Policies

The safety of our students is a top priority at Tom Matsumoto Elementary. We appreciate your partnership in helping us provide a safe, welcoming, and orderly environment for all students.

Student supervision begins at 7:50 a.m. Students should not arrive on campus before that time unless they are enrolled in a school-approved before-school program. School begins promptly at 8:05 a.m. Students arriving after 8:05 a.m. must report to the office with a parent or guardian to receive a tardy pass before going to class. Regular attendance and arriving on time are important for student success, and we appreciate your support in ensuring your child is at school every day and on time.

At dismissal, supervision ends at 2:10 p.m. on regular school days and 12:35 p.m. on Thursdays (minimum days). Students should go directly home, to their designated pick-up location, or to their after-school program. Students may remain on campus only if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian, under the direct supervision of a staff member, or participating in a school-approved activity.

To help keep everyone safe during arrival and dismissal, please follow these expectations:

• Use the designated drop-off and pick-up lane for quick loading and unloading only. Please do not leave your vehicle unattended.
• Pull forward as far as possible before stopping to help keep traffic moving.
• If your child is not yet ready for pick-up, please continue through the loop and circle around again.
• Always use the marked crosswalks and follow the directions of crossing guards and school staff.
• Do not double park, block driveways, or stop in red zones, as these create safety hazards and prevent emergency vehicle access.
• Drive slowly, remain alert, and watch carefully for students, families, and staff.

By working together and modeling our PBIS expectations—Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Safe, and Be Kind—we help create a positive and safe environment for every Mustang every day.

The safety of our students, families, and staff is our highest priority. Our parking lot can be very busy during arrival and dismissal, and we appreciate everyone's cooperation in following our procedures. By working together, we can ensure a safe and efficient experience for all Mustangs.

Please follow these parking lot expectations:

• Use only the designated crosswalks when walking to and from campus.
• Follow the directions of crossing guards and school staff at all times.
• Use the gold curb loading zone for quick student drop-off and pick-up only. Please remain in your vehicle while in the loading zone.
• Pull forward as far as possible before stopping to load or unload students.
• If your child is not ready for pick-up, please continue through the loop and circle around again. Do not stop and wait in the loading lane.
• Do not double park, block driveways, or stop in red zones. These areas must remain clear for emergency vehicles and buses.
• Drive slowly and stay alert for students, families, staff, and other vehicles.
• Park only in designated visitor parking spaces. Staff parking spaces are reserved for school employees.
• Turn right when exiting the parking lot to help improve traffic flow during busy dismissal times.
• Students should always enter and exit vehicles from the passenger side whenever possible while at the curb.
• Please avoid using cell phones or other distractions while driving through the school parking lot.

For the safety of all students, we ask families to model our PBIS expectations by Being Responsible, Being Respectful, Being Safe, and Being Kind every time they visit our campus. Thank you for helping us keep Tom Matsumoto a safe place for everyone.

Parents, family members, and community volunteers are always welcome at Tom Matsumoto Elementary. We value our partnership with families and encourage involvement in our school while maintaining a safe, secure, and positive learning environment for all students.

For the safety of all students and staff, all visitors and volunteers must enter campus through the front office, present a valid government-issued photo ID if requested, sign in through the district's visitor management system, and wear a school-issued visitor badge or volunteer sticker at all times while on campus. Visitors must sign out and return their badge before leaving campus.

Classroom Visits

Parents who wish to visit a classroom should make arrangements with the teacher or school administration at least 24 hours in advance. Classroom visits are designed to support family engagement while minimizing disruptions to teaching and learning.

Tom Matsumoto Elementary also welcomes community visitors on the second Tuesday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (except during state testing). Community visitors must sign in through the office and wear a visitor badge while on campus.

Volunteers

Parents and community members who wish to volunteer must complete the district's volunteer clearance process before volunteering in classrooms, on campus, or on field trips.

For the safety of all students:

• Children requiring adult supervision may not accompany volunteers in classrooms, on campus, or on field trips.
• Children are not permitted in the staff lounge between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
• Adults must use the restrooms located in the front office. Student restrooms are reserved for student use only.

