Thurgood Marshall Middle School

General School Information and Guidelines

School Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday - 9:10 - 3:40

Wednesday (Early Release) 9:10 - 2:50

Office Hours: 8:40-4:10

Doors Open to students at 8:55

Students should enter through the front door or cafeteria doors only. Students may purchase a breakfast. Free and Reduced Lunch/Breakfast only available to students who qualify by completing the FRL Form. All food must be consumed in the cafeteria.
Students can go to their classrooms when they arrive at school, walk the loop around the library, or be in the cafeteria. Students must head to class when the first bell rings at 9:05.

Authorized Areas
Students are to remain in authorized areas during the school day. Authorized areas include only those portions of the school under the direct supervision of school staff members. If a student cannot be seen by a staff member on supervisory duty, that student should assume this is not an authorized area. When in doubt, check with a staff member.

Closed Campus
Students must stay on campus from arrival in the morning, until dismissal in the afternoon, including lunch time. In order to leave campus during school hours, an authorized family member/guardian must sign their child out of school in the office. Students will leave campus immediately following dismissal unless participating in a school-approved function or activity.

Visitor Policy
TMMS has a closed campus. Any visitors to campus must enter through the main doors and immediately report to the office. We do not allow visits by non-enrolled students.

School nurse
The duties of the nurse are to maintain up-to-date records, check health concerns referred by teachers or parents and attend to illnesses and injuries occurring within the school day. Special medical concerns or requests should be relayed to the school nurse. If staff determines that a student is unable to continue the school day, a parent or guardian will be notified. State law requires that all students have up-to-date immunizations to attend school.

Medication
According to state policy, all medications are to be kept in the office and only the prescribed amount needed should be brought to school. An authorization form must be filled out by a physician and given to the school.
Medications must be in the original container. Doctors have been given these forms, but please remember to ask for it. It is the student's responsibility to come to the office for medications. School personnel may not dispense any other medications, including aspirin or pain relievers. Students should not be carrying their own medications, unless approved by the school nurse.

Lost and Found
A Lost and Found area is maintained in the cafeteria inside a cabinet. Each semester unclaimed items will be donated to a local charity. It is suggested that students' clothing be labeled. If an item is lost, the student should retrace his/her steps, check with teachers or friends, and check the Lost and Found. Parents are also encouraged to contact the school if an item is missing.

Buses
The privilege of riding a school bus is based on displaying proper conduct and following the rules and guidelines established by the Transportation Department. Information concerning bus routes may be obtained by contacting the Transportation Department at 360.596.7700. Students who need to ride an alternate route MUST provide the office staff a signed note from their parent/guardian. Students should bring the note to the attendance secretary by lunchtime and receive a bus admittance note which they will provide to the bus driver when they step onto the bus at the end of the day. Alternative arrangements cannot be made over the phone for student safety reasons.

Physical Education Class
Students in PE classes must have appropriate gym shoes, socks, shorts, and t-shirt. Most students purchase a TMMS PE shirt for PE, and this is strongly suggested. Shirts can be purchased at orientation or in the office at any time. Shirts costs $7.00. PE clothing must meet dress guidelines. Students should not wear Crocs, Slides or other sports sandals in the gym or field during PE. Students are expected to be prepared by having their PE clothes and athletic shoes every day. Clean loaner clothes are made available in emergencies. Students are also given an individual locker and lock in the gym locker room. Students are responsible for locking their belongings in their locker. The emphasis of the Physical Education program is skill-building, participation, effort and good sportsmanship.

School Counselors
Our school counselors are Megan Smith and Michelle Rolen. Students are assigned to their counselor based on their last name. Mrs. Smith A-K. Mrs. Rolan L-Z. Students can access our school counselors before and after school, and at lunch time or with an appointment. TMMS school counselors provide academic, career/college planning, and social-emotional support. School counselors are not therapists, but instead can make referrals if a student needs more support. Student can inform counselors that they would like to see them by completing an, “I need to see the counselor” form, which can be found near the counseling center, the office and in various locations around the school. Student need to complete the form, and then can drop it by the counseling center between classes, drop it off in the office, or give it to their teacher to give to the counselor. Keep in mind that counselors are very busy and they will get to you as soon as they are able. Students should not leave class expecting to see a counselor. Once the counselor receives the request from the student, they will arrange a time to meet with the student. Do not wait outside the counselor’s office unless you are instructed by a staff member to do so.

