3000 Series - Student Policies & Procedures

Age of Admission

It is a right and responsibility of those who meet the requirements prescribed by law to attend the schools of the district. Every resident of the district who satisfies the minimum entry age requirement and is less than 21 years of age has the right to attend the district's schools until they complete high school graduation requirements. Children of age 8 and less than age 18 are required by law to attend a public school, an approved private school or educational center, unless they are    receiving approved home-based instruction. Under certain circumstances children who are at least 16 and less than 18 years of age may be excused from further attendance at school. The superintendent will exercise their authority to grant exceptions when they determine that the student:

1. Is lawfully and regularly employed, and
2. Has permission of a parent, or
3. Is emancipated pursuant to Chapter 13.64 RCW; or
4. Is subject to one of the other exceptions to compulsory attendance.

A resident student who has been granted an exception retains the right to enroll as a part-time student and will be entitled to take any course, receive any ancillary services and take or receive any combination of courses and ancillary services which is offered by a public school to full-time students.

Entrance Qualifications

To be admitted to a kindergarten program that commences in the fall of the year, a child must be not less than 5 years of age prior to September l of that school year. To be admitted to a first grade program that commences in the fall of the year a child must be not less than 6 years of age prior to September l of that school year. Any student not otherwise eligible for entry to the first grade who has successfully completed a state-approved, public or private, kindergarten program of 450 or more hours including instruction in the essential academic learning requirements and other subjects that the district determines are appropriate will be permitted entry into the first-grade program. If necessary, the student may be placed in a temporary classroom assignment for the purposes of evaluation prior to making a final determination of the student's appropriate placement. Such determination will be made no later than the 30th calendar day following the student's first day of attendance.

Exemptions
Special exemptions may be made for younger pupils who appear to be sufficiently advanced to succeed in the educational program.  The superintendent will identify screening processes and instruments that will provide reliable estimates of these skills and abilities, develop procedures for implementing this policy and establish fees to cover expenses incurred in the administration of preadmission screening processes. The district will provide a fee waiver or a reduction in fees for low-income students whose parents are unable to pay the full cost of preadmission screening.

Admission of Students Aged Twenty-One or Older

A student aged 21 or older may enroll in a school in the district under the following conditions:

1. There is available space in the school and program which the student will attend;
2. Tuition is prepaid;
3. The student provides his/her own transportation;
4. The student resides in the state of Washington; and
5. In the judgment of the superintendent, no adult education program is available at reasonable costs and the district's program is appropriate to the needs of the student.

Placement of Students on Admission

The decision of where to place a student seeking admission to the district rests with the principal.  Generally, students meeting the age of admission requirements or transferring from a public or approved private school will be placed in kindergarten or first grade, or the grade from which they transferred.  The principal will evaluate the educational record and assessments of all other students to determine their appropriate placement.  A temporary classroom assignment may be made for no more than thirty calendar days for the purpose of evaluation prior to making the final placement decision.

Cross References:

District Policy 2100 - Educational Opportunities for Students With A Parent In The Military

District Policy 2121 - Substance Abuse Program

District Policy 2140 - Comprehensive School Counseling Program

District Policy 2108 - Learning Assistance Program

District Policy 3114 - Part-time, Home-based, or Off-campus Students

District Policy 3122 - Excused and Unexcused Absences

District Policy 4220 - Complaints Concerning Staff or Programs

Legal References:

RCW  28A.225.010 Attendance mandatory — Age —Exceptions

RCW  28A.225.020 School’s duties upon child’s failure to attend school

RCW  28A.225.160 Qualification for admission to district’s schools — Fees for preadmission screening

RCW  28A.225.220 Adults, children from other districts, agreements for attending school — Tuition

WAC 392-335 Pupils – Uniform Entry Qualifications

WAC  392-134-010 Attendance rights of part-time public school students

WAC 392-137 Finance — Nonresident attendance

Adoption Date:  August 15, 2005

Revised: September 2, 2015; December 19, 2024

Goal

The South Kitsap School District’s goal for this policy and its accompanying procedure is to support and promote school and school district action plans that create, maintain, and nurture physically, emotionally, and intellectually safe, respectful, and positive school and classroom environments that foster, belonging, equitable, ethical, social, emotional, and academic education for all students.

Nurturing a Positive Social Emotional Climate

The South Kitsap School District believes that each and every school community member should be treated with dignity, should have the opportunity to learn, work, interact, and socialize in physically, emotionally, and intellectually safe, respectful, and positive school and classroom environments, and have the opportunity to experience high quality relationships and belonging.

The district recognizes that there is not one best way to improve school climate. Each school needs to consider its history, strengths, and needs. The Board further recognizes the important role that students, families, and community members play in collaborating with the school and school district in creating, maintaining, and nurturing a positive social and emotional school and classroom climate. This collaborative role extends to the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement process around school climate and social emotional learning.

Cross References: 

Board Policy 2000 – Student Learning Goals

Board Policy 2140 – Guidance and Counseling

Board Policy 3241 – Student Discipline

Board Policy 4110 – Citizen Advisory Committees and Task Forces

Board Policy 4129 – Family Involvement

Board Policy 5520 – Staff Development

Legal References: 

Chapter 28A.345.085 Model Policy and procedure for nurturing a positive social and emotional school and classroom climate

Adoption Date: June 15, 2021

Revised: February 25, 2026

The primary responsibility of South Kitsap School District is to ensure that every student is known by name, strength, and need, and graduates ready for continued learning, career, and citizenship. The district believes the entire community benefits when every child succeeds; therefore, we have a collective responsibility and require accountability to ensure children of every race, national origin, language, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, socioeconomic status, socio-emotional well-being, and ability to reach their full potential.

The superintendent will develop procedures for building the conditions and capacities to ensure each student is seen and served. Ultimately, the district’s goal is equity for all, and we will know we have met our goal when the factors that predict any student’s success or opportunity are no longer correlated with any group identity. Appropriate evaluations and accountability measures will be enacted to measure effectiveness by bringing disaggregated data to the Board.

Cross References:

District Policy 2005 – School Improvement Plan

District Policy 2020 – Curriculum Development and Adoption of Instructional Materials

District Policy 2150 – Co-Curricular Program

District Policy 2190 – Highly Capable Programs

District Policy 2140 – Comprehensive School Counseling Program

District Policy 3112 – Social Emotional Climate

District Policy 3211 – Gender-Inclusive Schools

District Policy 3241 – Student Discipline

District Policy 4201 – Civility

Legal References:

RCW 28A.345.085 Model Policy and Procedure for nurturing a positive social emotional school and classroom climate

WAC 180.16.220 Supplemental Basic Education Program Approval Requirements

WAC 392.190 Equal Educational Opportunity – Unlawful Discrimination Prohibited

Every Student Succeeds Act

Adopted: February 21, 2024

Part-time students are permitted to enroll and receive ancillary services, provided that such students are otherwise eligible for full time enrollment in the school district and such courses or services are not available in the student's private school or an approved extension. Part-time status also includes: any student, not enrolled in a private school, who is receiving home-based instruction and taking courses at or receiving ancillary services from the district or both, or any student involved in an approved work training program.

Home-based instruction will consist of instructional and related educational activities, including the basic skills of occupational education, science, mathematics, language, social studies, history, health, reading, writing, spelling, and the development of an appreciation of art and music. Such instruction will be equivalent, as liberally construed, to the total annual program hours per grade level as established for public schools.

Home-based instruction may be provided by a parent who has filed a declaration of intent with the superintendent by September 15, or within two (2) weeks of the beginning of any quarter, trimester or semester. Parents may file their declaration of intent with the school district in which they reside or in a school district that has accepted their student pursuant to RCW 28A.225.225.  All decisions relating to philosophy or doctrine, selection of books, teaching materials and curriculum, and methods, timing, place, and provision for the evaluation of home-based instruction will be the responsibility of the parent. Failure of a parent to comply with the standards as specified in the law will constitute a violation of the compulsory attendance law.

A student may be enrolled in an off-campus instruction program provided that such experiences have been approved by the superintendent, or designee.

The superintendent or designee will establish procedures that define the district's responsibilities for home-based and off-campus instruction.

Legal Reference:
RCW 28A.150.350 Part-time students Defined Enrollment authorized Reimbursement for costs--Funding authority recognition  Rules, regulations 
RCW 28A.195.010 Private schools Exemption from high school assessment requirements Extension programs for parents to teach children in their custody
RCW 28A.200.010 Home-based instruction Duties of parents Exemption from high school assessment requirements
RCW 28A.200.020 Home-based instruction Certain decisions responsibility of parent unless otherwise specified
RCW 28A.225.010 Attendance mandatory Age Exceptions  
RCW 28A.225.220 Adults, children from other districts, agreements for attending school Tuition 
WAC 392-121-182 Alternative learning experience requirements  
WAC 392-134-010 Attendance rights of part-time public-school students
RCW 28A.225.225 - Applications from school employees' children, nonresident students, or students receiving home-based instruction to attend district school Acceptance and rejection standards Notification.

Adoption Date:  August 15, 2005

Revised:  January 6, 2016

Reviewed: March 10, 2026

To the extent practical and as required by law, the district will work with homeless students and their families to provide them with equal access to the same free, appropriate education (including public preschool education) provided to other students. Special attention will be given to ensuring the identification, enrollment, and attendance of homeless students not currently attending school, as well as mitigating educational barriers to their academic success. Additionally, the district will take reasonable steps to ensure that homeless students are not stigmatized or segregated in a separate school or in a separate program within a school on the basis of their homeless status.

Homeless students will be provided district services for which they are eligible, including Head Start and comparable pre-school programs, Title I, similar state programs, special education, bilingual education, vocational and technical education programs, gifted and talented programs, and school nutrition programs.

Homeless students are defined as lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence,

including those students who are:

• Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing or economic hardship, or similar reason;
• Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations;
• Living in emergency or transitional shelters;
• Abandoned in hospitals;
• Living in public or private places not designed for or ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodation;
• Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, transportation stations or similar settings; or
• Migratory children living in conditions described in the previous examples.

The superintendent will designate an appropriate staff person to be the district’s McKinney-Vento liaison for homeless students and their families. The liaison may simultaneously serve as a coordinator for other federal programs, provided that they are able to carry out the duties listed in the procedure that accompanies this policy.

The principal of each elementary, middle, and high school building will establish a point of contact for such youth. The point of contact is responsible for identifying homeless and unaccompanied youth and connecting them with the district’s homeless student liaison. The district’s homeless student liaison is responsible for training the building points of contact.

Best interest determination

In making a determination as to which school is in the homeless student’s best interest to attend,

the district will presume that it is in the student’s best interest to remain enrolled in their school of origin unless such enrollment is against the wishes of a parent, guardian or unaccompanied youth.

Attendance options will be made available to homeless families on the same terms as families resident in the district, including attendance rights acquired by living in attendance areas, other student assignment policies, and intra and inter-district choice options.

If there is an enrollment dispute, the student will be immediately enrolled in the school in which enrollment is sought, pending resolution of the dispute. The parent or guardian will be informed of the district’s decision and the reasons therefore, (or informed if the student does not qualify for McKinney-Vento, if applicable) and their appeal rights in writing and in a language they can understand.  The district’s liaison will carry out dispute resolution as provided by state policy. Unaccompanied youth will also be enrolled pending resolution of the dispute.

Once the enrollment decision is made, the school will immediately enroll the student, pursuant to district policies. However, enrollment may not be denied or delayed due to the lack of any document normally required for enrollment, including academic records, medical records, proof of residency, mailing address or other documentation. Additionally, enrollment may not be denied or delayed due to missed application deadlines, fees, fines, or absences at a previous school.

If the student does not have immediate access to immunization records, the student will be admitted under a personal exception. Students and families should be encouraged to obtain current immunization records or immunizations as soon as possible, and the district liaison is directed to assist. Records from the student’s previous school will be requested from the previous school pursuant to district policies. Emergency contact information is required at the time of enrollment consistent with district policies, and in compliance with the state’s Address Confidentiality Program when necessary. However, the district cannot demand emergency contact information in a form or manner that creates a barrier to enrollment and/or attendance at school.

Homeless students are entitled to transportation to their school of origin or the school where they are to be enrolled. If the school of origin is in a different district, or a homeless student is living in another district but will attend his or her school of origin in this district, the districts will coordinate the transportation services necessary for the student or will divide the costs equally.

The district’s liaison for homeless students and their families will coordinate with local social service agencies that provide services to homeless children and youths and their families; other school districts on issues of transportation and records transfers; and state and local housing agencies responsible for comprehensive housing affordability strategies. This coordination includes providing public notice of the educational rights of homeless students where such children and youth receive services under the McKinney-Vento Act, such as schools, family shelters and soup kitchens. The notice must be disseminated in a manner and form that parents, guardians and unaccompanied youth receiving such services can understand, including, if necessary and to the extent feasible, in their native language. The district’s liaison will also review and recommend amendments to district policies that may act as barriers to the enrollment of homeless students and will participate in professional development and other technical assistance activities, as determined by the state-level (OSPI) coordinator for homeless children and youth programs.

The superintendent will:

• Strongly encourage district staff, including substitute and regular bus drivers to annually review the video posted on the OSPI website on identification of student homelessness;
• Strongly encourage every district-designated homeless student liaison to attend trainings provided by the state on identification and serving homeless youth.  Ensure that the district includes in materials provided to all students at the beginning of the school year or at enrollment, information about services and support for homeless students (i.e., the brochure posted on the OSPI website).
• Use a variety of communications each year to notify students and families about services and support available to them if they experience homelessness (e.g., distributing and collecting a universal annual housing intake survey, providing parent brochures directly to students and families, announcing the information at school-wide assemblies, posting information on the district’s website).

Facilitating on-time grade level progression

The district will: 1) waive specific courses required for graduation for students experiencing homelessness if similar coursework has been satisfactorily completed in another school district; or 2) provide reasonable justification for denial of the waiver. In the event the district denies a waiver and the student would have qualified to graduate from their sending school district, the district will provide an alternative process of obtaining required coursework so that the student may graduate on time.

The district will consolidate partial credit, unresolved, or incomplete coursework and will provide students experiencing homelessness with opportunities to accrue credit in a manner that eliminates academic and nonacademic barriers for the student.

For students who have been unable to complete an academic course and receive full credit due to withdrawal or transfer, the district will grant partial credit for coursework completed before the date of the withdrawal or transfer. When the district receives a transfer student in these circumstances, it will accept the student’s partial credits, apply them to the student’s academic progress, graduation, or both, and allow the student to earn credits regardless of the student’s date of enrollment in the district.

In the event a student is transferring at the beginning of or during their junior or senior year of high school and is ineligible to graduate after all alternatives have been considered, the district will work with the sending district to ensure the awarding of a diploma from the sending district if the student meets the graduation requirements of the sending district.

In the event a student enrolled in three or more school districts as a high school student, has met state requirements, has transferred to the district, but is ineligible to graduate from the district after all alternatives have been considered, the district will waive its local requirements and ensure that the student receives a diploma.

Informed consent for healthcare

Informed consent for healthcare on behalf of a student experiencing homelessness may be obtained from a school nurse, school counselor, or homeless student liaison when:

1. Consent is necessary for non-emergency, outpatient, primary care services, including physical examinations, vision examinations and eyeglasses, dental examinations, hearing examinations and hearing aids, immunizations, treatments for illnesses and conditions, and routine follow-up care customarily provided by a health care provider in an outpatient setting, excluding elective surgeries;
2. The student meets the definition of a “homeless child or youth” under the federal McKinney-Vento homeless education assistance improvements act of 2001; and
3. The student is not under the supervision or control of a parent, custodian, or legal guardian, and is not in the care and custody of the department of social and health services.

Upon the request by a health care facility or a health care provider, a district employee authorized to consent to care must provide to the person rendering care a signed and dated declaration stating under penalty of perjury that the employee is a school nurse, school counselor, or homeless student liaison and that the minor patient meet the requirements of RCW 7.70.065 (2) (b) listed above in this policy.

The district and district employee authorized to consent to care under this policy are not subject to administrative sanctions or civil damages resulting from the consent or non-consent for care or payment for care. Any declaration required by a health care facility or a health care provider described in the above paragraph must include written notice that the district employee is exempt from administrative sanctions and civil liability resulting from the consent or non-consent for care or payment for care.

Cross References: 

District Policy 3116 - Students in Foster Care

District Policy 3120 - Enrollment

District Policy 3231 - Student Records

District Policy 3413 - Student Immunization and Life Threatening Health Conditions

District Policy 4218 - Language Access Plan

Legal References:

RCW 28A.320.142 Unaccompanied youth – Building point of contact – Duty of District

42 U.S.C. 11431 et seq. McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

RCW 28A.225.215 Enrollment of children without legal residences

RCW 28A.320.145 Support for homeless students

20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq. Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 as amended by Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

Chapter 28A.320 RCW Provisions applicable to all districts (new section created by 3SHB 1682, 2016 legislative session)

Adopted: August 15, 2005

Revised:  February 2015; August 2016; January 18, 2017; September 4, 2019, July 24, 2024

The district recognizes that students in foster care include all students who are the subject of a dependency proceeding as defined in RCW 28A.150.510 and that these students, experience mobility in and out of these care systems and from one home placement to another that disrupts their education, thereby creating barriers to academic success and on-time graduation. Through collaboration with state, local, and/or tribal child welfare agencies, the district will strive to minimize or eliminate educational barriers for students in foster care, particularly with regard to enrollment, transfer of student records, and transportation to their school of origin. Pursuant to chapter 28A.225 RCW, the district’s collaboration with the state department of children, youth, and families in compliance with RCW 74.13.56 is mandatory. The superintendent or designee is authorized to establish procedures and/or practices for implementing this policy.

The District and its schools will work to improve systems to identify students in foster care to ensure that each student has proper access to free school meals and that applicable accountability and reporting requirements are satisfied.

District and Building Leven Points of contact

The superintendent or designee will designate an appropriate staff member to serve as the district’s foster care liaison with local child welfare agencies if such agencies notify the district in writing that they have designated a point of contact for the district.  The district foster care liaison will work with appropriate state, local and/or tribal child welfare agencies to receive notifications and share information regarding the status and progress of students who are in foster care. The district foster care liaison will also work collaboratively with the district’s Title I coordinator to provide supports for students in foster care that are enrolled or seeking to enroll in the district. The district’s foster care liaison will train the building level points of contact.

Each district school, including elementary, middle, and high school will establish a building point of contact for students who are in foster care.  The principal of each district school will appoint the building point of contact for students in foster care in consultation with the district foster care liaison.  The building level point of contact will be responsible for coordinating services and resources for students in foster care. 

Enrollment

Students in foster care must remain enrolled in the school they were attending at the time they entered foster care or changed foster placements, unless it is determined to be in their best interest to attend the neighborhood school. Best-interest determinations should be made as quickly as possible in order to prevent educational discontinuity for the student and should take into consideration the student-centered factors and input from the relevant and appropriate persons listed in procedure 3116P.

If remaining in the school of origin is determined not to be in the student’s best interest, the district will immediately enroll that student in their new school. Enrollment may not be denied or delayed based on the fact that documents normally required for enrollment have not been provided.

A school may not prevent a student in foster care from enrolling based on incomplete information of any history of placement in special education, any past, current, or pending disciplinary action, any history of violent behavior, or behavior listed in RCW 13.04.155, any unpaid fines or fees imposed by other schools, or any health conditions affecting the student’s educational needs during the ten (10) day period that the Department of Children, Youth, and Families has to obtain that information. Upon enrollment, the district will make reasonable efforts to obtain and assess the child’s educational history in order to meet the child’s unique needs within two (2) school business days. 

Records Transfer

When a student in foster care transfers schools, whether within the district or to another school district, the enrolling school will immediately contact the sending school to obtain academic and other records. The sending school will respond as soon as possible to requests it receives for records of students in foster care.

Additionally, upon receipt of a request for education records of a student in foster care from the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, the district will provide the records to the agency within two (2) school days.

Transportation

The district will collaborate with state, local or tribal child welfare agencies, as appropriate, to implement a written transportation procedure by which prompt, cost-effective transportation will be provided, arranged, and funded for students to remain in their school of origin when in their best interest for the duration of their time in foster care. 

If the student’s foster care placement changes to an area served by another school district, and it is determined to be in the best interest of the student to remain in the school of origin, the school district of origin and the school district in which the student is living shall agree upon a method to apportion the responsibility and costs for providing the student with transportation to and from the school of origin. If the school districts are unable to agree upon an apportionment method, the responsibility and costs for transportation shall be shared equally between the districts. 

Dispute resolution

In the event that a caregiver or education decision-maker disputes a district decision regarding the best interest of the student in foster care or the implementation of any other foster care provisions of the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015, including transportation, the caregiver or education decision-maker may use the three-tiered appeals process outlined in the procedure that accompanies this policy. The district will make all reasonable efforts to collaborate with appropriate agencies and aggrieved parties to resolve the dispute at the local level.

