The Viking Way in Action

Reporting: Being part of the solution ...

Who should report and how?

All Vikings have an obligation to help maintain a safe, supportive campus. Thank you for being part of the solution by reporting any issues that need to be addressed.

Reports can be made in-person to any trusted adult at school. Students - or any member of the community at large - can also report at any time of day or night by connecting with school officials through the Vector Alert system using the web, email, phone, or text. Reporting in either fashion is always confidential. Reporting through Vector Alert can be done anonymously.

Regardless of how you choose to report, we strongly encourage you to also report to a trusted adult at home. This makes sure school and home are on the same page.

Tik-Tok. Snapchat. Instagram. Can't I report that way?

While we appreciate the ever-evolving digital connections afforded us by technology, posting a concern to social media is not the same as reporting to a trusted adult at school or at home - OR - reporting through the Vector Alert system.

In order to address and resolve concerns, the information you share needs to be readily accessible to school staff who are in a position to investigate and support all parties in finding a solution.

Believe it or not, we don't follow you on Insta, so when you post there, we can't see it. In fact, posting the concern on social media often makes the situation worse for the entire learning community while simultaneously not providing an avenue to a solution. 

So, you're part of a learning community.

Now what?

Being part of a learning community means acknowledging the rights we have as members of that community. It also means recognizing the responsibilities we have towards each other and the learning community as a whole.

This section of the handbook contains two major subdivisions. One subdivision is dedicated to behaviors that impact the College and Career Ready environment. The other subdivision is dedicated to addressing behaviors that create unsafe situations for individuals and the learning community at large.

Hate Speech

Hate speech has no place at Lake Stevens High School. Any comment that has the impact of villianizing, embarrassing, dehumanizing, or insulting another person based on their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability or disability, or religion will be interrupted and reported.

We are committed to interrupting hate speech.

We are committed to reporting hate speech.

We are committed to educating others about the impact of their words and actions. 

Where do school rules apply?

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

Bus Transportation

Because the transportation department supports students at all schools in the district, the behavior expectations for when students are on a bus may look a little different than LSHS' three behavior standards: Respectful, Responsible, and Ready. Regardless, Vikings are still expected to honor the following behavior standards while using district transportation.

If someone is having a hard time following these guidelines, they can expect their bus driver to work with them, remind them of the appropriate behaviors, connect with families/caregivers, and to apply appropriate consequences when needed.

College and Career Ready Environment

Cheating: Possession of unauthorized material, submission of another person's material for credit, false claims or fabricated references, copying off of someone else’s exam or quiz, or providing answers from an assignment, quiz, or exam to another student.

Academic Integrity

LSHS students recognize the value of academic rigor and integrity. Academic integrity is built upon the practice of students generating and communicating their own thinking, and honoring the work of others by documenting sources of research. Academic integrity relies upon self-discipline and holding all students accountable for their actions. 

Plagiarism: Submitting the words, ideas, images or data of another person as one’s own in any academic writing or project without proper recognition of the original source (quotation marks, citation, etc.). 

Chatbots and AI (like ChatGPT): Use of an AI program or text generator when an assignment does not specifically call for or allow for it without proper attribution or authorization is also plagiarism, since you are submitting words and ideas you did not create and producing them as your own.

Unless ... You're secretly Ironman and the AI you're using is J.A.R.V.I.S. 

Then, by all means, Mr. Stark, use all the AI you want. 

Campus Hours

Our campus generally opens about half an hour before school starts, and it closes about half an hour after school ends. Whenever you're on campus, we appreciate you being here for an authorized, supervised activity. Read on for some specifics.

When does campus open?

Campus opens approximately half an hour before school starts. When we open, we have enough staff on hand who are ready to provide support for supervised educational and other LSHS activities.

Supervised Activities

If you're part of a supervised activity such as a sport, club, after-school tutoring, etc., you're welcome to be with your advisor, coach, or tutor. Otherwise, thanks for heading home and allowing us to reset campus for tomorrow's learning.

