Student Handbook

Shorecrest High School is here to support and encourage our students to succeed! Regular attendance plays a big role in creating a positive learning environment as well as helping students to thrive both in and out of the classroom. Parents and guardians can help by encouraging their students to develop habits of coming to school on time, every day. 

Students and their families have the responsibility for maintaining prompt and regular attendance as prescribed in the Compulsory Attendance Law RCW 28A.225. 

Please contact the Attendance Office if you have any questions about our policy or your students attendance! 

If needing to contact the Attendance Office, please do NOT call the main office. Call the Attendance Office directly at (206) 393-4294.

COVID Information regarding school attendance hereto learn about.

 

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How to excuse absences:

• Contact the attendance office by email, phone call/voicemail, or ParentSquare message sent within 5 school-days since the absence occurred. Any absence outside of the 5 days will not be excused.
  • If you are calling in to excuse an absence, please directly call the attendance office, NOT the main office. The number for the attendance line is (206) 393-4294. 
  • Voicemails can be left at any time and are checked regularly.
• Message to excuse an absence must include:
  • The full name of the student (first AND LAST) as found on file. (No nicknames/alternative names unless already changed in Skyward).
  • Reason for absence. This is necessary for auditing and coding purposes - we will not excuse without a reason. (See list of reasons below).
  • Date(s) to excuse and period(s) to excuse.
  • Example: “Hi, my name is Jane. I am John Smith's mother and would like to excuse him for today. He is sick.” 
• Students who are 18 years or older can excuse their own absences ONLY if they pick up a form from the attendance office and return it with a parent/guardian signature.
• NOTE: TARDIES ARE NOT EXCUSABLE UNLESS student has a medical note (from an appointment), or has attended a Tardy Make-Up Session. We do not excuse tardies for anything outside of this.

 

When you excuse, please tell us the reason for the absence:

According to district policy #3122, the following are valid excuses for absences:

1. Physical health or mental health symptoms, illness, health condition or medical appointment (including, but not limited to, medical, counseling, mental health wellness, dental, optometry, pregnancy, and behavioral health treatment (which can include in-patient or out-patient treatment for chemical dependency or mental health) for the student or person for whom the student is legally responsible;
2. Family emergency including, but not limited to, a death or illness in the family; 

3. Religious or cultural purposes including observance of a religious or cultural holiday or participation in religious or cultural instruction; 

4. Court, judicial proceeding, court-ordered activity, or jury service; 

5. Post-secondary, technical school or apprenticeship program visitation, or scholarship interview; 

6. State-recognized search and rescue activities consistent with RCW28A.225.055; 

7. Absence directly related to the student's homeless or foster care/dependency status; 

8. Absences related to deployment activities of a parent or legal guardian who is an active duty member consistent with RCW 28A.705.010; 

9. Absences due to suspensions, expulsions or emergency expulsions imposed pursuant to chapter 392-400 WAC if the student is not receiving educational services and is not enrolled in qualifying "course of study" activities as defined in WAC 392-121-107; 

10. Absences due to student safety concerns, including absences related to threats, assaults, or bullying; 

11. Absences due to a student's migrant status; and 

12. 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. 


The school principal (or designee) has the authority to determine if an absence meets the above criteria for an excused absence. A parent/guardian not satisfied with the principal determination may appeal to the superintendent/designee for further consideration.

 

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How to request an early dismissal:

• Contact the attendance office by email, phone call/voicemail, or ParentSquare message at least 2 hours before your student needs to be dismissed. 
  • This is to ensure we have enough time to get a pass to your student so they can leave when they need to with minimal disruption to that classroom.
• Message to request an early dismissal must include:
  • The full name of the student (first AND LAST) as found on file. (No nicknames/alternative names unless already changed in Skyward).
  • Time you would like them to be dismissed.
  • Reason for the early dismissal - for auditing and coding purposes.
  • Inform us if your student will be returning that day, and what time they plan on doing so.
    • This way, we can excuse periods they will not attend, and be counted present in the ones they will attend. For athletes, this is important for them to be eligible to participate in their sport for the day. 
  • Example: “Hi, my name is Jane. I am John Smith's mother. He is needing an early dismissal at 12pm, and will not return for the rest of the day due to a doctor's appointment.” 
• If your student misses more than 50% of class, it is counted as an absence. 
• Campus is closed during all classes and passing periods, with the exception of lunch. Students will not be permitted to leave campus without contact from a parent/guardian during closed campus time.

