Vision  Statement
In an effort to foster a challenging and supportive climate for all to be successful, we will strive to promote continuous engagement among our students and staff, where a supportive sense of community is built through organized collaboration and positive communication.

Statement of Staff Beliefs
At RIS we strive to do the following:

*Create a positive and engaging school environment that continuously challenges students and offers evolving academic goals.

*Collaborate with one another to achieve our collective goals through ongoing professional development, PLCs, and continuous improvement.
            
*Promote a supportive and positive school climate by making personal connections that build relationships and modeling qualities and character traits that we want to instill in our students.

*Ensure all students are successful by analyzing assessment data and utilizing that data in the classroom and enrichment/intervention to address individual needs and learning styles.

*Provide a safe and inviting environment for students where clear expectations, consistent consequences, and respect are valued.

*Involve families and community in the education of their children by creating a school- wide environment and atmosphere of welcome and collaboration.    

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Royal Intermediate School Students’ Rights and Responsibilities

Royal Intermediate School students, as citizens of the school community, are entitled to all the rights and privileges granted by our democratic society.  The right to an education, however, does allow that schools may legitimately expect students to accept certain responsibilities.  It is important that both students and parents read this document, as they are responsible to know the information.  

When students come to school to learn, they arrive on time with their work done to the best of their ability.  Students present themselves in attire that is not distracting to the learning of others.  Students who want to better themselves ask their peers and teachers for help when necessary and will give help to others. Role modeling healthy behavior develops leadership skills and lifelong habits that can increase the number and quality of opportunities.  

All students who attend Royal Intermediate School shall comply with the written policies, rules, and regulations of the Royal School District; shall pursue the required course of studies; and shall submit to the authority of school staff, subject to such corrective action(s) as identified in the Royal School District/Royal Intermediate School Student Discipline Codes. As afforded by Washington Administrative Code, all students have the right to due process.

Overview of Student Rights

Each student attending Royal Intermediate School has the right to:

• An equal educational opportunity, free of discrimination because of national origin, immigration status,, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, marital status, or an identified learning need. 
• Be secure in his or her person, papers, and effects from unreasonable search and seizures.
• Free expression and assembly subject to reasonable limitations and identified procedures for exercising such rights.
• Be free from unlawful interference in his or her pursuit of an education while in the custody of a school authority.

Overview of Student Responsibilities

Each student attending Royal Intermediate School has the responsibility to:

• Attend school daily and be on time to class with all necessary materials. 
• Know and obey the rules of the district and the school.
• Accept reasonable consequences for violating school or district rules. 
• Respect the rights of others, as not to disrupt or deprive others of their rights to an education. 

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Mental Health Resources

Safety comes first in our school, and we believe that only through healthy levels of physical, social, and emotional safety can our students learn at high levels.

Assistance and Counseling is available for all students who need assistance. Grant County Mental Health Services is also available for students who are seeking services outside of school or needing additional counseling services during the school week. There is also a school psychologist that is readily available for students as well. Please see the office for further assistance.

Students are also encouraged to talk to their teachers or administrators about any concerns they might have about themselves or about another classmate or friend. No student or person is ever alone. As a school, we are here for our students.

If a staff member is concerned about a student, he or she may, in addition to discussing concerns with the student, refer that student to our school counselor for further assistance.  If a parent is concerned about his or her child or another student, please contact the middle school to discuss your concerns with one of our school counselors.  See phone numbers for outside resources.

Crisis Lifeline: 988
Grant Integrated Services: 1.509.765.1582
Grant Integrated Services 24-hour crisis line: 1.509.765.1717 or 1.800.852.2923
Renew 509 765 9293
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1.703.527.4077 or 1.800.273.TALK
Suicide Prevention Text Line: Text HOPE to 741741

In the event of any emergency, please call 911 immediately before seeking assistance from school staff or administrators. 

A. Participation in a school-approved activity or instructional program.  To be excused this absence must be authorized by a staff member and the affected teacher must be notified prior to the absence unless it is clearly impossible to do so.

B. Absence due to illness: health condition; medical appointment; family emergency: religious purposes; court, judicial proceeding or serving on a jury; post-secondary, technical school or apprenticeship program visitation, or scholarship interview; State-recognized search and rescue activities consistent with RCW 28A.225.055; and directly related to the student’s homeless status.