When does campus close?

Campus closes approximately half an hour after the end of the school day. It's time to head to the bus loop, parking lot, or hit the sidewalk for your trip home. See you tomorrow!

Closed Campus

All schools in the Lake Stevens School District are closed campuses. This means that only persons who have legitimate business at the school are allowed on campus during the regular school day. It also means that upon arrival, students will remain on the school campus until the end of the regular day unless given permission to leave in accordance with School District Policy 5150.

At the high school, this also means that students may not loiter/visit in the student parking lot or in any cars parked off campus during the school day. If you have a need to get something from your car in the parking lot during the day, please connect with the main office to find a solution. 

All trails are off limits at all times except for students who use them for walking to and from school. Transporting students off campus who do not have permission to leave can be a violation of the Closed Campus policy. 

What about food deliveries?

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

Dress and Appearance

Lake Stevens High School’s dress code is designed to support equitable educational access and is written in a manner that does not reinforce or increase marginalization or oppression of any group based on race, sex, gender (identity or expression), sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income, or body type/size. The purposes of this standard are reflective of the local community and are to:

School dress standards set a tone, which reinforces the learning environment and school culture. As such, student dress and grooming - whether during the school day or at school-related events - will promote a clean, safe, and positive learning environment.  

The dress code is divided into three sections: what students must wear, what students may wear, and what students may NOT wear.

MUST WEAR

Every student must wear:

*Fabric covering the body’s private parts  and underwear must not be see through. Clothes must be worn in way such that private parts of the body are fully covered at all times. With the exception of waistbands and bra straps, undergarments must not be visible and must be covered with opaque fabric.

MAY WEAR

Every student may wear:


MAY NOT WEAR

To support the learning environment, promote school safety, and enhance overall school culture, students may not wear:

WAIT ...

What happened to the “3-finger strap” rule  and the “fingertip length” rule? 

While these rules look and feel good when you see them in writing, any iteration of the three finger or fingertip length rule is inherently subjective.

Whose three fingers are we using to measure? Whose arms and how long are they? And how far down on the thighs do long arms vs short arms go? It "feels" objective when you read it, but in implementation it's completely subjective.

FINALLY, 

these guidelines are not intended to be an exhaustive list of do’s and don’ts. LSHS administration and security retain the right to identify other factors that they deem to be a concern for student safety or an interruption of a positive college and career ready learning environment.

Students whose appearance is not in line with the dress code will be addressed separately - generally away from other students - so as to respect the dignity of the individual. At this point, the student will be asked to remedy the situation. Usually, there are three options that can easily address the concern:

Hazing

Hazing includes, but is not limited to, any act that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental health, physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or as a condition or precondition of attaining membership in, or affiliation with, any district co-curricular or extracurricular activity or grade level attainment. This can be on or off campus.  Hazing is prohibited. In many instances, hazing would be considered a safety concern and could result in extensive discipline consequences.

On time Policy (Tardiness)

Being late to the classroom is disruptive to the learning environment. Students are expected to be in their classroom seat and prepared to begin working when the final bell rings. The school will follow progressive discipline for disrupting class by habitually entering late which may include detention with the teacher or in the Student Center. Failure to complete the detention and/or habitual tardiness may result in a referral to an administrator, and possibly even placement on an attendance contract. 

Profanity/ Obscene Gestures/ Lewd Behavior

Profanity/lewd behavior are defined as behavior that goes beyond generally accepted rules of common courtesy, common decency, and common sense. Profanity is not allowed on school grounds or at any school function. 

Cell Phone Policy

Our default expectation for cell phones and other personal electronic devices such as headphones, earbuds, etc., at LSHS is that they are off and away during academic time. During social time, we expect you will use your devices responsibly.

Academic Time

During academic time - any moment in the school day that your class is in session - cell phones are to be off (powered down) and away - in your backpack if you have one, or in a pocket if you don't. Remember, our aim is to increase learning by reducing distractions.

