Longview Virtual Academy Student Handbook

To ensure that every student learns the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors to become a responsible citizen in a rapidly changing world.

Our mission is to challenge and support Longview students (and families) who are seeking an online alternative to the traditional classroom.

• Office Phone: 360.414.2926
• Fax: 360.575.7918
• Address: 2742 Harding St. Longview, WA 98632

School Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM

Office hours for all Teachers: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Student Support: By Appointment — Available by phone, email or video conference

Download Fillable Form - English

Do your own work. Engage your learning source, summarize facts, work out your own claims and opinions, and use citations with direct quotes. Do not submit other people’s work as your own. Plagiarism is not just for essays, it happens when answering short questions too.

Do not use, accept, or receive help on coursework and assessments unless specifically authorized by the teacher. This includes searching the internet for answers.

Do not intentionally or unintentionally plagiarize: take the words or ideas of someone else and use them as yours. Some common examples of plagiarism are:

• using a direct quote from the curriculum or someone else without quotations and citation
• using someone else’s ideas or structure of ideas in your own words without citation
• intentionally using another person's work as your own
• copying an answer from the internet

Avoiding Academic Dishonesty

Check on your teacher’s expectations for collaboration in projects and assignments.

When using the words and ideas of others to support your claims, use quotation marks, parenthetical citations, and works cited to give credit to other people's words and ideas. Check with your teacher for required format styling.

Do not submit work from other courses. Talk with your teacher about how to use your own previous work in an acceptable manner.

Avoid sharing your work with other students who will use it as a guide. Ask your teacher about acceptable collaboration. Good intentions can result in a violation of academic integrity.

When working at home, on pre-tests, quizzes, and tests, do not collaborate with other persons unless approved by the instructor. Always check with your teacher on how to use primary text.

Violations of Academic Integrity

Consequences may include:

• zero or reduced grade on the assignment or assessment
• family and school administrator notification
• school administrative action: referral, documentation in student’s cumulative record, etc.
• removal from the course

Welcome to Longview Virtual Academy, where students can realize that one success at a time can build into a lifetime of success. Here are some tips for finding that success:

➔ Be self-disciplined. There are no teachers in front of kids, telling them to get to work.
➔ Be scheduled. Plan your work, work your plan. People who don’t set aside time to do their school work end up with assignments piling up, and things get frustrating.
➔ Be a learner. Students may learn best when they write and read on paper, keep notes, and create a vocabulary log. Choose some learning skills and use them.
➔ Be responsible. Virtual class days follow the Longview School District calendar. Like traditional schools, they may need some personal time to catch up on work.

METHOD OF COURSE EVALUATION:

A certificated teacher will evaluate Progress and grading using lessons, projects, quizzes, and tests. Lessons and quizzes may be automatically reassigned if they do not meet a 70% threshold. At the end of the semester classes that are 100% complete and score above 60% will receive a passing letter grade. Incomplete courses and classes below a 60% score may be given a failing grade or evaluated for a pass (P) grade at the end of the semester.

COURSE GRADING

Grading Weight Percentages Lessons are based on specific courses.

For Example:
Lessons: 30%
Projects/Lab reports: 20%
Quizzes: 10%
Test: 40%

Grades Earned
Grade / % range

• A 94 -100%
• A- 90 - 93%

Grade / % range

• B+ 87- 89%
• B 84 - 86%
• B- 80 - 83%

Grade / % range

• C+ 77 - 79%
• C 74 - 76%
• C- 70 - 73%

Grade / % range

• D+ 67 - 69%
• D 60 - 66%
• F 0 - 59

LVA’s partnership with families improves students’ success with online learning. Don’t expect all students to schedule their work-time and manage their due dates effectively on their own. Families should work on a gradual release of family responsibility to students working independently. Families involved in establishing schedules and routines find students' best work in LVA’s online learning structure.

As a parent/family of an LVA student, I understand the following:

LVA’s attendance is not taken daily but is reported weekly.

