Student Handbook

Vision
A global community where everyone belongs and excels. 

Mission
We deliver an excellent and equitable education for every student, every day. 

We build strong relationships, engage through relevant learning experiences, and challenge each other to prepare for opportunities ahead.

Values

EXCELLENCE
We hold high expectations for ourselves and each other.

BELONGING
We build strong relationships.

ENGAGEMENT
We engage through relevant learning experiences. 

CHALLENGE
We challenge each other to prepare for opportunities ahead.

GROWTH
We pursue new and greater achievements. We recognize our progress along the way.

Civil rights laws prohibit discrimination and discriminatory harassment on the basis of gender expression and gender identity in K–12 public schools.

Discrimination is the unfair or unequal treatment or harassment of a person or group because they are part of a defined group, known as a protected class.

Gender expression and gender identity are protected classes under Washington State law.

Discriminatory harassment is harassment based on a protected class. It can take many forms, such as threats, name-calling, derogatory jokes, physical assault, or other conduct that is physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating.

Common Terms and Definitions

• Assigned sex at birth: The sex a person was given at birth, usually based on anatomy or chromosomes (e.g., male, female, intersex, etc.)

• Cisgender: A term used to describe people whose assigned sex matches their gender identity and/or gender expression (e.g., someone who was assigned female at birth and whose gender identity and/or gender expression is also female.)

• Gender Expansive: A wider, more flexible range of gender identities or expressions than those typically associated with the binary gender system.

• Gender Expression: The external ways in which a person expresses their gender to the world, such as through their behavior, emotions, mannerisms, dress, grooming habits, interests, and activities.

• Gender Identity: A person’s internal and deeply-felt sense of being female, male, both, non-binary, gender-expansive, or other—regardless of the gender assigned at birth.

• Transgender: A term often used to describe a person whose gender identity or expression, or both, are different from those traditionally associated with their sex assigned at birth.

• Transitioning: The process in which a person goes from living and identifying as one gender to living and identifying as another.

You can report discrimination based on gender expression or gender identity to any school staff member or to the district's Gender Inclusive Schools Officer. For a copy of your district’s Gender Inclusive Schools policy and procedure, contact your school or district office, or view it online here: Policy 3211 and Procedure 3211

Your School Compliance Official: The principal (or designee) of your school

Any person having inquiries should contact:

• GIS Coordinator: District Ombudsman, 206.631.3100,  isuzu.niizumaarambula@highlineschools.org

• Address: 15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW, Burien, WA 98166

Leadership

• Principal: Ms. Feldtmose
• Assistant Principal: Ms. Sinco
• Dean of Culture: Ms. Riojas 
• Dean of Student Supports: Mr. Lewis 
• Dean of Academics: Mr. Dailey

Counselors

• 6th grade: Ms. McGrady 
• 7th grade: Ms. Pinza Todd
• ​​​​​​​8th grade: Ms. Wayman

Main Office

• Registration: Ms. Sanchez 
• Family Liaison: Ms. Hernandez 
• Attendance: Mr. Sagiao 
• ​​​​​​​Fees and fines: Mr. Ceja

Cascade Middle School is on a semester-schedule. We post official grades quarterly (November, January, March, and June). Grades are updated regularly in StudentVUE (see details below), so that students can monitor their assignments and progress. 

Highline Public Schools uses standards-based grading. This methodology gives students feedback on their present skills and areas for growth relative to grade-level standards in each subject area. This is how to interpret scores: 

4	This student’s work exceeds expectations based on the grade-level standard. This means that he/she/they is submitting work that demonstrates skills at a higher grade-level or that can apply the learning to new and complex contexts.
3	This student’s work meets expectations based on the grade-level standard. This means that he/she/they is able to demonstrate grade-appropriate work consistently both independently (without needing additional support).
2	This student’s work approaches expectations based on the grade-level standard. This means that he/she/they is able to demonstrate grade-appropriate work consistently with support, or that he/she/they submits work that aligns with skills below their assigned grade-level.
1	This student’s work is below expectations based on the grade-level standard. This means he/she/they inconsistently or rarely demonstrates grade-appropriate work with significant support.
Miss	If an assignment is not submitted, it is marked as Missing. These missing assignments can be submitted for re-grading until the end of the term; see the teacher to learn specific expectations to resubmit.
NC	At the end of the term, a student may receive a grade of NC if they have not submitted sufficient evidence to receive a grade for the class. This is because the teacher cannot evaluate the level of their skills, given the absence of work.

