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Policy 3240P

Student Conduct

Student Conduct Expectations

As authorized by chapter 28A.600 RCW, the following procedure sets forth rights and conduct
expectations for students, along with the sanctions that may be imposed for violations of such
expectations. At all times, this procedure will be read consistent with federal statutes and
regulations, state statutes, common law, and rules promulgated by the Washington Office of the
Superintendent of Public Instruction. For procedures and legal requirements related to imposition of
suspension and expulsion, see Policy and Procedure 3241, Classroom Management, Discipline and
Corrective Action.

Respect for the Law and the Rights of Others

The student is responsible as a citizen to observe the laws of the United States, the state of
Washington, and local ordinances and laws. The student shall respect the rights of others while in
school, on school property, at all school activities, on district provided transportation or otherwise
under school authority.

Compliance With Rules

All students shall comply with all rules and regulations established for the orderly operations of the
district and the reasonable requests, instructions, and directives of district personnel. For purposes of
Policy 3240 and this procedure, the term “district personnel” includes all adults, including
contractors and volunteers, authorized to supervise student activities. Failure to do so shall be cause
for corrective action. All students will submit to reasonable discipline by the school district and its
representatives for violations of policies, regulations and rules.

Student Rights

In addition to individual rights established by law and district policies, students served by or on
behalf of the district will have the right to:
● High educational standards in a safe and sanitary building;
● Education consistent with stated district goals;
● Equal educational opportunity and in all aspects of the educational process, freedom from
discrimination based on economic status, pregnancy, marital status, sex, race, creed, religion,
color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation
including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical
disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability;
● Access to their own education records at reasonable school times upon request;
● Fair and just treatment from school authorities and freedom from mistreatment and physical
abuse;
● Freedom from unlawful interference in their pursuit of an education while in the custody of
the district;
● Security against unreasonable searches and seizures;
● The substantive constitutional rights listed in WAC 392-400-215, subject to reasonable
limitations upon the time, place, and manner of exercising such rights consistent with the
maintenance of an orderly and efficient educational process within limitations set by law,
including the right to:
o Freedom of speech and press,
o Peaceably assemble
o Petition the government and its representatives for a redress of grievances,
o The free exercise of religion and to have their schools free from sectarian control or
influence, and
o Participate in the development of rules and regulations to which they are subject and
to be instructed on rules and regulations that affect them, including the periodic
review and update of discipline rules, policies, and procedures;
● Establish appropriate channels to voice their opinions in the development of curriculum;
● Representation on advisory committees affecting students and student rights;
● Present petitions, complaints, or grievances to school authorities and the right to prompt
replies;
● Consult with teachers, counselors, administrators and other school personnel at reasonable
times;
● Be involved in school activities, provided they meet the reasonable qualifications of the
sponsoring organization;
● Free election of their peers in student government and the right to hold office;
● Know the requirements of the course of study, be informed about and know upon what basis
grades will be determined;
● Citizenship privileges as determined by the United States and Washington State Constitution
and its amendments; and
● Annual information pertaining to the district’s rules and regulations regarding students,
discipline and rights.

Scope of District Authority

Students who involve themselves in acts that have a detrimental effect on the maintenance and
operation of the school or the school district; criminal acts; and/or violations of school rules and
regulations, may be subject to disciplinary action by the school and prosecution under the law. The
rules will be enforced by school officials:
● On school grounds during and immediately before or immediately after school hours;
● On school grounds at any other time when school is being used by a school group(s) or for a
school activity;
● Off school grounds at a school activity, function, or event;
● Off school grounds if the actions of the student materially or substantially affects or
interferes with the educational process; or
● In school-provided transportation, or any other place while under the authority of school
personnel.

