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.
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.
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.
As as heads up, our Viking Way 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.
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.
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.
Our goal is always to help students learn from mistakes while upholding the values of academic integrity. Consequences will be tiered, based on the nature of the violation and whether it is a repeated behavior. Work may be evaluated using AI content detectors or plagiarism software.
Possible Outcomes
First Violation (Teachable Moment): Conversation with teacher, possible referral parent notification, possible revision or zero on the assignment or the opportunity to re-do (Teacher Discretion)
Repeated Violations: loss of credit on work, possible suspension from extracurriculars, .
Severe/Ongoing Violations: Failing grade, loss of honors/eligibility, additional disciplinary action, loss of privilege to use electronic devices for completing assignments - Teacher discretion
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.
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.
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!
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, chill, hang out, or 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 and Door Dash money for after school or the weekends.
At Lake Stevens High School, we value the contributions of all students - including our Running Start and part-time Vikings. We want your time on campus to feel purposeful, safe, and connected to your learning. For safety and security, LSHS is a closed campus, which means we need to know who is here at all times.
To support you in making the most of your time at LSHS, please follow these guidelines:
1. Be Here With Purpose
You may be on campus before or after school, or during the periods you are scheduled in a class at LSHS. You are also welcome to attend school-sanctioned events such as assemblies, class meetings, or club activities (by following the proper check-in procedures through the Main Office).
2. Check In & Out
Each time you come to campus, enter and exit through the Main Office and sign in/out. This helps us ensure the safety and security of all students.
3. Arrive & Depart Around Your Schedule
Please arrive shortly before your scheduled class or appointment and leave once it concludes, unless you are here for another approved activity.
4. Appointments
If you need to meet with a teacher, counselor, or staff member, please schedule the appointment in advance and follow the regular check-in process.
5. No Loitering
For safety and supervision reasons, unscheduled time on campus (including just coming for lunch or to socialize) is not permitted.
We appreciate your partnership in keeping our campus safe, welcoming, and focused on learning. Even if your schedule looks different, you are—and always will be—a Viking.
Congrats on being accepted into Sno-Isle or Regional Apprenticeship Pathways (RAP)! These are awesome opportunities, but they also come with some responsibilities. Here’s what you need to know:
General Expectations
Be on time.
Communicate clearly.
Stay on top of all your classes.
Sno-Isle Students
You must ride the school bus provided by the district. Driving yourself is not allowed unless you get special approval directly from Sno-Isle.
You’ll have time to change into your program gear once you arrive at Sno-Isle.
AM Students: You’ll return to LSHS during 3rd period. When you get back, check in with the Sno-Isle/RAP Coordinator by the cafeteria. Attendance will be taken. You will need to wait quietly for 4th period to begin.
PM Students: When you return to LSHS, you have one of two choices:
If your parent/guardian signed approval and you have insurance on file, you can leave campus after checking in. Attendance will be taken. You may only drive yourself — no passengers.
You can stay at LSHS and work on schoolwork with the Sno-Isle/RAP Coordinator near the cafeteria. Attendance will be taken.
RAP Students
You are required to drive yourself.
You must have a “Private Vehicle Authorization” form on file at LSHS.
Final Note
We want you to have a great year in your program. If you run into any problems, talk with the Sno-Isle/RAP Coordinator right away — we’re here to help you succeed!
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:
Help students be college and career ready.
Reduce potential distractions while increasing opportunities for learning.
Differentiate social dress/behavior from professional and career dress/behavior.
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.
Every student must wear:
A shirt with fabric* on the front, back, and sides under the arms AND
Pants/jeans or the equivalent - for example: a skirt, dress, shorts, leggings, sweatpants, etc.), AND
Shoes
*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.
Every student may wear:
hats and hoodies (with the hood up) in such a way that allows the face to be visible to staff (it's a safety thing)
tank tops and halter tops - even those with spaghetti straps - if the majority of the front and the majority of the back of the torso are both covered and do not show undergarments (except bra straps and waistbands)
sheer (see through) fabric as part of their outfit as long as the fabric covering undergarments and private parts of the body is opaque (not see through)
ripped jeans, as long as underwear and buttocks are not exposed
To support the learning environment, promote school safety, and enhance overall school culture, students may not wear:
Any clothing that reveals visible undergarments (visible waistbands and visible straps are allowed)
Swimsuits (except as required in class or athletic practice)
Accessories that could be considered dangerous or could be used as a weapon
Any item that obscures the face (except as a religious observance)
Clothing (or other items) that promote or reference alcohol, tobacco, drugs, violent language or images, hate speech, profanity, or that contains pornography or sexual innuendo.
