Handbook

Nelsen's Various Bell Schedules

school Administration 

Nelsen Middle School 2019-2020
2403 Jones Avenue South
Renton, WA 98055
425-204-3000

Dean of Students
Paige Wilson (6th Grade)     425-204-3015

Counselors
Tiffany Smith (A-G)       425-204-3097
Claire Robbins (H-N)     425-204-3038
Brenia Sherrod (O-Z)     425-204-3013

Office Staff
Attendance Office            425-204-3720
ASB Office (Payments)   425-204-3721
Registrar                            425-204-3001
Nurse                                  425-204-3002
Librarian                             425-204-3006
Tech Support                     425-204-3056
School District Transportation     425-204-4455

Teachers will use standards-based grading to provide students with feedback on progress toward meeting the district-identified learning standards. In order to do this, students will be scored in three categories: Academic Standards, Effort, and Community Skills.

ACADEMIC STANDARDS 
These learning standards represent the important knowledge and skills students will develop in each course. Students will receive specific feedback on multiple standards, which are compiled into 4 to 6 Reporting Standards per class, in order to identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth. 
Why is this important? Communicating students’ progress in relation to a set of identified standards gives students valuable information to further their own academic growth.

EFFORT 
This score represents how well students complete classwork and homework

Community Skills
This score represents how well students are able to accept responsibility, show active listening skills, respect personal/public property, respect the voices of others, and contribute to the learning of others. 
Why is this important? Collaborating with others, engaging in a rigorous learning environment, and honoring diverse perspectives are critical to personal development in the 21st Century.

behavior expectations and school rules

Appropriate and positive behavior is an expectation we have of our students at all school events and activities, and when students are on any district property. Respect for oneself and others is our standard for conduct, and we support an environment that teaches and reinforces the value of maintaining respect and taking personal responsibility for our actions. In order to maintain a positive atmosphere at Nelsen, students should be aware of and respect the personal, emotional, and physical boundaries of others. Courtesy and mutual respect among students and staff are integral to creating a friendly and positive school environment. Students are responsible for knowing and following the school rules and behavior expectations as outlined in this handbook. Behavior not meeting these expectations will result in restorative conversations and/or progressive corrective actions (RSD Policies and Procedures 3241).

ACADEMIC HONESTY
Honesty, trust, and integrity are important aspects of the Nelsen learning community. To this end, students shall refrain from:

• Plagiarism: The taking of another person’s words, works, thoughts, or ideas, and presenting them as your own.
• Cheating: Fraudulent or deceptive acts for the purpose of improving one’s grade, such as copying, stealing answer keys, using unauthorized resources, or assisting another student to gain an unauthorized advantage.

Consequences for academic dishonesty may include a grade of Insufficient Evidence (I.E.) on the assignment, or may require a retake, or may involve a classroom consequence, as well as notification to the parent/guardian (first offense).

BACKPACKS
Due to COVID safety protocols, students will not have access to hallway lockers for the 21-22 school year. Students are advised to bring the minimum supplies necessary to move through a school day with 
efficiency. Students are strongly encouraged to leave unneeded miscellaneous items at home (note: the school is not responsible for lost or missing items). During P.E. class, the gym locker rooms have lockers for student use which will be assigned by the P.E. teachers. Musical instruments must be stored in the band/orchestra storage lockers.

BICYCLES
Students riding bicycles to school must adhere to these guidelines:

• Walk bikes once on school campus.
• Lock bikes to prevent theft.
• Wear a helmet in accordance with Washington State’s Bicycle Helmet Law.
• The school is not responsible for damage to or theft of bicycles while on school property.

BREAKFAST
Breakfast is available for students to purchase from 7:40 to 7:48 a.m. No food is allowed outside of the cafeteria. Students are permitted to carry water bottles during the day (with some exceptions per specific classroom activities).

CAMPUS HOURS and CLOSED CAMPUS
Our campus hours for students depend on the days of the week and late start schedule. Doors open at 7:40 a.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, or at 9:10 a.m. on late start Fridays. Due to contractual guidelines and meeting commitments, no students will be allowed into the building prior to these times.  Also, for the safety and security of our students, Nelsen is a closed-campus school. This means that all students must stay on school grounds once they arrive at school and remain on campus until the end of the school day, unless checked out through our attendance office. If a student leaves campus without authorization they will be recorded as truant and shadowed per district guidance and will receive disciplinary consequences.

DISTRIBUTION OF MERCHANDISE
Selling, purchasing, or any form of distribution of merchandise on school property is prohibited. Any money or merchandise in a student’s possession that is determined to be linked to buying or selling on campus will be confiscated and given to the parent/guardian, with a corrective action assigned to the student.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES (ANY AND ALL)
Students will be allowed to use headphones to listen to music from their personal electronics before school, after school and during passing time and lunch, based on the guidelines below.  Parents needing to contact their student during the day should call the main office at (425) 204-3000 so the student can be notified. Any student choosing to bring any electronic device to school has the responsibility to follow these expectations:

