Safety is always our number one priority. We encourage students, family members, staff, and community members to report all safety concerns to any of our staff members or to submit concerns through Guardian, our online tip reporting system. If it is an emergency, please call 911.

Using Guardian to report a concern is quick and easy! You may choose to identify yourself or remain anonymous. Keep in mind that we generally cannot take disciplinary action based on an anonymous report; however, we will monitor the environment to prevent further incidents.

Report A Concern Now!

Every concern that is reported in Guardian immediately notifies our school and designated school administrators so they can investigate and take appropriate action.

**When you file a concern, you will be assigned an access code - be sure to check-in on your ticket using this access code, as we may respond to you with information or questions.**

For information about what happens once you report a Harrassment, Intimidation, or Bullying concern, visit our Guide to Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying webpage.

Policy 2151P

According to Policy 2151P (Interscholastic Activities – Procedure), “[p]articipation in athletics and activities in the Monroe School District is a privilege. Because students involved in athletics and activities perform [for] and represent their school in public, they are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a manner that will reflect the high standards and ideals of their sport, activity, team, school, and community.” Those standards are included in the District’s Athletics and Activities Code, which can be found in Policy 2151P. The Athletics and Activities Code governs “all interscholastic athletics, student body officers, cheerleaders, dance/drill team, performing drama groups, performing music groups, debate, DECA, FFA, FCCLA, Sports Medicine, student leadership groups, and any other activity organization or group recognized by the ASB that represents the school in public and in competition.” Students who participate in those activities must sign the Athletics and Activities Code annually, and they will be held accountable for violating the Athletics and Activities Code in accordance with Policy 2151P.

Regular attendance plays a pivotal role in the education of our students, and want to ensure that every child fully benefits from their time in school. Consistent attendance is an essential first step for students to learn and we are committed to supporting your students to attend and fully access their education. 

WHY REGULAR ATTENDANCE IS SO IMPORTANT  

• Starting in kindergarten, too many absences (excused and unexcused) can cause children to fall behind in school. 
• Missing 10% (just two days a month or about 18 days in a year) increases the chance that your student will not read or master math at the same level as their peers. 
• Students can still fall behind if they miss just a day or two days every few weeks. 
• By 6th grade, absenteeism is one of three signs that a student may drop out of high school. 
• By 9th grade, regular and high attendance is a better predictor of graduation rates than 8th grade test scores.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

We understand that life brings unexpected challenges, such as illness or family emergencies, that lead to occasional absences. These types of absences are typically excused as long as a parent/guardian contacts the school to let them know the reason and date of their student’s absence - please refer to our attendance policy for the complete list of absence types that will be excused. We kindly ask for your partnership in ensuring your student only misses school when necessary and that you contact the school to excuse their absence in a timely manner.

ATTENDANCE POLICIES AND STATE LAWS 

Washington State Law, known as the Becca Bill, mandates attendance for children aged 8 to 17 in a public school, private school, or a district-approved home school program. Children who are under 7-years-old are not required to be enrolled in school, however, once a child is enrolled after age 5, the student must attend full-time. 

We are required to take daily attendance and notify you when your student has any unexcused absence.If your student misses more than 10 minutes of a class period (in elementary school, the school day is divided into 4 equal periods), they will be marked absent for the entire period. If your student misses more than 50% of a school day, they will be marked absent for the entire school day.

We are also required by state law to send a letter to families and take the following actions when:

• Your student has 3 unexcused absences within 30 days - when this occurs, we must schedule a conference with you to identify barriers to attendance and offer support and resources to assist your family.

• Your student has between 2-7 unexcused absences in a school year - we must schedule a conference with you to identify barriers to attendance and offer support and resources to assist your family AND refer the student and guardian to meet with the Community Engagement Board. If your student has an Individualized Education Plan or a 504 Plan, the team that created the plan needs to reconvene.
   
• We are required by state law to file a petition with the Juvenile Court sometime between your student’s 7th unexcused absence within 30 days OR 15 unexcused absences within the school year, alleging a violation of RCW 28A.225.010, the mandatory attendance laws. The petition will be automatically stayed and your student and family will be referred to a Community Engagement Board or other coordinated means of intervention. If our collective efforts are not enough to increase your student’s attendance, the stay may be lifted and the court may require a hearing.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ONLY

• Your elementary student has 5 excused absences within 30 days OR 10 excused absences within a school year - even if you have contacted us to excuse your child’s absence, we are required to send home a letter and schedule a conference with you to identify barriers to attendance and offer support and resources to assist your family. If your student has an Individualized Education Program or a 504 Plan, the team that created the plan needs to reconvene. If you have provided a doctor’s note or pre-arranged the absence in writing and the parent, student, and school have made a plan so your student does not fall behind academically, you will still receive a letter, but you may be excused from the conference.
   

• Your elementary student has 15 excused absences within a school year - when this occurs, we must schedule a conference with you to establish an academic plan and attendance requirements. Each absence after 15 will be considered unexcused without principal approval.

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT REGULAR ATTENDANCE 

We deeply care about our students and their success and we miss them when they are not at school. Our school staff are prepared to help you if you or your student face challenges in getting to school regularly or on time, so please reach out to anyone at your child’s school if you need support in overcoming attendance challenges. Your involvement is key to your student's success. Here are some practical steps you can take:

• Set a regular bedtime and morning routine. 
• Help your child prepare for school the night before, finishing homework and getting a good night’s sleep. 
• Follow our district and state health guidelines on when to keep your child home due to illness. 
• Avoid appointments and extended trips when school is in session. 
• Develop back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent. 
• Keep track of your student’s attendance. Missing more than 9 days could put your student at risk of falling behind. 
• Talk to your student about the importance of attendance. 
• Talk to your students’ teachers if you notice sudden changes in behavior. These could be tied to something going on at school.
• Encourage meaningful afterschool activities, including sports and clubs. 

Policy 3432 (Emergencies) states: 

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

As part of that plan, the District will communicate with families as early as possible and in a variety of ways to help them get information quickly and accurately. Those ways include the following: 

• Recorded phone message sent to all households in the district
• Text message to those families that have a cell phone listed in Family Access
• An email to all households in the district
• A pop-up on the district’s website (www.monroe.wednet.edu)
• A post on the district’s Facebook and Instagram accounts: @MonroeWASchools
• A recorded message on the district’s closure/schedule line: 360-804-2950

IMPORTANT NOTE: To ensure you receive notifications, please verify that your contact information is up-to-date in Family Access.

While you will find updates most quickly through the methods listed above, you may also see or hear the announcements on most television and radio news stations. If you do not hear or see “Monroe School District” listed in the media reports of closures and delays, schools are operating on a normal schedule.

For additional details on bus transportation during inclement weather, click on the ‘snow routes’ button on the Transportation page on the website.

The Monroe School District believes positive home/school relations are critical to the support and success of our schools. Our schools and the district Communications Department utilize a variety of tools to communicate directly with students and parents, and our community to ensure our messages are clear and our audiences are connected to the district. 

Annual Report

Our community values education and demonstrates support for our schools in many ways. We believe it is important to report to our community regularly about how that support improves student learning and strengthens our community. Our 'Annual Report' is mailed out each school year to all residents living within our school district boundaries. You can find past publications on our website here: https://www.monroe.wednet.edu/departments/communications/publications.

