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PO Box 950, Pomeroy, WA 99347 Phone: (509) 843-3393
Handbooks » Elementary Handbook

Elementary Handbook

POMEROY ELEMENTARY

STUDENT /PARENT HANDBOOK

 

121 S. 10th St

PHONE:  509-843-1651

www.psd.wednet.edu

 

 

 

2024-2025

 

 

Dear Pomeroy Elementary Families,

Welcome to a new school year at Pomeroy Elementary! We are excited to embark on another journey of learning, growth, and community building together. Our dedicated staff is committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and academically challenging environment where every child can thrive.

This handbook is designed to provide you with important information about our school’s policies, procedures, and expectations. We encourage you to read through it carefully and keep it as a reference throughout the year. Inside, you’ll find details on our attendance policies, communication guidelines, and the various resources available to support your child’s education.

We believe that a strong partnership between home and school is key to your child’s success. We invite you to stay involved, whether through attending school events, volunteering, or simply keeping in touch with your child’s teacher. Together, we can make this a wonderful and productive year for all our students.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. We look forward to working closely with you to ensure a successful year for every student at Pomeroy Elementary.

Warm regards,

 

 

Rachel Gwinn                              

Principal/Superintendent                                               

Pomeroy Elementary Staff

Rachel Gwinn-Principal                                    Alaina Colbert-Building Secretary

Amy Smith-School Counselor                         Carrie Kimble-Life Skills/Highly Capable

Brooke Lovgren-TK Teacher                           Connie Waldher-Parapro/Librarian

Elizabeth Waldher-Kindergarten Teacher      Chelsea Bingman-Parapro

Adela Ledgerwood-1st Grade Teacher             Haley Thomas-Parapro/Art Specialist

Elizabeth Cannon-2nd Grade Teacher              Joan Zimmerman-Parapro

Jennifer McKeehan-2nd Grade Teacher          Ilda Lingren-Parapro/Title 1 Coordinator

Katie Landkammer-3rd Grade Teacher            Danyle Thomas-Parapro

Andrea Claassen-3rd Grade Teacher               Jeanne Lamb-Parapro

Annie McKeirnan-4th Grade Teacher               Wendy Snyder-Parapro

Jennifer Maves-5th Grade Teacher                Jayden Steele-Parapro

Christa Slaybaugh-6th Grade Teacher            Shari Stratton-Parapro

Nichol Ledgerwood-Special Education            Sarah Thompson-Parapro

 

General information

Registration

Pomeroy Elementary offers a transitional kindergarten through sixth grade. In order for your child to be eligible for transitional kindergarten, he or she must be four years of age before September 1st, and five years of age before September 1 to be eligible for kindergarten.  New students in grades TK-6 need to be registered by a parent or guardian in the elementary office before they can attend classes. Transitional kindergarten and kindergarten registration are held in the Spring and again in the last few weeks of August. Students can be registered by going to psd.wednet.edu, or may visit our office to complete the required paperwork. Please be aware that our transitional kindergarten program can be capped at a certain number of students, therefore registration may close once the maximum number of students is reached.

 

School Policies, Rules, & Information

 

Behavior Expectations

Cafeteria

Goal: Students are eating the majority of their meal, while engaging with peers

Expected Cafeteria Behavior:

  • assume the correct order in the serving line without cutting, pushing, shoving
  • use inside voice levels while talking with peers at their table
  • bus their tray to the kitchen upon finishing lunch
  • clean the table in which they eat before leaving the cafeteria
  • push their chair in when leaving their seat
  • maintain behavior appropriate to the school setting

 

Bathroom Behavior

 

Goal:  Make the bathroom a safe place and implementing positive hygiene habits to reduce sickness and spreading of germs.

 

Expected Bathroom Behavior:

 

  • Use a quiet and appropriate voice
  • Hands to self – Always!
  • Toilet paper only in toilets
  • Flush toilet and urinals after use
  • Paper towels in the garbage can
  • Sanitary articles in the appropriate disposal
  • Wash hands with soap
  • Appropriate number of students (1 to 3) in the bathroom at one time

 

Hallway Behavior

 

Goal:  Quiet and orderly hallway behavior to allow learning to continue in other classrooms

 

Expected Hallway Behavior:

 

  • Arms down at sides, voices off, walk with quiet feet, and face forward
  • Walk on the right-hand side of the hall and stairways
  • Wait for your teacher to give you further directions
  • Be considerate of others
  • Carry equipment without swinging; backpacks, coats, balls, etc.

