Family Handbook

Hazelwood Elementary Handbook

2024-2025

3300 204th St. SW, Lynnwood, WA 98036
425-431-7883

The Hazelwood Way
We are a community of learners.
We are kind.
We are safe.
We are responsible.
We are Hazelwood.

Bell Schedule 9:25am-3:55pm
Friday Release 2:40pm
Half Day Release 12:25pm

Hazelwood has a strong commitment to guide students academically fostered through relationships and nurturing a peaceful community. Our mission is to provide a safe and inclusive environment in which each person is able to achieve their individual potential as a lifelong learner and responsible citizen. Our learning environment provides learning experiences that encourage kindness, perseverance, critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication.

We BELIEVE learning is a process that inherently adds to the quality of each individual’s life and the success and health of our community.
We BELIEVE that true learning is intrinsically motivating and that it must address many aspects of the person; creative, problem-solving, social-emotional, and academic skills.
We BELIEVE that learning occurs when children feel safe and secure and when they are excited and active in the process.
We BELIEVE all people have the potential to see themselves as capable learners who can achieve high standards.

You are always welcome at Hazelwood and we hope that you will take advantage of each opportunity to be a part of the school community. On behalf of the Hazelwood staff, I wish each of you a wonderful school year!

School Schedule

Hazelwood Bell Schedule

Monday-Thursday 9:25am- 3:55pm
Friday Dismissal: 9:25-2:40pm

Breakfast: 8:55am
Morning Drop Off: No Earlier Than 9:05am
Classroom Doors Open: 9:15am
School Day Begins: 9:25am

Half Day Early Release 12:25pm
Two Hours Late Arrival 11:25am

Hazelwood Office Hours: 8:30am-4:10pm

Weather-Adjusted Schedules and What They Mean

School Closed

All schools and programs are closed for one day unless otherwise indicated.
All before/after-school activities, all evening events at district buildings (including non-district events like Girl Scouts or basketball practices), and athletic practices are canceled. For athletic games and events, contact coaches.
School days lost for weather closures must be made up. See the School calendar pages for the designated make-up days.

Two Hours Late

Classes begin two hours after a school’s regular start time. (11:25am)
The regular schedule will be followed after the late start, including lunches
Breakfast will be served at 10:55pm instead of 8:55pm
No Morning Preschool -All student activities (after school and academic clubs) take place as scheduled unless otherwise notified.
Students will be dismissed at the regular dismissal time unless otherwise announced.

Two Hours Late, Limited Bus Transportation

Same as under “Two Hours Late.”
Students will ONLY be picked up and returned to the stops listed on the School District Website under School Bus Routes: Overview.

Getting to and from school

Transportation To And From School

HAZELWOOD STUDENTS COME/LEAVE IN A VARIETY OF WAYS. We encourage families to network and carpool.

Dropping Off or Picking Up Students By Car

FOR THE SAFETY OF THE CHILDREN—EXTREME CAUTION MUST BE FOLLOWED. Remember to be patient and careful in the parking lot!

The car drop-off lane is located closest to the school and next to the front curb. Please watch for buses as you load and/or unload. Buses take priority in this lane. The bus lane is to be clear of all automobiles during the before and after school rush. There is no parking in this lane at the beginning, middle, and end of the school day.
In the center parking lot, form three lanes. The center lane must remain open for driving through.
Cars should not be left unattended.
Please teach and model for your child the safe routine for being dropped off and for being picked up. Use the crosswalk and load on the side nearest a sidewalk.
Children are to use the sidewalk that runs through the parking lot and the crosswalk at the end of the sidewalk to the parking lot to go to and from their family’s car.

Bus transportation is provided only for qualifying students who attend our school. For information about bus qualifications, use the link below.

https://www.edmonds.wednet.edu/our-district/departments/transportation-services

Arriving At School

For safety and security reasons, walkers, bicyclists, and students being dropped off by car should not arrive until after 9:05 AM. Students go from buses to their grade level waiting area in the assigned area of the school.

Kindergarten: Wood Chip Area on the Playground
1st-2nd Grade: Gym
3rd-4th Grade: Main Hall/Library
5th-6th Grade: Front of School Near the Office

At 9:15 AM the school bell rings and students may go to their classroom. There is no supervision before 9:05 AM. Before this time, staff members are busy preparing for the instructional day. Supervision for breakfast begins at 8:55AM. Students purchase their breakfast, which is eaten in the gym and/or taken to their classroom to eat after 9:25 AM. Students who arrive after morning announcements (9:25AM) must report to the office to obtain an admittance slip. A guardian explanation for the tardiness is required.

Dismissal From School

Safety Patrol Members and Adult Crossing Guards leave their classrooms at 3:45 PM to put on their uniforms and get to their positions in the parking lot. Riders for small buses board in the back of the school near the gym and playground. Walkers who use 204th Street SW to walk home are to walk on the sidewalk leading past the kindergarten rooms, near the flagpole, to exit the school. A Safety Patrol Member will help them across the crosswalk at the entrance to the parking lot, or they will turn and head up the street. Walkers who exit behind the school walk through the playground to the rear walking gate. Adult Crossing Guards will cross students at 204th and Poplar and/or 204th and 28th.

Students who need to be excused early from school for medical or other appointments that cannot be made outside of the school day must be checked out through the office. Staff members are not to excuse a student directly from class or the playground without specific authorization from the office. All students are to leave the school campus when dismissed.

Students are not to stay on the playground, as there is no supervision available. However, after 4:30 PM, the community is welcome to use the playground and fields at their own risk. Remember, students must first go home and check in with families after school dismissal before they can return to school to play on the grounds. If your child usually rides the bus, and if it is alright for him/her to walk to or from school, please communicate this to your child’s teacher in writing and/or e-mail.

Safety Patrol and Crossing Guards

Intermediate students, under the supervision of our Safety Supervisors, provide supervision and guidance for students as they arrive and leave school. Safety Patrol will be stationed at the crosswalks in the parking lot. These students know they have a major responsibility for ushering our students safely through our campus. Families and students need to watch for the safety patrol’s directions and follow the directions carefully. Students on Safety Patrol went through an application and selection process. They have been trained for their position. It is expected that all students, staff, guardians/parents, volunteers, and visitors to our campus will follow the directions of our crossing guards.

Riding A Bus Different Than Assigned

Students planning on riding a bus other than their normally assigned route must bring a written and signed parent permission note with the Student name they are riding the bus with to the office as early as possible in the school day. The office will issue a bus pass to the student.

School Bus Safety

Safety is essential on school buses. Transporting children to and from school in a safe and timely manner is a big responsibility for our bus drivers. Please help ensure safe and happy travels by talking with your child about the importance of the following rules:

Follow the directions and rules of the bus driver.
Stay seated at all times while on the bus.
Keep hands and feet to yourself and out of the aisles.
Do not eat on the bus.
Talk in a quiet classroom voice.

Bus Incidents

Student misconduct at the bus stop or on the bus jeopardizes the safety of all students. Bus drivers have been instructed to attempt to investigate and report each behavior incident occurring on the bus or at the bus stops. Please communicate directly with the bus driver for details of bus incidents. All discipline is handled by the Transportation Department. The Transportation Department's telephone number is 425-431-7230.

Bicycles and Other Forms of Transportation

It is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to determine if their child has enough skill and judgment to ride safely and responsibly. Only students in grades 3-6 may ride their bicycles and a written note of permission is sent by parent/guardian. Please keep the following in mind:

If a student is observed riding in an unsafe manner, the principal or safety supervisors may prohibit the student from riding a bike to school.
Helmets and locks for the bicycle are required. Students who ride to school without a helmet will not be allowed to ride home until a helmet is provided.
The school assumes no responsibility for bicycles that are brought to school. All bikes should be locked.
Students must walk bikes at all times on school property. Bicycles may be impounded if ridden through the passageways or around the buildings.
Skateboards, In-line Skates, Heelies, and motorized scooters or bikes are not allowed. Edmonds School District prohibits skateboards, rollerblades (in-line skates), Heelies, and other similar devices from being used on our campus. Scooters, Segways, etc. should not be used at school by students.

Playdates and Social Plans

Play dates and social plans must be arranged and approved by the parents or guardians before students arrive at school. Students may not come to the office after school and make calls to arrange activities. The office requests a written note from home when students will be accompanying other students to their homes to ensure that the plans have been approved by both sets of parents/guardians.

Telephone Messages To Students

We are unable to disrupt classroom instruction to call students to the phone. Please arrange after-school plans before your student leaves home for the day. We understand emergencies may arise during the day, and we will do our best to relay urgent messages. We do not have adequate staffing to guarantee delivery of other messages, particularly those regarding after-school plans. If you must leave a message, please do so before 2:15 p.m. The office is extremely busy between then and the 3:55 dismissal bell.

Visiting School

For the safety of our students and staff, all exterior doors on our campus are locked during the day, with the exception of the front entrance near the office. This is where you will enter during the school day. All parents, volunteers, and visitors to the school must check in at the office and obtain a visitor's badge.

School visits benefit both you and your student, and we encourage you to visit! Please help us make visits as positive as possible by following these procedures:

Make arrangements in advance with your child’s teacher.
Check-in at the office when you arrive to sign in and get a visitor’s badge. You will need a form of Picture ID
Sign out at the office before you leave.

Children enjoy having parents visit during lunch, and you are most welcome to join us for the lunch hour. If you are bringing items forgotten by your child such as lunches, books, money, and instruments, please bring them to the office. We will see that your child’s belongings are delivered to them.

School Attendance & Absence Reporting

All About Attendance

Developing the habit of good attendance is important. Therefore, families and students should make every effort to schedule appointments outside of the school day and vacations outside the school calendar. According to federal and state laws and district policy (#8130R), absences and tardies are only excused for personal illness or injury of the student, doctor or dental appointments, participation in recognized religious holidays or other absences deemed appropriate by the principal. School-related absences/tardies (field trips, etc.) are also excused.

Calling The Office To Report Absences

If a student is going to be absent or late to school please call the school to notify us. You may leave a message on the attendance line 425-431-7884 Press 1 for Attendance. If we do not receive your call, you will receive an automated call from the school. You can help minimize the number of calls we need to make by remembering to notify the school as soon as you realize a student will be late or absent from school.

Pre Arranged Absences

Absences longer than 3 days should be pre-arranged by written request to the principal and teacher(s); when families have advance knowledge of a pending absence. Such requests will be reviewed against the criteria above to determine whether or not the absence/tardy will be excused. Students are responsible for providing timely information in regard to absences for which an excused status is sought.

Teachers may provide some, but not all of the schoolwork that a student has missed or will miss. A reasonable advance request is necessary. It would be impossible for teachers to provide all the work. Much that occurs in school cannot be “made up” or given in advance. There are discussions, problem-solving activities, team projects, re-teaching activities, hands-on activities, etc. that are carefully guided by the professional judgment of the teacher. We recognize that family vacations are wonderful learning opportunities. If you decide that the absence is still necessary, we ask that you be sure that your child is caught up with all current classwork before leaving. Prearranging and reasonably advanced communications are extremely helpful in ensuring that your child does not fall short of state and district standards. Forms for principal approval are available in the school office.

