Student Handbook
Welcome to Newport Heights Elementary School for the 2024-2025 School Year!
NHE is one of 16 elementary schools within the Bellevue School District. During the 2024-25 school year, Newport Heights is estimated to serve approximately 500 students, in Pre-school through the fifth grade. We house both the PACIFIC and Korean Bilingual programs. The Newport Heights staff is committed to working together to provide the best possible education for each student. We value working collaboratively with each family (YOU) and believe that the connection between home and school plays an important role in the success of each student and their educational journey. Thank you for sharing your children with us!
NEWPORT HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HANDBOOK OVERVIEW FOR 2024-25
The information in this handbook will be reviewed regularly by the Newport Heights staff and will be revised and amended each year, as necessary.
NOTE: It is our intent that the information contained in this handbook is useful, clear and easy to understand. Throughout the year, please discuss the material in this handbook with your child. As always, your written comments and suggestions for improvement of future editions of the Newport Heights Parent/Student Handbook are welcome in Newport Heights’ Main Office.
- Arrival and Dismissal
- Chaperones, Volunteers and Visitor Information
- Emergency Information
- Sharing In the Classroom, Money and Valuables
- Student Behavior and Discipline
- Progress and Reports
- Birthday Celebrations
Arrival and Dismissal
To ensure the safety of each student, the following are the arrival and dismissal times:
- Arrive to campus in time so that students are lined up and ready to enter the building by 7:50 a.m.
- Tardy (late arrival) bell rings at 8:00 (students in the classroom and ready to start)
- Dismissal occurs at 12:15 on Wednesdays.
- Students are expected to leave campus at the end of the day unless directly supervised by a parent/guardian.
To ensure student safety, any student picked up after 2:40 will need to be picked up in the Main Office and signed out by a parent /guardian.
- Frequent late pick-ups may result in the need for a plan to be made between the principal and family to rectify the situation.
- On-going late pick-ups may result in paying a referral to Child Protective Services (CPS). Please let the main office know if you need help in finding after-school care.
Drop Off/Pick Up Route and Expectations (k-5)
*Washington state law requires children to use a booster seat until they are 4'9"" (57 inches) tall or weigh at least 40 pounds. For more information, click here.
Car Pick Up:
If you plan to stay in your car and use the student drop off lane located in the visitor parking lot, you must always remain in your vehicle as this is the designated fire lane. Pull forward and follow the directions of the staff members. Do not stop your car before you have pulled all the way forward. If your child needs assistance in getting situated in a booster seat or seatbelt, please park your car rather than using the drop off/pick up lane. Never drop off students in the middle of the parking lot. This leads to unsupervised students crossing a busy parking lot.
Walking:
If you would like to park your car and meet your child, you can park in these locations:
- The designated visitor parking lot on the east side of the main entrance in a designated stall.
- The main parking lot is also available south of the building as long as you use a designated parking stall.
- Park your car in the neighborhood west of campus, being mindful not to block driveways or mailboxes.
You must meet your child outside of the main school entrance and use crosswalks.
Other Parking Lot Norms:
Cell phones should not be used in the parking lot for talking or texting. Cars should drive less than 5 mph and give pedestrians the right of way. Allow for extra time during our peak arrival and dismissal periods. Use a respectful tone towards Newport Heights’ staff members, patrol students, and others using the parking lot.
After School Plans:
Should your child wish to go home with a friend or anywhere else other than the normal after-school destination, written permission from a parent or guardian must be brought to the Main Office in the morning where it will be recorded and stamped. School phones are not available to make last minute play plans. If plans should change during the school day, please notify the Main Office before 1:30 pm. Change of dismissal plans called in after 1:30 pm are not guaranteed to be delivered to the student unless it is deemed an emergency.
NOTE: On Wednesdays, please notify the Main Office before 11:00 am. Change of dismissal plans called in after these times are not guaranteed to be delivered to the student unless it is deemed an emergency.
Buses (K-5):
Bus service is provided for any student living within the school attendance area that is not within walking distance. All elementary schools have a one-mile walk path boundary. If you have a question about a bus stop, please contact District Transportation at (425) 456-4512, email transportation@bsd405.org OR check out the Bellevue School District website.
