Students
Handbook
We are anxious to keep communication lines open between school and home. Our website will be kept current (https://dces.washk12.org/). School newsletters, classroom newsletters and email reminders will be used to help parents know what is happening at our school and will vary from classroom to classroom. Please make sure that our school office has current contact information (address, phone, email). If you ever have questions or concerns please call the school directly at (435)634-7040.
Emergency communication will be delivered via SMS messaging through School Messenger. Please opt-in to receive SMS text messages by texting “yes” to 67587.
More detailed instructions and information regarding School Messenger can be found at: https://www.washk12.org/students-and-parents/school-messenger
Elementary Schools Only: Definitions & Procedures
A school age minor under the age of 14 must comply with the requirements of compulsory education as per Utah Code 53A-11-101.5, including the steps outlined in as per policy.
Parental refusal to comply with the actions taken by school authorities alone does not constitute educational neglect consistent with Utah Code 78A-6-319. In order for educational neglect to be considered by the courts, the following may be used for evidence:
- The child has failed to make adequate educational progress, and school officials have complied with the requirements of 53A-11-103; and
- The child is two or more years behind his/her age group expectations in one or more basic skills and is not receiving special education services or systematic remediation efforts; and
- The child has been absent from school without good cause, for more than 10 consecutive school days or more than 1/16 of the applicable school term (typically between 3.5 and 4 days)
Students under the age of 18 are required to attend school unless exempted by law. Parents have the responsibility to monitor regular school attendance for their children and to have them at school on time. Please contact the school by 10AM any time your child will be absent. This includes absences for illness, travel, or family emergencies. Please remember that the fewer absences, the better children do in school. Exempt absences include:
- School Sponsored Activity – Involvement in a school sponsored activity is considered part of the educational experience.
- Educational Travel – Requires prior notification by parents and approval by school officials. Paperwork is available in the office or on the district website.
- Homebound – Illness or injury which causes absence in excess of five consecutive days will not be considered an absence if a homebound teacher is requested. Requires verification by a physician.
- Chronic Illness – absence due to a chronic illness. Requires prior notification and an individual attendance plan. Also requires verification by a physician.
- Court Detention – Absence due to required legal consequences. Must be verified.
All Day Attendance
TARDIES
Some of the most important instructions for your child are given during the first hour of the day; please make every effort to have your child to school on time. Tardiness also affects the entire class because of the interruption created when the student arrives late. It also causes the teacher to spend extra time catching the student up. In addition, tardiness embarrasses students and may hamper school success. All late students must check in at the office before being admitted to class.
EARLY CHECK OUT
A full school day lasts until 3:30 pm Monday thru Thursday and until 12:00 pm on Friday and Early Release Days. It is difficult for students to stay caught up on their classwork if they are checked out early, on a regular basis.
Make attendance an ALL DAY, EVERY DAY priority and routine!
Parents are welcome at school and are encouraged to visit, observe, or volunteer to help in classrooms. All visitors to the school must check in and out at the school office. When visiting during instruction, please be sensitive to classroom activities and please do not bring other children not enrolled at our school. WCSD policy discourages student visitors because of the disruption to learning.
Students must remain at school unless checked out by a parent at the office. In order to check out a student a parent must provide a photo identification.
Utah State law requires that each student have on file with the school a copy of the individual immunization record. Please update the school records when additional immunizations are given. If a student is exempt from immunizations, an exemption certificate must be on file with the school.
Students should not have in their possession medicine of any kind, including over the counter meds or inhalers. The administration of prescribed medications to pupils by school personnel will be permitted with a current prescription and a signed doctor request. All medications are stored in a locked cabinet and a record is kept of all medications given. (https://procedure.washk12.org/forms/300/351)
Student accident insurance is available to students whose parents want coverage for their children. The policy is limited and is strictly voluntary. Information concerning this policy is sent home with students in the early fall. If additional information is needed, please contact the office. Some students may qualify for CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program). More information about CHIP may be obtained by calling 1-888-222-2542.
Each school is to ensure that adequate waivers or other provisions are available to guarantee that no student is denied the opportunity to participate because of an inability to pay the required fee, deposit, or charge. In addition to the outright waiver of fees, each school that charges a fee is to provide a variety of alternatives for satisfying the fee requirement to those who qualify, if there is reasonable work for fee waiver recipients to do, if the student’s circumstances are appropriate, and if there are District/school resources are available for adequate supervision and perhaps transportation. Alternatives include allowing the student to provide tutorial assistance to other students; assistance before or after school to teachers and other school personnel on school related matters; and general community or home service. Each school may add to the list of alternatives subject to approval by the Board.