Calendar Subscription

Subscribing to our calendars is a wonderful and easy way to stay up to date on school and district events, teacher workdays, holiday closures, School Board meetings, early dismissals and more! Click here to subscribe to district and building calendars.

Peachjar

Our schools and community partners utilize an online flier delivery platform, called Peachjar, to share events and community activities with families. Fliers are distributed via Peachjar to the email addresses that are in your Family Access account. You can adjust the frequency of your Peachjar email notifications by going to www.peachjar.com and logging in to your account. All district and school flyers are also posted to our website.

Social Media

Monroe School District utilizes several social media platforms as a means of enhancing existing communication strategies and celebrating students, staff and school achievement. It also allows us to facilitate transparency, interactivity and collaboration with our students, staff, parents and community members. If you have an account on Facebook or Instagram, follow @MonroeWASchools to see what is going on around the district. We expect all interactions on our social media channels to adhere to our Community Guidelines for Social Media Use. In an emergency, Facebook is used to communicate with families and the community in addition to our routine communication tools.

ParentSquare

 

Monroe School District uses the ParentSquare platform to streamline district and school communications and provide options for families in how they receive information (email, text and/or app notifications). All district and school information is sent via ParentSquare.

ParentSquare provides a safe way for families to:

• Receive all district and school communication via email, text, or app notification 
• Choose to receive information as it comes or all at once with a daily digest at 6:00 p.m. 
• Communicate in your preferred language
• Reply to staff directly from a post

ParentSquare is used to let you know about emergency situations, remind you about school events, update you on your child’s attendance, academic progress and more.

ParentSquare uses the contact information from your enrollment application and Family Access account. MSD and ParentSquare do not share any of your information, and we follow federal regulations on student and user privacy.

You can opt out of receiving messages via ParentSquare at any time. Simply click unsubscribe in any email to stop receiving messages—you will still receive emergency messages.

Website

The public web site is used to communicate district/school news, announcements, calendar events, key contact information, parent group, and general school information for current and prospective parents. The district site also includes information about the School Board, policies and department information for staff, parents, students, and the community. Visit www.monroe.wednet.edu for more information.

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. Things to check before you file a citizen complaint:

1. This citizen complaint process is for Washington state's K-12 school system.
   • If you live outside of Washington state, check with your state's department of education or Local Educational Agency (LEA) and ask for their complaint process.
2. The complaint must address the violation of at least one of the federal programs in the list below.
3. This process is not for complaints related to discrimination and professional practices.
4. Complaints that allege discrimination please go to Equity and Civil Rights. 

The following federal programs are part of the citizen complaint process:

Title Programs

• Title I, A Programs and services for students from low income communities
• Title I, C Migrant Education
• Title I, D Institutional Education
• Title I, G Advanced Placement
• Title II, A Teacher & Principal Quality
• Title III Support for Multilingual and American Indian/Alaska Native students
• Title IV, B 21st Century Community Learning Centers
• Title V Rural Education Achievement Program
• Title VI Indian, Native Hawaiian, Alaska Native Education

File a Citizen Complaint Against a School District, Educational Service District (ESD) or Other School Service Provider (Subgrantee) please visit the OSPI website: https://www.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/grants-grant-management/closing-educational-achievement-gaps-title-i-part/citizen-complaints-federal-programs

Ensuring that our students have a safe, drug-free, and healthy environment in which to learn and grow is a top priority for all who work in the Monroe School District. This is a  top priority of our School Board, and, we believe, a true reflection of our community's values and expectations.

To keep illegal drugs, weapons, and contraband out of the schools, Monroe School District will coordinate with law enforcement to have detection canines come to district property to sniff out and alert staff to the presence of contraband prohibited by law or school rules.

The canine sweeps will occur randomly. The canines will be limited to sniffing property—containers, lockers, vehicles, etc. They will not sniff students. To ensure that students are not sniffed, school officials will remove students as necessary from the area where the detection canines are sniffing. 

In conducting the canine sweep, law enforcement will always accompany the detection canine. If the detection canine alerts, the following steps will be taken:

1. The property at which the detection canine alerted will be noted. A second canine may be used to verify any initial alert.
    
2. After the detection canine and law enforcement have left, the appropriate school officials will determine based on the detection canine’s alerting whether they have reasonable grounds to search the property. If they have reasonable grounds to search the property, they will follow Policy 3230 (Student Privacy and Searches) and 3230P (Student Privacy and Searches – Procedure) in doing so.
    
3. If the school officials discover contraband prohibited by law or school rules, they will contact the student’s parent and request that the parent come to the school. The building principal will then investigate the matter and determine what action will be taken.

Please ensure you and your student comply with local and state laws and district policy by not bringing any drugs or weapons onto school property at any time. This includes marijuana, tobacco products, vaping devices, and other contraband that is in violation of school rules or is illegal to possess on school grounds.

The federal government has legislated that schools will exist in drug-free zones and raised the penalties for the presence of drugs there. When a school is drug-free, it is a safer and healthier learning environment, and is more likely to be free of intimidation, threats, and victimization. The position of the Monroe School District and the Monroe Police Department is to have zero tolerance for those who would try to make the schools less than healthy places to grow and learn. It is with this goal in mind that we undertake these steps as a part of a program to prevent illicit drugs in our schools. If you have any questions regarding this practice, please contact our Risk, Safety, and Security Department at (360) 804-2570 or burnsg@monroe.wednet.edu.

If you are concerned that your child may have a drug and/or alcohol problem, please contact our Preventive Intervention Specialist, Joe Neigel, at (360) 804-2594 or neigelj@monroe.wednet.edu to be connected with the appropriate supports.

As stated in Policy 3241 (Student Discipline), “The District holds high expectations for all students and gives all students the opportunity to achieve personal and academic success.” Occasionally, the District must discipline students for failure to meet those expectations. According to Policy 3241, “‘discipline’ means any action taken by the school district in response to behavioral violations, including exclusionary as well as positive and supportive forms of discipline.” Discipline is to be “implemented in a manner that supports a positive school climate, maximizes instructional time, and increases equitable educational opportunities.”

To learn more about student discipline, please review Policy 3241 and 3241P (Student Discipline – Procedure).

Policy 3224

Policy 3224 (Student Dress) and 3224P (Student Dress – Procedure) establish a dress code for students. This is what Policy 3224 says: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Policy 2022 (Electronic Resources and Internet Safety) and Policy 2022P (Electronic Resources and Internet Safety – Procedure) address students’ and staffs’ use of electronic resources and the internet at school. Policy 2022P includes guidelines for acceptable use of the District’s network. The District expects students to review those guidelines and follow them.

Internet Safety

To help ensure student safety and citizenship with electronic resources, all students will be educated about internet safety. This will include appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms, and cyberbullying awareness and response.

All district-owned electronic resources, including computer networks and Wi-Fi, in all district facilities capable of accessing the internet filter software to prevent access to obscene, racist, hateful, or violent material. However, given the ever-changing nature of the internet, and technology in general, the district cannot guarantee that a student will  never be able to access objectionable material.