Students can monitor their grades and missing assignments on StudentVUE. Families are also able to access this same information on ParentVUE, including class schedules and attendance. Students can access their StudentVUE account using their regular login and password.

Most teachers also maintain copies of assignments and course materials in Google Classroom. For more information on how to add a course’s Google Classrooms, speak to that teacher.

Hallways, Common Areas, and Restrooms
Our common spaces are just that: common! It is our shared responsibility to care for them, and to make sure that they feel welcome and safe for every person in our community. This means: 

• We keep spaces clean, and pick up after ourselves (and others, as needed) 
• We are in class from bell to bell; we do not linger in common spaces when we are supposed to be in class

We do not damage or deface walls, furniture, or other installments in any space

Consequences for causing harm or damage to common spaces can include: 

• Admin Reflection Room
• Community service- Restorative Justice
• Repayment or replacement of broken, damaged, or stolen property
• Family meeting 
• ​​​​​​​Other forms of restitution or reparation

 

Assemblies

• Leave backpacks and cellphones in the classroom
• Leave when your building is released
• Line up and walk to the gym, find your Academy poster, and sit with your class
• Voice volume is 0 while others are speaking, and at calls to attention
• Participate & cheer at the right times
• ​​​​​​​Use school appropriate language, keep bodies and objects to self and be positive or kind in your participation

 

Personal Technology

• No Personal technology during school hours- Personal technology includes cell phones, headphones, gaming devices, speakers, music players, and other electronic devices

• Personal electronics should be away and out of sight all school-day (8:05 - 2:35)

  • 1st time: Warning
  • 2nd time: Teacher takes the phone for a period
  • 3rd time: Reset with Dean/Administrator, parent contact/follow up, and phone in office for the rest of the day
  • If applicable, continuous behavior could result in being placed on a phone plan.
     

Chromebook & Chargers

Take care of your Chromebook! They can break easily and are very expensive to replace.

• Be gentle. Slamming closed, throwing it around in your backpack or getting it wet will damage it. 
• Charge it every night.
• Bring it to school every day.
• ​​​​​​​Think carefully before sharing it. User agreements hold you responsible for any issues, searches, etc on your device.

 

Breaks & Leaving the Classroom

• No student may be in the hallway without an adult, classroom pass,or counselor pass- unless they are walking to and from the bathroom or water fountain.
• ​​​​​​​If a student needs to take a break, ask your teacher to move to another space in the classroom.

 

MINGA

• Minga is a digital student platform that will be used to gain reward points or Cougar Cash. 
• Minga will also be used to for hall passes throughout the school.
• Minga will be an app that is  accessible on Chromebooks.

 

Cafeteria

Students have two opportunities to eat while at school—breakfast and a 30-minute lunch. It is important to start the day with a healthy breakfast and mindset so I can do my best work in class. Breakfast will be available from 7:50am to 8:15am. At lunchtime, students can choose to buy a school lunch or bring a sack lunch. All food must be eaten in the cafeteria. These meals are free for all students, regardless of free and reduced lunch status. 

In the Cafeteria, students must:

• Wait courteously in line or in the cafeteria for friends.
• Not remove food and/or beverages from the cafeteria area.
• Keep milk cartons, pop cans, food and paper off the floor.
• Empty all food left on my tray.
• Discard all my trash and recycling in the cans provided after eating.
• Display appropriate cafeteria conduct at all times.

 

The only locations to be during lunch is the cafeteria until I am dismissed to go outside or to the Gym. 

Appropriate behavior outside during lunch:

• Walk down hallways quietly
• Use equipment appropriately
• Stay in the Cafeteria, Gym, or designated zones outside
• No eating or cell phone use

 

Closed Campus

Cascade Middle School has a closed campus. This means that all students are to remain on school grounds from the time they arrive until they are dismissed at the end of the day. Any student that leaves campus without permission will result in the student being marked truant and be issued disciplinary action. Students are to exit campus by 10 minutes after the last bell, unless in a supervised activity or waiting to be picked up by parents. Re-entry is not permitted at athletic or other event events. Guests are not allowed on campus, unless they are signed in at the office and receive a guest pass.