Clothing or other personal items that have been recognized by LSHS 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 administration.
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.
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:
Students will be asked to put on their own alternative clothing, if already available at school, to be dressed more to standard for the remainder of the day.
Students will be provided with temporary school clothing to be dressed more to standard for the remainder of the day.
If necessary, the student’s parent(s) may be called during the school day to bring alternative clothing for the student to wear for the remainder of the day.
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.
Arriving on time each day sets everyone up for success. When students are on time and ready to learn, it helps create a positive, focused classroom where everyone can do their best. Consistent punctuality builds confidence, supports academic achievement, and shows respect for teachers and peers.
Being late disrupts lessons and impacts the learning of others. Students are expected to be in their seats and prepared when the final bell rings. To help maintain a supportive environment, our school uses progressive discipline for chronic tardiness, which may include detention and administrative follow-up if needed. Let’s work together to make every minute count and help everyone reach their potential!
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.
During academic time—any moment in the school day when class is in session—cell phones/devices must be off (powered down) and away. At the start of every class, students are expected to place their phone/device in the designated classroom holder (wall hanger or desk organizer). Our goal is simple: to increase learning by reducing distractions.
What if I need to go to the bathroom or Learning Commons during class?
Check out with your teacher, go directly to the closest restroom (or the Learning Commons if that’s your destination), and return promptly. Your device stays in the classroom holder. It does not go with you. Restrooms are private spaces, and there is no reason to bring a cell phone/device with you.
Are there times it will be okay to use my cell phone/device in class?
Yes—only if your teacher directs it. If your teacher hasn’t clearly stated that it’s an appropriate time, your device stays powered down and in the classroom holder.
Bottom line: Once the bell rings to start class, power down your device, place it in the classroom holder, and focus on the learning.
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/ device, place it in the classroom holder and focus on the learning.
Can I use my cell phone/device in the bathroom during social time?
No. Public restrooms and cell phones/devices 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 devices 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 device is powered down and put away in the classroom holder?
Anything your caregivers need to tell you that's not an emergency can wait until passing period when you power up your device and check your messages. Your caregivers will contact the main office with any urgent messages, and we'll connect with you right away.
Generally speaking, if your teacher hasn’t given you the green light to use your cell phone/personal electronic device in class, you’ll most likely be sent to the main office with your phone/device. We believe that phones should never get in the way of learning, relationships, or safety at LSHS. If a phone or other personal electronic device becomes a distraction, it will be sent to the office and handled through the following process:
1st Offense
Your phone will be brought to the main office and you'll be able to chat with someone.
Your teacher will submit a referral in SWIS.
Your phone will remain in the office for the rest of the school day.
You may pick it up after school and briefly check in with office staff before leaving.
2nd Offense
If this happens again (in the same class or a different one), you’ll meet with an administrator.
A parent/guardian will need to come to the school to pick up your phone.
If they are not available that day, the phone will remain secured in the office until they can come in.
3rd Offense
A third incident is considered more than just a phone issue — it becomes insubordination.
Your phone will again be held until a parent/guardian comes to pick it up.
This time, a parent meeting is required to create a plan for moving forward.
In rare cases, students with repeated issues may be required to check their phone into the office each morning and pick it up at the end of the day to ensure learning remains the priority.The best way to avoid these interventions is to act responsibly with your device. Learning to manage it now is a valuable habit that will serve you well in college, the workplace, and beyond.
For student non-compliance (refusing to hand over a phone, being disruptive, or displaying 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. In these cases, more serious interventions will apply.
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.
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.
Leave it better than you found it
Use the nearest facility
One person per stall
Respect the privacy of others - Phone is Off and Away
Follow building procedures for signing in and out
Use time wisely (get in, get out)
Keep it clean - flush, wash your hands
Report any misuse, messes, or abuse
You can always report anonymously and confidentially by texting 855.200.5058, or by using this link.
Return to class quickly - ready to learn
Ensure the space is ready for the next Viking
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Perfect. All students, even those leaving as part of their Running Start schedule, will need to head down to the attendance office, speak with an attendance secretary, and sign out using the kiosk inside the attendance office. 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.
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!
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.
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. LINK to SAP
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.
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 walking paths around campus.
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.
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.
The superintendent, or designee, may modify the one-year expulsion on a case by case basis.
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.
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
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.