Chaperones, Volunteers and Visitor Information
Chaperones (Volunteer Support for Off-Campus Supervision)
All adults working with students are required to complete a background check prior to volunteering or working with students. Information on this process can be found here: https://bsd405.org/get-involved/volunteer/. Note that this process can take anywhere several days to complete. This includes all field trip chaperones.
Steps for applying:
- Go to the BSD Volunteer page
- If applicant is a Parent/Guardian, click on the Parent/Guardian Link; if applicant is a Community Member, click on the Community Member link
- You will be taken to the Sterling Volunteers website
- Follow instructions
- You will receive an email confirming you have completed the process and can now volunteer/chaperone
It is extremely helpful if all chaperones adhere to the guidelines outlined below:
- Strictly follow the field trip schedule (No unapproved stops or deviations)
- Remain close to your assigned group of students at all times, to prevent unsafe, impolite or inappropriate behavior
- Report problems with student behavior to teacher immediately (Do not accept disrespectful behavior of any kind from students, but also do not try to handle directly yourself as you may not know the student and/or their background or needs.)
- No smoke/vape breaks or smoking/vaping in front of students allowed
- Please do not purchase any food, souvenirs or items for your group of students while on a trip.
Volunteers (Parents, Relatives & Caregivers of BSD Students)
- Help in your student’s classroom, with special events or teacher needs.
- Help with school events and field trips
All volunteers operate under the supervision of school and district staff, regulations and requirements and must complete an application before final approval.
Visitor badges
We are fortunate at NHE to have the strong commitment of parents and other volunteers who assist in the school. In keeping with state laws, Bellevue School District policy, and as a safety measure, we require that all visitors and volunteers sign in at Lobby Guard located in the main office when arriving at the school. If you come to volunteer or meet with a teacher during the school day, you must stop by the office and sign in. We will ask you to wear a badge, high on your torso, identifying you as a visitor or volunteer. If you are not wearing a badge, a staff member will direct you to the office to get one. We truly appreciate your support of NHE and want you to feel welcome here. Thank you for realizing that the safety of all students is a high priority.
Emergency Information
Address And/Or Emergency Information/Changes in Parentvue
It is EXTREMELY important that each student’s emergency information is updated online in the Bellevue School District’s ParentVue system http://bit.ly/BSDParentVue . We would appreciate you listing several contacts and making sure they are current. It is the Parent/Guardian’s responsibility to update any changes of address, work or home phone number or emergency contacts, in ParentVue, so that school records may be changed and updated. To learn more about ParentVue visit: http://bit.ly/BSDParentVue
ParentVUE App
The ParentVUE app, is available as an app on your cell phone. You can download the Synergy ParentVUE app for free via iTunes or Google Play. For more information please visit. http://bit.ly/ParentVUEapp.
The ParentVUE app allows a parent or guardian to view the following
- Generic BSD Calendar/Events (e.g. No School)
- Immunization records on file
- Basic Newport Heights Info and Staff Contacts
- Student info and emergency contact info
If you have an active ParentVUE account and are experiencing difficulties seeing information on your student(s) please contact the BSD technology department by emailing parenthelp@bsd405.org or calling 425-456-4222
Emergency Preparedness
An extensive emergency plan has been prepared for our school. Students are instructed on emergency procedures and participate in monthly drills. A large storage room houses our emergency supplies including bottled water, tools, first aid supplies, etc. In the event of an emergency, power may be lost, and we may be unable to contact you. For that reason, we ask you to provide us with updated information on who is authorized to pick up your child from school.
Phones/Smartwatches
If necessary, a student may arrange a time where they can make a phone call home. Students may also be directed by teachers to call home to report their own school successes and areas for growth. The telephone in the Main Office is also available for visitors to the building.
Messages to students must be telephoned to the Main Office by 2:00 pm to allow adequate time for delivery. Please limit these as every call to a classroom interrupts valuable teaching time.
Use of cellular phones or Smartwatches by students is NOT allowed at Newport Heights. If students carry a cell phone or wear a Smartwatch for safety purposes before or after school, the phone/watch must silenced and left in the student backpack at ALL times during the school day 8:00-2:30. If a phone/watch becomes an issue on campus, the phone will be confiscated and held in the Main Office until a plan of action can be agreed on between the school and family.