• Attendance - Attendance is evaluated by attending an Academic Success Class, completing assignments, and contacting your teacher; these comprise a weekly mark.
• Absences - Students who do not meet weekly attendance requirements need their family to report the reason for the absence. Absences can be called in or reported online using the LVA website or the Longview Public Schools’ app.
• Truancy - Students are evaluated for truancy after two consecutive missed weekly contacts or three cumulative missed weekly contacts.

LVA students must make progress each month toward meeting the goals of their Written Student Learning Plan (WSLP).

• Progress - Progress happens when a student is on pace towards completing classes by the end of a school quarter and at a score of 60% or better. Follow assignment due dates to ensure progress is made.
• Non-Progress - Students are to be transferred to a more appropriate educational program in the Longview district when they have not made satisfactory progress after three consecutive months. (Guide to Offering Alternative Learning Experiences, OSPI 12)

Students are responsible for doing their own work, citing the work of others, and maintaining their academic integrity. Primary text may be used on quizzes and tests; lessons and outside sources are only to be used with teacher permission.

LVA may change policies and procedures as needed. Please remember to keep your family’s contact information updated and respond to phone calls and emails from LVAl. LVA’s primary method of communication is by email.

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities
If a student is absent for an in-person commitment, it is the expectation for parents or guardians to call the attendance office, at (360) 414-2926, and leave a detailed message. The answering machine is turned on at all hours and on weekends for parent/guardian use. Reporting an absence can now be done online, check your school’s website or the Longview Public Schools app for online reporting.

If no attendance report is made on the day of the absence, the parent/guardian should fill out the absence form on the school webpage. All absences must be cleared within three school days from the date of occurrence.

Student Responsibilities

1. Remind your parents to call the school before 10:00 a.m. on the day of an absence
2. Forged notes or phone calls will be considered unexcused absences and will receive disciplinary action.

Evidence of Weekly Contact

Attendance is evaluated by attending an in-person Academic Success Class, completing assignments, and contacting your teacher; these comprise a weekly mark. Weekly attendance is monitored through a student’s Academic Success class in Skyward.

Tardiness

Longview Virtual staff appreciates updates and communication if you are late for a scheduled event. Habitual tardiness may result in a referral to an administrator.

Truancy

After the second consecutive week or third cumulative week of missed weekly contact without valid justification, a conference will be scheduled with the LVA attendance team to discuss the missed contact, identify barriers to attendance, and develop a plan for
improved attendance. Continually missing the weekly contact requirements of LVA will result in a referral to the Longview Schools truancy program.

Attendance Withdrawals

A student may be withdrawn from enrollment due to non-attendance if they reach 20 days of non-attendance. Families seeking re-enrollment will need to meet with the LVA attendance team. This does not impact the Truancy process, and any legal action taken will still be in effect.

Longview Virtual students can arrange to use the morning and end-of-school shuttles for aiding transportation to and from their in person learning day. Please work with the school administration on developing a transportation plan.

• The daytime shuttle is for transportation to and from Mark Morris High School for CLASSES ONLY. Students may not ride the shuttle for any other reason unless cleared by administration.
• Only students with SHUTTLE STICKERS on their IDs will be allowed to leave class at the shuttle bell and board the bus.
• It shall not be used for lunch transportation.
• If a student misses a shuttle, report to the school office immediately for assistance.
• Students who miss the shuttle will not be excused after the first week of each term.

Longview Virtual Academy is a Longview Public School. Refer to the Longview Schools District Calendar when planning your school schedule. At Longview Virtual, online assignments are scheduled for in-school days.

LVA 2023-24 calendar

The LVA year consists of four 8-week quarters, plus orientation and catch-up time. New student applications ARE DUE the Friday before orientation.

Apply for Q1 by 8/25/2024

• 8/28 to 8/30 orientation
• 9/2 to 11/1 1st Quarter

Apply for Q2 by 11/1/2024

• 11/4 to 11/8 orientation
• 11/11 to 1/24 2nd Quarter

Apply for Q3 by 1/17/2025

• 1/27 to 1/31 orientation
• 2/3 to 4/4 3rd Quarter

Apply for Q4 by 3/21/2025

• 3/31 to 4/4 orientation
• 4/7 to 6/13 4th Quarter

Apply for next year starting 5/15/2025

Students leaving campus for any reason other than illness must check out through the main office.

