Students remain at school from the time they arrive until school is dismissed except by prior permission. All students not part of a school-sanctioned event or activity are expected to leave the campus immediately after school. 

Associated Student Body (ASB) Cards
The sale of Associated Student Body (ASB) cards funds all ASB co-curricular and athletic events. Purchasing the $25 ASB card is required for students who participate in school clubs, sports, band, drama, WEB, or are an ASB officer or classroom representative.

ASB is an option to all other students but some special perks to having your ASB card include:

• Special discounts on school socials and events conducted at Hidden River Middle School.
• Free or reduced admission to athletic events including district-wide events.

Every student at Hidden River Middle School will be issued a student identification card whether they purchase an ASB card or not.

Clubs and Activities
One of our beliefs is that EVERY HAWK belongs here at Hidden River. Consider connecting with your Hidden River community by participating in after school sports or clubs. Please note that new clubs can be formed by students who share a common interest. Here are examples of clubs that have been held in the past at Hidden River:

• Jazz Band 
• Yearbook / Newspaper 
• Drama 
• Study Club 
• Chess Club
• Art Club 
• Gaming Club 
• Robotics Club 
• Anime Club
• Crochet Club
• Open Gym Sports Club

School assemblies are held for a variety of purposes to build and celebrate a sense of school-wide community, identity, and culture at Hidden River Middle School, as well as to honor significant cultural and historical contributions to our society.  

Students are expected to demonstrate HRMS Common Expectations by: entering quietly and safely, using conversation voices between activities, clapping / using context- appropriate audience responses, and by honoring those leading assembly activities.

Middle School Athletics Website

EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS
Students are responsible for the replacement of lost and/or damaged equipment and uniforms

INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC REQUIREMENTS
Interscholastic athletic activities are open to all 7th and 8th grade students who satisfy the requirements of the Washington Interscholastic AThletic Association (WIAA) and Monroe Public Schools.  6th grader may turn out for Wrestling.  That is the only sport available to 6th graders.  A detailed outline of Athletic guidelines is available online or in the office.  To be eligible students must: 

• Have a current physical on file
• Complete an online athletic eligibility form.
• Complete an online emergency information form.
• Complete an online parent medical questionnaire form.
• Meet grade requirements. 2.0 GPA with no failing grades is the minimum requirement, some activities may have higher expectations or requirements for eligibility.
• Provide proof of medical insurance.
• Pay as ASB fee of $25.00
• Pay current sports participation fee. ‘Pay to Play’ is $55.00 per season.

Four seasons of sports are offered at middle school:

• Fall Sports:  Football (HRMS & PPMS combined), Cross Country (HRMS & PPMS combined), and Fast Pitch Softball
• Winter I:  Boys Basketball, Volleyball, and Girls & Boys Soccer
• Winter II:  Girls Basketball and Wrestling (HRMS & PPMS combined)
• Spring:  Track (HRMS & PPMS combined)

Sports fees are $55.00 per player, per season.

Please refer to the District Handbook and Board Docs for athletic & academic standards.

You may not attend or participate in after school activities or evening events if you have been absent from school the same day or missed am classes without prior administrative approval.

Class placement decisions are made based on the commitment to meet student needs that are demonstrated in the classroom.  For elective courses, student input is prioritized to ensure a schedule that meets student interests. 

Hidden River Middle School
9224 Paradise Lake Rd.
Snohomish, WA  98296
Ph:  360-804-4100
Fax:  360-804-4199
Attendance Hotline:  360-804-4101
Transportation Changes & End of Day Notes:  360-804-7101

Jonathan Judy, Principal
Shauna Briggs, Assistant Principal 
Jill Skold, Office Manager
Lily Chastain, Counselor
Jenna Monson, Assistant Secretary (ASB, Counseling, Athletics)
Judith Ramos, Assistant Secretary (Attendance)

HRMS Staff Directory

The Monroe School District has a comprehensive handbook detailing the polices, procedures, and policies that govern our beliefs and operations.  A full copy of the Monroe School District handbook is linked HERE, or can be found at https://www.monroe.wednet.edu/about/district-handbook.

