LWGMS: Parent/Guardian and Student Handbook

This handbook is your guide to the policies and procedures of Lake Washington Girls Middle School. The school is committed to providing a positive, focused learning environment that promotes academic excellence while fostering girls’ mutual respect and personal and social responsibility. Within a warm and open small-class setting, girls have the fullest opportunity to participate in their education, to be heard, and to develop a life-long love of learning. These guidelines will help us provide an equitable opportunity for a quality education for each girl in our school.

History of the School

In 1995 a group of South Seattle parents of third grade girls came together to discuss the middle school options that would be available for their girls upon graduation from elementary school. From these discussions arose the idea of creating a middle school for to provide a place where girls could excel academically and be free from gender discrimination, harassment or stereotyping. After three years of hard work by these parents, Lake Washington Girls Middle School – the first secular middle school for girls in the Pacific Northwest – opened in the fall of 1998 with a class of 14 girls in rented classroom space in the Mount Baker Park Presbyterian Church. The school hired exceptionally qualified, state-certified teachers, who provided focused, individualized attention and an integrated curriculum enhanced by use of community resources such as libraries, museums and universities. The group of girls that started sixth grade in 1998 progressed with the same Head Teacher, Patricia Hearn, through each succeeding grade as the sole LWGMS class and graduated in 2001.

As that class approached graduation, the teachers and several parents of fifth grade girls worked alongside the original board to plan for succession and continuation of the school. In the fall of 2001 the school started its fourth year of existence with a class of 16 students and a newly constituted board comprising parents/guardians of sixth grade students. The board subsequently decided to move toward expansion of the school to include all three middle school grades. LWGMS admitted six sixth grade students for the 2002-2003 school year as a first step toward the expansion goal and admitted a class of 15 sixth graders in 2003, completing the expansion to a three-year school.

In the summer of 2003, the school moved into the three-classroom Japanese Language School building. In the summer of 2007, the school moved to its current location at the Immaculate Conception School building. The entire school community participated in preparing the six large classrooms and office spaces for the opening of the 2007-2008 school year. The entire neighborhood—parks, gyms, theaters—is in full use by the entire 54-student, three grade middle school.

School Philosophy

School Mission

Lake Washington Girls Middle School prepares girls to be confident young women, strong in mind, body and voice. Our school values diversity and promotes personal and social responsibility. Students, teachers and families are active partners in creating a challenging academic environment, fostering independent thinking and instilling a life long love of learning.

School Values

Curriculum

An engaging, integrated curriculum – shaped around the unique needs of adolescent girls – that focuses on high academic achievement, community-based service learning, life skills components, and social justice.
A culturally relevant approach that presents material and skills from multiple perspectives.

Community

Diversity (racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, family composition) in its students, families, and faculty.
Respect for differences and recognizing families as assets to the school.
Collaboration with and service to our local community.

Confidence

A small school that supports girls’ social-emotional learning.
Strengthening a sense of personal and social responsibility.
Honoring the individuality and voice of each girl.

At LWGMS, we believe:
• All students can learn.
• All students benefit from high expectations.
• Material should be relevant to students’ lives.
• Students should have a say in what and how they learn.
• Students should understand their own learning styles.
• Families and the community are valuable assets to the curriculum.
• We all can learn from each other.
• Social and emotional learning should be part of a middle school education.
• Effective collaboration and communication are necessary skills.

At Lake Washington Girls Middle School, we create an atmosphere for learning that combines structure and creativity while fostering an enthusiasm for life-long learning. Toward this end, we strive to maintain a joyous, happy environment that promotes compassion, understanding and acceptance of self and others.

School Governance at LWGMS

Board of Directors

LWGMS is governed by a board of directors, who are parents or guardians of LWGMS students, alumnae parents and guardians, and community members. The officers of the board make up the Executive Committee. The board constitutes working committees as necessary to carry out the business of the board such as fundraising and may appoint non-board members to serve on these committees. The faculty and staff are partners in the governance of the school, participating in board meetings to the greatest extent feasible. The board generally meets once each month and committees meet as needed. All community members are welcome to attend board meetings, dates and times of which are posted on the LWGMS web site and calendar. The roster of current board members can be found on the LWGMS web site.

Staff

The staff at LWGMS develops and teaches the curriculum, conducts admissions activities, and performs advancement tasks.

Family Participation at LWGMS

Parent/guardian participation in school-related activities is essential for the effective implementation of school programs and to keep the tuition at a moderate level. We recommend that single parent/guardian families give at least 18 hours per year of service to the school and dual parent/guardian families give 36 hours per year.

