School Hours 

Teacher Work Day – 7:10 AM - 2:40 PM (Teachers are available before and after school Monday-Friday)

Student Day – 7:40 AM - 2:10 PM

In Person Learning 

Entry & Tardy Bells

Student Drop Off 7:20 AM  Bell

Students enter classroom 7:30 AM  Bell

Instruction Begins 7:40 AM  Tardy Bell

Dismissal 2:10 AM  Bell

Modified Schedules

Early Dismissal 7:40-10:15 AM

Lunch and Recess Times

What to Bring to School

The Magnificent Seven 7

The key principles listed below are essential for reducing exposure to COVID 19 at EPSOC:  

• Keep ill people out of school. Students, families, and staff must stay home when sick, and use screening to assist in that process. We will help you determine when it is safe for your child to return to school 

• Physical distancing. We minimize close contact (less than three feet) with other people.

• Hand hygiene. All staff and students will frequently wash with soap and water, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 

• Track Seating. In the absence of cohorts, use seating charts to better enable contact tracing. 

• Protective equipment. All students, staff, and visitors must wear appropriate face coverings at all times while on campus, with few exceptions. 

• Environmental cleaning and disinfection. We prioritize the cleaning of high-touch surfaces nightly and as needed throughout the day.

• Isolation. We isolate sick people and exclude exposed people.

Health Clerk: Ms. Austin, (253) 800-7993

Nurses: Mrs. Ostlund, RN and Ms. Brown, LPN, (253) 800-7968

• Ms. Austin is our health and attendance clerk who monitors day-to-day visits in the Health Room. To call her directly please dial (253) 800-7993
• Our school district Registered Nurse maintains medical and emergency procedures and student health screenings. A Licensed Practical Nurse is on site daily to see to the needs of diabetic students.
• Serious medical conditions are referred back to the parents by a phone call and/or to 911 in the case of severe emergency

Health Room

The health room will be used for non COVID-related health needs, such as  major first aid (deep cuts, head injuries, sprains or suspected broken bones, etc.) and medication administration only.  Staff will have a small bag of minor first aid items such as: gloves, band aids, small envelopes for lost teeth. 

• Students needing to see the nurse for major injuries/medication not related to COVID-19 symptoms will follow the arrows marking 3-foot distance in the hallway to the health room (Physical Distancing)
• Student must wear a mask (Protective Equipment)
• Student will stop on the “stand here” spot outside the health room, and wait for the health clerk 
• Student will sanitize their hands using the sanitizer provided before entering the health room
• Student will explain to the health clerk why they are there
• Once admitted to the health room students will follow 6-foot distance from others by sitting on the chairs located by the “stand here” spots on the floor (Physical Distancing)
• Student will wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before returning to class 
• Student will walk to back to class following the arrows marking 6-foot distance in the hallway
• Students will sanitize or wash their hands for at least 20 seconds when they re-enter the classroom 

“The Nest” 

The Nest is where we house students and staff with COVID-19 related health needs

• Students with COVID-19 symptoms will wait in hallway outside classroom door with their belongings and wait for an escort
• Parent or guardian will be notified as soon as possible
• Student must wear a mask 
• Students will walk to “The Nest” with their escort and meet the staff member in charge
• Students will enter on the  side of the curtain barriers the adult tells them to in order to minimize the risk of possible transmission 
• If “the Nest” is at capacity, staff member will escort the student to the conference room 
• Students will explain to the health clerk/nurse/admin. symptoms they are feeling
• Students will stay in “the Nest” until their parent picks them up 
• Students will stay home for the recommended amount of time and/or get a COVID-19 test and provide the results to the school

Please use the following as a guide for Health Room related issues:

Medication:  

• Students may not self-medicate at school
• Physician Care Orders signed by the prescribing doctor are needed for any medications administered to a student at school (Ask for “Authorization for Medication” form – parent signature is also required)
• The term “medications” includes over-the-counter cold remedies, cough drops, pain relievers and chapsticks; these are not allowed at school without a doctor’s order

Health Insurance:

• It is extremely important that parents understand that the district does not insure students
• Parent medical insurance is the primary coverage for injuries to students. This includes fees charged for 911 transport initiated by school personnel
• Student insurance enrollment forms are available in the office