Parents/guardians picking students up from school must have a photo ID to remove a student from school or class.

Students who are sick must go to the main office. Parents will need to check students who are sick out at the main office before removing them from school.

Leaving campus any time except during lunch without signing out will be considered truancy and will be cause for disciplinary action.

Choice transfers to non-resident districts are for students residing outside the Longview attendance area wishing to attend a Longview school. Submit completed applications to the district administration building, 2715 Lilac St, or by email. The Longview School District accepts incoming requests year-round for the following semester. Submit your requests at least one month before a new semester begins.

Please Note:

• A Choice transfer request is approved for one year only and must be renewed annually.
• Must maintain satisfactory progress and a clean discipline record to stay.

Compressed Scheduling
Longview Virtual utilizes a 3x2 schedule for semester classes. This allows students to focus with fewer transitions but increases the daily work time in each class.

Example:

Deadlines: Course Drop & Withdrawal

Changes to your course schedule and Written Student Learning Plan, need to be requested within the first two weeks of starting a course. Please contact Longview Virtual’s guidance office to discuss withdrawing from or dropping a course. All changes to your courses will need family permission.

Deliveries to students are brought to the front office. A note will be sent to the students to let them know they have something to pick up. Please do not have flowers, balloons, or other such items delivered to students.

The dress and appearance of a student are the direct responsibility of the parent.

If in the judgment of school officials dress or appearance is disruptive, the student will be required to change into appropriate clothing or receive another consequence.

• Appropriate hats are allowed.
• Hoods up, bandanas, hairnets, head wraps, or sunglasses are not allowed (except for approved medical or religious reasons).
• No displays (messages or pictures) that are vulgar, obscene, profane, violent, drug/alcohol/tobacco-related, affiliated with gangs, discriminatory or demeaning to any person due to race, religion, ethnic group, gender or sexual orientation (including the Confederate flag or swastikas)
• No underwear showing (including sports bras and bra straps).
• No spaghetti straps, backless, strapless, halter-tops, crop tops, half-shirts, low-cut tops, one-shoulder, off-shoulder, or see-through clothing.
• Skirts/shorts must be finger length with arms fully extended along the legs. Cuts/slashes/fraying must also be no more than 2 inches above the knee.
• No sagging or bagging – pants must be pulled up.
• No pajamas or slippers.
• No masks or face coverings (exceptions for medical or religious reasons).
• No jewelry that could indicate gang affiliation through colors, numbers, or design can be visibly worn where it is on display.
• No unsafe jewelry such as spikes, long chains, etc.

Longview Virtual students have access to the extracurricular and curricular benefits of their school of residence. LVA administration and staff will help you make arrangements for connecting you to your desired activities.

ASB Cards - High School
Must be purchased at the student’s school of residence. The price of an ASB Card is $45.00. The ASB card entitles the holder to attend home athletic events (excluding league playoff games and district tournaments), receive reduced prices on away games, and reduced admission to school dances. Your ASB card must be presented at the activity you are attending. Lists will not be available once ASB cards are issued. ASB cards may be purchased in the ASB Offices at R.A. Long and Mark Morris High School; refunds cannot be made once they are purchased. The replacement cost for a lost ASB card is $5.00.

Assemblies
Longview Virtual Academy students are not allowed to attend assemblies at their school of residence unless they are attending class at that building during the period when the assembly is being held.

School Dances
Longview Virtual Academy students are allowed to attend a dance at their school or residence. Pick up a permission slip from RA Long or Mark Morris. Permission must be obtained before the night of the dance. Please make adequate plans.

Always remember that dances are a privilege to attend. Students are required to follow the rules and regulations for the school dance they are attending. Students are encouraged to learn about the requirements at each building to ensure that they can meet and follow all rules and regulations for that school’s dance. Students failing to follow these regulations may be restricted from attending future dances.

Attendees with inappropriate dance behavior will be given one warning of a violation. A second violation will result in being removed from the dance.

Guest passes will be allowed at specifically identified dances. Guest passes must be completed and returned to the administration no later than the Friday before ticket sales.