• Devices may be accessed briefly during passing time and lunch in order to play music. Devices are not to be used for any other purpose throughout the entirety of the school day. Devices are to remain put away in classrooms, with headphones also to be put away during class time unless specific permission for use is granted by the teacher.
• The use of cameras and video recorders is strictly prohibited unless under the direct supervision of a staff member. If a student is found to be in violation of this expectation, the device will be confiscated, secured in the office, held for the duration of any investigation that may be initiated (which may include a search of the contents of the device for investigative purposes), and only returned to the parent at the conclusion of the investigation.
• Throughout the school day (7:40 to 4 p.m.), students may not electronically record, stream, or post anything to any website or social media service (SnapChat, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc.) that allows such postings. If a student violates this expectation, the device may be confiscated and searched, the student’s parent/guardian will be contacted, and the student will receive a corrective action. Items will be returned to parents/guardians following any investigation.
• Students are expected to put headphones away upon entry into classroom spaces whether the student is listening to music or not, and to follow the direction of their teachers regarding classroom rules related to devices/headphones during class time.
• Any disruption to our learning environment that stems from the use or misuse of an electronic device will be investigated, and the student(s) responsible will receive corrective action.  Students’ devices will be confiscated and held in the main office until a parent/guardian may retrieve them after the end of the school day.  In addition, repeated violations of these expectations will result in loss of the privilege of having access to these devices at all while at school. Please note: by bringing a cell phone or electronic device to school, the student and their parent/guardian consent to search of the device by administration based on reasonable suspicion as part of an investigation (Policy 3245). In addition, if incidents related to inappropriate technology use occur, students are expected to follow all directions given, including handing the device to the staff member if/when requested.
• The school is NOT responsible for the recovery of lost, stolen, or damaged electronic devices brought to school, as our resources need to be focused on student learning.  Staff is not able to search for missing items.

FOOD AND BEVERAGES and FOOD DELIVERY
During the school day, students are encouraged to carry water bottles with re-closable caps/lids, unless specifically prohibited per teacher direction based on the class’s learning activity. Students should only bring individual portions of food for the school day (see Lunches section below). Any beverages other than water are prohibited, except at lunch. Uber Eats and other food delivery services are not allowed at Nelsen.

HALLS AND STAIRS
To ensure that everyone is safe throughout the school day, students are expected to follow these guidelines:

• Walk in the halls and on the stairs.
• Follow one-way hallway signs and stay to the right when in the hallway.
• Help maintain efficient movement through the halls by going directly to your next assigned location.
• Use quiet conversational voices and avoid loud noises, such as shouting, yelling, or screaming.
• Keep moving on the stairs and landings; avoid stopping to talk in a manner that blocks others from moving safely.
• Do not play fight or create other dangerous situations.
• Keep your hands, feet, and other objects to yourself at ALL times.
• Reminder: food and beverages (with the exception of water) are only allowed in the cafeteria – not in hallways, on stairways.

LUNCHES
Lunches are held in our cafeteria each day. When dismissed for lunch, students must report to the cafeteria within five (5) minutes and remain in the cafeteria until released to go outside, to the library, or until the lunch period ends. Additionally:

• In order to maintain a safe experience for all students, we have established expectations and boundaries for where you may be during lunch, both inside and outside. If you are not sure where you are allowed to be, please ask an adult supervisor.
• Before entering the lunch line, students should place their backpacks on or under their selected seat. Students are NOT to move other students’ backpacks. To enter the line, students must take a lunch number from a staff member.
• Students are expected to stay seated in their chosen seat throughout lunch, unless otherwise directed.
• To demonstrate respect, please wait patiently in the lunch line (don’t cut in front of others), do not save seats or exclude others from your table, be sure to clean up your area, and follow school-wide behavior expectations.
• Clean up after yourself (table and floor area), place trash and food directly into the trash cans (no throwing or tossing anything), stack up all disposable trays and paper items, and do not take food outside.
• After 15 mins students will have the option of going out to the field or staying in the cafeteria and using their electronic devices.If students choose stay inside they must remain in their assigned seats unless throwing away trash or using the restroom. All students will be required to leave the lunchroom during the last five minutes of the lunch period.
• Students will have assigned seats. If a conflict occurs, students may ask a member of the Admin Team to have their seat changed.
• Students may use the restrooms located in the electives hallway during lunch.
• Reminder—students are not allowed to share food and drink. Therefore, students are not allowed to bring large packages of food (chips, candy, etc.) or large bottles of non-water drinks (soda, energy drinks, juices, lemonade, etc.) to share with other students. Large items will be confiscated and returned at the end of the day.

P.E. LOCKERS
Students will be assigned their own locker for P.E. class. Students are expected to follow these P.E. locker guidelines, and any additional instructions from the P.E. teachers:

• Keep your combination secret! Don't share your combo with your friends or let someone look over your shoulder while opening your P.E. locker.
• Do not change lockers, nor use someone else’s locker, nor let someone else use your locker. Each student is responsible for whatever is in the locker that has been assigned to the student.
• Keep your locker locked/secured at all times.
• Do not leave money or other valuables in your locker; the school is not responsible for any articles stolen from lockers.

Keep your locker clean and organized.

NOTE: It is important to remember that lockers are on loan for student use, while remaining school district property. Periodic and unannounced inspections may be made, fines may be assessed for damage, and corrective actions may result from any rule violations related to locker misuse/abuse.

PERSONAL ITEMS
Students should not bring the following to school: toys, slime, and/or any other distracting object(s). If observed, these items will be confiscated, and the parent/guardian will need to pick up the item at the end of the school day. 

