Licton Springs K-8

Licton Springs
K-8
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Licton Springs K-8 School/Resources/Student Handbook

Student Handbook

Student Handbook

Mission and Vision

Mission Statement

Licton Springs K-8 emphasizes creative, hands-on learning, community engagement, and culturally responsive practices that nurture respect. We incorporate Native experiences, cultures, and historical perspectives while serving a diverse student community. We connect learning in the classroom to real-world context to foster integrity, self-discovery, and a joy of learning.

Vision

Licton Springs K-8 aims to prepare our students for a rapidly changing world by developing critical thinking skills, a global perspective, and our core values of collaboration, respect, equity, innovation, and resilience. Licton Springs K-8 strives for excellence academically, socially, and emotionally while recognizing the uniqueness of individual learners.

Motto

Rising to Justice — Learning with Joy — Building our Future

Teamwork – Respect – Equity – Courage – Innovation

School-Wide Expectations

We Are Kind – We Are Scholars – We Are Leaders

Library

Licton Springs K-8 Library is a physical space full of human and other information resources. It is often the connecting center for building community including students, staff, parents and friends of Licton Springs K-8. Come in and visit! 

Basic Rules, Student Rights and Responsibilities

Basic Rules, Rights, and Responsibilities at SPS

Discrimination, Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying

Discrimination, Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying are not accepted or allowed at Licton Springs, the full policy can be found under Resources on the LSK8 webpage

Dress Code

Dress appropriately for school in ways that will not cause safety or health problems or disruptions. Clothing that displays drugs, alcohol, violence, illegal activities, obscenities, vulgarities and/or depiction of discrimination does not align with our community values and is unacceptable. Students will be asked to change/cover clothing.

District Dress code

Use of Classroom Phones

Students may only use school phones in the classroom for official school use or emergency purposes. Student must obtain permission from classroom teacher or office personnel.  

Tech policy can be found in full on the Technology Policy page

Personal Items at School

Cell phones and personal computers

Licton Springs K-8 has made a commitment to intentionally support students in their effective use of technology. We have a variety of school related technology available throughout the school day, students will have access to their school issued iPads or laptops for a variety of educational purposes, directed by school staff.  

Licton Springs K-8 school adheres to a no personal device policy in the school building. This includes, but is not limited to, cell phones, smart watches, and devices with internet access. The following is in effect: 

  • Personal electronics must be left at home or placed in backpacks before entering the building.  
  • Students must put away ear buds during the school day  
  • Exceptions will be made if a student has accommodations in place for use of electronics (E-Readers, earbuds for music, etc.)  

The school is not responsible for the care of students’ electronic devices.  Students bring these to school at their own risk. Licton Springs is not staffed to conduct investigations into lost or missing devices.   

Bicycles, Skateboards, Scooters, etc.

Skateboards, scooters, and bicycles may be ridden to and from school, but not on campus. Licton Springs K-8 is not responsible for lost or stolen property. Please secure your equipment and do not bring valuable items to school.

Tech policy can be found in full on the Technology Policy page

Toys

Toys should not be coming to school from home unless it is for a specific classroom event or lesson. If teachers or staff, see toys in the classroom or at recess, they will give a reminder that the toys should stay in the backpack and if they see them again the adult will hold them for the student until the end of the day. If needing to hold toys for students more than once the staff will bring the toys to the office until a parent/guardian comes to get them. 

Scholars have access to many games at recess, including 4-square, soccer and playing on the play structure. Recess is a great time for students to move their bodies to help prepare them to focus in the classroom. Please talk with your child about what they can do at school instead of trading cards. 

Licton Springs believes in supporting a diverse population of student’s needs. Many of our students and staff benefit from having fidgets. Our school describes fidgets as something that fits in your hand and is a tool, not a toy. The teacher should not be able to see it or hear it. The fidget should ideally be used under the table/in the lap and should not make a sound. In addition, you should not have to look at it and it should only have one piece, not multiple pieces that come apart. If your student would benefit from having a fidget as described above, we have plenty here for them to use that stays at school. IF you choose to send one in, we ask that it fits the description above AND has your scholar’s name on it. Please remind your student not to share it with anyone as fidgets are used to support their own learning.  

Transportation and After School Plans

A safe bus ride, to and from school, is expected for your child. If a student does not follow the bus rules or does not exhibit appropriate behavior, s/he will be referred to administration. Exclusion from the bus can result from repeated referrals.  If you have questions or concerns please contact the Transportation Office at 206-252-0900.

Yellow Bus Pass

If a student needs to ride a bus other than the one assigned to him/her, the student must get a yellow pass. An office staff member will issue the yellow pass upon parent request from the student’s guardian. The note must be taken to the office or an email received before 1:00 pm and arrangements cannot be made over the telephone.

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?

State law defines HIB in RCW 28A.600.477(5)(b)(i) as “any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act including, but not limited to, one shown to be motivated by any characteristic in RCW 28A.640.010 and 28A.642.010 (discrimination based on a protected class) or other distinguishing characteristics, when the intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act:

(A) Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property;

(B) Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education;

(C) Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or

(D) Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school”

HIB may involve 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 (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 (Natasha Roberts, oscr@seattleschools.org ) that supports prevention and response to HIB.

What happens after I make a report about HIB?

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

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

What is the investigation process?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information about the HIB complaint process, including important timelines, please see the district’s HIB webpage or 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, ethnicity, color, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, homelessness, religion, creed, disability, neurodivergence, 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.

Review the district’s Nondiscrimination Policy 3210 and Procedure 3210SP

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.

Review the district’s Sexual Harassment Policy 3208 and Procedure 3208SPA & 3208SPB

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: Natasha Roberts, Director of Investigations & Compliance Phone: 206-252-0306 Email: oscr@seattleschools.org

Office of Student Civil Rights
Seattle Public Schools
MS 33-157
P.O. Box 34165 Seattle, WA 98124-1165

Concerns about sex discrimination, including sexual harassment:

Title IX Coordinator: Harvard Jones, Student Civil Rights Compliance Officer

Phone: 206-252-0367 Email: title.ix@seattleschools.org

Title IX Coordinator
Office of Student Civil Rights
Seattle Public Schools
MS 33-157
P.O. Box 34165
Seattle, WA 98124-1165

Concerns about disability discrimination:

Section 504 Coordinator: Shanon Lewis, 504/ADA Coordinator

Phone: 206-252-0306 Email: 504coordinator@seattleschools.org

504/ADA Coordinator
Seattle Public Schools
MS 31-681
P.O. Box 34165
Seattle, WA 98124-1165

Concerns about discrimination based on gender identity:

Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Lisa Love, Manager – Health Education

Phone: 206-252-0982 Email: llove@seattleschools.org

Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator
Seattle Public Schools
Mail Stop: 31-644
P.O. Box 34165
Seattle, WA 98124-1165

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 superintendent and then to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). More information about this process, including important timelines, is included in the district’s Nondiscrimination Procedure (3210SP) and Sexual Harassment Procedure (3207SP.A, 3208SP.B). For the 2026–27 school year, this complaint process will be updated as required by the new state law, ESHB 1296.

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 (3210SP) and the HIB Procedure (3207SP) 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)

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

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.

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

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

Our School is Gender-Inclusive

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

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

Review the district’s Gender-Inclusive Schools Policy 3211 and Procedure 3211SP . If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator:

Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Lisa Love, Manager – Health Education

Phone: 206-252-0982 Email: llove@seattleschools.org

Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator
Seattle Public Schools
Mail Stop: 31-644
P.O. Box 34165
Seattle, WA 98124-1165

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