Lost and Found
A Lost and Found area is maintained in the cafeteria inside a cabinet. Each semester unclaimed items will be donated to a local charity. It is suggested that students' clothing be labeled. If an item is lost, the student should retrace his/her steps, check with teachers or friends, and check the Lost and Found. Parents are also encouraged to contact the school if an item is missing.

Attendance Daily attendance and active participation in each class is a critical part of the learning process. The following policies and procedures are designed to help students learn responsibility and increase their potential for success. Strive for Five! On Time. All Classes. Every Day.

Attendance is a critical building block for student learning. If students are not present, they cannot engage in learning. Attendance is a powerful signal and a leading indicator of equity. It can signal when students might need additional support and areas for system and school improvement. Chronic absenteeism impacts all students—no matter their age. Students that miss just two days a month for any reason are more likely to not read at grade level, and more likely to not graduate. Washington State Law requires that students must attend school Monday through Friday, unless there is a good reason for being absent. An absence from school, even if the work is made up, is not advisable, unless absolutely necessary, as classroom instruction, collaborative work, and labs may not be possible to repeat. It is the student’s responsibility to discuss with their teacher(s) for arrangements on how to make up all missed assignments, including group work and labs.
All absences must be reported to the school office by parents/guardians within

48 hours (State Law RCW 28A225)

Attendance Line - 360-596-7603 (24 hour Attendance Line) or

Email - [email protected]

When calling or emailing to report an absence, please provide student’s first and last name, date, and reason for the absence. Parents/guardians must call every day that the student is absent. If contact by the parent/guardian to the school is not made within 48 hours, the absence will be recorded as unexcused. Both excused and unexcused absences may affect your child’s success in school and grade. Parents/guardians who do not call or contact our attendance office will be contacted via a robocall message. All late-arriving students are to report to the office with a note or phone call from their parent or guardian before going to class. Students late to class must have a pass from the office. Students who are unable to attend medical and other appointments outside the school day, and must leave during the day, must have their parent/guardian notify the office attendance secretary. It is strongly recommended that if the student misses school due to a medical appointment they bring a note signed by the medical professional to school when they return.

Acceptable Reasons for an Excused Absence
Participation in a district or school-approved activity or instructional program; Illness, health condition or medical appointment (whenever possible, please try to make appointments before or after school to limit absences.) Family emergency, including but not limited to a death or illness in the family, Religious or cultural purpose including observance of a religious or cultural holiday or participation in religious or cultural instruction, Court, judicial proceedings or serving on a jury, Post-secondary, technical school or apprenticeship program visitation, or scholarship interview, State-recognized search and rescue activities consistent with RCW 28.A225.055, Absence directly related to the student’s homeless status,
Absence resulting from a disciplinary/corrective action. (e.g., short- term or long-term suspension, emergency expulsion), and Principal (or designee) and parent, guardian, or emancipated youth mutually agreed upon approved activity. A school administrator has the authority to determine if an absence meets the above criteria for an excused absence. Excessive excused absences totaling 20 or more in one school year may result in a doctor’s note being required and/or the filing of a court truancy petition.

Pre-arranged Absences
For an extended (3 days or longer) absence to be excused, parents/guardians must complete an extended absence form prior to the student being absent. Forms can be picked up in the office. If the Principal deems that the absence will be approved as per the above list, it will be recorded as a pre-arranged excused absence. Students will still be expected to complete any missed work.

Truancy
A student is considered truant if they skip class, leave campus without permission, or leave class for 10 or more minutes and are unaccounted for during that time. Consequences of truancy will result in
parent/guardian notification, lunch detention, and/or a written discipline referral.

Unexcused Absences/Tardies
Students who are late without a parent’s or guardian’s knowledge will be considered tardy, and students who are absent without a parent/guardian notifying us will have an unexcused absence. Students are required to provide an excuse from a parent or guardian in the manner noted by the school whenever they are absent. If the reason for the absence/tardy does not meet district guidelines, it will be deemed unexcused even if excused by a parent or guardian. A tardy is defined as up to 10 minutes late to class. Students who have five or more tardies within any of their classes or 3 or more tardies within one class during the school week will be assigned lunch detention the following week and students will receive a discipline referral documented in Skyward. Being more than 10 minutes late for class constitutes an absence from the class. Corrective action for unexcused absences/tardies will be progressive with steps such as the following:

Automated calls will be placed to the home phone number for each absence.

