School Policies and Student Conduct

1. Requires that the rules of a district governing pupil conduct and discipline be interpreted to insure an optimum learning atmosphere in the classroom. Optimum learning atmosphere shall be defined as the climate in which each student has the maximum opportunity to learn. The conduct of students that interferes with that climate is kept at an absolute minimum as determined by the classroom teacher.
2. Requires students to comply with rules established for the governing of schools.
3. Requires a student to pursue their course of study and make reasonable progress.
4. Requires students to submit to the authority of teachers, subject to such disciplinary action, as school officials shall determine. (This includes the act of giving your name to any staff member that requests it)
5. Empowers teachers to hold pupils on strict accountability for disorderly or antisocial conduct while under the teacher’s supervision, and to make recommendations for the suspension of a student for cause.
6. Makes it a crime to willfully create a disturbance on school premises during school hours or at school activities or meetings.
7. Provides that students who damage property at school or while under school jurisdiction may be suspended and punished. The student, parent(s) and/or guardian(s) shall be liable for damages.
8. Allows teachers to temporarily exclude students from classroom instructional or activity area.
9. Prohibits harassment on basis of race, national origin, gender, age, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability.
    

Hazen is committed to a safe, civil learning environment where all students, employees, and patrons work, learn, and participate in an environment free from bullying, harassment, and intimidation. Hazen prohibits bullying, harassment, and intimidation, based on actual or perceived race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, disability, marital status, or other individual characteristics, including, but not limited to socio-economic status and physical appearance.
Bullying, harassment, and intimidation can take many forms and can include slurs, rumors, jokes, innuendoes, demeaning comments, drawings, cartoons, pranks, ostracism, physical attacks or threats, other gestures, or written, oral, or physical acts relating to an individual or group which:
1. Have the effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or learning environment;
2. Have the effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or education;
3. Otherwise unreasonably affects an individual’s employment or educational opportunities; or
4. Violates the civility standard of the district.
This policy does not prohibit civil, respectful expressions of religious or political views and is a component of the district’s responsibility to create and maintain a safe, civil, and inclusive learning community.

Harassment refers to any malicious act, which causes harm to any person's physical well being. It can be discriminatory harassment, malicious harassment, or sexual harassment.  

Intimidation refers to implied or overt threats of physical violence.  

Bullying refers to unwanted aggressive behavior(s) by another youth or group of youths that involves an observed or perceived power imbalance and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated. Bullying may inflict harm on the targeted youth including physical or educational harm. Bullying can also occur through technology and is called electronic bullying or cyberbullying. 

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying" means any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act including, but not limited to, one shown to be motivated by any characteristic in RCW 28A.640.010 and 28A.642.010, or other distinguishing characteristics, when the intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act: 

(A) Physically harms a student or damages the student's property; 

(B) Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's education; 

(C) Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or 

(D) Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school. 

(ii) Nothing in (b)(i) of this subsection requires the affected student to actually possess a characteristic that is a basis for the harassment, intimidation, or bullying. 

Students and families can access more information about HIB, including the HIB reporting form, via the district website at: https://www.rentonschools.us/learning-and-teaching/student-support/bullying-suicide-prevention 

Completed HIB reporting forms should be submitted to the Hazen Dean of Students.   

Social media has many benefits, but when media postings violate the law or school policies, or create a disruption to the school community, school administrators may take appropriate action, including investigation and discipline.
Students are expected to follow all school and district policies for internet and computer use when using e-mail, the internet, and social media as forms of communications with fellow students, teachers, and the community. Use of social media that leads to disruption of the learning environment and/or the social/emotional well-being of students and staff is subject to disciplinary actions. Use good judgment with social media—what you post leaves a digital footprint. How you represent yourself online is an extension of yourself. Do not post anything you wouldn’t want friends, parents, teachers, or future colleges/employers to see. Hazen’s policies against bullying, hazing, sexual or other harassment apply fully to the use of the internet and social media. Under certain circumstances, the school may discipline students who violate rules of appropriate conduct, which includes but is not limited to the use of social networking sites during or outside of school. Recording and/or distributing any digital video and/or audio of misbehavior that occurs on campus, or at a district-sanctioned event, is grounds for disciplinary action, including suspension.  Staff members and students are not to be recorded at any time without permission. Hazen is not responsible for your use or misuse of social media.  