What if I have to go to the bathroom or the learning commons during class? Check out with your teacher, head to the closest restroom (or the learning commons if that was your destination), do your thing, head back. The cell phone? It stays in your backpack or with your teacher. It does not go with you. By the way, there's no need for a cell phone in the bathroom since restrooms are places of assumed privacy.

Are there any times it will be okay to use my cell phone in class? Your teacher will tell you if and when it's appropriate to use your cell phone during academic time. If they haven't explicitly told you it's the right time, then your device stays off (powered down) - and away, in your backpack or pocket.

Bottom line: Once the bell rings to start your class, power down your phone, put it in your backpack, and focus on the learning.

Social Time

During social time - any moment in the school day that your class is NOT in session - use your devices responsibly. Connect. Catch up. Check and respond to your messages.

And just so we're clear ... at LSHS, social time is before school, at lunch, after school, and during passing period. Once the bell rings, though, we're back into academic time, and you power down your cell phone and focus on the learning. 

Can I use my cell phone in the bathroom during social time? No. Public restrooms and cell phones are just an inappropriate and awkward mix all around. Remember, restrooms are places of assumed privacy. We respect our own and others' privacy when we pocket our phones in a public restroom and don't take them out again until we're out of the restroom.

What if my caregivers need to get in touch with me and it's not social time - aka, my phone is powered down and put away? Anything your caregivers need to tell you that's not an emergency can wait until passing period when you power up your phone and check your messages. Your caregivers will contact the main office with any urgent messages, and we'll connect with you right away.

What happens if I use my phone when I'm not supposed to?

Generally speaking, if your teacher hasn't given you the green light to use your cell phone in the classroom, they're most likely going to send you with the phone to the main office.


The best way to avoid these interventions is to act responsibly with your device. Learning how to do so now, is a great habit to take with you into the workforce and college.

For student non-compliance (refusing to hand over a phone and or disruptive and or disrespectful behavior) the staff member may either send the student to the main office with the device or call the main office/security for assistance. More intense student interventions would apply in these cases.

Individual and Community Safety

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 LSHS. Drug dogs may be used on campus to help control banned substances.

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

Restrooms

How can I be respectful, responsible, and ready in the restroom?

Our bathroom facilities are intended to support student learning. In general, they are clean, well-lit places in good repair that afford students an opportunity to take care of personal hygiene in a timely fashion and return to the main purpose of LSHS: student learning. The following Viking Way protocols will help us maintain the restrooms as private places to care for personal needs.

You can always report anonymously and confidentially by texting 855.200.5058, or by using this link.


When using the bathroom during class time make sure you sign out on your teacher's clipboard. It's likely your teacher will only let one student use the restroom at a time and since you're leaving class during instructional time, you will be asked to leave your cell phone behind in the classroom.

Failure to Comply

Students must obey the lawful instructions and reasonable requests of school district personnel at school, during the day, and at all school sponsored events. This includes the right by LSHS personnel to confiscate electronic devices being used inappropriately. All students must, upon request, identify themselves to proper school authorities in school building, on the school grounds, or at school sponsored events. Failure to comply may result in either a minor or major consequence depending on the specific incident and the level of disruption.

Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying

The district is committed to providing a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees, volunteers, and patrons free from harassment, intimidation, or bullying. In order to ensure respect and prevent harm, it is a violation of district policy #5580 for a student to harass, intimidate, or bully others at school, on school district property, at school sponsored events and at off-campus programs and activities approved by the school district or when such actions create a substantial disruption to the educational process. Students shall not harass, intimidate, or bully others based on actual or perceived race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, marital status, socioeconomic status, physical appearance, or other distinguishing characteristics which can include but are not limited to physical appearance, clothing, or other apparel. There is no requirement that the Targeted or Affected Student actually possess the characteristic that is the basis for the harassment, intimidation, or bullying.


