Students Conduct

STUDENT CONDUCT

Students are recognized as having rights and responsibilities like any other citizen of the U. S. Their right to an education and rights of citizenship are respected by the Chehalis School District. It shall be the responsibility and duty of each student to pursue his/her course of studies, and to comply with written rules of the Chehalis School District.

The rules, regulations and due process procedures of the Chehalis School District are designed to protect all members of the educational community, students, teachers, parents, and administrators in the exercise of their rights and duties.

Pursuant to chapter 392-400 of the Washington Administrative Code, the following rules governing the conduct of all students enrolled at W. F. West High School, including special programs, have been adopted. All pupils who attend W. F. West shall comply with these rules and regulations as well as the Chehalis School District "Policy Defining Student Conduct,

Student Rights and Student Disciplinary Sanctions" (copies available in the district office), and shall submit to the reasonable directions of school employees. Refusal to comply with such directions of school authorities shall constitute cause for discipline, suspension, or expulsion. Such rules shall apply:

a. On the school grounds before, during, or after school hours.

b. On the school grounds at any other time when the school is being used by a school group.

c. Off the school grounds at a school activity, function or event, including while students are participating in or representing the school in school- sponsored events.

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

e. Off the school grounds when the student is en route between home and school, including bus stops.

STUDENT MISCONDUCT

Disruptive Behavior: The following acts of misconduct are judged to be a breach of student conduct at W.F. West High School. Students involved in any of these acts are subject to corrective action as defined by district policy and state law. In addition, engaging in these acts may involve notification of civil authorities.

Continual Disruptive Behavior: Exceptional Misconduct means misconduct other than absenteeism, which is judged to be so serious in nature and/or as serious in terms of the disruptive effect upon the operation of the schools, as to warrant an immediate resort to corrective action. In this handbook, any discipline offense marked with an asterisk (*) has been determined to be an exceptional misconduct offense.

Bus Behavior: Students are expected to conduct themselves appropriately while a passenger on a school bus. Rules are posted and/or explained on each bus. Violation of the above rules may render pupils immediately liable for temporary or permanent corrective action of riding privileges. Fighting, endangerment of other students, or violation of the rule regarding smoking, chewing tobacco, lighting matches or lighters or using any type of flame or spark device, are an automatic one-week corrective action of riding privileges. On all other rule violations, the procedures in place with the Chehalis/Centralia Pupil Transportation Cooperative will be enforced.

Academic Dishonesty: Any student who shall knowingly submit any work of others fraudulently represented as his/her own shall be considered to have cheated. Cheating also includes the aiding and abetting of cheating by others, the use or preparation of written, pictorial, or other materials not authorized by the instructor during any test or assignment, the use of testing materials obtained previous to the test date, alteration of records and/or changing of grades, plagiarism of any kind, etc. Students found cheating shall be subject to a conference. After that conference, consequences could range from receiving a failing score on the test or assignment(s) in question to failure of the class. A student who falsifies, alters, destroys a school record or any communication between home and school shall be subject to corrective action/disciplinary sanctions.

Defiance/non comply: Students shall not fail to comply with policies or rules or with directions of teachers or other authorized school personnel during any period of time when he/she is properly under the authority of school personnel. Violators will be subject to corrective action from school.

Disruption Behavior: This is the use of noise, force, threats (verbal or written), violence, or any other conduct, causing the disruption or obstruction of the educational process or any function of W.F. West High School. Violators will be subject to corrective action from school.

Dress and Appearance: Dress and appearance of students is primarily the responsibility of parents. Dress and appearance should be clean and neat and not cause the disruption of the educational process or present health and safety problems. Dress should not promote use of illegal substances or inappropriate sexual behavior. Students inappropriately dressed or with an unacceptable appearance (including profanity) will be sent home until the matter is corrected.

*Explosive and Incendiary Devices - Fireworks: Any student possessing and/or using any explosive device or fireworks will be subject to a minimum of detention time up to corrective action. Continued use can result in long-term corrective action. Bomb threats will result in expulsion from school.

Fire Alarms and Extinguishers: Pulling of fire alarms and/or discharge of fire extinguishers for non-emergency reasons is subject to immediate corrective action and notification of civil authorities for further action. Such acts not only disrupt the educational process, but are against state law and potentially create dangerous conditions.

Forged or Altered Notes, etc.: Any student writing and/or attempting to pass a forged or falsified note or document, telephone message or other communication will earn a one-day in-house corrective action as well as any discipline as a result of this action. A second occurrence of this type will result in a longer corrective action.

