Nathan Hale High School Student & Parent/Guardian Handbook 2025-2026

Our Mission

The purpose of Nathan Hale high school is to ensure that All students will become honorable, thinking, skillful, and global citizens!

Policies and procedures are subject to change. Notification of any changes will be communicated to students, parents, and guardians.

Nathan Hale Core Values & Alma Mater

Core Values:

• We expect that teaching is the essential act of all adults at school
• We promote a climate of respect, trust and decency
• We expect all members to understand, model and promote social justice
• We believe that all students- wherever they are as learners will meet high standards
• We value a personal caring relationship with each student
• We commit ourselves to those students who historically have not been successful
• We expect that all discipline be firm, fair, positive and consistent

Alma Mater

Through time we’ll each go our way,
But still there’ll be ties that will stay,
For we’ll all remember the years we loved, And the
school our hearts hold dear.
For pride, for your honor, for truth
We pledge our full faith in you,
For your spirit true, you’be much honor due, We
salute you Nathan Hale!

Fight Song

Yell: Go Raiders Go! Fight Raiders Fight! Go Raiders, Fight Raiders, Go, Fight, Win!
Sing: Fight Raiders, Fight (& Fight) For The Glory Of Nathan Hale! Go Raiders, Go, For The Heroes Of Old With Spirit Ever Bold!
We’ll Stand Firm And Fight (& Fight) With A Will To Victory To The Red, White And Blue We Will Always Be True Fight On For Hale!

N-A-T-H-A-N H-A-L-E

We’ll Stand Firm And Fight (& Fight) With A Will To Victory To The Red, White And Blue We Will Always Be True (Fight On For Hale!!)

Profile of a Graduate

NHHS Staff – Who’s Who

Administration

• Jolene Grimes, Principal
  • TBD Assistant Principal; Grades 9 & 10
  • Kirsten Zoba, Assistant Principal; Grades 11 & 12

Front Office Support/SAEOPs

• Rae Keyes, Administrative Secretary
• Courtney Clark, Assistant/Athletic Secretary
• Emily Wong, Fiscal Specialist

Security

• Keauntea Bankhead
• Chris Watkins
• Nick Adams

Student Services Office: Counseling

• Krsto Budech (A-F)
• Kristie Thompson (G-N)
• Kelly Creech (O-Z) (Head Counselor)

Student Services Office Support/SAEOPs

• Martha Cunningham-Daniels, Attendance Specialist
• Francine Cunningham, Counseling Secretary
• Maria Gutierrez, Registrar

Student Support

• Taylor Bosworth, Academic Interventionist
• Shelly Zehm, School Nurse
• Lyndsey Johnson, Social Worker
• Lisa Roberson, Student Care Coordinator
• Scott Wetzler, Psychologist

Department Chairs

• Art – Leland Swarts
• Athletic Directory – Darby Haskins
• Career & Tech Ed (CTE) – Matt Davis & Alice Ouyang
• MLL – Ester Andrews and Teresita Tobon
• FCS/Health – Annemarie Plumpe
• Language Arts – Joel Jacobson & Sarah Fraser
• Math – Brian Coon
• Music – Katrina Sibicky
• PE – Darby Haskins
• Science – Kristine Witt
• Social Studies – Erin Lynch & Kristina Volkman
• Special Ed – Marni Balint & Daveron Ross
• World Language –  Atsuko Yamaguchi

Custodial

• Ky Nguyen, Custodial Engineer
• Torah Israel, Lead Evening Custodian

Lunchroom

• Amy Cheng, Manager

Teen Health Center (Operated by Kaiser Permanente staff)

• Allison Dennin, Mental Health Counselor
• Kathleen Lange, Nurse Practitioner
• Crista Langston, Nurse Practitioner
• Linda Quimby, Secretary

Teen Health Center

Operated by Kaiser Permanente staff, the clinic services focus on prevention and include immunizations, asthma management, reproductive health care, and mental health counseling – All Services are free to students! Hours: Weekdays, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. when school is in session. Please call for an appointment. Phone: 206-302-1840.

2025-2026 School Bell Schedule

Refer to the Nathan Hale HS Bell Schedule page.

