P. O. Box 1280 Northport, wa 99157 High School: 732-4430 Elementary/Middle School: 732-4441 Solutions Room: 732-4870 welcome

Goals…

Student Learning

Students will meet or exceed local, state and national academic standards. Student achievement is the highest priority.

After-school programs and extracurricular opportunities for children will be continued and developed.

A process that will seek and sustain grant monies for core and extracurricular programs will be continued and developed.

Continuous school improvement plans that include curriculum, staff development and school policy will be developed.

Students and staff will show responsible, respectful, and safe behavior.

The diversity of all groups will be valued.

Communication – School/Community

A community-wide communication process will be developed to broaden understanding and community support.

Technology

Students’ learning will be enhanced through the use and support of technology.

Leadership

School/Community

An effective leadership model that includes community, staff and students, administration and board will be developed.

Facilities - Parents, Community, Business

The community will provide financial support of schools to ensure a safe, high-quality learning environment.

DISTRICT PHONE / WEB SITE

District Office 732-4251

High School/Fax [phone]

Staff Line 732-4870

District Office/Fax [phone]

Bus Shop 732-6158

Web Site www.northportschools.org

PHYSICAL ADDRESSES

Elementary School (Preschool – grade 8)…..404 10^th Street

Annex (Special Ed., Computer lab)….. 406 10^th Street

High School….. 408 10^th Street

Gym and Kitchen….. 402 10^th Street

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Fire, Ambulance or Police -911

Stevens County Sheriff – 684-2555

Mount Carmel Hospital – 684-2561

Northport Community Clinic – 732-4252

Poison Control Center – 1-800-732-6985 or 1-800-222-1222

ASB CARDS

Students who are involved in either sports or clubs must purchase an ASB card. ASB helps support the athletic and activity programs. Save money when attending games and activities…buy an ASB card for $40.
CLOSED CAMPUS

After arriving to school, students in grades K-12 shall remain on school grounds from time of arrival until final dismissal bell unless officially excused through the office.

DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARS

Dollars for Scholars, a community-based volunteer program, sponsors a variety of scholarships to assist you in realizing your future goals.

EQUITY

The Northport School District complies with all federal and state rules and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. This holds true for all students who are interested in participating in educational programs and/or extra curricular school activities. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to Wes Harris, the district’s Title IX/RCW 28A.640 compliance officer and Section 504/ADA coordinator at P. O. Box 1280, Northport, WA 99157 or phone [phone].

HONOR ROLL

The Honor Roll and High Honor Roll will be compiled at the end of each semester. The following criteria will be used: High Honor Roll - 3.5 GPA or higher; Honor Roll - 3.0-3.49 GPA.

LOCKERS

9-12 Students will be assigned one locker when they receive their schedule in the fall. Students are responsible for the condition and care of their locker (including P.E.) at all times. Lockers must be left in the same condition at the end of the year as when they were issued. Gym lockers will be assigned first to girls and boys participating in sports with seniority given to students in grades 12, 11, 10, 9 and so on. The next assignment will be made to girls and boys who have a P.E. class based on grade seniority. If lockers must be shared, middle school students are to share with their grade level, only.

Lockers are the property of the school and subject to inspection. Lockers are for storing and securing books, school supplies and appropriate personal items. A student’s locker, desk or storage area may be searched by district staff if reasonable suspicion exists to suspect that evidence of a violation of the law or school rules will be revealed.

PROTECT YOUR PERSONAL ITEMS

The school district is not responsible for the theft or disappearance of staff or students’ personal items therefore, all persons are discouraged from bringing valuables to school. Such items may include but are not limited to iPods, laptop computers, digital cameras, cellular telephones, CD players and other computer equipment.
ADVANCED COURSES

Courses for simultaneous high school-college credit are offered at NHS through regular classroom offerings as well as computers in the district. Only students qualifying on the ASSET test are eligible for college credit. We also offer a variety of advanced placement courses and CWU Cornerstone courses on campus in addition to the Internet based courses. See your career/guidance counselor for further details.

SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS

Our Northport School Board Meetings are the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM behind the elementary school’s library. Prior to the meetings, you can find the agenda posted at the Northport Post Office and on the elementary school entrance door. Please submit your items for the agenda each Thursday prior to the monthly Board Meeting.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Northport High School is governed by the ASB, made up of elected officers, class presidents, class representatives and one elected representative from each club. Elections are held in the spring of each year. ASB meetings will be announced in the daily bulletin for dates and times.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES: TRANSPORTATION

Northport students have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities throughout the year. Students riding the bus to school events must return on the bus unless their parent/guardian is at the event and signs them off of the bus with the supervisor and bus driver. There are no exceptions to this policy.

OUR THREE EXPECTATIONS

Northport students are

• RESPONSIBLE,

• RESPECTFUL AND

• SAFE; period!

Because we are committed to a safe and secure environment, students will be taught, will practice and be reinforced continuously to ensure that these expectations become common habits in our schools.

Note: In the event that students do not choose responsible, respectful and safe behaviors as taught by staff, logical and natural consequences are used. Other examples of positive interventions are “Think Time”, “Check-In/Check-Out”, counseling groups and mentoring. Occasionally, chronic and/or severe misbehavior may result in a “Success Plan” or detentions or suspensions as sanctioned by the principal and/or district policy.

EXAMPLES OF OUR STUDENT BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS

ARRIVE TO CLASS ON TIME

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  High school students are in seat or workstation, on-task when bell rings
  
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  Elementary school students go in at first whistle, on-task at teacher request
  

COME TO CLASS WITH ALL NECESSARY MATERIALS

Come to class with all materials necessary for each particular subject

Always have a writing utensil
MOVE THROUGH THE CAMPUS IN AN ORDERLY MANNER

Walk on floor/sidewalk

Soft voices in hallways and sidewalks

Bodies to self

Use appropriate door

Stay to the right

Open doors cautiously

Walk bicycles on school grounds

No skates, roller blades skateboards, scooters (toy wheels), remote control cars, on school grounds

CONTRIBUTE TO A POSITIVE SCHOOL CLIMATE

Positive comments only

Hands up appropriately

No advertisements of drugs, alcohol, tobacco on student clothing or jewelry
MAKE SAFE CHOICES / PLAY SAFELY

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  Report incidents and conditions that could lead to violence, injury or asset loss to a school staff member or Mr. Baribault
  

Use equipment for intended purpose

Follow playground rules (contained in this handbook)

Follow instructor directions in use of equipment

No roughhousing or “play fighting”

Games must be played with appropriate items in designated areas

No projectiles of any kind in building

No balls around buses

No walking between buses

Yield to all buses, even walking to and from school

Follow bus rules / driver instructions

Wash hands

No more than one student in bathroom (K-8)

Must use bathroom / drink pass system when on playground and during high school classes

Grades K-3 will obtain verbal permission when on playground and enter through the second grade door

Grades 4-5 will obtain a pass and enter through the fourth grade door only

Grades 6-8 will obtain a pass and enter through the solution room door only

Passes are also required for drinks, visits to the library, solution room and computer lab

Each teacher is responsible for providing his or her own passes. Each staff member is responsible for requesting a pass from students who are out of class.

Clean up your own mess in classrooms, multi, and all common areas
LIMIT PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION

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  Daylight between bodies head to toe with the exception of handholding
  

USE APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE

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  No profanity
  
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  Use standard English
  

RESPECT SCHOOL PROPERTY AND PROPERTY OF OTHERS

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  No defacing, damaging or stealing any school property or property of others
  
• 
  Use materials and equipment in an appropriate manner
  

SETTLE CONFLICTS APPROPRIATELY

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  Settle conflicts respectfully and in a calm manner
  
• 
  Seek mediation if necessary
  

TREAT PEERS WITH RESPECT
TREAT STAFF MEMBERS AND GUESTS WITH RESPECT

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  Show respect for truth and honesty
  

FOLLOW STAFF DIRECTIONS

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  Follow directions the first time
  

BE QUIET AT APPROPRIATE TIMES

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  When teacher, guest or peer are speaking.
  
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  During lessons, presentations, and activities when appropriate
  
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  During tests
  
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  Always in the library
  

Use technology as it was intended

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  Cell phones need to out of sight and silent during all educational time
  
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  When using computers, please use them for educational purposes only
  
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  Do not use school technology or school time to visit social network sites or inappropriate sites online.
  