If the absence remains unexcused, a letter will be sent home notifying the parent or guardian

Repeated unexcused absences will result in a conference held between the parent/guardian, student and
Principal or other school administrator. The purpose of the conference is to arrive at an attendance agreement
after discussing ways to reduce absenteeism.

BECCA Law
Students ages 8-18 are required by law to attend school regularly. Court petitions must be filed on a student
when they have reached 7 unexcused absences in a month, 10 unexcused absences in a year, or 20 excused
absences in a year. We will work with families and students to address hurdles to consistent attendance.
REMEMBER: All absences must be reported to the school office

Attendance Line - 360-596-7603
Email - [email protected]

Communication
Families are always encouraged to communicate with teachers and administrators throughout the year. The best way to communicate with staff is through email and/or scheduling an in-person meeting.
Check the TMMS webpage or use the email addresses listed below to contact teachers and staff. You can also view current information about events at Thurgood Marshall by accessing our website at
https://marshall.osd.wednet.edu/.

Classroom Problem Solving Process - Parents are strongly encouraged to take any concerns directly to the teacher. The teacher is the most logical and helpful person to approach because she/he has the most information and shares responsibility for the student. When emailing a teacher feel free to cc an administrator, Mr. Brock [email protected] or Mrs. Weber [email protected]. A response from the teacher should occur within two workdays. Please be sure we have your current phone number and email address in our Skyward Family Access system. Communication is very important for student’s success. Go to the STAFF DIRECTORY page on our TMMS Website to email specific teachers. 

Parent/Guardian Conferences
Parent Conferences are scheduled each Fall for all students. These conferences allow for the teaching staff
and families to exchange observations and information that will result in positive student academic and social growth. Family Conferences will be held during the week of October 21st-25th. During conference week, school will be on a half-day schedule, with students being dismissed at 12:15.

Progress Reports
Skyward Family Access is a great way for parents/guardians to monitor academic progress of their student
between report cards, which are issued at the semester. Please go to the OSD Website for assistance in
setting up your Skyward Family Access, or talk with your child about reviewing this together. All students are taught to access this information using their Skyward username and password.

Report Cards
Report cards are posted electronically on Skyward at the end of each semester. To access your child’s report
card, log into Skyward, select Portfolio and click on the Report Card link. The report card will download to your computer. Please do not hesitate to contact the office if you need a paper copy of your student’s report card.

Athletics
An afterschool sports program is offered for Thurgood Marshall Students. We offer a no-cut program in which all students will have the opportunity to experience playing time and learn good sportsmanship. The student’s effort and attitude during practice are key criteria in determining playing time. Athletes are expected to remain in good academic and behavioral standing throughout the season. See “Academic Standing” below. Students will need to arrange for transportation from practices and after games. In order to participate in athletics, sports clearance forms must be completed online through the district’s NEW secure online registration platform, "FinalForms" . Parents/Guardians must register their student by going to the TMMS website, go to “Activities” tab, and choose “Athletic Clearance Process” tab. From there, click on the link, “Register for Final Forms,” and begin completing the online registration form. Students must also have an updated complete physical exam with documentation from their doctor before they can participate. The Sports Physical form is located online on the “Athletic Clearance Process Page,” , or most doctors’ offices can provide you with a form. Physicals are valid for 13 months. There is a “Pay to Play” fee for each sport of $60, with exception to track and field in the spring, which is $40 for 7th and 8th graders, and $20 for 6th graders. The fee is waived for students receiving free or reduced-price meals.

 

2024-25 Olympia Middle Schools Sports Seasons

FALL 1
Sept 5 - Oct 18
25 days
Girls Volleyball 7th & 8th
Boys Soccer 7th & 8th
Co-Ed Cross Country 6th, 7th & 8th

FALL 2
Oct 28 - Dec 16
25 days
Girls Basketball 7th & 8th

WINTER 1
Jan 9 - Feb 27
25 days
Boys Volleyball 7th & 8th

WINTER 2
March 3 - April 21
25 days
*no practice or games during
spring break
Boys Basketball 7th & 8th
Girls Soccer 7th & 8th

SPRING
May 5 - May 30
15 days
Co-Ed Track 7th & 8th     
Co-Ed Track 6th Meet Date: June 12, 2025 or
June 13 (Tentative)

Practices are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 3:40-5:15. No Wednesday practices. 
Games/Matches are typically on Monday and Thursdays.
Games/Matches typically begin 9 days after the first day of the season.