Disruptive Conduct

A student will not intentionally cause substantial and/or material disruption of any school
operations. The following illustrate the kinds of offenses that are prohibited:

● Intentionally obstructing normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic on a school campus;
● Intentionally obstructing the entrance or exit of any school building or room in order to
deprive others of passing through;
● Causing a disturbance or disruption on school grounds, at school activities, or on
district-provided transportation, including substantially interfering with any class or activity;
● Cheating or disclosure of exams;
● Defiance of school personnel;
● Disobedience of reasonable requests, instruction, and directives of school personnel;
● Refusal to leave an area when instructed to do so by school personnel;
● Refusing a reasonable request to identify oneself to district personnel (including law
enforcement officers) while under the supervision of the school;
● Refusal to cease prohibited behavior;
● Disruptive and/or dangerous use of motor vehicles or conduct on a school bus that endangers
students;
● Extortion, theft, forgery;
● Fighting: Fighting and instigating, promoting, or escalating a fight, as well as failure to
disperse. Engaging in any form of fighting where blows are exchanged is prohibited. This
prohibition includes hitting, slapping, pulling hair, biting, kicking, and scratching or any
other acts in which a student intentionally inflicts or attempts to inflict injury on another;
● Gambling or encouraging other students to gamble;
● Gang-related behavior, association, and/or affiliation;
● Harassment of others;
● Inappropriate dress or appearance;
● Trespassing on school property or school transportation at a time or place the student’s
presence is not permitted;
● Occupying a school building or school grounds in order to deprive others of its use;
● Preventing students from attending class or school activities;
● Use or possession of tobacco;
● Using any object in a dangerous manner;
● Intentionally defacing or destroying the property of another.

Exceptional Misconduct

Exceptional misconduct is a violation of rules so serious in nature and/or so disruptive as to warrant
an immediate short-term or long-term suspension. Exceptional misconduct includes the following:

● Arson;
● Assault, if the assault involves
o Injury to another;
o Bodily fluids,or
o A weapon
● Commission of any crime on school grounds, or the commission of a crime or other
dangerous conduct anywhere that indicates the student’s presence on school grounds poses a
danger to other students or staff; *
● Cumulative violations;*
● Causing intentional, substantial damage or destruction to school property or the property of
another on school grounds or at school activities;
● Dangerous use of motor vehicles on school grounds or at school activities, or endangering
students on a school bus;
● Disruption of the school program by bomb scares, false fire alarms, firecrackers, etc.;*
● Extortion;*
● Fighting: Fighting and instigating, promoting, or escalating a fight, as well as failure to
disperse. Engaging in any form of fighting where physical blows are exchanged is
prohibited. This prohibition includes hitting, slapping, pulling hair, biting, kicking, choking,
and scratching or any other acts in which a student intentionally inflicts or attempts to inflict
injury on another;*
● Harassment/intimidation/bullying of others;*
● Knowingly possessing stolen property;*
● Possession, use, sale, or delivery of illegal or controlled chemical substances, including
marijuana or substances containing marijuana and alcoholic beverages, as well as possession
of items reasonably determined to be drug paraphernalia as used or possessed;
● Presence on school property or at a school activity following the consumption or use
elsewhere of an alcoholic beverage or a controlled substance, including marijuana;
● Sexual misconduct on school grounds, at school activities, or on school provided
transportation;*
● Theft on school grounds, at school activities, on school provided transportation, or of school
property at any time;*
● Threats of violence to other students or staff;
● Use or possession of dangerous weapons, including firearms, air guns, knives, nunchaku
sticks, throwing stars, stun guns, explosives and other weapons prohibited by state law and
Policy 4210.
*District Note: While these marked offenses are “exceptional misconduct” and an immediate imposition of short-term suspension is
permissible, each offense may be a “discretionary discipline offense” for which long-term suspension and expulsion/emergency expulsion
cannot be imposed. If the school is considering imposition of long-term suspension, emergency expulsion, or expulsion for any offense
marked with an asterisk, the behavior must also be explicitly listed in procedure 3241P under the section entitled “Suspensions,
Expulsions, and Discretionary Discipline.”

