seize anyillegal, unauthorized or contraband materials discovered in a search.  Such illegal, unauthorized or contrabandmaterials generally cause material and substantial disruption to the schoolenvironment or present a threat to the health and safety of students,employees, or visitors on the school premises. Items of contraband may include but are not limited to illegal chemicalsubstances, and opiates,  (and relatedapparatus), alcohol, tobacco, weapons, explosives, poisons, and stolenproperty.

The school district has areasonable and valid interest in ensuring that the lockers are properlymaintained, since school lockers and desks remain the property of the districtat all times.  Periodic inspections of lockersis permissible for the purpose of maintaining cleanliness and exercising carefor school property.

Students are permitted topark in the school parking lot as a matter of privilege, not of right.  The interior of a student's automobile on theschool premises may be searched if the school authority has reasonablesuspicion to believe that illegal, unauthorized or contraband items arecontained inside.

Miranda Rights -- Law Enforcement

Respect for the Law and the Rights of Others

The student is responsible asa citizen to observe the laws of the United States, the state of Washington,and/or its subdivisions.   While in theschool, the student shall respect the rights of others.  Students who involve themselves in criminalacts on school property, off school property or at school supervisedevents,  (and which acts have adetrimental effect upon the maintenance and operation of the schools or thedistrict) are subject to disciplinary or corrective action by the school andprosecution under the law.

Compliance With Rules

                • On the school grounds or when being transported byschool buses during and immediately before or

                    immediatelyafter school hours.

                • On the school grounds at any other time when theschool is being used by school group(s),or

                • Off the school grounds at a school activity,function, or event, or

                • Off the school grounds if the actions of thestudent materially or substantially affect the educational

                   process.

Telephone

The office telephone will bea business phone only and not available for student use unless the student issick or the phone is needed for school business.  Students will not be called out of class toanswer the telephone, except in an emergency. Students must obtain permissionfrom office staff or administrator to use the phone.

Cell Phones

Personal cell phone usagewill be allowed before school, during lunch and after school for grades 7-12.(Elementary students are not allowed to possess cell phones on campus.)  The following guidelines will apply:

                1.             Phonesmust remain off during class.

                2.             Anydisruption caused by a cell phone will be handled as follows:

                                a.  Step 1: student will surrender phone to the teacher for the remainder of theclass period

                                    refusal to give up phone will result in disciplinary action).

                                b. Step 2:  Cell phone will be givento the principal for the remainder of the day.

                                c. Step 3:  The cell phone will beheld for parent pick-up the following day.

Lockers

Hall lockers are provided forall students in grades 7-12 and gym lockers for all students 3-12.  Students are responsible for their materials.

Personal student locks arenot permitted.  Combination padlocks areavailable for student use from the office. There is a $10 fine for all school issued locks not returned.  There will be announced and un-announcedlocker checks.  We strongly urge studentsto lock their lockers, and leave valuables at home.

Student Cars

Driving to school is aprivilege.  Students who bring cars toschool are to park them in the parking lot in front of the school.  The cars are to be left in the parking lotduring school and during noon hour, unless the student receives permission fromthe principal.     

In order to drive to schoolstudents must register their car in the office by showing proof of insuranceand a valid driver’s license.

Dangerous driving will resultin the following steps:

                Step 1: Warning to student and parent notification.

                Step 2:  Cannotdrive on school property for 5 days.

                Step 3:  Lossof privilege for the rest of the school year.

Dances and Other School Activities

All school dances and partiesmust be sanctioned by the high school principal, and all normal school rulesregarding behavior, are in effect. Proper forms are available in the office.  The following are rules set by the studentcouncil for dances

                1)            Nostudents will be admitted after 45 minutes from the start     of the dance. 

                2)            Nostudent may return to the dance after he/she has left. 

                3)            Eachstudent is allowed ONE guest pass per dance.

                4)            Guests20 years of age or over one year out of school will only be allowed to attend

                                 Homecoming,Winter ball and Prom.

                5)            JuniorHigh students are allowed to attend all dances except Homecoming, Winter balland Prom. 

                                Junior High students may attend thesedances as a guest of a High School student.

Alumni and /or guests willfollow all rules that CHS students have at dances and at school.  All guests at dances will need to have aguest pass approved by the Principal. The pass should be in the office before the event occurs.

Visitors

All visitors are to check inwith the office, and must have a signed pass from the principal.  All student guests at school or schoolfunctions are expected to follow the rules and regulations of Columbia HighSchool students.  Students are not tobring guests to school without permission from the principal at least one dayin advance.  Permission may be grantedafter the student has completed a teacher permission form, which has the approvalsignatures of the student’s teachers.  Noguests will be allowed during finals or WASL weeks.

Dress Code

1.                  No hats,headbands, hoods, bandannas or sunglasses are to be worn in the building(unless Doctor ordered).