 

Visitors

All visitors need to check in to the main office and have a visitor pass. Parents or guardians are always welcome to visit the school. All visitors are asked to report to the office before going anywhere else in the building. It is helpful if a parent or guardian makes an appointment prior to their visit. 

Students attending Evergreen High School are not allowed on campus unless they are working with a Cascade staff member. I understand that the only student visitors at Cascade are those who intend to enroll.

Classroom expectations will include but are not limited to:

• Having all materials needed
• Knowing the learning targets
• Using appropriate language with others
• Listening when others are speaking
• Being academically honest
• Modeling digital citizenship
• Asking for help when needed
• Believing in one’s ability to succeed
• Considering diverse ideas
• Being aware of my and other’s well-being
• All personal tech is put away and out of sight

Dress Code

Cascade Middle School adheres to the dress code established by the Highline School District Board.  We expect all of our students to help create that environment.  Dress and appearance play a significant role in creating a comfortable place for all students.  To promote this comfortable and safe atmosphere, all clothing should be non-offensive to all staff and students. They must be free from vulgarity, profanity, drug and alcohol advertising, and gang affiliation.   In addition, all attire, including body piercing(s), must not present health or safety problems or cause disruption to the educational process.  The administration reserves the right to restrict appearance and attire with special consideration for safety, health, or disruptive issues. We appreciate the understanding, cooperation, and support of parents, as decisions are made in the selection of clothing and manner of dress.  Students that do not adhere to the dress code will be required to wear alternative clothing provided by the office. Please observe the following guidelines.

 

ALLOWED

• Hats, hoods, and beanies (ears must be visible at all times)
• Clothing that covers the torso, front and back to mid thigh
• Rips/Holes in jeans

 

NOT ALLOWED

✘ Wallet chains

✘ Bandanas

✘ Pajamas

✘ Slippers

✘ Sports Equipment (Must be in backpack)

✘ Blankets (Must be in backback) 

✘ Sunglasses (Must be in backpack)

✘ Apparel reflecting inappropriate language or content

I am learning to be responsible for my own behavior. Cascade offers opportunities and activities that allow me to show that I can make responsible choices. At Cascade, we have established a culture of being our best self, doing our best work, and living the Cougar Way:

We respect diversity, show compassion, and support and encourage each other.

We have an adventurous spirit, so we try new things, and we have a growth mindset.

We demonstrate our character with integrity.

We strive every day to do our best work and to be our best selves.

We are Cougars. We all do our part to create a global community where everyone can belong and excel. This is the Cougar way!

 

Riding the Bus
Riding the bus is a privilege. The bus driver has a big responsibility to see that we all get to and from school safely. Each student is responsible for making the bus a safe environment for everyone on the bus. You need to make sure that your actions do not distract the bus driver. 

• I am expected to use low voices and sit in my seat. 
• When requested, I will show my bus driver my identification card. 

Failure to show it can result in the loss of privilege to ride the bus. Misbehavior on the bus may result in suspension from riding the bus.  Losing the privilege to ride the bus will affect all buses that the student rides (morning and afternoon).

The following items are not allowed on the bus: balloons, popcorn, skateboards, potted plants, and large, sharp or bulky items.

Bikes, Scooters, and Skateboards

We know that students get to school in lots of different ways, including riding their bikes, scooters, and skateboard. These items must be immediately put away upon entering campus. Bike rikes are provided at the Main and South (field-side) Entrances of campus. 

Commuting to school this way is a responsibility, as is caring for these devices. If a device is lost, stolen, or damaged, Cascade Middle School is not responsible for finding, repairing, or replacing it. 

Harassment, Intimidation & Bullying

• Cascade Middle School is committed to a positive and productive education and working environment free from discrimination and harassment of any kind.
• Cascade will maintain the District policy and procedures regarding bullying
• Students will be taught how to respond to and prevent bullying and harassment and how to report all incidents to the proper school personnel.
• Student violations of the schools staten no tolerance policy on bullying will be investigated and corrective measures deemed necessary will be initiated immediately.