In addition to the jobs listed below, we expect that families will volunteer in the following ways:
Cleaning: Each family will sign up to help clean the school at least once a year.
Carpools: Because our girls go on so many field trips, it is essential that adults be available to drive carpools. If you can plan ahead to take a day off work for a field trip, you would be much appreciated AND you would have fun getting to know some of your daughter's classmates.
Other: Our teachers will need help throughout the year in other ways that cannot be predicted ahead of time; we know that everyone will pitch in when the need arises.

Job List for 2008-2009

Facilities Jobs
Handyperson help
Cleaning coordinator (arrange for volunteers to clean building once/month)
Shopper (after school snacks, toilet paper, etc.)
Computer system maintenance
Laundry manager (dishrags, karate uniforms, sports uniforms, etc.)
Advancement/Community jobs
Hospitality coordinator (arrange for food and drink for LWGMS events) - Public relations coordinator
Parent Education Coordinator (choose and arrange for three parent education evening events/year)
Event Photographer
Event Videographer
Website manager
Scrapbook
Newsletter
Advancement Committee
School logo merchandise order coordinator
Auction chair
Auction committee
School Program jobs
Carpool coordinator
Office assistants
Lunch supervisor, Thursdays, 11:55 - 12:30
Teacher appreciation coordinator (arrange for families to bring teachers food once/month)
Librarian
Mock Trial Assistant
Science Fair assistants
Poetry Anthology coordinators

Teacher assistant for Lindsey (Art)
Teacher assistant for Martha (Math)
Teacher assistant for Charito (Spanish speaking)
7th grade trip to Ashland (6th grade parent - plan for next year)
8th grade trip planner (8th grade parent)
8th grade graduation coordinator (7th grade parent)
Yearbook assistant

Fuerza Coaches:
Fuerza Volleyball coach
Volleyball assistant/coordinator
Fuerza Soccer coach
Soccer ride coordinator
Fuerza Basketball coach
Basketball helper(s)
Fuerza Tennis Coach
Tennis ride coordinator
Theatrical Productions:
All school play coordinator
Assistant for all school play coordinator
Set construction and installation/break down
Front of house coordinator for all school play
8th grade play coordinator
Assistant for 8th grade play coordinator
Front of house coordinator for 8th grade play

Security at LWGMS

Keypad entry and code

Our building has a keypad entry at the main entrance. All students and parents/guardians should know and use this number to enter. The code will unlock the door for five seconds.

This code will be changed periodically, at least once per school year. Please check your e-mail regularly for updated information.

Note: You should only use the code to enter the building during the regular school day (8:00 am to 5:00 pm). There is an alarm system in place that is enabled when no staff is present. If you use your keypad code to enter when the alarm is enabled, you will set it off and the police will be called; we will be fined for unnecessary police calls. If you need to enter the building and you are not sure if staff are present, please use the intercom to gain entry.

Visitor policy

All visitors to the building must use the intercom entry. To use the intercom, please press and hold the call button until someone answers; you will then be buzzed in.
All visitors to the building, including parents/guardians, must wear a visitor’s badge while here. Please sign in at the office to get your badge and sign out when you leave.
If you are dropping off your student in the morning, you do not need a badge, but please do wear one if you are staying for more than a few minutes.

Safety in the building

Because the restrooms are located one to two floors away from the classroom space, students are required to take a walkie-talkie with them to the restroom. If a student needs help (an intruder, illness), she may use this walkie-talkie to call her classroom teacher. Misuse of the walkie-talkie will not be tolerated.

LWGMS 2009 – 2010 Calendar

An interactive calendar can be viewed at the LWGMS Calendar page on the wiki. This calendar is updated regularly with field trips, school events, and other information.
A list of upcoming events is also available: Upcoming Events.

General Rules and Regulations at LWGMS

Communication

Notices and other information will go home with your child as needed. Every Friday, the girls receive a short letter with announcements and school information. The Friday letter is also available on the LWGMS wiki site and is updated every week. Parents/guardians should be sure to check with their daughters for important information and should sign and/or return any consent or other forms as requested.

Please refer to the following chart for guidance on who can best address your concerns or questions.