Guidelines for Sanctions

Chapter 392-400 WAC contains the following restrictions for suspensions:

● Kindergarten through grade four – No student in grades kindergarten through four shall be
subject to short-term suspensions for more than a total of ten school days during any single
semester or trimester as the case may be, and no loss of academic grades or credit shall be
imposed by reason of the suspension of such a student.
● Grades five and above program – No student in grade five and above program shall be
subjected to short-term suspension for more than a total of fifteen school days during any
single semester or ten school days during any single trimester, as the case may be.

In all cases where sanctions are imposed, a reasonable effort to contact parents or guardians will
occur prior to, or at the same time of, the imposition of the sanction, in addition to any written notice
required by law. When a school administrator has good and sufficient reason to believe that a
student’s presence poses an immediate and continuing danger to the student, other students or school
staff, or an immediate and continuing threat of substantial disruption of the educational process,
immediate emergency removal or emergency expulsion may be appropriate. (See Policy 3241,
Classroom Management, Discipline and Corrective Action)

In conjunction with the following sanction guidelines, administrators may also consider any
alternative form of corrective action—including programs intended to lessen the time of exclusion
from class attendance—which has been approved by the Board of Directors and/or Superintendent.
The district encourages the use of alternative forms of corrective action when possible and
practicable in light of the duty to maintain safe and orderly school environments conducive to
student learning.

In addition to school sanctions, administrators should determine whether restitution for damage or
injury should be considered.

Implementing the Guidelines for Sanctions

It is presumed that school administrators will sanction a student for the following offenses within
each listed standard range, beginning at the presumptive sanction and determining whether
mitigating or aggravating factors warrant a sanction higher or lower within the standard range.
School administrators are expected to use their professional judgment and experience when
assigning students sanctions and will, to the best of their abilities, attempt to apply these sanctions to
all similarly-situated students in a fair and equitable manner. The administrator’s judgment and
discretion will carefully balance the duty to maintain order and discipline in a safe school
environment, the appropriate corrective action needed to address the student’s misconduct, and the
student’s long-term educational success.

The sanctions below do not prohibit administrators from considering approved alternatives to
out-of-school suspension or expulsion, including in-school suspension. The standard range for
each offense does not prohibit a school administrator from exceeding the range, up to and including
expulsion, if sufficient aggravating factors warrant such corrective action or if the threat of danger or
substantial disruption supports an emergency expulsion under WAC 392-400-295.

ARSON:

For purposes of school discipline, “arson” means any intentional or reckless setting of a fire or other
burning of personal or public property. “Reckless” means that the student understood, but acted
with disregard for, the consequences of his or her conduct.

STANDARD RANGE: 0-20 Day Suspension

PRESUMPTIVE STANDARD SANCTION:
Elementary: Short-Term Suspension of 1 Day
Secondary: Short-Term Suspension of 5 Days

MITIGATING FACTORS:
● No prior documented misconduct
● Minimal damage
● Little potential of harm
● Student’s intent or purpose
● Student’s age and/or inability to understand potential consequences of the conduct
● Admitted or self-reported conduct
● Student attempted, but failed to or was prevented from, carrying out the conduct

AGGRAVATING FACTORS:
● Significant damage
● Potential of serious harm
● Intent or purpose in setting fire
● Previous discipline record of student warranting progressive sanctions
● The student’s presence on campus is determined to be a threat to the safety of others.

ASSAULT:

For purposes of school discipline, “assault” means actual or attempted hitting, striking or other
wrongful physical contact inflicted on another either directly or indirectly through an object. For
verbal threats, see Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying.