Policy For Extended Excused/Health-Related Absences

If a student develops a persistent pattern of unexcused absences across multiple days (or sporadically across weeks and months) the Hazelwood office staff will request a signed doctor’s note providing the following information:

Diagnosis or illness/condition preventing the student from attending school
Date seen in the office
Anticipated prognosis including the date of return to school
Signature from parent attesting to doctor’s statement as the student is a minor
Signature from doctor

The school reserves the right to not excuse patterns of absences even with parent notes perceived as excessive and inhibiting a student’s access to academics. At such times, the Hazelwood office staff will contact the family and request a signed Authorization for Mutual Exchange of Medical Information, which is a release for the doctor(s). If parents do not provide doctor notes or requested release, or if the doctor's note does not provide the above information, the absences will be “unexcused”, and be subject to the same BECCA policies and procedures as other unexcused absences.

Tardiness

Learning is packed into a full school day and begins the very moment that students enter the classroom. For this reason, it is imperative that children get to school on time. Late arrival not only disrupts your own child’s learning but also interrupts the learning of others. Please make every effort to get your student to school by 9:25 a.m. Children who are tardy should report to the office to let us know they are in the building. This is a safety guideline. This being said, we understand that late arrivals happen for a variety of circumstances and will always welcome students to school when they arrive.

Early Dismissal

We discourage (non-district) early dismissals from school, and ask that doctor or dental appointments be made outside school hours. If it is impossible to schedule an appointment outside of school hours, please notify the teacher and office in writing as early as possible. Children will only be excused through the office. For your child’s safety, it is important that you check in at the office and sign your student out.

Becca Bill

In accordance with state law, all students will attend and be punctual at regularly scheduled classes unless officially excused. The “Becca Bill” also requires the school to:

Notify parents after the fifth absence.
Schedule a conference with parents to meet with the principal after the tenth absence.
File a petition with the county court following excessive absences after all other measures have been used to get the student to attend school.

The law does not require 6 and 7-year-old children to be enrolled in school, but once they are enrolled, the child’s parent is required to ensure that the child attends school for the full time it is in session.

Please remember that you and/or your student have only 48 hours (upon return to school) to turn in notes regarding absences. A note from a physician is required after 3 consecutive days of absences.

Student Expectations

Enrollment

Registration Transfer/Withdrawal

If you plan to move, please notify the school office as soon as possible to allow for a smooth transition and transfer of student records. All books must be returned before a student withdraws.

Enrolling New Students/Class Assignments

Parents and guardians are welcome to enroll students anytime during school office hours. Students will also be given a classroom supply list of items needed. Every effort will be made to enroll students in a timely manner once the office has received and processed the completed forms. After school starts in September, it may be necessary to balance classrooms. We try not to shuffle students once they are assigned to a classroom, but please understand that this is occasionally necessary.

Directory Information Opt-Out Required

The Edmonds School District is allowed, and in some circumstances, required to release directory information unless parents or guardians instruct us not to release this information. Directory information can include a student's name, photograph, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, dates of attendance, participation in officially recognized sports and activities, grade in school, diplomas and awards received, and the most recent previous school attended by the student. This information is not released for commercial purposes. It can be released to provide educational, scholarship, vocational, occupational, and/or military recruitment information, or to the news media or law enforcement. If you do not want directory information released, please ask the office for a P-190 form. The form must be filled out and returned to the district office by October 1 of each school year. You may choose to have all information withheld, or you may choose to designate a specific agency from which you choose to withhold information. This is an Opt-Out policy, which means that unless you fill out and return a P-190, the district will assume that you give permission for the release of your student’s directory information. Our office staff can help you locate the form. If you choose, you may return the form to the school office and we will forward it to the district office on your behalf.

Placing Students Into Classes

The placement of children in their classrooms is an important part of their education. Family input is valued and appreciated. Each spring (from April - May) families may obtain an “Input Form” from our office. The Hazelwood staff follows a thorough process that includes family input, for forming balanced classrooms. We consider many factors such as gender, academics, learning needs, social needs, behavior needs, leadership needs, grade levels, combination classes, and numbers. All placements are tentative until after the enrollment counts and subsequent adjustments from the first week of school are made in the fall.

Adjusting Classes After The Start Of The School Year

Every fall the district readjusts classrooms based upon enrollment on the fourth day of school. Some years, the projected enrollment in a school allows more teaching positions than have actually been hired by the start of school. If the enrollment at that time has increased, which is often the case, the principal is given direction to proceed to hire for a new teaching position. Because the district must guarantee that we will not exceed the maximum class size by a certain date, we have a very short time to get new classes in place, and cannot usually give a great deal of advance notice to students and families about the changes. That being said, we will do our best to seek family input as part of the process for creating a new class.

Health And Wellness

Breakfast and Lunch

There is free breakfast and lunch for all students this year due to the Federal Program based on the number of students qualifying for Free or Reduced Breakfast/Lunch. Families are invited to eat lunch with their children, but they must sign in at the office first and wear a visitor’s badge. Students have a food services account card, which teachers keep and students have scanned for their lunches (and also for their library books). A breakfast meal is available at 8:55 AM.

Breakfast and Lunch At School

Students eat breakfast and lunch in our gym/cafeteria. All students receive a seven-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) that stays with them throughout their years in the Edmonds School District. They use this number to make purchases for breakfast, lunch, and milk. Food for Hazelwood is cooked at Mountlake Terrace High School and brought each day to Hazelwood. The district food service department determines the menu.

Free and Reduced Lunch

Free and Reduced Lunch forms are available in the office and the district website. To help us secure free meals for all students, please turn in an application before October each year. This year we will be receiving Free Lunch as a school, this program renews each school year depending on the percentage of students who qualify for Free Lunch in October. Please help us by filling out a new form each year.

Health, Food Concerns, and Health Services

The Edmonds School District School Nurses follow carefully developed practices and procedures to protect your child and to provide emergency care when a student becomes ill or injured at school.

1. The Student Information Form is very important for emergency information, which includes health concerns, medication, and emergency contact or caregivers, (name, home phone, and work phone numbers). Please make sure you fill out this form and return it to school.

2. Alert the school to any health concerns for your child. Asthma, allergies, chronic health conditions, mental health concerns, and any medications your child is taking that may affect your child in the classroom should be communicated so that we can be aware of any potential needs.

3. Develop a plan for picking up your child promptly in the event s/he becomes ill or injured at school.

4. Keep your child at home, if s/he has symptoms of a beginning illness. To determine if your child is able to attend school, ask the question: “Is my child able to participate fully in classroom activities?” “Is my child free from a communicable disease (fever, constant cough) that could be passed to others?”

5. We continue to emphasize consistent school attendance because the best learning occurs when students are able to attend school every day. Compulsory school attendance is not only important for learning; it is required by law (Becca law).

6. School Nurses are in the school buildings two days/week. They train the office staff to provide healthcare to students in a safe and legal way. School Nurses train staff to care for students with minor illnesses and injuries, follow Individual Health Plans and Medical Alerts for students with more complex health needs, and to recognize when they need more assistance (e.g. contact 911 for emergencies, contact a nurse for consultation, etc.).

7. School staff are trained annually in Life-Threatening Conditions such as Asthma, Severe Allergies/EpiPen use, Diabetes, and Seizures and how to respond to other emergencies.

8. The Health Services Department has a website! Here you can find out: School Nurse job descriptions, School Nurse schedules, frequently downloaded health forms, and access to other health information. https://www.edmonds.wednet.edu/families/student_health_services_-_school_nurses

Medications

State law requires that any medication administered at school, whether prescription OR over the counter (Tylenol, Ibuprofen, etc.) be accompanied by written guardian permission and a doctor's written authorization form. The authorization form must accompany all medication brought to school and provide details on the type of medication, dosage, and frequency of use. Please keep the following in mind:

Medication must be in its original container labeled with the student's name (pharmacy label if prescription or write student’s name on over-the-counter medication bottles).
We cannot administer any medication without the doctor's form. Forms are available in the office. Call the office to have a form mailed home or sent with a sibling. They can also be accessed at the district website: Medication Forms Before your students can school, our nurse needs to have a written plan in place. Please call our office if you have questions regarding medication at school. You may contact our nurse, Amy Helgoe, at 425-431-1088.
State law allows administration by staff of oral medication only. We are not permitted to administer eye or ear drops. A family member may come into school to administer eye drops to their student.
Students are not allowed to carry and self-administer ANY MEDICATIONS in order to assure the safety of all our students. (In selected cases, fifth or sixth graders MAY be given permission to carry and self-medicate with their asthma inhaler. This will be on a case-by-case basis involving a written contract and permission from the doctor, parent/guardian, nurse, and principal. Please call the school nurse for information on this program.)

Accidents or Illness at School

Our school nurse is on campus two days per week. Consequently, if a child is injured at school, staff members trained in first aid will most likely provide treatment. If we believe it is necessary, we will call 911. The parent will be notified immediately, and if we cannot reach the parent, the designated emergency contact will be called.

If your child becomes ill at school, the office staff will take the child’s temperature and determine if the child should be sent home. The parent will be notified to pick up the child. If we cannot reach the parent, the designated emergency contact will be called. For their comfort and well-being, children who are sick must be sent home. Our health room is not adequate for sick care.

Please keep your child home at the first sign of a communicable disease. Please notify the office immediately if your child gets head lice, scabies, pink eye, or anything else that is easily shared.

Emergency Contact Updates

It is extremely important that parents update all contact information as changes take place. The changes we need to know include a change of home or business address or telephone number, change of email, change of family situation, and change of person to be notified in the event of an emergency. In case of an emergency or illness, we want to notify you immediately.

We emphasize the importance of updating contact information AS SOON AS IT CHANGES! You may email our registrar, Veronica Monroe, or call and/or leave a voicemail message anytime. Veronica will do her best to update your information within 24 hours of receiving it. Email: monroev463@edmonds.wednet.edu or call 425-431-2601.

Immunizations

New students and kindergartners must show proof of immunization against diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox, and hepatitis B.

Student Insurance

Student Accident Insurance can be purchased. Complete the enrollment forms that are sent home with your child at the beginning of the school year and send them to the school office for processing. (This plan is not a comprehensive health plan although the insurer does offer one if you are interested.) Claims can be made through the school office.

Head Lice

We follow Edmonds School District Policy for head lice. When lice are discovered at school:

We do not send students home early. Families are notified and instructed to treat their children at home before returning to school. They are also provided information on best practices to eliminate head lice.
Follow-up checks may be done by the school nurse or trained staff to confirm elimination efforts.
Confidentiality will be a priority for school staff in compliance with FERPA.