Question or Concern	Contact Person(s)
6th / 7th Grade Play	Jenny
8th Grade Play	Patti
Absence or late arrival - reporting	Colleen/Main office
Admissions	Patti/Colleen
Admissions Open House	Patti/Colleen
Advancement/Fundraising	Shannon
After-school program	Heather
Arts Festival	Lindsey
Ashland trip (7th)	Patti
Athletics/Sports	Colleen
Auction	Shannon
Curriculum in general	Patti
Curriculum specifics	see below
Math	Martha
Science	Kirsten
Humanities, 7th & 8th	Jenny
Humanities, 6th and Art	Lindsey
Spanish	Charito
Learning Skills	Heather
—P.E. and Electives	Patti
Discipline	Patti
Fall Festival	Heather
Geology trip (8th)	Kirsten
Graduation	Patti
Homework/class work	Individual teachers
Mock Trial	Jenny
Other field trips	Individual subject teachers
PNAIS self-study	Jenny
Poetry Night (Festival of Lights)	Jenny
R & R Program	Heather
Safety/Building/Facilities	Patti
School dance	Heather
School policies	Patti
Science Fair	Kirsten
Service learning	Kirsten
Social/Emotional/Academic for your student	Individual advisors
Square Root Day / Pi Day	Martha
Student conferences	Heather
Student support (academic)	Heather
Teachers	Patti
Tuition/billing	Heather
Yakima trip (6th)	Lindsey
Young Playwrights program	Lindsey

Early Departure

Parents/guardians should try to make all medical and dental appointments outside of school time if at all possible. Written permission or accompaniment of a parent or guardian is required for a student to be permitted to leave school for appointments.

Field Trips

Field trips and other outside school activities for educational purposes have great value and are an integral part of the educational experience at Lake Washington Girls Middle School. A “universal permission slip” must be signed by a parent or guardian for any student to be able to participate, and students sign a Field Trip Agreement that indicates their understanding of appropriate behavior on field trips. Parent/guardian volunteers are always needed (and appreciated!) for field trips.

Field Trip Chaperone Guidelines

We appreciate the time that parents and guardians take to support our students and the instructional opportunity field trips provide. When a parent/guardian volunteers to serve as a chaperone on her child’s field trip, he is helping to extend the regular curriculum beyond the classroom and the school. The role of a chaperone is an important one, and while enjoyable, requires that chaperones accept certain responsibilities.
The purpose of the Chaperone Guidelines is to provide parents and guardians with an overview of a chaperone's responsibilities, and to make recommendations for appropriate responses to various situations that may arise during the course of a field trip.

General Qualifications for Chaperones

All parents/guardians driving for field trips or accompanying their children on a school field trip are considered to be chaperones and are required to
•Adhere to all school policies and procedures
•Assist with managing and supervising students on the field trip
•Address any inappropriate behavior that is observed
•Act on the school’s behalf with supervision in the absence of school staff, until school staff is in place to take over the supervision.
Failure to comply with these requirements will make a parent/guardian ineligible to attend future school field trips.

Chaperone Responsibilities

Arrive on time and bring a watch. It is important that chaperones be on time since trips are planned to depart and return to school at specified times. Performances, tours, or activities during the trip are scheduled and delays may disrupt the field trip for everyone.

Dress appropriately. Casual, comfortable dress is recommended. Chaperones should listen to the weather report and anticipate weather changes. When in doubt bring rain gear or dress in layers.

Know the students. Chaperones should introduce themselves and be sure that they know the names of the girls in their group. If a student refuses to follow instructions, chaperones should inform a teacher as soon as possible.

Participate in activities. Chaperones are there to help supervise students in all field trip activities. On a multi-day trip, a chaperone may desire to do something separate from the group. In this case, she should seek permission from the teacher in charge, who will evaluate the effect her absence will have on the group as a whole.

Talk to the teacher. A chaperone should not hesitate to ask questions if she has doubts as to what should be done in a given situation. The teacher is in charge, and her/his directions must be followed at all times. Please speak to the teacher privately if you have any concerns.

Watch carefully. Chaperones should think of the students’ safety first. Be alert to potential dangers. Do not take chances. If necessary, move children to a safe place and inform the teacher.

Follow all safety rules. Children are required to wear seat belts when being transported. Follow Washington State Child Restraint Law, which indicates that “children under 13 are required to ride in the back seat when it is practical to do so”. Drivers are required to follow signed speed limits. Insurance regulations do not permit parent/guardian chaperones to bring other family members on school field trips. Chaperones should not leave students alone or unescorted. When necessary, escort students to the lavatory or to any activities away from the group.

