Annual Notifications

Section I: Student and Family Rights

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Lynden School District maintains student education records in accordance with The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Board Policy 3231. FERPA gives parents and eligible students (students who are over 18 years of age or older or who attend a postsecondary institution) certain rights with respect to the student’s educational records. These include:

The right to inspect and review education records within 45 days after the district receives a written request from the parent and/or student over 18 years of age. The parent or eligible student should submit to the school principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
The right to request the amendment of information in a student’s education records that the parent or student over 18 years of age believes to be misleading or inaccurate. Parents or eligible students may ask the school to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. They should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed and specify why it is inaccurate. If the school decides not to amend the records as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment.
The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information in a student’s file, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the school as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the school has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
The right to file a complaint concerning alleged failures by the district to comply with FERPA requirements with the U.S. Department of Education, Student Privacy Policy Office, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202-8520.

Administration of Surveys, Analysis or Evaluations (Policy 3232)

All instructional materials, including supplementary materials and teachers’ manuals, used with any survey, analysis or evaluation in a program or project supported by federal funds are available for inspection by parents and guardians.

No student will be required as part of any project or program supported by federal funds to submit to survey, analysis, or evaluation that reveals information concerning:

Political affiliations
Potentially embarrassing mental or psychological problems
Sexual behavior or attitudes
Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior
Critical appraisals of close family members
Privleged or similar relationships
Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the students or student’s parents
Income, other than information necessary to establish eligibility for a program; without the prior consent of adult or emancipated students, or written permission of parents

The district will make arrangements to protect student privacy during the administration of surveys and the collection, disclosure or use of personal information for marketing, sales or other distribution purposes.

Should a parent wish to opt out their student from any student survey, analysis, or evaluation, they should email the building principal directly. These rights transfer from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under State law.

Instructional Materials

Upon a parent/guardian’s written request based on sincerely held religious beliefs, the district will excuse a student from identified lesson(s) or material(s) and provide a reasonable alternative. Excused students will not be penalized academically.

Should a parent wish to opt out their student from specific lesson(s) or instructional materials, they should email the building principal directly. These rights transfer from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under State law.

Opt Out Forms

Information and opt out forms can be found on our website at: https://lynden.wednet.edu/parents-students/forms/. Available forms include:

Student Directory Opt Out Form
Electronic Information Network Usage Opt Out Form
ConnectEd- Whatcom County Library System Opt Out Form

More information can be found on our website regarding the opt out process for each of these if interested. Several other forms are available as well including attendance request forms, volunteer application forms, and flyer distribution request forms.

Teacher and Paraprofessional Qualifications

In compliance with the requirements of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) the Lynden School District would like to inform you that you may request information about the professional qualifications of your student’s teacher(s) or instructional paraprofessional(s).

The following information may be requested for teacher(s):

Whether the teacher has met Washington teacher certification requirements for the grade level and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction.
Whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency or other provisional status through which Washington qualifications or certification criteria have been waived.
The college major and any graduate certification or degree held by the teacher.
Whether the student is provided services by paraprofessionals, and if so, their qualifications.

The following information may be requested for instructional paraprofessional(s):
Paraprofessionals must work under the supervision of a certiﬁed teacher. Beginning July 23, 2023, all employed paraeducators must meet the following minimum employment requirements:

Be at least 18 years of age and hold a high school diploma or its equivalent

In addition, a paraeducator must meet one of the following:

Have received a passing score on one of the assessments approved by the board
Hold an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university
Have earned 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or higher at an accredited college or university
Have completed an apprenticeship as a paraeducator, in a program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council

Paras are also required to participate in a fundamental course of study class, which teaches classroom management and other skills, through the district that employs them. These requirements are significantly more stringent than the requirements established by previous policies, which only required paraeducators to complete at least two years of higher education.

If you wish to request information concerning your child’s teacher(s) and/or instructional paraprofessional’s qualification, please contact the Lynden School District Office at (360) 354-4443.

