The Board recognizes that the goals and objectives of the District can best be achieved by providing a broad offering of purposeful learning experiences, some of which are more appropriately conducted outside of the approved curriculum of the District. Such activities will ordinarily be conducted wholly or partly outside the regular school day and will be available to all students who voluntarily elect to participate. The co-curricular program encompasses approved curriculum-related activities.

[Board Policy 2150]

The Board recognizes the value of a program of interscholastic activities as an integral part of the total school experience to all students of the District and to the community. The program of interscholastic activities will include all activities relating to competitive sport contests, games or events, or exhibitions involving individual students or teams of students of this District when such events occur between separate schools within this District or with any schools outside this District.

The Board expects that all interscholastic activities and events will comply with the rules and regulations of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA). The schools of the District will not participate in any out-of-season athletics that are not sanctioned by the WIAA. The District will not be responsible or liable for non-school-sponsored programs or for programs that are organized, promoted or participated in by staff members without school approval. The District will not be responsible for, or control and incur liability for, summer and/or out-of-season activities unless specifically sponsored by the School District.

[Board Policy 2151]

The District acknowledges its responsibility to permit students and/or adults with disabilities to be accompanied by a "service animal" as required by federal laws and Washington State's law against discrimination. This policy governs the presence of service animals in the schools, on school property, including school buses and at school activities.

A "service animal" means any dog or miniature horse that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. The work or tasks performed by the service animal must be directly related to the individual's disability.

The crime deterrent effects of an animal's presence and the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship do not constitute work or tasks.

[Board Policy 3212 and Procedures 3212-P]

Freedom of Expression

The free expression of student opinion is an important part of education in a democratic society. Students' verbal and written expression of opinion on school premises is to be encouraged so long as it does not substantially disrupt the operation of the school. Students are expressly prohibited from the use of vulgar and/or offensive terms in classroom or assembly settings and at all other school-related activities on or off campus.

[Board Policy 3220 and Procedures 3220-P]

Student Publications

Student publications produced as part of the school’s curriculum or with the support of the associated student body fund are intended to serve both as vehicles for instruction and student communication. They are operated and substantively financed by the District.

Material appearing in such publications should reflect all areas of student interest, including topics about which there may be controversy and dissent. Controversial issues may be presented provided that they are treated in depth and represent a variety of viewpoints. Such materials may not be libelous, obscene or profane; cause a substantial disruption of the school; invade the privacy of others; demean any race, religion, sex, or ethnic group; or advocate the violation of the law or advertise tobacco products, liquor, illicit drugs, or drug paraphernalia.

[Board Policy 3221 and Procedures 3221-P]

Distribution of Materials

Publications or other material written by students may be distributed on school premises in accordance with procedures developed by the Superintendent. Such procedures may impose limits on the time, place, and manner of distribution including prior authorization for the distribution or circulation of substantial quantities of printed material or the posting of such material on school property.

Students responsible for the distribution of material which leads to a substantial disruption of school activity or otherwise interferes with school operations shall be subject to corrective action or punishment, including suspension or expulsion, consistent with student discipline policies.

[Board Policy 3222 and Procedures 3222-P]

Freedom of Assembly

The free expression of student opinion is an important part of education in a democratic society. Students' verbal and written expression of opinion on school premises is to be encouraged so long as it does not substantially disrupt the operation of the school. Students are expressly prohibited from the use of vulgar and/or offensive terms in classroom or assembly settings and at all other school-related activities on or off campus.

[Board Policy 3223]