Student Handbook

The Bellevue School District believes that regular school attendance and engagement is essential to student success. Students are expected to attend all assigned classes each day. Students at times may appropriately be absent from class. Policy 3122 and Procedure 3122P has more information about:

1. How to report an absence
2. Definitions of an absence for in-person, synchronous, and asynchronous learning
3. Absences deemed excusable under Washington state law
4. Districts duties upon chronic absenteeism and unexcused absences

Discrimination can happen when someone is treated differently or unfairly because they are part of a protected class, including their race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, creed, disability, use of a service animal, or veteran or military status.

What is discriminatory harassment?

Discriminatory harassment can include teasing and name-calling; graphic and written statements; or other conduct that may be physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating. Discriminatory harassment happens when the conduct is based on a student’s protected class and is serious enough to create a hostile environment. A hostile environment is created when conduct is so severe, pervasive, or persistent that it limits a student’s ability to participate in, or benefit from, the school’s services, activities or opportunities.

For more information, review the District’s Nondiscrimination Policy 3210 and Procedure 3210P

What is sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome conduct or communication that is sexual in nature and substantially interferes with a student's educational performance or creates an intimidating or hostile environment. Sexual harassment can also occur when a student is led to believe they must submit to unwelcome sexual conduct or communication to gain something in return, such as a grade or a place on a sports team.

Examples of sexual harassment can include pressuring a person for sexual actions or favors; unwelcome touching of a sexual nature; graphic or written statements 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.

Our schools do not discriminate based on sex and prohibit sex discrimination in all of our education programs and employment, as required by Title IX and state law.

For more information, review the district’s Sexual Harassment Policy 3205 and Procedure 3205P

What should my school do about discriminatory and sexual harassment?

When a school becomes aware of possible discriminatory or sexual harassment, it must investigate and stop the harassment. The school must address any effects the harassment had on the student at school, including eliminating the hostile environment, and make sure that the harassment does not happen again.

What can I do if I am concerned about discrimination or harassment?

Talk with any of the coordinators listed below or submit a written complaint. You may contact the following school district staff members to report your concerns, ask questions, or learn more about how to resolve your concerns.

Concerns about discrimination:

Civil Rights Coordinator
Nancy Pham
Civil Rights and HIB Compliance Officer
phamn@bsd405.org
425-456-4040

Concerns about sex discrimination, including sexual harassment:

Title IX Coordinator
Jeff Lowell
Director of Athletics and Activities
lowellj@bsd405.org
425-456-4010

Concerns about disability discrimination:

Section 504 Coordinator
Karen Dejong
dejongk@bsd405.org
425-456-4144

Concerns about discrimination based on gender identity:

Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator
Nancy Pham
Civil Rights and HIB Compliance Officer
phamn@bsd405.org
425-456-4040

Mailing address for all Compliance Coordinators: 12111 NE 1st Street, Bellevue, WA 98005.

To submit a written complaint, describe the conduct or incident that may be discriminatory and send it by mail, fax, email, or deliver to the school principal, district superintendent or civil rights coordinator. Submit the complaint as soon as possible for a prompt investigation and within one year of the conduct or incident.

What happens after I file a discrimination complaint?

The Civil Rights Coordinator will provide you with a copy of the school district’s discrimination complaint procedure. The Civil Rights Coordinator must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The investigation must be completed within 30 calendar days unless you agree to a different timeline. If your complaint involves exceptional circumstances that require a longer investigation, the Civil Rights Coordinator will notify you in writing with the anticipated date for their response.

When the investigation is complete, the school district superintendent or the staff member leading the investigation will send you a written response. This response will include:

• A summary of the results of the investigation
• A determination of whether the school district failed to comply with civil rights laws
• Any corrective measures or remedies needed
• Notice about how you can appeal the decision

What are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome?

If you do not agree with the outcome of your complaint, you may appeal the decision to the Disciplinary Appeals Council (DAC) and then to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). More information about this process, including important timelines, is included in the district’s Nondiscrimination Procedure 3210P and Sexual Harassment Procedure 3205P.

I already submitted an HIB complaint – what will my school do?

Harassment, intimidation or bullying (HIB) can also be discrimination if it is related to a protected class. If you give your school a written report of HIB that involves discrimination or sexual harassment, your school will notify the Civil Rights Coordinator. The school district will investigate the complaint using both the Nondiscrimination Procedure 3210P and the HIB Procedure 3207P to fully resolve your complaint.

Who else can help with HIB or Discrimination Concerns?

All reports must start locally at the school or district level. However, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) can assist students, families, communities, and school staff with questions about state law, the HIB complaint process and the discrimination and sexual harassment complaint processes.