 

I have sent the message - now what?

Early dismissal: Once you have sent a message to the attendance secretary at sc.attendance@ssd412.org, or called in to (206) 393-4294 with all the information needed, your student should pick up their dismissal pass from the Attendance Office prior to the period that they are leaving.

• Once they have this pass, they are allowed to leave campus at the time written on the pass (students do not need to check in with attendance prior to leaving).
• Please coordinate with your student which parking lot you are picking them up in.
  • Please keep in mind that buses will be blocking the front entrance at the end of the day in preparation for departure.

 

NOTE: Students returning to school from an early dismissal while a period is already in session must check in with the attendance office. They will receive a late pass upon returning (this is excused). If you receive a message on ParentSquare about a tardy upon returning from an early dismissal, please note this is excused and does not negatively impact their attendance.

 

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How to excuse an extended absence in advance:

• Students should pick up an Advanced Notice of Absence Form from the attendance office. Once the form is completed and signed by the student's teachers and parent/guardian, the student returns the form to the attendance office BEFORE their extended absence. 

 

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What happens if an absence is UNexcused:

• Each time your student has an unexcused absence, we notify you via automated phone calls and emails on the day your student is absent.
  • We notify twice a day — a robo call and email go out at 11:15am. A robo email is sent out at 5:15pm.
  • Parents are expected to contact the Attendance Office with any questions, concerns, or excuses within 2 school days.
• Consequences for accumulating absences: 
  • If a student accumulates 2, 5, 7, or 10 days of unexcused absences in an academic school year, a Truancy letter will be sent home. See the Truancy section below for more details.

 

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Truancy:

• Letters will be mailed home at intervals of 2, 5, 7, and 10 days of unexcused absences from school. These absences do not have to be consecutive and are counted throughout the school year. 
  • A day is counted if the student misses the majority of the school day.
• According to Washington State truancy laws (RCW 28A.225) after seven (7) unexcused absences in one month, or fifteen (15) in one year, school districts must file a “truancy petition” alleging a violation of the law by the student, by the parent, or by both. 
  • According to the State of Washington, an unexcused absence is student nonattendance for more than 50% of the student’s school day. This nonattendance has not been approved by a parent/guardian through the attendance office within 2 school days.
• We strongly encourage the parent/guardian to contact the attendance office to schedule a conference with an administrator to develop strategies to eliminate student absences when a student has reached two (2) unexcused absences in a one-month period.

 

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Tardies:

As a school, we want students to know and learn the value of being on time, the expectation of being ready to engage, and of honoring the professional relationship between teacher and student. It is critical that students practice and learn the habits and life lessons of punctuality and commitment because they are essential as students move onto college, a career, and life as a part of a larger community. As a school dedicated to educating young people, students deserve a clear, consistent practice.

• When a student is tardy (less than 10 minutes late to class), they do not need to report to the attendance office. Their teacher will mark them as tardy. 
• If a student is more than 10 minutes late to class, they need to check in at the attendance office to get a pass to class. 
• At 10 or more Tardies:
  • students will not be allowed to attend/practice/play in after school activities/sports 
  • students will not be allowed to attend SC evening events (games, dances, performances).
• Tardy Make-Up Sessions occur one Wednesday a month from 1pm-3pm. Students should report to the SC library and must arrive by 1:05 pm (doors will be locked after that time). If students stay and work they can make up their tardies as shown below:
  •  1 hour = 5 tardies
  •  2 hours = 10 tardies

 

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Parent Square Attendance notifications:

Absence notifications:

• If you suspect there is an error within your student’s attendance, please have your student contact their teacher. The attendance office can only rely on data reports. If you are looking to confirm a student’s attendance, please reach out to their teacher directly. Their teacher will then need to inform attendance if an error made needs to be adjusted.
  • Confirmation from a staff member who was present in the class during the attendance in question is necessary for any attendance adjustments.