PUBLIC DISPLAYS of AFFECTION (PDA)
Public displays of affection (PDA) are not allowed at school at any time. PDA includes, but is not limited to: romantic hugging, hand-holding, kissing, cuddling, sitting on lap, etc.

REPORTING DANGEROUS or UNSAFE BEHAVIOR
For the safety of everyone on campus, students who witness or have knowledge of potentially dangerous or unsafe behavior (such as other students planning a fight, being in possession of or under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol, or in possession of a weapon) are expected to immediately report this information to a staff member. 

SUBSTITUTE “GUEST” TEACHERS
As guests in our building, we expect everyone to treat guest teachers with respect at all times. When the regular classroom teacher is absent, the guest teacher is the authority in the classroom. Teachers who return to find a guest teacher reporting inappropriate behavior from students (for individual students or class behavior) will follow up with classroom discipline and/or administrative referrals, as necessary.

TECHNOLOGY
There are many opportunities at Nelsen to use a variety of technologies, especially as we move to 1:1 with our Chromebooks for students. It is our expectation that students follow the district’s Responsible Use Policy, and all procedures and expectations given by teachers and other adults related to the use of technology in our school and district. Students are prohibited from downloading any files that are not directly related to an academic endeavor assigned by a teacher (including software, media files, games, and any other unauthorized files). In addition, students may not navigate to any proxy website or bring a proxy-based tool that would allow them to bypass the district’s internet filter. Each student and their parent/guardian must review the “Responsible Use Policy” as part of gaining access to use school district computers. If computers or laptops are damaged while in possession of or being used by a student, it will be reported to the appropriate administrator and district staff for corrective action(s) and/or fines/restitution.

Nelsen Middle School’s student dress code supports equitable educational access and is written in a manner that does not reinforce stereotypes. To ensure effective and equitable enforcement of this dress code, school staff shall enforce the dress code consistently and in a manner that does not reinforce or increase marginalization or oppression of any group based on race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income or body type/size. 
Our values are: 

• All students should be able to dress comfortably for school without fear of or actual unnecessary discipline or body shaming.
• All students and staff should understand that they are responsible for managing their own personal "distractions" without regulating individual students' clothing/self-expression.
• Teachers can focus on teaching without the additional and often uncomfortable burden of dress code enforcement.

Our student dress code is designed to accomplish several goals:

• Maintain a safe learning environment in classes where protective or supportive clothing is needed, such as in science (eye or body protection) or PE (athletic attire/shoes).
• Allow students to wear clothing of their choice that is comfortable.
• Allow students to wear religious attire without fear of discipline or discrimination.
• Allow students to wear clothing that expresses their self-identified gender.
• Prevent students from wearing clothing or accessories with offensive images or language, including profanity, hate speech, and pornography.
• Prevent students from wearing clothing or accessories that denote, suggest, display or reference alcohol, drugs or related paraphernalia or other illegal conduct or activities.
• Ensure that all students are treated equitably regardless of race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income, or body type/size.

NMS Dress Code Basic Principle - Certain body parts must be covered for all students:

• Clothes must be worn in a way such that genitals, buttocks, and nipples are covered with opaque material.
• All items listed in the “must wear” and “may wear” categories below must meet this basic principle.

1.    Students Must Wear:*

• Shirt (with fabric in the front, back, and on the sides under the arms), AND
• Bottom: pants/sweatpants/shorts/skirt/dress/leggings, AND
• Shoes.

2.    Students May Wear (as long as these items do not violate Section 1 above):

• Hats, including religious headwear.
• Hoodie sweatshirts (hood is allowed).
• Fitted pants, including leggings, yoga pants, and “skinny jeans”.
• Midriff baring shirts.
• Pajamas.
• Ripped jeans, as long as underwear is not exposed.
• Tank tops, including spaghetti straps, halter tops, and “tube” (strapless) tops.
• Athletic attire.

3.    Students Cannot Wear:

• Violent language or images.
• Images or language depicting drugs or alcohol (or any illegal item or activity) or the use of same.
• Hate speech, profanity, pornography.
• Images or language that creates a hostile or intimidating environment based on any protected class.
• Swimsuits.

Renton School District Policy and Procedure 3122

EXCUSED ABSENCES

• Participation in school approved activity or instructional program.
• Illness, health condition, or medical appointment.
• Family emergency; including, but not limited to, a death or illness in the family.
• Religious or cultural purpose, including observance of religious or cultural holiday, or religious or cultural instruction.
• Court, judicial proceeding, or serving on a jury.
• Post-secondary, technical school, or apprenticeship program visitation, or scholarship interview.
• State-recognized search and rescue activities.
• Absence directly related to student’s homeless status.
• Absence resulting from disciplinary/corrective action.
• Any other principal and parent/guardian, or emancipated youth, mutually agreed upon approved activity.
• Absences related to deployment activities of a parent or legal guardian who is an active duty member.
• Absence directly related to the student’s foster care/dependency status.
• Absences due to suspensions, expulsions or emergency expulsions imposed if the student is not receiving educational services and is not enrolled in qualifying "course of study" activities.
• Absences due to student safety concerns, including absences related to threats, assaults, or bullying.
• Absences due to a student's migrant status.
• An approved activity that is consistent with district policy and is mutually agreed upon by the principal or designee and a parent, guardian, or emancipated youth.*
• Regular attendance is important to every student's success at Nelsen. Excessive absences, truancy and repeated tardiness will not be tolerated, and may lead to Becca Law procedures (explained in a later section).