Education Ombuds Awareness

The Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO) is an independent state agency that helps to reduce educational opportunity gaps by supporting families, students, educators, and other stakeholders in communities across Washington State in understanding the K-12 school system and resolving concerns collaboratively. OEO services are free and confidential. Anyone can contact OEO with a question or concern about school. OEO listens, shares information and referrals, and works informally with families, communities, and schools to address concerns so that every student can fully participate and thrive in our state’s public schools. OEO provides support in multiple languages and has telephone interpretation available. To get help or learn more about what OEO does, please visit their website at: www.oeo.wa.gov/en or call 1-800-297-2597.

Access to and Publication of Student Directory Information

Federal law requires an annual notification to parents that the school district is permitted to release and publish student directory information without family/student consent. The Lynden School District defines this directory information as the student’s name, photograph, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, dates of attendance, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, diplomas and awards received, and the most recent previous school attended. Directory information is also subject to public records requests.

In accordance with RCW 28A.150.515, the District annually provides directory information for high school students to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). OSPI may share this information with the Washington Student Achievement Council, institutions of higher education, and other authorized partners for purposes including college awareness and outreach, admissions and enrollment information, and post-secondary education and financial aid opportunities. Families may prevent this disclosure by submitting the Restriction of Directory Information form by the stated deadline.

Federal law also requires school districts to provide military recruiters with the same access to directory information of 11th and 12th grade students as that provided to post-secondary educational institutions and prospective employers. This directory of information includes names, addresses, and telephone listings.

The district allows families who do not want directory information released to opt out by completing a Restriction of Directory Information form, which is available at every school office and on the district website. This form must be submitted to the school office by October 3rd. A copy of this form is kept at the school. This Restriction of Directory Information must be renewed annually. If a form is not received by the October 3rd deadline, it will be assumed that there is no objection to the release of directory information.

Section II: Safety & Well-Being

Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (Policy 3207)

We strive to make our school a safe and inclusive environment 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 explains what HIB is, what to do when you see or experience it, and how our school responds to it.

What is HIB?
State law (RCW 28A.600.477(5)(b)(i))defines HIB 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 status) or other distinguishing characteristics, when the intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act:

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

HIB often involves one student having, or appearing to have, more power than another student. While HIB often appears as repeated behaviors, it is important to take single serious incidents seriously. It usually happens more than once or is very likely to happen again. HIB is against the law in our schools.

HIB policy only applies to actions between students. It does not cover harassment, intimidation, or bullying of an employee, volunteer, parent/legal guardian, or community member.

How can I make a report or complaint about HIB?
Talk to any school staff member, start with whoever you feel most comfortable with, such as a teacher, counselor, coach, or other school staff. You can report HIB by telling school staff in person or in writing (written reports can be made in your home language; please ask your school or district for support with translation). You can make your report anonymously/without giving your name or confidentially (asking that your name not be shared with other students or parents/caregivers involved). No student will be disciplined based only on an anonymous or confidential report.

If a staff member learns about, sees, or hears HIB happening, they must act quickly to stop the behavior(s) and keep it or them from happening again. Our district also has a HIB Compliance Officer, (Tim Metz, 360-354-4443, MetzT@lynden.wednet.edu) who helps prevent and respond to HIB.

What happens after I make a report about HIB?
When you report HIB, school staff must act quickly to stop the behavior and prevent it from happening again. If you and the school agree the problem is resolved, then no further action may be needed. But, if you feel that you or someone you know is facing HIB that is unresolved, severe, or keeps happening, you should ask for an official HIB investigation by completing an Incident Reporting Form.

The school must also make sure that students who report HIB are not treated badly for speaking up. This is called retaliation, and it is not allowed.

What is the investigation process?
The HIB investigation begins if you submit the HIB Incident Report Form, and the incident meets the definition of HIB toward a student. When you submit the Incident Reporting Form, the HIB Compliance Officer or the staff member leading the investigation must notify the families of the students involved that a complaint was received. They must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The investigation is usually finished within five school days. If it takes longer, the school will keep you updated, generally once a week, until it is done.