Tardy notifications:

• Attendance is taken within the first 10 minutes of class. If a student is running more than 10 minutes late, they must check into the tardy kiosk to receive a late pass or they will continue to be marked absent. Checking into the kiosk will override the attendance taken by their teacher, as well as give us a time stamp of their arrival for staff and parent/guardian reference. We do not excuse tardies without a medical note. Or, tardies can be excused by attending the Wednesday Tardy Make-Up Session.

Parent Square notification adjustments:

• Notifications can be turned off and are adjustable on the user’s end (immediate, digest, or off) through your profile settings. You will still receive emergency notifications. These are for safety reasons and are not able to be turned off.

 

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20 Consecutive Absences:

Washington State law states that school districts cannot claim a student for funding if they have not attended at least one full day in the last 20 consecutive school days. At 20 consecutive days of absence, we are required to withdraw your student for non-attendance.

 

At this time, Shoreline School District only offers in-person learning. If your student is not able to regularly attend classes in-person at Shorecrest High School and is interested in an online/remote learning option, please see the list of OSPI (Office of Superintendent of Instruction) approved programs at the following website: https://www.k12.wa.us/student-success/learning-alternatives/online-learning/approved-online-school-programs

 

For additional support in enrolling in one of these options, please contact your student’s school counselor.

 

Last updated: August 2022

he goal of discipline is twofold: to provide a safe and healthy atmosphere for students and staff, and to develop student growth in a positive direction. We have therefore developed a code that is progressive in nature, follows legal due process, that allows for student growth in making appropriate behavior choices. These guidelines apply on all school district property and at all school events. Students must comply with all district policies and procedures in terms of their conduct. All policies and procedures may be accessed in their entirety in the libraries of all school buildings and on the School Board Website. Included here are brief excerpts and summaries.

An explanation of students’ rights and responsibilities is mailed to every Shorecrest family in the fall.

Alcohol/Chemical Substances

Possession, use, distribution, showing evidence of having consumed, selling, soliciting, or facilitating the sale of alcohol or illegal drugs is prohibited. Possession of drug paraphernalia or any item purported to be such is also prohibited. While in attendance at school or school-sponsored events, students must remove themselves immediately from any situation where illegal activities are occurring. Students understand that the community encourages them to report any situation which poses a danger to the health or safety of themselves and fellow students or which represents a violation of state laws, district policy, and the code to which school leaders are committed.

Fighting

The act of quarrelling involving physical and/or verbal actions that may lead to violence, bodily contact, in or around school property, are subject to disciplinary action.

Smoking/Chewing Tobacco

Tobacco possession, selling, or use by students is not permitted on or near school property. Near school property is defined as being within the line of sight from the school.

Weapons

Students shall not possess, display, handle, or transmit weapons, other dangerous devices or any item which reasonably appears to be such, including but not limited to guns, knives, clubs, metal knuckles, daggers, chemical inhalants, or any other potentially dangerous implements on school property or to school-sponsored events. Any exception to the above will require explicit permission.

Persons over 18 years of age and persons between 14-18 years of age with written parental or guardian permission may possess personal protection spray devices on school property. No one may deliver a spray device to anyone under 14 or to anyone between 14-18 years of age who does not have parental permission. Spray devices may not be used other than in self-defense as defined by State law. Possession, transmission, or use of personal protection spray devices under any other circumstance is a violation of district policy and is subject to disciplinary action.

Student Dress Policy

Shoreline School District Policy #3224 states that student dress must not present health or safety problems or disrupt the school environment. The following guidelines apply: Students’ appearance shall not advertise or display any product or service not permitted to minors by law.

