Student Handbook
Click below for content from our student handbook. We hope this will help answer many of your questions. Please call the school office at 206-631-7630 if you need assistance.
- Academic Standards
- Academic Programs
- Attendance
- Graduation Exercises
- Behavior
- Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying
- Discrimination
- Sexual Harassment
- Complaint Options: Discrimination and Sexual Harassment
- Gender Inclusive Schools
- Discipline and Consequences
- Guest Teachers
- Health & Immunizations
- ASB Officers & Class Representatives
- Dress Code
- Smoking and Vaping
- Drugs, Alcohol & Illegal Substances
- Closed Campus
- Personal Belongings
- Search Policy
- Visitors
- Breakfast & Lunch Meals
- Unauthorized Sales or Fundraising
- Nondiscrimination Statement
Academic Standards
Continued enrollment at Highline CHOICE Academy requires that the undersigned student and parent/guardian understands and agrees to the following and supports through their on-going actions and behaviors:
- Continued demonstration of effort toward academic success or maintaining a grade of “C” or better in all academic and elective classes at Mid-Quarter Progress Grades, Quarterly Progress Grades, and Final Semester Grades.
- Regular and punctual attendance to all classes Monday through Friday including Advisory and well documented consistent activities for off-site electives.
- Consistent adherence to positive behavior (PBIS) and safety policies set forth by Highline CHOICE Academy Staff and Highline Public Schools Board of Directors.
- Demonstrated independence and enthusiasm for learning, taking full responsibility to complete assignments, access resources and academic supports, and communicate honestly with teachers.
- Daily and ongoing behavior by parents/guardians and students that reflect our Highline CHOICE Academy universal values of: Respect, Responsibility, Excellence, and Initiative.
Drop Classes Procedure:
Students who drop classes more than three weeks after the beginning of the semester will receive an ‘NC’ for the class unless special circumstances dictate otherwise and approved by the building administrator. If a student drops a class, the parents/guardians must find an accredited academic solution.
Academic Programs
Advisory: Highline CHOICE Academy assigns students to an advisory group. These students meet with their advisor each day to work on graduation plans, life skills, future planning, and off-site elective presentations. Students will receive a .25 elective credit each semester.
Off-Site Elective: This course is completed off-campus and is part of the Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) Independent Contract Requirements. These requirements are an integral part of our parent/guardian partnership program and are overseen by the student's Advisory teacher. Grades for these elective courses are contingent on weekly logs completed by both student and mentor, then authenticated by a parent/guardian. Participants in this program commit to legal authentication of weekly logs, a weekly progress check with Advisory teacher, signature, and a minimum of one day per semester for formal presentation of the student’s achievements.
Puget Sound Skills Center (PSSC): Eleventh (11th) and twelfth (12th) graders may participate in vocational, technical, and occupational job training programs at the Puget Sound Skills Center (PSSC) while attending Highline CHOICE Academy. PSSC is within walking distance from Highline CHOICE Academy.
Attendance
Highline CHOICE Academy complies with all district procedures regarding attendance, Compulsory School Attendance laws, and the legal requirements of the “BECCA Bill”, including notification of parents/guardians of all unexcused absences. Too many unexcused and excused absences will affect a student’s learning and classroom participation, and possibly lead to other difficulties that pertain to the before mentioned policies and laws.
Parents/guardians are to notify the school each day the student is absent. CHOICE Academy accepts written notes, emails from a parent/guardian account, and phone calls to the office, (206) 631-7630 to excuse a student’s absence. To be considered for an excused absence your correspondence must include:
- Student’s first and last name;
- Date of absence(s);
- Reason for the absence(s);
- Parent/guardian first and last name (as it may be different from the student).
All absences will be unexcused until the above correspondence has been received by office staff.
Please let us know if a bilingual family member or friend will act as an interpreter during the school day.
