Viking Student Handbook

Valley View offers initiation into the National Junior Honor Society. The following aspects are what are looked for membership into NJHS:

• Scholarship: Maintains a cumulative 3.4 GPA.
• Service: This involves voluntary contributions made by a student to the school or community, done without compensation.
• Leadership: Student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, and idea contributors. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activities while working with or for others.
• Character: The student of good character is cooperative; demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability; shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others; and maintains a clean disciplinary record.
• Citizenship: The student who demonstrates citizenship understands the importance of civic engagement; has a high regard for freedom and justice; respects democracy; respects the law for all citizens at the local, state, and federal levels; and demonstrates mature participation and responsibility in activities such as scouting, community organizations, or school clubs.

Valley View Middle School has many fine clubs and activities. Students who are actively engaged in clubs and activities do better in their studies and have a more enjoyable middle school experience. ALL students are encouraged to be involved in at least one of these after school activities. Activities may include: three after school dances, fundraising for local charities, spirit days, cookie sales sponsored by our Parent Club. Clubs may include Drama, Ping Pong, Game, Yearbook, Book, Habitat Restoration, and Tennis. The availability of all clubs is based upon staff availability and student interest.

Every student will have a “Viking Period”. This is a time for students to connect with a book, homework, or a teacher. Connecting with a teacher may be to seek extra help, make up a test, get missing assignments, etc. Students will need to check in with their Viking teacher before visiting another room, using the blue laminated pass.

Our athletic forms are completed online through Rank One Sports http://www.rankonesport.com. Please complete the packet online to ensure that your son/daughter have all of the necessary paperwork in to be eligible for the season.

The hard copy physical will be given to the main office in order to complete the process. The season consists of two weeks of turnouts and then interscholastic competition. For volleyball and basketball, a varsity team is chosen within the two weeks of tryouts. Practices will continue throughout the season as directed by coaches.

To be eligible for competition, the student must maintain a “C” average in class. Inappropriate behavior at any sporting event will constitute a minimum of a two-game suspension. All athletes will be required to pay a participation fee which helps to pay for officials, travel, and workers.

Interscholastic Sports (dates listed are approximate):

Season 1- September through October

• 7th and 8th grade football
• 7th and 8th grade cross country
• 7th and 8th grade (combined) girls softball

Season 2- November through January

• 7th and 8th grade boys basketball
• 7th and 8th grade girls volleyball

Season 3- February through March

• 7th and 8th grade wrestling
• 7th and 8th grade girls basketball

Season 4- Early April through June

• 7th and 8th boys and girls track

If an accident or injury occurs, students should immediately report the injury to the nearest school employee. Students injured at school are to fill out an Accident Report Form which is located in the main office.

Assemblies are provided for student enjoyment and information. It is important to be polite and courteous while enjoying the program that is being presented. When it is time to leave the classroom and go to the assembly, students will walk with their teacher to the assembly. Each class will sit in its assigned area and remain quiet. When the speaker approaches the microphone, students will become silent. Dismissal is by designated sections.

Lockers are provided for student convenience. Most students are issued their own locker; they must provide their own lock. Students are responsible for any damage or vandalism to the locker and should report any problem to the office as soon as possible. They should not tell anyone their locker combination.

The school does not assume responsibility for lost or otherwise misplaced articles whether phones, i-Pods, expensive jewelry, or other valuable items as they should not be brought to school. Students are not to change lockers without permission from the office. The school district reserves the right to inspect student lockers whenever necessary.

The library is for student and staff use and contains print, digital & audio books, textbooks, magazines, reference materials, and computers. Print and digital resources may be checked out for school and home use. Library computer labs are available for use by classes on a sign-up basis. The library is normally open from 7:00 to 2:30 unless scheduled classes are in session. Students are welcome to visit the library for checkout and book recommendations, help with library resources & research, and technology. The library homepage hosts helpful links and resources.

We encourage students to place their names on belongings; especially clothing, so lost items can be identified. At the end of each quarter, all articles not claimed will be taken to a clothing collection center.

