Shorecrest Student Handbook - Download pdf copy here

Handbook of Student Rights and Responsibilities

Attendance Policy

Discipline Policy

Ethics & Honesty Policy

Harassment Policy - Download an incident report form (pdf)

Cell Phones and Electronic Devices Policy

Shoreline School District Emergency Procedures Webpage

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HANDBOOK OF STUDENT'S RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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This handbook is the district's guide to discipline procedures. This handbook is published pursuant to State and Federal laws and regulations which prescribe substantive and procedural rights of students. The material in this handbook is excerpted from more extensive board policies and district procedures which will control any given situation. It should be noted that policies and procedures are repeatedly under review and changes can be made at any time. All policies and procedures may be accessed in the library of all school buildings and via the district’s web page.

This link will download a pdf copy of the handbook. You can also request a printed copy in the school office.

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ATTENDANCE POLICY

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Regular attendance and punctuality are crucial to your success in high school; they are the most important factors in student achievement. Missing class can not only cause you to fall behind, but may also affect your grades or keep you from receiving credit in a class.

PHILOSOPHY

Students and their parents have the responsibility for maintaining prompt and regular attendance as prescribed in the Compulsory Attendance Law RCW 28A.27.225.

PROCEDURE

Students are expected to attend all classes on time. It is the student's responsibility to document each absence by submitting a written note (signed by parent/guardian) to the attendance office or by having the legal guardian call 361-4294 within five days of the absence. Accurate information is a critical part of this process.
Documentation must include: 1) Student name; 2) Exact date and periods absent; 3) Reason for absence; 4) Parent/guardian signature.

STATE TRUANCY LEGISLATIONS

According to Washington State truancy laws (RCW 28.A.225) after seven (7) unexcused absences in one month, or ten (10) in one year, school districts must file a "truancy petition" alleging a violation of the law by the student, by the parent, or by both. According to the State of Washington, an unexcused absence is student nonattendance for more than 50% of the student's school day. This nonattendance has not been approved by a parent/guardian through the attendance office within five (5) school days. We strongly encourage the parent/guardian to contact the attendance office to schedule a conference with an administrator to develop strategies to eliminate student absences when a student has reached two (2) unexcused absences in a one month period.

ABSENCE

According to district policy #3122 the following are valid excuses for absences and tardies: 1) Illness, health condition, family emergency, or religious purposes; 2) Parent approved activities; 3) Absence resulting from disciplinary actions or short-term suspension, 4) Extended illness or health condition.

School related activities which require a student to miss class time will not be counted as part of the absence total for the quarter/semester. The student shall be permitted to make up missed assignments under reasonable conditions and timelines set forth by the teacher in the course expectations. A student's grade may be affected because of the student's inability to make up the specific activities conducted during a class period (see individual course expectations). District policy #3122 allows a student a minimum of one make-up day for each day of absence.

TARDIES

Tardies beyond 10 minutes are considered absences.

Teachers will follow one of 3 policies for tardies; the particular policy for each class will be published in the Academic Plan.

Policy 1
No more than 3 tardies per semester for an "A."
No more than 6 tardies to earn a "B."
No more than 9 tardies to earn a "C."
No more than 6 tardies to earn a "D."
13 or more tardies is an "F."


Policy 2
Three tardies equals one hour of time to be made up, or the grade drops 1/11th.


Policy 3
Tardies result in a loss of participation points and cannot be made up.

LATE ARRIVALS/EARLY DISMISSALS

Students who choose late arrival or early dismissal are to remain off campus during those class periods. Only those enrolled in classes or study centers are to be on campus during any particular class period.

CONSEQUENCES OF ABSENCE

1ST ABSENCE: AUTOMATED PHONE CALL
When a student is marked absent from any an automated phone call will be made to the student's home.

2ND ABSENCE: AUTOMATED PHONE CALL

3RD ABSENCE: AUTOMATED PHONE CALL

4TH ABSENCE: PARENT/GUARDIAN LETTER
Following the fourth absence in any class a letter will be sent to the parent/guardian.

5TH ABSENCE: AUTOMATED PHONE CALL
Student notification via classroom teacher

6TH ABSENCE: AUTOMATED PHONE CALL

7TH ABSENCE: LETTER AND PERSONAL CONTACT
At the 7th absence in any class a second letter be sent to the parent/guardian. We strongly recommend you call the attendance office to schedule a conference with an administrator to develop strategies to prevent loss of credit in individual classes.