Guest passes that do not have all information completed (including signatures) will not be accepted.

Athletics

Please contact your school of residence for information on seasons, participation, and requirements. If you need help making arrangements for your sport please contact LVA administration and we can help you out.

Eligible athletes will complete an Alternative Education & WIAA Eligibility contract between LVA and your school of residence. As your athletic director monitors your adherence to the plan LVA will report on your plan progress as requested.

Clubs
Participating in after-school clubs is encouraged.

Students are required to have a signed parent permission slip to attend any school-sponsored field trip.

Other than water, please do not eat or drink in classrooms. Keep water away from the computers. Students with documented medical concerns can make arrangements with their teacher.

Breakfast
All LVA students can participate in breakfast at their school of residence. Arrangements for breakfast need to be made with LVA administration.

Lunch Option
at LVA - order a box lunch in the morning. Lunches are delivered to LVA with Discovery High School lunch order. Available to middle and high school students.

At R.A. Long - LVA high school students who want to eat at RAL:

• need approval from Longview Virtual Academy’s administration
• may have lunch at RA Long, so long as

○ there are no discipline concerns

○ the student has signed up and been approved

○ student has ID

• must remain in the RAL cafeteria and courtyard
• may bring their lunch back to Longview Virtual

At Off-Campus - LVA high school students can participate in Discovery High School’s open campus lunch period. If you choose to leave, you do so at your own risk of being late to class. At all other times, students must check in and out of the Main Office. Truancy from class time will be dealt with disciplinary action.

All courses are taken for a grade or credit and become part of the student’s permanent record. All grades and credits earned are available on Skyward Family Access outside of traditional
grading periods.

Method of Course Evaluation: Evaluation guidelines for site-based and remote classes will be provided by your teacher. For LVA online classes progress and grading will be evaluated using lessons, projects, quizzes, and/or tests evaluated by a certificated teacher. Lessons and quizzes may be automatically reassigned if they do not meet a 70% threshold. Semester classes that are 100% complete and score above 60% will receive a letter grade. Incomplete courses and classes below a 60% score may be given a failing grade or evaluated for a pass (P) grade at the end of the semester. Final grades will be weighted by category, as appropriate for the type of course.

Class Withdrawal
Class withdrawals need to be requested within the first two weeks of the course. Please contact the guidance office to discuss your class schedule.

Graduating Class Standing
Students will be promoted regardless of credits earned until their senior year. A student will retain junior standing until a minimum of 16 credits is earned. It is advisable to have a minimum of 4 credits at the beginning of the sophomore year, and a minimum of 10 credits at the beginning of the junior year to be in good credit standing for graduation.

Skyward Family Access
For LVA, Skyward will be used to monitor your class schedule, graduation pathway, site-based and remote class grades, and online final course grades. For daily online course grade checks please check Edgenuity.

Edgenuity Parent Portal
You can monitor your student’s progress by using these tools: course information, academic snapshot, gradebook, and student activity. Contact Longview Virtual to get an activation code.

Report Cards
Grade reports will be issued each semester. Students at Longview Virtual earn credit with each course completion and this may occur outside of the traditional report card cycle. All grades will be available in Family Access outside of traditional grading periods;
however, course completions are submitted at the end of each semester.

Waiver of Required Courses
Students have the right to appeal required courses to a building administrator if they desire to have them considered for a waiver. “…individual students may be excused from participating in physical education otherwise required under 12 this section on account of physical disability, employment or religious belief, or because of participation in directed athletics or military science and tactics or for other good cause.” RCW 28A/05.040 Criteria for the waiver must be met before a waiver is granted.

A student shall earn a minimum of 24 credits to be eligible to receive a diploma from Longview Virtual Academy. Passed semester courses will receive one-half (0.5) credits.

• English: 4 Credits Required
• Mathematics: 3 Credits Required
• Science: 3 Credits Required
• Social Studies: 3 Credits Required
• Health and Fitness: 2 Credits Required
• Career & Technical Education: 1 Credits Required
• Fine Arts: 2 Credits Required
• World Language or Personalized Pathway Requirement: 2 Credits Required

Total Credits: 24

Longview Virtual Academy uses block scheduling that may not align with the class schedule of Discovery High School. When in Discovery hallways, be respectful and mindful of the classes going on around you.