Sports Eligibility
Students who are involved in sports are expected to maintain a “C-” grade or higher in every class in order to
remain eligible for athletics. If a student’s grade drops below a “C-”grade in any class they become ineligible for competition. Students may continue to practice if they are making an effort to improve their grade(s). The student may be eligible for competition once the grades are back to a “C-” or higher.

School-Wide Expectations
At TMMS we follow school-wide expectations in and out of the classroom in order to keep a safe and
productive environment where students can learn, grow, have fun, and experience success.
Our expectations are: Be Respectful, Be Responsible and Be Safe.
      
Aerosol sprays, perfumes, and colognes
Students should not bring or use body sprays, colognes, perfumes to school, and should refrain from
wearing strong scents at school. There are staff and students who have severe allergic reactions when
exposed to strong scents. Students should only use stick deodorant in the locker room, not any sort of aerosol body spray.

Bikes, Scooters, Electric Scooters, Skateboards.
There is a bike rack for student use at the side of the building near the front entrance and near the woodshop classroom on the cafeteria side of the school. As soon as a student enters campus, they must walk their bike and scooters to the bike rack, as it is Olympia School District policy that students not ride on campus. Bikes and Scooters should remain locked in this area only. Students may ride a skateboard to school however, like bikes, they may not ride them on campus. Skateboards can be stored in the building in a designated area. All students riding bikes, scooters, or skateboards are strongly encouraged to wear helmets and follow safe riding practices to and from school.

Cell phones/Personal electronic devices
Cell phones/headphones/airbuds/airpods must be turned off and stored in their backpack during the
entire school day. The only time these devices may be used is before (up to 9:07) and after school (3:40).
Students may not use their devices between classes or in the restroom. If a staff member sees a student with a cell phone/headphones/airbuds/airpods, the device will be taken to the office for the remainder of the day. If a student must contact a family member during school hours, they can use a phone in a classroom or the office phone. Families should not call or text students during the school day.
TMMS Staff have the right to take a student’s cell phone or electronic devices if the student is not
following our TMMS policy.

Progressive Discipline for students not following this policy:
1st offense: Device taken to the office for the remainder of the day. Student can pick up after school.
2nd offense: Device taken to office for remainder of the day. Parent is called and student receives a
written referral.
3rd offense: Device is taken to office for remainder of the day. Parent must come to school to pick up
the device and student receives a written referral.
4th offense: Device is taken to the office for the remainder of the day. Parents are called and the
student must either leave their cell phone, etc. at home, or they must drop off their phone daily at 9:05
am in the office and they can pick it up at 3:40 for remainder of the semester. Students will receive a
written referral.

Parents/Guardians should not text students while they are in class. In the event of an emergency,
parent/guardians may leave a message with the office to be delivered to the student. Students may use the
phone in the office attendance window with permission of the office or a note from the classroom teacher.
The phone is to be used for emergencies or illness only. This is not a phone for socializing. Classroom
phones may also be used with teacher permission.

Dress Code
Students and parents are primarily responsible for determining the student’s personal dress standards,
provided the student’s dress does not violate district policy and procedures. Student attire must permit
the student to participate in learning without posing a risk to the health or safety of any student or school district personnel. Clothing must be suitable for all scheduled classroom activities, including physical education, science labs, shop classes and other activities where unique hazards, specialized attire or safety gear is required. (See Procedure 3224P, Section 3000- Students in OSD Policy and Procedures).

Students cannot wear: clothing showing violent or lewd languages or images;
Images or language depicting drugs, tobacco or alcohol (or any illegal item or activity) or the use
of same; hate speech, profanity, pornography; images or language that creates a hostile or intimidating
environment based on any protected class, or apparel identified by local law enforcement
as belonging to or identifying one as a member of any violent or criminal group.
Students are allowed to wear brimmed hats and beanies. Students are allowed to wear their hoods, however if it is determined that students are wearing their hood to hide the use of airpods/headphones/earbuds the student will not be allowed to have their hood up. Note: The wearing of hats and hoods in classrooms is up to the discretion of the teacher.

Food/Snacks
In keeping with district policy limiting high fat and sugar intake, we encourage students to bring healthy snacks
and drinks for themselves. High caffeine energy drinks are not allowed at school under any
circumstances. Students should not share food and are not allowed to sell food or drinks to other students. Food and drinks must be consumed in the cafeteria only, unless distributed and supervised by a staff member. Consumption of food or drinks during class is allowed only at the discretion of the individual teacher.

