FPHS Handbook

Welcome to Franklin Pierce High School

Message from Principal Marzano

As we step into the new school year, I’m thrilled to share my vision and the steps we’re taking to ensure every student has the best opportunity to succeed. I’m especially excited to begin my second year as your principal, building on the progress we’ve made and continuing to foster a vibrant and inclusive school community.

I also recognize that this Fall brings some significant transitions for our school. With the loss of some beloved teachers due to budget cuts and our shift from an 8-period day to a 6-period day, I know that these changes may bring challenges. I want you to know that I am here for you—our students, staff, and families—as we navigate these changes together. My commitment is to ensure that these transitions are as smooth as possible and that our focus remains on providing the best education and support for all our students.

Our main goals include:

1. Supporting Student Success: I’m committed to making our school a place where every student feels valued and understood. To do this, we’re improving how we track and manage student behavior and attendance, ensuring our approaches are fair and respectful of all cultures. These enhancements will allow us to intervene in real-time, addressing issues as they arise and providing timely support to keep every student on the path to success.

2. Inclusive Learning for All: I want our classrooms to be places where every student’s background is recognized and celebrated. We’re working hard to make sure our teaching methods connect with all students, giving them the tools they need to excel.

My Target for Growth: Centering Community Perspectives

I believe that by listening to and valuing the voices of our students, families, and staff, we can create a more inclusive and supportive school environment. However, I recognize that our school needs to go beyond just surveys and feedback forms. This year, my focus is on building genuine, authentic connections with our community—ensuring that our decisions and practices are truly reflective of the diverse needs and strengths of everyone involved. To support this, I will be conducting at least two community meetings to actively center your perspectives and engage in meaningful dialogue. I am committed to making these connections a cornerstone of our work together.

Together, we will build a school environment that not only meets the highest standards of academic excellence but also fosters a deep sense of belonging and respect for everyone.

Thank you for your continued support. Let’s make this year one of growth and achievement for all!

Mission Statement

At FPHS, we believe in empowering every student on their educational journey from graduation and beyond, while fostering a culture of BELONGING through streamlined systems and inspiring instruction.

School Information and Schedule

General Academic Information

Grading Requirements (CreditS)

English 4.0	Mathematics 3.0
Social Studies 3.0	Science (2.0 lab science req.) 3.0
Physical Education 1.5	Health .5
Career & Technical 1.0	Fine Arts 2.0 or 1.0 Fine Arts & 1.0 Personal Pathway
Electives 4.0	World Language or Personal Pathway 2.0
	Total Number of Credits for Graduation = 24.0

Grading Reports:

1^st Semester	Grading Periods	2^nd Semester
November 1, 2024	End of Quarter	April 1, 2025
January 24, 2025	End of Semester	June 17, 2025

Grading and Withdrawal from a Class: If a student is earning an “NC” grade and withdraws from a course after the first twelve days of the semester, it will result in a grade of “NC” and will not be calculated into the cumulative GPA. We will also be calculating partial credit for students leaving our school who were passing their classes at the time of their withdrawal.

Grades from off Campus Programs: Grades issued through institutions not on the campus of Franklin Pierce High School will be included on Franklin Pierce High School transcripts and calculated into the GPA of students enrolled in these institutions. These institutions include but are not limited to Running Start, high school completion, vocational classes, and correspondence courses.

Checking grades & assignments: By going to Student Grades link under the Family dropdown menu in the top right corner of the district website, students and families can check student grades and assignment completion through Family Access.

Standards Based Grading recognizes student grades in the form of a number (0-4). To learn more about how grades are calculated, please visit www.fpschools.org/studentgrades and view the “Grading Resources” at the bottom of the page.

Standards based grades are converted to letter grades at the semester for the purpose of appearing on the permanent transcript. The chart to the right illustrates that conversion.

Retaking a Failed Class: The transcript of a student who retakes and passes a previously failed class will include the F grade as well as the new passing grade. Only the new passing grade will be calculated into the cumulative GPA.

Retaking a Passed Class: A student may choose to retake a class that was passed once before. Both grades will be included in the student's transcript and the second class will be counted as a credit attempted, but not as a credit earned.