  2.           Shoesmust be worn at all times. (Slippers are not considered shoes).  Sandals may be worn in warm weather.

  3.           Noalcohol/drug related clothing or jewelry.

  4.           Nohalter tops, spandex, or other revealing clothing.  This includes shirts, which expose a baremidriff and

                 tank tops with loose arms, which are toorevealing.

  5.           Novulgar or questionable attire.

  6.           Shortsmay be worn but must be of a reasonable length; no short shorts.

  7.           Pantsor shorts must be worn around the waistline.

  8.           Clothing or outfits that are worn tointimidate or insinuate gang membership are disruptive to the school

                 and could lead to safetyproblems, thus they will not be tolerated.

  9.           Pajamas are inappropriate for theworkplace, therefore they will not be allowed during school.

                 (Except for Spirit Week)

Dress Code Violation Consequences

                Step 1. Student will be asked to change to appropriate dress.

                Step 2. Parents will be notified. 

                Step 3.  Afterrepeated violations, student will be suspended.

Initiation

There will be no initiationor "hazing" activities of any kind allowed at any time on schoolgrounds!  The traditional hillsiderock-painting will be allowed with proper supervision.  Any initiation ritual perpetrated on anotherstudent will be grounds for suspension and possible police referral.

Field Trips

Field trips are designed toprovide extended learning opportunities for our students.  All students are required to have the properparent permissions forms completed in order to participate.

ASB Cards

Associated Student Body cardsare available for all students at a cost of $30.  Students are encouraged to buy an ASB card tohelp support student activities.  ASBcards also provide free admission to all home league games as well as providingstudents a discount at all away games, including tournament games.  All participants in school athletics arerequired to purchase an ASB card prior to their first contest.

Hot Lunch

Students and adults will needto purchase their lunches in the office. Students will be given a pass code toenter before they are served their meals. The Columbia School District hot lunch program in conjunction with thestate and national lunch program is a non-profit co-operation, therefore, nobreakfasts and/or lunches are to be served on credit for either students oradults.  Free or reduced price breakfastsand lunches are offered, through this district, to individuals who qualify forthis program.  Eligibility andapplication forms are sent to all families in August and are available in theoffice if your income status changes.

Breakfast prices are:

Grades P-6                            $1.25cents/meal

P-6 (reduced)                       Free.      

7-12                                        $1.50/meal         

7-12 (reduced)                     Free       

Adults                                     $2.25/meal         

Extra Milk                              $.25cents /carton              

Lunch prices are:

Grades P-6                            $2.00/meal         

 P-3 (reduced)                      Free       

 7-12                                       $2.25 /meal         

 4-12 (reduced)                    $.40 cents /meal 

Adults                                     $3.25/meal         

Extra Milk                              $.25cents /carton              

* The previous charges aresubject to change depending on funding from the State Legislature.

ATTENDANCE

Columbia School Districtviews class time as a valuable learning experience.  Our students are strongly encouraged to bepresent at each session to fully participate in group activities which form abasis for increased learning.  Absencesdeprive students and class members of this increased learning which takes placein the classroom setting.  Participationin our classes contributes to the well-rounded education which Columbia SchoolDistrict works so hard to provide. 

In 1995, the Washington StateLegislature passed E2SSB 5439 (known as the “Becca Bill”)  All children who are at least 8 years of ageand under 18 must attend public school, an approved private school, or homeschool.  An exception is made if thestudent is temporarily excused by the parent and the school authoritiesagree.  Other excused absences includeDoctor, Dental, bereavement leave, court and pre-arranged absences.  These are “excused” absences.

Excused Absences

After a student hasaccumulated 10 absences, (excused and unexcused) per class, for the semester,the student will receive a 10% grade penalty in each class this occurs. Howeverthis 10% may be retrieved through a student/parent conference with thePrincipal, and no further absences for the semester. After the student hasaccumulated 15 absences the student will receive an “F” (no credit) in eachclass this occurs. Receiving special permission from the administration, inadvance, will be an exception. Exceptions that may be used are uncontrollable circumstances such asprolonged illness (hospital and/or home), pregnancy, and familyemergencies.  For pregnancy the allowedleave will be 5 school days for the mother. Release time beyond five days will require a physician’s note.  The father will be allowed 1 school day.  Students who are pregnant should try toschedule  doctor appointments so they donot to miss entire school days.

Parents will be notified oftheir child's unexcused absences pursuant to RCW 28A.225.  Parents will be notified of their child's excusedabsences when a student has accumulated a total of 5 absences, and again when astudent has accumulated a total of 10 absences (excused and unexcused).

When a student receives a"no credit" grade, the parent will receive notification.  Parents may appeal to the Superintendentwithin five (5) days of a ruling in which their child has been ruled to receive"no credit" due to absenteeism in applicable classes.  The decision of the Superintendent will befinal.