Lunch is a time when students can eat and visit with friends. School lunches may be purchased daily; the cost varies depending on student choices. Free and Reduced applications are available in the main office.

In order to maintain a positive lunchroom atmosphere, it is important to have a few guidelines. We expect students to comply with the following rules:

• Stand quietly in line while waiting to buy lunch.
• Purchase food only for yourself.
• Remain seated the first 15 minutes of lunch.
• Place all leftover food, wrappers, etc. in the garbage cans, recycle appropriately; students are to clean-up after themselves.
• During the last 15 minutes of lunches, students may be dismissed to the commons or other designated outdoor area.
• Play with your safety and the safety of others in mind.
• Follow directions given by lunch supervisors

Rules regarding school bus behavior are distributed by the transportation department and taught both in class and on the bus. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a proper manner or bus privileges may be revoked. If a student is suspended from the bus, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to provide transportation to and from school.

: In order for a student to ride a bus other than his/her assigned bus or use a different stop, a written note from a parent or guardian stating the date, bus/route number, parent contact number and/or with whom the student will be riding, must be received by the office. Some buses may be closed to bus passes due to number of riders. The office will have the specific closures posted for students.

Individual pictures of all students are taken for the school yearbook. Pictures will be taken at the August “Viking Days”. Make-ups are the 1st and 2nd months of school. Picture packets are made available for students and payment must be enclosed at the time pictures are taken. If pictures are defective, retakes will be scheduled. Any student who did not purchase an ASB card can be given an identification card at no cost.

Each textbook checked out to a student becomes his/her temporary property. The book becomes the student's responsibility until it is collected. Check all books for any damage. Cover all books with a book cover. Books will be checked periodically. If a book is lost or damaged, it must be paid for, at replacement cost. A fine will remain a student’s permanent record until paid.

GRADING: The following grades will be given:

A = 4.0
A- = 3.7
B+ = 3.3
B = 3.0
B- = 2.7
C+ = 2.3
C = 2.0
C- = 1.7
D+ = 1.3
D = 1.0
F = 0

Successful completion of course requirements is our expectation for each student at Valley View. To help students understand the importance of this expectation, we have set the following standard: Students are expected to complete requirements in core classes of Language Arts, Social Studies, Health, Reading, P.E., Math, and Science.

The Counseling Department works to promote better and more direct communication between parents, students, staff and administration to assist in the personal and academic development of each student. In addition to scheduling and facilitating the formal conferences, the counselors may meet with students, families, friends and support groups as needed. Sometimes students feel their problems are too personal or sensitive and hesitate to see a counselor, but please remember that no problem is too big or too small to be discussed with a counselor. The counselors' offices are located in the main office area. Counselors are available to any student and work with both grade levels. You are assigned to a counselor based on the first letter of your last name, (A-K see Mrs. Longworth and L-Z see Mr. Johnson) for scheduling and academic reasons, but you may see either one for personal reasons. When a student wants to see a counselor, a written request for an appointment may be made in the main office. The counselor will call the student in for their appointment once the request is received. When parents/guardians want to talk to a counselor, they are asked to call them directly: TBD at 360-563-4243 or Mr. Johnson at 360-563-4242.

Student schedules have been created based on the registration survey from last spring. This allows us to decide how many classes are needed and which teachers will be teaching these classes. Due to this, schedule changes are not made except under extraordinary circumstances. Schedule changes will not be made based on lunch, period, or teacher preferences. If your schedule does not fit the above criteria, a schedule change will not occur. It is expected that if a student has a conflict with a specific teacher, he/she needs to meet with the teacher/parent/administrator to work out a solution to the conflict.

WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL: When there is a reason for a student to withdraw from school, the parent/guardian should write a note, stating the effective date and reason for withdrawal. This note should be taken to the Registrar in the counseling office where a Withdrawal Form will be completed. The student will take this form to each of his/her classes on his/her last day of school; they will also turn in books and pay any fines accrued.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR PHONE: Students having a change of address or phone number should report it to the Registrar in the counseling office.