School Closures
Below is a list of resources for you to access in order to plan for how your child will get to/from school, in the event school is closed or delayed in opening. Bellevue School District will also attempt to complete an automated call to inform parents/guardians of schedule changes, delays and/or cancellations when possible.
- www.schoolreport.org
- www.bsd405.org
- BSD Newsline 425-456-4111
- Local TV / Radio Stations
Sharing In the Classroom, Money and Valuables
Toys, trading cards, electronic games, stuffed animals, money, and other personal items of value need to remain at home to avoid them being misplaced, lost, or broken. These items should not be brought on the bus either. If a child wishes to bring a special item to share with the class, he or she must first get permission from the teacher.
Student Behavior and Discipline
The basis of our plan to support building a strong and welcoming community at Newport Heights Elementary is to be intentional in teaching children social and emotional competencies while developing an awareness of how one’s behavior affects others. Integrated throughout daily lessons will be instruction focused on developing the emotional intelligence of students. This is frequently referred to as “Social/Emotional Learning (SEL).”
What Is Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)?
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process of acquiring the skills to recognize and manage emotions, develop caring and concern for others, establish positive relationships, make responsible decisions, and handle challenging situations effectively. SEL provides schools with an evidence-based framework for preventing problems and promoting students’ well-being and success. The SEL framework is an integrated approach involving every student, the entire staff, the family, and the community.
Effective SEL addresses the fundamental conditions for learning and fosters students’ capacity to learn. Best practice includes classroom teachers modeling evidence-based explicit social emotional skills instruction in a safe, caring, supportive, participatory learning environment. SEL is fundamental to children’s healthy development and enables schools to educate students to be good problem solvers and caring, responsible, engaged citizens.
Discipline
- We believe in utilizing the research behind positive behavior intervention strategies (PBIS) and support systems;
- We specifically instruct students in the areas of self-management and self-awareness and problem solving through the utilization of the Second Step and RULER curriculum; and
- We teach social and emotional competency to enable students to use self-management and problem-solving strategies to effectively manage feelings of stress and support the development and maintenance of positive and sustaining relationships in school and beyond.
*See BSD policy/procedure 3241 for more specific information on disciplinary actions and the process around parent rights and appeals.
What Are Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)?
The broad purpose of PBIS is to improve the effectiveness, efficiency and equity of schools by improving social, emotional and academic outcomes for all students, including students with disabilities and students from marginalized of underrepresented groups. PBIS was developed from research in the fields of behavior theory and effective instruction as a means to support all students through intervention ranging from universal or school-wide systems to developing individualized plans for specific students. School-wide PBIS focuses on the development and implementation of pro-active procedures and practices to prevent problem behavior for all students and directly improving school climate.
Common Area Expecations (PBIS)
At Newport Heights, we use “Sam’s Big Three” behavioral expectations to guide the expected behavior we teach in the classrooms and in the common areas of our school.
"Sam's Big 3" expected behaviors are:
- Solve Problems
- Always Show Respect
- Make Good Decisions
Progress and Reports
The chief purpose of reporting student progress to parents is to provide the information necessary for a solid working relationship between school and the home in guidance of the student. Formal reporting includes two progress reports completed each year; one in January and the other in June. Parents will be kept informed about the growth and progress of their children in all aspects of school curriculum, including observed student behaviors in the intellectual, emotional, physical and social development areas.
Birthday Celebrations
Due to food safety issues, allergies and the growing impact to instruction, along with the rise of childhood obesity, the staff at Newport Heights Elementary have agreed that birthday celebrations will not include food, gifts or latex balloons. Birthday invitations must be emailed/mailed and cannot be handed out at school. Celebrations can be determined by each classroom teacher. Please contact your teacher to find out more about their classroom policies and procedures. ** A new popular idea for celebrating a child’s birthday or special accomplishment is to donate a favorite book to the school library or classroom in the child’s name. Kids LOVE this gift! Ask the teacher or librarian for title suggestions.