When the investigation is complete, the HIB Compliance Officer or the staff member leading the investigation must share the results with you within two school days.

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

If HIB is confirmed, the school will address it.

What are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome?
For the student named as the “targeted student” in a complaint: If you disagree with the school district’s decision, you may appeal. To appeal, send a written request asking the superintendent (or the person they’ve assigned) to review the investigation. They will send you a written decision.

For the student named as the “aggressor” in a complaint: A student found to be an “aggressor” in a HIB complaint may not appeal the decision of the investigation itself. They can, however, appeal any corrective actions (consequences) that come from the HIB investigation findings.

What information may I have about other students?
Student privacy laws limit what the school can tell you about any intervention or discipline given to another student. You will be told whether HIB was found to have happened and that steps were taken, even if the details of those steps impacting all students involved cannot be shared.

For more information about the HIB complaint process, including important timelines, please see the district’s HIB webpage or the district’s HIB Policy 3207 and Procedure 3207.

How do I make a HIB complaint about a staff member?
This process is for concerns about one student harassing, intimidating, or bullying another student. If your concern is about a staff member’s behavior, ask your school for information on how to report it.

Sexual Harassment and Non-Discrimination (Policy 3205 and 3210)

Our schools stand against discrimination. Discrimination can happen when someone is treated differently or unfairly because of a protected status, 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 behavior that is threatening, harmful, or humiliating. It happens when the behavior is based on a student’s protected status and is serious enough to create a hostile environment. A hostile environment is created when behavior is so severe, pervasive, or persistent that it limits a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the school’s services, activities, or opportunities.

To review the district’s Nondiscrimination Policy 3210 and Procedure 3210P visit https://lynden.wednet.edu/school-board/board-policies-and-procedures/3000-students/.

What is sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment is unwelcome behavior or communication that is sexual in nature and seriously 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 accept unwelcome sexual behavior or communication to receive something in return, such as a better grade or a place on a sports team.

Examples of sexual harassment include:

Pressuring a personal for sexual actions or favors
Unwelcome sexual touching
Written, graphic, or electronic messages that are sexual in nature
Sharing sexually explicit texts, emails, or pictures
Making sexual jokes, spreading sexual rumors, or making suggestive comments
Physical violence, including rape and sexual assault

Our school does not discriminate based on sex. We prohibit sex discrimination in all education programs, activities, and employment, as required by Title IX and state law.

To review the district’s Sexual Harassment Policy 3205 and Procedure 3205P visit https://lynden.wednet.edu/school-board/board-policies-and-procedures/3000-students/

What should my school do about discriminatory and sexual harassment?
When a school learns about possible discriminatory harassment or sexual harassment, it must investigate and take steps to stop the unwanted behavior. The school must address any effects of the harassment on the student at school, including eliminating the hostile environment, and prevent the harassment from happening 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 to report your concerns, ask questions, or learn more about how to resolve your concerns. If English isn’t your first language, you can request an interpreter or prepare the complaint in your language. If you have a disability and need accommodations to make a complaint, let the school know your disability needs.

Concerns about discrimination:
Civil Rights Coordinator: Tim Metz, Director of Student Services, metzt@lynden.wednet.edu

Concerns about sex discrimination, including sexual harassment:
Title IX Coordinator: Tim Metz, Director of Student Services, metzt@lynden.wednet.edu

Concerns about disability discrimination:
Section 504 Coordinator: Tim Metz, Director of Student Services, metzt@lynden.wednet.edu

Concerns about discrimination based on gender identity:
Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: David VanderYacht, Superintendent, vanderyachtd@lynden.wednet.edu

To submit a written complaint, describe the behavior or incident that you believe may be discriminatory. 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 so the school district can investigate it promptly. You must submit your complaint within one year of the behavior 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 will make sure your complaint is investigated promptly and thoroughly. The investigation will be completed within 30 calendar days unless you agree to a different timeline. If exceptional circumstances require more time, the Civil Rights Coordinator will notify you in writing and tell you the expected date for the response.

