Lawton Student & Family Handbook 2025-26

Attendance

If your child will be absent or has an alternate end-of-day plan, please send an email to lawton@seattleschools.org and your student’s teacher. Please remember to report student absences and late arrivals before the start of school and report any end of day plan changes by 11 a.m.

Arrival and Dismissal

Arrival. Students may arrive on the playground starting at 7:40am.  There is no staff supervision prior to 7:40am.  The first bell rings at 7:50am and when the bell rings, 3r through 5th grade students will enter the building.  Kindergarten through 2nd graders will line up in the covered area and their teachers will pick them up when the second bell rings at 7:55am.   

Only students may enter the building. Parents and caregivers will say goodbye to students on the playground. Staff will be on hand to assist from there.  

End of Day Dismissal. School dismisses at 2:25 every day except Wednesdays. Wednesdays are early release days and end at 1:10pm. Students are dismissed by their teacher on the playground to a pre-arranged pick up person, or their bus lines.  Please communicate how your student will get home with your student’s teacher.   2:30 p.m. buses depart. Students without supervision brought to office for call home.

Please Consider Walking or Biking to School 

Walking, biking, and rolling (i.e., wheelchair, scooting, and skating) to school is not only fun, but it also improves air quality around schools, reduces traffic congestion, creates community, and helps students start the day more alert and ready to learn. About a 1/3 of SPS students walk or bike to school. If you haven’t done it before, we encourage you to try it out!  Look up a route using these maps and test it out ahead of time. 

Drop Off Procedures for Drivers 

We want every student to arrive safely and on time to school. If you drive your student to school, please remember to:

• Drive slow and safe
• Watch for pedestrians
• Stay off your phone
• Avoid stopping in the circle
• Use 27th for quick unloading only

There is absolutely no parking in the circle or loading zone. Drivers may not leave their vehicles. If you need to come on campus for any reason, please leave yourself time to find parking in neighborhood.  

No people or animals in the parking lot please – this area is for staff parking only. 

Communication

Principal Newsletter – sent every month by email

PTA newsletter – sent alternating weeks from the Principal Newsletter. Please join the PTA and sign up for their newsletter by visiting their website!

Teacher Communication – Lawton teachers regularly send classroom newsletters by email and also communicate with individual parents about both compliments and concerns via email, Talking Points texts, or phone calls. Please reach out to your child’s teacher by email as the first line of communication. Parents can expect all staff to read their emails daily and to respond to emails from parents within 48 business hours unless a staff member is on vacation or on leave.

District Supported Communication – Families should visit the SPS website for links to the Source (Student Database), Seesaw, Clever, and SchoolPay. Lawton staff also use the TalkingPoints texting app; families have the option to download the TalkingPoints mobile app or log in online to communicate with teachers or school staff.

School Climate

Lawton is a warm and welcoming neighborhood school, and it is important to us that all of our students have the opportunity to grow and learn in a supportive environment. Our school mascot is the Dolphin, and we are an inclusive school community. Our school’s positive behavior expectations – called the WAVE – help reinforce the following behaviors in our classrooms, assemblies, in the lunchroom, in bathrooms and hallways, and on the playground: Welcome Everyone, Act Responsibly, Value Learning, and Encourage Each Other

Each Wednesday we start the school day with an all-school Wednesday WAVE Winner Assembly, where we honor students from each classroom who have been role models for WAVE expectations, as well as emphasizing our WAVE expectations with student performances, presentations, activities, or other demonstrations of knowledge that support a strong sense of belonging and school pride.

In line with our welcoming environment and SPS Board Policy, Lawton also uses Restorative Practices to address student discipline needs. We believe student behavior is a strong form of communication and we strive to identify underlying causes of student code of conduct violations (see the “Safety and Wellness” tab for more information on SPS student code of conduct expectations).

Playground and Recess Safety

During school we want students to use our playground safely, so we don’t allow running on the green turf, we only go down the slides feet first, we don’t play tag (but running and chasing are OK), and we don’t play games that require special equipment or referees (no football, soccer, baseball, etc.) – BUT, we do climb, run, play with balls (kickball is popular with large ball), play pretend with friends, and we do exercise and enjoy the weather.  Please make sure your child has outdoor clothing for the season, and we’d love if families would support our school play expectations when you use our playground outside school hours.   

Progress Reports and Assessments

Student academic achievement is reported three times a year, using a standards-based student progress report (which can be found online at The Source). Parent-teacher conferences are held in the fall.

The Seattle School District has developed specific and detailed academic standards for
all grades. The following standardized tests are used by the school and district to evaluate student performance:

• Grades K: MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) ELA and Math – Winter and Spring
• Grades K: DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) – Winter and Spring
• Grades 1-5: MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) ELA and Math – Fall and Spring
• Grades 1-2: DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) – Fall, Winter and Spring
• Grades 3-5: Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBAC) / ELA and Math – Spring
• Grades 5: Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS) – Spring
  Parents of students 3-5: Please make every effort to avoid appointments and travel plans during the SBA testing period. Scheduling make-up sessions is difficult as we need to rearrange many different schedules to accommodate the make-ups.

Snacks, Celebrations and Field Trips

Snacks and classroom food – There is no set schedule for morning or afternoon snacks, and provision of a snack break is at the discretion of each teacher. Many teachers invite families to contribute bulk snacks for their class where possible.

In-class parties – Teachers and room parents collaborate for classroom parties throughout the year. For student birthdays, each classroom will decide how and when they want to celebrate every student throughout the year. It could be a special game or other event, but we know that it is fun for kids to be special on “their” day. In accordance with SPS Procedure 6700SP (“Celebrations and Snacks” section on p. 5), birthday celebrations at Lawton do not include treats or snacks (from home or otherwise).