Transfer Student Grades: When a student transfers in after the first twelve days of a semester, the counseling center will distribute that student's withdrawal grades to the new teachers as soon as they are available from the previous school. Students who transfer in with a letter grade and no percentage will be assigned a percentage for the work the student missed in the class prior to enrolling. Percentages will be assigned as follows for withdrawal grades with no percentage:

NC= 50%, D = 65%, C = 75%, B = 85% A = 95%

Mastery/Competency-Based Credits: Students may obtain mastery-based credit in the content areas of the Arts, English Language Arts, Mathematics, Health and Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, and World Language in accordance with Board Policies 2402 – 2409.

AP COURSES/TESTING

Students earn regular high school credit upon successful completion of the course and may gain college credit if they earn a qualifying score on the corresponding AP exam. University credit is generally granted for test scores of 3 and above on a five-point scale, however, each university has their own standards for accepting credit for AP exams. For more information on the AP program, go to www.collegeboard.com/ap. Students enrolling in three or more concurrent AP classes must have prior approval from their counselor. Students who enroll in year-long AP courses are expected to remain in those courses for the entire year. AP testing is required in all AP courses.

COLLEGE IN THE HIGH SCHOOL

In association with Washington universities, high school students may earn college credit for completing these classes on the high school campus. College credit earned may count as elective or academic credit depending on the receiving college's transfer credit policies.

There is no fee for students to enroll in a CHS or co-delivered dual credit course that includes CHS to earn only high school credit. Fees apply for students who choose to enroll in a CHS course to earn both high school and college credit. College credit fees are as follows:

· Central WA University: $60/credit

· Eastern WA University: $65/credit

· University of WA: $66/credit, plus a $45 registration fee

Courses typically run five credits. Fees are collected by the University at the beginning of the fall semester. Tuition assistance is available to students who qualify for free and reduced lunch services. Students should note that paying for the college credit automatically starts an official college transcript with the institution offering the course that will include the student's performance.

Attendance

Attendance

Franklin Pierce High School will accept parent/guardian phone calls for student absences.

Parent(s)/Guardian(s) who contact the school by phone on the day(s) of student’s absence will not be required to submit a note upon student’s return to school.

If parent(s)/guardian(s) writes a note to notify the school of student’s absence(s), this note should be submitted on the day of student’s return to school to have the absence not be classified as unexcused/truant absence.

Notes must contain the date(s) of absence, reason for absence, signature of the parent/guardian and a telephone number where the parent/guardian can be contacted.

REQUEST TO BE ABSENT (SCHOOL SPONSORED EVENTS)

Extra-Curricular Activities: club or after school trips

ó Requires Planned Absence Form for each student attending the activity. Forms must be returned to the Attendance Office prior to the event. If forms are not received prior to the event, the absences will not be excused as school related. Please communicate this to the students attending the activity.

ó Teacher/advisor will need to provide the Attendance Office with a list of students attending before the trip.

Academic/Athletic Activities

ó Please check with your teacher/advisor if this is an extra-curricular activity field trip.

ó You will need to provide the Attendance Office with a list of students attending the event.

Planned AbsenceS

· During the planning for a pre-arranged absence, parents and students should understand that teachers cannot possibly, in all cases, pre-teach the lessons nor provide make-up assignments to cover all the material that will be missed. However, occasions arise where extended absences are necessary. When this occurs, teachers will do their best to provide accommodations.

· Franklin Pierce High School strongly discourages students from taking extended vacations during the semester or leaving school prior to the normal closing date. Students missing class lose essential instruction and place increased demands on classroom teachers in the areas of record keeping and administering make-up work.

· In order that students and parents may not be misled and suffer possible disappointment, it must be clearly understood that:

o A letter of request outlining the reasons for the absence, expected duration and departure date, must be written and turned in to the Attendance Office. Official documentation will be required for any absences exceeding three consecutive days.

o A “REQUEST TO BE ABSENT” form will be issued from the Attendance Office to be presented by the student to his/her teachers at least three days before the absence.

o Teachers have been asked to outline to the student possible consequences that could result from the extended absence and alternatives that would help minimize the potential harm to the student’s final grade. An indication of willingness on the part of the teacher to assist the student is not to be construed as a promise that the student will receive full credit. The responsibility for completion of all make-up requirements rests with the student.

o Final clearance must be completed in the office by returning the completed “REQUEST TO BE ABSENT” form to the Attendance Office.

