Also under ESSA, parents of children in schools that receive Title I dollars have the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of the student’s classroom teacher(s) and paraprofessionals. For more information, contact the Human Resources Department at 360.691.7717.

The Granite Falls School District #332 complies with all federal and state rules and regulations and does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, marital status, honorable discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or access to the Boy Scouts of America or any other youth group listed in title 36 (as a patriotic society), or other distinguishing characteristics. This policy applies to individuals attending any events on District property, whether or not District-sponsored and to any school-sponsored event, regardless of location. All district affiliated programs and activities shall be free of discrimination.  District Policies 3000, 3205, 3207, 5010, 5011 and 5520 outlines the District's full policies and procedures and are on file in all school buildings for staff, student or community referral.  This also holds true for all employment opportunities, admission to and access to, operations of programs, services, or activities with regard to all students who are interested in participating in educational programs and/or extra-curricular school activities, admission, access to services, treatment or employment and all opportunities in programs and activities.  Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the school district Title IX/RCW 28A640 Officer and/or Section 504 Coordinator.  Individuals who may need auxiliary aids for communications, employment, programs and/or services are asked to make their needs and preferences known to the ADA Coordinator. Forms to file a complaint are available on the District website or by calling 360.691.7717. The following employee(s) has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Rachel Quarterman, Section 504/Title IX/Compliance Coordinator, GRANITE FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT, 205 NORTH ALDER AVE., GRANITE FALLS, WA 98252 at (360) 691-7717 or rquarterman@gfalls.wednet.edu.

The Granite Falls School District is committed to maintaining a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees or others involved in school district programs or activities that is free from harassment, intimidation, and bullying. “Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying” means any image or message (written or electronically transmitted), verbal or physical act that is intended to harm or intimidate and has the effect to physically harm a student or damage a student’s property, substantially interfere with a student’s education or create an intimidating or threatening educational environment, or substantially disrupt the orderly operation of the school.  Harassment, intimidation, and bullying in any form are unacceptable and are against District policy and state and federal law.  Students who engage in such activity on school grounds or off campus, and disrupts school operations or the learning environment, shall be subject to school disciplinary action and possible criminal prosecution. Any student who believes he or she has been the target of HIB is strongly encouraged to report incidents verbally or in writing to a parent, guardian, staff member or trusted adult.  The student, parent, or other adult, should notify school officials as soon as possible and complete an incident report form—these forms to file a complaint are available on the District website or by calling 360.691.7717. The District’s Section 504/ADA Coordinator is Rachel Quarterman 205 NORTH ALDER AVE., GRANITE FALLS, WA 98252 at (360) 691-7717 or rquarterman@gfalls.wednet.edu.

The District also offers an anonymous 24/7 tip line for students, parents or community members to report unsafe behaviors or information on HIB through SafeSCHOOLS.  You can report safety concerns in four different ways:

 

Phone:
855.742.6957
Text:
855.742.6957, then follow instructions
Email:
1433@alert1.us
Web:
http://1433.alert1.us

Our Schools Protect Students from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB)

Schools are meant to be safe and inclusive environments where all students are protected from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB), including in the classroom, on the school bus, in school sports, and during other school activities. This section defines HIB, explains what to do when you see or experience it, and our school’s process for responding to it.

 

What is HIB?

HIB is any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act of a student that:

• Physically harms another student or damages their property;
• Has the effect of greatly interfering with another student’s education; or,
• Is so severe, persistent, or significant that it creates an intimidating or threatening education environment for other students.

 

HIB generally involves an observed or perceived power imbalance and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated. HIB is not allowed, by law, in our schools.

 

How can I make a report or complaint about HIB?

Talk to any school staff member (consider starting with whoever you are most comfortable with!). You may use our district’s reporting form to share concerns about HIB

(https://www.gfalls.wednet.edu/cms/lib/WA50000744/Centricity/Domain/42/3207F1-%20student%20formal%20report%20form.pdf)

but reports about HIB can be made in writing or verbally. Your report can be made anonymously, if you are uncomfortable revealing your identity, or confidentially if you prefer it not be shared with other students involved with the report. No disciplinary action will be taken against another student based solely on an anonymous or confidential report.

If a staff member is notified of, observes, overhears, or otherwise witnesses HIB, they must take prompt and appropriate action to stop the HIB behavior and to prevent it from happening again. Our district also has a HIB Compliance Officer- Rachel Quarterman, Executive Director of Student Services 205 N Alder Ave, Granite Falls, WA 98252, rquarterman@gfalls.wednet.edu 360-691-7717 that supports prevention and response to HIB.