Field trips – Field trips provide a fun way to enrich and enhance classroom learning. Parents must sign a release form before a child can attend any field trip. Where field trips involve a cost, scholarships will be made available for students. Any family member or guardian wishing to chaperone field trips must be an approved volunteer with SPS prior to the trip date.

Online Payments

All students will have supplies ready and waiting for them on the first day of school. In lieu of purchasing individual supplies, we will send instructions home in the first day packets for paying the $40 supply fee through SchoolPay using your student’s district ID number.

Families can pay for Field Trips and other fees on SchoolPay; this is the preferred method of payment, but please reach out to our Main Office if you need to pay a different way or would like to request financial assistance. Note that meals at school are paid for using a different site: MySchoolBucks

Lost and Found

Please label the items (clothing, lunch box, water bottle, etc.) that you send to school with your student. We can easily return labeled items left on the playground or other locations around the school to students, but unlabeled items end up in our Lost and Found. The Lost and Found is located on metal rolling carts in the upstairs hallway by the Commons and Gym, so come and check it out any time; unclaimed items are donated a couple times a year – we’ll always warn you when this is set to occur!

Safety Drills

In compliance with district and Seattle Fire Department regulations, Lawton conducts whole school drills every month. Drills include fire, earthquake, and shelter-in-place/lockdown. Shelter-in-place is for when there is a potential threat in the neighborhood, but learning happens as usual while we keep everyone inside and continue classes. A lockdown implies a direct threat to the building, and all classroom doors are locked, lights are turned off, and students are kept away from windows.

Teachers describe these drills to students in developmentally appropriate ways, balancing the need for students to take them seriously with a desire also not to frighten them unnecessarily.

Critical Incident Response Protocol

In the event of a disaster such as an earthquake, Lawton has a Critical Incident Response Protocol in place. Students will be supervised by staff on our campus, and no child will be dismissed until it is safe to do so. We are only allowed dismiss students to a parent or an individual listed on the student’s emergency information form in our files with an ID.

Please keep your child’s emergency contact information up to date in our system, and identify at least one person other than yourself to have authorization to pick up your child if needed. This person should be living or working on the south side of the Ballard Bridge so it is more likely they will be able to get to Magnolia in an emergency.

In case of a major school or community emergency, please keep the following in mind:

• Parents need to go to a checkpoint when coming to get a child. The checkpoint could be the Main Office if students are inside the building, or will be at the gate to the playground on 27th if we have to evacuate the building.
• We have formal release procedures to assure the safety of every student. Personal ID will be required to release a student in during community emergencies.
• Do not go directly to get your child as this creates confusion. In the case of a disaster, parent cooperation will be of utmost importance.
• Do not call the school to inquire about your child. Telephone lines need to be open so that school personnel can communicate with district and emergency services.

We have a Building Safety Committee who functions continuously throughout the school year to ensure that proper safety procedures are followed in the event of a crisis or natural disaster.

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?

State law defines HIB in RCW 28A.600.477(5)(b)(i) as “any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act including, but not limited to, one shown to be motivated by any characteristic in RCW 28A.640.010 and 28A.642.010 (discrimination based on a protected class) or other distinguishing characteristics, when the intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act:

1. Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property;
2. Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education;
3. Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or
4. Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school”

HIB may involve 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 (ou may use our district’s reporting form to share concerns about HIB) 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, Natasha Roberts, oscr@seattleschools.org  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, ethnicity, color, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, homelessness, religion, creed, disability, neurodivergence, 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.

Review the district’s Nondiscrimination Policy 3210 and Procedure 3210SP

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.

Review the district’s Sexual Harassment Policy 3208 and Procedure 3208SPA & 3208SPB

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: Natasha Roberts, Director of Investigations & Compliance Phone: 206-252-0306 Email: oscr@seattleschools.org

Office of Student Civil Rights
Seattle Public Schools
MS 33-157
P.O. Box 34165 Seattle, WA 98124-1165

Concerns about sex discrimination, including sexual harassment:

Title IX Coordinator: Harvard Jones, Student Civil Rights Compliance Officer

Phone: 206-252-0367 Email: title.ix@seattleschools.org

Title IX Coordinator
Office of Student Civil Rights
Seattle Public Schools
MS 33-157
P.O. Box 34165
Seattle, WA 98124-1165

Concerns about disability discrimination:

Section 504 Coordinator: Shanon Lewis, 504/ADA Coordinator

Phone: 206-252-0306 Email: 504coordinator@seattleschools.org

504/ADA Coordinator
Seattle Public Schools
MS 31-681
P.O. Box 34165
Seattle, WA 98124-1165

Concerns about discrimination based on gender identity:

Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Lisa Love, Manager – Health Education

Phone: 206-252-0982 Email: llove@seattleschools.org

Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator
Seattle Public Schools
Mail Stop: 31-644
P.O. Box 34165
Seattle, WA 98124-1165

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 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 (3210SP) and Sexual Harassment Procedure (3207SP.A, 3208SP.B). For the 2026–27 school year, this complaint process will be updated as required by the new state law, ESHB 1296.

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 (3210SP) and the HIB Procedure (3207SP) 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
• 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
• 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.

• Website: Education Ombuds
• 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.

• US Department of Education
• Email: ocr@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

Review the district’s Gender-Inclusive Schools Policy 3211 and Procedure 3211SP . If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator:

Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Lisa Love, Manager – Health Education

Phone: 206-252-0982 Email: llove@seattleschools.org

Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator
Seattle Public Schools
Mail Stop: 31-644
P.O. Box 34165
Seattle, WA 98124-1165

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