Further, when students use the internet from school facilities for educational purposes, district staff will make a reasonable effort to supervise student access and use of the internet. If material is accessed that violates district policies or procedures or student guidelines for electronic resources or acceptable use, district staff may instruct the person to cease using that material and/or implement sanctions consistent with district policies, procedures, guidelines, or student codes of conduct.

n partnership with local emergency services, the Monroe School District is constantly working to establish a culture of safety and security that provides a safe learning environment for all students. Monroe School District Safety and Risk Department plans, organizes, coordinates, and directs the District’s Risk Management functions. The department is committed to preparing and empowering our schools to respond to security risks, incidents, and emergencies confidently and effectively.

Policy 3432 (Emergencies) and 3432P (Emergencies – Procedure) address how the District will prepare for and respond to emergencies at school. The District recommends that parents review those policies so that they are familiar with the District’s approach to preparing for and responding to emergencies.

Drills

Each school in the district will conduct at least one safety-related drill per month, including summer months when school is in session with students. Drills may include lessons on sheltering in place, options-based approaches to violence, lockdowns, evacuations, earthquakes, emergency school closures, and other emergency situations.

Communication Process

We understand the importance of timely communication to families when there is a school emergency. In an emergency, our first priority will always be to ensure the safety of those on campus and then we will work to provide accurate information to families as quickly as possible.

Communication to families for most emergency situations will come from the district office. It is important to understand that there are many moving pieces as a school emergency unfolds. Oftentimes we are working with law enforcement and emergency personnel to provide accurate information that does not compromise student safety. We ask for your patience as we work through the appropriate procedures to communicate relevant information to families. IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION BE UPDATED FOR YOU TO RECEIVE THESE NOTIFICATIONS. If you need to update your information, please contact your school office staff.

In an emergency, families can expect to receive communication in the following ways: phone call, text message, email, website alert, and social media. When applicable, a summary statement will be distributed via email once the event concludes.

District Website 

During extended emergency situations, updates will typically be posted to the school and/or district website: www.monroe.wednet.edu. Please check the website frequently for the latest information. 

News Media 

We actively work with news media during emergency situations to share accurate and helpful information. Please watch for OFFICIAL information from the district or first responders on news media. 

Social Media 

Accurate information and updates about emerging situations will be posted on the district’s official social media sites, Facebook and Instagram: @MonroeWAschools.

Tips & Reminders for Families During an Emergency

1. Frequent rumors may surface; please rely on factual information from the school district or public safety officials. 
    
2. In an emergency, it is a natural inclination to call or go to your student’s school. But an influx of visitors to the building can both hamper law enforcement efforts and increase the danger to everyone involved. It is imperative that families remain clear of buildings that are in crisis. 
    
3. During and after an emergency, school phone lines may become overloaded. Please refrain from calling a school during or right after an emergency. If it is urgent that you get a message to the school for the safety of your student, please contact the district office at (360) 804-2500 and district staff will relay your message. 
    
4. In some cases, we may need to evacuate the school. Reunification sites have been established, but we do not publicize those locations prior to an emergency in order to maintain student safety. We will inform families of the time and place to pick up their child through the district communication channels.

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Washington’s accountability system launched in 2015, and schools are identified under the new Washington School Improvement Framework (WSIF). But what is the WSIF, and what does it mean for our schools?

But what is the WSIF, and what does it  mean for our schools?

The WSIF is the framework for accountability in Washington state. Each school is measured by the framework. Based on how schools measure up, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)  identifies schools for additional supports, called Comprehensive and Targeted supports.

Under the new support model, all schools will gain access to a suite of self-directed foundational supports that will help close opportunity gaps. The goal of the support model is continuous improvement in all schools, and all schools can look at their  WSIF data to find areas that may need extra attention.

Beyond the foundational supports available to all schools, schools that fall within the bottom five percent statewide will qualify for Comprehensive and Targeted supports. Schools will collaborate with OSPI to develop strategies to ensure student success. The new support model will allow districts and schools additional flexibility and resources  to provide greater assistance to their students.

Schools that have three or more student groups whose WSIF scores fall below the scores for all students will qualify for Comprehensive and Targeted supports. These supports will focus on the achievement of the student groups that need it the most and work to close existing opportunity gaps. Schools with one or two struggling student groups may access self-directed and foundational supports.

What makes up the WSIF scores? There are nine measures in total. Growth and proficiency still make up a big part of the scores, for both English language arts and mathematics. Also important are graduation rate and English learner progress.

Additionally, there are three new school quality and student success (SQSS) measures meant to help parents and families, as well as school districts, understand the overall school climate, which goes beyond academics. These measures are regular attendance, 9th graders on track to graduate, and dual credit or advanced course-taking opportunities.

The goal of the ESSA Plan, developed after the passage of the law in 2015 and which underlies the WSIF, is equity and flexibility. Every student deserves the opportunity to finish school ready for post-secondary aspirations, career, and life. New guidance under Washington’s ESSA Plan allows districts to shift the paradigm and break down funding  silos to develop programs that will help our students finish school prepared for our changing world.

Family Access is a critical communication tool between the district, schools, and families. You can view your student’s schedule, lunch account, attendance, grades, and assignments. 

Families can use built-in or add-on translation features of their preferred browser to translate Family Access into other languages. For more information on these browser features, please refer to the articles below:

• Change Google Chrome Languages & Translate Webpages
• Use Microsoft Translator in Edge Browser
• How to Add Translate Feature to Firefox

If you have any questions, please contact your student’s school main office.

Policy 2320 (Field Trips, Excursions and Outdoor Education) provides the District’s stance on field trips. This is what it says:

The board recognizes that field trips, when used as a device for teaching and learning integral to the curriculum, are an educationally sound and important ingredient in the instructional program of the schools. Field trips are defined as travel away from school premises or virtual tours requiring personal virtual visioning equipment, under the supervision of a teacher, with an approved course of study, for the purpose of affording students a direct learning experience not available in the classroom. Such trips can supplement and enrich classroom activities by providing learning experiences in an environment beyond the classroom.

Field trips that take students out of the state must be approved in advance by the board. The superintendent has the authority to approve all other field trips. The superintendent will has developed procedures for the operation of a field trip or an outdoor education activity which ensures that the safety of the student is protected and that parent permission is obtained before the student leaves the school. Each field trip must be integrated with the curriculum and coordinated with classroom activities that enhance its usefulness.

No staff member may recruit students for any privately arranged field trip or excursion without board permission.

For more information about field trips, please review Policy 2320P (Field Trips, Excursions and Outdoor Education – Procedure).

According to Policy 2420 (Grading and Progress Reports), the district will issue grades and written or electronic progress reports, and provide opportunities for parent conferences to serve as a basis for continuous evaluation of students’ performance and to help in determining changes that should be made to effect  improvement. These written and oral reports will be designed to provide information that will be helpful to students, teachers, counselors, and families.

For more information about grading and reporting academic progress, please review Policy 2420P (Grading and Progress Reports – Procedure). 

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 also 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 Joe Neigel, neigelj@monroe.wednet.edu or (360) 804-2594 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 HIB webpage or the 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.

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 3205P, visit https://www.monroe.wednet.edu/departments/human-resources/title-ix.

