Greetings Evergreen Eagle Students & Families, 

We are excited to welcome you to the start of an amazing school year! The coming year is met with great anticipation as we transition back to full-time, in-person learning. As a school and community partner, we are committed to providing the highest quality education and support for each child. We believe our mission is that, “Every student, without excuse and without exception, will be proficient in reading, language, and math.” Throughout the year we will be gathering data and asking for feedback from both students and families to help us determine areas we need to strengthen and additional supports we can provide. Together we will SOAR! 

Each year of school prepares students for success in following school years. Elementary school is especially crucial in that it lays the foundation of literacy, communication, math, and habits of mind for the rest of the student’s academic career and beyond.  In order to provide a safe, secure, motivational, and academically rigorous beginning, we need to work together to make the transition between home and school a smooth, positive experience. 

Strategies to promote the home-school connection and student success include: 

• Monitor the school’s website, ParentVUE, email, and the weekly school newsletter for the most up-to-date information about Evergreen Elementary.
• Engage in regular communication with the classroom teacher(s).
• Attend our Open House on September 2, 2021 from 5:30-6:30pm. Here you will learn about our school goals, visit classrooms, meet teachers and other staff members.
• Commit to daily, on-time attendance to be certain that students maximize learning opportunities.
• Have a conversation each day about school. Encourage and recognize successes, while developing strategies to persevere through challenges.
• Teach responsible ways to use the district iPad and practice digital citizenship.
• Monitor the use of technology.
• Read daily with your child. Take turns being the reader and the listener. 
• Schedule adequate sleep, activity, and good nutrition.  These are essential for students to be ready to learn.
• Attending Fall and Spring Conferences to discuss successes and develop plans for challenges.
• Attend school events throughout the year and be involved in the school experience. 

We look forward to partnering with you! Together we are a stronger team to support all students.   Our staff is looking forward to a great year at Evergreen Elementary School!  

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call, 253-800-8200. 

Sincerely,

Lisa Whitmire, Principal                                                  
Alicia Thurston, Asst. Principal

MISSION STATEMENT

Every student, without excuse and without exception, will be proficient in reading, language and math. 

NO EXCUSES UNIVERSITY

We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to be educated in a way that prepares them for college.

At Evergreen Elementary we have high expectations for all students and believe when students work hard they will be successful. In addition, we will provide all students at Evergreen with the academic and social skills necessary to be successful in middle school, high school, and beyond.

CHANGE OF STUDENT INFORMATION

ParentVUE is the main portal to enroll new students and to complete the required annual information updates. Parents will receive an email at the address we have on file that describes the process for activating your ParentVUE account. Please follow the instructions within that email to activate your account. When you first sign in, you will view the Introduction page. Please read through this information and click "Continue" at the bottom to be guided through a process to validate your student's information. If you did not receive this email, please check your Junk or Spam folders. If you still do not receive it, please contact us at ParentVUE@bethelsd.org

 

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

Office	800-8200
Health	800-8293
Attendance	800-8293
Social Worker	800-8270
Food Services	800-8294
Bethel Emergency Line	800-6001
Transportation	800-5900
Bethel Recreation	800-7751
PTA	800-8200

 

VISITORS

It is wonderful to see families and volunteers visiting our school during the day. Parent and community involvement is encouraged and very much appreciated. We strive to make sure all feel welcomed, while also ensuring, the educational process is not disrupted. Our staff cares deeply about the well-being of each child’s safety; therefore school security is taken very seriously. 

All Bethel Schools require visitors to enter through a secure door, which requires you call into the office. Staff will answer the call and ask you to state the reason for your visit, then show identification. Visitors must then check in at the office and obtain visitor badge.

 

SCHOOL HOURS

Breakfast:                                             8:20

First Bell:                                             8:30

School begins:                                      8:35

School dismissal:                                  3:05

Early dismissal:                                     11:50

1hour late arrival:                                  9:35

If no notification is received for an absence, an automated message system will call and notify the family that the child is listed as unexcused. You must notify the office each day your child is absent. 

At Evergreen Elementary School, we expect all students to attend class daily. Learning at Evergreen is designed to take place in class. We recognize a direct correlation between attendance and achievement. Daily attendance is one of the keys to a student’s educational success. Every subject taught requires a student’s active and continuous involvement in order to develop skills and knowledge of the particular subject. Most classroom experiences cannot be duplicated on an individual basis; an absent student loses the experience of direct instruction, exploration, group work, and participation. Missing more than 10 percent (2 absences a month) increases the chance that your student will not read or master math at the same level as their peers.