These measures may include any number of the following steps.

• Classroom Response
• Administrative Response
• In-School Suspension
• Short-term Suspension
• Out-of-School Suspension

The Highline School District is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees, parents/legal guardians, volunteers, and community members that is free from harassment, intimidation, or bullying.

“Harassment, intimidation, or bullying” means any intentionally written message or image - including those that are electronically transmitted - verbal, or physical act, including but not limited to one shown to be motivated by race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, mental or physical disability, or other distinguishing characteristics, when an act:

• Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property.
• Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education.
• Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; and/or
• Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

“Other distinguishing characteristics” can include but are not limited to physical appearance, clothing or other apparel, socioeconomic status, and weight.

Harassment, intimidation, and bullying can take many forms, including but not limited to, slurs, rumors, name calling, jokes, insinuations, demeaning comments, drawings, cartoons, pranks, ostracism, gestures, hazing, physical attacks, or threats.

In order to ensure respect and prevent harm, it is a violation of district policy for a student to be harassed, intimidated, or bullied by others in the school community, at school sponsored events, or when such actions create a substantial disruption to the educational process.

Incident Reporting

Any student or students who believe they have been the target of unresolved, severe, or persistent harassment, intimidation, or bullying, or any other person in the school community who observes or receives notice that a student has or may have been the target of unresolved, severe, or persistent harassment, intimidation, or bullying may report incidents verbally or in writing to any staff member.

You can report Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying (HIB) to any school staff member or to the district's HIB Coordinator. For a copy of your district’s HIB Policy 3207 , Procedure 3207 and Form 3207, contact your school or district office or view it online here: https://www.highlineschools.org/departments/student-support/bullying-civil-rights-sexual-harrassment

Your School Compliance Official: The principal (or designee) of your school 

Any person having inquiries should contact:

HIB Coordinator: District Ombudsman, 206.631.3100, isuzu.niizumaarambula@highlineschools.org 

Address: 15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW, Burien, WA 98166

DISCRIMINATION

Highline School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression and identity, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.  This holds true for all students who are interested in participating in educational programs and/or extracurricular activities. Highline Public Schools also provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

You can report discrimination and discriminatory harassment to any school staff member or to the district's Civil Rights Coordinator. For a copy of your district’s nondiscrimination Policy 3210 and Procedure 3210, contact your school or district office or view it online here: https://www.highlineschools.org/departments/student-support/bullying-civil-rights-sexual-harrassment

Your School Compliance Official: The principal (or designee) of your school 

Any person having inquiries should contact:

• Civil Rights Act (students) and Title IX: District Ombudsman, 206.631.3100, civilrightscoordinator@highlineschools.org; titleixofficer@highlineschools.org
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act: Health & Social Services Compliance Manager, 206.631.3011, 504coordinator@highlineschools.org
• Address: 15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW, Burien, WA 98166

 

Sexual Harassment Policy

For purposes of this policy, sexual harassment means unwelcome conduct or communication of a sexual nature.  Sexual harassment can occur adult to student, student to student or can be carried out by a group of students or adults and will be investigated by the District even if the alleged harasser is not a part of the school staff or student body.  The district prohibits sexual harassment of students by other students, employees or third parties involved in school district activities. Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome and/or inappropriate sexual advances; and/or requests for sexual favors; and/or sexually motivated physical contact; and/or verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment will not be tolerated. All students will be provided with age-appropriate information on the recognition and prevention of sexual harassment and their rights and responsibilities under this (Board Policy 3205) and other District policies (see District website for more information). Students will be taught how to act promptly to resolve the harassment and how to report all incidents to the proper school personnel.

Student violators of the school’s stated no tolerance policy on sexual harassment will be investigated and corrective measures deemed necessary will be initiated immediately. These measures may include any number of the following steps.

• Classroom Response
• School Response
• In-School Suspension
• ​​​​​​​Out-of-School Short-term Suspension

Highline Public Schools is committed to a positive and productive education free from discrimination, including sexual harassment. This commitment extends to all students involved in academic, educational, extracurricular, athletic, and other programs or activities of the school, whether that program or activity is in a school facility, on school transportation or at a class or school training held elsewhere. 