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: Dan Johnston
14692 - 179th Avenue SE, Monroe, WA 98272
(360) 804.2530
johnstond@monroe.wednet.edu

Concerns about sex discrimination, including sexual harassment: 
Title IX Coordinator: Cassandra Bunney
14692 - 179th Avenue SE, Monroe, WA 98272
(360) 804-2532
bunneyc@monroe.wednet.edu

Concerns about disability discrimination: 
Section 504 Coordinator: David Paratore
14692 - 179th Avenue SE, Monroe, WA 98272
(360) 804.2609
paratored@monroe.wednet.edu

Concerns about discrimination based on gender identity: 

Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Dan Johnston
14692 - 179th Avenue SE, Monroe, WA 98272
(360) 804.2530
johnstond@monroe.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 School Board 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 a 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

To review the district’s Gender-Inclusive Schools Policy 3211 and Procedure 3211P, visit https://go.boarddocs.com/wa/mpswa/Board.nsf/Public#. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Dan Johnston at (360) 804.2530 or johnstond@monroe.wednet.edu.

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

Policy 3418 

Illness

Please keep children who are ill at home. Generally, if a child records a temperature of more than 100.4 degrees or if the child is vomiting or has diarrhea, we request that they go home or stay home from school. Students should remain at home for at least one full day following a fever’s return to normal or after the vomiting or diarrhea subsides. This guideline is set forth by the Department of Public Health. Contact your physician if your child is running a high fever, has an earache or a draining ear, or a severe sore throat because medication may be needed.

It is important to keep us informed of any unusual or chronic health conditions. This information is considered confidential and shared only on a need-to-know basis.

We require current emergency contacts so that children who are ill or injured can go home. While schools provide bandages, ice packs, and TLC, they are not equipped to treat children who are ill or seriously injured. Children become very distressed when we cannot reach family members who can come to school to comfort them and get them proper medical treatment. Please make sure that all emergency contact numbers are current and local. Individuals designated as emergency contacts should reside within a reasonable distance of school. It is important that children who are ill or injured be picked up promptly.

Immunizations

State law requires children to be immunized against certain diseases that can be prevented by vaccinations before attending a school. Parents and guardians meet this requirement by providing proof of the required immunizations or immunity using a department-approved Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) form.  For more information on school immunization requirements in the state of Washington, visit the Washington State Department of Health website. If parents and guardians choose to exempt their child from one or more of the required vaccines, they must fill out a certificate of exemption form. Information on the exemption process can be found on the Washington Department of Health website.

Is your adolescent protected from serious diseases? Some baby immunizations do not last a lifetime and your child may need additional shots to stay protected and healthy. Doctors recommend Tdap, MCV, and HPV vaccines to protect your adolescent and teenage children.

• Tdap: This vaccine prevents tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis ("whooping cough"). Pertussis causes a cough that lasts for months and may make it hard to eat, drink, or breathe.  All incoming 7th grade students must have this immunization to attend school.

• MCV: This vaccine prevents meningococcal disease, which is a serious infection that can lead to brain damage and death.

• HPV: This vaccines prevents human papiloma virus, the main cause of cervical cancer.

Public health recommends that all children have a health check-up each year. For help finding a doctor or healthcare provider, call the Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588.

For more information about the immunization requirements, please review Policy 3413 (Student Immunization and Life Threatening Health Conditions) and 3413P (Student Immunization and Life Threatening Health Conditions – Procedure).

Injuries

If a student is injured at school, appropriately certified staff will provide first aid care and determine if emergency services are needed. The student’s parents will be promptly notified of the injury. Please see Policy 3418 for more information about how the District will respond to student injuries.

Students returning to school after a serious injury may be required to have a doctor’s release and a health plan in place prior to being readmitted to school, particularly if the student will require special accommodations at school. When in doubt, please contact your school health room.

The District is committed to keeping students safe and protecting them from inappropriate conduct by adults. To do that, the District has adopted standards that staff members must follow to maintain professional relationships with students. Those standards can be found in Policy 5253 (Maintaining Professional Staff-Student Boundaries) and 5253P (Maintaining Professional Staff-Student Boundaries – Procedure). 

Given the importance of maintaining professional-staff student boundaries, we’ve reproduced Policy 5253 below:

The purpose of this policy is to provide all staff, students, volunteers and community members with information about their role in protecting children from inappropriate conduct by adults. This policy applies to all district staff and volunteers. For purposes of this policy and its procedure, the terms “district staff,” “staff member(s),” and “staff” also include volunteers.

General Standards

The Monroe School District Board of Directors expects all district staff to maintain the highest professional standards when they interact with students. District staff are required to maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning by consistently maintaining professional boundaries. Professional staff/student boundaries are consistent with the legal and ethical duty of care that district employees have for students.

The interactions and relationships between district staff and students should be based upon mutual respect and trust, an understanding of the appropriate boundaries between adults and students in and outside of the educational setting, and consistency with the educational mission of the district.

District staff will not intrude on a student’s physical and emotional boundaries unless the intrusion is necessary to serve a demonstrated educational purpose. An educational purpose is one that relates to the staff member’s duties in the district. Additionally, staff members are expected to be aware of the appearance of impropriety in their own conduct and the conduct of other staff when interacting with students. Staff members will notify and discuss issues with their building administrator or supervisor whenever they suspect or question whether their own or another staff member’s conduct is inappropriate or constitutes a violation of this policy.

The board recognizes that staff may have familial and pre-existing social relationships with parents or guardians and students. Staff members should use appropriate professional judgment when they have a dual relationship to students to avoid violating this policy, the appearance of impropriety, and the appearance of favoritism. Staff members shall pro-actively discuss these circumstances with their building administrator or supervisor.

Use of Technology

The Monroe School District Board of Directors supports the use of technology to communicate for educational purposes. However, district staff are prohibited from inappropriately communicating with students on-line or from engaging in any conduct on social networking websites that violates the law, district policies or procedures, or other generally recognized professional standards. Staff whose conduct violates this policy may face discipline and/or termination consistent with the district’s policies and procedures, acceptable use agreement, and collective bargaining agreements, as applicable.

The District has an obligation to work with homeless students and their families to provide them with equal access to the same free appropriate education provided to all students. The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless students as those lacking a  fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including those student who are:

• sharing the housing of other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship or a similar reason;
• living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or campgrounds due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations;
• living in emergency or transitional shelters
• abandoned in hospital;
• living in public or private places designed for or ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodation; 
• living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard  housing, transportation stations, or similar settings; or
• migratory children living in conditions described in the previous examples.

The McKinney-Vento Act ensures that children have a right to:

• attend the school they last attended before they became homeless (school of origin) OR enroll in their neighborhood school;
• immediate enrollment in school even if they lack required documents, such as school records, immunization records, or proof of residence;
• free transportation to school of origin, when feasible;
• free meals at school; and
• assistance for school fees, school supplies, and connecting to social service supports.

To access McKinney-Vento services, please call your child’s school.

If your family is in a temporary living situation resulting in loss of housing due to eviction or economic hardship, your child might be eligible for certain educational rights and services under the McKinney Vento Act. We encourage you to fill out the Student Housing Questionnaire (English | Spanish).

Please see Policy 3115 (Homeless Students – Enrollment Rights and Services) and 3115P (Homeless Students – Enrollment Rights and Services – Procedure) for more information about homeless students and their rights.

