Student Code of Conduct

Successful students . . .

· Arrive at school and in class on time and have with them all the necessary materials for class.

· Demonstrate respect for themselves and others, as well as for school and personal property.

· Comply with school rules and procedures.

· Move through the building in an orderly manner.

· Use acceptable “green light” language.

· Treat others with respect and kindness.

· Contribute to a positive classroom climate by avoiding disruptive behavior.

· Comply with lunch rules.

· Settle conflicts in an acceptable manner.

· Participate actively in class and school activities, including completing homework on a regular basis.

Because self-discipline is the ultimate goal, interventions, supports, and disciplinary actions imposed by teachers and administrators are designed to help you develop the ability to assume responsibility for your behaviors. If your behaviors interfere with the teaching/learning process for you or others, create a negative climate for others, or have the potential of harming yourself or others, your teachers and administrators will take disciplinary actions that are designed to stop the misbehavior. In most cases, your teachers will respond to minor disciplinary infractions; however, if you repeatedly misbehave or if your misbehavior is serious, you will be referred to a school administrator for further disciplinary action. Because we believe that the best results occur when the school, student, and parents work together, your parents will be notified if you misbehave.

Where do school rules apply?

As as heads up, student behavior expectations apply in the following situations:

On or near school grounds before school, during school, and after school hours.
On or near the school grounds at any other time when the school is being used by a school group.
Off the school grounds at a school activity, function, event, and/or bus stops, including travel to and from school.

Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty refers to any form of cheating, plagiarism, or unethical behavior in an academic setting. This includes, but is not limited to:

- Cheating: Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or study aids during an academic exercise.

- Plagiarism: Representing the words or ideas of another person as your own without proper acknowledgment.

- Fabrication: Falsifying or inventing any information or citation in an academic exercise.

- Facilitating Academic Dishonesty: Helping or attempting to help another student commit an act of academic dishonesty.

- Unauthorized Collaboration: Working with others on assignments or exams without permission from the teacher.

- Using Artificial Intelligence: Using AI tools or software to complete assignments or tests unless explicitly allowed by the teacher.

Examples of academic dishonesty include but are not limited to:

- Copying answers from another student during a test.

- Using cheat sheets or electronic devices during an exam without permission.

- Submitting a research paper that includes text copied from a website without proper citation.

- Sharing test questions with classmates who have not yet taken the test.

- Using AI to generate essays, solve problems, or provide answers when not permitted.

Consequences

Engaging in academic dishonesty undermines the integrity of our school community and the value of your education. Consequences for academic dishonesty may include:

1. Warning: A formal warning may be issued, and the incident will be documented.

2. Zero on Assignment: You may receive a zero on the assignment or test in question.

3. Parental Notification: Your parents or guardians will be informed about the incident.

4. Loss of Privileges: You may lose certain school privileges, such as participation in extracurricular activities.

5. Detention or Suspension: Depending on the severity of the incident, you may face detention or suspension.

Closed Campus

All Lake Stevens School district campuses are closed campuses. Only persons who have legitimate business at the school are allowed on campus during the regular school day. This also means that you are to remain on school grounds from the time you arrive at school in the morning until you are dismissed at the end of the day. If you choose to leave campus without school permission, you will be considered to be truant (unexcused absence) and you will have to make up the time missed in detention.

School District Policy 5150.

What about food deliveries?

Unfortunately, food deliveries from outside companies aren't allowed. If you forgot your lunch, and mom or dad need to bring it, no problem. Until then, save your Uber Eats money for after school or the weekends.

Dress Code

By dressing for school in a manner that contributes to a purposeful and businesslike atmosphere and that is conducive to student learning and success, you demonstrate your commitment to showing respect for learning and respect for people. Clothing that constitutes a health hazard is offensive, demeaning, harassing, or abusive to others, relays messages that are contrary to the educational mission of the school, or otherwise disrupts the educational process is not acceptable during the school day or for school-sponsored activities. The guidelines below will assist you in determining whether or not your manner of dress is in conflict with the educational and developmental goals of the school.

Clothing, drawings, tattoos, and accessories that display or promote negative messages are not permitted. These could include drug, gang, weapon, alcohol, or tobacco-related information, obscenities, put-downs, stereotypes, sexual innuendo, offensive words, or graphics.
Clothing or other personal items that have been recognized by LSMS administration as implying a student’s gang affiliation or gang lifestyle. Additionally, students who identify themselves as gang-affiliated (or who are identified as such by law enforcement officials) may have additional clothing restrictions established by the school's administration.