Definitions

For purposes of this policy, sexual harassment means unwelcome conduct or communication of a sexual nature.  Sexual harassment can occur adult to student, student to student or can be carried out by a group of students or adults and will be investigated by the District even if the alleged harasser is not a part of the school staff or student body.  The district prohibits sexual harassment of students by other students, employees or third parties involved in school district activities.

The term “sexual harassment” may include:

• Acts of sexual violence;
• Unwelcome sexual or gender-directed conduct or communication that interferes with an individual’s educational performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment;
• Unwelcome sexual advances;
• Unwelcome requests for sexual favors;
• Sexual demands when submission is a stated or implied condition of obtaining an educational benefit;
• Sexual demands where submission or rejection is a factor in an academic, or other school-related decision affecting an individual.

A “hostile environment” has been created for a student when sexual harassment is sufficiently serious to interfere with or limit the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the school’s program. The more severe the conduct, the less need there is to demonstrate a repetitive series of incidents.  In fact, a single or isolated incident of sexual harassment may create a hostile environment if the incident is sufficiently severe, violent, or egregious.

You can report sexual harassment to any school staff member or to the district's Title IX Officer. For a copy of your district’s sexual harassment Policy 3205 and Procedure 3205, contact your school or district office, or view it online here: https://www.highlineschools.org/departments/student-support/bullying-civil-rights-sexual-harrassment

Your School Compliance Official: The principal (or designee) of your school 

Any person having inquiries should contact:

• Title IX Coordinator: District Ombudsman, 206.631.3100, titleixofficer@highlineschools.org
• ​​​​​​​Address: 15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW, Burien, WA 98166

 

COMPLAINT OPTIONS: DISCRIMINATION AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Before filing a complaint, you can discuss your concerns with the school principal or with the school district’s Title IX Officer or Civil Rights Coordinator. This is often the fastest way to revolve your concerns.

Complaint to the School District

Step 1. Write Our Your Complaint

In most cases, complaints must be filed within one year from the date of the incident or conduct that is the subject of the complaint. A complaint must be in writing. Be sure to describe the conduct or incident, explain why you believe discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or sexual harassment has taken place, and describe what actions you believe the district should take to resolve the problem. Send your written complaint—by mail, fax, email, or hand delivery—to the district superintendent or civil rights compliance coordinator.

Step 2: School District Investigates Your Complaint

Once the district receives your written complaint, the coordinator will give you a copy of the complaint procedure and make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The superintendent or designee will respond to you in writing within 30 calendar days—unless you agree on a different time period. If your complaint involves exceptional circumstances that demand a lengthier investigation, the district will notify you in writing to explain why staff need a time extension and the new date for their written response.

Step 3: School District Responds to Your Complaint

In its written response, the district will include a summary of the results of the investigation, a determination of whether or not the district failed to comply with civil rights laws, notification that you can appeal this determination, and any measures necessary to bring the district into compliance with civil rights laws. Corrective measures will be put into effect within 30 calendar days after this written response—unless you agree to a different time period.

Appeal to the School District

If you disagree with the school district’s decision, you may appeal to the school district’s board of directors. You must file a notice of appeal in writing to the secretary of the school board within 10 calendar days after you received the school district’s response to your complaint. The school board will schedule a hearing within 20 calendar days after they received your appeal, unless you agree on a different timeline. The school board will send you a written decision within 30 calendar days after the district received your notice of appeal. The school board’s decision will include information about how to file a complaint with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

Complaint to OSPI

If you do not agree with the school district’s appeal decision, state law provides the option to file a formal complaint with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). This is a separate complaint process that can take place if one of these two conditions has occurred: (1) you have completed the district’s complaint and appeal process, or (2) the district has not followed the complaint and appeal process correctly.

You have 20 calendar days to file a complaint to OSPI from the day you received the decision on your appeal. You can send your written complaint to the Equity and Civil Rights Office at OSPI:

Email: Equity@k12.wa.us ǀ Fax: 360-664-2967

Mail or hand deliver: PO Box 47200, 600 Washington St. S.E., Olympia, WA 98504-7200

For more information, visit our website, or contact OSPI’s Equity and Civil Rights Office at 360-725-6162/TTY: 360-664-3631 or by e-mail at equity@k12.wa.us.

