• 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 the district office, and from all school principals.

FIGHT:  A physical altercation occurring between two or more persons (OSPI).  A physical act that involves/impacts/ is directed towards another student in the school environment.

GENDER INCLUSIVE:  The board believes in fostering an educational environment that is safe and free of discrimination for all students, regardless of gender expression, gender identity, or sex.  To that end, the board recognizes the importance of an inclusive approach toward transgender and gender-expansive students with regard to key terms, communication and the use of names and pronouns, student records, confidential health and education information, communication, restroom and locker room use and accessibility, sports and physical education, dress codes, and other school activities, in order to provide these students with an equal opportunity for learning and achievement.  Review the full 3211 board policy and procedure on the district website.

HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION AND BULLYING OF STUDENTS OR STAFF:  A person is being bullied when he/she is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more persons.  Negative action is when a person intentionally inflicts injury or discomfort upon another person, through physical contact, words or in other ways.  Note that bullying is both over and covert behavior.

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

SEXUAL HARASSMENT:  The board believes in fostering an educational environment that is safe and free of discrimination for all students, regardless of gender expression, gender identity, or sex.  To that end, the board recognizes the importance of an inclusive approach toward transgender and gender-expansive students with regard to key terms, communication and the use of names and pronouns, student records, confidential health and education information, communication, restroom and locker room use and accessibility, sports and physical education, dress codes, and other school activities, in order to provide these students with an equal opportunity for learning and achievement.  Review the full 3211 board policy and procedure on the district website.  The district is committed to a positive and productive education free from discrimination, including sexual harassment.  This commitment extends to all students involved in academic, educational, extracurricular, athletic, and other programs or activities of the school, whether that program or activity is in a school facility, on school transportation or at a class or school training held elsewhere.

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

Under federal and state law, examples of "sexual harassment" include but is not limited to:

• unwelcome sexual or gender-directed conduct or communication that interferes with an individual's educational performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment
• unwelcome sexual advances
• sexual demands when submission is a stated or implied condition of obtaining an educational benefit
• sexual demands where submission or rejection is a factor in an academic or other school-related decision affecting an individual
• pressuring a person for sexual favors
• writing graffiti of a sexual nature
• distributing sexually explicit texts, e-mails, or pictures
• making sexual jokes, rumors, or suggestive remarks
• physical violence, including rape and sexual assault

A "hostile environment" has been created for a student when sexual harassment is sufficiently serious to interfere with or limit the student's ability to participate in or benefit from the school's program.  The more severe the conduct, the less need there is to demonstrate a repetitive series of incidents.  In fact, a single or isolated incident of sexual harassment may create a hostile environment if the incident is sufficiently sever, violent, or egregious.  A student can report sexual harassment to any school staff member.  You also have the right to file a complaint.  For a copy of the district's sexual harassment policy and procedure, contact the school or district office, or view  Policy 3205 online.

THREATS OF HARM:  Directed intentionally at another person either verbally, in writing, via technology, or physically (including posturing or gestures) (OSPI).  Threats of harm can also include harm to oneself.  Directed intentionally at another being either verbally or physically (including posturing or gestures).  Tiered system approach...Intervention might include Threat Assessment/Safety Plan.

TOBACCO/VAPE:  Use of tobacco or tobacco related substances is not allowed.  Tobacco products and delivery devices include, but are not limited to,  cigarettes, snuff, smoking tobacco, smokeless tobacco, nicotine, electronic smoking/vapor devices and vapor products, non-prescribed inhalers, nicotine delivery devices, or chemicals that are not FDA approved.

DRUGS/ALCOHOL:  Possession, use, intent to transmit, purchase, solicitation of:  narcotics, other illegal drugs; over the counter/prescription medication without approval; drug paraphernalia, intoxicants or other controlled substances.

WEAPONS:  Dangerous weapons include but are not limited to firearms, sling shots, sand clubs, metal knuckles, daggers, dirks, spring blade knives, nun-chu-ka sticks, throwing stars, air guns, and devices intended to injure a person by an electric shock (OSPI).

THEFT/FORGERY:  The action and crime of stealing.  Any misrepresentation by a student of themselves through forged signature, falsified documents, inaccurately represented or stolen documents, either physical or electronic in connection with YHS.

SAFETY DISRUPTION: Aggression or perceived aggression towards a target with/out use of a weapon that causes considerable fear or disruption to activity.

CRIMINAL ACTS:  Committing any crime against Washington State law is strictly prohibited.

VANDALISM:  Intentional/neglectful damage to school/district property.

SEARCH OF STUDENTS AND PERSONAL PROPERTY:  The Superintendent, the principal and other staff designated by the Superintendent shall have the authority to conduct reasonable searches on school property as provided by Board policy 3230.  