Strategies For Success: Dress Code

Students must maintain an appearance that is not disruptive or distracting to the educational process. The district dress code is found on the Monroe School District link: https://go.boarddocs.com/wa/mpswa/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=AUENYU61D630

As staff who partner with students to make consistent choices to help their learning, our goals in interacting with students about their dress are as follows: 

• We aim to create consistency in the way we interact with all students about their choice of clothing. 
• We aim to honor diverse cultures, backgrounds, gender identification, and body types.  At Hidden River Middle School, “all means all,” which means we honor each individual in how we dress and interact around our choice of clothing. 
• We aim to follow district and state laws about clothing expectations in schools.  

As such, if there are individual concerns about student clothing, the concern will be communicated to our school office. School office staff will then contact families to determine the best course of action.

All students at Hidden River must be transported by bus or car to and from campus. School starts at 7:50AM and dismisses at 2:20PM M-Th and 1:05PM Friday. Students may be dropped off starting at 7:35AM, and should report to class at 7:45AM. Please inform the school office of any changes to transportation prior via phone or written note prior no later than 1:30PM Monday-Thursday and 12:30PM on Friday 

Students remain at school from the time they arrive until school is dismissed except by prior permission. All students not part of a school-sanctioned event or activity are expected to leave the campus immediately after school. 

Field trips are occasionally offered to expand student educational opportunities, or to provide community-building opportunities for students.  In either case, field trips are viewed as a privilege, and will be offered to students who are consistently meeting behavioral expectations. Additionally, all students must have a signed permission slip by families/caregivers prior to leaving campus for any reason during the school day.  Any student who is unable to attend a field trip will be offered an alternative activity at the school during the scheduled field trip. 

Each classroom develops norms and expectations around the use of food, gum and drinks. Students are expected to follow classroom-based norms. 

Conferences: 

Hidden River Middle School conducts one conference week for student-parent-teacher conferences, near the end of our 1st Quarter, each fall. Hidden River uses a Student-Led Conference model for our annual student conferences. Students go through a process in which they identify their strengths, interests, some areas of growth, and concrete goals for their school year. Because of this model, students and parents have the opportunity to conference with one of your students’ teachers during our conference week. 

If you wish to schedule a conference with a teacher outside conference week, please email that teacher directly.  

Grading and Report Cards: 

Hidden River Middle School grading practices are focused on two priorities:  (1) Accuracy-- all students and families will have an accurate picture of student learning; and (2) Confidence-- grades are aimed at building student confidence in their ability to succeed and improve.  

As such, Hidden River Middle School staff have built common practices around grading policies.  The following chart provides guidance about how to interpret student grades:  

Late Work and Re-Takes / Work Revisions:

At Hidden River we believe that there are essential academic, social, and citizenship skills that All students must master to be successful in middle school, in high school and beyond.  We also believe that learning is not a single event, but rather a process that requires effort, persistence, and support.  In that regard, we are committed to the following:

• We will teach students how to be responsible by implementing deadlines and facilitating timelines for work completion. 
• Because learning is a process, we will allow students to retake assessments, after they analyze their performance in the initial assessment, create and follow a plan for success on the retake, and retake the assessment within a reasonable amount of time, which will be communicated clearly between teacher and student.
• In the gradebook, students will earn their highest score between the original assessment and the retake.

Grade Weights/ Calculation

For grading consistency from class to class, the following grading categories will be used to report student progress on learning:  

• Essential Standards (standards that have been deemed by teacher teams to be most critical and foundational for learning): 80% of overall grade
• Learning Targets (daily or weekly “stepping stones” to build toward essential learning):  20% of overall grade 
• Daily Work:  0% of overall grade (may be used to help guide the process of re-takes or revisions when necessary)
• Core Values or Learning Habits: 0% of overall grade (may be used to help guide social or behavior learning interventions) 

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 & Section 504 Coordinator: Cassandra Bunney
14692 - 179th Avenue SE, Monroe, WA 98272
(360) 804-2532
bunneyc@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.

