Student Handbook
North Hill Elementary School
19835 8th Ave S
Des Moines, WA 98148
206.631.4600
Highline Promise
Every student in Highline Public Schools is known by name, strength and need, and graduates prepared for the future they choose.
North Hill Mission Statement
Nurturing successful learners who transform their communities.
Core Values
Nort Hill students are: Kind, Inclusive, Safe, Respectful, and Responsible.
Accordion
- Arriving at School
- Attendance Expectations
- Behavior - Positive Reinforcements
- Bicycles, Skateboards, etc.
- Breakfast and Lunch
- Bus Discipline
- Bus Service
- Common Areas
- Community Partners
- Conferences
- Discipline
- Discrimination
- Dismissal (Other than a school-wide early release or emergency)
- Dress and Appearance
- Drills
- Drop-Off/Pick-Up/Parking Lot Etiquette
- Emergency Information for Students
- Free and Reduced-Price Meals
- Gender Inclusive Schools
- Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying
- Head Lice
- Homework policy
- Immunizations
- Injuries, Illness, and Diseases
- Lost & Found
- Medication at School
- Messages for Students
- Newsletters & Information
- Personal Property (Including cell phones & smart watches)
- Pet Policy
- Phone Policy (see Personal Property for cell phones)
- Playground Use
- Report Cards
- School-wide Emergency/Releasing Students
- Sexual Harassment
- Snow Days (emergency changes to school schedule)
- Tobacco Prohibited
- Transportation Routines
- Visiting the School
- Volunteers
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- New Panel
Arriving at School
Attendance Expectations
North Hill school hours are as follows:
- Monday-Thursday 9:15 AM-3:45 PM
- Most Fridays 9:15 AM-2:15 PM
Teachers will greet students at their classroom doors between 9:05 and 9:15. Students must be in their seat at 9:15 to be considered on time. If a student arrives later than 9:15 they must be signed in at the office by a parent/guardian.
State law requires students to attend school regularly and to be punctual. Acceptable reasons for an excused absence are illness, emergency, and/or a pre-arranged personal/family need. Washington state mandates that vacation during the school year is unexcused. Parents are asked to call North Hill before 9:30 am (206-631-4600) or send a note within 24 hours of return to school when your student is absent. Highline’s standard for excused absences is 10 or less per year. Repeated unexcused absences or excessive excused absences may result in the Becca process being set in motion. The Becca process refers to steps the school will take to work with the family to increase student attendance as outlined by state law.
Research shows that missing as little as 2-3 days of school every month is considered chronic absence and can translate into third-graders unable to master reading, sixth graders failing courses and ultimately, teens dropping out of high school.
Behavior - Positive Reinforcements
North Hill Elementary has developed the “Jet Setter” positive behavior program. This program is the foundation for behavior and safety at school, encouraging students to be Safe, Respectful, Responsible and Ready to Learn.
Each month, we focus on a different trait. Students have multiple opportunities to be recognized for exhibiting positive behaviors. These include earning jet tags, Jet Setter tickets, and a class Jet Setter trophy. To learn more about this program, ask your child’s teacher.
Bicycles, Skateboards, etc.
The Highline School District prohibits the riding of bicycles to and from school by children in third grade or younger. The district requires that students and district staff wear bicycle helmets in a proper manner when riding bicycles to and from school. Any eligible North Hill student must complete a bicycle contract with the office before riding their bike to school.
Please emphasize the importance of walking bicycles across busy intersections and supervised crossings. Students must walk their bicycles on the school grounds. Each student must have a lock to secure the bicycle in the racks.
Roller blades, skate shoes, skateboards, scooters, and other similar items are not allowed on school property during school hours. The Highline School District is not responsible for loss or damage to bicycles.
Breakfast and Lunch
Breakfast is served in the cafeteria between 8:55 AM and 9:15 AM each day. During the 2025-2026 school year Highline Public Schools will offer all enrolled students’ breakfast and lunch at no charge. Students are welcome to utilize school meals to enhance meals they bring from home.