Students must wear clothing that includes both a shirt and pants or a skirt, or the equivalent (for example dresses, leggings, or shorts) and footwear. Tops and bottoms must be worn in a way that both items of clothing are visible at all times.
When the body is standing straight, tops must cover the chest, back, and torso from just below the armpit to the belly button. Tops must have a strap.
Clothing should not show undergarments (except for bra straps and waistbands).
Pants, shorts, dresses, skirts, and other bottoms must be worn in a manner that at no time (including sitting, walking, running, jumping) any part of a student’s buttocks is exposed.
Clothing covering any part of the body from just below the armpit to below the buttocks and private parts of the body must be opaque (not see-through) material.

Shoes must be worn at all times.
Sunglasses may not be worn in the buildings.
Blankets, capes, and costumes/onesie pajamas are not permitted at school.
Students may not wear any item that obscures the face (except as a religious observance or health-related mask).
Hoods will not be worn inside the building due to security concerns in identifying people within our school.

[LSSD Policy 5530]

ROUGHHOUSING

(“But we were just playing around!”): The term “rough-housing” is used to describe “rough and boisterous physical play.” Often, rough-housing occurs when students are “just playing around” – punching, pushing, bumping each other as a form of play. All too often, however, rough-housing ends up in a fight between the “playing” students when the playing stops being fun and turns into anger. Additionally, other innocent students can get hurt while students are rough-housing. School is not a place for roughhousing and playing around. Consequently, roughhousing and “just playing around” are not permitted on campus. In order to keep our school safe for all, you will face disciplinary action if you engage in rough-housing or “just playing around.” Consequences for roughhousing range from detention to suspension. A loss of privileges may also occur.

hate-speech-halfsheet-B.pdf

Hate Speech

Hate Speech is any speech that vilifies, humiliates, dehumanizes, and/or insults people based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability or disability, and/or religion.

Lake Stevens School District does not condone any form of hate speech. Students will face appropriate consequences on the first offense. Hate speech in any form is not allowed at Lake Stevens Middle School. We encourage students to report to a staff member immediately.

Tardy Policy

Week 1 - 3 or more tardies is a warning

Week 2 & 3 - 3 or more tardies is a lunch detention and parent email via Blackboard

Week 4 and beyond- 3 or more tardies is a before or after school detention and parent phone call

Continued tardies may result in additional actions. (Attendance contract, cafeteria cleanup, etc)

Profanity/ Obscene Gestures/ Lewd Behavior

Lewd behavior is defined as behavior that goes beyond generally accepted rules of common courtesy, common decency, and common sense and will result in progressive discipline.

It is a privilege to use LSSD computers and computers are an important aspect of the curriculum. All students using school computers must sign the LSSD Network and Internet Services Guidelines. If a student is found to be on an unauthorized site, viewing inappropriate material, or using the computer for non-school-related purposes the student will be warned and parents notified. For serious or multiple violations, students may lose all school computer privileges.

Digital Citizenship

Respect Yourself- I will show respect for myself through my actions. I will select online names that are appropriate, I will consider the information and images that I post online. I will consider what personal information about my life, experiences, or relationships I post.

Protect Yourself- I will ensure that the information, images, and materials I post online will not put me at risk. I will not publish my personal details, contact details, or a schedule of my activities. I will report any attacks or inappropriate behavior directed at me. I will protect passwords, accounts, and resources.

Respect Others- I will show respect to others. I will not use electronic mediums to antagonize, bully, harass, or stalk other people. I will show respect for other people in my choice of websites, I will not visit sites that are degrading, pornographic, racist, or inappropriate.

Protect Others- I will protect others by reporting abuse, and not forwarding inappropriate materials or communications.

Protecting a Chromebook

The LSSD has made a major financial commitment in supplying every secondary student with a Chromebook for educational use. Part of a student’s responsibility is to keep the Chromebook free from damage and misuse. Chromebooks are the property of the district and just like a textbook, are to remain clean and unmarked by students. Chromebooks are to be used for school purposes only. Purchasing insurance through the district is encouraged.

Personal Electronic Devices: Off and Away

Personal Electronic Devices (Cell Phones, Earbuds/Headphones, Cameras, Recording Equipment, etc.)

You are expected to have cellphones and other personal electronic devices (including headphones, earbuds, etc) off and away during academic time. During social time, you are allowed to use your devices responsibly.

Academic Time: Any moment during the school day that your class is in session. During this time cell phones are to be powered off (not just on silent) and put away in your backpack. If you leave class to use the restroom or get a drink of water, your cell phone should remain in your backpack.