Hall Pass & Bathroom Passes
Students are expected to remain in their classroom under the supervision of their teachers at all times. If a student needs to leave the classroom they must have permission from their teacher, properly sign out and sign in, and always use the appropriate hallpass. If a student is in the hall without a hall pass they will be told to go back to their classroom, immediately. “No Pass = Back to Class.”

At TMMS, we follow the 10/10 rule. Students must remain in class during the 1st-10 minutes of class, and
cannot leave the last 10 minutes of class. When students have permission to leave a classroom, they must go straight to their intended destination and come right back. Students may not disrupt or visit other classrooms.

If students are out of class for an extended period of time, they will be considered truant, and will receive consequences such as lunch detention(s) to make up the time they missed in their class.

Lunch
There are two lunches at TMMS. A student’s designated lunch time is determined by who their 4th period teacher is. Students must go directly from their class to the cafeteria to eat their lunch, taking their backpacks with them. Students will hang their backpacks on the hooks in the cafeteria or in other designated areas closest to the cafeteria. Backpacks are not allowed at lunch tables. All food must be eaten in the cafeteria, and cannot be eaten in hallways, bathroom, or outside. Due to food allergies, students should not share their food with other students. Students are not allowed to be in the hallways at any time during the entire 30 minutes of lunch. During lunchtime, students can use the restroom behind the student store only. Students must ask to be dismissed to go to the restroom. Students will be dismissed by a staff member approximately 15 minutes into the lunch period after they have cleaned up the area around them. For the remainder of the lunch period, students will have a choice to either go to the supervised playground area, stay in the cafeteria, or go to the library (when it is open). Students must remain in that area until the bell rings to go back to class. Students may not order or have food delivered to the school by food delivery companies (i.e. - DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, etc.) All students have access to meals served in the cafeteria, or students can bring a sack lunch.

Relationships and PDA
The physical display of affection (PDA) such as kissing, hand holding, and exaggerated hugging is not a
necessary part of the regular school day and should not occur during school activities. These behaviors are not tolerated at school and will be addressed accordingly.

Toys and other electronic
Toys and electronics are a distraction to the educational process. Please leave them at home. Generally
speaking, it is not a good idea to have expensive personal items at school as they can become broken, lost, or stolen.

EMERGENCY DRILLS & PROCEDURES:
Fire, Earthquake, Shelter in Place, and Lockdown drills are required by law and will be held at regular intervals. All drills will be taken seriously, and students are to cooperate fully by practicing effective procedures to ensure the safety of all. Specific instructions for evacuation and response to such drills will be given at the beginning of the school year. In the event of an actual emergency that would require parents to come get their students, students will be checked out through the main entrance of the building or at an alternate location depending upon the emergency. Students will only be allowed to leave with their parent or other adult who is on the emergency release form.

Fire: Students and staff will walk silently to the upper field and line up alphabetically with their Advisory class and wait for further information.
Earthquake: Students are to “STOP, COVER, and HOLD”. In the event of a real earthquake, students will be directed to the safest place.
Lockdown: We will announce a lock down over the intercom or through the automated alert system.

For safety reasons, it is critical that students and parents do not communicate via cell phone. Students and teachers should remain in lockdown positions until the end of the lockdown has been announced. In the Olympia School district, our staff and students are trained using the A.L.I.C.E. system, which is a “Run, Hide, Counter” approach. Students will receive instruction early in the school year and several opportunities for practice throughout the year.

Discipline Regulations
At the beginning of each new school year, the Olympia School district provides “Olympia School District
Students Rights and Responsibilities” in an online format on the OSD website. It is a district expectation that students and families review this document. The following rules have been developed to ensure an
environment which is beneficial to learning. Disregard for these may result in detention, in-school suspension and/or out of school suspension. These rules also apply to all school functions, bus behavior and bus stops. In addition, interactions on social media that then prevent a student from feeling safe and ready to learn, can be subject to school discipline. Behaviors become actionable when they impact the learning environment.

Thurgood Marshall’s Discipline Philosophy: We believe in each student’s ability to make appropriate choices, exercise self-discipline, reflect on one’s choices and actions, and make restitution for inappropriate choices. Knowing that the mistakes we make in life can be our best teachers, we strive to maintain a positive and healthy climate where we can use our mistakes to learn and grow. We believe in Restorative Practices, implementing conflict resolution strategies that build relationships and mutual understanding.

