UNION GAP SCHOOL
AUGUST 2019 NEWSLETTER
SUPERINTENDENT MESSAGE:
It is that time again! As you prepare for the start of school, please keep in mind these important reminders. We look forward to having the students back in school and we will see you all soon! The student’s first day of school is August 22, 2019 (Thursday).
ALL SCHOOL VISITORS
During regular business hours, all visitors are required to secure a visitor’s pass, at the school office (front foyer area), upon further entry into the school facility. Visitors will be required to provide a driver’s license, passport, state issued identification card, and/or verbal information as part of the process of securing a visitor pass. Personal identification information provided will be recorded and processed as needed. The verification process involves an automated, yet confidential/discreet, background check. Failure to provide official identification/information will prevent the visitor from proceeding further into the facility. Local law enforcement may be contacted if assistance is necessary. Thank you for your understanding concerning the safety of our students and staff.
SCHOOL UNIFORMS
Students will be required to wear the appropriate clothing beginning on the first day of school. We would appreciate your support and understanding of district policy before that date, so we do not have any misunderstandings when the new school year begins. Thank you.
FREE MEAL PROGRAM
Our school district qualifies for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program due to our high poverty rate. This program allows ALL enrolled Union Gap School District students to eat breakfast and lunch for free!
SCHOOL NEWSLETTERS
Due to the extensive expense of mailing/printing, the periodic school newsletter will continue to be distributed as described below:
· We will only mail the required August/September AND December/January Newsletters (State Report Card included)
· The entire year’s worth of newsletters will be posted on the district’s web site www.uniongapschool.org and a hard copy will be available for review in the district’s office and school library.
NOTE: The City of Union Gap and the Union Gap School District do not have the same boundary lines. It’s less expensive for the school district to mail out the required bi-annual newsletter to all addresses in the City of Union Gap (bulk rate) versus mailing to only patrons in the Union Gap School District boundary area.
Here’s to a great 2019-2020 school year!
Lisa G. Gredvig
Superintendent
HIGHLY CAPABLE PROGRAM 2019-2020
Program Descriptions
Children who demonstrate exceptional ability, exceed grade level standards in literacy and/or math, demonstrate exceptional creativity, and possess strong motivation to excel are good candidates for the Union Gap School District’s Highly Capable Program. This program began last year and is part of a state wide effort to identify “gifted” students K-12 and offer them a continuum of services throughout their public education experience.
The UGSD Highly Capable Program will provide an educational experience for K-8 students that will meet the needs of students who have exceptional ability by offering challenging and enriching learning experiences that may include the following; differentiated instruction, flexible grouping, curriculum compacting, and enrichment.
The UGSD Highly Capable Program will offer the following learning opportunities starting in the 2019-20 school year:
- Kindergarten-Grades 6 Highly Capable students will be provided instruction in an accelerated and enhanced instructional design using flexible grouping or curriculum compacting. Highly Capable students will also receive differentiated instruction as well as enrichment opportunities.
- Grades 7-8 In addition to the menu of option listed in grade K-6 Highly Capable students in middle school will be provided learning opportunities using accelerated and enhanced instructional design and advanced math.
Referral Process
Who can initially refer students to highly capable testing?
Anyone may refer a student for testing for the highly capable program. Referrals can come from parents, teachers, school specialists, friends, family, community members, or even the student themselves. These forms are available at www.uniongapschool.org.
Referral Timeline
The referral forms for the 2019-20 school year placements are available online or in the school office. Referrals will be accepted until December 13, 2019.
Parent Referral Forms and Permissions
All parents (if not the originator of the referral form) must complete a referral form and give permission for the student to be tested and potentially placed in highly capable programs. The form is available online at www.uniongapschool.org.
Teacher Referrals & Feedback Forms
Teachers complete a Teacher Referral & Feedback Form for every one of their students that have been referred for testing. These are available in the school office or online at www.uniongapschool.org.
Multidisciplinary Selection Committee
As outlined in WAC 392-170-070, the Highly Capable Committee will include a teacher, a school psychologist, an administrator, and possibly other appointed district personnel.
All referral forms, parent permissions, and teacher referral forms are due to the school office by December 13, 2019.
SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST
The 2019.20 School Supply List can be found on the school’s website at http://www.uniongapschool.org/ and in your local stores.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Aug. 20 Meet & Greet 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Aug. 22 First Day of School
Sept. 2 NO SCHOOL-Labor Day
Sept. 17 Picture Day
Sept. 20 NO SCHOOL
SCHOOL HOURS
School begins:
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. K-5
8:25 a.m. Middle School (6-8)
School is dismissed:
Monday:
2:00 p.m. K-5
1:55 p.m. for Middle School (6-8)
Tuesday-Friday:
3:10 p.m. K-5
3:05 p.m. for Middle School (6-8)
BELLS AND THE START OF THE SCHOOL DAY
This year, families will be notified of the start of the school day by a bell chime and announcement that class is going to begin shortly. This will be their signal to leave the building so instruction can begin on time. See Board Policy 4200 for more information.
UNION GAP SCHOOL'S "LOCAL SCHOOL WELLNESS POLICY"
2019-2020 FRESH FRUIT & VEGETABLE GRANT
The Union Gap School District has once again received a Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grant that will give every child in the school a fresh fruit and vegetable snack at least four times a week during the school day. The purpose of this grant is to expand the variety of fruits and vegetables experience and to increase children’s fruit and vegetable consumption, in hopes of impacting their present and future health.
HAS YOUR ADDRESS OR PHONE NUMBER CHANGED?
If so, please contact the Main Office (248-3966) and give them your current address/phone number. This is very important if the need arises to contact you for safety and/or academic reasons.
PARKING: PICKING UP AND DROPPING OFF STUDENTS
- The one-way area, in front of the school, is for picking up/dropping off students only:
- It is important that you not leave your car unattended in this area or leave your vehicle during pickup/drop off times
- Students need to enter/exit your car from the right side of your vehicle. Other vehicles are leaving the one-way area and it is dangerous to have your child(ren) enter the car from the left of your vehicle.
- As vehicles leave in front of you, please move forward to the next available stall so we can allow more parents to enter the one-way area.
- Vehicles cannot double park in the one-way lane.
- NO LEFT HAND TURNS, into the one-way area, are permitted; we have had potential incidents that could have been tragic due to drivers ignoring the NO left turn request.
- Please park at the football field or gym parking areas if you need to park and leave your vehicle.
- NO PARKING IS PERMITTED IN THE BACK OF THE SCHOOL. The back of the school is for bus parking only. We need to keep vehicles and buses apart from each other for obvious safety reasons.
- Please do not park (either attended or unattended) or drop off your students at the 3 Angeles Iglesia Adventista Del Septimo Dia-Intersection Church’s parking lot on South 4thStreet. Pedestrians walking across South 4thStreet, without a crossing guard, are in danger of being struck by a vehicle.
Gym/Athletic Field Parking Lots
PLEASE follow the arrows and please park in parking spaces versus dropping off/picking up your child in the middle of the traffic lane. The gym parking lot was not designed as a drive through pick up/drop off area like the front of the school. Note: The front/first row of the parking lot, closest to the school building, is designated for handicapped and visitor parking as marked.
Staff Parking Lot
The staff parking lot is reserved for staff use only, from 7:30 am – 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Also, please do not use this parking lot to pick up or drop off students and should not be utilized by parents/guardians.
Your cooperation will provide a safer parking area for yourself and the children.
2019-2020 STATE AND FEDERAL PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS
Breakfast After the Bell:
Breakfast after the Bell allows students to eat breakfast after the school day begins.
Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Grant (FFVG):
The FFVG provides all enrolled students with a variety of free fresh fruits and vegetables. The main goal is to combat childhood obesity by helping students learn more about healthy eating habits.
Highly Capable:
The Highly Capable program works to meet the academic needs of all registered HCP students by providing professional development to teachers on how to meet the needs in the general education classroom, and provide a method in which to monitor their academic growth.
Learning Assistance Program (LAP):
LAP programs serve eligible students who need academic support for reading, writing and math, or who need readiness skill to learn these core subjects. With special emphasis on reading literacy in the early grades. LAP delivers supplemental services.
