Policies & Procedures

Overview

Delta High School students, as citizens of the school community, are entitled to all the rights and privileges granted by our democratic society.  The right to an education, however, does allow that schools may legitimately expect students to accept certain responsibilities. 
 
When students come to school to learn, they arrive on time with their work done to the best of their ability.  Students present themselves in attire that is not distracting to the learning of others.  Students that want to better themselves ask their peers and teachers for help when necessary and will give help to others.  Role modeling healthy behavior develops leadership skills and life-long habits that can increase the number and quality of opportunities. 
 
All students who attend Delta High School shall comply with the written policies, rules, and regulations of the Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland School Districts; shall pursue the required course of studies; and shall submit to the authority of school staff, subject to such corrective action(s) as the school officials shall determine.  As afforded by Washington Administrative Code, all students have the right to due process.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Each student attending Delta High School has the right to:

• An equal educational opportunity, free of discrimination because of a physical, mental, or learning handicap; national origin; immigration status; race; religion; sexual orientation; gender; pregnancy; marital status; previous arrest; or previous incarceration.
• Be secure in his or her person, papers, and effects from unreasonable search and seizures.
• Free expression and assembly subject to reasonable limitations as to time, place, and manner of exercising such rights.
• Be free from unlawful interference in his or her pursuit of an education while in the custody of a school authority.

Each student attending Delta High School has the responsibility to:

• Attend school daily and be on time to class with all necessary materials.
• Know and follow the rules of the districts and the school.
• Accept reasonable consequences for violating school or districts’ rules.
• Carry school identification badge and correctly identify themselves when asked to do so.
• Respect the rights of others, as not to disrupt or deprive others of their right to an education.
• Respect the property of others, the school, and the districts; and be willing to make restitution for property he or she has damaged.

Academic Honesty

Students, parents, and teachers share responsibility in promoting academic honesty.  As members of the Delta High School learning community, students are not to engage in any form of academic dishonesty.  This may include plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, and/or sabotage.
 
Plagiarism is copying or downloading from a source without citing the source; it is a serious offense.  Plagiarism can lead to loss of credit, damage to a student’s GPA, and even expulsion from a university.  As such, it is critical students learn to follow research-based writing protocols.  Delta follows the Modern Language Association (MLA) guidelines for citation format.
 
Plagiarism is often the result of one of the following:

• Students fear failure on an assignment
• Students have poor time management skills and find themselves with not enough time to complete the assignment legitimately
• Students view the course, assignment, or conventions of academic documentation as unimportant

Cheating includes looking at someone’s work, copying, or allowing someone to copy your work. This includes even a few sentences.  Cheating on an assignment misrepresents what a student has actually learned, and is therefore a serious offense.
 
Fabrication is the falsification of data, information, citations, research, or other findings.  As a STEM school, Delta is held to an even higher standard to follow standard scientific procedures.
 
Fabrication may include:

• Fudging numbers to make an experiment “work”
• Falsifying research reports
• Excluding inconvenient data from a report/project
• Inventing data or source information
• Citing information which did not come from the credited source
• Citing sources not actually used for the paper/project

Sabotage is when a student prevents others from completing their academic work.  Providing an atmosphere of learning is a requirement for not just staff, but students and guests as well.

Sabotage may include:

• Willfully disrupting the work of other students
• Willfully disrupting the use of resources
• Hiding or destroying class materials, resources, or electronic files/data that other students may need for completion of their work

Violation of the academic honesty policy may result in any or all of the following:

• Receive an NG for the assignment and related standards
• Be required to redo the entire assignment, with another topic if appropriate
• Receive an NG for the course if assignments are not redone before the end of the grading term
• Receive other disciplinary action, at the discretion of the administrator in collaboration with the teacher

Grades

Delta High School students will earn grades on a 4-point scale.  Each graded assignment will be based on state and/or national standards.  A single piece of student work can target a large number of standards or it may take numerous pieces of work to target and meet a single standard.  

The following are the meanings of individual assignment grades that will be listed in PowerSchool, our electronic grading system:

 
4-Advanced 

Students achieving at the advanced level demonstrate greater academic performance.  Advanced work indicates an in-depth understanding or exemplary display of the skills included in the Washington State standards
 
These students:

• Demonstrate broad, in-depth understanding of complex concepts and skills
• Make abstract, insightful, complex connections among ideas beyond the obvious
• Provide extensive evidence for inferences and justification of solutions
• Demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge and skills effectively and independently by applying efficient, sophisticated strategies to solve complex problems
• Communicate effectively and thoroughly, with sophistication

3-Proficient 

Students achieving at the proficient level demonstrate satisfactory academic performance.  Proficient work indicates solid understanding or display of the skills included in the Washington State standards.  This is accepted grade-level performance. 