· Pre-arranged absences will be classified as an absence (except for school sponsored events).

· To protect the integrity of cumulative final exams, students may not be allowed to take final exams early.

· The school principal (or designee) has the authority to determine if an absence meets the criteria for an excused absence. (FPSD Policy 3122 and 3122 P).

WAC 392-121-108 states if a student is absent for more than 20 consecutive school days, they must be unenrolled by the school, unless (a) a written agreement between the school and parent/guardian deems the absence will not cause a serious adverse effect upon the student’s educational progress, or (b) the student is receiving home and/or hospital services.

TRUANCY AND ELOPEMENT

Students shall be expected to be in school each day except in the case of personal illness. (See Policy 3122 and Procedure 3122P.) Students are considered truant when they are:

· Absent from school or class without the knowledge and consent of the parent(s) or guardians.

· Absent from the school or class once arriving on the campus without the knowledge and consent of school administrators.

Elopement is defined for students as being out of class with or without a pass. This includes getting a tardy pass and not going directly to class. Students transition from being tardy to elopement (skipping) when they are missing from class for 10 minutes or more with or without a pass.

EARLY DISMISSAL

· If a student must leave school prior to the end of the school day, he/she is to check into the Attendance Office before school and get an early dismissal slip.

· The student needs to bring a note from a parent or guardian stating the reason for the early dismissal. Notes must contain the date, reason for absence, signature of the parent/guardian and a telephone number where the parent/guardian can be contacted. Notes written in pencil will not be accepted because pencil writing fades over time.

· Students are required to check out with the Attendance Office immediately before leaving campus. Failure to do so will automatically convert the absence to unexcused/truant.

· Franklin Pierce High School is a CLOSED campus: students leaving campus without approval from the Attendance Office will be considered unexcused/truant.

LATE ARRIVAL/EARLY DISMISSAL (PERMANENT)

· Students who are needed by their parents or employer during school hours on a regular basis can apply for a permanent late arrival or early dismissal for the school year.

· This privilege is permitted to those students who are progressing satisfactorily toward graduation and who have a parent permission slip on file in the student’s cumulative records folder located in the counseling center.

· Students requesting a permanent late arrival or early dismissal can get the permission slip from their counselor.

· It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of schedule changes that will change arrival time on campus.

· Students are not to be on campus until their first classes begin and or must leave after their last class.

· Students who abuse this privilege by loitering around campus will have it revoked.

Tardies

A student is tardy to class when they arrive to class after the scheduled start time. Students are considered tardy after the final bell rings to start each period, and the student is not in the classroom. With our Start on Time Policy, teachers will close the door to the classroom at the end of the final bell ringing. Tardy students are to report to the attendance window to receive a tardy pass. Once a student receives a tardy ticket/pass, students are to return to their class promptly. If a student takes more than five (5) minutes after their tardy is processed to return to class. It is considered elopement from class when a student is sent to the main office for a tardy pass and is gone for more than ten (10) minutes. All tardies will be monitored by the attendance office and will not be excused without third party documentation (staff member, doctor, or dentist).

Student Conduct Expectations & Reasonable Sanctions

Student Conduct Expectations

As authorized by chapter 28A.600 RCW, the following procedure sets forth rights and conduct expectations for students, along with the sanctions that may be imposed for violations of such expectations. At all times, this procedure will be read consistent with federal statutes and regulations, state statutes, common law, and rules promulgated by the Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. For procedures and legal requirements related to imposition of suspension and expulsion, see Policy and Procedure 3241, Classroom Management, Discipline and Corrective Action.

Respect for the Law and the Rights of Others

The student is responsible as a citizen to observe the laws of the United States, the state of Washington, and local ordinances and laws. The student will respect the rights of others while in school, on school property, at all school activities, on district provided transportation or otherwise under school authority.

