WMS Student Handbook

Updated 9/2026

WASHINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL

Home of the Bulldogs

Dear WMS Families,

Welcome to Washington Middle School. We are proud to welcome you to the WMS learning community. We are excited
about providing excellent opportunities to help your students grow to become the very best they can be. Whether you
are returning to our school community or joining us for the first time, we are glad you’re here.

The WMS staff is a dedicated group of adults working hard to provide exceptional educational opportunities for our
students. Our goal is to provide a safe, supportive environment where every student can thrive. We believe in fostering a
sense of belonging, responsibility and joy for learning at WMS.

This handbook is designed to help you and your student navigate the school year with confidence. Inside, you will find
important information about school procedures, expectations, and the many ways we support student success- both
academically and personally. It is important that each family reads the handbook, understands its contents and refers to
it when questions arise.

Communication and collaboration are key to a successful school experience. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to
teachers, staff or administrators with any questions or concerns. While this handbook was designed to cover most
circumstances encountered throughout the year, we understand that other situations may arise that are not listed.
Together, as a team, we will work positively to find solutions.

We look forward to another fantastic year at WMS filled with learning. Let’s work together to make this year one of
growth, kindness and success. If questions should arise while reading this information, please feel free to contact the
school at 360-596-3000.

Sincerely,
Washington Middle School

Washington Middle School

3100 Cain Road SE

Olympia, WA 98501

• Main Office: 360-596-3000
• Fax: 360-596-3001
• Attendance Line: 360 596-3003

• OSD Safety Tip Line
• Website - Home
• Skyward Family Access:  Access to your child's grades and school information online

Washington Middle School Hours:

• Our building is open from 8:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
• Student class hours are from 9:10 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.
• The academic hallways open at 8:55 a.m. Students are to leave campus by 3:55 p.m., unless involved in a supervised activity.

Main Office Phone Number:  360-596-3000

If you call the school outside of the above hours, you may leave a voicemail for any staff.  If you need to contact a teacher, be advised that their classroom phones go directly to voicemail.  

E-mail Addresses: Staff email addresses can be found on the WMS website.

Washington Middle School Website

School Messenger: WMS utilizes an automated system to contact families by phone.  The School Messenger contacts families on a monthly basis; these calls include reminders of future events and key information.  The School Messenger system is also activated when a student is absent from school.

Inclement Conditions: For information regarding late start or cancellation of school because of weather or emergency conditions tune in to radio stations: 1030 AM, 1240 AM, 89.3 FM, 96.1 FM, or 96.9 FM for current information. You can also get current information on local TV stations. All information regarding weather and emergency conditions are posted on the district website at Information – Emergency.

Visitor Sign In

To ensure the safety of our students, we require visitors to sign in at the office and obtain a visitor badge.

Teacher Availability and Classroom Problem Solving Process

Teachers are available before school (8:25-8:55) and after school (3:40-3:55). We believe the education of children is a shared responsibility and hope to build a strong partnership with families. Parents are strongly encouraged to take any concerns directly to the teacher. The teacher is the most logical and helpful person to approach because she/he has the most information and shares responsibility for the student. When emailing a teacher feel free to cc an administrator. A response from the teacher should occur within two workdays. Please be sure we have your current phone number and email address in our Qmlativ (formerly Skyward) Family Access system. Communication is very important for a student's success.

Homework Requests for an Illness

Absences, whether excused or unexcused, do not automatically excuse students from completing assigned work. It is the student’s responsibility to connect with their teachers as soon as possible after an absence to develop a plan for making up missed assignments, assessments, or instructional content.

We encourage open communication and proactive planning. Teachers are here to support students in staying on track, but students must take the initiative to follow up and complete work within an agreed-upon timeframe.

Skyward Qmlativ-Family Access

Skyward Qmlativ, our student information software, provides current student information through the Family Access link. The site is available at http://family.olympia.wa-k12.net. When you register your student for school, families are asked to provide an email address that is used to create your Family Access account. To receive your login and password, or if you have forgotten either, click on the "Forgot your Login or Password?" link under the login area. An email will be sent to the email address listed on the enrollment card. If you are getting an error, please contact the school directly and verify that your email address in Family Access is correct.  In the event that you have questions or problems regarding Family Access, contact your school office or email Help-SIS@osd.wednet.edu. We recommend that students and families check Family Access on a regular basis.

Meals

Breakfast and lunch are available daily to all students. Breakfast is $2.00 and lunch is $3.35. The free and reduced application can be found on the OSD website. 

Textbooks

The Olympia School District provides students with textbooks. Students are responsible for the condition of assigned books. At the end of the year, fines are assessed for damaged or missing textbooks.

Signatures Needed

Student/Family Emergency Release Form
In the event of a school emergency or natural disaster, this form will be used to release students. The Student/Family Emergency Release Form is sent home at the beginning of each school year. The form is to be returned promptly, as it is used for releasing students per parent direction. Please update this form throughout the year. Remember, in the event of a school emergency or natural disaster it is very important that families follow school district procedures so we may keep students safe.

OSD Student Rights and Responsibilities

At the beginning of each new school year, the Olympia School District updates its policies related to student rights and responsibilities. These policies are contained in a district online publication, Olympia School District Student Rights and Responsibilities. This handbook is available online to all students and is used as guidance for staff when orienting students at the beginning of the school year. It is the expectation of the district that students and their families will review this document. 

Counseling

WMS school counselors provide academic, career/college planning, and social-emotional support. School counselors are not therapists, but instead can make referrals if a student needs more support. They offer a range of supports including setting up a student or parent meeting with administrators and/or teachers, a schedule adjustment, academic interventions, individualized plans, peer mediation, or other creative solutions. We want students to have a positive experience at WMS. Families are asked to communicate with the school regarding concerns.

   Lauren Memmott – Last names A – K      Sherry Duerre – Last names L – Z

Health Services

Students who become ill or injured during the day need to report to the office immediately with a pass from their teacher. To take any type of medicine at school, a student MUST have a Medication Request Form completed and signed by the doctor or dentist and parent/guardian, and delivered to the school office. Washington state law allows school staff to give medication only in limited situations. Students who need medications during the school day (including over the counter medications such as aspirin or cough drops) must keep these medications in the nurse’s office for dispensing as needed. State law requires that all medication be in the original prescription bottle and be delivered to the school by a parent/guardian. Students carrying any medication on their person are in violation of state law and may face serious disciplinary consequences from the school. This is a safety issue and we ask that all families talk with their students regarding this policy.

Library

The WMS Library provides services and resources to our students, staff, and families. We offer assistance to help students become successful, independent users of a wide variety of resources.  We, in partnership with the 21st century school community, nurture the love of reading and foster lifelong learning. The facility is open before, during, and after school for book check out and research.

Special Services

WMS offers a full range of special services for students requiring extra assistance. lEP and 504 plans are followed as discussed with the student's case manager. If a concern should arise, please contact your student’s teacher, case manager, school counselor, or administrator.

Computers

OSD is a 1-to-1 district and offers every student a district supplied Chromebook to use for school work. Students are expected to bring their charged chromebook to school each day. Students are responsible for the condition of the device and are asked to use care when using and/or transporting it. The district reserves the right to monitor all uses of the device.

Students in grade 6 will use classroom chromebooks as needed for educational activities and lessons. Students in grades 7 and 8 will be issued chromebooks to use for educational activies and lessons. They are expected to bring them to school each day fully charged.

Absence and Tardy Notification

Regular attendance is important in middle school. Excessive absences and/or tardies affect success in the classroom. To ensure the safety and whereabouts of students, families should call the attendance line at 360-596-3003 or email wms_attendance@osd.wednet.edu by 10:00 a.m. to notify the school if their child will not be in attendance. Messages can be left on the attendance line 24 hours a day. When leaving a message, please state the student’s full name and a brief description for the absence (illness, dental appointment, etc.). All students arriving on campus after the start of the school day must check in with the office.

