Ballard HS Student Handbook

Dear Students: The number one goal of Ballard High School is the academic achievement for all of our students. Students, parents/guardians, and staff work together to promote a safe and secure learning environment. This handbook is intended to support the success of each student at Ballard HS. The information included in this handbook will be useful over the course of the coming school year. Of most immediate importance will be the information regarding academic expectations for graduation, student behavior at school and the requirements governing attendance. Policies and procedures are subject to change. Notification of any changes will be communicated to students, parents, and guardians.

Please feel free to direct any questions or concerns you have about the contents of this online handbook to your student assigned Counselor or Assistant Principal. By working together, we can realize our goal of success for every student at Ballard High School. ~ Principal Hunt

Paper-copies of the Ballard HS Student Handbook 25-26 are available outside the Main Office and in the Counseling Office.

Ballard HS Daily Hours 2025-26

School Hours: 8:50 a.m. – 3:40 p.m. | Wednesdays: 8:50 a.m. – 2:25 p.m.

Attendance Policy

Alice March, Attendance Secretary, ballardhs.attendance@seattleschools.org

The laws of the state of Washington require regular attendance of all students enrolled in public schools. It is the responsibility of the student to make up missed class assignments/tests for excused absences. Classroom assignments may be requested directly from the teachers if the student is going to be absent more than three school days unless the absence is related to a medically excused absence. Please allow twenty-four hours to process a request.

Attendance Guidelines for In-Person School

Attendance at school is required so that students will be able to:

• Participate in oral presentations
• Participate in all classroom-based physical activities
• Participate in class discussions and in-group work
• Receive verbal instructions concerning new concepts and review of previous concepts.
• Participate in lab activities
• Collaborate in group activities
• Hear and respond to guest speakers and outside resources (films, video presentations, etc.)

Definition of an Absence

Absences may affect student progress with learning. The following Seattle School District definitions apply to students of all ages:

Excused Absences

It is the student’s responsibility to make up work for excused absences, school-related absences such as field trips, or suspensions. The teacher’s syllabus will explain the makeup policy for that class.

• Unplanned absences are excused when your child’s personal illness or injury, or the illness, injury or death of a family member, prevents your child from attending school. The school may require a note from your child’s doctor before excusing those absences if your child is absent due to illness or injury for an excessive number of days. Ballard High School requires a note from a parent or guardian to excuse any absence within 3 days of a student’s return to school from any absence.
• Planned absences are excused when you submit a request to the principal or assistant principal at least three school days before the start of a planned absence, usually for a family trip of short duration, doctor or dentist appointment, or religious or other special, one-time event. However, long-term absences or a succession of long-term absences may affect whether your child will be promoted and/or earn credit for graduation. Absences for longer than twenty consecutive school days may result in your child being dropped from school enrollment.
• Absences due to short-term discipline of your child are excused on District attendance records unless your child is under court order to attend school without additional truancies or behavior problems.

Unexcused Absences

• All other absences are considered unexcused, including absences caused by the student or parent oversleeping, student missing the bus, transportation problems, student needed for babysitting, student job requirements, etc.
• Absences by long-term suspended or expelled students for whom space is available in the reentry program, but who do not enroll and attend, are unexcused.

Procedures Regarding Excused Absences

To excuse an absence, the student must present a written note stating the reason for the absence to the Attendance Office within 3 school days of returning to school. A late written excuse does not remove an unexcused absence from the records. A phone call regarding an absence is considered a courtesy extended to the school but is not required. The phone call must be followed with a written note or email to ballardhs.attenance@seattleschools.org.

Note: Students living on their own need to contact their administrator to establish the procedures to be followed regarding attendance. All work missed due to excused absences must be made up as determined by the classroom teacher.

Definition Of a Tardy

A tardy is defined as a student entering a class after the tardy bell has sounded. Unexcused tardies must be recorded in the teacher’s roll book and on the Attendance Office forms.

• Tardies may affect your course grade and credit.