OSPI School Safety Center (For questions about harassment, intimidation, and bullying)

• Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/health-safety/school-safety-center
• Email: schoolsafety@k12.wa.us
• Phone: 360-725-6068

OSPI Equity and Civil Rights Office (For questions about discrimination and sexual harassment)

• Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/equity-and-civil-rights
• Email: equity@k12.wa.us
• Phone: 360-725-6162

The Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO) works with families, communities and schools to address problems together so every student can fully participate and thrive in Washington’s K-12 public schools. OEO provides informal conflict resolution tools, coaching, facilitation, and training about family, community engagement, and systems advocacy.

• Website: www.oeo.wa.gov
• Email: oeoinfo@gov.wa.gov
• Phone: 1-866-297-2597

The U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces federal nondiscrimination laws in public schools, including those that prohibit discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, disability, and age. OCR also has a discrimination complaint process.

• Website: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html
• Email: orc@ed.gov
• Phone: 800-421-3481

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 if you see or experience it and our school’s process for responding to it.

What is HIB?

HIB is any intentional electronic, written, verbal or physical act of a student that:

• Physically harms another student or damages their property;
• Has the effect of greatly interfering with another student’s education; or,
• Is so severe, persistent, or significant that it creates an intimidating or threatening education environment for other students.

HIB generally involves an observed or perceived power imbalance and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated. HIB is not allowed, by law, in our schools.

How can I make a report or complaint about HIB?

Talk to any school staff member (consider starting with someone you are most comfortable with). You may use our district’s reporting form to share concerns about HIB. Reports about HIB can also be made in writing or verbally. Your report can made anonymously, if you are uncomfortable revealing your identity, or confidentially if you prefer it not be shared with other students involved with the report. No disciplinary action will be taken against another student based solely on an anonymous or confidential report.

If a staff member is notified of, observes, overhears, or otherwise witnesses HIB, they must take prompt and appropriate action to stop the HIB behavior and to prevent it from happening again. Our district HIB Compliance Officer, Nancy Pham (phamn@bsd405.org or 425-456-4040) supports prevention and responds to HIB.

What happens after I make a report about HIB?

If you report HIB, school staff must attempt to resolve the concerns. If the concerns are resolved, then no further action may be necessary. However, if you feel that you or someone you know is the victim of unresolved, severe, or persistent HIB that requires further investigation and action, then you should request an official HIB investigation.

Also, the school must take actions to ensure that those who report HIB do not experience retaliation.

What is the investigation process?

When you report a complaint, the HIB Compliance Officer or the staff member leading the investigation must notify the families of the students involved with the complaint and must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The investigation must be completed within 5 school days unless you agree to a different timeline. If your complaint involves circumstances that require a longer investigation, the district will notify you with the anticipated date for their response.

When the investigation is complete, the HIB Compliance Officer or the staff member leading the investigation must provide you with the outcomes of the investigation within 2 school days. This response should include:

• A summary of the results of the investigation
• A determination of whether the HIB is substantiated
• Any corrective measures or remedies needed
• Clear information about how you can appeal the decision

What are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome?

For the student designated as the “targeted student” in a complaint:

If you do not agree with the school district’s decision, you may appeal the decision and include any additional information regarding the complaint to the superintendent, or the person assigned to lead the appeal, and then to the school board.

For the student designated as the “aggressor” in a complaint:

A student found to be an “aggressor” in a HIB complaint may not appeal the decision of a HIB investigation. They can, however, appeal corrective actions that result from the findings of the HIB investigation.

For more information about the HIB complaint process, including important timelines, please see the District’s HIB webpage and the district’s HIB Policy 3207 and Procedure 3207P.

In Washington state, all students have the right to be treated consistent with their gender identity at school. Our school will:

• Address students by their requested name and pronouns, with or without a legal name change
• Change a student’s gender designation and have their gender accurately reflected in school records
• Allow students to use restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity
• Allow students to participate in sports, physical education courses, field trips, and overnight trips in accordance with their gender identity
• Keep health and education information confidential and private
• Allow students to wear clothing that reflects their gender identity and apply dress codes without regard to a student’s gender or perceived gender
• Protect students from teasing, bullying, or harassment based on their gender or gender identity

For more information, review the district’s Gender-Inclusive Schools Policy 3211 and Procedure 3211P

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator:

Nancy Pham
Civil Rights and HIB Compliance Officer
phamn@bsd405.org
425-456-4040

For concerns about discrimination or discriminatory harassment based on gender identity or gender expression, please see our school's stance on discrimination.

Online Reporting Option

The Bellevue School District makes available Vector Alert, a tip reporting system that allows students, staff and parents to report discrimination or harassment and submit safety concerns to our administration in any of four different ways: text, email, phone, and website using Vector Alert .

The Bellevue School District is committed to ensuring a safe and productive learning environment in which students are provided with every opportunity to learn. To ensure that each and every student has equitable access to educational services and that student behavior does not result in a loss in educational services, the district has eliminated short-term suspensions and provides access to educational services during long-term suspensions and emergency removals.

