STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES HANDBOOK

NON-DISCRIMINATION

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. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights: Greg Davis, 360-458-1900, gregory_davis@ycs.wednet.edu; Title IX Coordinator: Lisa Cadero-Smith, 360-458-6120, lisa_cadero-smith@ycs.wednet.edu; and 504 Coordinator: Shannon Powell, 360-458-6124, shannon_powell@ycs.wednet.edu. Address: 107 First St N, PO Box 476, Yelm, WA 98597.

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 the district office, and from all school principals.

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. 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, materials, 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 a dangerous 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

HANDBOOK CHANGES: Changes in the student handbook may be made during the school year by the school authorities. Such changes will be made available via the school website.

OPTIMUM LEARNING ATMOSPHERE: All students have the right to an education in classrooms where there is an optimum learning atmosphere. The highest consideration must be given to the judgment of a certificated staff member regarding conditions necessary to maintain such an atmosphere. (RCW 28A.600.020)