Arrival and Dismissal

To maintain a safe and orderly campus, parents and visitors should remain outside the fenced student areas during arrival and dismissal. TK and Kindergarten parents are welcome to walk their children to and from their classroom during arrival and dismissal. Parents of students in Grades 1–6 are asked to say goodbye and meet their children outside the fenced areas unless they have checked in through the office or have been invited by a staff member.

Students and Guests

Only students enrolled at Tom Matsumoto Elementary may attend classes or participate in classroom activities during the school day. Friends, relatives, or other children who are not enrolled at our school may not accompany students to class or remain on campus during school hours unless they are participating in a school-sponsored event approved by the administration.

Pets on Campus

To ensure the safety and comfort of all students, pets are not permitted on campus or in areas where children are likely to be present during school hours or school events, unless they are service animals as defined by law.

Campus Safety

Tom Matsumoto Elementary is a closed campus during the instructional day. Anyone on campus without authorization or without a visitor badge may be asked to report to the office or leave campus. These procedures help us provide a safe and secure learning environment for every Mustang.

Thank you for partnering with us and modeling our PBIS expectations by Being Responsible, Being Respectful, Being Safe, and Being Kind whenever you visit our campus. Together, we can ensure Tom Matsumoto Elementary remains a welcoming, safe, and supportive place for every student.

We appreciate your time, support, and participation at Tom Matsumoto Elementary. Your involvement helps create a connected, welcoming, and inclusive school community. To best support the learning and well-being of all students, we ask volunteers to follow these expectations:

Be Responsible

• Schedule volunteer opportunities with your child's teacher or the PTA in advance.
• Arrive on time and notify the teacher if you are unable to attend.
• Follow the teacher's directions and classroom routines.
• Focus on supporting the students or group assigned to your care.

Be Respectful

• Consider the needs of all students in the classroom.
• Respect student confidentiality and privacy.
• Discuss only your own child's progress with school staff.
• Please do not discuss other students or share observations about them with other families.

Be Safe

• Sign in through the front office and wear your volunteer badge at all times.
• Follow all school safety procedures and remain in your assigned volunteer area.
• If you take photographs during a school event, photograph only your own child unless you have permission from the families of other students.

Be Kind

• Encourage students to persevere and learn from mistakes.
• Use positive language and model respectful interactions.
• Help create an inclusive environment where every student feels welcomed, valued, and supported.

Thank you for partnering with us and modeling our PBIS expectations—Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Safe, and Be Kind. Your support helps make Tom Matsumoto Elementary a positive place for every Mustang to learn and grow.

Regular attendance is essential for student success. Students are expected to attend school every day unless they are ill, have a medical appointment, or have another excused absence as defined by California Education Code. Families play an important role in helping students develop positive attendance habits.

Absences

• Parents or guardians should report their child's absence to the school office by 8:30 a.m. on each day the student is absent.
• Absences may be reported by calling the attendance line, using ParentSquare, or contacting the school office.
• Absences that are not verified by a parent or guardian will be recorded as unexcused.
• A doctor's note may be requested for extended or frequent illness-related absences.
• Students returning from an illness that limits participation in physical education or recess should provide a note from a parent or healthcare provider. Extended restrictions may require a doctor's note.

Tardies

Students are expected to arrive at school on time and ready to learn. School begins promptly at 8:05 a.m.

• Students arriving after 8:05 a.m. are considered tardy and must check in at the school office before going to class.
• An adult must accompany elementary students who arrive late to sign them in.
• Frequent tardiness interrupts learning and may impact a student's academic progress. We appreciate your partnership in helping students arrive on time each day.

Early Release

Students may not leave campus during the school day without permission.

• If you need to pick up your child before dismissal, please come to the school office and present a valid photo ID.
• Office staff will call your child from class. To minimize classroom interruptions and ensure student safety, parents should not go directly to classrooms to pick up students.
• Whenever possible, please schedule medical and other appointments outside of school hours or later in the afternoon to maximize instructional time.

