Annual Notifications
School districts are required by federal and state laws and regulations to provide annual notices to parents, guardians, students and employees in some cases. These required notifications cover topics ranging from access to student records to pesticide applications.
- Affirmative Action
- Asbestos Notification
- Assessment Overview
- ChildFind Identification
- Communication from School
- District Report Card
- Emergency School Closures
- Equal Opportunity Employer
- Facility Rentals
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
- File a Complaint
- Food Service
- Healthy Youth Survey
- Immunization Requirements
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- McKinney-Vento Act
- Medications at School
- Meningococcal Disease and Prevention
- Non-Discrimination Statement
- Notification of Threats
- Pest Management
- Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)
- School Choice Options in Washington State
- Special Programs
- Title I Schools: Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
- Tracking Unexcused Absences
Affirmative Action
Per Board Policy 5010, the district, as a recipient of public funds, is committed to undertake affirmative action, which will make effective equal employment opportunities for staff and applicants for employment.
Asbestos Notification
In compliance with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1988 (AHERA), the Stanwood-Camano School District engages in continuous asbestos surveillance using the Asbestos Management Plan (AMP) protocol. 6 month periodic inspections along with 3 year accredited asbestos inspections are performed to ensure that there are no asbestos dangers to students and staff. The AMP for each site is available for review at the district maintenance office, and specific questions can be directed to our AHERA designated person Jeff Silverman at 360-488-8778.
Assessment Overview
Statewide testing is important because it helps ensure all public school students, no matter where they go to school, receive a quality education.
Washington students are regularly tested by the state to assess their progress as they move through school. In high school, they must pass specific exit exams, or state-approved alternatives, to be eligible to earn a certificate of academic achievement/high school diploma (assessment is one of the graduation requirements).
Testing schedules for the school year will be provided to students and families when it is made available to districts.
In addition, each school assesses students throughout the course of the year. See more data on our Strategic Plan webpage.
ChildFind Identification
IDEA requires all school districts to locate, evaluate and provide services for any child between the ages of birth through 21 who may have a disability. Parents having concerns about their child’s health, hearing, intellectual functioning, language, learning, movement, serious behavioral needs, speech, or vision can call their child’s school.
Communication from School
The district provides weekly updates during the regular school year. These are emailed to families and community members who subscribe to the email.
Families also receive school building e-newsletters and can follow district social media pages for current events, information and stories about our staff and students.
District Report Card
The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) provides school and district reports that include:
- Assessments and Test Scores
- Demographic Information
Information on individual schools and the Stanwood-Camano School District is available at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Choose the district or school(s) you would like to review.
Emergency School Closures
In the event of school start time delays or school closure due to inclement weather or emergency, a message will be distributed to students, families, staff, and the community.
Depending on weather conditions, schools will close for the day, open two hours late with regular bus routes or snow bus routes, early release, or open on time with snow bus routes.
Changes to the school schedule are usually announced by 5 a.m. via our notification system (phone, text, and email). Weather emergencies can sometimes disrupt power and telephone service. The district will use a variety of methods to keep you informed, but please remember to keep a battery-equipped radio as your communications backup.
Recordings: Call the district's information hotline at 360-629-1240 or the transportation hotline at 360-629-1224 for a recorded message. Please do not call the Transportation Office because it is important to keep the lines open for emergencies.
Important: If school has been closed for the day, no after-school meetings or practices will be held. All evening meetings and functions scheduled to take place in district facilities, including those by outside groups, will be canceled as well.
Equal Opportunity Employer
THE STANWOOD-CAMANO SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. The Stanwood-Camano School District does not discriminate in employment, programs, or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the District's Title IX/Affirmative Action Officer and Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator, Christine Del Pozo (cdelpozo@stanwood.wednet.edu), or the Section 504/American Disabilities Act Coordinator, Robert Hascall (rhascall@stanwood.wednet.edu) Stanwood-Camano School District, 26920 Pioneer Hwy, Stanwood, WA 98292. Telephone: (360) 629-1200.