Student Absences

• If you forget to call, please send a written note explaining the absence with your student when they return. Students should turn in this written excuse to the office.
• Excused absences are those relating to a family emergency, medical condition (illness, dental/doctor appointment), religious or cultural purposes, and/or court. Any other absences from school will be considered unexcused unless prior arrangements have been made through the administration. Please refer to the OSD student handbook regarding valid excuses for absences from school.
• Students will be considered UNEXCUSED ABSENT if no contact was made between parent and school during the time of the absence, or if the student fails to bring in a parent note within two school days of their return.
• Families must call the attendance line EVERY DAY of the absence to excuse the absence.

Attendance Policy

Effective September 1, 1995, the Washington State Legislature implemented truancy legislation known as the Becca Bill. According to this law, any child between the ages of 8 and 18 must attend school. If the child fails to attend school without valid justification, the following will occur:

1. Upon the first unexcused absence, the school will notify families.
2. After a third unexcused absence within any month, a parent conference will be scheduled in an attempt to resolve the problem.
3. No later than the student’s fifth unexcused absence in a month, the school will enter into an agreement with the families and student that establishes school attendance requirements.
4. If the above interventions are not successful, a truancy petition to juvenile court must be filed alleging violations to truancy laws by the parent, child, or both, no later than after the fifth unexcused absence within any month or upon the tenth unexcused absence during the school year. The juvenile court will then determine actions to improve student attendance.

Excessive Absences

If a student has excessive excused absences due to illness, the school may require that a Medical Excuse Form be on file. Excessive absences are considered to be 10 or more absences during a semester, or 18 in a year. Absences beyond 10 days a semester, or 18 in a year, will be considered unexcused without a medical reason or approved extenuating circumstances.

Late to School

Please keep in mind the only excuses for lateness and absences are those relating to a family emergency, medical condition, religious or cultural purpose, and/or court. If a student is late to school by more than 10 minutes, it will be considered an absence.  If late, students need to check in at the office preferably with a note or phone call upon arrival at school.  If already in attendance at school, a note from the previous teacher is required for admittance into the next class. Students are expected to be in class and seated and with the necessary materials when class begins.

Excessive Lateness

Four lateness every two weeks  will result in action from the office. The school will work with families and students to find workable solutions to lateness issues.

Tardy to Class

A tardy is defined as up to 10 minutes late to class. Students who have four or more tardies within a two week time frame will be listed on the Dean’s Tardy report. Students repeatedly tardy will receive a discipline referral documented in Skyward. Being more than 10 minutes late for class constitutes an absence from the class. If the student is tardy because of the previous teacher, office, nurse, etc., a note is required for admittance to the next class.

Excessive Tardies

Students who have four or more tardies within a two week time frame will be listed on the Dean’s Tardy report. Students repeatedly tardy will result in action from the office. The Dean of Students will initiate a range of steps such as a conversation with the student and family, proactive team planning, tardy contract and reflection, a discipline referral for excessive tardies documented in Skyward, or/and a lunch restitution. The school will work with families and students to find workable solutions to prevent tardies

Early Dismissal

Students should bring a signed note from a parent or guardian if it is necessary to leave school during the day for an appointment. The note should state the reason and the time the student is to be excused. Students will bring the note to the office before school for an early dismissal slip. Students must sign out through the office before leaving campus. Students will only be released to the adults listed on their Emergency Form. If circumstances change, please notify the school so the emergency information can be modified.

Vacation

Students missing school due to a vacation need to inform the office with at least one week’s notice using the pre arranged absence form. Once the form is turned in, a plan can be established for work completion. It is the student’s responsibility to complete any and all work on their own time.

Activities

Evening Events

All school policies will apply to evening events, such as concerts, celebrations, etc. Students must be in school a full day to attend or participate in the event, unless excused by the administration. If conduct at school results in disciplinary action, such as in-school suspension or out-of-school suspension, the student will be unable to participate. 

Field Trips

Students need to inform teachers when they will miss class due to a field trip. Students are always responsible for making up late or missed assignments. All school rules, bus rules, and policies are in effect on the field trip.

Sporting Events

During sporting events, students are expected to show respect for all participants, spectators, and each other. 

Sports Programs 

WMS Interscholastic Code of Conduct

The following policies shall apply to all students who participate in interscholastic activities at Washington Middle School. The interscholastic program exists to allow students to participate and represent their school in educational, social, and recreational activities to further improve their abilities and to learn to cooperate and compete with others. These activities are performed before guests, and students are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a manner that will reflect the high standards of Washington Middle School, their team, and our community. The definition of a sports season will be from the first day of practice until the completion of the season.

In order for a student to participate in practice and/or games, the athlete must attend school ALL day, including full participation in PE. Students must have at least a C- in all classes to be eligible. Students will be notified regarding their eligibility to play in games or participate in practice. An athlete may become immediately ineligible for all interscholastic programs if conduct at school results in disciplinary action.

Personal Devices and Student Phones

Student phones and other personal electronic devices (i.e. smart watches, earbuds) can be used before the start of the school day and after dismissal. Smart glasses and or wearable tech with cameras are
not allowed at school.

Once the bell rings, phones and other personal electronic devices must be in student lockers.

Phones are not allowed at lunch time.

Using headphones or earbuds is also prohibited during the school day unless stated in a specially designed plan approved by an administrator or special education team.

Students are welcome to use the office phone located by the check-in window during the school. Please be sure to leave a message if the call is not answered.

Dress Code

WMS follows the OSD student dress code policy. All students are encouraged to dress in a manner that is conducive to an active school day. The school district is responsible for seeing that student attire does not interfere with the health or safety of any student, that student attire does not contribute to a hostile or intimidating atmosphere for any student, and that dress code enforcement does not reinforce or increase marginalization or oppression of any group based on race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income or body type/size.

Some classes like P.E. and Tech. Arts may have more requirements for safety.

Lunchroom

Students are asked to demonstrate courtesy and consideration for fellow students and staff. Students are expected to pick up after themselves, report spills,  and remain in designated lunchtime areas. 

Lost and Found

The office maintains a lost and found area. Items not claimed will be donated to charity.

Bikes/Skateboards/Scooters

Students who ride bicycles to school should bring a lock and secure their bikes in one of the designated bicycle parking areas at the front or back of the school. Bikes should not be left at schoolovernight.

Students who ride bicycles, e-bikes, skateboards, or other permitted wheeled devices to and from school are expected to follow safe riding practices. Helmets are strongly encouraged, and students should follow traffic and pedestrian safety rules when traveling to and from school.

For the safety of students and staff, bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, and skateboards should not be ridden on campus. Students should dismount when they arrive on school grounds and walk or carry their device to the appropriate storage area.

Electric motorcycles are not permitted at WMS. Families are responsible for ensuring that any electric bicycle, scooter, or other motorized device used by their student complies with Washington State and local age and operating requirements.

Gifts at School

Students are asked not to exchange gifts at school. Deliveries are also discouraged, but may be picked up in the office by students after school.

Telephone Use

Students may use the office phone throughout the day. If the office phone is used and the call is not answered, students should leave a complete message. Phones in the classrooms are to be used only with permission from the classroom teacher. 

Attending Assemblies

During school assemblies, students are expected to show respect for all participants, spectators, and each other. Students should follow school wide expectations during an assembly.

Classroom Behavior

Students are expected to follow classroom expectations so that all students have the opportunity to learn. When a student’s behavior is negatively impacting the learning process, a staff member will follow these steps: intervention and re-teaching expectations, home contact, restorative conversation with Dean of Students/Restorative Specialist, progressive discipline procedures including documentation.

Closed Campus

WMS is a closed campus. Students must remain on school grounds and in designated areas at all times unless excused by a staff member. Once a student arrives on school grounds in the morning, they are not to leave the campus or designated areas without permission until the end of the school day. Non-WMS students are not permitted on campus during school hours without permission granted through the office.

