Student Conduct

Academic Integrity/Honesty Regulation and Consequences of Violation

Academic integrity speaks to a student’s commitment and responsibility to pursue scholarship honestly. It respects the concept that learning is the primary purpose of education, secondary to grades and credits. Academic dishonesty is defined as any action or attended action that may result in creating an unfair academic advantage for oneself or an unfair academic advantage or disadvantage for any other student. A student shall not attempt to earn credit or receive a grade for coursework (tests, quizzes, assignments, projects, essays) in a manner other than defined as acceptable by each instructor.

Academic integrity violations are tracked throughout a student’s high school career (grades 9-12). Academic integrity violations include, but are not limited to:  

• Plagiarizing or submitting any part of another person’s work as representing one’s own scholarship; this includes generative AI. Students should not submit AI-generated work as their original work.
• The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools should be done responsibly and in an ethical manner. Students should not use AI to cheat, plagiarize, or gain an unfair advantage. Generative AI tools should only be used for school-related creative work (e.g., to generate text or other creative works) when given approval or guidance from classroom teachers. 
• Distribution/sharing of class assignments or test information in either written or verbal form to another student without teacher permission.
• Unauthorized Collaboration – working with others without the instructor’s permission on assignments submitted for an individual’s grade. This applies to in-class or take-home assignments/homework, projects, tests, or labs.
• Collusion – supporting the lack of integrity/honesty by another student, as in allowing one’s work to be copied or submitted for assessment by another. Collusion also includes the use or sharing of identical or highly similar passages of one’s own work, or the work of another, unless specifically authorized by the teacher.
• Cheating – using notes or other materials without a teacher’s permission on tests and assignments.
• Technology Malpractice – any misuse or abuse of private or public technology in relation to grades or in acquiring an academic advantage, including infractions of the school technology user agreement, language translation websites, cell phone messaging or picture transmission.

Consequences for Violation of Academic Integrity/Honesty

The degree or level of violation of academic integrity/honesty, including specific circumstances, will be weighed in each case. Depending upon the severity of the violation, consequences may be accelerated even for a first time offense.

Standard Consequences for 1^st violation may include:

• Academic honesty education
• Parent/guardian/caretaker contact
• Failing grade for the assignment/test/project

Standard Consequence for additional violation ranges from:

• Failing grade for the assignment/test/project
• Parent/guardian/caretaker contact
• School discipline
• Removal from school events (activities/athletics)

Assembly Behavior

Assemblies are an integral part of the school curriculum and have an educational value, therefore, attendance at assemblies is required. Students are expected to behave in a way that shows respect for those speaking or performing and those in attendance. Students who misbehave at assemblies may be removed from the assembly by an administrator and subject to discipline.

Behavior Agreements

The District may enter into behavior agreements with students and parent/guardian/caretaker in response to behavior violations, including agreements to reduce the length of a suspension or expulsion conditioned on participation in treatment services, agreements in lieu of suspension or expulsion or agreements holding a suspension or expulsion in abeyance. The duration of a behavior agreement may not exceed the length of an academic term.

A behavior agreement may not waive a student’s opportunity to participate in a reengagement meeting or to receive educational services during a suspension, expulsion or emergency removal.

Entering into a behavior agreement with students and parent/guardian/caretaker does not preclude the District from administering discipline for behavioral violations that occur after the agreement is entered.

Classroom Exclusions

Students may be excluded from their classroom or instructional or activity area in a manner consistent with Procedure 3241P for behavioral violations that disrupt the educational process.  At least one other form of discipline to support the student in meeting behavioral expectations will be attempted prior to a classroom exclusion, unless the student’s presence poses an immediate and continuing danger to other students or school personnel, or an immediate and continuing threat of material and substantial disruption of the educational process.

Compliance with Rules 

Engaging in, attempting to engage in, and/or conspiring to engage in any of the following list of offenses generally describes conduct for which students may be subject to discipline, but is not intended to be exclusive. Such misconduct may result in other forms of discipline, classroom exclusion, suspension, expulsion or emergency expulsion as set forth in Regulation 3241 and Procedure 3241P. 

Arson - Knowingly and/or maliciously causing a fire or explosion is prohibited.

Assault - The threatened or attempted use of force or violence upon the person of another is prohibited. 

Bomb Threats - Threatening to bomb or damage any public school facility or property is prohibited.

Cheating or Disclosure of Exams - Intentional deception or the use of unauthorized materials in the preparation or completion of any school assignment, assessment, examination or project, or in the conduct of any school-related activity is prohibited, along with the aiding and abetting of such behavior by others.

Criminal Activity - 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 is prohibited.