Adults who wish to make a purchase will need to have money in their MealTime account. Information about how to set-up and monitor a MealTime account can be found online.
Bus Discipline
School bus drivers have the authority to discipline students for misconduct related to school district rules. Each student is expected to follow the rules and regulations of the Highline School District Safety Rules for Bus Riders. Please see the rules listed below. Misbehavior on the bus may result in short-term suspension from the bus. Ongoing misbehaviors may result in suspension for the remainder of the school year. Parents/guardians will be notified of misconduct with slips written for their child.
Bus Safety Rules
- Cooperate with the driver. Driver may assign seats.
- Be at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the bus is due.
- Line up quietly in single file away from the road.
- Keep hands, head and feet inside the bus at all times.
- Stay out of the Danger Zone, 10 feet all around the bus.
- Talk quietly, remember to use your inside voice.
- Act appropriately, as you would in class.
- Keep the bus clean, do not eat or drink on the bus.
- Keep the bus safe, do not damage bus equipment.
- Be courteous, use no profane language.
- Do not fight, push, yell, or throw things while on the bus.
- Students may cross only in front of the bus, never behind.
- No animals, balloons, roller blades, skateboards, scooters, food or plants.
- Stay in your seat.
- Remember: seat to seat, back to back, face forward, feet on the floor, hands to yourself.
Bus Service
Common Areas
North Hill has established procedures/routines for all common areas. Common areas are the playground, hallways, cafeteria, restrooms, library, and the school grounds. Students are taught the procedures so they understand the behaviors that will contribute to a safe and productive learning environment.
Community Partners
Conferences
Classroom teachers communicate students’ general progress with parents/guardians at the end of October. The Student Led Conferences are held in November, at which time the first report card will be posted in ParentVUE. Conferences will be held on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday immediately prior to Thanksgiving. During this 3-day conference period, there will be no school for students; however, students are expected to attend conferences with their parents/guardians. Report cards will be posted in ParentVUE again in the middle of March and on the last day of the school year.
A parent/guardian may confer with his/her child’s teacher at any time during the school year. Make an appointment directly with the teacher.
Discipline
The goal of the North Hill discipline policy is to ensure student safety and increase responsible behavior by having clearly defined behavior expectations that are taught, practiced and reinforced. The expectations emphasize our core values (Kind, Inclusive, Safe, Responsible, and Respectful). They describe the appropriate behavior currently practiced by the vast majority of North Hill students. All staff members encourage responsible behavior through positive interactions and feedback with students. Verbal reminders and feedback are used to help students be more successful. Progressive discipline is used when behavior is recurrent. Problem solving, conflict resolution, and restitution form the basis of all discipline.
✔ Minor Infractions: All minor infractions are handled on the spot, i.e., in the classroom, on the playground, or other areas of the school. Examples of minor infractions include blurting out in class, not following directions or a classroom rule, chewing gum, etc. Minor infractions that are recurring may be referred to the principal as a major infraction.
✔ Major Infractions: All major infractions will be referred to the principal. Major infractions include behaviors such as assault, bullying, defiance, fighting and harassment. Referrals to the principal will be disciplined in accordance with the guidelines published on the district website.
www.highlineschools.org>Students & Families>Rights and Responsibilities
Discrimination
Discrimination can happen when someone is treated differently or unfairly because they are part of a protected class, including their race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, creed, disability, 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.
To review the district’s Nondiscrimination Policy 3210 and Procedure 3210, please see the district’s Nondiscrimination webpage.