Valley View Middle School attendance philosophy

Success at school begins with positive attitudes toward attendance. The attendance habits students develop now directly relate to future employment opportunities and success. Classroom participation and grades depend upon consistent and regular attendance. The primary responsibility for school attendance must be with the student and parent. The Valley View Middle School attendance policy encourages students to develop good attendance habits. If a student is identified as having attendance problems, contact will be made with parents to help improve the attendance pattern. Perfect attendance is defined as being in school all day each school day. Absences are excused for the following reasons: participation in school-approved activities, school disciplinary actions, illness, health condition, family emergency, parent-approved activities. Absences may have an adverse effect on grades. Please try to schedule medical and dental appointments outside of school time when possible. Such appointments are considered valid reasons for missing school only if arrangements are made ahead of time so work may be made up.

School hours

The school day is from 7:30 a.m. -2:10 p.m., on Friday students are dismissed at 12:10 p.m. All students are to leave school grounds immediately after school, unless they are involved in a supervised activity such as detention, extended learning, athletics or a club activity.

Attendance

Attendance is taken in every room each period throughout the day. Students are expected to attend all assigned classes, be on time, and have proper materials to perform the business of the class. ABSENCE: When students are absent from school, we ask that an adult call the school attendance office (360-563- 4227). For your convenience, parents may call this number and leave a message 24 hours a day. If we have not received verification of an absence, the school will attempt to contact a parent each day that a student is absent. Phone calls, written notes, or e-mails will be accepted as verification of student absences.

Late arrivals

A student who is late to school should report to the attendance office to get an excused or unexcused late slip to take to the teacher. The same procedure that applies to absences applies to late arrivals. A note or phone call from a parent is required. Failure to report to the office when late will result in a student being placed on the absence list.

Tardies

Tardies to class that do not involve late arrival to school are handled by individual teachers. Students are not sent to the office for a tardy slip. Upon receipt of three or more tardies for the quarter, the student will be assigned consequences to make-up time by attending detention after school.

Early dismissal

While it is understood that illness and emergencies may arise occasionally, early dismissals are discouraged. Sometimes it is necessary for a student to request permission to leave school early because of an appointment. This is called an "Early Dismissal" and a parent or guardian must come to the office to sign out the student.

Pre-arranged absences

It is possible to arrange for an excused absence from school for an extended time by sending a note to school with the student five days in advance of the planned absence. Upon approval through the office, the student will collect assignments from the teachers whenever possible and turn in the completed work upon return. We strongly recommend vacations and family trips be taken during scheduled school breaks, rather than during school time.

Truancy

A truancy is defined as any unauthorized or willful absence from school, class or scheduled activity during any part of the school day. Skipped classes and chronic absences will be referred to the Assistant Principal. The BECCA BILL, which is an amendment to the state compulsory attendance law, requires schools to file a petition with juvenile court when a student accrues 5 unexcused absences in a month or 7-10 unexcused absences during a school year. The purpose of the amendment is to make students, parents and schools more accountable for truancy and to request court intervention to assist the district or parent to reduce a student’s absences from school. The following actions will result in referral to the Assistant Principal.

1. Leaving school without signing out through the office.
2. An absence from school without permission of parents.
3. An absence from class without permission of teacher.
4. Failure to report to a destination stated on a "hall pass".
5. Reasons not acceptable to the administration when a student did not report for class.

Illness at school

Under no circumstances should a student leave campus during the school day without permission.

Students who become ill at school must report to the Health Room with a pass from their teacher. If a student is too ill to remain in class, parents will be notified to pick up the student. Please be sure your emergency phone numbers on your information sheet are up-to-date and on file in the office. Any medications (prescription or non-prescription) to be administered by clinic personnel must be accompanied with a signed authorization form.

Closed campus

Valley View Middle School is a closed campus. This means that once students arrive, they are to remain at school until dismissal, unless a parent/guardian comes into the office to sign the student out.