Defaming Another Person – Conduct that defames another person is prohibited.

Destruction of Property - Defacing, injuring or damaging school property in any way is prohibited.

Disruptive Conduct - Willful conduct which creates a disturbance on school premises, at school sponsored activities or on District-provided transportation, or that interferes with the educational process, is prohibited. Such conduct includes, but is not limited to:

• Occupying a school building or school grounds in order to deprive others of its use;
• Blocking the entrance or exit of any school building or room in order to deprive others of passing through;
• Preventing students from attending a class or school activity;
• Blocking normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic on a school campus; and
• Interfering seriously with the conduct of any class or

Disruptive Dress and Appearance - Dress and appearance must not present health or safety problems, intimidate others, or cause disruption. See Regulation 3224.

Drugs, Alcohol and Mind-Altering Substances - Students shall not illegally use, possess, sell, distribute or be under the influence of drugs, alcohol, mind-altering substances, medication not prescribed to them by a physician and approved in writing by the parent/guardian/caretaker, drug paraphernalia or any item which purports to be such.

Endangering Self, Other Students or Staff

Engaging in Extortion/Blackmail/Coercion - Obtaining money or property by violence or threat of violence, or forcing someone to do something by force or threat of force is prohibited.

Fighting - This includes 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, regardless of who initiated the fight.

Forgery and Misuse of Documents - The act of fraudulently using in writing the name of another person or falsifying times, dates, grades, addresses or other data is prohibited. A student shall tell the truth, shall present oneself honestly and shall not forge any signature or make any false entry or alteration of any document, either paper or electronic, used or intended to be used in connection with the operation of the school. A student shall not open or alter official school documents and private documents, either paper or electronic.

Gang-Related Activity - Students shall not display, reflect, or participate in dress, apparel, activities, acts, behaviors, or manner of grooming that: (a) lead school officials to reasonably believe that such behavior, apparel, activities, acts or other attributes are gang related and would disrupt or interfere with the school environment, activity or educational objectives; (b) present a physical safety hazard to self, students, staff or others; (c) create an atmosphere in which a student, staff, or other person's well-being is adversely affected by undue pressure, behavior, intimidation, overt gesture or threat of violence, or (d) imply gang membership or affiliation by written communication, marks, drawing, painting, design, emblem upon any school or personal property or on one’s person.

Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying - See Regulation 3207.

Lewd Conduct

Making False Statements - The act of intentionally making an untrue statement or providing false or misleading information to a staff member with the intent to deceive, mislead, or misrepresent the truth.

Misuse of Electronic Information Systems - Students shall comply with the Responsible Use Handbook and Procedure 2022F2 when using electronic information systems such as e-mail, networks, and the Internet.

Refusal to Cease Misconduct - A student shall not repeatedly fail to comply with District Regulations or school rules or with reasonable directions of school personnel during any period of time when properly under the authority of school personnel.

Sexual Misconduct – Misconduct that could constitute sexual assault or harassment is prohibited.

Theft - The unauthorized carrying away of the personal property of another person or the property of the District is prohibited.

Threats of Violence or to Kill another Person (Including “hit lists”) are prohibited.

Tobacco - Tobacco products and delivery devices include, but are not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, snuff, smoking tobacco, smokeless tobacco, nicotine, electronic smoking/vapor devices and vapor products, non-prescribed inhalers, nicotine delivery devices or chemicals that are not FDA approved to help people quit using tobacco, devices that produce the same flavor or physical effect of nicotine substances and any other smoking equipment, device, material or innovation.

Any use of such products and delivery devices by staff, students, visitors and community members will be prohibited on all District property, including all District buildings, grounds and district-owned vehicles, and within five hundred feet of schools. Possession by or distribution of tobacco products to minors is prohibited. See Regulation 4215.

Trespassing - Being present in an unauthorized place or refusing to leave when ordered to do so is prohibited.

Use of Motor Vehicles – Using vehicles on school property in a way that jeopardizes safety or property is prohibited.

Verbal Abuse - The use of disrespectful or threatening language to school personnel or other students is prohibited.

Weapons - Possession, transmission or use of any object that is or reasonably appears to be a dangerous weapon or related device is prohibited. Such objects include, but are not limited to: firearms, ammunition, stun guns, air guns, incendiary or explosive devices, clubs, knives with blades of at least three (3) inches in length, or other cutting or stabbing instruments brought or possessed with the intent to cause bodily harm, or to instill fear and/or intimidate by their mere presence on school property or at school sponsored events, chemical inhalants, and look-alike items or replicas displayed or represented as real weapons.