Please refer to the district website link for more information about head lice and district policy.

Safe Schools Tip Line

To report an unsafe situation in the Edmonds School District, please call 425- 431-7010. Callers will reach an anonymous voicemail that is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This line is designed to allow community members to alert district officials to unsafe situations or report troubling information. It is a fast, effective, and safe way to let officials know about the unsafe situation and not worry about being identified as the source of the information.

Food Allergies

Edmonds School District follows federal and state regulations for nutrition and food preparations. We provide some accommodations, but we cannot make modifications for every student and every allergy (e.g. peanut-free lunch tables...). If your child has a food allergy, please communicate that to school personnel and we will partner with you to provide a safe eating environment.

Gum and Candy

Gum and candy have little nutritional value. Students should not bring these to school. To ensure a safe and clean learning environment and to maintain our focus on learning, we ask that students, staff, and volunteers not chew gum and/or any kind of chewing candy while at school.

Food As An Incentive Or Reward

Edmonds School District strongly discourages the use of food as an incentive or reward. Staff members and family group leaders choosing to use food must make selections in accordance with Board Policy 6700P.

Student Wellness Policy, Classroom Parties

Classroom Parties Birthday parties in classrooms may be celebrated with non-food treats and favors for all students within the classroom. No food is allowed as part of a birthday celebration. Appropriate alternatives to food that may be shared on special occasions can be within the procedures. Food may be served at three classroom celebrations (such as seasonal, cultural, or curriculum-related) per classroom per year. The theme and time of year of the party are up to the discretion of the classroom teacher. Due to the prevalence of students with severe food allergies, foods with nuts or tree nuts are strongly discouraged.

Safety and Behavior

Behavior Goals and Expectations

The Hazelwood discipline policy is designed to provide students with a physically and emotionally safe, orderly learning environment. We use a positive, proactive behavior support system built around “The Hazelwood Way” that is introduced, taught, modeled, practiced, reinforced, and expected throughout the year.

The Hazelwood Way

Common Areas	We are KIND.	We are SAFE.	We are RESPONSIBLE
Lunchroom	We include others. We help each other. We respect everyone’s different favorites. Use kind, respectful words.	We keep our hands and feet to ourselves. We have calm, safe bodies. We listen to the teachers.	We use voice level 2. We are prepared with our card/number/ lunch. We clean up all food and trash. Students are responsible for what they eat or don’t eat
Walkways	We yield to classes in motion We hold doors for others. We use voice level 0-1.	We use walking feet We keep our hands and feet to ourselves. We stop at designated “Pause” spots. We walk in our own space. We stay in line spot.	We go right to where we need to be. We carry a hall pass. We are good role models for others.
Playground	We include everyone. We use kind words and actions.	We use positive play. We have calm, safe bodies. We solve conflicts calmly. Stay in sight and sound of the recess staff.	We are problem solvers. We pick up equipment.
Bathrooms	Leave it clean. We respect others’ privacy.	We report issues to an adult.	We use voice level 0. We only go one person at a time. Go, flush, wash, leave. We return to class quickly. We use soap, paper towels, and tissue responsibly.
Front of School	We use kind words and actions.	We have calm, safe bodies. We use the crosswalk. We walk to and from the bus in single file.	We stay in our grade level area until dismissed We keep our belongings in our backpack. Walkers go home immediately.

Classroom Expectations

Classroom procedures are developed and maintained by each teacher within the school’s discipline matrix and procedures. Discipline is considered an opportunity for a teachable moment as we nurture the social-emotional growth of future citizens. If consequences or restorative actions are appropriate, they will be developed on an individual basis. Consideration will be given to the student’s developmental maturity, previous infractions of the same behavior, and the nature of the particular infraction. We strive to ensure that administration, teachers, and families, partner together to develop a plan to help the student redirect repeated or major behaviors.

Families should feel free to ask questions or make suggestions regarding student discipline. We value and appreciate family input. We are most effective in partnership. Please keep in mind that we have a legal responsibility to ensure the privacy of each student. Individual discipline actions will only be discussed with the student’s legal guardian(s) and appropriate staff members.

Dress Code

We want students to respect themselves and others. While we encourage individuality, Hazelwood’s dress code aims to foster a positive and healthy environment. Provided that the student's dress and grooming shall not: Lead school officials reasonably to believe that such dress or grooming will disrupt, interfere with, disturb, or detract from school activities and/or Create a health or other hazard to the student's safety or to the safety of others.

Students should dress casually and comfortably for school while wearing clothing that is well-suited for a school environment.
On days when a student has PE, he/she will wear appropriate shoes to maintain safety for the student. No flip-flops.
Clothing, drawings, tattoos, and accessories that display or promote negative messages are not permitted. These could include drug, gang, weapon, alcohol, or tobacco-related information, obscenities, put-downs, stereotypes, sexual innuendo, offensive words or graphics. A violation of the dress code will require a change of clothing. Special circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis. District Code: District Dress Code 3224

Personal Belongings

Please do not allow your children to bring items of monetary value to school. These might include but are not limited to, cell phones, smart watches, jewelry, radios, iPods, trading cards, toys, electronic games, and playground equipment. Hazelwood Elementary assumes no liability for damaged, lost, or stolen items (including money).
Students are not permitted to bring any toys from home to play with at recess or in the classroom. The school will provide approved playground equipment for students.
Please label all other personal belongings, such as backpacks, lunch boxes, sweaters, jackets, etc.

Cell Phone and Smartwatch Procedures

Last year, we heard many concerns from staff and families about students’ use of personal electronic devices (cell phones, earbuds, headphones, smartwatches, etc.) at school and the negative impacts on academics, social interactions, and behavior. These concerns are not unique to our school or district; student cell phone use at school has become a growing problem nationwide, contributing to distractions in the classroom, reduced face-to-face communication, and increased incidents of inappropriate behavior. We strongly believe that limiting students' use of Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) at school is essential to fostering an environment that enhances academic focus and engagement. As such, our school, this year, will be a phone/smartwatch/PED-free zone.

If Hazelwood students choose to bring cell phones, smartwatches, and other PEDs to school, they will need to turn them off and store them in their backpack upon arrival to campus, and keep them off and away for the duration of the school day (Gate-to-Gate).

Please understand that Hazelwood Elementary accepts no responsibility for lost, broken, or stolen cell phones or smartwatches, that are brought to school. Students bringing such devices to school do so at their own risk.

Hazelwood staff will contact families when there is a true emergency. And, every classroom is equipped with a landline, which students may use with staff permission. Please keep the Hazelwood office informed with current telephone numbers.

As devices will be turned off and stored during the day, if families text, email, and/or phone their student during the school day, the student won’t receive your message. If you need to get in touch with your child, please call the main office and we will work with you. Please try to complete after-school plans with your children before they come to school each day.

We understand that this represents a significant change for some students and families, and we are committed to working together to ensure a smooth transition. By setting clear expectations around the use of personal electronic devices, and sharing our procedures with you, we believe we can create a learning environment that better supports academic achievement, positive social interactions, and overall student well-being.

Procedures:
1. First Offense:

Teacher will conference with student (warning);

2. Second Offense:

Parents or guardians will be notified by the classroom teacher;
The student’s phone or electronic device will be confiscated, and returned to the student at the end of the day;

3. Third Offense:

Parents or guardians will be notified by the SINC or principal;
The student will conference with the SINC or principal;
The student’s phone or electronic device will be confiscated, and returned to the student at the end of the day;

3. Additional Offenses:

Parents or guardians will need to collect the device from school;
Students may be asked to turn in devices at the beginning of the day

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in helping our students succeed. If you have any questions about the new procedures, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Safety At Hazelwood

Please keep the following in mind when on campus:

Fireworks are prohibited.
If you are on campus and an emergency happens, call 911. If you notice vandalism and/or other suspicious activity or occurrences, please call the district safety tip line: (425) 431-7010.
Alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, and/or illegal substances are prohibited.
Hazardous or dangerous items, weapons, or replicas of weapons are prohibited at school. These include, but are not limited to: firearms, explosives, fireworks, knives, laser pens, drugs, and other potentially dangerous equipment. Any of these items will be considered weapons regardless of their intended use. Students found with such items may be subject to immediate expulsion or suspension. The items will be confiscated and will not be returned to the student. Please see School Board Policy 4210 for more information.

Recess and Playground

At Hazelwood we expect students to be safe, friendly, and courteous players at recess. Recess exists for students to practice and grow in their social skills, their use of leisure time, their need for exercise, and their need for a break. Recess meets these objectives when everyone follows The Hazelwood Way on the playground.

Students are not to leave the playground at any time unless they have requested and have been given a pass from the playground staff. Students are expected to stay within sight and sound of playground staff. Students must share all playground equipment and include all children in whatever game is established. Equipment from home is unnecessary, however, allowed if approved. Hazelwood Elementary does not take responsibility for playground equipment brought from home.

Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying

Hazelwood and the Edmonds School District are committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students that is free from harassment, intimidation, or bullying.

“Harassment, intimidation or bullying” means any intentionally written message or image — including those that are electronically transmitted — verbal or physical act, including but not limited to one shown to be motivated by race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, mental or physical disability or other distinguishing characteristics, when an act:

Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property;
Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education;
Creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or
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).

Please see School Board Policy 3207 and Procedures 3207P for more information.

Sexual Harassment

Edmonds School 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. For more information on the district’s policy and procedures please see Policy 3205 and Procedures 3205P.

Computers And The Internet

Hazelwood students have opportunities to learn about and to learn with computers in classroom settings. The internet is a valuable resource for our students and staff, providing current information, instructional materials, and ways to acquire research skills. This resource is available to all of our students and the use of these resources is governed by a district policy, “Internet & Network Acceptable Use Procedures,” which we provide for every student. If parents/guardians do not want their child to use school computers, the school network, and/or the internet they must complete a form indicating this desire and file it with the school. Once this form has been signed, it is considered to be valid unless it is revoked by either the parent/guardian or the school. These forms are available in the Hazelwood office. Although no filter will block all of the sites on the Internet which might be offensive, having a filter can help. That’s why all student-used district computers with Internet access are filtered. There will be three district filters, to address the differences in student curriculum and maturity levels.

We ask that students use any/all electronic devices appropriately as determined by staff for educational purposes. We require that the devices be pre-approved by his/her parent/guardian and teacher and the student must follow the district guidelines (e.g. it must not access neighborhood wireless modems, etc.) and be only used for educational purposes. The school is not responsible for the safety and security of a student's computer, cell phone, and/or handheld device.

Community and Family Partnerships

Hazelwood could not be what it is without the support of our community. Our program is a partnership between the school and the community. Our community allows us to enrich our program beyond what our staff could deliver on our own. We encourage community members to become involved as active members of our school organization.

Connecting With Teachers

Teachers have very full schedules for planning and providing instruction each day. If you would like to conference with them, please email them directly to make an appointment. Please refrain from the temptation to just stop by ‘for a minute’ to discuss your student’s progress. Teachers want to partner with you and need time to prepare for your visit. Thank you for your consideration.