STANDARD RANGE: 0-10 Day Suspension

PRESUMPTIVE STANDARD SANCTION:
Elementary: 0 Days
Secondary: Short-Term Suspension of 5 Days

MITIGATING FACTORS:
● No prior documented misconduct
● Minimal injury or damage
● Student was primarily acting defensively, but facts do not support a conclusion that the
student’s conduct was clearly reasonable self-defense as set forth below
● Student’s age and/or inability to understand potential consequences of the conduct
● Admitted or self-reported conduct

AGGRAVATING FACTORS:
● Serious actual or potential injury
● Use of an object or weapon
● Premeditated conduct
● Multiple students assaulting a single student
● Prior assault(s), threat(s), harassment, or bullying by the student against the same
victim
● Exceptional severity or cruelty
● Conduct is motivated by perceived race, color, national origin, gender, sexual
orientation, gender expression, disability, or any similar actual or perceived
characteristic of the victim
● Conduct is motivated by actual or perceived gang rivalry or affiliation
● Previous discipline record of student warranting progressive sanctions

REASONABLE SELF-DEFENSE:

It is expected that a student must always first retreat from any threat of harm and/or contact an adult
staff member for assistance before engaging in any type of physical response to an assault.
However, an administrator may decide not to subject a student to discipline if, following a
reasonable investigation, the administrator determines that all of the following are true:

● A student who is being assaulted or witnesses another student being assaulted acts only in a
manner that is defensive and protective of himself/herself or others;
● The student is acting in a manner that a building administrator determines is reasonable and
necessary in light of the circumstances; and
● The student did not instigate, provoke, or promote the violence by his or her words or
conduct immediately prior to the assault.

A reasonable physical response to an assault may include holding the assailant’s hands or arms to
prevent the assault, or pulling two fighting students apart and holding them until adult staff can
arrive and intervene.

DEFACING OR DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY:

For school discipline purposes, means the unauthorized, intentional damage to district property or
the property of others (other than arson, above).

STANDARD RANGE: 0-10 Day Suspension

PRESUMPTIVE STANDARD SANCTION:
Elementary: Discipline other than Suspension
Secondary: Short-Term Suspension of 3 Days
Restitution will usually be required.

MITIGATING FACTORS:
● No prior documented misconduct
● Minimal damage
● Student’s age and/or inability to understand potential consequences of the conduct
● Admitted or self-reported conduct
● Subsequent remedial steps, including restitution to district or victim of misconduct

AGGRAVATING FACTORS:
● Significant damage in extent or cost
● Similar previous conduct
● Previous discipline record of student warranting progressive sanctions
● Property defaced with:
o Lewd or obscene words or imagery
o Words or imagery containing slurs or negative reference to the race,
color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, or
disability of others
o Gang words or imagery

Note: Under RCW 28A.635.060 (1), the school district may withhold the grades, diploma, and
transcripts of a pupil responsible for intentional damage or loss to the property of the district, a
contractor of the district, an employee, or another student until the pupil or the pupil’s parent
or guardian has paid for the damages. If a student has been suspended or expelled, the student
may not be readmitted until the student or parents or legal guardian has made payment in full,
or until the superintendent directs otherwise. If the property damaged is a school bus owned
and operated by the district, a student suspended for the damage may not be permitted to enter
or ride any school bus until the student or parent or legal guardian has made payment in full or
until directed otherwise by the superintendent.

When the pupil and parent or guardian are unable to pay for the damages, the school district
will provide a program of voluntary work for the pupil in lieu of the payment of monetary
damages. Upon completion of the voluntary work the grades, diploma, and transcripts of the
pupil shall be released. The parent or guardian of the pupil is liable for damages as otherwise
provided by Washington state law.

DEFIANCE OF SCHOOL AUTHORITY:

Refusal to obey reasonable requests, instructions, and directives of any school personnel, including
volunteers or contractors working for the school. Defiance includes dress or appearance in violation
of dress code that the student either refuses to correct at the directive of a school administrator, or
that is a persistent and repeated violation. Defiance of school authority can also include intentional
disruptive behavior.

STANDARD RANGE: 0-10 Day Suspension
(District Note: Defiance of school authority is a discretionary discipline offense under RCW 28A.600.015 that cannot result in
long-term suspension or expulsion.)