Students will be allowed toretrieve lost credits by attending summer school.  Each day over 15 will constitute 2 days ofsummer school.  Upon official notice ofcompletion of summer school, passing grades lost, because of attendance, may bereinstated.

Note:  Summer school availability is subject toavailable funds.  Students should makeevery effort fulfill attendance requirements.

Students with an excusedabsence from school will be allowed one day for each day absent, to make upwork.  It will be the student’sresponsibility to obtain and complete the make-up work.  Students are encouraged to use pre-excusedabsences when they know ahead of time they will be absent.

Unexcused Absences

Anytime a student missesschool without a parent’s knowledge and permission, the student’s absence is“unexcused” and the student is considered Truant.  When a student returns to school after anabsence, a written excuse must be presented within 24 hours (2 days max.) orthe student is “unexcused”.

Other absences that areunexcused include:  hunting, family vacations,shopping, state tournament, missed the bus, and slept in.  The above absences could be pre-excused ifthe students’ grades and attendance are in good standing.

The “Becca Bill” givesparents, police, schools, and courts a specific process to intervene earlier inthe lives of students with attendance problems. As the student accumulates unexcused absences the following actions arefollowed as mandated by RCW28A.225.020 and RCW28A.225.030.

                Step 1:   Oneday unexcused:  parental notification byletter or by phone call.

                Step 2:   Afterfive cumulative unexcused absences: a conference with the parent, student, and

                                administratorwill be scheduled.  District may file apetition with Stevens County Juvenile Court.

                Step 3:   AfterSeven Unexcused absences in a month or ten unexcused absences in a schoolyear.  The

                                case will bepetitioned to the Stevens County Juvenile court as required by state law.

This petition process allowscourts to assume jurisdiction in truancy cases. Students found in violation of a court order can be ordered toattend:  1) their school, or 2) anothereducational program or school.  If thestudent does not obey the order the judge may send the student to a detention center,or to community service.  The judge mayalso order parents to pay a $25 fine for each day the student fails to attendschool.

A student will not be allowedto make-up homework stemming from an unexcused absence.

Absence Resulting From Disciplinary Actions

As required by law, a studentwho is removed from a class or classes as a disciplinary measure or a studentwho has been placed on a short-term suspension shall have the right to make upassignments or exams missed during the time he/she was denied entry to theclassroom if the effect of the missed assignments shall result in a substantiallowering of the course grade.

Tardy

A tardy is when a student isnot in their seat, ready to begin class by the time the tardy bell rings.  If the tardy is caused by another teacher,the student is encouraged to get an excuse from that teacher. Students who aretardy will receive one day of lunch detention. Students who are habitually tardy may have the discipline policyinitiated against them.  When a studentis tardy 15 minutes or more, the student will be considered absent(truant).  These students will wait inthe office until the start of the next class.

ACADEMIC AND STUDENT RECORDS

Student Records

The school district maintainscurrent, clear, and accurate records for all students in attendance.  Uniform procedures govern the collection,maintenance, storage, examination, transmittal, and destruction of all studentrecords and any information included therein.

Only information deemednecessary to the welfare of students and the orderly operation of schools, orthat information required by law and regulation, is included in the student'sofficial school records.  Student recordsare the property of the school district; however, they are available for inspectionand review by parents in an orderly and timely manner and in accordance withthe district policy and procedures. Parents may challenge inclusion of any information in a student'srecords which they believe inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of thestudent's privacy or other rights. Parents may request deletion or modification of records, or enter intothe records their own statements of clarification or explanation.  All information relating to individualstudents shall be deemed confidential and be dealt with in a professionalmanner.  Student records will be releasedupon request to a school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.  Other organizations, agencies, or individualswill receive student records only upon the signed, written, dated request ofthe parent, except as otherwise provided by law or district policy.  This policy shall not apply to recordsrequired for reports of child abuse or neglect. All rights accorded to parents shall be accorded to legal guardians orstudents who have attained eighteen years of age or have entered apost-secondary training or education institution.  A student, upon request, is entitled toreceive a final transcript after graduating from high school.

The following information maybe released by the school district unless a student's parents (or guardian)requests in writing that such information not be released:  The student's name, address, telephonenumber, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation inofficially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members ofathletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, the mostrecent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student,photographs and other similar information.

A parent or guardian, or anystudent who is 18, has the right to designate any or all of the above asdirectory information.  Students orparents must notify the school district in writing of such refusal within 10days following publication of this notice, or no later than 10 days followingthe enrollment of a student in the School District.  This written notice should be addressed tothe principal of the school(s) involved.

Graduation Requirements

Columbia High School offersseven class periods a day.  All studentswill be required to take a full load of classes unless permission is grantedfor; teacher aide (if they are ahead in credits), work release, or earlydismissal.