Longview Virtual Academy Middle School students should utilize an escort or buddy system when moving around the high school campus. LVA wants to prevent any unnecessary problems created by the age difference between our middle school students and Discovery High School students.

The district is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees, volunteers, and patrons free from all forms of discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment, hazing, and bullying. See policy 3207 (District Information)

Special consideration for LVA: The internet is a valuable and fun resource for entertainment, social networking, and learning. But if you use the internet, you could be at risk of illegal activity or abuse such as bullying, fraud, or something more serious. On the internet, not all things are always what they first seem. Parents need to monitor their children’s computer use and educate themselves and their children about the risks.

Students and staff are to have their school IDs with them at all times. This is especially true if you regularly eat or attend classes at another school.

If you have a serious medical condition, please contact the school health office immediately to obtain forms for you to take to your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will determine if your child has a life-threatening condition.

Washington State Law requires that schools get information about medications or treatments for their students with life-threatening health conditions – if these conditions might require medical services to be performed at the school. Some of these conditions include allergies to foods or bee stings, asthma, seizure disorders, etc.

Required information to be provided to the school includes:

• Doctor’s orders for dispensing of medications and/or treatment of illness
• Written parent consent for services.
• Required medication and supplies.

Longview Virtual Academy students are asked to leave the Discovery High School campus at the end of their scheduled time with us. If you need to arrange transportation, please use the LVA classroom and Discovery foyer as your waiting area.

For safety reasons, individuals not having a legitimate reason for being on campus will be asked to leave and may be issued a trespassing notice and referred to police. Please do not have non-student friends meet you on campus.

If it is necessary to take medications at school, please inform the Building Secretary. They will keep and administer medication to students with written doctor’s orders and parental permission. Pick up the form in the main office (See policy 3416). THIS INCLUDES OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS SUCH AS TYLENOL AND ADVIL.

High school students may leave campus only during their lunch period. If you choose to leave, you do so at your own risk. At all other times, students must check in and out of the Main Office.

The easiest way to find a parking spot is to get here on time. Please park along Harding St.

Families dropping off and picking up kids are asked to use the designated spaces on Harding St. Longview Virtual Academy students are scheduled to be released from their in-person classes early enough to avoid after-school traffic. Being prompt at the end of the day will reduce your stress.

During class time phones should be stowed and should not cause a disruption.

In study hall sessions, phones may be used for communication with family or for school-appropriate reasons. If you are ever unsure please check with the study hall supervisor.

Phones can create an unsafe learning environment and cause trauma for others when used for hazing, harassment, intimidation, and bullying. You may be asked to keep stowing your phones permanently when attending Longview Virtual for repeated unsafe practices.

Refusing to follow directions from LVA staff on phone usage will be considered insubordination and we will follow with discipline. See policy 3241 (D-1). Let’s not go there.

LVA students must make progress each month toward meeting the goals of their Written Student Learning Plan (WSLP).

Progress: Progress happens when a student is on pace toward completing 2 of 3 classes by the end of a month with a score of 60% or better. Follow Edgenuity assignment due dates to ensure progress is made.

Non-Progress: When students are not making academic progress for three consecutive months, a transfer to a more appropriate educational program in the Longview district may be
considered. (Guide to Offering Alternative Learning Experiences, OSPI 12)

In a school or any working environment, it is not appropriate to kiss or excessively embrace. Prolonged hugging, kissing, and touching are prohibited and may result in disciplinary action. See policy 3240

All posters and banners must be approved by the administration before posting.

Fighting
It goes without saying: that fighting is extremely disruptive to the school environment. If you see a fight (or hear plans of one) please report it.

Fighting will result in a minimum of a 3-day suspension, regardless of who started the fight. Specific disciplinary measures will be determined by the administration.

Some things to keep in mind:

• encouraging a fight (in person or by technology) is subject to discipline
• recording a fight is subject to discipline

People often get permanently hurt in school fights. We don’t want that for our kids – please let us know if a fight is on the way.
The rules about fighting are found in District Policy 3330.

