General Information

GENERAL INFORMATION

ASB Card

For $30 you can get an ASB Card which will give you free entrance to all regular home sports events, a discount at away games, tournaments, and dances. It doesn’t take many $4 - $6 entrance fees to pay for your ASB Card! Your ASB card also gets you entrance into special drawings throughout the year.

Fees

Fees are subject to change as necessary.

ASB Card $30

Annual $55 Fall & $70 Spring

Athletic $30 Per Sport

Transportation Fee $15 Per Sport

Football Helmet Fee $15

Reserved Parking Spot $20 with ASB, $25 without ASB

Chehalin

The W.F. West yearbook is called The Chehalin. This is a great way to remember your years at W.F. West High School. Not only will it be a photographic record of the school year, it will be something you will really enjoy in the future. Wait until your kids see what you used to do in school! You need to order this in the early fall, so watch for the notices!

Voter Registration

Students turning 18 years of age are encouraged to register to vote as their civic duty. See Mrs. Russell in the counseling office to get a mail-in registration form.

Got an Owie?

W.F. West has an excellent school nurse. The nurse's office is in the main office. Although she’s only here part time, you can get limited nurse's office service at any time from our wonderful secretaries. The school nurse is a great resource for information about any of your medical needs. If you have a medication you need to take during the day, she is the one to keep it for you. Although the school cannot give out any medicine (including aspirin), we can take care of your medicine under certain conditions. The nurse's office is not a place to catch up on your sleep or use as an excuse to skip a test. If you need to visit the nurse during class, get a pass from your teacher and go to the nurse's office. Don't forget to check in with the nurse or secretary!

Fire!

When the alarm goes off, exit the building immediately! Don't run, walk! Pure and simple, smoke and fumes kill most people in fires, not visible flames. Do not re-enter the building until the bell rings. We will have a fire drill once a month. They are usually announced. The drills are timed and recorded for inspection by the fire marshal. The fire alarm is also used to evacuate the building in other potential emergencies, so any time you hear the alarm, move out smartly. Any person caught causing a false alarm or calling in a bomb threat will be referred to the fire marshal and police in addition to receiving a long-term suspension or emergency expulsion from school.

Emergency

If you see a situation at school or a school-sponsored event that needs emergency action, send someone to notify a staff member immediately. If you don’t have a role in resolving the emergency, follow the directions of the people in charge.

Earthquake

We live in an area susceptible to earthquakes. If we have an earthquake, we will try to let you know what to do by intercom as soon as possible-if it is still working. Your first line of protection is to get on the floor under something. Stay away from windows-they will shatter. A doorway is a good place to be because it is braced, but 30 people won’t fit under a doorway. When the fire alarm is activated, or an announcement is made, evacuate the building as you would in a fire drill. Once outside, move away from the building and power lines. Don’t return to the building until directed to do so.

Technology Center

W.F. West a Tech Center. It is a resource center to serve students and staff. It is to be used for study, research, and reading. The Tech Center is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You will find books to check out as well as periodicals and other reference materials to use in research projects and other assignments. Each year the Tech Center improves its technology to make your research quicker and easier. There are computers in the Tech Center for student use. Check it out!

Bookin' IT

Some of your textbooks cost well over $75.00. Take care of them please! In the past, you have probably received a ratty looking book because someone else didn't take care of it. Damage a book and you will pay a fine! Many teachers require book covers and even if they don't, why not cover it yourself? Textbooks are for reading - not writing in. The only writing allowed in a textbook is your name in the space provided in most books inside the front cover. Write your name there so if your book is lost and found, it gets back to you and saves you from having to replace a lost book! Check your books when you receive them. If there is damage or writing, you don't want to pay for that at the end of the semester. Let your teacher know the condition of the book so you don't pay a fine later.

HALT! Who Goes There?

If you leave the classroom during class time, you need to have a hall pass. If you are stopped in the hall by a staff member, and don't have a hall pass, you will be asked to return to class. Some business just can't wait, so make sure you have a hall pass before you leave class. With five minutes between classes, there should be very little need to be out of the classroom during class time. We need you in class!

Phones

If you need to make a quick call home or to work, you can use the counter phones in the office. Availability is limited to official business only during class time and with a note from your teacher. Don't use your cell phone in class! If you get a message to call home or work, a note will be delivered to your class and given to your teacher, who may or may not have time to give you the note. We handle phone messages on an "as available" basis. The office will only take calls from parents, employers and medical offices.

