Student & Family Handbook

Lakewood Elementary Appendix

 

 

17000 16th Dr. NE
Marysville, WA 98271

Mailing Address:
Lakewood Elementary
PO Box 40
North Lakewood, WA 98259

Main Office: (360) 652-4520
Fax Number: (360) 654-2039
Attendance Line: 360.652.4520, ext. 3

les.lwsd.wednet.edu

Email for attendance: Breann Fernandes, bfernandes@lwsd.wednet.edu

“Home of the Cougars”

Mission Statement

"As a learning community, we ensure high levels of learning for all by meeting students where they are at and guiding them step by step to academic, emotional and social success."

Principal’s Message

Dear Families,

Welcome to Lakewood Elementary, we value the opportunity to work with you and your child. Please know that all staff are ready to support the success of your child. Please reach out with any questions or concerns.

We look forward to partnering with you in your child's education!

Sincerely,

Kristin Cortés, Principal
360-652-4520
kcortes@lwsd.wednet.edu

Administrators/Counselor

• Principal | Kristin Cortés | kcortes@lwsd.wednet.edu
• Dean of Students | Kari Hollands | khollands@lwsd.wednet.edu
• Counselor | Nicole Andrade | nandrade@lwsd.wednet.edu

Schoolwide Behavior Expectations

At Lakewood Elementary, each child is asked to follow the PAWS expectations. PAWS:

• Practice Kindness
• Always be Safe
• We are Engaged 
• Show Respect

We are committed to recognizing and celebrating students who make positive choices in their behavior. Our approach to behavior management is proactive, providing a range of supports designed to meet the unique needs of every student. These supports may include individual behavior plans, a comprehensive school-wide social-emotional learning curriculum, positive reinforcement, and guidance from our counselor and related staff. When necessary, we work closely with parents to ensure that the appropriate supports are in place for each student.

If a student has multiple minor infractions or exhibits behavior that is significantly disruptive or unsafe, they may be referred to the building administrator to develop a plan or solution. When appropriate, this plan will be communicated to parents. We value and welcome family support in this process.

Schedules

Daily Schedule

• 8:20 a.m. Student Drop-Off
• 8:35 a.m. School Begins
• 3:15 p.m. School Ends

Early Release Fridays

• 1:45 p.m. Dismissal

Two-Hour Late Start

School Begins at 10:35 am
Grade	Lunch	Lunch Recess	PM Recess
K/1	11:00 – 11:20	11:20 – 11:35	12:30–12:45 (1st )
2/3	11:25 – 11:45	11:45 – 12:00	12:50–1:05 (3rd )
4/5	11:50 – 12:10	12:10 – 12:25	1:10–1:25 (3/4 Split & 4th)

 

Attendance

Regular school attendance is critical to your child’s learning progress. Everyday matters!

If you need to excuse your child’s absence (state the reason), please do one of the following:

• Email: lesoffice@lwsd.wednet.edu
• Call: 360-652-4520 ext. 4
• Send a note with your child or drop a note to the office.
• Go to Skyward Family Access and excuse your child’s absence.

Missed work can be arranged with your child’s teacher.

Our school goal is to have all children at school on time every day. Every day counts at Lakewood Elementary School! The School Day begins at 8:35 am. Your child will be marked tardy if they arrive at school after that time. If a student is not in school on time, their learning is disrupted. If a student is tardy, the parent must accompany them into the office to sign them in.

Not only is attendance essential for students’ success in school, but attendance is required by law (RCW.28A.225.010 and RCW 28A.225.015). Our curriculum is hands-on and often involves group work, in-class demonstrations, and hands-on activities. It is difficult to replicate these engaging lessons at home. We at LES are hopeful we can work together to ensure our students attend school regularly.

Here are some references that emphasize the importance of regular attendance:

• Attendance Works    
• Economic Policy Institute 
• Helping Students with School Refusal

Attendance is monitored daily at our school. If your child accumulates a certain number of absences, a notification letter will be automatically generated. This letter will be emailed to you and will also be recorded in your child's discipline records on Skyward. Notification letters are sent out at 3, 5, 7, and 10 absences. Additionally, a letter will be sent for excessive absences.

Unexcused Absences

• For each unexcused absence, you will receive an automated call notifying you of the absence.

Excessive Excused Absences

• If your child has 5 or more excused absences in a month, we will schedule a conference with you to discuss how we can work together to improve your child’s attendance.

Multiple Unexcused Absences

• If your child has 3 unexcused absences in a month, we will arrange a conference with you to address the issue.