The Monroe School district contracts with Chartwells to prepare and provide nutritious meals for students that promote learning readiness and healthy eating behaviors. All meals come  with a visit to our fresh fruit and veggie bar, which features a variety of fresh produce, including locally grown when available. Students must take 1/2 cup of fruit or vegetable with each breakfast or lunch meal per Federal Regulations. All meals are offered with a choice of 1% white or non-fat chocolate milk. All grain options are whole grain rich. Visit the nutrislice website to view our daily breakfast and lunch offerings. 

Meals prices are as follows:

Grade Level	Breakfast	Breakfast Reduced Price	Lunch	Lunch Reduced Price
K-5	$2.50	FREE	$3.75	FREE
6-12	$2.75	FREE	$4.00	FREE
Adult	$3.25		$5.00

Meal Applications and Eligibility for School Meals

As a sponsor of the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, the district will provide free and reduced-price breakfasts and lunches to students who qualify in accordance with the programs. Families may apply for the Free and Reduced Price Meal Program at any time during the school year. Eligibility guidelines are set by the federal government and are based on household income and size. The district will protect the identity of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals in accordance with USDA guidelines for confidentiality and disclosure of student eligibility for such meals. Applications can be found here:

https://www.monroe.wednet.edu/departments/food-service/free-and-reduced-priced-mea ls

For more information about the District meal programs, please review Policy 6700 (Nutrition, Health, and Physical Fitness) and 6700P (Nutrition, Health, and Physical Fitness – Procedure).

NOTE: Every family will need to reapply each school year. If we don't receive a new application within the first 30 school days, the cost of a full meal will be charged to your child's lunch account if he/she is served a school meal.

For a child of any age to receive medication at school or on a school-sponsored activity, a licensed health care provider's Authorization for Administration of Medication at School form must be completely filled out and returned to the school. This applies to prescription medication as well as over-the-counter medication such as Tylenol, cough drops, etc. Medication must be brought to school by an adult and be in the original pharmacy container showing the student's name and dosage. Medication order forms expire at the end of each school year. If you have any questions about medication at school, please contact your school nurse.

The Monroe School District has several policies related to providing medication or treatment at school:

• Policy 3411 (Accommodating Students with Seizure Disorders)
   
• Policy 3415 (Accommodating Students with Diabetes)
   
• Policy 3416 (Medication at School) and 3416P (Medication at School – Procedure)
   
• Policy 3417 (Catheterization) and 3417P (Catheterization – Procedure)
   
• Policy 3419 (Self-Administration of Asthma and Anaphylaxis Medications) and 3419P (Self-Administration of Asthma and Anaphylaxis Medications – Procedure)
   
• Policy 3420 (Anaphylaxis Prevention and Response) and 3420P (Anaphylaxis Prevention and Response – Procedure)

The Monroe School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator
Dan Johnston
14692 - 179th Avenue SE, Monroe, WA 98272
(360) 804.2530
johnstond@monroe.wednet.edu

Section 504/ADA Coordinator
David Paratore
14692 - 179th Avenue SE, Monroe, WA 98272
(360) 804.2609
paratored@monroe.wednet.edu

Title IX Coordinator
Cassandra Bunney
14692 - 179th Avenue SE, Monroe, WA 98272
(360) 804-2532
bunneyc@monroe.wednet.edu
Title IX

Title IX inquiries may also be directed toward the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR): https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr.index.html

You have the right to request certain information on the professional qualifications of your child’s classroom teacher(s) and/or paraprofessionals providing services to your child. If you request this information, the district or school will provide you with the following as soon as possible: 

• If the teacher has met state licensing requirements for the grade level and subjects in which the teacher is providing instruction

• If the teacher is teaching under an emergency status for which state licensing requirements have been waived

• The type of college degree major of the teacher and the field of discipline for any graduate degree or certificate

• If your child is receiving Title I services from paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications

If you would like this information, please contact your child’s school.

According to Policy 6895 (Pesticide Notification, Posting and Record Keeping Requirements), “[u]pon request, the district will provide notification to staff and parents of the district’s pest control policies, methods and its posting and notification requirements.” 

Additionally, Policy 6895P (Pesticide Notification, Posting and Record Keeping Requirements – Procedure) states that the District will annually distribute that procedure to students and parents. Accordingly, here is that procedure:

The following pesticides may regularly be applied in the Monroe School District. Areas of probable use are listed behind the pesticide name.

Marathon	Greenhouses
Funginex	Greenhouses
Sevin	Greenhouses
Orthene	Greenhouses
Red Arrow	Greenhouses
Ban Rot	Greenhouses
Round Up	Landscaped areas, paved areas
Ranger Pro	Landscaped areas, paved areas
Casaron	Landscaped areas, turf
Dicamba	Turf
2, 4D	Turf
Mecoprop	Turf
Alletrin	Building areas
Diazanon	Building areas
Tralometharin	Building areas

The district will comply with all legal requirements for record keeping regarding the application of pesticides to school grounds or school facilities. This includes creation of an annual summary report of pesticide usage and compliance with state department of agriculture rules regarding record keeping. Such records will be available on request by interested persons under the state Public Records Act and other laws. The facilities department shall be the designated contact for these operations.

This procedure shall be printed and distributed annually in employee handbooks and student handbooks to employees, students and parents at the start of the school year or when an employee begins work or a student enrolls.

At least 48 hours before the application of a pesticide to school facilities or school grounds, the district will notify parents and staff of the planned application in writing, including the heading, “Notice: Pesticide Application.” This notice will be posted in a prominent place at the main entrance of the school. This pre-notification is not required if the school grounds or facilities will not be occupied by students for two days following the application of the pesticide. If the application is not made within 48 hours of the notification, another notification will be made prior to the application. This pre-notification is not required in the case of any emergency application of pesticides to a school facility, such as an application to control stinging pests, but full notification will be made as soon as possible after the application.

Following the application of a pesticide to school facilities (structures and vehicles) a sign will be posted at the location of the application. The notice will be at least 8.5 x 11 inches in size, will include the heading, “Notice: Pesticide Application,” and will state the product name; date, time and specific location of the application; the pest for which the application was made; and a contact name and telephone number. The notice will remain posted for 24 hours, or longer if required by the label of the pesticide.

Following the application of a pesticide to school grounds notice will be posted at the location of the application and at each primary point of entry to the grounds. The notice will be at least 4 x 5 inches in size and state that the landscape recently has been treated with a pesticide and provide a contact name and telephone number. The notice will remain posted for 24 hours, or longer if required by the label of the pesticide.

These notices are not required for the application of antimicrobial pesticides (substances used to sanitize or disinfect for microbial pests: viruses, bacteria, algae and protozoa). These notices are not required for the placement of insect or rodent bait that are not accessible to children.

The Monroe School District observes a “No Pets in the Classroom” policy. This policy  means that pets are not allowed on our campus at any time. This includes at parent drop-off and pick up. It is important that our buildings are safe and secure places for all  students.

However, the Monroe School District acknowledges its responsibility to permit students and/or adults with disabilities to be accompanied by a “service animal” as required by federal laws and Washington State’s law against discrimination. For more information about service animals in the District’s schools, please review Policy 2030 (Service Animals in Schools) and 2030P (Service Animals in Schools – Procedure).

