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Student & Family Handbook

English Crossing Elementary Appendix

 

16728 16th Dr. NE
Marysville, WA 98271

Mailing Address:

English Crossing Elementary
PO Box 50
North Lakewood, WA 98259
Phone Number: (360) 652-4515
Fax Number: (360) 654-2036
ece.lwsd.wednet.edu

Mission Statement

We, as a community of students, parents, and staff at English Crossing Elementary provide an education that promotes improved student achievement in a safe, supportive, respectful environment where students are encouraged to become responsible, productive citizens.

Principal’s Message

Dear Families,

Welcome to English Crossing Elementary School. This handbook provides some basic and important information about our school. Please read through and refer to it when needed. If you have questions that are not addressed in this handbook, please call the school office at (360) 652-4515. We will make every effort to answer your questions and address concerns in a timely manner. Additional information may be found on our school and district websites.

We value your partnership in your child’s education and want to work together to help your child reach their fullest potential. We strive to create a safe and welcoming environment for all. Please feel free to reach out any time with questions, comments, or concerns. We appreciate your support and look forward to partnering with you to provide your child(ren) with the best education possible.

Sincerely,
Michele Ricci

Schoolwide Behavior Expectations

Our schoolwide expectations are called the Big 3. They are:

  1. Treat Others Right
  2. Make Smart Decisions
  3. Maximize Your Potential

We teach and reinforce these expectations throughout the day. Positive behavior choices are recognized and reinforced. These expectations are supported by our monthly Core Essential Values. Students will be introduced to a different Core Value each month.

Student Schedule

Student School Day

  • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday — 8:35 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
  • Early Release Fridays — 8:35 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.

Students may be dropped off fifteen minutes before the start of the school day at 8:20 a.m.

Lunch/Recess (Times may vary slightly due to scheduling changes.)

  • K-1: 11 a.m.-11:40 a.m.
  • 2-3: 11:25 a.m.-12:05 p.m.
  • 4-5: 11:50 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

2nd Recess

  • K-1: 12:40 p.m.-12:55 p.m.
  • 2-3: 1 p.m.-1:15 p.m.
  • 4-5: 1:15 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

Half Day Schedule

Half Days — 8:35am to 12:15pm

Lunch will be served on half days.

  • K-1: 11 a.m.-11:20 a.m.
  • 2-3: 11:25 a.m.-11:45 a.m.
  • 4-5: 11:50 a.m.-12:10 p.m.

Personal Items

Students are not allowed to bring personal and valuable items to school. This include: toys, trading cards, and electronic devices, such as IPods, DS players, and cell phones, unless approval has been obtained from the principal and/or the transportation supervisor. Students may not use cell phones during the school day unless they have permission from school staff. Students will be asked to put these items in their backpacks to take home. If students continue to bring or use the items, teachers may take the items and ask that they be picked up from school. Some bus drivers allow these items during the bus ride. However, they are not allowed during the school day. 

Attendance

Regular school attendance is important and necessary for all students. We want all students to be at school every day, all day, and on time. Families are essential partners in getting students to school on time every day. We will work with you if there are barriers to getting your student to school. At times, students may appropriately be absent from school. Below are our guidelines and procedures for supporting attendance.

  • Absences due to illness or a health condition, religious observances when requested by the student’s parent/guardian, school approved activities, and family emergencies shall be excused. The principal may, upon request by a parent/guardian, grant permission in advance for a student’s absence providing such absence does not adversely affect the student’s educational progress.
  • If an absence is excused, the student shall be permitted to make up all missed assignments.
  • Parent/Guardians: Please call the school secretary by 9:00am on the day your student will be absent.
  • If a phone call is made, the student does not need to bring a note to school from the parent/guardian indicating the reason for the absence on the day she/he returns to school. Otherwise, students must produce a written excuse signed by the parent/guardian and present it to the office staff on the day the student returns to school.
  • If the parent/guardian does not notify the school of their student’s absence, the school will make every attempt to contact the parent/guardian at home or at their worksite.  For your convenience, you may leave a message at 360-652-4515 twenty-four hours a day to report your child’s absence.
  • Washington State Law (RCW 28A.225.010) requires that all children from ages 8 to 17 attend school. Children who are 6-7 years old are not required to be enrolled in school. However, if parents enroll their 6-7 year old, the student must attend full time.
  • Washington State Law requires elementary schools to conference with families when students have five excused absences in one month or ten in the current school year in order identify the barriers to the child’s regular attendance. Exemptions are when absences are pre-arranged or there is a doctor’s note for the absence.
  • Please be sure to fill out a pre-arranged absence form before taking a planned trip during school days.

TARDIES: If a student is not in school on time, their learning is disrupted. If a student is tardy, the parent is requested to accompany the student to the office and sign them in. A student is tardy if they arrive anytime after 8:35 a.m.

LEAVING EARLY: Teachers strive to make every minute of the school day count. Students who leave early miss out on important instruction. Therefore, we ask that you schedule appointments after school hours when possible. If you do pick your child up during the school day, please check in at the office. Your child will be called from class at that time. Please do not go to the classroom to pick up your child.

