Northport School District

STUDENT HANDBOOK

P.O. Box 1280

Northport, WA99157

High School: 732-4430

Elementary/Middle School: 732-4441

Solutions Room: 732-4870

WELCOME

Welcome to Northport Elementary/Middle/High School! The faculty, staff and administration hope that the time you spend here will be educational and rewarding. This handbook is for you. It will help you understand the operations of the school as well as your rights and responsibilities as an employee, student and/or as families.

About Us…Northport staff and students have a unique and stimulating approach to education. We are proud of our schools and wish to share with youour special qualities, programs and attractions!

With a population of around 350, Northport is a friendly, culturally diverse town with a rich history of people who work hard, support their schools, and take a keen interest in their children. With its affordable cost of living and low crime rate, Northport offers a delightful place to live, work, and raise a family.

Northport is a rural district, of an average of 160 students. Although we are remote from population centers, our public schools are innovative. Our single P-12 campus offers smaller than average class sizes, opportunities for cross-age tutoring, integrated P-12 curricula and collegial sharing among staff.

The district campus includes two schools (P-8 and 9-12) as well as a shop complex, 2 computer labs, special education suite and a gymnasium. The district employs 48 full and part-time people including 14teachers, 1 superintendent, 1 preK-12 principal, and 23 support staff as well as a part-time psychologist, counselor, nurse, physical therapist, and speech and language pathologist.

Our students are unique; non-generic! They are small town kids who are accepting of individual differences, non-cliquish and enthusiastic.

Members of ourcommunity,board of directors, administrators and faculty have been working collaboratively to institute changes that have led to a progressive school system that enjoys higher academic success and strives to maximize individual potential. Much of the success is attributed to the establishment of a clear and shared focus, adoption and implementation of research-based curriculum and professional training.

Our teachershave received training in some of the most promising and exemplary curriculum materials and effective practices available. Our support staff has also been an integral part of our improvement efforts, participating in in-services that strengthen their skills, as well. Together our teachers and support staff operate much like a family would.

Recently the NorthportSchool District received two top awards/honors related to increasing academic achievement over the past six years. The School of Distinction Award is a state award and the Blue Ribbon and the US News and World Report Bronze Awards are national awards. As one can see, our Board of Directors, administration, staff and students believe in themselves and one another and demonstrate exemplary qualities by setting and achieving high goals.

Our facilities have improved along with our curriculum and achievement. We have been fortunate to pass tax levies over the past few years as well as a bond to remodel the high school. We were so proud to unveil our newly remodeled high school fall of 2005, which has proven to enhance students’ education. In addition, through an E-Rate grant, we upgraded our district’s computer system to a state-of-the-art Internet Protocol telephony network that runs over fiber optic lines and is wireless. Strategically, we have given our other buildings and grounds a facelift as we replaced lighting, flooring, lockers, bleachers and other worn essentials as well as repainted the interior and exteriors.Moreover, we have improved ball fields and landscaping with the help of our community.

OUR MISSION

At NorthportSchool District, our mission

is to work together to maximize individual potential.

Belief Statement…

In order for students to be successful, parents, school and community must support by word and action shared belief’s that is the framework for the education of our children.

We believe:

  • Parents are their children’s primary educators.
  • Education is essential to a democratic society.
  • The development of a student’s character is essential to educational excellence.
  • Schools are an integral part of the community.
  • In a safe and nurturing learning environment that maximizes individual potential.
  • In fostering creative thinking and problem solving.
  • Working together is beneficial to all.
  • Open communication is essential.
  • Learning is life-long.
  • Student engagement in the learning process can be fun as well as educational.
  • In providing educational opportunities that enable all students to reach their potential.
  • Respect and responsibility is the cornerstone to a strong education.
  • The contribution of diverse groups in the community builds a life-long foundation for education.
  • The engagement of all stakeholders in the community is important to the success of the NorthportSchool District.
  • The entire community plays a role in student learning.

Vision…

We will all recognize and cultivate the best in every student. Every moment of the school day and beyond will have a focus on the student, their academic, social, personal needs, growth and success. We will form relationships with all students, provide relevance for our expectations and infuse rigor in everything we do. We will always act in a caring, thoughtful and empathetic manner and treat each student as if they were our own child.

Goals…

Student Learning

Students will meet or exceed local, state and national academic standards. Student achievement is the highest priority.

After-school programs and extracurricular opportunities for children will be continued and developed.

A process that will seek and sustain grant monies for core and extracurricular programs will be continued and developed.

Continuous school improvement plans that include curriculum, staff development and school policy will be developed.

Students and staff will show responsible, respectful, and safe behavior.

The diversity of all groups will be valued.

Communication – School/Community

A community-wide communication process will be developed to broaden understanding and community support.

Technology

Students’ learning will be enhanced through the use and support of technology.

Leadership

School/Community

An effective leadership model that includes community, staff and students, administration and board will be developed.