 

Playground Behavior:

Goal: To foster a considerate attitude towards others and engage in peer interaction

 
  • Running is permitted on the playground outside the “quiet line.”—there are red lines painted by some of the entry doors, this is considered the quiet line
  • Shoes are to be worn at all times.
  • Playground equipment is to be used outside the “quiet line.”
  • Bikes and scooters are off limits during recesses.
  • Throwing snow*/ice or running/sliding on the ice or slick spots is prohibited.
 
*An exception to this rule will be announced when supervision is provided. Rocks and other inappropriate objects are not to be thrown at any time. Students may only leave the playground with supervisor permission. The creek area is off-limits. The footbridge is to be used for crossing only - no loitering, playing, or running on the bridge is allowed. Do not climb on rails; don’t throw objects from bridge.
 
On equipment:
  • Swings-Swinging crosswise, standing, twisting, or jumping from the swings is unacceptable.  There should be only one person on a swing at a time. Students can swing on their belly, but they must do forward and backward, not side to side
 
  • Baseball skills; catching, sliding, and batting will be acceptable as long as students are safe (whiffle/softball).
  • Football skills; catching, kicking, and throwing will be acceptable as long as students are safe. Tackling is not allowed—students can be placed on the wall if they are playing too rough.
  • Sports balls from home are okay (please put name on sports equipment), while toys must be left at home.
  • Tennis balls/rubber balls may be kicked or thrown against the gym wall, while others may be kicked against the boiler room. Any exterior walls with windows must be avoided.
  • “Red Rover” is not allowed.
 
Students cannot enter the building unless given permission by playground supervisor

All supervisors are encouraged to use their own discretion outside these identified rules. If students are not playing fair, argue, or display any other disrespectful behavior can be asked to sit or stand by the wall of the building until the recess bell rings. If a fight occurs, students can be sent to the office to talk with the building principal.

Attendance

Regular school attendance is necessary and required for mastery of the educational program provided to students of Pomeroy Elementary School.  Students are strongly encouraged to be present at each class session to fully participate in group and individual activities which form the basis for student achievement.  Absences deprive students and class members of the extended learning that takes place in the classroom.  However, the faculty recognizes the fact that students at times may appropriately be absent from class.  As a safety precaution, the elementary school office will call the home of all students who are absent. Please be aware that Washington State has guidelines that govern the number of absences deemed acceptable for students. If students experience multiple absences, they will be contacted by the school to implement a plan of improvement. You can visit: https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/support-programs/attendance-chronic-absenteeism-and-truancy

For more information on attendance requirements.

Types of Absences

The following are the categories of attendance and the relevant procedures to be followed within the Pomeroy School District:

Excused Absences:

Students residing with a parent/guardian will require a parent contact for excused absences.  Parents should make every effort to contact the school if an absence cannot be avoided.  Parents and guardians must call the elementary office if their child is going to be absent.  If the office is not notified of the absence, the elementary secretary will be contacting the family to receive notification of why the child is not in attendance.

Excused Absences

The following absences are defined as being excused absences:

(a)  Illness/Medical Release - a valid illness or health condition which includes medical, dental, vision, and mental health or counseling appointments (when verified by a signed note or telephone call from a parent or guardian or the attending physician or counselor).

(b)  Emergency/Family Leave/Funeral/Transportation Waiver - a true emergency that could not reasonably be handled outside of school time, sudden or immediate family emergencies, funerals, and transportation waivers.  (This type of excused absence must be verified by a signed note or telephone call from a parent, guardian, law-enforcement officer, or school official).

(c)  Religious Release - attendance at a religious observance or at religious instruction provided it is not conducted on school property (when requested by a signed note or telephone call from a parent or guardian).

  • Transfer - school-approved activity transfers in which a student is scheduled to attend a school-sponsored activity during school time and is accompanied and supervised by a school employee.

Note:    4-H students will be allowed a transfer when participating in the Garfield County Fair, Spokane Junior Livestock Show, and the Garfield County Junior show for a maximum of six (6) days.

  • Administrative - leave that is approved by a school administrator.
  • Pre-Arranged Parental - a parental or guardian-approved absence that is arranged for in advance of the absence by a signed note or telephone call and that outlines the duration of absence and expected date of departure and return must be presented to the teacher at least a week (if possible) prior to the departure.

(g)  Suspension - a disciplinary action or short-term suspension imposed by the school that results in an absence that is equal to or less than five (5) school days and that is verified by a school official.

