The district ensures that each program, service or activity when reviewed in its entirety, is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Some of our schools or programs may not be accessible. If you require special accommodations, please contact the school principal or call 360-393-9200.

State assessments occur in the spring for students in grades 3–8 and 10. English language arts (ELA) and math are measured with Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA). Science is measured with the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS) in grades 5, 8 and 11. The results from the state assessments help us improve instructional practices and give families information about how their student is doing and where additional help might be needed. For students in grade 10, the Smarter Balanced tests can also be used as a graduation pathway.

To view the 2025-2026 assessment and survey schedule click here: 2025_26AssessmentSchedule.pdf 

For information on Washington State Assessments, visit the OSPI website at www.k12.wa.us/student-success/testing.

To be eligible to participate in practice and competition, a parent/guardian must create a Final Forms account (https://ferndale-wa.finalforms.com/) as well as provide information and consent to meet annual student eligibility requirements to participate. 

Students must also meet residence and academic requirements for eligibility. 

For more information contact Eric Tripp, Athletics Director at eric.tripp@ferndalesd.org, 360-383-9249.

It is important for students to attend school daily and on-time. Under state law (RCW 28A.225), students are required to attend school full-time, without unexcused absences, skips or tardiness. Students should attend all scheduled classes unless officially excused. Absences, unless waived by the principal, require either a written/signed excuse, a phone call or an email from a parent/guardian. Parents/guardians are notified by the school of any unexcused absences, typically by phone. Make sure your contact information is correct and updated in Skyward Family Access to receive these important notifications. State law requires the district to file a petition with the juvenile court for students if they accumulate seven days of unexcused absences in any month or 15 days of unexcused absences in a school year. They may be referred to a Community Engagement Board. The family will make a plan with the board to improve attendance. If attendance does not improve, the court will order the student to attend school. A student who does not comply with a court order to attend school may be found in contempt of court.

Transportation questions may be directed to your school office or to the Transportation Department 360-383-9236. Routes will be available to view late August prior to the first day of school on our website: Bus Routes - Ferndale School District, and may continue to be updated until the day before school begins.

Bus Rider Expectations

BE SAFE

1. Back to Back — Seat to Seat — Feet on Floor Facing Forward
2. Food Free Zone
3. Silence At and During a Railroad Crossing
4. Cross Only in Front of the Bus
5. Keep Skateboards, Glass, Any Oversized Objects off the Bus

Note: Washington State Administrative Code 392-145 prohibits the transport of heavy, sharp, bulky or other items in the passenger area of any school bus that may be hazardous in the event of an accident or emergency stop. For transportation to and from school, this includes curriculum-related items such as larger musical instruments. Also, helium balloons are not allowed.

BE RESPONSIBLE 

1. Be at Bus Stop 5 Minutes Early and Wait 5 Big Steps Back from Roadway
2. Go Directly to Your Seat
3. Get on and off the Bus at Your Designated Stop
4. Keep all Items Inside Your Backpack and Keep Yourself Inside Your Seat Space
5. Missing the School Bound Bus—Return to Home Departing from Home Bound Bus—Go Directly Home

Note 1: Written permission or a phone call by parent or guardian to the school principal or designee, who will issue a bus pass to be given to the bus driver, is required to ride another bus or to get off at a different stop.

Note 2: Parent/Guardian or designee must be present to receive preschool and kindergarten students returning home and departing the bus.

BE RESPECTFUL 

1. Follow Driver’s Directions at All Times
2. Use Classroom Voice
3. Use Polite Words, Treat Each Other with Kindness
4. Keep Hands and Feet to Yourself
5. Respect Each Others Space

Note: Procedures for infractions—A Bus Conduct Report will be written for a student who does not follow the rules. The report will be given to the school principal who, after determining action to be taken, will give it to the busdriver. The driver will give it to the student. Student will take it home, have a parent/guardian sign it, and return the signed pink and white copies to the driver.

Federal Public Law, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), requires that disabled children in the Ferndale School District, ages birth to 21, be identified, located and evaluated. If anyone suspects that a child (age birth to 21) has a disabling condition, and if that child resides in the Ferndale School District, please refer the child to Trina Hall,  Executive Director of Teaching & Learning - Special Education, at 360.383.9221. Upon referral, the student services staff will make the appropriate follow-up.