Pursuant to RCW 9.91.160, persons over eighteen (18) years of age, and persons between fourteen (14) and eighteen (18) years of age who have written parent/guardian/caretaker permission, may possess personal protection spray devices (i.e., mace or pepper spray) on school property.

No one may deliver such a spray device to anyone under fourteen (14), or to anyone between fourteen (14) and eighteen (18) who does not have written parent/guardian/caretaker permission. Personal protection spray devices may only be used in self-defense as defined by state law. Possession, transmission, or use of a spray device under any other circumstances will be treated as a violation of the District’s rule prohibiting weapons.

Violation of Terms of Suspension, Expulsion or Emergency Removal – During the period of any suspension, expulsion or removal from school, students shall not enter upon any real and personal property that is owned, leased, rented, or controlled by the District without the express prior approval of a building principal or designee.

Computer/Technology Use

The District encourages information dissemination, collaboration, innovation, and experimentation through the ethical use of technology. The District requires its staff and students to adhere strictly to Regulation and laws applying to technological hardware and software. In cases involving any activity prohibited by District Regulation and/or law, rights accorded to persons by the District, such as privacy, do not protect an individual from discipline and/or prosecution. Complete copies of Regulations 2022 and 5253 may be obtained at any school or on the district website.

Computers are to be used for academic purposes only. No games, audio files, video files, or other applications may be downloaded or installed without permission of the site administrator or designee. Every student using a District computer must have a parent/guardian/caretaker sign a Responsible Use Agreement. This form acknowledges the right of the District to review material stored on its network, as well as the wide range of information accessible through public networks. The Issaquah School District uses monitoring software when students are using a District device (on and off campus), a student email address, and when using District-provided programs like OneDrive, Office 365, etc. This means students and parent/guardian/caretakers will be contacted if a student uses any language that references illegal, violent, sexual, harassment, intimidation, bullying or self-harm language while using a District device, email or program.  The Responsible Use Agreement also releases the District from liability for any damages due to information gained or obtained through the District network, including access to public networks.

Emergency Removals

Students may be immediately removed from the student's current school placement if the District has sufficient cause to believe that the student's presence poses:

• An immediate and continuing danger to other students or school personnel; or
• An immediate and continuing threat of material and substantial disruption of the educational process. An immediate and continuing threat of material and substantial disruption of the educational process means:
  • The student's behavior results in an extreme disruption of the educational process that creates a substantial barrier to learning for other students across the school day; and
  • School personnel have exhausted reasonable attempts at administering other forms of discipline to support the student in meeting behavioral expectations.

An emergency removal may not exceed ten consecutive school days. An emergency removal must end or be converted to another form of discipline within ten school days from the start of the emergency removal.

Equitable Conduct of Students

The Issaquah School District values equity, diversity and inclusion. We believe that building and sustaining a school community where our students feel welcomed, respected and safe, regardless of race, ability, religion, gender, sexual orientation, immigration status, language, political view, or social economic standing is an essential foundation to a student’s overall well-being and academic success. Our district and community are made up of people of varying races, ethnic backgrounds, abilities/disabilities, religions, ages, languages, socioeconomic status, immigration status, sexual orientation, and gender expressions or identities. The Issaquah School District stands against all forms of hate speech, intolerance, bullying, and harassment.

For students to meet our expectations, we provide age-appropriate lessons on the topics, student expectations, and reporting mechanisms listed below.

Student expectations include:

• Use respectful language in person and on social media that is devoid of hate speech, bias, and micro/macroaggressions.
• Respect each individual, even if that person’s identity is different from your own.
• Seek to understand your impact on others while seeking to understand others’ intent.
• Take responsibility for your words, actions and impact.
• We all have a responsibility to report behavior that interferes with having an equitable and inclusive learning environment that honors and respects people of all identities. If you become aware of any actions that violate the expectations above, we expect that you speak up or report through one or more of the following ways:
• Tell a teacher, staff member or other trusted adult immediately.
• If you are comfortable and safe doing so, speak up in the moment to encourage more equitable and inclusive talk or action, and/or support those being hurt.
• Report it anonymously via Issaquah Tip (Be sure to include details such as names of people, time, location and building): Safety Concerns - Report a Tip

