Whitney School Expectations
The following behavior expectations will be taught and reinforced throughout the year in conjunction with the Anacortes School District's character education program. Please take time to review these with your child. We are emphasizing the theme of Respect in order to promote positive student behavior toward themselves, others and our school.
Respect Yourself
- Learn from experiences
- Ask for help when needed
- Practice safe behavior
- Listen to learn
- Believe in yourself
Respect Others
- Be kind and caring
- Share
- Accept guidance from the adults who work at our school
- Encourage and learn from others
Respect This Place
- Keep our school clean
- Return things to their places
- Use materials wisely
- Recycle
- Tell people what you like about our school
Discipline and Behavior Expectations
Our behavior expectations & discipline policy at Whitney reflect the belief that each person is responsible for his/her actions and words. The behavior of students, staff and parents will demonstrate respect for self, others, and our school.
School/Classroom Discipline Plans
Whitney School reviews its school discipline plan every year. This process involves teachers, support staff, and parents. The following building discipline policy adheres to the Anacortes School District's Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.
It is the duty and responsibility of each teacher to develop and discuss with his or her students, appropriate rules of conduct within the classroom that will insure a maximum learning environment for each child. Students who consistently fail to abide by classroom rules may be referred to the principal where appropriate disciplinary measures will be implemented. Disciplinary measures may include, but are not limited to:
A. Discussion with the child and the development of a plan implemented by the student leading to more appropriate behavior.
B. Loss of free time activities (recesses) for a stated period of time.
C. Notifying the parent about their child's behavior.
D. Request for parent conference.
E. In-school suspension.
F. Short-term suspension.
G. Long-term suspension.
H. Expulsion.
Every teacher is required to have a set of classroom rules. These may be the same as the building expectations included in this handbook. If you have not seen a copy of your child's classroom rules, please request one.
Please note: Acts of violence, stealing, profanity and vulgarity are serious offenses and can lead to suspension. No gambling or borrowing of money is allowed at school. Possession of GUNS, KNIVES, OR OTHER DANGEROUS WEAPONS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED ON SCHOOL BUSES, AT BUS STOPS, OR AT SCHOOL and will result in IMMEDIATE EXPULSION.
Drug Free School
You may have noticed that many of our schools have no drugs, no guns, and no smoking signs posted on the buildings. To ensure the safety, health, well-being and academic performance of all the students, Anacortes School District is committed to providing schools that are drug, alcohol and gun free.
The possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol is forbidden on school premises or as a part of any District sponsored student activity. The possession of a gun or other weapons is prohibited on school premises (toy weapons are also prohibited).
Personal Belongings
Many problems seem to arise when students bring certain personal items to school. Radios, cameras, toys, musical instruments, computer software, and other personal belongings of students should not be brought to school unless they are required for a specific classroom assignment. They should then be used only under direct supervision of the teacher. Personal belongings should not be shared or used by other students. The school district is not responsible for loss or damage of personal belongings.
Lost & Found
Parents should label all articles of clothing that a child might remove while at school such as coats, hats, sweaters, mittens, boots, tennis shoes, etc.
All articles of clothing found in the school or on the school grounds are brought to the office. Marked articles are returned to the proper owner. Unidentified articles are kept in the office until claimed by the proper owners or parents. Parents are encouraged to stop by the office and check for any items lost by their child. Anything unclaimed at the end of the school year is donated to a charitable organization.
Dress Code
Students are expected to come to school dressed in appropriate clothing. Any clothing which detracts from the teaching/learning process is not allowed (examples may include bathing suits, tank/halter tops, mesh shirts, or clothing featuring inappropriate language, products or imagery). Baseball hats may only be worn outside.
- Hats my not be worn in the school building
- Athletic clothing worn during the school day/hours must comply with school dress code standards.
- T-shirts may not display images or messages related to violence, lewdness, sex, drugs, tobacco or alcohol violate school standards and rules.
- Gang-related attire contributes to misunderstanding and safety concerns and is prohibited.
- Pants should be worn securely without compromising modesty.
- Low cut blouses, shirts, sweaters and see-through clothing draw attention and are disruptive.
- Tops and shirts should be long enough to stay tucked into pants or skirts.
- Tops with ultra-thin or "spaghetti" straps or revealing muscle shirts will not be allowed.
- Shorts and skirts can be revealing, so carefully evaluate if school is an appropriate place to wear the garment if the clothing rides above the child's fingertips when they stand straight with their hands at their sides.
Homework
We believe that developing good homework habits early is essential to students being successful later in school. All Whitney students are expected to complete a modest amount of homework as assigned. Here's how you can help your student with their homework:
- Contact your child's teacher if you have questions regarding his/her homework.
- Provide a place, with needed supplies, where your child can study.
- Check your child frequently regarding the completion of assignments.
- Encourage your child to ask questions about the assignment.
- Make a commitment to listen to your child talk about his/her school work.