The reasons below are the only valid reasons for a student’s absence as directed by OSPI policy and Highline Public Schools policy:
- Participation in a district or school approved activity or instructional program;
- Illness, health condition, or medical appointment for the student or a person for whom the student is legally responsible;
- Family emergency including, but not limited to, a death or illness in the family;
- Religious or cultural purpose including observance of religious or cultural holiday or participation in religious or cultural instruction;
- Court, judicial proceeding, or serving on a jury;
- Post-secondary, technical school, or apprenticeship program visitation, or scholarship interview;
- State-recognized search and rescue activities consistent with RCW 28A.225.055;
- Absence directly related to the student’s homeless status; member consistent with RCW 28A.705.010;
- Absences related to deployment activities of a parent/guardian who is active duty military;
- Absence resulting from a disciplinary/corrective action (e.g. suspension or expulsion);
- Principal and parent/guardian/emancipated youth mutually agreed upon activity.
Family vacations must be pre-approved by the Principal or Administrator at least two (2) weeks prior to the first day of vacation. Without prior approval the vacation will be marked as unexcused absences.
The Principal or Administrator has the authority to determine if an absence meets the above criteria to be deemed an excused absence. An absence may not be considered excused if it causes a serious adverse effect on the student's educational progress. To view the entire Highline Public Schools policy regarding Excused and Unexcused Absences, please visit www.highlineschools.org and search Policy No. 3122.
Families in Crisis: Please let the Principal, Administrator or Student Counselor know if your family is experiencing a crisis. They, along with Highline Public Schools Social Workers and Homeless Family Advocates are here to help.
Graduation Exercises
CHOICE Academy graduation day is determined by Highline Public Schools. There will be senior speakers at graduation. One speaker will be the Valedictorian, who is the student with the highest GPA as indicated on the student’s high school transcript as of April 15. There will also be junior escorts, or “Grey Gowns”, to be at the ceremony. They, too, are the students with the highest GPA as indicated on the student’s high school transcript as of April 15.
Behavior
Highline CHOICE Academy families and students are held to a high standard of personal behavior and are expected to support the school’s mission of academic excellence and social responsibility.
In order to promote an environment that is focused on all students learning, it is important that all students follow the behaviors described below. If these basic rules of behavior are not followed, the quality of teaching and learning for everyone declines and student safety may be jeopardized.
By enrolling your student in Highline CHOICE Academy, Parents and/or Guardians agree to the following:
- My student will attend classes on a regular basis 5 days a week.
- I will volunteer in an area of expertise pre-arranged during opening conferences to support the overall Highline CHOICE Academy program. This will be coordinated through our PSO Volunteer Coordinator.
- I will make every effort to attend PSO meetings. PSO meetings are very important and crucial to the parent/guardian-school relationship. Those who are unable to attend are expected to read the minutes in order to gain the information needed to help their student succeed.
- If applicable, I will serve as facilitator with the Advisory teacher in planning and executing an elective class, helping my student develop measurable goals and oversee participation in their off-site elective class.
- If applicable, I will sign monthly off-site elective forms. My student will receive an incomplete grade if I fail to sign the forms acknowledging student participation in the elective course.
- I will help to ensure that volunteer parents/guardians, students, teachers and staff will be treated with respect at all times.
- I will take ownership of student’s behavior including language, politeness, and respectfulness.
By enrolling in Highline CHOICE Academy, Student agrees to the following:
- I will attend classes on time, on a regular basis, and will not leave classes until dismissed.
- I will follow the rules in each of my classes and those outlined in this handbook.
- I will treat staff, students, and property with respect and will comply with Highline Public Schools policies.
- I will put away anything that could distract my attention from class.
- I will be honest with adults and report misconduct that I see on campus or in class.
- I will work on my assignments and focus on learning while in class, which includes:
- Paying attention to the learning activity
- Working on assignments as directed
- Talking only when it is appropriate
- Being fully cooperative with adults, especially when student safety is an issue
- I will use appropriate language at all times.
- I will be proud of my school and my learning.
- I will agree to a dress code that will not be considered disruptive to the learning environment as determined by the school.
Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying
The Highline School District is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees, parents/legal guardians, volunteers, and community members that is free from harassment, intimidation, or bullying.
“Harassment, intimidation, or bullying” means any intentionally written message or image - including those that are electronically transmitted - verbal, or physical act, including but not limited to one shown to be motivated by race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, mental or physical disability, or other distinguishing characteristics, when an act:
· Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property.
· Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education.
· Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; and/or
· Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.
“Other distinguishing characteristics” can include but are not limited to physical appearance, clothing or other apparel, socioeconomic status, and weight.