Compliance with Rules

All students will obey the written rules and regulations established for the orderly operations of the district and the reasonable requests, instructions, and directives of district personnel. For purposes of Policy 3240 and this procedure, the term "district personnel" includes all adults, including contractors and volunteers, authorized to supervise student activities. Failure to do so will be cause for disciplinary action. All students will submit to reasonable discipline by the school district and its representatives for violations of policies, regulations and rules.

Student Rights

In addition to individual rights established by law and district policies, students served by or on behalf of the district will have the right to:

High educational standards in a safe and sanitary building;
Education consistent with stated district goals;
Equal educational opportunity and in all aspects of the educational process freedom from discrimination based on economic status, pregnancy, marital status, sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability;
Access to their own education records at reasonable school times upon request;
Fair and just treatment from school authorities and freedom from mistreatment and physical abuse;
Freedom from unlawful interference in their pursuit of an education while in the custody of the district;
Security against unreasonable searches and seizures;
The substantive constitutional rights listed in WAC 392-400-215, subject to reasonable limitations upon the time, place, and manner of exercising such rights consistent with the maintenance of an orderly and efficient educational process within limitations set by law, including the right to:
Freedom of speech and press;
Peaceably assemble;
Petition the government and its representatives for a redress of grievances,
The free exercise of religion and to have their schools free from sectarian control or influence, and
Participate in the development of rules and regulations to which they are subject and to be instructed on rules and regulations that affect them, including the periodic review and update of discipline rules, policies, and procedures;
Establish appropriate channels to voice their opinions in the development of curriculum;
Representation on advisory committees affecting students and student rights;
Present petitions, complaints, or grievances to school authorities and the right to prompt replies;
Consult with teachers, counselors, administrators and other school personnel at reasonable times;
Be involved in school activities, provided they meet the reasonable qualifications of the sponsoring organization;
Free election of their peers in student government and the right to hold office;
Know the requirements of the course of study, be informed about and know upon what basis grades will be determined;
Citizenship privileges as determined by the United States and Washington State Constitution and its amendments; and
Annual information pertaining to the district's rules and regulations regarding students, discipline and rights.

Scope of District Authority

Students who involve themselves in acts that have a detrimental effect on the maintenance and operation of the school or the school district; criminal acts; and/or violations of school rules and regulations, may be subject to disciplinary action by the school and prosecution under the law. The rules will be enforced by school officials:

On school grounds during and immediately before or immediately after school hours;
On school grounds at any other time when school is being used by a school group(s) or for a school activity;
Off school grounds at a school activity, function, or event;
Off the school grounds if the actions of the student materially or substantially affect or interfere with the educational process; or
In school-provided transportation, or any other place while under the authority of school personnel.

Prohibited Items

To ensure an optimum learning atmosphere, students should not bring items prohibited by district rules to school or to school events. All such items are subject to confiscation by school personnel. An item that has been confiscated will only be returned to a student’s parent or guardian, or to an adult student from whom the item was confiscated after the conclusion of the school day or event if the adult student was in lawful possession of the item. Items that have no personal value, such as tobacco products or alcohol, may be disposed of within 72 hours of notice to a parent or guardian that the item has been confiscated. Items left unclaimed at the end of the school year will be donated to charity or disposed of. Illegal items and items possessed illegally will be handed over to law enforcement or disposed of.

Consequences

Academic dishonesty	1st Offense	Make-up/re-do assignment or assessment and after school detention; phone call home
Academic dishonesty	2nd Offense	No credit on assignment and unable to re-do; Short term suspension; student/parent, counselor, teacher, and administrator meeting
Alcohol, alcohol paraphernalia, under the influence, sale, distribution, trade or transfer	1st Offense	Short term suspension (10 days) with ability to “buy back” (5 days) with Consejo assessment; phone call home; referral to Pierce County Sheriff Department per state law
	2nd Offense	Long term suspension (20 days); phone call home; referral to Pierce County Sheriff Department per state law
	3rd Offense	Long-term suspension for up to 45 days; phone call home; referral to Pierce County Sheriff Department per state law
Assault w/o major injury	1st Offense	Emergency exclusion (up to 10 days out of school); School based threat assessment completed before return; referral to Pierce County Sheriff
	2nd Offense	Emergency exclusion (up to 10 days out of school); district based threat assessment; safety plan; referral to Pierce County Sheriff
	3rd Offense	Long term suspension; district based threat assessment and referral to Pierce County threat assessment team; referral to Pierce County Sheriff
Assault w/ major injury	1st Offense	Emergency exclusion (up to 10 days out of school); District based threat assessment completed before return; referral to Pierce County Sheriff
Assault w/ major injury	2nd Offense	Long term suspension up to 45 days; District based threat assessment completed before return; referral to Pierce County Sheriff
Cell Phone — misuse		See Cell Phone Policy on page 18