Microaggressions an indirect, subtle, or unintentional statement, action, or incident against a person or group based on ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or similar grounds	Targeted Hate Speech abusive, harmful, or threatening speech or writing that expresses prejudice on the basis of ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or similar grounds	Reclaiming Language when a group reclaims words or artifacts that were previously used in a way disparaging of that group
1st offense = **Education + Restoration (when appropriate) Subsequent offense(s) = *Discipline + **Education	1st offense = *Discipline + **Education Subsequent offense(s) = *Discipline + **Education	Any offense = **Education
When considering discipline, the District strives to keep students in their classroom whenever possible; provide for early involvement of parent/guardian/caretakers to support students in meeting behavioral expectations; make reasonable attempt to involve parent/guardian/caretakers and students in the resolution of behavioral violations for which discipline may be administered; and identify forms of discipline that should be administered before or instead of administering classroom exclusion, suspension,  expulsion or emergency removal to support students in meeting behavioral expectations. Disciplinary actions must be non-discriminatory, fair, age-appropriate and correspond to the severity of the student’s misbehavior. Types of discipline= Reteaching, Detention, Conference with Admin and/or Parent/guardian/caretakers, In School Suspension, Out of School Suspension, Expulsion or Emergency Removal For more information regarding student discipline see Regulation and Procedure 3241 and 3241P *Students who receive special education services for behavioral needs may receive differentiated supports and/or discipline
**Education = Review of the handbook, crafted lessons based on behavior, social-emotional lessons, intent vs impact, use of language based on setting, etc.

Inspection, Search and Seizure

Students are entitled to the guarantees of the Fourth Amendment and shall be secure in their persons, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures. However, school officials are required to promote a safe environment and are empowered to conduct a reasonable search of a student, of their personal property (including cars parked on campus), and of school property when there is reasonable and individualized cause or grounds for suspecting or believing that the search will turn up evidence that the student has violated or is violating either the law or the rules of the school. Any search conducted must comply with applicable laws. School property shall remain under the control of school officials, and shall be subject to search.

Searches of Students and Personal Property

Any search of a student conducted by a District employee must be reasonably related to the discovery of contraband or other evidence based upon an individualized suspicion of the student's violation of the law or school rules. The term “contraband” means items, materials, or substances the possession of which is prohibited by law or District Regulation, including but not limited to, controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, nicotine delivering devices, or any object that can reasonably be considered a firearm or a dangerous weapon.

Locker Searches

All student lockers may be searched at any time without prior notice and without reasonable suspicion that the search will yield evidence of any student's violation of the law or school rules. If the school official conducting such a search develops a reasonable suspicion that any container inside the locker, including but not limited to a purse, backpack, gym bag, or an article of clothing, contains evidence of a student's violation of the law or school rules, the container may be searched pursuant to the District’s procedures governing personal searches.

Additional information regarding student privacy and searches may be found in Regulation 3230 and Procedure 3230P.

Our Schools Protect Students from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB)

Schools are meant to be safe and inclusive environments where all students are protected from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB), including in the classroom, on the school bus, in school sports, and during other school activities. This section defines HIB, explains what to do when you see or experience it, and our school’s process for responding to it.

What is HIB?

HIB is any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act of a student that:

• Physically harms another student or damages their property;
• Has the effect of greatly interfering with another student’s education; or,
• Is so severe, persistent, or significant that it creates an intimidating or threatening education environment for other students.

HIB generally involves an observed or perceived power imbalance and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated. HIB is not allowed, by law, in our schools.

How can I make a report or complaint about HIB?

Talk to any school staff member (consider starting with whoever you are most comfortable with!). You may use our district’s reporting form to share concerns about HIB but reports about HIB can be made in writing or verbally. Your report can made anonymously, if you are uncomfortable revealing your identity, or confidentially if you prefer it not be shared with other students involved with the report. No disciplinary action will be taken against another student based solely on an anonymous or confidential report.

If a staff member is notified of, observes, overhears, or otherwise witnesses HIB, they must take prompt and appropriate action to stop the HIB behavior and to prevent it from happening again. Our district also has a HIB Compliance Officer (Stacy Cho, Assistant Director of Student Intervention – Compliance, 425-837-7109 ChoS@issaquah.wednet.edu) that supports prevention and response to HIB.

What happens after I make a report about HIB?

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

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

What is the investigation process?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our School Stands Against Discrimination

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

What is discriminatory harassment?

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

Review the district’s Nondiscrimination Policy [3210] and Procedure [3210P].

 

What is sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome conduct or communication that is sexual in nature and substantially interferes with a student's educational performance or creates an intimidating or hostile environment. Sexual harassment can also occur when a student is led to believe they must submit to unwelcome sexual conduct or communication to gain something in return, such as a grade or a place on a sports team.

Examples of sexual harassment can include pressuring a person for sexual actions or favors; unwelcome touching of a sexual nature; graphic or written statements of a sexual nature; distributing sexually explicit texts, e-mails, or pictures; making sexual jokes, rumors, or suggestive remarks; and physical violence, including rape and sexual assault.

Review the district’s Sexual Harassment Policy [3205] and Procedure [3205P].

What should my school do about discriminatory and sexual harassment?