Family/Teacher Conferences

Kindergarten families will begin the school year with conferences Sept. 4-6.

All classroom teachers schedule one family conference for each student. This happens during October. Students will be dismissed at 12:25 PM every day during conference week.

Teachers invite and encourage families and students to request conferences throughout the year to discuss a student’s progress or need for assistance. Families who are unsure of their child’s progress or assignment requirements should not hesitate to call the school to make an appointment for a conference or just talk on the phone or email with a teacher to clarify how the student is progressing. Teachers depend on open communication and a working partnership with families to successfully guide a student through a school year.

Volunteers

Hazelwood loves our volunteers! Please keep in mind that volunteers are required by law to complete the following:

Applicant/Volunteer Disclosure Form Washington State Patrol Criminal Check Application forms which may be picked up in the school office. Only volunteers who have a valid completed security check with the state and Edmonds School District may act as chaperones on field trips or be with students without the direct supervision of a staff member. NO EXCEPTIONS ARE MADE TO THIS PROCEDURE.
District Volunteer Application Process- Please use this link for more information on the required district process for volunteer approval.

Interpreters

We can provide interpreters for meetings and conferences. We also have access to Language Line for phone calls in need of interpretation.

Homework

Homework is assigned with the intention of assisting children in the learning process. Homework is assigned for practice, assignment and project completion, enrichment and extension, for positive family involvement, for test preparation, and for the use of resources outside of school. Each teacher clearly sets and communicates specific homework standards and expectations. Generally, the following can be expected: Hazelwood students usually have homework assigned. You can expect about 10 minutes of homework per grade level (e.g. a 4th grader should have about 40-45 minutes of homework Mondays through Thursdays.) If a student is reporting that s/he does not have any homework or assignments on which s/he should be working, a family should contact the child’s teacher, as this might be an inaccurate perception on the child’s part. All of our students should be reading, writing, and/or practicing mathematical operations each night, if not working on specific assignments.

School To Home Communication

To save paper and to ensure efficiency, communications from school are done electronically (via e-mail). Families should expect a copy of the school newsletter, “Hazelwood to Home” via Parent Square during the first week of each month. Through this newsletter, families and students can learn about school events which will help them to become better acquainted with the details of our school program. The Hazelwood website: https://hwe.edmonds.wednet.edu/ is also a good place for school information. A hard copy will be provided to families on request. Please notify the office if this is the case.

Review of Records

Guardians/parents have the right to review their child’s educational records. Education Record means any and all materials maintained by a school district directly related to a student regardless of where or how the materials are filed. (This includes reports obtained with parent/guardian permission from non-district agencies and individuals). Parents i.e..., natural parents, either custodial or non-custodial, and legal guardians, have the right to inspect and review educational records and may receive copies, upon request at a charge not to exceed the cost to the district for reproductions. To review a child’s record, the parent/guardians need to contact the office to make an appointment with the appropriate staff member or counselor to be present for the record review to interpret the records and answer any questions.

Communication Process

Communication is essential for successful relationships and organizational success. To that end, we will use the following guidelines for communication. Questions and Feedback are important in the continuous improvement process. It is important that we have conversations in a respectful and civil manner. In the event of a concern or disagreement please use the following steps for resolution.

1. Contact the staff member directly connected to the issue about which you are concerned. Share your concern, the facts or views you have. Be as clear as possible about what information you need or what you would like to have happen.

2. The school principal or program supervisor (such as Transportation) is also a valuable source of information. If you do not know who to contact, the supervisor or principal can help. This step is also necessary if your concerns were not answered in Step 1.

We believe in home/school partnerships that work together on behalf of what is best for students and will work closely with you to maintain open lines of communication.

PTA: Parent Teacher Association

The PTA is a community-based organization that has a strong commitment to providing support for our students and staff, through student enrichment activities, family education, fundraising, and increased family/community involvement in all aspects of the school program. The success of the PTA is directly related to the efforts of the volunteers in the organization. All family and staff members are encouraged to become members. Watch for the PTA information in our newsletter and school calendars for dates and times of meetings or special activities. You can also stay connected by following Hazelwood PTA on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/HazelwoodPTA

Co-Presidents: Karen Thompson and Karin Cross
Co-Vice Presidents: Laura Maier and Julia Phipps
Secretary: Annette Coonrod
Treasurer: Andrea Neely
Membership Coordinator: Suna Kosar
Social Media: Selma Porca
General Board Member: Shawn Hansen

Please put your child/s name in their clothing. We will make every effort to return marked items to children. Items found with no identification are taken to the area in the gallery outside the library and hung on hooks. At the end of each trimester, all unclaimed items will be placed in the gallery on a table outside the office. An announcement will be made. After three days, all articles not claimed will be donated to Clothes for Kids. Articles left on the bus may be claimed by contacting transportation at 425 431-7230.

Hazelwood Elementary

School Colors: Navy Blue, Teal, and White
School Mascot: Eagle
Serving Hazelwood Families Since 1967

For further questions about the Hazelwood Family Handbook, please contact our front office at 425-431-7884.

Contact Information

Hazelwood Elementary Eagles
3300 204th St. SW
Lynnwood WA 98036

Main Number: (425) 431-7884
Attendance Line for Late or Absent Students: (425) 431-7884 Press 1 for Attendance Line
Fax Number: (425) 431-7883

Principal: Faye Britt (425) 431-7884 BrittF900@edmonds.wednet.edu
Office Manager: Tammie Myers (425) 431-2600 myerst816@edmonds.wednet.edu
Attendance/Office Support: Veronica Monroe (425) 431-2601 monroev463@edmonds.wednet.edu
School Nurse: Amy Helgoe: (425) 431-1088 helgoea@edmonds.wednet.edu
School Counselor: Jennifer Choate (425) 431-1929 choatej648@edmonds.wednet.edu
School SINC (Behavior Help): Camilla Kuhns 425-431-2146 kuhnsc535@edmonds.wednet.edu

Family Handbook

District Mission and Vision

Our Vision and Commitment

Equity, engagement, and excellence for each and every student.

Our Mission

Our mission is to advocate for each and every student by providing learning environments that embrace their cultural and linguistic diversity as an asset that will prepare them for success as lifelong learners and responsible world citizens.

Race and Equity

Our Race and Equity Policy serves as a foundation for our decisions and highlights our commitment to all students, families and staff. Please read our commitment to the Edmonds School District community:

Race and Equity - School Board Policy 0600

District Profile

Located in south Snohomish County, our 35 schools cover approximately 36 square miles within the communities of Brier, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Woodway and portions of unincorporated Snohomish County.

District and School Achievement

To view student achievement data and other academic and accountability indicators, please visit the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) Report Card website:

Edmonds School District Report Card - OSPI

You may type in a specific school name you would like to review, then click “Go.” There is “Washington School Improvement Framework” data within each school’s report card.

Reports

Edmonds School District Strategic Plan

District Annual Report

School Performance Reports

Academic Programs

In the Edmonds School District, we strive to provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment that nurtures the intellectual, social, and emotional growth of our students. We are dedicated to offering a diverse range of academic programs to meet the needs and interests of every learner, preparing them for success in their educational journey and beyond.

Comprehensive Curriculum

Our district follows a comprehensive curriculum that aligns with state standards and emphasizes core subjects such as English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. The curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation of knowledge and skills across grade levels. In addition to the core curriculum, we offer a variety of enrichment programs to engage and inspire students. These include music, art, physical education, theater, health, world language and clubs that allow students to explore their interests and develop new talents outside of the traditional classroom setting.

Specialized Programs

We offer specialized programs to cater to the unique needs and abilities of students. These include:

Athletics (Grades 7-12)
Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Dual-Language (Grades K-2)
Deaf & Hard of Hearing (Regional for Pre K- age 21)
Multilingual (ML)
Highly Capable (Options for grades 1-12)
Preschool
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
Special Education (Pre K-age 21)
Visually Impaired (Regional for Pre K-age 21)

Learn more online:
Student Learning - Assessment, Curriculum & Instruction

Attendance and Absences

Edmonds School District wants to ensure that all students fully benefit from their education by attending school regularly. Attendance is essential to the academic achievement of each and every student. Students with poor attendance miss critical instruction in key concepts, quickly fall behind in school and are less likely to achieve academic success.

Edmonds School District follows attendance protocols outlined by the Washington Office of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) which is in alignment with Washington State Law.

Student Attendance

Absence Reporting

Families must justify all absences within two school days of the student returning to school by calling, emailing or using Skward Qmlativ. Otherwise those absences will be listed as unexcused. Students with 7 unexcused absences in a month or 15 unexcused absences accumulation will be asked to meet with their school, Community Engagement Board and potentially have a truancy petition filed with Snohomish County Juvenile Court.

Acceptable Excused Absences:

Participation in a district or school approved activity or instructional program;
Illness, health condition, medical appointment;
Family emergency, including, but not limited to, a death or illness in the family;
Religious or cultural purpose, including observance of a religious or cultural holiday or participation in religious or cultural instruction;
Court, judicial proceeding or serving on a jury;
Post-secondary, technical school or apprenticeship program visitation, or scholarship interview;
State-recognized search and rescue activities consistent with RCW 28A.225.055;
Absence directly related to the student’s homeless status;
Absence resulting from disciplinary/corrective action (e.g., short-term or long-term suspension, emergency expulsion); and
Principal and parent, guardian, or emancipated youth mutually agreed upon activity.

Attendance Requirements

Washington’s BECCA law states that students under the age of 18 are required to attend school on a full-time basis without any unexcused absences. (RCW 28A. 225.010) The law requires that school districts keep track of attendance and invite families to meetings to find solutions. We must also inform and file a petition with the Snohomish Juvenile Court when a student is withdrawn without follow-up from a new school/ program.

Chronic Absenteeism and Truancy:

Every absence, excused or unexcused, is a learning opportunity lost and can have significant impacts on a student’s success in school and life. A student who misses 10 percent or more of their school days, which can mean just two days a month, for any reason, is considered chronically absent. A student is considered truant if they miss five or more unexcused days in a month or 10 or more unexcused days in a year. Five or more unexcused days may lead to a conference with the school.

Attendance Calls

Parents and guardians receive automated calls and text messages regarding student absences in compliance with Washington State Attendance law. As a precaution for student safety, the district sends notifications for excused absences in addition to unexcused absences. Attendance messages will follow this daily schedule (times may vary slightly):

Time	School
10:30 a.m.	Secondary schools for periods 1 & 2; Elementary schools that start before 9:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.	Elementary schools that start at 9:00 a.m. or later
6:00 p.m.	Secondary schools for periods 3-6

Student Behavior and Discipline

At Edmonds School District, we believe that maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment is crucial for the success and well-being of all students. We have established clear expectations for student behavior, disciplinary policies, and a code of conduct to ensure a positive and inclusive atmosphere. Here are some key points:

Respect and Responsibility

We expect all students to treat others with respect, kindness, and fairness. This includes showing respect to teachers, staff, classmates, and visitors. Students are responsible for their actions and should strive to make positive choices that contribute to a harmonious and supportive school community.