 

What happens after I make a report about HIB?

If you report HIB, school staff must attempt to resolve the concerns. If the concerns are resolved, then no further action may be necessary. However, if you feel that you or someone you know is the victim of unresolved, severe, or persistent HIB that requires further investigation and action, then you should request an official HIB investigation.

 

Also, the school must take actions to ensure that those who report HIB don’t experience retaliation.

 

What is the investigation process?

When you report a complaint, the HIB Compliance Officer or staff member leading the investigation must notify the families of the students involved with the complaint and must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The investigation must be completed within 5 school days, unless you agree on a different timeline. If your complaint involves circumstances that require a longer investigation, the district will notify you with the anticipated date for their response.

 

When the investigation is complete, the HIB Compliance Officer or the staff member leading the investigation must provide you with the outcomes of the investigation within 2 school days. This response should include:

• A summary of the results of the investigation
• A determination of whether the HIB is substantiated
• Any corrective measures or remedies needed
• Clear information about how you can appeal the decision

 

What are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome?

For the student designated as the “targeted student” in a complaint:

If you do not agree with the school district’s decision, you may appeal the decision and include any additional information regarding the complaint to the superintendent, or the person assigned to lead the appeal, and then to the school board.

 

For the student designated as the “aggressor” in a complaint:

A student found to be an “aggressor” in a HIB complaint may not appeal the decision of a HIB investigation. They can, however, appeal corrective actions that result from the findings of the HIB investigation.

 

For more information about the HIB complaint process, including important timelines, please see the district’s website at https://www.gfalls.wednet.edu/Page/236 or the district’s HIB Policy #3207and Procedure #3207P.

Our School Stands Against Discrimination

Discrimination can happen when someone is treated differently or unfairly because they are part of a protected class, including their race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, creed, disability, use of a service animal, or veteran or military status.

 

What is discriminatory harassment?

Discriminatory harassment can include teasing and name-calling; graphic and written statements; or other conduct that may be physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating. Discriminatory harassment happens when the conduct is based on a student’s protected class and is serious enough to create a hostile environment. A hostile environment is created when conduct is so severe, pervasive, or persistent that it limits a student’s ability to participate in, or benefit from, the school’s services, activities, or opportunities.

 

To review the district’s Nondiscrimination Policy #3210 and Procedure #3210P or visit https://go.boarddocs.com/wa/gfalls/Board.nsf/Public

 

 

What is sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome conduct or communication that is sexual in nature and substantially interferes with a student's educational performance or creates an intimidating or hostile environment. Sexual harassment can also occur when a student is led to believe they must submit to unwelcome sexual conduct or communication to gain something in return, such as a grade or a place on a sports team.

 

Examples of sexual harassment can include pressuring a person for sexual actions or favors; unwelcome touching of a sexual nature; graphic or written statements of a sexual nature; distributing sexually explicit texts, e-mails, or pictures; making sexual jokes, rumors, or suggestive remarks; and physical violence, including rape and sexual assault.

 

Our schools do not discriminate based on sex and prohibit sex discrimination in all of our education programs and employment, as required by Title IX and state law.

 

To review the district’s Sexual Harassment Policy #3205 and Procedure #3205P or visit https://go.boarddocs.com/wa/gfalls/Board.nsf/Public

 

What should my school do about discriminatory and sexual harassment?

When a school becomes aware of possible discriminatory or sexual harassment, it must investigate and stop the harassment. The school must address any effects the harassment had on the student at school, including eliminating the hostile environment, and make sure that the harassment does not happen again.

 

What can I do if I’m concerned about discrimination or harassment?

Talk to a Coordinator or submit a written complaint. You may contact the following school district staff members to report your concerns, ask questions, or learn more about how to resolve your concerns.

 

Concerns about discrimination:

Civil Rights Coordinator: Emily Moore, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning

205 N Alder Ave, Granite Falls, WA 98252, emoore@gfalls.wednet.edu 360-283-4507

 

Concerns about sex discrimination, including sexual harassment:

Title IX Coordinator:  Jennifer Harmon, Director of Human Resources

205 N Alder Ave. Granite Falls, WA 98252 jharmon@gfalls.wednet.edu 360-283-4309

 

Concerns about disability discrimination:

Section 504 Coordinator: Rachel Quarterman, Executive Director of Student Services

205 N Alder Ave. Granite Falls, WA 98282, rquarterman@gfalls.wednet.edu

 

Concerns about discrimination based on gender identity:

Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Emily Moore, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning 205 N Alder Ave, Granite Falls, WA 98252, emoore@gfalls.wednet.edu 360-283-4507

 

To submit a written complaint, describe the conduct or incident that may be discriminatory and send it by mail, fax, email, or hand delivery to the school principal, district superintendent, or civil rights coordinator. Submit the complaint as soon as possible for a prompt investigation, and within one year of the conduct or incident.