These students:

• Can extend their understandings by making meaningful, multiple connections among important ideas or concepts and provide supporting evidence for inferences and justification of solutions
• Apply concepts and skills to solve problems using appropriate strategies
• Communicate effectively

2-Emerging

Students achieving at the emerging level demonstrate up and coming academic performance.  Emerging students indicate a partial understanding or display of the skills included in the Washington State standards.  Students achieving at this level are approaching acceptable performance but need additional instructional opportunities to achieve proficiency.
 
These students:

• Demonstrate partial understanding of basic concepts and skills
• Make basic connections among ideas, providing limited supporting evidence for inferences and solutions
• Apply concepts and skills to routine problem-solving situations
• Communicate in a limited fashion

1-Beginning

Students that are achieving at the beginning level demonstrate a clear need for additional instructional opportunities to show learning.  Students achieving at the beginning level indicate little or no understanding or display of the skills included in the Washington State standards.
 
These students:

• Demonstrate little understanding of the concepts and skills associated with the Washington State standards
• Occasionally make obvious connections among ideas, providing minimal evidence or support for inferences and solutions
• Have difficulty applying basic knowledge and skills
• Communicate in an ineffective manner

NG-No Evidence of Learning

Students who are showing no evidence of learning demonstrate a clear need for additional instructional opportunities and learning interventions after being offered numerous opportunities to learn.  An NG is also assigned for assignments which are not attempted or completed.

Final Course Grades

A student’s final grade will be calculated as an average of all summative assignment grades. However, a grade may be overridden with an NG if course requirements are not met. Course requirements are set by the teacher and will be provided to the student. Students must complete all course requirements by the end of the grading period to receive credit for a course.
 
Final grades follow a standard scale:

 A final course grade of NG earns no credit for the course.  Lost credits may be retrieved through summer school or other available programs.

GPA

PowerSchool will average the grades.  Please be aware that averaging is a limited view of what students are able or not able to do.  A student may, for example, have 4s on six standards and have 1s on two standards.  The student’s “average” tells us the student has a 3.25.  This 3.25, however, does not paint a clear picture that the student is really struggling on two standards and really excelling on six of them.  Averages do not tell us the whole story, but they are unavoidable at this time.  A student’s GPA will be determined by averaging the final course grades from each class.

Late Work

Late work at school, in college, and in the workforce is largely unacceptable.  Students need to manage their time in a way that enables them to finish their best work on time.  Therefore, assignments must be turned in on time in order to receive full credit.  Late work MAY be accepted for partial credit at the discretion of the teacher, and is generally only accepted when there has been evidence of effort prior to the deadline on the part of the student.
 
“Effort” means:

• Coming prepared to class
• Completion of all assignments
• Quality use of class time
• Asking for help from the teacher, both in and outside of class
• Showing evidence of attempting and/or completing homework
• Showing a positive attitude toward the work

Late work will not be accepted after the end of the grading period except in cases of extenuating circumstances, as approved by individual teachers.  In these rare cases, an “Incomplete” may be given as a final course grade.  Incompletes are only valid for two weeks.  If course requirements are not met within the two week period, the Incomplete will become an NG and no credit will be given for the course.

Student Conduct

Conduct and behavior are closely associated to learning.  An effective instructional program requires a climate and culture of mutual respect.  Each student at Delta High School is required to adhere to the rules of conduct and submit to corrective action taken as a result of conduct violations.  The rules of conduct are applicable during the school day as well as during any school activity conducted on or off campus and on in our electronic relationships.  Special rules are also applicable while riding on a school bus.
 
Consequences for violations may include a temporary removal from a class, activity, school function, or learning opportunity.  Parent, student, teacher, and administrator conferences may also be required.  Other forms of discipline may include the following:

• Teacher-Verbal Warning
• Teacher-Parent Contact
• Teacher-Referral to Grade-Level Team
• Teacher-Referral to Administrator with or without disciplinary recommendation
• Administrative action may include:
  • Meeting with student
  • Meeting with student and parents
  • Assignment of internal consequence based on disciplinary infraction
  • Parental supervision of the school day
  • Short-term Suspension
  • Long-term Suspension
  • Return student to Comprehensive High School after Suspension
  • Emergency Expulsion
  • Expulsion from School

Disciplinary action will be taken when students choose to be irresponsible for their behavior.  Students who are placed on any form of suspension or expulsion are not permitted to participate in or attend school-sponsored activities including all academic, social, and sporting events at Delta and in their district of origin.
 