*Absences requested on the “Extended Absence Request Forms” will be marked as excused.

EXCUSING AN ABSENCE

• For absences to be EXCUSED, parents/guardians must either call in or send a written note to the attendance office within 48 hours of their student’s return to school. Students need to take the signed, written note to the attendance office before the beginning of school on the day they return.
• Parents may submit notes in their native language.
• To assist with accurate processing of student absence(s), all verbal and written documentation should include the following information:

1. Student’s full name.
2. Reason for the absence.
3. Date(s) of the absence.
4. Parent/Guardian signature/name.
5. Parent/Guardian contact phone number.

GENERAL ATTENDANCE INFORMATION

• Any absence that is or exceeds THREE (3) periods in length will be counted as a full day absence. This includes absences at the beginning or end of the school day.
• Medically related absences are considered to be excessive at five (5) or more consecutive days or when he absences are recurring and exceed ten (10) in a school year. The school will require a note from the student’s health care provider in the case of excessive medically related absences.
• As a safety measure, we ask that our parents/guardians immediately call the Attendance Office at (425)204-3720 to inform us when their student is absent from school.

To be eligible to participate in after-school activities and athletics, students must have attended more than 50% of the school day.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES
An unexcused absence is defined as any unauthorized absence from school. Unexcused absences occur when:

• A student is absent without the permission of the parent/guardian and/or the school.
• An excuse is submitted that does not constitute an excused absence.
• No written or verbal excuse for the absence is provided by the parent/guardian within 48 hours of the student’s return to school.

Excessive tardies may ultimately lead to the initiation of a BECCA petition. Examples of unexcused absences include, but are not limited to:

• Oversleeping.
• Missing the bus.
• Babysitting.
• Non-medical or non-legal appointments.
• Missing the bus or school on delayed start days (for example, weather related delayed starts).
• Failure to obtain private transportation to school.

EARLY DISMISSAL
Leaving school early with permission is called an early dismissal. Parents/guardians must provide a note to the attendance office on the day of the early dismissal, preferably prior to first period. Students may not leave school for any reason during the school day unless they check out through the Attendance Office. If students are not feeling well, they are expected to call their parent/guardian from our Clinic with the staff’s knowledge, not from their own cell phones asking to be picked up from school. Only parents/guardians, or other adults on the student’s emergency contact list may check out students from school after showing picture I.D.

EMERGENCIES
Risdon has a well-organized and regularly practiced emergency plan. In the event of any emergency during school hours, parents/guardians will be required to check out students through a formal reunification process. Please understand that the reunification process takes significant time during a real emergency.

LATE TO SCHOOL
Any student arriving late must check in at the Attendance Office kiosk. Students will receive a re-entry slip to give to their teacher. Excused tardies will be granted for the same reasons as excused absences. Excessive tardies to school will be considered as truant and may be considered related to Becca proceedings.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE
We strongly encourage the scheduling of appointments and family vacations to be outside the school day/year. However, when parents/guardians have prior knowledge of an unavoidable upcoming absence of four or more days for their student (planned event, family trip, etc.), families should submit a note requesting a Leave of Absence. The student will receive a Leave of Absence form that they will take to all their teachers in order to get the class work that will be missed during the absence. We suggest giving teachers and our Attendance Office staff at least a week’s notice of the planned absence. There is no guarantee that parent requested absences (for reasons not on the list of excused absences) will be excused without this prior written notification.

MAKE-UP WORK
Students will be expected to check teacher Canvas/Google Classroom sites or pick up their own make-up work from the teacher upon their return from any absence of one or two days. If an absence reaches three or more days, parents may request make-up work by calling the attendance office on the third day of an absence.

(Reference “Homework Requests”).

SNOW DAYS/DELAYED START
Delays due to weather are determined at the district level.  For the most up-to-date information and start times, go to the Renton School District web site at www.rentonschools.us, download the RSD App, and/or listen to local radio or watch local TV.

TARDY TO CLASS
Students are expected to be in their classroom by the time the bell rings.  Students who are not in the room before that time will be marked tardy. If a student is consistently late for class, teachers will contact the student’s family. Following this conversation, if the student continues to be late the teacher will refer the student to building administration. Grade level admin will work with the student and family to create a plan and/or assign appropriate consequences.

TRUANCY
Truancy is defined as any unauthorized or willful absence from school, class, or scheduled activity during any part of the school day. Families will be notified of student truancies from school or class via School Messenger or contact by the attendance office personnel. Truancies will result in disciplinary action.
Examples of truancies include, but are not limited to:

• No phone call or written note provided following an absence.
• Skipping class.
• Leaving class or campus without properly checking out.
• Not in school assembly, meeting, or planned activity when assigned.
• Loitering in halls, restrooms, or outside building during assigned class time.
• Using a hall pass inappropriately.

BECCA BILL: UNEXCUSED ABSENCES/TRUANCY 
In 1995, the Washington State Legislature enacted a law which provides support to parents of children who have run away and/or are out of parental control. After the first truancy (unexcused absence), parents are notified by an automated phone call. If the absence was excused, the parent will need to provide the reason for the absence in a written note so that the attendance record can be corrected. After the second truancy, a letter will be sent home to serve as written notification of the truancy. After the seventh truancy, the school district is required to file a BECCA petition with juvenile court.