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:
Your School Coordinator: The principal (or designee) of your school
Highline Public Schools Civil Rights Coordinator:
Name: Isuzu Niizuma Arambula
Phone: 206-631-3104
Email: civilrightscoordinator@highlineschools.org
Mail: Highline Public Schools
Attention: Civil Rights Coordinator
15675 Ambaum Boulevard SW
Burien, WA 98166
Concerns about disability discrimination:
Your School Coordinator: The principal (or designee) of your school
Highline Public Schools Section 504 Coordinator: 206.631.3250
Mail: Highline Public Schools
Attention: Section 504 Coordinator
15675 Ambaum Boulevard SW
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 School Board 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 3210 and Sexual Harassment Procedure 3205.
Dismissal (Other than a school-wide early release or emergency)
As a safety precaution, we release children only to people listed in your ParentVUE account. Your child will not be released early to anyone other than those listed as emergency contacts without a note signed by a parent / guardian. Our office staff will ask for photo identification of anyone who comes to pick up your child.
No one under the age of 18 will be allowed to dismiss a student from school early, even if they are a sibling.
Students will not be picked up at their classrooms. An office staff member will have your child meet you in the office.
Dress and Appearance
Per District Policy: Students are reminded that their appearance significantly affects the way others respond to them. Matters of dress are primarily the responsibility of students in consultation with their parents/guardian. Student dress shall not be regulated except when there is a reasonable expectation that:
- A health or safety hazard shall be presented by the student's dress or appearance;
- Damage to school property shall result from the student's dress; or
- The student's dress or appearance shall create a substantial disruption of the educational process and/or learning environment at the school.
⮚ Additionally:
- Shoes must be worn at all times. Flip flops are allowed on non-PE days.
- No skate shoes allowed at school
Drills
Drop-Off/Pick-Up/Parking Lot Etiquette
Parents/guardians who drive their children to and from school are expected to abide by the following expectations:
✔ Arrival time is 8:55-9:15/Dismissal is 3:45. Please make every effort to be on time.
✔ Drop-off/Pick-Up lane is ONE WAY – single lane.
✔ Students are to remain in the car until a staff member asks them to exit the car.
✔ Students are to be dropped off and picked up at the white curb only. Place your pick-up card on your dashboard to help us quickly identify who you are picking up. Always pull forward to fill gaps between cars
✔ Students are instructed to remain on the sidewalk until their ride is in the white curb zone. We will not allow students to walk across the parking lot or drive-thru to meet their ride.
✔ Drivers must remain in their cars unless parked in a designated parking space.
✔ For pick up please place your student’s sign on your dashboard (right / passenger side). Your sign should include the grade level and student’s name.
✔ Do not park in the white-curbed, drive-thru lane.
✔ Do not park behind other cars parked in a designated parking space. Back up cautiously, there are many people coming and going.
✔ If your student is not waiting when you arrive, please park in a designated parking spot. If you park across the street, please tell your child to use the sidewalk and crosswalk at all times.
✔ No cell phone use while in the drive-thru.
✔ Cars are not allowed in the bus loop at any time unless designated.
Emergency Information for Students
Please make sure that we have your most current contact information. It is very important to keep your phone numbers, address, email address and emergency contact information up-to-date in ParentVUE. Supplying the correct contact information is imperative for receiving notification should there be an emergency at school. In the event of a major disaster (e.g., earthquake, fire, etc.), CHILDREN WILL REMAIN UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF SCHOOL AUTHORITIES until parents or emergency contacts can pick them up. Make sure anyone identified as an emergency contact is listed in your ParentVUE account and that you authorize the school to release your child to them.
Free and Reduced-Price Meals
Though Highline will offer all students meals at no cost in the 2025-2026 school year, we are still encouraging families to complete a Child Nutrition Eligibility & Education Benefits Application. Free and reduced percentages drive funding that the district receives in a number of areas unrelated to meal service, so keeping our counts accurate is in everyone’s best interest.
Eligibility for free and reduced meals must be renewed annually. For other languages, or if you have no access to a computer, call North Hill at 206-631-4600.
Gender Inclusive Schools
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
To review the district’s Gender-Inclusive Schools Policy 3211 and Procedure 3211 please see the district’s Gender Inclusive Schools webpage.