Respect Among Staff And Students

Mutual respect among students, staff, and community is expected. Disrespect includes use of profanity and failure to obey reasonable requests by a staff member. Racist, sexist, derogatory, abusing, or hazing behaviors are not tolerated. Student will be referred to an Assistant Principal for disciplinary action. It is the policy of Shoreline Public schools that all students shall be assured a school environment free from sexual harassment. Generally speaking, any type of unwelcome conduct, either verbal or non-verbal, directed to a student because of his or her gender may constitute sexual harassment. All students have the right to learn and interact in a school that is respectful and free from bias. We do not tolerate discrimination in the form of demeaning slurs, name calling, gestures, graffiti, or other words and actions relating to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or handicap. Such offensive behaviors toward individuals or groups of students will result in disciplinary action.

Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying

The Shoreline School District is committed to a safe, civil learning environment where all students, employees, volunteers, and patrons work, learn, and participate in an environment free from bullying, harassment, or intimidation. School Board policy further defines harassment, intimidation, and bullying (Policy #3308). References can also be found in the Students’ Rights and Responsibilities.

Disruptive Behavior In Class

When a student fails to comply with a teacher’s corrective action, (s)he will be referred to an assistant principal.

Ethics And Honesty

Any student who violates the Ethics and Honesty Policy may be subject to disciplinary action.

Student Drivers

Students are expected to drive on school property in a safe, non-disruptive manner and to display a Shorecrest Parking Permit on any car parked in designated student parking lots. Students are restricted from parking in faculty lots, fire zones, bus loading zones, and emergency access areas.

1st Offense: Warning
2nd Offense: Warning plus parent contact
3rd Offense: Car will be “booted” at your expense.

Open/Closed Campus

Students should come to school ready to learn and be in classrooms as scheduled. During school hours, students should be either in class, or signed-in at the library. Campus is closed during all instructional periods, including Highlander Home, though students have choices regarding the use of the daily lunch period, when campus is open. Additionally, there should be no use of vending machines during class time.

Electronic Equipment, Bicycles, Food, Drink

Chromebooks are subject to the signed agreement and to the classroom expectations of each teacher. Skateboards, scooters, and bicycles are not to be ridden on campus. Food and drink in the classroom are not allowed, unless approved by the teacher. Cell phones and other electronic devices must be turned off (silent) and kept out of sight during class time, unless otherwise directed by individual teachers in their classrooms. They can be disruptive to the learning environment, often create discipline problems, and are all too frequently damaged, lost, or stolen. Students who violate the rules will face corrective action. In case of an emergency, students can be reached by calling 206-393-4286. Laser pens are not allowed at school; their unlawful use is a felony.

Student Leadership Code

In order to hold a student leadership position at Shorecrest, you are required to sign the ASB Student Leadership Code of Conduct. Violations of this code of conduct may lead to forfeiture of the leadership position in accordance with District administrative procedures. Contact the Activity Coordinator for specific rules, guidelines, and/or expectations.

Conduct Of Student Athletes And Activities Members

A student participating in any activity sponsored by ASB funds is expected to 1) purchase an ASB card and 2) uphold an exemplary standard of student conduct, and 3) maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA and be passing all classes at all times.

Student athletes and student leaders at Shorecrest should consider themselves role models at all times during the sports or activity season. This expectation extends to ASB leaders, Cheerleaders, Hip-Hop Dance Team, Highland Dancers, Flag Team Members, music group members, and to any other groups receiving ASB funds.

In addition to complying with federal, state, and local laws, school and district rules of conduct, and team/activity rules, student athletes/leaders must remove themselves immediately from any situation where illegal activities are occurring, or where other persons are engaging in conduct which violates school or district rules. Contact the Activity Coordinator for specific rules, guidelines, and/or expectations.

Fan Conduct

Activities which are disrespectful to opposing players, coaches, or fans will not be tolerated. Face paint must be limited to Shorecrest logos or year of graduation. Appropriate school attire is expected at all athletic events. This may include any school-issued garments (athletic jerseys, pants, sweatshirts, hats), but they must remain in their original form and may not be cut up or amended. All spectators must remain in the stands during athletic events.