Search and Seizure (R.C.W. 28A.600.230)
School authorities may seize any contraband substance or object the possession of which is illegal, or any material or object which violates school rules or poses a hazard to the safety and good order of the school. 
 
School officials have the authority to conduct a search of the following with reasonable suspicion to believe that the student is in possession of illegal or unauthorized items:

• A student’s person and/or personal effects.
• Student vehicles while on school property.
• Student lockers and storage areas.

Disciplinary Violations

Weapons (RCW 9.41.280, 28A.600.230, 9.41.010, 9.41.270)

The Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland School Districts have a no tolerance policy regarding weapons or the use of any object as a weapon.
 
Students are prohibited from bringing any weapon onto school district property. A weapon is defined as any gun (including pellet, BB, air pistol, or toy), laser pointers, tazers, mace, pepper spray, knives of any kind, or any other instrument used to threaten, intimidate, or harm a person.  Explosive devices such as fireworks and ammunition, which may cause physical harm to a person, will be considered weapons.
 
Violation of this policy will result in emergency expulsion, expulsion from public schools in Washington State, and/or criminal prosecution.

Fighting

Students are expected to be civil while at school.  School personnel will attempt to resolve any conflicts among students.  Conflicts include verbal and physical confrontations or inciting such confrontations.   Spectators at fights will be subject to suspension, especially if they interfere with school personnel.  Teachers and administrators will not, under any circumstances, physically intervene in an altercation between students.  

Bullying/Harassment/Intimidation (W.A.C. 28A.600.XXX, R.C.W. 9A.36.080)

Students are expected to respect the individual rights of all persons while on campus and at school functions or activities.  Everyone, including students, school personnel, parents, and community members are to be treated with respect.  Any form of harassment (including sexual), intimidation, or bullying will not be tolerated.

Cyberbullying

Students are expected to help provide a safe and civil environment in school and while using electronic devices and networking sites that are viewable by other students.  A safe and civil environment is necessary for students to learn and achieve high academic standards.  Posting and or sending violent, threatening, harassing, or intimidating messages or texts is considered disruptive to the educational environment of Delta High School if those posts or messages can be viewed by students.  Violent, threatening, harassing, or intimidating messages, posts or texts disrupt both a student's ability to learn and a school's ability to educate its students in a safe environment.

Controlled Substances (R.C.W. 69.50.XXX, 28A.210.XXX)

Students may not possess, use, or be under the influence of controlled substances (including alcohol, marijuana, narcotics, unauthorized use of non-prescription and prescription drugs) while on school grounds or at any school-sponsored function or activity. 
 
Students who distribute, sell, or attempt to sell controlled substances (including non-prescription over-the-counter drugs) to other individuals will face more stringent discipline as a result of their actions.

Tobacco and Smokeless Tobacco

Students, regardless of age, may not possess or use tobacco products while on school grounds or at any school-sponsored activity or function.

Gang Activity (R.C.W. 28A.600.455)

Any gang violence, vandalism, intimidation, or disruption of learning related to gang activity in any manner will not be tolerated.

Other Disciplinary Infractions

Theft, threats (on or off campus), verbal abuse, arson, malicious mischief, alteration of records, trespass, unauthorized access, plagiarism, copyright infringement, disruptive acts, willful disobedience, inciting disorder, obscene or lewd conduct, truancy, accumulation of tardies, bus misconduct, and accumulation of referrals are all subject to disciplinary action based on severity of the incident, previous disciplinary record, academic progress, and conduct of the student.

Social Events

Delta High Social Events (i.e. dances) are planned and held for Delta High students, which means that students who attend the social event must have a current Delta ID card.  For students who would like to bring a guest who does not attend Delta High, guests must be approved by Delta High administration prior to the social event by completing a guest form by the deadline set for the event.  Completion of the form does not guarantee the guest will be admitted to the social event.  If admitted, the guest will be required to present a current high school ID badge at the social event entrance.  If you show up with a guest and no guest form has been approved, your guest will not be admitted.  All guests must be enrolled in a high school and have a current high school ID badge to show at the entrance of the event.  If the student is homeschooled, their application must go directly to the principal for verification prior to the event.  Delta students may request one guest only per event.
 
Please remember the dress code still applies at all Delta High social events, even if the event is held after school hours or off campus.  Inappropriate clothing, i.e. swimwear, is still prohibited.  If you arrive dressed inappropriately, you may be denied entrance to the social event.
 