Disputes between the district and a child welfare agency that remain unresolved may be forwarded to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction for resolution.

Review of unexpected or excessive absences

A district representative or school employee will review unexpected or excessive absences of students in foster care and those awaiting placement with the student and adults involved with the student, including their caseworker, educational liaison, attorney if one is appointed, parent, guardian, and foster parents. The purpose of the review is to determine the cause of the absences, taking into account: unplanned school transitions, periods of running from care, in-patient treatment, incarceration, school adjustment, educational gaps, psychosocial issues, and unavoidable appointments during the school day. The representative or employee will take proactive steps to support the student’s schoolwork, so the student does not fall behind and to avoid suspension or expulsion based on truancy

Facilitating on-time grade level progression

The district will: 1) waive specific courses required for graduation for students in foster care if similar coursework has been satisfactorily completed in another school district; or 2) provide reasonable justification for denial of the waiver. In the event the district denies a waiver and the student would have qualified to graduate from their sending school district, the district will provide an alternative process of obtaining required coursework so that the student may graduate on time.

The district will consolidate partial credit, unresolved, or incomplete coursework and will provide students in foster care with opportunities to accrue credit in a manner that eliminates academic and nonacademic barriers for the student.

For students who have been unable to complete an academic course and receive full credit due to withdrawal or transfer, the district will grant partial credit for coursework completed before the date of the withdrawal or transfer. When the district receives a transfer student in these circumstances, it will accept the student’s partial credits, apply them to the student’s academic progress or graduation or both, and allow the student to earn credits regardless of the student’s date of enrollment in the district.

In the event a student is transferring at the beginning of or during their junior or senior year of high school and is ineligible to graduate after all alternatives have been considered, the district will work with the sending district to ensure the awarding of a diploma from the sending district if the student meets the graduation requirements of the sending district.

In the event a student enrolled in three or more school districts as a high school student, has met state requirements, has transferred to the district, but is ineligible to graduate from the district after all alternatives have been considered, the district will waive its local requirements and ensure that the student receives a diploma.

Cross References:

Board Policy 2418 – Waiver of High School Graduation Credits

Board Policy 3115 – Students Experiencing Homelessness– Enrollment Rights and Services

Board Policy 3120 – Enrollment

Board Policy 3122 – Excused and Unexcused Absences

Board Policy 3231 - Student Records

Board Policy 6100 – Revenues from Local, State and Federal Sources

Legal References:

RCW 28A.150.510 Transmittal of education records to department of social and health services  Disclosure of educational records  Data-sharing agreements Comprehensive needs requirement document  Report
RCW 28A.225.023 Youth dependent pursuant to Chapter 13.34 RCW - Review of unexpected or excessive absences  Support for youths school work
RCW 28A.225.215 Enrollment of children without legal residences
RCW 28A.225.330 Enrolling students from other districts Requests for information and permanently records Withheld transcripts-Immunity from liability Notification to teachers and security personnel Rules
RCW 28A.225.350 Best interest determinations
RCW 28A.320.148 Foster care liaison  Building point of contact
RCW 28A.320.192 On-time grade level progression and graduation of students who are dependent youth
RCW 74.13.550 Child placement  Policy of educational continuity
20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq. Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act [ESSA]

The superintendent or designee will develop procedures for enrolling students, recording attendance behavior and counseling and correcting students with attendance problems. When enrolling a student who has attended school in another school district, the parent and student will be required to briefly indicate in writing whether or not the student has:

1. Any history of placement in a special education program;
2. Any past, current or pending disciplinary actions;
3. Any history of violent behavior;
4. Adjudications or convictions described in RCW 13.04.155, which include violent offenses, sex offenses, firearm or dangerous weapon offenses, and controlled substance offenses;
5. Any unpaid fines or fees from other schools; and
6. Any health conditions affecting the student’s educational needs.

The school enrolling the student shall request the student’s permanent record—including records of disciplinary action, history of violent behavior or behavior listed in RCW 13.04.155, attendance records, immunization records, and academic performance—from the school the student previously attended.

If a school principal receives information about adjudications or convictions described in RCW 13.04.155, then they will follow the procedure described in Policy 3143 – Notification and Dissemination of Information about Student Offenses and Notification of Threats of Violence or Harm.

The district will require students or their parents to provide proof of residency within the district, such as copies of phone and water bills or lease agreements. The district will not require proof of residency or any other information regarding an address for any student who is eligible by reason of age for the services of the district if the student does not have a legal residence. For students who meet the definition of homeless, the district will immediately enroll the student, including while any enrollment dispute is pending (see 3115 –Students Experiencing Homelessness - Enrollment Rights and Services).

The district will not inquire into a student’s citizenship or immigration status or that of their parents or guardians.

The district will conditionally accept applications, including electronic applications, for enrollment and course registration for a student of a military family transferred to, or is pending transfer to, a military installation within the state (see 2100- Educational Opportunities for Students with a Parent in the Military).

The request for enrollment may be made by the student, parent or guardian.

Since accurate enrollment and attendance records are essential both to obtain state financial reimbursement and to fulfill the district's responsibilities under the attendance laws, the district will be diligent in maintaining such records.

Cross Reference: 

District Policy 2100 - Educational Opportunities for Students With A Parent In The Military

District Policy 2255 - Alternative Learning Experience Courses

District Policy 3115 - Students Experiencing Homelessness - Enrollment Rights and Services

District Policy 3143 - Notification and Dissemination of Information about Student Offenses and Notification of Threats of Violence or Harm

Legal References:

RCW 28A.225.215 Enrollment of children without legal residences

RCW 28A.225.216 Children of military families—Residency

RCW 28A.225.330 Enrolling Students from other districts — Requests for information and permanent records — Withheld transcripts — Immunity from liability — Notification to teachers and security personnel — Rules

WAC 392-121-108 Definitions — Enrollment exclusions

WAC 392-121-122 Definitions —Full-time equivalent students

WAC 392-121-182 Alternative learning experience requirements

WAC 392-169-022 Running start student — definition

Adoption Date: August 15, 2005

Revised: December 16, 2015; February 19, 2020; November 19, 2024

Definition of Absence

Absence from in-person learning

WAC 392-401-015 states the definition of an absence:

1. A student is absent from in-person instruction when they are:
   1. Not physically present on school grounds; and
      1. Not participating in the following activities at an approved location:
         1. Instruction; or
         2. Any instruction-related activity; or
         3. Any other district or school approved activity that is regulated by an instructional/academic accountability system, such as participation in district-sponsored sports.

Definition of absence from synchronous and asynchronous instruction

(1) A student is absent from synchronous online instruction when the student does not log in to the synchronous meeting/class. (2) A student is absent from asynchronous instruction when there is no evidence that the student accessed the planned asynchronous activity. (3) Evidence of student participation in asynchronous activities must occur daily, within a twenty-four-hour time frame of when the participation is planned or expected.

Minimum Time for Being Considered Present

The district has authority to establish minimum thresholds similar to in-person attendance for the time in which a student must be logged in to be considered present. The Superintendent will develop a consistent and equitable approach that is documented in the student handbook and communicated clearly to all students and families.  Determining a threshold for when a student is present or absent should not be left to individual teachers. 

Presence vs. Participation

Participation, such as turning video on and participating in discussion or chat, are not to be considered when determining if a student is present or not.  These are examples of participation and should be considered distinct from attendance.

Absence from Asynchronous Instruction

Similar to local determinations on what constitutes presence for synchronous online instruction, the superintendent will develop a consistent and equitable approach that establishes what constitutes “evidence of participation”. This approach will be documented in the student handbook and communicated clearly to all students and families.  Determining what constitutes “evidence of participation” should not be left to individual teachers.

Tardies

The district has the flexibility to determine what constitutes a tardy in synchronous online settings.  The district differentiates a tardy from an absence (where the student does not attend at all) and will exclude tardies from any reports that tally absences for the purpose of filing a truancy petition.

Daily attendance taking

The district will take daily attendance for all enrolled students whether the instructional modality is in-person, synchronous, or asynchronous.  When instruction is synchronous online or asynchronous, secondary schools will take attendance daily in each course with planned instruction and elementary schools will take attendance at least twice a day.

Excused and Unexcused Absences

Educators and administrators have a responsibility to monitor absences to determine if students and families need support. Students are expected to attend all assigned in-person classes each day or participate in all assigned remote instructional activities except when there are necessary reasons for students to be absent.  Upon enrollment and at the beginning of each school year, the district shall inform students and their parents/guardians of this expectation, the benefits of regular school attendance, the consequences of truancy, the role and responsibility of the district in regard to truancy, and resources available to assist the student and their parents and guardians in correcting truancy.  The district will also make this information available online and will take reasonable steps to ensure parents can request and receive such information in languages in which they are fluent. Parents will be required to date and acknowledge review of this information online or in writing. 

Excused Absences

Regular school attendance is necessary for mastery of the educational program provided to     students of the district. At times, students may be absent from class or not able to participate remotely. School staff will keep a record of absence and tardiness, including a record of excuse statements submitted by a parent/guardian, or in certain cases, students, to document a student’s excused absences. The following principles will govern the development and administration of attendance procedures within the district: 

1. Absences due to the following reasons are excused:
   1. Physical health or mental health symptoms, illness, health condition or medical appointment for the student or person for whom the student is legally responsible.  Examples of symptoms, illness, health conditions, or medical appointments include, but are not limited to, medical, counseling, mental health wellness, dental, optometry, pregnancy, and behavioral health treatment (which can include in-patient or out-patient treatment for chemical dependency or mental health);
   2. Family emergency including, but not limited to, a death or illness in the family;
   3. Religious or cultural purpose including observance of a religious or cultural holiday or participation in religious or cultural instruction;
   4. Court, judicial proceeding, court-ordered activity, or jury service;
   5. Post-secondary, technical school or apprenticeship program visitation, or scholarship       interview;
   6. State-recognized search and rescue activities consistent with RCW 28A.225.055;
   7. Absences directly related to the student’s homeless or foster care/dependency status;
   8. Absences related to deployment activities of a parent or legal guardian who is an active-duty member consistent with RCW 28A.705.010;  
   9. Absences due to suspensions, expulsions or emergency expulsions imposed pursuant to chapter 392-400 WAC if the student is not receiving educational services and is not enrolled in qualifying “course of study” activities as defined in WAC 392-121-107; 
   10. Absences due to student safety concerns, including absences related to threats, assaults, or bullying;
   11. Absences due to a student’s migrant status;
   12. An approved activity that is consistent with district policy and is mutually agreed upon by the principal or designee and a parent, guardian, or emancipated youth; and
   13. Absences due to the student’s lack of necessary instructional tools, including internet access or connectivity.
2. In the event of emergency school facility closure due to COVID-19, other communicable disease outbreak, natural disaster, or other event when districts are required to provide synchronous and asynchronous instruction, absences due to the following reasons are excused:
   1. Absences related to the student’s illness, health condition, or medical appointments due to COVID-19 or other communicable disease;
   2. Absences related to caring for a family member who has an illness, health condition, or medical appointment due to COVIID-19, other communicable disease, or other emergency health condition related to school facility closures;
   3. Absences related to the student’s family obligations during regularly scheduled school hours that are temporarily necessary because of school facility closures, until other arrangements can be made; and
   4. Absences due to the student’s parent’s work schedule or other obligations during regularly scheduled school hours, until other arrangements can be made.

The district may define additional categories or criteria for excused absences. A school principal or designee has the authority to determine if an absence meets this policy according to the above criteria for an excused absence.

1. If an absence is excused, the student will be permitted to make up all missed assignments outside of class under reasonable conditions and time limits established by the appropriate teacher; where  reasonable, if a student misses a participation-type class, they can request an alternative assignment that aligns with the learning goals of the activity missed.  
2. An excused absence will be verified by a parent/guardian; or an adult, emancipated or appropriately aged student, or school authority responsible for the absence. If attendance is taken electronically, either for a course conducted online or for students physically within the district, an absence will default to unexcused until such time as an excused absence may be verified by a parent or other responsible adult. If a student is to be released for health care related to family planning or abortion, the student may require that the district keep the information confidential. Students thirteen and older have the right to keep information about drug, alcohol or mental health treatment confidential. Students fourteen and older have the same confidentiality rights regarding HIV and sexually transmitted diseases.
3. Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, in the event that a child in elementary school is required to attend school under RCW 28A.225.010 or 28A.225.015 (1) and has five or more excused absences in a single month during the current school year, or ten or more excused absences in the current school year, the school district shall schedule a conference or conferences with the parent and child at a time reasonably convenient for all persons included for the purpose of identifying the barriers to the child’s regular attendance, and the supports and resources that may be made available to the family so that the child is able to regularly attend school. To satisfy the requirements of this section, the conference must include at least one school district employee such as a nurse, counselor, social worker, teacher, or community human services provider, except in those instances regarding the attendance of a child who has an individualized education program or a plan developed under section 504 of the rehabilitation act of 1973, in which case the reconvening of the team that created the program or plan is required.

This conference is not required if the school has received prior notice or a doctor’s note has been provided and an academic plan put in place so that the child does not fall behind.

Unexcused Absences

1. Any absence from school for the majority of hours or periods in an average school day is unexcused unless it meets one of the criteria above or in administrative procedure for an excused absence.
2. A student’s grade may be affected if a graded activity or assignment occurs during the period of time when the student is absent and that absence is not excused.
3. The school will notify a student’s parent or guardian in writing or by telephone whenever the student has failed to attend school after one unexcused absence within any month during the current school year. The notification will include the potential consequences of additional unexcused absences.  The school will make reasonable efforts to provide this information in a language the parent understands.
4. The school will hold a conference with the parent or guardian after three unexcused absences within any month during the current school year. The conference will analyze the causes of the student’s absences and develop a plan that identifies student, school, and family commitments to reduce the student’s absences from school. If the parent does not attend the conference, the school official may still hold the conference with the student.  However, the school will notify the of the steps the district has decided to take to eliminate or reduce the student’s absences. 
5. Between the student’s second and seventh unexcused absence, the school must take the following data-informed steps:
   1. Middle and high school students will be administered the Washington Assessment of the Risks and Needs of Students (WARNS) or other assessment
   2. These steps must include, where appropriate, providing an available  approved best practice or research-based intervention, or both, consistent with the WARNS profile or other assessment, if an assessment was applied, adjusting the child’s school program or school or course  assignment, providing more individualized or remedial instruction, providing appropriate vocational courses or work experience, referring  the child to a community truancy board, requiring the child to attend an  alternative school or program, or assisting the parent or child to obtain supplementary services that might eliminate or ameliorate the cause or causes for the absence from school.
   3. For any child with an existing individualized education plan or 504 plan, these steps must include the convening of the child’s individualized education plan or 504 plan team, including a behavior specialist or mental health specialist where appropriate, to consider the reasons for he absences.  If necessary, and if consent from the parent is given, a functional behavior assessment to explore the function of the absence behavior shall be conducted and a detailed behavior plan completed.  Time should be allowed for the behavior plan to be initiated and data tracked to determine progress.

Not later than the student’s seventh unexcused absence in a month the district will enter into an agreement with the student and parents that establishes school attendance requirements, refer the student to a community engagement board or file a petition and affidavit with the juvenile court alleging a violation of RCW 28A.225.010.

6. If such action is not successful, the district will file a petition and affidavit with the juvenile court alleging a violation of RCW 28A.225.010 by the parent, student or parent and student no earlier than the seventh unexcused absence within any month during the current school year and not later than the fifteenth unexcused absence during the current school year.

The superintendent will enforce the district's attendance policies and procedures. Because the full knowledge and cooperation of students and parents are necessary for the success of the policies and procedures, procedures will be disseminated broadly and made available to parents and students annually. 

Tardies and Disciplinary Actions   

1. Students shall not be absent if:
   1. They have been suspended, expelled, or emergency removed pursuant to chapter 392-400 WAC;
   2. Are receiving educational services as required by RCW 28A.600.015 and chapter 392-400 WAC; and
   3. The student is enrolled in qualifying “course of study” activities as defined in WAC 392-121-107. Course of study activities do not include sending homework packets home.
2. A full day absence is when a student is absent for fifty percent or more of their scheduled day.
3. A school or district shall not convert or combine tardies into absences that contribute to a truancy petition.

A student shall be considered absent if they are on school grounds but not in their assigned setting.

Tiered response system for student absences
WAC 392-401A-045 requires:

School districts to implement minimum requirements of a multitiered system of support for attendance to address barriers to student attendance, provide timely interventions and best practices to reduce chronic absenteeism and truancy.  Multitiered systems of support include:

1. Monitoring daily attendance data for all students who are absent, whether the absence is excused or unexcused;
2. A process to contact families and verify current contact information for each enrolled student that includes multiple attempts and modalities in the parent’s home language;
3. Differentiated supports that address the barriers to attendance and participation that includes universal supports for all students and tiered interventions for students at-risk of and experiencing chronic absence, including school and district attendance or engagement teams, connecting to community resources, and community engagement boards; and
4. A process for outreach and reengagement for students who have been withdrawn due to nonattendance and there is no evidence that the student is enrolled elsewhere.  This outreach and reengagement process must include a school and/or district point person/people to maintain the list, keep it updated, and coordinate the outreach;
   1. A school and/or district point person/people to maintain the list, keep it updated, and coordinate the outreach;
   2. School or district staff assigned to conduct the outreach and attempts at reengagement in coordination with community partners or other programs;
   3. Multiple methods of communication and outreach in a language or mode of communication that the parent understands including phone calls, texts, letters, and home visits;
   4. Referral to community-based organizations;
   5. Documentation of the attempts to reach student and family; and
   6. Follow the required steps to address unexcused absences in chapter 28A.225 RCW, including early communication to parents, holding parent conferences, and administering a truancy screener to understand the underlying reasons for the absences, and providing evidence-based or best practice interventions, even if the student has been withdrawn due to nonattendance.

Students dependent pursuant to Chapter 13.34, RCW

A school district representative or certificated staff member will review unexpected or excessive absences of a student who has been found dependent under the Juvenile Court Act with that student and adults involved with that student.  Adults includes the student’s caseworker, educational liaison, attorney if one is appointed, parent or guardians, foster parents and/or the person providing placement for the student.  The review will take into consideration the cause of the absences, unplanned school transitions, periods of running from care, in-patient treatment, incarceration, school adjustment, educational gaps, psychosocial issues, and the student’s unavoidable appointments that occur during the school day. The representative or staff member must proactively support the student’s management of their schoolwork.

Migrant Students

The district, parent/guardian and student are encouraged to work to create an Extended Absence Agreement with the school to decrease the risk of an adverse effect on the student’s educational progress.

Cross References:

District Policy 3120 - Enrollment

District Policy 3230 - Student Privacy and Searches

District Policy 3241 - Student Discipline

District Policy 4218 - Language Access

Legal References:

Chapter 28A.225 Compulsory school attendance and admission

RCW 13.34.300 Relevance of failure to cause juvenile to attend school to neglect petition.

Chapter 392-401 WAC Statewide definition of absence for the 2020-21 school year

Adoption Date:   August 15, 2005

Revised:   September 2, 2015; August 17, 2016; December 6, 2017; February 20, 2019; October 21, 2020; August 3, 2022; December 4, 2024

The district recognizes its responsibility for the proper care of students during school hours. Students will not be removed from school grounds, any school building or school function during school hours except by a person authorized according to district procedures. Before a student is removed or excused, the person seeking to remove the student must present to the satisfaction of the superintendent or principal evidence of their proper authority to remove the student. A teacher should not excuse a student from class to confer with anyone unless the request is approved by the principal. The superintendent is directed to establish procedures for the removal of a student during school hours.

Prior to sending a student to their home for illness, discipline or a corrective action, the principal will attempt to reach the student's parent to inform them of the school's action and to request that they come to the school for the child. If the principal cannot reach the parent, the student will remain at school until the close of the school day. A student may be released to a law enforcement officer in accordance with the district policy.

Cross Reference:

District Policy 3126 - Child Custody

District Policy 3418 - Emergency Treatment

District Policy 4200 - Parent Access and Safe and Orderly Learning Environment

District Policy 4310 - District Relationships with Law Enforcement and other Government Agencies

Legal Reference:

RCW   28A.605.010 Removing child from school grounds during school hours.

Adoption Date:  August 15, 2005

Revised:  December 16, 2015

Reviewed: October 10, 2024

Students age 16 or older identified by themselves or staff as potential dropouts will become a focus of attention in the following manner:

A.    Each student and his/her counselor will meet for the purpose of discussing the reason for desiring to withdraw from school and the student's plans for the future, including the educational, counseling and related services which are available within the school and/or community.