When a school becomes aware of possible discriminatory or sexual harassment, it must investigate and stop the harassment. The school must address any effects the harassment had on the student at school, including eliminating the hostile environment, and make sure that the harassment does not happen again.

What can I do if I’m concerned about discrimination or harassment?

Talk to a Coordinator or submit a written complaint. You may contact the following school district staff members to report your concerns, ask questions, or learn more about how to resolve your concerns.

Concerns about discrimination:

Civil Rights Coordinator:
Stacy Cho, Assistant Director of Compliance
5150 220th Ave. SE
Issaquah, WA 98029
425-837-7109
ChoS@issaquah.wednet.edu

Concerns about sex discrimination, including sexual harassment:

Title IX Coordinator:
Stacy Cho, Assistant Director of Compliance
5150 220th Ave. SE
Issaquah, WA 98029
425-837-7109
ChoS@issaquah.wednet.edu

Title IX Coordinator for Athletics/Activities:

Jordan Frost, District Athletic and Activities Director
5150 220th Ave. SE
Issaquah, WA 98029
425-837-7035
FrostJ@issaquah.wednet.edu

Concerns about disability discrimination:

Section 504 Coordinator:
Noah Westerberg, Director of Counseling
5150 220th Ave. SE
Issaquah, WA 98029
425-837-7161
WesterbergN@issaquah.wednet.edu

Concerns about discrimination based on gender identity:

Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator:
Stacy Cho, Assistant Director of Compliance
5150 220th Ave. SE
Issaquah, WA 98029
425-837-7109
ChoS@issaquah.wednet.edu

 

To submit a written complaint, describe the conduct or incident that may be discriminatory and send it by mail, fax, email, or hand delivery to the school principal, district superintendent, or civil rights coordinator. Submit the complaint as soon as possible for a prompt investigation, and within one year of the conduct or incident.

What happens after I file a discrimination complaint?

The Civil Rights Coordinator will give you a copy of the school district’s discrimination complaint procedure. The Civil Rights Coordinator must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The investigation must be completed within 30 calendar days unless you agree to a different timeline. If your complaint involves exceptional circumstances that require a longer investigation, the Civil Rights Coordinator will notify you in writing with the anticipated date for their response.

When the investigation is complete, the school district superintendent or the staff member leading the investigation will send you a written response. This response will include:

• A summary of the results of the investigation
• A determination of whether the school district failed to comply with civil rights laws
• Any corrective measures or remedies needed
• Notice about how you can appeal the decision

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

If you do not agree with the outcome of your complaint, you may appeal the decision to the district’s Board of Directors and then to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). More information about this process, including important timelines, is included in the district’s Nondiscrimination Procedure [3210P] and Sexual Harassment Procedure [3205P].

I already submitted an HIB complaint – what will my school do?

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying (HIB) can also be discrimination if it's related to a protected class. If you give your school a written report of HIB that involves discrimination or sexual harassment, your school will notify the Civil Rights Coordinator. The school district will investigate the complaint using both the Nondiscrimination Procedure [3210P] and the HIB Procedure [3207P] to fully resolve your complaint.

Who else can help with HIB or Discrimination Concerns?

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)

All reports must start locally at the school or district level. However, OSPI can assist students, families, communities, and school staff with questions about state law, the HIB complaint process, and the discrimination and sexual harassment complaint processes.

OSPI School Safety Center (For questions about harassment, intimidation, and bullying)

• Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/health-safety/school-safety-center
• Email: schoolsafety@k12.wa.us
• Phone: 360-725-6068

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

• Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/equity-and-civil-rights
• Email: equity@k12.wa.us
• Phone: 360-725-6162

Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO)

The Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds works with families, communities, and schools to address problems together so every student can fully participate and thrive in Washington’s K-12 public schools. OEO provides informal conflict resolution tools, coaching, facilitation, and training about family, community engagement, and systems advocacy.

• Website: www.oeo.wa.gov
• Email: oeoinfo@gov.wa.gov
• Phone: 1-866-297-2597

Our School is Gender-Inclusive

In Washington, all students have the right to be treated consistent with their gender identity at school. Our school will:

• Address students by their requested name and pronouns, with or without a legal name change
• Change a student’s gender designation and have their gender accurately reflected in school records
• Allow students to use restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity
• Allow students to participate in sports, physical education courses, field trips, and overnight trips in accordance with their gender identity
• Keep health and education information confidential and private
• Allow students to wear clothing that reflects their gender identity and apply dress codes without regard to a student’s gender or perceived gender
• Protect students from teasing, bullying, or harassment based on their gender or gender identity

Review the district’s Gender-Inclusive Schools Policy [3211] and Procedure [3211P]. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator:

Stacy Cho, Assistant Director of Compliance
5150 220th Ave. SE
Issaquah, WA 98029
425-837-7109
ChoS@issaquah.wednet.edu

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

Safe and Positive Environment

The Issaquah School District believes that a safe, civil environment is essential to high student and staff achievement, to the free exchange of ideas central to a quality educational process, and to the development of youth as thoughtful participants in our democracy. Conversely, uncivil conduct, like other forms of disruptive behavior, interferes with a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate its students.