Other Related Issues:

• Students should keep a clean outfit in their backpacks in case of an accident. Please keep in mind the rain we experience and understand that students do not always make good choices at recess or in judging the time it takes to get to the restroom
• If a student is found to have lice a call will be made to pick up the student from school immediately. The student must be louse and nit free to return to school. Before returning to class, the parent and student must check in at the Health Room for a recheck before going to class.
• Report all health related student absences in writing via email to ep_office@bethelsd.org

Arrival and Dismissal 

Students can be dropped off  beginning at 7:20 AM.  The speed limit on campus is 5mph. Please remember…  many cars drop off each morning and pick up each afternoon. As always, student safety is our top concern. We appreciate your patience and courtesy. 

When your student is dropped off, K-5 students will walk around the building on the north side to the playground and line up with their class. MS students will line up outside their first period portable.  Students eating breakfast may come into the building by the gym door to the kitchen.   At 7:30, students will be allowed into portables or escorted into the building by their teacher.  

Riding the Bus

Students who ride the bus will depart the bus at the direction of a supervisor and line up with their class on the playground.  At 7:30, students will be escorted to the building by their teacher. At the end of the day, bus riders will walk to the bus loop escorted by a teacher, and board the bus keeping a 3’ distance.  Riding a bus is a privilege. As always, student safety is our top priority.  

Bus Rules and Regulations

The driver is in full charge of the bus and students. Students must obey the driver promptly and willingly.Bus Rules and Regulations

1. Each student must wear a mask while riding the bus. 
2. Students are to remain seated while the bus is in motion and are not to get on or off the bus until the bus comes to a complete stop. No animal, reptile, fish or fowl is permitted on the bus, except for seeing-eye dogs.
3. Each student may be assigned a seat in which they will be seated at all times unless the permission to change has been given by the school principal and/or the transportation supervisor.
4. Outside of ordinary conversation, classroom conduct must be observed. Students should face the front of the bus and observe the driving situation and be prepared to react accordingly if necessary.
5. Students are to assist in trying to keep the bus clean and also refrain from throwing things out of the windows. Eating and/or drinking on the bus is not allowed.
6. Students shall not open the windows on the bus without first getting permission from the driver. Windows are not to be lowered below the third latching position.
7. No student at any time shall extend his/her head or arms out of the windows. Students will not tamper with any emergency doors or windows unless emergency conditions exist or while emergency drills are being conducted.
8. Students must maintain 6’ distance while loading the bus, and must be cautious and watchful for the motorist who attempts to pass the bus while loading or unloading is taking place.
9. Students must cross the highway only in front of the school bus and never behind it, and at the driver’s direction.
10. Students who have to walk for some distance along the roadway to the bus stop must walk on the left-hand side of the road facing the oncoming traffic. This will also apply to students leaving the bus stop.
11. Students are not permitted to sit in the driver’s seat at any time. Tampering with any emergency equipment such as a first aid kit, fire extinguishers, or highway warning kits is not allowed. Tampering with bus controls and equipment is prohibited.
12. Students should never play or scuffle while waiting for the bus. Students should not harass the motoring or walking public or private property owners.
13. Students should never throw articles of any kind that can litter or damage public or private property.
14. Student misconduct on the bus will be sufficient reason to suspend riding privileges to those students involved.
15. Any damage to the bus or equipment must be paid for by those responsible. Willful damage is also cause to deny any student the right to ride the school bus. SMOKING, LIGHTING MATCHES, VULGARITY AND FIGHTING MAY ALSO BE SUFFICIENT CAUSE FOR SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF BUS RIDING PRIVILEGES.
16. In the event of an actual emergency, emergency exit procedures, as established by the emergency exit drills (Chapter 391-145-045 WAC) will be followed.
17. The foregoing procedures apply to all students transported to and from school., and those students transported to other facilities including extra-curricular activities.
18. NOTICE: The school board wishes to provide safe and efficient transportation. We ask for your cooperation with the bus drivers in carrying out the procedures outlined above.