8TH ABSENCE: AUTOMATED PHONE CALL

9TH ABSENCE: LOSS OF CREDIT
At the 9th absence in any class a third letter will be sent to the parent/guardian informing them of the student's loss of credit. Questions regarding loss of credit are referred to an Assistant Principal. Students may apply for credit restoration if they have no more than one unexcused absence and are passing in the affected class. Scoring criteria for credit restoration is available in the attendance office.

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DISCIPLINE POLICY

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The goal of discipline is twofold: to provide a safe and healthy atmosphere for students and staff, and to develop student growth in a positive direction. We have therefore developed a code that is progressive in nature, follows legal due process, that allows for student growth in making appropriate behavior choices. These guidelines apply on all school district property and at all school events. Students must comply with all district policies and procedures in terms of their conduct. All policies and procedures may be accessed in their entirety in the libraries of all school buildings and on the district's webpage at http://www.shorelineschools.org/school_board/policy/default.php. Included here are brief excerpts and summaries.

An explanation of students' rights and responsibilities is mailed to every Shorecrest family in the fall.

ALCOHOL/CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES

Possession, use, distribution, showing evidence of having consumed, selling, soliciting, or facilitating the sale of alcohol or illegal drugs is prohibited. Possession of drug paraphernalia or any item purported to be such is also prohibited. While in attendance at school or school-sponsored events, students must remove themselves immediately from any situation where illegal activities are occurring. Students understand that the community encourages them to report any situation which poses a danger to the health or safety of themselves and fellow students or which represents a violation of state laws, district policy, and the code to which school leaders are committed.

FIGHTING

The act of quarrelling involving physical and/or verbal actions that may lead to violence, bodily contact, in or around school property, are subject to disciplinary action.

Peer Mediators, students specially trained to help resolve conflicts between individuals in the Shorecrest community, are available to help resolve problems with other students.

SMOKING/CHEWING TOBACCO

Tobacco possession, selling, or use by students is not permitted on or near school property. Near school property is defined as being within the line of sight from the school.

WEAPONS

Students shall not possess, display, handle, or transmit weapons, other dangerous devices or any item which reasonably appears to be such, including but not limited to guns, knives, clubs, metal knuckles, daggers, chemical inhalants, or any other potentially dangerous implements on school property or to school-sponsored events. Any exception to the above will require explicit permission.

Persons over 18 years of age and persons between 14-18 years of age with written parental or guardian permission may possess personal protection spray devices on school property. No one may deliver a spray device to anyone under 14 or to anyone between 14-18 years of age who does not have parental permission. Spray devices may not be used other than in self-defense as defined by State law. Possession, transmission, or use of personal protection spray devices under any other circumstance is a violation of district policy and is subject to disciplinary action.

STUDENT DRESS POLICY

Clothing should not disrupt the school environment. Students' appearance shall not advertise or display any product or service not permitted to minors by law. Dress shall not be racist, sexist, imply gang affiliation, or have underwear/undergarment showing. Volation of this policy will be disciplined as follows:

1st Offense: Student will be referred to an administrator where he/she will be expected to change into appropriate attire before returning to class. Parents will be notified by an administrator. If the teacher chooses to handle the situation in class they will notify an administrator so that a record can be maintained.

2nd Offense: Student will be referred to an administrator. Students will be suspended from class for a minimum of that class period up to ten days (short term suspension). Parents will be notified by an administrator.

3rd Offense: Student will be referred to an administrator. Student will be suspended from class for a minimum of eleven days up to the remainder of the semester (long term suspension). Parents will be notified by an administrator.

RESPECT AMONG STAFF AND STUDENTS

Mutual respect among students, staff, and community is expected. Disrespect includes use of profanity and failure to obey reasonable requests by a staff member. Racist, sexist, derogatory, abusing, or hazing behaviors are not tolerated. Student will be referred to an Assistant Principal for disciplinary action. It is the policy of Shoreline Public schools that all students shall be assured a school environment free from sexual harassment. Generally speaking, any type of unwelcome conduct, either verbal or non-verbal, directed to a student because of his or her gender may constitute sexual harassment. All students have the right to learn and interact in a school that is respectful and free from bias. We do not tolerate discrimination in the form of demeaning slurs, name calling, gestures, graffiti, or other words and actions relating to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or handicap. Such offensive behaviors toward individuals or groups of students will result in disciplinary action.

HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, BULLYING

The Shoreline School District is committed to a safe, civil learning environment where all students, employees, volunteers, and patrons work, learn, and participate in an environment free from bullying, harassment, or intimidation. School Board policy further defines harassment, intimidation, and bullying (Policy #3308). References can also be found in the Students' Rights and Responsiblilties.

STUDENT STORAGE: SERVER & LOCKERS

Students are provided with locker space and an individual folder on the building server. These spaces are subject to search and/or space management when necessary. Students' lockers shall not be decorated with any material that advertises any product or service not permitted to minors by law. In addition, lockers must not be decorated with anything that is racist, sexist, libelous, immoral, or clearly indecent or vulgar.

DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR IN CLASS

When a student fails to comply with a teacher's corrective action, (s)he will be referred to an assistant principal.

ETHICS AND HONESTY

Any student who violates the Ethics and Honesty Policy (see below) will be subject to disciplinary action.

STUDENT DRIVERS

Students are expected to drive on school property in a safe, non-disruptive manner and to display a Shorecrest Parking Permit on any car parked in designated student parking lots. Students are restricted from parking in faculty lots, fire zones, bus loading zones, and emergency access areas.
1st Offense: Warning
2nd Offense: Warning plus parent contact
3rd Offense: Car will be "booted" at your expense.

OPEN/CLOSED CAMPUS

Shorecrest requires that students be in classes as scheduled, yet provides students with choices regarding use of the daily lunch period and the tutorial activity period (TAP). The Shorecrest campus is therefore "open" during these two periods of the day and "closed" during class time. There will be no use of vending machines during class time.

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, BICYCLES, FOOD, DRINK, LITTER

1. Walkman stereos are allowed at school, but generally not in classrooms.
2. Stereo radios are not allowed.
3. Skateboards, scooters, and bicycles may be ridden to and from school, but NOT on campus.
4. Food and drink in the classroom are not allowed, unless approved by the teacher.
5. Pagers and cellular telephones must be kept out of sight and handled in a manner in which no one else is aware of their presence. Failure to comply will result in confiscation of the pager or cellular phone. In order to prevent disruption to the educational process, students will not be excused from class to respond to pagers. In case of an emergency, students can be reached by calling Shorecrest at 361-4286.
6. Shorecrest has a "no litter" policy; litter should be disposed of appropriately in trash cans.
7. Laser pens are not allowed at school; their unlawful use is a felony in the state of Washington.
8. No playing ball inside the school building, other than the gyms.
   
   

STUDENT LEADERSHIP CODE

In order to hold a student leadership position at Shorecrest, you are required to sign the ASB Student Leadership Code of Conduct. Violations of this code of conduct may lead to forfeiture of the leadership position in accordance with District administrative procedures. Contact the Activity Coordinator for specific rules, guidelines, and/or expectations.

CONDUCT OF STUDENT ATHLETES AND ACTIVITIES MEMBERS

A student participating in any activity sponsored by ASB funds is expected to 1) purchase an ASB card and 2) uphold an exemplary standard of student conduct, and 3) maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA and be passing all classes at all times.
Student athletes and student leaders at Shorecrest should consider themselves role models at all times during the sports or activity season. This expectation extends to ASB leaders, Cheerleaders, Hip-Hop Dance Team, Highland Dancers, Flag Team Members, music group members, and to any other groups receiving ASB funds.
In addition to complying with federal, state, and local laws, school and district rules of conduct, and team/activity rules, student athletes/leaders must remove themselves immediately from any situation where illegal activities are occurring, or where other persons are engaging in conduct which violates school or district rules. Contact the Activity Coordinator for specific rules, guidelines, and/or expectations.

FAN CONDUCT

Activities which are disrespectful to opposing players, coaches, or fans will not be tolerated. Face paint must be limited to Shorecrest logos or year of graduation. Appropriate school attire is expected at all athletic events. This may include any school-issued garments (athletic jerseys, pants, sweatshirts, hats), but they must remain in their original form and may not be cut up or amended. All spectators must remain in the stands during athletic events.

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ETHICS & HONESTY POLICY

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Honesty is...

• doing your own work.

• crediting others' words, pictures, facts, and ideas.

