Viking Student Handbook

Valley View offers initiation into the National Honors Society (NJHS). The following aspects are what are looked for membership into NJHS:

• Scholarship: Maintains a cumulative 3.7 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 student centered 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, Game, Yearbook, Book, Habitat Restoration, Cooking, Chess, STEM, Badminton, One Voice, Impact and Tennis. The availability of all clubs is based upon staff availability and student interest.

The availability of all clubs is based upon staff availability and student interest.

student clubs.

Interscholastic Eligibility

FinalForms is the school district's online athlete registration platform

Parents/guardians and athletes are able to see expiration dates once accounts are verified. Physicals are valid for up to 24 months.

If you have not received a verification email from FinalForms, please check your junk/spam folder first and then reach out to your school athletic office, if you need additional assistance.

Academic/Behavior for Athletes

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:

Season One- September- October

• Football- 7th and 8th grades
• X-Country- 7th and 8th grades
• Softball (girls)- 7th and 8th grades combined

Season Two- November- January

• Basketball (boys)- 7th and 8th grades
• Volleyball (girls) 7th and 8th grades

Season Three- February- March

• Wrestling- 7th and 8th grades
• Basketball (girls)- 7th and 8th grades

Season Four- April- June

• Track- 7th and 8th grades

Valley View Middle School Athletics

At Valley View, students are expected to demonstrate academic integrity by completing their work honestly and responsibly. This means all submitted work must reflect the student's own effort and ideas unless properly credited to others. Cheating, plagiarism, or any form of dishonesty is not acceptable, and the Valley View faculty will actively uphold and reinforce these standards to protect the integrity of the learning environment.

According to the Funk and Wagnalls’ Standard Dictionary of the English Language, to cheat is, “to deceive and act dishonestly.” Cheating includes, but is not limited to:

• Obtaining test or quiz materials prior to assessment without instructor’s knowledge.
• Inappropriate use of graphing calculators, programmable watches, cell phones, and other computer or electronic devices.
• Sharing student work that should be individually/independently produced.
• Using crib notes during test situations.
• Substituting another source, such as Cliff Notes, in place of completing an assignment.
• Discussing information about a quiz or test with students who have not completed the assessment.
• Submitting AI as your own work.

According to Webster’s New International Dictionary of the English Language, to plagiarize is “to steal or purloin and pass off as one’s own the ideas, words, artistic productions of another; to use without due credit the ideas, expressions, or productions of another.” Plagiarism can be viewed as a continuum. At one end is the use of a few phrases or lines of text without citation or with incorrect citation. More serious actions could include use of multiple paragraphs of someone else’s work—whether a published work or that of a peer—the use of significant portions of text without citation, or with incorrect citation, or use of copyrighted graphics without permission or proper citation. More serious than that would be submitting someone else’s work, in its entirety, as the student’s own. Repeat violations will be viewed as exceptional misconduct. Students with questions on proper citations should seek assistance from their teacher or librarian.

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 at www.sno.wednet.edu.

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.

Good attendance at school is very important, and the Snohomish School District encourages all students to be in school every day, except in cases when they are ill or have a personal emergency. In accordance with state law (known as the ‘Becca Bill’), our district has policies which specifically define acceptable absences and the procedures that principals will follow regarding student absences. Please see the School Attendance form for additional information.

Washington State Law requires all parents to have their children enrolled and attending school full time in the district in which they reside. Washington State Law requires us to schedule a conference with the parents of any child with two unexcused absences in a month. After the third unexcused absence in a year, we are required to meet with you and establish an agreement for attendance. At the seventh unexcused absence in a month or the tenth unexcused absence in the school year, we may be required to file a truancy petition. A student whose absenteeism exceeds what is acceptable within the guidelines of the policy will lose academic credit.

Parents/guardians should contact their child’s school when he or she will not be in school. After an absence, students should bring a written and signed absence note to the office or teacher when returning to school.

Students who will be absent from school for an extended period of time for any reason should complete the Pre-Arranged Absence Form and make arrangements with their teacher(s) in advance.

Everyday Counts- Attendance Matters

Regular attendance is essential to student success. Every day a student is in school is an opportunity to learn, connect with others, and grow. Families play an important role in helping students attend school consistently and understand attendance expectations. Visit www.sno.wednet.edu/everydaycounts to learn more.

Attendance Matters

• Students learn best when they are present and engaged in class.
• Missing school, even for excused reasons, can affect academic progress, classroom participation, and social connections.
• Students who miss 10% or more of the school year are considered chronically absent and are at greater risk of falling behind academically.