Cigarettes, Nicotine, Tobacco, Vapes, paraphernalia, under the influence, sale, distribution, trade or transfer	1st Offense	Assigned tobacco school as alternative to suspension OR emergency exclusion (3 days); phone call home
	2nd Offense	Short term suspension (3 days) with ability to “buy back” with Consejo assessment; phone call home
	3rd Offense	Short term suspension (6 days); phone call home
	4th Offense	Short term suspension (10 days); phone call home
Classroom Disruption (Inappropriate Language/Unsafe Behavior)	1st Offense	Lunch detention; phone call home
	2nd/3rd Offense	After school detention; phone call home; meeting with student/parent, teacher, counselor, and administrator
	4th/5th Offense	In-school suspension; meeting with student/parent, teacher, counselor, and administrator; behavior plan
	6th + Offense	Short term suspension
Classroom Disruption (Refusal to Follow Reasonable Request)	1st Offense	Lunch detention; phone call home
	2nd Offense	After school detention; phone call home; student, teacher, counselor, administrator meeting
	3rd + Offense	In-school suspension for the class period only until student/parent, teacher, counselor, administrator conference occurs
Closed Campus	1st Offense	After school detention
	2nd Offense	In-school suspension (1 day)
	3rd Offense	In-school suspension (2+ days)
	4th Offense	Short term suspension (3 days)
Destruction of Property		Restitution and school discipline ranging from lunch detention to long-term suspension depending on severity of damage
Deliveries from outside vendors (DoorDash, UberEats, etc.)	1st Offense	Delivery is refused/confiscated; student warning and call home
	2nd Offense	Delivery is refused/confiscated; student/administrator meeting and call home
	3rd Offense	Delivery is refused/confiscated; student/parent conference with administrator; after school detention
	4th Offense	Delivery is refused/confiscated; student/parent conference with administrator; short term suspension
Drugs including but not limited to, dab pens, marijuana, pills, drug paraphernalia, under the influence, sale, distribution, trade or transfer	1st Offense	Long-term suspension (20 days) with ability to “buy back” (10 days) with Consejo assessment; phone call home; referral to Pierce County Sheriff Department per state law
	2nd Offense	Long-term suspension (20 days); phone call home; referral to Pierce County Sheriff Department per state law
	3rd Offense	Long-term suspension for up to 45 days; phone call home; referral to Pierce County Sheriff Department per state law
	4th Offense	Exclusion from school; referral to Pierce County Sheriff Department per state law

