District Policy and Procedure No. 3131 provide information regarding resident (intra-district) transfers. Individuals who reside within the boundaries of Cheney Public Schools and wish to transfer to another school within the district must complete a "With-in District Choice Request" form located on the district website under Parent and Student Resources - Choice. If you do not have access to the website or have additional questions, please contact the "Choice" office at (509) 559-4588 or at 12414 S. Andrus Rd., Cheney.

 

District Policy and Procedure No. 3141 provide information regarding non-resident (inter-district) transfers. Upon receipt of a request to transfer in to the district, the district will verify that a release from the resident district has been obtained and that the non-resident student applicant qualifies for transfer. Questions concerning inter-district transfers should be addressed to the "Choice" office at 12414 S. Andrus Rd., Cheney. Inter-district Choice forms can be found at www.cheneysd.org, Parent and Student Resources, CHOICE.

 

Students enrolled in a high school program may participate in Running Start, a college credit program that is an outgrowth of the Choice legislation of 1990. This program allows students to simultaneously earn credits for high school graduation and towards a college degree. Students/parents should contact a high school counselor to learn more about Running Start or to apply to the program. Eastern Washington University, Spokane Falls Community College, and Spokane Community College are the local institutions that work collaboratively with Cheney Public Schools on this program.  

 

Advanced Placement courses allow high school students to earn college credit by taking classes in the high school setting and earning specific scores on Advanced Placement tests offered through The College Board. A high school counselor can assist students in registering for Advanced Placement courses.

In compliance with state law, parents providing home-based instruction to their children over the age of eight (8) must file a Declaration of Intent with their local school district by September 15, or within two weeks of the beginning of any public school quarter or semester. Parents living in our district may access this form on the Home Works! page on the district website, or from the Administrative Office, 12414 S. Andrus Rd., Cheney, (509) 559-4586.

Pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, it is the policy of Cheney Public Schools to annually notify parents, guardians or adult-age students (18 years of age or older) that they have the right of access to student records, to request corrections of or amendments to such records, and to appeal any refusal of a request to change or amend such records. Student records will not be released without the consent of the student's parent/ guardian or that of the adult-age student, except as provided by law or district policy. Specifically, directory information, as defined in District Policy No. 3231, and records requested by schools to which a student is transferring will be released by the district without written consent. An example of a non-profit entity that requests such directory information is the United States Military. 

 

Photographs may occasionally be taken of students for use in the news media or school district publications. If you do not want any information released to any and all such non-profit organizations, or if you do not wish to have your child appear in a photograph, videotape, film, slide, or on the district website, please notify your child's school in writing. This written request can be placed on file at any time during the school year.

 

Cheney Public Schools has a partnership with local law enforcement agencies to support students who may have experienced a traumatic event such as a fire, law enforcement involvement in the community, etc. The program is called “Handle With Care.” The nature of the police response is not divulged during the notification process. School staff are encouraged to handle that child with extra care and not ask about the incident. If you do not want any information released to law enforcement organizations, please notify your child’s school in writing. This written request can be placed on file at any time during the school year.

Inquiries regarding compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act may be directed to:

 

Mr. Tom Arlt, Assistant Superintendent
12414 S. Andrus Rd., Cheney, WA 99004
Phone: (509) 559-4502
Email: [email protected]

The purpose of the Washington School Report Card is to share information about all K-12 schools in our state. It is important for parents, families, and community members to have information to engage with your schools at the local level. Please visit the following website to access the Report Card, which provides statistics about our local schools, all other public schools and districts in our state, and the state as a whole. To find information about Cheney on the Report Card, visit the website and follow the instructions listed below:
https://washingtonstatereportcard.ospi.k12.wa.us/
 

-Type Cheney in the search box.
-A list of all Cheney schools as well as "Cheney School District" will appear.
-Click on the school of your choice.
-Click “Go”.
-Once you are taken to the site, you will have options to explore a variety of information as well as change the school you are viewing. 

 

If you would like to request written copies of any information included in the School Report Card, please contact the district office at (509) 559-4503.