Mentorship

Purpose: Our goal is to make sure that every student is connected to an educator and peers at Nathan Hale High School. The intent is to help each student successfully navigate their way through High School and beyond. Mentorship class is on Wednesdays. Support time (available during Mentorship) is an opportunity for students to take the initiative to get support in their learning.

Nathan Hale Attendance Policy

Students are expected to attend school and be actively involved in each class daily. Punctual attendance is the first requirement for success. The depth of coverage of material in class requires active student engagement, so when you are absent you are not actively engaged in the learning and it’s hard to replicate that when you return.

Daily Attendance

Schools are required to monitor attendance every day.

1. Teachers will use PowerTeacher, the district’s existing method of recording verified student attendance data.
2. Schools will be responsible for tracking observable attendance data, confirming student’s participation in the learning process, and recording the attendance data in PowerTeacher every day.

Students must clear an absence through the attendance office within 48 hours of their return to school with a note/email.

If you have any questions about your child’s attendance record, please contact Martha Cunningham-Daniels, Nathan Hale’s Attendance Secretary at 206-252-3684 or email halehs.attendance@seattleschools.org.

Student Basic Rules, Rights, and Responsibilities

Sets forth the rules and regulations of Seattle Public Schools regarding student conduct, discipline, and rights and responsibilities. These apply to all schools in the district and are Nathan Hale’s Guiding document when it comes to behavioral and classroom expectations. The Student Rights and Responsibilities are created in compliance with the requirements of State law and community expectations. Throughout this handbook you will see references to sections of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC 392-400), which are the State regulations that govern use of corrective action (i.e. discipline, suspension, and expulsion) for any student by a school District. We advise you to read through the entire Basic Rules, Rights, and Responsibilities on the district website. Translations are available in Amharic, Chinese, Somali, Spanish and Vietnamese.

As a point of emphasis, we are highlighting the District’s Values and Philosophy as stated and the Basic Rules of Seattle Public Schools.

Student Conduct and Expectations

As described above, we align all student behavior responses to our SPS Student Basic Rules, Rights, and Responsibilities. We strive to respond to student behavior support needs in the least exclusionary way possible, as warranted by each incident and each student’s circumstance, before moving to a suspension, expulsion, or emergency removal. Refer to the methods (Appendix C: Possible Classroom Responses, Possible School Based Responses), as outlined in the Basic Rules, Rights, and Responsibilities that can be used to respond to student behavior needs. This is a comprehensive, though not exhaustive list. Please visit the district Basic Rules, Rights and Responsibilities.

Given the range of classroom and school-based responses—both those outlined and exclusionary actions such as suspension—we consider both mitigating and extenuating factors to guide our responses. Appendix B: Mitigating and Extenuating Factors is a comprehensive, though not exhaustive, list as outlined in the Student Basic Rules, Rights, and Responsibilities.

We will always involve guardians as early as possible in response to a student’s behavior in order to partner with them to best support their students. If you ever have a disagreement about a decision, we request that you reach out directly to the first person involved in the making of the decision—teacher, assistant principal, etc. From there, if a satisfactory resolution has not been reached by both parties, there is a both an informal and formal appeals process that you may pursue. For more information on that, please see the Student Basic Rules, Rights, and Responsibilities.

The highlighted Nathan Hale High School Conduct and Expectations are subject to the district Basic Rules, Rights, and Responsibilities as outlined.

Electronic Devices at School

Refer to the district and Nathan Hale HS Cellphone Use and Expectations Policy.

Academic Integrity

At Nathan Hale High School, plagiarism is not tolerated. All students are expected to cite resources in their writing and research. You are expected to do your own work, which includes not cheating on exams and copying other students’ homework. Failure to follow this policy will result in loss of grade and or credit, and students will be referred to administration for discipline.

Bathroom Use Expectations

Students have access to a number of both gender-neutral and gender-specific bathrooms throughout the school. To ensure that are bathrooms are a safe space, the following expectations are in place:

• Use the gender-affirming bathroom that is nearest your current classroom. For example, if in an upstairs class, do not go downstairs to use a restroom there.
• No cell phones in the bathroom.
• Only one person in a stall at a time.
• No eating in the bathrooms.
• No hiding in the bathrooms.
• Use the bathroom to relieve yourself, to quickly adjust your appearance in the mirror, and/or to wash your hands. Use of the bathroom for any other purpose is strictly prohibited.