Early Dismissals & Late Arrivals

Early Dismissals: Students must present a written note to the Attendance Secretary on the day of the appointment or get permission from their administrator prior to leaving school. Early dismissals will not be excused after the fact.

Late Arrivals: For late arrivals to school, a written excuse from parent/guardians is required within 3 school days. Students with written excuses should report directly to the Attendance Secretary. Students without written excuses should go directly to class. Students late to periods 2-6 need to get a tardy pass from an administrator or security specialist to be admitted into class.

Pre-Arranged Absences

A school sponsored pre-arranged absence form will be provided to the student from the appropriate advisor/sponsor. Pre-Arranged Absences/School Initiated: Activities such as field trips require a pre-planned absence form. Students should obtain a pre-arranged absence form from the teacher in charge of the field trip to notify their teachers of their absence and arrange for makeup work, if required. The pre-arranged absence form should be completed and returned to the teacher three days prior to the absence. The teacher informs The Attendance Office about the Field Trip, so students can be excused.

Pre-Arranged Absences/Parent Initiated: Students who knowingly will be absent two or more days should obtain a Pre-Arranged Absence Form available in the Attendance Office or on the BHS Website to notify their teachers of their absence and arrange for makeup work, if required. The “Pre-Arranged Absence Form” needs to be completed and returned to the Attendance Office three days prior to the absence.

Compulsory State Attendance Law – “Becca” Bill

Parent/guardians of children at least eight years old and less than eighteen years old must have their children in school on a full-time basis or in an approved home instruction program. If a student has seven (7) unexcused absences within a month, or ten or more unexcused absences within a school year, the School District is required to file a petition in juvenile court directed toward the student, parent/guardian or both. The Seattle School Board has approved the 2025-2026 school calendars. The calendar was developed and negotiated in cooperation with all of the bargaining groups representing Seattle Public Schools employees. The calendar is structured to provide a full week of instruction following Spring break and before the beginning of the spring SBAC testing period. The calendar also provides specific dates that will be used as make-up days in the event that inclement weather necessitates school closures.

---

Counseling Department Information and Recommendations

Students can make appointments to meet with their counselors several ways, either via the BHS website or via their counselor’s Schoology page. Be sure to select the counselor that is assigned to the part of the alphabet that correlates to your last name and use your school email address when booking. Appointments are scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.

Transcripts

1. If you need an unofficial transcript, please contact the counseling office.
2. If your application is on Common App & Coalition platform, add your school counselor to your profile on the platform. Your school counselor will send your transcript for you directly through that platform (depending on the school – i.e. UW does not require a transcript).
3. If the first two options do not apply, request your transcripts through Naviance. Visit the district Naviance page if you want to know more about Naviance.

Late Arrivals/Early Dismissals

It is strongly recommended that ninth and tenth grade students take a full schedule of six classes. Eleventh and twelfth grade students may choose late arrivals or early dismissals so long as they meet graduation credit requirements. Please review this with your counselor with the 24-credit policy. No empty periods are allowed in the middle of a student’s daily schedule.

Grading System

Grades of A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+ and D indicate credit earned in a class. An E grade indicates course failure and results in no credit earned. If a student wishes to take a class for a Pass/No Pass grade, this must be requested by the fifth week of the semester and may be chosen for only one course per semester. Students who are withdrawn from a class after the fifth week of the semester will earn an “E” on their transcript for that course unless the withdrawal is due to a move to another school. Classes dropped after the 10th day of the semester but before the 5th week of the semester will result in a “W” on the student’s transcript. Incompletes are rarely given and must be completed within six school weeks of the end of the grading period, or the Incomplete will become an E grade. All classes earn .50-semester credit, with the exception of TA (teacher assistant) positions, which earn .25-semester credit. This may affect students needing 24 credits for graduation.