When possible, the parent/guardian is expected to notify the school office on the morning of the absence by phone, e-mail or written note of explanation with the student. If no excuse is provided with the notification or no notification is provided, the parent/guardian will submit an excuse via phone, e-mail or written note upon the student’s return to school.
A parent may request that a student be excused from attending school in observance of a religious holiday. In addition, a student, upon the request of his/her parent/guardian, may be excused for a portion of a school day to participate in religious instruction provided such is not conducted on school property. A student shall be allowed one makeup day for each day of absence.

  C.  Absence for parental-controlled activities.  This category of absence shall be counted as excused for purposes agreed to by the principal and the parent/guardian. An absence may not be approved if it causes a serious adverse effect on the student's educational progress. In participation-type classes (e.g., certain music and physical education classes) the student may not be able to achieve the objectives of the unit of instruction as a result of absence from class. In such a case, a parent/guardian-approved absence would have an adverse effect on the student's educational progress, which would ultimately be reflected in the grade for such a course. A student, upon the request of his/her parent/guardian, may be excused for a portion of a school day to participate in religious instruction provided such is not conducted on school property or otherwise involves the school to any degree.

  D. Absence resulting from disciplinary actions--or short-term suspension.  As required by law, students who are removed from a class or classes as a disciplinary measure or students who have been placed on short-term suspension shall have the right to make up assignments or exams missed during the time they were denied entry to the classroom if the effect of the missed assignments shall be a substantial lowering of the course grade.

  E. Extended illness or health condition.  If a student is confined to home or hospital for an extended period, the school shall arrange for the accomplishment of assignments at the place of confinement whenever practical. If the student is unable to do his/her schoolwork, or if there are major requirements of a particular course which cannot be accomplished outside of class the student may be required to take an incomplete or withdraw from the class without penalty.

Unexcused absences fall into two categories:
A. Submitting a signed excuse which does not constitute an excused absence as defined above; or
B. Failing to submit any type of excuse statement by the parent/guardian or adult student, whether by phone, e-mail or in writing, for an absence.

Washington State Truancy (BECCA Bill) and Compulsory Attendance Laws. Royal School District.

STEP 1

In response to one (1) unexcused absence:  Inform parent by phone or by letter. 

STEP 2

In response to three (3) unexcused absences: The school will schedule a parent conference to improve the student's attendance. For students who are in Middle/High School, the school will administer the WARNS assessment and take data-informing steps to eliminate or reduce student's absences. (parent permission not required).

STEP 3

In response to five (5) unexcused absences in a month: Parent and school must enter into an attendance contract to improve the student's attendance.  If contract is not followed or student and/or parent refuses to enter into a contract, see Step 4.  

STEP 4

In response to seven (7) unexcused absences in a month or fifteen (15) unexcused absences in a school year:  School will file a truancy petition as a STAY to Grant County Juvenile Court (GCJC) and refer the family to Community Engagement Board (CEB). If agreement is not followed or student and/or parent refuses to attend CEB, see Step 5.

STEP 5

File a CEB Return of Case and a Case Declaration with GCJC.  Parents and students will attend a truancy hearing at GCJC.  School will receive notice for court requirements. If non-compliant with court's requirements, see Step 6. 

STEP 6

File In Contempt with Grant County Juvenile Court. New hearing date will be set. Sanctions will be imposed. 

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Student Check-In/Check-Out

We encourage visitors.  All parents and other visitors sign in at the office before visiting our facilities.  A visitor pass will be issued to the parent/guardian/visitor to ensure staff that this has been done.  Parent/guardian/visitor may be asked to present photo identification upon request.

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Medication Policy

It is the policy of Royal School District No. 160 and Washington State Law (RCW 28A.210.20-270) not to administer medication to pupils at school (over-the-counter and prescription), except at the written request of both the parent and the physician. 

 

 When it is necessary for your child to take medication during the school day, these procedures are to be followed:

 

• The parent obtains an AUTHORIZATION FOR ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION FORM from the school or nurse.
• The parent will FAX or TAKE the form to the physician to complete and sign.
• The parent will SIGN the completed form and return it to the school office.
• Medication must be supplied to the school in a pharmacy bottle.
• The pharmacy bottle MUST have the students name, physician’s name, medication, does and time to be administered printed on the label
• At NO time will school staff accept medication brought to school in other containers such as baggies or envelopes.
• The parents MUST deliver the medication to the school office.

 

THE SCHOOLS PROCEDURES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

• ALL medication will be kept in a locked cupboard.
• Medication will be administered by a trained individual.
• ALL expired or unclaimed medication will be disposed of if not claimed.
• For safety reasons, we DO NOT send medication home with students.
• AUTHORIZATION FOR ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION FORM expires at the end of each school year.