Other Discrimination Complaint Options

Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education

206-607-1600 ǀ TDD: 1-800-877-8339 ǀ OCR.Seattle@ed.gov ǀ OCR Website

Washington State Human Rights Commission

1-800-233-3247 ǀ TTY: 1-800-300-7525 ǀ Human Rights Commission Website 
 

Fighting or Involvement in Physical Conflict

Definition of Fighting: As written in the Highline School Districts’ Student Conduct Violations, fighting is defined as,“Intentionally causing or attempting to cause physical injury in such a way as could reasonably cause physical injury to another person”, this also includes failure to disperse, and failure to report a fight that a student is aware of.

• Students found to be fighting or found to be involved in any way are subject to immediate disciplinary action. The safety of our students is of utmost importance. If a student hears that a fight might occur, or if a fight is happening, they are expected to notify a teacher or administrator immediately.

• NOTE: Recording fights on cell phones or other electronic devices is prohibited and will also be subject to disciplinary action.

Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco, or Related Paraphernalia 

Students cannot carry or use cigarettes, e-cigarettes, tobacco or any type of drugs or drug paraphernalia in their possession at school. Because Washington State law forbids smoking in public places, students further cannot smoke on or near school grounds. Students also cannot be under the influence of, possess, use, give, sell or exchange any drugs or alcohol. Being in possession of paraphernalia including lighters and matches may also lead to disciplinary action. If a student is found in possession of, using, or distributing any of these materials, interventions may include recommendation for a drug/alcohol treatment, 5-day suspension or expulsion, or other consequences. Social agencies or law enforcement authorities may also be involved.

Tampering with Fire Alarm

Any person who willfully and without cause tampers with any public fire alarm apparatus, or sounds any false alarm of fire, by shouting in a public place or by means of any public or private fire alarm system, or signal, or by telephone, is guilty of a misdemeanor according to RCW 9.4.100.

Any student that commits this offense may be asked to meet with fire department officials in order to understand the severity of the crime and also may be asked to pay for any fine the school is assessed when a false fire alarm pull has occurred.

Weapons

Cascade must be a safe place for everyone. Students may not bring weapons of any kind to school. Washington State law states that any student, who brings a gun (including air, BB and pellet) or a toy that looks like a gun, can be immediately emergency expelled from every public school in Washington for a minimum of one year. Other weapons including knives, may also result in an emergency expulsion from school, parent conference, and notification of law enforcement. Subsequent offenses could result in expulsion. 

Furthermore, the possession of projectile devices is dangerous and against school rules. This includes, but is not limited to rubber bands, paper clips and

We want you here. Classes are a place where students can feel a sense of belonging, grow, and learn. So much learning happens for the ENTIRE class period, and it is important that you can learn with your peers and let friends and teachers know what you know about a subject! With that in mind, we value students' input so we want you there.

Tardies

Weekly: What happens when a student is tardy to class? 

• A student is tardy to class when they arrive at class after the bell without a pass. 
• 3 tardies in one week (Tuesday-Monday) leads to Attendance Workshop
  • Attendance Workshop takes place on Thursday during lunch (10 min)
  • The Success Dean will work with the student in the Attendance workshop and reflect and discuss the reasons for the consistent tardiness.  From there create a plan going forward.

Quarterly: What happens when a student is tardy to the same class? (Resource)

The Attendance Secretary, using formulas in Synergy, will monitor instances of tardiness to a single class. At the following numbers:

• 3 tardies to the same class = Teacher calls home 
• 6 tardies to the same class = Meeting with teacher (call home) 
• 9 tardies to the same class = Teacher calls home + meeting with teacher facilitated by Success Dean or Admin + Academy Reflection Room
• ​​​​​​​12+ tardies to the same class = Success Dean calls home + meeting with teacher, family, and Success Dean

What happens when a student skips the Attendance Workshop? 

• 1st skip = Call home + Academy Reflection Room 
• 2nd skip = Call home + Admin Reflection Room
• ​​​​​​​3rd skip = Family meeting

Truancy

What is Truant?

• When a student is not where they are supposed to be and are not supervised for longer than 10 minutes

• There are three categories where this can happen:

 

Category 1: Excessively late to class (more than 10 minutes late)

• Students will be marked truant.