Civility - School Board Policy 4201

Electronic Resources and Internet Safety

The Board of Directors recognizes that an effective public education system develops students who are globally aware, civically engaged, and capable of managing their lives and careers. The board also believes that staff and students need to be proficient and safe users of information, media, and technology to succeed in a digital world.

Electronic Resources and Internet Safety - School Board Policy 2022
Electronic Resources and Internet Safety - School Board Procedure 2022P

Student Dress

The Board of Directors and administration of the Edmonds School District recognize that each student's choice of dress and appearance is an expression of personal style and individual preference. Therefore, a student's decision regarding their appearance will not be interfered with, unless the choice impedes the learning environment or school safety.

Student Dress - School Board Policy 3224
Student Dress - School Board Procedure 3224P

Student Privacy and Searches

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

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

Student Privacy and Searches - School Board Policy 3230
Student Privacy and Searches - School Board Procedure 3230P

Prohibited Items and Substances

Students are prohibited from bringing items that may disrupt the learning environment or pose a risk to themselves or others. This includes weapons, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, vaping devices, and any other illegal or dangerous substances. Violations of this policy will result in severe disciplinary actions and potential legal consequences.

Student Alcohol and Drug Use

The Edmonds School District recognizes that the use/abuse and possession of alcohol, controlled, illegal, addictive, or harmful substance(s), including anabolic steroids, is a societal problem and may represent an impairment to normal development, well-being, and academic performance of students. To ensure the safety, health, and well-being of all students, the district is committed to the development of a program that emphasizes prevention, intervention, aftercare support, and necessary corrective actions.

The district also recognizes the effects to the school, home, and community resulting from drug, alcohol and substance use/abuse. While the primary obligation to seek assistance rests with the student and his/her parent(s)/guardian(s), school staff shall work with families and community resources to develop and implement a comprehensive alcohol and drug prevention and intervention program.

Part of our responsibility is to inform you each year of the district’s policy on student use of drugs/substances/alcohol. This policy is as follows:
Any student who is under the influence of or possesses, sells, offers for sale, or distributes alcohol or controlled substances or drug paraphernalia will be considered under the disciplinary category of exceptional misconduct, which warrants an immediate resort to a short-term or long-term suspension from school or expulsion from school.

Substance Abuse Program - Board Policy 2121

Weapons

The safety of students and staff in our schools is paramount. As such, it is a violation of district policy for any person to knowingly carry a firearm or dangerous weapon on school premises, school-provided transportation, areas of other facilities being used exclusively for school activities, or areas of facilities being used for official meetings of the school board.

Regulation of Dangerous Weapons on School Premises - School Board Policy 4210

Student Discipline

Edmonds School District embraces high expectations for all our students in both academic achievements and in conduct. We believe that all students can be successful when they understand and have the opportunity to develop the skills to meet these expectations. We value proactive culturally responsive discipline strategies that help address the underlying causes of behavior.

Student Discipline - School Board Policy 43241

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Edmonds School District respects students' rights to explore various issues, have unrestricted access to information, learn in a prejudice-free environment, and form and express their own opinions without personal bias or discrimination.
Students will not, however, substantially disrupt the school's operation or violate any established policy. It is important to note that the use of vulgar and offensive terms in classroom or assembly settings is expressly prohibited.

Academic Freedom and Responsibility - School Board Policy 3221

Freedom of Expression - School Board Policy 3220

Freedom of Assembly - School Board Policy 3223

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

Schools are meant to be safe and inclusive environments where all students are protected from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB), including in the classroom, on the school bus, in school sports, and during other school activities. This section defines HIB, explains what to do when you see or experience it, and our school’s process for responding to it.

What is HIB?

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

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

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

How can I make a report or complaint about HIB?

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

If a staff member is notified of, observes, overhears, or otherwise witnesses HIB, they must take prompt and appropriate action to stop the HIB behavior and to prevent it from happening again. Our district also has a HIB Compliance Officer (Rob Baumgartner, 425-431-7350) that supports prevention and response to HIB.

What happens after I make a report about HIB?

If you report HIB, school staff must attempt to resolve the concerns. If the concerns are resolved, then no further action may be necessary. However, if you feel that you or someone you know is the victim of unresolved, severe, or persistent HIB that requires further investigation and action, then you should request an official HIB investigation.

Also, the school must take actions to ensure that those who report HIB don’t experience retaliation.

What is the investigation process?

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

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

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

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

For the student designated as the “targeted student” in a complaint:
If you do not agree with the school district’s decision, you may appeal the decision and include any additional information regarding the complaint to the superintendent, or the person assigned to lead the appeal, and then to the school board.

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

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

Our School Stands Against Discrimination

Discrimination can happen when someone is treated differently or unfairly because they are part of a protected class, including their race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, creed, disability, use of a service animal, or veteran or military status.

What is discriminatory harassment?

Discriminatory harassment can include teasing and name-calling; graphic and written statements; or other conduct that may be physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating. Discriminatory harassment happens when the conduct is based on a student’s protected class and is serious enough to create a hostile environment. A hostile environment is created when conduct is so severe, pervasive, or persistent that it limits a student’s ability to participate in, or benefit from, the school’s services, activities, or opportunities.

To review the district’s Nondiscrimination Policy [3210] and Procedure [3210P], visit the nondiscrimination policy website.

What is sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome conduct or communication that is sexual in nature and substantially interferes with a student's educational performance or creates an intimidating or hostile environment. Sexual harassment can also occur when a student is led to believe they must submit to unwelcome sexual conduct or communication to gain something in return, such as a grade or a place on a sports team.

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

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

To review the district’s Sexual Harassment Policy [3205] and Procedure [3210P], visit Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Reporting website.

What should my school do about discriminatory and sexual harassment?

When a school becomes aware of possible discriminatory or sexual harassment, it must investigate and stop the harassment. The school must address any effects the harassment had on the student at school, including eliminating the hostile environment, and make sure that the harassment does not happen again.
What can I do if I’m concerned about discrimination or harassment?

Talk to a Coordinator or submit a written complaint. You may contact the following school district staff members to report your concerns, ask questions, or learn more about how to resolve your concerns.

Concerns about discrimination:
Civil Rights Coordinator: Dr. Rob Baumgartner, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Payroll and Benefits, 20420 68th Avenue W., Lynnwood, WA 98036, 425-431-7350, baumgartnerr@edmonds.wednet.edu

Concerns about sex discrimination, including sexual harassment:
Title IX Coordinator: Dr. Rob Baumgartner, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Payroll and Benefits, 20420 68th Avenue W., Lynnwood, WA 98036, 425-431-7350, baumgartnerr@edmonds.wednet.edu

Concerns about disability discrimination:
Section 504 Coordinator: Jon Bell, Executive Director of Student Services, 20420 68th Avenue W., Lynnwood WA 98036, 425-431-7186, bellj802@edmonds.wednet.edu

Concerns about discrimination based on gender identity:
Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Rob Baumgartner, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, Payroll, and Benefits, 20420 68th Avenue W., Lynnwood, WA 98036, 425-431-7023, baumgartnerr@edmonds.wednet.edu

To submit a written complaint, describe the conduct or incident that may be discriminatory and send it by mail, fax, email, or hand delivery to the school principal, district superintendent, or civil rights coordinator. Submit the complaint as soon as possible for a prompt investigation, and within one year of the conduct or incident.

What happens after I file a discrimination complaint?

The Civil Rights Coordinator will give you a copy of the school district’s discrimination complaint procedure. The Civil Rights Coordinator must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The investigation must be completed within 30 calendar days unless you agree to a different timeline. If your complaint involves exceptional circumstances that require a longer investigation, the Civil Rights Coordinator will notify you in writing with the anticipated date for their response.

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

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

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

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

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

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying (HIB) can also be discrimination if it's related to a protected class. If you give your school a written report of HIB that involves discrimination or sexual harassment, your school will notify the Civil Rights Coordinator. The school district will investigate the complaint using both the Nondiscrimination Procedure (3210P) and the HIB Procedure (3207P) to fully resolve your complaint.

Who else can help with HIB or Discrimination Concerns?

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
All reports must start locally at the school or district level. However, OSPI can assist students, families, communities, and school staff with questions about state law, the HIB complaint process, and the discrimination and sexual harassment complaint processes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our School is Gender-Inclusive

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

Address students by their requested name and pronouns, with or without a legal name change
Change a student’s gender designation and have their gender accurately reflected in school records
Allow students to use restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity
Allow students to participate in sports, physical education courses, field trips, and overnight trips in accordance with their gender identity
Keep health and education information confidential and private
Allow students to wear clothing that reflects their gender identity and apply dress codes without regard to a student’s gender or perceived gender
Protect students from teasing, bullying, or harassment based on their gender or gender identity

Review the district’s Gender-Inclusive Schools online: Policy [3211] and Procedure [3211P]. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Rob Baumgartner, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, Payroll, and Benefits, 20420 68th Avenue W., Lynnwood, WA 98036, 425-431-7023, baumgartnerr@edmonds.wednet.edu

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

Health and Safety

Student Health Services

Student Health Services staff are here to support all students with preventive care, such as vision screening, case management planning for health concerns, as well as acute and emergency care. Qualified, professional nurses provide this care to Edmonds School District schools. For students with chronic or life-threatening health conditions, school nurses and other health care providers play a larger role in the daily management of their conditions. Student Health Services staff are responsible for coordinating care for these students by communicating with the student’s family, school staff and health care providers. If your student has a health condition, please contact your school building to connect with your school building’s nurse.

The nurses at the Edmonds School District encourage all students to have a primary health provider, as this is the key to wellness. Wellness care with a consistent health care provider gives students a better chance of staying healthy. A primary health provider provides:

Regular screening exams
Information on developmental milestones – movement skills, speech and language skills, social skills, emotional, and self-care skills
Immunization information and vaccine administration
Health and safety tips

Contact your building nurse if you need assistance accessing health care resources and services.

When your student is too sick for school

We care about protecting students and their families from illness. Please keep ill students home so we do not place other students at risk of contracting the illness. Some symptoms to keep a student at home include the following:

Fever with body temperature over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
Persistent nasal drainage and/or chronic cough
Sore throat, especially with swollen glands
Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
Muscle, body aches or chills
Fatigue, unusually tired, pallor, lack of appetite, confused
Rash, especially with fever and itching

If your student becomes ill at school with any of the above symptoms or any other symptoms that could indicate a communicable illness, you will be notified immediately by the school to pick up your student.

In addition, if your student has been diagnosed with a contagious illness, please notify the school. Exposure to contagious illness can affect students with fragile immune systems or certain medical conditions. All health information will be treated with confidentiality.