Harassment, intimidation, and bullying can take many forms, including but not limited to, slurs, rumors, name calling, jokes, insinuations, demeaning comments, drawings, cartoons, pranks, ostracism, gestures, hazing, physical attacks, or threats.
In order to ensure respect and prevent harm, it is a violation of district policy for a student to be harassed, intimidated, or bullied by others in the school community, at school sponsored events, or when such actions create a substantial disruption to the educational process.
Incident Reporting
Any student or students who believe they have been the target of unresolved, severe, or persistent harassment, intimidation, or bullying, or any other person in the school community who observes or receives notice that a student has or may have been the target of unresolved, severe, or persistent harassment, intimidation, or bullying may report incidents verbally or in writing to any staff member.
You can report Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying (HIB) to any school staff member or to the district's HIB Coordinator. For a copy of your district’s HIB Policy 3207 , Procedure 3207 and Form 3207, contact your school or district office or view it online here: https://www.highlineschools.org/departments/student-support/bullying-civil-rights-sexual-harrassment
Your School Compliance Official: The Principal of CHOICE Academy
Any person having inquiries should contact:
· HIB Coordinator: District Ombudsman, 206.631.3100, isuzu.niizumaarambula@highlineschools.org
· Address: 15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW, Burien, WA 98166
Discrimination
Highline School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression and identity, marital status, 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. This holds true for all students who are interested in participating in educational programs and/or extracurricular activities. Highline Public Schools also provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.
You can report discrimination and discriminatory harassment to any school staff member or to the district's Civil Rights Coordinator. For a copy of your district’s nondiscrimination Policy 3210 and Procedure 3210, contact your school or district office or view it online here: https://www.highlineschools.org/departments/student-support/bullying-civil-rights-sexual-harrassment
Your School Compliance Official: The Principal of CHOICE Academy
Any person having inquiries should contact:
· Civil Rights Act (students) and Title IX: District Ombudsman, 206.631.3100, civilrightscoordinator@highlineschools.org; titleixofficer@highlineschools.org
· Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act: Health & Social Services Compliance Manager, 206.631.3011, 504coordinator@highlineschools.org
· Address: 15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW, Burien, WA 98166
Highline School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression and identity, marital status, 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. This holds true for all students who are interested in participating in educational programs and/or extracurricular activities. Highline Public Schools also provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.
Any person having inquiries should contact:
· Civil Rights Act (students) and Title IX: District Ombudsman, 206.631.3100, civilrightscoordinator@highlineschools.org; titleixofficer@highlineschools.org
· Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act: Health & Social Services Compliance Manager, 206.631.3011, 504coordinator@highlineschools.org
· Address: 15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW, Burien, WA 98166
Sexual Harassment
Highline Public Schools is committed to a positive and productive education free from discrimination, including sexual harassment. This commitment extends to all students 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.
Definitions
For purposes of this policy, sexual harassment means unwelcome conduct or communication of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment can occur adult to student, student to student or can be carried out by a group of students or adults and will be investigated by the District even if the alleged harasser is not a part of the school staff or student body. The district prohibits sexual harassment of students by other students, employees or third parties involved in school district activities.
The term “sexual harassment” may include:
· Acts of sexual violence;
· Unwelcome sexual or gender-directed conduct or communication that interferes with an individual’s educational performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment;
· Unwelcome sexual advances;
· Unwelcome requests for sexual favors;
· Sexual demands when submission is a stated or implied condition of obtaining an educational benefit;
· Sexual demands where submission or rejection is a factor in an academic, or other school-related decision affecting an individual.
A “hostile environment” has been created for a student when sexual harassment is sufficiently serious to interfere with or limit the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the school’s program. The more severe the conduct, the less need there is to demonstrate a repetitive series of incidents. In fact, a single or isolated incident of sexual harassment may create a hostile environment if the incident is sufficiently severe, violent, or egregious.