We welcome and encourage parents to visit our school. If visiting a classroom, prior arrangements with the teacher must be made. We do ask that all adult visitors check in at the main office as soon as they arrive on campus. All visitors will be asked to sign in and be issued a visitor’s badge. Because of additional classroom responsibility and a possible disruption of the learning environment, students’ guests are not permitted at school.

Visitors and volunteers

A place where we recognize the differences in how our students learn; we believe that all students can learn; and we create an atmosphere of high expectations with support for all students to learn.

Valley View Citizenship and Expectations are based on "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens," by Sean Covey.

Habit 1: Be Proactive
Take responsibility for your life and actions.

Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind
Define your mission and goals in life.

Habit 3: Put First Things First
Prioritize and do the most important things first.

Habit 4: Think Win-Win
Have an everyone can win attitude.

Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood
Listen to people sincerely.

Habit 6: Synergize Work together to achieve more.

Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw
Renew yourself regularly

Preserving a beneficial learning environment and assuring the safety and well-being of all students are primary concerns of the Snohomish School District. Students’ choices in matters of dress should be made in consultation with their parents. Student dress will only be regulated, when, in the judgement of school administration, there is a reasonable expectation that: 1

1. A health or safety hazard will be presented by the student's dress or appearance.
2. Damage to school property will result from the student's dress; or
3. A material and substantial disruption of the educational process will result from the students’ dress.

For the purpose of this policy, a material and substantial disruption of the educational process may be found to exist when a student’s dress is inconsistent with the educational mission of the school district.

Students must wear:

• Clothing including both a shirt with pants or skirt, or the equivalent and shoes.
• Shirts and dresses must have fabric that covers the front, back, mid-drift and sides.
• Clothing must cover undergarments.
• Fabric covering all private parts must not be see through.
• Clothing must be suitable for all scheduled classroom activities including physical education, science labs, wood shop, and other activities where unique hazards exist.
• Courses that include attire as part of the curriculum (for example, professionalism, public speaking and job readiness) may include assignment-specific clothing.

Prohibited dress

• Offensive images or language, including profanity, hate speech and pornography.
• Images or language depicting or advocating violence or the use of tobacco, vaping, alcohol or drugs.
• Attire that intentionally shows private parts.
• Apparel identified by local law enforcement as belonging to or identifying with any gang, violent or criminal group.
• Sunglasses must be removed upon entering the school building at the beginning of the day and put away in a bag or locker until the end of the school day.

The uniforms of nationally recognized youth organizations, and clothing worn in observance of a student’s religion are not subject to this policy.

Dress code violations

• •The student can either remove the item immediately if it is not a primary piece of clothing (i.e.: hat, sweatshirt, jewelry); or
• If the student has appropriate clothing available to change into, the student may change and return to class; or
• The student may call their parent/guardian to bring them appropriate clothing to change into.

At Valley View Middle School, we value Digital Citizenship: appropriate, responsible behavior with regard to technology use.

Personal electronic devices. Including but not limited to:

• Laptops
• Tablets
• Mobile phones
• Wearables

These devices are the students’ responsibility. Valley View is not responsible for the safety of student personal electronic devices.

Lunch time is in the Commons and outside area only in addition:

• Electronics and ear buds are not allowed during instructional time. This includes passing time and Viking Period. All electronics need to be kept in student lockers. They are not to have them on their person.
• Recording audio, video, or images of other people without their permission is not permitted.
• Use of personal electronic devices in bathrooms and locker rooms is not permitted. Use of personal electronic devices and headphones is prohibited during class. If an electronic device is used, the student and the device may be sent to the office and the device can be confiscated.   1 st offense is a verbal warning and reminder to put the device away. 2nd offense-the device is confiscated and returned to the student at the end of the school day.  Further offenses require a parent pick-up of the device at Valley View.

It is the responsibility of each Snohomish School District student to maintain standards of behavior that do not endanger the physical well-being of any person within school jurisdiction, do not abuse school property, and do not disrupt the educational opportunities of other students as specified in WAC 180.40.225. To ensure the maintenance of such standards of behavior, Board policy, administrative procedures and school rules governing student conduct are established and enforced within the classroom and buildings to allow the district to protect the well-being of all persons involved with school programs, to protect the public investment in school property, and to accomplish its educational purposes. Any student who commits an act that willfully endangers the physical well-being of any person, abuses school property and/or the educational process within school jurisdiction shall be subject to methods of student control (discipline, suspension, or expulsion). The Snohomish School District is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees, volunteers and patrons free from harassment, intimidation or bullying. Refer to school district policies on the website.