The Issaquah School District strives to maintain a learning environment where all students, staff and members of our community can be free from intimidation and harassment. One way we foster such an environment is by informing students and employees--as well as parent/guardian/caretakers--of their personal rights. We explain proper behavior in schools and what kinds of behavior are inappropriate. The District’s Regulations on harassment--sexual and otherwise--support our high expectations for proper behavior. Please take a moment to review the summary of Regulation 3205 and 3207, which protect students.

If an individual experiences harassment, an informal or a formal complaint process is available. If the complaint is not resolved satisfactorily, there is an appeal procedure. Please take a moment to review the District’s website for resources and options for reporting.

Student Athletic/Activity Code

The opportunity to participate in the interscholastic athletic program is a privilege granted to all students of the District and is governed by Regulation 2151. Participants in this voluntary program are expected to conform to specific conduct standards established by the District, principals, athletic directors and coaches. All interscholastic activities and events shall be in compliance with the District’s rules and regulations as set forth in the District’s Middle School Student Athletic Handbook.

Student Conduct Expectations and Definitions

Students, parent/guardian/caretakers, and school personnel are jointly responsible for expecting and demonstrating behavior that ensures a safe, orderly, and healthy environment for all persons. Students may not behave in a way disruptive to the educational process or unsafe for other students, staff, and/or self. The student conduct expectations also pertain to Running Start students, students who are home-based, private school and WANIC students. This handbook will always be read consistent with federal statutes and regulations, state statutes and regulations and common law. 

This handbook contains a summary of the district’s general discipline policies. For a complete set of all regulations and procedures related to student conduct and discipline, please see Regulation 3241 and Procedure 3241P.

District Authority

All students will adhere to the written rules and regulations established for the orderly operations of the District and the reasonable requests, instructions, and directives of District personnel. The term "District personnel" includes all adults, including contractors and volunteers, authorized to supervise student activities. Failure to do so will be cause for disciplinary action. All students will submit to reasonable discipline by the District and its representatives for violations of regulations and rules.

Students who engage in, attempting to engage in, and/or conspiring to engage in acts that have a detrimental effect on the maintenance and operation of the school or the District, criminal acts, and/or violations of school rules and regulations, may be subject to discipline by the school and prosecution under the law. The rules will be enforced by school officials:

• On school grounds immediately before, during, and immediately after school hours;
• On school grounds at any time when a school is being used by any 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 otherwise has a sufficient nexus to the school; and
• In District-provided transportation, or any other place while under the authority of District personnel.