COVID-19, Influenza and RSV for 2024-2025 School Year

The new guidance recommends that people who have COVID-19 or another respiratory virus may return to normal activities when both of the following have been true for at least 24 hours:

Their symptoms are getting better overall
They have not had a fever (without having to use fever-reducing medication).

When people return to normal activities, for 5 days, they should wear a mask and take additional precautions such as taking steps to practice good hand hygiene, cleaning their space regularly, and maintaining physical distance as best as possible.

Emergency medications and students with Life-Threatening Conditions

For the health and safety of students with Life-Threatening Conditions (LTC), our school district considers compliance with Washington state’s Life-Threatening Conditions Law (RCW 28A.210.320) to be of the highest priority.

Examples of possible LTC include severe allergies (anaphylaxis) to food, insect stings, or contact with certain substances; diabetes; seizures disorders; certain cardiac conditions; and many more. If you are unsure if your student has an LTC, consult with your student’s school nurse.

A student with an LTC must have the following on-site before they can start school:

A health plan developed for the school environment addressing the Life-Threatening Condition (this plan is written by the school nurse in collaboration with the student’s parent/guardian and health care provider);
Emergency medications and/or equipment orders by a licensed health care provider with prescriptive authority, with written instruction – if needed;
Actual medication and/or equipment – if needed.

Medications

Medication should be given before or after school under the supervision of a parent/guardian, and should be given at school only when necessary. If necessary, medications can be administered in school on a daily, temporary, or on an as-needed basis under the supervision of a Certificated School Nurse. The school health room is staffed only during school hours and does not remain open for the duration of after-school clubs, athletic practices/games, concerts, dances, or other school-sponsored events. If the student must receive prescribed oral or topical medication, eye drops, ear drops, premixed nasal spray medications, or life-saving allergy medication during school hours or when the student is under the supervision by district staff and for official school events, the building administrator will designate school staff, and the school nurse will train and delegate school staff to administer medications and provide a plan to access medications.

Prescription and over-the-counter medications will require written authorization from a parent/guardian with a written request by a licensed health care provider with prescriptive authority to administer the medication at school. If the medication is to be administered for more than fifteen consecutive days the written request from the licensed health care provider must be accompanied by a written medical order, not just a verbal directive. The medical order is valid for the current school year only.

Medications must be brought to school by the parent/guardian and stored in the Health Room. Prescription and over-the-counter medication must be properly labeled and be contained in its original container. The school will only accept a 20 day supply of medication at one time.

Edmonds School District accepts no responsibility for adverse reactions when the medication is dispensed in accordance with the LHCP order. Edmonds School District does not share private health information with outside entities without explicit written consent. The medication administration and health care plan does not extend and apply to non-school sponsored activities. If a student attends extended before/after school care programs, or participates in non-school sponsored activities, parents/guardians are responsible for notifying that entity’s program leadership of their student’s healthcare and medication needs.

Student self-administration/self-carry of medication

If a health professional and a student’s parent/guardian request that a student be permitted to self-carry their own medication and/or be permitted to self-administer the medication, our district provides this practice based on the consult with your student’s school nurse and building administrator on the following:

Student circumstances such as the type of medication, age and developmental level, grade, and general safety concerns; all elements are taken into consideration for the appropriateness of this activity;
Controlled substances are not allowed under this provision;
If the student has been approved to self-administer/self-carry, the student is required to have on their person only one daily dose (with the exception of multi-dose devices such as inhalers) needed during school hours, and any additional school-sponsored events.
Students that self-carry and self-administer medications, parents/guardians are still expected to complete the annual health update, provide medication authorization orders, and health care plan each school year.

Asthma inhalers and emergency medications

For the use of asthma inhalers and emergency medications at school, a note from a parent/guardian is not sufficient. The following elements need to be in place at school for a student to self-carry and self-administer asthma inhalers or emergency medications:

A medication written request from the student’s healthcare provider must be on file with the school;
The parent/guardian written authorization and completed documentation required by the school;
The student has to demonstrate to the healthcare provider and a registered nurse at the school the ability to use the inhaler safely and/or emergency medications as prescribed.

Naloxone/NARCAN

For the purpose of assisting a person at risk of experiencing an opioid-related overdose, schools will maintain nasal spray opioid overdose reversal medication and dispensed in accordance with RCW 69.41.095. School employees such as a school nurse or a designated trained school employee may administer the school-owned opioid overdose reversal nasal spray medication to respond to symptoms of an opioid-related overdose. Opioid reversal
medication may be used on school property, including buildings, school grounds, and school buses.

Epinephrine (Epi-pen)

For the purpose of assisting a person with an unknown allergy or reaction, schools will maintain a limited number of Epi-pens at each school building in accordance with RCW 28A.210.383. If a student does not have an epinephrine autoinjector or a prescription for an epinephrine autoinjector on file, the school nurse may utilize the school district supplied Epi-pen to respond to an anaphylactic reaction under the standing order protocol according to RCW 28A. 210.300. With a limited number of Epi-pens at school, this does not negate the parent/guardians responsibility to supply the medication as it has been prescribed by their medical provider during school hours, and any additional school-sponsored events.

Field trips and school-sponsored events

Under Washington state law, certain medications can be administered by unlicensed school staff following training and delegation by a school nurse during field trips and other school-sponsored events. It is important that if your student is participating in a field trip or a school-sponsored activity (such as athletics, music, clubs) and requires medication not typically provided during normal school hours, the parent/guardian must coordinate with your student’s teacher and school nurse four weeks prior to the event to develop care considerations specific to the activity. Whenever possible the parent/guardian and LHCP are urged to design a medication schedule for administering medication if the student is participating in school sponsored activities outside of the normal school day hours.

For students traveling out of state or out of the country, other arrangements will need to be made as the school nurse is only able to delegate within Washington state, unless they have an active RN license in another state. Due to the out of state/out of country restrictions, if it is anticipated that your student may be participating in a field trip of that description, please consult with your school nurse early in the school year to discuss accommodations.

Immunizations and vaccines

The School Board requires that students present medically verified evidence of their immunization status against preventable diseases as required by the Washington State Department of Health for school entry. Students may begin school only if they received all of the required immunizations they are due to receive and submitted a medically verified record on or before the first day of attendance. If additional vaccine doses are needed after initiating a vaccine series, students may start school in conditional status and remain until the next dose becomes due. The Department of Health recognizes proof of immunization status with a Certificate of Immunization. Any and all exemptions must be processed and reported on a Certificate of Exemption (COE) as provided by the Washington Department of Health. The district has access to the Washington State Immunization Information System (IIS) School Module to view and enter student immunization records. There are legal considerations when accessing the WAIIS as it is considered a medical record and both Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) are applied to school immunization management in the IIS. The HIPAA Privacy Rule recognizes the need for public health authorities and others responsible for ensuring public health and safety to have access to protected health information to carry out their public health mission (Section 164.512(b)). The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guides the school's authority to disclose information. According to the act, a school nurse or assignee should have written parent/guardian consent to add immunization information to a student's record in the Washington State Immunization Information System.

Pandemic

During a pandemic, Edmonds School District will follow guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Washington State Department of Health, and Snohomish Health Department. In the event of a pandemic the district, in order to safeguard the school community, will follow the recommendations and requirements provided by the Snohomish Health Department and Washington State Department of Health. Requirements include:

Notifying Snohomish Health Department of a reportable communicable disease and follow up on the Health Officer’s directives,
Reporting conditions and absenteeism above 10 percent based on Snohomish Health Department’s recommendations.
Following the joint document guidelines by the Washington State Department of Health’s and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction’s “Infection Disease Control Guide for School Staff”.

Different forms of communication will be used to keep staff and the school community informed of announcements associated with Edmonds School District’s response to the pandemic. Please ensure that your school has access to your family’s current contact information to notify you in the event of an emergency.

School Safety

At Edmonds School District, the safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority. We are committed to providing a comprehensive school safety program that creates a secure and nurturing environment for everyone. From implementing proactive measures to fostering a culture of safety, we strive to ensure that our schools are places where students can learn and thrive without concerns for their physical and emotional well-being. With the collaboration of parents, staff, community members and local support agencies, we are dedicated to maintaining a comprehensive approach to school safety that addresses prevention, preparedness, and response, allowing our students to focus on their education with peace of mind.

Our comprehensive approach includes Preventative measures, Protective measures, mitigation measures, emergency response and post-emergency recovery.

Edmonds School District Comprehensive Safety

Emergency Preparedness

Family-student reunification

In the event of a school lockdown or evacuation, the district will provide notification of a family reunification site. Students will only be released to authorized guardians listed in Skyward Qmlativ. Guardians will need to bring Photo Identification to pick up students.

Lockdown procedures

The district adopted federal guidelines for violent intruder/active shooter response. Our schools drill to the run, hide, fight standards through the A.L.I.C.E. protocol.

A.L.I.C.E. stands for: Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate. The basis of this response plan is to provide staff and students more options. The five steps of A.L.I.C.E. are not linear. They can be used by staff and students in any order, as a situation develops. The number one goal of A.L.I.C.E. is to keep students and staff safe and away from harm.

Past tragedies have demonstrated that simply having students lockdown and attempt to hide is not always the most appropriate response.
For more information on the Edmonds School District’s emergency preparedness plans, please visit: http://bit.ly/ESDsafety

Safety reminder: If you see or hear something, say something

The Edmonds School District is constantly evaluating and adjusting safety protocols and procedures to ensure our schools remain safe and comfortable learning environments. However, policies and equipment can only do so much. To achieve truly safe schools takes the entire campus community. Bullying, harassment, racial discrimination, intimidation, threats, bringing weapons and drugs to school all have significant impacts on student success and the ability to maintain a safe school environment. One of the essential keys to maintaining a safe environment is, “see something, say something.” If you see or hear something inappropriate, dangerous, or something that makes you feel unsafe, report the incident to a teacher, counselor, administrator or report an anonymous concern:

REPORT A SAFETY CONCERN - For emergencies always call 911

Anonymously report unsafe situations including: bullying, intimidation, harassment, weapons, drugs and other concerns.

Call: 425-551-7393
Text: 425-551-7393
Email: 1480@alert1.us
Web form: http://1480.alert1.us

The actions you take will not only keep our schools safer, it may save the lives of the people you care about.

Food & Nutrition Services

Food & Nutrition Services website

School meals

School menus are posted online with photos and complete nutrition information:

bit.ly/ESDmenus

Add funds to your student’s account anytime online (cash and checks are also accepted): bit.ly/ESDPayments. Students can add funds to their account at their school office or cafeteria. Unpaid meal balances will stay with student accounts until payment is made in full.