PRESUMPTIVE STANDARD SANCTION:
Elementary: Discipline other than Suspension
Secondary: Discipline other than Suspension

MITIGATING FACTORS:
● No prior documented misconduct
● Student’s age and/or inability to understand potential consequences of the conduct
● Subsequent action taken by student to make amends for misconduct with school
personnel

AGGRAVATING FACTORS:
● Part of a pattern of similar misconduct
● Previous discipline record of student warranting progressive sanctions
● Substantial disruption to learning of others caused by student’s defiance
● Student attempts to solicit or incite others to engage in defiant behavior
● Use of lewd, obscene, or profane language directed towards supervising school
personnel
● Conduct is motivated by perceived race, color, national origin, gender, sexual
orientation, gender expression, disability, or any similar actual or perceived
characteristic of school personnel

DRUGS/ALCOHOL AND OTHER PROHIBITED CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES:

The possession, consumption, use, storage, or distribution of drugs (including marijuana/cannabis),
alcohol, and other similar chemical substances on school grounds, at school activities, or on
district-provided transportation is prohibited. For purposes of student conduct expectations:

● This section applies to any controlled substance, medication, stimulant, depressant, or mood
altering compound, including simulated compounds intended to produce intoxication or
euphoria, whether or not such compounds have been designated a controlled substance by
state or federal law;
● This section applies to marijuana or substances containing marijuana;
● This section applies to legally-prescribed drugs which a student is nevertheless not lawfully
authorized to possess on school grounds, at school activities, or on district-provided
transportation;
● This section applies to students who enter school grounds, school activities, or
district-provided transportation following the unlawful use or consumption of drugs, alcohol
and other similar chemical substances, including students who appear to be under the
influence of such substances; and
● This section applies equally to the possession or use of paraphernalia or other items used to
possess, consume, store, or distribute drugs, alcohol, and/or other illegal chemical
substances, including marijuana or substances containing marijuana.

STANDARD RANGE Elementary: 0-10 Day Suspension

STANDARD RANGE Secondary: 3-20 Day Suspension

PRESUMPTIVE STANDARD SANCTION FOR POSSESSION OR USE:
Elementary: Short-Term Suspension of 1 Day
Secondary: Short-Term Suspension of 10 Days

PRESUMPTIVE STANDARD SANCTION FOR DISTRIBUTION:
Elementary: Short-Term Suspension of 5 Days
Secondary: Long-Term Suspension of 20 Days

MITIGATING FACTORS:
● Little or no prior documented misconduct
● A significantly small amount of substance
● Student’s age and/or inability to understand potential consequences of the conduct
● Momentary or transient handling of the item
● Admitted or self-reported conduct
● Student believed that he or she was authorized to possess a lawfully-prescribed drug on
campus
● Evidence that there was no intent to use, consume, or distribute the substance on
school grounds, district-provided transportation, or at school activities.

AGGRAVATING FACTORS:
● Previous discipline record of student warranting progressive sanctions
● A relatively large amount of substance that would reasonably exceed anticipated single
use
● Evidence of sophistication or pre-planning
● Evidence of distribution or intent to distribute prohibited substances
● The substance is heroin or another similar opiate (including methadone, oxycodone,
etc.), cocaine, methamphetamine, or a similar substance designated as a level one or
level two controlled substance with the potential for significant harm and addiction
● Distribution has been to multiple students
● Conduct is related to gang affiliation

Generally, a suspension for possession, use, or consumption should not exceed ten (10) days, and a
suspension for distribution should not exceed twenty (20) days. A suspension for secondary students
in either case should not fall below three (3) days.
An expulsion may be imposed for such conduct when sufficient aggravating circumstances are
present and in consultation with the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee. Emergency
expulsion may be imposed when the student’s conduct meets the requirements of WAC
392-400-295.

An administrator may draw up a contract with a student serving a suspension, and a maximum of
fifty percent (50%) of the suspension may be held in abeyance when the student successfully
complies with the terms and conditions of the contract.

In all cases in which a student possesses or is distributing on school grounds, at school activities, or
on district-provided transportation a substance prohibited under this section that is also a violation of
the law, a report will be made by school officials to law enforcement.