Do not physically restrain a child. Unless a child poses an imminent threat to the safety of herself or others, chaperones should never physically handle a student.

Be aware of medical issues. Chaperones must carry medical release forms and emergency contact information. A chaperone should not administer any medications to a student unless specifically asked to do so by a staff member. All medical situations must be referred to the staff person in charge.

Model behavior. There is no smoking, alcohol consumption, or inappropriate language at any time during the field trip. Do not purchase souvenirs or food unless this is part of the planned activities on the field trip, as indicated by the teacher. Treat all students fairly and remember that you are responsible for all the students in your group / on the trip.

Fire Drill/Earthquake Drill

There will be a periodic fire drill/earthquake drill conducted by the LWGMS staff. LWGMS expects the students to recognize the seriousness of fire danger and to file out of the building quickly and quietly as directed by their teacher.

Health

The parent/guardian has final responsibility for the health of the student. The parent/guardian of any child who has to bring or take medication during the school day must notify the school in writing. Specific instructions should accompany the medication. The administration of medications by school personnel is not allowed except for special cases upon written request of parents/guardians and approved by the school.

Sickness Policy

Fever & vomiting: Students must be fever and vomit free for 24 hours before returning to school.
Infections diseases: If your child contracts any of the following diseases notify the office ASAP so that we can inform the entire school: chicken pox, strep throat, influenza, conjunctivitis (pink eye). The following diseases must be reported to state health agencies: measles, mumps, rubella and whooping cough.
Coughs and colds: Use your judgment about whether your child is well enough to attend school, and consider how likely it is that she will make other children ill.
Rashes: Kids get all kinds of rashes and often they are difficult to identify. Please consult your physician about all rashes, and follow his/her advice about whether your child can attend school. If a rash is determined to be contagious, please notify the office.
Head lice: Children do occasionally contract head lice. If your child is diagnosed with head lice, notify the office immediately. Students must be treated and be completely nit free for 24 hours before they may return to school.

Contacting parents/guardians about illness or injury

If your child becomes ill or injured while at school, or if her condition (a cold, rash, cough, etc.) worsens significantly, the school will contact you and ask you to take your child home. If a parent/guardian cannot be notified, the school will refer to the emergency contact form. Emergency health cards must be kept up-to-date.

Immunization

Immunization records are required by law for all students. If all immunization or exemption requirements are not fulfilled, the student will be sent home until the requirements are met.

Inclement Weather

When inclement weather makes it necessary to close school, Lake Washington Girls Middle School will operate on the same schedule as the Seattle Public Schools. In the event of a delayed opening for Seattle Public Schools, LWGMS will NOT delay the opening of school, and instead will open at the regular time.

School Arrival and Departure

Teacher supervision begins at 8:00 a.m. and students should arrive no earlier than that time. Teacher supervision ends at 3:30 p.m. unless there is a scheduled after-school activity such as field trip or play rehearsal. Students should leave the school building promptly when teacher supervision ends.

After-School Programs

During the 2009-2010 school year, after school Homework Club will be offered from 3:30 to 5:30. Additional programs may be offered on-site. The cost for these programs is separate from LWGMS school tuition; payment for each after-school class should be included with the program registration form. Families of students who are at school after 3:30 but are not enrolled in an after-school program will be charged $10 for each half hour or portion thereof. Students who are enrolled in an after-school program must be picked up by 5:30; $1 per minute will be charged after 5:30.

Transfers or Withdrawals

The parent/guardian shall notify the LWGMS Head of School immediately upon a decision to transfer (or withdraw) a student from Lake Washington Girls Middle School. LWGMS will forward the student’s records to the new school upon request if all financial obligations have been met.

Expectations and Procedures at LWGMS

Attendance

Regular attendance is necessary for students to be successful in their studies. Students are expected to attend school except in the case of illness, religious holidays, death or serious illness in the family, or infrequent special situations.

Students are responsible for work missed during an absence. Parents/guardians may pick up work at school, students may get the work from classmates, or students may get the work when they return to school. In most cases, students will have two school days per day of absence to complete missed work.

Parents/guardians must notify the school, in advance, of the reason for a student absence. If a student is not in school and there has been no notification to the school of a student’s absence, the school will call the parent/guardian to verify the student’s location.

The school day runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Students are expected to arrive at school in time to be in their seats ready for their first class by the start of school. Students who are late will be permitted to make up missed work only at the discretion of the teacher.