Percent (%) grading scale: A =93-100, A- =90-92, B+ =87-89, B =83-86, B- =80-82, C+ =77-79, C =73-76, C- =70-72, D+ =67-69, D =60-66, E =50-59

Grading Practices

Ballard High School staff are committed to:

• Grading students based on academics, not participation, attendance, or behavior.
• Providing effective progress monitoring through updated grades and Source information at least every other week for all students.

Grading Requirements

Per SPS policy, we will continue to utilize an A-E scale. However, SPS leadership will require the following 3 grading practices that promote equity and our long-term effort to move towards a competency-based grading system. For information related to a specific course, please refer to that teacher’s course syllabus.

1. Communication: SPS educators will provide biweekly check-ins with students and families for students at risk of earning an Incomplete, No Credit, or a failing grade. 
2. Redemption: SPS educators will allow retakes and assignment revisions to the extent possible. 
3. Minimum Grades: SPS educators will not give any grades lower than 50% on any assignment or assessment even for a missed assignment.

Retake Policy

Retakes will only be offered to students who receive below proficient on eligible exams, projects, or assignments.

Below proficient is defined as follows:

• A single retake opportunity is allowed for summative assignments. For students dissatisfied with retake results, a meeting with the teacher is recommended to collaboratively devise a support plan.
• Reasonable prerequisites before retakes can be required, such as completing notes or test corrections. Participation, attendance or behavior are not considered reasonable prerequisites.
• Retakes should cover the same content matter/standards as the original assignment.
• Retakes should be completed within two weeks (10 school days) of returning original grades, with possible adjustments communicated beforehand.
• Level 2 and below on a 4 Point Grading Scale
• 82 and below on a 100 Point Grading Scale
• B- and below on the Letter Grading Scale

Report Cards and Progress Reports

Report cards are available on the Source at the end of each semester. Semester grades are posted to the official transcript. Mid-term progress reports are issued at the middle of each semester. These grades are for information only and are not part of a student’s final transcript. However, senior year mid-term grades may be used as part of the college admission process, even though credits are not yet posted to the final transcript. “D” and “E” grades are reported halfway through each quarter.

Weighted Class Rank

Class rank is an indicator requested by some colleges and universities, scholarship programs, and some employers. A weighted class rank system is intended to recognize students who take more rigorous academic courses. These include courses designated as Honors (H), Advanced Placement (AP), College in the High School (CIHS) and Running Start (HRS). Honors courses earn a half weighting point; AP, CIHS, and HRS courses earn a full weighting point. The weighted ranking process does not affect the GPA. The highest attainable GPA is 4.0 (WAC 180-57-050). Valedictorian(s) and Salutatorian(s) are based on cumulative weighted rank as of 1st semester senior year.

Ballard HS Valedictorian/Salutatorian Policy

Ballard’s Valedictorian must:

1. Have the highest weighted Class Rank after the first semester of the senior year. Additional courses taken beyond the six-period day will not be counted towards the calculation of the student’s Class Rank for purposes of determining Valedictorian, except in the case of Running Start courses, for which all credits through fall quarter of senior year will be counted.
2. Have been a full-time student (six classes each semester) on Ballard’s campus, including Running Start courses, all four years.
3. Have no “E” or “N” grades on the transcript.
4. Have no “P” grades.
5. Have no Teacher or Office Assistant classes on their transcript.
6. Students cannot be full time Running Start students and be eligible to be Valedictorians.

Ballard’s Salutatorian(s) must:

1. Have the second highest weighted Class Rank after the first semester of the senior year. Additional courses taken beyond the six-period day will not be counted towards the calculation of the student’s Class Rank for purposes of determining Salutatorian, except in the case of Running Start courses, for which all credits through fall quarter of senior year will be counted.
2. Have been a full-time student (six classes each semester) on Ballard’s campus, including Running Start courses, for at least three years.
3. Have no “E” or “N” grades on their transcript.
4. Have no “P” grades other than a Study Abroad experience.
5. Have no Teacher or Office Assistant classes on their transcript.
6. Students cannot be full time Running Start students and be eligible to be Salutatorians.