BECCA BILL: EXCESSIVE ABSENCES 
Washington State law requires that all students above a specific age attend school on a regular basis. Excessive absences, including a pattern of excused absences, may constitute cause for referral to the BECCA process. 
In order to comply with district policy and state law, when a student has seven (7) unexcused absences, the school will petition the Juvenile Court System to seek mandatory attendance by a student. 

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY STATEMENT

TITLE IX COORDINATOR 
Sheila Redick, Assistant Superintendent 
Human Resources 
425.204.2370 
sheila.redick@rentonschools.us 

SECTION 504 / ADA COORDINATOR 
Victoria Blakeney, Director of Student Support 
Department of Learning and Teaching 
425.204.2429 
victoria.blakeney@rentonschools.us 

CIVIL RIGHTS COMPLIANCE COORDINATOR 
Shannon Harvey, Deputy Superintendent 
Department of Learning and Teaching 
425.204.2318 
shannon.harvey@rentonschools.us 

The Renton School District will take steps to assure that national origin persons who lack English language skills can participate in all education programs, services and activities. For information regarding translation services for vital communications or transitional bilingual education programs, contact Linda Hoste, Director of Categorical Programs, at 425.204.2410 or linda.hoste@rentonschools.us. 

Also see Renton School District Policies and Procedures Nos. 3207, 3210, 5003, 5005, and 5006 for complaint procedures. 

Please familiarize yourself with the following procedures in order to support a positive school experience.

ACADEMIC PROGRESS AND ATTENDANCE INFORMATION
Academic progress and attendance information is available online through the district’s Family Access website or Skyward app. Username and log-in information is made available to families at the start of each school year or upon enrollment. The Registrar is happy to provide additional student progress and attendance information when requested. Please feel free to contact the relevant teacher or grade level counselor with any additional questions regarding academic progress.

ACTIVITY BUSES
On designated Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, activity buses will provide transportation home for regular bus riders who attend approved after-school activities. Students who are not participating in approved activities or choose to leave campus at any time after school may not return to school to ride the activity bus. The activity bus will leave Nelsen at approximately 4:10 p.m. and has limited drop sites.

ACTIVITIES
EXTRA-CURRICULAR activities include field trips and dances. Students must be in “Good Standing in order to participate in these activities and must have been in attendance for at least 50% of the school day. The definition of a Student in Good Standing can be found further below in this section.

AFTER-SCHOOL activities include intramural athletic teams and after-school clubs that run from 2:40 to 4:00 p.m. on designated Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. In order to participate in these activities (other than homework clubs and detentions), students must have a current ASB Card and must have been in attendance for at least 50% of the school day.

ANIMALS
Per district policy, due to potential medical problems such as allergic reactions, animals are not allowed in the building without prior notification to and approval from the principal. Service animals wearing proper identification are permitted to assist the appropriately designated individuals.

ATHLETICS
Parents/guardians of all students who plan to try out for or participate in a sport must complete our online registration process before the day of the first team meeting. Access to the Family ID website is available through the school website under the Athletics tab. Parents/guardians are welcome to contact the ASB office before the deadline in order to schedule a time to complete this registration using school technology. Students must in "good standing," clear all fines, and purchase an ASB Card before they can try out for or participate in any sport. Student athletes and team managers must remain in "good standing" throughout the season in order to participate in athletics. Note: failure to return assigned athletic team uniform(s) will result in a fine being added to the student account.

CHANGE IN RESIDENCY OR HOME LIVING SITUATION
Any change in a student’s phone number, address, contact information, etc., must be reported to the Registrar within two weeks of the change. This ensures that school records accurately reflect the student’s emergency contact information. For safety reasons, this information must be kept current throughout the school year.

DELIVERIES
Balloons, flowers, gifts: Due to allergies and the disruption they cause to our learning environment, balloons, flowers, and gifts are not to be brought to school and will not be delivered to students during the school day.

Outside food: Only a sack lunch or lunch money for students who may have forgotten their lunch may be dropped off at the front office, preferably before 10:30 a.m., so that students will receive the delivery before lunch begins. Due to the disruption in the lunchroom, no other outside food deliveries will be accepted.

DETENTION
Both After-School Detention and Lunch Detention are disciplinary actions that may be assigned to address behavior violations, as well as excessive tardiness. Detentions are served in Room 214. Students will use this time to independently and silently complete homework or engage in other extended social-emotional learning (SEL) and academic activities. Students may be assigned additional discipline consequences if they are disruptive while serving detention.
After-School Detention is held in Room 214, unless otherwise stated on the detention notice, on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 2:40 to 3:55 p.m. Students are required to take the detention notice home for a parent signature and must return the notice to the assigning teacher or detention supervisor. This notification informs parents when students are required to stay after school. Activity buses are available for students following After-School Detention.
Lunch Detention is held in Room 214 during the student assigned lunch period. Procedures will be shared with assigned students by the Intervention supervisor.

FINES
Students must pay all fines (includes textbook and library fines) before being cleared to participate in athletics, clubs, school dances, and celebration events.

HALL PASSES
Throughout the school day, students leaving class are expected to have a signed and timed pass, issued by Nelsen staff. The student is expected to go about their business quickly and quietly.