Migrant Education Program (MEP):
Migrant funds support high-quality supplemental education programs for migratory children. Migratory workers move from one district to another to obtain seasonal employment in agriculture, fishing, or related food-processing activities.
Rural and Low-Income School Program (RLIS)
RLIS funds address the unique needs of rural school districts that frequently lack the personnel and resources needed to compete effectively for federal competitive grants and that receive formula allocations that are too small to be used effectively for their intended purpose.
Special Education IDEA Section 611 flow through & Section 619 Preschool:
These funds are used for a series of programs for the education of eligible special education students. An eligible student means a student who meets state and federal criteria and is in need of specially designed instruction in accordance with a properly formulated individualized education program (IEP). Programs can include, but are not limited to, preschool, speech, OT and classroom supplemental services.
Title I:
Title I is a federal grant that assists districts in providing services to educationally deprived children living in low-income areas. Funds are used to help pay for classroom parapros, pre-school, extended day (HUGS), and supplemental programs in math and reading.
Teacher/Principal Evaluation (TPEP):
Funding based on grant availability each year to pay for new teacher training on Danielson Framework.
Title II A Provides funds for professional development for certified staff. (As funded)
Title III:
Title III helps ensure that limited English proficient children attain English language proficiency and acquire the knowledge and skills needed to meet the State’s academic achievement standards by training staff in proven strategies.
Title IV:
Title IV is a federal grant which is used to fund well-rounded education opportunities and Safe and Healthy Student programs such as Science family nights, Green Thumb Club (greenhouse), golf and Zumba for student support and academic achievement.
Transitional Bilingual Instructional Program (TBIP):
The program helps English Language Learners become proficient in English and to meet state learning standards.
McKinney-Vento Homeless Act
McKinney-Vento is a federal law that ensures immediate enrollment and educational stability for homeless children and youth. McKinney-Vento provides federal funding to states for the purpose of supporting district programs that serve homeless students.
ATTENDANCE AND CALLING SYSTEM
Parents/Guardians will be receiving daily automated phone calls from the school notifying them of student absences/tardies for the school day. Calls will not go home for those students whose parents/guardians informed the school of their child’s absence for that school day as their absence will be counted as excused at that time. We hope that this system will give parents/guardians more information regarding absences and tardies. If you did not call the school about your student’s absence, please send a note within 48 hours of your child’s return to school to be excused. Please remember we cannot educate your child when he/she is not in school.
The calling system will also be used to remind parents/guardians of snow days, late starts, open house and conference reminders, etc.
FROM THE NURSE
Vaccinations:
Please make sure your child has all the required vaccines. 6th graders must have a Tdap given sometime after age 7 before the beginning of the school year.
Medications:
According to State law, if your child will need to take medication during school hours, we must have a written order signed by the parent and physician. If your child needs an inhaler or Epi-pen for the 2019-20 year, these medications (along with the physician’s order) must be brought to the nurse before the child can attend school. All medications must be provided to the school in their original containers.
Perfumes and scents:
Several students and staff members are allergic to perfumes and scents such as scented hair gel, strong-smelling laundry products, deodorant, etc. Because these products can cause breathing problems, they are not allowed at school. Please consider using unscented products – they are usually the same price as scented, and are often easier on your skin!
When your child is ill:
It is recommended that your child stay home from school if he/she has been vomiting, had diarrhea, or has had a fever in the past 24 hours, even if medicine took the fever down.
Let me know if there are any health concerns we should be aware of at school. I look forward to working with you and your child this year!
Sincerely,
Suzanne Barnes, School Nurse
UNION GAP SCHOOL BOARD HONOREES:
These students were honored for their Academic excellence for the month of May 2019:
Karla Aguirre
Jesus Arreguin
Alejandro Ramirez Chavez
Bella Garcia
Emily Garcia Jimenez
Rae Dawn Thomas-Larson
Cecilia Hall
Dakota La France
Kimberly Martin
Diego Ramirez
Alicia Raudales
Ashley Robledo
Alexis Tamez
Salvador Valencia
Jessica Pantoja-Morales
Madilyn Eaton
Alan Gutierrez
Yulianna Santana-Bejar
PHOTO:
UNION GAP SCHOOL CELL PHONE POLICY
Enforced 7:45 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. on campus
Student possession and use of cell phones and other electronic signaling devices on school grounds, at school sponsored activities and while under the supervision and control of school district employees is a privilege, and shall be permitted only under the circumstances described herein.