B.    The counselor and the student's teachers will meet to discuss the student's present status and to identify program modifications and/or options that will meet the student's present and future needs.

C.    The student, parent or guardian, counselor, and principal will review all pertinent information and the options that are available to the student and their parents.

D.    Reasonable efforts will be made to persuade the student to remain in school and complete requirements for a diploma. If unsuccessful, staff will attempt to find placement in an appropriate alternative educational setting. Failing that, the principal will determine if there is sufficient ground to excuse the student from continued compulsory attendance. If there is, the principal will recommend to the superintendent that the student be excused from further school attendance.

No student under the age of 18 will be permitted to withdraw unless he or she is lawfully and regularly employed and either a parent agrees that the student should not be required to attend school, or the student has been emancipated in accordance with Chapter 13.64 RCW. No student under the age of 16 will be permitted to withdraw from further school attendance unless another exception to compulsory attendance has been met.

The superintendent will provide the board an annual early withdrawal report which outlines the age and grade level for each student, the reason(s) for leaving and any follow-up data that has been collected after the student has withdrawn.

Cross References:

2163 - Response to Intervention
2140 - Comprehensive School Counseling Program
2121 - Substance Abuse Program
2108 - Learning Assistance Program
2090 - Program Evaluation

Legal References:

RCW 28A.225.010 Attendance mandatory age Exceptions
RCW 28A.225.020 School's duties upon child's failure to attend school

Adoption Date:  August 15, 2005

Revised: December 16, 2015

Reviewed: February 25, 2026

The district presumes that the person who enrolls a student in school is the residential parent of the student. The residential parent is responsible for decisions regarding the day-to-day care and control of student. Parents or legal guardians have rights to receive information contained in the school records concerning their child and to forbid or permit the disclosure of such information to others, subject to the authority granted to the residential parent.

The district, unless informed otherwise, assumes that there are no restrictions regarding the nonresidential parent's right to be kept informed of the student's school progress and activities. If restrictions are made relative to the above rights, the residential parent will be requested to submit a certified copy of the court order that curtails these right(s). If these rights are questioned by the nonresidential parent, the issue will be referred to law enforcement authorities for resolution.

Unless there are court-imposed restrictions, the nonresidential parent, upon request, will be given grade reports, notices of school activities, reports of disciplinary actions, or notices of teacher or principal conferences or summaries.

If there is a court order on file with the district that restricts and/or prohibits any parent or other person from contact with a student at school or picking up a student from school, then the district will not permit the student to visit with or be released to that parent, or other person. The district will remain neutral in any custody disputes and will not provide special documentation above student records already available to parents.

Cross References:

District Policy 4310 - District Relationships with Law Enforcement and other Government Agencies

District Policy 4200 - Safe and Orderly Learning Environment

District Policy 3231 - Student Records

District Policy 3124 - Removal-Release of Student During School Hours

District Policy 2420 - Grading and Progress Reports

Legal References: 

CFR 45, Part 99 Family education rights and privacy act

RCW 13.34.200 Order terminating parent and child relationship - Rights of parties when granted

RCW 26.09.184 Permanent parenting plan

Adopted: September 2, 2015

Revised: October 10, 2024

District Attendance Area Transfers

Each student in the district is required to attend the school designated for the geographic attendance area in which he or she resides.

A parent or guardian may request that their child be allowed to attend another school in the district. Requests must be submitted, in writing, to the principal of the building at which the student is currently assigned. Secondary students who request attendance area transfers are subject to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association’s eligibility rules.

Transfers may be granted if:

1. A financial, educational, safety, or health condition affecting the student would be reasonably improved as a result of the transfer;
2. Attendance at another school in the district is more accessible to the parent's place of work or to the location of childcare; or
3. There is some other special hardship or detrimental condition affecting the student or the student's immediate family which would be alleviated as a result of the transfer. Special hardship or detrimental conditions may include a student who moves to a new attendance area in the district during the school year. The student may elect to transfer at the time of the move or at the end of the semester or grading period. For a high school sophomore or junior, transfers may only be approved to coincide with the beginning of a new grading period. A senior may elect to finish the school year without transferring to a new school but must declare their preference prior to the beginning of the last semester.

Transfers must be granted if the student is a child of a full-time certificated or classified school employee unless:

1. The student has a history of convictions, violent or disruptive behavior, or gang membership;
2. The student has been expelled or suspended from school for more than ten consecutive days; or
3. Enrollment of a non-resident child would displace a child who is a resident of the district (the resident child must be permitted to remain enrolled until he or she completes his or her schooling).

Parents will be informed annually of the district's attendance area transfer option. The district will make available for public inspection the Superintendent of Public Instruction's annual information booklet on enrollment options in the state at each school building, the central office and local public libraries. This information will also be available on the website of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Reporting Transfers out of the district

When students move out of the district without notification of where they will be enrolling once they have moved, it can be challenging to know how to report the transfer appropriately and ensure the student’s educational records are forwarded. To address these challenges, the district will follow the Comprehensive Education Data and Research System (CEDARS) Reporting Guidance for reporting students as confirmed or unconfirmed transfers both inside and outside of Washington.

To confirm the transfer of a student who has emigrated to another country, the district will obtain written confirmation, but need not obtain an “official” writing. This means that if a parent informs a school administrator that the family is leaving the country and a school administrator documents the conversation in writing and includes it in the student’s file, the district may report the out of country transfer as confirmed. However, the district will not report a transfer as confirmed if information that a student has moved is reported from a student’s friend rather than a parent.

Legal References:

RCW   28A.225.225 Applications from nonresident students or students receiving home-based instruction to attend district school — School employees' children — Acceptance and rejection standards — Notification

RCW 28A.225.270 Intradistrict enrollment options policies

RCW 28A.225.290 Enrollment options information booklet

RCW 28A.225.300 Enrollment options information to parents

Adoption Date:  August 15, 2005

Revised: June 2, 2015; February 12, 2025

A student who resides within the boundaries of the district will be released to 1) attend another school district, or 2) enroll for ancillary services, if any, in another district as specified in the

parental declaration of intent to provide home-based instruction, provided the other district agrees to accept the student if:

1. A financial, educational, safety or health condition affecting the student would be reasonably improved as a result of the transfer;
2. Attendance at the school in the nonresident district is more accessible to the parent's place of work or to the location of child care;
3. There is some other special hardship or detrimental condition affecting the student or the  student's immediate family which would be alleviated as a result of the transfer. Special hardship or detrimental conditions include a student who becomes a resident of the district in mid-year. Such a student may apply for a release to complete the current school year only in their former district of residence, if transferring mid-year would create a special hardship or detrimental condition;
4. The purpose of the transfer is for the student to enroll in an online course or online school      program offered by an online provider approved under RCW 28.A.250.020; or
5. The student is a child of a full-time certificated or classified school employee.

In all cases in which a resident student is released, the student or the student's parent(s) will be solely responsible for transportation, except that a student may ride on an established district bus route if the superintendent determines that the district would incur no additional cost.

A parent or guardian will request the release of their child by completing the appropriate district form including the basis for the request and the signature of the superintendent or designee, of the school district which the student will attend.

The superintendent or designee will grant or deny the request for release according to the above-stated criteria, and promptly notify the parent in writing of their decision.

If the request is granted, the superintendent or designee will notify the nonresident district and make necessary arrangements for the transfer of student records.

If the request is denied, the superintendent will notify the parent of the right to petition the board, upon five school business days prior notice, for review of the decision and to have a hearing before the board at its next regular meeting. Following the hearing by the board, a final decision will be promptly communicated to the parent in writing.

If the request for release is denied by the board, the written decision will inform the parent or guardian of the right to appeal such decision to the superintendent of public instruction.

Each school district board of directors annually will inform parents of the district’s interdistrict enrollment options and parental involvement opportunities.  Information on interdistrict acceptance policies will be provided to nonresidents on request. Providing online access to the information satisfies the requirements of this policy unless a parent or guardian specifically requests information to be provided in written form.

Legal References: 

RCW 28A.225.220 Adults, children from other districts, agreements for attending school—Tuition

RCW 28A.225.225 Applications from nonresident students or students receiving home-based instruction to attend district school — School employees' children — Acceptance and rejection standards — Notification

RCW 28A.225.230 Appeal from certain decisions to deny student's request to attend nonresident district — Procedure

RCW 28A.225.290 Enrollment options information booklet

RCW 28A.225.300 Enrollment options information to parents

Adoption Date: August 15, 2005

Revised: December 16, 2015; February 1, 2017

Reviewed: November 5, 2024

Consistent with Chapter 28A.225 RCW, any student who resides outside the district, may apply to attend a school in the district or file the parental declaration of the intent to provide home-based instruction and enroll for ancillary services, if any. All applications for nonresident attendance or home-based instruction will be considered on an equal basis. 

The district annually will inform parents of the inter-district enrollment options and parental involvement opportunities. Information on inter-district acceptance policies will be provided to nonresidents on request.  Providing online access to the information satisfies the requirements of this policy unless a parent or guardian specifically requests information to be provided in written form. The district will not charge any transfer fees or tuition costs for enrolling eligible nonresident students.   

The superintendent/designee will develop an application form that the parent or guardian will complete to apply for the student’s admission. The form will gather information such as the child’s current legal residence, the school district where the student is currently enrolled or receiving home-based instruction, the basis for requesting release from the resident district, the specific building desired, and grade level (elementary) or course offerings (secondary) in which the student desires to be enrolled if accepted by the district.

The district must use the Standard Choice Transfer System in the Education Data System (EDS) to process those requests for student transfer enrollment into online or alternative learning       experience programs or schools.

A student who resides in a district that does not operate a secondary program will be permitted to enroll in secondary schools in this district in accordance with state law and regulation relating to the financial responsibility of the resident district.

Standards for Accepting or Rejecting an Application

The superintendent/designee will accept or reject an application for nonresident admission based upon the following standards:

1. Whether acceptance of a nonresident student would result in the district experiencing significant financial hardship (“financial hardship” does not include routine programmatic costs associated with serving additional disabled or non-disabled students);
2. Whether in the grade level or class at the building where the student desires to be enrolled has the capacity for additional students;
3. Whether appropriate educational programs or services are available to improve the student’s condition as stated in requesting release from their district of residence;
4. Whether the student’s disciplinary records or other documentation indicate a history of violent or disruptive behavior or gang membership (a gang means a group of three or more persons with identifiable leadership that on an ongoing basis regularly conspires and acts in concert mainly for criminal purposes);
5. Whether the student has been expelled or suspended from a public school for more than ten consecutive days, in which case the student may apply for admission under the district’s policy for readmission and reengagement of suspended or expelled students;
6. Whether enrollment of a nonresident student would conflict with a district innovation academy cooperative under RCW 28A.340.080; and
7. Whether the student has repeatedly failed to comply with requirements for participation in an online school program, such as participating in weekly direct contact with the teacher or monthly progress evaluations.

Admission or Denial:  Notice of Decision and Appeal of Decision

The superintendent/designee, in a timely manner, will provide all applicants with written notification of the approval or denial of a nonresident student’s enrollment application.  If the student is to be admitted, the superintendent/designee will notify the resident district and make necessary arrangements for the transfer of student records. 

If the application is denied, the superintendent will notify the parent or guardian in writing   within 45 days from receipt of the parent’s application.  The notification will include the reason (s) for denial and inform the parent or guardian of their right to appeal the district’s denial decision to the Superintendent of Public Instruction or their designee as detailed in RCW 28A.225.230.

The parent or guardian may appeal the denial to the district’s superintendent or designee.    Within five business days of receipt of the parent’s appeal submission, the superintendent or designee will provide the parent with a written notification of the final appeal decision to either grant or deny the student’s admittance into the district.

Children of Full-Time Employees

1. Pursuant to RCW 28A.225.225, a nonresident student who is the child of a full-time certificated or classified employee will be permitted to enroll:
   1. At the school where the employee is assigned;
   2. At a school forming the district’s kindergarten through twelfth grade continuum, which includes the school where the employee is assigned;
   3. The student remains enrolled until they complete schooling; or
   4. At a school in the district that provides early intervention services pursuant to RCW 28A.155.065 and/or preschool services pursuant to RCW 28A.155.070, if the student is eligible for such services.
2. The district may reject the application of a student who is the child of a full-time employee if:
   1. Disciplinary records or other evidence supports a conclusion that the student has a history of convictions, violent or disruptive behavior, or gang membership; or
   2. The student has been expelled or suspended from a public school for more than ten consecutive days (however, the district’s policies for allowing readmission of expelled or suspended students and the required reengagement procedures under this rule must apply uniformly to both resident and nonresident applicants seeking admission, pursuant to RCW 28A.225.225(2)(b)); or
   3. The student has repeatedly failed to comply with requirements for participation in an online school program, such as participating in weekly direct contact with the teacher or monthly progress evaluations.

Cross References: 

Board Policy 3120 - Enrollment

Adoption Date: August 15, 2005

Revised: February 15, 2017; May 15, 2019; November 19, 2024

The district recognizes the value of cultural and academic exchanges. Such experiences provide international exchange students with a balanced understanding of our country and provide U.S. students with a broad world perspective.

Students visiting our state for a short stay (B-2 visa), such as a vacation or visit with friends or family, may not enroll in school in the district. However, with prior written permission from the school, these students may visit classrooms and attend school-sponsored events.

International exchange students who come to the U.S. for a long-term visit (J-1 or F-1 visas) with the intention of attending school may register to attend school in the district through a recognized international exchange program or through the sponsorship of a school.

The district will admit such international exchange students when admission does not adversely impact the instructional program of the district.

The superintendent or designee is directed to develop procedures including but not limited to the number of international exchange students the district will admit, selection of international exchange organizations, timing of placement process, district expectations of international exchange organizations, school expectations for international exchange students, school responsibilities and provisions for international exchange students with F-1 visas.

Legal References:

Chapter 19.166 RCW International Student Exchange
RCW 28A.300.240 International Student Exchange

Revised: December 16, 2015

Reviewed: February 25, 2026

The South Kitsap School District is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all its students and staff.  All students, including those who have committed or been adjudicated for offenses, have constitutional rights to public education.

1. Notification of Student Offenses from County Sheriff’s Office, Courts, Department of Social and Health Services, Department of Corrections, and Other School Districts. 
   
   The district receives notices and information about student offenders from several statutorily authorized sources, including the county sheriff’s office, the courts, the department of social and health services, the department of corrections, and other school districts where the student previously enrolled.  The district will take appropriate precautionary measures when it receives notices and information of student offenses from any of these sources. Student discipline, if any, will be consistent with 3241 – Student Discipline.
   
   The superintendent, or their designee, and school principals play an important role in determining and implementing appropriate precautionary measures relating to notices and information about student offenses.  If the superintendent, a designee of the superintendent, or a principal of a school receives student offense information under RCW 28A.225.330 (notifications from other school districts), 9A.44.138 (sheriff notifications to school districts), 13.04.155 (court notifications to school districts), 13.40.215 (department of children, youth, and families notifications to school districts), or 72.09.730 (department of corrections notifications to school districts), the following notification provisions will be followed.

1. Sex Offenses and Registered Sex or Kidnapping Offenders.
    
   1.  Superintendent or Designee. Upon receipt of information about sex offenses as    defined in RCW 9.94A.030 or upon receipt of information about registered sex or kidnapping offenders pursuant to RCW 9A.44.138, the superintendent or designee will provide the information to the principal of the school where the student is enrolled or will enroll – or, if not known, where the student was most recently enrolled.
   2. Principals. When the principal receives the information described above, they must then disclose the information as follows.
      If the student is classified as a risk level II or III, the principal shall provide the information received to every teacher of the student and to any other personnel who, in the judgment of the principal, supervises the student or for security purposes should be aware of the student’s record.
      If the student is classified as a risk level I, the principal shall provide the information    received only to personnel who, in the judgment of the principal, for security purposes should be aware of the student’s record.
   3. Convicted Juvenile Sex Offenders Attendance at Victims School. Convicted juvenile sex offenders are prohibited from attending the elementary, middle, or high school attended by their victims or their victims’ siblings. The parents or legal guardians of the convicted juvenile sex offender shall be responsible for providing transportation or covering other costs associated with or required by the sex offender’s change in school.
      The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Sex Offender School Attendance Program assists with ensuring that juvenile sex offenders, committed to Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration (JRA), do not enroll in the same school as their victim or their victims’ siblings. If there is a conflict in schools, DSHS program staff will work with JRA to have the offender moved to another school.
   4. Collaboration. The principal or designee will consult and collaborate with department of corrections, juvenile justice staff, treatment providers, victim support groups, and families, as applicable, when working with students required to register as a sex or kidnapping offender.
   5. Inquiries by the Public.  Law enforcement agencies receive relevant information about the release of sex and kidnapping offenders into communities and decide when such information needs to be released to the public. Therefore, district and school staff will refer all inquiries by the public at large (including parents and students) regarding students required to register as a sex or kidnapping offender directly to law enforcement. 
       
2. Violent Offenses, Firearms and Dangerous Weapons Crimes, Unlawful Possession or Delivery of Controlled Substances, or School Disciplinary Actions. 
    
   1. Superintendent or Designee.  Upon receipt of information about a violent offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030, any crime under chapter 9.41 RCW, unlawful possession or delivery, or both, of a controlled substance in violation of chapter 69.50 RCW, or a school disciplinary action, the superintendent or designee will provide the information to the principal of the school where the student is enrolled or will enroll – or, if not known, where the student was most recently enrolled.
   2. Principals. When the principal, receives the information described above, they have discretion to share the information with a district staff member if, in the principal’s judgment, the information is necessary for: The staff member to supervise the student; The staff member to provide or refer the student to therapeutic or behavioral health services; or Security purposes.
      School principals and staff should use care not to allow a student’s demographic or personal  characteristics to bias the decision of whether to share information received.
      Upon receipt of information about an adjudication in juvenile court for an unlawful    possession of a controlled substance in violation of chapter 69.50 RCW, the principal must notify the student and the parent or legal guardian at least five days before sharing the information with a district staff member.
      If either the student or the student’s parent or legal guardian objects to the proposed   sharing of the information, the student, the student’s parent or legal guardian, or both, may, within five business days of receiving notice from the principal, appeal the decision to share the information with staff to the superintendent of the district in accordance with procedures developed by the district.
      The superintendent shall have five business days after receiving an appeal under the above to make a written determination on the matter. Determinations by the superintendent under this subsection are final and not subject to further appeal.
      A principal may not share adjudication information under this subsection with a district staff member while an appeal is pending.

3. Public Records Act. 
   
   Any information received by district staff under this section is exempt from disclosure under the public records act (chapter 42.56 RCW) and may not be further disseminated except as provided in RCW 28A.225.330, other statutes or case law, and the family and educational and privacy rights act of 1994 (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1232g et seq.)
4. Assignment of Student Offenders to Certain Classrooms.
   
   A student committing an offense under chapter 9A.36 (assault), 9A.40 (kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, custodial interference, luring, trafficking, and coercion of involuntary servitude), 9A.46 (harassment), or 9A.48 RCW (arson, reckless burning, and malicious mischief) when the activity is directed toward the teacher, shall not be assigned to that teacher’s classroom for the duration of the student’s attendance at that school or any other school where the teacher is assigned.
   
   A student who commits an offense under chapter 9A.36 (assault), 9A.40 (kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, custodial interference, luring, trafficking, and coercion of involuntary servitude), 9A.46 (harassment), or 9A.48 RCW (arson, reckless burning, and malicious mischief), when directed toward another student, may be removed from the classroom of the victim for the duration of the student’s attendance at that school or any other school where the victim is enrolled.

2. Notification of Threats of Violence or Harm.
   Students and school employees who are subjects of threats of violence or harm will be notified of the threats in a timely manner.  “Threats of violence or harm” means direct or indirect communications by any means of the intent to inflict physical harm upon a specific individual or individuals or that place a person in fear of the imminent likelihood of serious harm.
   
   The district will assess and address potential threats of violence or harm in a manner consistent with Policy and Procedure 3225 – School-Based Threat Assessment, other safety policies, and comprehensive safe school plans. In instances where the threat is deemed moderate risk or high risk or requires further intervention to prevent violence or serious harm, the school administrator shall notify the parent and/or guardian of any student who is the target/recipient of a threat as well as the parent and/or guardian of any student who made the threat.  The district will ensure that the notice is in a language the parent and/or guardian understands, which may require language assistance for parents or guardians with limited-English proficiency under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
   
   If there is a specific and significant threat to the health or safety of a student or other individuals, the district may disclose information from education records to appropriate parties whose knowledge of the information is necessary. Timing and details of the notice will be as extensive as permitted by the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, other legal limitations, and the circumstances.
   
   The district may use information about a threat of harm or violence in connection with student discipline consistent with Policy and Procedure 3241 – Student Discipline.
   