BEHAVE APPROPRIATELY IN ASSEMBLIES

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  Follow standard dismissal procedure
  
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  Hats off for flag salute, etc.
  

CELL PHONES, iPods, Walkmans, Discmans, boom boxes, MP3 players, etc. are only to be used during lunch, passing times and on buses. Continued use privileges will depend on responsible use.
The school district is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
STUDENT RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUE PROCESS

One of the major goals of Northport School District is to promote in each student a sense of one’s civic rights and responsibilities.

All students have the right to a safe environment and the right to an equal educational opportunity, regardless of national origin, race, religion, economic status or sex, including being free from sexual harassment.

Students and staff will be expected to report unsafe conditions or security issues.

A list of all CPR trained staff is posted on the safety bulletin board in the staff lounge in the elementary school.

Students have the right of freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the right to peaceably assemble. Students have the right to be secure in person, paper, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures therefore all students have the right to due process.

Any pupil, who is aggrieved for any causes, has the right to request an informal conference with the appropriate administrator for the purpose of resolving the matter.

All students who attend school in this district shall comply with the written policies, rules and regulations established; shall pursue the required course of studies, and shall comply to the authority of the teachers of the school, subject to such disciplinary or other actions as the school officials shall determine.

“Due Process for Discipline.” The student, parent, or guardian who is aggrieved by the imposition of discipline shall have the right to an informal conference with the building principal or higher designee for the purpose of resolving the grievance, pursuant to WAC 18-40-240 and district policy. The decision of the principal may be appealed to the superintendent or his/her designee upon 2 school days notice. The decision of the superintendent/designee may be appealed to the Board of Directors upon 2 school business days notice. Multi-disciplinary Team Meetings (MDT) shall be held for students served under Federal IDEA.
TEACHER / ADMINISTRATOR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Every teacher and administrator shall, in accordance with due process rights of the students, have the authority to discipline any student for any disruptive or disorderly conduct while that student is under his/her supervision and jurisdiction, and may exclude a student from his/her class in order to maintain an orderly learning environment.

RULES GOVERNING STUDENT CONDUCT

The school is legally responsible for students while in school, or in transit to or from school. All students shall comply with school rules and regulations and submit to reasonable directions of school authorities. Refusal shall constitute cause for discipline, suspension, or expulsion. Such rules shall apply:

a. On the school grounds during and immediately before or immediately after school hours.

b. On the school grounds at any other time when school is being used by a school group, or off the school grounds at a school activity, function or event.

c. Off the school grounds when prohibited behavior is a consequence of, or directly related to, causes or events which occurred or originated on school grounds.

d. Off school grounds when the student is enroute between home and school, including bus stops.

DISCIPLINE / CONSEQUENCES

Northport Middle/High School staff and administration care about each student and want to provide a safe, wholesome, positive atmosphere for learning and activity. To accomplish this we will not allow abusive or disruptive behavior. Depending on severity or frequency of other violations, the administration reserves the right to determine the level at which the violations will be handled. Also, an individualized Success Plan or a Functional Behavior Plan requiring specific target behaviors/consequences may be developed and implemented for a student when other interventions have failed. In addition, students on a Success or F.B. plan may be required to participate in the “check-in / check out” process each day until behavior has significantly improved.

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

Students are expected to use self-discipline and must assume responsibility for their behavior. When student behavior is not acceptable, necessary action will be taken.

Teachers and administrators have full authority to control or discipline a student during the time such student is in attendance, in transit to or from school, or attending any school sponsored function. Actions to be taken by the teacher or administrator include, but are not limited to the following:

Time Out / “Think Time” Option: The student may be sent to the Solution Room for a brief time during the class period to reflect on disruptive behavior. This is to be considered a last resort and only to be used when a teacher wouldn’t be able to continue teaching if the student were to remain. Students complete a behavior form and return to class for debriefing with the teacher or staff member. Time outs may or may not result in a discipline referral and/or detention or “yellow or red slip”. If a yellow or red slip is issued, the issuing staff member will call the parent or send a note if parents can’t be reached.