The parent/guardian of a student who believes the student needs to bring a service animal to school or an employee who wishes to bring a service animal to school must submit a written request to the building principal. The building principal, in consultation with the Section 504 coordinator or director of special services, as appropriate, will determine whether the animal is a service animal.

Five community members make up the Monroe School District's Board of Directors, commonly referred to as the School Board. The board members are elected by local voters according to the geographical district in which they live to ensure representation from across the 82 square miles of our service area. Each Director serves a term of four years and must run for re-election once the term is up.

Duties of the Board include the following:

• Articulate the vision and values of the school district
• Develop and implement policies that guide all aspects of learning and teaching
• Adopt an annual budget that supports student learning
• Review progress on district goals
• Advocate for our students, our district and public education

Communicating with the Board

If you would like to share feedback or a concern with the Board, you are welcome to communicate with the entire Board and the superintendent via email. While members of  the community are welcome to email board members or the superintendent independently, the best way to ensure all board members simultaneously receive the same information is to use the schoolboard@monroe.wednet.edu email address, which sends an email to all board members and the superintendent at once. All emails sent to  the Board, or any district employee, are subject to public disclosure.

Board Meetings

We encourage you to actively participate in the governing of our public schools.  Board meetings are open to the entire community and are typically held on the second  and fourth Mondays of each month. Meetings begin at 6:00 p.m. at varying locations throughout the district. Learn more about Board meetings here.

Board Policies

The Board sets policies as a guiding framework for governing the district. Policies and procedures are updated regularly to stay in alignment with state laws and regulations. All current Board policies and procedures can be found on our BoardDocs site. Click on  “Policies” on the top right.

The Monroe School District is committed to a positive and productive education free from discrimination, including sexual harassment. This commitment extends to all students, employees and other persons  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.

About Title IX

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, often referred to as Title IX, is a Federal civil rights law that states: No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

Title IX, which began with a focus on discrimination and ensuring equity in sports, now includes a major focus on prevention of and response to incidents of sexual harassment and sexual assault.

What is sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment is unwelcome behavior or communication that is sexual in nature when:

• A student or employee is led to believe that he or she must submit to unwelcome sexual conduct or communications in order to gain something in return, such as a grade, a promotion, a place on a sports team, or any educational or employment decision, or
• The conduct substantially interferes with a student’s educational performance, or creates an intimidating or hostile educational or employment environment.

Sexual Harassment Occurs When:

• Submitting to the harasser’s sexual demands is a stated or implied condition of obtaining a work or educational opportunity or other benefit; or
• Submission to or rejection of sexual demands is a factor in a work, school, or other SPS-related decision affecting an individual; or
• Unwelcome sexual or gender-directed conduct or communication interferes with an individual’s performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.

This conduct may take many forms, including:

• Making unwelcome, offensive or inappropriate sexually suggestive comments,
• Gestures or jokes;
• Standing too close,
• Inappropriate touching,
• Cornering, or stalking a person; or
• Displaying offensive or inappropriate sexual illustrations on school property.

What is sexual assault? 

Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual contact against any individual by force or without consent; or when a person cannot give consent (under the age of consent, intoxicated, developmentally disabled, mentally/physically unable to consent, etc.).

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How to get help or file a complaint: 

If you are not sure whether you should make a formal complaint, you can consult the Title IX coordinator at 360-804-2532 or bunneyc@monroe.wednet.edu. The Title IX coordinator can help you decide if any action needs to be taken and how best to address your situation.

If you believe that you or an MSD student or staff member has been sexually harassed or sexually assaulted, you can report the incident(s) to any school staff member or the district’s Title IX coordinator.

After a report of sexual harassment has been made, the school and/or Title IX Coordinator will reach out to the individual affected by the alleged misconduct, provide supportive measures, discuss the grievance policy, and offer the opportunity for the complainant to file a formal complaint if the behavior meets the Title IX definition of sexual harassment.  If a formal complaint is filed, appropriate steps will be taken to investigate. Upon completing the investigation, the outcome will be shared with all stakeholders.

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Appeal Procedures

If you disagree with the school district’s decision, you may appeal to the school district’s board of directors. You must file a notice of appeal in writing to the secretary of the school board within 10 calendar days after you received the school district’s response to your complaint. The school board will schedule a hearing within 20 calendar days after they received your appeal, unless you agree on a different timeline. The school board will send you a written decision within 30 calendar days after the district received your notice of appeal. The school board’s decision will include information about how to file a complaint with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

If you do not agree with the school district’s appeal decision, state law provides the option to file a formal complaint with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). This is a separate complaint process that can take place if one of these two conditions has occurred: (1) you have completed the district’s complaint and appeal process, or (2) the district has not followed the complaint and appeal process correctly.

You have 20 calendar days to file a complaint to OSPI from the day you received the decision on your appeal. You can send your written complaint to the Equity and Civil Rights Office at OSPI:

Email: Equity@k12.wa.us
Fax: 360-664-2967
Mail or hand deliver: PO Box 47200, 600 Washington St. S.E., Olympia, WA 98504-7200

For more information, contact OSPI’s Equity and Civil Rights Office at 360-725-6162/TTY: 360-664-3631 or by e-mail at equity@k12.wa.us.

Other Discrimination Complaint Options
Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education
206-607-1600 ǀ TDD: 1-800-877-8339 ǀ OCR.Seattle@ed.gov ǀ OCR Website

Washington State Human Rights Commission
1-800-233-3247 ǀ TTY: 1-800-300-7525 ǀ Human Rights Commission Website

Cassandra Bunney
Title IX Coordinator, Equity Officer & Compliance Coordinator
14692 179th Avenue SE
Monroe, WA 98272
(360) 804-2532
bunneyc@monroe.wednet.edu

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Resources:

• Policy 3205 - Sexual Harassment of Students Prohibited
• Policy 3205P - Sexual Harassment of Students Prohibited - Procedure
• Policy 5011 - Sexual Harassment of District Staff Prohibited
• Policy 5011P - Sexual Harassment of District Staff Prohibited - Procedure
• OSPI Discriminatory and Sexual Harassment
• OSPI Bulletin: Guidance on the New Title IX Rules and Responding to Sexual Harassment in Washington K–12 Schools (OSPI 7/2020)

Parents’ and Eligible Students’ Rights under FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) gives parents and students who are 18 years or older (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records: These rights include the following:

• The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days after the day the school receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students who wish to inspect their child’s or their education records should submit to the principal a written request that identifies the records they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrange 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 are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.

Parents or eligible students who wish to have the student’s records amended should write to the principal and clearly identify the part of the record they want changed and specify why it should be changed. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested, the school will notify the parent of eligible student of the decision and their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. See Policy 3231P (Student Records – Procedure) for the hearing procedures. 

• The right to provide consent before the school discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorized disclosure without consent.

One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official typically includes a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel) or a person serving on the school board. A school official also may include a volunteer, contractor, or consultant who while not employed by the District performs an institutional function for which the District would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the District with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records. Examples include an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist; a parent or student volunteering to serve on an official committee; or a parent, student, or other volunteer assisting another school official in performing their tasks. A school official typically has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. 