I.D. and ASB CARDS
Every Nelsen student will be issued an I.D. Card at the beginning of the year at no cost to the family. Students/families are encouraged to upgrade the I.D. Card to an ASB Card for $25.00, which supports our after-school programs. Students must have an ASB Card in order to participate in afterschool ASB activities or sports. If the I.D. Card is lost, replacement cards may be purchased in the ASB Office for $5.00.

IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (ISS)
ISS is another corrective action used to address ongoing inappropriate school behaviors and is served in the Intervention Room (214). Students will use this time to independently and silently complete class work or engage in other extended academic activities, or to practice de-escalation and plan for re-entry into the learning environment. If students are disruptive while serving in the Intervention Room, consequences may be revised to out of school suspension.

LOST AND FOUND
All found items are to be turned in at the Main Office. Parents are encouraged to guide students to keep expensive personal items at home. Due to the potential disruption to teaching and learning, Nelsen staff are not obligated to search for lost electronics or other high-value items, and we are not responsible for the loss or damage to any personal property. We suggest writing your student’s name on any personal items. Lost items unclaimed within a reasonable time will be donated to local charity organizations.

MEDICATION AT SCHOOL
If a student is required to take medication at school, the medication MUST be in the original prescription container and be stored by the school nurse in the Clinic. The nurse can arrange a medication schedule in the Clinic. No medications may be taken without a signed consent form from a doctor and parent on file in the Clinic. This includes all prescription and non-prescription medicines, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, cough drops, vitamins, etc. Sunscreen lotion is allowed if it is labeled with the student's name. Failure to follow district guidelines related to taking medication at school may result in disciplinary actions, potentially including suspension. Students may carry prescribed inhalers or epi-pens once a written physician consent document is on file with the nurse.

NURSE AND CLINIC
Nelsen’s school nurse and Clinic are located within the Attendance Office. If students are ill (fever, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.), they should not come to school since they may expose others to the illness, and should remain home for at least 24 hours without any symptoms. If students become ill at school, they must get a pass from the teacher to report to the Clinic and check in with the adult on duty. Unless it is an emergency, students may not go directly to the Clinic without a pass from their teacher. Students may never leave campus without first reporting to the Attendance Office to complete the early dismissal process. To make arrangements to go home, students will work with Clinic staff to contact their parent/guardian (students should not contact their parents/guardians without Clinic staff first being made aware). A parent or authorized adult as noted on the student’s Emergency Contact Form must show picture identification in order to sign out the student.

REPORT CARDS
Renton middle schools use a Standards-Based Report Card. Report cards are distributed to students within approximately ten days of the end of each grading period or mailed home for the last trimester.

SCHOOL MESSENGER SYSTEM
Both Nelsen Middle School and the Renton School District use an automated messaging system called School Messenger, to communicate with our students’ families. A variety of messages are sent through this system, such as notification that your student has been required to attend an after-school activity, announcements about upcoming special events, and updates regarding inclement weather. Automated messages are sent to the primary contact number and primary email address listed in our system. Many times these messages will be filtered to SPAM and/Junk Folders. Please make sure to check these folders frequently. Directions for updating your Skyward contact information can be found on the district's Learning and Technology webpage.

SCHOOL VISITORS and VOLUNTEERS
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit our school by establishing communication in advance with our teaching and administrative staff. To provide a safe and effective learning environment, the following visitor guidelines apply:

• Students may not bring drop-in visitors to school at any time (e.g., cousins, friends from other
• schools, younger or older siblings, etc.).
• Due to the size of our school and limited resources, we cannot accommodate parents/guardians visiting students at lunch.
• Parents/guardians interested in being a classroom, lunchtime, or afterschool volunteer are welcome to contact our Main Office and follow the district’s volunteer protocol.
• Parents/guardians may “shadow” their student on a limited basis after obtaining administrative approval at least 48 hours in advance. We must offer at least 24 hours’ notice to teaching staff as part of this process (see district Policy 4200 and Procedure 4200P).

All parent/guardian volunteers must have a current Renton School District-approved Washington State Patrol form and Volunteer Background Questionnaire on file.
For the safety of everyone at Nelsen Middle School, all visitors must check in at the Main Office for permission to be on campus. Once approved, visitors will need to wear a visitor’s pass/nametag while on campus and return to the Main Office to check out at the conclusion of the visit.

STUDENT IN “GOOD STANDING”
To be able to participate in non-academic extra-curricular activities, such as clubs, field trips, athletic teams, celebration events (throughout the year), ASB events, and PTA-sponsored events (dances, etc.), students must be in “Good Standing.” Any student not in good standing will be excluded from participating in all non-academic extra-curricular activities either for the remainder of the trimester or for 30 days based on the components below.

Behavior Component:

• Students remain eligible by exhibiting appropriate behavior at school and all school events.
• Nelsen administration reserves the right to exclude students from extra-curricular activities as part of disciplinary actions related to student behavior violations on a case-by- case basis.
• At a minimum, any student with two (2) or more out-of-school suspensions will be excluded from participating in all non-academic extra-curricular activities for 30 school days from the return date of the most recent suspension.

Attendance Component:

• Students remain eligible by maintaining consistent attendance at school and reporting to class on time.
• Students who have a BECCA Petition filed with the court system are excluded from participating in activities.
• Counselors will collaborate with the administrative team to determine when individual exceptions to these attendance criteria may be granted (only for extremely unusual circumstances).