Students will be given sufficient time to make up the work.  Parents or guardians need to arrange with the teacher a time to pick up assignments.  It is the parent and child’s responsibility to see that the assigned work is completed and returned to the teacher.

After 5 excused absences within any month or 10 cumulative excused absences in a school year, a conference will be scheduled with the parent and the child for the purpose of identifying barriers to attendance and supports/resources available to assist the family.

Unexcused Absences:

An absence is defined as unexcused when it does not completely conform to any of the seven categories (a through g) of excused absences and the procedures for verifying them as defined in the section above.

The following steps will occur if unexcused absences occur:

 
  • Inform the child’s custodial parent(s)/guardian(s) by notice in writing or by telephone after one (1) unexcused absence within any month during the school year.
  • Inform the custodial parent(s)/guardian(s) of potential consequences of further unexcused absence.
  • Schedule a conference with the custodial parent(s)/guardian(s) after two (5) unexcused absences within any month within the school year.
  • Develop a written record of steps taken to eliminate or reduce the child’s absences as outlined during the conference.
  • Enter into an agreement with the student and parent that outlines attendance requirements before five (5) absences in any one (1) month.

If the absences are not reduced, after a plan has been put in place, a petition will be filed with the juvenile court not later than seven (7) absences in one month and or not later than ten (10) absences during the school year.

Check-In/Check-out

If a parent/guardian brings a student to school late or takes the child from school early, they must check-in or check-out through the main office.

  1. Parents are expected go to the main office and request to check-in or check-out their child through the building secretary.
  2. Students are expected to present a note signed by their parent/guardian giving him/her permission to arrive late or leave early, if not accompanied by a parent.

OR

  1. The parent/guardian may make phone contact to speak with the building secretary and give permission for their child to arrive late or leave early.
  2. Students are expected to notify their teacher through an admit slip, received from the Building Secretary, indicating the time in which he/she came late or is to leave early.

 

Bus or Walk Notes

Students must have a note dated and initialed by the office in order to ride the bus to any destination other than their regular stop.  Elementary students should have a note if they are to go anywhere other than their normal destination or if they are to be picked up by someone other than the parent/guardian.  Notes can either be sent with the student or called in to the office by the parent.

Bicycles and Scooters

Students who ride bicycles and scooters to school are to walk them across the crosswalks and park them in the bicycle racks located on the west side of the elementary building. Bicycles and scooters are not to be ridden during recess.  The school cannot be responsible for any lost or damaged bicycles or scooters.

 

NO skateboards are allowed on any school property.

Cafeteria

The Pomeroy School District serves a full and balanced breakfast and lunch and are currently free to all students in accordance with Child Nutrition Guidelines.  Students are provided a healthy and nutritious breakfast and lunch high in whole grains, low in fat and reduced sodium.  Two types of milk will be offered with each meal as well as more fruits and vegetables.

Emergency Drills

Emergency drills occur at regular intervals during the school year.  Students are to follow the directives of the staff member directly supervising them during the drill.  Procedures have been developed for the following situations:

  • Hold-students stay in classroom
  • Secure-students get inside and outside doors are locked
  • Lockdown-classroom doors are locked, lights are out and everyone is out of sight
  • Evacuate-students leave the building and evacuate to a designated area—football field or churches
  • Shelter-students will take cover

Emergencies

Make sure the office and teachers have current telephone numbers, contact people, and addresses.  It is especially important to have someone who is available to assist if you are out of town.  If your child has any medical problems, notify the teacher and elementary office immediately.

 

Exceptional Misconduct

Pomeroy School District defines “exceptional misconduct” when a student seriously disrupts the educational environment with deliberate and willful actions. The following actions fall under “exceptional misconduct” and may be disciplined immediately through: (WAC 180-40-245 and WAC 180-40-260)

 
  • extreme profanity/disrespectful gestures towards others
  • refusal to comply with reasonable written or oral directions of school personnel
  • repeated or extended failure to correct disruptive behavior
  • vandalism/theft of personal or school property
  • cheating/theft of test instruments or assisting another student in doing so
  • verbal/written/implied threat of life or limb/attempted or actual physical assault of a student or adult
  • harassment, intimidation, bullying of a student as defined in Pomeroy School District Board Policy 3207
  • sexual harassment toward a student or adult as defined in Pomeroy School District Board Policy 5011
  • overt public displays of sexual behavior/misconduct
  • any student that exposes themselves indecently
  • possession/distribution/use of illicit drugs, alcohol, or tobacco
  • possession/distribution/use of products used for purposes other than their manufactured intent
  • possession of and/or use of a weapon of look alike weapon
  • exhibiting behavior that indicates affiliation with a gang in the form of clothing and/or conduct

Note:  Items listed above and other items may be grounds for expulsion.