The requirements forgraduation from Columbia High School are:

English 9,10,11, and 12…………………………………………….4credits

Pacific NorthwestHistory…………………………………………1/2 credit

Social StudiesElective………………………………………………1/2 credit

U.S.History……………………….……………………………………..1 credit

Current WorldProblems…………………………………………..1 credit

PE/Health…………………….…………………………………………..2credits

   (.5 credit of health, 1.5 credits ofPE,  .5 credit of Family Health may besubstituted for regular health class.)

Mathematics…………………………………………………………….3credits

                (Two credits must be Algebra 1 and geometry)

Science……..………………………………………………………………2credits

                (1 credit must be Biology, Chemistry, or Physics)

Consumer Survival…………………………………………………..1 credit

Arts…………………………………………………………………………..1credit

                (Fine, Visual, and/or Performing)

VocationalClasses………………………………….…..................3  credits**

                (upper level science and math classes may besubstituted)

Electives……………………………………………..........................6credits

Required tograduate………………………………….. .............25 credits*

1 credit = passing gradeduring 2 semesters of work

Teacher aide or office aidewill earn a "P" or "F" grade and 1/4 credit per semester.

Washington State requirementsto earn a high school diploma are:

                1.             Earnhigh school credits.

                2.             Passstate tests or approved alternative tests.

                3.             Completea Culminating Project

                4.             Completea “High School and Beyond Plan”

                **           Studentsplanning on going to college and majoring in an academic area can have some orpart

                                (up to 3 credits) waived.  These credits can be made up by taking upper divisioncourses in math,

                                science, social studies, or foreignlanguage.

Class changes will be allowedduring the first week of each semester only. These changes are to be requested on the standard form obtained from theoffice.  Any drop or transfers after thistime may result in a failing grade for the class dropped

RUNNING START

Columbia School is pleased tooffer running start classes through the Community Colleges of Spokane.  These courses are on-line courses.  One class period per school day can be usedfor running start.  Other college coursescan be completed on student’s own time after school.

To be eligible for runningstart, student must be a junior and be accepted by Community Colleges ofSpokane.  This requires meeting minimumpassing scores on the college’s admittance test.

COURSE EQUIVALENCIES

5 college quartercredits  =  1.0 high school year credit

Columbia Course  College Course                                                     Credits

English 11                              Eng 101 – EnglishComposition 1           5        

English 12                              Eng 101 - EnglishComposition 1            5

                                                Eng 102 - EnglishComposition 2                      

US History                              Hist 137 – USHistory 2                             5

PNW                                       Hist 214 – Pacific NW History                 5

and SS elective                                                                                           5

PE                                            PE 107 – Jogging                                        1

                                                PE 207 – Jogging                                        1                                                 

                                                PE 100 Fit for Life                                      1

Elective:  Any course above 100 pre-approved byprincipal or counselor

Note:  To be eligible, students must be a junior andmeet minimum requirements on the ASSET test or Compass

             test.  Students need to understand, if they fail thecollege classes they will not receive any High School

             credit.

Grading Policy

Following is the gradingscale which will be used by all teachers grading students in grades 7 through12.

                                Percentile                                                                             Letter Grade

                                93-100%                                                                                                         A

                                90-92                                                                                              A-

                                87-89                                                                                              B+

                                83-86                                                                                              B

                                80-82                                                                                              B-

                                77-79                                                                                              C+

                                73-76                                                                                              C

                                70-72                                                                                              C-

                                66-69                                                                                              D+

                                62-65                                                                                              D

Progress and Deficiency Reports

Student progress reports willbe sent home at mid-quarter and any other time during the grading period that ateacher deems necessary.  These reportswill give the parents an accounting of their child's current status inrelationship to a letter grade.  Parentsare encouraged and invited to come to the school at any time to consult withthe teacher about their child's progress. For students that are failing or near failing, a conference between the teacher and parents of that student is strongly recommended.

Honor Roll and Merit Roll

The Honor Roll and Merit Rollwill be compiled at the end of each semester. The following criteria will be used.

                Honor Roll -           3.5G.P.A. or higher

                Merit Roll -            3.2- 3.49 G.P.A.

                A student with an "F" grade will not be listed on the honor or merit roll even if the grade point is

                above a 3.2 G.P.A.

Valedictorian and Salutatorian

To be eligible forValedictorian a student must have a cumulative G.P.A. of at least 3.5.  To be eligible for Salutatorian a studentmust have a cumulative G.P.A. of at least 3.3. If no students are eligible for either the Valedictorian or Salutatorianaward, a substitute speaker will be selected from the senior class, and nomedal will be awarded.  If thevaledictorian and/or salutatorian ranking changes after the final grades arehanded in, this change will be noted at graduation with corrected awards presented.  Speeches will not change.

Honor Graduates will be thosestudents that have maintained at least a 3.5 G.P.A for their four years of highschool work.  This will be noted atgraduation with a gold cord.