Concerns about discrimination based on gender identity:
Your School Coordinator: The principal (or designee) of your school
Highline Public Schools Gender Inclusive Schools Coordinator:
Name: Isuzu Niizuma Arambula
Phone: 206-631-3104
Email: isuzu.niizumaarambula@highlineschools.org
Mail: Highline Public Schools
Attention: Gender Inclusive Schools Coordinator
15675 Ambaum Boulevard SW
Burien, WA 98166
Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying
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?
- HIB is any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act of a student that:
- Physically harms another student or damages their property;
- Has the effect of greatly interfering with another student’s education; or,
- Is so severe, persistent, or significant that it creates an intimidating or threatening education environment for other students.
HIB generally involves 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 3207 to share concerns about HIB, 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 to 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 that supports prevention and response to HIB.
Your School HIB Compliance Official: The principal (or designee) of your school
Highline Public Schools HIB Coordinator:
Name: Isuzu Niizuma Arambula
Phone: 206-631-3104
Email: isuzu.niizumaarambula@highlineschools.org
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 3207.
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 3210 and the HIB Procedure 3207 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)
- Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/health-safety/school-safety-center
- Email: schoolsafety@k12.wa.us
- Phone: 360-725-6068
OSPI Equity and Civil Rights Office (For questions about discrimination and sexual harassment)
- Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/equity-and-civil-rights
- Email: equity@k12.wa.us
- Phone: 360-725-6162
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.
- Website: www.oeo.wa.gov
- Email: oeoinfo@gov.wa.gov
- Phone: 1-866-297-2597
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.
- Website: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html
- Email: orc@ed.gov
- Phone: 800-421-3481
Head Lice
If a student has live lice, trained school staff will follow district policy and procedures regarding lice. The trained school staff will notify a parent. The student will be allowed to remain in school until the end of the day and may ride the bus home if that is the usual route home. See District procedure 3414 for more information.
Homework policy
Homework is a valuable aid in helping students maximize their school experience. It reinforces classroom learning, builds responsibility, and develops essential study habits. It is planned to strike a balance between academics, family life and the child’s needs. Each teacher will send home information regarding his/her homework policy. Please contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions.
Immunizations
For the protection of your child, Washington State law requires that we have a Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) on file for each student. This certificate must be presented at the time the student is registered for school. These forms and current immunization guidelines are available in the school office or online.
If your child’s record shows that immunizations are needed, the school nurse will contact you. All immunizations are the parents’ responsibility. Immunizations are not given at school.
Injuries, Illness, and Diseases
The school staff is trained to administer first aid for minor injuries. In the event of a serious injury, 911 will be called. Parents/guardians will be notified as soon as possible of all serious injuries.
If a student becomes ill, parents/guardians will be called to take the child home. If we are unable to reach the parent/guardian, we will contact the designated emergency contact. If this person is not available, we will keep your child in our health room until someone can be reached.
If your child becomes ill during the night or is sick in the morning, please do not send them to school.
The school nurse should be contacted if your child has a communicable disease. Please contact the nurse if your child has any rashes. These may be infectious and will need to be treated. A child with an unidentified rash may not be allowed to remain at school.
Lost & Found
All valuable articles found at school are taken to the school office. Articles of clothing, lunch boxes, etc. found on school grounds are placed in the Lost & Found near the cafeteria. Please label your child’s clothing and other belongings with their first and last names. Articles left in the Lost and Found for an extended period will be donated to charity.
Medication at School
Medication may not be given to your child without a written physician’s order. This includes over-the-counter medicines, eye ointment, eye drops, ear medications, nose spray, cough drops, etc. If it is necessary for medicine to be administered at school, parents need to provide the following:
- A current physician’s order which includes the name(s) of the medicine, plus the time(s) and amount(s) to be dispensed.
- A Medical Authorization Form signed by the medical provider and parent/guardian giving school personnel permission to administer the medication. These forms are available in the office or online.