Electronic Communication Devices

As of this writing, there are no bans on having cell phones, mp3 players, personal gaming systems, and other electronic devices at school; however, their use is limited to outside of your classrooms. ECDs are not to be used during class time. Each teacher has different rules about ECD’s in the classroom. It is your responsibility to learn those rules and abide by them. If the device becomes a disruption, the teacher can confiscate it and turn it into the office. You will be subject to disciplinary action. Students are not allowed to use any device to photograph or record (either in video or audio format) another person on school property at any time without that person's permission. See Standard Discipline Consequences on page 16.

Pen-Style Laser Beams

Pen-style laser beam projectors are dangerous to a person's eyesight if directed into the eye. They are also distracting to people working in schools. Because of their similarity to weapon sighting lasers, they are unnerving to many people. For all of these reasons, they are not allowed at school or at any school-related activity. Students found using them will have the device confiscated and be removed from the activity.

Bulletin

Each day, a bulletin of activities is published. If you want to let other students and staff know what your club or activity is doing, announce it in the daily bulletin. Write it up, have a staff member sign off on it, and turn it into the office by 3:00 p.m. on the day before you want it to be published.New items in the bulletin are read each day in 1st period classes. Students should be quiet and attentive during this time.

Special Assemblies

All-school assemblies are scheduled at various times throughout the year. They may be awards assemblies or special programs with speakers, performers or presentations. We have a great tradition of making the change from loud and noisy at pep assemblies to being quiet and attentive at these assemblies. As a result, discipline can be expected for inappropriate behavior. Remember that there are guests in the stands at many of our assemblies. Often the only impression they have of our student body comes from observing our assemblies. Also, our staff and students deserve to be treated with politeness and mutual respect. Let's all pull together and make our assemblies as purposeful, enjoyable, and classy as possible.

Balloons & Flowers

If there is a special occasion for your best friend, plan your celebration so it doesn't interfere with the business of school. Balloons, flowers, and special messages will be handled in the office. The secretary will notify you if you have something to pick up. A note will be sent to your class, but we can't chase you down throughout the day. Please don't take a bouquet of twenty balloons to your classroom! It makes your teacher jealous and is a major distraction.

Let's Boogie

Your ASB officers have scheduled many dances this year. They are as fun as you make them. Come and spend a great time with your friends and people you would like to make friends with. Most dances start at 9:00 and all end at 11:30. Most dances are in the commons. You will need to have proof that you are a student at W.F. West to get in the door. If you do not have a W.F. West identification or ASB card, you can't come in. Cards are available in the ASB office if you don't have one. If you plan on bringing a visitor from another high school, you will need to clear your guest's admission two days in advance with an administrator in the main office. Non-high school students are not allowed to attend informal high school dances.

1. Doors close at 10:30. Unless you have made arrangements prior to the dance with an administrator, you will not be admitted. 10:30 means 10:30!

2. If you leave the dance, you are gone for the evening and will not be readmitted.

3. Your ASB card will knock at least $1.00 off the admission. You must present your ASB card to get the discount.

4. Behavior standards at dances, with respect to language, assaults, etc., are the same as during the school day and consequences will be the same.

5. The school rules and guidelines as printed in the W. F. West High School Student Handbook apply to all school dances.

6. If you choose to come into a dance under the influence of anything but exuberance and natural excitement, you will face the consequences. Don't even think about showing up under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. There are at least eight chaperones and one administrator at each dance who are on the lookout for those under the influence of alcohol and other drugs.

7. Dancing can be an aerobic workout; however, we ask that you don't dress that way. See the Dress for Success section.

8. No "freak dancing." Follow this simple rule: face-to-face, leave some space and you'll be fine.

Dress for Success

W. F. West High School promotes standards of "Dressing for Success". Common sense is the standard for dress and appearance. Students are expected to dress in a fashion that shows respect and is not offensive, is conducive to a positive learning environment, is not disruptive or distracting to the educational process, meets health and safety standards and is college and career ready.