   The district, board, school officials, and school employees providing notice in good faith as     required and consistent with the district’s policies are immune from any liability arising out of such notification.  A person who intentionally and in bad faith or maliciously, knowingly makes a false notification of a threat under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable under RCW 9A.20.021.
3.  Immunity.
   Any school district or district employee who releases the information in compliance with federal and state law is immune from civil liability for damages unless it is shown that the school district or district employee acted with gross negligence or in bad faith.
4. Notification of Criminal Action
   Upon receiving a report that a criminal action is alleged to have been committed against a student on school property during the school day or during a school-sponsored activity, including if there has been a shooting on school property, or that a student has been detained based on probable cause that they were involved in criminal activity on school property during the school day, the district will immediately notify the student’s parents or legal guardians.

Cross References:

District Policy 2161 - Special Education and Related Services for Eligible Students

District Policy 2162 - Education of Students With Disabilities Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

District Policy 3120 - Enrollment

District Policy 3140 - Release of Resident Students

District Policy 3207 - Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying

District Policy 3225 - School-Based Threat Assessment

District Policy 3231 - Student Records

District Policy 3241 - Student Discipline

District Policy 4020 - Confidential Communications

District Policy 5281 - Disciplinary Action and Discharge

District Policy 6513 - Workplace Violence Prevention

Legal References: 

RCW 13.04.155 Notification to school principal of conviction, adjudication, or diversion agreement - Provision of information to teachers and other personnel Confidentiality

RCW 13.40.215 Juveniles found to have committed violent or sex offense or stalking Notification of discharge, parole, leave, release, transfer, or escape to whom given School attendance Definitions

RCW 28A.600.460 Classroom discipline Policies - Classroom placement of student offenders Data on disciplinary actions

RCW 4.24.550 Sex offenders and kidnapping offenders Release of information to public Web site

RCW 9A.44.130 Registration of sex offenders and kidnapping offenders Procedures Definition  Penalties

RCW 28A.225.330 Enrolling students from other districts Requests for information and permanent records Immunity from liability Rules

RCW 28A.320.128 Notice and disclosure policies Threats of violence Student conduct Immunity for good faith notice Penalty

RCW 28A.320; 2020 c 167 1 Notification provisions

RCW 72.09.345 Sex offenders Release of information to protect public End-of-sentence review committee Assessment Records access Review, classification, referral of offenders Issuance of narrative notices

WAC 392-400 Student Discipline

20 U.S.C. 1232g; 34 C.F.R. Part 99 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Article IX, Section 1, Washington State Constitution

RCW 28A.605.005 Parental rights

Adoption Date: August 15, 2005

Revised: December 16, 2015; June 1, 2022; September 17, 2025

Reviewed: October 10, 2024

The district is committed to a positive and productive education free from discrimination, including sexual harassment. This commitment extends to all students involved in academic, educational, extracurricular, athletic, and other programs or activities of the school, whether that program or activity is in a school facility, on school transportation or at a class or school training held elsewhere.

Definitions

For purposes of this policy, sexual harassment means unwelcome conduct or communication of a sexual nature.  Sexual harassment can occur adult to student, student to student or can be carried out by a group of students or adults and will be investigated by the District even if the alleged harasser is not a part of the school staff or student body.  The district prohibits sexual harassment of students by other students, employees, or third parties involved in school district activities.

The term “sexual harassment” may include:

• acts of sexual violence;
• unwelcome sexual or gender-directed conduct or communication that interferes with an individual’s educational performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment;
• unwelcome sexual advances;
• unwelcome requests for sexual favors;
• sexual demands when submission is a stated or implied condition of obtaining an educational benefit;
• sexual demands where submission or rejection is a factor in an academic, or other school-related decision affecting an individual.

A “hostile environment” has been created for a student when sexual harassment is sufficiently serious to interfere with or limit the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the school’s program. The more severe the conduct, the less need there is to demonstrate a repetitive series of incidents.  In fact, a single or isolated incident of sexual harassment may create a hostile environment if the incident is sufficiently severe, violent, or egregious. 

Investigation and Response

If the district knows, or reasonably should know, that sexual harassment has created a hostile environment, it will promptly investigate to determine what occurred and take appropriate steps to resolve the situation.  If an investigation reveals that sexual harassment has created a hostile environment, the district will take prompt and effective steps reasonably calculated to end the sexual harassment, eliminate the hostile environment, prevent its recurrence and as appropriate, remedy its effects. The district will take prompt, equitable and remedial action within its authority on reports, complaints and grievances alleging sexual harassment that come to the attention of the district, either formally or informally.  The district will take these steps every time a complaint, alleging sexual harassment comes to the attention of the district, either formally or formally.

Allegations of criminal misconduct will be reported to law enforcement and suspected child abuse will be reported to law enforcement or Child Protective Services. Regardless of whether the misconduct is reported to law enforcement, school staff will promptly investigate to determine what occurred and take appropriate steps to resolve the situation, to the extent that such investigation does not interfere with an ongoing criminal investigation. A criminal investigation does not relieve the district of its independent obligation to investigate and resolve sexual harassment.

Engaging in sexual harassment will result in appropriate discipline or other appropriate sanctions against offending students, staff or other third parties involved in school district activities. Anyone else who engages in sexual harassment on school property or at school activities will have their access to school property and activities restricted, as appropriate.

Retaliation and False Allegations

Retaliation against any person who makes or is a witness in a sexual harassment complaint is prohibited and will result in appropriate discipline.  The district will take appropriate actions to protect involved persons from retaliation.

It is a violation of this policy to knowingly report false allegations of sexual harassment.  Persons found to knowingly report or corroborate false allegations will be subject to appropriate discipline.

Staff Responsibilities

The superintendent will develop and implement formal and informal procedures for receiving, investigating, and resolving complaints or reports of sexual harassment.  The procedures will include reasonable and prompt timelines and delineate staff responsibilities under this policy.  

Any school employee who witnesses sexual harassment or receives a report, informal complaint, or written complaint about sexual harassment is responsible for informing the district Title IX or Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator.  All staff are also responsible for directing complainants to the formal complaint process.

Reports of discrimination and discriminatory harassment will be referred to the district’s Title IX/Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator. Reports of disability discrimination or harassment will be referred to the district’s Section 504 Coordinator.

District/school staff, including employees, contractors, and agents shall not provide a recommendation of employment for an employee, contractor, or agent that the district/school, or the individual acting on behalf of the district/school, knows or has probable cause to believe, has engaged in sexual misconduct with a student or minor in violation of the law. 

Notice and Training

The superintendent will develop procedures to provide age-appropriate information and education to district staff, students, parents and volunteers regarding this policy and the recognition and prevention of sexual harassment.  At a minimum sexual harassment recognition and prevention and the elements of this policy will be included in staff, student, and regular volunteer orientation.  This policy and the procedure, which includes the complaint process, will be posted in each district building in a place available to staff, students, parents, volunteers, and visitors.  Information about the policy and procedure will be clearly stated and conspicuously posted throughout each school building, provided to each employee, and reproduced in each student, staff, volunteer, and parent handbook. Such notices will identify the District’s Title IX coordinator and provide contact information, including the coordinator’s email address.

Policy Review

The superintendent will make an annual report to the board reviewing the use and efficacy of this policy and related procedures.  Recommendations for changes to this policy, if applicable, will be included in the report.  The superintendent is encouraged to involve staff, students, volunteers, and parents in the review process.

Cross References:

Board Policy 3207 - Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying

Board Policy 3210 - Nondiscrimination

Board Policy 3211 - Gender-Inclusive Schools

Board Policy 3241 - Student Discipline

Board Policy 5010 - Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action

Board Policy 5011 - Sexual Harassment of District Staff Prohibited

Legal References:

20 U.S.C. 1681-1688

34 C.F.R. § 106

WAC 392-190-058 Sexual harassment

RCW 28A.640.020 Regulations, guidelines to eliminate discrimination — Scope — Sexual harassment policies

Adopted: September 2, 2015

Revised: November 3, 2021; November 28, 2022

The district is committed to a safe and civil educational environment that is free from the harassment, intimidation or bullying of any student. As defined in Chapter 28A.600 RCW (Students), “Harassment, intimidation or bullying” means any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act including but not limited to one shown to be motivated by any characteristic in RCW 28A.640.010 and RCW 28A.642.010, or other distinguishing characteristics, when the act:

1. Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property;
2. Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education;
3. Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or
4. Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

Nothing in this section requires the affected student to actually possess a characteristic that is a basis for the harassment, intimidation or bullying.

“Other distinguishing characteristics” can include but are not limited to physical appearance, clothing or other apparel, socioeconomic status and weight.

“Intentional acts” refers to the individual’s choice to engage in the act rather than the ultimate impact of the action(s).

This policy and accompanying procedure do not govern harassment, intimidation, or bullying of an employee, volunteer, parent/legal guardian, or community member.

Behaviors/Expressions

This policy recognizes that ‘harassment,’ intimidation,’ and ‘bullying’ are separate but related behaviors toward a student. Each must be addressed appropriately. The accompanying procedure differentiates the three behaviors, however, this differentiation should not be considered part of the legal definition of these behaviors.

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying can take many forms including, but not limited to, slurs, rumors, jokes, innuendoes, demeaning comments, drawings, cartoons, pranks, gestures, physical attacks, threats or other written, oral, physical or electronically transmitted messages or images directed toward a student.

This policy is not intended to prohibit expression of religious, philosophical, or political views, provided that the expression does not substantially disrupt the educational environment. Many behaviors that do not rise to the level of harassment, intimidation, or bullying may still be prohibited by other district policies or building, classroom or program rules.

Training

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

Prevention

The district will provide students with strategies aimed at preventing harassment, intimidation, and bullying toward students. 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 aggressor, 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.

Students with Individual Education Plans or Section 504 Plans

If allegations are proven that a student with an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Section 504 Plan has been the aggressor or target of harassment, intimidation or bullying, the school will convene the student’s IEP or Section 504 team to determine whether the incident had an impact on the student’s ability to receive a free, appropriate public education (FAPE). The meeting should occur regardless of whether the harassment, intimidation, or bullying incident was based on the student’s disability. During the meeting, the team will evaluate issues such as the student’s academic performance, behavioral issues, attendance, and participation in extracurricular activities. If a determination is made that the student is not receiving a FAPE as a result of the harassment, intimidation, or bullying incident, the district will provide additional services and supports as deemed necessary, such as counseling, monitoring and/or reevaluation or revision of the student’s IEP or Section 504 plan, to ensure the student receives a FAPE.

Retaliation/False Allegations

Retaliation is prohibited and will result in appropriate discipline. It is a violation of this policy to threaten or harm a student for reporting harassment, intimidation, or bullying, being identified as a targeted student, or participating in an investigation.

It is also a violation of district policy to knowingly report false allegations of harassment, intimidation, and bullying. Students or employees who knowingly report or corroborate false allegations will be subject to appropriate discipline. However, students, or employees will not be disciplined for making a report in good faith. 

Compliance Officer

The superintendent will appoint a compliance officer as the primary district contact to receive copies of all formal and informal complaints and oversee policy implementation. The name and contact information for the compliance officer will be communicated throughout the district. The district compliance officer will participate in at least one mandatory training opportunity offered by OSPI.

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

Cross References:

District Policy 2161 - Special Education and Related Services for Eligible Students

District Policy 3205 - Sexual Harassment of Students Prohibited

District Policy 3210 - Nondiscrimination

District Policy 3211 - Gender-Inclusive Schools

District Policy 3241 - Student Discipline\

Legal References: 

WAC 392-190-059 Harassment, intimidation and bullying prevention policy and procedure – School districts

RCW 28A.300.285 Harassment, intimidation and bullying prevention policies and procedures – Model policy and procedure – Training materials – Posting on website – Rules – Advisory committee

Adoption Date: August 20, 2008

Revised: July13, 2011; September 2, 2015; February 19, 2020; November 19, 2024

The Board of Directors of the South Kitsap School District No. 402 declares its intent not to tolerate possession of weapons by students on District property or at District-sponsored events.  Student possession of a weapon on District property or at District-sponsored events creates a danger to students and staff and is disruptive to the operation of schools.  Students who possess a weapon or carry, exhibit, display or draw any weapon or any item apparently capable of producing bodily harm in a manner which, under the circumstances, manifests an intent to intimidate another or warrants alarm for safety of others shall be subject to discipline up to and including expulsion

Adoption Date:  August 15, 2005 

The district is committed to complying with anti-discrimination laws.

Definition

“Protected status” is short for the phrase “sex, race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, neurodivergence, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.”

Nondiscrimination Statement

The district will adopt a nondiscrimination statement that must include the following:

1. Notice that the district may not discriminate in any programs or activities based on sex, race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, neurodivergence, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal.
2. The name or title, office address, and telephone number of the employee designated as the compliance officer under this policy, the Section 504 Coordinator, and the Title IX Coordinator.
3. Notice that the district provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and any other youth group listed in Title 36 of the United States Code as a patriotic society.

The district will include this statement in written announcements, notices, recruitment materials, employment application forms, and other publications made available to all students, parents, or employees.

The district may combine the statement described above with the notice described in Policy 3205.

Model Student Handbook Language

The district will adopt the model student handbook language described in RCW 28A.300.286 and include the language in any student, parent, employee, and volunteer handbook it or its schools publish and on its and its schools’ websites.

Discriminatory Harassment

Students have a right to be free from discriminatory harassment. The district violates that right if the following conditions are met:

1. The alleged conduct is based on a student’s protected status.
2. The alleged conduct creates a hostile work environment. A hostile environment is created if the alleged conduct is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it limits or denies a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the district’s course offerings including any educational program or activity. A hostile environment could impact a student’s life in many ways. Physical illness, anxiety about going to school, or a decline in grades or attendance could signal a hospital work environment.
3. After receiving notice of the alleged conduct, the district fails to take prompt and appropriate action to investigate it or fails to take prompt and effective steps reasonably calculated to end the harassment, eliminate the hostile environment, prevent its recurrence, and remedy its effects as appropriate. The district has notice of discriminatory harassment if a reasonable employee knew or, in the exercise of reasonable care, should have known about the harassment. Employees may have notice of discriminatory harassment if they receive an oral report from a student, parent or other individual; receive a written complaint; witness harassing conduct, or become aware of harassment by members of the community or the media.

Harassing conduct may include verbal acts and name calling, graphic and written statements, or other conduct that may be physically threatening, harmful or humiliating.

When the district receives notice of potential discriminatory harassment, it will take prompt and appropriate action to investigate and, as applicable, take prompt and effective steps reasonably calculated to end the harassment, prevent its recurrence and remedy its effects eliminate the hostile environment, prevent its recurrence, and remedy its effects. Examples of the steps the district might take include imposing discipline, separating individuals, developing a safety plan, offering counseling, and providing additional training and instruction. These steps will not penalize the student who was harassed.

Complaint Procedure

The district will adopt a complain procedure in accordance with chapter 392-190 WAC.

Annually, the district will publish a notice of the complaint procedures in a way that is reasonably calculated to inform all students, parents and employees of it. The district will provide the notice in a language each parent can understand, which may require language assistance in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 for those with limited English proficiency.

The district will not adopt any policy, procedure, or practice that would limit a person’s right to file a complaint under the complaint procedure.

Compliance Officer

The superintendent will designate an employee who is responsible for monitoring and coordinating the districts compliance with chapter 392-190 WAC and the guidelines the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction has adopted under WAC 392-190-005.

The compliance officer is responsible for ensuring that all complaints filed under the complaint procedure are promptly investigated and resolved.

Training

The district will train all administrators, certificated personnel, and classroom personnel regarding their responsibilities under this policy and chapter 392-190 WAC. The training will aim to raise awareness of and eliminate bias based on sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal.\

Retaliation Prohibited

The district will not intimidate, threaten, coerce, or discriminate against any individual who seeks to secure their rights under this policy or chapter 392-190 WAC or because the individual has filed a complaint under the complaint procedure. Further, the district will not tolerate someone else retaliating against another because they sought to secure their rights under this policy or chapter 392-190 WAC or because they have filed a complaint under the complaint procedure.

Any person who retaliates will be subject to appropriate discipline.

Legal References: 

RCW 28A.300.286 Discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying Policies and complaint procedures Posting of model student handbook language

Chapter 392-190 WAC Equal Educational Opportunity Unlawful Discrimination Prohibited

Chapter 28A.640 RCW Sexual equality

Chapter 28A.642 RCW Discrimination prohibition

Chapter 49.60 RCW Discrimination Human rights commission

WAC 392-190-020 Training Staff responsibilities Bias awareness

20 U.S.C. 7905 Boy Scouts of American Equal Access Act

42 U.S.C. 12101-12213Americans with Disabilities Act

20 U.S.C. 1681.1688 Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

42 U.S.C. 2000d, et seq. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

34 CFR Part 100 Nondiscrimination Under Programs Receiving Federal Assistance Through the Department of Education Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

34 CFR 104 Nondiscrimination on the basis of handicap in programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance

34 CFR Part 106 Nondiscrimination on the basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance

Adoption Date:  August 15, 2005

Revised:  March 3, 2015; March 15, 2017; September 17, 2025

Reviewed: November 5, 2024

The district believes in fostering an educational environment that is safe and free of discrimination for all students, regardless of gender expression, gender identity, or sex. To that end, the district recognizes the importance of an inclusive approach toward transgender and gender-expansive students with regard to key terms, communication and the use of names and pronouns, student records, confidential health and education information, communication, restroom and locker room use and accessibility, sports and physical education, dress codes, and other school activities, in order to provide these students with an equal opportunity for learning and achievement.

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. Specific training requirements are included in the accompanying procedure. The superintendent will appoint a primary 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 district compliance officer will participate in at least one mandatory training opportunity offered by OSPI.

This policy and its procedure will support that effort by facilitating district compliance with
local, state and federal laws concerning harassment, intimidation, bullying and discrimination.

Cross References: 

District Policy 2145 - Suicide Prevention

District Policy 3207 - Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying

District Policy 3210 - Nondiscrimination

District Policy 3231 - Student Records

Legal References:

RCW 28A.642 Discrimination Prohibition

20 U.S.C. §1232g, 34 C.F.R., Part 99 - Family Education Rights and Privacy Act

Adoption Date: July 15, 2015

Revised Date: February 19, 2020

Reviewed: November 5, 2024, May 2, 2025

The free expression of student opinion is an important part of education in a democratic society. The district encourages students' verbal and written expression of opinion on school premises so long as it does not substantially disrupt the operation of the school or otherwise violate this policy. Students are expressly prohibited from the use of vulgar and/or offensive terms in classroom or assembly settings.

Student Publications

Student publications produced as part of the school's curriculum or with the support of the associated student body fund are intended to serve both as vehicles for instruction and student communication. Although substantively financed and operated by the district, student editors of school-sponsored media, are responsible for determining the news, opinion, feature, and advertising content of the media, consistent with chapter 28A.600 RCW. Material appearing in such publications may reflect various areas of student interest, including topics about which there may be controversy and dissent. When engaging with a controversial issue, student publications should strive to provide in-depth treatment and represent a variety of viewpoints. Such materials may not: 

• Be libelous or slanderous;
• Be an unwarranted invasion of privacy;
• Be obscene or profane, such that it would violate federal or state laws, rules or regulations         or incite others to violate federal or state laws, rules, or regulations, including the standards established by the Federal Communications Act or applicable Federal Communication Commission rules or regulations; 
• Incite students so as to create a clear and present danger of the material and substantial disruption of the school;
• Violate district policy or procedure related to harassment, intimidation, bullying, or related         to the prohibition on discrimination pursuant to RCW 28A.642.010;
• Violate federal or state laws, rules, regulations, or incite the violation of such laws; or 
• Advertise tobacco products, liquor, illicit drugs, or drug paraphernalia.

The superintendent will develop guidelines, assuring that students are able to exercise freedom of expression so long as it does not present a material and substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school, implementing the standards above, and establishing procedures for the prompt review of any materials that appear not to comply with the standards.

Distribution of Materials

Students and district staff may distribute student publications or other materials on school premises in accordance with procedures developed by the superintendent. Such procedures may impose limits on the time, place, and manner of distribution including prior authorization for the posting of such material on school property.

Students responsible for the distribution of material that leads to a substantial disruption of school activity or otherwise interferes with school operations will be subject to corrective action, including suspension or expulsion, consistent with student discipline policies.

No one who is neither a student nor a district employee may distribute materials on school grounds.

Cross Reference: 

District Policy 2340 - Religious-related Activities and Practices

District Policy 3241 - Student Discipline

Legal References:

RCW 28A.600

Adopted: August 15, 2005

Revised: December 16, 2015; August 1, 2018; March 20, 2019; January 30, 2023

Reviewed: November 5, 2024

Individual students and student organizations may meet in school rooms or auditoriums, or at outdoor locations on school grounds, to discuss, pass resolutions and take other lawful action respecting any matter which directly or indirectly concerns or affects them, whether or not it relates to school. Such activities will not be permitted to interfere with the normal operation of the school.