Student Absences and Makeup Work

Students who are absent from school are expected to make up missed work when they return. When students are absent, they miss valuable instruction and learning opportunities. Classrooms are structured so that students are engaged in class discussions and hands-on group activities designed to lead students to a deeper understanding of the concepts being taught. It is difficult, if not impossible, to re-create these experiences. Please be aware that there will not always be a worksheet or other paper/pencil task for every subject. If your child is sick and needs to miss school, he/she will generally be given the make-up work on the day he/she returns to school. A reasonable amount of time will be given for this homework. If a student is absent for more than three days, the parent may request to pick up the child’s work. If your child needs to be out for an extended period of time, please call the school office to request work and fill out a pre-planned absence form when appropriate.

Homework

Research shows that the active involvement of families in school is essential to a child’s educational success. One way in which families can become involved is by encouraging their child to complete homework assignments. Homework can include reading, math facts, spelling, and assignments that were not finished in class. Some teachers may also assign long-term projects and reports that are to be worked on at home. Some students may also have IXL, RAZ Kids, and other online programs that they can work on at home. The best way to stay informed is to read the information provided by your child’s teacher.

Reading at Home

The Reading At Home (RAH) program is a part of every student's daily homework. RAH is designed to encourage children and families to read as a life-long habit. Students are asked to read at least 20 minutes daily, or at least 5 days out of every 7. This practice in reading is important for improving children's reading ability, and is a required part of daily homework. Students need to mark their reading on the monthly calendar in their planner, and parents need to sign the RAH record each month. Small prizes are given each month for participation, and we have a big celebration in the spring for those who have participated at least 8 months out of the 9 RAH months. More information will be provided in a newsletter at the beginning of the year.

Dress Code

At ECE, we feel a safe and positive environment is important to student success. This includes how they dress each day. Clothing with profanity, suggestive comments and/or designs, advertising alcohol, tobacco or drugs are not acceptable. Students are expected to dress appropriately for the weather. This includes wearing clothing suitable for wet and/or cold days, when necessary. Northwest weather can be unpredictable. Sunshine in the morning can turn to rain later in the day. Unless we are experiencing heavy rain, students will be outside for recess. Please send students with jackets and socks and shoes. When the weather turns warmer we want to ensure that students wear clothing appropriate for learning and playing at school. If students wear very short shorts or revealing tops, they may be asked to make a clothing change or put additional layers on.

If a student is dressed inappropriately, parents may also be contacted and asked to bring more clothing. Keep in mind that tennis shoes or sneakers need to be worn on PE days. We also discourage flip flops and sandals because it is difficult to play in them at recess. Students often trip or get injuries if their footwear isn’t appropriate for outdoor activities.

Parent Teacher Association

The PTA provides support to the school and its programs. Through its fund-raising projects, it provides financial assistance for playground equipment, school assemblies, library materials, audio-visual equipment, and much more. The PTA is open to all parents. Come and share in the fun of the many PTA projects. We encourage you to join and support our PTA. Watch for announcements giving details of the meetings. Check out the bulletin board and Facebook page for more information.

Lost & Found

A “Lost and Found” area is located in the multipurpose room. Jewelry, money, and small items are kept in the office. Students may retrieve lost articles by checking these areas regularly. We encourage you to label all of your child’s clothing and personal possessions by boldly printing their name on each item. Unclaimed Lost & Found is donated at the end of each trimester to a local charity.

 

HIB, Non-Discrimination and Gender-Inclusive Schools

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 but reports about HIB can be made in writing or verbally. Your report can made anonymously, if you are uncomfortable revealing your identity, or confidentially if you prefer it not be shared with other students involved with the report. No disciplinary action will be taken against another student based solely on an anonymous or confidential report.

If a staff member is notified of, observes, overhears, or otherwise witnesses HIB, they must take prompt and appropriate action to stop the HIB behavior and to prevent it from happening again. Our district also has a HIB Compliance Officer (Tim Haines, Executive Director of HR & Student Services, at 360-652-4500) that supports prevention and response to HIB.

What happens after I make a report about HIB?

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

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

What is the investigation process?

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

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

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

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

For the student designated as the “targeted student” in a complaint:

If you do not agree with the school district’s decision, you may appeal the decision and include any additional information regarding the complaint to the superintendent, or the person assigned to lead the appeal, and then to the school board.

For the student designated as the “aggressor” in a complaint:

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

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

Our School Stands Against Discrimination

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

What is discriminatory harassment?

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

To review the district’s Nondiscrimination Policy #3210 and Procedure #3210P, view our Board Policies.

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, view our Board Policies.

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: Timothy Haines, 360-652-4500, thaines@lwsd.wednet.edu
  • Concerns about sex discrimination, including sexual harassment:
  • Title IX Coordinator:  Timothy Haines, 360-652-4500, thaines@lwsd.wednet.edu

Concerns about disability discrimination:

  • Section 504 Coordinator: Lissan Wipfli, 360-652-4500, lwipfli@lwsd.wednet.edu
  • Concerns about discrimination based on gender identity:
  • Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Timothy Haines, 360-652-4500, thaines@lwsd.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 district’s board of directors and then to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). More information about this process, including important timelines, is included on the district’s website.

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)

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

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.

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.

Our Schools are 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, view our Board Policies. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator:

Timothy Haines, 360-652-4500, thaines@lwsd.wednet.edu.

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

Updated: 8/23/24