School meals pricing

Elementary	Middle and high school
Breakfast: $1.75 Lunch: $3.50 Milk: $0.60	Breakfast: $2.00 Lunch: $4.00 Milk: $0.60

Student Wellness Policy

The Edmonds School District recognizes the critical role health plays in student learning and development. The district is committed to learning opportunities that support healthy eating and regular physical activity. Our Student Wellness Policy outlines specific steps for creating a healthier school environment including specific nutrition standards for food sold at school, guidelines for classroom celebrations and how we encourage physical activity. Please review the policy online:

Wellness Policy

Transportation

Edmonds School District Transportation Services provides student busing to students who live further than one mile from their school. In addition, bus services are provided for

Special Education services
McKinney/Vento homeless services
Foster Care service
Field trips
Athletics

Student bus route information is shared prior to the start of school through the district’s communication tool, ParentSquare. Bus information will also be available in the Edulog Parent Portal app and in Skyward under the Busing tab. Complete school bus routes are not posted online for student safety reasons.

Transportation Services

Transportation can be reached at 425-431-7230. Additional contact information is on the transportation website.

Bus Safety

District families are encouraged to read through the expectations and guidelines for safety:

Safe Behavior For Riding the Bus

Safe Walking Routes

For families that live close to school or choose to walk or ride to school, the district has developed safe walking routes for each school:

Walk Zone boundaries and walk zone maps

District Facilities

Community use of district facilities

District-owned buildings and facilities are public property to be used in the best interest of the entire community. District and school uses of district-owned buildings and facilities have priority over any other uses, but community groups are encouraged to make use of district facilities.

At any time, building and field rental use may be canceled with short notice.
Please contact the Community Use Office online for more information:

bit.ly/ESDFacilityUse

Facilities operations

Pesticide application practices

Our district has established Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to help provide a safe and healthy learning, working and playing environment for students, staff, families and users of our properties.

Asbestos Management Plan

The district developed an Asbestos Management Plan for each school, as required by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986.

Water quality testing

The district tests water quality from approximately 300 drinking fountains and water sources used for cooking.

Detailed information about pest management, asbestos and water quality can be found online:

Maintenance Department website

Communication

The Edmonds School District places great importance on fostering positive relationships between the home and school environments, recognizing their crucial role in supporting and enhancing the success of our schools. To achieve effective communication, our schools and the district's Communications Department employ a diverse range of tools and strategies. These tools enable direct communication with students, parents, community partners, and other essential stakeholders, ensuring that our messages are clear, transparent, and readily accessible to all. By establishing strong connections, we aim to keep our audiences engaged and connected to the district, fostering a collaborative and informed educational community.

District Newsletter

Our community values education and demonstrates support for our schools in many ways. Since over 70 percent of our community do not have school-age children, we believe it is important to report to our community regularly about how excellence in student learning strengthens our community. Due to budget cuts, our district newsletter will now be mailed once a year instead of three to four times. You can still read current and past newsletters online.

Edmonds School District Newsletters

Calendar

Subscribing to one or multiple district and school calendars is a great way to stay up to date on school and district events, school closures, early dismissals and even athletics.

Edmonds School District Calendar

On the school district or any school calendar, click on the Feed button, to subscribe.

ParentSquare

Edmonds School District uses ParentSquare for classroom, school and district communication with families. ParentSquare allows communication by email, text message, phone calls and mobile app. ParentSquare is also used to send messages during emergency situations.

ParentSquare automatically generates an account for each parent/guardian, staff members and students in grade 6-12. You can use ParentSquare on any device. We encourage all to activate accounts and also download the mobile app and update your notification preferences.

Here’s what you can do with ParentSquare:

Receive messages from the school via email, text or app notification
Find teacher and class assignments
Choose to receive information as it comes or all at once with a daily digest at 6 p.m.
Communicate in your preferred language
Share pictures and files
Comment on school postings to engage with your school community
Direct message teachers, staff and other parents
Participate in group messages
Sign up for parent-teacher conferences

How to activate your account

You should receive an invitation email to join ParentSquare via the email address listed in Skyward. Please click the link to activate your account. It takes less than a minute.

Each parent/guardian needs their own ParentSquare account with their unique email address and mobile number so they receive notifications. If you don’t receive an email you can also activate your account online at www.parentsquare.com

Use the ParentSquare App

You can download the free mobile app for iOS or Android. It’s a great way to stay connected with your school.

Social Media

Edmonds School District utilizes several social media platforms as a means of enhancing existing communication strategies and celebrating students, staff and school achievement.

Follow @EdmondsSchools to see what’s going on around the district on:

Facebook	Instagram
Twitter	YouTube
LinkedIn

Websites

Edmonds School District’s website serves as a vital hub of information and communication for students, parents, staff, and the community. It functions as a centralized platform where users can access a wide range of resources and stay updated on various aspects of the district including enrollment, employment, school board policies, departmental information.

Each school website adds critical information about school policies, news and events. They offer a wealth of resources for parents and students to support their educational journey.

To find your school website from the district website, first head to: www.edmonds.wednet.edu, then select “schools” from the top right corner, which will pop up a list of our school websites.

PeachJar

Our schools and community partners utilize an online flier delivery platform, called Peachjar, to share school news, information, events, and community activities with families. Fliers are distributed via Peachjar to the email addresses in Skyward Qmlativ. All district and school flyers are also posted to our website:

Edmonds School District PeachJar

Family and Community Involvement

Family & Community Engagement

The Edmonds School District works to create systemic support in our system to allow for family engagement at all levels of our system.

Family and Community Engagement

District Volunteer

You are invited to become a valued volunteer in Edmonds School District schools. When volunteers commit to serving at a school, students achieve higher grades, have access to more opportunities, and gain community connections to help them thrive. Volunteers have the opportunity to engage with students, collaborate with our dedicated staff, and positively impact the educational journey of our students.

Apply to volunteer online:
Volunteer

Parent Groups and Committees

We value partnerships with parents, students, and family and community members through different committees and parent groups.

Committees and Parent Groups

Student Services

College and Career Planning

All middle and high school students use an online college and career readiness tool, called Naviance. Students may login to their school’s Naviance portal to access resources:
Naviance - Career & College

School Psychologists

School psychologists engage in data collection, behavior and mental health interventions, and work with diverse learners to support academic achievement, behavior and mental health. School psychologists can also be a resource for improving school climate and connectedness.

School Counselors

School counselors play a critical role in preventive support for our students. Counselors create a nurturing and supportive environment, enabling students to develop vital skills and thrive academically.
If a student or family is concerned about a student and their social - emotional wellbeing they can call their school to connect with their school counselor.

Special Education

Special Education Services are provided to all qualified students ages birth to 21. To inquire about services for students currently enrolled in the district, contact the school psychologist at your local school. For students not currently enrolled, please call the Psychology and Counseling Services Office at 425-431-7208. District policies, procedures, and any required reports relating to Special Education are available to the public, upon request, through the Special Education office or online:
Special Education department

Family Resource Advocates

Family Resource Advocates provide holistic support to students and families and assist them with accessing resources in the community. This is why Family Resource Advocates support families and students to help find resources in the community around basic needs, mental health services, housing, medical services, and much more.
If you need support please call your school to connect with your Family Resource Advocate.

McKinney/Vento - homeless students

Any students who are experiencing homelessness, defined as lacking fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, are eligible for additional support services including access to the Edmonds Hub.
Homeless/McKinney Vento Information

Edmonds Hub

Edmonds Hub is a facility that supports families experiencing homelessness. Families can access food pantry items, hygiene products, and school supplies. They can also make an appointment to use the washer and dryer.

Technology Usage

Chromebooks and Internet Access

All Edmonds School District students in Kindergarten through 12th grade use a Chromebook to support their learning and to access curricular materials. Students in 7th thru 12th grade are expected to take a district-issued Chromebook off campus to support and enhance their learning; in other grades, Chromebooks will generally stay on campus. Many educational resources and other adopted and supported online tools are available to students.

Students are expected to care for district equipment, and to return it in good condition. Students who do not turn in their Chromebook or who are witnessed intentionally damaging this equipment will receive a fine. All technology and digital tools provided for educational use are available thanks to voter-approved Capital/Technology levies. Please contact individual schools for Chromebook distribution information.

Electronic Resources and Internet Safety - School Board Policy 2022
Students and Telecommunication Devices - School Board Policy 3245

Student Technology Support

Student Tech support is provided by Para Tech staff assigned onsite at each secondary school. K-8 and elementary schools are supported by Para Tech staff supporting multiple schools. If you have questions, please email techsupport@edmonds15.org.

Internet Access Support

There are options available for all students who need support accessing the internet from home. Families may be eligible for reduced-cost internet access or WiFi hotspot devices. Please reach out to your school if you need any support in this process.
Financial Support - Student Internet Access

Digital tools and online resources

Digital tools are used to access or provide support for district-adopted curricula and to enhance student learning, creation, and productivity as part of the learning experience. Safeguarding student information and data and prioritizing student privacy are important considerations when choosing digital tools for student access. Student accounts often require the use of student data, which may include first and last name, school email address, course enrollment, grade level, and the name of school/teacher. Applications/tools that we utilize are intended for educational purposes only. Some of our core tools include Google Workspace, Learning Management Systems (Seesaw and Canvas), iReady, and Clever.

Additional tools and resources may be used by individual schools, programs, and teachers. Tools that are approved for use in the district are listed in Learn Platform, our catalog of digital tools. These tools are vetted for their ability to support or enhance learning; we require signed Data Privacy Agreements (DPAs) with vendors with whom we share student data. You may learn more about the process on the district website.

Learning Management Systems

Seesaw is the Learning Management System (LMS) for Kindergarten through 2nd grade students. Seesaw is the "home base" where teachers may share assignments, information, and other forms of communication with students and their families. Your student’s teacher will invite you to join the class if the teacher is using Seesaw.
Canvas is the Learning Management System (LMS) for 3rd through 12th grade students. Canvas is the "home base" where teachers may share assignments, links to resources, information, and other forms of communication with students and their families. It is also where students submit any digital assignments. Parents can access observer accounts to monitor their student’s work, grades, and assignments in Canvas. More information can be found on the Family Canvas page of our website under the “Using Canvas” tab.

Student Internet Use and Electronic Communication

The Edmonds School District provides all students with access to networked services as well as to the internet and some forms of electronic communication. Technology has become an integral part of education and our students’ learning experience. Having access allows students to use online curriculum and resources purchased by the district to support student learning, access district systems such as supported digital tools and databases, and access free educational internet sites. Our society is rich with information and technology to access this information, and it is important that our students learn to access this information effectively, ethically, and safely.

It is assumed that parents/guardians grant their students the right to access the network and have a desire to have their students access network resources, which include the internet as an educational resource unless their school has a signed Internet and Electronic Communication Exclusion form on file.

Student Responsibility

Having our students’ safety in mind is key. While using educational tools, students are expected to abide by the Edmonds School District Acceptable Use Guidelines and Internet Safety Requirements, which can be found online Student Acceptable Use. All students will learn about the policy and be asked to sign the agreement during the first month of school. Click here to see the student version of the agreement.

