Welcome to Irene Reither Elementary School!
Thank you for sharing your children with us! We are so excited to have them here. We hope your afternoons will soon be filled with stories of all the fun things your child learned in school that day.
If your child will be riding the bus and you have not yet been given the route information, you may visit the Transportation webpage. You may also find this information through Skyward.
Breakfast and lunch for elementary students will be free this year. There will be a $.50 charge for purchasing a single milk. Students may have school lunch or they may bring a lunch from home. Breakfast begins at 8:40 a.m. (9:40 a.m. on Fridays).
We still need all families who may qualify for free/reduced lunch to complete the application.
School Menus can be found on the Food Services webpage.
We are grateful for the abundance of food and snacks that are provided by families for our students to be shared in classrooms. However, in order to support our students’ health and well-being, we are asking our families to prioritize healthy snack options.
As stated in board policy and procedure 6700, all food in our schools must meet or exceed the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards. Our health services staff has created a list of acceptable safe foods that aligns with both the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards and our strategic plan commitment to wellness.
In addition, this helps ensure the food and snacks received are allergy safe. We have a number of students at each of our schools with life threatening food allergies. We appreciate families providing only snacks and foods that are approved on our Safe Foods List. This list can be found on the Health Services webpage. Please note that all food must be checked in at the school office before going to classrooms.
Our school hours are from 9 a.m.-3:40 p.m. (1:15 p.m. on early dismissal days). Students may be dropped off in the morning starting at 8:50 a.m. Students eating breakfast may be dropped off at 8:40 a.m.
Every Friday is late arrival. School will start one hour late. Students may be dropped off starting at 9:50 a.m. (9:40 a.m. for breakfast).
If your child will be absent, please enter the absence using the SDM app or call the school office at 360-398-2111.
You will receive our newsletters and other communications from the school through the ParentSquare. You will be able to choose how and when you receive these notifications, via text, email, etc. Learn more about ParentSquare.
Skyward is the K-12 information system used for attendance, grades, district forms, schedules, and individual plans through Student and Family Access. Each student and parent/guardian have their own unique login. Families can regularly check Skyward for student progress.
Skyward Family Access Tips
Questions? Please contact your child’s school or visit Skyward Family Toolkit and Videos.
What is GoGuardian?
GoGuardian Parent App is a mobile app to help keep parents/guardians aware of your children’s activity on school-issued devices and provide you with additional controls during out-of-school hours. GoGuardian Parent is a companion to the classroom management and internet filtering tools that your child’s school uses for devices issued to students. Through the use of this app, we hope to encourage more open and honest conversations between parents and children that will result in safer practices and responsible browsing habits.
To access the app, please follow the instructions below:
- Download the app
- iPhone: Visit App Store, search for GoGuardian Parent, and tap the download button. Android: Visit Google Play Store, search for GoGuardian Parent, and tap the download button.
- After the app is successfully downloaded and installed, open it up and enter the email address registered with the school. Note: If you forgot your registered email address, please check your information in Skyward or reach out to your school secretary.
- Login/Check Email: Check your email on your phone for a link to log in to the app. Tap the “Verify your email”, and it will take you straight to the app. Note: If you don’t have access to your email through the device you used to log in, tap on “Login with verification code”, and copy and paste the verification code from the email into the app.
Need more help? Visit our GoGuardian webpage.
Grades: 2-12
To make our morning drop off as smooth and fast as possible, please remain in your vehicle as you pull forward to our drop off zone (yellow curb in front of the school). Prepare to “kiss and go.” Have your child exit from the passenger side only. IRE staff will welcome them to school. If students are in Building A (PK, TK, K, 1, 2) they will enter through the main entrance. If students are in Building B (3, 4, 5) they will enter through Building B’s main door. Students in the portables may go straight to their classrooms. Students eating breakfast may go straight to the cafeteria before going to class.
We use School Dismissal Manager (SDM).
Download the app on your phone. Create your username and password and enter your student’s information and default pick up settings. This will be how you will communicate with the school about your student’s end of the day routine. You will receive an email regarding set up. Make sure to check your junk mail.
- If you are making permanent changes to your transportation plan such as changing bus routes because of a move, please contact our school office at 360-398-2111 with this information. Then, enter this as your default transportation in SDM.
- Logging into SDM App (English)
- Logging into SDM App (Spanish)
If you are making an exception for the day to your default transportation (riding another bus route with a friend, getting picked up early, etc.). Please enter these as exceptions into SDM prior to 2:15 p.m. (12:00 p.m. on early dismissal days) on the day of the change.
No need to contact the school office for day-to-day exceptions. With more than 750 students in our building, the cut off time is vital in making dismissal smooth for students and staff.
Parents Parking and Meeting Child at the Door
- Please arrive before 3:30 p.m., scan in, and proceed to the gravel lot.
- You can turn left to enter the gravel lot if you arrive before 3:30 p.m.
- A scan station is available here. You must scan in before picking up your child.
- Then walk along the sidewalk to the front doors to meet your child. For safety and traffic flow, all foot traffic should use the sidewalk and avoid crossing at the crosswalks during drop off and pick up times.
- Please note: if you arrive after 3:30 p.m. you will not be allowed to turn left and will need to follow the flow of traffic to the gravel lot.
Parents Picking Up in Car
- Please arrive after 3:30 p.m., scan in, and proceed as far forward in your color coded section as possible.
- Blue Section (last names beginning A-F). Use the right lane and pull up to the first crosswalk in front of building B.
- Yellow Section (last names beginning G-M). Use the left lane and you will be directed to merge into the yellow lane in front of building A up to the main entrance crosswalk.