Facilities - Parents, Community, Business

The community will provide financial support of schools to ensure a safe, high-quality learning environment.

DISTRICT PHONE / WEB SITE

District Office 732-4251

High School/Fax732-4430

Staff Line732-4870

District Office/Fax 732-6606

Bus Shop732-6158

Web Site

PHYSICAL ADDRESSES

Elementary School (Preschool – grade 8)…..404 10th Street

Annex (Special Ed., Computer lab)….. 406 10th Street

High School….. 408 10th Street

Gym and Kitchen….. 402 10th Street

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Fire, Ambulance or Police -911

Stevens CountySheriff – 684-2555

Mount CarmelHospital – 684-2561

Northport Community Clinic – 732-4252

PoisonControlCenter – 1-800-732-6985 or 1-800-222-1222

ASB CARDS

Students who are involved in either sports or clubs must purchase an ASB card. ASB helps support the athletic and activity programs. Save money when attending games and activities…buy an ASB card for $40.

CLOSED CAMPUS

After arriving to school, students in grades K-12 shall remain on school grounds from time of arrival until final dismissal bell unless officially excused through the office.

DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARS

Dollars for Scholars, a community-based volunteer program, sponsors a variety of scholarships to assist you in realizing your future goals.

EQUITY

The NorthportSchool District complies with all federal and state rules and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. This holds true for all students who are interested in participating in educational programs and/or extra curricular school activities. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to Wes Harris, the district’s Title IX/RCW 28A.640 compliance officer and Section 504/ADA coordinator at P. O. Box 1280, Northport, WA99157 or phone 732-4251.

HONOR ROLL

The Honor Roll and High Honor Roll will be compiled at the end of each semester. The following criteria will be used: High Honor Roll - 3.5 GPA or higher; Honor Roll - 3.0-3.49 GPA.

LOCKERS

9-12 Students will be assigned one locker when they receive their schedule in the fall. Students are responsible for the condition and care of their locker (including P.E.) at all times. Lockers must be left in the same condition at the end of the year as when they were issued. Gym lockers will be assigned first to girls and boys participating in sports with seniority given to students in grades 12, 11, 10, 9 and so on. The next assignment will be made to girls and boys who have a P.E. class based on grade seniority. If lockers must be shared, middle school students are to share with their grade level, only.

Lockers are the property of the school and subject to inspection. Lockers are for storing and securing books, school supplies and appropriate personal items. A student’s locker, desk or storage area may be searched by district staff if reasonable suspicion exists to suspect that evidence of a violation of the law or school rules will be revealed.

PROTECT YOUR PERSONAL ITEMS

The school district is not responsible for the theft or disappearance of staff or students’ personal items therefore, all persons are discouraged from bringing valuables to school. Such items may include but are not limited to iPods, laptop computers, digital cameras, cellular telephones, CD players and other computer equipment.

ADVANCED COURSES

Courses for simultaneous high school-college credit are offered at NHS through regular classroom offerings as well as computers in the district. Only students qualifying on the ASSET test are eligible for college credit. We also offer a variety of advanced placement courses and CWU Cornerstone courses on campus in addition to the Internet based courses. See your career/guidance counselor for further details.

SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS

Our Northport School Board Meetings are the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM behind the elementary school’s library. Prior to the meetings, you can find the agenda posted at the Northport Post Office and on the elementary school entrance door. Please submit your items for the agenda each Thursday prior to the monthly Board Meeting.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

NorthportHigh School is governed by the ASB, made up of elected officers, class presidents, class representatives and one elected representative from each club. Elections are held in the spring of each year. ASB meetings will be announced in the daily bulletin for dates and times.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES: TRANSPORTATION

Northport students have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities throughout the year. Students riding the bus to school events must return on the bus unless their parent/guardian is at the event and signs them off of the bus with the supervisor and bus driver. There are no exceptions to this policy.

OUR THREE EXPECTATIONS

Northport students are
RESPONSIBLE,
RESPECTFUL AND
SAFE; period!

Because we are committed to a safe and secure environment, students will be taught, will practice and be reinforced continuously to ensure that these expectations become common habits in our schools.

Note: In the event that students do not choose responsible, respectful and safe behaviors as taught by staff, logical and natural consequences are used. Other examples of positive interventions are “Think Time”, “Check-In/Check-Out”, counseling groups and mentoring. Occasionally, chronic and/or severe misbehavior may result in a “Success Plan” or detentions or suspensions as sanctioned by the principal and/or district policy.