The public has the right to request records in compliance with RCW 28A.320.160.Requests for disclosure of public records should be sent to:

Helen Page, Public Records Officer
Cheney Public Schools
12414 S. Andrus Rd.
Cheney, WA 99004
Phone: (509) 559-4502
Email: [email protected]

The district’s comprehensive nutrition program is consistent with state and federal requirements for those districts participating in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. Our district nutrition policy was made in accordance with our goal of helping to combat childhood obesity and improving the health and wellness of our students. If your child has a food allergy, it must be listed on the child’s school health form and a note sent to
the district nurse. A physician’s note or signature is required for diet modifications. Cheney Public Schools implemented a childhood obesity prevention initiative in 2011 that has created a culture of healthy eating and healthier lifestyles. Studies show that children consume up to 50 percent of their daily calories while at school. Our “Back to Scratch” school kitchens provide children with a healthy entrée, fresh fruits, and vegetables every day. Our research shows that the changes we have implemented have resulted in BMI rates dropping; however, more importantly, we know that healthy children learn better at school.

 

School breakfast and lunch are available to all students enrolled in school. Meals are served daily including early release days. The Nutrition Services Department would like to remind parents of the opportunity to apply for free and reduced price meals for your student. Even if you are not sure if you qualify, feel free to complete a Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application Form, available online through parents/guardians Skyward Family Access, or you can pick up an application at your child’s school. Return the form to either the Nutrition Services Office or your child’s school. A letter will be sent to the email address on file or mailed home if no email address is listed. Qualification letters will also be viewable in your Skyward Family Access account.

 

Prices:

Elementary Paid Breakfast $1.70

Elementary Paid Lunch $2.90

Elementary Milk or Juice $0.65

Secondary Paid Breakfast $1.80

Secondary Paid Lunch $3.40

Secondary Milk or Juice $0.65

Adult Paid Breakfast $2.65

Adult Paid Lunch $4.50

Adult Milk or Juice $0.65

 

Traditionally, various celebrations at school have been accompanied by treats provided by families. Traditionally, various celebrations at school have been accompanied by treats provided by families. With food allergies so numerous in our district, we must be careful to determine that foods are safe for all students. Specific procedures must be followed when food and beverages are brought on campus for group consumption, including the following:
- All food and/or beverages intended for group consumption during the school day will be screened by school personnel in the school office before distribution in the classroom.
- Food designated for group consumption by students during the school day shall be free of nuts and/or nut products, and shall not be manufactured in a plant that processes nuts.
- All food brought into the school for group consumption by students during the school day will be commercially prepared and clearly labeled with ingredients. Please read labels carefully before bringing to school.
- Food and/or beverages intended for group consumption during school (including classroom parties, rewards / incentives) should meet required nutrition standards. All parties must include a healthy alternative (i.e. pretzels, yogurt, applesauce, popcorn, etc.).

Please be assured the district is not against celebrations. The priority is to ensure our students remain
safe at school. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
With food allergies so numerous in our district, we must be careful to determine that foods are safe for
all students. Specific procedures must be followed when food and beverages are brought on campus for
group consumption, including the following:
- All food and/or beverages intended for group consumption during the school day will be screened
by school personnel in the school office before distribution in the classroom.
- Food designated for group consumption by students during the school day shall be free of nuts and/
or nut products, and shall not be manufactured in a plant that processes nuts.
- All food brought into the school for group consumption by students during the school day will be
commercially prepared and clearly labeled with ingredients. Please read labels carefully before
bringing to school.
- Food and/or beverages intended for group consumption during school (including classroom parties,
rewards / incentives) should meet required nutrition standards. All parties must include a healthy
alternative (i.e. pretzels, yogurt, applesauce, popcorn, etc.).

Please be assured the district is not against celebrations. The priority is to ensure our students remain safe at school. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Prior to attendance at school, each child with a life-threatening health condition will present a medication or treatment order addressing the condition. A life-threatening condition means a health condition that will put the child in danger of death during the school day if a medication or treatment order providing authority to a registered nurse and a nursing plan are not in place. Following submission of the medication or treatment order, a nursing plan will be developed. The medication or treatment order must be from the child's licensed health care provider.

 

It is vital to your child's safety during the school day that if your child has a life-threatening health condition that may require medical services to be performed at school, you must immediately notify your school's principal or school nurse. The necessary forms will be provided and a time will be arranged for you to meet with your child's school nurse.

Students with life-threatening health conditions may not attend/begin attending school until a health care plan is in place. Examples of life-threatening conditions are diabetes, severe bee sting or food allergies, heart conditions, severe asthma, severe seizures, etc.

 

More information and assistance is available from the building nurse or health assistant.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student's education records.