- Green Section (last names beginning N-Z) Use the left lane, go past the main entrance crosswalk and pull up along the curbside in front of the portables.
- All groups: Please do your best to file forward behind the car in front of you and move as efficiently as possible. If extra buckle ups or rearranging is needed, please pull ahead into the gravel lot in order to preserve traffic flow.
Exiting: Once your child is safely in your car, you will slowly exit the pick-up area and the next set of cars will slowly move forward. This system works well and provides a safe and orderly pick-up routine. Please be sure your child’s booster seat is installed on the backseat passenger side of your vehicle for safe entry.
Early Pick Up:
If your student has an appointment, please pick them up prior to 3 p.m. This will eliminate any end of the day confusion and ensure your student makes it to their appointment on time.
Recess will be outside as much as possible. Please send a warm coat for cooler times of the year. If it’s one of our cold northwest days with hard rain and wind, we will stay inside the classrooms or hallways.
Alicia Roberts
Family Resource Coordinator
aroberts@meridian.wednet.edu
360-988-1949 (receives texts)
Elvira Trautman
Cultural Liaison (speaks Spanish)
etrautman@meridian.wednet.edu
360-306-2886 (receives texts)
Calvary Creekside in Everson, Washington, would like to invite your child to participate in Open Hands this school year.
Open Hands Weekend Food program is meant to help supplement meals for elementary students when school is not in
session.
This year, we would like to extend the invitation to your child. This is a free program, without cost to you.
Every weekend food bag will include 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 snacks. These are intended to be easy to prepare
and will be given to your child at the end of the day each Friday, or the last day before a weekend. The food is not
intended to be opened until your child is home.
Parents and guardians concerned with food allergies need to be aware that food bags will contain ingredients such as,
but not limited to: nuts, soy, wheat, eggs, and milk. Open Hands is unable to accommodate food allergies at this
time. Each family is responsible to determine the safety of these food items for their children.
The weekend food bag program will continue throughout the entire school year. To sign your child up to receive
weekend food assistance, please fill out the form below and return it to your school’s office. At this time, we are only
able to offer food to students enrolled at Irene Reither Elementary.
For questions, please contact Alicia Roberts 360-988-1949.
La iglesia Calvary Creekside en Everson, WA, desea invitar a su estudiante a participar en el programa Open Hands este próximo año escolar. Este programa consiste en bolsas con comestibles para los estudiantes para los fines de semana. Este es un programa gratuito, sin costo alguno.
Las bolsas con comida tendrán adentro 2 desayunos, 3 almuerzos y 2 refrigerios. Estos serán fáciles de preparar y se los entregarán a su hijo/a al final de cada viernes o el ultimo día antes de un fin de semana. La comida no debe de abrirse hasta que su hijo/a llegue a casa.
Los padres y tutores preocupados por las alergias alimentarias de sus hijos deben de saber que los alimentos en las bolsas contendrán ingredientes tales como: nueces, soya, trigo, huevos y leche. Es la responsabilidad de cada familia determinar si estos alimentos son seguros para sus hijos. Ya que en este momento no podremos hacer ajustes para aquellas alergias alimentarias.
Este programa de ayuda continuará durante todo el año escolar. Para inscribir a su estudiante, por favor llene el siguiente formulario y devuélvalo a la oficina de la escuela. Por el momento solo podremos ofrecer esta ayuda para los estudiantes de la escuela primaria Irene Reither.
Si tiene preguntas, por favor comuníquese con la Sra. Alicia Roberts al 360-988-1949 y si desea comunicarse en español llame 360-306-2886.
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?
HIB is any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act of a student that:
• Physically harms another student or damages their property;
• Has the effect of greatly interfering with another student’s education; or,
• Is so severe, persistent, or significant that it creates an intimidating or threatening education environment for other students.
HIB generally involves an observed or perceived power imbalance and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated. HIB is not allowed, by law, in our schools.
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 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 (Kurt Harvill, Assistant Superintendent 360-398-7111) 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, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, creed, disability, 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. To review the district’s Nondiscrimination Policy 3210 and Procedure 3210P, visit www.meridian.wednet.edu/policies-procedures/.
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 www.meridian.wednet.edu/policies-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 members to report your concerns, ask questions, or learn more about how to resolve your concerns.
Concerns about discrimination, sex discrimination including sexual harassment, discrimination based on gender identity:
Kurt Harvill, Assistant Superintendent
214 W. Laurel Rd, Bellingham, WA 98226
360-398-7111
kharvill@meridian.wednet.edu
Concerns about disability discrimination:
Aaron Jacoby, Director of Special Services
214 W. Laurel Rd, Bellingham, WA 98226
360-398-7111
ajacoby@meridian.wednet.edu
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 school board 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 (3210P) and Sexual Harassment Procedure (3205P).
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 (3210P) and the HIB Procedure (3207P) 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)
• Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/health-safety/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)
• Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/equity-and-civil-rights
• 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: www.oeo.wa.gov
• 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.
• Website: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html
• Email: orc@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
To review the district’s Gender-Inclusive Schools Policy 3211 and Procedure 3211P, visit www.meridian.wednet.edu/policies-procedures/. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Kurt Harvill, Assistant Superintendent, 360-398-7111, kharvill@meridian.wednet.edu.
For concerns about discrimination or discriminatory harassment based on gender identity or gender expression, please see the information above.
Contact:
Phone Number:
360-398-2111
Address:
954 E. Hemmi Road
Everson, WA 98247
Tyler Dockins
Principal
Nate Beede
Assistant Principal
Trisha Norman
Assistant Principal
Rhonda Toner
Head Secretary
Shelby Raga
Registrar
Daisy Valladares
Bilingual Secretary
and Attendance Secretary