Homework

It is the policy of Lake Washington Girls Middle School that homework is a constructive tool in the teaching/learning process. Homework is expected to be handed in complete and on time to develop student responsibility, reinforce learning, and enable the teacher to monitor skills. Homework will constitute roughly 30% of the student’s grade in each subject area. This percentage varies from subject to subject; please see course outline information from each teacher for a specific breakdown.

If a student is unable to complete her homework for an excusable reason (such as illness or family obligations) she must bring a note on the day the assignment is due from her parent or guardian explaining the reason for the missed assignment. In most cases the assignment will be due the following school day. Teachers may adjust this homework policy according to their grade level and subject area.

For late work NOT due to an excused absence, teachers will impose a late penalty in the form of a reduced grade for the assignment. In some cases, students may work on missing work during lunchtime detention.

Academic Integrity

Lake Washington Girls Middle School expects students to complete their activities and assignments with honesty and effort. Any student who engages in academic dishonesty, such a plagiarism or cheating on a test or quiz, will face academic and disciplinary consequences for her actions.

Grading

Grades in all classes are a composite of homework, classwork, class participation, quizzes, tests, papers and projects. For most classes a rubric or evaluation form is given to students at the beginning of a project so that students and parents/guardians can know how different aspects of the project will be graded.

The Lake Washington Girls Middle School grading scale is as follows:
o A 90-100
o B 80-89
o C 70-79
o D 60-69
o F 0-59

Student Progress

Parents/guardians should be aware of their daughter’s progress and should promptly raise with the teachers any questions they may have about student performance or grades. Parent/guardian-teacher conferences will be scheduled during the fall and winter terms. Fall term conferences are required; winter term conferences are scheduled by request, either by teachers, parents/guardians, or students. Other conference can be arranged with the teacher at any time. Teachers will notify parents/guardians if they have concerns about a student’s academic performance so that intervention can occur at the earliest appropriate time. See detailed information about conferences on the LWGMS Conference Information page.

Additionally, progress reports will be sent home twice a term on these dates:
o Fall Term: October 16 and November 6
o Winter Term: December 17 and January 22
o Spring Term: April 26 and May 21

Academic Concern

If a student has a pattern of not completing assigned work or of submitting work of unacceptable quality, a teacher-student conference will be held. If a student still does not meet assignment expectations, the teacher will schedule a parent/guardian-teacher-student conference. If these actions have not been effective, a home-school contract may be designed stating conditions under which the student may remain at Lake Washington Girls Middle School. The contract will include a date to evaluate the student’s performance according to the terms of the home-school contract. If the student does not satisfy the requirements of the home-school contract the teacher will notify the Head of School, who will determine what, if any, additional action is appropriate.

Please see the Student Services Handbook (Student Services Handbook.doc) for information about academic support and the process for referrals for assessment.

Promotion to Following Grade

All reasonable efforts are made at Lake Washington Girls Middle School to assist students to succeed academically. Throughout the course of the year, teachers, students and parents/guardians will work together to assure mastery in subject areas. Promotion to the following grade for sixth and seventh grades is subject to a student’s good academic standing: a student must receive a final passing grade for at least two of three terms of each core academic class (humanities, math, science, and foreign language), physical education, and service learning requirements (2 hours of service learning per term, 6 hours per year).

If a student fails one of these classes, teachers will review her record and make a recommendation to the Head of School. The recommendation may include, but is not limited to, retention, expulsion, or summer remediation. The Head of School will review the recommendation and, if in agreement, the recommendation will be given to the parents/guardians of the student.

Graduation Requirements for Eighth Grade

Students must complete the following requirements to earn a diploma and graduate from Lake Washington Girls Middle School:
o Science Fair
o History Fair
o Humanities Term Paper
o Spanish Book
o Self-Portrait
o Math Portfolio
o Self-Evaluation
o Community Service Hours (2 hours per term, 6 hours per year)
o Must pass at least two of three terms in each core academic class

Student Behavior

Lake Washington Girls Middle School emphasizes caring, respectful behavior through cooperation among students, parents/guardians, and teachers. It is the school’s expectation that each girl will work hard to be inclusive of other students and to get along well with other students in the school. Each student must sign the LWGMS Constitution, indicating an agreement to contribute to this respectful environment. LWGMS has the following specific expectations:

Interpersonal Relations

Each student will:
• Refrain from name-calling, teasing, or use of body language that is disrespectful to others
• Settle disagreements in a respectful and non-violent manner
• Use language that is appropriate to the school atmosphere, avoiding profanity and vulgarity
• Respect the class by not disturbing students or teachers during instruction time