College Requirements

Students who are consideringattending a college or university, should consider taking the following classeswhich are required at state colleges in the state of Washington:  two years of foreign language, three years ofmath (not counting general math or pre-algebra), four years of English, two yearsof science (one with a lab), three years of social studies, and one year infine, visual or performing arts.

INTERNET AND TECHNOLOGY

All use of computers and theInternet must be in support of classroom group or individual educationalactivities or education research to such educational activities.  For the safety and security of minors, chatrooms, E-mail and other forms of direct electronic communications will not beallowed.  Video games are not allowedunless assigned and supervised by a school staff member.

Internet accounts are to beused only by assigned individuals of the account of the authorized purposesdescribed in item (1) above.

All use of the Internet forcommercial, for-profit, or non-profit enterprise, personal or corporatefinancial gain, advantage, or purposes is prohibited.

Extensive use of the Internetfor personal or private business is prohibited.

All use of the Internet forproduct good or service advertising and political lobbying is prohibited.

All communications andinformation accessible over the Internet should be assumed to be privateproperty and protected by copyright laws.

The Internet shall not beused to intentionally misrepresent other users, or for unauthorized disclosure,use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors.

The Internet shall not beused to destroy, modify, or abuse any hardware or software employed by otherusers.

The Internet shall not beused to develop, transmit, or integrate any software program, hardware orcommunications device which will harass other users, infiltrate a computer orcomputing system, and/or damage the software components of a computer orcomputing system.

The Internet shall not beused to transmit hate mail, harassing statements, discriminatory remarks, oradvocate any other antisocial behavior.

The Internet shall not beused to develop software nor install legal or illegal copyrighted software onany server, server device, or computer owned, leased or installed by permissionand operated by Columbia School District, without the specific written consentof Columbia School District.

The Internet shall not beused to access, distribute, develop, or transmit any obscene or pornographicmaterial.  Neither shall such materialsbe stored on any computer device managed by Columbia School District.

The Internet shall not beused to access, develop, transmit, or distribute any information, data, ormaterial likely to be offensive or objectionable to recipients.  Neither shall such materials be stored on anycomputer device managed by Columbia School District.

Consequences

Step 1:  Student will lose Internet privilege for 5days.

Step 2:  Student will lose Internet privilege for 20days.

Step 3:  Student will lose the Internet privilege forthe rest of the school year.

GENERAL RULES

Miscellaneous School Rules

A.      Students areexpected to refrain from any destructive acts toward private property or theschool.  Damage done in an intentional orirresponsible manner, will be paid by the student or students responsible. 

B.      Students are toaddress faculty members and adults on the school campus with Mr., Mrs., orMiss,

exceptin the case of the coach who may be called "Coach".

C.      Students are notallowed to display affection overtly other than holding hands. (PDA)

                D.     Personalelectronic devices, with/without headphones, will not be allowed to be playedat school

                        (Unlessthe teacher has a valid educational reason to allow their use).  Students are advised to leave

                        itemsof value at home.

                E.    A student shall not leave the school campusduring the school day unless excused by the school office.

                F.    A studentshall be expected to leave the school campus at the official close of theschool day unless

                       permission to dootherwise has been granted.

                G.   The schoolis not responsible for any loss or damage to any personal clothing or equipmentthat is left

                       on school premises afterthe close of a school day.

                H.   Any lewd,vulgar, indecent or obscene act or expression is prohibited.

                I.     Astudent shall not intentionally cause the substantial and material disruptionof any school

                       operations.

                J.    Gamblingor encouraging other students to gamble is prohibited.

                K.   Backpacksare not allowed, to be carried, during the school day.  They should be stored in the student’s locker.

                L.   Cellphones are not allowed to be on during class time.  Students may use their cell phones during lunch, before or after school.

                M.  Misuse ofcell phones could result in their confiscation.

                N.  “EnergyDrinks” such as “Monster” drinks, or any others with intent to increasemetabolism or

                       awarenessare banned from school premises at all times.

                O.  Aerosolsand any other substance used for inhalants are prohibited for studentpossession.

Additional Laws (State Laws)

                •              Alcoholpossession or consumption, less than 21 years old, is   unlawful.

                •              Controlleddrug possession is unlawful except when given by valid prescription.

                •              Controlled(prescription) drug possession is unlawful unless still in the originalcontainer.

                •              Useof all tobacco products is prohibited on public school property.

                •              Possessionof firearms on public school property is unlawful.

                •              Fireworkspossession is unlawful.

                •              Weaponsapparently capable of producing bodily harm, carrying, exhibiting, displaying,or                                                drawing is unlawful.  (i.e. switch blade knife, metal knuckles,etc.)

                •              Studentscarrying dangerous weapons on school premises is unlawful.

                •              Placingor depositing on the road, glass, garbage or discarded matter is unlawful.