At no time shall any student operate a cell phone or other electronic device with video capabilities in a locker room, bathroom or other location where such operation may violate the privacy of another person.
Cell phones and other electronic devices must be kept out of sight and turned off during the instructional day. Unauthorized use of such devices disrupts and distracts the instructional program and learning environment.
Therefore, unauthorized use is ground for confiscation of the device by school officials, including teachers and paraprofessionals. See the Student/Parent Handbook for discipline as it relates to unauthorized use of a cell phone/or other electronic devices during the instructional day.
If you should have any questions, please call our office.
IMMUNIZATIONS & SPORTS PHYSICALS
YVFWC Mobile Clinic will be providing immunizations and sports physicals at Yakima School District at 104 N. 4th Ave. August 12-15 and August 19-21.
Please call 225-3389 to set up an appointment ahead of time as time slots fill up quickly.
Immunizations $5.00 w/o insurance (medical coupon or insurance will be billed if have)
Sports Physicals Aug. 12th & 13th and Aug. 19th & 20th only $10.00 regardless of insurance.
Dear Latchkey Parents/Guardians
Union Gap School Board has decided to discontinue the Latchkey program at Union Gap School beginning in the 2019-2020 school year.
Recent legislative decisions has significantly reduced school funding. Latchkey, while we believe is an important opportunity for our families, operates at a significant financial loss each year. We can no longer find funding for the loss that does not impact instruction during the regular school day.
We have reached out to local daycare providers to determine alternatives for our families. Below are a couple of options that we have found:
Rainbow Kidz – 469-4812
Open 6:30 am – 5:45 pm
Licensed for Subsidized Daycare
School bus pick up and drop off daily
Catholic Family Charities
1-800-446-1114
Will give recommendations for daycare on parents’ customized need.
We are sorry for any inconvenience. Thank you for understanding the district’s responsibility to prioritize instruction.
Sincerely,
Lisa G. Gredvig
Superintendent
TITLE 1, PART A (ATTACHMENT)
HOMELESS INFORMATION FOR PARENTS (ATTACHEMENT)
REQUIRED IMMUNIZATIONS FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2019-2020
ATTENDANCE WORKS
The opening days of school conjure up images of backpacks stuffed with notebooks and unsharpened pencils, bulletin boards freshly decorated by teachers, and students showing off new clothes to old friends.
But even in these early days of the new school year, some students already are heading toward academic trouble: They’re missing too many days of school. Across the country, as many as 7.5 million students miss nearly a month of school every year—absences that can correlate with poor performance at every grade level. This trend starts as early as kindergarten and continues through high school, contributing to achievement gaps and ultimately to dropout rates.
This year, our school district recognizes September as Attendance Awareness Month, part of a nationwide movement intended to convey the message that every school day counts.
We can’t afford to think of absenteeism as simply an administrative matter. Good attendance is central to student achievement and our broader efforts to improve schools. All of our investments in curriculum and instruction won’t amount to much if students aren’t showing up to benefit from them.
Problems with absenteeism start surprisingly early: National research shows that one in 10 kindergarten and first-grade students are chronically absent, meaning that they miss 10 percent of the school year, or about 18 days of instruction, because of excused and unexcused absences.
Chronic absence can have consequences throughout a child’s academic career, especially for those students living in poverty, who need school the most and are sometimes getting the least. Children who are chronically absent in kindergarten and first grade are less likely to read proficiently by third grade, and students who don’t read well by that critical juncture are more likely to struggle in school. They are also more likely to be chronically absent in later years, since they never developed good attendance habits.
By middle school, chronic absence becomes one of the leading indicators that a child will drop out of high school. By ninth grade, it’s a better indicator than how well a student did on eighth grade tests.
Chronic absence isn’t just about truancy or willfully skipping school. Instead, children stay home because of chronic illness, unreliable transportation, babysitting, housing issues, bullying or simply because their parents don’t understand how quickly absences add up—and affect school performance.