Discipline Policy and Procedures
Students who do not follow our rules and expectations will be given the opportunity to reflect on their choices and correct their behavior. By working together with the student using Restorative Practice tools, students will be able to repair the harm done, re-build relationships and successfully restore and enhance the learning community. It is our goal to work closely with students and families when issues arise and work swiftly on a resolution, with the goal of minimizing the time spent out of class. If a student continues to not follow rules and expectations, the resulting consequence may be more significant than the preceding consequence.

Classroom Behaviors that Distract from Learning
When a student’s behavior is negatively impacting the learning process, a staff member will follow these steps:
Intervention and re-teaching expectations
Home Contact
Referral to Restorative Room
Restoration Conference

Minor behaviors include, but are not limited to, the following items...defined for students below.
Academic Dishonesty: TMMS requires all students to demonstrate honesty and abide by ethical standards in preparing, presenting, and submitting materials, as well as in all testing situations. Students shall not attempt to earn credit or receive a grade for coursework in a manner other than what
has been deemed acceptable by each instructor. The following actions constitute a violation of
the academic integrity policy:

i. Academic Misconduct - Tampering with grades, obtaining or distributing any part of a
test, sabotaging or destroying the work of others;
ii. Cheating - Use, or attempted use, of unauthorized materials; deceit; misrepresentation of
skills, copying;
iii. Collusion - Assisting, or planning to assist another student in an act of
academic dishonesty; payment; bribes;
iv. Distribution of Class Assignments or Test Information - Written or verbal; sharing the
content of an assignment or an exam;
v. Plagiarism - The use of another’s words ideas, data, or product without permission
and/or citation;
vi. Unauthorized Collaboration - Working with others without the specific permission of
the instructor; and,
vii. Technology/Malpractice - Any misuse of private or public technology to acquire an
advantage.

Electronics Misuse
The rule about electronics usage at TMMS is simple: No cell phones between the hours of 9:07
- 3:40. Students will receive a discipline referral on the second offense of a device violation. On
the 4th offense the student must either leave their device at school or turn it into the office when
they arrive at school each day for the remainder of the semester.

Inappropriate Language including Hate Speech
The use of obscenities, lewdness, vulgarity, profanity, or targeted and personal attacks is
prohibited. Racial, ethnic or religious slurs, and/or vulgar or lewd language will not be tolerated
on campus, or at any TMMS sponsored event. A student’s speech should not disrupt the
educational process or interfere with the ability for another student to express themself.

Misrepresentation
Any act or omission that is intended to deceive a staff member to the student’s advantage.
Misrepresentation could include lying to increase a grade or giving false information around
personal identity.

Off Campus
Our campus is closed. When students arrive on campus in the morning (by bus, car or walking)
they are required to stay on-campus in a supervised area. Only students who are signed out by a parent/guardian are permitted to leave the campus during school hours. Students who
leave campus without permission may be subjected to a search when they return.

Refusal to Comply
Students who intentionally do not comply with a reasonable request. This minor behavior is
connected to Disruptive Conduct (major).

Tardies
Students have a 3 minute passing time between classes. A tardy is defined as being less than
ten minutes late for the start of a class. Students with multiple tardies will be referred to the
administrator and receive a consequence which may include lunch detention, written referral,
and parent/guardian contact. TMMS policy is that within any given week if the student has 5 or
more unexcused tardies in all classes and/or 3 tardies in one class, they will serve a lunch
detention the following week.

Truancy
Truancy is defined as being more than ten minutes late for the start of class, or being absent
from class for more than ten minutes during the period. Being absent from class includes trips to
the library, hallways, and restrooms. Students should be advised that if their restroom needs
may be longer than ten minutes, they should use the facility in the health room

Major Behaviors
When a student’s behavior is presenting an “immediate danger” and/or a “continuing threat to the educational
process,” a staff member will follow these steps:
1. Referral
2. Investigation
3. Outcome
4. Restoration

 
Major behaviors include, but are not limited to, the following:
Alcohol, Drugs & Paraphernalia (Possession/Intoxication): Students found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs and/or in possession of alcohol/drugs or paraphernalia.

Alcohol, Drugs & Paraphernalia (Distribution/Sales): Students found to be distributing or selling drugs, alcohol or paraphernalia.

Assault (Coded as Violence): One-sided physical/violent act with no major injury

Assault (Coded as Violence): One-sided physical/violent act with major injury

 
Bribery: Offering, giving, soliciting, or receiving of any item of value as a means of influencing actions of
an individual.