Class Standing

A minimum of 24.00 credits are required to graduate. Students must meet the graduation requirements of their “Class of” designation, as assigned in grade 9. This is never altered regardless of the year of actual graduation (i.e., early or late completion of graduation requirements).

High School Credit for Middle School Courses

High School credit is available for some pre-approved middle school courses. Some examples of this include Spanish, French, Japanese 1, and Algebra 1. See your counselor for more details.

Making Up a Required Course

To graduate, students must pass all required courses. If a student fails a required course, they generally must expect to take that course through an afterschool or summer school credit retrieval program if available, or through an accredited program outside of Ballard High School.

Course Fees

We believe students should be able to take courses of their choice regardless of their ability to pay course fees. While course fees do support Ballard’s ability to offer high quality programs, they are not required and are not connected to student grades.

---

Athletic Eligibility

In order to play on a school sports team, students must have earned a grade point of 2.0 or higher in 5 subjects during the previous semester of school.  Continuing eligibility will require a student athlete to earn no less than a 2.0 grade point average in five subject areas (2.5 credits) as reported on their current report card on the Source. TA classes, lab assistants and PE waivers cannot be counted as one of the five classes for eligibility.

NCAA Athletic Eligibility

Students interested in participating in college athletics after high school need to be aware that additional academic courses are required for eligibility and not all courses are approved for NCAA eligibility. Student athletes must also register with the NCAA Eligibility Center, preferably during their junior year. Visit the NCAA Eligibility Center website and see the Athletic Director or your BHS Counselor for more information.

---

Academic Deadlines

Visit the BHS Academic Deadlines webpage for a complete list of dates and deadlines.

---

Seattle Public Schools Internet and Computer Use Agreement

Use of the Seattle Public Schools network is a privilege. You must read and agree to follow the network rules below to use your network account. The Seattle Public Schools makes available to students to access to computers and the Internet. Through the Internet students may have access to databases, Web sites, and sometimes email. Students might also publish online. Students are expected to use computers and the Internet responsibly and for school related purposes only. Every student will be asked to click ACCEPT after reading the agreement on their initial log on to the Seattle School district computers.

Use of the Seattle Public Schools network is a privilege. Violations of conditions of use may result in that privilege being taken away in whole or in part by school district personnel. All other related student policies are applicable and other consequences including suspension or expulsion may follow. Please review the “Student Rights and Responsibilities” pamphlet available outside the Main Office or on the SPS website.

As a condition of my right to use the Seattle Public School Internet service, I understand and agree with the following:

• I will use computing resources responsibly.
• I will use the Internet and other computer resources for academic activities only.
• I will only play educational games authorized by my teacher, instructor, or librarian.
• I will follow the guidelines for printing set by my teacher or school.
• I will only save material in my folder appropriate for educational use.
• I will not transmit or deliberately access obscene, indecent, harassing, defamatory, or otherwise offensive material in any form.
• I will use computing resources safely.
• I will not give out my name, picture, address, e-mail, or any other personally identifying information online.
• I will only access chat rooms, bulletin boards, blogs, or post to an Internet site with explicit teacher permission.
• I will not share my password with others.
• I will use computing resources respectfully.
• I will not deliberately attempt to harm or destroy data on any system on the network or internet.
• I will not damage computer equipment or alter computer settings.
• I will not alter other students’ files.
• I will use computing resources in a manner that respects the intellectual property of others.
• I will not install, store, or distribute unauthorized copyrighted software or materials.
• I will turn in work that I have created myself. If I borrow or copy material from other sources, I will properly cite those sources.
• I understand that:
  • I am responsible for what is done on my computer account.
  • School district personnel have the right to review any material sent, mailed, or accessed through a District computer or District provided network account.  School district personnel have the right to inspect all material stored on a District computer. By accepting these terms and conditions, students waive any right to privacy or confidentiality to material that was created, sent, accessed, or stored using a District computer or District provided network account.  
  • District personnel can edit or remove any material that it believes may be unlawful, obscene, indecent, harassing, or otherwise objectionable.
  • The district does not promise that the functions of the internet service will meet any specific requirements you may have, or that the Internet service will be error-free or uninterrupted.
  • I cannot use computing resources to violate district policies, federal and state laws.
  • District administrators have the final say on what constitutes a violation of internet policies. Those violations include but are not limited to all bulleted points in this agreement.