Every Hawk has the right to a safe and respectful learning environment. This means… 
“Every Hawk:” This is FOR all of us and is EXPECTED OF all of us. 
“Safe:” Physical, mental, emotional, and social safety is a right of all individuals. 
“Respectful:” We work to honor each other as we learn and grow together.  
“Accountable:” We are responsible for our actions and learn from mistakes.
“Accepted:” We accept ourselves and others around us as part of our community.

What to Expect when I AM following the Hawk Way: 

• Staff and students will recognize and affirm each other.  
• Staff and students will experience positive consequences, such as Hawk High Fives, other rewards within each classroom, opportunities to have free time and access to special activities such as Hawk Way Days, and might even earn special honors such as being part of the Hidden River showcases or being recognized at assemblies.  
• Each student will feel a sense of safety and belonging as we make progress toward the Hawk Way.  That will allow us to accomplish our goals as individuals and as a community!

What to Expect if I am NOT following the Hawk Way: 

• Staff or students will respectfully identify behaviors that are not following the Hawk Way, and request that an individual changes that behavior.  
• If the disruptive or unexpected behaviors continue, even after the request to change has been made, the following types of consequences will be used to help us maintain the Hawk Way:

Some helpful definitions: 

• Reflect: This is an opportunity to pause and identify what’s happening, how I am feeling, what is needed, and the impact of actions that have interfered with the Hawk Way, in the classroom. 
• Reset: This is a 10-minute reset in the office or library, after attempts have been made in the classroom (or other settings) to help students meet Hawk Way expectations and classroom norms. Students will practice a coping skill, identify what they will do differently upon return to the classroom, and complete one brief learning task to reset.
• Relocate: Working or processing behaviors in an alternate location, after Reflect and Reset steps have been taken. Students who do not make improvements will complete work in the office for the remainder of the class period. 
• Restorative Conversations: A staff-facilitated conversation between 2 or more people, giving each person the opportunity to tell their story about the behaviors that were harmful for them and for individuals to take responsibility for harmful actions or interactions.  
• Check-in / Check-out: A daily or weekly opportunity to set and reflect on individual goals. 
• Lunch / Break Detention: If other consequence strategies are ineffective, students may be asked to do additional reflection work at lunch and / or break as a logical consequence for lost instruction time or unsafe behavior.  
• Loss of Privileges: May include increased supervision or fewer opportunities to participate in special events such as Hawk Way Days, assemblies, or field trips.
• In-School Suspension: Work on an alternate schedule in the office, used when other consequence strategies have been attempted and /or when significant time is needed to process behaviors.  
• Suspension: This traditional consequence is used as a last resort, after other consequence strategies have been attempted, except in situations where extremely unsafe behaviors are demonstrated. 

COMMON EXPECTATIONS APPLIED TO COMMON AREAS ON CAMPUS

• Safety Looks Like
  • Hands/bodies to self 
  • Walking in common spaces 
  • Taking care of physical environment and property:  clean up messes, gum in classrooms supervised by teacher only, food/drink in cafeteria only, water only in classrooms
  • Phones and any fragrance sprays are kept in backpacks and not used during the school day 
  • No Energy Drinks 
• Respect Looks Like 
  • Use of language that shows honor and acceptance of all individuals
  • Listening to peer requests and needs 
  • Picking up after ourselves 
• Accountability Looks Like 
  • Listening and responding to adult reminders 
  • Telling the truth about the situation 
• Acceptance Looks Like
  • Including others 
  • No use of harmful language 

Student Handbook-- Behaviors of Concern

Hidden River Middle School’s Common Expectations are based on each individual student’s legal RIGHT to a safe and productive learning environment. Each student has the RIGHT and the RESPONSIBILITY to create a school community in which we can all learn and feel safe. 

The behaviors listed below are examples of behaviors that the state of Washington defines as interfering with the rights of each student to their education. 