Peaceful demonstrations are permissible, however they must be held in designated places where they will present no hazards to persons or property and at designated times that will not disrupt classes or other school activities.

Cross References:

2153 - Non-Curriculum-Related Student Groups

Legal References:

WAC 132C-120-015

Adoption Date:  August 15, 2005

Revised:  January 6, 2016

Reviewed: February 25, 2026

Preserving a beneficial learning environment and assuring the safety and well-being of all students are primary concerns of the ­­­­­­­­­­­­Board of Directors.

Student’s choices in matters of dress should be made in consultation with their parents.

Student dress will only be regulated when, in the judgment of school administrators, there is a reasonable expectation that:

1. A health or safety hazard will be presented by the student's dress or appearance including possible membership in a gang or hate groups;

2. Damage to school property will result from the student's dress; or

3. A material and substantial disruption of the educational process will result from the students' dress or appearance.

For the purpose of this policy, a material and substantial disruption of the educational process may be found to exist when a student's conduct is inconsistent with any part of the educational mission of the school district. Prohibited conduct includes the use of lewd, sexual, drug, tobacco or alcohol-related messages, or gang-related apparel.

The uniforms of nationally recognized youth organizations, and clothing worn in observance of a student’s religion, are not subject to this policy.

The superintendent will establish procedures providing guidance to students, parents, and staff regarding appropriate student dress in school or while engaging in extracurricular activities. Such procedures will ensure that any student wearing, carrying, or displaying gang-related apparel, or exhibiting behavior or gestures which symbolize gang membership, or causing and/or participating in activities which intimidate or affect the attendance of another student will be asked with notice to his or her parents, to make appropriate corrections and be subject to discipline if the corrections are not undertaken.

Cross References:

3220 - Freedom of Expression

Legal References:

RCW 28A.320.140 Schools with Special standards – Dress codes   
WAC 392-400-225 School district rules defining misconduct – Distribution of Rules

Adoption Date:  July 15, 2015

Reviewed: February 25, 2026

The district is committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment for students and staff. This policy establishes a school-based threat assessment program to provide for timely and methodical school-based threat assessment and management.

Threat assessment best occurs in school climates of safety, respect, and emotional support.

Student behavior rather than a student’s demographic or personal characteristics will serve as the basis for a school-based threat assessment.

The threat assessment process is distinct from student discipline procedures. The mere fact that the district is conducting a threat assessment does not by itself necessitate suspension or expulsion and the district will not impose suspension or expulsion, including emergency removal, solely for investigating student conduct or conducting a threat assessment. Further, suspension, or other removal from the school environment can create the risk of triggering either an immediate or a delayed violent response, unless such actions are coupled with containment and support. However, nothing in this policy precludes district personnel from acting immediately to address an imminent threat, including an emergency removal, if the district has sufficient cause to believe that the student’s presence poses an immediate and continuing danger to other students or school personnel or an immediate and continuing threat of material and substantial disruption of the educational process.

Structure of Threat Assessment Teams

The superintendent shall establish and ensure the training of a multidisciplinary, multiagency threat assessment team or more than one such team to serve district schools. As the threat assessment team must be multidisciplinary and multiagency, it might include persons with expertise in:

• Counseling, such as a school counselor, a school psychologist and/or school social worker,
• Law enforcement, such as a school resource officer,
• School administration, such as a principal or other senior administrator,
• Other district or school staff,
• Community resources,
• Special education teachers, and a
• Practicing educational staff member.

Not every multidisciplinary team member need participate in every threat assessment. When faced with a potential threat by, or directed towards, a student receiving special education services, the threat assessment team must include a team member who is a special education teacher.

Although parents, guardians, or family members are often interviewed as part of the threat assessment process, neither the student nor the student’s family members are part of the threat assessment team. This does not diminish the district’s commitment that school personnel will make every     reasonable attempt to involve parents and the student in the resolution of the student’s behavioral violations, consistent with Policy and Procedure 3241 – Student Discipline.

Function of Threat Assessment Team

Each threat assessment team member, whether a teacher, counselor, school administrator, other school staff, contractor, consultant, volunteer, or other individual, functions as a “school official with a legitimate educational interest” in educational records controlled and maintained by the district. The district provides the threat assessment team access to educational records as specified by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). No member of a threat assessment team, including district/school-based members and community resource/law enforcement members, shall use any student record beyond the prescribed purpose of the threat assessment team or re-disclose records obtained by being a member of the threat assessment team, except as permitted by FERPA.

The threat assessment team:

• Identifies and assesses the behavior of a student that is threatening, or potentially threatening, to self, other students, staff, school visitors, or school property. Threats of self-harm or suicide unaccompanied by threats of harm to others should be promptly evaluated according to Policy 2145 – Suicide Prevention.
• Gathers and analyzes information about the student’s behavior to determine a level of concern for the threat. The threat assessment team may conduct interviews of the person(s) who reported the threat, the recipient(s) or target(s) of the threat, other witnesses who have knowledge of the threat, and where reasonable, the individual(s) who allegedly engaged in the threatening behavior or communication. The purpose of the interviews is to evaluate the individual’s threat in context to determine the meaning of the threat and intent of the individual. The threat assessment team may request and obtain records in the district’s possession, including student education, health records, and criminal history record information. The purpose of obtaining information is to evaluate situational variables, rather than the student’s demographic or personal characteristics.
• Determines the nature, duration, and level of severity of the risk and whether reasonable modifications of policies, practices, or procedures will mitigate the risk. The threat assessment team will not base a determination of threat on generalizations or stereotypes. Rather, the threat assessment team makes an individualized assessment, based on reasonable judgment, best available objective evidence, or current medical evidence as applicable;
• Communicates lawfully and ethically with each other, school administrators, and other school staff who have a need to know particular information to support the safety and well-being of the school, its students, and its staff; and
• Timely reports its determination to the superintendent or designee.

Depending on the level of concern determined, the threat assessment team develops and implements intervention strategies to manage the student’s behavior in ways that promote a safe, supportive teaching, and learning environment, without excluding the student from the school.

In cases where the student whose behavior is threatening or potentially threatening also has a disability, the threat assessment team aligns intervention strategies with the student’s individualized education program (IEP) or the student’s plan developed under section 504 of the rehabilitation act of 1973 (section 504 plan) by coordinating with the student’s IEP team or section 504 plan team. Although some of the functions of a school-based threat assessment may run parallel to the functions of a student’s IEP team or 504 plan team, school-based threat assessments remain distinct from those teams and processes.

Data Collection, Review and Reporting

The superintendent shall establish procedures for collecting and submitting data related to the school-based threat assessment program that comply with OSPI’s monitoring requirements, processes, and guidelines.  

Other Tasks of Threat Assessment Team

The threat assessment team may also participate in other tasks that manage or reduce threatening or potentially threatening behavior and increase physical and psychological safety. This may include:

• Providing guidance to students and staff regarding recognition of behavior that may represent a threat to students, staff, school, the community, or the individual;
• Providing informational resources for community services boards or health care providers for medical evaluation or treatment, as appropriate;
• Assessing individuals other than students whose behavior poses a threat to the safety of students or staff and notify the superintendent or designee of such an individual.

Cross References: 

District Policy 2121 – Substance Abuse Program

District Policy 2145 – Suicide Prevention

District Policy 2161 – Special Education and Related Services for Eligible Students

District Policy 2162 – Education of Students With Disabilities Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

District Policy 3143 – District Notification of Juvenile Offenders

District Policy 3231 – Student Records

District Policy 3432 – Emergencies

District Policy 3241 – Student Discipline  

District Policy 4210 – Regulation of Dangerous Weapons on School Premises

District Policy 4310 – District Relationships with Law Enforcement and other Government Agencies

Legal References:

CFR 34, Part 99, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Regulations

Chapter 28A.320 RCW

Chapter 28A.300 RCW

Adoption Date: November 3, 2021

Reviewed: October 10, 2024

Although the district values its relationships with law enforcement, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) and the county health department, to minimize interruption of the instructional program, the district discourages interviews and interrogations of students on school premises.  As a general rule, interview and interrogations by any agency, including law enforcement, DSHS, and the county health department(s) should take place at the agency or the student’s home, rather than school premises.

However, there are limited circumstances when an interview of students at school is warranted, for example school-initiated investigations, child abuse investigations, and/or serious crime investigations.  When an onsite interview or interrogation is warranted by the circumstances, the district will utilize the procedures and protocols associated with this policy, which were developed in cooperation with these agencies and ensure that students and parent(s)/guardian(s) are afforded all rights under law. The interviews of students as witnesses, victims, and suspects are treated differently.

In contrast to the limited circumstances noted above, the work of immigration agents does not overlap with the work or duties of the district.  This is because the district’s obligation to educate the children residing within its borders is not diminished by the children or parents’ immigration status. The district supports the federal immigration enforcement policy that directs immigration agents to avoid questioning and arrests at sensitive locations, including schools.  Therefore, staff shall not grant information or access to immigration agents unless/until the district Superintendent and/or General Counsel determine the request complies with Plyler v. Doe and other applicable laws according to the criteria in the associated procedure.

Cross References:

District Policy 4310 - District Relationships with Law Enforcement and other Government Agencies

District Policy 3414 - Infectious Diseases

District Policy 3432 - Emergencies

District Policy 3231 - Student Records

District Policy 3124 – Removal-Release of Student During School Hours

Legal References: 

RCW 28A.635.020 Willfully disobeying school administrative personnel or refusing to leave public property, violations, when — Penalty.

RCW 26.44.115 Child taken into custody under court order — Information to parents.

RCW 26.44.110 Information about rights — Custody without court order — Written statement required — Contents.

RCW 26.44.050 Abuse or neglect of child — Duty of law enforcement agency or department of social and health services — Taking child into custody without court order, when.

RCW 26.44.030 Reports — Duty and authority to make — Duty of receiving agency — Duty to notify — Case planning and consultation — Penalty for unauthorized exchange of information — Filing dependency petitions — Investigations — Interviews of children — Records — Risk assessment process.

RCW 28A.605.005 Parental rights

Adopted: September 2, 2015

Revised: May 15, 2019

Reviewed: August 22, 2025

Searches of Students and Personal Property

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

School officials have authority to maintain order and discipline in the schools and to protect students from exposure to illegal drugs, weapons, and contraband. The superintendent, the principal, and other staff designated by the superintendent have the authority to conduct reasonable searches on school property in accordance with the law.

Any authorized school official will conduct searches according to the procedure associated with this policy.

 
Student Privacy

Adult Students, Emancipated Minors, and Confidential Health Information

State law provides that at certain ages, students attain the right to decide for themselves what records will remain confidential, even from their parents, and what activities the student will  participate in. At age eighteen students become legal adults and must approve any disclosure of information about themselves from school records, except directory information if a request for confidentiality has not been filed.  Students at age eighteen may also sign releases, authorizations, or permission slips to participate in school activities, and may sign themselves out of school and authorize their own absences.

Students between sixteen and eighteen who have been granted legal emancipation from their parents or guardians have the same rights as eighteen-year-old students.

Students over fourteen years of age have confidentiality rights in records indicating that they have been tested or treated for a sexually transmitted disease. Students thirteen years and older have confidentiality rights in records regarding drug, alcohol, or mental health treatment.

All students have confidentiality rights in family planning or abortion records.

Cross References:

District Policy 3414 - Infectious Diseases

District Policy 3231 - Student Records

District Policy 3245 - Students and Telecommunication Devices

Legal References: 

34 CFR § 99.5 What are the rights of students

42 CFR § 2.14 Minor patients

RCW 9.02.100 Reproductive privacy—Public policy

RCW   13.64.060 Power and Capacity of emancipated minor

RCW 28A.320.040 Bylaws for board and school government

RCW 28A.600.020 Government of schools, pupils, employees, rules and Optimum learning atmosphere

RCW 28A.600.020 Exclusion of student from classroom — Written disciplinary procedures — Long-term suspension or expulsion

RCW 28A.600.210-240 School locker searches — Finding – No expectation of privacy—Authorization—Limitations—Notice and reasonable suspicion requirements

RCW 70.02.220 Sexually transmitted diseases—Permitted and mandatory disclosures

RCW 70.02.240 Mental health services—Minors—Permitted disclosures

RCW 70.02.265 Adolescent behavioral health services—Disclosures of treatment information and records—Restrictions and requirements

Adoption Date:  August 15, 2005

Revised:  September 2, 2015; November 19, 2024

The district will maintain those student records necessary for the educational guidance and/or welfare of students, for orderly and efficient operation of schools, and as required by law. All information related to individual students will be treated in a confidential and professional manner. The district will use reasonable methods to ensure that teachers and other school officials obtain access to only those education records for which they have legitimate educational interests. When information is released in compliance with state and federal law, the district and district employees are immune from civil liability unless they acted with gross negligence or in bad faith.

The district will retain records in compliance with the current, approved versions of the Local

Government General Records Retention Schedule (CORE) and the School Districts and 

Educational Service Districts Records Retention Schedule, both of which are published on the Secretary of State’s website at: WA Gov Records Search

Student records are the property of the district but will be available in an orderly and timely manner to students and parents. “Parent” includes the state Department of Social and Health

Services when a minor student has been found dependent and placed in state custody. A parent or adult student may challenge any information in a student record believed inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the privacy or other rights of the student.

Student records will be forwarded to other school agencies upon request. A high school student may grant authority to the district, permitting prospective employers to review the student's transcript. Parental or adult student consent will be required before the district may release student records other than to a school agency or organization, except as otherwise provided by law.

The superintendent or designee will establish procedures governing the content, management, and control of student records.

Cross References: 

District Policy 2100 - Educational Opportunities for Students with a parent in the Military

District Policy 3115 - Students Experiencing Homelessness – Enrollment Rights and Services

District Policy 3211 - Gender-Inclusive Schools

District Policy 3520 - Student Fees, Fines, Charges

District Policy 4020 - Confidential Communications

District Policy 4040 - Public Access to District Records

Legal References:

42 U.S.C. 11431 et seq. McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

20 U.S.C. § 1232g Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

CFR 34, Part 99 Family Education Rights and Privacy Act Regulations

RCW 28A.150.510 Transmittal of education records to DSHS —Disclosure of educational records—Data sharing agreements— Comprehensive needs requirement document—Report

RCW 28A.195.070 Official transcript withholding – Transmittal of information

RCW 28A.225.151 Reports

RCW 28A.225.330 Enrolling students from other districts — Requests for information and permanent records — Withheld transcripts, effect — Immunity from liability —— Notification to teachers and security personnel – Rules 

RCW 28A.230.120 High school diplomas – Issuance – Option to receive final transcripts – Notice 

RCW 28A.230.180 Educational and career opportunities in the military, student access to information, on, when

RCW 28A.600.475 Exchange of information with law enforcement and juvenile court officials – Notification of parents and students.

RCW 28A.605.030 Student education records – Parental review—Release of records— Procedure

RCW 28A.635.060 Defacing or injuring school property — Liability of pupil, parent, or guardian— Withholding grades, diploma, or transcripts — Suspension and restitution — Voluntary work program as alternative — Rights protected

RCW 40.24.030 Address Confidentiality Program — Application – Certification

Chapter 246-105 WAC Immunization of childcare and school children against certain vaccine-preventable diseases

Chapter 392-172A WAC Rules for the provision of special education

Chapter 392-182 WAC Student Health Records

Chapter 392-415-WAC Secondary Education- standardized high school transcript

WAC 181-87-093 Failure to assure the transfer of student record information or student records

WAC 392-121-182 Alternative learning experience requirements

WAC 392-122-228 Alternative learning experiences for juvenile students incarcerated in adult jail facilities

WAC 392-500-025 Pupil tests and records —Tests - School district policy in writing

42 CFR – 2.14 Minor patients

RCW 9.02.100 Reproductive privacy – Public policy

RCW 70.02.220 Sexually transmitted diseases – Permitted and mandatory disclosures

RCW 70.02.240 Mental health services – Minors – Permitted disclosures

Chapter 246-105 WAC Immunization of child care and school children against certain vaccine-preventable diseases

Adoption Date: August 15, 2005

Revised: July 15, 2015; February 19, 2020; August 3, 2022

Reviewed: October 10, 2024

All instructional materials, including supplementary materials and teachers manuals, used with any survey, analysis, or evaluation in a program or project supported by federal funds are available for inspection by parents and guardians.

No student will be required as part of any project or program supported by federal funds to submit to a survey, analysis or evaluation that reveals information concerning the following without prior written consent of the student, if the student is an adult or an emancipated minor, or the student’s parent:

1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent;
2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family;
3. Sex behavior or attitudes;
4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
5. Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom the student has close family relationships;
6. Legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians, and ministers;
7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or student’s parent; or
8. Income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program).

The district will make arrangements to protect student privacy during the administration of surveys and the collection, disclosure or use of personal information for marketing, sales or other distribution purposes.

The superintendent or designee will develop procedures consistent with this policy.

Cross References: 

District Policy 3231 - Student Records

Legal References:

34 CFR Part 98 Student rights in research, experimental activities and testing

Adoption Date: August 15, 2005

Revised Dates: September 2, 2015; February, 2018; December 4, 2024

The Board of Directors recognizes that high-quality education data collected by its contracted school service providers is an important component for improving student achievement.  The Board also recognizes that the District plays a role in ensuring that school service providers use the personal information of students in a responsible and ethical manner consistent with the privacy protections required under federal and state law.

To this end, the District will ensure that all negotiated contracts and online “Terms of Use” agreements with school service providers align with the Student User Privacy in Education Rights (SUPER) Act codified at Chapter 28A.604, RCW and the procedure that accompanies this policy

Cross References:

Board Policy 2022 - Electronic Resources and Internet Safety

Board Policy 3231 - Student Records

Board Policy 3232 - Parent and Student Rights in Administration of Surveys, Analysis or Evaluations

Board Policy 4040 - Public Access to District Vendors

Board Policy 6230 - Relations with Vendors

Legal References: 

Chapter 28A.604, RCW Student User Privacy in Education Rights Act

20 U.S.C. § 1231g Family Education Rights and Privacy Act

20 U.S.C. § 123h Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment

Adoption Date:  May 1, 2019

The board focuses on the educational achievement of every student. The district holds high expectations for all students and gives all students the opportunity to achieve personal and academic success.

The board intends that this policy and procedure be implemented in a manner that supports a positive school climate, maximizes instructional time, and increases equitable educational opportunities. 

The purposes of this policy and accompanying procedure include:

1. Providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.
2. Providing due process to students.
3. Implementing culturally responsive discretionary and nondiscretionary discipline policies and procedures that provide opportunity for all students to achieve personal and academic success.
4. Engaging with school personnel, students, parents, families, and the community in decisions related to the development and implementation of discipline policies and procedures.
5. Ensuring fairness and equity in the administration of discretionary and nondiscretionary discipline.
6. Administering discretionary discipline in ways that respond to the needs and strengths of students, support students in meeting behavioral expectations, and keep students in the classroom to the maximum extent possible.
7. Providing educational services that students need to complete their education without disruption;
8. Facilitating collaboration between school personnel, students, parents, and families to support successful reentry into the classroom following a suspension or expulsion

Students’ Fundamental Rights

The district will observe students’ fundamental rights and will administer discipline in a manner that does not:

1. Unlawfully discriminate against a student on the basis of sex, race, creed, ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, immigration or citizen ship status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, neurodivergence, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability is prohibited.
2. Deprive a student of the student’s constitutional right to freedom of speech and press, the constitutional right to peaceably assemble and to petition the government and its
   representatives for a redress of grievances, the constitutional right to the free exercise of religion and to have the student’s school free from sectarian control or influence, subject to reasonable limitations upon the time, place, and manner of exercising the right;
3. Deprive a student of the student’s constitutional right to be secure in the student’s person, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures;
4. Unlawfully interfere in a student’s pursuit of an education while in the custody of the school district; or
5. Deprive a student of the student’s right to an equal educational opportunity, in whole or in part, by a school district without due process of law.

Student Responsibilities

This district’s student discipline policy and procedure are designed to provide students with a safe, healthy, and educationally sound environment. Students are expected to be aware of and comply with the policy and procedure, including behavioral expectations that respect the rights and property of others. Students are also expected to pursue the required course of
studies.  Students and staff are expected to work together to develop a positive climate for
learning, consistent with District Policy 3112 – Social Emotional Climate.

Development and Review

Accurate and complete reporting of all disciplinary actions, including the associated student-level information, behavioral violations, and other forms of discipline the district considered or attempted, is essential for effective review of this policy; therefore, the district will ensure such reporting. 