MISCONDUCT REPORTS ARE FILED WITH BUILDING PRINCIPAL AND KEPT WITH STUDENT RECORDS. Chapter 392-145-045 WAC. All procedures as outlined by WASs 180-40-230/392-145-015 have been adopted by the Board of Directors, Bethel School District No 403.

Breakfast and Lunch

 All students may eat at school free of charge for the duration of the 2021-2022 school year. Students may also bring their own lunch to school.  Breakfast and lunch will be picked up in the kitchen and eaten in the classroom. 

Safety While Eating in the Classroom

• Social Distancing

o   All students and staff will maintain at least 3’ of social distancing for the duration of lunch. 

• Hygiene

o   Students must wash hands prior to and after eating.   

• Cleaning and Disinfecting

o   All eating surfaces will be cleaned and disinfected before and after eating. 

• PPE- Face Coverings

o   While eating, students should completely remove their face covering. When they finish eating, they must wear a face covering.  

o When masks are off, students focus on eating, not talking

Recess

Students are expected to use appropriate behavior during recess. All students must work together and be considerate of one another to make the best of the weather conditions. To make recess safe and fun, students must:  

• Dress for the weather (Coats, hats & boots when appropriate)
• Follow adult directions
• Get a pass from the Supervisor to use their assigned restroom
• Get a pass from the Supervisor to take a mask break.  

Definition and Purpose

What is School-wide PBIS?

PBIS is a systems approach, establishing the school culture and behavioral supports needed for schools to be effective learning environments for all students.

• Evidence-based features
• Prevention
• Define and teach positive social expectations
• Acknowledge positive behavior
• Arrange consistent consequences for problem behavior
• Collection and use of data for decision-making
• Continuum of intensive, individual interventions
• Administrative leadership – Team-based implementation

PBIS Mission

The mission of the PBIS team at EPSOC is to create and promote a safe and proactive school environment that enhances student learning and teaches our students appropriate behavior for success as they move through K-12 and into the community. Through consistent teaching and modeling, reinforcing, and recognizing positive behaviors, we believe our students can do their best to SOAR in society. For more information go to www.pbis.org 

Watch our Sky Warriors SOAR!

Students K-8 will earn SOAR tickets for demonstrating behavior that is Safe, On-Task, Accountable and Respectful.  Students may use their tickets to “purchase” items from our SOAR store.  

Clothing & Dress Code

Please send students to school wearing comfortable school clothes that cover appropriately, and shoes according to the prevailing weather conditions. Clothing advertising alcohol, drugs, sex, tobacco, violence, weapons or with profane words or symbols are not allowed.  

**In PE and dance classes, please wear athletic type shoes and clothing that allows free movement.  

Elk Plain attendance policies and procedures are in accordance with Bethel School District policies. Full language of the policies is available on our website.

Daily Attendance – District Policy 3121

Parents are responsible for sending their children to school as required by RCW 28A.225.10; to make sure their children are in school on time each day; to encourage their children to come to school with a mental attitude which fosters learning; to communicate accurately with the school concerning their child’s absence.

Attendance Clerk: Ms. Austin, (253) 800-7993 or ep_office@bethelsd.org

*****If your child will be absent for any reason, please call or email Ms. Austin as soon as possible.*****

• Students arriving late to school will go directly to the attendance window in the office with a parent, written note excusing the student, or a doctor’s note. Students without a guardian’s/doctor’s excuse will be marked unexcused.
• Phone calls to our attendance clerk stating the reason for the lateness are welcome and will be excused if they meet criteria listed below.
• If your student is leaving the school before our dismissal time (2:10 PM) parents/guardians must complete a sign-out form located in the office.
• Get a “Pre-arranged Absence Form” from the attendance office (at least one week prior) to report upcoming absences extending more than two days. Administration may or may not excuse the absence depending on the reason for the absences and the student’s academic success.
• Students will make up all work and tests as determined by their teachers. It is a student/parent’s responsibility to check with teachers about work that is to be made up and when it is to be turned in.
• Parents/Guardians are encouraged to view “ParentVUE” on our district website (www.bethelsd.org) to report absences. Contact our office ((253) 800-7900) if you need ParentVUE and need more information.