 

What happens after I file a discrimination complaint?

The Civil Rights Coordinator will give you a copy of the school district’s discrimination complaint procedure. The Civil Rights Coordinator must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The investigation must be completed within 30 calendar days unless you agree to a different timeline. If your complaint involves exceptional circumstances that require a longer investigation, the Civil Rights Coordinator will notify you in writing with the anticipated date for their response.

 

When the investigation is complete, the school district superintendent or the staff member leading the investigation will send you a written response. This response will include:

• A summary of the results of the investigation
• A determination of whether the school district failed to comply with civil rights laws
• Any corrective measures or remedies needed
• Notice about how you can appeal the decision

 

What are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome?

If you do not agree with the outcome of your complaint, you may appeal the decision to Granite Falls School Board of Directors and then to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). More information about this process, including important timelines, is included in the district’s Nondiscrimination Procedure #3210P and Sexual Harassment Procedure #3205P

 

I already submitted an HIB complaint – what will my school do?

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying (HIB) can also be discrimination if it's related to a protected class. If you give your school a written report of HIB that involves discrimination or sexual harassment, your school will notify the Civil Rights Coordinator. The school district will investigate the complaint using both the Nondiscrimination Procedure #3210P and the HIB Procedure #3207P to fully resolve your complaint.

Who else can help with HIB or Discrimination Concerns?

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)

All reports must start locally at the school or district level. However, OSPI can assist students, families, communities, and school staff with questions about state law, the HIB complaint process, and the discrimination and sexual harassment complaint processes.

 

OSPI School Safety Center (For questions about harassment, intimidation, and bullying)

• Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/health-safety/school-safety-center
• Email: schoolsafety@k12.wa.us
• Phone: 360-725-6068

 

OSPI Equity and Civil Rights Office (For questions about discrimination and sexual harassment)

• Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/equity-and-civil-rights
• Email: equity@k12.wa.us
• Phone: 360-725-6162

 

Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO)

The Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds works with families, communities, and schools to address problems together so every student can fully participate and thrive in Washington’s K-12 public schools. OEO provides informal conflict resolution tools, coaching, facilitation, and training about family, community engagement, and systems advocacy.

• Website: www.oeo.wa.gov
• Email: oeoinfo@gov.wa.gov
• Phone: 1-866-297-2597

U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

The U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces federal nondiscrimination laws in public schools, including those that prohibit discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, disability, and age. OCR also has a discrimination complaint process.

• Website: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html
• Email: ocr@ed.gov
• Phone: 800-421-3481

Our School is Gender-Inclusive

In Washington, all students have the right to be treated consistent with their gender identity at school. Our school will:

• Address students by their requested name and pronouns, with or without a legal name change
• Change a student’s gender designation and have their gender accurately reflected in school records
• Allow students to use restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity
• Allow students to participate in sports, physical education courses, field trips, and overnight trips in accordance with their gender identity
• Keep health and education information confidential and private
• Allow students to wear clothing that reflects their gender identity and apply dress codes without regard to a student’s gender or perceived gender
• Protect students from teasing, bullying, or harassment based on their gender or gender identity

 

To review the district’s Gender-Inclusive Schools Policy #3211 and Procedure #3211P, visit https://go.boarddocs.com/wa/gfalls/Board.nsf/Public. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator:

Emily Moore, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator

205 N Alder Ave. Granite Falls, WA 98252

emoore@gfalls.wednet.edu

360-691-77174

 

For concerns about discrimination or discriminatory harassment based on gender identity or gender expression, please see the information for Board Policy #3211 on the following webpage: https://go.boarddocs.com/wa/gfalls/Board.nsf/Public

Students and staff are protected against sexual harassment by anyone in any school program or activity, including on school campus, on the school bus, or off campus at a school sponsored activity. 

 

Please refer to policies 3000, 3205, 3207, 5010, 5011 on the district website for more regarding HIB or Sexual Harassment information.

The FERPA (family rights and privacy act) and PPRA (protection of pupil rights amendment) federal guidelines outlines specific student information that can and cannot be released such as "directory information." 

 

Occasionally, we will take photographs/videos of students for use in District or school-produced publications, which may be used in the news media.  If you do not wish to grant permission, please check the appropriate box(es) on the FERPA agreement that is included in the enrollment packet found online in the Skyward Family Access or available at your school office.  It is important to inform the school office of any changes or updates to your preferences within the agreement by October 1.   