Before School
Students may arrive at school beginning at 8:40am, unless in a supervised before school club activity. Students must stay in approved locations (cafeteria, ramp area near gym and in front of the library). Students can go to the hallways with staff permission.

After School

Students are asked to leave campus by 3:55, unless in a supervised activity. Students staying for an activity are expected to be in that activity or leave the school grounds. 

Hallway Behavior

Hallways open at 8:55 each morning. During passing times, students should not congregate. A hall pass is required when leaving the classroom. Students must sign out and sign in. Students must go straight to their intended destination and come right back. Students may not disrupt or visit other classrooms. If students are out of class for an extended period of time, they will be considered truant leading to possible office responses such as parent contact, discipline referral, an assigned lunch restitution to make up the time they missed in their class.

Backpacks

During the school day, backpacks should be in lockers. If you have trouble with your locker please let the office know.

Academic Dishonesty
Cheating and plagiarism is the taking of language, ideas, or thoughts from another person or source and representing them as your original work. Students who use plagiarized papers or projects, or are involved in any other form of cheating, may be referred to the office.

Emergency Drills

Fire/Evacuation, earthquake, and lockdown drills take place to minimize injuries in the case of an emergency. These drills are required by law and will be held at regular intervals. All drills are to be taken seriously and students are to cooperate fully by practicing effective procedures to ensure the safety of all. Specific instructions for evacuation and response to drills will be given at the beginning of the school year. In the event of an evacuation (drill or actual), all students are to exit the building with their classes, line up quietly in their designated areas, and await further instructions. 

At the beginning of each new school year, the Olympia School provides “Olympia School District Students Rights and Responsibilities” in an online format on the OSD website. It is a district expectation that students and families review this document. The following rules have been developed to ensure an environment which is beneficial to learning. Disregard for these may result in disciplinary action. These rules also apply to all school functions, bus behavior and bus stops. Behaviors become actionable when they impact the learning environment.

Washington Middle School practices restorative discipline, which means we aim to repair the harm done and restore relationships so we can build a stronger community. We believe everyone involved in our learning community shares a commitment to a school environment which supports and nurtures the uniqueness of each individual. In our work together, we strive to develop integrity by establishing an atmosphere of collaboration, trust, and respect. We believe in each person's ability to make appropriate choices, to exercise self-discipline, to reflect on one's choices and actions, and to make restitution for inappropriate choices. Knowing that the mistakes we make in life can be our best
teachers, we strive to maintain a positive and healthy climate where we can use our mistakes to learn and grow. With the help of our Restorative Specialist, we practice progressive discipline in hopes of encouraging students to learn and grow from their mistakes while also holding them accountable.

Students should be advised that discipline can include things that take place off school grounds, and occur outside the “regular” school day. Interactions on social media that then prevent a student from feeling safe and ready to learn, can be subject to school discipline. Behaviors become actionable when they impact the learning environment. 

When a student’s behavior is negatively impacting the learning process, a staff member will follow these steps: 

1. Intervention
2. Home Contact
3. Referral 
4. Restoration 

Minor behaviors include, but are not limited to, the following items...defined for students below: 