Acts include, without limitation:

• Disruptive conduct, including intentional noisemaking or acting out, or any other behavior which interferes with the teacher’s ability to conduct class
• Disobedience to reasonable instruction or orders of school personnel
• Refusal to identify oneself
• Truancy or unauthorized absence from class
• Cheating
• Possession of lighters/matches
• Vulgarity or profanity any place on campus or on school bus
• Destruction or defacing school or private property; this includes the dialing of 911 for non-emergencies
• Stealing
• Entering unauthorized areas of school property
• Exceptional misconduct as defined in school district policy 3300
• Violations of other District policy, administrative procedures or school rules consistent with this policy
• Harassment including unwelcome and uninvited conduct that is directed toward a person because of gender, race, religious beliefs, size, physical or mental limitations; creating a hostile or offensive environment.

Student Behavior Expectations:

The goal of the Valley View Middle School Discipline and Conduct Rules is to ensure that learning takes place in a safe, orderly and respectful environment. School Board Policy and school rules are in effect on campus and surrounding areas before, during, and after school and at all school activities.

Acts of misconduct include, without limitation:

• Disruptive conduct, including intentional noisemaking or acting out, or any other behavior which interferes with the teacher’s ability to conduct class
• Disobedience to reasonable instruction or orders of school personnel
• Refusal to identify oneself
• Truancy or unauthorized absence from class
• Cheating
• Possession of lighters/matches
• Vulgarity or profanity any place on campus or on school bus
• Destruction or defacing school or private property; this includes the dialing of 911 for non-emergencies
• Stealing
• Entering unauthorized areas of school property
• Exceptional misconduct as defined in school district policy 3300
• Violations of other District policy, administrative procedures or school rules consistent with this policy
• Harassment including unwelcome and uninvited conduct that is directed toward a person because of gender, race, religious beliefs, size, physical or mental limitations; creating a hostile or offensive environment.

The Snohomish School District is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees, volunteers and patrons free from harassment, intimidation or bullying. Any physical, verbal, or written act of abuse, violence, threat, harassment, intimidation, vulgarity, profanity, derision, or hazing will not be tolerated. Such behavior will result in disciplinary action and may be grounds for immediate suspension or expulsion. Any unwanted behavior should be reported to a counselor, administrator, or other staff member without fear of retaliation. Refer to school district policies on the website.

Tobacco Offenses

The district tobacco violations procedures emphasize support in the form of appropriate alternatives to suspension, in recognition that tobacco use is a serious health concern and not solely a discipline issue. Students may be suspended for tobacco related offenses in accordance with the requirements in this procedure. A student’s suspension may be reduced or held in abeyance if the student satisfactorily completes a school approved, tobacco-related alternative to suspension program.

Drug and Alcohol Offenses

Possession, use, purchase, sale, agreement to sell or purchase, attempt to sell, purchase (whether completed or not), transport, distribute and/or deliver alcohol or any food or beverage containing alcohol; or a controlled substance; (e.g., marijuana, narcotics or inhalants); or prescription drugs or other chemical substances in a manner inconsistent with the prescription, its intended use, or the prescribing order; or look-a-likes or drug paraphernalia are all prohibited on or near district property or district-sponsored events. Being under the influence, use, possession, distribution, purchase, sale, trade, or consumption at any time on or near district property is prohibited. This rule is applicable to the school day and during any school-related functions or activities whether during the school day or not.

Vandalism

The malicious destruction of property. Students will be billed for damages and discipline will be assigned.

Weapons

Weapons are not allowed in any Snohomish schools. The normal penalty for possession of a weapon, toy weapon or an object that looks like or acts as a weapon is expulsion.

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