After all, 18 days is only two days a month in a typical school year. This is true whether absences are excused or unexcused, whether they come consecutively or sporadically throughout the school year.
So how do we turn this around?
A key step will be letting families know about the critical role they play in getting children to school on time every day. It’s up to parents to build a habit of good attendance, enforce bedtimes and other routines and avoid vacations while school is in session. Teachers will reinforce these messages and, when they can, offer fun incentives for those students who show the best attendance or most improvement. Businesses, faith leaders and community volunteers can also convey this message.
We are also going to take a closer look at our attendance numbers to see how many students are missing 10 percent or more of school days and who they are. Just as we use test scores to measure the progress that students and school are making, we will look at chronic absence rates.
But schools can’t do this alone.
We’re going to call on the whole community to help. We know that asthma and dental problems often contribute to absences, especially among children from low-income neighborhoods. So we will work with health care providers and city agencies to come up with solutions.
If concerns about traffic safety or community violence are keeping children home, we will work with parents, police and traffic officials to develop safe routes to school. Volunteers from businesses, faith-based groups and nonprofits may be able to provide that extra shift of adults needed to mentor chronically absent students and reach out to parents.
Think about what you can do within your own family and your own neighborhood to help get more kids to school. And join us in our effort to make every day count.
2019-2020 SCHOOL CALENDAR
MEET AND GREET---AUGUST 20th (TUESDAY)
Mark your calendars!
Meet and Greet – August 20th (Tuesday)
Parents/Guardians/Students – come meet your teachers and get information needed for the first day of school on August 20th from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 pm. Middle school students will be able to get their lockers and class schedules during this time. Come celebrate the start of another fantastic school year. We look forward to seeing you.
2019-2020 CERTIFIED ASSIGNMENTS
Union Gap School District does not discriminate in any 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. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator
Patrick Vincent, Principal
3201 S 4th Street, Union Gap, WA 98903
(509) 248-3966 ext. 306
Title IX Coordinator
Aaron Schilperoort, Assistant Principal
3201 S 4th Street, Union Gap, WA 98903
(509) 248-3966 ext. 304
Section 504/ADA Coordinator
Barbara Groth, Special Education Director/School Psychologist
3201 S 4th Street, Union Gap, WA 98903
(509) 248-3966 ext. 308
Regular School Board meeting dates for 2019-2020
Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. in the school library
August 27, 2019
September 24, 2019
October 22, 2019
November 19, 2019
December 18, 2019 - WEDNESDAY - 6:00 PM
January 28, 2020
February 25, 2020
March 24, 2020
April 21, 2020
May 26, 2020
June 23, 2020
July 28, 2020
Bold print-deviation from the normal 4th Tuesday of the month meeting date.
Annual Notification To The Public
This page contains the mandatory notices that we are required to publish every year. Please take the time to read them and call your school at 248-3966 if you have any questions.
District Policies and Administrative Regulations
All Union Gap School District policies and administrative regulations are available for review in the Superintendent's office at 3201 South Fourth Street, Union Gap as well as on the district website: www.uniongapschool.org
Directory Information
Union Gap School makes available as "directory information" the student names as published in activity and athletic programs and brochures (which may include height, weight, age, class and program experience); student names and activities as published in the school yearbook and newsletters and student names as published in honor rolls and promotion program (which may include grade point information).
Parent permission is not required for release of "directory information". However, if you do not want the school to release this information without your specific consent, please notify the school office at 248-3966 by September 30.
Additionally, the district may release a student’s address, and telephone number to law enforcement or CPS.
Enrollment Information Available
Enrollment legislation states the following: "Each school district board of directors annually shall inform parents of the availability of the district's and inter-district enrollment options and parental involvement opportunities. Information on enrollment options and inter-district acceptance policies shall be provided to nonresidents on request." See board policies 3131 and 3141.
State Requires School Attendance
By state statute we are required to inform you that, in the State of Washington, the parents of any child at least 8 years of age and under 18 years of age must send such child to attend the public schools of the district in which the child resides. Exceptions to this are a) Children released by the resident district to attend another public or approved private school; b) Children receiving home-based instruction; c) Children who have been excused from attending school by the school district superintendent because they are physically or mentally unable to attend school. See Student/Parent Handbook for more information regarding attendance/truancy.
Asbestos Notification
As a part of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) the EPA Federal Register stipulates under 40 CFR, Part 773.84, that school districts ensure that workers and building occupants, or their legal guardians, be informed each year about the existence of the district's Asbestos Management Plan which outlines inspections, response actions and post-response action activities, including periodic re-inspection and regularsurveillance activities. A copy of the Asbestos Management Plan is available for your inspection in our administrative offices during regular office hours by appointment.
Pesticide and Herbicides Control
Pesticide and herbicides are periodically used on school premises: signs will be posted during the period of the application. Roundup is usually used during the first week of April and July/August when no students are attending classes. For information, contact Juanita Justo at 248-3966, ext. 400.
Tobacco, Substance Abuse and Dangerous Weapons Policies
The use of tobacco products on public school property, including buildings, grounds and vehicles is prohibited. The sale, possession or use of an alcoholic beverages, illegal substances or substances purported to be drugs on school grounds or in a reasonable proximity thereto, or at school sponsored events is strictly prohibited. Violators are subject to suspension and/or expulsion. Also, it is a violation of district policy and state law for any person to carry a firearm or dangerous weapon on school premises, school-provided transportation, or areas of other facilities being used exclusively for school activities. Violators of the weapons policy will be expelled for a minimum of one year, will be reported to law enforcement, and parent/guardian will be notified. The superintendent of the school district may modify the expulsion of a student on a case-by-case basis through a formal appeal process.
Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying
The Union Gap School District strives to provide students with optimal conditions for learning by maintaining a school environment where everyone is treated with respect and no one is physical or emotionally harmed. In order to ensure respect and prevent harm, it is a violation of district policy and procedure 3207 for a student to be harassed intimidated, or bullied by others in the school community, at a school sponsored events, or when such actions create a substantial disruption to the educational process. The school community includes all students, school employees, school board members, contracts, unpaid volunteers, families, patrons and other visitors. Student(s) will not be harassed because of their race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identify, mental or physical disability, or other distinguishing characteristics.
Nondiscrimination Statement:
Union Gap School District does not discriminate in any 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. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator
Patrick Vincent, Principal
3201 S. 4th Street
Union Gap, WA 98903
pvincent@uniongap.org
(509) 248-3966 x306
Title IX Coordinator
Aaron Schilperoort,
Assistant Principal
3201 S. 4th Street
Union Gap, WA 98903
aschilperoort@uniongap.org
(509) 248-3966 x304
Section 504/ADA Coordinator
Barbara Groth, Special Education Director/School Psychologist
3201 S. 4th Street
Union Gap, WA 98903
bgroth@uniongap.org
(509) 248-3966 x308
You can report discrimination and discriminatory harassmentto any school staff member or to the district's Civil Rights Coordinator, listed above. You also have the right to file a complaint (see below). For a copy of your district’s nondiscrimination policy and procedure, contact your school or district office or view it online here: https://www.uniongapschool.org/Page/91(Board Policy 5011/Procedure 5011P)
COMPLAINT OPTIONS: DISCRIMINATION AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT
If you believe that you or your child have experienced unlawful discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or sexual harassment at school, you have the right to file a complaint.
Before filing a complaint, you can discuss your concerns with your child’s principal or with the school district’s Section 504 Coordinator, Title IX Officer, or Civil Rights Coordinator, who is listed above. This is often the fastest way to revolve your concerns.
Complaint to the School District
Step 1.Write Our Your Complaint
In most cases, complaints must be filed within one year from the date of the incident or conduct that is the subject of the complaint. Acomplaint must be in writing. Be sure to describe the conduct or incident, explain why you believe discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or sexual harassment has taken place, and describe what actions you believe the district should take to resolve the problem. Send your written complaint—by mail, fax, email, or hand delivery—to the district superintendent or civil rights compliance coordinator.
Step 2:School District Investigates Your Complaint
Once the district receives your written complaint, the coordinator will give you a copy of the complaint procedure and make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The superintendent or designee will respond to you in writing within 30 calendar days—unless you agree on a different time period. If your complaint involves exceptional circumstances that demand a lengthier investigation, the district will notify you in writing to explain why staff need a time extension and the new date for their written response.
Step 3:School District Responds to Your Complaint
In its written response, the district will include a summary of the results of the investigation, a determination of whether or not the district failed to comply with civil rights laws, notification that you can appeal this determination, and any measures necessary to bring the district into compliance with civil rights laws. Corrective measures will be put into effect within 30 calendar days after this written response—unless you agree to a different time period.
Appeal to the School District
If you disagree with the school district’s decision, you may appeal to the school district’s board of directors. You must file a notice of appeal in writing to the secretary of the school board within 10 calendar days after you received the school district’s response to your complaint. The school board will schedule a hearing within 20 calendar days after they received your appeal, unless you agree on a different timeline. The school board will send you a written decision within 30 calendar days after the district received your notice of appeal. The school board’s decision will include information about how to file a complaint with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).
Complaint to OSPI
If you do not agree with the school district’s appeal decision,state law provides the option to file a formal complaint with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). This is a separate complaint process that can take place if one of these two conditions has occurred: (1) you have completed the district’s complaint and appeal process, or (2) the district has not followed the complaint and appeal process correctly.
You have 20 calendar days to file a complaint to OSPI from the day you received the decision on your appeal. You can send your written complaint to the Equity and Civil Rights Office at OSPI:
Email:Equity@k12.wa.usǀFax:360-664-2967
Mail or hand deliver: PO Box 47200, 600 Washington St. S.E., Olympia, WA 98504-7200
For more information, visit our website, or contact OSPI’s Equity and Civil Rights Office at 360-725-6162/TTY: 360-664-3631 or by e-mail at equity@k12.wa.us.
Other Discrimination Complaint Options
Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education
206-607-1600 ǀ TDD: 1-800-877-8339 ǀ OCR.Seattle@ed.govǀ OCR Website
Washington State Human Rights Commission
1-800-233-3247 ǀ TTY: 1-800-300-7525 ǀ Human Rights Commission Website
Title I: Parents Right to Know
As a district that receives Title I funding, we must meet some federal rules. These rules allow you to learn more about your child's teacher's training and credentials. At any time, feel free to ask the following:
- Whether the teacher met state qualifications and certification requirements for the grade level and subject he/she is teaching.
- Whether the teacher received an emergency or conditional certificate through which state qualifications were waived; and
- What undergraduate or graduate degrees the teacher holds, including graduate certificates and additional degrees, and major(s) or area(s) of concentration.
You can also ask about paraprofessionals working with your child. We can tell you whether your child receives help from a paraprofessional and whether he/she meets state qualifications and/or licensing requirements.
Our staff is committed to helping your child develop the academic knowledge and critical thinking skills he/she needs to succeed in school and in life. That commitment includes making sure that all of our teachers and paraprofessionals are highly qualified.
If you have any questions about your child's assignment to a teacher or paraprofessional, please contact Principal Vincent at 248-3966.
State law requires that our school notify parents about written complaint procedures available to resolve issues involving violation(s) of a federal statute or regulation that applies to our Title 1 program. An information insert is provided in this newsletter with information regarding our Title I program. This procedure is listed on our website under Legal Notices. at http://www.k12.wa.us/TitleI/CitizenComplaint.aspx. A hard copy of this procedure is available in English or Spanish at the school and district office as well.
Student Pictures and Videos in Schools…
Union Gap School District likes to celebrate student success and activities by including pictures of students in publications, broadcasts and on the district web page. If you do not
want your child's pictures taken, please submit that request in writing to your school principal or the District Office. This request will be applicable for the entire 2019-2020 school year.
McKinney Vento Education of Homeless Act
The McKinney Vento Education of Homeless Children and youth Assistance Act is a federal law that ensures immediate enrollment and educational stability for homeless children and youth. McKinney-Vento provides federal funding to states for the purpose of supporting district programs that serve homeless students.
The Union Gap School District shares the commitment to identify our homeless children and youth and help these students overcome the devastating impact of poverty and homelessness through educational success. Union Gap School’s Homeless Liaison is Juanita Justo (248-3966, extension 400) For more information, visit the school’s website at http://www.uniongapschool.org/
Video Cameras/Audio Recording/Surveillance
Please understand video/audio recordings may be taking place within the school facility/buses as well as on other school district property. Law enforcement agencies and/or school personnel, or their designee, may view recorded/live activities. Illegal activities or school violations, captured by the surveillance system, will be addressed by the appropriate agencies. Cameras are not installed in classrooms, restrooms or locker rooms; however, they are installed in the band room, staff lounge, library, gym and computer labs. Audio and video surveillance is also installed on school buses and school office. Please understand you may be recorded while on Union Gap School property.
Canine Inspection
Canine inspections (illegal/legal drugs, gun powder, alcohol and/or tobacco) may periodically be conducted on school property.
OSPI’s Written Citizen’s Complaint Procedures
Citizens have the right to file complaints regarding violations of federal statutes or regulations that apply to Title I, Party A programs. More information about this process can be requested by contacting Lisa Gredvig, Superintendent at 248-3966 or be found on our district website.
Parent Involvement Policy
Each year, schools receiving Title I, Part A funds are required to notify parents and the community of our written parental involvement policy. The School/District Parent Involvement Policy is mailed home in August each year. Another copy can be requested by contacting Juanita Justo at 248-3966 x400 or found at www.uniongap.orgunder District Policy 4130.
Parent and Family Engagement
Parent and Family Engagement (PFE) in Title I, Part A Programs – Title I, Part A has one of the strongest PFE component of all Title federal programs. Parent and Family Engagement in a child’s education is a greater predictor of academic success than whether or not that family is affluent or poor. That’s why Title I, Part A program insist on robust parent and family engagement activities at every school where federal funds support effective teaching and engaged learning.
What is Parent and Family Engagement?
“Family engagement refers to the systematic inclusion of families in activities and program that promote children’s development, learning and wellness, including in the planning, development, and evaluation of such activities, programs and systems.” – U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Policy Statement on Family Engagement From the Early Years to the Early Grades, 2016.
From “Parent” to “Family”
Inclusive and respective of all adults who raise and care for children, to include biological, adoptive and foster parents; grandparents; legal and informal guardian; and adult siblings. – U.S. Department of Education
Why Parent and Family Engagement?
Research tells us that students with engaged parents and families are more likely to:
- Learn to read faster (Exhibit faster rates of literacy acquisition.)
- Have higher grades and test scores.
- Are promoted and take more challenging classes.
- Adapt better to school and have better attendance.
- Have better social skills and behavior.
- Graduate.
For more information visit www.k12.wa.us/TitleI/ParentFamilyEngagement
Progress Review
Each year, schools receiving Title 1, Part A funds are required to communicate their progress to their parents. This is sent home to parents every January.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
Parents and students over the age of 18 have the right to:
- Inspect and review the student's education records;
- Request the amendment of the student's education records to ensure that they are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student's privacy of other rights;
- Consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's educational records, except to the extent that the Act and the regulations in this part authorize disclosure without consent;
- File with the U.S. Department of Education a complaint under Sec. 99.64 concerning alleged failures by the agency or institution to comply with the requirements of the act and this part; and
- Obtain a copy of the policy adopted under Sec. 99.6. In the event of a student transfer to another educational institution, educational records will be sent upon request by the receiving institution. Also, subpoena requests will be honored after you have been notified. Student records will not otherwise be released by the Union Gap School District without expressed written consent.
Child Find Program
One of the most important responsibilities you have as a parent is to make sure that your child has what he/she needs. That goes beyond love, food and clothing. Approximately 10 percent of all children have some special need that requires special attention. If you think your child (birth through age 21) has difficulty seeing or hearing, has communication or diagnosed health problems, has difficulty learning or playing, help is as close as your Child Find Coordinator at your local school district. Parents with children in private schools and/or parochial schools, or anyone knowing of a child who is highly mobile, homeless or migrant should contact their closest school district in which they reside for Child Find information. Child Find is a process of locating children who will need special services in order to experience success in school. The schools and community agencies are working together to provide these services. If you know a child that may need help, please call the Union Gap Special Education office at (509) 248-3966.