Thank you for partnering with us to support regular attendance and on-time arrival. By working together and modeling our PBIS expectations—Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Safe, and Be Kind—we help every Mustang have the opportunity to learn and succeed every day.

At Tom Matsumoto Elementary, we believe every student can learn, grow, and make positive choices. We are committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment where all students feel valued, respected, and supported. Our school community has high expectations for both academic achievement and behavior, and we work together to help every student succeed.

Our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework provides consistent expectations across all areas of campus. Students are explicitly taught expected behaviors, recognized for making positive choices, and supported in developing the social and emotional skills needed to be successful at school and beyond.

Our school-wide expectations, developed collaboratively by our staff, are known as the 4 B's:

• Be Responsible
• Be Respectful
• Be Safe
• Be Kind

These expectations guide student behavior in classrooms, on the playground, in the cafeteria, hallways, restrooms, buses, and all other school settings.

Students are expected to:

• Treat others with respect, kindness, and empathy.
• Use appropriate language and resolve conflicts peacefully.
• Follow directions from all school staff the first time they are given.
• Respect school property and the belongings of others.
• Make responsible choices that support a positive learning environment.
• Report unsafe situations, injuries, or concerns to a trusted adult immediately.
• Help create a school where everyone feels welcomed, included, and valued.

To maintain a focused learning environment, students should leave personal toys, games, trading cards, sports equipment, and other items that may distract from learning at home unless specifically requested by their teacher. The school is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen personal belongings.

For the safety of everyone on campus, weapons, look-alike weapons, explosives, tobacco products, vaping devices, alcohol, illegal substances, or any dangerous objects are strictly prohibited. Possession of these items may result in disciplinary action in accordance with California Education Code and Evergreen School District policies.

At Tom Matsumoto Elementary, discipline is viewed as an opportunity to teach and restore positive behavior. Our goal is to help students learn from their choices, repair relationships when appropriate, and develop the skills they need to become responsible, respectful, safe, and kind members of our school community.

At Tom Matsumoto Elementary, we believe that behavior is a skill that can be taught, practiced, and strengthened. Our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework encourages students to make positive choices by teaching clear expectations and recognizing responsible behavior.

Our goal is to help every student become a responsible, respectful, safe, and kind member of our school community. When students make poor choices, we view these situations as opportunities for learning and growth.

When inappropriate behavior occurs, staff members will respond in a calm, consistent, and respectful manner. Depending on the situation, the following steps may be used:

1. Redirect and remind the student of the expected behavior.
2. Discuss the behavior with the student and teach or practice the appropriate replacement behavior.
3. Provide a logical consequence that helps the student learn from the situation and repair any harm that was caused.
4. Communicate with parents or guardians when additional support or follow-up is needed.
5. Refer the student to the office when behaviors are repeated, significantly disrupt learning, or involve safety concerns.

The administration will work collaboratively with students, families, and staff to determine appropriate interventions and consequences based on the severity, frequency, and circumstances of the behavior. Consequences may include restorative conversations, problem-solving, loss of privileges, behavior reflection, parent conferences, or other appropriate interventions. More serious behaviors may result in disciplinary action in accordance with Evergreen School District policies and California Education Code.

We believe that strong partnerships between school and home are essential to student success. By working together and reinforcing our PBIS expectations—Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Safe, and Be Kind—we help every Mustang develop the skills needed to be successful in school and in life.

Tom Matsumoto Elementary is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment for every student. While our PBIS framework emphasizes teaching, prevention, and restorative practices, certain behaviors may require suspension or a recommendation for expulsion in accordance with California Education Code and Evergreen School District Board Policies.

Serious offenses may include, but are not limited to:

• Possession of a firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous weapon.
• Possession, use, sale, or furnishing of controlled substances, alcohol, tobacco, nicotine, vaping products, or drug paraphernalia.
• Physical assault, fighting, or threats of violence.
• Bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, discrimination, or hate-motivated behavior.
• Theft, vandalism, or intentional damage to school or personal property.
• Possession of imitation weapons or other items that create a safety concern.
• Any behavior that significantly disrupts the educational environment or endangers the safety of students or staff.

These laws and district policies apply while students are:

• On school grounds.
• Traveling to or from school.
• Attending school-sponsored activities.
• Traveling to or from school-sponsored activities.

The Evergreen School District maintains a strong commitment to school safety. Behaviors that threaten the safety and well-being of others may result in suspension, a recommendation for expulsion, or other disciplinary action as provided by California Education Code.

We encourage families to talk with their children about making safe, responsible choices and understanding the serious consequences of bringing prohibited items to school or engaging in unsafe behavior. By working together, we help maintain a safe, welcoming, and positive learning environment for every Mustang.

The health and safety of our students is a priority at Tom Matsumoto Elementary. Our Health Office is staffed by a trained Health Clerk, with support from the district nurse as needed. School staff may provide basic first aid but are not permitted to diagnose illnesses or prescribe medical treatment.

If a student becomes ill or is injured at school, parents or emergency contacts will be notified when appropriate. Students who are too ill to remain at school must be picked up promptly. For this reason, it is essential that parents keep emergency contact information current throughout the school year.

Medications at School

Whenever possible, medications should be given at home. If a student must take medication during the school day:

• All medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, must be administered through the Health Office.
• A completed Medication Authorization Form, signed by both the student's healthcare provider and parent/guardian, must be on file before medication can be administered.
• Medication must be delivered to the Health Office by a parent or guardian in the original pharmacy-labeled or manufacturer's container.
• Students may not carry or self-administer medication unless authorized by law and approved by the school (such as certain emergency medications).
• Parents must pick up all medications from the office every June and complete D-189 every August

For the safety of all students, medications may not be brought to school or shared with other students without prior authorization.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and healthy learning environment for every Mustang.

At Tom Matsumoto Elementary, students enjoy their meals in a safe, supervised, and positive environment. Students eat brunch outdoors during their morning recess. Lunch is typically served indoors in the Forum (Multipurpose Room) and is supervised by our noon aides. In the event of a scheduling conflict with the Forum, students may eat lunch in an alternate designated area. During inclement weather, poor air quality, or other special circumstances, meal procedures may be adjusted as needed.

To help create a positive dining environment, students are expected to follow our PBIS expectations:

• Be Responsible – Eat your meal, clean up after yourself, and throw away your trash.
• Be Respectful – Use appropriate voice levels, follow directions from noon aides and school staff, and respect the personal space of others.
• Be Safe – Walk at all times, remain seated while eating, and keep food and hands to yourself.
• Be Kind – Use good manners, include others, and help keep the eating area clean for everyone.

Families are encouraged to send students with a reusable water bottle and weather-appropriate clothing so they can comfortably enjoy outdoor brunch throughout the year. By following our 4 B's—Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Safe, and Be Kind—we help make mealtime a positive experience for every Mustang.

At Tom Matsumoto Elementary, we ask students to dress in a manner that is safe, comfortable, and appropriate for learning. Students should wear clothing that allows them to participate fully in classroom activities, recess, physical education, and other school programs.

The Tom Matsumoto Elementary dress guidelines are based on California Education Code and Evergreen School District Board Policy. Clothing or appearance that creates a substantial disruption to the educational environment or poses a health or safety risk is not permitted.

Students are expected to follow these guidelines:

• Wear clothing that provides appropriate coverage for school activities.
• Wear shirts that fully cover the chest, back, and midriff during normal school activities.
• Wear shorts, skirts, and dresses that provide appropriate coverage while sitting, bending, and participating in school activities.
• Wear shoes that are safe for walking, running, recess, and physical education. Closed-toe athletic shoes are strongly recommended. Students wearing unsafe footwear may be asked to sit out of certain activities.
• Hats, caps, and other sun-protective clothing may be worn outdoors. Hats should be removed indoors unless approved for religious or medical reasons.
• Clothing, jewelry, or accessories that create a safety hazard or substantially disrupt the learning environment are not permitted.
• Clothing may not display images, symbols, or language that promote violence, weapons, gangs, discrimination, bullying, alcohol, tobacco, vaping, drugs, profanity, or sexually inappropriate content.
• Items that distract from learning or interfere with the safety of students and staff should remain at home.