 

HOW TO REPORT ATTENDANCE:

• Call the attendance office 253-800-8293

• Email Cathryn Maine: cmaine@bethelsd.org

• Send a note when your child returns to school.
• Log onto Family Access and enter an absence request

 

HOW TO SUPPORT GOOD ATTENDANCE

1. Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.
2. Prepare for school the night before, finishing homework and setting out uniform and backpack the night before.
3. Make sure your child has the required immunizations.
4. Only let your child stay home with they are truly sick.
5. Make appointment and plan extended trips with school is not in session
6. Develop backup plans for getting to school if something comes up
7. Keep track of your student’s attendance with a goal of less that 9 absences for the year.
8. Talk to your student’s teacher if you notice sudden changes around your student’s attitude toward school.
9. Talk to your student about the importance of attendance.

 

PREARRANGED ABSENCE

Students whose parents pre-approve their absence for three or more days need to fill out a pre-arranged Absence Form. Administration may deny excusal of the absence if the absence does not meet the excused absence criteria. The following are steps for a pre-arranged absence:

• Bring a note from the parent or
• Get a Planned Absence Form from the attendance
• Turn the signed form into the attendance clerk at least 3 days prior to the
• Students will make up all work and assessments as determined by the teacher.
• It is the student’s responsibility to check with their teacher about work that is to be made up and when the work is to be turned

 

TARDIES

Students not in the classroom by 8:35 am will be marked tardy. For 2^nd -5^th  graders, after the third tardy within 30 school days, students will receive Recess Reflection where they can reflect on the impact of their late arrive to class.  

 

EXCUSED ABSENCES (Policy 3122)

The following are valid excuses for absences:

• Illness, health condition, or medical appointment: A doctor’s note is required for more than 3 days missed in a row due to illness.
• Appointments: If possible, try to make medical, dental, and eye appointments at the beginning or end of the day. A note from your health care provider is required when appointments take place during school hours to excuse the absence.
• Family Emergencies: Including but not limited to a death or illness in the family. While we understand that family emergencies do occur occasionally, excessive emergencies will not be excused.
• Religious or cultural purposes: Including observance of religious or cultural holidays or participation in religious or cultural instruction.
• Court or judicial proceeding: A note from the court verifying the date(s) must be returned to school to excuse the absence.
• Absence resulting from disciplinary action (short- or long-term suspension, emergency expulsion)
• School and district approved activities
• Absences due to student safety concerns including threats, bullying, or assaults.
• Absences due to a student’s migrant status.

 

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

Any absence from school for more than 50% of an average school day is unexcused unless it meets one of the criteria listed for an excused absence.

 

STATE LAWS AND CONSEQUENCES

• Three unexcused absences in one month, state law (RCW 28A.225.020), requires a scheduled conference with you and your student to identify the barriers and supports available to ensure regular attendance. The district is obligated to develop a plan that may require an assessment to determine how to meet the needs of your student and reduce absenteeism.
• Five excused absences in any month, ten or more excused absences in a school year, requires the school district to contact you to schedule a conference at a mutually agreeable time with at least one district employee, to identify the barriers and supports available to you and your student. A meeting is not required if your student has provided a doctor’s note, a pre-arranged absence in writing, or the parent, student and school have made a plan, so your student does not fall behind academically. If your student has an Individualized Education Plan or a 504 Plan, the team that created the plan needs to reconvene.
• Seven unexcused absences in any month or ten unexcused absences within the school year, requires a petition to be filed with Pierce County Juvenile Court, alleging a violation of RCW 28A.225.010, the mandatory attendance laws. If your student continues to be truant, you may be required to appear in court.

 

All staff will enforce our school wide discipline system. Discipline will be maintained on a building-wide basis, as well as, in the classroom. Building and classroom expectations will be taught to the students at the beginning of the school year and reviewed throughout the year. Please review pages 8 and 9 for more information about our expectations and potential consequences.

 

CONSEQUENCES EXPLAINED

• Processing – The student will be given a form to reflect on his or her actions and make a written plan for better choices in the future. Parent communication will be made in writing, by e-mail, or through a phone
• Recess Reflection- The student will spend his or her recess in recess reflection. Parent communication will be made in writing, by email, or through a phone call.
• Before School and/or After School Detention – This is a 30-minute detention with a staff member. Students are expected to attend their detention until they are picked up or go to school. Parents will be contacted a minimum of 24 hours in advance to discuss the situation and schedule the day for the detention pick up/drop off.
• Friday School Detention – This is a 60-minute detention with the Assistant Principal. Students are expected to attend their one hour detention until 4:05. Parents will be contacted a minimum of 24 hours in advance to discuss the situation and schedule the after detention pick up.
• In/Out of school suspension- Parents will be contacted by a school administrator prior to the suspension.