Social Time: Any moment during the day when class is not in session. During this time, you may have your cell phone on and you may use it responsibly. Social times include before and after school, during lunch, and passing periods.

If you have a personal electronic device out during academic time, your teacher will take your phone and you will be able to pick it up in the office at the end of the school day. They will also contact your caretaker. If this happens repeatedly, your phone will be taken, the Dean of Students or Associate Principal will assign you a consequence, and your phone will need to be picked up by your caretaker in the office. If you continue to have your phone out during academic time, the Dean of Students or Associate Principal will place you on a plan to check your phone in with the office at the start of the school day and pick it up at the end of the day.

The school is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.

Public Displays of Affection (PDA)

Public Display of Affection (PDA) refers to physical acts of affection that are visible to others. This includes, but is not limited to, hugging, kissing, holding hands, and other forms of physical closeness that go beyond a friendly or casual interaction.

The purpose of this policy is to maintain a respectful and comfortable environment for all students and staff at our middle school. While friendships and relationships are a normal part of school life, it is important to remember that school is a place for learning and personal growth.

Expectations:

1. Respectful Behavior: Students are expected to show respect for themselves and others by keeping their interactions as appropriate for the school setting, as defined below.

2. Appropriate Displays: Holding hands and quick hugs are allowed as long as they are brief.

3. Prohibited Displays: Extended hugging, kissing, and any other forms of intimate physical contact are not allowed during school hours or at school events.

4. Boundaries: Be mindful of personal boundaries and ensure that your actions do not make others feel uncomfortable or distracted from their learning environment.

Alcohol and Other Drugs

Any student suspected of being under the influence of, in possession of, or soliciting for use or sale of drugs, drug paraphernalia, or alcohol will face significant consequences up to and including possible long-term suspension from LSMS.

*The sale, solicitation of, or distribution of alcohol or drug substances may result in an emergency removal, which may lead to expulsion from the Lake Stevens School District on the student’s first offense.

Failure to Comply

AUTHORITY OF STAFF/COMPLIANCE

During the school day, on school grounds, at school events that are held on or off of school grounds, in school buses, and at any time when students are under their supervision, teachers and staff have the authority to discipline any student for disruptive or disorderly conduct or other violations of the rules for student conduct. As a middle school student, you must comply with reasonable requests of your teachers and other adult personnel. Examples of non-compliance include refusing to identify yourself when asked to do so or refusing to report to the office as directed. Failure to comply with reasonable requests and directions from teachers and other staff is a serious offense that will result in disciplinary action.

Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying

The Lake Stevens School District is committed to providing you, its employees, volunteers, and visitors a safe, civil, respectful, and inclusive educational environment. Consequently, harassment, intimidation, or bullying are not permitted in the school, during school activities held on or off school grounds, on school buses, or at any activities sponsored by or related to the school.

“Harassment,” “intimidation,” and “bullying” include any intentional written, verbal, or physical act that . . .

physically harms a student or damages the student’s property; or
has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s education; or
is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or
has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

If you call another student names, spread rumors about him/her, make fun of him/her, or otherwise purposefully harm him/her, you are violating the school’s rules against harassment, intimidation, and bullying.

Any intentional actions or written or spoken comments that are based on or motivated by a person’s race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, or mental or physical disability are not acceptable and will lead to administrative disciplinary action. “Hate-speech” referring to another’s race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, actual or perceived sexual orientation, or mental or physical disability is a form of illegal harassment and will result in severe consequences

What should you do if you are being harassed?

If you feel that you are the target of harassing, bullying, or intimidating behavior, take the following steps:

Know that such behavior is not acceptable. The person or persons who are harassing you are wrong, not you.
Tell the persons who are harassing you to stop the harassing behavior.
Do not retaliate by calling the other person names or getting into a fight. Get adults involved in stopping the harassment.
Tell your parents, a teacher, guidance counselor, or school administrator about the harassment.
Have an administrator or guidance counselor help you fill out and submit a written complaint of harassment.
If the harassment continues, tell the adults about it again.