You can report sexual harassment to any school staff member or to the district's Title IX Officer. For a copy of your district’s sexual harassment Policy 3205 and Procedure 3205, contact your school or district office, or view it online here: https://www.highlineschools.org/departments/student-support/bullying-civil-rights-sexual-harrassment
Your School Compliance Official: The Principal of CHOICE Academy
Any person having inquiries should contact:
· Title IX Coordinator: District Ombudsman, 206.631.3100, titleixofficer@highlineschools.org
· Address: 15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW, Burien, WA 98166
Complaint Options: Discrimination and Sexual Harassment
Before filing a complaint, you can discuss your concerns with the school principal or with the school district’s Title IX Officer or Civil Rights Coordinator. This is often the fastest way to revolve your concerns.
Complaint to the School District
Step 1. Write Our Your Complaint
In most cases, complaints must be filed within one year from the date of the incident or conduct that is the subject of the complaint. A complaint must be in writing. Be sure to describe the conduct or incident, explain why you believe discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or sexual harassment has taken place, and describe what actions you believe the district should take to resolve the problem. Send your written complaint—by mail, fax, email, or hand delivery—to the district superintendent or civil rights compliance coordinator.
Step 2: School District Investigates Your Complaint
Once the district receives your written complaint, the coordinator will give you a copy of the complaint procedure and make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The superintendent or designee will respond to you in writing within 30 calendar days—unless you agree on a different time period. If your complaint involves exceptional circumstances that demand a lengthier investigation, the district will notify you in writing to explain why staff need a time extension and the new date for their written response.
Step 3: School District Responds to Your Complaint
In its written response, the district will include a summary of the results of the investigation, a determination of whether or not the district failed to comply with civil rights laws, notification that you can appeal this determination, and any measures necessary to bring the district into compliance with civil rights laws. Corrective measures will be put into effect within 30 calendar days after this written response—unless you agree to a different time period.
Appeal to the School District
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).
Complaint to 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 ǀ Fax: 360-664-2967
Mail or hand deliver: PO Box 47200, 600 Washington St. S.E., Olympia, WA 98504-7200
For more information, visit our website, or 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
Gender Inclusive Schools
Civil rights laws prohibit discrimination and discriminatory harassment on the basis of gender expression and gender identity in K–12 public schools.
Discrimination is the unfair or unequal treatment or harassment of a person or group because they are part of a defined group, known as a protected class.
Gender expression and gender identity are protected classes under Washington State law.
Discriminatory harassment is harassment based on a protected class. It can take many forms, such as threats, name-calling, derogatory jokes, physical assault, or other conduct that is physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating.
Common Terms and Definitions
· Assigned sex at birth: The sex a person was given at birth, usually based on anatomy or chromosomes (e.g., male, female, intersex, etc.)
· Cisgender: A term used to describe people whose assigned sex matches their gender identity and/or gender expression (e.g., someone who was assigned female at birth and whose gender identity and/or gender expression is also female.)
· Gender Expansive: A wider, more flexible range of gender identities or expressions than those typically associated with the binary gender system.
· Gender Expression: The external ways in which a person expresses their gender to the world, such as through their behavior, emotions, mannerisms, dress, grooming habits, interests, and activities.
· Gender Identity: A person’s internal and deeply-felt sense of being female, male, both, non-binary, gender-expansive, or other—regardless of the gender assigned at birth.
· Transgender: A term often used to describe a person whose gender identity or expression, or both, are different from those traditionally associated with their sex assigned at birth.
· Transitioning: The process in which a person goes from living and identifying as one gender to living and identifying as another.
You can report discrimination based on gender expression or gender identity to any school staff member or to the district's Gender Inclusive Schools Officer. For a copy of your district’s Gender Inclusive Schools policy and procedure, contact your school or district office, or view it online here: Policy 3211 and Procedure 3211
Your School Compliance Official: The Principal of CHOICE Academy
Any person having inquiries should contact:
· GIS Coordinator: District Ombudsman, 206.631.3100, isuzu.niizumaarambula@highlineschools.org
· Address: 15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW, Burien, WA 98166
Discipline and Consequences
Standard district discipline and consequences are described in the Highline Public Schools Responsibilities and Rights Handbook. This can be found at www.highlineschools.org.
Failure to adhere to the expectations set forth in this handbook as well as those policies of the Highline Public Schools will result in a conference with Highline CHOICE Academy staff and possible referral to the administration.