Facility Rentals
The district is committed to making school facilities available for community use. The Facility Rental Coordinator administers reservation confirmation permits to the community through an application process for use of district facilities during non-school hours, including evenings and weekends. Usage fees vary according to the type of space and user group classification. Spaces available include; auditoriums, libraries, gymnasiums, multi-purpose rooms, cafeterias, and play fields.
Interested organizations or community members can learn more on our Facility Use Rentals webpage.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") certain rights concerning the student's education records. They are:
The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the district receives a request for access.
Parents or eligible students should submit to the district records custodian a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The records custodian will make access arrangements and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be reviewed.
The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student's privacy acts under FERPA.
Parents or eligible students may ask the district to amend a record they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write to the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want to be changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the district decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the district will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, 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. The criteria for determining who constitutes a school official and what constitutes a legitimate educational interest must be outlined in the school’s or school district’s annual notification for FERPA rights. A school official typically includes a person employed by the school or school district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel) or a person serving on the school board. A school official also may include a volunteer, contractor, or consultant who, while not employed by the school, performs an institutional service or function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist; a parent or student volunteering to serve on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee; or a parent, student, or other volunteer assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official typically has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the district to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue S.W. Washington, D.C. 20202
Use of Directory Information and Photos
Federal Law permits a school district to identify specific information as directory information that may be released publicly without the parent's permission. The Stanwood-Camano School District identifies directory information as:
- the student's full 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,
- dates of attendance
- diplomas and awards received
- most recent previous school attended
The actual residential addresses of participants in the state Address Confidentiality Program will not be available for release as directory information. Social Security numbers, student identification numbers (with authentication factors such as a secret password or personal identification number) or other personally identifiable information are not considered directory information.
Photos, videos, and information about students may be used in school and district newsletters, email, websites, and social media sites, or released to the news media, as there are many opportunities to recognize student accomplishments and activities throughout the year. Directory information or photos may be used for purposes such as publication of a student directory, school-related fundraising, parent organization mailing lists, school yearbooks, newspapers, commencement programs, and publishing honor rolls. Information will not be released for commercial purposes.
File a Complaint
A citizen complaint is a written statement that alleges a violation of the federal rule, law or regulation or state regulation that applies to a federal program.
- Anyone can file a citizen complaint.
- There is no special form.
- There is no need to know the law that governs a federal program to file a complaint.
To file a complaint in our school district, please follow the procedures in School Board Policy 4220. The links to the policy and procedure are listed below:
If your complaint is not resolved, visit the Citizen Complaints - Federal Programs page of the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction website for more information and the next steps.
Food Service
Meals are prepared and sold by trained and/or certified food service staff members. All meals prepared have met the strict guidelines established by the USDA School Meals Initiative for Healthy Children. These meals include less fat while providing more fruits and vegetables.
These meals are consistent with the recommended dietary allowance (RDA), the caloric goal and dietary guidelines for Americans. Standards include caloric need +/- 30 percent calories from fat with 10 percent or less from saturated fat. Analysis includes protein, calcium, iron and Vitamins A and C and is computed over a school week.
Healthy Youth Survey
Immunization Requirements
According to the Washington Administrative Code WAC 246-105-030 and WAC 246-105-040 any child attending school in Washington State is required by law to be fully immunized (documentation of vaccination or proof of acquired immunity) against the diseases listed below at the ages and intervals in the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices immunization schedule.
Children entering school or other early learning programs are required to have certain vaccinations before they can start. These requirements are put into place to protect children, families, and communities from vaccine preventable diseases. Immunization requirements apply to all enrolled children, including those learning remotely.
The parent or guardian of a child must provide documentation of vaccination or proof of immunity to specific diseases. This requirement is based on the national Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Immunization Schedule for school or child care registration and attendance. The specific diseases are listed below:
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Diphtheria
- German measles (Rubella)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)*
- Hepatitis B
- Measles
- Mumps
- Pneumococcal disease*
- Polio (Poliomyelitis)
- Tetanus
- Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
*required only until 5 years of age
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), parents of children with disabilities must receive a copy of procedural safeguards one time a year (and upon initial referral or parental request for an evaluation) and upon filing a request for due process hearing, the filing of a first request for a due process hearing, a disciplinary action constituting a change in placement, and at the request of a parent.