Weapons and knives
It is a violation of district policy and state law for any person to carry a firearm or dangerous weapon on school premises, school provided transportation, or areas of other facilities being
used exclusively for school activities.

Possession of pocket knives, Leathermans, switchblades, etc. falls under this prohibition. Specific discipline will be determined by administration.

Skateboards or bikes brought to campus should be stored until leaving school. Students concerned about theft should bring their own locks for the rack.

All students are expected to conduct themselves according to acceptable standards at all school-sponsored activities. Any student attending a school district activity, in-district or away, will be subject to the building disciplinary code. See Policy 2151.

Longview Virtual Academy offers a comprehensive testing program in combination with the Longview School District. Tests available include:

• Smarter Balance – State test to assess student progress as they move through school. A passing score on the high school English Language Arts (ELA) and math can fulfill part of your graduation pathway.
• Advanced Placement (AP) – AP tests are designed for students to demonstrate college-level skills while in high school and they are given in specific areas. The cost of the AP test is about $80 for each test. However, students who are eligible for free or reduced lunch prices also qualify for a reduced rate for the AP tests. Credit may be awarded by colleges or universities depending on the results. Please check with the institution you plan on attending to see what they offer. AP tests occur in May.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – The purpose of the TOEFL test is to evaluate the English language abilities of non-native students for appropriate placement in English Language Learner (ELL) courses.
• Compass – This test is administered to potential Running Start students by Lower Columbia College throughout the year. Please see the LCC website or catalog for more information.
• SAT I and SAT II – SAT I and SAT II are usually taken in the spring of the junior year or early in the fall of the senior year. SAT I is administered many times throughout the school year. Registration must be done ahead of time either through the mail or by registering online. The SAT II test includes specific subject areas and is required by a few select colleges and universities. Please check with the institution of your choice for their testing requirements.
• American College Testing Program (ACT) – The ACT is similar to the SAT because it is offered multiple times nationwide. It is a different test than the SAT. Some colleges recommend the ACT. Please check with the institution of your choice for their testing requirements. Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) This test must be taken in October of the junior year to qualify for National Merit Scholarships. Other programs using this test include the Weyerhaeuser four-year scholarship, ROTC, academies, and other specialized scholarships. Sophomores may take this test for experience in test-taking. The PSAT scores are reported in three categories; verbal, mathematics, and written language. Scores are reported in the range of 20 (low) to 80 (high). The PSAT scores are not usually used by colleges as admissions criteria. Merit scholars are selected with these test scores. Other selected scholarships may require these scores.

Don’t.

There are three things to consider here:

1. The legal age in Washington to vape, smoke, or possess those materials is 18.
2. Those materials aren’t permitted on school grounds even if you are 18.
3. School Administrators may legally confiscate those materials. That includes searches. (see district policy for that).
4. You are not entitled to the return of those materials if they get taken away.

Visitors, adults, and volunteers will check in at the main office. Students may not bring guests or visitors to the school.

Commitment
LVA students are asked to make a commitment to the school for full semesters of instruction. High School students transferring mid-semester between high schools can result in the loss of class credit that could be applied towards graduation goals.

Process
“Any child 8 years of age and under 18 years of age shall attend a public school.”

Parent/Guardian permission is required before a student can be withdrawn. Contact the main office to begin the process. Official Transcript will not be released unless fees & fines are paid.

If there are any concerns or conflicting information in this document, please clarify your questions or concerns with the school administration.

Schools are meant to be safe and inclusive environments where all students are protected from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB), including in the classroom, on the school bus, in school sports, and during other school activities. This section defines HIB, explains what to do when you see or experience it, and our school’s process for responding to it.

HIB is any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act of a student that:

• Physically harms another student or damages their property;
• Has the effect of greatly interfering with another student’s education; or,
• Is so severe, persistent, or significant that it creates an intimidating or threatening education environment for other students.

HIB generally involves an observed or perceived power imbalance and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated. HIB is not allowed, by law, in our schools.