Medication at School

Students should take medications before or after school when possible. If a student needs medication during school hours or at school events, a written request from a parent/guardian and a licensed healthcare practitioner (LHP) authorization are required. For medications lasting more than fifteen days, the LHP must provide updated instructions.

For full details, refer to School District Policies 3419 and 3420 regarding medication administration.

Search and Seizure

School authorities may seize any contraband substance or object, the possession of which is illegal, or any material or object, which violates school rules or poses a hazard to the safety and good order of the school.  

 

A school principal, vice principal, or principal's designee may search a student, the student's possessions, and the student's locker, if the principal, vice principal, or principal's designee has reasonable grounds to suspect that the search will yield evidence of the student's violation of the law or school rules. A search is mandatory if there are reasonable grounds to suspect a student has illegally possessed a firearm in violation of RCW 9.41.280.

 

Selling Activities:

Students at Royal Intermediate School are prohibited from engaging in any selling activities on school premises without obtaining prior verbal permission from the school principal. This policy aims to ensure a focused learning environment and maintain order within the school community. Students found in violation of this policy may face appropriate disciplinary actions.

 

Secure Campus:

Royal Intermediate School is a closed campus, which means students are not permitted to leave the school grounds or enter any other Royal district schools—Red Rock Elementary (RRE), Royal Intermediate School (RIS), and Royal High School (RHS)—during the school day, from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, unless they are attending a school function or athletic function. This policy is in place to ensure the safety and security of all students. Any student found violating this rule will be subject to disciplinary action.

 

Student Contact and Deliveries

Deliveries to Students

Deliveries to students such as flowers, food, balloons, candy, birthday gifts, etcetera, will be delivered the last 5 minutes of the day and/or a note will be delivered to the student communicating to the student that they can pick up the delivery at the end of the school day.  

 

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Student Conduct 

Student Discipline Procedures

Students are expected to follow classroom procedures. Teachers will inform students and parents of behavioral expectations and classroom management steps. Parents can expect notification from teachers when concerns arise so problems can be addressed.
(Refer to Royal School District Policy #3200 for steps taken when discipline is referred to the office.)

The word “discipline” originates from the Latin word disciplina meaning “instruction” and derives from the root discere meaning “to learn.”  The word discipulus means “disciple or pupil”. 

‘Discipline’ means any action taken by the school district in response to behavioral violations. Discipline is not necessarily punitive, but can take positive and supportive forms. Data shows that a supportive response to a behavioral violation is more effective and increases equitable educational opportunities. The purposes of this policy and accompanying procedure include the following:  

• Engaging with families and the community and striving to understand and be responsive to cultural context  
• Supporting students in meeting behavioral expectations, including providing for early involvement of parents  
• Administering discipline in ways that respond to the needs and strengths of students and keep students in the classroom to the maximum extent possible 
• Providing educational services that students need during suspension and expulsion  
• Facilitating collaboration between school personnel, students, and parents, and thereby supporting successful reentry into the classroom following a suspension or expulsion  
• Ensuring fairness, equity, and due process in the administration of discipline  
• Providing every student with the opportunity to achieve personal and academic success  
• Providing a safe environment for all students and for district employees” (Policy 3241).
  

Classroom exclusions are defined as “the exclusion of a student from a classroom or instructional or activity area for behavioral violations…[but] does not include action that results in missed instruction for a brief period of time when a) a teacher attempts other forms of discipline to support the student in meeting behavioral expectations; and b) the student remains under the supervision of the teacher or other school personnel during such brief duration” (Procedure 3241).

If the removal from the classroom does NOT meet the above criteria, office personnel will inform parents or guardians of the classroom exclusion.

Due process: In the event of a behavioral violation, students and parents have the right to an informal conference for the purpose of resolving the matter.  Students, parents, administrators, and staff members may all be included in the informal conference to be able to voice issues and concerns related to the violation as well as ask questions.  

Behavioral Violations

A behavioral violation is defined as “a student’s behavior that violates the district’s discipline policies”.

The school is here to support students so we will provide a variety of possible responses to behavioral violations.  Discipline actions include--but are not limited to--the following:

 

• Behavior monitoring
• Behavioral contract
• Mentoring
• SafeSchools for Students online training
• Referral to Behavior Interventionist
• Social skills’ instruction
• De-escalation
• Restorative practices
• Parent communication
• Lunch detention
• After/Before school detention
• In-school suspension
• Short-term suspension
• Long-term suspension
• Expulsion
• Emergency expulsion
• Police Notification

Students who are placed on any form of out-of-school suspension or expulsion are not permitted to participate in or attend school-sponsored activities, including all academic and sporting events.  This includes being on any Royal School District property.