School Environment

Each student will:
• Respect the property of others
• Respect school property in and around the building
• Be responsible for the care of the classroom(s), building and play areas
• Produce her own original schoolwork, taking care to avoid plagiarism at all times

School Property

Lockers

All lockers made available for student use on the school premises are the property of the school. School staff has a responsibility and a right to examine the contents of these lockers for reasons of health, safety, and security. Students are expected to keep all belongings, including backpacks, coats, PE clothes, and lunch items, in lockers during the school day.
The student assumes complete responsibility for all items in the locker and will have to reimburse the school for any damage to a locker or school materials taken from a locker. A locked locker can help prevent loss and theft. If a student wishes to keep her locker locked, she must use the school issued lock.

Textbooks

Students must treat the books issued to them with care. Students’ families will be charged for any damaged or missing textbooks.

Individual Student Responsibilities

Each student will:
• Arrive at school on time and enter her class on time
• Leave the school building after dismissal
• Come equipped with necessary school supplies and completed homework assignments
• Participate in all classes and school programs directly connected with the curriculum
• Follow the Washington State law which prohibits knives, sharp objects and dangerous materials on school property
• Not leave school ground without permission
• Not leave her assigned group when on a field trip
• Not bring or use any weapons, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, drugs or narcotics on school premises, not be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs during any school-related activity

Failure to meet these expectations may lead to use of the procedures described in this handbook.

Personal Electronics Policy

Technology is a wonderful resource that enhances the educational experience, but it also has some serious opportunities for abuse that need to be understood and addressed. Personal electronics, including cellular phones, pagers, iPods or other MP3 players, personal laptops, or portable DVD players, are a significant distraction to students at school. During the school day (8:30-3:15) and Homework Club (3:30-5:30) students are not allowed to have or use any personal electronics and must keep those items safely secured in their lockers. If a student needs to make a call a student phone is available, with permission, in the office.

Faculty and staff reserve the right to confiscate any personal technology that disrupts the educational process. Parents/guardians will be required to pick up any confiscated cellular phones (or other personal technology) of students who have violated this policy. Should an emergency need for the use of cellular phone arise, students are required to receive prior approval from a faculty or staff member.

Network and Internet Use

The Internet is a vast, global network linking computers at universities, schools, science labs, and other sites. Through the Internet, one can communicate with people all over the world through a number of discussion forums, as well as through electronic mail. In addition, many files of educational value are available for downloading. With such great potential for education also comes potential for abuse. It is the purpose of these guidelines to make sure that everyone who uses the Lake Washington Girls Middle School (LWGMS) Network uses this resource in an appropriate manner.

The LWGMS Network, which includes Internet access and electronic mail capability, exists solely to enhance the delivery of educational services. It is not intended for use as a public forum or for use by students or staff for any purpose that is not directly related to the delivery of educational services.

Members of the LWGMS community are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or school hallway. Communications on the network may reach larger audiences than face-to-face conversations or telephone discussions. General school rules for behavior and communications apply. The network is provided by the LWGMS community to conduct research and, if appropriate, to communicate with others. Access to network services will be provided to those who act in a considerate and responsible manner.

LWGMS will make every reasonable effort to minimize the risk that users will encounter objectionable material on the Internet. However, there is no absolute guarantee that this will not happen. LWGMS believes that the benefits to students from access to information resources and opportunity for collaboration available through the Internet exceed the potential disadvantages. However, the parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources. To that end, LWGMS respects each family’s right to decide whether or not their child will have access to the Internet at school.

On the LWGMS Network

• Students do not have individual passwords or e-mail accounts
• Students can conduct research via the Internet in the classroom
• Students can access electronic mail only during directly supervised instruction

Before using the LWGMS Network, students and their parents or guardians should read these Network and Internet Use Policies in the LWGMS Handbook and read and sign the LWGMS Network and Internet Use Agreement provided in the opening day packet of information.