                •              Annoying,injuring or endangering the safety, health, comfort, or repose, or in any wayrendering

                                a considerablenumber of persons insecure in life or in use of property is a public nuisance.

                •              Gluesniffing, or any other inhalants - unlawful inhalation.

                •              Possessionof certain glue prohibited.

                •              Falselypulling a fire alarm is prohibited.

                •              Telephonecalls to harass, intimidate, torment or embarrass are prohibited.

•              Swearing at Staff.

•              Disruptive behaviors in thehallways (including running, loud music, wrestling etc.)

        •              Violating closed campus/Parking lot

•               An accumulation of minor ruleviolations will constitute a major infraction.

DISCIPLINE

To insure that orderessential to effective teaching and learning is maintained, corrective actionsand punishments may be imposed by designated employees for violation of rulesof student conduct.  Corrective actionand punishment will be imposed for good and sufficient cause in a fair and justmanner.

1.  No student in grades kindergarten through four shall be subject to short-term suspension for more than a  total of 5 school days during any singlesemester, and no loss of academic grades or credit shall be imposed by reason of the suspension of such astudent

2.  No single long-term suspension shall be imposed which causes the student to lose academic grades or credit in excess of one semester.

         C.    All suspensions shall be reported in writingto the superintendent within 24 hours after imposition.

         D.   As a general rule no student shall besuspended for a short or long-term unless other forms of corrective    action or punishment reasonably calculated tomodify his/her conduct has previously been imposed upon          the student as a consequence of misconduct of the samenature.  However, a student may besuspended          for exceptionalmisconduct, other than absenteeism, when such misconduct is of frequentoccurrence or             is serious innature and/or is disruptive to the operation of the school.

GUIDELINES

The following will be used asa guideline in determining disciplinary consequences for variousviolations.  Deviations from theseguidelines will be made in response to the extreme situations or extenuatingcircumstances.  Further, the listedinfractions are not intended to be exclusive nor do they limit the buildingadministrator’s prerogative to recommend expulsion.  Steps may be skipped depending upon theseverity of the offense.

The following are examples of MINOR ruleviolation infractions.

Infraction

Skipping class, throwingobjects, disobedience, vulgarity, obscenity, overly displaying affection, dresscode violations, cheating, possession of obscene materials, matches, cigarettelighter, or any flammable materials or device.

Possible Disciplinary Action

Campus cleanup, Detention,clean buses, Saturday school, In-House detention.

The following are examples of MAJOR ruleviolation infractions.

Infractions

• Insubordination (Direct defiance or disrespect to school personnel).  This includes refusal to go to detention, or to report to the office when directed by staff.
• Fighting, smoking, chewing, or possession of tobacco (includes “look alike” tobacco products), destruction of school property, theft, drivingviolations, violating closed campus.

Possible Disciplinary Actions

• In-House suspension
• Short term suspension (1-10) days)
• Long term suspension (Over 10 days, but generally will be considered remainder of a semester with loss of semester credit.)
• Accumulated suspensions of 20 days or more will result in loss of credit for the semester.
• Expulsion          

Repeated Detention

                1.             After10 detentions one day of in-house suspension.

                2.             After15 detentions, one day out of school suspension.

                3.             After20 detentions, 3 days of out of school suspension.

                4.             After25 detentions, 5 days out of school suspension.

                5.             After30 detentions, 10 days out of school suspension.

Public displays of affection (PDA)

Students are allowed to holdhands when they are not in class.  Anyextra affection will result in a lunch detention.  Repeat offenders will progress through thediscipline options. PDA rule expectations include after regular school hours oncampus or at sporting events or any other field trip or activity that isassociated with Columbia School Dist. #206.

*Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying:

Definition: Any intentionalwritten, verbal, or physical act that a reasonable person would deem harmful,insulting or demeaning toward a fellow student. When the intentional written, verbal, or physical act:

• Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property; or
• Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education; or
• Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment;
• Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.
• Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying, as defined above, should be reported to the nearest Staff member
• Sexual harassment should be reported to the Principal or Superintendent.

Reporting

Anonymous-  An individual may file a report withoutrevealing their identity. No disciplinary action will be taken against analleged aggressor based solely on an anonymous report. Possible responses wouldbe to increase monitoring of specific areas, students, or staff.

Confidential-  Individuals may ask that their identities bekept secret from the accused and other students. Like anonymous reports, nodisciplinary action will be taken against an alleged aggressor based solely ona confidential report. Possible responses would be to monitor those areastargeted in the report.

Non-confidential- Individuals may agree to file a report non-confidentially. Thedistrict may be required to release all of the information that it hasregarding the complaint to any individuals involved in the incident. Theinformation will be restricted to those with a need to know, both during andafter the investigation. Retaliation against complainants or witnesses isprohibited and will result in discipline.

Formal reporting shall bedirected to the Principal or Superintendent and must be in writing.