These rights are:
- The right to inspect and review the student's education records.
- The right to request the amendment of a portion of the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading.
- The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent (see “Student Records and Directory Information”).
-The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the district to comply with the requirements of FERPA.
- The right to a description of who is considered to be a school official and what is considered to be a legitimate educational interest so that information may be shared with that person.
- The right to information about who to contact to seek access or amendment of education records.

Students who become homeless may receive assistance to remain at their school as well as other assistance, including coordination of free and reduced meal status, assistance with arranging transportation services, community resource referrals (shelters, medical services, etc.), community connections (free meals, food banks, clothing banks, etc.), scholarship opportunities, FAFSA verification for college-bound McKinney-Vento students, school materials, and personal care items. If you become aware of students who may qualify, please contact the school counselor or Kim Lefler, Homeless Liaison, at (509) 559-4532.

All instructional materials, including supplementary materials and teacher manuals used with any survey, analysis or evaluation in a program or project supported by federal funds are available for inspection by parents and guardians.

 

No student will be required as part of any project or program supported by federal funds to submit to a survey, analysis or evaluation that reveals information concerning political affiliations; potentially embarrassing mental or psychological problems; sexual behavior and attitudes; illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior; critical appraisals of close family members; privileged or similar relationships; or income, other than information necessary to establish eligibility for a program; without the prior consent of adult or emancipated students, or written permission of parent/guardian.

Individuals with disabilities who may need a modification to participate in programs and/or meetings held in the district should contact the school or district office location no later than three (3) days prior to the program/meeting so that arrangements for modification or accommodations can be made.

District Policy and Procedure No. 2161 and 2162 address education of students with disabilities as it pertains to the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Questions pertaining to IDEA or Section 504 should be directed to the Student Support Services Department at (509) 559-4507.

Applications, policies, procedures, evaluations, plans and reports related to special education will be made available to parents and other members of the general public through the district’s Student Support Services Department at (509) 559-4507.

Parents of students receiving Title I Assistance Program services may request the qualifications of the child’s teacher and paraprofessional by calling Angela Moses, Human Resources Manager, at (509)559-4509.

Parents of students attending schools receiving Title I funding are asked to complete a School-Parent Compact. The compact explains roles and responsibilities for supporting a student in learning. Our district is required to have parent input on the District Parent Involvement Policy. If you would like to offer input on Title I services and parent involvement, please contact Carol Lewis at (509) 559-4503 or [email protected].

Cheney Public Schools conducts specific activities for the purpose of locating, evaluating, and identifying students ages birth through twenty-one (21) who are suspected of having a disability and who reside within the district’s boundaries. If your family is living in a temporary or transitional situation, you may contact the district where you are staying to attend a screening.

 
Cheney Public Schools provides many programs for the children of our schools at no cost to you. The schools offer services including speech therapy, physical and occupational therapy, special education programs, and preschool classes to children three years and older. Developmental screenings and/or comprehensive assessments for children who are suspected of having a disability which could adversely affect their educational development are available at no cost to you. These services are available for persons between the ages of birth and twenty-one (21) years of age. Children ages birth through two (2) years of age can schedule screenings with the Infant Toddler Network at (509) 324-1651. For children ages three (3) through twenty-one (21), appointments or further information can be obtained by contacting your neighborhood school or Student Support Services at (509) 559-4530.

Cheney Public Schools welcomes referrals from parents, school staff, students, teachers and community members for highly capable identification. Each year students new to the district and students currently enrolled may be referred for evaluation. The process for identification is facilitated by a specialist at each of our schools and consists of multiple aspects including formal assessments, teacher input, and guardian input.

As a community member, if you know of a student you consider to be highly capable, you are welcome to complete referral paperwork, which can be found on our website at www.cheneysd.org. The evaluation process occurs in our district at least once annually. Cheney Public Schools strives for equitable identification across all populations. If you or someone you know would benefit from receiving this information in a language other than English or if you would like to request a paper copy of the referral form, please contact our District Office at (509) 559-4503.

The compulsory attendance law of the State of Washington requires that any child, pursuant to RCW 28A.225, must attend school full time when school is in session, unless the child is enrolled in an accredited private school, an educational center, and/or is receiving home-based education. District Policy and Procedure No. 3122 define excused absences, unexcused absences and truancies, and can be obtained on the district website under “Our District” and the “School Board” tab.