Federal law under FERPA allows school districts to release student directory information. Ferndale School District defines this directory information as the student’s name, photograph, parent address, grade, school, parent/guardian name, parent/guardian email, dates of attendance, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, diplomas and awards received and the most recent previous school attended.

Please be aware that ensuring student privacy is not possible at school or district-related public performances or athletic/activities events where cameras are permitted. The school or district may film games and other events after school (live streaming and/or recordings), and other students, parents, community members and news media may record/photograph/film at events and publicly share this information. By choosing to have their children participate in such activities and programs, parents/guardians agree to this condition. Also, student-produced news is not legally considered student directory information. Parents/guardians who do not want their children included in student-produced news should not have their children pose for these photos or participate in student media. In addition, the district does not have control of outside news media/ publications. Access by news media, individuals, organizations, or television/film production companies to non-public locations and events, such as inside a classroom, will be conditioned upon agreement to honor parent/guardian preferences.

We facilitate partnerships between Ferndale School District and community resources. The mission of the Family Resource Center is to ensure all students succeed by removing barriers that can affect learning and connecting families to resources. 

Families are encouraged to contact the FRC to help facilitate accessing health care, completing school forms, parenting support groups, and basic needs such as food and clothing and more.

The FRC ca be contacted at 360-383-9970 or familyresourcecenter@ferndalesd.org Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Student records are confidential to protect the rights and privacy of both students and parents. In most cases, parents have the right to refuse to permit a school to release information about their children. Federal law requires parental permission, or the student’s if 18 or older, before disclosing information, other than directory information, from student educational records.

Federal law under FERPA allows school districts to release student directory information. Ferndale School District defines this directory information as the student’s name, photograph, parent address, grade, school, parent/guardian name, parent/guardian email, dates of attendance, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, diplomas and awards received and the most recent previous school attended. If you do not want your child’s photograph or directory information released, please notify the school district by making this selection in Skyward Family Access. If you have questions, please contact your school office.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.

The Act gives parents certain rights with respect to their children’s education records. These rights transfer to the student when they reach the age of 18 or attend a school beyond the high school level. Students to whom the rights have transferred are considered eligible students. Parents or eligible students have the right to inspect and review the student’s education records maintained by the school. Schools are not required to provide copies of records, unless for reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for parents or eligible students to review the records. Schools may charge a fee for copies.

Parents or eligible students have the right to request that a school correct records that they believe to be inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student then has the right to a formal hearing. After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement with the record setting forth their view about the contested information.

Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student in order to release any information from a student’s education record. However, FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions (34 CFR § 99.31):
• School officials with legitimate educational interest;
• Other schools to which a student is transferring;
• Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes;
• Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student;
• Organizations conducting certain studies for, or on behalf of the school;
• Accrediting organizations;
• To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;
• Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and
• State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific state law.

For additional information, you may call 1-800-USALEARN (1-800-872-5327) (voice). Individuals who use TDD may use the Federal Relay Service. Or you may contact us at the following address:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-8520

Parents have the right to review any and all student records with the principal. Please schedule an appointment with the principal should you wish to do so.

Washington State law requires school districts to perform an annual health screening for vision & hearing. Vision and hearing screenings are provided to grades TK, K, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and other students upon request. Vision screening checks for both distance and near vision problems. These are screening services only and do not take the place of examinations performed by your eye specialist or family physician.

If students do not pass the screening a referral will be sent home in the mail.

Immunizations

Washington State law requires that each child attending school be adequately immunized according to a schedule determined by the Washington State Board of Health. Parents are responsible for completing a Certificate of Immunization (CIS) when they register their child for school and keeping it up to date. Registration and attendance are contingent upon either adequate immunization or exemption from immunization. 

For more information about immunization requirements, visit the Department of Health’s website at www.doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/schools/immunization#reqs or talk to your health care provider.

MyIR
MyIR allows you to manage your family’s immunization records securely online. Once registered, you can access the records any time you need them. You can also print your child’s Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) for school or child care. Parents can print your child’s CIS form at home without a trip to the doctor’s office by signing up with the Washington Immunization Information System and logging in to MyIR at this link: https://wa.myir.net/.