Action Steps

• Administration will investigate claim and take appropriate disciplinary action.
• Warning letter sent if warranted.
• Parents of both parties will be contacted.
• Appropriate degree of discipline will be given
• Law Enforcement may be notified.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

*  “Think” Sheet – means that the student mustcomplete a template that allows themselves to process their behavior and whereappropriate, administer a restitution, (e.g. a written apology, verbal apology,read and repot on a related article, etc.)

** Group 3: First time maylead to more serious consequences as deemed appropriate by schooladministration.

Appeals

When a corrective action orpunishment includes a school suspension, the student shall be given anopportunity to contest the facts, appropriateness, or to allege prejudice orunfairness on the part of the school district official responsible for thecorrective action or punishment.  Theschool principal will advise the student of the procedure to follow that personwishes to appeal a suspension or expulsion action.

Application for Re-Admission

Any student who is on longterm suspended or expelled shall be allowed to make application forre-admission at any time.  If a studentdesires to be re-admitted to the school from which he/she has beensuspended/expelled, the student shall submit a written application to theprincipal, who instituted the corrective action or punishment.  If a student wishes admission to anotherschool, he/she shall submit the written application to the superintendent.

The application forre-admission shall include:

                1.  Thereason(s) why the student wishes to return to school.

                2.  Thereason(s) why the student believes he or she should be re-admitted.

                3.  Newevidence, if any, which would support the student’s request for a new hearing.

                4.  A statementfrom the parent(s) or guardian(s), if the student is under 18 years of age,

                      insupport of the student’s request for re-admission, and

                 5. Supporting references from one or moremembers of the community.

Upon receipt of are-admission application, the Superintendent shall schedule a hearing for itsreview.

The Superintendent shall, inwriting, advise the student and the student’s parents or guardians, of theprincipal’s or superintendent’s decision within three school days after thehearing.

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY

In order for Columbia SchoolDistrict to be a safe learning environment for students, a zero tolerancepolicy has been implemented.  The facultyand administration of the Columbia School District have identified thefollowing issues that will not be tolerated at school.

INFRACTION

                • Threats of violence toward students, staff membersand/or the building.

                • Instigating an Assault or Assaulting others

                • Willful creation of a disturbance on schoolpremises

                • Extortion and coercion

                • False alarms and false accusations

•Possessionof alcohol and/or illegal drugs:

As per school board directive– Anyone using or possessing alcohol or illegal drugs on school grounds or atschool activities will be suspended for ninety (90) school days.  This suspension may be reduced to 45 dayswith the successful completion of a pre-approved drug/alcohol counselingprogram.  The proper authorities willalso be notified of the crime.

Possession of “look alike”drugs or representation of a material as a drug will be treated as a drug

Possession of Firearms or Weapons

As per RCW (28A. 2.10.310)Any student in possession of a firearm on school property will result in aone-year mandatory expulsion, subject to appeal, with notification to parentsand law enforcement.

DISCIPLINE

Suspected infractions mayresult in:

ü  Student will be immediately isolated or removed from school.

ü  Parents will be called.

ü  Possible suspension or expulsion.

ü  Possible referral to Law Enforcement, Mental Health orboth.

ü  Referral to School Counselor.

TRANSPORTATIon

School Bus Rules

IN ACCORDANCE WITH WAC392-145-035, THE COLUMBIA SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAVE ADOPTED THEFOLLOWING WRITTEN POLICIES TO ENSURE SAFETY FOR PASSENGERS RIDING THE COLUMBIASCHOOL DISTRICT BUSES OR CARS:

Student drop-off location

Students will ride theirnormal bus and be dropped off at their designated location.  If your child is to ride the bus to alocation other than his/her designated stop, or stay after school, he/she musthave a written note stating this.  If anemergency develops and a phone call regarding a change must be made, pleasemake every effort to do so before 2:00pm.

GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINE

1. The driver is in full charge of the bus and students.  The students must obey any reasonable request of the driver promptly and willingly.

2. Students shall be on time.  Policy is to be at stop 5 minutes early and wait in a safe and orderly manner. The bus driver does not have to wait, if students are not at the stop.

3. Students shall ride their regularly assigned bus at all times, unless permission has been granted by school authoritiesvia a note from a student’s parent or legal guardian.

4. Each pupil may be assigned a seat in which he/she will be seated at all times unless permission to change is given by the driver.

5. Students are to remain in their seats while the bus is in motion.  6. Students shall enter and leave the bus in an orderly fashion.  A student shall bepermitted to leave the bus only at his or her regular stop, unless writtenpermission has been given by the school office staff 

6. Students must wait for driver’s signal and look both ways before crossing a roadway.  Students are to cross in front of the bus in full view of the driver

7. In the event of an emergency, students must follow emergency exit procedures as established by the emergency exit drills.