Dress Code Violations

If a student's clothing does not meet these guidelines, school staff will work with the student in a respectful and supportive manner to resolve the concern. When appropriate, families may be contacted to bring a change of clothing. If a parent or guardian cannot be reached, the school may provide temporary clothing for the student to wear for the remainder of the school day. Borrowed clothing should be washed and returned promptly.

At Tom Matsumoto Elementary, we encourage students to express themselves while making clothing choices that reflect our PBIS expectations to Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Safe, and Be Kind. Working together helps create a positive, welcoming, and distraction-free learning environment for every Mustang.

Recess is an important part of the school day, providing students with opportunities to play, exercise, socialize, and build positive relationships. Students are expected to follow our PBIS expectations while on the playground to help ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable recess.

General Expectations

Students are expected to:

Be Responsible

• Play only in designated supervised areas.
• Use playground equipment appropriately.
• Return playground equipment to its designated location.
• Keep the playground clean by picking up personal belongings and trash.
• Follow directions from noon aides and school staff.

Be Respectful

• Use kind words and appropriate language.
• Share equipment and take turns.
• Include others in games and activities.
• Demonstrate good sportsmanship whether winning or losing.
• Respect school property, plants, and playground equipment.

Be Safe

• Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
• Walk to and from the playground and use equipment safely.
• Play only in designated areas and remain within playground boundaries.
• No roughhousing, play fighting, tackling, or throwing objects such as rocks, sticks, or mulch.
• Report injuries, unsafe conditions, or problems to a noon aide or other school staff member immediately.

Be Kind

• Invite others to join games.
• Encourage classmates and help solve problems peacefully.
• Be an upstander by helping others and reporting unsafe or unkind behavior.
• Treat others the way you would like to be treated.

Playground Equipment

Students are expected to use playground equipment safely and as intended.

• Walk while using the play structure.
• One person at a time on slides, ladders, and climbing equipment.
• Go down slides sitting upright with feet first.
• Do not climb on the outside or top of playground equipment.
• Tag and chase games are not permitted on the play structure.
• Follow posted playground rules and directions from supervising staff.

Playground Games

To ensure everyone's safety:

• Playground equipment should only be used in designated areas.
• Ball games must be played in approved locations.
• Games involving intentional throwing of balls at other students are not permitted unless supervised by a teacher during physical education or another organized school activity.
• Students should practice good sportsmanship and resolve disagreements respectfully. If help is needed, students should seek assistance from a noon aide or other supervising adult.

End of Recess Procedures

When the bell rings:

• Stop playing immediately.
• Hold all playground equipment.
• Walk directly to your classroom lineup area.
• Wait quietly for your teacher's directions.

By following our 4 B's—Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Safe, and Be Kind—students help create a playground where everyone can learn, play, and have fun safely.

Tetherball Rules

Tetherball is a fun game that encourages friendly competition and good sportsmanship. Students are expected to follow these rules to keep the game safe and fair.

Be Responsible

• Take turns and wait patiently for your turn to play.
• Play by the established rules.
• Limit play to three consecutive games if others are waiting.

Be Respectful

• Use good sportsmanship whether you win or lose.
• Accept the judge's or supervising adult's decision.
• Encourage others and use kind words.

Be Safe

• Stay in your own playing area.
• Hit the ball with your hands or forearms only.
• Do not throw, catch, hold, or stop the ball.
• Keep hands off the pole and rope.
• Do not interfere with another player's turn.

Students who do not follow the rules may lose their turn so everyone can enjoy a safe and fair game.

Four Square Rules

Four Square is a game of skill, cooperation, and sportsmanship. Students are expected to play fairly and include others.

Be Responsible

• Wait your turn in line.
• Follow the game rules.
• Move to the end of the line if you are out.