A few in-house strategies that are used at Highline CHOICE Academy:
Send-Home: Send-Home is an Administrative level disciplinary consequence where a student is sent home and charged an excused absence for the day. Parents will be notified and the student is not to return to school until a discussion by phone or in-person has occurred between a parent/guardian and Administration.
In-School Suspension: If a student commits a serious infraction of CHOICE Academy or Highline Public Schools rules, but not serious enough to be suspended out-of-school, the Administration can direct the student to be suspended-in-school. The student will be at school during normal hours, but will do class work separately from other students. Students who receive more than three detentions in a quarter will be considered for In-School Suspension.
Out-of-School Suspension: Suspension is a high-level disciplinary consequence which may be utilized with consideration of a student’s previous disciplinary history and the time remaining in the semester. If enforced or sanctioned, parent/guardian will be notified by phone and a formal letter.
Emergency Expulsion: When a student has created an immediate volatile disciplinary or safety risk situation the student may be Emergency Expelled from the CHOICE Academy Campus. The student is not to return until an appropriate consequence has been determined by CHOICE Academy Administration. Parent/Guardian will be notified by phone and formal letter.
Guest Teachers
Throughout the school year we expect a good relationship between students and Highline CHOICE Academy teachers. In the event of a teacher’s absence, it is necessary to have a Guest Teacher, or “Substitute” in the classroom. Students are expected to be respectful and follow the directions of the Guest Teacher.
Health & Immunizations
All injuries or illnesses should be reported to a teacher. Emergencies that arise will be managed by school personnel. In case of an emergency, it is very important that school records reflect the correct and current phone numbers and addresses of parents or guardians, as well as emergency contacts. Health Services can be arranged for students with additional needs. Contact the school’s office staff for more information.
The school does not have the authority to administer medication prescribed by a doctor or over-the-counter medications without authorization from a doctor and parent/guardian. If the student needs to take over-the-counter medication, they may carry it with a written note with parent/guardian signature. If a student needs to take doctor prescribed medication at school, a current district medication authorization form is required. This form will be completed by the student’s doctor and parent/guardian. The school’s office and nursing staff can arrange storage and dispensing of prescription medication upon receipt of the form. If the student has asthma, they may carry an inhaler after a district medication authorization form signed by a doctor and parent/guardian is on file. Students with ongoing health issues will be monitored by the assigned school nurse.
Immunization Law: In order to protect the student from a number of childhood diseases, Washington law requires that all children admitted to public school be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, measles, mumps, rubella (German measles), and varicella (chicken pox). If an immunization record is not on file at school, the nurse will contact a parent or guardian. If you choose not to have your student immunized due to medical, personal, or religious convictions, please bring to the school office a signed “Certificate of Exemption”.
ASB Officers & Class Representatives
Upon being elected into office, the ASB Officers and Class Representatives shall:
- Be a positive role model and demonstrate outstanding leadership skills. Exemplify the four traits of the CHOICE Academy Behavior Expectation: Respect, Responsibility, Excellence and Initiative.
- Supports decisions made by Administration.
- Maintain at least a 3.0 GPA every quarter while in office. A quarter grace period will be given to raise grades to this standard. Two quarters of not meeting GPA standard will result in removal from position.
- Any ‘NC’ grade earned at quarter will be cause for immediate removal from office.
- Violation of school rules/policies which have resulted in an Administration referral or suspension, while in office, will also be cause for immediate removal from office.
- In the event that any ASB Officer or Class Representative are unable to fulfill or are removed from his/her duties, a new election may be held through third quarter.
Highline CHOICE Academy aims to assure that all ASB officers are working toward a common, higher standard, and that parents/guardians are supporting the expectations and rules surrounding this esteemed position.
Dress Code
Highline Public Schools and school staff believe that learning best occurs in a positive atmosphere. To that end, we expect our students to help create that environment. Appearance expectations will be enforced throughout the campus. As determined by Highline CHOICE Academy Administration and staff and consistent with Highline Public Schools Dress Code Policy, appearance which causes disruption of the educational process or presents health or safety issues will not be allowed.
- Shoes are to be worn at all times.
- Clothing or tattooing with inappropriate language or any reference to tobacco, drugs, alcohol, or gang affiliation, including bandanas, is not allowed.
- Shorts, skirts and dresses are to be long enough to maintain modesty while standing or sitting. These items should reach mid-thigh.