Student Work Honesty & Plagiarism Policy

Students are expected to be honest about what is theirs: ideas, writing, work, and the representation of themselves. To this end, Ballard High School is adopting this policy to ensure that student work is indeed their own so that teachers can know how best to meet the needs of their students and to be able to assess their progress in their education. Honesty is: Doing your own work, crediting others’ words, pictures, facts or ideas, keeping your eyes on your own work, and using electronic sources with integrity. Engaging in dishonest practices may lead to consequences for the student including, but not limited to:

• requiring the student to complete a revision/retake   
• closer monitoring of future assessments until trust is restored  
• research consequences for cheating in “the real world”
• withdrawing a different privilege or responsibility    
• restitution in the form of an apology 

Artificial Intelligence

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools at Ballard HS is permitted only when explicitly authorized by your teacher for that purpose. When AI is utilized, students are required to follow teacher guidelines and appropriately cite their AI usage, understanding that the extent and manner of AI use is at the discretion of individual instructors.

---

The Basic Rules of Seattle Public Schools

These rules supplement the rights and responsibilities, limitations and due process accorded each student enrolled in the Seattle School District. Students are responsible for adhering to all the rules and responsibilities as stated in “The Basic Rules of Seattle Public Schools“ pamphlet located outside the Main Office or on the SPS website. Violations of these regulations will result in disciplinary action. More information about these rules can be found in the Resource links at the end of the handbook.

Appropriate Behavior

Students on the school grounds, at school events, or on the way to or from school, involved in behavior which is not acceptable will be subject to disciplinary action (Examples: drug and/or alcohol use or possession, profanity, fighting, cheating, and hazing/bullying.) Disciplinary action may include the loss of the privilege to participate in school activities such as athletics or dances, including prom, and participation in graduation.

Alcohol and Drugs

The use of any alcoholic beverage or illegal drug is strictly prohibited at Ballard HS. Any possession, use or sale of alcoholic beverages or drugs on school grounds, at school functions, or on school transportation is prohibited at all times. This includes possession of drug paraphernalia. Any student found in possession of, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol at school or a school-sponsored activity may be excluded from future activities including such activities as athletics, prom, etc.

Anti-Harassment Policy – Bullying, Hazing, Intimidation

Seattle Public Schools prohibit “Harassment, intimidation and bullying.” This means any intentionally written message or image (including those that are electronically transmitted), or verbal or physical act causing harm to another student. These include, but are not limited to acts shown to be motivated by race, creed, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, economic status, gender, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, pregnancy status, marital status, physical appearance, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or other distinguishing characteristics, when an act:

• Physically harms a student or adult or damages the student’s or adult’s property; or
• Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education or the adult’s work environment; or
• Is so severe, persistent or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational or work environment; or
• Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school or work place.

Nothing in this section requires the affected student or adult to possess a characteristic that is a basis for the harassment, intimidation or bullying.

Bullying, Hazing, Intimidation, or similar activities are forms of harassment and possibly assault and will be dealt with accordingly. Engaging in harassment will result in appropriate discipline. Retaliation against any person who makes or is a witness in a complaint is prohibited and will result in appropriate discipline. Persons found to knowingly report or corroborate false allegations will be subject to appropriate discipline.

Complaint Process – Informal

Reports may be made to any staff member. Informal remedies may include:

1. An opportunity for the complainant to explain to the alleged harasser the nature of the complaint either in writing or face-to face;
2. A statement from a staff member to the alleged harasser that the alleged conduct is not appropriate and could lead to discipline if proven or repeated or; 
3. Informal complaints may become formal at the request of the complainant, parent/guardian, or if the District believes the complaint needs to be more thoroughly investigated. 