 

CELL PHONES/SMART WATCHES

Students who bring cell phones or smart watches to school must keep them in their backpacks and on silent during school hours. Students who have phones/watches out during school hours will be given a warning the first offense. If a second offense occurs, the cell phone will be kept in the office for the day and returned it to the student at the end of the day. The third offense will result in the phone being kept in the office until a parent or guardian can pick it up. 

STUDENT SAFETY (Board Policy #3249)

FIREARMS- It is unlawful for any student to carry onto any school premises, school provided transportation, or areas with facilities being used exclusively by public school any firearm or weapon. Students who violate the firearm policy will be expelled from school for a minimum of one calendar year in accordance with RCW 28A.600.420. Parents must be notified of the imposition of the expulsion and their right to hearing and appeal. The principal or designee shall notify appropriate law enforcement personnel of known or suspected violations of the firearms policy

Students deserve recognition for improvement and achievement. At Evergreen, we have a number of programs designed to recognize our students. 

Semester Assemblies

These assemblies recognize students for both academics and character success in and out of the classroom. 

Self-Managers

Self-managers are students who exhibit the positive social and academic behaviors of an Evergreen Eagle. Each grade level has their own criteria which correlates to our SOAR expectations.  Students are recognized monthly in the classroom and select students are recognized over announcements. Self-mangers receive a bracelet and special benefits in and out of the classroom. 

Regular Attendance Award

Students who only miss one or no days of school in a month, will receive an award. Students with perfect or regular attendance at the semesters will earn an extra recess as well. 

Brag Tags

Brag tags are a classroom incentive system that are used to encourage, promote, and celebrate positive behavior. These tags are approximately 2″x3″ and hung on a necklace. When a student demonstrates a behavior that the teacher feels is exemplary, a tag is rewarded to that student.

STUDENT BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAM

Evergreen operates a breakfast and lunch program on a daily basis. Students are encouraged to purchase meals for at least a week at a time. The money sent with your student goes onto an account and gets debited daily. The price of breakfast and lunch includes milk. Students bringing their lunch may purchase milk. Please mark lunchboxes and sacks with your child’s name. 

We strongly encourage you to pay for your child’s meals through the Parent Account Management System (PAMS) by logging onto www.PayPAMS.com website. See our front office for easy instructions on how to use this method. When sending money from home, please place the money in an envelope and write your child’s first and last name, teacher’s name, and the amount enclosed. 

Please note on late start days NO breakfast will be served. On half days only breakfast will be served, but NO lunch.

 

FREE AND REDUCED BREAKFAST AND LUNCH

Free and reduced lunch prices are available through federally funded programs. The necessary forms are available at the school office. You may complete the application online at https://emealapps.bethelsd.org. For questions about the Bethel School District Child Nutrition, please call 253-800-6910.  You must reapply each school year. This year ALL school lunches will be free regardless of application status.

 

MEAL PRICES

Breakfast: $1.75
Lunch: $2.75
Milk: $.60

 

CURRICULUM

The Common Core State Standards are our curriculum.  Students demonstrate their knowledge of these standards when taking the Smarter Balanced Assessment during their third through fifth grade years.  Exceptional educational program offerings at Evergreen include: music, band, orchestra physical education, library, computers, art, services supporting learning disabilities, speech, occupational and physical therapy, and after school clubs. Identified highly capable students in grades 1-5 will have the opportunity to participate in Challenge.

 

CONFERENCES

Though report cards serve as a good means of communication, they may not always be sufficient for some individual situations. Parents, as well as teachers, are urged to initiate a conference to clarify concerns and solve problems. All conferences should be scheduled for a mutually agreed time either before or after school hours. 

Formal parent-teacher conferences occur twice a year and are a very important part of the school program. The purpose of our parent conferences is to share both the academic and social emotional growth as well as other information with parents. It is also a time build relationships with families. Our goal is to support parents as they support their students in readiness for each successive year. This a time for staff, students, and families to connect, communicate and plan collaboratively.

 

HEALTH SERVICES

Student health services are provided by our school nurse and health clerk. Periodic screening tests are conducted for identification of possible problems regarding vision, hearing, or speech. Parents are notified and advised when referral to a physician might be indicated by the screening tests.

