Warden Elementary School

Send me to school if…

• I have a runny nose or just a little cough, but no other symptoms.
• I haven’t taken any fever reducing medicine for 24 hours, and I haven’t had a fever during that time.
• I haven’t thrown up or had any diarrhea for 24 hours.

Keep me at home if…

• I have a temperature higher than 100 degrees even after taking medicine.
• I’m throwing up or have diarrhea.
• My eyes are pink and crusty.

Call the doctor if...

• I have a temperature higher than 100 degrees for more than two days.
• I’ve been throwing up or have diarrhea for more than two days.
• I’ve had the sniffles for more than a week, and they aren’t getting better.
• I still have asthma symptoms after using my asthma medicine (and call 911 if I’m having trouble breathing after using an inhaler).

District Procedure

Students will be sent home if there is an episode of vomiting, diarrhea, or fever of 99.1 or higher. Students need to stay home for 24 hours after theirlast episode of vomiting, diarrhea, or fever.

• Rumi Hernandez, Principal, 509-349-2311 ext. 1100
• Alan Martinez, Transportation Director, 509-349-2366 ext. 1700
• Joseph Elizalde, Maintenance Director, 509-349-2366 ext. 1710
• Paulie Wixom, Food Service Director, 509-349-2366 ext. 1450
• Peter Betzing, Technology Director, 509-349-2366 ext. 1326
• Stacy Sanislo, Nurse, 509-349-2311 ext. 1102
• Tawnya Martinez, Special Education Director, 509-349-2366 ext. 1580
• Michele Cram, Human Resource Director, 509-349-2366 ext. 1440
• Jill Massa, Director of Teaching and Learning, 509-349-2366 ext. 1581

Find Warden Elementary Bell Schedules here.

• Office Hours: 7:30 AM-4:00 PM
• Students:
  • Mon-Thurs: 8:20 AM to 3:05 PM
  • Fri: 8:20 AM to 2:05 PM

Since there is limited supervision before 8:00 AM, students are not to arrive at school before this time, unless they are eating breakfast.

The cafeteria is open at 7:50 a.m. After the students have breakfast they will be dismissed to the playground where they will be supervised starting at 8:00.

One of the main priorities at Warden Elementary School is the safety of our students.

All students will be released at 3:05.

• Students who are picked up in a vehicle after school will be in a group waiting in the white box in front of the elementary school.
• Students who walk home with a sibling will be waiting in the blue box in front of the elementary school.
• Drivers will be asked to drive through the pick- up area loop where students will be loaded into cars by staff members.
• Please do not get out of your car or try to call your student to you. We will be loading students as you drive through the pick-up area.
• You are welcome to park in a parking stall. Get out of your car. Use the crosswalk and pick up your child.

Please do not park in back or side of school to pick up students, as there is no supervision in these areas.

As a reminder, there is NO parking in the pick-up loop in front of school.

Information regarding school bus transportation is available from the District Transportation Office at (509) 349-2366 x1720

Bus transportation is available for all students who live one or more miles from school. Students who choice into the district must contact Alan Martinez, Transportation Director, at (509) 349-2366 x1700.

Occasionally the school district must make a decision as to whether or not school should be closed or the opening of school delayed. In every case, the decision is made with the students' safety in mind.

The decision to close school or delay the opening of school is communicated to the following radio stations by 6:30 AM or earlier. You also may receive a call from our automated system in the early morning or a message sent through ParentSquare. The following are local news stations that will post closure/delay information:

• KREM 2 News
• KHQ News
• KXLY News

School supply lists are available in the office and on the website. Please be sure that your child comes to school prepared on the first day and replenish the supplies throughout the year.

The school discourages students from bringing such items as toys, cell phones, headphones, and handheld gaming devices etc. to school because they tend to be disruptive or can be lost or stolen. Our school district does not assume responsibility for these items should they become lost, damaged, or stolen. Items may be confiscated if they cause a disruption. Parents will be notified to pick up personal items.

Hot lunch and breakfast is available at no cost for all students on a daily basis. Students are only allowed to receive one free breakfast/lunch a day. If wanting any extra items other than the regular breakfast/lunch, those items will need to be purchased, money will have to be on hand at the time of purchase. No charging is allowed. Depending on the item, prices will vary. If bringing a cold lunch and would like a milk, you will need to purchase that item.

• Milk – $0.40
• Side dish – $0.75
• Main dish – $1.50

Parents and community members are always welcome to attend assemblies and events to show your support. Please check-in at the office. A visitor’s badge will be given to parents and community members if you are visiting on an individual basis. Enter through the front door only to help ensure the safety of our students. If you are planning to stay in the classroom, you do need to fill out an application to be a volunteer.

We would love extra help in the classrooms and appreciate having chaperones for our field trips. All volunteers must apply online on the school website and search “volunteer.” Then fill out the application, and the human resource director Michelle Cram at (509) 349-2311 x1440 will notify you of clearance.