*Gangs, Gang Activity: A gang is defined (RCW 28A.600.455) as a group of people (3 or more) who interact among themselves; have identifiable leadership; take upon themselves an identity and/or a group name; claim a physical territory; and engage together in one or more forms of anti-social behavior and/or criminal activity on a regular or ongoing basis. The Chehalis School Board is aware of the public existence of gangs which are involved in illegal, intimidating and harassing conduct, and hereby determines that such gangs and the expression of such gang membership cause, or are likely to cause, disruption in the school environment and present a threat to the health and safety of students and school personnel. Any such activity or expression by students is prohibited while they are subject to the disciplinary control of the school district. Therefore, no student on or about school property or in any place involving a school related activity:

1. Shall wear, possess, distribute or display any clothing such as, but not limited to: bandanas, jewelry, graffiti, sign or any other thing, which by virtue of its color, arrangement, symbol, or any other attribute, is evidence of membership or affiliation in such a gang;

2. Shall commit any act or omission, or use any speech or gesture, or any personal "grooming" style, or conduct evidencing membership or affiliation in such a gang;

3. Shall use any speech, gesture, conduct, or commit any act or omission in furtherance of the interests of any such gang or such gang activity, including, but not limited to:

a. soliciting others for membership in any such gang;

b. pressuring, intimidating, threatening or harassing any person, individually, or creating an atmosphere or environment of undue pressure which can reasonably be expected to interfere with the physical or mental well-being of others;

c. committing any other illegal act or other violation of school district policies;

d. inciting or provoking or actively seeking other students to act with physical force or violence or mental harassment of others. Individuals displaying such behavior are subject to corrective action.

Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying: Harassment (to disturb, torment, or pester), intimidation, threatening, etc., will result in disciplinary action deemed appropriate to the situation. No one should be subjected to harassment at school for any reason. All students will deal with all persons in ways which convey respect and consideration for individuals regardless of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, marital status, familial status, gender, sexual orientation, including gender identity, age or disability. If you feel you are a victim of harassment, or if you know a victim of harassment, see your counselor.

Harassment, intimidation, and bullying in the form of, but not limited to, name-calling, taunting, gestures, intimidation, conduct, jokes, pictures and slurs are prohibited. Chehalis School District Policy also prohibits “cyberbullying,” which is defined as harassment using an electronic device. Such conduct referencing or directed at an individual or group that demeans that person/group on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, creed, age, disability or other extraneous factors is prohibited and shall be grounds for disciplinary action.

Disciplinary action for students guilty of harassment will be dependent upon, but not limited to, the student’s attitude, intent, the effect on other students and/or staff, mitigating circumstances, and the student’s disciplinary history. Based on these factors, discipline may be imposed up to and including corrective action.

Sexual Harassment (Board Policies 5011, 3210, & 6590): Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute harassment when such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance at school or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. There are three main types of sexual harassment identified by the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission:

1. Sexual Advances: Sexual advances include assault and battery, rape, uninvited kisses, hugs, patting or pinching, phone calls and letters, or brushing against another person's body.

2. Requests for Sexual Favors: Requests for sexual favors include subtle or overt requests for sexual intercourse or other sexual contact but can also include repeated requests for a date or other social events.

3. Verbal or Physical Conduct of a Sexual Nature: Verbal conduct of a sexual nature includes, but is not limited to, such acts as comments about a person's body, physical appearance, clothing, or sex life; wolf whistles, sexual jokes, and sexual innuendos; comments about the perpetrator's sex life; and sexual remarks (not necessarily about the victim). Physical conduct of a sexual nature includes exposing oneself, leering, kissing, hugging, making physical gestures of a sexual nature, looking or attempting to look down a woman's dress, displaying nude pictures, and touching or adjusting the victim's clothes.

These categories should be used as guidelines for determining whether conduct constitutes sexual harassment. However, unwelcome conduct that does not clearly fall into one of these categories may still constitute sexual harassment.

Students should be aware of behaviors, remarks, jokes, etc., that may embarrass or cause others to be uncomfortable. They should monitor their behavior and language. Sexual harassment will not be tolerated in this setting. Any student found to be sexually harassing another student will be subject to corrective action. In addition, the complainant is eligible to participate in the complaint procedure that applies to the general conditions of Chehalis School District policy and procedure #310 regarding nondiscrimination. Information regarding this policy and procedure Is posted in each classroom.

Some steps to take to stop sexual harassment are:

1.Tell the harasser to stop. 2.Tell an adult and your counselor. 3.Report harasser to the office (with documentation, if possible).

Initiation/Hazing: Any behavior that is abusive or humiliating and marks initiation or acceptance into a group will not be tolerated. This behavior may be either physical or verbal. Anyone with knowledge of such an Incident must report it to an adult.