When the investigation is complete, the school district superintendent or the staff member leading the investigation will send you a written response. The response will include:

A summary of the results of the investigation
A determination of whether the school district failed to comply with civil rights laws
Any corrective measures or remedies needed
Notice about how you can appeal the decision

What are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome?
If you do not agree with the outcome of your complaint, you may appeal the decision to the School Board. You may then file a complaint with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). For more information about this process, including important deadlines, see the school district’s Nondiscrimination Policy (3205) and Procedure (3210P).

I already submitted an HIB complaint – what will my school do?
Harassment, intimidation, or bullying (HIB) can be discrimination if it is based on a protected status. 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 (3210P) and the HIB Procedure (3207P) to fully address your concerns.

Gender Inclusive Schools (Policy 3211)

Our schools are gender-inclusive. In Washington, all students have the right to be treated consistent with their gender identity at school. Our schools will:

Address students by their requested name and pronouns, whether or not they have legally changed their name.
Update students’ gender designation so they accurately reflected in school records.
Provide students with access to restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity.
Ensure students can participate in sports, physical education classes, field trips, and overnight trips consistent with their gender identity.
Keep students’ health and education information private and confidential.
Allow students to wear clothing that reflects their gender identity and enforce dress codes without regard to a student’s gender or perceived gender.
Create an inclusive, respectful environment and protect students from teasing, bullying, or harassment based on their gender or gender identity.

To review the district’s Gender-Inclusive Schools Policy 3211 and Procedure 3211, visit https://lynden.wednet.edu/school-board/board-policies-and-procedures/3000-students/. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: David VanderYacht, Superintendent, vanderyachtd@lynden.wednet.edu. For concerns about discrimination or discriminatory harassment based on gender identity or gender expression, please see the section on discriminatory harassment.

State Law

Students have the right to learn in schools that follow state law and protect their rights. Willful noncompliance happens when a school district leader or school board member does something—or fails to do something—that they knew, or reasonably should have known, would violate state law. Under ESHB 1296, OSPI is responsible for investigating complaints about willful noncompliance and working to find fair solutions.

These laws include requirements related to:

Civil rights and nondiscrimination (RCWs 28A.640 and 28A.642)
Harassment, intimidation, or bullying (RCW 28A.600.477)
Curriculum requirements and instructional materials policies (RCWs 28A.150.230, 28A.300.475, 28A.320.170, 28A.320.230, and 28A.320.235)
Use of restraint or isolation (RCW 28A.600.485)
Student discipline (chapter 28A.600 RCW)

How do I make a complaint about willful noncompliance with state law?
You must first use available complaint processes to try to resolve your concern. This means the available complaint processes start with your school district, even if the school district superintendent or a school board member is the subject of your complaints. School personnel are not allowed to retaliate for making a formal complaint.

If no available complaint processes are available, you must check OSPI’s website for other OSPI complaint procedures at How to File a Complaint, and follow any applicable processes. If none exist, or you have completed all other processes, you must send written notice to the district superintendent at least 30 calendar days before filing a complaint with OSPI.

Complaints to OSPI must be submitted within 30 calendar days after a final decision in the local complaint process, when one applies. The complaint must be in writing and include enough information to describe the concern and the actions or failures to act that may be willful noncompliance. You may send the complaint by mail, email, or hand delivery to OSPI.

When OSPI receives a complaint that meets the requirements for investigation, it will open an investigation. OSPI will send you written notice of the allegations under investigation. After the investigation is complete, OSPI will issue written findings to you and your school. These findings will state whether noncompliance occurred and may require the school to take actions to fix the issue.

Who else can help with HIB, Discrimination, or Willful Noncompliance Concerns?
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
All reports must start locally at the school or district level, even if the complaint involves the school or school district. School personnel should not retaliate against students or families for making a formal complaint.

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, as well as complaints alleging willful noncompliance with state law under ESHB 1296.