- Policies and Procedure Summaries
- Student Attendance
- Our School Stands Against Discrimination
- Our School Protects Students from Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB)
- Our School is Gender-Inclusive
- Student Conduct and Discipline
- Staff or Program Concerns and Complaints
- Interscholastic Activities
Policies and Procedure Summaries
The following are summaries from Bellevue School District (BSD) policies and procedures of policies. Complete policies and procedures can be found in the BSD digital policy and procedure manual. The title of each policy and procedure is hyperlinked to its specific policy and procedure.
Student Attendance
The Bellevue School District believes that regular school attendance and engagement is essential to student success. Students are expected to attend all assigned classes each day. Students at times may appropriately be absent from class. Policy 3122 and Procedure 3122P has more information about:
- How to report an absence
- Definitions of an absence for in-person, synchronous, and asynchronous learning
- Absences deemed excusable under Washington state law
- Districts duties upon chronic absenteeism and unexcused absences
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.
For more information, review the District’s Nondiscrimination Policy 3210 and Procedure 3210P
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.
For more information, review the district’s Sexual Harassment Policy 3205 and Procedure 3205P
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 am concerned about discrimination or harassment?
Talk with any of the coordinators listed below 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
Nancy Pham
Civil Rights and HIB Compliance Officer
phamn@bsd405.org
425-456-4040
Concerns about sex discrimination, including sexual harassment:
Title IX Coordinator
Jeff Lowell
Director of Athletics and Activities
lowellj@bsd405.org
425-456-4010
Concerns about disability discrimination:
Section 504 Coordinator
Karen Dejong
dejongk@bsd405.org
425-456-4144
Concerns about discrimination based on gender identity:
Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator
Nancy Pham
Civil Rights and HIB Compliance Officer
phamn@bsd405.org
425-456-4040
Mailing address for all Compliance Coordinators: 12111 NE 1st Street, Bellevue, WA 98005.
To submit a written complaint, describe the conduct or incident that may be discriminatory and send it by mail, fax, email, or deliver 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 provide you with 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 Disciplinary Appeals Council (DAC) 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 is 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?
All reports must start locally at the school or district level. However, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (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
The Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO) 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
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 Protects 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 if 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 someone you are most comfortable with). You may use our district’s reporting form to share concerns about HIB. Reports about HIB can also be made in writing or verbally. Your report can 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 HIB Compliance Officer, Nancy Pham (phamn@bsd405.org or 425-456-4040) supports prevention and responds 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 do not experience retaliation.
What is the investigation process?
When you report a complaint, the HIB Compliance Officer or the 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 to 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 and the district’s HIB Policy 3207 and Procedure 3207P.
Our School is Gender-Inclusive
In Washington state, 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
For more information, review the district’s Gender-Inclusive Schools Policy 3211 and Procedure 3211P
If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator:
Nancy Pham
Civil Rights and HIB Compliance Officer
phamn@bsd405.org
425-456-4040
For concerns about discrimination or discriminatory harassment based on gender identity or gender expression, please see our school's stance on discrimination.
Online Reporting Option
The Bellevue School District makes available Vector Alert, a tip reporting system that allows students, staff and parents to report discrimination or harassment and submit safety concerns to our administration in any of four different ways: text, email, phone, and website using Vector Alert .
Student Conduct and Discipline
The Bellevue School District is committed to ensuring a safe and productive learning environment in which students are provided with every opportunity to learn. To ensure that each and every student has equitable access to educational services and that student behavior does not result in a loss in educational services, the district has eliminated short-term suspensions and provides access to educational services during long-term suspensions and emergency removals.
The district is also committed to reducing the disproportional impact of out-of-school suspensions and expulsions on any identifiable group of students including those with disabilities. The district will achieve its commitments by the application of positive behavior supports and principles, while recognizing that there will be times when the application of corrective action is necessary.
Other important information stated in each procedure (Discipline (Policy 3241 and Procedure 3241P):
- List of Behavioral Violations
- Requirements of the School for determining and implementing corrective action, including Classroom Exclusions, In-School Suspension, Long-Term Suspensions, Expulsions, Emergency Removals, and Reengagement
- Parent and Student Grievance/Appeal Rights and Process/Timelines
Staff or Program Concerns and Complaints
The district’s complaints process is based upon the principle that most issues can and should be resolved at the level the decisions were made. Every effort shall be to resolve concerns and complaints through informal communication. If informal resolution attempts fail to provide an acceptable outcome for the student, the formal complaint process is available. The district is committed to resolving concerns and complaints about school and district programs, policies, procedures, actions and decisions of employees in an effective, efficient and timely manner by initiating the complaint with the person(s) responsible for the program, event, action, or decision.