TECHNOLOGY/IPAD

This year, all Evergreen students will have access to iPads. With this privilege comes responsibility. Your child's teacher has already taught your child of the following expectations. Reinforcing them at home will be beneficial and prevent any problems with the iPads this year.  

General Guidelines 

• Only use the iPad with your number on it.
• Take good care of the iPad. If something happens to it, fines will be assessed 

How to Handle Problems 

• Tell a teacher right away if there is a problem with your iPad.
• When in doubt, ask for help.

Care of the Pad 

• Keep food or liquid away from the iPad.
• Keep the iPad in its case.
• Keep the bar code/serial number on the iPad.
• Only use your iPad with clean hands.
• Only touch the iPad screen with your fingers or a stylus.
• Teacher will provide you with appropriate cleaner.
• Keep objects off the iPad.
• Hold the iPad securely with BOTH hands when moving around.
• The iPads must be used on your desk.
• Flip and Focus/Taco: When students are asked to “flip and focus” or “taco their iPad,” iPads should immediately be flipped over and the focus should be placed on the teacher. 

Unacceptable Behavior

• Using the iPad camera for any purpose other than stated by the teacher
• Intentionally visiting websites not assigned by teacher.
• Accessing another student's account,
• Trying to cover up inappropriate use.
• Intentionally damaging, placing stickers, writing, drawing on or otherwise defacing the iPad or case.
• Changing any settings or applying passcodes on the iPad. 
• Using the iPad in any way that would break the classroom rules and/or Evergreen Code of Conduct. 

 

 

ACCIDENTS AND ILLNESS

Parents of children who become ill or injured while at school shall be notified. It is imperative that parents list emergency numbers with the school. Please contact the school office when you change your home or work telephone numbers, or if other emergency contacts change.

 

INCLEMENT WEATHER SCHOOL CLOSING

The closing of school due to snow is authorized by the Superintendent’s office.  This information is given over the local TV and radio stations. Announcements by radio and TV stations are to be considered official. Channel 4 (KOMO), 5 (KING) and 7 (KIRO) are three local stations that report school closings. You can also check the Bethel School District website and Facebook pages for more information. Families are asked to prepare a family emergency plan should such conditions require schools to close.

 

 

STUDENTS AT SCHOOL BEFORE AND AFTER HOURS

Students may not arrive at school in the morning before the scheduled arrival time or remain at school after the dismissal time (8:20 AM - 3:05 PM) unless a supervised activity is planned. Parents will be informed if there is a planned activity. Students are asked not to play on the sidewalks or around the buildings after school hours. Skateboarding is prohibited on school property. Parents are asked to remind their children of the need to protect our school from potential vandalism and abuse.

 

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

Evergreen uses an adopted social emotional curriculum as a basis for age appropriate topics in grades K-5. Fifth grade students receive additional instruction in selected human growth and development topics. Additionally, our social worker provides individual/group-counseling services to students.

 

REPORT CARDS

Report cards are issued two times a year, according to the district calendar. Detailed information regarding levels of achievement are noted on the report card each grading period.

 

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips may be taken and are an extension of classroom instruction. Parents who wish to volunteer must check with the classroom teacher and must have a current volunteer application on file with Bethel School District.

 

HOMEWORK

Homework is assigned to strategically practice and reinforce skills that have been taught in class for the purposes of knowledge recall and skill fluency. It also help to teach independent study habits. Bringing in completed homework assignments on time is extremely important. Please create a quiet study space and time to complete assigned homework.

 

HOMEWORK TIPS FOR PARENTS

• Set aside a time to do homework and read everyday.
• If possible, provide a quiet area for your student to work with good lighting and materials to work with (pencils, ruler, and dictionary).
• Let your student work on their own, but let them know you are available for help as a resource and consultant.
• Be available to check that the assignment has been completed accurately and thoroughly.
• Help your student see how this particular assignment or skill relates to everyday life and/or life skills.
• Remember, nothing can help like a hug, smile, and a word of approval. Be encouraging and supportive!
• If you need strategies to support your child with homework, please let us know. We are happy to help!

 

STUDENT BUS TRANSPORTATION

School bus transportation is a service provided for students who live outside of the walking zone. Good behavior is a necessity at the bus stops and while riding the bus.  Progressive Discipline will be followed with students who misbehave.  Habitual misbehavior may require a student to forfeit their privilege to ride the bus.