1.  Any search of a student conducted by a school district employee must be reasonably related to the discovery of contraband or other evidence of a student's violation of the law or school rules.  (For the purpose of this policy, "contraband" means items, material, or substances the possession of which is prohibited by law or district policy, including but not limited to, controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or any object that can reasonably be considered a firearm or dangrous weapon.

2.  Staff shall conduct searches in a manner which is not excessively intrusive in light of the age and sex of the student and the nature of the suspected violation. 

DISTRICT INTERNET/TECHNOLOGY POLICY:  The district is dedicated to promoting and instilling principles of digital citizenship and media literacy in students and encourages guardians to play an active role in the process of educating students.  While the district takes great care to monitor and filter inappropriate websites, students are expected to be responsible users of their access and the educational technology tools made available.  For a complete list of the Student Responsible Use Guidelines, review the Student Rights and Responsibility Handbook and/or Policy and Procedure 2022/P on the district website at www.ycs.wednet.edu/policies.  Students will be given a unique user login and password to access educational technology tools.  The login portal icon is available at the top of the school and district website for students to access at school or home.  It is essential that students keep this information private to ensure security of their school files and online accounts.  Students are encouraged to use the school's computers/network and the Internet connection for teacher-assigned, educational work.  Network connected computers are available in the library, computer lab and classrooms.  The term computer or computer equipment includes:  chrome books, computers, system units, displays, mice, keyboards, speakers, microphones, scanners, video projectors, video cameras, printers, hubs, switches, routers, patch panels, wiring, connectors, programs, and any other piece of equipment or software which is part of the school's computer system.  Students should use computers for teacher-approved activities only.  Please reference the district Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) for specific expectations.  Misuse may result in loss of computer privileges or other disciplinary action.

CELL PHONES/ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICES:  Per Yelm Community Schools District Policy 3245: "Students in possession of telecommunications including, but not limited to, pagers, beepers, and cell phones, while on school property or while attending school, school-sponsored, or school related activities shall observe the following conditions:

A.  Devices shall be turned on & operated only before & after regular school hours and during student's class breaks, unless an emergency situation exists that involves imminent physical danger or a school employee authorizes the student to use the device.

B.  Students shall not use devices in a manner that poses a threat to academic integrity, disrupts the learning environment, or violates the privacy rights of others.

C.  Students shall not send, share, view or possess pictures, videos, text messages, emails, or other material depicting sexually explicit content, as defined in RCW 9.68A.011, in electronic or any other form on a cell phone/device, while the student is on school grounds, at school sponsored events, or on school busses proved by the district.

D.  When a school official has reasonable suspicion, based on objective and articulable facts, that a student is using a device in a manner that violates the law or school rules, the official may confiscate the device, which shall only be returned to the student's parent or legal guardian.

E.  By bringing a cell phone or other electronic devices to school or school-sponsored events, the student and their parent/guardian consent to the search of the device when school officials have reasonable suspicion, based on objective and articulable facts,that such a search will reveal a violation of the law or school rules. The scope of the search will be limited to the violation of which the student is accused.  Content or images that violate state or federal laws may be referred to law enforcement.

F.  Students are responsible for devices that they bring to school.  The district shall not be responsible for loss, theft, or destruction of devices brought on to school property or school-sponsored events.

G.  Students shall comply with any additional rules developed by the school concerning the appropriate us of devices. 

H.  Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion.

Note:  The School accepts no responsibility for damaged, lost or stolen electronic devices.

CHEATING:  As defined by Webster's Random House College Dictionary c1998 "to take an examination in a dishonest way, as by having improper access to answers."  At YHS, this includes assignments as well as examinations.

EXAMPLES OF CHEATING: Copying homework, looking at another's test, quiz or class work, letting someone look at a test, quiz or class work, using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to complete and/or submit work, and using other secretive methods of giving answers for tests, quizzes or assignments.

PLAGIARISM:  As defined by The Shorter New Oxford English Dictionary c 1993 "The action or fact of plagiarizing a work, idea, author, etc.: literary theft; an act or instance of this."  To plagiarize is to "take and use as one's own (the thoughts, writings, inventions, etc., of another person); copy (literary work, ideas, etc.) imporperly or without ackhowledgement; pass of the thoughts, work, etc, of (another person) as one's own.

EXAMPLES OF PLAGIARISM:  Plagiarism can include but is not limited to copying homework, looking at another's test, quiz or class work, letting someone look at a test, quiz or class work, using other secretive methods of giving answers for tests, quizzes or assignments, taking papers from the internet,cutting and pasting pieces of work from the internet, and copying or paraphrasing from a book or internet without giving proper citation.

CONSEQUENCES FOR ACTS OF CHEATING/PLAGIARISM:  Any acts of cheating or plagiarism may result in a failing grade on the assignment/assessment and be subject to disciplinary action.  Repeated acts of cheating/plagiarism will result in disciplinary action to include suspension.