Formal Discrimination & Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedures

Information on the Seattle Public Schools Discrimination Complaint Procedure and the Sexual Harassment and Complaint Procedure may be found on the Ballard High School website under Resources and Safety and Wellness. Paper copies of both of these documents are available outside of the Main Office.

---

Ballard High School Info & Policies

Attendance

Students are expected to know and follow the attendance regulations as listed in the Attendance Policy and Procedures for Ballard High School. 

Cell Phones and Other Such Devices

These items lead to disruption and shall not be used during regular school hours. Cell phones and accessories must be turned off and put away during instructional time, unless approved by the teacher. This policy also applies to hallways during instructional time. Teachers and staff will follow a common classroom protocol of red (no phones), blue (limited teacher directed phone usage) and green phone usage (for audio support with teacher direction) during the day. Laser pens, electronic games, or other gambling devices, etc. are not allowed in school.The school is not responsible for the loss or theft of these items.

Dance Rules

Freak dancing, offensive and/or obscene dances are prohibited in accordance with Seattle School District policy. Violations of this policy include but are not limited to students exceeding the 45-degree rule and inappropriate touching. For most dances, students are allowed to bring one non-Ballard guest if a completed Guest Request Form is turned in to the Activity Coordinator the Wednesday before the dance and approved by administration. Dancers responsible for any action that causes potential harm to others or to the DJ’s equipment will be asked to leave the dance. Inappropriate behavior may result in the loss of the privilege to attend future school activities such as dances/other extracurricular events.

School based Behavior Intervention

Students may be assigned in house reflection time by staff and administration for infractions of the school code of conduct. Failure to engage in this process may result in the student receiving other appropriate disciplinary action.

Dress and Appearance

Please review the Seattle Public Schools Student Dress Code approved by the Seattle School Board on September 3, 2024.  

Elevator

Elevator use is intended for students and staff with physical limitations, injuries or to move heavy equipment. Other students are prohibited from using the elevator without prior approval by the nurse, security or administration. Only students given a key are allowed to use the elevator. The key is given to students who have exceptional circumstances that make climbing or descending stairs challenging. Temporary elevator keys can be granted through the nurse.

Fines

Students are responsible for all books, lockers, school equipment, other instructional materials issued to them, and all school related incurred charges. Such fines are expected to be paid prior to final withdrawal from school, sending transcripts, participation in athletics, forwarding of records, annual distribution, graduation ceremony, and/or diploma. A record of fines is maintained in the fiscal secretary’s office. The library maintains the records of textbooks and library books. Fines incurred from a previous school may also be included. Fines may be paid in the fiscal office during the school year before school, during break, or at lunch.

Gambling

Gambling of any kind is not allowed in school.

Good Neighbor Policy

Ballard High School students are expected to respect the property of our neighbors and community. This is particularly important given the access to the community during lunch. As members of this community, it is imperative that our students treat the entire community as their home.

Hall Behavior

Hallways are to be clear and quiet during class time. There is to be no loitering in the halls or on school grounds when classes are in session. Students are to have a pass (a lanyard from the designated classroom) when in the halls during class time. Students with a late arrival or doing Running Start should plan to arrive five (5) minutes before class. If a student is early, they can report to the library after checking in at the main office. Students with early dismissals are to leave the building before the tardy bell rings. All students must leave the building by 15 minutes after the last bell unless they are participating in an adult supervised activity.

ID Badge Policy

The administration at Ballard High School urges all staff and students to carry their ID card. 

Library

The Ballard High School Library strives to be a welcoming and integral part of a student’s learning experience at Ballard High School. The library is open before and after school and during lunch. Teachers bring their classes in to do research, use computers and checkout library books and textbooks throughout the school day. Visitors are welcome although they do need to go to the Main Office first to obtain a Visitor’s pass.