Dress and appearance - Drugs/alcohol, gang related paraphernalia, guns/weapons, undergarments as outerwear, or hate speech	1st Offense		Meeting with administrator and change into appropriate clothing; call home
	2nd Offense		Dress code contract and change into appropriate clothing; call home
	3rd Offense		Lunch detention; dress code contract and change into appropriate clothing; call home
	4th + Offense		After school detention, dress code contract and change into appropriate clothing; call home
Driving — misconduct, unsafe, without a license, without a permit, parking violations	1st Offense		Written warning and student conference; call home; referral to Pierce County Sherriff if illegal/unsafe act
	2nd Offense		Official school ticket with fine; student/parent conference with administrator; referral to Pierce County Sherriff if illegal/unsafe act
	3rd Offense		Student driving privilege is suspended from school; student/parent conference with administrator; referral to Pierce County Sherriff if illegal/unsafe act
Electronic Devices – Misuse of District Laptops	1st Offense		After school detention
	2nd Offense		Consultation with District IT for monitoring of electronic device use; phone call home
	3rd Offense		Student/Parent conference with administrator and electronic device check out plan
	4th Offense		Loss of district technology privileges
Elopement (skipping or being out of class for more than 10 minutes w/o hall pass)	1st Offense		Student conference; phone call home
	2nd Offense		After school detention; phone call home
	3rd Offense		In school suspension; Wanderers List; phone call home
	4th Offense		Student/Parent conference with administrator; In school suspension
	5th Offense		Short term suspension (3 days)
	6^th + Offense		Student/Parent conference; Emergency exclusion
Failure to attend detention	1st Offense		Phone call home; detention re-scheduled
	2nd Offense		In school suspension (1 day)
	3rd Offense		Short term suspension (1 day)
	4th + Offense		Short term suspension (2 days)
Fighting, physically aggression, or causing physical harm/injury	1st Offense		Emergency exclusion (minimum 3 days); no conflict agreement between students; phone call home
	2nd Offense		Short term suspension (minimum of 10 days); no conflict agreement between students; Student/Parent conference before student return; possibility of building conducted threat assessment
	3rd Offense		Long term suspension; no conflict agreement between students; Student/Parent conference and behavior agreement before student return; threat assessment and safety plan
Fighting – supporting, instigating, encouraging, adding energy, promoting, recording/posting online	1st Offense		After school detention; phone call home
	2nd Offense		In school suspension; student/parent conference; behavior agreement
	3rd Offense		Short term suspension; student/parent conference before student returns; behavior agreement
Gang activity *RCW 28A.600.455	1st Offense		Emergency exclusion (up to 10 days); school based threat assessment; referral to Pierce County Sheriff
	2nd Offense		Emergency exclusion (up to 10 days); district threat assessment; referral to Pierce County Sheriff
	3rd Offense		Expulsion; referral to Pierce County Sheriff
Harassment, intimidation, bullying towards another student written, verbal, or physical (slurs, lewd, obscene, or profane language, discriminatory speech/hate speech gestures, or materials) *submission of district required documentation*	1st Offense		Administrator investigation; student/administrator interview and conference; no conflict agreement between students; restorative/mediation if both parties agree; phone call home; severity may move discipline up to the 2^nd offense level
	2nd Offense		Administrator investigation; student/administrator interview and conference; no conflict agreement between students; restorative/mediation if both parties agree; In-school or short-term suspension depending on severity; student/parent conference with behavior plan
	3rd Offense		Administrator investigation; student/administrator interview and conference; no conflict agreement between students; restorative/mediation if both parties agree; long term suspension to expulsion and/or referral to Pierce County Sheriff depending on severity
Harassment, intimidation, bullying towards staff member *RCW 9A.46.020	1st Offense		Emergency Expulsion (up to 10 days); building or district based threat assessment; possible change of student schedule
	2nd Offense		Long-term suspension/exclusion – depending upon severity; district based threat assessment; referral to Pierce County Sheriff
Out of Bounds	1st Offense		Student conference
	2nd – 8th Offense		Lunch detention; phone call home
	9th Offense		Student/Parent conference with administrator
Physical contact and/or horseplay	1st Offense		Student conference with administrator; phone call home
	2nd Offense		After school detention; no conflict agreement; phone call home
	3rd Offense		In school suspension; no conflict agreement; student/parent, administrator conference
	4th Offense		Short term suspension; no conflict agreement; student/parent, administrator conference
Refusal to attend class	1st Offense	Student conference with administrator and counselor; phone call home
	2nd Offense	After school detention; planned discussion with student, parent, teacher, counselor, and administrator; behavior plan
	3rd Offense	In school suspension for specific class; student, parent, teacher, admin meeting