See our Special Services department for more.
McKinney-Vento Act
The McKinney-Vento Act is a federal law that makes sure children and youth who do not have permanent housing can go to school and preschool. It gives children and youth rights to enroll in school, stay in school, get transportation to/from school, and access school lunch programs. If you become aware of students who may qualify for services under the McKinney-Vento Act or are in need of services for students in your family, please visit our McKinney-Vento page on the district website for more resources.
Medications at School
Under normal circumstances, medications should be administered before or after school by a student’s parent or guardian. If a student must receive medications at school, Washington state law allows school employees to administer medication when certain requirements have been met. Please note that non-medical, trained personnel may be administering medication to your child in the school setting.
NOTE: Any medication not picked up by the last day of school will be disposed of.
Washington state law (RCW 28A.210.260) requires school districts to have a written, unexpired (current school year) prescription from a licensed medical professional in place before the school staff can administer the medication. The written prescription must be signed, dated, and include the name and dose of medication along with instructions for administration. The parent or guardian must also sign the medication form.
The necessary paperwork and medications will be reviewed by the school nurse. “Medication” means all drugs, whether prescription or over-the-counter. If a student requires eye, ear, nose drops or topical medication, please request that the school RN contact you to review and make a plan.
When your child needs to take medication during the school day, the parent or guardian must bring the medication to school in the current pharmacy-labeled container. Upon request, most pharmacies will label an extra bottle for medication that is to be administered by school staff.
Medication forms must be completed for all medication including those that the student will have in their possession during the school day (after-school activities-athletic and non-athletic events) and overnight field trips. Medication requests are valid for the current school year only.
There must be a valid health reason which makes administration of medication advisable during school hours or during such time that the student is under supervision of school officials.
Medication forms are available at your school. For more information, visit our Health Services webpage.
Health Screenings
Vision & Hearing: School personnel provide screenings of vision, both near/distance, and hearing, of students in grades K, 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 per RCW 28A.210.020. If a child should fail either screening, parents will be notified. If a professional exam would cause a financial hardship, please contact your nurse.
Waiver: Students may be waived from the exam by sending a signed and dated letter including your child’s name, grade, school, and reason you prefer your child not be screened to the school nurse. Letters must be received annually and can be mailed to your child’s school.
Student Emergencies
In case of a serious injury or illness at school, the school will first call the phone number listed as the primary contact. If a parent or guardian cannot be reached at that number, the next person listed on the student’s emergency information will be called. Please fill out the emergency enrollment form completely and accurately and update information promptly.
Meningococcal Disease and Prevention
As of July 2005, schools in Washington are required to make information available on Meningococcal diseases and how to reduce your student’s risk of contracting HPV to parents or guardians of all students entering Grades 6-12.
MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE AND PREVENTION
Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection. Fortunately, this life-threatening illness is rare, with only 20-50 cases reported each year in Washington. Symptoms of the disease may include fever, cough, rash, and headaches. It can cause meningitis (swelling of the covering of the brain and spinal cord). The disease spreads through close contact with an infected person. Teens and young adults are more likely to get meningococcal disease, especially if they live in a group setting like college dorms.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR CHILD FROM MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE:
The meningococcal vaccine, or MCV4, prevents four types of the disease. It is recommended for all children between 11 and 12 years of age, and again at 16 to 18 years of age. This meningococcal vaccine is not required for school attendance.
HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV) AND PREVENTION
HPV is a common virus. Most people exposed to HPV will never develop health issues. But for others, HPV causes major health problems including cervical, anal, vulvar, mouth and throat cancer. Most infected people have no symptoms and may spread the virus without knowing it. HPV spreads mainly through sexual contact.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR CHILD FROM HPV:
Make sure your child gets the HPV vaccine. The vaccine is highly effective. The best time to get it is before sexual activity ever starts. The HPV vaccine can prevent infection from some of the most common and serious types of HPV that cause cancer and genital warts. The vaccine does not get rid of existing infections. Three doses of the HPV vaccine are recommended for all boys and girls starting at ages 11 to 12. It is recommended for females up to age 26 and men up to age 21. The HPV vaccine is not required for school attendance in Washington.