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a positive manner that contributes to classroom activities. If a disruption occurs and a teacher has been unable to solve the problem, the student will be sent to an administrator.  The student may be kept out of the class for appropriate disciplinary action.

Personal electronic devices, such as cell phones, digital music players, smart watches, and any other electronic device that may capture images or sound, project or create sound, or be used to generate communication to other devices, are often disruptive to effective classroom instruction when not part of the teacher’s planned learning activities.

For this reason, all personal electronic devices and peripherals (earbuds, headphones, etc.) are to remain turned off and stored away from students during class time (bell-to-bell), unless explicit permission is given by an instructor for use.

Violations will result in progressive corrective action, parent/caregiver contact, and possible confiscation by security or administration/dean of students. Classroom teachers will attempt to redirect and intervene to remind students to meet this expectation prior to referral to an administrator, if necessary. Insubordinate or argumentative behavior may result in further disciplinary consequences.

Students may eat lunch in the cafeteria, commons, and outdoors in approved areas. Students should make sure areas remain litter-free. Students may not eat in classroom hallways or on any carpeted areas except for the vending area in the ASB Commons.  Students are not allowed to sit in staircases, as this is against fire codes. Students are expected to pick up litter following lunch and leave their eating table/area clean. The D Wing and 700 building are off limits during lunch. Areas can be closed to food if the student body does not keep the school clean.

Forging notes or passes, altering school records, or in any way participating in the contribution of false information for school records will result in disciplinary action.

A gang is defined (RCW 28A.600.445) as a group of people who interact among themselves; have identifiable leadership; take upon themselves an identity and/or a group name; claim a physical territory; and engage together in one or more forms of antisocial behavior and/or criminal activity on a regular or ongoing basis. Student behavior, dress, signing or symbolism intended to represent gang affiliation will not be tolerated on school grounds or at school sponsored events. These symbols change from time to time and include such items as hats, bandanas of any color, chain ornaments, clothing colors and styles, gang colors, use of hand signals, and symbols of affiliation, including jewelry, graffiti, and tattoos. Behavior on or about school premises or at school sponsored events that creates conflict or an atmosphere of intimidation, or creates a clear and present danger, or disrupts the orderly operation of school is prohibited. When an issue of concern is present, the student(s) involved will be notified and asked not to display such symbolism again.  Subsequent violation of this policy will result in discipline, suspension, or expulsion.   
For school discipline purposes, gang affiliation/display includes:
•    the creation, display, or communication of gestures, language, imagery, or symbols as defined below commonly associated with gang culture
•    the promotion of gang culture and/or gang violence, and/or the solicitation or recruitment of gang members.

Gang imagery and symbols include, but are not limited to:
•    apparel (including shoelaces, bandanas, belts, or hats) by virtue of color, arrangement, trademark, symbol, or any other attributes indicate or imply gang membership or affiliation
•    displays of gang affiliation on personal belongings including clothing, school assignments, notebooks, body, etc.

Hazing and/or initiations of any form are unlawful, violate School Board Policy, and will not be tolerated. Violations will result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.

As per Renton School District Policy 1200, those students between the ages of 14 and 18 may carry a personal protection spray device if they have completed and submitted a parent/guardian permission form. These forms are available in the main office. PLEASE NOTE: Such devices may only be used in the case of legitimate self-defense.

Public displays of affection that are not school appropriate are not allowed. Sexual activity on campus is prohibited. Failure to follow this policy may result in disciplinary action.

Every person has a right to be treated with respect and common courtesy. Staff and students have a responsibility to listen to opposing points of view and act toward each other with sensitivity and mutual concern.  RCW 28A.635.010 makes it a crime to insult or abuse any staff member. Any offense will result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.

Skateboards or rollerblades are not to be used on school property at any time.
First Offense: Confiscated until end of day.        
Second Offense: Confiscated until end of year.

