Handbook

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• Kindergarten: Enter through the doors on N 27th St.
• PreK and Grades 1-5: Walk through the playground gates on Washington St to drop-off or pick up your child.
• Please do not drop your child off before 8:30 AM (9:30 AM on Wednesdays). There is no supervision for students beforehand.
• Dropping off/picking-up your student directly from your vehicle is not permitted. If driving to or from school, you may either:
  • Legally park in the neighborhood and walk your student into/from school. Do not park within 30 ft of intersections, 20 ft of crosswalks, or block driveways when parking – even for a minute.
  • Park in the Wheelock Library parking lot for morning drop-off only and walk with your child to the gate entrance. You may use the lot in the afternoon only if you are visiting the library.

Many families walk & roll to school! Drive 20 mph or less in the school zone, stop for people crossing the street, and watch for students walking and rolling.

View Washington's Walking Route Map

• For the safety of our students and staff, ALL visitors are REQUIRED to enter through the main door and check in with the office.  
• Please wear the visitor sticker.
• All outside doors as well as the playground gates will remain locked during the school day.  
• Volunteers-Must complete a Background Checks.
• Please contact Principal if you have questions.

State law requires student to attend school regularly and to be on time. The attendance record is  part of a student’s permanent file. To ensure student safety, parent are asked to call in and enter the Health Survey in the Family App. when their child is sick or will be tardy. A written note is also required. The note needs the date and reason for the absence/tardy. If no note is sent the absence/tardy will be considered unexcused. For any planned absences you must complete the “Request for Planned Absence”  form for approval prior to the absence.  Students are tardy at 9:10 a.m.

Students should not arrive at school prior to 8:50 am.  We do not have proper supervision before that time.  Parents will be called to pick up students who arrive before 8:50a.m.
1st-5th grade Students enter the playground on Washington street.
Kindergartners enter the Kinder door on 27th Street.
Pre Schoolers enter the door on 26th Street.

Students should NOT have cell phones or other devices in their possession during school hours.  Phones/devices must be given to the Teacher during school hours .  Any device is a personal responsibility and if lost or stolen not the responsibility of the school. 

Do not bring personal games, devices, toys, cards or sports equipment to school unless your Teacher requests it for a special activity. 
 

1. The purpose of a dress code is to allow expression without creating distractions to education.
2. Keep your torso covered.
3. All graphics/text on clothing must be school appropriate. Any logos which advertise alcohol, illegal substances or sexually suggestive topics are not allowed.
4. Skirts, dresses and shorts must be no shorter than fingertips when arms are held straight down at the sides.
5. Shoes must be appropriate for outdoor play and must cover the toes and have a strap around the heel.
6. Hats and Hoods are off inside the building.
7. Please provide a change of clothes if your student has “accidents” at school.
8. Students may use donated clothing in the office if needed, or families may be called to bring clothing if there is a problem.

Prescription or non-prescription (aspirins, vitamins, cough drops, etc.) may not be administered at school without a Doctor’s order. Medication must be turned into the office and will be dispensed from the original bottle or container, which is kept in a locked cabinet.  This includes Epi Pens.
In accordance with state law, both the parent and physician must complete and sign the Physician’s Consent Form for Dispensing Medication.  Forms are available in the school’s office or the District Website.

We love our volunteers! Please be part of our school community.
Adult volunteers are always needed around the school. Arrangements to volunteer need to be made with the classroom teacher or Office Staff. 
A current  Washington State Patrol Background form is required to be able to volunteer at any school in Tacoma. The forms must be processed a week prior to volunteering, and are available on the district web site.

The entire staff at Washington welcomes you to visit our school. For safety reasons the staff must know who is in the building at all times. All parents and visitors are required to check in at the office. Classroom observations must be scheduled 24 hours in advance per the teacher contract. 

Please have fun with your child’s class!
Parent permission slips must be signed for students to participate in a field trip. A current  Washington State Patrol Background form is required to be able to volunteer at any school in Tacoma for parent or adult chaperons.

Any student with a fever, vomiting or diarrhea who stays home or is sent home, must be fever,  vomit or diarrhea free for 24 hours before returning to school. Please call the school to let us know when your child is absent due to illness. 

Please label your child’s clothing and other belongings with the first and last name. We will remind families to check Lost and Found before Winter, Spring, and Summer Breaks. All unclaimed items will be donated to charity.

Please promote healthy eating! Only students who bring lunch from home will be allowed food other than that provided by the school in the cafeteria. USDA rules do not allow for other food items in combination with school lunches (chips, pop, etc.) . Please do not send sodas and candy in lunches.

Please notify teacher 24 hours in advance.  Store bought items only, no gifts or gift bags. Items need to be dropped off in the office, Please follow district Policy No. 6700 under Management Support.