HONESTY is…

• Doing your own work.
• Crediting others’ words, pictures, facts, and ideas.
• Keeping your eyes on your own paper.
• Helping or teaching others, not allowing the copying of your work.
• Using all written and electronic sources with integrity.

Shorecrest and the Shoreline School District have established a clear philosophical foundation for the expectation of integrity and authenticity for all student work.

Shorecrest’s Guiding Mission states:

• We each assume personal responsibility for achieving our educational and professional goals.
• High standards and expectations are set for all students, with provisions for their individual learning styles.
• A climate of trust and respect is essential for an effective learning environment.

The district’s mission includes engaging “all students in learning the academic and vocational skills needed to achieve their individual potential. We will do this in a manner that promotes responsibility to themselves and to others.”

Integrity, authenticity, responsibility, and trust are the backbone of the Ethics & Honesty Policy.

In addition to the philosophical underpinnings of the Ethics & Honesty Policy there is a practical consideration: teachers need to know exactly what students’ own work is in order to assess students’ proficiencies.

Simply stated, we expect students to represent their own work (and to allow other students to represent their own work) honestly and accurately at all times.

In assigning group work, the teacher holds responsibility for identifying individual and group accountability with regards to the Ethics & Honesty Policy.

 

DISHONESTY

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the following types of misconduct:

Plagiarism:

1. using writings, passages, ideas of others and passing them off as your own, (including, but not limited to, faxing, duplicating, file sharing, or transmittal using any technology);
2. using an outside source (any work, published or unpublished, by a person other than you) without proper acknowledgement; or
3. submitting or using falsified data or records.

Cheating:

1. Acting dishonestly and practicing fraud (deliberate deception in order to secure unfair or unlawful gain);
2. Misrepresenting someone’s work as your own;
3. Assisting or allowing someone to copy your work and represent it as their own;
4. “Wandering eyes” (allowing your eyes to stray to another person’s work on quizzes or tests);
5. Using unauthorized material including textbooks, notes, calculators, or computer programs during an examination or other assignment;
6. Sharing test questions and/or answers with students in your class or in another class;
7. Receiving test questions and/or answers from a student in your class or another class.

Forgery/Stealing:

1. Using unauthorized access to an exam or answers to an exam;
2. Using an alternate, stand-in, or proxy during an examination;
3. Altering computer and/or gradebook records; or
4. Sabotaging or destroying the work of others;
5. Forgery of signatures on attendance records, grade records, or any other school paperwork.

Any student who violates the Ethics & Honesty Policy will be disciplined as follows:
 

1st Offense:  Student is referred to a principal/designee, student’s performance on the assignment (or other academic activity) will receive a zero.  Parents will be notified by the administrator.

2nd Offense: Student is short-term suspended from the class, not to exceed ten (10) school days. (Note: This may be the same or a different class from the first offense.)  Administrators will use the established suspension process with the due process notification.

3rd Offense: Student is short-term suspended from all classes, not to exceed ten (10) school days. Parents will be contacted and due process rights will be given.

Per Shoreline School District policy and procedures #3302 and #3302P.

Shorecrest High School is a place where all students are safe to learn without threat of violence or concern for safety. Shorecrest adheres to a strict zero tolerance policy regarding harassment of any form between students, faculty, and staff. Students and staff who experience or witness harassment of any form at Shorecrest should report the incident to an SC adult that you trust, or if you prefer, our point person on harassment incidents, Lacy Clark, Dean of Students. 

If you are experiencing harassment or any difficulty with a peer, you may fill out this form to report it. Please fill out the form to the best of your ability. Information reported will be held with high regards to your safety and well-being. Once you submit this report, Shorecrest administration will reach out to you to continue gathering information and work with you to figure out the best approach.

It is the strong recommendation of Shorecrest High School that students and parents carefully weigh the choice of whether or not to bring personal cell phones, music players, cameras, and other electronic devices to school. They can be disruptive to the learning environment, often create discipline problems, and are all to frequently damaged, lost, or stolen. If students do bring cell phones and/or other electronic devices to school, they are subject to the following policy guidelines.