Personal Valuables & Proper Dress

Valuable items are not to be brought to school.  Children should not bring toys for outside play.  The teacher may give permission for students to bring toys from home to be shared during classroom "sharing time."  School personnel will not be responsible for toys brought from home.

Pomeroy Elementary School promotes student dress and appearance that is appropriate for learning.  Dress and appearance must be neat and clean and not present health or safety problems.  It may not disrupt, interfere with, disturb, or distract from a positive school environment.

If, in the opinion of the school administration and/or staff, an article of clothing is deemed to be inappropriate for wearing on school grounds, the student will be requested to change attire.  Refusal to comply with such a request may be grounds for disciplinary action.

It is the expectation that a student’s bra, underwear or other under garments are not shown. In addition, the length of shorts, dresses and skirts are expected to meet the finger-tips of the individual wearing the article of clothing when arms are straight. Shirts with foul or vulgar language will also not be tolerated and the student will be expected to change. If these expectations are not met, the student’s parent or guardian will be called to bring alternative clothing, or the student will be offered an alternative by the school.

Illness at School

A child suspected of having a communicable disease must be kept home.  Diseases that require exclusion are chicken pox, COVID-19, pink eye, dysentery, measles, rubella, polio, whooping cough, scabies, headlice, impetigo, and scarlet fever.  Ringworm does not require exclusion if being treated.

 

Students who do not have their required immunizations will be excluded from school until immunizations are current.

Children who feel ill in the morning should be kept home as we do not have facilities to care for ill students. If a student becomes ill at school, the parents/guardians will be contacted to take the student home. 

Injury at School

If a student is injured at school, the student is to report to the classroom teacher and ask for a pass to go to the office.  If necessary, the office staff will try to contact the parent(s).  All students who are injured or become ill must check out through the office before leaving school.

 

Medication:  Prescription & Non-Prescription

Staff cannot administer any type of medication, i.e., prescriptions, over-the-counter, inhalers, etc.  A medical form called "Authorization for Administration of Oral Medication at School" must be filled out, signed by the doctor and parent, and placed on file with the elementary office.  Medication must be given to the school in the original prescription container stating child's name, correct dosage, and time to be given.  Neither elementary school office nor the Garfield County Health District office supplies over-the-counter medication to students. 

Medical forms may be obtained at the elementary office, Garfield County Health District Office, or at the Pomeroy Medical Clinic.

Title 1 / Lap Reading and Math Programs

Title 1 is a federally funded program whose purpose is to enable schools to provide opportunities for all children to acquire the knowledge and skills required in the state's challenging content and performance standards. Pomeroy School District is a Title 1 School wide program so all of our students are eligible to receive Title 1 support.

LAP (Learning Assistant Program) is a state funded program that is also available to academically at-risk students in math and reading.

Students are usually referred by their classroom teacher, but if parents have concerns about their child's progress, they may contact Rachel Gwinn at the Pomeroy Elementary School at 843-1651 to discuss testing and qualification standards. The Title I Parent Involvement Building Plan is available in the elementary office.

Under the No Child Left Behind Act, parents of children in schools that receive Title I funding have the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of the student's classroom teachers including, at a minimum, the following:

 
  • Whether the teacher has met State qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject area in which the teacher provides instruction.
  • Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which State qualification or licensing criteria have been waived.
  • The baccalaureate degree major of the teacher, any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher, and the field of discipline of the certification or degree.
  • Timely notice that the parents' child has been assigned, or has been taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher of a core academic subject who is not highly qualified.
  • Whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals, and if so, their qualifications.

A request of information concerning the qualification of a paraprofessional, sometimes referred to as an instructional assistant, can also be made.  This is a person that is employed by the district and assigned to a classroom or classrooms to provide instructional support consistent with the instruction provided by the classroom teacher or teachers.

 

Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying

The following language is mandated by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) in Washington State and must be included in each handbook without modification by local school districts. Pomeroy School District and its Board of Directors do not have local control over this section of the handbook. If you have concerns about the content or the requirement to include it in the student handbook, please contact OSPI:

Superintendent Chris Reykdal
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (360) 742-7825

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 www.psd.wednet.edu but reports about HIB can be made in writing or verbally. Your report can 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 Gwinn, that supports prevention and response to HIB. She can be contacted at 509-843-1651 or at [email protected]

 

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 the district’s HIB Policy 3207 and 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 3210 visit www.psd.wednet.edu

 

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 5011 and Procedure5011], visit www.psd.wednet.edu.