Be Respectful

• Use good sportsmanship.
• Accept the judge's or supervising adult's decision.
• Include others and encourage fair play.

Be Safe

• Hit the ball with open hands only.
• Allow one bounce before returning the ball.
• Stay in your own square during play.
• Do not catch, carry, or throw the ball.

Students who do not follow the rules may be asked to leave the game and rejoin the line for another turn.

At Tom Matsumoto Elementary, we enjoy recognizing our students and celebrating their special day. To support student wellness and maximize instructional time, Evergreen School District Board Policy 5030 does not allow food or beverages to be brought to school for birthday celebrations or other classroom celebrations.

This policy helps us:

• Support healthy nutrition and student wellness.
• Protect students with food allergies and dietary restrictions.
• Maximize instructional time.
• Minimize classroom disruptions.
• Reduce the workload on teachers, office staff, and custodial staff.

Families who would like to recognize their child's birthday are welcome to provide non-food items for classmates, such as:

• Pencils
• Bookmarks
• Stickers
• Erasers
• Small school supplies
• A donated book for the classroom library

Teachers may also choose to recognize birthdays in meaningful ways, such as singing "Happy Birthday," providing a birthday certificate or sticker, assigning a special classroom job, or other classroom traditions.

To help maintain a focused learning environment, balloons, flower arrangements, gift deliveries, and other large birthday items may not be delivered to classrooms during the school day. If these items are brought to school, they will be held in the office until the end of the school day for parent pick-up.

Thank you for supporting our efforts to create a healthy, safe, and inclusive learning environment for every Mustang.

The object of homework is to assist and improve a student’s learning. Homework is to be reasonable in length, directly related to classroom work, well defined in advance by the teacher, understood by the student, and corrected and returned to the student. It is the student’s responsibility to complete homework. The type of homework assignments and length should vary according to the student’s level. Your child is responsible in bringing his/her homework to school. Parents/Caregivers dropping off homework in the office is highly discouraged.

Kindergarten: Homework is to be minimal and based on teacher judgment of student’s need.

Primary grades (1-3): Some homework will be assigned to familiarize the students with the need for accuracy, time management and organizational skills, which are the foundation for the required homework that is a part of the intermediate grades educational program. Homework is assigned at the discretion of the teacher with an emphasis on language arts and math. Nightly homework should not exceed 30-45 minutes per night.

Intermediate Grades (4-6): Homework is to be expected as part of the student’s daily educational program. Homework emphasis is on language arts and math. Additional assignments are given which, in the judgement of the teacher, will assist the student to learn and develop initiative and responsibility. Long-term reports and projects should be expected. Nightly homework should not exceed 60-75 minutes per night. If your child is spending excessive time on homework, contact the teacher as modifications may be appropriate.

Small problems will not become large problems if parents send an email or call the teacher before or after school. Partnership with parents gives children strong messages for success in school. Parents who review their children’s weekly papers, work folders, and notebooks will be aware of their children’s strengths and needs. 

School and district communications are sent weekly via these Communication Tools.

November parent-teacher conferences are essential to the overall education program. Please plan on attending. If parents have a special concern, they are encouraged to schedule a conference with the teacher at any time during the school year.

Children’s names and room numbers should be on clothing and lunch boxes. The only time students should bring toys, games, balls, or other items to school is when the teacher instructs them to do so. Electronic toys and expensive jewelry are NEVER allowed at school.

Sports equipment that is brought from home must be donated to the school. All students will be allowed to use the equipment at the discretion of the staff.

To support a focused learning environment, cell phones and smart watches must be turned off (not on silent or vibrate) and kept securely stored in students' backpacks throughout the entire school day. This includes before school, during instructional time, recess, lunch, passing periods, and dismissal while students remain on campus.

Students who need to contact a parent or guardian during the school day may do so through the school office. Likewise, parents who need to reach their child should contact the school office rather than calling or texting their student directly.

Students may use their personal devices only after they have been dismissed for the day and have left the instructional areas of campus.