LWGMS Network and Internet Use Policies

1. 1. Network access is a privilege, not a right. The primary purpose of the LWGMS Network connection is educational. The use of the network must be consistent with, and directly related to, the educational objectives of LWGMS.
2. A violation of the Network and Internet Use Policies may result in suspension or termination of network access privileges (other than directly supervised access during classroom instruction) and may also result in other disciplinary action consistent with the disciplinary policies of the LWGMS.
3. Violations of these policies include, but are not limited to, the following conduct:
a. Intentionally placing unlawful and/or inappropriate information on a system.
b. Using profane, vulgar, threatening, defamatory, abusive, discriminatory, harassing, or otherwise objectionable or criminal language in a public message (web logs, personal web sites, discussion groups, or social networking sites) directed toward LWGMS, LWGMS staff, or LWGMS students.
c. Participating in other types of use that the user knows or has reason to know would cause congestion of the network or interfere with the work of others.
d. Intentionally using the network in a manner that violates any U.S. or state law. This includes, but is not limited to, unauthorized use of copyrighted material, transmission of threatening material and spreading of computer viruses.
e. Intentionally accessing or transmitting materials that are obscene, sexually explicit, and accessing any prohibited sites on the Internet.
f. Revealing one’s own personal address or telephone number.
g. Attempting to gain unauthorized access to system programs or computer equipment, including attempts to override, or to encourage others to override, any firewalls established on the network.
h. Attempting to harm, modify or destroy data of another user.
i. Using the LWGMS Network to buy, sell or advertise anything, unless authorized by LWGMS.
j. Accessing discussion groups, instant messaging, or “chat rooms,” or social networking sites (Facebook, MySpace, etc.) while using LWGMS computers.
k. Using the LWGMS Network to gamble or to play computer games, unless the games are authorized by LWGMS.
4. LWGMS assumes no responsibility for:
a. Any unauthorized charges or fees, including telephone charges, long distance charges, per minute surcharges, and/or equipment or line costs.
b. Any financial obligations arising out of unauthorized use of the system for the purchase of products or services.
c. Any cost, liability or damages caused by a user's violation of these guidelines.
d. Any information or materials that are transferred through the network.
5. LWGMS strongly condemns the illegal distribution of software. Any users transferring such files through the network shall have their network access limited to directly supervised use during classroom instruction. In addition, all users should be aware that software piracy is a federal offense.
6. If while using the LWGMS Network a user finds materials that are inappropriate or that she feels may constitute a threat against the safety of fellow students, staff members or the property of the LWGMS, she should report her discovery of such material to an LWGMS staff person.
7. This policy may be amended from year to year by LWGMS. Students and their parents or guardians will be asked to sign the Network and Internet Use Agreement at the beginning of each school year.

Procedures in Response to Concerns

Effective learning at Lake Washington Girls Middle School presupposes an ongoing informal process of resolving conflicts, involving a joint effort between home and school. We expect that the formal disciplinary procedures described in this section will rarely, if ever, need to be invoked.

1. For purposes of identifying potential patterns of behavior, LWGMS teachers and staff may file a “Student Report” that documents individual incidents. The report will be sent home and a copy placed in the student’s file.
2. If a student is consistently disruptive and/or creating a hostile environment for another person despite efforts to resolve the problem informally, the teacher may refer the student to the Head of School.
3. If disruptive behavior continues, the school will notify the parent(s)/guardian(s).
4. If behavior is serious (for example, plagiarism, violence, or property damage) and/or protracted the Director of Student Services or Head of School will arrange a parent/guardian-teacher-student conference to agree upon a home-school contract that states the conditions under which the student may remain at Lake Washington Girls Middle School. A date will be set to evaluate the student’s behavior according to the terms of the contract. If the student fails to meet the terms of the contract, the matter will be referred to the Head of School. The Head of School may take action up to and including expulsion.
5. In the rare instances where LWGMS staff need additional consultation, they can choose to confer with an outside consultant.
6. Some issues are considered sufficient cause for expulsion. These include, but are not limited to:
• Failure to meet the terms of a home-school contract
• A pattern of minor physical assaults, emotional bullying and/or any assault that causes serious bodily harm to another person
• A pattern of destruction of property through malice
• Possession or use of any weapon or illegal drug
• Academic failure

Intervention

When either a behavioral and/or an academic concern arises, an intervention process begins. The concern may initially begin with the student, a parent, or a faculty/staff member. Once this concern has been articulated, the first level of intervention often takes place within the classroom. The teacher and student are encouraged to create strategies to work on the identified concern.

If these efforts do not address the concern, or if other issues develop, the intervention may be referred to the Student Services Coordinator/Learning Skills Teacher. The Student Services Coordinator will evaluate the strategies employed to date and will either recommend additional strategies with the teacher, student, and parents, or an outside-of-the-classroom strategy. This intervention may include a tutor, counselor, speech and language specialist, occupational therapist, psychologist, or educational consultant.