K-5 Attendance Arrival/Dismissal Guidelines

Class begins promptly at 7:40 AM

Middle School Attendance Guidelines

• Class begins promptly at 7:40 AM
• There are six periods for 6th – 7th grades and nine for 8th grade in a school day
• Teachers will take attendance at the beginning of every period

Excused Absences: (WAC 392-401-020) 

Make-up Work – District Policy 3122
A student will have the right to make-up work for an excused absence provided arrangements are made with the teacher to do so within a reasonable length of time. A student may be required to make-up work for an unexcused absence.

Becca Bill
The “Becca Bill” (SB5439) is our state’s truancy law. Unexcused absences/tardies are subject to BECCA conference. The BECCA Bill supports the state mandate for students to attend school regularly. When a pattern of attendance concerns become evident, parents will be called in for a conference, at which time attendance and grades will be reviewed to initiate an action plan for attendance and making up assignments.

Attendance and Truancy Legal Requirements

• 1 unexcused absence within a 30-day period = Inform parents by notice in writing or by telephone
• 3 unexcused absences within a 30-day period = conference with parent/guardian, student, Vice Principal and/or Social Worker to identify barriers to attendance and provide support. 
• 5 excused/unexcused absences within a 30-day period = parent phone conference with Administrator
• Between the 2nd and not later than the 7th unexcused absence, the school may:
• Enter into an agreement with the family regarding attendance  -OR-
• Refer the student to a Community Engagement Board (CEB) -OR-
• File a truancy petition
• Must apply the WA Assessment of Risks and Needs of Students (WARNS) for MS students 
• Not later than 7 unexcused absences within a 30-day period and not later than 15 unexcused absences within a year, the school must:
• File truancy petition with Juvenile Court
• Refer the parent and child to a CEB

DID YOU KNOW?

• Starting in kindergarten, too many absences can cause children to fall behind in school
• Missing 10 percent (or about 18 days / or 2 days a month) can make it harder to learn to read
• Students can still fall behind if they miss just a day or two every few weeks
• Being late to school may lead to poor attendance
• Absences can affect the whole classroom if the teacher has to slow down learning to help children catch up. Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school – and themselves. Begin building this habit so they learn right away that going to school on time, every day is important. Good attendance will help children do well in high school, college, and at work.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

• Avoid medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session
• Set a regular bedtime and morning routine, even during remote learning
• Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before
• If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make him/her feel comfortable and excited. About learning
• Develop back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
• Remember that Elk Plain School is a “choice” school (meaning you choose to have your child here and follow the expectations). We absolutely want your child to continue his/her education at our school, and to ensure this they need to maintain good attendance

Elk Plain Office Information

The Elk Plain School of Choice office is open from 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM on regular school days. Messages may be left on our voicemail system before or after hours at (253) 800-7900. You may also contact the office by email at ep_office@bethelsd.org.

At this time, we are not able to welcome visitors to school.  If you have a need, please ring the front bell, and someone from the office will respond to you at the door.  

Cell Phones

All electronic devices (iPods, cell phones, mp3 players, etc.) must be turned off and put away in student backpacks during school hours, starting with the 7:20 AM morning bell, and continuing until students have boarded the bus at 2:10 PM in the afternoon. The school is not responsible for lost, stolen or broken devices. Students are not to check text messages from home or friends during school hours.

• Any calls, texts, photos or other electronic communication during the school day will result in confiscation of devices.
• Any electronic devices confiscated will be held in the office until the parent picks it up, and may also result in disciplinary consequences.
• E-readers, Kindles, etc. may be used on the bus only or in class at the teacher’s discretion.

Daily Transportation Changes

If your child will be taking a different bus home the office will need advance written notice of 48 hours to accommodate the change to give the Transportation Department adequate time to ensure there is space on the bus for extra students.  If you tell your child how you will pick them up in the morning, please do not change the plan. We have found that students ignore the note we send and go off of the verbal directions given by the parent.

Email Communication

We welcome and encourage communication from parents. Staff will make every effort to respond to you within one school day. All staff can be reached via email by using the first letter of the first name followed by the last name (up to ten characters total) then add @bethelsd.org.