Disruptive Conduct: Behavior/act that is disruptive of any school activity, function or process of the school; could
lead to an unsafe/unhealthy environment.
Fight
Mutual engagement
A physical/violent act between students
Fight (Promotion)

Instigation of fight through verbal, social media provocation.

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 Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying (HIB) Incident Reporting Form 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 that supports prevention and response to HIB. Dr. James Whitehead can be reached at 360-596-6109 or email [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 Harassment, Intimidation & Bullying - Olympia School District or the district’s HIB Policy 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 Policy 3210 and Procedure Procedure 3210P, or visit our website Notice of Non-Discrimination

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 Procedure 3205P, visit Olympia School District.

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:
Scott Niemann, Executive Director of Human Resources,
Knox Administrative Center, 111 Bethel St NE, Olympia WA 98506
(360)596-6185
[email protected]

Concerns about sex discrimination, including sexual harassment:
Title IX Coordinator:
James Whitehead, Executive Director of Secondary Schools
Knox Administrative Center, 111 Bethel St NE, Olympia WA 98506
(360)596-6109
[email protected]

Title IX Coordinator:
Autumn Lara, Executive Director of Elementary Schools
Knox Administrative Center, 111 Bethel St NE, Olympia WA 98506
(360)596-8534
[email protected]

Concerns about disability discrimination:
Section 504 Coordinator:
Ken Turcotte, Executive Director of Student Support
Knox Administrative Center, 111 Bethel St N.E.
Olympia, WA 98506
(360)596-7530
[email protected]

Gender Inclusive Coordinator:
Autumn Lara, Executive Director of Elementary Schools
Knox Administrative Center, 111 Bethel St NE, Olympia WA 98506
(360)596-8534
[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 the School Board 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 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: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
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 Olympia School District. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator:

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

 

Theft: Unauthorized removal or possession of personal property belonging to others.

Tobacco/Nicotine/Vape: Possession of any product containing, made or derived from tobacco or nicotine that is intended for human consumption.

Threat/Intimidation: An intention to harm: Spoken, written or expressed in another way (ie: through gesture or social media).
i. Reactive Threat: Threat does not indicate a substantive intent to harm; does not express
lasting intent to harm.
ii. Targeted Threat: Substantive threat that express a continuing intent to harm; extends
beyond the immediate incident or argument when threat was made.

Vandalism: Willful or malicious damage to school grounds, buildings, furnishings and/or equipment.

Verbal Aggression: Any language (verbal or non verbal) directed at someone in a threatening or harmful manner.

Weapons: It is a violation of district policy and state law for any person to carry a firearm or dangerous
weapon on school premises, school-provided transportation or areas of other facilities being
used exclusively for school activities unless specifically authorized by state law. Consequences for this violation is expulsion for not less than one year pursuant to RCW 28A.600.420. The superintendent may modify the one-year expulsion for a firearm on a case-by-case basis. https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.41.280

Handbook/Planner Changes
We want a safe and enriching educational experience for our students and TMMS families. As we work
towards that goal, if there are things that you think we need to address or revise, let your administrators or
elected ASB officers know! We are all here to serve the students at TMMS. Should we need to make changes
to your handbook, we will announce the changes and update the online version of this document.

OSD Handbook
The Olympia School District publishes a comprehensive Students Rights and Responsibilities Handbook each
year. Access to the OSD Rules and Responsibilities Handbook can be found on the OSD website. 

OSD Support Personnel for TMMS
Mr. James Whitehead: Title IX Officer, 360-596-8545, [email protected]
Mr. Ken Turcotte: 504 & ADA Coordinator (Students), 360-596-7530, [email protected]
Mr. Scott Niemann: Affirmative Action & Civil Rights Compliance, 360-596-6185, [email protected]

Non-Discrimination Statement
The Olympia School District will provide equal educational opportunity and treatment for all students in all
aspects of the academic and activities program without discrimination based on race, religion, creed, color,
national origin, age, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression
or identity, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical ability, or the use of a trained dog
guide or service animal by a person with a disability. The district will provide equal access to school facilities to
the Boy Scouts of America and all other designated youth groups listed in Title 36 of the United States Code as
a patriotic society. District programs will be free from sexual harassment. Auxiliary aids and services will be
provided upon request to individuals with disabilities. This statement is provided online in multiple languages.