Based on RCW 28A.225.030, a petition must be filed with the Juvenile Court if a student has seven (7) unexcused absences from in-person learning in a month or fifteen (15) unexcused absences from in-person learning in a year, or if a student’s unexcused absences cannot be reduced over a period of time. Student absence information and tips to help students improve their attendance are provided to parents annually.

Students will not possess, use, deliver, distribute, sell, offer to sell, or arrange to sell or be under the influence of, or show evidence of having used or abused any controlled, illegal, addictive, or harmful substance or counterfeit substance (identified in RCW 69.50.204) or any illicit drugs or alcohol as those terms are used in federal anti-drug and alcohol laws, including 20 U.S.C.3171,3221, etc., nor will they be in possession of drug paraphernalia as defined by RCW 69.50.102:
1. On school grounds during, immediately before, or immediately after school hours (including district transportation).
2. On school grounds or district transportation at any other time when the school, school grounds or district
transportation are being used for any school activity, function, or event.
3. Off the school grounds at a school function or event.
4. On or off school property when the possession, use, transmission, distribution or sale of said item(s) has a material and substantial adverse impact on any or all aspects of the educational process.

 

Potential corrective action:
-Any student, while on school property or while attending a school-sponsored activity, who sells or distributes alcohol, drugs or any substance under the guise of being alcohol, a drug or controlled substance to any other person shall be reported to a law enforcement agency and may be placed on in-school or short-term suspension.

-Any student (grade 5-12) while on school property or while attending a school-sponsored activity, who possesses, uses, consumes or exhibits the effect of having consumed or used alcohol, drugs, narcotics or other mood-altering substances not consumed or taken at the direction of a physician, may be recommended for a suspension of up to ten (10) consecutive school days after the district considers other forms of discipline.

- The student and/or parent/guardian may, in lieu of suspension, request that the student participate in and agree to an alternative program developed by the Student Support Team of each respective school. Any costs of participation in any of said programs shall be borne by the student and/or his or her parent or guardian.

-Failure to comply with and adhere to all the requirements of programs and/or services may result in a recommended suspension of up to ten (10) consecutive school days.

The Cheney Public School District's policies and procedures concerning student rights and responsibilities (behavior, attendance, discipline, etc.) are included in District Policy and Procedure No. 3200, which are available from each school principal and can also be viewed on the District website under “Our District” and the “School Board” tab.

District Policy and Procedure No. 3240 explains the general policy of the district regarding student conduct, general expectations, and examples of unacceptable conduct. Procedure No. 3240 also describes the disciplinary actions that may be imposed by Cheney Public Schools if a student should violate district policy. Disciplinary action may include restorative practice, suspension, expulsion, or emergency action. It may also include a recommendation for counseling, mediation or other options. Rights of students regarding notice of intended disciplinary action are included in this policy. A student’s rights, rights of appeal and the appeal process are also outlined in this policy. Policies are available online under the “Our District”, “School Board” tab, or in school offices.

It is a violation of district policy and a criminal offense under RCW 9.41.280 for any person to carry a firearm or dangerous weapon on school premises, school-provided transportation, or non-school facilities while being used for school activities.

Parents are invited to call their school principal in order to participate on the school improvement team. School improvement teams, sometimes called site councils, guide the work of improving learning at the school. 

The district ensures that all teachers meet federal and state certificate requirements. Parents may request the qualifications of their child's teachers by calling Angela Moses, Human Resources Manager, at (509) 559-4509. 

Harassment, intimidation and bullying means any intentionally written message or image—including those that are
electronically transmitted—verbal, or physical act, including, but not limited to, one shown to be motivated by race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, mental or physical disability, or other distinguishing characteristics when the act physically harms a student or damages their property, substantially interferes with a student’s education, creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment, or substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the school.

 

Complaints regarding harassment, intimidation or bullying are addressed through District Policy and Procedure No. 3207. Individuals who believe they have been the victim of harassment, intimidation or bullying, or know of such an incident, may contact their school administrator or counselor. Complaint forms are available at each school site, and on the district website at www.cheneysd.org.If your complaint is not resolved following investigation, the administrator or counselor will forward the complaint to Mr. Tom Arlt, the District Compliance Officer, for further investigation.