Suggestions when emailing your student’s teacher, principal or any school staff:

• Please remember that email is not confidential
• Be concise
• Make a simple request for information
• If the concern is lengthy or involved, please request a conference instead of using email
• The need to repeat emails over an extended period of time is a signal that a conference should be scheduled

School information is available on the Elk Plain website at www.bethelsd.org/epsoc. If you do not use email, please talk to your child’s teacher about alternate communication tools.

Energy Drinks

Energy drinks or energy drink mix powders (which contain doses of caffeine and other legal stimulants like ephedrine, guarana, and ginseng) are not allowed at EPSOC. Energy drinks brought to school will be confiscated and discarded.

No Personal Property from Home

Personal items such as toys, electronic games and devices, cameras, radios, collector cards, etc. should not be brought to school. These items being used at Elk Plain may be confiscated and a phone call to the parent will be made to make arrangements for pick-up. EPSOC does not accept responsibility for the items from home that are lost, stolen, or damaged. Playground equipment from home should not be brought to school.

No Pets on Campus – Inside or Out

Elk Plain is a pet-free zone. Please do not remove your pet from the car during parent pick-up.

Phone Calls

If you have an emergency, and you need to get a message to your child, please call the office at (253) 800-7900 before 1:00 PM. We will need time to make sure your child receives the message. Remember that changes in transportation can’t be made over the phone. Students may use the phone with the permission of an adult for confirming family arrangements, or to request a forgotten item. (Personal cell phone calls or text messages are not allowed)

Phone calls to the classroom are not to interrupt student learning. The best way to communicate with your child’s teacher is through email which is checked before and after school. Please understand that all staff are teaching between those hours.

Report Cards & Conferences

Report cards are issued twice each year at the end of each semester. Parent-teacher conferences are arranged in the fall and in the spring. However, parents may contact the teacher to make arrangements to meet at any time during the school year.

Residency

Elk Plain is a School of Choice within the Bethel School District. Attendance at Elk Plain School of Choice requires residency within the BSD boundaries. The EPSOC office will request verification of residency as per the BSD guidelines.  If you move while attending EPSOC be sure to let the office know. 

Student Fines & Fees

Students are responsible for textbooks and iPads assigned to them and for library books they check out. Fines to cover replacement costs will be levied if items go missing. Pay fines and fees online at https://paypams.com/HomePage.aspx. Print the receipt and have your child return it to the school Librarian to have the fine removed from their record. *Students who move outside of the Bethel School District will not have their cumulative files forwarded until all of the outstanding fines are paid. Unpaid fines may impact a student’s participation in field trips.

Substitute Teachers

Occasionally our staff members have to be away from school and guest substitute teachers will conduct class. Students are expected to behave and study as if their regular teacher is present. Students are expected to be respectful, kind and tolerant.

Selling / Buying Personal Items at School

Students are not to bring items to sell at school including food, drinks, candy, and other personal items. Purchasing of non-school sponsored items from other students is also not allowed at school.

BSD students are privileged to be part of the iPad initiative and must be responsible, respectful and safe users of this district owned device.

Basic iPad Information

• iPads must come to school for in person learning and be fully charged each day
• iPads must stay in their cases
• iPads, cases, cords and charging blocks will be collected at the end of the school year
• Apple cords and chargers must be returned at the end of each school year or when the student is withdrawn from school
• For general iPad support, contact Elk Plain’s librarian
• If your device is stolen, lost or damaged please let your school librarian know. The device will be shut down and unusable to anyone if it is lost or stolen
• Cases need to be kept in good condition. They are not to be written on or marked up. The clear back window must remain open so that the barcode is visible

Bethel School District iPad Use Student Pledge

Responsible:

• I will be a responsible user of my iPad; know where it is at all times, charge my iPad’s battery daily, never leave it unattended, and keep it in the case
• I will take steps to properly save and/or submit student work completed on the iPad and make sure it is accessible when needed in class
• I will use my iPad on a table or desktop, never in my lap, keeping it in a designated spot when not used 
• I will download all apps needed for classroom use from Self Serve
• I will stay on task and on app
• (Middle School) I agree to return the issued iPad, case, cord and charging block in good working condition
• I will immediately report the theft, loss or damage to an adult and to the EPSOC librarian