Community Expectations

We are located in a residential and business neighborhood. The neighbors are expecting us to stay out of their yards and off of their property and behave in their businesses. We are also located adjacent to or near Meadowbrook Park and Pond, and it is expected that we will do our part to help maintain a clean, safe environment for people and wildlife. Remember you represent your family, friends, school and community at all times. This includes those who drive to and from school. Please be safe, considerate citizens behind the wheel. Our reputation in the community is important and the expectation is that each of us will do our part to be good neighbors and act right when we are out and about.

ID-Card Expectations

To increase safety and security, we are requiring students to always have their student ID card on their person. Additionally, each student will need to get their student ID barcode sticker, which will be passed out first on Raider day. After that, we will distribute additional barcodes in the first weeks of school. Beyond that time, students should see the attendance office to get a replacement barcode. Lanyards will be provided to students who choose to wear their ID on them, but they are not required to be worn this way. A student must have their ID on them, though, in some way always.

Hallways and Hallway Spaces

Hall Passes

When a student needs to leave class during class time, they will abide by the following expectations and procedures:

• Sign out on the provided sheet in the classroom.
• Take one of the required hall passes from the teachers’ designated location.
• Only one student excused from class at a time. Other students must wait until that student returns.
• No phone use at all during academic time—i.e., you should not be using your phone when you sign out of class during class time.
• Always have your ID card on you. You may be asked by a staff member at any time to demonstrate that you are a student at Nathan Hale High School.

Common-Space Usage

If your teacher gives you permission to work in one of the common space, such as the “glass box,” you must take one of the table-tent passes from your teacher. These must be displayed so that another staff member can see it easily upon passing by the space. You must also have your ID card on you all times.

Identified Common Spaces:

• Hallway (any ad-hoc space in the hallway)
• Glass Boxes

Tobacco/Drugs & Alcohol Policy

Use of any controlled substance (tobacco, drugs, and alcohol) is prohibited on school grounds or at any school function, school property, classroom, neighborhood, and school field trips- Standard Discipline for Exceptional Misconduct under Safety & Security section.

Weapons

The 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 pocket knives). Pepper spray, laser pens and other weapons and objects capable of causing bodily harm will, in almost all cases; result in suspension/expulsion from school. Follow the Standard Discipline for Exceptional Misconduct under Safety & Security for more information.

Gambling

Of any kind is not allowed in school. Follow the Standard Discipline for Exceptional Misconduct – under Safety & Security section for more information.

Activities/ASB Card

Activity cards are available for purchase at a cost of $50. Additional benefits of purchasing an ASB card are discounts into certain school events, random school drawings, drama productions, spirit gear and ASB events such as Mx. Hale.

Fine/Fee Policy

Failure to return books and/or pay fees will result in a fine card being sent to Fiscal office. In addition, Student Athletes will be fined if uniforms and or equipment are not turned in on a timely manner; also All fines must be paid off in order to turn in your sports packet. Failure to pay fines may lead to:

1. Loss of ASB privileges
2. Any unpaid fines as a senior may prevent you from walking in the graduation ceremony as well as picking up your diploma and the sending out of your transcript.

Clubs

We have a wide variety of clubs who are always looking for new members. Pay attention to your school email, mentorship, and other online announcements for promotions of all of our clubs. Club information is also included in the Daily Bulletin which is posted on the Nathan Hale website or in the Main Office each day.

Nathan Hale Athletics

Nathan Hale offers a full slate of interscholastic sports teams that are divided into three seasons:

1. Fall: August 21 – November Early December – Coed cross-country, football, coed golf, volleyball, boys ultimate, girls swimming, slow-pitch softball, and girls’ soccer.
2. Winter: November 4-February Early February – Boys and girls’ basketball, Coed wrestling, boys swimming, girls bowling, unified basketball, and gymnastics.
3. SpringMarch 3 – End of May – Coed tennis, coed track, baseball, fastpitch softball, girls ultimate, boys and girls’ lacrosse, unified soccer, and boys soccer.

