YCS NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Yelm Community Schools does not discriminate in any programs, activities, or employment opportunities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. 

Complete and current district policies are posted on the district website.

STUDENT RIGHTS

In addition to individual rights established by law and district policies, students served by or on behalf of Yelm Community Schools will have the right to:

• High educational standards in a safe and sanitary building;
• Education consistent with stated district goals;
• Equal educational opportunity and in all aspects of the educational process freedom from discrimination based on economic status, pregnancy, marital status, sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability;
• Access to their own education records at reasonable school times upon request;
• Fair and just treatment from school authorities and freedom from mistreatment and physical abuse;
• Freedom from unlawful interference in their pursuit of an education while in the custody of the district;
• Security against unreasonable searches and seizures;
• The substantive constitutional rights listed in WAC 392-400-215, subject to reasonable limitations upon the time, place, and manner of exercising such rights consistent with the maintenance of an orderly and efficient educational process within limitations set by law, including the right to:
  • Freedom of speech and press;
  • Peaceably assemble;
  • Petition the government and its representatives for a redress of grievances;
  • The free exercise of religion and to have their schools free from sectarian control or influence; and
• Participate in the development of rules and regulations to which they are subject and to be instructed on rules and regulations that affect them;
• Establish appropriate channels to voice their opinions in the development of curriculum;
• Representation on advisory committees affecting students and student rights;
• Present petitions, complaints, or grievances to school authorities and the right to prompt replies;
• Consult with teachers, counselors, administrators and other school personnel at reasonable times;
• Be involved in school activities, provided they meet the reasonable qualifications of the sponsoring organizations;
• Free election of their peers in student government and the right to hold office;
• Know the requirements of the course of study, be informed about and know upon what basis grades will be determined;
• Citizenship privileges as determined by the United States and Washington State Constitution and its amendments; and
• Annual information pertaining to the district’s rules and regulations regarding students, discipline and rights.

Students may be subject to discipline for violating district policies and regulations and school rules. The procedures for appealing these actions are found in Yelm Community Schools Board Policy 3241, in Procedure 3241P, and in the state WAC 180-40-240 through 320. In general, these require that student discipline be administered fairly and equitably and be subject to due process considerations. Copies of all policies and procedures, including Policy 3240, Student Conduct Expectations and Reasonable Sanctions, and Policy 4210, Regulation of Dangerous Weapons, are available online at www.ycs.wednet.edu/policies, at the district office and from all school principals.

OPTIMUM LEARNING ATMOSPHERE

Yelm Community Schools embraces the diversity within our schools and seeks to create a nurturing and barrier-free learning environment for each student.  To achieve this goal we commit to:

• Preparing our students to thrive in a multicultural and diverse society.
• Ensuring fair, equitable and inclusive principles are integrated into our policies, programs, operations and practices. 
• Creating school and classroom cultures that are free of bias-based language or behaviors.
• Eliminating barriers that perpetuate negative outcomes.
• Providing all students the resources, opportunities and supports needed to succeed at high levels.
• Honoring and building upon the strengths and assets of every student.
• Welcoming and engaging families and community members as essential partners.