Tom Matsumoto Elementary is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged cell phones, smart watches, earbuds, or other personal electronic devices. Students bring these items to school at their own risk.

If a student uses or displays a cell phone or smart watch during the school day without staff permission:

• The device will be confiscated and taken to the school office.
• A parent or guardian will be notified.
• The device must be picked up by a parent or guardian from the office.
• Repeated violations may result in additional disciplinary action in accordance with school and district policies.

We appreciate families' support in helping students stay focused on learning and engaged with their classmates by keeping personal electronic devices put away during the school day.

The following Evergreen School District policies are provided to you to increase your awareness of what is and is not tolerated at any Evergreen School District campus. Policies can be accessed online or requested from the school office.

Student Use of Technology - B.P. 6163.4

The Governing Board recognizes that technology provides ways to access the most current and extensive sources of information. Technology enables students to practice skills and to develop reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Every effort shall be made to provide equal access to technology throughout the district’s schools and classes. Students are responsible for adhering to Evergreen School District’s Acceptable Use Agreement.

Non-Discrimination - B.P. 5145.3

District programs and activities shall be free from discrimination, including harassment, with respect to the actual or perceived ethnic group, religion, gender, color, race, ancestry, national origin, and physical or mental disability, age or sexual orientation. The Governing Board shall ensure equal opportunities for all students in admission and access to the educational program, guidance, and counseling programs, athletic programs, testing procedures, and other activities.

Sexual Harassment - B.P. 5145.7

The Governing Board is committed to maintaining a school environment that is free from harassment. The Board prohibits sexual harassment of any student by another student, an employee or other person, at school or at a school-sponsored or school-related activity. The Board also prohibits retaliatory behavior or action against any person who complains, testifies, assists or otherwise participates in the complaint process established in accordance with this policy. Any student who engages in sexual harassment of anyone at school or at a school-sponsored or school-related activity is in violation of this policy and shall be subject to disciplinary action.

Uniform Complaint Procedure - B.P. 1312.4

The Board recognizes that the district has primary responsibility for ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and regulations governing education. The district shall investigate and seek to resolve complaints at the local level. The district shall follow uniform procedures when addressing civil rights guarantees, complaints alleging unlawful discrimination or gender equity issues, or failure to comply with state or federal law in programs for consolidated categorical aid, Indian education, migrant education, child nutrition, special education, adult education, career/vocation education, and child development. The Board prohibits retaliation in any form for the filing of a complaint, the reporting of instances of discrimination, or for participation in complaint procedures. Such participation shall not in any way affect the status, grades, or work assignments of the complainant. The Board acknowledges and respects employee rights to privacy. Discrimination complaints shall be investigated in a manner that protects the confidentiality of the parties and the facts. This includes keeping the identity of the complainant confidential except to the extent necessary to carry out the investigation or proceedings, as determined by the Superintendent or designee on a case-by-case basis. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that employees designated to investigate complaints are knowledgeable about the laws and programs for which they are responsible.

Tobacco-Free Environment - B.P. 4016.1 and 5131.62

Documentation and research has demonstrated the health hazards associated with the use of tobacco products and the breathing of second-hand smoke. Further, a legislative mandate requires the district to alleviate the presence and use of tobacco products in the educational environment. The Governing Board intends to maintain tobacco and smoke-free school facilities, grounds, offices, work areas, and district vehicles for all of its students, employees, parents, volunteers, and visitors.

Williams Uniform Complaint Procedures - B.P. 3212.4 W

The Board recognizes that the district has primary responsibility for ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and regulations governing education. The district shall investigate and seek to resolve complaints at the local level. The district shall follow uniform procedures when addressing complaints regarding Instructional Materials, Teacher Vacancy/Mis-assignment and Facilities conditions which pose an emergency or urgent threat to the health or safety of students and/or staff.

Protection of Pupil Rights

The district has adopted policies, in consultation with parents, regarding student and parent rights as well as arrangements to protect the privacy in the administration of protected information surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales or other distribution purposes. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act gives parents certain rights with respect to their child’s educational records. More information is available in the school office.