Use of Electronic Devices at School:

1. Cell phones and other electronic devices must be turned off and kept out of sight during class time, unless otherwise directed by individual teachers in their classrooms. Parents are reminded that is cases of emergency, the main office is the appropriate point of contact to ensure that your child is reached quickly and assisted in an appropriate way.
2. Cell phones must not disrupt classroom lessons with ringtones, beeping, or vibrating.
3. Cell phones and other electronic devices may not be used in any manner that disrupts classrrom lessons or other educational activities, such as assemblies.
4. Cell phones, cameras, or other devices should not be used to photograph or film others without their consent.

Care for Electronic Devices:

1. Students who bring cell phones or other electronic devices to school are soley responsible for the safety and security of those devices.
2. The school accepts no responsibility for cell phones or other electronic devices that are lost, damaged, or stolen at school or while traveling to and from school.

Process for Violation of This Policy:

Students who violate the rules for the use of cell phones and other electronic devices, set forth above, will face corrective action as described below:

• First violation – warning by teacher, teacher may confiscate for the remainder of the class period.
• Second violation – cell phone/electronic device confiscated by teacher and turned in to administration/dean of students to be picked up at the end of the school day.
• Third violation – confiscation, item given to administrator/dean of students to be picked up at end of the day or later by parent/guardian.
• Fourth violation - confiscation, item given to administrator/dean of students, school discipline imposed.

This handbook is the district’s guide to discipline procedures. This handbook is published pursuant to State and Federal laws and regulations which prescribe substantive and procedural rights of students. The material in this handbook is excerpted from more extensive board policies and district procedures which will control any given situation. It should be noted that policies and procedures are repeatedly under review and changes can be made at any time. All policies and procedures may be accessed in the library of all school buildings and via the district’s web page.

Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook

 You may also request a printed copy in the school office.

In the Shoreline School District our students’ safety, and yours, are paramount. We strive to provide a safe, healthy, supportive environment for students, staff and volunteers. To help create this, we ask that you follow these guidelines:

Safe Interaction with Students

All volunteers should work under supervised conditions. This means:

• There should be another volunteer, district employee, or parent in the area where you are working with student(s). If you are going to work one-on-one or in small groups away from the classroom, leave the door to the room open or stay in an open area. Make sure you are in plain sight.
• To protect your privacy, and that of students, do not ask for a student’s address, phone number or to take their picture. Also, do not share your address or phone number with a student without discussing it with your classroom teacher or the principal.
• Use adult/staff restrooms only. Do not accompany a student into the restroom.
• All that you learn from staff about your student or from interacting with your student is confidential. Please remember this when discussing your volunteer work outside of the school.

 

Safe Verbal Communication

Let your conversation demonstrate respect for others and yourself. Avoid language that may be perceived as discriminatory, sexist or offensive. Remember that you are a role model for the students.

Treat all students in the same manner.

If a student shares any information with you that causes you concern for their safety or health, TELL THE TEACHER OR PRINCIPAL. They will follow up on the information appropriately. Please keep the content of the information and action you took strictly confidential.

 

Safe Touch Areas

Handshakes and high fives are considered appropriate friendly touches.

If a student wants to hug you, show them how to “hug from the side” — bending down so that your shoulders are level with the student’s. Let the student initiate this kind of behavior.

Never touch a child in anger. If a student is unruly or disrespectful, return them to the classroom and let the teacher take over from there.

The bottom line is to use your best judgement at all times. Treat the students as you wish to be treated… with dignity, care and respect.

Because the safety of students is so important, the Shoreline School District has implemented certain policies to insure the safety of all students:

• We screen all volunteers who work directly with children through the WA State Patrol Computer Database. Click the link below to access the 2022-2023 volunteer application for Shoreline School District
  • Shoreline Schools 2022-2023 Volunteer Application.
• After submitting your application, allow 2-3 weeks for processing. To verify your status after the processing period has elapsed, please check in with the Office Manager at the school/s you've listed in the application.