Plan ahead for extended absences - Pre-Arranged Absence Request Form

• Families should communicate with their school as early as possible when planning an absence of more than three (3) consecutive school days.
• A Pre-Arranged Absence Request Form is required and must be submitted for administrative review. Visit www.sno.wednet.edu/attendancematters to download the form. Note: These forms should be completed and returned to your child's school at least one week before the planned absence, whenever possible. This gives the school time to review the request and communicate next steps.
• Approval is based on district policy and attendance requirements.
• Before scheduling an extended absence, contact your school office, review district attendance procedures, and submit the required Pre-Arranged Absence Request Form. Working together helps ensure students remain connected to their learning and on track for success.
• Understand academic expectations
• Students are responsible for completing missed assignments and coursework.
• Teachers are not required to provide assignments before an absence occurs.
• Extended absences may affect classroom instruction, participation, assessments, and learning opportunities that cannot be fully replicated outside the classroom.

We are partners in student success.

• Schools are committed to supporting student attendance and academic achievement.
• Families are encouraged to contact their school if attendance challenges arise.
• Additional attendance plans or interventions may be required when absences contribute to chronic absenteeism.

Did you know?

• Attending school on time, all day, every day will give your child the best chance of graduating from high school.
• Starting in kindergarten, missing on average just two days a month, whether excused or unexcused, makes it more likely that your child will not meet academic standards in math and reading by third grade.
• By 6th grade, absenteeism is one of three signs that a student may drop out of high school.
• Absences can be a sign that a student is losing interest in school, struggling with school work, dealing with a bully or facing some other potentially serious difficulty.
• By 9th grade, regular attendance is a better predictor of high school graduation rates than 8th grade test scores.

For more information, see the forms in the back of this annual calendar/handbook or visit www.sno.wednet.edu/everydaycounts.

Valley View Middle School attendance

A student who misses ten or more minutes of a class is considered absent. The following description of absence apply:

Excused Absences: illness, health condition, medical appointment, family emergency, religious or cultural purpose, court or judicial proceeding, post-secondary or technical school program visit, scholarship interview, and search and rescue activities. In addition, absences related to homelessness, deployment of a guardian, disciplinary consequences, safety concern, migrant status, and other activities with prior administrative approval.

Unexcused Absences: skipping, truancy (off campus without permission), staying home to complete homework, leaving campus for lunch or when a student fails to submit a note, verification through Family Access or parent phone call within 48 hours of returning from an absence.

School-Related Absences: in-school appointments and meetings, field trips, athletic trips, and suspensions. Student must obtain a field trip form from their teachers or advisor for planned extended school-related absences, and they must have their form signed by their parent prior to departure.

Parents and Guardians may excuse students in the following ways:

• Logging into Family Access (Skyward)
• Sending a written note

All absences must be excused within 2 school days, or it will remain unexcused.

Valley View Middle School attendance

Punctuality is a learned skill that will serve our students well as they strive for success. Our schoolwide expectation is for students to arrive on time to each class they attend. Accordingly, the behavior of being tardy has an adverse effect on the classroom environment and student learning. Students who accumulate multiple tardies will be subject to progressive discipline. Discipline may include conference with student, parent contact, lunch detention, and/or administrative referral.

If a student needs to leave campus early during the school day, they must check out through the Attendance Office before leaving school grounds. Phone or note approval from a parent or guardian (preferably before school) is required before the student is issued a pass to leave. Students who leave campus without signing through the Attendance Office or without approval will be considered truant and subject to disciplinary action. Before scheduling an extended absence, contact your school office, review district attendance procedures, and submit the required Pre-Arranged Absence Request Form. Working together helps ensure students remain connected to their learning and on track for success.

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.

Valley View Middle School Counseling Department

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.

Valley View Middle School Counseling Department

If you need to enroll a new student, withdrawal from school, or change your address or phone number, we as that you contact the school Registrar in the Counseling Department.

Enroll a new student

Need to enroll a new student? Please see our enrollment information.

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 number

Students having a change of address or phone number should report it to the Registrar in the counseling office.

Valley View Middle School Registrar

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.

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.

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. 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 includes:

• 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.

Student Dress

Valley View does not allow electronic bicycles or skateboards on campus.

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 following grades will be given:

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.

Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying reporting

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.

Valley view middle school health room

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.

Valley View Middle School Library

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.

Students should not tell anyone their combination.

The school does not assume responsibility for lost or otherwise misplaced articles whether phones, Air-Pods/ear buds, 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.

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.

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) 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 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. If an electronic device is used, the student and the device may be sent to the office, and the device can be confiscated. 1st 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. Further offenses may lead to exclusion of the PED on school grounds, parent pick-up of the device, and may include school exclusion due to insubordination. 

Personal Electronic Devices/Cell Phone Policy

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.

Bus Passes

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. No passes on Fridays.

Transportation Information

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 as well as online under food service.

Menus and food service information

Free and reduced meal information

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. No cell phones or PED use during lunch. 

• 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. 

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.

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 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

Vandalism is 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.

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.