Insubordination/Disrespect/Intimidation of Staff: Disrespectful language, signs or acts, intimidation or threatening of school personnel will not be tolerated. Punishment will vary according to the offense and will range from apologies to recommendation for permanent expulsion from that particular class/teacher and/or school.

Misuse of Equipment - Safety: Misuse of equipment, supplies, or facilities, including failure to follow safety rules established for the lab instructional areas will not be tolerated. Violators will be subject to corrective action from school.

Destruction of Property: Damage to or destruction of public property is prohibited. Disciplinary action for students is restitution and/or corrective action.

*Narcotics - Drugs, including Alcohol: Possessing, using, transmitting narcotics/drugs (including alcohol and prescription drugs); being under the influence of, or showing evidence of having used any narcotic or illegal drug (including alcohol); or possession of any narcotic/drug paraphernalia on the person, in any locker, or in a vehicle, will not be tolerated. Consequences for drug/alcohol violations are progressive and will involve drug assessment and/or corrective action and will apply to students from their enrollment in grade 6 through the completion of grade 12. Trafficking in illegal or dangerous narcotic/drugs could result in long-term corrective action as well as Police referral. A second offense will result in long-term corrective action. Any distribution of prescription or nonprescription drugs or alcohol may be cause for emergency expulsion. This section also applies to drug/narcotic/alcohol "look-alikes". Information about any drug and alcohol counseling, rehabilitation and reentry programs is available in the Counseling Center.

If you choose to use, consume, or appear "under the influence" at school or a school activity, the following sanctions are put into place:

1. You will be referred to the police.

2. You will receive a long-term out-of-school corrective action from school and all school sponsored activities.

3. You and your parents will be given the option of having you meet with a state certified drug and alcohol agent (at your cost) for a formal assessment. If this option is selected and you meet and follow through with the recommendations, the corrective action will be reduced to five days.

If you are caught a second time during your school career, you will again be referred to the police and put on a long-term corrective action. That means you will be gone until the end of the semester or until you are granted an appeal from the Superintendent.

If you choose to come to school or a school activity after consuming alcohol, you will be referred to an administrator who will contact the police. You will be asked a few questions, including "have you consumed any alcohol recently?"

If you are involved in sports, you will face additional penalties as listed in the Athletic Code.

Students can be suspended for use of alcohol without taking a breath test if the administrator has reason to believe the student has consumed alcohol.

*Fighting with or without Injury, Assault, Disorderly Conduct/Horse play,: Causing or attempting to cause physical injury or behaving in such a way as could cause physical injury to any person is strictly prohibited. Students found encouraging or promoting fighting will be subject to disciplinary action. Aggressive or reckless behavior including horseplay, which jeopardizes the health, safety, or welfare of other students or staff members, will be subject to discipline.

Threats and/or harassment that is clear or ambiguous through writings such as but not limited to poems, notes or assignments will not be tolerated. Students will be subject to disciplinary action.

Fighting by students is subject to out-of-school corrective action, parent contact, and possible legal action and medical costs. A second offense will result in suspension, and a third offense within the year will result in long-term correction action.

Intimidation: The use of profanity or inappropriate words in either written or oral expression or the use or possession of profane, indecent or obscene language, literature, writing, pictures, posters, or any actions judged as obscene (including accessing of inappropriate internet content) are prohibited. On the first offense, the student will earn a minimum of a one-hour detention. Continued violations can lead to corrective action.

Insubordination/Non Compliance: All students shall submit to the reasonable directions or disciplinary actions of teachers, administrators, or others authorized to supervise students. Refusal to comply with such rules or regulations or to submit to disciplinary actions shall constitute cause for corrective action. Blatant disrespect may result in immediate removal from school. Students will not be allowed to return to school until a conference with the parent(s) / guardian(s), teacher, student, and an administrator has taken place.

Defiance: Any teacher, administrator, or other school district personnel has the legal right to request that persons on school grounds or at school-related activities identify themselves. No student shall fail to provide his name and other pertinent information to any school personnel. Violators will be subject to corrective action from school.

Public Display of Affection: Showing your affection without regard to your fellow students has its place, and that place isn't in school. Please contain your demonstration of affection to what most of the school can handle. You can hold hands, give that good ol' hug, a short good-bye peck, but please ... no lip locks, super glue, or all-in-one hugs and passionate embraces.

If you have a difficult time understanding what and when It is OK to show your affection, see your counselor. If you are a guilty perpetrator of smash-mouth in the hall, you will be referred to an administrator. Discipline for repeat offenders will range from detention time, parent conference or corrective action.