The district will develop and periodically review a discretionary and nondiscretionary discipline policy and procedure with the participation of school personnel, students, parents, families and the community. During the development and review, the district must use disaggregated data collected under RCW 28A.300.042 to monitor the impact of the district’s discipline policy, procedure, and practices and update its policy and procedure to improve fairness and equity in the administration of discipline. The policy and procedure will be developed in accordance with WAC 392-400-110.

Distribution of Policies and Procedures

The district will make the current version of this policy and procedure available to families and the community.  The district will annually provide this policy and procedure to all district personnel, students, parents, and families, which may require language assistance for students and parents with limited-English proficiency under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. 

The district will ensure district employees and contractors are knowledgeable of this student
discipline policy and procedure.

Application

This policy and accompanying procedure will be construed in a manner consistent with Washington law as stated in WAC 392-400-020.

Cross References: 

District Policy 2121 - Substance Abuse Program

District Policy 2161 - Special Education and Related Services for Eligible Students

District Policy 2162 - Education of Students with Disabilities Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

District Policy 3122 -  Excused and Unexcused Absences

District Policy 3210 - Nondiscrimination

District Policy 3244 - Prohibition of Corporal Punishment

District Policy 3520 - Student Fees, Fines, or Charges

District Policy 4210 - Regulation of Dangerous Weapons on School Premises

District Policy 4218 – Language Access

Legal References:

42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq. Civil Rights Act of 1964

34 CFR Part 100.3 Regulations implementing Civil Rights Act of 1964

Chapter 392-400, WAC Student Discipline

WAC 392-190-048 Access to course offerings - Student discipline and corrective action

Chapter 28A.320, RCW Provisions applicable to all districts

Chapter 28A.600 RCW, Students

RCW 28A.400.110 Principal to assure appropriate student discipline Building discipline standards  Classes to improve classroom management skills

RCW 28A.400.100 Principals and vice principals  Employment of  Qualifications  Duties

Chapter 28A.225, RCW Compulsory school attendance and admission

RCW 28A.150.240 Certificated teaching and administrative staff as accountable for classroom teaching  Scope Responsibilities Penalty

RCW 9.41.280 Possessing dangerous weapons on school facilitiesPenalty Exceptions

Adoption Date: August 15, 2015

Revised: August 5, 2015;  August 17, 2016; October 16, 2019; November 3, 2021; June 19, 2024; September 17, 2025

Students will remain on the school grounds from time of arrival until close of school unless officially excused.  Any person not regularly enrolled or an employee of the district is responsible to report to the principal’s office immediately upon coming on campus.  An exception to this regulation will be observed on occasions when building is open to use by public for specific purposes in designated areas.

Adoption Date:  August 15, 2005

Reviewed: April 29, 2016, February 25, 2026

Parents and students bear the sole responsibility for the use of motor vehicles and bicycles for travel to and from school. The superintendent or designee will develop procedures governing the use of bicycles and motor vehicles while on school property and will disseminate those procedures to all students so affected.

Adoption Date:  August 15, 2005

Revised: January 6, 2016

Reviewed: March 3, 2026

The use of corporal punishment in the common schools is prohibited. Corporal punishment is defined as any act that willfully inflicts or willfully causes the infliction of physical pain on a student.

Corporal punishment does not include:

1. The use of reasonable physical force by an administrator, teacher, other school employee or volunteer as necessary to maintain order to prevent a student from harming him/herself, other students, school staff, other persons, or property;
2. Physical pain or discomfort resulting from or caused by training for or participating in athletic competition or recreational activity voluntarily engaged in by a student;
3. Physical exertion shared by all students in a teacher-directed class activity, which may include, but is not limited to, physical education exercises, field trips or vocational education projects.

Cross References:

3241 - Student Discipline

Legal References:

RCW 28A.150.300 Corporal punishment prohibited - Adoption of policy  
WAC 392-400-235 Discipline - Conditions and limitations

Adoption Date: August 15, 2005

Revised Date: September, 2015; February, 2018

Reviewed: February 25, 2026

Students in possession of telecommunications devices, including, but not limited to, pagers, beepers, and cellular phones, while on school property or while attending school-sponsored or school-related activities will observe the following conditions:

1. Telecommunication devices will be turned on and operated only before and after the regular school day and during the student’s lunch break, unless an emergency situation exists that involves imminent physical danger, or a school administrator authorizes the student to use the device;

2. Students will not use telecommunication devices in a manner that poses a threat to academic integrity, disrupts the learning environment or violates the privacy rights of others;

3. Students will not send, share, view or possess pictures, text messages, emails or other material depicting sexually explicit conduct, as defined in RCW 9.68A.011, in electronic or any other form on a cell phone or other electronic device, while the student is on school grounds, at school sponsored events or on school buses or vehicles provided by the district;

4. When a school official has reasonable suspicion, based on objective and articulable facts, that a student is using a telecommunications device in a manner that violates the law or school rules, the official may confiscate the device, which will only be returned to the student’s parent or legal guardian;

5. By bringing a cell phone or other electronic devices to school or school-sponsored events, the student and their parent/guardian consent to the search of the device when school officials have a reasonable suspicion, based on objective and articulable facts, that such a search will reveal a violation of the law or school rules. The scope of the search will be limited to the violation of which the student is accused. Content or images that violate state or federal laws will be referred to law enforcement;

6. Students are responsible for devices they bring to school. The district will not be responsible for loss, theft or destruction of devices brought onto school property or to school sponsored events;

7. Students will comply with any additional rules developed by the school concerning the appropriate use of telecommunication or other electronic devices; and

8. Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action.

Cross References:

4310 - District Relationships with Law Enforcement and other Government Agencies
3241 - Student Discipline
3207 - Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying of Students
2022 - Electronic Resources and Internet Safety

Adopted: September 2, 2015

Revision Date: January 30, 2020

Reviewed: February 25, 2026

It is the policy of the South Kitsap School District that the district maintains a safe learning environment while treating all students with dignity and respect. All students in the district, including those who have an individualized education program (IEP) or plan developed under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, will remain free from unreasonable restraint, restraint devices, isolation, and other uses of physical force. Under no circumstances will these techniques be used as a form of discipline or punishment.

This policy is intended to address district students. It is not intended to prevent or limit the
use of restraint or other reasonable force as necessary with adults or other youth from outside the district as allowed by law. 

Use of restraint, isolation, and other forms of reasonable force may be used on any student when reasonably necessary to control spontaneous behavior that poses an imminent likelihood of
serious harm as defined by RCW 71.05.020 and Chapter 392-172A WAC and explained in the procedure accompanying this policy. Serious harm includes physical harm to self, another, or district property. Staff will closely monitor such actions to prevent harm to the student and will use the minimum amount of restraint and isolation appropriate to protect the safety of students and staff. The restraint, isolation, and other forms of reasonable force will be discontinued when the likelihood of serious harm has dissipated.

The superintendent or designee will develop procedures to implement this policy, including
review, reporting and parent/guardian notification of incidents involving restraint or isolation as required by law.

Cross References:

District Policy 2161 - Special Education and Related Services for Eligible Students

District Policy 2162 - Education of Students With Disabilities Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Legal References: 

RCW 9A.16.020 Use of force – When lawful

RCW 9A.16.100 Use of force on children – Policy – Actions presumed unreasonable

RCW 28A.150.300 Corporal Punishment Prohibited – Adoption of policy

RCW 28A.155.210 Use of restraints or isolation - Requirement for procedures to notify parent or guardian

RCW 28A.600.485 Restraint of students with individualized     education programs or plans developed under section 504 of the rehabilitation act of 1973 – Procedures – Definitions. [as amended by SHB 1240]

Chapter 392-172A WAC Rules for the provision of special education

RCW 71.05.020 Definitions

Adoption Date:  January 15, 2014

Revised:  January 6, 2016; January 5, 2022; December 5, 2024

The superintendent or designee will arrange for health services to be provided for all students. Such services will include but are not limited to:

A.    The maintenance of student health records;

B.    The development of procedures at each building for the isolation and temporary care of students who become ill during the school day;

C.    Consulting services of a licensed healthcare provider and/or Registered Nurse;

D.    Vision (both distance and near) and hearing screening; and

E.     Immunization records and screening.

Cross References:

3413 - Student Immunization And Life Threatening Health Conditions

3416 – Medication at School

Legal References:

RCW 28A.210.020 Visual and auditory screening of pupils - Rules and regulations

RCW28A.210.300 School physician or school nurse may be employed

RCW 28A.330.100 Additional powers of board

Adoption Date: August 15, 2005

Revised: August 5, 2015; August 22, 2016; May 1, 2019

Reviewed: February 25, 2026

The district will develop and follow an individual health plan for each student with seizure disorder or epilepsy. Each individual health care plan will include an individual emergency plan element. The health plans will be updated annually, and more frequently as needed.

The District shall designate a professional person licensed under chapter 18.71, 18.57, or 18.79 RCW as it applies to registered nurses and advanced registered nurse practitioners, to consult and coordinate with the student's parents and health care provider, and train and supervise the appropriate school district personnel in proper procedures for care for students with epilepsy or other seizure disorders to ensure a safe, therapeutic learning environment. Training required may also be provided by a national organization that offers training for school nurses for managing students with seizures and seizure training for school personnel.

In addition to adhering to the requirements of each individual health care plan, for the general care of students with seizure disorder or epilepsy, the district will:

1. Acquire necessary parent requests and instructions for treatment;
2. Acquire monitoring and treatment orders from licensed health care providers prescribing within the scope of their licensed authority;
3. Provide sufficient and secure storage for medical equipment and medication provided by the parent;
4. Establish school policy exceptions necessary to accommodate students' needs related to epilepsy or other seizure disorders, as described in the individual health plan;
5. Ensure the development of individual emergency plans;
6. Ensure the possession of legal documents for parent-designated adults to provide care, if needed;
7. Ensure each individual health plan is reviewed at least annually; and
8. Ensure each student’s individual health care plan will be distributed to appropriate staff based on the student’s needs and the staff member’s contact with the student.

Parents of students with seizure disorders or epilepsy may designate an adult to provide care for their student consistent with the student’s individual health care plan. At parent request, school district employees may volunteer to be a parent-designated adult under this policy, but they will not be required to participate.

"Parent-designated adult" means a parent-designated adult who is not licensed under chapter 18.79 and: (A) Volunteers for the designation; (B) receives additional training from a health care professional or expert in care for epilepsy or other seizure disorders selected by the parents; and (C) provides care for the child consistent with the individual health plan.

A parent-designated adult may be a school district employee. Parent-designated adults who are school employees will file a voluntary, written, current, and unexpired letter of intent stating their willingness to be a parent-designated adult. Parent-designated adults who are school employees are required to receive training in caring for students with seizures from the District designee or from a parent-selected health care professional or appropriate personnel from a national epilepsy organization that offers seizure training and education for school nurses and other school personnel. If a school district employee who is not licensed under chapter 18.79 RCW chooses not to file a letter under this section, the employee may not be subject to any employer reprisal or disciplinary action for refusing to file a letter.

Parent-designated adults who are not school employees are required to show evidence of comparable training and meet school district requirements for volunteers. Parent-designated adults must receive additional training from a parent-selected health care professional or expert in seizure care to provide the care requested by the parent. The District designee is not responsible for the supervision of procedures authorized by the parents and carried out by the parent-designated adult.

The district, its employees, agents, or parent-designated adults who act in good faith and in substantial compliance with a student’s individual health care plan and the instructions of the student’s health care provider will not be criminally or civilly liable for services provided under RCW 28A.210.355.

Cross References:

5630 - Volunteers

3416 - Medication at School

2162 - Education of Students With Disabilities Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Legal References:

42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq. Americans with Disabilities Act

RCW 28A.210.350 – Students with diabetes or epilepsy or other seizure disorders

Adoption Date: October 19, 2022

Revised: February 25, 2026

The South Kitsap School District recognizes that equipping schools with automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and training employees and students in their use, increases the potential to save lives in the event of a health emergency, including cardiac arrest.

The board authorizes the district to place AEDs at designated school sites. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) requires that any person using an AED receives training. Therefore, schools and district facilities with an AED on site will designate and train selected staff in the use of AED’s according to the DOH guidelines. Student instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitations, to include appropriate use of an AED, will occur in at least one health class necessary for graduation. 

This policy does not create any implied or express guarantee, or obligation to use an AED, nor does it create an expectation that an AED or a trained employee or student will be present and able to use an AED, even if a condition arose that made the use of an AED beneficial.

A person who uses an AED at the scene of an emergency and all other persons and entities providing services are immune from civil liability for any personal injury that results from any act or omission in the use of the AED in an emergency setting, unless the acts or omissions amount to gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.

The superintendent or designee will develop procedures for the placement, maintenance, and use of AEDs in schools.

Cross References:

2410 – High School Graduation Requirements

Legal References:

Chapter 28A.230 RCW COMPULSORY COURSEWORK AND ACTIVITIES

RCW 4.24. 300 Immunity from liability for certain types of medical care

RCW 70.54.310 Semiautomatic external defibrillator - Duty of acquirer - Immunity from civil liability

Adoption Date: November 4, 2015

Revised: April 17, 2019                    

Reviewed: February 25, 2026

Immunizations

In order to safeguard the school community from the spread of certain communicable diseases and in recognition that prevention is a means of combating the spread of disease, the district requires a student to present evidence of having been immunized against diseases as required by 28A.210 RCW and the Washington State Board of Health 246-105 WAC.

Exemptions from Immunization

The district will allow for exemptions from immunization requirements only as allowed for by RCW 28A.210.090 and WAC 246-105-050.

Meningococcal Disease, Human Papilloma Virus Disease and Vaccine Information Distribution
At the beginning of every school year, the district will provide parents/guardians of sixth through twelfth grade students, information provided by the Washington State Department of Health about meningococcal disease, human papilloma virus (HPV) disease and their vaccines.

The information will include the causes and symptoms of meningococcal disease, human papilloma virus, how the diseases are spread, the places where parents/guardians may obtain additional information and vaccinations for their children, and current recommendations from the United States Centers for Disease Control Prevention regarding the vaccines.

Life-Threatening Health Conditions

Prior to attendance at school, each child with a life-threatening health condition will present a medication and treatment order from a Licensed Healthcare Provider (LHP) addressing the condition. A life-threatening health condition means a condition that will put the child in danger of death during the school day if a medication and treatment order, providing authority to a registered nurse, and a nursing care plan are not in place. Following submission of the medication and treatment order, the registered nurse will develop the nursing care plan.

Students who have a life-threatening health condition and no medication or treatment order presented to the school will be excluded from school, to the extent that the district can do so consistent with federal requirements for students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and according to the due process requirements in School District Procedure 3413P.

Exclusion from School

The district will exclude students as required in RCW28A.210.120 from further presence at the school who are out of compliance with the immunization requirements and students with a life-threatening health condition as required in WAC 392-380-045 who do not have a medication or treatment order in place.

The superintendent will adopt procedures necessary to implement this policy.

Cross References:

2162 - Education of Students With Disabilities Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

2161 - Special Education and Related Services for Eligible Students

2100 - Educational Opportunities for Students with a Parent in the Military

3241 - Student Discipline

3416 - Medication at School

3115 - Students Experiencing Homelessness - Enrollment Rights and Services

Legal References:

Chapter 246-105 WAC Immunization of child care and school children against certain vaccine-preventable diseases

Chapter 28A.210 RCW - Health - Screening and requirements

WAC 392-182 - Student - Health records

WAC 392-380 Public school pupils - Immunization requirement and life-threatening health condition

Adoption Date: August 15, 2005

Revised: November 4, 2015; December 2, 2020, May 6, 2026

In order to safeguard the school community from the spread of certain communicable diseases the superintendent will implement procedures assuring that all school buildings are in compliance with State Board of Health rules and regulations regarding the presence of persons who have or have been exposed to infectious diseases deemed dangerous to the public health. Such procedures will also prescribe the steps to remove the danger to others.

The district will require that the parent/guardian complete a medical history form at the
beginning of each school year. The school nurse may use this information to advise the parent of the need for further medical attention and to plan for potential health problems in school.

The superintendent authorizes the school principal to exclude a student who has been
diagnosed by a Licensed Health Care Provider (LHP) or is suspected of having an infectious
disease in accordance with the regulations within the most current Infectious Disease Control Guide for school staff, provided by the Department of Health. The principal and/or school nurse will report the presence of suspected case or cases of reportable communicable disease to the appropriate local health authority as required by the State Board of Health. The district and its staff will treat all information concerning a student's present and past health condition as confidential. The principal will cooperate with the local health officials in the investigation of the source of the disease.

The fact that a student has been tested for a sexually transmitted infection, the test result, any information relating to the diagnosis or treatment of a sexually transmitted infection, and any information regarding drug or alcohol treatment for a student must be kept strictly confidential. If the district receives authorization to release information, the district may disclose information pursuant to the restrictions in the release.

A school principal, or designee has the authority to send an ill student home without the
concurrence of the local health officer, but if the disease is reportable, the district must notify
the local health officer. The local health officer is the primary resource in the identification
and control of infectious disease in the community and school. The local health officer, in
consultation with the superintendent, can take whatever action deemed necessary to control or eliminate the spread of disease, including closing a school.

Legal References:

Chapter 70.02 RCW Medical records — Health care information access and disclosure

RCW 28A.210.010 Contagious diseases, limiting contact — Rules

Chapter 246-110 WAC Contagious diseases – School districts and day care centers

RCW 70.24.290 Public school employees – Rule for bloodborne pathogens education and training

WAC 246-101-420 Duties – Schools

Adoption Date: August 15, 2005

Revised:  June 2, 2015; March 18, 2020; February 23, 2021

Reviewed: April 8, 2025

The school nurse is appointed to:

• Consult and coordinate with the parents and health care providers of students with diabetes; and 
• Train and supervise the appropriate staff in the care of students with diabetes.

The district will develop and follow an individual health plan for each student with diabetes. Each individual health care plan will include an individual emergency plan element. The health plans will be updated annually, and more frequently as needed.

Parents of students with diabetes may designate an adult to provide care for their student consistent with the student’s individual health care plan. At parent request, school district employees may volunteer to be a parent-designated adult under this policy, but they will not be required to participate.  

Parent-designated adults who are school employees will file a voluntary, written, current and unexpired letter of intent stating their willingness to be a parent-designated adult. Parent-designated adults who are school employees are required to receive training in caring for students with diabetes from a nationally certified diabetes educator.

Parent-designated adults who are not school employees are required to show evidence of comparable training, and meet school district requirements for volunteers. Parent-designated adults will receive additional training from a parent-selected health care professional or expert in diabetic care to provide the care requested by the parent. The school district registered nurse or South Kitsap School District is not responsible for the supervision of procedures authorized by the parents and carried out by the parent-designated adult.

In addition to adhering to the requirements of each individual health care plan, for the general care of students with diabetes, the district will:

• Acquire necessary parent requests and instructions for treatment;
• Acquire monitoring and treatment orders from licensed health care providers prescribing within the scope of their licensed authority;
• Provide sufficient and secure storage for medical equipment and medication provided by the parent;
• Permit students with diabetes to perform blood glucose tests, administer insulin, and treat   hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia by providing easy access to the necessary supplies, equipment and medication necessary under their individual health care plan. This includes the option for students to carry the necessary supplies, equipment and medication on their person and perform monitoring and treatment functions wherever they are on school grounds or at school sponsored events;
• Permit students with diabetes unrestricted access to necessary food and water on schedule and as needed and unrestricted access to bathroom facilities. When food is served at school events, provision will be made for appropriate food to be available to students with diabetes;
• School meals will not be withheld from any student for disciplinary reasons. Students with diabetes will not miss meals because they are not able to pay for them. The charge for the meal will be billed to the parent or adult student and collected consistent with district policies;
• Parents and health care providers of students with diabetes will be provided with a description of their student’s school schedule to facilitate the timing of monitoring, treatment and food consumption; and
• Each student’s individual health care plan will be distributed to appropriate staff based on the student’s needs and the staff member’s contact with the student.

The district, its employees, agents or parent-designated adults who act in good faith and in substantial compliance with a student’s individual health care plan and the instructions of the student’s health care provider will not be criminally or civilly liable for services provided under RCW.28A.210.330.

Cross References:

5630 - Volunteers
3520 - Student Fees, Fines, or Charges
3416 - Medication at School
2162 - Education of Students With Disabilities Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Legal References:

42 U.S.C. 12101et seq. Americans with Disabilities Act
RCW 28A.210.330 Students with diabetes - Individual health plans - Designation of professional to consult and coordinate with parents and health care provider - Training and supervision of school district personnel

Adoption Date: August 15, 2005

Revised: August 5, 2015

Reviewed: February 25, 2026

Under normal circumstances, all student medications, both prescription and over the counter (OTC) medications, should be administered before and/or after school hours under supervision of the parent/guardian. When it is necessary for a student to receive prescription or OTC oral medication, topical medication, eye drops, ear drops or nasal spray at school or at school-sponsored events,  the parent/guardian must submit a written parental request and a written authorization form from a licensed healthcare practitioner (LHP), prescribing within the scope of his or her prescriptive authority.