When addressing informal complaints, the involved parties should:
- Begin the conversation with the acknowledgement that each is operating with the best of intentions.
- Work collaboratively to understand the other’s point of view.
- Work to resolve the concern through conversation before initiating a formal complaint.
When a complaint has not been resolved through informal attempts at resolution, the complainant may initiate a formal complaint, in writing within thirty (30) calendar days of the attempt at informal resolution. Any informal complaint not resolved at the school level is directed to the Office of School Support and must include:
- Detailed statement of the complaint
- Steps taken to address the complaint
- Suggested resolution(s) to be considered
The Office of School Support will assign a person responsible to meet with the complainant for understanding the complaint and what resolution(s) has already been considered. This person will provide a written decision addressing the complaint within ten (10) calendar days upon receipt of the complaint. Resolution decisions are final except for appeals to the Superintendent of Public Instruction, other agencies, or the courts, as provided by law.
For more information, review Policy 4220 and Procedure 4220P
Interscholastic Activities
Included in Policy 2151 and Procedure 2151P is detailed information for those interested in participating in these interscholastic activities.
The Bellevue School District offers a program of interscholastic activities. It is important to remember that while participation in extra-curricular programs is not an entitlement, the district is committed to equitable access to these activities for each and every interested participant.
Included in Policy 2151 and Procedure 2151P is detailed information for those interested in participating in these activities.
- I. Athletic/Activities Code of Conduct: Details corrective action applied when participants who exhibit any of the behaviors that rise to the level of exceptional misconduct as defined in Policy and Procedure 3241 (Classroom Management, Discipline and Corrective Action), including illegal drug and alcohol usage. Included in this provision is specific information about how this provision is applied to participants, including appeal rights.
- II. Attendance Requirement: Details expectations for student athletes and school attendance on days of practices and competitions. Coaches are provided with a daily printout of attendance to ensure their athletes are eligible to practice or compete. In rare, extreme, and extenuating circumstances beyond the control of the student, eligibility to practice or compete may be granted in advance on a case-by-case basis.
- III. Grade Point Requirement: Details the district’s Grade Point Average requirement for participation in high school athletics.
- IV. Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) Compliance and Coaches: Explains that high school athletic programs must adhere to Bellevue School District Board of Directors and the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) rules and procedures. Each school is to have procedures in place for selecting adult advisors/coaches; for annually notifying parents and participants of rules, regulations, and expectations in each sport/activity; and for supervising and evaluating coaches/advisors and programs. This provision includes information on how to report a potential violation of district or WIAA rules.
- V. Non-WIAA Sports: The Bellevue School District Board of Directors has authorized club sports in Water Polo, Lacrosse, and Girl’s Badminton as “non-WIAA sports” within the meaning of Policy 2151. Students who participate in approved non-WIAA sports must be residents of the Bellevue School District. The Board will not authorize a club sport for a high school where the high school has a WIAA-sanctioned sport or activity.
- VI. Athletic Eligibility for Big Picture and International Schools: Students who attend one of the Bellevue School District “choice” schools serving students in grades 9- 12 will maintain athletic eligibility at the comprehensive high school serving the neighborhood in which they reside. Students attending Big Picture School who do not reside in the Bellevue School District are eligible to compete for Sammamish High School. Students who attend International School and do not reside in the Bellevue School District are eligible to compete for Bellevue High School.
- VII. Sunday Practices and Competitions: All interscholastic athletic activities must take place between Monday and Saturday; therefore, Sunday practices and competitions are prohibited. Athletic Directors may request an exception to the competition prohibition by writing to the District Athletics and Activities Director before the competition.
- VIII. Program Evaluation: The district conducts an annual review of each program is required to ensure that each program meets the goals of the district and the needs of the students. Such reviews must include broad-based input from participants and their families. Each athletic program will conduct a survey of student athletes and parents as a source of data to inform athletic directors and administrators in their annual review and to provide informative feedback to coaching staff.