Definitions

• Behavioral violation: A student’s behavior that violates the District’s discipline policy.
• Campus: All areas of any District school (including parking areas and stadium complexes/fields).
• Classroom exclusion: The exclusion of a student from a classroom or instructional or activity area for behavior violations. Classroom exclusion does not include actions that result in missed instruction for a brief duration when: (a) a teacher or other school personnel attempts other forms of discipline to support the student in meeting behavioral expectations; and (b) the student remains under the supervision of the teacher or other school personnel during the brief exclusion.
• Detention: When a student must report to a designated school area for a specified time period. Detention may be served before school, after school, or during lunch and includes monitored study hall.
• Discipline: Any action taken by the District in response to behavioral violations.
• Disruption of the educational process: Interrupting classwork, creating disorder, or invading the rights of a student or group of students.
• Emergency Removal: The removal of a student from school because the student’s presence poses an immediate and continuing danger to other students or school personnel, or an immediate and continuing threat of material and substantial disruption of the educational process. An emergency removal must end or be converted to another form of discipline within ten (10) school days from the start of the emergency removal.
  • For purposes of administering an emergency removal, the term immediate and continuing threat of material and substantial disruption of the educational process means: (1) The student’s behavior results in an extreme disruption of the educational process that creates a substantial barrier to learning for other students across the school day; and (2) School personnel have exhausted reasonable attempts at administering other forms of discipline to support the student in meeting behavioral expectations.
• Expulsion: A denial of admission to the student’s current school placement in response to a behavioral violation. An expulsion may not be for an indefinite period and may not exceed an academic term, unless the District’s Superintendent grants a petition for extension of the expulsion. An expulsion may only be administered: (1) for behavioral violations under RCW 28A.600.015(6)(a)-(d); and (2) after the District has determined that if the student returned to school before completing an expulsion, the student would pose an imminent danger to students or school personnel.
• Length of an academic term: The total number of school days in a single semester, as defined by the school board.
• Other forms of discipline: Actions used in response to behavioral violations, other than classroom exclusion, suspension, expulsion, or emergency removal.
• Saturday School: When a student must report to school on a Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. for monitored study hall or other activities, including campus cleanup.
• School Business Day: Any calendar day, except Saturdays, Sundays, or any federal, state, or school holiday, when the office of the District’s Superintendent is open to the public for business.
• School Day: Any day or partial students are attending school for instructional purposes.
• School District Property: All property of Issaquah School District, including any District school’s campus, parking areas, stadium complex, and other District property.
• Suspension: The denial of attendance in response to a behavioral violation from any subject or class, or from any full schedule of subjects or classes, but not including classroom exclusions, expulsions, or emergency removals.
  • In-School Suspension: A suspension in which a student is excluded from the student’s regular educational setting but remains in the student’s current school placement for up to ten (10) consecutive school days.
  • Short-Term Suspension: A suspension in which the student is excluded from school for up to ten (10) consecutive school days.
  • Long-Term Suspension: A suspension in which a student is excluded from school for more than ten (10) consecutive school days. A long-term suspension may not exceed the length of an academic term and may not be administered beyond the school year in which the behavioral violation occurred. A long-term suspension may only be administered: (1) for behavioral violations listed in the section titled “Suspensions and Expulsions” below; and (2) after the District has determined that if the student returned to school before completing a long-term suspension, the student would pose an imminent danger to students or school personnel or an imminent threat of material and substantial disruption of the educational process.

Student Dress Code

Appropriate clothing in school or at school events contributes to a positive and quality learning environment, thus student clothing must be appropriate for an academic atmosphere. Students’ dress and grooming may not:

• Disrupt, interfere with, disturb, or detract from school activities.
• Create a hazard to the student’s safety or to the safety of others. For example, students are required to always wear appropriate footwear.
• Promote by printed word or symbol the use of illegal substances or other prohibited activities, including intimidation, harassment, sexual innuendo, vulgarity, and obscenities.

If school officials reasonably believe a student’s dress or grooming is objectionable under these provisions, the principal or designee will ask the student to make appropriate corrections. If the student refuses, the student will be subject to discipline. See District Regulation 3224.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Students are entitled to the rights of all people as set forth in the Constitution and laws of the United States; the Constitution and laws of the State of Washington; the law regarding equal education opportunity; First Amendment rights to freedom of press, speech, peaceable assembly and petition; and the right to be secure in their pursuit of an education while in the custody of the District. These rights are subject to the District’s authority to make reasonable rules and regulations to maintain the educational process.

Suspensions and Expulsions

Short-term or in-school suspensions may be imposed as appropriate for the behavioral violations identified in this handbook and in the District’s regulations and procedures. Before administering a short-term or in-school suspension, one or more other forms of discipline will be attempted to support the student in meeting behavioral expectations.

Long-term suspension may only be imposed if: (1) a student commits any of the following behavioral violations; and (2) the school has determined that the student would pose an imminent danger to students or school personnel OR would pose an imminent threat of material and substantial disruption of the educational process if the student returned to school before completing a long-term suspension.

Expulsion may only be imposed if: (1) a student commits any of the following behavioral violations; and (2) the school has determined that the student would pose an imminent danger to students or school personnel if the student returned to school before completing an expulsion.

1. Having a firearm on school property or school transportation in violation of RCW 28A.600.420;
2. Any of the following offenses listed in RCW 13.04.155, including:
   1. any violent offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030, including
      1. any felony that Washington law defines as a class A felony or an attempt, criminal conspiracy, or solicitation to commit a class A felony;
      2. manslaughter in the first or second degree;
      3. indecent liberties committed by forcible compulsion;
      4. kidnapping in the second degree;
      5. arson in the second degree;
      6. assault in the second degree;
      7. assault of a child in the second degree;
      8. extortion in the first degree;
      9. robbery in the second degree;
      10. drive-by shooting; and
      11. vehicular assault caused by operating or driving a vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, or by operating a vehicle in a reckless manner.
   2. any sex offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030, which includes any felony violation of chapter 9A.44 RCW (other than failure to register as a sex offender in violation of 9A.44.132), including rape, rape of a child, child molestation, sexual misconduct with a minor, indecent liberties, voyeurism; a felony violation of RCW 9A.64.020; a felony violation of chapter 9.68A RCW (other than RCW 9.68A.080); a criminal attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy to commit a sex offense; and any felony conviction or adjudication with a sexual motivation finding;
   3. unlawful possession or delivery, or both, of a controlled substance in violation of chapter 69.50 RCW; and
   4. any firearms and dangerous weapons violation of chapter 9.41 RCW, including having a dangerous weapon at school in violation of RCW 9.41.280.
3. Two or more violations of the following within a three-year period
   1. criminal gang intimidation in violation of RCW 9A.46.120:
   2. gang activity on school grounds in violation of RCW 28A.600.455;
   3. willfully disobeying school administrative personnel in violation of RCW 28A.635.020; and
   4. defacing or injuring school property in violation of RCW 28A.635.060; and
4. Any student behavior that adversely impacts the health or safety of other students or educational staff.