- All medication must be in containers labeled by the pharmacy, with the current date. They will be stored in the school clinic.
Only trained personnel will administer the medication. No medications may be in your child’s possession while at school.
Messages for Students
In the case of a family emergency, we will do our best to communicate a message from a parent/guardian to their student. Call the office only for emergency changes to dismissal plans. Be aware that the office becomes extremely busy at the end of the day so changes to daily routine (how to get home, who to walk with, where to go after school) need to be arranged before students come to school as we are not always able to get a message to students at the last minute.
Messages from people other than those listed in ParentVUE will not be communicated to the student.
Newsletters & Information
Our school newsletter will be sent home the first Thursday of each month via Parentsquare. It may also be accessed on the North Hill web page.
The majority of school, district and general school correspondence, including PTSA notices will be sent electronically using Parentsquare and/or Peachjar. Check your texts and email frequently. Very few items will be sent home in paper form. You may also join the North Hill PTSA Facebook page for additional communication.
For more information and to sign up for Parentsquare.
For more information and to sign up for Peachjar.
Personal Property (Including cell phones & smart watches)
Personal items such as toys, sports equipment, and electronics are not allowed at school unless authorized by the teacher. The school is not responsible for items that students bring to school, including cell phones. Highline District Policy: If a student brings a cell phone (for emergencies only) with parent permission, it must remain in a backpack and turned off. Smart watches are similar to a cell phone. If they are used in this manner students will be asked to take them off and put them in their backpack during the school day. Any use of a cell phone on school property, including covered areas, during school hours may result in the phone being taken and held in the office until a guardian can pick it up.
Pet Policy
Phone Policy (see Personal Property for cell phones)
Students may use the office or classroom phone to contact parents/guardians after receiving permission from their teacher. The intent is to provide a service for emergency situations. Phone use privilege does not include making last minute social arrangements or arranging rides home in inclement weather. If you need to speak with your child, we will arrange for him/her to come to the office during recess time and return your call. Do not phone or text message your child’s cell phone as they are required to remain turned off and out of sight during school hours.
Playground Use
Report Cards
School-wide Emergency/Releasing Students
It is our primary responsibility to keep students safe during an emergency. In order to accomplish this, please follow the proper procedures for picking up students after a school-wide emergency such as fire or earthquake.
- If students have returned to the building, report to the office to check them out of school.
- If students are unable to return to the building, they must wait with their class on the blacktop or the field, weather permitting. Adults must check in at the student release station in order to pick up a student. The student release station will be located on the eastside end of the blacktop.
- Students will be released only to people listed in ParentVUE.
- Runners will notify students to come to the release station after all the appropriate paperwork has been completed.
- People who are not students, staff, or identified volunteers will be directed to a waiting area to meet their students. Do not attempt to walk out to the student area.
- During a lockdown, no one will be allowed to enter the building and no students will be released until the lockdown has ended.
Thank you for following the listed procedures. It will allow us to ensure the safety of each student.
Sexual Harassment
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. To review the district’s Sexual Harassment Policy 3205 and Procedure 3205, please see the district’s Sexual Harassment Prohibited webpage.
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.
Concerns about sex discrimination, including sexual harassment:
Your School Coordinator: The principal (or designee) of your school
Highline Public Schools Title IX Coordinator
Name: Isuzu Niizuma Arambula
Phone: 206-631-3104
Email: title.ix@highlineschools.org
Mail: Highline Public Schools
Attention: Title XI Coordinator 15675 Ambaum Boulevard SW
Snow Days (emergency changes to school schedule)
In the event of an emergency closure, the most accurate report can be found at highlineschools.org. Add ParentSquare to your smart phone to receive instant alerts for changes to the school schedule.
In addition, district staff will notify the news media. Stay tuned to area radio or television stations for an announcement that will tell you of any school closures, one- or two-hour delays, or limited bus transportation.