In addition, due to the potential of allergic reaction, over dose, choking hazard, or exposure to hazardous chemicals; cough drops/throat lozenges containing medication and bug sprays/repellents require individualized physician’s orders. Chap stick/lip balm may be kept in student’s possession, but not shared with others.

The superintendent will establish procedures for required and proper:

1. Designating staff members who may administer medication to students; 
2. Training, delegation, and supervision of staff members in the administration of medication to students by a registered nurse (RN), including oral medication, topical medication, eye drops, ear drops, and/or nasal spray; 
3. Obtaining signed and dated parent/guardian and LHP request and authorization for the administration of medications, including instructions from the LHP;
4. Transporting medications to and from school; 
5. Storing medication in a locked or limited access area;
6. Labeling medication;
7. Administering of medication, including identification of student and medication;
8. Documenting administration of medication, including errors, reactions, or side effects;
9. Disposing of medications; 
10. Maintaining records pertaining to the administration of medication;
11. Maintaining student confidentiality 
12. Permitting, as appropriate, possession and self-administration of medications necessary for student school attendance;  
13. Permitting possession and self-administration of over-the-counter topical sunscreen products (see Sunscreen Section below); and
14. Reviewing and evaluating of medication practices and documentation

School District Policy and Procedure 3419 - Self-Administration of Asthma and Anaphylaxis Medication and School District Policy and Procedure 3420 - Anaphylaxis Prevention and Response govern the use of injectable medication for the treatment of anaphylaxis.

Except for limited situations, no school staff other than a RN or licensed practical nurse (LPN) may administer suppositories, rectal gels, or injections (except for emergency injections for students with anaphylaxis, as stated in School District Policy and Procedure 3419 - Self-Administration of Asthma and Anaphylaxis Medication and School District Policy and Procedure 3420 - Anaphylaxis Prevention and Response). In some situations, a parent designated adult (PDA) may administer certain injections.

If the school decides to discontinue administering a student’s medication, the superintendent or designee must provide notice to the student’s parent/guardian orally and in writing prior to the discontinuance. There must be a valid reason for the discontinuance that does not compromise the health of the student or violate legal protections for the disabled.

Required Notification of EMS: Emergency Medical Services will be notified whenever the administration of rescue medication is given by school personnel.  These include, but are not limited to, Epinephrine, Diazepam, Midazolam, Glucagon, etc. Emergency Medical Services (911) will be summoned as soon as practicable.

Sunscreen

Over-the-counter topical sunscreen products may be possessed and used by students, parent/guardians, and school staff without a written prescription or note from a licensed health care provider if the following conditions are met:

1. The product is regulated by the US Food and Drug administration as an over-the-counter sunscreen product; and
2. If possessed by a student, the product is provided to the student by a parent/guardian.

Medical Marijuana:

Washington State law (RCW 69.51A.060) permits the use of medical marijuana, however, federal law (Title IV-Part A—Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities and the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) (21 U.S.C. § 811) prohibits the possession and use of marijuana on the premises of recipients of federal funds including educational institutions. School nurses may not administer medical marijuana. See 3423 – Parental Administration of Marijuana for Medical Purposes, regarding parental administration of medical marijuana on school grounds, school bus, and school-sponsored activities.

Cross References: 

Board Policy 3420 - Anaphylaxis Prevention and Response

Board Policy 3419 - Self-Administration of Asthma and Anaphylaxis Medications

Board Policy 3423 - Parental Administration of Marijuana for Medical Purposes

Legal References:

RCW 28A.210.260 Public and private schools - Administration of medication — Conditions

RCW 28A.210.270 Public and private schools —Administration of medication — Immunity from liability — Discontinuance, procedure

Adoption Date:  August 15, 2005

Revised: July 15, 2015, December 7, 2016, September 4, 2019

The district authorizes qualified staff to provide clean, intermittent bladder catheterization (CIC) of students or assisted self-catheterization according to rules adopted by the State Board of Nursing.

Catheterization is authorized under the following conditions:

A.    A parent, legal guardian or other person having legal control over the student files a written, current and unexpired request that the district provide for the catheterization of the student;

B.     A licensed physician of the student files a written, current and unexpired request that catheterization of the student be provided for during the hours when school is in session or the hours when the student is under the supervision of school officials;

C.     A registered nurse provides written, current and unexpired instructions regarding catheterization which states that staff members are designated to provide for catheterization and a description of the nature and extent of any supervision that is required; and

D.    Any staff member who is authorized to provide for catheterization must receive training from a registered nurse consistent with the rules of the State Board of Nursing. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are trained to provide catheterization as part of their professional preparation and are not subject to this training requirement.

Employees (excepting licensed nurses) who have not previously agreed in writing to perform clean, intermittent bladder catheterization as a specific part of their job description may file a written letter of refusal to perform catheterization. The employee’s refusal may not serve as grounds for discharge, nonrenewal or any other action adversely affecting the employee’s contract status.

The district and its staff and the staff member who provides for catheterization in substantial compliance with this policy and the rules of the State Board of Nursing will not be liable in any criminal action or for civil damages arising from providing catheterization. The district may discontinue catheterization service for a student without being liable so long as the affected parents/guardians are given advance oral/written notice.

Cross References:

2161 - Special Education and Related Services for Eligible Students

Legal References:

RCW 28A.210.255 Provision of health services in public and private schools - Employee job description

RCW 28A.210.280 Catheterization of public and private school students

RCW 28A.210.290 Catheterization of Public and Private School Students - Immunity from liability

WAC 246-840-820 Provision for clean, intermittent catheterization in schools

Adoption Date:  October 14, 2009

Revised:  August 5, 2015, May 5, 2026

The board recognizes that schools are responsible for providing first aid or emergency treatment in case of injury or illness of a student. To that end, staff designated to provide student health support should be certified in First Aid/CPR/AED. The board encourages school staff to become certified in first aid. School staff will refer to the joint Department of Health and Office of the Superintendent document How to Respond: Illness and Injury at School for guidance. Further medical attention in nonemergency cases is the responsibility of the parent or guardian. Schools will notify the parent or guardian of students who suffer significant injuries, illness or physical trauma at school or at any school-sponsored activity as soon as practicable.

The superintendent will establish procedures to be followed consistent with this policy.

Cross References:

District Policy 3422 - Student Sports - Concussion and Head Injuries and Sudden Cardiac Arrest

District Policy 3124 - Removal-Release of Student During School Hours

Adopted: October 7, 2015

Revised: June 8, 2023

Reviewed: June 18, 2025

Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that may involve systems of the entire body. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical treatment and follow-up care by an allergist/immunologist. 

It is the policy of the district that students with asthma or anaphylaxis are afforded the opportunity to self-administer prescribed medications. The students’ parent or guardian will submit a written request and other documentation required by the school.  The student’s prescribing health care provider must provide a written treatment plan.

The student must demonstrate to the school’s professional registered nurse that the student is competent to possess and self-administer prescribed medications during school and at school sponsored events.

The superintendent or designee will establish procedures that implement this policy and follow emergency rescue procedures outlined in the most recent edition of AMES:  Asthma Management in Educational Settings, in cases of suspected asthma and the emergency rescue procedures outlined in the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction’s Guidelines for the Care of Students with Anaphylaxis (2009) in cases of suspected anaphylaxis.

Cross References:

3420 - Anaphylaxis Prevention and Response
3416 - Medication at School
2162 - Education of Students With Disabilities Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
2161 - Special Education and Related Services for Eligible Students

Legal References:

42 U.S.C. 280 Public Health Service Act

42 U.S.C. 12212 Section 512 Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

34 CFR Part 104 Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973

RCW 28A.210.370 Students with Asthma

RCW 28A.210.380 Anaphylaxis-Policy guidelines-Procedures-Reports

Adopted: August 2006

Revised: March 2, 2016

Reviewed: February 25, 2026

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that may involve systems of the entire body. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical treatment and follow-up care by an allergist/immunologist.

The district expects school administrators, teachers and support staff to be informed and aware of life threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and how to deal with the resulting medical emergencies.   For students, some common life threatening allergens are peanuts, tree nuts, fish, bee or other insect stings, latex and some medications. Affected students require planned care and support during the school day and during school sponsored activities. Additionally, any student could potentially have a life threatening allergic reaction even without a history of such.

Parents/guardians are responsible for informing the school about their student’s potential risk for anaphylaxis and for ensuring the provision of ongoing health information and necessary medical supplies. The district will take reasonable measures to avoid allergens for affected students. The district will also train all staff in the awareness of anaphylaxis and prepare them to respond to emergencies. Additionally, student specific training will be provided for appropriate personnel.

Even with the district’s best efforts, staff and parents/guardians need to be aware that it is not possible to achieve a completely allergen-free environment. However, the district will take precautions to reduce the risk of a student with a history of anaphylaxis coming into contact with the offending allergen in school.

The district will maintain at designated school locations a supply of epinephrine auto injectors based on the number of students enrolled at the school. Undesignated epinephrine auto injectors must be obtained with a prescription in the name of the school by a licensed health professional within the scope of their prescribing authority and must be accompanied by a standing order protocol for their administration.

In the event a student with a current prescription for an epinephrine auto injector on file at the school experiences an anaphylactic event, the school nurse or designated trained school personnel may use the school supply of epinephrine auto injectors to respond if the student’s supply is not immediately available. In the event a student with a current prescription for epinephrine on file with the school or a student with undiagnosed anaphylaxis experiences an anaphylactic event, the school nurse may utilize the school supply of epinephrine to respond under the standing order protocol according to RCW 28A.210.380 and RCW 28A.210.383.

The school’s supply of epinephrine auto injectors does not negate parent/guardian responsibility to ensure that they provide the school with appropriate medication and treatment orders pursuant to RCW 28A.210.320 if their student is identified with a life-threatening allergy.

The superintendent will establish procedures to support this policy and to ensure:

1. Rescue protocol in cases of suspected anaphylaxis will follow OSPI’s Guidelines for the Care of Students with Anaphylaxis (2009);
2. A simple and standardized format for emergency care plans is utilized;
3. A protocol is in place to ensure emergency care plans are current and completed;
4. Medication orders are clear and unambiguous;
5. Training and documentation is a priority; and
6. Each school’s supply of epinephrine auto injectors, if any, is maintained pursuant to manufacturer’s instructions and district medication policy and procedures.

Cross References:

District Policy 3419 - Self-Administration of Asthma and Anaphylaxis Medications

District Policy 3418 - Emergency Treatment

District Policy 3416 - Medication at School

Legal References:

WAC 392-380 Public School Pupils—Immunization Requirement and Life-Threatening Health Condition

RCW 28A.210.383 Anaphylaxis — Policy guidelines — Procedures — Reports

Adoption Date: June 23, 2015

Revised: November 19, 2024

Child abuse or neglect, including exploitation are violations of children's human rights and an obstacle to their educational development. District staff will be alert for any evidence of child abuse or neglect including exploitation.  

For purposes of this policy, the term “child” means anyone under the age of 18.

“Child abuse or neglect” means:

1. Injury of a child by any person under circumstances which cause harm to the child's health, welfare, or safety;
2. Sexual abuse or sexual exploitation by any person under circumstances which cause harm to the child's health, welfare, or safety; or
3. The negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child by a person responsible for or providing care to the child.

Physical discipline of a child, including the reasonable use of corporal punishment, is not considered abuse when it is reasonable and moderate and is inflicted by a parent or guardian for the purposes of restraining or correcting the child.

Children (including other students), family members, and any other adult can engage in child abuse or neglect. This may include incidents of student on student misconduct.  Staff should report all incidents of suspected child abuse or neglect regardless of the age of the person who engages in it.

Staff should not focus on a person’s mental status to determine if they have committed child abuse or neglect. The law governing mandated reporting does not allow for exceptions for people with medical conditions that may mitigate the intent for committing child abuse or neglect.

When feasible, the district will provide community education programs for prospective parents, foster parents, and adoptive parents on parenting skills and on the problems of child abuse or neglect and methods to avoid child abuse or neglect situations. The district will also encourage staff to participate in in-service programs that address the issues surrounding child abuse or neglect.

The superintendent will develop reporting procedures and provide them to all staff on an annual basis.  The purpose is to identify and timely report all evidence of child abuse or neglect, to the proper authorities.  Staff will receive training regarding reporting obligations during their initial orientation and every three years after initial employment.

All staff are responsible for reporting all suspected cases of child abuse or neglect to the proper authorities and/or the appropriate school administrator.  Under state law, staff are free from liability for reporting a reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect.  However, failing to report the incident may result in criminal liability regardless of whether the authorities determine the incident is provable in a subsequent legal proceeding.

Staff need not verify a report that a child has been abused or neglected. Legal authorities have the responsibility for investigating each case and taking appropriate action under the circumstances.

Cross References:

District Policy 3226 - Interviews and Interrogations of Students on School Premises

District Policy 4265 - Community Education Program

District Policy 4310 - District Relationships with the Law Enforcement and other Government Agencies

District Policy 5253 - Maintaining Professional Staff/Student Boundaries

Legal References: 

RCW 13.34.300 Relevance of failure to cause juvenile to attend school as evidence to neglect petition

RCW 26.44.020 Definitions

RCW 26.44.030 Reports — Duty and authority to make — Duty of receiving agency — Duty to notify — Case planning and consultation — Penalty for unauthorized exchange of information — Filing dependency petitions — Investigations — Interviews of children — Records — Risk assessment process

RCW 28A.320.160 Alleged sexual misconduct by school employee — Parental notification — Information on public records act

RCW 28A.400.317 Physical abuse or sexual misconduct by school employees — Duty to report — Training

RCW 28A.620.010 Purposes

RCW 28A.620.020 Restrictions— Classes on parenting skills and child abuse prevention encouraged

RCW 43.43.830 Background checks — Access to children or vulnerable persons - Definitions

WAC 110-30-0030 What is child abuse, or neglect?

AGO 1987, No. 9 Children — Child Abuse — Reporting by School Officials — Alleged Abuse by Student\

Adoption Date:  August 15, 2005

Revised:  June 27, 2007, September 2, 2015; January 15, 2025

Concussion and Head Injury

The South Kitsap School District Board of Directors recognizes that concussions and head injuries are commonly reported injuries in children and adolescents who participate in sports and other recreational activities.  The board acknowledges that the risk of catastrophic injuries or death is significant when a concussion or head injury is not properly evaluated and managed.

Therefore, all competitive sport activities in the district will be identified by the administration and all appropriate district staff, coaches and team volunteers will complete training as required in Procedure 3422 to recognize warning signs and symptoms of concussion and head injury. Additionally, all coaches will comply with Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) guidelines for the management of concussions and head injuries.

Consistent with Washington law, the district will utilize guidelines developed with the WIAA and other pertinent information to inform and educate coaches, youth athletes, and their parents/guardians of the nature and risk of concussions or head injuries, including the dangers associated with continuing to play after a concussion or head injury.  Annually, the district will distribute a head injury and concussion information sheet to all parents/guardians of student participants in competitive sport activities.

Prior to their first use of school facilities, all private nonprofit youth programs must provide a written statement of compliance with this policy in regard to concussion and head injury with proof of insurance as required by RCW 4.24.660.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest

The Board of Directors further recognizes that sudden cardiac arrest is reported to be the leading cause of death in young athletes.  The board will work with the WIAA and the University of Washington medicine center for sports cardiology to make available an online pamphlet that provides student athletes, their parents/guardians and coaches with information about sudden cardiac arrest. To this end, the district will maintain a link on its website to the OSPI website where the online pamphlet will be posted.

Annually, prior to participating in an interscholastic athletic activity, students and their parent/guardian must review the online pamphlet and return a signed statement to the school documenting their review. This form may be combined with the annually distributed head injury and concussion information sheet referenced above.

The board will also work with the WIAA and the University of Washington medicine center for sports cardiology to make available an existing online sudden cardiac arrest prevention program for coaches.   Every three years, prior to coaching an interscholastic athletic activity, all coaches will complete the online program and provide a certificate of completion to the district.

All coaches, including volunteers, will complete training as required in the district procedure. Additionally, all coaches will comply with Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) guidelines for the management of sudden cardiac arrest.

Prior to their first use of school facilities, all private nonprofit youth programs must provide a written statement of compliance with this policy in regard to sudden cardiac arrest with proof of insurance as required by RCW 4.24.660. 

Cross References: 

Board Policy 3412 - Automated External Defibrillators

Board Policy 3418 - Response to Student Injury or Illness

Board Policy 4260 - Use of School Facilities

Legal References: 

RCW 4.24.660 Liability of school districts under contract with youth programs

Chapter 28A.600 RCW Students

Adopted:  September 2, 2015

The district will permit a student who meets Washington’s statutory requirements for medical marijuana to consume marijuana-infused products for medical purposes on school grounds, aboard a school bus, or while attending a school-sponsored event in accordance with this policy. The district will first verify that the student and parent or guardian meet the statutory requirements by requiring presentation of valid Washington recognition cards for medical marijuana under RCW 69.51A.220.

The district will not store or administer marijuana-infused products for any purpose. Although the school nurse may oversee the process of compliance with this policy, the school nurse will not provide, administer, or assist the student with the consumption of the marijuana-infused product. The parents or guardian of such a student are the only persons who may provide, administer, or assist student with the consumption of the marijuana-infused product. Students will not self-carry or self-administer marijuana for medical purposes or for any other purpose. Administration of a marijuana-infused product by smoking is strictly prohibited.

The superintendent or designee will consult building principals to identify a location on school grounds where the parent or guardian can administer a marijuana-infused product to the student, considering feasibility and the needs for privacy. Specifically, a location that does not create risk of disruption to the educational environment or exposure to other students. The district discourages parental administration of marijuana-infused products on board a school bus. However, the district acknowledges that there may be circumstances where parental administration of a marijuana infused product on board a school bus is necessary; therefore, the superintendent or designee will establish procedures to address such circumstances. When a school-sponsored event occurs at another Washington public school, the location identified by that school will serve as the location for parental administration of a marijuana-infused produce. The superintendent or designee will establish procedures to address circumstances where a school-sponsored event occurs in a place of public accommodation in Washington. However, school-sponsored events that occur outside the state of Washington or on federal property are not subject to Washington law and cannot be included in the scope of this policy.

After administering the permissible form of medical marijuana to the qualified student, the parents or guardian will remove any remaining marijuana from school or district grounds, school bus, or school-sponsored event. The district may limit or revoke permission for the parents or guardian of a qualifying student to administer marijuana for medical purposes if the parents or guardian or qualified student violates this policy or demonstrates an inability to follow this policy’s parameters responsibly. 

Nothing in this policy requires an accommodation for medical marijuana in the place of employment or diminishes the district’s ability to enforce its drug-free schools policy. Student possession, use, distribution, sale or being under the influence of marijuana inconsistent with this policy may be considered a violation of the district’s drug-free schools and subject to district action.

Cross References:

3416 – Medication at School
5201 – Drug-Free Schools, Community, and Workplace

Legal References:

RCW 28A.210.260 Public and private schools - Administration of medication — Conditions
Chapter 69.51A RCW – Medical Cannabis 

The board recognizes that the opioid epidemic is a public health crisis and access to opioid-related overdose reversal medication can be life-saving. To assist a person at risk of experiencing an opioid-related overdose, the district will seek to obtain and maintain at least one set of opioid overdose reversal medication doses in each of its schools. 

SSB 5804 amended RCW 28A.210.390, The district must obtain and maintain opioid overdose reversal medication either through a standing order, prescribed and dispensed according to RCW 69.41.095(5), or through one or more donation sources. The district will seek at least one set of opioid reversal medication doses for each of its schools. However, if the district documents a good faith effort to obtain and maintain opioid overdose reversal medication through a donation source, and is unable to do so, the district is exempt from the obligation to have a set of opioid reversal medication doses for each school. Documentation of good faith effort must be kept on file.

The following personnel may distribute or administer the school-owned opioid overdose reversal medication to respond to symptoms of an opioid-related overdose:

• A school nurse,
• School personnel who become designated trained responders, or
• A health care professional or trained staff person located at a health care clinic on public school property or under contract with the school district.

Training for school personnel to become designated trained responders and distribute or administer opioid overdose reversal medication must meet the requirements for training described in the statute and any rules or guidelines for such training adopted by the Office of Superintendent Public Instruction. The district shall identify at least one member of each school’s personnel to become a designated trained responder who can distribute and administer opioid overdose reversal medication.

Opioid overdose reversal medication may be used on school property, including the school building, playground, and school bus, as well as during field trips or sanctioned excursions away from school property. A school nurse or a designated trained responder may carry an appropriate supply of school-owned opioid overdose reversal medication on in-state field trips and sanctioned in-state excursions.