CLOSED CAMPUS: Yelm High School is a closed campus. Once students arrive at school, they are to remain on campus until school is officially dismissed. All students must check-in and out of the Attendance Office when arriving or leaving campus at times other than the official starting and dismissal times of the school day. Violation of closed campus will result in disciplinary action. Exceptions may only be made by the building principal and include but are not limited to Running Start and New Market Skills Center Students leaving for class. Violators of the CLOSED CAMPUS rule will be SUBJECT to a SEARCH. 

RESTORATIVE CENTER:  The Restorative Center is a space that provides students with time to reflect on their actions and re-engage in their learning.  Students may be assigned by their administrator to spend a certain amount of class time in the room.  Teachers may also send students who are having difficulty in class to the Restorative Center prior to meeting with their administrator.  Please note:  This space is a cell-phone free zone.  Students are required to give their cell phone to the supervising adult and focus on completing their assigned activities.

BUS REGULATIONS: ALL SCHOOL RULES APPLY ON THE BUS AND AT THE BUS STOP.  All school rules and regulations apply to bus conduct. School bus drivers have the authority to discipline students for misconduct related to School District Rules (WAC 180.40.230). Misconduct may result in suspension of the bus riding privileges. 

The Students' Responsibilities and Rights Policy will be applied at school, at school bus stops, away from school, at school events, functions or activities, and for transportation on school vehicles. Any questions related to bus misconduct should be directed to the Director of Transportation at 458-3300. 

DRESS CODE:  In order to facilitate learning for all students, YCS requires that students' dress and appearance follow health and safety standards and not cause disruption to the learning environment.  Some classes require specific safety equipment which protects the individual and the class. Students that do not follow these guidelines will be asked to change their clothing, cover up, and/or contact home if necessary.  Repeated dress code violations may result in disciplinary action.

OFF-LIMIT AREAS:  Certain areas of our campus are designated as off-limits to students.  These areas include the parking lot without a pass (7:25-1:50), behind the portables, gym, auto shop, greenhouses, barn, and shops, in the stadium or track area; along the fence boundary; bleachers at the softball fields; any area not designated on the hall pass; and outside the boundaries.  Students who are found in these areas without the permission of an administrator MAY be subject to a search of belongings (backpack, purse, car), a call home to parents and disciplinary action.

DELIVERIES:  Due to campus safety concerns, students may not have food delivered to them at school from businesses (pizza, DoorDash, etc).  To minimize classroom disruptions and protect students with severe allergies, families may not bring/deliver flowers, balloons, and other items during the school day.

GAMBLING:  Gambling on school grounds is not permitted unless sanctioned by State Law.

SELLING ITEMS AT SCHOOL:  The conducting of private business or selling unauthorized items is prohibited.  Property may be confiscated and law authorities contacted.

SKATEBOARDS AND BICYCLES:  Students are prohibited from riding skateboards, bikes, and scooters at school or at school activities.  These items are disruptive and present a safety hazard and may be confiscated.

STUDENT PROPERTY:  Students are discouraged from bringing any items of value to school.  Yelm School District assumes no responsibility for loss to student's personal property.  Any item(s) that create a disruption to the educational process may be confiscated.  Articles of value for class display should be locked in a teacher's cabinet or checked in at the office.

TECHNOLOGY ACCESS:  The District is dedicated to promoting and instilling principles of digital citizenship and media literacy in students and encourages guardians to play an active role in the process of educating students.  While the district takes great care to monitor and filter inappropriate websites, students are expected to be responsible users of their access and the educational technology tools made available.  For a complete list of Student Responsible Use Guidelines, review the Student Rights and Responsibility Handbook and/or Policy and Procedure 2022/P on the district website.  Students will be given a unique user login and password to access educational technology tools.  The login portal icon is available at the op of the school and district website for students to access at school or at home.  It is essential that students keep this information private to ensure the security of their school files and online accounts.

TEXTBOOK RULES:  Textbooks are furnished by the school district.  Students are responsible for the condition of and/or loss of their books at the end of the school year.

TRESPASSING/LOITERING:  Students are not to enter or loiter on any school district campus without proper authorization.  A charge of trespass, with notice to police authorities, may be given to any person who creates a disturbance on school property and whose continued or recurring presence may result in a real and substantial disruption to the school environment or pose a threat to the safety and well being of property or person.  Students on campus while on suspension and/or expulsion are subject to additional disciplinary action and arrest for criminal trespass.  Violators may be subject to disciplinary, suspension, or expulsion action and arrest for criminal trespass.  

Loitering is not allowed in any hallway or on campus during the day or before or after school hours.  Students may not return to campus for any reason unless the student is participating in a school-sponsored activity. All students are expected to leave campus at the conclusion of the school day.