If you are identified as drinking or using drugs, having been drinking or using drugs, or with alcohol/drugs in your possession, you will be removed from the social event and your parents and/or the police will be called to come pick you up.  You will also be subject to school disciplinary action, and if you are an athlete, you will be subjected to athletic discipline as well, per district policies.
 
In order to attend a Delta High social event, you should be willing to behave and dance in such a manner as is appropriate to a school function.  Your cooperation will help to maintain a safe, acceptable environment and guarantee we will continue to have freedom at our social events.
 
Guidelines for appropriate dancing are as follows:

• No back-to-front grinding
• No dancing in a sexually suggestive manner
• No groping
• Have some class, please!

If you leave during the social/event, you cannot return.
 
Refusal to comply with these guidelines will result in your dismissal from the social event and possible suspension from subsequent school events.  If your guest needs to be removed, his or her high school principal will be called to retrieve that student.  Please be considerate of others and have respect for yourself, your guest, and others.  If you are not admitted or are asked to leave the dance for any reason, your ticket will not be refunded.

Attendance

According to Washington State law, if a student fails to attend school without valid justification, the public school in which the student is enrolled shall:

• Inform the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) by a notice in writing or by telephone whenever the student has failed to attend school after one unexcused absence.
• School officials shall inform the parent of the potential consequences of additional unexcused absences.
• Schedule a convenient conference or conferences with the parent(s) or guardian(s) for the purpose of analyzing the causes of the child’s absences after five unexcused absences.

The school may take one or more of the following steps, when appropriate, to eliminate or reduce the student’s absences by:

• Adjusting the student’s school program or course assignment.
• Providing more individualized instruction.
• Referring the student to a community truancy board.
• Notifying parent(s) or guardian(s) of the steps taken to eliminate the absences.
• Informing parents(s) or guardian(s) that they may be required to accompany their student during the school day.
• Return student to their comprehensive high school of origin.

Excused Absences

Assignments and/or activities not completed or late because of an excused absence may be submitted when arrangements have been made with the teacher. 
The following are valid excuses for absences and lateness:

• Participation in a school-approved activity. 
• Illness, health condition, family emergency, or religious event.
• Parent-approved activities.
• Disciplinary actions or short-term suspensions.

Unexcused Absences

Unexcused absences fall into two categories:

• Submitting a signed excuse which does not fall into one of the above categories or is determined to be inappropriate by the principal, or
• Failing to contact the school or submit any type of excuse statement signed by the parent(s) or guardian(s) or adult student.  This type of absence is also defined as truancy.  The student is truant when absent from school without parent and school permission.

After the first unexcused absence, the parent(s) or guardian(s) shall be notified by the classroom teacher.
 
After five unexcused absences within any month, a conference shall be held between the parent(s) and guardian(s), the student, the student’s letter counselor or staff advisor, the classroom teacher(s), and a member of the administrative team.  At the conference, the group shall consider:

• Counselor meetings, attendance plan, and/or an attendance contract;
• Parent(s) or guardian(s) attendance at school with the student;
• Adjustment of the student’s program, school, or course assignment;
• Re-evaluation of individualized instruction; and/or
• Referral of the family to supplemental community services which may help eliminate the problem.

After ten (10) unexcused absences during any semester, the school district of origin will petition the juvenile court to assume jurisdiction.

Tardiness

A student will be considered tardy if he or she arrives after class has begun.  If after contacting the parent and/or classroom consequences the student behavior persists, the student may be referred to the principal to develop a plan to eliminate the behavior. A student who accumulates more than three classroom tardies in a trimester shall be referred to the principal to develop a plan to eliminate this behavior.
 
Students that are more than ten (10) minutes late to class without a valid excuse will be considered absent.  Students that are marked absent after ten minutes, but participate and complete assignments, may have their absence converted to a tardy at teacher discretion.
 
Please refer to RCW 28A.225.XXX for clarification regarding Washington State compulsory attendance laws.

Student Check-In and Check-Out

Check-In
If a student arrives anytime after the beginning of the first class period, the student must sign in at the main office.  A note from a parent or guardian can be submitted to excuse the absence.
 
Check-Out
An approved adult must check a student out in the main office.  The student will be called out of class by the secretary and report to the main office to be signed out.
 
Delta High School’s focus is on student learning and our school will focus on minimizing the impact of disruptions during class time.  

Deliveries to Students

Deliveries to students during class such as flowers, relatives, friends, pizza, balloons, candy, birthday gifts, etcetera, will not be allowed, as instructional time is greatly valued.  Students will not be called out of class and class will not be interrupted.