For further details about student discipline, please see School Board Policy and Procedure 3241.

Detention

Before school, during lunch, or after school detention may be assigned to students to make up assignments, for unacceptable behavior, and for tardies. Students are responsible for making arrangements with their parents and teachers/staff to complete the detention. Parents will be notified when their student has been assigned detention. Failure to complete detention is considered a failure to comply, and may result in additional detention time or a referral to the office.

Offenses: 

The list of offenses below is not exhaustive. Any district policies, RCW, or WAC’s not listed, are still applicable 

Academic Dishonesty 

Cheating, stealing or sharing answers--verbally, nonverbally, in writing or photos on an object or electronically--plagiarizing, or any other form of academic dishonesty, including inappropriate use or misuse of the school’s computer network, will not be tolerated  in the school.  The teacher will confiscate all evidence, document the situation, and report it to an administrator.  The student will be subject to grade loss and/or disciplinary action.

Assault/Fighting/Disorderly Conduct

Fighting is defined as the exchange of hits or other violent physical contact between or among students, including arrangement of fights.  Assault is an intentional act that causes someone to reasonably fear immediate harm. It can involve physical contact, such as punching or striking someone with an object, or it can be a threat that causes someone to fear violence. The victim's response must be genuine and reasonable under the circumstances. Disorderly Conduct includes the use of abusive language which intentionally creates a risk of assault.

Bullying/Harassment/Intimidation and Discrimination

Students are expected to respect the individual rights of all persons while on campus and at school functions or activities.  Everyone, including students, school personnel, parents, and community members are to be treated with respect.  Any form of harassment (including sexual), intimidation, or bullying will not be tolerated.  Bullying/Harassment is defined as intentional written, verbal, or physical bullying, intimidating, or harassing behavior that is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment.

*See additional information about Sexual Harassment and Discrimination on pages 27-29

Extortion, Assault, and Causing Physical Injury 

A student will not extort anything of value, threaten physical injury, attempt to cause physical injury, cause physical injury, or intentionally behave in a way that could reasonably be expected to cause injury to another.

Controlled Substances

Students may not possess, use, or be under the influence of controlled substances (including alcohol, marijuana, narcotics, tobacco, smokeless tobacco, unauthorized use of non-prescription and prescription drugs) while on school grounds or at any school-sponsored function or activity.  The possession, use, sale, intent to sell, distribution, sharing or being under the influence of controlled substances on district property, district-provided transportation, areas of facilities being used exclusively as school district property, or at district-sponsored activities is prohibited.  This includes any over-the-counter medication containing alcohol such as some cough or cold medications.

Disruptive Acts 

Any action, behavior, or incitement of action or behavior which interferes with the duties of a staff member or the normal operation of the school; may include off-campus conduct if the conduct has the cause or effect of interfering with the normal operations of the school or district.

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Dress Code 

ALL students are expected to comply with guidelines outlined in the “Appropriate Dress” section of this handbook.

Gang Dress 

Students found in violation of the dress code policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary actions as outlined in the Royal School Districts code of conduct and WA State law (R.C.W. 28A.600.455). 

 

Gang Activity 

Gang activity is defined as any gang violence, gesture, vandalism, intimidation, or disruption of learning related to gang activity in any manner will not be tolerated.

Any student wearing, carrying, or displaying gang-related apparel or devices; exhibiting behavior or gestures which symbolize gang membership; causing, participating in, and/or recruiting for gang-related activities; causing and/or participating in activities which intimidate or affect the attendance of another student; possessing, transmitting, or using gang-related images or pictures. 

Students who gather for the intent of causing disruption to the normal function of the school day may be considered gang affiliated.

Students engaged in gang activity will face stringent discipline due to their affiliation with criminal enterprises. 

Other Disciplinary Infractions 

Verbal abuse, malicious mischief, profanity, computer misuse, unauthorized access, false statements, alteration of records, trespass, entering another’s locker or desk, willful disobedience, burning, disruptive devices, possession of inappropriate materials, accumulation of referrals, bus misconduct, theft, burglary, coercion, robbery, damaging school or personal property, arson, violation of school rules or policies not listed, are all subject to disciplinary action based on severity of the incident, previous disciplinary record, academic progress, and conduct of the student.