The phrase “student behavior that adversely impacts the health or safety of other students or educational staff” includes, but is not limited to, the following examples:

• Abusive behavior, lewd conduct, harassment and sexual harassment
• Assault, threats, extortion, causing physical injury or damage to school property
• Behavior that constitutes harassment, intimidation or bullying under Regulation 3207 where such acts adversely impact health and safety of students and staff
• Criminal acts
• Dangerous weapons, instruments, & activities
• Fighting
• Disruptive conduct
• False alarms

When considering discipline, the District strives to keep students in their classroom whenever possible; provide for early involvement of parent/guardian/caretakers in efforts to support students in meeting behavioral expectations; make every reasonable attempt to involve parent/guardian/caretakers and students in the resolution of behavioral violations for which discipline may be administered; and identify forms of discipline that should be administered before or instead of administering classroom exclusion, suspension, or expulsion to support students in meeting behavioral expectations. Disciplinary actions must be non-discriminatory, fair, age-appropriate and correspond to the severity of the student’s misbehavior.

Administering other forms of discipline may involve the use of best practices and strategies listed below. Below are the forms of discipline that school administration should consider as the result of a behavioral violation. Administrators must consider the student's individual circumstances and the nature and circumstances of the behavioral violation to determine what level of discipline is warranted.

• Behavior mentoring
• Community Service
• Contract (Academic, Attendance, Behavior)
• Counseling in behavior expectations and potential consequences for behavior violations.
• Confiscation of inappropriate items
• Detention either before school, during recess and/or after school.
• Intervention Group
• Parent/guardian/caretakers Notification and Conference
• Peer Mediation
• Personal Reflection
• Positive Behavioral Support Plan
• Privileges Suspended
• Reassignment to Different Class/Programs
• Request Student Conference
• Restitution
• Restorative justice practices
• Restriction of school-related activities
• Social skills instruction
• Special assignments
• Threat Assessment (see 3225P)
• Warning
• Other Action (consistent with other Level 1 interventions)

For student behaviors that do not fall within one or more of the categories listed immediately above, schools may only impose classroom exclusion, in-school suspension, short-term suspension, or other forms of discipline.

Before administering any suspension or expulsion, the student’s individual circumstances and the nature and circumstances of the behavioral violation will be considered to determine whether the suspension or expulsion, and the length of the suspension or expulsion, is warranted.

In the case of classroom exclusions, suspensions, or expulsions, parent/guardian/caretakers will be notified. Depending on the circumstances of the infraction and the discipline imposed, a suspension/expulsion may begin immediately during the school day, after school, or the following morning. In order to minimize absences from school and depending upon the infraction, in-school suspension/Saturday School may be used as an alternative to out of school suspension. In addition, any student who is participating in or will be participating in school athletics, ASB, cheer, dance, and/or drill is subject to sanctions for violation of the drug and alcohol Regulation as outlined in the Student Athletic Handbook.  

Any student or parent/guardian/caretaker who is aggrieved by the imposition of discipline may utilize the procedures in Procedure 3241P for the purpose of grieving the discipline.

Law enforcement agencies may be contacted for violations of assault; possession, use, or transmitting alcohol or other drugs not prescribed for the individual; arson; possession of a dangerous weapon or weapon facsimile; reporting false alarms; trespassing; abuse and theft as appropriate; and of other criminal activities.

Department of Social and Health Services, Children’s Protective Services, may be contacted in cases of abuse or assault. If the victim is 18 or older and developmentally disabled, Adult Protective Services may be called.

Transportation

The mission of the District and bus drivers is to safely transport students to and from school or to school activities. Regulation 6606 and Procedure 6606P set forth the specific rules of conduct on buses.

The District uses of video cameras on school buses to maintain good order and increase safety. The video may be used to identify students who violate the rules of conduct for buses and for decisions based on those violations.