Theft: Stealing (or assisting in stealing) private property, school district property, or information (this would include, but is not limited to tests, quizzes, school keys, grade books, computer disks, etc.) will be firmly dealt with. First occurrence consequences include 1-5 days of suspension, restitution, and probable referral to the Chehalis Police Department. Subsequent occurrences may result in corrective action.

Tobacco Possession/Usage: W.F. West High School is a "tobacco free" campus. Students are not permitted to use or possess tobacco products at any time on school district property. Tobacco products and delivery devices include, but are not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, snuff, smoking tobacco, smokeless tobacco, nicotine, electronic smoking/vapor devices, “vapor pens,” 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. This policy extends to vehicles on campus. The driver bringing a vehicle on campus is responsible for any tobacco products in the vehicle. It is also against state law to use tobacco products on school property. Lighters are not allowed on campus. Any tobacco product (or look alike) or accessory, as listed above, will not be returned and will be disposed of. There is no health benefit from the use of tobacco. The only people who benefit from tobacco products are the tobacco companies, their suppliers, and the medical industry. Make a smart decision and choose not to dip, spit, chew, or smoke!

District Trespass: Students attending W.F. West High School may not visit the middle school or any other district building unless they are on official school business (for example but not limited to games, transportation, picking up siblings etc.). Violators will be subject to corrective action from school.

Unauthorized Areas/Loitering: Being in an unauthorized area of the campus or building (including unlawful entry) is prohibited. Loitering is not allowed in any hallway or on campus during the day or before or after school hours. After school, a student is expected to go promptly home, unless attending a school activity. Students are not to loiter on school grounds. Students may not return to campus for any reason. Violators of this policy will be subject to corrective action from school.

*Vandalism: Causing or attempting to cause damage to school, staff or student property will not be tolerated. This can include defacing signs or posters in the building and the intentional misuse of electronic devices at school. Violators will be subject to corrective action from school.

*Weapons (Board Policy 4210): No student shall possess any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon or dangerous instrument while on school grounds or at a school function. This also applies, but is not limited to any explosives, firecrackers, bullets, pocket knives, chains, lasers, and lighters. These items are not to be brought to school. Violators will be subject to corrective action from school.

For more information, see Chehalis School District policies & procedures #3240 & #3241 and RCW 9.41.280 & 28A.600.420.

The superintendent or designee must promptly notify law enforcement and the student's parent(s) and/or guardian(s) regarding any allegation or indication or such violation. Guns, be they loaded or unloaded, air projected or bullet projected, paintball, “BB”, and even anything that looks like a gun will not be tolerated.

INFORMATION RELATED TO STUDENT MISCONDUCT

Detention Time: Students that receive detention time from the office or a teacher for any reason should schedule time with the ISS officer in room 301. Students should be prompt in completing detention time. If the time is not completed by the assigned date, the student will need to serve in-house suspension for at least one day. Further failure to make up detention time by the assigned due date will result in additional suspension.

Referrals for inappropriate behaviors within the school setting may result in the consequences listed in the table in this handbook.

Detention time can be completed at lunchtime in the in-house room. When time has been assigned by a teacher, the ORIGINAL detention time should be completed with that teacher unless there is a time conflict.

Excluded Students to Remain Away from Campus: Any student who has been excluded from school as a result of discipline of any type is not permitted to return to the school campus at any time during the period of the disciplinary action, unless he has specific permission from the building principal where the action originated. Violators will be subject to possibly more severe disciplinary action as well as trespass charges being filed.

Fines/Obligations: Any student who has acquired a fine/obligation (including detention time) is responsible for satisfying that obligation by the end of the semester. Students who have not satisfied all of their fines/obligations will not be able to receive records/transcripts, and they will not be allowed to register for the next semester until all obligations have been met.

In-School Suspension: ISS is designed to keep students in a formal learning environment when they have been suspended for disciplinary reasons. It is a rigid program, with strict supervision, in a self-contained classroom. Students must keep busy working on assignments related to their suspension and regular classroom work. They are expected to be cooperative and respectful at all times. Any violations could result in further disciplinary action. Students assigned ISS will be informed of rules and expectations.

CRIMINAL ACTS DEFINED

In addition to the serious misconduct described in this section, the following are among those defined as criminal under the laws of the State of Washington:

Arson: The setting of a fire

Extortion, Blackmail, Coercion: Obtaining money or property by violence or threats, or by forcing someone to do something against his will by force or threats.

Trespass: Being in an unauthorized place or refusing to leave when ordered to do so. Students on suspension or expulsion are excluded from school property and from all school functions.

Unlawful interference with school authorities: Interfering with school personnel in the performance of their duties.

Weapons: It is unlawful for any person to carry onto public or private elementary or secondary school premises or school-provided transportation any firearm or dangerous weapon as defined in law.