Lunch Detention: Students report to the Solution Room at the beginning of lunch for 15-minute detentions. No-shows for lunch detentions may result in a 1-hour after school detention. The second occurrence may result in a 1 day I.S.S. It is the student’s responsibility to make prior arrangements with the Solution Room staff if unable to serve lunch detention.

After School Detention: The student is assigned to report after school for a 1-hour detention on Wednesdays. In most cases, a student is given notice the week before the detention is assigned so that he/she can arrange transportation. Students will report to the Solution Room and are responsible for bringing study materials. Students may also complete the behavioral packet provided by the Solution Room. Students who fail to attend after school detention will be placed in I.S.S. for ½ day.

It is the student’s responsibility to make prior arrangements with the Solution Room staff if unable to serve after school detention.

Exclusion: A student may be excluded from class if the teacher is unable to maintain a suitable environment for learning, provided due process has been followed.

In-School Suspension (I.S.S.): Shall mean exclusion from school or individual classes for a specific period of time, after which the student has the right to return. Students will report to the Solution Room and are responsible for gathering study materials the DAY BEFORE their scheduled ISS. Students may also complete a behavioral packet provided by the Solution Room.

Short-Term Out of School Suspension (O.S.S.): Shall mean a denial of attendance, or suspension for any portion of a calendar day up to and not exceeding ten consecutive days. Students will not be permitted on the school campus during OSS. Students will not be permitted to participate in before and after school activities on the day(s) of their OSS.

In the event that a parent requests OSS in lieu of ISS, these absences will count toward the 12 allowed days per semester. (See “Unexcused and Excessive Absences”) Parents may also choose to shadow, or attend school with, their child in lieu of OSS for certain violations such as over accumulation of detention time.

Long-Term Out of School Suspension: Shall mean a suspension, which exceeds a short-term suspension up to the remainder of the semester.

Expulsion: Shall mean denial of attendance at any single subject or class or at any full schedule for an indefinite period of time.

Emergency Expulsion: A student may be removed immediately from a class, subject, or activity by a teacher or administrator provided that the teacher or administrator has good and sufficient reasons to believe that the student’s presence poses an immediate and continuing danger to the student, other students, or school personnel, or an immediate and continuing threat of substantial disruption of the class, subject, activity, or educational process of the student’s school. This includes suspected drug and/or paraphernalia possession and/or use.
Note: Seniors violating the disciplinary code in the last quarter of their senior year may be excluded from participating in the graduation ceremony.
Following are some examples of rule violations and possible consequences:
CATEGORY I VIOLATIONS (In-class Interventions)

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  Classroom disruption/disorderly conduct (minor).
  
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  Being out of class or in the parking lot without permission.
  
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  Failing to have necessary materials for class.
  
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  Failing to make safe choices.
  
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  Failing to respect school and other’s property (minor).
  
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  Failing to follow directions on first request (minor).
  
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  Failing to use quiet/appropriate behavior.
  
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  Gum, food and drink violations.
  
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  Radios, iPod, cell phone, stereos, Walk/Discmans/MP3 players violations.
  
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  School rule violations - littering, hallway disturbances, skateboards, scooters, computer misuse, etc.
  
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  Public displays of affection - Displays beyond holding hands.
  
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  Being late to class.
  
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  Failing to follow bus rules.
  

Corrective Actions:

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  Conference with student, in-class intervention, confiscation of inappropriate item, etc.
  
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  15-minute lunch detention assigned with discipline (“yellow”) slip.
  
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  Parent Notification.
  

CATEGORY II VIOLATIONS (Time Out to Solution Room)

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  Assault/fight/threats/intimidation - Threats or acts of physical abuse, harassment, (including bullying and teasing) altercation between two or more students.
  
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  Leaving Class Without Permission
  

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  Vulgar, disrespectful, or abusive language - Use of profanity, vulgarity, cursing, or disrespect may appear either verbally, in writing, as gestures or on clothing.
  

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  Reckless driving/riding- Including reckless driving and/or speeding on school grounds, riding on car hoods, etc. The speed limit is 10 MPH.
  
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  Cheating/plagiarism - Turning in work that is not the student’s original, allowing other students to copy work.
  