If your medical provider does not use the Washington Immunization Information System you can email waiisrecords@doh.wa.gov or call 1-866-397-0337 to request a copy of your child’s CIS.

Medication at School and Life-Threatening Conditions 

Washington State law requires that students with a known life-threatening allergy be prepared for a life-threatening event prior to starting school or participating in school activities or athletic programs.
Please complete the appropriate forms and bring unexpired medications (unless the student is going to self-carry their own medication) to the school prior to the first day. If you have any questions please call your school office or school nurse. 

If a student requires medication, either prescription or non-prescription, at school, parents/guardians must return a completed annual health registration form to the student's school with written authorization and directors for a licensed health care provider. Forms can be found on the website here, https://www.ferndalesd.org/deptprograms/health-nursing-services/students-with-health-conditions, or at your school office. 

A parent who intends to have their child or children receive home-based instruction in lieu of attendance or enrollment in a public school or approved private school must file an annual declaration of intent to do so. Please fill out by September 15th of each school year.  Scan and email the completed Intent to Homeschool form to Pam Wasley at pamela.wasley@ferndalesd.org. You can also mail it to 6041 Vista Drive, Ferndale, WA 98248. Call if you have any questions. 360.383.9210.

https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1661206723/ferndalesdorg/xvvixsp9eiai6asasazf/IntenttoHomeschoolform2022-2023.pdf

All parents have the right to information about their child's education in a language they understand. When your child enrolls, we will ask you about the language you would like to use when communicating with the school. This helps your school identify your language so they can provide an interpreter or translated documents, free of charge. 

The district's policy 4218 Language Access can be found on the website here. 

Parents’ Rights: Interpretation and Translation Services English | Amharic | Arabic | Cambodian | Chinese | French | Hindi | Japanese | Korean | Marshallese | Punjabi | Romanian | Russian | Samoan | Somali | Spanish | Tagalog | Telugu | Tigrinya | Ukrainian | Urdu | Vietnamese

The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless children or unaccompanied youth as lacking a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence, which includes:

• Families doubled up with friends or relatives due to loss of housing.
• Children living in motels, hotels, trailer parks and campgrounds due to lack of alternative accommodations.
• Children living in emergency or transitional shelters.
• Children living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, and bus or train stations.

The McKinney-Vento Act ensures that children have a right to:

• Attend the school they last attended before they became homeless (school of origin) OR enroll in their neighborhood school.
• Immediate enrollment in school even if they lack required documents, such as school records, immunization records, or proof of residence.
• Free transportation to school of origin, when feasible.
• Free meals at school.
• Assistance for school fees, school supplies, and connecting to social service supports.

Please contact the family liaison Kim Bunch at 360-383-9432. 

Multilingual Learners refers to students who have consistent experience with multiple languages. These students may have a current proficiency level in English that qualifies them for additional language support through the Washington State Transitional Bilingual Instructional Program (TBIP). The goal of the program is to assist students in developing their English language proficiency and grade-level content knowledge at the same time.

Program Definition
Washington State law WAC 392-160 defines “Transitional Bilingual Instruction Program” as a system of instruction which:

• Uses two languages, one of which is English, as a means of instruction to build upon and expand language skills to enable a student to achieve competency in English.
• Teaches concepts and knowledge in the primary language of a student, while the student also acquires English language skills.
• Tests students in the subject matter in English.

How are students identified for multilingual services?
All families fill out the home language survey when they enroll their children. This asks what language the student first learned. If it is not English, staff assesses the student’s English skills. Based on the results, the student may qualify for multilingual learner services. Learn more about the multilingual education program on OSPI’s website, https://www.k12.wa.us/student-success/access-opportunity-education/migrant-and-multilingual-education/multilingual-education-program.