The following clothing items are prohibited:

• Items directly or indirectly depicting or referring to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, violence, death, profanity, nudity, vulgarity, obscenity, or other socially inappropriate message demeaning to any race, religion, gender or ethnic group, or which advocates the violation of the law;

• Revealing or provocative clothing, such as tops that expose bare midriff, cleavage, and/or undergarments such as halter tops, tank tops, tops with spaghetti straps, tube tops, muscle shirts, tops that show cleavage, bare, midriffs, or bare backs are not allowed;

• Tops which have spaghetti straps, are backless, low cut, have open sides, front or back, or have side slits or are see-through;

• Tops which leave any part of an undergarment (bra, sports bra, camisole, etc.) exposed;

• Sagging pants that fall below the hip bone;

• Belts not secured in such a manner that no part of the belt is left hanging;

• Shorts/skirts with high slits or that expose more than half of the thigh, shorts/skirts that are shorter than fingertips when arms are extended downward while standing;

• Jeans or pants with holes in any area above the fingertips when arms are extended downward while standing. Any rips or holes in this area must be covered and/or not show any skin;

• Excessive metal accessories or sharp objects (including any chains, spikes, sharp protruding objects, safety pins as clothing, sharp ear/lip rings, or other potentially dangerous items);

• Gang symbols (any apparel, jewelry, accessory, notebook or manner of grooming which, by virtue of its color, arrangement, trademark or any attribute, denotes membership in gangs and/or which advocates drug use, violence or disruptive behavior), as interpreted with the assistance of local law enforcement;

• Bracelets, necklaces or other accessories containing lewd, sexual, suggestive, vulgar, disrespectful, or otherwise inappropriate material;

• "Put-down" shirts that convey a negative message of self or others.

Please Note: The administration is the final judge on what is or is not appropriate.

In addition:

• All students must wear some type of shoes or sandals at all times. Footwear must have a hard or rubberized sole (safety purposes) and should not be considered a distraction. Bathroom/house slippers with a thin sole are not allowed.

• Items, which can pose a distraction such as sunglasses, handkerchiefs, or gang-related attire are banned.

Consequences of wearing inappropriate items can include:

• You will be asked to make a "change" for the positive.

• Continued dress code violations may include parent notification, detention slips, office referrals, and suspension for insubordination, and even long-term suspension for repeated offenses.

As with any policy, inclusion of all possible situations is difficult. Please remember the W. F. West staff may sometimes have to use its discretion regarding student dress. If a staff member deems an item of clothing to be disruptive to the learning environment, the Dress Code policy will be enforced.

Nuisance Items

Any items that are disruptive to the educational process will be confiscated. Please leave these items at home. Items may include, but are not limited to, laser pointers, rubber bands, cell phones, pagers, permanent markers, headphones, earbuds, IPods, media devices, etc. Media devices containing content inappropriate for school will be confiscated and returned to a parent.

What's That Noise?

Like tunes? Enjoy whatever music you like at home or in your car. Please don't assume everyone else at school will like what you want to listen to. Radios and other related noise makers do not have a place at school.

Got a super sub-woofer in your car? Remember, the bass sounds outside your car also. If class is in session, like during your lunch, please make sure the bass from your tunes doesn't carry into the rest of the school.

iPods and other music players can be taken from you by your teacher if you choose to listen to them or bring them to class. You can pick up your confiscated sound equipment in the office at the end of the school day.

Watch that Mouth

One of the great things about the good ol' USA is freedom of speech. Another great thing is the Supreme Court recognizing that profanity in schools Is not acceptable. At your age, you know what language is acceptable in a school setting. W.F. West Is a "G" movie, not a "PG-13" and definitely not an "R" rated movie. The same standards go for profanity or obscenity in dress, appearance, pictures, and posters.

Visitors

If you want to bring a visitor to school, you must follow these guidelines:

1. Get a visitor's pass from an administrator AND have it signed by ALL of your teachers at least one day before the visit.

2. The visitor must be enrolled in a high school and may not visit if their school is in session.

3. You must bring a note from your parent that it is okay for your visitor to come to school with you. The visitor may only visit one day, and may not be able to visit all of your classes on the day they are here. Please - no visitors the last week of each semester...that is test taking time. The visitor policy is subject to immediate cancellation.

Open and Closed Campus

W.F. West's campus is both open and closed. How can that be?? Except for your lunch, W.F. West is a closed campus. That Includes from the time you arrive on campus, be It by bus, car, horse or whatever. If you want to leave campus during the school day other than lunch, you need to have permission from the office. That permission is granted when you give the office a note from your parents or have your parents call and sign out. For 18-year-old students who sign themselves out for excused appointments, we will need a doctor or dentist note upon return to school to be excused. During your lunch, you may leave campus. Remember, leaving campus was your decision. If you don't make it back, accept the consequences. If a parent picks you up at lunch, but doesn't get you back in time, you need to bring a note from the parent when you return to school and sign in at the attendance window when you return. The office will look at each situation on its merits and your past history to determine if the absence will be excused. Save the pain and stay on campus at lunch!

Lunch Off Campus?