Talk to any school staff member (consider starting with whoever you are most comfortable with!). You may use our district’s reporting form to share concerns about HIB (https://www.longviewschools.com/fs/resource- manager/view/d199e7e5-60e4-4ffe-b989-2a9d8b9a3850) but reports about HIB can be made in writing or verbally. Your report can made anonymously, if you are uncomfortable revealing your identity, or confidentially if you prefer it not be shared with other students involved with the report. No disciplinary action will be taken against another student based solely on an anonymous or confidential report. If a staff member is notified of, observes, overhears, or otherwise witnesses HIB, they must take prompt and appropriate action to stop the HIB behavior and to prevent it from happening again. Our district also has a HIB Compliance Officer (Penny Andrews, Director of Human Resources, 360.575.7004 pandrews@longviewschools.org) that supports prevention and response to HIB.

If you report HIB, school staff must attempt to resolve the concerns. If the concerns are resolved, then no further action may be necessary. However, if you feel that you or someone you know is the victim of unresolved, severe, or persistent HIB that requires further investigation and action, then you should request an official HIB investigation.

Also, the school must take action to ensure that those who report HIB don’t experience retaliation.

When you report a complaint, the HIB Compliance Officer or staff member leading the investigation must notify the families of the students involved with the complaint and must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The investigation must be completed within 5 school days, unless you agree on a different timeline. If your complaint involves circumstances that require a longer investigation, the district will notify you with the anticipated date for their response.

When the investigation is complete, the HIB Compliance Officer or the staff member leading the investigation must provide you with the outcomes of the investigation within 2 school days. This response should include:

• A summary of the results of the investigation
• A determination of whether the HIB is substantiated
• Any corrective measures or remedies needed
• Clear information about how you can appeal the decision

For the student designated as the “targeted student” in a complaint: If you do not agree with the school district’s decision, you may appeal the decision and include any additional information regarding the complaint to the superintendent, or the person assigned to lead the appeal, and then to the school board.

For the student designated as the “aggressor” in a complaint: A student found to be an “aggressor” in a HIB complaint may not appeal the decision of a HIB investigation. They can, however, appeal corrective actions that result from the findings of the HIB investigation.

For more information about the HIB complaint process, including important timelines, please see the district’s https://www.longviewschools.com/family-resources/bullying-online- conduct or the district’s HIB Policy [3207] and Procedure [3207P].

Discrimination can happen when someone is treated differently or unfairly because they are part of a protected class, including their race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, creed, disability, use of a service animal, or veteran or military status.

Discriminatory harassment can include teasing and name-calling; graphic and written statements; or other conduct that may be physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating. Discriminatory harassment happens when the conduct is based on a student’s protected class and is serious enough to create a hostile environment. A hostile environment is created when conduct is so severe, pervasive, or persistent that it limits a student’s ability to participate in, or benefit from, the school’s services, activities, or opportunities.

To review the district’s Nondiscrimination Policy [3210] and Procedure [3210P], visit [https://www.longviewschools.com/about/policies- procedures].

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome conduct or communication that is sexual in nature and substantially interferes with a student's educational performance or creates an intimidating or hostile environment. Sexual harassment can also occur when a student is led to believe they must submit to unwelcome sexual conduct or communication to gain something in return, such as a grade or a place on a sports team.

Examples of sexual harassment can include pressuring a person for sexual actions or favors; unwelcome touching of a sexual nature; graphic or written statements of a sexual nature; distributing sexually explicit texts, e-mails, or pictures; making sexual jokes, rumors, or suggestive remarks; and physical violence, including rape and sexual assault.

Our schools do not discriminate based on sex and prohibit sex discrimination in all of our education programs and employment, as required by Title IX and state law.

To review the district’s Sexual Harassment Policy [3205] and Procedure [3205P], visit [https://www.longviewschools.com/about/policies- procedures].

When a school becomes aware of possible discriminatory or sexual harassment, it must investigate and stop the harassment. The school must address any effects the harassment had on the student at school, including eliminating the hostile environment, and make sure that the harassment does not happen again.

Talk to a Coordinator or submit a written complaint. You may contact the following school district staff members to report your concerns, ask questions, or learn more about how to resolve your concerns.