 Harassment, intimidation, or bullying can be defined as an intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act that:

LSHS Staff and Administration will follow the policy and procedures set forth in School Board Policy #5580 if a harassment incident is reported.

Safety Considerations

Every student has the right to feel safe and secure at school. LSHS does not allow the possession or use of drugs, alcohol, or nicotine/tobacco on school property, nor does it tolerate serious behavioral violations that include vandalism, theft, physical injury, sexual harassment, bullying or possession of any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon. Consequence for serious behavioral violations can include suspension or emergency expulsion which may lead to expulsion. Students possession of a firearm on school premises (including school transportation) will be expelled from school for not less than a year in accordance with State Law.  Possession of other dangerous weapons as defined by law will result in an appropriate response from school personnel - up to and including possible long term suspension in addition to notification of law enforcement and the parents or guardian. Physical or verbal harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. Lake Stevens High School personnel have the right to search and seize illegal items and contraband from a student’s person, bag, locker, vehicle parked on school grounds, or other as the situation warrants. LSHS personnel have different and more liberal legal guidelines than do the police and the courts, and we reserve the right to use appropriate search and seizure protocols under the reasonable suspicion guideline.

Security Gates/Doors and Student Entry

The safety and security of our LSHS community - students and staff - is always our top priority. The final phase of our construction project saw the installation of new perimeter fencing AND electronically controlled, security gates/doors that are programmed to allow student entry based on our daily schedule. Located on the west, north, and east portions of our campus, these gates are designed to be open for student arrival, and then to remain secured for the rest of the day. Other exterior doors are locked to increase security and should be treated the same as the security gates.

We realize this perimeter fencing may create moments of inconvenience. And we're still convinced campus safety is worth it. Here are some standard protocols that will help us maximize the safety, security, and flexibility the fencing and gates and doors offer.

How will I know if it's okay to go through a gate? And how will I know I need to access the main entry?

If the card reader

is green ...

All staff and students are welcome to enter through the gates/entry points when the card reader is green. The gates are scheduled to lock once the school day has started.

If the card reader

is yellow ... 

We're so glad you're here .... and we need you to pop over to the main entry vestibule so we can get you checked in. Thanks for showing up!

Arriving after the first bell?See you at the main entry Vestibule

All visitors and any late-arriving students will need to check into the main office. Press the call button on the post, and we'll be with you swiftly.

Security Gates/Doors During the School Day

Can I prop the gates/doors open?

Short answer? No.

It is neither safe nor appropriate to prop gates/doors open. Remember, we are attempting to direct all visitors and late arriving students to the main entrance.

I need to leave early ... 

Perfect. All students, even those leaving as part of their Running Start schedule, will need to head down to the attendance office and sign out using the kiosk. Making sure we know who is on campus and when they are here is a huge part of keeping our campus safe and secure. It also supports individual student safety. Thanks in advance for helping us support safety systems.

Bottom line: Any student entering or leaving campus after the start of the school day needs to check in and out through the attendance office.

Can I let a friend or adult in?

Short answer? No. 

Students who belong on campus will be able to check-in through the main office without a problem. Adults who belong on campus will have key cards that allow them to unlock the gates/doors on their own. No adult should be asking us to open a locked gate/door. 

At no time should we let others in through these gates/doors when they are locked. Opening the gates/doors - even to friends or other adults you believe should be on our campus - significantly decreases safety and increases the likelihood of potential harm. 

And asking your buddy to let you in a gate/door when it's locked is a jerk move and puts them in a bad spot. Swing over to the main office. We're happy to help!

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment, bullying, or any harassment of any kind, will not be tolerated at Lake Stevens High 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. 

Skateboards, Scooters, Bicycles, etc.

You're more than welcome to use skateboards, scooters, bikes, etc., off campus. Unfortunately, they may not be used on the high school campus at any time during the day or night. Students who bring skateboards to school will arrange to store them with a trusted staff member - or in the main office - for the day and then pick them up at the end of the day.