There is a phone in the office for student use. Students should seek permission from their classroom teachers to use the office phone when they need to call a parent. The office phone should not be used to arrange playtime with friends. When parents need to get a message to students during school time, they should call at least 30 minutes prior to school dismissal in order to allow for enough time for the message to be delivered before school dismisses. Parents should only call with student messages in emergencies. Whenever possible, parents should plan ahead so that calls do not disrupt student learning.
Mobile phones, tablets, Apple or Gizmo-type watches and music devices can be a distraction to the educational environment. If students bring these to school they should remain in backpacks and not be used at any time during the school day (including recess or lunch). Students should use the school phone in the office when making any phone calls.
It is strongly recommended that any toy, Pokemon card, etc. be left at home and not be brought to school, even if left in a backpack. These items are often lost, broken, or stolen here at school. These items often create a distraction from learning.There are plenty of items provided by the school or a classroom teacher that are available to students for recess or lunch.
Please leave toys at home.
Purpose and Philosophy
The Board of Education of the Washington County School District recognizes that every student in the schools should have the opportunity to learn in an environment which is safe, conducive to the learning process, and free from unnecessary disruption. To foster such an environment the following policy establishes the framework for school dress and grooming.
Policy:
2.1. Students who attend the schools of Washington County School District are expected to come to school dressed and groomed appropriately for a learning environment and show respect for others by supporting the following dress and grooming standards. These standards are intended to ensure that every school in the Washington County School District will be a safe place for each student to learn, free from physical or moral threats and free from intimidation by others, to include gangs and gang appearance.
Procedure:
3.1. Dress and Grooming standards:
3.1.1. The attire (apparel) and grooming of all students should be neat, clean and safe.
3.1.2. Students have the responsibility to avoid apparel that causes a distraction or disruption, interrupting school decorum and adversely affecting the educational process. Students must also avoid apparel that is offensive, represents a risk, or threatens student safety.
3.1.2.1. Printed apparel is acceptable only if it is in good taste. Any apparel displaying profanity, suggestive slogans, pictures or graphics, or promoting substances illegal for consumption by a minor, will not be allowed.
3.1.2.2. Clothes that are mutilated or immodest are not appropriate school wear. Dresses, shorts, skirts, shirts, and blouses should be modest in length and not revealing. (Tank tops, tube tops and garments that reveal undergarments may be considered revealing).
3.1.2.3. Hats are not to be worn in school buildings during regular school hours.
3.1.2.4. Any apparel approved for school wear should be worn in accompaniment with appropriate undergarments.
3.1.2.5. Footwear must be worn and should be safe and hygienic. Shoes, boots and sandals are considered suitable footwear.
3.1.2.6. Clothing attachments or accessories which could be considered weapons are not allowed.
3.1.2.7. Students have a responsibility to cooperate fully with clothing standards required for special classes (such as shop, home economics, laboratories, physical education) and special school activities.
3.1.3. Extremes in body piercings, hair styles and hair colors may be considered a distraction or disruption.
3.1.4. Gang behavior, apparel or grooming is not appropriate at school. (Reference Safe Schools Policy 2110)
3.1.4.1. As gang grooming styles and clothing continually evolve and change, the following prohibited items that have commonly denoted gang membership or affiliation are only representative of prohibited clothing. Additional grooming styles and apparel may be considered gang-affiliated, as identified in consultation with school officials and law enforcement authorities. Bandannas or any article of clothing or accessory bearing gang symbols, names, initials, insignia, or style of dress that indicates gang affiliation will not be allowed.
3.2. Consequences for violation of the Student Dress and Grooming Policy
3.2.1. A student in violation of the “Student Dress and Grooming Policy” may be sent home to make the changes necessary to be in compliance with policy. The student may return as soon as the required changes are made.
3.2.2. Students who dress or groom in a manner that demonstrates gang affiliation may be subject to suspension and/or expulsion.
3.2.3. Suspension from school may occur for continued disregard for the Student Dress and Grooming Policy.
3.3. Every school is to include the Student Dress and Grooming Policy in their student handbooks.
3.4. School employees are held to the same dress and grooming standards as the students.
Elementary schools serve both breakfast and lunch. All meal money will be receipted; please save your receipts. WCSD policy does not allow students to charge meals. If your child is unable to pay, please send a sack lunch or make arrangements with the office for free or reduced lunch and breakfast. Visitors may come to lunch anytime. If possible, please call the office before 9AM to make a reservation. The school food service prices are as follows:
STUDENTS: Breakfast $1.75 / Lunch $2.25 / Milk $0.50
GUESTS: Breakfast $2.50 / Lunch $4.50 / Milk $0.50
Free Meals
Free breakfast and lunch are available to families who qualify.