• Student can be assigned the following:

  • Attendance workshop

  • Academy or Admin Reflection Room

Category 2: Came to class, left for longer than bathroom/water break (more than 10 minutes)

• Students will be marked truant.

• Students can be assigned any of the following:

  • Parent/Family phone call

  • Attendance Workshop

  • Academy Reflection Room/ Admin Reflection Room

Category 3: Did not attend class and unexcused:

• Students will be marked truant.

• Students can be assigned any of the following:

  • Parent/Family Phone call

  • Admin Reflection Room

Leaving Campus

Cascade commits to keep you on campus, safe, and learning from bell to bell. If students leave campus, they are exiting supervision and so creating an unsafe situation for themselves and for others. We take this very seriously! 

If you leave campus without being checked out at the Main Office by a parent or guardian, consequences could include: 

• Students will be marked truant 

• Parent/guardian will be notified immediately, may include an emergency family meeting 

• Students may be assigned Admin Reflection Room

• Students may be put on an Attendance Intervention Plan, including the loss of privileges and additional restrictions

Excused and Unexcused Absences

Families will receive automatic notifications via robo-calls and/or letters for any student marked for excused and unexcused absences. You can also monitor your student’s daily attendance on ParentVUE.

The following are some of the most common valid excuses for absences (Excused Absence):

• Absences due to illness, health condition, or medical appointment for the student or dependent; the school may require a note from a medical provider after three (3) absences in a month

• Absences due to family emergencies including, but not limited to, a death or illness in the family; may require a meeting with the school to develop a plan to make up student work

• Religious or cultural purpose including observance of religious or cultural holiday

• Absences directly related to a student’s homelessness or foster care/dependency status 

• Absences due to suspensions, expulsions, or emergency expulsions

• Participation in a district or school approved activity or instructional program 

• Absences due to a student’s migrant status 

The following are also valid excuses for absence, but may require a meeting with Ms. Feldtmose, Ms. Sinco, or their designees:

• Absences due to student safety concerns

• Absences due to participation in a prior approved activity that is consistent with district policy

• Absences due to the student’s lack of necessary instructional tools (including internet access/connectivity)

To excuse an absence, please call Attendance Secretary Sia Sagiao at (206) 631-5507 or email him at autasia.sagiao@highlineschools.org. All absences not approved above and/or reported to Mr. Sagiao are unexcused.

Expectations for Evacuation Process

• When exiting the building walk in a single file line and maintain that line on the field.
• Voice volume level 1 or 0 in case of emergency updates
• Remain with your teacher and class throughout the event.
• Follow directions the first time (be sade, be quick)

Evacuation Process

• All students and staff evacuate to Evergreen Field
• 700, 600,500, 305 - 309- through EASE GATE
• 100, 200, 400, 301 - 304 through WEST GATE
• During Class: Students stays with current teacher
• During Lunch: Students evacuate to Track/Field first, find 5th period teacher
• During Transitions: Students return to the teacher/class they had before transition

 

Expectations on the Field

• Stay with your class and your teacher
• Maintain volume level 1 or 0 for attendance
• Remain calm, quiet, and alet for directions or updates
• DO NOT use phones to call/text - it slows emergency communications

Returning to Class

• When returning to the building , walk in a single file
• Maintain voice volume level 1 or 0 in case of new updates
• Take attendance again upon return to class
• ​​​​​​​Resume activities as normal. Office will communicate information to families if/as needed.

 

Highline School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression and identity, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.  This holds true for all students who are interested in participating in educational programs and/or extracurricular activities. Highline Public Schools also provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

Any person having inquiries should contact:

• Civil Rights Act (students) and Title IX: District Ombudsman, 206.631.3100, civilrightscoordinator@highlineschools.org; titleixofficer@highlineschools.org
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act: Health & Social Services Compliance Manager, 206.631.3011, 504coordinator@highlineschools.org
• Address: 15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW, Burien, WA 98166

Our Schools Protect Students from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying. Schools are meant to be safe and inclusive environments where all students are protected from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB), including in the classroom, on the school bus, in school sports, and during other school activities. This section defines HIB, explains what to do when you see or experience it, and our school’s process for responding to it.

Learn More