Aggressive or reckless behavior, including horseplay, which jeopardizes the health, safety, or welfare of other students or staff members will be subject to discipline, Friday Morning School, and/or suspension. RCW 28A.635.090 makes it a crime to interfere by force or violence with any staff member or student who is in the peaceful discharge of their duties or studies. In addition, RCW 28A635.100 makes it a crime to intimidate or use threat of violence against any staff member or student in the peaceful discharge of their duties or studies. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action, Friday Morning School, and/or suspension.

Maintaining a productive learning environment and assuring the safety and well-being of all students are primary concerns of the Board. Student dress shall only be regulated when, in the judgment of school administrators, there is a reasonable expectation that:
 
A. A safety concern that the student's dress includes clothing that is gang related apparel or hate speech/ hate group; or
 
B. Damage to school property could result from the student's dress; or
 
C. A material and substantial disruption of the educational process could result from the students' dress or appearance.
 
For the purpose of this policy, a material and substantial disruption of the educational process may be found to exist when a student's conduct is inconsistent with any part of the educational mission of the school district.  Prohibited apparel includes that which features drug, tobacco, or alcohol-related messages; gang-related messages; or lewd, sexual messages.  Student choices in matters of dress should be made in consultation with their parents/guardians.
 
The uniforms of nationally recognized youth organizations and clothing worn in observance of a student’s religion are not subject to this policy.
 
The superintendent shall establish procedures providing guidance to students, parents/guardians, and staff regarding appropriate student dress in school or while engaging in co-curricular activities. Such procedures shall ensure that any student wearing, carrying, or displaying gang-related apparel, or exhibiting behavior or gestures that symbolize gang membership, or causing and/or participating in activities which intimidate or affect the attendance of another student shall be asked, with notice to his/her parents/guardians, to make appropriate corrections and shall be subject to discipline if the corrections are not undertaken.

Hazen students respect the personal property of others. Any theft is cause for disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. Due to the potential disruption of teaching and learning, Hazen cannot guarantee searches for stolen property during the school day.  We encourage students to leave valuables at home. Hazen is not responsible for the loss of or damage to any personal property.

Students are not to enter or loiter on any school district campus without proper authorization. A charge of trespass, with notice to police authorities, may be given to any person who creates a disturbance on school property and whose continued or reoccurring presence may result in a real or perceived disruption to the school environment or pose a threat to the safety and well-being of property or person. Students on campus while on suspension and/or expulsion are subject to additional disciplinary action and arrest for criminal trespass. Violators may be subject to discipline, suspension, expulsion and/or arrest for criminal trespass.
All students who are not involved in a supervised activity after school must leave campus by 2:15 p.m. All exterior doors will be locked for security purposes except the main office doors. 

The school district may prosecute students for vandalizing school property. Vandalism is cause for immediate suspension. A school district whose property has been lost or willfully cut, defaced, or injured may withhold grades, diploma, transcript, or deny participation in school related activities of the student responsible for the damage/loss until the student’s parent/guardian has paid for the damages. (RCW 28A.87.120)

Students may not carry weapons and/or objects that look like weapons or can be used as weapons. The possession of any weapon such as knives, guns, clubs, and/or explosive devices, including fireworks, is cause for discipline, up to expulsion for one year or more. Laser pointers are not permitted on campus, except for appropriate instructional use. Possession or use of a laser pointer may result in discipline, up to expulsion.  

Plagiarism is the taking of language, ideas, or thoughts from another person or source and presenting them as original work. Students who use plagiarized papers or projects or are involved in any other form of cheating will be subject to reduction in grades and/or disciplinary action for a first offense. For a second offense in the same school year, a student may be subject to removal from class and/or a failing grade. 

A student found in possession of drug paraphernalia or drugs, using or under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol in school, on school property or at school functions, may be subject to disciplinary action, including but not limited to loss of privileges, detention, short term suspension, long term suspension, and expulsion. Student and family may be referred to drug & alcohol counseling resources.  

Confiscated drug paraphernalia will not be returned to students or families. 

Sale and/or distribution of illegal substances may result in expulsion from the Renton School District and/or a referral to the Renton Police Department.   

Fighting is not tolerated, and may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to loss of privileges, detention, short term suspension, long term suspension, and expulsion. 