Attendance is important for academic success, and unexcused absences may be an early warning sign for unaddressed problems with school and future dropout. When youth fail to attend school, they are considered truant. Washington law requires children from age 8 to 17 to attend a public school, private school, or to receive home-based instruction (homeschooling) as provided in RCW 28A.225.010. The BECCA state law requires schools to notify the Juvenile Court when students are in violation of this statute. After one unexcused absence in a month, the school is required to inform the parent in writing or by phone.

If you need assistant with obtaining information in languages other than English, please contact our Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Department at 360.691.7717.

The District shall provide equal employment opportunity and treatment for all applicants and employees in recruitment, hiring, retention, assignment, transfer, promotion, and training. Such equal employment opportunity shall be provided without discrimination with respect to race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, participation in the Boy Scouts of America or any other youth group listed in title 36 (as a patriotic society), or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. See Policy 5010 for more information. 

Granite Falls School District participates in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program sponsored by the USDA. All families who meet federal income eligibility guidelines may apply for meals at a reduced rate or at no cost. Applications are given to all students at the beginning of the school year and may be completed and returned to the school. All information provided is kept confidential. Information on this program is available in the school office or you can call 360.283.4310 for more information. Parents will be notified by the district of your approval status with a printed letter mailed home when the application has been processed.

This is to notify parents and community members that students may be referred by parents, peers and members of the community to qualify for the District’s Highly Capable program. Those referring will complete a behavioral characteristics questionnaire, and teachers will provide information that includes classroom performance and general achievement levels. The District will screen each referral using reading and math measures to identify students who qualify for further assessment. Prior to conducting the assessment, the principal or designee shall obtain written parental permission. Referred students identified through the screening process will be assessed using multiple criteria from a variety of sources and data, including tests that measure cognitive ability and academic achievement. Test results shall be maintained in the student’s cumulative file. 

 

The students selected for participation in the program will be determined by a multidisciplinary committee which includes a teacher, the program director, a psychologist or other individual who can interpret cognitive and achievement test results, and other professionals as deemed desirable. The multidisciplinary committee will review data of referred students. They will select those students who meet the criteria and would benefit the most from the program. The District will:

1.       Notify parents of their child's involvement in the program. Parents shall receive a full explanation of the procedures for identification, program options and the appeal process,

2.       Obtain parental permission to provide services and programs

 

Please contact the Executive Director of Teaching & Learning, Emily Moore, for more information at 360.691.7717.

Granite Falls District Policy 2020 refers to the selection and adoption of instructional materials including, but not limited to, reconsideration procedures, criteria, supplemental materials and conditions for loan or sale of materials.

Special Education services are offered to students (age- birth to 21) who meet state and federal guidelines and are in need of specialized education programs.  Washington state defines special needs as having concerns with hearing, vision, speech, language, health, nutrition, learning, developmental delay, transportation, behavior management, mental retardation, birth defects, orthopedic or spinal problems, autism or other disabilities.  Parents or Guardians of children who might have any of these conditions, or if you suspect a student may need these services, are encouraged to contact the Special Education Department at 205 N. Alder Ave. Granite Falls, WA 98252 at 360.691.7717.

If you lost your housing and now live in a shelter, motel, vehicle, camping ground, or temporary trailer; on the street; doubled-up with family or friends; or in another type of temporary or inadequate housing, your child might be able to receive help through a federal law called the McKinney-Vento Act.  Under the McKinney-Vento Act, children in transitional situations have the right to:

 

• Attend either the local school or the school of origin, if this is in their best interest; the school of origin is the school the child attended when he/she was permanently housed or the school in which the child was last enrolled.
• Receive transportation to and from the school of origin.
• Enroll in school immediately, even if missing records and documents normally required for enrollment, such as a birth certificate, proof of residence, previous school records, or immunization/medical records.

 

Homeless, or displaced, students will be provided district services for which they are eligible. Parents or students should contact the Student Services Department at 360.691.7717 for full information.

Policy 3245 outlines issues surrounding telecommunications devices. While on school property or while attending school-sponsored or school-related activities students shall not use personal telecommunication devices including but not limited to i-pods, cellular phones, or other audio/visual devices, in a manner that poses a threat to academic integrity, disrupts the learning environment, or violates the privacy rights of self and others.