 

STUDENTS GOING HOME WITH FRIENDS

Any arrangements for a child to go home with another child shall be made at home by both parents who are involved. A note, to this effect, needs to be sent to the teacher or office. Whenever a child is to leave school other than the usual manner, the school needs to be notified in writing or with a phone call to the office.

 

STUDENTS TRANSPORTED BY AUTOMOBILE

Please enter the school parking lot on 14^thavenue from 168^th and wait in the pick-up line. Please be sure to pull all the way forward to a numbered spot and your student will be sent to your car.

 

WALKING TO SCHOOL

Students in grades 2-5 may walk to and from school. Students must use crosswalks and follow the crossing guard’s instructions.

 

BIKE RIDERS

Students in grades 4 and 5 may ride a bike to school. A parent permission note must be submitted to the office. Students must wear an approved helmet and walk their bikes on school grounds. Evergreen Elementary is not responsible for damaged or stolen bikes.

PLEASE NOTE: Any and all changes to a student’s method of going home must be received by the office no later than 2:30. After 2:30 students need to follow usual transportation to get home. No students will be pulled off the bus for parent pick up. 

 

VOLUNTEERS

Evergreen Elementary offers many opportunities for parents to volunteer their time and talents in aiding in the operation of the school and in enriching the educational experience of students. The Evergreen staff appreciates the many hours of service provided by volunteers each school year. Some of the opportunities for volunteering include assisting in the library, assisting teachers with their educational programs such as reading, writing, math, and computer technology and assisting in preparing materials for the teachers to use in the classroom. Please talk to your child’s teacher to arrange a time to volunteer. You must have a current volunteer form on file. Please be sure to fill out a new volunteer form EVERY year.

 

EVERGREEN PTA

Family and teacher support of the PTA contributes to many activities throughout the school year.  We start with Back to School Night and work throughout the year to support field trips, school pictures, yearbooks, book fairs, new recess equipment, family events, "Tie-Dye Tuesday" t-shirts for every student, and many more activities. Joining the PTA simply means supporting PTA sponsored events with your membership. Volunteering is not required to be a PTA member, only membership is required. Of course, we love having many volunteers, so we will gladly call on you.  Also, we understand that many family schedules are extremely busy, so please, do what works for you and your family.  During the course of the year, we hold regular PTA meetings and communications to keep all of our members in the know. We encourage strong attendance at our meetings in order to have members suggest ideas, voice concerns, and put their support behind the programs they are most passionate about.

The district is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees, parents/legal guardians, volunteers and patrons that is free from harassment, intimidation or bullying. "Harassment, intimidation or bullying" means any intentional written message or image – including those that are electronically transmitted – verbal, or physical act, including but not limited to one shown to be motivated by race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, mental or physical disability, or other distinguishing characteristics, when an act:

• physically harms a student or damages the student's property; or
• has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's education; or
• is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or
• has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school?

 

Sexual Harassment—Students and staff are protected against sexual harassment by anyone in any school program or activity, including on the school campus, on the school bus, or off-campus, such as at school-sponsored field trips. 

Sexual harassment is unwelcome behavior or communication that is sexual in nature when:

• a student or employee is led to believe that he or she must submit to unwelcome sexual conduct or communications in order to gain something in return, such as a grade, a promotion, a place on a sports team, or any educational or employment decision, or
• the conduct substantially interferes with a student’s educational performance, or creates an intimidating or hostile educational or employment environment.

 Sexual harassment as defined below includes conduct and communication of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. It is a violation of district policy for a student to harass any other student, employee, volunteer, or agent of the district. Violations will be subject to discipline. (Policy 3206) 

Student to Staff Sexual Harassment—Sexually harassing behaviors may include, but are not limited to, the following actions: remarks to or about a person with a sexual or demeaning implication, spreading sexual rumors, cornering or blocking a person's movement, using the telephone to harass, following, stalking, or any other conduct that creates a hostile environment for staff. Violations will be subject to discipline. (Policy 3206) 

Student to Student Sexual Harassment—Student to student sexual harassment is defined as any unwanted sexual behavior, such as sexually explicit gestures  with  hands  or  through  body  movements,  sexual  teasing  or  jokes,  pressure for  dates,  sexually  demeaning  comments,  deliberate  touching  or  pinching,  cornering  or  blocking  a  student's  movement, pulling at  clothing,  attempts  to  fondle  or  kiss,  pressure  for  sex  or  any  other  conduct  designed  to  embarrass or to intimidate  whenever  such  harassment  occurs  on  school  property  or  at  a  school-sponsored  event.  Sexual assault and/or rape is also a form of sexual harassment and is a criminal act that will be reported to law enforcement immediately for investigation and possible prosecution.  Violations will be subject to discipline.  (Policy 3206) 