The Student Services Coordinator consults with teachers and outside resource professionals to design a program and to encourage ongoing communication regarding the learner’s progress. This communication will facilitate the consultative process and will help the Student Services Coordinator make appropriate referrals to outside professionals.

Grievance Resolution Procedure

Policy – Informal

LWGMS encourages resolution of problems, disagreements and conflicts at the earliest possible time and at the lowest level within the school organization. Aggrieved parties should communicate informally with school staff to clarify issues and to resolve disagreements. When informal procedures fail to provide desired results or when problems cannot be resolved at this level, the following formal grievance procedure is available.

Policy – Formal

A grievance that is not resolved informally should be presented to the Head of School. The Head of School will work with the parties to reach a fair resolution of the problem.
If the problem cannot be solved at that level, the aggrieved person may file a grievance in writing to the board. After being notified of the grievance, the board shall schedule a meeting with the grievant to discuss the specific nature of the grievance, steps already taken and remedy sought. This meeting may be tape-recorded by any participant. The board shall respond in writing to the grievant within ten (10) days following the meeting with a proposed resolution.

Should the aggrieved person feel dissatisfied with the board’s proposed resolution, that person has ten (10) days to respond, after which the board has seven (7) days to reach a final decision.

Fundraising at LWGMS

At LWGMS, we have two major annual fundraisers, the Annual Fund and the Auction. Additionally, the Advancement Office works throughout the year to cultivate donors and promote the school. This is an attempt to answer some frequently asked questions. If you have further questions, please contact the Shannon Blaisdell, Director of Advancement at 206.760.1526 or email gro.smgwl|lledsialbs#gro.smgwl|lledsialbs.

What is the purpose of the Annual Fund?
At LWGMS, the purpose of the Annual Fund is to fulfill our mission to keep our tuition low. The Annual Fund is essential in enabling us to meet the difference between tuition and actual costs to educate each student. The Annual Fund allows us to keep our teacher’s salary competitive in order to attract great educators for our girls and to fund special programs that allow our girls to have the breadth of education we strive to provide. As at all independent schools, the tuition does not meet the actual cost of educating each child.

Why doesn’t tuition cover the School’s expenses?
While tuition goes a long way in covering expenses, we must augment our income in order to fulfill everything we accomplish throughout the year. We could raise tuition but that might deter some of our girls and families from attending LWGMS. The Annual Fund is a tax-deductible way to fulfill our mission and the ever-rising operating expenses.

Why is support to the Annual Fund so important?
Besides supporting the mission of allowing LWGMS to keep tuition low and enable access for all girls, it is important to show your support for our program. When LWGMS applies for any grants or approaches major donors, it is important to be able to show that 100% of our school community supports the Annual Fund. We expect all Parents, Board Members, Faculty and Staff contribute to the Annual Fund to the best of their financial ability.

When can I donate to the Annual Fund?
The Annual Fund begins in September and follows the school calendar. You can give to the annual fund at any time by calling the Advancement Office at 206.760.1526 or by going online at www.lwgms.org.

When is the Auction?
Mark your calendars – April 24, 2010 is the date for this year’s LWGMS Annual Auction.

How can I support this event?
The Auction is a major fundraiser and great community event for LWGMS. In order for a successful event, it takes support from the entire community.

Procurement of items is extremely important to the success of this community event. As you frequent businesses throughout the year, please request your local businesses to support our great school through a donation of services or products. Procurement forms are available in the Advancement Office.

It takes hours of volunteer time in order to make the auction a successful community event. We need assistance throughout the year as well as the day and night of the event. If you are interested in helping in any way, please call the Advancement Office at 206.760.1526 or email gro.smgwl|lledsialbs#gro.smgwl|lledsialbs.

The last way you can support this great event is to attend the auction and invite friends and family to attend.

What are Matching Funds?
Do you work for a company that participates in matching funds?
Make your money do twice the work! Many of the larger employers in the Seattle area including Microsoft, Boeing, Washington Mutual and Bank of America will match your contributions of time and money to nonprofits. If you have questions about this program or are not sure your gift is eligible, please contact the Advancement Office at 206.760.1526 or email gro.smgwl|lledsialbs#gro.smgwl|lledsialbs.

Are there other ways I can help support LWGMS?
At LWGMS, we welcome the involvement of parents and guardians in the community. If you have special talents that could assist in furthering the mission of the school, we welcome all contributions of time, talent, and treasure. Another avenue in assisting to advance the mission is to invite friends and family to find out more about our wonderful school community.

LWGMS

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