FIGHTING OR FIGHTING INVOLVEMENT:

Includes instigating, promoting (including promotion by presence as a spectator), and escalating a
fight, as well as the failure to disperse at the scene of a fight.

SANCTIONS: See Assault
(District Note: Where assault is not alleged and the school simply imposes discipline under fighting or fighting involvement, such
offense is a discretionary discipline offense under RCW 28A.600.015 that cannot result in long-term suspension or expulsion.)

GANG CONDUCT:

For school discipline purposes includes:
● The creation, display, or communication of gestures, language, imagery, or symbols as
defined below commonly associated with gang culture
● The promotion of gang culture and/or gang violence, and/or
● The solicitation or recruitment of gang members.

Gang imagery and symbols include, but are not limited to:

● Apparel (including shoelaces, bandanas, belts, or hats) which by virtue of color, arrangement,
trademark, symbol, or any other attributes indicate or imply gang membership or affiliation
● Displays of gang affiliation on personal belongings including clothing, school assignments,
notebooks, body, etc.

STANDARD RANGE: 0-10 Day Suspension
(District Note: If the school does not allege gang activity on school grounds in violation of RCW 28A.600.455 or criminal gang
intimidation, some “gang conduct” may be a discretionary discipline offense under RCW 28A.600.015 that cannot result in
long-term suspension or expulsion.)

PRESUMPTIVE STANDARD SANCTION:
Elementary: Discipline other than Suspension
Secondary: Discipline other than Suspension

MITIGATING FACTORS:
● No prior documented misconduct
● Student’s age and/or inability to understand potential consequences of the conduct
● Admitted or self-reported conduct
● Subsequent remedial steps, including restitution for property damaged or defaced with
gang imagery, symbols, or language

AGGRAVATING FACTORS:
● Similar previous conduct
● Concerted action with other students or non-students
● Gang conduct in connection with other misconduct prohibited elsewhere by this
procedure, including but not limited to assault, harassment, intimidation, bullying,
theft, and the possession of weapons
● Previous discipline record of student warranting progressive sanctions
Expulsion or Long-term suspension for gang conduct alone, absent any other misconduct, may only
occur under extraordinary circumstances following consultation with the Superintendent or
Superintendent’s designee.

HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION OR BULLYING:

For school discipline purposes, “harassment, intimidation and bullying” includes:

● Intentional hurtful, threatening, or intimidating verbal and/or physical conduct in violation of
district policy 3207 and procedure 3207P;
● Unsolicited or unwelcome verbal or physical conduct that is harassing or intimidating that
can be of a sexual, religious, racial or ethnic nature, or based on disability;
● A threat to cause bodily injury, property damage, or to cause the physical confinement or
restraint of the person threatened, or any other act causing substantial harm to the physical or
mental health of the person threatened.

STANDARD RANGE Elementary: 0-10 Day Suspension

STANDARD RANGE: Secondary: 3-20 Day Suspension
*(Note: Harassment, intimidation, or bullying that does not constitute criminal “harassment” under chapter 9A.46 RCW (i.e.,
threats) or any other offense specifically listed in in Policy 3241 or procedure 3241P (e.g., assault or malicious mischief) is a
discretionary discipline offense under RCW 28A.600.015 that cannot result in long-term suspension or expulsion.)

PRESUMPTIVE STANDARD SANCTION:
Elementary: Discipline other than Suspension
Secondary: 3 Day Suspension

MITIGATING FACTORS:
● No prior documented misconduct
● Student’s age and/or inability to understand potential consequences of the conduct
● Admitted or self-reported conduct
● Subsequent action taken by student to make amends for misconduct with the victim

AGGRAVATING FACTORS:
● Threat of serious injury
● Use of an object or weapon
● Premeditated conduct
● Part of a pattern of similar misconduct against the same victim
● Prior assault(s) threat(s), harassment, or bullying by the student against the same
victim
● Exceptional severity or cruelty
● Conduct is motivated by perceived race, color, national origin, gender, sexual
orientation, gender expression, disability, or any similar actual or perceived
characteristic of the victim
● Conduct is motivated by actual or perceived gang rivalry or affiliation
● Previous discipline record of student warranting progressive sanctions

LEWD, OBSCENE, OR PROFANE LANGUAGE, GESTURES OR MATERIALS:

For purposes of school discipline, this includes, but is not limited to, lewd, obscene or profane
language, gestures or materials that are unrelated to authorized school curriculum. Prohibited
“materials” includes digital or electronic text, images, or sounds that are possessed, displayed, or
transmitted while under the supervision of school authorities.