Ferndale School District 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, 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:

Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator
Name and Title*: Chris Cochran, Director of Mental and Behavioral Health
Address: 6041 Vista Drive Ferndale, WA 98248
Telephone Number: 360-383-9985
Email: chris.cochran@ferndalesd.org

Section 504/ADA Coordinator
Name and Title*: Trina Hall, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning
Address: 6041 Vista Drive Ferndale, WA 98248
Telephone Number: 360-383-9221
Email: trina.hall@ferndalesd.org

Title IX Coordinator
Name and Title*: Chris Cochran, Director of Mental and Behavioral Health
Address: 6041 Vista Drive Ferndale, WA 98248
Telephone Number: 360-383-9985
Email: chris.cochran@ferndalesd.org  

Title IX inquiries may also be directed toward the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR)(opens in a new window).

3205 Sexual Harassment of Students Prohibited

3205 Procedure – Sexual Harassment of Students Prohibited  

3207 Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying

3207 Procedure – Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying

3208 Prevention and Response to Relationship Abuse and Sexual Violence

3210 Nondiscrimination

3210 Procedure – Nondiscrimination

3211 Gender-Inclusive Schools

3211 Procedure Gender-Inclusive Schools  

5010 Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action

5010 Procedure - Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action

5011 Sexual Harassment

5011 Procedure – Sexual Harassment of District Staff Prohibited

5012 Domestic Violence

The Washington State Office of Education Ombuds (OEO) listens, shares information and referrals, and works with families, communities, and schools to address concerns so that every student can fully participate and thrive in our state’s public schools. OEO provides support in multiple languages and has telephone interpretation available. To get help or learn more about what OEO does, please visit our website: https://www.oeo.wa.gov/en; email oeoinfo@gov.wa.gov, or call:  1-866-297-2597 (interpretation available).

The Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO) is an independent state agency that helps to reduce educational opportunity gaps by supporting families, students, educators, and other stakeholders in communities across WA in understanding the K-12 school system and resolving concerns collaboratively. OEO services are free and confidential. Anyone can contact OEO with a question or concern about K-12 public schools.

Students bringing personal property on district property and on school buses do so at their own risk. The district does not assume responsibility for lost, damaged or stolen property. Parking on district property is at the owner’s/driver’s own risk. The district does not assume responsibility for damage to or loss of privately owned vehicles or property in vehicles.

Any application and any required policies, procedures, evaluations, plans and reports are readily available to parents and other members of the public through the district’s special education office and the office of the superintendent. A notice regarding the availability of such documents will be placed on the district’s webpage and in the district’s newsletter. Please call 360.383.9207 if you have questions or requests about this information.

PPRA affords parents of elementary and secondary students certain rights regarding the conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams.  These include, but are not limited to, the right to:

· Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas (“protected information survey”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education (ED)–

1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;
2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
3. Sex behavior or attitudes;
4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;
6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or student’s parent; or
8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.

·Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of –

1. Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding;
2. Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under State law; and
3. Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others. (This does not apply to the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected from students for the exclusive purpose of developing, evaluating, or providing educational products or services for, or to, students or educational institutions.)

·Inspect, upon request and before administration or use –

1. Protected information surveys of students and surveys created by a third party;
2. Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes; and
3. Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.

These rights transfer from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under State law.

 For surveys and activities scheduled after the school year starts, parents will be provided reasonable notification of the planned activities and surveys listed below and be provided an opportunity to opt their child out of such activities and surveys.  Parents will also be provided an opportunity to review any pertinent surveys.  Following is a list of the specific activities and surveys covered under this direct notification requirement:

• Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected from students for marketing, sales, or other distribution.
• Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or in part by ED.
• Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as described above.

Parents who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with:     

                                                            Student Privacy Policy Office

                                                             U.S. Department of Education

                                                            400 Maryland Avenue, SW

                                                            Washington, D.C.  20202

Ferndale School District and school reports which include demographic information and academic achievement can be accessed by visiting https://reportcard.ospi.k12.wa.us/ReportCard/ViewSchoolOrDistrict/100087. 

In 2002, Congress amended the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act, commonly known as No Child Left Behind, to require high schools to release their lists of 11^th and 12^th grade students to military recruiters. However, families have the right to opt out. If you object to your high school student’s information being include do the list given to military recruiters, please complete the annual opt-out form in Skyward Family Access or call your school for assistance. If we do not receive your completed form, we will assume that you have no objection to the release of information.