Lockers

Lockers are not secure. Therefore, students are advised not to place their valuable items (wallets, purses, etc.) in their lockers. Contraband items are not to be placed in lockers at any time. Students are responsible for all items that are stored in their assigned lockers. Students must not share lockers. Lockers may be opened by school administration at any time.

Open Campus

All students will be permitted to leave the school premises during their lunch period without written authorization so long as they respect the neighborhood community around the school, do not create a public nuisance, and do not engage in any criminal or civil misconduct. Students who leave assume the responsibility for returning on time for class. Students may not visit other school campuses without authorization of Ballard High School administration and the authorization of the other school’s administration. Salmon Bay School and Park as well as other schools are off limits to all students during school hours. 

ORCA Cards

Students no longer need ORCA cards to ride on public transportation in Seattle. Given that all students under 18 ride free on Metro Transit, there are no longer ORCA cards provided by the district or the school. As a result, students are expected to use public or private transportation to get to school unless they have a specific bus accommodation through Special Education services.

Parking Policy

There is no student parking anywhere on campus. Students who have parked on campus without permission will receive a large sticker on their car. Additionally, their car’s information will be recorded. Parking in spots marked POOL may result in your vehicle being towed without warning by the Parks Department. Any vehicle without a BHS staff or visitor tag that is parked in either lot will have an SPS parking enforcement sticker placed on the vehicle’s window and we will log the vehicle information.

For a first offense a bright green warning sticker will be placed on the car window. Second offense will be a second green warning sticker. If students park in a staff or visitor spot a third time, parents will be called into the school for a conference with a Ballard HS Administrator. There is some street parking available in the neighborhood, but please be respectful of neighbors.

Random Locker Searches

Students with lockers in which contraband or weapons are found are subject to suspension or expulsion and their parent/guardian will be contacted immediately.

Search and Seizure

Searching of belongings and seizure may occur whenever there is a reasonable suspicion of student involvement in controlled substances or weapons.

Skateboarding and Riding on Scooters

Both skateboards and scooters are both prohibited on school grounds. They may be confiscated if used on campus.

Student Drugs/Alcohol Usage

Drug and Alcohol usage and use of tobacco products are prohibited on the school campus. Any use of illegal substances on campus leads to school-based consequences including the potential for school exclusion. Tobacco products and other paraphernalia in a student’s possession are subject to confiscation. Drug and alcohol treatment is a necessary part of a return to school plan for school exclusion due to the use of narcotics or alcohol.

Textbooks

Students will be issued textbooks for their registered classes. Many, but not all, departments will issue textbooks from the Textbook Room located by the library. You are responsible for the return of those textbooks to the issuing teacher or to the Textbook Room when this course is finished, when you change your schedule, drop the class, or withdraw from Ballard High School. The student is responsible for the care of checked out books. If it is lost or stolen, the replacement price will be charged. Textbook prices are available on request. Damage is assessed on an individual basis. Destruction of a barcode in any book is $5.00. Students must not loan or give their books to anyone else. It is the obligation of the student to write their name in the front of their textbooks and protect them from rain or other damage. Report the loss of a textbook to the issuing teacher or Textbook Room/Library. Another textbook for the subject may not be issued until the replacement price has been paid.

Valuables

For security reasons, students are advised not to bring large sums of money or expensive items such as cell phones or I-Pods to school. The school and individual teachers cannot be responsible for such items.

Vandalism

Students are expected to respect the property of the school keeping it free from litter and refraining from destruction and/or defacing property, including graffiti.

Weapons

Seattle Public Schools has a no tolerance policy with regard to weapons of all kinds. Student possession or use of guns (loaded or not, operable or not, “real” or not), knives of any length (including pocketknives), pepper spray, laser pens and other weapons and objects capable of causing bodily harm will, in almost all cases, result in suspension or expulsion from school. Jewelry, apparel, and accessories that can be used as weapons are prohibited. Having a weapon for “protection” or “by accident” or “because somebody handed it to me” (and it was not turned in immediately to the office or school staff) is not the sort of mitigating circumstance that will avoid suspension or expulsion.