Refusal to identify self	1st Offense	Student and administrator conference
	2nd Offense	Lunch detention; phone call home
	3rd Offense	In-school suspension; phone call home
	4th + Offense	Short term suspension; student/parent conference with administrator
Refusal to respond to an administrator’s request *RCW 28A.600.015	1st Offense	Emergency exclusion to long term suspension depending on severity and individual events
Sexual harassment – written, verbal, physical *submission of district required documentation*	1st Offense	Referral to Title IX Coordinator and administrator investigation; student/parent conference with administrator; school discipline depending on severity; harassment form completed; no conflict agreement with possible schedule change
	2nd Offense	Referral to Title IX Coordinator and administrator investigation; short term suspension (at least 3 days) harassment form completed; no conflict agreement; student/parent conference with administrator; referral to Pierce County Sheriff
	3rd Offense	Referral to Title IX Coordinator and administrator investigation; student/parent conference with administrator; suspension ranging from short to long term depending on severity; referral to Pierce County Sheriff
Sexual misconduct	1st Offense	Depending on severity and type of sexual misconduct, discipline can range from after school detention to long term suspension; possible referral to Title IX Coordinator and Pierce County Sheriff
Tardies	1st – 6th Offense	No consequence
	7th – 10th Offense	Lunch detention
	11th – 13th Offense	After school detention; phone call home; student placed on Wanderers list
	14th Offense	In school suspension; student/parent, administrator conference; tardy reduction plan
	15th Offense	In school suspension (3 days); phone call home
	16th Offense	Short term suspension (3 days); attendance contract; student/parent, administrator conference prior to returning to school
Theft/possession of stolen property	1st Offense	Restitution; emergency exclusion; referral to Perce County Sheriff; may not be able to return to school until restitution is paid in full depending on individual situation
Theft/possession of stolen property	2nd Offense	Restitution; emergency exclusion; referral to Perce County Sheriff; may not be able to return to school until restitution is paid in full depending on individual situation
Verbal aggression	1st Offense	Emergency exclusion (minimum 3 days); no conflict agreement between students; phone call home
	2nd Offense	Short term suspension (minimum of 10 days); no conflict agreement between students; Student/Parent conference before student return; possibility of building conducted threat assessment
	3rd Offense	Long term suspension; no conflict agreement between students; Student/Parent conference and behavior agreement before student return; threat assessment and safety plan
Weapons and instruments	1st Offense	Emergency exclusion; district based threat assessment; referral to Pierce County Sheriff
Weapons and instruments	2nd Offense	Long term suspension determined upon the severity and type of weapon; district based threat assessment; referral to Pierce County Sheriff

Exceptional Misconduct

Exceptional misconduct is a violation of rules so serious in nature and/or so disruptive as to warrant an immediate emergency expulsion, short-term or long-term suspension. After consultation with an ad hoc citizens committee, the district has determined exceptional misconduct includes the following offenses:

Arson;
Assault, if the assault involves
Injury to another;
Bodily fluids; or
A weapon;
Commission of any crime on school grounds, or the commission of a crime or other dangerous conduct anywhere that indicates the student’s presence on school grounds poses a danger to other students or staff;
Cumulative violations;*
Causing intentional, substantial damage or destruction to school property or the property of another on school grounds or at school activities;
Dangerous use of motor vehicles on school grounds or at school activities, or endangering students on a school bus;
Disruption of the school program by bomb scares, false fire alarms, firecrackers, etc.;*
Extortion;*
Fighting: Fighting and instigating, promoting, or escalating a fight, as well as failure to disperse. Engaging in any form of fighting where physical blows are exchanged is prohibited, regardless of who initiated the fight. This prohibition includes hitting, slapping, pulling hair, biting, kicking, choking, and scratching or any other acts in which a student intentionally inflicts or attempts to inflict injury on another;*
Harassment/intimidation/bullying of others;*
Knowingly possessing stolen property;*
Possession, use, sale, or delivery of illegal or controlled chemical substances, including marijuana or substances containing marijuana and alcoholic beverages, as well as possession of items reasonably determined to be drug paraphernalia as used or possessed;
Presence on school property or at a school activity following the consumption or use elsewhere of an alcoholic beverage or a controlled substance, including marijuana;
Sexual misconduct on school grounds, at school activities, or on school provided transportation;*
Theft on school grounds, at school activities, on school provided transportation, or of school property at any time;*
Threats of violence to other students or staff;
Use or possession of dangerous weapons, including firearms, air guns, knives, nun-chu-ka sticks, throwing stars, stun guns, explosives and other weapons prohibited by state law and Policy 4210.