8. When the bus stops at a railroad crossing, there will be absolutely no noise or talking.

9. Students are to assist in keeping the bus clean.  Eating or drinking on a school bus is not permissible exceptwhen specifically authorized and supervised by school district personnel.

10. Any damage to a bus must be reported to the driver at once.  Students will reimburse the school district fordamage to buses resulting from student misconduct and may be subject to loss ofriding privileges and suspension or expulsion from school.

11. Vulgar or profane language or gestures will not be allowed.   

12. Students must see that personal belongings are kept out of the aisle.  Large items which cannot be held in the students lap will not be transported in the interior of the school bus.

13. No students shall at any time extend head, hands, or arms out of the window, whether the bus is in motionor standing still.

14. Use of any type of flame or sparking device on the school bus is prohibited. 

15. Students must not have anything in their possession that might cause injury to another, such as sticks, breakable containers, any type of firearms or fireworks, or pins extending from theirclothing.  No animal, reptile, fish orfowl is permitted on the bus (except seeing eye dogs).

16. Throwing items on the bus is prohibited.

17. Riding the activity buses for after school activities is a privilege, and must be treated as such.  The first incident of misbehavior will result in a warning (the coach or teacher will be notified).  The second incident will result in loss of activity bus privileges for the remainder of the season. 

School Bus Discipline Policy Grades P-12

Minor Rule Violations

Violations such as:  Not keeping the aisle clear, excessive noise,horseplay, failure to remain seated, littering, hands, feet or body out of thewindow.

Each driver will develop adiscipline plan for their bus.  Theseplans will be reviewed with the transportation supervisor .

Possible consequences:  Driver will try to remediate behavior througha variety of options such as: Talk to student, talk to parent, assigned seat,bus cleanup, lunch detention, stop the bus until behavior of students allowssafe passage.   If behavior persistsstudents will be referred to transportation supervisor.

Major Rule Violations

These include insubordination(failure to comply with driver’s request), vulgar language or gestures andrepeated minor rule violations can constitute a major rule violation.

Major rule violations will bereferred to the transportation supervisor. The transportation supervisor will continue to work with the driver as theydeal with these violations.

Possible consequences:  Talk with the students, Parent conference,lunch detention, loss of recess, in-house suspension, short term suspension (upto 10 days), Long term suspension, loss of bus privileges.

Major School Rule Violations

These violations will bereported directly to the principal. These include:  fighting, use orpossession of tobacco, use or possession of drugs, possession of explosives,firearm or other weapons, gross insubordination (telling off a schoolemployee), acts of vandalism and theft.

Possible consequence:  Short term suspension, long term suspension,expulsion and in-school suspension.

ACTIVITY BUS RULES

Riding the activity bus is aprivilege.

Step 1:  Student will be warned, coach will benotified.

Step 2:  Student will lose bus privileges for the restof the season.

JUNIOR HIGH PROMOTION POLICY

Board approved 6-18-2009

In order to prepare studentsto meet the state standards for High School graduation, the following creditsystem for Junior High has been implemented. This policy applies to 7th grade retention, 8th grade retention and 8thgrade promotion.

                7thGrade:

1.      A student mustearn 8 semester core class credits (Reading, Math, English, Social Studies andScience) Or pass 5 of 5 core classes during the second semester.

2.       A student must earn 3 additional semestercredits in the following classes:  PE,Keyboarding, Band or Shop.

                8thGrade:

1.      A student mustearn 8 semester core class credits (Reading, Math, English, Social Studies andScience).  Or pass 5 of 5 core classesduring the second semester.

2.       A student must earn 3 additional semestercredits in the following classes:  PE,Keyboarding, Band or Shop.

Retention Guidelines

• A student passes the grade level if they earn a minimum of 8 core credits and 3 elective credits.
• A student who earns at least 6 core classes and 3 elective credits will be promoted if they successfully complete two summer school courses.
• A student who earns 5 or less core class credits (unless they pass all 5 second semester) will be retained.
• A student cannot be retained more than once during their 7th and 8th grade years

                Note:  Summerschool is subject to available funding.

8th Grade Graduation Ceremony 

Participation Guidelines

                1.  Must be afull time Columbia student.

                2.  Must be ontrack to meet all of the 8th grade credit requirements.

If a student has not met theabove guidelines at the time of 8th grade promotion, they will not be allowedto participate in the 8th Grade Promotion Ceremonies.

Support offered by ColumbiaSchool District to help students achieve these standards:

1.      Parents arenotified with progress reports a minimum of 2 times per semester.

2.      Student-Ledconferences will be offered once each semester.

                3.    Summer school (pending available funds)Reading, Writing and Math classes will be available to all         

                       students,and can be used to make up 2 semester credits per year.   Students who can meet minimum

                       requirementsafter completion of summer school will be allowed to promote to the next grade. 

                4. Student Success Team (teachers and administration) will meet monthly todiscuss ideas to help

strugglingstudents.

ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES PROGRAM