Family Access

Not all of our tools allow for family access. Some of our most commonly used district supported tools are located on the Digital Tool Resource page. Click on the tool you want to learn more about and then on the Family button. The family button is only available if families have access.

Parents/guardians have access to Skyward Qmlativ, our Student Information System, to view grades, digitally sign certain forms, update their contact information and more.

Skyward Qmlativ

A screenshot in Skyward Family Access of the Securly Parent Portal Access online form

Parents/guardians have the ability to view and monitor their student’s internet access through our internet filter, SecURLy. Directions to set up SecURLy guardian access and directions for using it are located on the Digital Learning & Libraries website within the “Safety at Home” tab:
Managing Student Technology at Home

Student Email

Students in the Edmonds School District are issued a school email account as part of their Google account. Email accounts are used for account creation/access for various approved digital tools. Elementary email accounts can only send and receive messages within the school district and from a few approved digital tools.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is a rapidly-advancing set of technologies for capturing data to detect patterns and automate decisions. AI tools can enhance classroom learning but their implementation should be guided with proper training, ethical considerations, and responsible oversight. When utilizing AI tools to create or support the creation of texts or creative works, students are expected to adhere to guidance of their classroom teacher.

Student use of Artificial Intelligence to support their learning must be done in accordance with district policy.

Electronic Resources and Internet Safety - School Board Procedure 2022P (Artificial Intelligence Procedures & Guidelines section)

Grading and Assessment

Grading

The Edmonds School District Board of Directors believes that the cooperation of school and home is a vital ingredient in the growth and education of the student and recognizes the district's responsibility to keep families informed of student welfare and progress in school. Semester grades are posted online in Skyward Qmlativ.

Grading and Progress Reports - School board Policy 2420

Report Cards

After each grading period, teachers post grades into Skyward Qmlativ. Families can login and view student report cards. For guidance on accessing and viewing student report cards, read the instructions online:
Report Cards in Skyward

State Testing

Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) assesses two areas: English Language Arts (ELA) and Math and are required for students in grades 3-8 and 10. Annually each spring.
Washington Comprehensive Assessment in Science (WCAS) is required for students in grades 5, 8 and 11 annually each spring.
English Language Proficiency Assessment is for students who are eligible for English Learner services. This is taken annually to determine whether the student continues to receive English Learner services.
Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (WaKIDS) is a process to identify skills, knowledge and characteristics of kindergarten students each fall.

Parent/Guardian Rights and Resources

Edmonds School District is committed to providing families with the necessary information and resources to create a collaborative and supportive environment supporting all students' educational journeys.

Interpretation & Translation

District parents and guardians have the right to participate in their students' education, including communicating with teachers and staff. The district will take reasonable steps to provide families competent oral interpretation and/or written translation of materials or information about any program, service, and activity and to facilitate any interaction with staff significant to a student's education. The district will provide such service when it might be reasonably anticipated as necessary or upon request by families.

The district has a Spanish language line that can assist district families and students with communicating directly with schools and answering questions regarding district/school programs and events, enrollment or any matter related to your student’s education. If you need to speak with a school or have questions and need assistance in Spanish, please call 425-431-1304.

Family Language Access Plan - School Board Policy 4218

Interpretation & Translation Services

Accessing student records

Skyward Qmlativ is the upgraded family portal into Edmonds’ student information system. Families can review student’s grades and attendance, report absences, apply for meal benefits, review bus routes and more. Skyward Qmlativ has selective access, which includes reporting absences, via its mobile interface. You can download the Skyward app from a mainstream app store. Please visit the Skyward account access website for details:

Skyward Family Access

Family support resources

The new Family Support webpage provides resources for students and families, including help from family resource advocates, school counselors, and psychologists. The page also offers links to community resources like crisis support, mental health services, and financial aid. Additionally, it includes information on reporting bullying and safety concerns.

Report/Family Support

For urgent needs, please contact your school or reach out using the details below: 425-431-1454
familysupport@edmonds.wednet.edu

Free and reduced meal applications waive other student fees

We encourage eligible families to fill out a free and reduced meal application for each of your students and check the box on the back page to consent to waive course fees. Once your application is approved, you will receive assistance with ASB cards, athletics participation fees, course fees and other benefits. Applications are available here:

Food & Nutrition Services To request a printed application, call 425-431-7077.

Financial Support

Request to Restrict Release of Information

Annual Notification of Rights Under FERPA

Parents/guardians (“Parents”) and eligible students have a right to inspect and review “education records” and other rights under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

“Education records” means any record (in handwriting, print, tapes, film, computer or other medium) maintained by the Edmonds School District or an agent of the district that contains personally identifiable information directly related to a student, except personal working notes kept by a staff member.

Parents of dependent children have the right to inspect education records regarding their children except for certain health care records. An eligible student (age 18 and older) may inspect his/her education records. If a record contains information on more than one student, access will be provided only to that portion of the record or document which relates to that student. The review will occur promptly after a request is received unless a written explanation for the failure to do so is supplied by the records official. In no case will access occur more than 45 days after the request is made.

Inspection and review will be conducted during normal working hours, unless the records official consents to other arrangements. Records officials will provide reasonable assistance in the interpretation and analysis of student records as requested. Although records must remain within district control, they may be copied or reproduced for the parent or eligible student at their own expense. Upon graduation from high school, a student may request to receive a final transcript in addition to his/her diploma.

At the time of inspection and review, the parent or eligible student granted access to records may challenge the appropriateness and accuracy of any record directly related to the student and may request correction or deletion. Records officials may honor such requests by correcting or deleting records which are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of privacy, provided that the superintendent or designee concurs.

Parents have the right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the school as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the school board; a person or company with whom the school has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.

A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

Upon request, the school discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

Parents have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the school district to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA are:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-5901

Student Records - School Board Procedure 3231P

Directory Information: Opting Out

The Edmonds School District defines directory information as a student’s name, photograph, school, grade, dates of attendance, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, diplomas and awards received and the most recent previous school attended (District Procedure 3231P).

The Edmonds School District will routinely release directory information for the purpose of providing education, scholarship, vocational/occupational and/or military information, or to the news media and law enforcement. This information shall not be released for commercial purposes.

You have the right to withhold directory information. The “Directory Information Opt Out” form may be completed by a parent, guardian or an eligible student over 18 years of age. The form is available online via Skyward Family Access. More information about logging and navigating Skyward can be found online:
Skyward Family Access for parents/guardians

K-12 Education Support for families

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

The Washington State Office of Education Ombuds (OEO) listens, shares information and referrals, and works with families, communities, and schools to address concerns so that every student can fully participate and thrive in our state’s public schools. OEO provides support in multiple languages and has telephone interpretation available. To get help or learn more about what OEO does, please visit our website:
https://www.oeo.wa.gov/en;
email oeoinfo@gov.wa.gov,
or call: 1-866-297-2597 (interpretation available).

The Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO) is an independent state agency that helps to reduce educational opportunity gaps by supporting families, students, educators, and other stakeholders in communities across WA in understanding the K-12 school system and resolving concerns collaboratively. OEO services are free and confidential. Anyone can contact OEO with a question or concern about K-12 public schools.

Complaints Concerning Staff or Programs

The Edmonds School District Board of Directors welcomes constructive feedback about district programs and other district responsibilities, but the Board has the legal and ethical responsibility to protect its staff and students from criticism and/or disruption of school programs. The board will not entertain complaints regarding any individual staff member or student in a public session of board meetings unless that individual has requested a public hearing. The district welcomes any questions, comments or concerns that are presented in a professional manner. The district encourages those who have a concern to follow district protocol for processing concerns:

Step 1: Discuss the issue with the teacher or guidance counselor at school, or the appropriate person in a department or program. If not resolved,
Step 2: Discuss the issue with the principal or supervisor. If it is a school-wide concern, this becomes Step 1. If not resolved,
Step 3: Contact the appropriate assistant superintendent’s or executive director’s office. If not resolved,
Step 4: Contact the Superintendent’s Office. The superintendent will develop procedures to handle complaints concerning staff or programs.

Complaints Concerning Staff or Programs - School Board Policy 4220

Complaints Related to Federal Programs

A citizen complaint is a written statement that alleges a violation of a federal rule, law or regulation or state regulation that applies to a federal program.
To file a complaint against a school district, education service district (ESD) or other service provider (subgrantee), please visit the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction Citizen Complaints website, www.k12.wa.us/TitleI/CitizenComplaint.aspx, for an outline of the 5-step process.

Title Programs

Title I, A Programs and services for struggling learners
Title I, C Migrant and Multilingual Education
Title II, A Teacher & Principal Quality
Title III Multilingual Education Program
Title IV, B 21st Century Community Learning Centers
Title V Rural Education Achievement Program
Title VI Indian, Native Hawaiian, Alaska Native Education

Complaint Procedure

If you believe your student is being discriminated against, report your concerns to your student’s teacher or principal immediately. This will allow the school to respond to the situation as soon as possible. If you cannot resolve your concern, you may wish to file a complaint with the school district. Anyone can file a complaint with the school district.

You can file a formal complaint by writing a letter to the superintendent that describes what happened and why you think it is discrimination. It is helpful to include what you want the district to do. Your letter must be signed. The employee designated by the district to receive complaints will investigate your allegations and provide the superintendent with a written report of the complaint and the results of the investigation. You and the district may also agree to resolve your complaint in lieu of an investigation.

The superintendent will send you a written letter within 30 calendar days which will either deny your allegations or describe the reasonable actions the district will take. The letter will include how to file an appeal with your school board if you do not agree with the superintendent’s decision. Corrective measures must occur no later than 30 calendar days of the superintendent’s letter. If you don’t agree with the superintendent’s decision or no one responds to your letter, you can file an appeal by writing a letter to your school board. The letter must include the part of the superintendent’s written decision that you would like to appeal and what you want the district to do. Your letter must be filed with the secretary of your school board by the 10th calendar day after you received the superintendent’s response letter.

The school board will schedule a hearing within 20 calendar days after receiving your appeal letter. You may also all agree on a different date. At the hearing you will explain why you disagree with the superintendent’s decision. You may bring witnesses or other information that is related to your appeal. The board will send you a copy of their decision within 10 calendar days after the hearing. The decision will include how to appeal to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) if you disagree. If you don’t agree with the school board’s decision, you can file an appeal by writing a letter to the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The letter must include the part of the school board’s decision that you would like to appeal and what you want the district to do. Your signed letter must be received by OSPI by the 20th calendar day of receiving the school board’s decision. It can be hand-delivered or mailed to: OSPI Administrative Resource Services, P.O. Box 47200, Olympia, WA 98504-7200, Phone (360) 725-6133. OSPI will schedule a hearing with an administrative law judge through the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH). At the hearing, you will explain why you disagree with the school board’s decision. You may bring witnesses or other information that is related to your appeal. After the hearing, you will receive a copy of the judge’s decision.