Threats

Students making serious verbal, electronic, and/or written threats of physical harm toward themselves or others may be subject to emergency expulsion. Emergency expulsion 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. All such students may additionally access Student Assistance Program (SAP) services. 

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

Like all public schools, we're a tobacco/nicotine free campus. Possession or use of any tobacco, nicotine, or delivery device products, or related paraphernalia is prohibited on or near school district property, on or near LSHS or at any school-sponsored events. This shall include all district buildings, grounds and district-owned vehicles such as school buses.  

What counts as a tobacco or nicotine product? Tobacco and nicotine products and delivery devices include, but are not limited to: cigarettes, cigars, snuff/chew, smoking tobacco, smokeless tobacco, nicotine, liquid nicotine, electronic smoking/vapor devices (and related paraphernalia), "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. (LSSD Board Policy No 4505).

The use of any tobacco or nicotine products on school grounds is prohibited by State law. Students are subject to discipline for violations of this policy. The use of nicotine reduction therapies (NRTs) such as patches or gum require medical documentation and are supervised as described in the Health Services section.

If you or someone you know is struggling to kick a nicotine or related habit, chat with any school adult and they'll connect you to Mr. Pitkin, our Intervention Specialist.

Report conflict to the nearest adult; 

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

Violent or Aggressive Behavior/ Assaults/ Fighting

Physical violence, intimidation, posturing, fighting, aiding/abetting a fight, being a bystander, recording/distributing video of, or cheering on a fight will not be tolerated on the campus of Lake Stevens High 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 action up to an emergency expulsion or long term suspension, peer mediation, and/or the possibility of schedule changes and specific routes.

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 High School is a Gun-Free Zone. 

The superintendent, or designee, may modify the one-year expulsion on a case by case basis. 

I made a mistake. Now what?

For starters, you're not the first to make a mistake, and you're not going to be the last. Our promise to everyone is that we'll make the safety of the larger learning community our number one priority. 

After that, we promise to work with you to make sure you're taking accountability for your actions, making it right, and ultimately helping you make changes to your behavior so you can get out into the world of career or college and be successful.

Potential Student Discipline Interventions

We are committed to providing a positive and orderly learning environment for everyone. As such, LSHS discipline is reasonable, contextualized, consistent, and progressive. Students who don't change behavior in response to teacher, counselor, or administrative interventions (such as detention, behavior/attendance contracts, in- or out-of-school suspension, or parent conferences, etc.) and continue to violate school rules may forfeit their right to attend LSHS. Furthermore, LSHS 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. 


The following are definitions of some possible discipline interventions students may experience at LSHS:

Informal talk – Discussion between school adult and student and/or parent/legal guardian. This conversation may or may not be documented.

Student Conference – Formal conference between school adult and student

Classroom Exclusion – Exclusion of a student from a classroom or instructional area/activity for behavioral violations that disrupt the educational process

Detention: Assignment of student to supervised study at lunch or after school.

Parent Contact: Telephone call or letter to legal guardian

Friday School: Assignment to Friday supervised study for two and a half hours (1:00 pm to 3:30 pm)

In-School Suspension: Temporary removal of student from regular classes for all or portion of their day

Short-term Suspension: Temporary removal of student from attending school and school activities. Short-term suspension can last for a maximum of ten (10) school days.

Long-term Suspension: Removal of the student from attending school and school activities. Long-term suspension can last a maximum of one (1) semester or 90 school days.

Expulsion: Denial of the student of the right to attend school and school activities for the length of an academic term (up to 90 days) 

Progressive Discipline

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.

Other Non-disciplinary Actions

Apart from discipline actions, LSHS administration may choose to remove a student on an emergency basis. This action is called emergency expulsion, and it's an administrative action that removes the student from school because the student's statements or behavior pose 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 expulsions are temporary and often allow for appropriate supports to be put in place while attending to the safety of the remainder of the learning community. 

Criminal Activities

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, 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.