*See section on Fines above as this also may impact a student’s opportunity to participate in extra-curricular activities.

TELEPHONE USE
A phone is available in the Main Office telephone for student use in emergency situations and for school-related business. If students are not feeling well, they are expected to call their parent/guardian from our Clinic with the knowledge of our staff, and not from their own cell phones asking to be picked up from school.

TEXTBOOKS
If/when a student is issued a textbook, it is their responsibility to take care of the book and return it at the end of the year. If a book is lost or stolen, the student must pay for the cost of replacement before another textbook will be issued.

TRANSPORTATION (BUS TRANSPORT OF STUDENTS) Phone (425) 204-4455
All students who ride Renton School District school buses are expected to ride their designated bus and are responsible for knowing and following the bus rules as provided by bus drivers at the beginning of the school year. The driver is in complete charge of the bus and every student on their bus. Students must follow the driver’s directions. The Transportation Department will work with school administration and our Safety
Officer, as needed, to investigate bus-related behavior issues and determine appropriate disciplinary actions.
Bus Passes: Students wishing to ride an alternate bus other than their designated route must bring a signed note from a parent or guardian to the Attendance Office before school or at lunch, not after school. Bus passes are for limited use and are not intended to be issued on an on-going basis. We cannot accept phone calls to approve a change in assigned bus route.
Notes must include the student’s first and last name, grade, regular bus route number, the first and last name of the student with whom they are riding, as well as the route number of that student’s bus (the alternate route). In order to have time to process requests, notes need to be turned in to the Attendance Office by 12:30 p.m. Bus passes will be granted or denied depending on the capacity of the bus. The bus driver may refuse to honor a buss pass at any time due to safety regulations (e.g., overcrowding, etc.).

District Policy and Procedure 3241 establish guidelines for Classroom Management, Discipline, and Corrective Action.  In some circumstances, a student may be emergency expelled as a first response due to immediate and ongoing danger or safety concerns related to the student’s behavior, or serious disruption of the educational process. Notification of law enforcement may also be considered for some instances of student behavior violations. 

Note: The administration reserves the right to issue discipline based on the circumstances of individual incidents. 

Responsibility to Investigate: Administrators, Dean of Students, and/or the Safety Officer are obligated to initiate an investigation stemming from any report of inappropriate school conduct or behavior. These staff maintain the right to speak with or interview any Risdon student throughout the course of an investigation. The progression and scope of the investigation will be determined by the Administrator, Dean of Students, or Safety Officer. 

Duty to Cooperate during an investigation: Students have a duty to answer investigative questions honestly and completely. Witnesses who are dishonest or fail to cooperate during an investigation or impede an investigation by encouraging others to be dishonest, may be subject to discipline. 

From Procedure 3241P: 
Suspensions (specifically long-term suspensions) and expulsions may be imposed for any of the following student behaviors: 

A.    Having a firearm on school property or school transportation in violation of RCW 28A.600.420 (which will result in expulsion for one year);
B.    Any of the following offenses listed in RCW 13.04.155, including:
     1.    any violent offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030, including
          a.    any felony that Washington law defines as a class A felony or an attempt, criminal conspiracy, or solicitation to commit a class A felony;
          b.    manslaughter;
          c.    indecent liberties committed by forcible compulsion;
          d.    kidnapping;
          e.    arson;
          f.    assault in the second degree;
          g.    assault of a child in the second degree;
          h.    robbery;
          i.    drive-by shooting; or
          j.    vehicular homicide or vehicular assault caused by driving a vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, or by operating a vehicle in a reckless manner;
     2.    any sex offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030, which includes any felony violation of chapter 9A.44 RCW (other than failure to registered as a sex offender in violation of 9A.44.132), including rape, rape of a child, child molestation, sexual misconduct with a minor, indecent liberties, voyeurism, and any felony conviction or adjudication with a sexual motivation finding;
     3.    inhaling toxic fumes in violation of chapter 9.47A RCW;
     4.    any controlled substance violation of chapter 69.50 RCW;
     5.    any liquor violation of RCW 66.44.270;
     6.    any weapons violation of chapter 9.41 RCW, including having a dangerous weapon at school in violation of RCW 9.41.280;
     7.    any violation of chapter 9A.36 RCW, including assault, malicious harassment, drive-by shooting, reckless endangerment, promoting a suicide attempt, coercion, assault of a child, custodial assault, and failing to summon assistance for an injured victim of a crime in need of assistance;
     8.    any violation of chapter 9A.40 RCW, including kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, custodial interference, luring, and human trafficking;
     9.    any violation of chapter 9A.46 RCW, including harassment, stalking, and criminal gang intimidation; and/or
    10.   any violation of chapter 9A.48 RCW, including arson, reckless burning, malicious mischief, and criminal street gang tagging and graffiti   
C.    Two or more violations of the following within a three-year period
     1.    criminal gang intimidation in violation of RCW 9A.46.120:
     2.    gang activity on school grounds in violation of RCW 28A.600.455;
     3.    willfully disobeying school administrative personnel in violation of RCW 28A.635.020; and
     4.    defacing or injuring school property in violation of RCW 28A.635.060; and
D.    Any student behavior that adversely affects the health or safety of other students or educational staff.