• The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA are as follows:

Student Privacy Policy Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Student Directory Information

As pointed out earlier, FERPA requires the District to obtain written consent from parents or eligible students before disclosing PII from students’ education records. However, the District may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless parents or eligible students advise the District to the contrary in accordance with Monroe School District procedures. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the District to include information from a student’s education records in school publications like playbills, yearbooks, honor roll or other recognition lists, graduation programs, and sports rosters.

Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written consent.  Accordingly, it can be released to outside organizations without a parent’s written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. Additionally, federal law requires the District to provide military recruiters, upon request, with the following information - high school students’ names, addresses, and their guardians' phone number - unless parents have notified the District in writing by submitting a completed and signed 'Do Not Release Directory Information' form, available in school offices, by September 30.

Monroe School District has designated the following information as directory information:

• Student’s name and address
• Parent/guardian phone number and email address
• Date and place of birth
• Photo 
• Dates of attendance
• Current grade level or graduation date
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Weight and height of members of athletic teams
• Diplomas and awards received
• The most recent school attended
• Participation in officially recognized sports and activities

Monroe School District will release directory information upon request to law enforcement and Child Protective Services without the consent of parents. Monroe School District does not release directory information for commercial use.

If you do NOT want the District to disclose any of the information designated above as directory information without your prior written consent, you must submit a completed and signed ‘Do Not Release Directory Information’ form, available in school offices. You must return the completed form no later than September 30th.

The choices made on this form will remain on your student’s record as long as they are enrolled in the District. If no form is on file, permission for the release of directory information is granted. For more information, please visit our FAQ page.

Additional Information

If you want more information about student records, please review Policy 3231 (Student Records) and 3231P (Student Records).

The District has adopted Policy 2145 (Suicide Prevention) and 2145P (Suicide Prevention – Procedure) to address suicide prevention.

Here is a copy of Policy 2145:

The Monroe School District Board of Directors recognizes that suicide is a leading cause of death among youth and that suicidal indicators such as depression, substance abuse and violence are complex issues that should be taken seriously. While district staff may recognize potentially suicidal youth and the district can make an initial risk assessment, the district cannot provide long-term mental health counseling. Instead, the board directs district staff to refer students who exhibit suicidal behaviors to an appropriate service for further assessment and counseling.

District staff who have knowledge of a suicide threat must take the proper steps to support the student and to report this information to the building principal or designee who will, in turn, notify the appropriate school officials, the student’s family and appropriate resource services.

The board also recognizes the need for youth suicide prevention strategies and procedures. The district will adopt and, at the beginning of each school year, provide to all district staff, including substitute and regular bus drivers, a plan for recognizing, screening, referring and responding to students in emotional or behavioral distress. At a minimum, the plan will:

• Identify training opportunities for staff on recognizing, screening and referral of students in emotional or behavioral distress, including those who exhibit indicators of substance or sexual abuse, violence or suicide;
• Describe how to utilize the expertise of district staff trained in recognition, screening and referral;
• Provide guidelines, based on staff expertise, for responding to suspicions, concerns or warning signs of emotional or behavioral distress;
• Address development of partnerships with community organizations and agencies for referral of students to support services, to include development of at least one memorandum of understanding between the district and one such entity;
• Contain procedures for communication with parents and guardians, including notification requirements in accordance with RCW 28A.320.160;
• Describe how staff should respond to a crisis situation where a student is in imminent danger to himself or herself or others;
• Describe how the district will provide support to students and staff after an incident of violence, student suicide or allegations of sexual abuse of a student;
• Describe how staff should respond when allegations of sexual contact or abuse are made against a staff member, volunteer, parent, guardian or family member of the student, including how staff should interact with parents, law enforcement and child protective services;
• Describe how the district will provide to certificated and classified staff the training on the obligation to report physical abuse or sexual misconduct required under RCW 28A.400.317.

The superintendent will develop and implement the plan and a staff training schedule to achieve the board’s goals and objectives.

View the MSD Crisis Response and Suicide Prevention Plans here.

Policy 3245 (Students and Telecommunication Devices) and 3245P (Students and Telecommunication Devices – Procedure) to set standards for how students use personal electronic devices, like cellphones, at school.

Here is Policy 3245: **pending School Board approval - this section will be updated by the first day of school.**

As stated in Policy 3245P, the District expects students, employees, and parents to report violations of the District’s telecommunication standards.

The District has established a language access plan, found in Policy 4218 (Language Access Plan) and 4218P (Language Access Plan – Procedure) to assist with communicating with parents who have limited English proficiency.

Here is a portion of Policy 4218:

The Board of Directors is committed to improving meaningful, two-way communication and promoting access to District programs, services and activities for students and parents with limited English proficiency (LEP) free of charge. Our District’s language access plan includes:

Oral Interpretation

The District will take reasonable steps to provide LEP parents competent oral interpretation of materials or information about any program, service, and activity provided to non-LEP parents and to facilitate any interaction with district staff significant to the student’s education. The District will provide such services upon request of the LEP parent(s) and/or when it may be reasonably anticipated by District staff that such services will be necessary.

Written Translation

The District will provide a written translation of vital documents for each limited English proficient group that constitutes at least five (5) percent of the District’s total parent population or 1000 persons, whichever is less. For purposes of this policy, “vital documents” include, but are not limited to, those related to:

• registration, application, and selection;
• academic standards and student performance;
• safety, discipline, and conduct expectations;
• special education and related services, Section 504 information, and McKinney-Vento services;
• policies and procedures related to school attendance;
• requests for parent permission in activities or programs;
• opportunities for students or families to access school activities, programs, and services;
• student/parent handbook;
• the District’s Language Access Plan and related services or resources available;
• school closure information; and
• any other documents notifying parents of their rights under applicable state laws and/or containing information or forms related to consent or filing complaints under federal law, state law, or District policy.

If the District is unable to translate a vital document due to resource limitations or if a small number of families require the information in a language other than English such that document translation is unreasonable, the District will still provide the information to parents in a language they can understand through competent oral interpretation.

Policy 6600, 6600P, 6605, 6605P, and 6620

We are dedicated to safely, efficiently and effectively transporting our community’s students and positively impacting both the start and end of each bus rider’s day.

The Monroe School District provides transportation to and from school for K-12 grade students who live more than one mile walking distance from their home school. We utilize over 70 buses to transport students to and from school and extracurricular/sporting events. Our goal is to provide both a safe and enjoyable school bus ride for all students. Our buses are equipped with GPS units and video systems. These systems aid in locating buses in emergency situations, help with routing efficiency and assist our drivers and schools in supporting positive student behavior on the bus. We encourage students to arrive at their bus stop five minutes prior to the scheduled pick-up time and ride the bus to AND from their regular bus stop. For more information, please visit the Transportation Department page on our website.

The District has adopted Policy 4215 (Use of Tobacco, Nicotine Products and Delivery Devices), which prohibits the use of tobacco, nicotine, and other devices like vaping devices on school grounds. The policy says:

The board of directors recognizes that to protect students from exposure to the addictive substance of nicotine, employees and officers of the school district, and all members of the community, have an obligation as role models to refrain from use of tobacco products  and delivery devices on school property at all times. Tobacco products and delivery devices include, but are not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, snuff, smoking tobacco, smokeless tobacco, nicotine, electronic smoking/vapor devices, and vapor products, non-prescribed inhalers, nicotine delivery devices or chemicals that are not FDA-approved to help people quit using tobacco, devices that produce the same flavor or physical effect of nicotine substances and any other smoking equipment, device, material or innovation.