NOTE: This includes so called “play-fighting,” escalated verbal altercations, physical intention to hurt another person (bucking up) and any other involvement with a fight (promoting, instigating, and/or spectating). 

Renton School District fully enforces the RCW 28A.210.310 that states students of any age are prohibited from smoking or using tobacco products, or having tobacco products in their possession at any time during the school day or at any school sponsored activity. Students are also not allowed to use or possess e-cigarettes, vapor cigarettes, or any other inhalant or e-cigarette paraphernalia on school property, or at any school sponsored activity. Before or after school, students are not to use tobacco or e-cigarette products on or adjacent to the school grounds and/or visual distance of any school grounds. Disciplinary action includes but is not limited to loss of privilege, detention, and suspension. 

For other school policy infractions (see GENERAL EXPECTATIONS) discipline may include loss of privileges, detention, suspension or expulsion depending on the situation. Suspension may be used for violations of the following criminal acts: verbal abuse/harassment, vandalism, theft, serious disruptions of the educational process, and threats to safety. 

In some circumstances, a student will be emergency expelled as a first response due to immediate and ongoing safety concerns related to the student’s behavior. All discipline applies to misconduct during the school day, at school-sponsored activities, while on school grounds, on school buses/vehicles provided by the district, or other instances that seriously interfere with student safety and learning. 

Suspensions (including long-term suspensions) and expulsions may be imposed for any of the following student behaviors (non-discretionary discipline):

A.    Having a firearm on school property or school transportation in violation of RCW 28A.600.420 (which results in an expulsion for one year);

B.    Any of the following offenses listed in RCW 13.04.155, including:
1.    any violent offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030, including 
a.    any felony that Washington law defines as a class A felony or an attempt, criminal conspiracy, or solicitation to commit a class A felony;
b.    manslaughter;
c.    indecent liberties committed by forcible compulsion;
d.    kidnapping;
e.    arson;
f.    assault in the second degree;
g.    assault of a child in the second degree;
h.    robbery;
i.    drive-by shooting; or
j.    vehicular homicide or vehicular assault caused by driving a vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, or by operating a vehicle in a reckless manner;

2.    any sex offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030, which includes any felony violation of chapter 9A.44 RCW (other than failure to registered as a sex offender in violation of 9A.44.132), including rape, rape of a child, child molestation, sexual misconduct with a minor, indecent liberties, voyeurism, and any felony conviction or adjudication with a sexual motivation finding; 
3.    inhaling toxic fumes in violation of chapter 9.47A RCW;
4.    any controlled substance violation of chapter 69.50 RCW;
5.    any liquor violation of RCW 66.44.270;
6.    any weapons violation of chapter 9.41 RCW, including having a dangerous weapon at school in violation of RCW 9.41.280;
7.    any violation of chapter 9A.36 RCW, including assault, malicious harassment, drive-by shooting, reckless endangerment, promoting a suicide attempt, coercion, assault of a child, custodial assault, and failing to summon assistance for an injured victim of a crime in need of assistance;
8.    any violation of chapter 9A.40 RCW, including kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, custodial interference, luring, and human trafficking;
9.    any violation of chapter 9A.46 RCW, including harassment, stalking, and criminal gang intimidation; and/or 
10.    any violation of chapter 9A.48 RCW, including arson, reckless burning, malicious mischief, and criminal street gang tagging and graffiti;      

C.    Two or more violations of the following within a three-year period

1. criminal gang intimidation in violation of RCW 9A.46.120:
2. gang activity on school grounds in violation of RCW 28A.600.455;
3. willfully disobeying school administrative personnel in violation of RCW 28A.635.020; and 
4. defacing or injuring school property in violation of RCW 28A.635.060; and

D.    Any student behavior that adversely affects the health or safety of other students or educational staff.

The principal shall notify special education staff of any suspensions to be imposed for a student who is currently eligible for special education services or those who might be deemed eligible for special education. To the extent that suspensions may cumulatively or consecutively exceed ten days, the principal will notify relevant special education staff so that the district can ensure that special education discipline procedures are in place, in addition to general education discipline procedures.