Annual Notifications

Updated May 3, 2023

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
Shelton School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

Title IX Coordinator
Tabitha Whiting, Executive Dir. of Human Resources
700 S. First Street; Shelton, WA 98584
360-426-1687
Email: [email protected]

Section 504/ADA Coordinator
Ivy Kardes, Director of Special Services
700 S. First Street; Shelton, WA 98584
360-426-2151
Email: [email protected]

Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator
Tabitha Whiting, Executive Dir. of Human Resources
700 S. First Street; Shelton, WA 98584
360-426-1687
Email: [email protected]

Gender Inclusive School Coordinator
Rich Squire, Safety and Security Manager
700 S. 1st Street; Shelton, WA 98584
360-426-6322
Email: [email protected]

You can report discrimination and discriminatory harassment to any school staff member or to the district's Civil Rights Coordinator, listed above. You also have the right to file a complaint (see below). For a copy of your district’s nondiscrimination policy and procedure, contact your school or district office or view Policy and Procedure 3210 online here: Policy & Procedure - Shelton School District (sheltonschools.org)


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

Sexual harassment is unwelcome behavior or communication that is sexual in nature when:

• A student or employee is led to believe that he or she must submit to unwelcome sexual conduct or communications in order to gain something in return, such as a grade, a promotion, a place on a sports team, or any educational or employment decision, or
• The conduct substantially interferes with a student's educational performance, or creates an intimidating or hostile educational or employment environment.

Examples of Sexual Harassment:

• Pressuring a person for sexual favors
• Unwelcome touching of a sexual nature
• Writing graffiti of a sexual nature
• Distributing sexually explicit texts, e-mails, or pictures
• Making sexual jokes, rumors, or suggestive remarks
• Physical violence, including rape and sexual assault

You can report sexual harassment to any school staff member or to the district's Title IX Officer, who is listed above. You also have the right to file a complaint. For a copy of your district’s sexual harassment policy and procedure, contact your school or district office, or view Policy 3205 online here: https://www.sheltonschools.org/district/policy_procedure


GENDER-INCLUSIVE SCHOOLS
All students are entitled to an educational environment that is safe and free of discrimination, regardless of their gender expression or gender identity. Harassing or treating students differently because of their gender is not allowed.

All students have the right to:

• Use and be addressed by their requested name and pronouns, with or without a legal name change;
• Change their gender designation and have their gender accurately reflected in school records, including but not limited to school identification cards, classroom seating charts, athletic rosters, yearbook entries, diplomas, directory information;
• Identify with, express, and be recognized by staff and student information systems as a gender other than male or female;
• Access and use the restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity;
• Participate in sports, physical education courses, field trips, overnight trips, in accordance with their gender identity;
• Keep health and education information confidential and private, including information about their legal name, sex assigned at birth, or transgender, cisgender, or nonbinary status;
• Wear clothing that reflects their gender identity and not have a dress code applied differently based on their gender or perceived gender.

Shelton School District’s Gender-Inclusive Schools Policy (3211) and Procedures (3211P) and Form (3211F) may be found on the District’s website by clicking on the following link: https://www.sheltonschools.org/district/policy_procedure. Copies of the policy/procedures/forms may also be obtained by contacting the District Office at 360-426-1687, or in person at 700 S. 1st Street; Shelton, WA 98584.


COMPLAINT OPTIONS: DISCRIMINATION AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT
If you believe that you or your child have experienced unlawful discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or sexual harassment at school, you have the right to file a complaint.

Before filing a complaint, you can discuss your concerns with your child’s principal or with the school district’s Section 504 Coordinator, Title IX Officer, Civil Rights Coordinator, or Gender Inclusive Schools Coordinator who are listed above. This is often the fastest way to revolve your concerns.

Complaint to the School District

Step 1. Write Our Your Complaint
In most cases, complaints must be filed within one year from the date of the incident or conduct that is the subject of the complaint. A complaint must be in writing. Be sure to describe the conduct or incident, explain why you believe discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or sexual harassment has taken place, and describe what actions you believe the district should take to resolve the problem. Send your written complaint—by mail, fax, email, or hand delivery—to the district superintendent or civil rights compliance coordinator.

Step 2: School District Investigates Your Complaint
Once the district receives your written complaint, the coordinator will give you a copy of the complaint procedure and make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The superintendent or designee will respond to you in writing within 30 calendar days—unless you agree on a different time period. If your complaint involves exceptional circumstances that demand a lengthier investigation, the district will notify you in writing to explain why staff need a time extension and the new date for their written response.

Step 3: School District Responds to Your Complaint
In its written response, the district will include a summary of the results of the investigation, a determination of whether or not the district failed to comply with civil rights laws, notification that you can appeal this determination, and any measures necessary to bring the district into compliance with civil rights laws. Corrective measures will be put into effect within 30 calendar days after this written response—unless you agree to a different time period.