Any use of such products and delivery devices by staff, students, visitors and community members will be prohibited on all school district property, including all district buildings, grounds and district-owned vehicles, and at school events regardless of location; and in the case of vape/vapor products, within five hundred feet of schools. Possession by or distribution of tobacco products to minors is prohibited.

The use of Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved nicotine replacement therapy in the form of a nicotine patch, gum or lozenge is permitted. However, students and employees must follow applicable policies regarding use of medication at school.

Notices advising students, district employees and community members of this policy will be posted in appropriate locations in all district buildings and at other district facilities as determined by the superintendent and will be included in the employee and student handbooks. Employees and students are subject to discipline for violations of this policy, and school district employees are responsible for the enforcement of the policy.

The District appreciates the contributions that volunteers make to our educational program, and it encourages parents and community members to volunteer. Nonetheless, our top priority is keeping our students, staff, and volunteers safe. Therefore, we require all volunteers, including field trip chaperones, to submit a volunteer application and be approved in order to spend time on campus. Volunteer application packets must be submitted annually and include the following:

• Application
• Statement affirming understanding of: Confidentiality, Discrimination, and Prohibiting Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying laws and procedures
• Criminal History Disclosure/WSP Criminal Background Check
• Reference Check

Those who are interested in volunteering should review the following policies:

• Policy 5005 (Employment and Volunteers: Disclosures, Certification Requirements, Assurances and Approval) and 5005P (Employment and Volunteers: Disclosures, Certification Requirements, Assurances and Approval – Procedure)
• Policy 5630 (Volunteers) and 5630P (Volunteers – Procedure)

All volunteers, including one-time volunteers, and visitors must:

• sign in and out in the main office at the school or site location they are visiting;
• wear identification badge at all times while on campus or on a field trip;
• acknowledge that relationships developed with children at school need to remain at school and that, for their own protection, volunteers should never be left alone with a child that is out of view of school personnel or another adult volunteer.

Because the safety of students and staff in our schools is paramount, the District has adopted Policy 4210 (Regulation of Dangerous Weapons on School Premises), which prohibits individuals from carrying dangerous weapons on to district property. To ensure that you are familiar with the District’s policy, it is reproduced below:

It is a violation of district policy and state law for any person to carry a firearm or dangerous weapon on school district premises, school-provided transportation or areas of other facilities being used exclusively for school activities unless specifically authorized by state law. Carrying a dangerous weapon onto school premises, school-provided transportation, or areas of other facilities being used exclusively for school activities in violation of RCW 9.41.280 is a criminal offense.

The superintendent is directed to see that all school facilities post “Gun-Free Zone” signs, and that all violations of this policy and RCW 9.41.280 are reported annually to the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Dangerous Weapons

The term “dangerous weapons” under state law includes:

• Any firearm;
• Any device commonly known as “nun-chu-ka sticks,” consisting of two or more length of wood, metal, plastic, or similar substance connected with wire, rope, or other means;
• Any device, commonly known as “throwing stars,” which are multi-pointed, metal objects designed to embed upon impact from any aspect;
• Any air gun, including any air pistol or air rifle, designed to propel a BB, pellet, or other projectile by the discharge of compressed air, carbon dioxide, or other gas;
• Any portable device manufactured to function as a weapon and which is commonly known as a stun gun, including a projectile stun gun which projects wired probes that are attached to the device that emit an electrical charge designed to administer to a person or an animal an electric shock, charge, or impulse;
• Any device, object, or instrument which is used or intended to be used as a weapon with the intent to injure a person by an electric shock, charge, or impulse;
• The following instruments:
  • Any dirk or dagger;
  • Any knife with a blade longer than three inches;
  • Any knife with a blade which is automatically released by a spring mechanism or other mechanical device;
  • Any knife having a blade which opens, or falls or is ejected into position by the force of gravity, or by outward, downward, or centrifugal thrust or movement; and
  • Any razor with an unguarded blade;
• Any slung shot, sandbag, or sandclub;
• Metal knuckles;
• A sling shot;
• Any metal pipe or bar used or intended to be used as a club;
• Any explosive;
• Any weapon containing poisonous or injurious gas;
• Any implement or instrument which has the capacity to inflict death and from the manner in which it is used, is likely to produce or may easily and readily produce death.

In addition, the district considers the following weapons in violation of this policy:

• Any knife or razor not listed above, except for instruments authorized or provided for specific school activities;
• Any object other than those listed above which is used in a manner to intimidate, threaten, or injure another person and is capable of easily and readily producing such injury.

Reporting Dangerous Weapons

An appropriate school authority will promptly notify the student’s parents or guardians and the appropriate law enforcement agency of known or suspected violations of this policy.

Students who violate this policy will be subject to discipline. Students who have possessed a firearm on any school premises, school-provided transportation, or school-sponsored activities at any facility shall be expelled for not less than one year pursuant to RCW 28A.600.420. The superintendent may modify the one-year expulsion for a firearm on a case-by-case basis.

The district may also suspend or expel a student for up to one year if the student acts with malice (as defined under RCW 9A.04.110) and displays a device that appears to be a firearm.

No expulsion under RCW 28A.600.420 prevents the district from continuing to provide educational services in an alternative educational setting in compliance with RCW 28A.600.015. Any alternative setting should be comparable, equitable, and appropriate to the regular education services a student would have received without the exclusionary discipline. Example alternative settings include one-on-one tutoring and online learning.

Exceptions to State Law and this Policy

The following persons may carry firearms into school buildings, as necessary, although students engaged in these activities are restricted to the possession of rifles on school premises:

1. Persons engaged in military, law enforcement, or school district security activities;
2. Persons involved in a school authorized convention, showing, demonstration, lecture or firearm safety course;
3. Persons competing in school authorized firearm or air gun competitions; and
4. Any federal, state or local law enforcement officer.

The following persons over eighteen years of age and not enrolled as students may have firearms in their possession on school property outside of school buildings:

1. Persons with concealed weapons permits issued pursuant to RCW 9.41.070 who are picking up or dropping off students; and
2. Persons conducting legitimate business at the school and in lawful possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon if the weapon is secured within an attended vehicle, is unloaded and secured in a vehicle, or is concealed from view in a locked, unattended vehicle.

Persons may bring dangerous weapons, other than firearms, onto school premises if the weapons are lawfully within the person’s possession and are to be used in a school-authorized martial arts class.

Personal Protection Spray

Persons over eighteen years of age, and persons between fourteen and eighteen years of age with written parental or guardian permission, may possess personal protection spray devices on school property. No one under eighteen years of age may deliver such devices. No one eighteen years or older may deliver a spray device to anyone under fourteen, or to anyone between fourteen and eighteen who does not have parental permission.

Personal protection spray devices may not be used other than in self-defense as defined by state law. Possession, transmission or use of personal protection spray devices under any other circumstances is a violation of district policy.