For additional details related to student conduct guidelines, appeal procedures, and other classroom and school behavior information, please refer to the full policies and procedures on the District’s website.

RENTON SCHOOL DISTRICT IMPORTANT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR ALL STUDENTS AND FAMILIES 
All policies and procedures of the Renton School District may be found and accessed at the following website: http://www.boarddocs.com/wa/rpswa/Board.nsf/Public?open&id=policies. Please note that we provide annual notice regarding the policies and procedures listed below to all students and families. This document constitutes our annual notice, such that if you have additional concerns or need more information you may access the most up-to-date information using the link above. 

Policy and Procedure 3205 – Sexual Harassment of Students Prohibited 
Policy and Procedure 3207 – Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying 
Policy and Procedure 3210 – Nondiscrimination and Harassment-Free Environment 
Policy and Procedure 3241 – Classroom Management, Discipline and Corrective Action 
Policy and Procedure 4200 – Safe and Orderly Learning Environment 
Policy 4210 – Regulation of Dangerous Weapons on School Premises 
Policy 4215 – Use of Tobacco, Nicotine Products, and Delivery Devices 

Emergency Drill Information for Students

If the emergency alarm sounds before or after school, during passing time, or during lunch, students will proceed outside and report immediately to the outside location on the field.

Fire/Evacuation Drill

• Teachers will line-up students in single file and bring emergency backpack and clipboard.
• Teachers will escort students toward the appropriate exit and proceed to deisgnated area.
• At the evacuation site, students will line up per the directions of the teacher.
• Students will keep hands, feet, and objets to themselves, and respect the personal space of others.
• Students will stay with the appropriate class and teacher at all times during evacuation drills and during the return to the classroom.

Earthquake Drill
Drop…Cover…Hold On

What it Should LOOK Like
What it Should SOUND Like
Students will drop down onto the floor/ground
Students will use positive and supportive language when interacting with others
Students will take cover under a desk, table or furniture, against an interior wall if possible, and protect head and neck with arms
Students will use appropriate language, at “Voice Level 0 to 1”, and follow all requests of staff
Students will hold on to the piece of furniture they are sheltering under, until the end of the drill.

• Students will follow the instructions for a building evacuation, if an evacuation takes place.

Shelter-in-Place

What it Should LOOK Like
What it Should SOUND Like
Students will stay and Shelter In Place in their classroom, following instructions of the classroom teacher.
Students will use positive and supportive language when interacting with others
If the alarm sounds during a regular class period and students are not in their classroom, they will return to the classroom for the duration of the drill.
Students will use appropriate language, at “Voice Level 0 to 1”, and follow all requests of staff
If the alarm sounds during lunch, students will report to their previous classroom.
If the alarm sounds at the beginning or end of the day, students will report to their homeroom.

• Teachers will post “Shelter-in-Place”signs on their doors during the drill.

Lock-Out Drill

What it Should LOOK Like
What it Should SOUND Like
Students will stay in their classroom, following instructions of the classroom teacher.
Students will use positive and supportive language when interacting with others
If the alarm sounds during a regular class period and students are not in their classroom, they will return to the classroom for the duration of the drill.
Students will use appropriate language, at “Voice Level 0 to 1”, and follow all requests of staff
If the alarm sounds during lunch, students will report to their previous classroom.
If the alarm sounds at the beginning or end of the day, students will report to their homeroom.

Students and Families: Please read this together

Statement of Purpose 
Renton School District teachers and students use technology and internet-based tools in their classrooms on a regular basis to support student learning and prepare students to engage in the rapidly changing world. These technologies improve student communication and collaboration skills, provide an authentic audience, and extend learning beyond the classroom walls while building digital citizenship skills. Student access to technology requires responsible, courteous, efficient, and legal use. Our goal in providing access to these resources is to enhance learning experiences and to educate students in responsible and appropriate use. It is important that students and parents recognize that information posted on the internet is public, permanent, and needs to be appropriate. 

Terms of Agreement: 

1.    I agree to follow teachers’/building/district instructions when using technology.
2.    I agree to be polite, considerate, and to use appropriate language.
3.    I agree to report and/or help prevent any bullying, abuse, or harm of others.
4.    I agree to tell an adult if I read, see, or access something inappropriate, or if I witness inappropriate use of technology.
5.    I agree to adhere with all filters and security measures.
6.    I agree to use technology carefully and to conserve district resources.
7.    I agree not to share my passwords, except with my teacher or parent/guardian (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act or FERPA).
8.    I agree to use only my own files and folders. I will not access another individual’s files and folders without his/her permission.
9.    I agree not to reveal or post personal information belonging to myself or another person (i.e., passwords, addresses, or telephone numbers).
10.    I agree to adhere to copyright laws.
11.    I agree to follow the technology check-out process.

Adhering to Federal, State and, local laws, Renton School District will protect student and employee data. However, I understand that my use of any district technology (computer, network, internet, resources, etc.) will be monitored and is neither private nor confidential to district/authorized personnel. I understand that if I violate this agreement, the district’s policies and procedures, or my student handbook, I may not be allowed to continue to use technology or I may receive other appropriate consequences. 
Cross-References/Guiding Reference/ Guiding Policies/ Policies 
Board Policy: 2022 Instruction-Technology Resources