Threats

Communicating threats of violence or harm directly or indirectly, whether by physical, verbal, written, telephonic, or electronic means, which cause another person to believe his/her life, safety or property is in danger, or which cause a listener to believe that another person’s life, safety or property is in danger.  Threats need not be communicated to the intended victim.  Includes bomb threats, false alarms, threats of violence, etc. 

Weapons, Dangerous Instruments, and Explosive Devices  

It is the policy of the Royal School District that there be no tolerance for the possession or use of weapons, dangerous instruments, or explosive devices by students.  Students may not possess or use firearms, dangerous instruments, or explosive devices on school property, on school provided transportation, in areas or facilities being used exclusively by a school, or at a school sponsored event or activities. Dangerous weapons include and are not limited to: firearms, nun-chu-ka-sticks, throwing star, air gun, air pistol, air rifle, stun gun, knife, or any item that is used or could be used as a weapon. 

Possession or use of a firearm in violation of this policy shall result in a minimum of one (1) school term expulsion from the district.  The superintendent or designee may modify the mandatory expulsion on a case-by-case basis.  Exceptions to this policy may be made as only allowed by state law and authorized by the district.  Any student who possesses any weapon, or explosive devices, other than a firearm, in violation of this policy may be expelled or be subject to other school discipline as provided in board policy and state law.  

The district is authorized to expel any student who has violated the weapons policy.  Any student who brings a firearm will be expelled for no less than one school term.  The school must notify police and the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) of the incident.  Police do not need a warrant to arrest any person on school property who illegally possesses or has possessed a firearm or dangerous weapon.  

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PBIS

School-Wide PBIS

Guidelines for Success

Royal Intermediate School has chosen to adopt the Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) framework to encourage positive behaviors at school and to help create effective learning environments.  As a school-wide system, this framework is used with all students, across all environments of the school (classroom, lunchroom, hallways, and playgrounds).

The PBIS framework gives all teachers, staff, and students a clear set of expectations to follow throughout the school building.  The general expectations of Royal Intermediate are:

*Be Safe

*Be Respectful

*Be Responsible

In each area of the school, specific behavioral expectations are defined related to these general expectations.  Once the expectations have been determined, they are clearly taught and demonstrated to all students.  Students are presented with each expectation, the rationale for the expectations is discussed, and students see examples of the right and the wrong way to demonstrate an expectation.  After the expectations have been modeled, students have the opportunity to practice the right way and show their understanding.

 

Additionally, we have developed guidelines for success for students to follow.  These guidelines for success encompass the characteristics we want all students at RIS to exhibit.

Kindness wins

Never give up

Inspire INTEGRITY

Grow with COURAGE

Have RESPECT

Take RESPONSIBILITY

Show DILIGENCE

Once appropriate behaviors have been taught and practiced, they need to be acknowledged often.  As part of this acknowledgement system, Royal Intermediate students will be divided into one of five houses – Bidii (diligence), Ansvar (responsibility), Sumus (respect), Coraggio (courage) and Integrita (integrity).  These houses are each based on an important character trait and are run by staff members in the school.  When any student is observed following expectations by a staff member, their house will be awarded a point.  A running total of house points will be displayed on televisions throughout the school.  At the end of each quarter the house with the most points will earn a reward field trip/event.  Students will be taught how to earn points and what prizes/rewards they will receive if their house has the most points.  Students will also earn positive Golden Shields for exhibiting any of the guidelines for success.  These Golden Shields are carbon copied. One will be sent home and one will be entered into the bucket in the office and drawn out periodically for different rewards.

When students violate behavioral expectations, clear procedures are necessary for providing information to them that their behavior is unacceptable.  Students, teachers, and administrators should be able to predict what will occur when behavioral errors are identified.  A school-wide discipline matrix has been developed and is included in this packet.  Yellow cards are used to document and record incidents managed by the teacher in the classroom.  Once a student has received five yellow cards they earn a Red Card or office referral.  Red cards are also used for major incidents. 

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The Student Behavior Flowchart is used to help teachers distinguish major from minor behavioral incidents.

Minor Incidents are classroom-managed.  Opportunities for reminder and redirection will be used, as well as other forms of in class discipline procedures, will be used to modify behavior and help students be successful.  Multiple Minor offenses may become a Major offense if the behavior is not corrected.

Student Behavior Flowchart

Discipline Matrix

Key Terms: In School Suspension (ISS), Out of School Suspension(OSS), 

But not limited to (BNLT), Short Term(ST), Long Term(LT)