WHERE TO FIND MENINGOCOCCAL AND HPV VACCINES:
Ask your doctor or nurse, or call Skagit County Public Health District, 360-416-1500 or email health@co.skagit.wa.us for more information.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE, HPV, VACCINES, AND CERVICAL CANCER:
Washington State Department of Health
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
American Cancer Society
Non-Discrimination Statement
Notification of Threats
Students and school employees who are subjects of threats of violence or harm shall be notified of the threats in a timely manner. Parents shall be included in notifications to students who are subjects of threats of violence or harm. Timing and details of the notice will be as extensive as permitted by the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, other legal limitations, and the circumstances of the situation.
Pest Management
Washington State Legislature requires all school districts to adopt a pesticide policy and related procedures for implementing the policy. Stanwood-Camano School District has adopted an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program for managing undesired vegetation and pests. A program is an ecological approach to suppressing pest populations (weeds, insects, diseases) in which alternative pest controls are considered, and where practical, implemented before chemical controls are used.
SCSD will manage undesired vegetation and other pests using an ecological approach that minimizes the use of pesticide risk to human health and the environment. The district will perform regular monitoring of grounds and facilities to determine when treatments are needed and employ physical, biological, chemical, and education tactics to prevent intolerable damage or annoyance from undesired vegetation or pests. If the use of a pesticide is determined to be the most effective, economical, and environmentally safe approach, its application will be timed to minimize adverse effects on human health and beneficial organisms.
To notify students, staff, parents, and users of school properties of planned pesticide application, signs will be posted a minimum of 48 hours in advance of the application except when immediate action is required. If pre-notification is not provided, signs will be posted at the main entrance to each school and the location of the application will list the name of the pesticide; the date and time of the planned application; the area to be treated; and the name and telephone number of the contact person. Pre-notification will not be sent when students do not occupy the facility for two consecutive days following the application per RCW 17.21.415.
In addition, some might want prior notification of applications at their school. If you would like to be placed on a list to receive a prior notification at your school, please contact our Maintenance Department.
The maintenance department makes an effort to apply fertilizer to fields and lawn areas on non-student days. Dates for fertilizer application may vary each year depending on the school calendar and weather conditions. Generally, fertilizer is applied during early October, mid-December, early April, mid-June, and mid-August.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Maintenance department.
Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)
The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232h; 34 CFR Part 98), requires Stanwood-Camano School District to notify you and obtain consent or allow you to opt your child out of participating in a student survey, analysis, or evaluation that concerns any of the following:
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Political affiliations or beliefs;
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Mental and psychological problems;
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Sex behavior and attitudes;
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Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, and demeaning behavior;
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Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships;
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Privileged or analogous relationships, with lawyers, physicians, doctors or ministers;
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Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs;
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Income, other than that required by law to determine eligibility.
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This requirement also applies to the collection of student information for marketing purposes, and certain non-emergency, invasive exams, and screening.
SCSD will notify parents prior to the administration of any such survey or activity and will provide an opportunity to review the survey and opt their child out. Parents who believe their rights under PPRA have been violated may file a complaint with:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-5920
School Choice Options in Washington State
Most students in Washington go to the public schools that are closest to their homes. But parents and guardians have many enrollment options for their kids. Students can attend an approved private school, enroll in an Alternative Learning Experience program (such as an online school), be taught at home, or attend a charter school. In some circumstances, they also can transfer to other schools within or outside the district in which they live.
In 1990, the state Legislature formalized some of the public school options by passing the Learning by Choice law.
Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction - Learning by Choice
Special Programs
Special Programs
If you suspect a student’s progress is affected by a learning disability, you may contact the building principal or the Special Programs Office at (360) 855-3565 for further information. Referrals are made through the individual school buildings.