OSPI School Safety Center (For questions about harassment, intimidation, and bullying)
Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/health-safety/school-safety-center
Email: schoolsafety@k12.wa.us
Phone: 360-725-6068

OSPI Equity and Civil Rights Office (For questions about discrimination and sexual harassment)
Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/equity-and-civil-rights
Email: equity@k12.wa.us
Phone: 360-725-6162

OSPI Office of Legal Affairs (For more details on the willful noncompliance complaint process)
Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/educator-support/educator-conduct/state-law-noncompliance-complaints
Email: OLA@k12.wa.us

Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO)
The Washington State Office of the Education Ombuds works with families, communities, and schools to help solve problems so every student can fully participate and thrive in Washington’s K-12 public schools. OEO provides informal conflict resolution, coaching, facilitation, and training on family and community engagement and systems advocacy.
Website: www.oeo.wa.gov
Email: oeoinfo@gov.wa.gov
Phone: 1-866-297-2597

U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
The U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces federal nondiscrimination laws in public schools, including those that prohibit discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, disability, and age. OCR also has a discrimination complaint process.
Website: www.ed.gov/
Email: ocr@ed.gov
Phone: 800-421-3481

Maintaining Professional Staff/Student Boundaries (Policy 5253)

This policy is to provide all staff, students, volunteers and community members with information about their role in protecting children from inappropriate conduct by adults. This policy applies to all district staff and volunteers. For purposes of this policy and its procedure, the terms “district staff”, “staff member(s)”, and “staff” also includes volunteers.

A copy of the district’s policy can be reviewed at the District Office, 516 Main Street, Lynden, WA or on our district website at: https://lynden.wednet.edu/school-board/board-policies-and-procedures/

SpeakUp Alert—Anonymous Tip Reporting Service

The Lynden School District uses SpeakUp Alert, a tip reporting system that allows students, staff, and parents to submit safety concerns to us in different ways, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Easily report anonymous tips on bullying, harassment, drugs, vandalism, or any safety issue you’re concerned about.
Phone/Text: (360) 505-0070
Email: speakup@lynden.wednet.edu

Section III: Discipline & Conduct

Student Discipline (Policy 3241)

All students will follow the reasonable rules of the district. Refusal to comply with written rules and regulations established for the governing of the school will constitute sufficient cause for discipline, suspension, or expulsion. Corrective action and/or punishment for misconduct must reflect good faith effort on the part of the staff.

A copy of the district’s policy can be reviewed at the District Office, 516 Main Street, Lynden WA or on our district website at: https://lynden.wednet.edu/school-board/board-policies-and-procedures/3000-students/.

Video Surveillance (Policy 6610)

The board authorizes the use of video surveillance on district property for the purpose of maintaining the health, welfare, and safety of students, staff, and visitors, and to protect district equipment and facilities. The board authorizes video surveillance in common areas on district property. However, the district will not install or use cameras in restrooms and locker rooms. The district may use footage from video surveillance for student disciplinary action.

A copy of the district’s policy can be reviewed at the District Office, 516 Main Street, Lynden, WA 98264 or on our district website at https://lynden.wednet.edu/school-board/board-policies-and-procedures/6000-management-support/.

School Regulations

School regulations and expectations for students will be given to all students by each school building. It is important for parents to become familiar with these rules and procedures in order for consistency and support to take place (Board Policy 3241, Student Discipline). Lynden School District has a gun free policy (Board Policy 4210, Regulation of Dangerous Weapons on School Premises) that includes one-year mandatory expulsion for firearms, mandatory notification for student violations to parents/ guardians and law enforcement and allows the expulsion to be modified by the chief school district officer or designee on a case-by-case basis.

Section IV: Academic Information

Title I Parent and Family Engagement (District Policy 4130)

Parents of children receiving Title I, Part A services must be involved in the development of the district parent involvement policy and must be used to conduct programs and activities to involve parents in the planning and implementation of the Title I, Part A program, including promoting family literacy and parenting skills.

A copy of the district’s policy can be reviewed at the District Office, 516 Main Street, Lynden WA or on our district website at https://lynden.wednet.edu/school-board/board-policies-and-procedures/4000-community-relations/.