Individuals who have been directly prescribed opioid overdose reversal medication according to RCW 69.41.095 lawfully possess and administer opioid overdose reversal medication, based on their personal prescription. However, such “self-carrying” individuals and those who obtain opioid overdose reversal medication over-the-counter must show proof of training as verified by a licensed registered professional nurse employed or contracted by the district or participate in district training as specified in the accompanying procedure.

Administration of the district’s opioid overdose reversal medication will be performed by designated, trained, district personnel as needed. However, “RCW 69.41.095 allows for “any person” (including students) to lawfully possess, store, deliver, distribute, and administer an opioid overdose reversal medication that has been properly prescribed and/or authorized. The board further recognizes that:

• Incidences of opioid overdoses are increasing in communities and schools,
• Naloxone is highly unlikely to cause harm if administered when not needed,
• Students may carry naloxone at school in order to have access to it outside of school, and
• Delay in administering naloxone for suspected overdose or delay activating emergency medical services could cause severe harm.

Therefore, neither the district nor its schools will pursue disciplinary action for students or personnel solely for possession or good faith administration of naloxone. Naloxone will not be confiscated from students.

Students who exhibit concern for the risk of overdose for themselves or others shall be counseled on the availability of behavioral health supports and instructed of the district policy and procedure for opioid overdose response, and the importance of summoning adult help and emergency services for any suspected overdose.

If any type of overdose is suspected, including an opioid related overdose, district staff will call 9-1-1 and alert emergency services. The school nurse, designated trained responder, or trained staff person located at a health care clinic on public school property or under contract with the school district will follow the Washington Department of Health steps for administering naloxone for a suspected opioid related overdose. 

Cross References:

District Policy 3416 - Medication at School

District Policy 3418 - Response to Student Injury or Illness

Legal References:

Chapter 28A.210.RCW – Health Screening and Requirements

Chapter 69.50.315 RCW – Health Screening & Requirements

Chapter 69.50.315 RCW – Drug-related overdose

Adopted: March 3, 2021

Revised: April 23, 2025

Individual Health Plans

The district will develop and follow individual health plan for each student with adrenal insufficiency. Each individual health plan will include emergency plans, be updated at least annually (and as frequently as needed), and be distributed to the appropriate staff based on the student’s needs and staff level of contact with the student.

In developing the individual health plan, the district will acquire parent requests and instructions, and orders from licensed health professionals prescribing within the scope of their prescriptive authority for monitoring and treating adrenal insufficiency at school.

The district may need to provide exceptions to school policies to implement a student's individual health plan. If that’s necessary, the exceptions will be described in the health plan.

The district will follow Policy 3416 and 3416P in administering adrenal insufficiency medication, including the proper storage of medical equipment and medication provided by the parent.

Parent-Designated Adults

Parents of students with adrenal insufficiency may designate an adult to provide care for their student consistent with the student’s individual health care plan.

A parent-designated adult means an adult who is authorized by the parents of a student with adrenal insufficiency to provide care for the child consistent with the student’s individual health plan, volunteers to do so, receives additional training selected by the parents, and provides care to the student consistent with their individual health plan. At the parent’s request, a parent-designated adult may be a district employee if the employee volunteers to do so.

For a district employee who isn’t licensed under chapter 18.79 RCW to be a parent-designated adult, they must voluntarily file a written, current, and unexpired letter of intent stating their willingness to be a parent-designated adult. If an employee who isn’t licensed under chapter 18.79 RCW chooses not to file such a letter, the employee may not be subject to reprisal or discipline for refusing to file it.

Training includes but is not limited to:

• A parent-designated adult must complete training selected by the student’s parents in the proper procedures to care for the student, including administering an emergency injection of corticosteroid during an adrenal crisis, consistent with the student’s individual health plan.
• The training may be provided by an organization, if available, that offers training for staff caring for students with adrenal insufficiency or for caretakers of children with adrenal insufficiency.

The district will collect and store legal documents for the parent-designated adult to provide care if necessary.

Immunity

The district, a district employee, or a parent-designated adult shall not be liable in any criminal action or for civil damages for providing assistance or services to a student with adrenal insufficiency under this policy if they acted in good faith and substantially complied with the student’s individual health plan and the instructions of the student’s licensed health care professional.

Cross References:

2162 - Education of Students With Disabilities Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
3416 - Medication at School
5630 - Volunteers

Legal References:

RCW 28A.210.260 Public and private schools, Administration of medication, Conditions
RCW 28A.210.350 Student with diabetes, epilepsy or other seizure disorders, or adrenal insufficiency, Compliance with individual health plan, Immunity
RCW 28A.210.358 Students with adrenal insufficiency, Individual health plans, Parent-designated adult

Adoption Date: January 21, 2026

The district is committed to having current safe school plans and procedures in place to maximize safety for all students and staff. A commitment to safety enables teaching and learning. The district and its schools shall develop comprehensive all-hazard emergency operations plans that address prevention, protection, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery strategies.

District and school plans shall:

• Include required school safety policies and procedures;
• Address emergency prevention, protection, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery;
• Include provisions for assisting and communicating with students and staff, including those with special needs or disabilities;
• Include a family-student reunification plan, including procedures for communicating the reunification plan to staff, students, families, and emergency responders;
• Use the training guidance provided by the Washington Emergency Management Division of the State Military Department in collaboration with the State School Safety Center in the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, established under RCW 28A.300.630, and the school safety and student well-being advisory committee, established under RCW 28A.300.635;
• Require the building principal to be certified on the incident command system;
• Consider how school facilities may be used as a community asset in the event of a community-wide emergency;
• Set guidelines for requesting city or county law enforcement agencies, local fire departments, emergency service providers, and county emergency management agencies to meet with the district and participate in safety-related drills; and
• Include how substitute teachers and other temporary employees receive necessary information about safe school plans, including school safety policies and procedures and the basic functional drill responses described below.

To the extent that funds are available, the district will do the following annually:

• Review and update the safe school plans in collaboration with emergency response agencies;
• Conduct an inventory of all hazardous materials;
• Identify all staff members who are trained on the national incident management system, trained on the incident command system, or are certified on the incident command system;
• Identify school transportation procedures for evacuation, to include bus staging areas, evacuation routes, communication systems, parent-student reunification sites, and secondary transportation agreements; and
• Provide information to all staff on the use of emergency supplies and alert procedures.

Drills

Drills are an essential component of safety planning. Drills teach students and staff basic functional responses to potential threats and hazards. The four functional responses are adaptable and can be applied to a variety of situations. Additionally, some threats or hazards may require the use of more than one basic functional response. Therefore, each school in the district will conduct at least one safety-related drill per month, including summer months when school is in session with students. Drill planning and implementation shall consider and accommodate the needs of all students.

Basic Functional Drills

The basic functional responses include shelter-in-place, lockdowns, evacuations, and earthquakes (drop-cover-hold on):

Shelter-in-Place

Shelter in place is designed to limit the exposure of students and staff to hazardous materials, such as chemical, biological, or radiological contaminants that are released into the environment by isolating the inside environment from the outside. Staff and students will receive instruction so that they will be able to remain inside and take the steps necessary to eliminate or minimize the health and safety hazard.

Lockdowns

Lockdowns are meant to isolate students and staff from threats of violence, such as suspicious trespassers, armed intruders, and other threats that may occur in a school or in the vicinity of a school. Staff and students will receive instruction so that in the event of the breach of security of a school building or campus, staff, students, and visitors will be able to take positions in secure enclosures. Lockdown drills will not include live simulations of or reenactments of active shooter scenarios that are not trauma-informed and age and developmentally appropriate.

Evacuations

When an emergency within a school or its surrounding area necessitates evacuation and/or total or partial closure of the schools within the district, staff will be responsible for aiding in the safe evacuation of the students within the endangered school or its surrounding area.

Staff and students will receive instruction so that in the event the school or district needs to be evacuated due to threats, such as fires, oil train spills, earthquakes, etc. They will be able to leave the building in the shortest time possible and take the safest route possible to a designated reunification site.

Earthquakes: Drop-Cover-Hold on

The board recognizes the importance of protecting staff, students, and facilities in the event of an earthquake. Facilities will be designed and maintained in a manner that recognizes the potential danger from such an occurrence. Likewise, staff must be prepared to take necessary action to protect students and staff from harm.

“Drop–cover–hold on” is the basic functional earthquake response. The superintendent or designee will establish guidelines and the action for building principals to take should an earthquake occur while school is in session.

Additional Drills

In addition to the above four functional response drills, the district shall, at a minimum, also develop response plans for the following:

Pandemic/Epidemic

The board recognizes that a pandemic outbreak is a serious threat that could affect students, staff, and the community. The superintendent or a designee will serve as a liaison between the school district and local health officials. The district liaison, in consultation with local health officials, will ensure that a pandemic/epidemic plan exists in the district and establish procedures to provide for staff and student safety during such an emergency.

Bomb Threats

The superintendent or designee will establish procedures for action in the event that any threat is received toward the school by telephone, letter, orally, or by other means.

Emergency School Closure or Evacuation (Modified Shelter-in-Place)

When weather conditions or other circumstances make it unsafe to operate schools the superintendent or designee is directed to determine whether schools should be started late, closed for the day, or transportation will be provided only on emergency routes. Those decisions will be communicated through community media resources pursuant to a plan developed by the superintendent or designee.

The superintendent or designee will establish procedures for the emergency closure of a building or department.

All safety plans and drills shall include protocols for both internal and external communications, as well as procedures for drill documentation. Evacuation plans shall also include reunification plans. Schools shall document the dates and time of such drills and then notify the district office Safety, Security, Emergency Management department, which will maintain the time and type of drill.

Cross References: 

District Policy 4310 - District Relationships with Law Enforcement and other Government

Legal References: 

RCW 19.27.110 International fire code — Administration and enforcement by counties, other political subdivisions and municipal corporations — Fees

RCW 28A.320.125 Safe school plans — Requirements — Duties of school districts, schools, and educational service districts — Reports — Drills — Rules

Adopted:  February 12, 2025

An associated student body (ASB) will be formed in each school within the district whenever one or more students in that school engage in money­‑raising activities with the approval and at the direction or under the supervision of the district.

An ASB will be a formal organization of students, including subcomponents or affiliated student groups. Each ASB will submit a constitution and bylaws to the superintendent or designee for approval. The constitution and bylaws will identify how student activities become approved as student body activities and establish standards for their supervision, governance and financing.

Subject to such approval process, any lawful activity that promotes the educational, recreational or cultural growth of students as an optional extracurricular or co-curricular activity may be considered for recognition as an ASB activity. Any lawful fundraising practices that are consistent with the goals of the district and that do not bring disrespect to the district or its students may be acceptable methods and means for raising funds for student body activities. The board may act or delegate the authority to a staff member to act as the ASB for any school that contains no grade higher than grade six.

The school principal will designate a staff member as the primary advisor to the ASB and assure that all groups affiliated with the ASB have an advisor assigned to assist them. Advisors will have the authority and responsibility to intervene in any activities that are inconsistent with district policy, ASB standards, student safety or ordinarily accepted standards of behavior in the community. When in doubt, advisors will consult with the school principal regarding the propriety of proposed student activities. Student activities cannot include support or opposition to any political candidate or ballot measure.

Each ASB will prepare and submit annually a budget for the support of the ASB program to the board for approval.  All property and money acquired by ASBs, except private non-associated student body funds, will be district funds and will be deposited and disbursed from the district’s ASB program fund. 

Money acquired by ASB groups through fundraising and donations for scholarships, student exchanges and charitable purposes will be private non-associated student body fund moneys.

Solicitation of funds for non-associated student body fund purposes must be voluntary and must be accompanied by notice of the intended use of the proceeds and the fact that the district will hold the funds in trust for their intended purpose. Non-associated student body fund moneys will be disbursed as determined by the group raising the money. Private non-associated student body funds will be held in trust by the district for the purposes indicated during the fundraising activities until the student group doing the fundraising requests disbursement of the funds and the accounts of the fundraising are complete and reconciled.

The board may establish and collect a fee from students and nonstudents as a condition to their attendance at, or participation in, any optional noncredit extracurricular district event of a cultural, social, recreational, or athletic nature. If the board establishes such a fee or fees, the superintendent or designee will establish a procedure for waiving fees for students who are eligible to participate in the federal free or reduced-price meals program and for reducing fees for students’ family members and other nonstudents sixty-five or older who, by reason of their low income, would have difficulty in paying the entire amount of such fees. Fees collected pursuant to this paragraph shall be deposited in the ASB program fund of the district.

Cross References:

2150 - Co-Curricular Program
3515 - Student Incentives
4200 – Parent Access and Safe and Orderly Learning Environment
6020 - System of Funds and Accounts

Legal References:

RCW 28A.325.010 Fees for optional noncredit extracurricular events—Disposition
RCW 28A.325.020Associated student bodies — Powers and responsibilities affecting
RCW 28A.325.030 Associated student body program fund — Fundraising activities — Non-associated student body program fund moneys
Chapter 392-138 WAC Finance — Associated student body moneys
RCW 28A.325.050 Associated student body program fund — Publication of information on school district web site

Adoption Date: August 15, 2005
Revised: October 7, 2015; February 23, 2022
Reviewed: February 25, 2026

The South Kitsap School District Board of Directors recognizes that providing students with prizes or awards can serve as a meaningful incentive for increasing academic achievement, promoting civility, encouraging physical fitness and for encouraging students to become responsible citizens, productive workers and lifelong learners.

The board supports awarding incentives to recognize a student’s academic, social, leadership and athletic achievements. 

All incentives will support individual student achievement and the districts’ curriculum, programs, academic or attendance goals. Therefore, every student recipient will receive an incentive only if the activity relates to the primary mission and goal of the district to increase student academic achievement.

District funds may be used to provide student incentives that meet the board’s objective of increasing academic achievement. 

The superintendent or designee will develop procedures to implement this policy.

Cross References:
Board Policy 6114 - Gifts
Board Policy 3510 - Associated Student Bodies

Legal References: 
Washington Constitution, Article VIII, 5 and 7
Adoption Date:  August 15, 2005
Revised: October 7, 2015

The district will provide an educational program for the students as free of costs as possible.

The superintendent or designee may approve the use of supplementary supplies or materials for which a charge is made to the student so long as the charge does not exceed the cost of the supplies or materials, students are free to purchase them elsewhere, or provide reasonable alternatives, and a proper accounting is made of all moneys received by staff for supplies and materials.

The board delegates authority to the superintendent or designee to establish appropriate fees and procedures governing the collection of such fees and to make annual reports to the board regarding fee schedules. Arrangements will be made for the waiver or reduction of fees for students whose families, by reason of their low income, would have difficulty paying the full fee. For programs governed by the National School Lunch Act, the USDA Child Nutrition Program guidelines will be used to determine qualifications for waiver. The superintendent or designee will establish a procedure for annually notifying parents of the availability of fee waivers and reductions, including eligibility information for free or reduce-price meals.

A student will be responsible for the cost of replacing materials or property which are lost or damaged due to negligence. A student’s diploma may be withheld until restitution is made by payment or the equivalency through community service. The student or his/her parents may appeal the imposition of a charge for damage to the superintendent or designee and board of directors.

The student and his/her parents will be notified regarding the nature of the violation or damage, how restitution may be made, and how an appeal may be instituted. When the damages or fines do not exceed $100, the student or his/her parents will have the right to an informal conference with the principal. As is the case for appealing a short-term suspension, the principal's decision may be appealed to the superintendent or designee and to the board of directors. When damages are in excess of $100, the appeal process for long-term suspension will apply.

Cross References: 
Board Policy 3115 - Students Experiencing Homelessness – Enrollment Rights and Services
Board Policy 3231 - Student Records
Board Policy 3241 - Student Discipline
Board Policy 2020 - Curriculum Development and Adoption of Instructional Materials

Legal References:
42 U.S.C 11431 et seq. McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
RCW 28A.220.040 Fiscal support–Reimbursement to school district-Enrollment fees-deposit
RCW 28A.225.330 Enrolling students from other districts—Requests for information and permanent records-Withheld transcripts —Immunity from liability Notification to teachers and security personnel - rules
RCW 28A.320.230(f)  Instructional materials – Instructional Material’s Committee
RCW 28A.330.100   Additional powers of board
RCW 28A.635.060 Defacing or injuring school property – Liability of pupil, parent, or guardian — Withholding grades, diplomas, or transcripts — Suspension and restitution — Voluntary work program as alternative— Rights protected
AGO 1965-66, #  No. 113 Districts - Schools - Fees — Tuition Supplies —Authority of school districts to charge tuition fees or textbook fees
AGO 1973, No. 11     Districts - Schools - Tuition and Fees Authority of school districts to charge various fees 

Adoption: August 15, 2005
Revised: December 19, 2005; October 7, 2015; February 6, 2019, August 3, 2022

The district acknowledges that the solicitation of funds from students, staff and citizens must be limited because students are a captive audience and because solicitation can disrupt the program of the schools. Solicitation and collection of money by students for any purpose including the collection of money in exchange for tickets, papers, magazine subscriptions, or for any other goods or services for the benefit of an approved school organization may be permitted by the superintendent, providing that the instructional program is not adversely affected.

The superintendent will establish rules and regulations for the solicitation of funds by approved school organizations, official school-parent groups and by outside organizations. The principal will distribute these rules and regulations to each student organization granted permission to solicit funds.

Cross References:

District Policy 6102 - District Fundraising Activities
District Policy 3510 - Associated Student Bodies

Adoption Date:  August 15, 2005
Revised:  October 7, 2015
Reviewed: June 11, 2024

Purpose:
To increase financial aid application completion rates, especially among underrepresented students.  Research has shown that increased completion of student aid applications in other states has led to increases in high school graduation and college matriculation, especially for students in underrepresented groups. Washington’s new Financial Aid Advising Day, in conjunction with related High School and Beyond Plan requirements, provide districts with a framework for improving Washington’s low financial aid application completion rates and better supporting students’ post-high school goals to attend college.

Scope of financial aid advising day(s):
Between September 1 and December 1 each year, all districts with a high school must provide both a financial aid advising day and notification of financial aid opportunities to parents and guardians of any student entering the twelfth grade. The notification must include information regarding:

• The eligibility requirements of the Washington College Grant;
• The requirements of the financial aid advising day;
• The process for opting out of the financial aid advising day; and
• Any community-based resources available to assist parents and guardians in understanding the requirements of and how to complete the free application for federal student aid and the Washington application for state financial aid.

Per current High School and Beyond Plan requirements, all students must show evidence of receiving the following information about the federal and state financial aid programs, as applicable:

• Documentation necessary for completing federal and state applications;
• The importance of application timeliness (need to submit early) and submission deadlines;
• Information specific to students who are, or have been, in foster care;
• Information specific to students who are, or are at risk of experiencing, homelessness;
• Information specific to students whose family member or guardian(s) will be required to provide financial and tax information necessary to complete applications, and
• Opportunities to participate in sessions that assist students and, when necessary, their family member(s) or guardian(s), fill out financial aid applications;
• Relevant resources and information provided on the Washington Student Achievement Council’s website
• Information on the College Bound Scholarship

Districts may choose to combine offering the financial aid advising day(s) with concurrently ensuring all seniors have completed this required component of their High School and Beyond Plan.

A ‘financial aid advising day’ means a day or series of days occurring by December 1^st of each year that includes, but is not limited to, dedicated time during regular school hours for staff to:

• Provide information to twelfth grade students on the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA), the Washington application for state financial aid (WASFA), and the college board’s CSS profile;
• As appropriate and whenever possible, assist twelfth grade students in completing the FAFSA and WASFA;
• In conjunction with the Washington Student Achievement Council, distribute information on the Washington college grant and demonstrate the use of the college financial aid calculator.

The district may choose the date, or series of dates, on which to hold a financial aid advising day.

Whenever possible, districts shall provide spoken language interpreter services for limited English-speaking families.

Schools must allow students over the age of eighteen to opt out and parents or guardians of students under the age of eighteen to opt their student out of scheduled financial aid advising day activities.

A student may not be penalized for failing to complete financial aid applications or for opting out of activities under subsection of this section. Educational staff, including instructional, administrative, and counseling staff, may not be assessed or penalized on the basis of students’ completion of financial aid forms or students’ decisions to opt out under subsection of this section.

In the administration of the financial aid advising day, personally identifiable student or family information must be protected in accordance with state and federal privacy laws.

Legal References:

RCW 28A.230 Compulsory Coursework and Activities;
RCW 28A.300 Superintendent of Public Instruction
RCW 28B.77 Student Achievement Council
WAC 180-51 High School and Beyond Plan

Adoption Date: October 21, 2020
Reviewed: February 25, 2026