STANDARD RANGE: 0-10 Day Suspension
(District Note: Lewd, obscene, or profane language gesture or materials that do not constitute a “sex offense” as defined in Policy
3241 and procedure 3241P is a discretionary discipline offense under RCW 28A.600.015 that cannot result in long-term
suspension or expulsion.)

PRESUMPTIVE STANDARD SANCTION:
Elementary: Discipline other than Suspension
Secondary: Discipline other than Suspension

MITIGATING FACTORS:
● No prior documented misconduct
● Student’s age and/or inability to understand potential consequences of the conduct
● Subsequent action taken by student to make amends for misconduct

AGGRAVATING FACTORS:
● Part of a pattern of similar misconduct
● Previous discipline record of student warranting progressive sanctions
● Substantial disruption to learning of others caused by student’s defiance
● Student attempts to solicit or incite others to engage in behavior
● Conduct is motivated by perceived race, color, national origin, gender, sexual
orientation, gender expression, disability, or any similar actual or perceived
characteristic of school personnel

Any conduct under this section that could constitute a criminal act will be reported to law
enforcement. Any conduct under this section that involves the use of district resources or equipment
may result in the loss or restriction of a student’s use of district systems, resources, or equipment.

TARDINESS:
Schedule a conference or conferences with the custodial parent or guardian and student, at a time
reasonably convenient for all, for the purpose of analyzing the causes of the student’s tardiness.
Take steps to eliminate the tardiness, including adjusting the student’s school program, or
school/course assignment.
(District Note: Tardiness is a discretionary discipline offense under RCW 28A.600.015 that cannot result in long-term suspension or
expulsion.)

THEFT/STEALING:

Possession of another person’s or district property, regardless of value, without the person’s
permission with the intent to deprive the owner of such property. As part of the sanction, restitution
will usually be required.

STANDARD RANGE: 0-10 Day Suspension
(District Note: Theft and stealing are discretionary discipline offenses under RCW 28A.600.015 that cannot result in long-term
suspension or expulsion.)

PRESUMPTIVE STANDARD SANCTION:
Elementary: Discipline other than Suspension
Secondary: Short-Term Suspension of 2 Days
Restitution will usually be required if property is not recovered and returned.

MITIGATING FACTORS:
● No prior documented misconduct
● Property returned to victim
● Student’s age and/or inability to understand potential consequences of the conduct
● Admitted or self-reported conduct
● Subsequent remedial steps, including restitution to district or victim of misconduct

AGGRAVATING FACTORS:
● Significant damage in extent or cost
● Similar previous conduct
● Previous discipline record of student warranting progressive sanctions
● Conduct is motivated by perceived race, color, national origin, gender, sexual
orientation, gender expression, disability, or any similar actual or perceived
characteristic of the victim
● Conduct is motivated by gang affiliation
Note: Under RCW 28A.635.060 (1), the school district may withhold the grades, diploma, and
transcripts of a pupil responsible for intentional damage or loss to the property of the district, a
contractor of the district, an employee, or another student until the pupil or the pupil’s parent or
guardian has paid for the damages. If a student has been suspended or expelled, the student may not
be readmitted until the student or parents or legal guardian has made payment in full, or until the
superintendent directs otherwise. If the property damaged is a school bus owned and operated by the
district, a student suspended for the damage may not be permitted to enter or ride any school bus
until the student or parent or legal guardian has made payment in full or until directed otherwise by
the superintendent.