North Hill Elementary School will be affected by emergency closures or delays ONLY if you hear HIGHLINE SCHOOLS mentioned. If Highline School District is not mentioned, then school and buses will be operating normally.
Please use the methods above for information. DO NOT CALL the school, transportation office or the district offices. Information is also available on social media.
Tobacco Prohibited
Transportation Routines
Please establish a routine for your child’s transportation to and from school. Students who walk home from school are expected to do so immediately after school. If they wish to go to a friend’s house, students must make arrangements before coming to school or after they arrive home. Students who ride the bus must report directly to their designated bus at the south side of the building. Students who are picked up are expected to wait for their rides with school personnel in front of the school near the white curb. Please arrive by 3:55. If a child has not been picked up by 3:55, the office will attempt to contact a parent/guardian.
Visiting the School
Visitors between the hours of 8:45 AM and 3:45 PM are required to sign in at the office and wear a visitor badge while on school property. Visitors must sign in and wear a visitor tag if they are going beyond the lobby, even if there are only a few minutes left in the school day. Parents/guardians who would like to observe/volunteer in their child’s class must pre-arrange a time with the teacher and follow the guidelines outlined below. Meetings with teachers should be before 9:05 in the morning or after 4:00 in the afternoon as teachers must be available to supervise students before and after school.
Volunteers
Parent/community volunteers serve as a vital link between home and school by providing a variety of services. Home and school partnerships show children that school and learning are important. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available for interested persons. Volunteer commitment can be tailored to meet both the availability of the volunteer and the needs of the various school programs.
In order to protect our children, the Washington State Legislature has mandated that all volunteers must complete the volunteer clearance process before being allowed to volunteer in the classroom or chaperone a field trip. Forms are available in the office and clearance must be complete prior to any volunteer activity, including in the classroom or building. Wear a Visitor/Volunteer sticker at all times so North Hill staff is aware that you checked in at the office.
A recent change to district policy requires that volunteer chaperones must complete a chaperone form that will be valid for two school years.
- Sign in at the office upon your arrival before going to the assigned class or volunteer position.
- Wear a Visitor/Volunteer badge at all times so North Hill staff are aware that you checked in at the office.
- Be mindful that classes are in session when walking through the halls. Keep conversations quiet.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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What if I miss my afternoon bus? |
Go to the office. Don’t walk home. We will call your parents. |
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What if my parents forget to pick me up? |
Go to the office. Don’t walk home. We will call your parents. |
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I want to go to my friend’s house after school and they ride a bus. |
Your parent will need to write a note giving you permission to ride the bus with another student. Bring that note to the office, where it needs to be signed by an office staff member. Give the twice-signed note to the bus driver. |
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What if I need to take medicine at school? |
Medicine (prescription or over-the-counter) cannot be at school without a specific District form completed by your doctor. These forms can be obtained from the office or online at https://www.highlineschools.org/departments/health-services |
| What should I do if I’m absent? | A parent will call the office by 9:30 at 206-631-4600 to let us know when you are absent. The State of Washington requires a signed note within 24 hours of return to excuse the absence. |
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What if I’m tardy? |
For an excused tardy, have a parent/guardian park and walk the student into the school to sign in at the office. Students not signed in will receive an unexcused tardy. |
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What if I need to buy breakfast or lunch? |
During the 2025-2026 school year Highline Public Schools will offer all enrolled students school meals at no charge. Students are welcome to utilize school meals to enhance meals they bring from home. |
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What if I forget my lunch? |
During the 2025-2026 school year, students who forget their lunches will be provided with lunch free of charge. |
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My parents don’t know when the early release days are! |
A one page calendar of the full school year is sent home the first week of school (while supplies last). The information is also located at https://www.highlineschools.org/about/calendar
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What if I move during the year? |
Let the office know right away if you get a new address or phone number during the school year. It is important for us to have accurate information in case we need to get ahold of a parent. |