[LSSD Policy 5580]

Safety Considerations

ITEMS NOT ALLOWED AT SCHOOL

Do not bring any items to school that might interrupt the teaching/learning process, that may cause injury to yourself or others, or that would be high theft items. Such items include, but are not limited to, the following:

matches or lighters
fireworks or other incendiary devices
blankets
stuffed animals
toys
any item that is intended to be sold or distributed
over-the-counter or prescription medicine (see health room/medication policy)
weapons/items or toys that look like weapons
laser pointers or other laser items
drugs or alcohol
tobacco, nicotine products, and vaping devices
obscene or pornographic materials
expensive jewelry, other valuables, or excessive amounts of cash
flowers and balloons
energy drinks/stimulants - Highly caffeinated energy drinks, and consumables are not permitted at school. Because these drinks (e.g. Monster, Red Bull, Rock Star, Prime, 5 Hour Energy, Coko Loco) have been shown to be harmful to students’ health, and because they tend to have negative effects on student behavior and their ability to learn in class, they are not allowed on campus or to be consumed at school. If students bring energy drinks to school they will be confiscated.

Any other items that will disrupt the learning process or pose a danger to yourself or others. If you bring items to school that disrupt the teaching/learning process these items will be confiscated and held in the office until your parent comes to pick them up. Consequences may be assigned for bringing these items to school that range from detention to emergency expulsion. If you bring items that pose a threat to the safety of yourself or others guidelines for misconduct and exceptional misconduct will be followed. If you continue to bring such items to school, you will face additional consequences, including the possibility of having them confiscated for the rest of the year.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment, bullying, or any harassment of any kind, will not be tolerated at Lake Stevens Middle School. Students and staff are protected against sexual harassment by anyone in any school program or activity, including on the school campus, on the school bus, or off-campus, such as a school-sponsored field trip.

Sexual harassment is unwelcome behavior or communication that is sexual in nature when the target is led to believe that he or she must submit to unwelcome sexual conduct or communications in order to gain something in return, such as a grade, a promotion, a place on a sports team, or any educational decision, or when the conduct substantially interferes with a student's educational performance, or creates an intimidating or hostile educational environment. Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to: pressuring a person for sexual favors, unwelcome touching of a sexual nature, writing graffiti 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.

You can report sexual harassment to any school staff member or to the district's Title IX Officer: John Balmer, Executive Director of Human Resources, 425-335-1592.

For a copy of our district’s Sexual Harassment policy and procedure, contact your school or the district office.

Bicycles, Scooters & Skateboards

The staff recognizes that some students may rely on bicycles and skateboards as a means of transportation to and from school. Students may NOT ride them on campus (parking lots, sidewalks, or inside the building). Students are responsible for securing bicycles south of the cafeteria building in the bike racks. Skateboards and scooters may be stored in the counseling center please see them for further guidance. If students choose to ride their bicycle, scooter, or skateboard on campus during school hours, they will lose the privilege of using these as transportation to school. Note: The school is not responsible for lost or stolen property.

Threats

Students making serious verbal, electronic, and/or written threats of physical harm toward themselves or others may be subject to emergency removal. Emergency removal may be reduced when the school receives a satisfactory report from a mental health professional and/or other mandated protocols (i.e. Risk Assessment Team Evaluation, administrative approval) have been followed. “Just joking” is not an acceptable excuse.

Tobacco, Nicotine Products, and Delivery Devices (Vape Devices)

The Board of Directors recognizes that to protect students from exposure to the addictive substance of nicotine, employees and officers of the school district and all members of the community have an obligation as role models to refrain from use of tobacco and nicotine products and delivery devices on school property at all times. Tobacco products and delivery devices include, but are not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, snuff, smoking tobacco, smokeless tobacco, nicotine, liquid 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.

Any use of such products and delivery devices by staff, students, visitors, and community members will be prohibited on school district property. Possession by or distribution of tobacco products to minors is prohibited. This will include all district buildings, grounds, and district-owned vehicles. The use of Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved nicotine replacement therapy in the form of a nicotine patch, gum, or lozenge is permitted. However, students and employees must follow applicable policies regarding use of medication at school.

The possession and/or use of these products are prohibited on or near school district property by State law and LSSD Policy. This shall include all school district buildings, grounds, and district-owned vehicles. You many not use tobacco and/or nicotine products at school-sponsored events regardless of whether they are held on or off school grounds.

If you violate the anti-tobacco/anti-nicotine products and delivery devices policies and procedures, you will be subject to progressive discipline.

If you violate the anti-tobacco/anti-nicotine products and delivery devices policies and procedures, you will be subject to progressive discipline

Report conflict to the nearest adult;

don't wait for it to get out of hand.