The district is also committed to reducing the disproportional impact of out-of-school suspensions and expulsions on any identifiable group of students including those with disabilities. The district will achieve its commitments by the application of positive behavior supports and principles, while recognizing that there will be times when the application of corrective action is necessary.

Other important information stated in each procedure (Discipline (Policy 3241 and Procedure 3241P):

1. List of Behavioral Violations
2. Requirements of the School for determining and implementing corrective action, including Classroom Exclusions, In-School Suspension, Long-Term Suspensions, Expulsions, Emergency Removals, and Reengagement
3. Parent and Student Grievance/Appeal Rights and Process/Timelines

The district’s complaints process is based upon the principle that most issues can and should be resolved at the level the decisions were made. Every effort shall be to resolve concerns and complaints through informal communication. If informal resolution attempts fail to provide an acceptable outcome for the student, the formal complaint process is available. The district is committed to resolving concerns and complaints about school and district programs, policies, procedures, actions and decisions of employees in an effective, efficient and timely manner by initiating the complaint with the person(s) responsible for the program, event, action, or decision.

When addressing informal complaints, the involved parties should:

• Begin the conversation with the acknowledgement that each is operating with the best of intentions.
• Work collaboratively to understand the other’s point of view.
• Work to resolve the concern through conversation before initiating a formal complaint.

When a complaint has not been resolved through informal attempts at resolution, the complainant may initiate a formal complaint, in writing within thirty (30) calendar days of the attempt at informal resolution. Any informal complaint not resolved at the school level is directed to the Office of School Support and must include:

• Detailed statement of the complaint
• Steps taken to address the complaint
• Suggested resolution(s) to be considered

The Office of School Support will assign a person responsible to meet with the complainant for understanding the complaint and what resolution(s) has already been considered. This person will provide a written decision addressing the complaint within ten (10) calendar days upon receipt of the complaint. Resolution decisions are final except for appeals to the Superintendent of Public Instruction, other agencies, or the courts, as provided by law.

For more information, review Policy 4220 and Procedure 4220P

The Bellevue School District offers a program of interscholastic activities. It is important to remember that while participation in extra-curricular programs is not an entitlement, the district is committed to equitable access to these activities for each and every interested participant.

Included in Policy 2151 and Procedure 2151P is detailed information for those interested in participating in these activities.

• I. Athletic/Activities Code of Conduct: Details corrective action applied when participants who exhibit any of the behaviors that rise to the level of exceptional misconduct as defined in Policy and Procedure 3241 (Classroom Management, Discipline and Corrective Action), including illegal drug and alcohol usage. Included in this provision is specific information about how this provision is applied to participants, including appeal rights.

• II. Attendance Requirement: Details expectations for student athletes and school attendance on days of practices and competitions. Coaches are provided with a daily printout of attendance to ensure their athletes are eligible to practice or compete. In rare, extreme, and extenuating circumstances beyond the control of the student, eligibility to practice or compete may be granted in advance on a case-by-case basis.

• III. Grade Point Requirement: Details the district’s Grade Point Average requirement for participation in high school athletics.

• IV. Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) Compliance and Coaches: Explains that high school athletic programs must adhere to Bellevue School District Board of Directors and the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) rules and procedures. Each school is to have procedures in place for selecting adult advisors/coaches; for annually notifying parents and participants of rules, regulations, and expectations in each sport/activity; and for supervising and evaluating coaches/advisors and programs. This provision includes information on how to report a potential violation of district or WIAA rules.

• V. Non-WIAA Sports: The Bellevue School District Board of Directors has authorized club sports in Water Polo, Lacrosse, and Girl’s Badminton as “non-WIAA sports” within the meaning of Policy 2151. Students who participate in approved non-WIAA sports must be residents of the Bellevue School District. The Board will not authorize a club sport for a high school where the high school has a WIAA-sanctioned sport or activity.

• VI. Athletic Eligibility for Big Picture and International Schools: Students who attend one of the Bellevue School District “choice” schools serving students in grades 9- 12 will maintain athletic eligibility at the comprehensive high school serving the neighborhood in which they reside. Students attending Big Picture School who do not reside in the Bellevue School District are eligible to compete for Sammamish High School. Students who attend International School and do not reside in the Bellevue School District are eligible to compete for Bellevue High School.

• VII. Sunday Practices and Competitions: All interscholastic athletic activities must take place between Monday and Saturday; therefore, Sunday practices and competitions are prohibited. Athletic Directors may request an exception to the competition prohibition by writing to the District Athletics and Activities Director before the competition.

• VIII. Program Evaluation: The district conducts an annual review of each program is required to ensure that each program meets the goals of the district and the needs of the students. Such reviews must include broad-based input from participants and their families. Each athletic program will conduct a survey of student athletes and parents as a source of data to inform athletic directors and administrators in their annual review and to provide informative feedback to coaching staff.