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  Misconduct at assemblies, athletic contests, etc. - Inappropriate disorderly conduct, including disruptive behavior, use of profanity, throwing objects, and unsportsmanlike conduct.
  
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  Forgery or misrepresentation - Impersonating parent on phone, signing for a parent, teacher, counselor, medical personnel, etc.
  
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  Unsafe conduct - Striking another with body and/or an object, i.e. punching, kicking, chasing, horseplay, throwing objects.
  
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  Computer Misuse – Includes intentional tampering, attempting to access non-educational sites on the Internet, using another person’s password, installing and/or downloading items that are not approved by staff, unauthorized use of e-mail, etc.
  
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  Initiation/hazing activities
  

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  Theft/possession of stolen property - Taking or in possession of school or other’s property without owner’s permission.
  

Corrective Actions:

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  Conference with student, in-class intervention, confiscation of inappropriate item, etc.
  
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  Time out to Solution Room.
  
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  Parent notification.
  
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  After school detention for 1 hour.
  
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  Conflict resolution or restitution.
  
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  Plagiarism will result in no credit for the assignment with no opportunity for a redo.
  
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  A fight/assault will result in an immediate suspension.
  

CATEGORY III VIOLATIONS (Immediate O.S.S. )

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  Sexual harassment, indecent liberties, sexual assault - Sexual conduct not asked for, not welcomed, not returned and as defined by law, including “de-pantsing”.
  
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  Possession of a dangerous weapon – Possession on school grounds, at school activities, busses (on person, clothing, or property, including vehicle of student) of weapons such as knives, guns, or other martial arts weapons or other illegal weapons as defined by law and school policy. This includes guns in vehicles. Mandatory expulsion for one calendar year for gun possession!
  
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  Criminal acts - Arson, assault, fight, larceny, vandalism, robbery, trespass, unlawful intimidation of school authorities, knife possession, etc.
  
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  Vulgar, disrespectful, or abusive language - Use of profanity, vulgarity, cursing, or disrespect may appear either verbally, in writing, as gestures or on clothing.
  
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  Classroom disruptions - major - An immediate and continuing threat of substantial disruption of the class, subject, activity, or educational process of the school.
  
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  Theft/possession of stolen property - Taking or in possession of school or other’s property without owner’s permission.
  

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  Property damage, vandalism, malicious mischief - Destruction or defacing school or personal property.
  

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  Lack of compliance, disrespect, defiance, interference with, insulting or intimidation of staff - Failure to act as instructed by any staff member. Failure to pursue studies. Use of vulgar or abusive language toward staff.
  
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  Use/possession/under the influence of drugs or alcohol - Includes showing evidence of being under the influence. Also includes the possession of drug and/or paraphernalia or illegal chemical substances.
  
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  Sale or transfer/distribution of illegal drugs - Includes using school property as a base to conduct sales and transfers of controlled substances and/or drug paraphernalia.
  
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  Use/possession of tobacco - Includes using or having tobacco in any form at any time on school property.
  
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  Gang related activities - Activities that create an atmosphere in which a student, staff, or other person's well-being is hindered by undue pressure, behavior, intimidation, overt gestures or threat of violence; or implication of gang membership of affiliation by written communication, marks, hand signs, drawing, painting design, emblem upon any school or personal property or one’s person.
  
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  Internet policy violations and serious computer misuse- Unauthorized use of Internet, e-mail, software and hardware.
  
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  Cheating/plagiarism - Turning in work that is not the student’s original, allowing other students to copy work.
  

Corrective Actions:

DEPENDING ON THE CIRCUMSTANCES ANY OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING MAY OCCUR:

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  Parent notification.
  
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  Immediate removal from school or I.S.S.
  
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  Plagiarism will result in no credit for the assignment with no opportunity for a redo.
  
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  Administrative conference.
  
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  Conflict resolution, restitution.
  
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  “Success plan” or Functional Behavior Plan
  
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  Mental health counseling referrals.
  
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  Short- or long-term suspension.
  
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  Expulsion.
  
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  Police report and possible arrest.
  
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  Office of Civil Rights (OCR) notification.
  
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  Assaults/fights in this category will result in an immediate O.S.S. and possible law enforcement notification (police report).
  

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  Mandatory expulsion for one calendar year for gun possession!