 

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: Rachel Gwinn, Superintendent, PO Box 950, Pomeroy, WA 99347; 509-843-1651; [email protected]

 

Concerns about sex discrimination, including sexual harassment:

Title IX Coordinator: Rachel Gwinn, Superintendent, PO Box 950, Pomeroy, WA 99347; 509-843-1651; [email protected]

 

Concerns about disability discrimination:

Section 504 Coordinator: Fred Knebel, PO Box 950, Pomeroy, WA 99347; 509-843-1331; [email protected]

 

Concerns about discrimination based on gender identity:

Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Rachel Gwinn, Superintendent, PO Box 950, Pomeroy, WA 99347; 509-843-1651; [email protected]

 

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 Rachel Gwinn, Superintendent 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: [email protected]
  • 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: [email protected]
  • Phone: 360-725-6162

 

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

The Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education imbeds 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.

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.

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 3211, visit www.psd.wednet.edu If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Rachel Gwinn, Superintendent, PO Box 950, Pomeroy, WA 99347; 509-843-1651; [email protected]

 

For concerns about discrimination or discriminatory harassment based on gender identity or gender expression, please see the information above on page 3.

 

Progressive Discipline

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR/MINOR DISRUPTIONS

Discipline may be imposed upon a student for a violation of school and school district rules.  Students who are referred to the principal because their conduct disrupts the learning environment are subject to the progressive discipline.  Referrals are cumulative.  Parents shall be well informed of classroom behavior disruptions.  The principal shall contact parents by phone for any "corrective action" taken.

 

EXCEPTIONAL MISCONDUCT

When a student seriously disrupts the educational environment with deliberate and willful actions, the student may be disciplined immediately through suspension. Referrals are cumulative.  The principal shall contact parents by phone for any "corrective action" taken.

NOTE:  The School Safety Officer, Jim Nelson, may be called depending upon the severity of the incident.

Student Records

Students and parents have a right to the following concerning student records:

 
  • The right to inspect and review educational records.
  • The right to request an amendment to the record that is believed to be in accurate or misleading.
  • The right to consent to disclosure of the student's record and an explanation under which the school may disclose without prior consent.
  • The right to file a complaint with the Family Compliance Office of the Department of Education.
  • The right to a description of who is considered to be a school official and what is considered to be a legitimate interest so that information may be shared with that person.
  • The right to information about who to contact to seek access or amendment of educational records.

Telecommunications Devices (Cell Phones)

In order to prevent disruptions to the educational environment, the use of telecommunications devices of any kind is not allowed at Pomeroy Elementary School.  All cell phones and smart watches will be kept in student lockers throughout the day.

 

 

Weapons

re: guns, pocket knives, squirt guns, paint ball guns, fireworks, and look-alike weapons

The Pomeroy School District is committed to providing a safe learning environment.  Appropriate discipline sanctions, up to and including expulsion and referral to law enforcement, will be imposed if an individual's actions cause a threat to this safe environment.

 

Strong disciplinary measures (up to and including expulsion) may be imposed if, in the judgment of the administrator in charge, a dangerous or potentially dangerous situation exists involving any of the above-listed items or a threat of bodily harm.  If students, staff and/or patrons are placed in any potential danger by a student bringing, possessing, and/or a threat to use any of the above-listed items, the student will be immediately placed in a contained environment and a prompt and extensive investigation will occur.

It is against state law (RCW 28A.600.420) for a person to carry a firearm onto, or possess on, public or private elementary or secondary school premises, school-provided transportation, or areas of facilities while being used exclusively by public or private schools.  Any person who has been determined to have done so will be expelled from school for not less than one (1) year under RCW 28A600.010 as well as referred to law enforcement.  A firearm is defined as a dangerous weapon in RCW 9.41.010.  Other types of weapons include “nun-chu-ka sticks,” “throwing stars,” any air gun, air pistol or air rifle, etc. 

Visitors

Parents are welcome to visit the school and classrooms.  All persons entering the school are required to check in at the office.

Parents wishing to visit the classroom should call the elementary school office to make arrangements.  Parents wishing to have a conference or having specific questions should call the school and the teacher will return your call as soon as he/she is free.  The school encourages close communication between the home and school.

Volunteers

Volunteering is encouraged and appreciated.  Contact your child’s teacher to see how you may help in their classroom.  Volunteers are asked to check-in or check-out through the office, while working in the building.