Athletic Eligibility

Students participating on any athletic team must meet the eligibility standards that include:

1. Earning a 2.0 GPA the grading period before your season begins
2. Maintaining a 2.0 GPA during your participation season
3. Completing and returning the required paperwork, including the athletic fee
4. Have a current ASB Card
5. Be clear of all school fines
6. Have a current physical on file, which is good for two years.

Failure to meet all requirements will result in you being ineligible for five weeks. During that time you may practice, but not compete. After five weeks you must be at a 2.0 GPA to continue to play. If you aren’t, you are done for the season. Students running for or holding an elected office (Class, ASB, and Cheer) must maintain a minimum of a 2.0 GPA to be eligible to do their job. Once elected, they will also agree to and follow a code of conduct. There is No Pay to Play Policy – The Seattle School District has instituted a NO pay to play policy for athletics.

Daily Bulletin and School Calendar

Hale Daily Bulletin Families can subscribe to the district and/or school website online calendars. Your personal calendars update automatically when a change is made or when a new event is added.

To subscribe, select the calendar link(s) below, scroll to the bottom of the calendar page, select Subscribe to calendar, and then select an option.

• Hale Online Calendar
• District Online Calendar

The Source and Schoology

Is a district provided communication opportunity for families to access online student academic achievement, attendance, assignments, grades, and homework. Learn more on the district Source and Schoology page.

Transportation: ORCA Cards

ORCA cards will be available at the beginning of the year for those who do not already have one. For students who lose their cards over the Summer, they need to contact ORCA directly to replace them or call 1-888-988-6722. All youth aged 18 and younger ride transit for free thanks to Move Ahead Washington, a statewide transportation funding package. For more information, read the the district Transportation page.

Anti-Harassment/Bullying Policy

Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying are defined as any intentionally written message or image (including those that are electronically transmitted), or verbal or physical act. 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 education or work environment; or
• Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school or work place.

Harassment, intimidation, and bullying are not acceptable behaviors at NHHS, and will not be tolerated. Students are prohibited from engaging in harassment, intimidation, and bullying based upon race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, economic status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, physical appearance, or mental, physical, or sensory disability.

Hazing will not be tolerated as well – we do not allow Freshman Friday, cheerleading or athletic initiations etc. Any student involved in any harassing or hazing may be subject to disciplinary actions. District policy – If being “Harassed/Bullied” at any time, incidents need to be reported to an adult/staff member and/or security immediately.

Digital Citizenship

Based on Seattle Public School Board Policy 2023, Seattle Public Schools views the use of electronic resources as central to the delivery of its educational program and expects that all students will use electronic resources as an essential part of their learning experiences. As such, it is important that students understand their responsibilities as digital citizens and that student actions reflect appropriate, legal, responsible, and healthy behavior related to current technology use, including digital literacy, ethics, etiquette, and security. Digital citizenship includes the important skills to access, evaluate, develop, produce, and interpret media, as well as Internet safety, cyberbullying prevention and response, and permanence and impacts of their digital identity. Students are responsible for adhering to the following technology use guidelines:

• Students may not share their username or password with another person other than a parent or guardian or leave an open file or session unattended or unsupervised. Students are responsible for all activity under their account and may only log in under their assigned username.
• Users are responsible for the appropriateness and content of material they may transmit or publish on the system. Hate mail, harassment, discriminatory remarks, or other antisocial behaviors are expressly prohibited.
• Use of the system to access, store or distribute obscene or pornographic material is prohibited and a violation of law subject to legal action.
• The unauthorized installation, use, storage or distribution of copyrighted software or materials on District computers is prohibited.
• No user shall serve to disrupt the operation of the system by others; system components including hardware or software shall not be destroyed, modified or abused in any way.
• Malicious use of the system to develop programs that harass other users, to gain unauthorized access to any account, computer or computer system is prohibited.
• Subscription to or use of mailing lists, bulletin boards, chat groups and commercial on-line services and other information services must be approved.

All students will sign a computer use agreement to have access to Seattle Public Schools technology. Any student who fails to adhere to the guidelines within and above may be subject to disciplinary action.

Have a great year! Go Raiders!

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 May 27, 2026

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District Updates

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.