EXAMPLES OF OUR STUDENT BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS

ARRIVE TO CLASS ON TIME

  • High school students are in seat or workstation, on-task when bell rings
  • Elementary school students go in at first whistle, on-task at teacher request

COME TO CLASS WITH ALL NECESSARY MATERIALS

Come to class with all materials necessary for each particular subject

Always have a writing utensil

MOVE THROUGH THE CAMPUS IN AN ORDERLY MANNER

Walk on floor/sidewalk

Soft voices in hallways and sidewalks

Bodies to self

Use appropriate door

Stay to the right

Open doors cautiously

Walk bicycles on school grounds

No skates, roller blades skateboards, scooters (toy wheels), remote control cars, on school grounds

CONTRIBUTE TO A POSITIVE SCHOOL CLIMATE

Positive comments only

Hands up appropriately

No advertisements of drugs, alcohol, tobacco on student clothing or jewelry

MAKE SAFE CHOICES / PLAY SAFELY

  • Report incidents and conditions that could lead to violence, injury or asset loss to a school staff member or Mr. Baribault

Use equipment for intended purpose

Follow playground rules (contained in this handbook)

Follow instructor directions in use of equipment

No roughhousing or “play fighting”

Games must be played with appropriate items in designated areas

No projectiles of any kind in building

No balls around buses

No walking between buses

Yield to all buses, even walking to and from school

Follow bus rules / driver instructions

Wash hands

No more than one student in bathroom (K-8)

Must use bathroom / drink pass system when on playground and during high school classes

Grades K-3 will obtain verbal permission when on playground and enter through the second grade door

Grades 4-5 will obtain a pass and enter through the fourth grade door only

Grades 6-8 will obtain a pass and enter through the solution room door only

Passes are also required for drinks, visits to the library, solution room and computer lab

Each teacher is responsible for providing his or her own passes. Each staff member is responsible for requesting a pass from students who are out of class.

Clean up your own mess in classrooms, multi, and all common areas

LIMIT PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION

  • Daylight between bodies head to toe with the exception of handholding

USE APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE

  • No profanity
  • Use standard English

RESPECT SCHOOL PROPERTY AND PROPERTY OF OTHERS

  • No defacing, damaging or stealing any school property or property of others
  • Use materials and equipment in an appropriate manner

SETTLE CONFLICTS APPROPRIATELY

  • Settle conflicts respectfully and in a calm manner
  • Seek mediation if necessary

TREAT PEERS WITH RESPECT

TREAT STAFF MEMBERS AND GUESTS WITH RESPECT

  • Show respect for truth and honesty

FOLLOW STAFF DIRECTIONS

  • Follow directions the first time

BE QUIET AT APPROPRIATE TIMES

  • When teacher, guest or peer are speaking.
  • During lessons, presentations, and activities when appropriate
  • During tests
  • Always in the library

Use technology as it was intended

  • Cell phones need to out of sight and silent during all educational time
  • When using computers, please use them for educational purposes only
  • Do not use school technology or school time to visit social network sites or inappropriate sites online.

BEHAVE APPROPRIATELY IN ASSEMBLIES

  • Follow standard dismissal procedure
  • Hats off for flag salute, etc.

CELL PHONES,iPods,Walkmans, Discmans, boom boxes, MP3 players, etc. are only to be used during lunch, passing times and on buses. Continued use privileges will depend on responsible use.

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

STUDENT RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUE PROCESS

One of the major goals of NorthportSchool District is to promote in each student a sense of one’s civic rights and responsibilities.

All students have the right to a safe environment and the right to an equal educational opportunity, regardless of national origin, race, religion, economic status or sex, including being free from sexual harassment.

Students and staff will be expected to report unsafe conditions or security issues.

A list of all CPR trained staff is posted on the safety bulletin board in the staff lounge in the elementary school.

Students have the right of freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the right to peaceably assemble. Students have the right to be secure in person, paper, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures therefore all students have the right to due process.

Any pupil, who is aggrieved for any causes, has the right to request an informal conference with the appropriate administrator for the purpose of resolving the matter.

All students who attend school in this district shall comply with the written policies, rules and regulations established; shall pursue the required course of studies, and shall comply to the authority of the teachers of the school, subject to such disciplinary or other actions as the school officials shall determine.

“Due Process for Discipline.” The student, parent, or guardian who is aggrieved by the imposition of discipline shall have the right to an informal conference with the building principal or higher designee for the purpose of resolving the grievance, pursuant to WAC 18-40-240 and district policy. The decision of the principal may be appealed to the superintendent or his/her designee upon 2 school days notice. The decision of the superintendent/designee may be appealed to the Board of Directors upon 2 school business days notice. Multi-disciplinary Team Meetings (MDT) shall be held for students served under Federal IDEA.

TEACHER / ADMINISTRATOR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Every teacher and administrator shall, in accordance with due process rights of the students, have the authority to discipline any student for any disruptive or disorderly conduct while that student is under his/her supervision and jurisdiction, and may exclude a student from his/her class in order to maintain an orderly learning environment.

RULES GOVERNING STUDENT CONDUCT

The school is legally responsible for students while in school, or in transit to or from school. All students shall comply with school rules and regulations and submit to reasonable directions of school authorities. Refusal shall constitute cause for discipline, suspension, or expulsion. Such rules shall apply: