April 2006

Dear Families,

We are pleased that so many of our students choose to participate in high school activities, which help develop leadership qualities and collaboration skills that prepare students for success.

We wanted to make sure that all of our current high school students, incoming ninth graders and their families are aware of the recent changes in our policy and procedures for students. These changes apply to all district students participating in high school activities, which include all WIAA sanctioned activities, interscholastic activities, performing music/drama groups, student body officers, cheerleaders, drill/dance teams, debate teams, and others recognized by the Associated Student Body (ASB) and who represent the school. The School Board adopted revisions to Policy/Procedure 3700 in February 2006. The changes go into effect on May 30, 2006.

The Code of Conduct for students participating in high school activities now extends for any period of time the student is participating in an approved, school-sponsored activity/practice/camp/production. This applies to any such activity that is in- or out-of-season, such as summer camps or organized training/tours. This Code of Conduct includes attendance requirements for practices/events, academic standards and citizenship standards – how students are expected to behave. Students who violate the law and engage in various illegal or high-risk behaviors will face sanctions for drug, alcohol and tobacco use. Students engaged in illegal activities who self- report or self-admit will have lesser sanctions.

Once students sign the Code of Conduct, it remains in effect for any period of time that the student is participating in an approved, school-sponsored activity, practice, camp or production during the 12 months that follow.

Please take the time to review the Code of Conduct with your student. This information is available online at http://www.bham.wednet.edu/policies/3700Procedure.htm All students participating in activities where they represent their school and district, both when they are on campus and away from school, are expected to adhere to the same Code of Conduct and are subject to the same expectations and possible sanctions. We appreciate your support and encourage you to contact your school’s Activity/Athletics Coordinator with any questions.

Sincerely,

Steve Clarke, Bellingham High School Principal
Brian Smith, Bellingham High School Activity/Athletics Coordinator
Phyllis Textor, Sehome High School Principal
Colin Cushman, Sehome High School Activity/Athletics Coordinator
David Engle, Squalicum High School Principal
Mike McKee, Squalicum High School Activity/Athletics Coordinator