Respectful:

• I will be respectful when using the iPad camera, obtain permission before taking or sharing photos or videos, and use it in accordance with BSD rules and expectations
• I will not attempt to bypass security settings, disassemble my iPad, remove district labels or markings, or make any modifications or repairs myself
• I will use my iPad in ways that are appropriate, educational, and that meet BSD expectations and comply with the BSD Internet Usage Agreement, both during the school day and, for Middle School users, at home 

Safe:

• I will keep my iPad safe and acknowledge that I am responsible for all damage or loss of my iPad caused by neglect, accident, or abuse
• I will not lend my iPad to anyone
• I will protect my iPad by keeping it in a protective case and keep all food and liquids away from it
• I will keep all passcodes and passwords for my device private and never share any personal information
• I understand that the iPad is subject to inspection at any time, without notice, and remains the property of Bethel School District

Be Prepared for a School Emergency

Ensure that your child’s emergency contact information is accurate and current on ParentVUE. Parents/Guardians may update the information at any time.

In Case of School Emergency

Although your first reaction may be to call or rush to your child’s school, please follow the tips below. The Bethel School District hotline number is (253) 800-6001.

• DO NOT call or rush to your child’s school. Phone lines and staff are needed for emergency response efforts.
• DO NOT phone your child on their cell phone. Staff and students are discouraged from using cell phone communications for safety reasons.

In the event of an emergency at your child’s school it is important to know these terms:

Lockdown – A lockdown takes place if an internal or external threat is identified at the school. All school doors are locked and students are confined to classrooms. No entry into or exit from the school will be allowed until an “all clear” announcement is made.

Shelter in Place – Students take refuge in designated areas to protect them from hazardous materials or severe weather. No entry into or exit out from the school will be allowed until an “all clear” announcement is made.

Evacuation – In the event of certain building emergencies it is required to complete evacuation of the school campus. Students will be released ONLY to parents/guardians with picture ID and permission from the district official. This procedure is necessary to account for the location of all students. 

Reverse Evacuation – Students are evacuated from the outside of the building to the interior in the event of an outside threat. No entry into or exit from the school will be allowed until an “all clear” announcement is made.

How can I reunite with my child?

Reunification – Parents/guardians will be directed by the school Emergency Notification System, or public safety officials via media to their child’s specific location. Students will be released ONLY to parents/guardians or those who are documented as emergency contacts and who present a picture ID such as a driver’s license, military ID or passport.

• Tune in to local TV/Radio stations for official school news alerts
• Rely only on official communication from school or public safety officials
• Listen for official information regarding reunification with your child

Families are encouraged to have an emergency plan for their children in case regular routines are interrupted.

Please discuss the following points with your child(ren):

• What should your child do if the bus does not arrive in the morning at the bus stop?
• What transportation will be provided to a different bus stop or to school when routes are curtailed due to road conditions (weather or traffic accidents)?
• What should your child do if someone offers him/her a ride?
• What should your child do if he/she arrives home and no one is there?
• Where should your child go or whom should he/she call if help is needed?

President – Roseanna Camacho
Vice-President – John L. Manning
Director –Brenda Rogers
Director –Cindy Henry-Young
Director – Marcus Young

Five citizens serve a four-year term as elected officials on the Bethel School Board.  Each member represents a district in the 202-square mile district.

School board members, also called school directors, are the “governors” of the school district who work in partnership with their administrative team to set the district’s direction. School board members have four major areas of responsibility:

Vision
The board focuses the work of the district and community on student achievement through a comprehensive strategic planning process.

Structure
The board governs the district through prudent financial planning and oversight, and diligent and innovative policymaking.

Accountability
The board infuses all programs and critical policies with specific goals and a process for evaluation, reporting and recommending improvements.

Advocacy
The board champions public education in the local community and before state and federal policymakers.

The school board regularly meets twice a month on Tuesday nights.  The public is always welcome to attend.  Call 253-800-6000 or visit  the district website https://www.bethelsd.org/Page/5690 for specific information