Special Education Programs
- Preschool: services for children eligible for developmental preschool
- Kindergarten through age 22
Education Services
The Stanwood-Camano School District provides a continuum of special education services to meet the needs of students with Individualized Education Plans as determined through special education evaluation and by IEP teams. Services include, but are not limited to, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech/language therapy, vision therapy, specialized instruction, specialized support programs, and transition services for adult students who have not yet graduated.
Does your child have a physical, cognitive, language or developmental disability that affects a major life function such as learning, walking, seeing, hearing, breathing, working, or caring for oneself? Is there a recorded history of your child having had such impairment? Do they possess certain characteristics that would somehow cause others to treat him or her as if they have impairment, even if your child does not actually have a disability?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, your child may be eligible for special education, related services and/or specialized educational accommodations. Contact your child’s teacher or the school psychologist at the school.
Applications are regulated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. For further information or to discuss concerns you may have regarding your child, please contact our Special Services department. Children from birth to 22 years of age are eligible.
LEARNING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Learning Assistance Program (LAP) provides targeted assistance to students below grade level in reading or math, and in some cases for behavior. All Stanwood-Camano schools provide LAP services.
- Title I Migrant – Federally funded program to assist migratory students in the areas of reading and math.
- Transitional Bilingual Education – Student funding for instruction and tutoring in transitioning from the students’ first language to English.
- Native American Tutoring Program – Title IX is federally funded and offers tutoring for Native American students. This program is coordinated through the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe.
Parent/Family Engagement
All parents, including those of students served by Title I/LAP, Migrant/Bilingual, Special Education, and Section 504 programs and services, are encouraged to be involved in their child’s education. Parent/Family Engagement can include, but is not limited to: attending school events, volunteering in the school, participating in parent-teacher conferences, taking a workshop or class offered by the district, creating a quiet space and time at home for homework, helping with your child’s homework, talking with your child about school, and engaging in fun learning activities with your children. When parents are involved, children do better and go farther in school. Our district encourages parents to be involved in early learning activities, in order to help their child to be prepared for school when they enter kindergarten.
Highly Capable Program
Is your student a highly capable learner? Once a student is identified with the unique learning skill sets, the Stanwood-Camano School District matches them up with district services to meet their needs. This may include additional support at their neighborhood elementary school, or services housed in program at specific buildings. Watch for information about elementary highly capable and middle school testing referrals in order to qualify for the program.
Title I Schools: Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
If you are a parent of a student at a school that receives Title I funds, you have the right to know the professional qualifications of the classroom teachers who instruct your child. Federal law allows you to ask for certain information about your child’s classroom teachers and requires a district to give you this information in a timely manner if you ask for it. Specifically, you have the right to ask for the following information:
- Whether the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has licensed or qualified the teacher for the grades and subjects he or she teaches.
- Whether OSPI has decided that the teacher can teach in a classroom without being licensed or qualified under state regulations because of special circumstances.
- The teacher’s college major; whether the teacher has any advanced degrees and, if so, the subject of the degrees.
- Whether any teachers’ aides or similar paraprofessionals provide service to your child and, if they do, their qualifications.
For more information, please contact the Special Services department.
Tracking Unexcused Absences
The law requires that schools track unexcused absences for students and work with parents to develop a plan for when a student has three unexcused absences in one month. If a student has five unexcused absences in a month or 10 in a school year, the school district shall file a petition for civil action with the Juvenile Court.
The definition of an excused absence is illness or health condition; family emergency; religious observance, (when requested by a parent); school-approved activities; some disciplinary actions or short-term suspensions, as required by law; or family-approved activities. A family-approved activity is only excused if there is prior written approval by the principal and no serious, adverse effect on the educational progress of the student.
Please call the school office as soon as you know that your child will not be attending school, and please do everything you can to schedule appointments outside of school hours. If you do not call, your school will try to verify your child’s absence by contacting you. If you cannot be contacted, the absence is considered unexcused.
View the Policies and Procedures for details: