Jane Addams Middle School

Jane Addams
Middle School
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Jane Addams Middle School/Student Life/Student Handbook

Student Handbook

Jane Addams Student Handbook

The full student handbook will be available on grade level “Program Support” Schoology pages.

Jane Addams Middle School Student Expectations (PAWS):

Purposeful:

  • We are motivated to learn and give our best effort.
  • We are dedicated to do what is right.
  • We stay focused and avoid distractions – our cell phones are away for the day.

Aware:

  • We are attentive to our surroundings and peers.
  • We are mindful of how our actions impact others.
  • We are responsible for the choices we make.

Welcoming:

  • We create an environment where everyone feels like they belong.
  • We use kind words and actions.
  • We celebrate diversity and encourage collaboration.

Safe:

  • We respect personal boundaries and follow safety rules.
  • We maintain a calm and respectful environment to keep everyone safe.

Technology Use Policy- “Away for the Day”

  • With your health and social well-being in mind, Jane Addams has adopted an “Away for the Day” policy with regards to personal devices. 
  • Phones, music players, Bluetooth headphones and earbuds, and other personal devices should not be used during school hours (8:55 – 3:45).
  • Filming a fight or disagreement is against policy. Sharing a video of people without their consent is considered cyberbullying.

If a student’s personal technology is out, seen, or heard then the consequence(s) will be as follows:

1st and 2nd incidents:

  • The phone or device will be safely secured in the front office. 
  • The student can pick up the phone or device in the main office after school.

 3rd incident:

  • The phone or device will be safely secured in the main office.
  • A family member will need to pick up the phone.
  • A family member will need to come into school to create a plan with admin.

Laptop Use

Laptops should only be used for educational purposes, while always following individual teacher expectations. If laptop use is part of an educator’s daily routine the following expectations apply:

  • When an educator says laptops at 45, students will close their laptops to 45 degrees and look up at their educator
  • Laptops may only be used for educational purposes including websites and software directed by your educator
  • Music and videos may only be accessed if part of the lesson

How will educators uphold this?

If technology is distracting a student from their learning, educators will provide an initial warning. If technology continues to detract from learning:

  • The educator will communicate with the student and family
  • If technology continues to be used for non-educational purposes, the educator will request admin support

Electronic Security, Safety, and Etiquette

  • Use of school computers requires every student to agree to a Network Use Agreement. Students using school and district online resources from home (including the Source, Schoology, district subscriptions, and other online resources provided by a teacher) must also follow this policy.

Food

We realize that you are growing young people and will get hungry from time to time. It’s important that all students eat breakfast and lunch. However, we do not allow students to eat inside classrooms during class time because 1) rats like crumbs and rats are gross, 2) many of our students have food allergies, and 3) we want your full attention on what is happening during class. 

All JAMS students are encouraged to eat breakfast in our cafeteria. Breakfast begins at 8:40 and ends at 8:55. Students must go directly to the cafeteria before 8:50 if they plan to eat breakfast at school. Accommodations will be made when busses are late.

Students may:

  • Eat a quick nutritional snack during non-instructional time, in the hallway right outside of their classroom
  • Consume water in class
  • Students are expected to throw away their trash in common area trash bins

Students may not:

Sell items for profit, unless it is a school sanctioned fundraiserack to the cafeteria and may lose their privilege of lunch time activity choice.  

Eat full meals in the hallway

Have any beverage in the hall or classrooms except for water

Lockers

Students will be assigned a locker and are expected to use the locker to store any sports equipment and skateboards. Students may access their locker before school, after school, and during passing periods. Any locker problems should be reported to the custodian. Students are charged $10.00 for lost locks and a new lock will not be issued until the $10.00 fine is paid in full. Students are reminded that lockers are considered school property and may be opened by school authorities at any time.

Going on Vacation

If a student goes on vacation during the school year, the student and their family must notify all teachers and the Attendance Office two weeks prior to the trip, giving as much advance notice as possible. Students must complete a pre-arranged absence form prior to the absence.  Forms are available in the attendance office. Teachers cannot guarantee and are not required to make assignments available for students before they leave on the trip. Upon a student’s return to school, it is their responsibility to collect missed work from each teacher and complete it by the date agreed to by the teacher, student, and family. While students can make up missed assignments, it is impossible to make up for the classroom experience, and we encourage families to arrange vacations during scheduled school vacations and holidays.

Dress Code

All students must wear: 

  • Clothing that fully covers genitals, buttocks, and nipples  
  • Footwear: shoes or sandals 
  • Clothing that is required for success in certain classes as described in those class syllabi 

Students may not wear: 

  • Violent language or images, or depictions of weapons; 
  • Language or images showing drugs (legal or illegal), alcohol, or any illegal activity; 
  • Hate speech, profanity, pornography 
  • Language or images that create a hostile or intimidating environment based on any class or consistently marginalized group; 
  • Clothing that reveals undergarments (visible waistbands and visible straps are allowed); 
  • Swimwear (unless as part of a class or athletics); 
  • Bandanas; 
  • Any item that covers the face (except as religious observance or for medical reasons). 
  • Use hoods or other head coverings to conceal earbuds or headphones. 

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 Equity and Civil Rights Office (For questions about discrimination and sexual harassment)

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.

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.

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.