To learn more please visit: https://washk12.org/food-service/free-and-reduced
https://washk12.org/transportation
Buses are provided both to and from school for students who live further than a mile and a half from the neighborhood elementary school. We currently have bus service in Desert Canyons boundaries, due to these guidelines.
Students who come and go from school by any means, other than the bus, should plan on arriving no earlier than 8:30. Students riding bicycles or scooters must park them in the bike racks and leave them there until school is dismissed. Please lock bikes, as the school cannot assume responsibility for lost or stolen bicycles. If parents bring students to school, please drop them off and pick them up in designated areas only. Do not double park or have children cross the driveway or come between cars. With so many parents dropping off and picking up, safety is critical. Please drive slowly and watch for children.
https://washk12.org/student-services
- Resource & Special Education
- 504
- Reading & Math interventions
- English Language Learner instruction
- Diagnostic services for speech, hearing, and language delay
- Individual & Group Counseling
- Evaluation and referral to special programs
It is the policy of the Washington County School District Board of Education to not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, or any other non-merit factor in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices as required by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX if the Educational Amendments of 1972, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1974, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Equal opportunity is a priority of the Washington County Board of Education. The Washington County School District is also committed to provide co-educational course programs including physical education and other athletic opportunities for both sexes as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendment of 1972. For questions regarding section 504: Karen Bess, Student Services Director 435-673-3553 X245.
For further information on notice of non-discrimination, see list of OCR Enforcement Offices at the Washington County School District Office Building for the address and phone number of the office that serves your area, or call 1-800-421-3481.
Excerpts from WCSD Policy 2115
Sexual harassment includes any gender-related unwelcome written or verbal slurs, vulgar jokes, derogatory statements or actions. Sexual harassment also includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when the harassment is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it can be said to deprive the victims of access to the educational opportunities or benefits provided by the school and such harassment takes place in a context subject to the School District’s control.
The Washington County School Board is committed to protecting its students, employees and school guests from bullying or harassment of any type, for any reason. The School Board believes that all students, employees or guests are entitled to a safe, equitable and harassment-free school experience. Bullying or harassment in any form will not be tolerated and shall be just cause for disciplinary action. Conduct that constitutes bullying or harassment as defined herein will be dealt with immediately and consistently.
The student has the right and is encouraged to report the problem immediately to the principal, counselor, or assistant principal at their school. Students should not feel embarrassed, intimidated, or reluctant to file a valid harassment report. Any teacher, counselor, administrator receiving a report of harassment from a student must report the incident to the school principal or designated administrator or/ supervisor. The principal or designated administrator/supervisor has the responsibility to conduct a preliminary investigation when he/she receives an oral or written complaint, observes, or has reason to suspect sexual harassment. Students or staff may request a District-level investigation by submitting the written complaint to the appropriate Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent, or Human Resource Director.
The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), 20 U.S.C. § 1232h, requires the
Washington County School District to notify you and obtain consent or allow you to opt your child out of participating in certain school activities. These activities include a student survey, analysis, or evaluation that concerns one or more of the following eight areas (“protected information surveys”):
- Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;
- Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
- Sex behavior or attitudes;
- Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
- Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;
- Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
- Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or
- Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.
This requirement also applies to the collection, disclosure or use of student information for marketing purposes (“marketing surveys”), and certain physical exams and screenings.
The Washington County School District will provide parents, within a reasonable period of time prior to the administration of the surveys and activities, a notification of the surveys and activities and be provided an opportunity to opt their child out, as well as an opportunity to review the surveys. (Please note that this notice and consent/opt-out transfers from parents to any student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under State law.
IMPORTANT STUDENT AND PARENT RIGHTS
FERPA NOTIFICATION
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and District Policy 3260 affords parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. These rights are:
- The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the School receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the School principal or assistant principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The School official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
- The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes is inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask the School to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. Such requests should be in writing and addressed to the school principal or assistant principal. It must clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the School decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the School will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
- 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. The following information may be disclosed without consent:
- Directory Information: The following information is designated as student Directory Information: Student’s name, address (to include internet address), phone number, date of birth, grade level, extracurricular participation, awards or honors, photograph, video or digital images, height and weight (if a member of an athletic team), previous school attended, dates of attendance, and parent’s name. “Directory Information” may be disclosed without prior written consent. The District will also routinely disclose names, addresses, and telephone numbers to military recruiters. Parents or eligible students will have two weeks from the beginning of the school year or date a student enrolls to advise the school district, in writing, of any and all items they refuse to permit the district to designate as directory information for the balance of the school year.
- School Officials: School officials with legitimate educational interests may also have access to records. A school official is a person employed by the School as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member such as a bus driver (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.
- Other Schools: The School may disclose education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
- The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School 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 20202-4605