Ferndale School District receives federal funds for Title I programs that are part of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. You have the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of your child’s classroom teacher(s). If you request this information, the district or school will provide you with the following as soon as possible: 1) if the teacher has met state licensing requirements for the grade level and subjects in which the teacher is providing instruction; 2) if state licensing requirements have been waived for the teacher on a temporary basis; 3) the type of college degree major of the teacher and the field of discipline for any graduate degree or certificate; and 4) if your child is receiving Title I services from paraprofessionals and, if so, qualifications. To request this information or for inquiries please contact the Director for Human Resources, Ms. Kara Silsbee, at 360.383.9206.

Section 504 is a part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that prohibits discrimination based upon disability. Section 504 is an anti-discrimination, civil rights statute that requires the needs of students with disabilities to be met as adequately as the needs of the non-disabled are met.

This information sheet outlines the Section 504 process and students' right to be free from discrimination based on disability. English | Arabic | Chinese | Farsi | Korean | Punjabi | Portuguese (Brazil) | Russian | Somali | Spanish | Tagalog | Ukrainian | Vietnamese

Visit 504  Info WebPage

What is sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome conduct or communication that is sexual in nature and substantially interferes with a student's educational performance or creates an intimidating or hostile environment. Sexual harassment can also occur when a student is led to believe they must submit to unwelcome sexual conduct or communication to gain something in return, such as a grade or a place on a sports team.

Examples of sexual harassment can include pressuring a person for sexual actions or favors; unwelcome touching of a sexual nature; graphic or written statements of a sexual nature; distributing sexually explicit texts, e-mails, or pictures; making sexual jokes, rumors, or suggestive remarks; and physical violence, including rape and sexual assault.

Our schools do not discriminate based on sex and prohibit sex discrimination in all of our education programs and employment, as required by Title IX and state law.

To review the district’s Sexual Harassment Policy 3205 and Procedure 3205P, visit https://www.ferndalesd.org/school-board/district-policies-and-procedures

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 member to report your concerns, ask questions, or learn more about how to resolve your concerns.

Concerns about discrimination, sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, and concerns about discrimination based on gender identity:

Civil Rights Coordinator, Title IX Coordinator, and Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator:

Name and Title*: Chris Cochran, Director of Mental and Behavioral Health
Address: 6041 Vista Drive Ferndale, WA 98248
Telephone Number: 360-383-9985
Email: chris.cochran@ferndalesd.org

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. They are:​

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the district receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit a written request to the district records custodian that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The records custodian will arrange for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where they may inspect the records.
2. The right to request amendments to the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes to be inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask the district to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the district decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the district will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

Students’ Rights: Discrimination Dispute Resolution Options – English | Arabic | Chinese | Farsi | Korean | Punjabi | Russian | Somali | Spanish | Tagalog | Ukrainian | Vietnamese

Students’ Rights: Discriminatory Harassment – English |  Punjabi | Russian  Spanish | Ukrainian

Ferndale School District is committed to a safe educational environment for all students that is free from harassment, intimidation or bullying. In order to ensure respect and prevent harm, it is a violation of policy 3207 for a student to be harassed, intimidated, or bullied by others in the school community, at school sponsored events, or when such actions create a substantial disruption to the educational process.

Emergency Preparedness
The safety of our students and staff is a top priority. By law, all of our schools are required to conduct at least one drill a month and must practice three basic functional responses: shelter-in-place, lock down, and evacuation. Schools also conduct at least one earthquake drill each year. These regular drills are meant to make systematic responses second nature for staff and students.

Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying
Ferndale School District is committed to a safe educational environment for all students that is free from harassment, intimidation or bullying. In order to ensure respect and prevent harm, it is a violation of policy 3207 for a student to be harassed, intimidated, or bullied by others in the school community, at school sponsored events, or when such actions create a substantial disruption to the educational process. Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Regulation is explained in procedure 3207P.

Anyone who believes that harassment, intimidation or bullying has occurred should report the behavior to a teacher, counselor, school nurse or school administrator. To report unresolved, severe or persistent harassment, you can:
• Contact the administrator at the targeted student’s school.
• Contact Chris Cochran, Director of Mental and Behavioral Health, 360-383-9985.
• Use the Vector Alert system to report online, by text, or by phone.
 