Violent or Aggressive Behavior/ Assaults/ Fighting

Fighting is not an acceptable way to solve problems you may be having with another student. If you are angry or feel like you want to get into a fight, speak with your teacher or get a pass to go to the Counseling or Administrative offices. It is your responsibility to take the necessary steps to avoid getting into a fight. Physical violence, intimidation, posturing, fighting, aiding/abetting a fight, being a bystander, recording, or cheering on a fight will not be tolerated on the campus of Lake Stevens Middle School nor at any school-sponsored activity. Each situation will be investigated, treated as unique, and depending on the severity of the incident, may result in one or more of the following: short or long-term suspension, peer mediation, and/or a student safety plan.

Inciting a Fight

If you encourage a fight between other students, spread rumors or call names that result in a fight, urge students to fight, or otherwise encourage or incite a fight, you share the responsibility for the resulting fight. As a result, you will face disciplinary action.

Weapons

- State laws (RCW 28A.600.420 and RCW 9.41.280) and District Policy (5570) prohibit any student from possessing a weapon or weapon look-alike on school district property or at any school-related event. Violating this policy by possessing any weapon will result in immediate referral to legal authorities, parent notification, and expulsion from school. Possession of a weapon look-alike on school property will be dealt with based on the circumstances of the situation, and discipline responses may include a long-term suspension.

Lake Stevens Middle School is a Gun-Free Zone.

Students who violate our District’s Policy #1610 and #5570 will be subject to discipline that includes a one-year mandatory expulsion for firearms.
School officials shall notify the student’s parents or guardians and the appropriate law enforcement agency of known or suspected violations of this policy.

If you are aware that another student is in possession of a weapon, notify a teacher, guidance counselor, or administrator immediately.

The Lake Stevens School District No. 4 has banned weapons and explosive devices from school grounds and district-sponsored events. “Explosive devices” and “weapons” include, but are not limited to the following:

firearms, including air guns
fireworks or firecrackers
any items that appear to be firearms or weapons
slingshots
clubs
chains
metal knuckles
any knives or cutting or stabbing instruments
stun gun

Theft / Stolen Property

LSSD schools will not be responsible for lost or stolen items. Theft reports will be accepted in the main office. Students need to either keep valuables at home or be very cognizant of protecting their own equipment/supplies. Law enforcement may be contacted regarding any student found to be in possession of stolen property. When students exit the locker room, items should be locked up.

Potential Student Discipline Interventions

We are committed to providing a positive and orderly learning environment for everyone. As such, LSMS discipline is reasonable, consistent, and progressive. Students who don't change behavior in response to teacher, counseling, or administrative interventions (such as detention, behavior contracts, in or out of school suspension, or parent conferences, etc.) and continue to violate school rules may forfeit their right to attend LSMS. Furthermore, LSMS administrators are obligated and certified to consider a change in academic placement for students who consistently struggle to be successful in light of discipline, behavioral issues, or lack of academic progress in their current setting.

Investigative Actions

Apart from disciplinary actions, LSMS administration may choose to remove a student on an emergency basis. This action is called emergency removal, and it's an administrative action that removes the student from school because the student's statements or behavior 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.

Emergency removals are temporary and often allow for a complete investigation to be accomplished and appropriate supports to be put in place while attending to the safety of the remainder of the learning community.

Progressive Discipline

There are high expectations that everyone will show respect for each other, for themselves, for learning, and for the learning environment. The goal of discipline at school is to help students to make better behavior choices. In working with you, we'll use the principles of progressive discipline. This means that school adults will generally allow for a “clean start” each school year, and this means that discipline interventions will most likely be more intense each time there is a repeat offense.

However, records are kept for the student’s entire high school career, and for more serious events such as alcohol/drugs, tobacco, violence, and safety concerns, your discipline record is taken into consideration from your 7th grade year on. Long-term suspension or expulsion will be considered for students who engage in two or more violations within a three-year period as defined in RCW 28A.600.015.

Criminal Activities

If a student's actions violate the law, local law enforcement will be contacted.

Committing or participating in activities which are among those defined as criminal under the laws of the State of Washington and Snohomish County, in schools, on school property, at school sponsored events is prohibited. Appropriate corrective action (long term suspension or expulsion proceedings) will be taken against those who commit such crimes regardless of whether or not criminal charges result.

Law enforcement officials will be notified of any criminal activity.

Examples of Criminal Activities include, but are not limited to:

arson, assault, burglary/theft, dangerous weapons, explosives, extortion, blackmail, or coercion, firearms, gang paraphernalia, lasers, malicious mischief, possession of drugs, alcohol and/or paraphernalia, or being under the influence of drugs and or alcohol, sexting, unlawful assembly, unlawful interference/intimidation with school authorities.

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