The following behaviors might range in severity from “Minor” impact on the environment or others to “Major” impact on the environment or others: 

• Academic Dishonesty: The attempt of any student to present as their own work that which they have not produced independently. Students are considered to have cheated if they copy the work of another during an examination or turn in a paper or an assignment written, in whole or in part, by someone else. Students are responsible for plagiarism, intentional or not, if they copy material from books, magazines, or other sources without identifying and acknowledging those sources or if they paraphrase ideas from such sources without acknowledging them.
• Inappropriate Displays of Affection: overt displays of affection or sexually oriented actions which violate standards of acceptable social conduct are prohibited.
• Tardiness: Minor-- 3 or fewer unexcused in a month; Major-- 4 or more unexcused in a month. 
• Disruptive Conduct: Willful conduct which creates a disturbance on school premises or interferes with the educational process. Conduct includes but is not limited to: Occupying school grounds in order to deprive others; blocking the entrance/exit of any building, classroom or office, or school bus in order to deprive others of passing; preventing students from attending a class or school activity; blocking normal pedestrian/vehicular traffic on campus; interfering seriously with the conduct of class activities. 
• Defiance: Refusal to follow lawful instructions of school personnel. 
• Using Foul/Abusive Language: Student delivers verbal messages that include swearing, name-calling, or use of words in an inappropriate way.
• Fighting: Mutual participation in an incident involving physical violence.
• False Alarm and/or Report: The deceptive or erroneous report of an emergency, causing unnecessary panic and/or bringing resources to a place where they are not needed. 
• Disruptive Dress: Dress and appearance must not present safety problems, intimidate others, or cause disruption.
• Dangerous behavior: Engaging in behavior which a reasonable person would know creates risk of injury to another individual.
• Destruction of property: Malicious mischief; intentional damage to school property or property of others, including, but not limited to, school employees, visitors, or students. Student/ 09guardian are liable to the school for all damages to property (RCW 28A.635.060).

The following behaviors most often only fall under the “Major” behaviors category, some of which include acts that are considered illegal: 

• Arson: Knowingly and/or intentionally causing a fire or explosion.
• Bomb Threat: Threatening to bomb or damage any public school facility or property.
• Burglary: Breaking into school with intent to steal and/or vandalize.
• Theft: The unauthorized carrying away of the personal property of another person or the property of the district is prohibited.
• Sexual Misconduct: Obscene acts of expression, whether verbal or non-verbal.
• Threat: Intimidation of school personnel or other students by direct threat of force or violence.
• Trespass: Being present in an unauthorized place or refusing to leave when ordered to do so is prohibited. Loitering in lavatories, parking lots and designated off-limits areas, and refusing to leave when ordered to do so is prohibited. 
• Sale, Use, or Possession of Drugs/Alcohol: Selling, distributing or being under the influence of drugs, alcohol, mind-altering substances, or medication not prescribed by a physician. Medication taken on campus must be approved in writing.
• Assault: Use of force or violence upon the person of another (RCW 28A.635.090.).
• Firearm: Carrying onto, or to have possessed a firearm on, school premises, public school-provided transportation, or areas of facilities.  (RCW28A.600.420, WAC 392-400-820)
• Explosives: Possession or use of anything tending or serving to explode with force or violence, such as firecrackers, bullets or pipe bombs.
• Extortion: Obtaining money or property by violence or threat of violence, or forcing someone to do something by force or threat of force is prohibited.

Generally, behaviors that are considered “Minor” behaviors are managed at the classroom level and/or by staff who witness or find out about the behaviors, with some administrative support. Behaviors that are considered “Major” are managed by school administration. 

Our goal is to promote class time as the best opportunity for students to do work in order to maximize the learning process. 

Students who do not complete their work in class may be required to take their work home to complete for homework. 

Assignments designated as “homework” will be considered practice and preparation work that does not impact a student’s overall grade.

Strategies For Success: Use of Technology at School

The use of technology in school is vital for developing the skills necessary for success in the 21st century. The following Technology Expectations aim to teach and reinforce students how to use technology resources in academic and professional environments.     