In case of a serious injury or illness at school, the school will first call the phone number listed as the primary contact in Skyward Family Access. If a parent or guardian cannot be reached at that number, the next person listed on the student’s emergency information will be called.

Please fill out the emergency enrollment form completely and accurately. If there is a change of address or phone number at any time during the school year, please update the information with your student’s school office promptly, or using Skyward Family Access.

We take the safety of our students seriously, as well as the privilege to collaborate with parents and families. We have school counselors at each of our K-12 schools, who are trained in suicide screening protocols.

Our goal is to be able to support students as needed, and to work cooperatively with parents and families to keep kids safe and healthy. If a concern arises that indicates a student is having suicidal thoughts, our school counselors meet with that student to ensure they are safe at school, and will then connect with that student’s parent, guardian and family to make sure the family has the information they need to provide support and supervision for their student.

If you have concerns or questions related to this, you can reach out to Chris Cochran, FSD Director of Behavior and Mental Health at chris.cochran@ferndalesd.org.

Students may be asked to complete surveys or questionnaires to improve the operation or effectiveness of our district. These surveys are anonymous and are not connected with students or their records. Parents/guardians will be notified if surveys contain sensitive questions or when a personal interview is included. In such cases, parents/guardians or student (if 18 or older) may decline participation. Ferndale School District must inform parents/guardians whenever students will be surveyed in any of the following areas so they can review the survey and have an opportunity to opt out, according to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment. Those areas are: political affiliations/beliefs of the student/student’s parent/guardian; mental or psychological problems of the student/student’s family; sexual behavior or attitudes; illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior; critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships; legally recognized privileges or analogous relationships such as those of lawyers, physicians and ministers; religious practices, affiliations or beliefs of the student/student’s family; or income (other than that required by law to determined eligibility for participation in a program for receiving financial assistance under such programs.)

Title I, Part A is a federal funding source that provides supplemental support for students and schools. These programs serve specific schools that meet the criteria set by the federal and state governments. In the Ferndale School District we have three schools that receive Federal Title I, Part A funds – Horizon Middle School, Vista Middle School and Ferndale High School.  These funds provide additional resources to support academic achievement and engage families and communities.  More information is available here on our website: Title I - Ferndale School District.

 Title IX is a federal law that pertains to discrimination or harassment based on the characteristic of sex, so that all students have equal access to services and safety.

FSD Policy 3205 lists the Definitions for this as:

“For purposes of this policy, sexual harassment means unwelcome conduct or communication of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment can occur adult to student, student to student or can be carried out by a group of students or adults and will be investigated by the District even if the alleged harasser is not a part of the school staff or student body. The district prohibits sexual harassment of students by other students, employees or third parties involved in school district activities."

The term “sexual harassment” may include:

1. acts of sexual violence;
2. unwelcome sexual or gender-directed conduct or communication that interferes with an individual’s educational performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment;
3. unwelcome sexual advances;
4. unwelcome requests for sexual favors;
5. sexual demands when submission is a stated or implied condition of obtaining an educational benefit;
6. sexual demands where submission or rejection is a factor in an academic, or other school-related decision affecting an individual.

A “hostile environment” has been created for a student when sexual harassment is sufficiently serious to interfere with or limit the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the school’s program. The more severe the conduct, the less need there is to demonstrate a repetitive series of incidents. In fact, a single or isolated incident of sexual harassment may create a hostile environment if the incident is sufficiently severe, violent, or egregious.”

Ferndale School District’s Title IX Compliance Officers are:
Chris Cochran chris.cochran@ferndalesd.org, and Kellie Larrabee kellie.larrabee@ferndalesd.org.

Ferndale School District (FSD) is committed to promoting a welcoming and inclusive environment for all visitors, a safe and orderly learning environment for students, and a safe and harmonious workplace for staff. All volunteers are required to complete the online volunteer application below. A Washington State Background Check will be conducted on every volunteer based on the information provided in the application.

Learn more on our Volunteer webpage here.