Appeal to the School District
If you disagree with the school district’s decision, you may appeal to the school district’s board of directors. You must file a notice of appeal in writing to the secretary of the school board within 10 calendar days after you received the school district’s response to your complaint. The school board will schedule a hearing within 20 calendar days after they received your appeal, unless you agree on a different timeline. The school board will send you a written decision within 30 calendar days after the district received your notice of appeal. The school board’s decision will include information about how to file a complaint with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

Complaint to OSPI
If you do not agree with the school district’s appeal decision, state law provides the option to file a formal complaint with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). This is a separate complaint process that can take place if one of these two conditions has occurred: (1) you have completed the district’s complaint and appeal process, or (2) the district has not followed the complaint and appeal process correctly.

You have 20 calendar days to file a complaint to OSPI from the day you received the decision on your appeal. You can send your written complaint to the Equity and Civil Rights Office at OSPI:

Email: [email protected] ǀ Fax: 360-664-2967
Mail or hand deliver: PO Box 47200, 600 Washington St. S.E., Olympia, WA 98504-7200

For more information, visit our website, or contact OSPI’s Equity and Civil Rights Office at 360-725-6162/TTY: 360-664-3631 or by e-mail at [email protected].


Other Discrimination Complaint Options
Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education
206-607-1600 ǀ TDD: 1-800-877-8339 ǀ [email protected] ǀ OCR Website

Washington State Human Rights Commission
1-800-233-3247 ǀ TTY: 1-800-300-7525 ǀ Human Rights Commission Website


REGULATION OF WEAPONS ON SCHOOL PREMISES
It is unlawful for a person to carry onto, or to possess on, public or private elementary or secondary school premises, school provided transportation, or areas of facilities while being used exclusively by public or private schools, any firearm or any dangerous weapon (RCW 91.41. 280, RCW 69.50.435, REC 28A.210.310(2).

For more information and for the complete policy and procedures regarding weapons on school premises, see School Board Policy No. 4210, which can be found on the District’s website at
DownloadFileByUrl.aspx (sheltonschools.org)


TEACHER AND PARA EDUCATOR QUALIFICATION NOTICE
Parents can request information regarding the professional qualifications of their students’ classroom teachers and para educators. An online publication titled, Parent’s Right To Be Informed, is available in English and Spanish at: http://www.k12.wa.us/TitleI/ParentFamilyEngagement/ParentsGuardians.aspx. Information regarding teacher and para educator qualifications can also be obtained by contacting the Executive Director of Human Resources at Shelton School District, by calling 360-426-1687.


PUBLIC RECORDS
Pursuant to RCW 42.17, parents and other members of the public have the right to inspect and copy public records retained by the District, including records pertaining to employee discipline, unless the
records are exempt from public disclosure under state law. To request records, contact the Shelton School District Records Coordinator at 360-426-1687.

 
NON-DISCRIMINATION NOTIFICATION – CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION
The Shelton School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, disability, or age in its program or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The Shelton School District offers classes in many career and technical education program areas, including courses that span a wide variety of disciplines that lend to industry/business and college related to healthcare, math, environmental science, etc., under its open admissions policy. For more information about CTE course offerings and admissions criteria, contact Gretchen Maliska, Career-Connected Learning Coordinator at 700 S. 1st St.; Shelton, WA 98584; 360-426-1687; [email protected]. Lack of English language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in career and technical education programs. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Exec. Director of Human Resources;700 S. 1st Street; Shelton, WA 98584; 360-426-1687.


CHILD NUTRITION SERVICES NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; fax: (202) 690-7442; or email: [email protected]. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. 


FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA) ANNUAL NOTICE
Shelton School District may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent unless you have advised the District to the contrary in accordance with District Procedure No. 3231. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the District to include this type of information from your child’s education records in certain school publications. Examples include:

• A playbill, showing student’s role in a drama production;
  
• The annual yearbook;
  
• Honor roll or other recognition lists;
  
• Graduation programs; and
  
• Sports activity sheets.

Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s written consent.  Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks.  In addition, two federal laws require the District to provide military recruiters, upon request, with three directory information categories: names, addresses, and telephone listings unless parents have advised the District that they do not want their student’s information disclosed without prior written consent.

If you do not want the District to disclose directory information from your child’s education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the District in writing by September 10th of each year, or within ten days of a student’s enrollment.  The District has designated the following information as directory information:

• Student’s name;
  
• Photograph;
  
• Video;
  
• Address;
  
• Telephone number;
  
• Date and place of birth;
  
• Dates of attendance;
  
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports;
  
• Weight and height of members of athletic teams;
  
• Diplomas and awards received; 
  
• The most recent previous school attended;
  
• Other information that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of  privacy if disclosed.

The actual residential addresses of participants in the state Address Confidentiality Program will not be available for release as directory information.

For more information, please access the District’s Policy/Procedures #3231 at the following website:  www.sheltonschools.org.  Click on School Board/Policies/3000s-Students/3231.