Each year we close school with many articles of clothing left in our "Lost and Found" box. Most of these items do not have any identifying marks such as student name, address and phone number. Any unclaimed articles are donated to the Warden food pantry or Moses Lake Goodwill, at the close of school. We strongly suggest that all coats, gloves, caps, boots, etc. be marked so that they can be more easily identified if they are found on the playground.

All students are expected to act in a responsible and courteous manner. The following 4 rules are simple, but seem to apply to almost every situation:

• Be on time
• Be prepared to learn
• Respect your rights and the of others to learn
• Work hard at learning 

Firearms/weapons or items that may resemble or items that act as a weapon are not allowed in school, at school sponsored activities, on grounds, facilities, provided transportation.

If a student brings a firearm to school it will result in an immediate expulsion for no less than one calendar year, including notification of parents and law enforcement. The expulsion may be modified by the school district on a case by case basis.

Beyond these general rules, there are procedures which are very important and helpful to know.

1. Students are to obey the directions of all school staff.
2. Bikes may be ridden to and from school, but not on the school grounds. Bikes should be locked when left at the bike rack.
3. Gum chewing is not allowed at school.
4. School insurance does not cover the personal property of students. No personal property should be brought to school without permission of your teacher.
5. During school hours, students are to be checked in and out through the office.
6. During school hours, students who are not in class must have a pass from their teacher.
7. Bus riders need to line up immediately. Walkers are to leave campus immediately after school.
8. Inappropriate language will not be tolerated at school.
9. Fighting is strictly prohibited.
10. Students are expected to abide by school rules and procedures on the way to and from school.

1. Step 1. Write Our Your Complaint – Write out 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 a complaint. A complaint 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: Tawnya Martinez, (509) 349-2366
2. 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.
3. 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 are 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 abou how to file a complaint with the Office of Superintedent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

Complain 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.us
• Fax: 360-664-2967
• Mail or hand deliver: PO Box 47200, 600 Washington St. S.E., Olympia, WA 98504-7200

For more information, visit OSPI’s 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
• TDD: 1-800-877-8339
• OCR.Seattle@ed.gov

Washington State Human Rights Commission

• 1-800-233-3247
• TTY: 1-800-300-7525

Non-Discrimination Statement

The Warden School District complies with all federal and state rules and regulations and does not discriminate on the bases of age, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sex, orientation, gender expression, gender identity, disability. Equal access is provided to the Boy Scouts and other activities. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the school district’s Human Resource Director, Michele Cram at 101 W. Beck Way, Warden.WA 98857 (509) 349-2311 x1440

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?

• HIB is any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act of a student that:
• Physically harms another student or damages their property;
• Has the effect of greatly interfering with another student’s education; or,
• Is so severe, persistent, or significant that it creates an intimidating or threatening education environment for other students.

HIB generally involves 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 (HIB Reporting form) 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 (Michele Cram, mcram@warden.wednet.edu, 509.349.2366 ext. 1440) 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, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, creed, disability, 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.

To review the district’s Nondiscrimination Policy 3210 and Procedure 3210P, visit the board policies page here.

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.

To review the district’s Sexual Harassment Policy 3205 and Procedure 3205P, visit the board policies page here.

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: Tawnya Martinez-Halliday, Director of Special Education, tmartinez@warden.wednet.edu, 509-349-2311 ext. 1580
• Concerns about sex discrimination, including sexual harassment:
  • Title IX Coordinator: Michele Cram, Director of Support Services, mcram@warden.wednet.edu, 509-349-2366 ext. 1440
• Concerns about disability discrimination:
  • Section 504 Coordinator: Tawnya Martinez-Halliday, Director of Special Education, tmartinez@warden.wednet.edu, 509-349-2311 ext. 1580
• Concerns about discrimination based on gender identity:
  • Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Michele Cram, Director of Support Services, mcram@warden.wednet.edu, 509-349-2366 ext. 1440

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, the school board, 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 (3210P) and Sexual Harassment Procedure (3205P) which can be found on the board policies page here.

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 (3210P) and the HIB Procedure (3207P) 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 School Safety Center Website
• Email: schoolsafety@k12.wa.us
• Phone: 360-725-6068

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

• OSPI Equity and Civil Rights Office Website
• Email: equity@k12.wa.us
• Phone: 360-725-6162

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.

• OEO Website
• Email: oeoinfo@gov.wa.gov
• Phone: 1-866-297-2597

U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

The U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces federal nondiscrimination laws in public schools, including those that prohibit discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, disability, and age. OCR also has a discrimination complaint process.

• OCR Website
• Email: orc@ed.gov
• Phone: 800-421-3481

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

To review the district’s Gender-Inclusive Schools Policy 3211 and Procedure 3211P, visit the board policies page here. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Michele Cram, Director of Support Services, mcram@warden.wednet.edu, 509-349-2366 ext. 1440

For concerns about discrimination or discriminatory harassment based on gender identity or gender expression, please see the information above.