• Academic Dishonesty
  • Washington Middle  School requires all students to demonstrate honesty and to abide by ethical standards in preparing, presenting, and submitting materials, as well as in all testing situations. Students shall not attempt to earn credit, or receive a grade for coursework, in a manner other than what has been deemed acceptable by each instructor. The following actions constitute a violation of the academic integrity policy:
• Academic Misconduct - Tampering with grades, obtaining or distributing any part of a test, sabotaging or destroying the work of others
• Cheating - Use, or attempted use, of unauthorized materials; deceit; misrepresentation of skills, copying
• Collusion - Assisting, or planning to assist another student in an act of academic dishonesty; payment; bribes
• Distribution of Class Assignments or Test Information - Written or verbal; sharing the content of an assignment or an exam 
• Plagiarism - The use of another’s words ideas, data, or product without permission and/or citation
• Unauthorized Collaboration - Working with others without the specific permission of the instructor
• Technology/Malpractice - Any misuse of private or public technology to acquire an advantage.  
• Electronics Misuse
  • The rule about electronics usage at WMS is simple: before and after school. Chromebooks are a learning tool and should be used for learning purposes related to academic tasks. See OSD’s Student Chromebook Guidelines and Expectations andOSD’s Procedure 2022P for further details.
• Inappropriate Behavior Students must engage in behaviors that are aligned to clear expectations and allow others to feel safe and learn.
• Inappropriate Language Students are encouraged to verbally express their personal opinions in such a manner and at such times as the language does not disrupt or interfere with the educational process or with the freedom of others to express themselves. The use of obscenities, lewdness, vulgarity, profanity, or targeted and personal attacks is prohibited. Racial, ethnic or religious slurs, and/or vulgar or lewd language will not be tolerated on campus, or at any WMS sponsored event.
• Misrepresentation Any act or omission that is intended to deceive a staff member to the student’s advantage. Misrepresentation could include lying to increase a grade or giving false information around personal identity. 
• Off Campus Our campus is closed. Students must show parent permission and check out in the office if leaving campus during the school day.
• Refusal to Comply Students who do not comply with a reasonable request with intention. This minor behavior is connected to Disruptive Conduct (major). 
• Tardies  A tardy is defined as being less than ten minutes late for the start of a class. Students with multiple four or more tardies  meet with the Dean of Students to discuss consequences which may include parent meetings and loss of privileges.  
• Truancy Truancy is defined as being more than ten minutes late for the start of class, or being absent from class for more than ten minutes during the period. This includes trips to the library, hallways, and restrooms. Students should be advised that if their restroom needs may be longer than ten minutes, they should use the facility in the health room.

When a student’s behavior is presenting an “immediate danger” and/or a “continuing threat to the educational process,” a staff member will follow these steps: 

1. Referral
2. Investigation
3. Outcome 
4. Restoration

Major behaviors include, but are not limited to, the following items...defined for students below. 

• Alcohol, Drugs & Paraphernalia Students found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs and/or in possession of alcohol/drugs or paraphernalia.
• Alcohol, Drugs & Paraphernalia Students found to be distributing or selling drugs, alcohol or paraphernalia.
• Assault One-sided physical/violent act with no major injury
• Assault One-sided physical/violent act with with major injury
• Bribery Offering, giving, soliciting, or receiving of any item of value as a means of influencing actions of an individual.
• Disruptive Conduct Correlates with Inappropriate Behavior/Language and Refusal to Comply. Behavior/act that is disruptive of any school activity, function or process of the school; could lead to an unsafe/unhealthy environment.
• Fight Mutual engagement. A physical/violent act that disrupts learning and has a negative impact on students, the school or the community. 
• Fight Promotion Instigation of fight through verbal, social media provocation. 
• Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying Washington Middle  School is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees, and volunteers. Harassment, intimidation and bullying will not be tolerated. HIB is defined as any intentionally written message or image (including those that are electronically transmitted), or a verbal, and/or a physical act which:
• Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property; 
• Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education; or 
• Is so severe/persistent that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational 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. See information below for further details regarding HIB. 

• Sexual Assault Unwanted, unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature that interfere unreasonably with a student’s ability to learn, study, work, or achieve. Law enforcement often involved
• Theft Unauthorized removal or possession of personal property belonging to others. 
• Tobacco/Nicotine/Vape Possession of any product containing, made or derived from tobacco or nicotine that is intended for human consumption. 
• Threat/Intimidation An intention to harm: Spoken, written or expressed through in another way (could be through gesture or social media).
  • Reactive Threat: Threat does not indicate a substantive intent to harm; does not express lasting intent to harm
  • Targeted Threat: Substantive threat defined as statements that express a continuing intent to harm; extends beyond the immediate incident or argument when threat was made. 
• Vandalism Willful or malicious damage to school grounds and buildings or furnishings and equipment. 
• Verbal Aggression Any language (verbal or non verbal) directed at someone in a threatening or harmful manner.
• Weapons WMS follows the WA state RCW regarding weapons  https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.41.280