When the pupil and parent or guardian are unable to pay for the damages, the school district will
provide a program of voluntary work for the pupil in lieu of the payment of monetary damages.
Upon completion of the voluntary work the grades, diploma, and transcripts of the pupil shall be
released. The parent or guardian of the pupil is liable for damages as otherwise provided by
Washington state law.

TOBACCO/NICOTINE PRODUCTS – USE OR POSSESSION:

Students may not participate in smoking, use of tobacco products or products containing nicotine, or
possess tobacco products on the school premises or at school-sponsored functions.
(District Note: Use or possession of tobacco or nicotine products is a discretionary discipline offense under RCW 28A.600.015 that
cannot result in long-term suspension or expulsion.)
Elementary Students
See sanctions for Defiance of School Authorities

Secondary Students
First Offense: Complete Tobacco Intervention Packet. [Refusal or failure to complete
Tobacco Intervention Packet shall be considered to be a tobacco related offense for which
students may receive school discipline sanctions as set forth in Defiance of School
Authorities]

Second Offense: Complete Tobacco Intervention Packet and attend extended after school
detention. [Refusal to complete Tobacco intervention Packet shall be considered to be a
tobacco related offense for which students may receive school discipline that includes
short-term suspension with days that may be held in held in abeyance for community service].

Third Offense: Complete Tobacco Intervention Packet and attend extended after school
detention. [Refusal to complete Tobacco Intervention Packet shall be considered to be a
tobacco related offense for which students may receive school discipline that includes
short-term suspension with days that may be held in held in abeyance for community service].

TRUANCY:

See Policy and Procedure 3122.

WEAPONS:

This section addresses the possession or use of actual weapons in violation of district policy 4210,
including firearms, dangerous weapons, and other items listed within that policy. This includes
when a student acts with malice as defined under RCW 9A.04.110 and displays a device that appears
to be a firearm. Objects and conduct that fall outside of Policy 4210 should be addressed under
other sections, as appropriate.

STANDARD RANGE: 0-20 Day Suspension

PRESUMPTIVE STANDARD SANCTION:
Elementary: Short-Term Suspension of 3 Days
Secondary: Long-Term Suspension of 11 Days

SANCTION FOR FIREARM AT SCHOOL: Emergency Expulsion (see below)

MITIGATING FACTORS:
● No prior documented misconduct
● No injury or damage caused
● No evidence that student intended to display or use the weapon
● The weapon is a small pocket knife with a blade 3 inches or less
● Student’s age and/or inability to understand potential consequences of the conduct
● Admitted or self-reported conduct
● Student offers credible evidence that he or she had the weapon for legitimate purposes
away from school and unintentionally brought the object to school

AGGRAVATING FACTORS:
● Previous discipline record of student warranting progressive sanctions
● Student used the weapon in furtherance of an assault, to intimidate another, cause
injury, and/or to cause physical damage to property
● Student displayed, activated or discharged the weapon in a reckless manner
● Evidence of premeditation
● Display or use of the weapon was motivated by perceived race, color, national origin,
gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, disability, or any similar actual or
perceived characteristic of a person intimidated or assaulted
● Conduct is motivated by actual or perceived gang rivalry or affiliation
● The weapon is an airgun or firearm.
● The object appears to be a firearm and the student displaying or using the object does
so with malice

Any student who is determined to have carried a firearm or to have possessed a firearm on school
premises, school-provided transportation, or school sponsored activities at any facility shall be
expelled from school for not less than one year (12 months) under RCW 28A.600.420, with
notification to parents and law enforcement. The district superintendent or the superintendent’s
designee is authorized to modify the expulsion of a student on a case-by-case basis.
The school district may also suspend or expel a student for up to one year if the student acts with
malice as defined under RCW 9A.04.110 and displays a device that appears to be a firearm.
Expulsion may result based upon the administrator’s judgment of the seriousness of the act or
circumstances surrounding the act, and/or the previous record of the student.

 

Date: March 27th , 2007; Revised January 23, 2018