• keeping your eyes on your own paper.

• helping or teaching others, not allowing the copying of your work.

• using all written and electronic sources with integrity.

Shorecrest and the Shoreline School District have established a clear philosophical foundation for the expectation of integrity and authenticity for all student work.

Shorecrest's Guiding Mission states:

• We each assume personal responsibility for achieving our educational and professional goals.

• High standards and expectations are set for all students, with provisions for their individual learning styles.

• A climate of trust and respect is essential for an effective learning environment.

The District's Mission includes engaging "all students in learning the academic and vocational skills needed to achieve their individual potential. We will do this in a manner that promotes responsibility to themselves and to others."

Integrity, authenticity, responsibility, and trust are the backbone of the Ethics & Honesty Policy.

In addition to the philosophical underpinnings of the Ethics & Honesty Policy there is a practical consideration: teachers need to know exactly what students' own work is in order to assess students' proficiencies.

Simply stated, we expect students to represent their own work (and to allow other students to represent their own work) honestly and accurately at all times.

NOTE: In assigning group work, the teacher holds responsibility for identifying individual and group accountability with regards to the Ethics & Honesty Policy.

DISHONESTY

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the following types of misconduct:

Plagiarism:

1) using writings, passages, ideas of others and passing them off as your own, (including, but not limited to, faxing, duplicating, file sharing, or transmittal using any technology);

2) using an outside source (any work, published or unpublished, by a person other than you) without proper acknowledgement; or

3) submitting or using falsified data or records.

Cheating:

1) acting dishonestly and practicing fraud (deliberate deception in order to secure unfair or unlawful gain);

2) misrepresenting someone's work as your own;

3) assisting or allowing someone to copy your work and represent it as their own;

4) "wandering eyes" (allowing your eyes to stray to another person's work on quizzes or tests);

5) using unauthorized material including textbooks, notes, calculators, or computer programs during an examination or other assignment;

6) sharing test questions and/or answers with students in your class or in another class;

7) receiving test questions and/or answers from a student in your class or another class.

Forgery/Stealing:

1) using unauthorized access to an exam or answers to an exam;

2) using an alternate, stand-in, or proxy during an examination;

3) altering computer and/or gradebook records; or

4) sabotaging or destroying the work of others;

5) forgery of signatures on attendance records, grade records, or any other school paperwork.

Any student who violates the Ethics & Honesty Policy will be disciplined as follows:

1st Offense: The student's parent/guardian will be notified by the classroom teacher and the student will be referred to an administrator. The student will receive a score of zero on the assignment, activity or test. The violation will be noted in the student's permanent file.

2nd Offense: This may be the same class or a different class, in the same school year or a different school year, from the 1st offense. The student's parent/guardian will be notified by the classroom teacher and the student will be referred to an administrator. The student will receive a score of zero on the assignment, activity or test, and will be ineligible for any and all extra credit, and/or credit restoration in the affected class. In addition, the student will be suspended from all extra-curricular activities (both participation and attendance) for two weeks. The violation will be noted in the student's permanent file.

3rd Offense: This may be the same class or a different class, in the same school year or a different school year, from prior offenses. The student's parent/guardian will be notified by the classroom teacher and the student will be referred to an administrator. The student will be long-term suspended from the class for the remainder of semester, not to exceed 90 days. The violation will be noted in the student's permanent file. Established suspension procedures will be followed with due process notification.

4th (or greater) Offense: This may be the same class or a different class, in the same school year or a different school year, from prior offenses. The student's parent/guardian will be notified by the classroom teacher and the student will be referred to an administrator. The student will be long-term suspended from all classes for the remainder of semester, not to exceed 90 days. The violation will be noted in the student's permanent file. Established suspension procedures will be followed with due process notification.

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HARASSMENT POLICY

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Shorecrest High School is a place where all students are safe to learn without threat of violence or concern for safety. Shorecrest adheres to a strict zero tolerance policy regarding harassment of any form between students, faculty, and staff. Students and staff who experience or witness harassment of any form at Shorecrest should report the incident to an SC adult that you trust, or if you prefer, our point person on harassment incidents, Lane Loland, Dean of Students. You may also fill out a harassment incident report that is available here, in the security office, in the main office, or with your counselor.

Download the harassment incident report in pdf format

Download the harassment incident report in MS WORD format

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