---

Seattle Public Schools- Standard Discipline for District Offenses

The complete list for standards and Exceptional Discipline for District Offenses can be found online on the district website: Family Resources > Student Rights and Responsibilities.

---

Important Rules of Seattle Public School Resources

• Basic Rules, Rights, and Responsibilities (Handbook, Flyer (languages), and Discipline Matrix
• Chapter 392-400 WAC Student Discipline

Policies and procedures are subject to change. Notification of any changes will be communicated to students, parents, and guardians. This is not a static page; it may grow and change over the school year.

As of September 4, 2025

---

District Updated Information (HIB)

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?

State law defines HIB in RCW 28A.600.477(5)(b)(i) as “any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act including, but not limited to, one shown to be motivated by any characteristic in RCW 28A.640.010 and 28A.642.010 (discrimination based on a protected class) or other distinguishing characteristics, when the intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act:

1. Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property;
2. Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education;
3. Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or
4. Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school”

HIB may involve 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 to share concerns about HIB (ou may use our district’s reporting form 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 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 Officer, Natasha Roberts, oscr@seattleschools.org  that supports prevention and response to HIB.

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 [3207P].

Our School Stands Against Discrimination

Discrimination can happen when someone is treated differently or unfairly because they are part of a protected class, including their race, ethnicity, color, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, homelessness, religion, creed, disability, neurodivergence, 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.

Review the district’s Nondiscrimination Policy 3210 and Procedure 3210SP

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.

Review the district’s Sexual Harassment Policy 3208 and Procedure 3208SPA & 3208SPB

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.

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:

Civil Rights Coordinator: Natasha Roberts, Director of Investigations & Compliance Phone: 206-252-0306 Email: oscr@seattleschools.org

Office of Student Civil Rights
Seattle Public Schools
MS 33-157
P.O. Box 34165 Seattle, WA 98124-1165

Concerns about sex discrimination, including sexual harassment:

Title IX Coordinator: Harvard Jones, Student Civil Rights Compliance Officer

Phone: 206-252-0367 Email: title.ix@seattleschools.org

Title IX Coordinator
Office of Student Civil Rights
Seattle Public Schools
MS 33-157
P.O. Box 34165
Seattle, WA 98124-1165

Concerns about disability discrimination:

Section 504 Coordinator: Shanon Lewis, 504/ADA Coordinator

Phone: 206-252-0306 Email: 504coordinator@seattleschools.org

504/ADA Coordinator
Seattle Public Schools
MS 31-681
P.O. Box 34165
Seattle, WA 98124-1165

Concerns about discrimination based on gender identity:

Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Lisa Love, Manager – Health Education

Phone: 206-252-0982 Email: llove@seattleschools.org

Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator
Seattle Public Schools
Mail Stop: 31-644
P.O. Box 34165
Seattle, WA 98124-1165

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 superintendent 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 (3210SP) and Sexual Harassment Procedure (3207SP.A, 3208SP.B). For the 2026–27 school year, this complaint process will be updated as required by the new state law, ESHB 1296.

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 (3210SP) and the HIB Procedure (3207SP) 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)

• OSPI 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)

• OSPI Equity and Civil Rights Office
• 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: Education Ombuds
• 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.

• US Department of Education
• Email: ocr@ed.gov
• Phone: 800-421-3481

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

Review the district’s Gender-Inclusive Schools Policy 3211 and Procedure 3211SP . If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator:

Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Lisa Love, Manager – Health Education

Phone: 206-252-0982 Email: llove@seattleschools.org

Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator
Seattle Public Schools
Mail Stop: 31-644
P.O. Box 34165
Seattle, WA 98124-1165

For concerns about discrimination or discriminatory harassment based on gender identity or gender expression, please see the information above.