Concerns about discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator: Penny Andrews, Director of Human Resources 360.575.7004 pandrews@longviewschools.org

Concerns about sex discrimination, including sexual harassment: Title IX Coordinator: Penny Andrews, Director of Human Resources 360.575.7004 pandrews@longviewschools.org

Concerns about disability discrimination: Section 504 Coordinator: Kari Montgomery, Executive Director of Teaching & Learning 360.575.7980 kmontgomery@longviewschools.org

Concerns about discrimination based on gender identity: Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Kari Montgomery, Executive Director of Teaching & Learning 360.575.7980 kmontgomery@longviewschools.org

To submit a written complaint, describe the conduct or incident that may be discriminatory and send it by mail, fax, email, or hand delivery to the school principal, district superintendent, or civil rights coordinator. Submit the complaint as soon as possible for a prompt investigation, and within one year of the conduct or incident.

The Civil Rights Coordinator will give you a copy of the school district’s discrimination complaint procedure. The Civil Rights Coordinator must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The investigation must be completed within 30 calendar days unless you agree to a different timeline. If your complaint involves exceptional circumstances that require a longer investigation, the Civil Rights Coordinator will notify you in writing with the anticipated date for their response.

When the investigation is complete, the school district superintendent or the staff member leading the investigation will send you a written response. This response will include:

• A summary of the results of the investigation
• A determination of whether the school district failed to comply with civil rights laws
• Any corrective measures or remedies needed
• Notice about how you can appeal the decision

If you do not agree with the outcome of your complaint, you may appeal the decision to the district board of directors and then to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). More information about this process, including important timelines, is included in the district’s Nondiscrimination Procedure (3210P) and Sexual Harassment Procedure (3205P).

I already submitted an HIB complaint – what will my school do? Harassment, intimidation, or bullying (HIB) can also be discrimination if it's related to a protected class. If you give your school a written report of HIB that involves discrimination or sexual harassment, your school will notify the Civil Rights Coordinator. The school district will investigate the complaint using both the Nondiscrimination Procedure (3210P) and the HIB Procedure (3207P) to fully resolve your complaint.

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) All reports must start locally at the school or district level. However, OSPI can assist students, families, communities, and school staff with questions about state law, the HIB complaint process, and the discrimination and sexual harassment complaint processes.

OSPI School Safety Center (For questions about harassment, intimidation, and bullying)

• Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/health- safety/school-safety-center
• Email: schoolsafety@k12.wa.us
• Phone: 360-725-6068

OSPI Equity and Civil Rights Office (For questions about discrimination and sexual harassment)

• Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/equity-and-civil- rights
• Email: equity@k12.wa.us
• Phone: 360-725-6162

Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO) The Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds works with families, communities, and schools to address problems together so every student can fully participate and thrive in Washington’s K-12 public schools. OEO provides informal conflict resolution tools, coaching, facilitation, and training about family, community engagement, and systems advocacy.

• Website: www.oeo.wa.gov
• Email: oeoinfo@gov.wa.gov
• Phone: 1-866-297-2597

U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) The U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces federal nondiscrimination laws in public schools, including those that prohibit discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, disability, and age. OCR also has a discrimination complaint process.

• Website: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html
• Email: orc@ed.gov
• Phone: 800-421-3481

In Washington, all students have the right to be treated consistent with their gender identity at school. Our school will:

• Address students by their requested name and pronouns, with or without a legal name change
• Change a student’s gender designation and have their gender accurately reflected in school records
• Allow students to use restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity
• Allow students to participate in sports, physical education courses, field trips, and overnight trips in accordance with their gender identity
• Keep health and education information confidential and private
• Allow students to wear clothing that reflects their gender identity and apply dress codes without regard to a student’s gender or perceived gender
• Protect students from teasing, bullying, or harassment based on their gender or gender identity

To review the district’s Gender-Inclusive Schools Policy [3211] and Procedure [3211P], visit [https://www.longviewschools.com/about/policies-procedures]. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Civil Rights Coordinator: Penny Andrews, Director of Human Resources 360.575.7004 pandrews@longviewschools.org

For concerns about discrimination or discriminatory harassment based on gender identity or gender expression, please see the information above.