The following domains are the only websites sanctioned by the Granite Falls School District as official school district sites for the 2020-2021 school  year:

http://www.gfalls.wednet.edu/ 

http://gfalls.wednet.edu/schools

https://www.facebook.com/GFSD332

http://live.gfalls.wednet.edu/ecoteams/

Granite Falls School District Policy 3231 outlines information related to student records, including, but not limited to student/parent access to records. The Granite Falls School District complies with all public records requests as required by RCW 42.56.

It is a violation of Granite Falls School District Board Policy 4210, 5530, 3240 and state law for any person to carry a firearm or any dangerous weapon (including toys that resemble weapons) on school premises, school provided transportation or areas of other facilities being used for school activities.  RCW 9.41.280 states: “…any violation of subsection (1) of this section by elementary or secondary school students constitutes grounds for expulsion from the state’s public schools…an appropriate school authority shall promptly notify law enforcement and the student’s parent/guardian regarding any allegation or indication of such violation.”  Expulsion for weapons related possession not less than one year (may be modified on a case by case basis).

 

In accordance with Granite Falls School District Board Policy No. 5201 and 2121, the possession, use and/or distribution of any illegal drug and/or alcohol or any other illegal chemical substance on school premises or during any school related activity is wrong and harmful physically and mentally as well as detrimental to the educational process.  To ensure the safety, health and well being of all students and staff, the Board is committed to the development of a program, which emphasizes counseling, prevention, intervention, rehabilitation, re-entry programs, aftercare support and necessary corrective/disciplinary actions.  A complete list of referral agencies is available at all schools.  Compliance is mandatory and will be enforced.

In accordance with Granite Falls School District Board Policy 4215, the use of any tobacco product on school district property, which includes school buildings, grounds, district owned vehicles and school buses, is prohibited. This holds true for employees, students, visitors, spectators and patrons. Staff (as outlined in the collective bargaining unit) and students (as outlined in the district discipline brochure, student handbooks, and policy 3240) may be subject to disciplinary action for violation of this policy.

Every two years, the Granite Falls School District conducts the Healthy Youth Survey—a collaborative efforts of the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Department of Health, the Department of Social and Health Service’s Division of Behavior Health and Recovery, and the Liquor and Cannabis Board.  It is given to 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th graders.  Students may opt-out of the survey with parent notification. 

Granite Falls School District Policy 6895 outlines the guidelines to ensure the District complies with the requirements regarding pesticide notification, posting and record keeping. This includes the notification that the Granite Falls School District uses Black Berry and Brush Block, Roundup, Surflan, Casron, and Crossbow to control weeds and grasses.

Granite Falls School District Policy 3232 outlines information related to parent/student rights in administration of surveys, analysis or evaluations in accordance with the new Federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2002 (PPRA).

Uncontrolled asbestos contamination in buildings can be a significant environmental and public health problem. In 1986, congress enacted the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) primarily to require school districts to identify asbestos containing materials (ACM) in their school buildings and take appropriate actions to control the release of asbestos fibers. In 1987, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a regulatory program, which enforce the AHERA. In compliance with the AHERA regulations, we had our school facilities inspected by an EPA accredited building inspector. The results of the inspections and laboratory analysis of the samples taken have contained the presence of ACM in portions of the school facilities. It is important to note that these materials are in a form and condition that DOES NOT pose an imminent health threat to students, staff or the community. With confirmation of the presence of ACM, an Asbestos Management Plan was developed for our schools by an EPA accredited management planner. The Management Plan includes the inspection and physical assessment reports, the training program for our custodial and maintenance personnel, the plans and procedures to be followed to minimize disturbance of the asbestos containing materials and a program for regular surveillance of the ACM. Every three years, a re-inspection by an accredited inspector must be conducted on all friable and on friable known or assumed asbestos containing building materials (ACBM) to determine whether the condition of the ACBM has changed and to make recommendations on managing or removing the ACBM. The next re-inspection is scheduled for June 2023. The following buildings contain no asbestos containing building materials: Mountain Way, Monte Cristo Elementary and the High School. During 2013-2014, we conducted a periodic surveillance inspection every six months to check the condition of the remaining asbestos and to determine if any action was needed. For further details on the locations of the remaining ACBM or on the asbestos activities, you may review a copy of the Asbestos Management Plan by calling Marshall Kruse, Director of Business and Operations, at 360.691.7717.

Please tell your child to be alert for any wildlife while waiting for the bus or walking home from bus stops or out in the backyard playing. If you site wildlife in the area--near the schools or bus stops-- please contact the Superintendent's Office at 360.691.7717. The Department of Fish and Wildlife has developed information specific to dangerous wildlife and what to do, and not do, if you encounter wildlife. Report wildlife encounters to the Department of Fish and Wildlife during regular business hours call 425.775.1311 or after hours call 911.