If you are visiting a local eating establishment, please demonstrate the same behavior as when you are eating with your family. Why would this even appear in our handbook? From time to time we get calls from businesses about the extremely rude behavior of a few "high school students" which is a real "smack in the face" to all of you who wouldn't even think about being rude to employees or other customers. Enjoy your lunch, but please, not at the expense of others! Please avoid eating behind the school, around the athletic fields, and in the halls.

The Big Food Room

Classrooms are for learning. Gyms are for exercising. Hallways are for moving from place to place. Lockers are for storing things. Parking is for parking your car. The commons if for eating!

That is why the food is served there, tables are provided for eating and garbage cans for disposing of what is left. Eat your food in the Commons. You are welcome to bring food in from off campus to eat in your Commons.

The Commons is a "bus-it-yourself" operation. The reason you don't sit at assigned tables and have table "captains" is that about 98% of you are beyond that stage in your life. The 2% that aren't, who are you leaving the mess for? Your mother doesn't work here to clean up after you, so please ... place your garbage where it belongs: in a trash can.

This Ain't NO Trash Can

W.F. West was designed to make it a great place to be. The colors were chosen to be bright and cheery. Each year, we have a few slobs who can't deal with a clean environment and use your school as their trash can. They know the need for cleanliness because in their effort to keep their cars clean, they throw their trash in the parking lot. They let "stuff" fall out of their locker without picking it up. They leave their trash on the tables to be "cool" or because they feel there is "someone else to pick it up.”

A few of these people are just "absent-minded" and forget to clean up after themselves. The others purposefully leave their garbage for someone else to clean up. It is hard to understand what they have against our poor maintenance people who put in extra work to clean up after them. If you are a "trash can head," please don't take your shortcomings out on our maintenance staff! If you are among the 98% of the great people who clean up after yourself, thanks! Spread your positive influence out on the "trash bucket heads!"

My Stuff

If you want a place to store your "stuff" at school, sign up for a locker. Lockers are school property and may be inspected periodically as a general inspection of school property. (RCW 28A.600.220). If you sign up for a locker, you will be expected to keep it in as good a shape as when you found it. Fines are assessed at the end of the year for locker damage. A new lock costs $5, so don't lose it!

Sticky Fingers

The office gets about two thefts reported each month and probably more thefts occur than are reported. Thefts occur in classrooms, the lunchroom, PE lockers (left unlocked), hallway lockers, and cars. Schools do not carry insurance, so if you have something swiped, you won't get anything from the school for it. Protect your property.

Lost It Again!

Every so often, you are so lost in thought about that test, assignment, new boy or girl friend, that you leave your glasses, books, retainers, shoes, watch, money, or whatever behind. If it is found, it is turned in to the main office. Check with a secretary if you have lost something.

Parking Rules

The safety of students and staff is the primary concern behind our parking lot regulations. All students must register any vehicle that is to be driven on campus during school hours. One tag will be issued per student. This tag hangs from the rear view mirror and may be transferred from vehicle to vehicle as long as the vehicles have been registered with the office,

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR REGISTERED VEHICLE AND ARE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OR

SANCTIONS CAUSED BY THE OPERATION OF THAT VEHICLE WHETHER OR NOT YOU ARE THE DRIVER.

The school district is not responsible for damage to vehicles driven or parked on this campus.

Where student parking is provided, vehicles are to be parked within the white lines of the individual stalls.

Faculty/Staff Parking is designated by a yellow line painted along with the white stall line. No student parking is allowed in these parking areas.

The campus speed limit is 10 mph. Exercise extreme caution when crossing the speed bumps.

Vehicles with no visible tag, vehicles parked inappropriately, or vehicles with two parking violations will be given 30 days parking suspension. Vehicles parked in fire lanes are subject to towing. Any form of negligent driving (speeding, squealing tires, loss of control) will be treated in the same manner as above.

Driving with music at extreme volumes can also be dangerous. It can distract you from your primary job behind the wheel, so keep the tunes down! Driving on the campus is a privilege, not a given right. Please maintain your driving privilege by cooperating with the drivers and pedestrians on the campus, Thanks for your help!

School Busses

Ride the bus and save the environment as well as a lot of bucks! Let the bus driver worry about where to park! Remember riding the school bus is a privilege, Riders who fail to maintain appropriate conduct while on the bus or waiting for a bus may have this privilege suspended.

Skateboards

Skateboards must be kept in your locker. Just like a car or bike, don't start driving it until you are away from the buildings. Because of liability problems, skateboards cannot be ridden on school district property.