Cheney Public Schools 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, economic status, pregnancy, familial status, marital status, 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:

 

Title IX/Chapter 28A.640 Officer

Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator

Mr. Tom Arlt, Assistant Superintendent

12414 S. Andrus Rd., Cheney, WA 99004

Phone: (509) 559-4502

Email: [email protected]

 

Section 504 Coordinator

ADA Coordinator

Mr. Franklin Day, Director of Student Support Services

12414 S. Andrus Rd., Cheney, WA 99004

Phone: (509) 559-4507

Email: [email protected]

 

You can report discrimination and discriminatory harassment to any school staff member or to the Civil Rights Coordinator, listed above. You also have the right to file a complaint (see Complaint Options on the next page). For a copy of the district’s nondiscrimination policy and procedure, contact your school or the District Office or view it online at www.cheneysd.org under Board Policies and Procedures.

Students and staff are protected against sexual harassment by anyone in any school program or activity, including on the school campus, on the school bus, or off-campus during a school-sponsored activity.

 

Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome behavior or communication that is sexual in nature when:
- A student or employee is led to believe that he or she must submit to unwelcome sexual conduct or communications in order to gain something in return, such as a grade, a promotion, a place on a sports team, or any educational or employment decision, or
- The conduct substantially interferes with a student’s educational performance, or creates an intimidating or hostile educational or employment environment.

 

Examples of Sexual Harassment:
- Pressuring a person for sexual favors
- Unwelcome touching of a sexual nature
- Writing graffiti of a sexual nature
- Distributing sexually explicit texts, e-mails, or pictures
- Making sexual jokes, rumors, or suggestive remarks
- Physical violence, including rape and sexual assault

 

You can report sexual harassment to any school staff member or to the district’s Title IX Officer, who is listed above under non-discrimination. You also have the right to file a complaint (see Complaint Options on the next page). District Policies and Procedures 3205 and 5011 on sexual harassment prohibition can be found online at www.cheneysd.org under Board Policies and Procedures or by contacting your school or the District Office.

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 must discuss your concerns with your child’s principal or with the school district’s Section 504 Coordinator, Title IX Officer, or Civil Rights Coordinator. This is often the fastest way to resolve your concerns.

 

 

Step 1 - 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 the 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 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 thirty (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 a 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 the determination, and any measures necessary to bring the district into compliance with civil rights laws. Corrective measures will be put into effect within thirty (30) calendar days after this written response, unless you agree to a different time period.
Appeal to the School District Board of Directors: 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 ten (10) calendar days after you receive the school district’s response to your complaint. The School Board will schedule a hearing within twenty (20) calendar days after they receive your appeal, unless you agree on a different timeline. The School Board will send you a written decision within thirty (30) calendar days after the district receives 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 twenty (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.

OSPI’s Written Citizen Complaint Procedure
A citizen complaint is a written statement to OSPI alleging that a federal or state special education rule or law has been violated by a school district, another public agency serving special education students, an educational service district, or the state as per Chapter 392-168 WAC. Specific information on how to file a complaint and the process thereafter can be found at https://www.k12.wa.us/student-success/special-education/dispute-resolution/file-citizen-complaint or by calling OSPI’s Special Education Department at (360) 725-6075.

In compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), Cheney Public Schools contracted with Educational Service District 101 of Spokane, Washington to conduct a three-year asbestos re-inspection of all school buildings. An EPA-accredited Asbestos Inspector and Management Planner performs the required inspection and reassessment of each category of asbestos containing building materials (ACBM) and notes any significant changes from the 1989, 1992, 1995, 1998, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2015, and 2018 inspections. Re-inspections assist the school district in the process of safely managing each ACBM within our district.

 

The AHERA Re-inspection Report and Management Plan (2018) is available to the general public and can be reviewed at any time during normal school hours. A designated person is available during regular District Office hours to answer any questions regarding ACBM in our buildings. The designated person can be contacted through the District Office at (509) 559-4948.

Non-friable ACBM are present in most of the district's buildings. All known ACBM are listed in the district's management plan, and were found to be in good condition and are being continually maintained in accordance with all Washington State and Federal laws.

The Cheney Public Schools, on occasion, has a need to use chemical sprays when other pest controls are ineffective to prevent the costs and hazards associated with insects, rodents, or noxious weeds. When chemicals are used during school sessions, the treated areas are clearly marked, and notification is posted in each school office.

Though spray applications are primarily conducted when school is not in session and the area being sprayed is posted, some might want prior notification of applications at their school. If you would like to be placed on a list to receive prior notification at your school, please contact the Maintenance & Operations Department at (509) 559-4948, or via e-mail to [email protected]. The list will be kept from September through August. To remain on the list, you will need to renew your request on an annual basis.