Title 1 School Complaint Procedures
Report your Title 1 concern directly to the Principal where your child attends, After processing the concern with the Principal, you can share your concern directly with the Title 1 Compliance Coordinator.

If unsatisfied with the outcome after processing your Title 1 concern with the Title 1 Compliance Coordinator, you can share your concern directly with the Superintendent. If unsatisfied with the outcome after processing your Title 1 concern with the Superintendent, you can share your concern with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). Information on how to file a complaint can be found at: www.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/grants-grant-management/closing-educational-achievement-gaps-title-i-part/citizen-complaints-federal-programs.

Annual School Reports

Annually, the district provides a report card on each district school. The report includes student demographics, student achievement data, assessment summaries, and teacher qualifications. You may view the report cards at: https://reportcard.ospi.k12.wa.us/.

Annual Reporting of Achievement Levels

The Lynden School District reports annually on the results of the approved assessments used to determine student achievement. Each parent receives information on the level of their child’s achievement in addition to the level of achievement of their child’s school.

Washington State utilizes the following assessment tools:

Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) for Grades 3 – 8 ELA and Math; Grade 10 for ELA and Math.
Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS) Grades 5, 8 and 11 in Science.

All students are required to meet statewide graduation requirements in order to earn a diploma. The goal is that more students will be better prepared to meet 21st-century demands in their working and personal lives. Families, students, and educators can learn more about each of the Graduation Pathways, including what each requirement is designed to do and how students will be supported. To earn a high school diploma, a student must: Earn high school credit; Pass state tests or an approved Pathway alternative to those tests; Complete a High School and Beyond Plan. OSPI has several resources to help understand graduation requirements at https://www.k12.wa.us/student-success/graduation.

Digital Citizenship and Online Safety

As our students engage with educational technology, it becomes increasingly necessary to model and explicitly teach digital citizenship and online safety. Ensuring that students understand how to wisely use technology and navigate media is an essential skill for our learners to be productive in life and learning. Safe online behavior should frequently be part of classroom discussion, teaching the learner how to use technology in meaningful, productive, respectful, and appropriate ways in their school life and personal life. In the Lynden School District, digital citizenship and online safety are explicitly taught by district staff, guest speakers, and law enforcement. The classroom is not the only place where digital citizenship should be discussed and modeled. It is important for the community and parents to get involved and remain educated in this discussion.

Educational Services for Homeless Children and Youth

The Lynden School District will provide written notice to the parent or guardian of a homeless child or youth (or, in the case of an unaccompanied youth, the youth) that the District will:

Provide contact information for the local liaison for homeless children and youths and the State Coordinator for Education of Homeless Children and Youths;
Provide assistance to the parent or guardian of each homeless child, youth, or unaccompanied youth to exercise the right to attend the parent’s, guardian’s, or unaccompanied youth’s choice of schools;
Coordinate with the local school districts to provide transportation and other necessary services; and
Provide a full range of education and related services, including services applicable to students with disabilities;
Not have homeless children or youths to attend any separate school for homeless children or youths;
Provide the same services to homeless children and youth including transportation services, educational services, and meals through the school meals programs; and
Assure that homeless youth are not stigmatized by school personnel.

Parents or guardians of homeless youth (or any unaccompanied homeless youth) within the Lynden School District should contact:
Family Services Coordinator, Margaret Vailencour

Section V: Health & Safety Notifications

Asbestos Management

The annual Asbestos Management Program training and inspection has been completed. Federal law requires that notification be given to patrons, students, employees, and workers about the location of asbestos, potential hazards and the procedures being used to manage asbestos. A management plan is available at the District Office and Lynden High School for unrestricted review by the Environmental Protection Agency, state officials, general public, school employees and parents of students.

Pesticide Notification

Upon request, the district will provide notification to staff and parents of the district’s pesticide, methods and its posting and notification requirements. The District complies with the requirements of law regarding pesticide notification, posting and record keeping.

The District’s procedures for notification will include posting of sites of pesticide applications and record keeping, including an annual summary report of pesticide usage.

Parents & Students