- Shirts should meet the waistband of skirts or pants, even when students move or bend.
- Undergarments are to be covered at all times.
- Pants should not have to be held up with a hand when walking. The waistband of the pants must be at the waist.
- Bandanas are not to be worn at school.
- Piercings must not present health or safety issues to the individual or other students.
Dress Code Violations: At the time of violation a copy of the Behavior Incident Form will be sent home with the student. Before the student can return to school, parent/guardian and student signatures will be required on the form. Should violations continue, a meeting with a parent/guardian will be requested to resolve ongoing issues.
Smoking and Vaping
Drugs, Alcohol & Illegal Substances
The sale, distribution, use or possession of alcoholic beverages, illegal substances, prescription drugs and paraphernalia on or adjacent to district property or at district-sponsored activities is strictly prohibited. School district policy violations include prescription drug abuse, look-a-likes purported to be illegal substances, abuse of over-the-counter medication, intoxicants which are inhaled, and being under the influence of any of the above. Any student taking prescription medication must turn it into the office and have the school nurse dispense it.
Closed Campus
Highline CHOICE Academy operates a Controlled Closed Campus. This means students must remain on campus during their classes, but are required to leave campus when their own particular school day is concluded. Students who are not conducting business, waiting for a class, or directly involved in an activity are asked to leave school grounds. Students are not to be in the staff workroom or in the school’s office unless conducting business with or on behalf of campus personnel.
Personal Belongings
Bring to School at Your Own Risk! The following items are allowed on campus and may be used with some basic restrictions. However, please be aware that district security and staff will not be responsible for, or investigate the loss or theft of, such items.
Bicycles, Inline Skates, Skateboards: For the safety of all, using such items on school walkways is not allowed. No riding or skating on campus. Bicycles must be locked outside.
Mobile Technology, i.e. Cell Phones, Tablets, iPods, Music Players, Head or Earphones: Cell phones and other mobile technologies are allowed on campus and may be used with some restrictions. Cell phones must be turned off in classrooms. With teacher discretion and direction, students may be allowed to use technology devices for educational and instructional purposes. It is against school policy to use another student’s technology. Head or earphones are not to be worn in class unless they are used to work on school computers. Campus staff reserves the right to collect any mobile technology and related items from students if misused.
Search Policy
The Principal, Administrator or an authorized representative possess the authority to investigate and correct student misconduct. To maintain order and discipline in the school, and to protect the safety and welfare of students and school personnel, school authorities may search a student and his/her effects and may seize any illegal or unauthorized materials discovered in the search.
As used in this policy, the term “unauthorized” means any item dangerous to the health or safety of students or school personnel, any item considered disruptive to the function and mission of the school, or any item described as unauthorized in the school rules cited in this handbook.
A student’s failure to permit searches and seizures as provided in this policy will be considered grounds for disciplinary action. All searches by authorized representatives shall be reasonably related to the objectives of the search and not excessively intrusive. In other words, a student’s person and personal effects are searched only when a school official has reasonable suspicion (or “just cause”) to believe that a student is in possession of illegal or unauthorized materials.
Visitors
We welcome parents and guardians who would like to visit Highline CHOICE Academy. In order to ensure the safety of staff and students, all volunteers, parents, guardians, and visitors must sign-in at the school’s office and wear a name tag. School personnel have the right to know the identity of all persons in the building. Student visitors are not allowed on campus during the school day unless arranged and approved by Principal or Administrator prior to the day of visit.
Breakfast & Lunch Meals
All families need to complete a “Free and Reduced Meal Application” with Highline Public Schools. Students who would like to purchase lunch at the regular price should see office staff.
Unauthorized Sales or Fundraising
Nondiscrimination Statement
Highline School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression and identity, marital status, 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. This holds true for all students who are interested in participating in educational programs and/or extracurricular activities. Highline Public Schools also provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.
Any person having inquiries should contact:
· Civil Rights Act (students) and Title IX: District Ombudsman, 206.631.3100, civilrightscoordinator@highlineschools.org; titleixofficer@highlineschools.org
· Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act: Health & Social Services Compliance Manager, 206.631.3011, 504coordinator@highlineschools.org
· Address: 15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW, Burien, WA 98166