Racial Harassment—Slurs are the most common form of discrimination. A slur is defined as an insulting or disparaging remark or innuendo such as a word, phrase, or joke directed at or to any individual or group(s) which is based on perceived differences within our diverse population. Students should be taught to appreciate individual differences and staff should model appropriate behaviors.  It is appropriate for public schools to teach these values not only as part of the curriculum but also by precluding slurs which demean others.  Slurs, in the context of a school   setting, constitute a disruptive influence and students or staff who make a slur shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. (Policy 5013)

How do I report harassment? You can report harassment or sexual harassment to any school staff member or to the district Compliance Officer- Debra Carlman, Director of Equity and Achievement at 253-800-2019 or dcarlman@bethelsd.org. You can also fill out an incident form at https://www.bethelsd.org/Page/3641.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, commonly called “Section 504,” is a federal law that protects students from discrimination based on disability. Section 504 assures that students with disabilities have educational opportunities and benefits equal to those provided to students without disabilities. To be eligible, a student must have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity. 

Under Section 504, your child has the right to:

• Receive a free and appropriate public education.
• Participate in and benefit from the district’s educational programs without discrimination.
• Be provided an equal opportunity to participate in the district’s nonacademic and extracurricular activities.
• Be educated with students who do not have disabilities to the maximum extent appropriate.
• Be educated in facilities and receive services that are comparable to those provided to students without disabilities.
• Receive accommodations and/or related aids and services to allow your child an equal opportunity to participate in school activities.
• Receive educational and related aids and services without cost, except for those fees imposed on the parents of children without disabilities.
• Receive special education services if needed.

 

Under Section 504, parent/guardian has the right to:

• Review your child’s educational records and to receive copies at a reasonable cost. You will not be charged if the cost would keep you from reviewing the records.
• Ask the district to change your child’s education records if you believe that they are wrong, misleading, or are otherwise in violation of your child’s privacy rights. If the district refuses this request, you have the right to challenge the refusal by requesting an impartial hearing.
• A response to your reasonable requests for explanations and interpretations of your child’s education records.

 

THE SECTION 504 PROCESS

Your child has the right to an evaluation before the school determines if he or she is eligible under Section 504. You have the right to:

• Receive notice before the district takes any action regarding the identification, evaluation, and placement of your child.
• Have evaluation and placement decisions made by a group of persons, often called a “504 team”, including persons who know your child, the meaning of the evaluation information, and the placement options available.
• Have evaluation decisions based on a variety of sources, such as aptitude and achievement tests, teacher recommendations, physical conditions, medical records, and parental observations.
• Refuse consent for the initial evaluation and initial placement of your child.
• If your child is eligible under Section 504, your child has a right to periodic re-evaluations, including re-evaluations before any significant change is made in your child’s placement.

 

IF YOU DISAGREE WITH THE DISTRICT’S DECISION

If you disagree with the district’s decisions regarding your child’s identification, evaluation, educational program, or placement under Section 504, you may request mediation or an impartial due process hearing. You and your child have the right to take part in the hearing and have an attorney represent you. Hearing requests and other concerns can be made to your district’s Section

 

 

504 Coordinator:
Brian Lowney
516 176^th Street East Spanaway WA, 98856
[253-800-2300], blowney@bethelsd,org 

You have the right to file a complaint of discrimination with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), or to file a complaint in federal court. Generally, an OCR complaint may be filed within 180 calendar days of the act that you believe was discriminatory. The regional office is located at 915 Second Ave, Room 3310, Seattle, WA 98174-1099.

Phone: 206-607-1600/TDD: 206-607-1647

Website: www.ed.gov/OCR.

Bethel School district is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all federal rules and regulations, including Title IX, RCW 28A.640, RCW 28A.642 and Section 504. Bethel does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any disability, or use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Please contact Title IX officer Bryan Strzelecki, Director of Athletics and Security at 253.683.6055, Section 504 coordinator Lori Haugen, Executive Director of Special Education at 253.683.6920 or Civil Rights coordinator Debbie Carlman, Director of Equity and Achievement at 253.683.6035 with any questions or complaints.

 

Under the Open Records Act, the public is afforded full access to information concerning the administration and operations of the school district (policy 4040). This information is limited to records not protected by state and federal privacy laws. For more information on access to school district records, call the records custodian Kathryn Kemp at 253.683.6000.