*Note: While these marked offenses are “exceptional misconduct” and an immediate imposition of short-term suspension is permissible, each offense may be a “discretionary discipline offense” for which long-term suspension and expulsion/emergency expulsion cannot be imposed. If the school is considering imposition of long-term suspension, emergency expulsion, or expulsion for any offense marked with an asterisk, the behavior must also be explicitly listed in procedure 3241P under the section entitled “Suspensions, Expulsions, and Discretionary Offenses.”

Sanctions (gUIDELINES FOR SANCTIONS)

Chapter 392-400 WAC contains the following restrictions for suspensions:

Kindergarten through grade four — No student in grades kindergarten through four shall be subject to short-term suspensions for more than a total of ten school days during any single semester or trimester as the case may be, and no loss of academic grades or credit shall be imposed by reason of the suspension of such a student.

Grades five and above — No student in grade five and above shall be subjected to short-term suspension for more than a total of fifteen school days during any single semester or ten school days during any single trimester, as the case may be.

In all cases where sanctions are imposed, a reasonable effort to contact parents or guardians will occur prior to, or contemporaneous with, the imposition of the sanction, in addition to any written notice required by law. When a school administrator has good and sufficient reason to believe that a student’s presence poses an immediate and continuing danger to the student, other students or school staff, or an immediate and continuing threat of substantial disruption of the educational process, immediate emergency removal or emergency expulsion may be appropriate. (See Policy 3241, Classroom Management, Discipline and Corrective Action)

In conjunction with the following sanction guidelines, administrators may also consider any alternative form of corrective action—including programs intended to lessen the time of exclusion from class attendance—which has been approved by the Board of Directors and/or Superintendent. The district encourages the use of alternative forms of corrective action when possible and practicable in light of the duty to maintain safe and orderly school environments conducive to student learning.

In addition to school sanctions, administrators should determine whether restitution for damage or injury should be considered.

Implementing the Guidelines for Sanctions

It is presumed that school administrators will sanction a student for these offenses within each listed standard range, beginning at the presumptive sanction and determining whether mitigating or aggravating factors warrant a sanction higher or lower within the standard range. School administrators are expected to use their professional judgment and experience when assigning students sanctions and will, to the best of their abilities, attempt to apply these sanctions to all similarly situated students in a fair and equitable manner. The administrator’s judgment and discretion will carefully balance the duty to maintain order and discipline in a safe school environment, the appropriate corrective action needed to address the student’s misconduct, and the student’s long-term educational success. To view an expanded explanation of these sanctions and descriptions of mitigating or aggravating factors, click here to view our full Student Handbook. This information may be found on pages 34-48. The sanctions listed on these pages do not prohibit administrators from considering approved alternatives to out-of-school suspension or expulsion, including in-school suspension. The standard range for each offense does not prohibit a school administrator from exceeding the range, up to and including expulsion, if sufficient aggravating factors warrant such corrective action or if the threat of danger or substantial disruption supports an emergency expulsion under WAC 392-400-295.

Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying

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.

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 share concerns about HIB in writing, verbally or by using our district’s HIB reporting form at https://bit.ly/HIBReportingForm. 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 (James Hester, Deputy Superintendent, jhester@fpschools.org, 253-298-3021) who 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. For more information about the HIB complaint process, including important timelines, please visit https://bit.ly/FPS-HIB or view 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 https://bit.ly/FPS3210.

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 3205, visit https://bit.ly/FPS3205.

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: Brandy Marshall, 253-298-3085, bmarshall@fpschools.org

Concerns about sex discrimination, including sexual harassment:

Title IX Coordinator: Dr. Julien Pollard, 253-298-3037, jpollard@fpschools.org

Concerns about disability discrimination:

Section 504 Coordinator: John Sander, 253-298-3051, jsander@fpschools.org

Concerns about discrimination based on gender identity:

Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Dr. Julien Pollard, 253-298-3037, jpollard@fpschools.org

All compliance officers can be reached by mail at Franklin Pierce Schools:

315 129th Street South, Tacoma, WA 98444

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.

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.

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 https://bit.ly/FPS3211. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Dr. Julien Pollard, 253-298-3037, jpollard@fpschools.org

FPS Student Rights and Responsibilities

FPHS Student Handbook (complete)

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