Phones and Personal Electronic Devices 

Hidden River strives to be a place where students and staff use healthy, in-person interactions with each other. Technology is a tool we use for learning, using our school-issued Chromebooks; our in-person interactions are what help us grow as individuals and as a community. 

Hidden River Middle School is a “Phones-Free” Environment: Student phones (and / or other electronic devices) should be turned off and kept in backpacks at all times and in all locations at school (7:35 - 2:20)

The following process will be followed for unauthorized use of student devices: 

• Staff Verbal Reminder: Staff will politely request and expect students to turn off the phone and put it in their backpack. 
• Classroom phone check-in: Students not following the expectation for phones to be in their backpack will be asked to submit it to their teacher, can pick the phone up at the end of the class period, and place it immediately in their backpack.   
• Office phone check-in: If students refuse the verbal reminder and classroom phone check-in steps, they will be directed to bring their phone to the office, for safekeeping until the end of the school day.  
• Chronic phone misuse: If there is no improvement in following the phone and personal device expectations, a meeting will be scheduled with the student’s family.  

Why is Hidden River a “Phones-Free” Environment? Reducing dependence on phone use increases a focus on learning, reduces anxiety, and helps our students experience a sense of Safety, Respect, Accountability, and Acceptance at school. 

Parents, please utilize the school phone during school hours to communicate necessary information to your student by calling (360) 804-4100.  

HRMS is not responsible for the loss of any electronic equipment.

Chromebooks and Technology Use

Students are expected to bring their school district-issued Chromebook to and from school each and every day. Students must charge their Chromebook at home each evening. Students should only bring their school district issued Chromebooks to classes. 

Digital Citizenship is part of meeting The HRMS Common expectations.  Students will be expected to use the following acceptable use practices when using a district-provided Chromebook at school:  

• All communication with others must demonstrate Safety, Respect, Accountability, and Acceptance.
• All websites accessed must be school-approved, and support student learning. 
• All students should access technology using their username and password only.
• All student use of district provided technology can be monitored by district software.   
• Computers are district property provided for student use. Misuse of computers can result in school discipline and/or restitution. 

Students have access to book check-out during all breaks, and can access the library during any class with teacher permission. Books not turned-in will result in fines that could prevent students from obtaining their yearbook or end of year final grades.  

Items that are lost and found will be placed on our lost and found table, outside the gym. Lost and found items that are not claimed are donated to charity at the end of each quarter.

The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless children or unaccompanied youth as lacking a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence.  Please refer to detailed information about the McKinney-Vento Act in the Monroe School District Handbook:  

McKinney Vento - District Handbook

For additional questions, please contact Lily Shafer, Counselor, at Hidden River.
Phone:  360-804-4100
Email:  chastainl@monroe.wednet.edu

Students are discouraged from carrying money at school, as it can easily be lost. If your student brings lunch money, they should take it directly to the lunch room before school to put on their lunch account.  

All other money sent to school for the purpose of school-related purchases should go directly to the office, unless directed otherwise.

The Hidden River Headlines Newsletters are published bi-weekly and distributed via the district mass communication system, ParentSquare.

Hidden River Middle School’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is a vital partner in serving students. Please consider getting involved with this active group of parents and staff members, to further connect the ongoing work of student learning to families and the broader community.  For more information, please contact: hrmspto@gmail.com.  

Policy: 4218 and 4218P

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.

HRMS Common Expectations extend to all aspects of school transportation (bus stops, loading/unloading, and during transport). Hidden River administration follows the Monroe School District Transportation Progressive Discipline Plan to ensure HRMS Common Expectations are demonstrated during transportation related activities.

All students are expected to ride their assigned bus to and from school, unless parent permission has been given to the office. Parent permission to ride a different bus must be received in the office no later than 1:30PM Monday-Thursday and 12:30PM on Friday. 

Many school facilities including school buses routinely video tape to maintain the safety of students, staff and visitors. 

Students are not permitted to take video of other students or staff without their express permission while at school.

Hidden River welcomes the opportunity for volunteers to support student growth!  The Monroe School District requires that any school volunteer who works with students on a regular basis complete a Volunteers Screening Packet available online.