Between 2 – 7 days of Unexcused Absences in a Month

We will collaborate with you to develop a mutual agreement aimed at helping your child attend school regularly.

• We will convene an IEP or 504 meeting.

After 7 Unexcused Absences

• We will convene a Community Engagement Board (CEB) meeting to provide additional support to your family and student, ensuring that your child can consistently access their learning.

Legal Intervention

If your child accumulates more than 7 unexcused absences in a month or 15 in a year, and previous steps have not been successful, we may file a petition with the courts to further support your child’s education.

Our primary goal is to work in partnership with you to ensure that your child attends school every day, giving them the best opportunity for success in their learning.

Late Arrival/Early Dismissal

Students arriving after the school day has started must be checked in at the office by an adult. If a  student needs to be picked up early, the adult picking them up must present a valid ID and be  listed in Skyward or have written permission from a legal guardian. Students who are ill will be  checked out through the school nurse.

Students are required to remain on campus throughout the school day. For safety reasons, students must stay on campus from the time of arrival until the end of the school day unless excused through the office.

For the safety of everyone, all students should leave campus after dismissal (unless they are participating in a school-sponsored event supervised by a staff member).

Student Drop-Off/Pick-Up

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us keep arrival and dismissal safe, orderly, and efficient.

Pick-up or Change of End-of-Day Plans

If you need to pick up your child during the school day or change their end-of-day transportation plans, please notify the school by 2:30 p.m. at 360-652-4520, ext. 3. This includes changes from bus transportation to parent pick-up.  If someone other than the residential parent or guardian will be picking up your child, written authorization from the parent or guardian must be provided in advance.

Parking

Please park only in designated parking spaces. The street is a no-parking zone for safety reasons. If you park please use the designated crosswalk for entering the building. If you are using the handicapped parking this is limited parking and we ask that you limit the amount of time you spend in the parking spot.

Morning Drop-Off

• Students may not be dropped off before 8:20 a.m.
• For your child’s safety, please have them exit your vehicle on the driver’s side to avoid oncoming traffic.
• Parents/guardians should remain in their vehicles during drop-off.
• Enter at the LES entrance and proceed to the left of the orange sticks.
• Ensure your child is ready to exit promptly to keep the line moving.
• Street parking is not permitted, and students should not walk up the grass or sidewalk.
• If arriving after 8:35am, please park and sign in your student. For everyone’s safety, always use the designated crosswalk when crossing.

Afternoon Pick-Up

• Enter through the parking lot on the left side of the orange sticks and follow it around until you reach the sidewalk.
• Park along the sidewalk, pulling as far forward as possible.
• Parents/guardians should exit their vehicle and form a line along the sidewalk.
• Staff will release students only after confirming with the parent/guardian with VALID ID.
• Children should enter vehicles on the driver’s side/sidewalk side for safety.
• Use the passing lane on the right to exit so other cars can move forward.
• If you choose to park, please use the designated crosswalk for crossing.
• After 3:30 p.m., students will wait inside the building. Please park and come in the building to pick up your student.

Visitors/Volunteers

We look forward to welcoming volunteers into our school. If you are interested in volunteering in your student's classroom or as a district volunteer, please complete a volunteer application. We require at least two weeks to process the application before your first volunteer opportunity. Completed applications are good for two years.

• Apply online on our district website.

Volunteering at Lakewood Elementary

Volunteers play an important role at Lakewood Elementary, assisting in various capacities such as classroom helpers, field trip chaperones, library aides, and more. We strongly encourage all parents to get involved and contribute to the enriching experience of early childhood education. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact your child’s teacher or the school office. Please note that non-school-age siblings are not permitted to accompany you while volunteering; however, they are welcome at school for family events.

Scheduling Visits

To ensure minimal disruption to classroom activities, please arrange any visits with the teacher or building administrator at least 24 hours in advance. While we value and appreciate volunteers, classroom participation is at the discretion of the teacher to best support the learning environment. Teachers may determine that volunteer assistance is not needed at certain times or in certain activities.

If a classroom volunteer opportunity is not available, there are many other ways to get involved—such as helping in the library, assisting at recess or lunch, supporting school events, or working on special projects from home. We welcome and appreciate your support in creating a positive and enriching school experience for all students.

Visitor Check-In

The safety and security of our students is our top priority. All visitors, including parents and guardians, must check in at the school office upon arrival. Please bring a valid photo ID to register and receive a visitor badge. This badge must be worn at all times while in the building.

Visitors should proceed only to their pre-approved destination and at the time agreed upon with school staff. For unscheduled visits, please understand that access to classrooms may not be possible, as instructional time is reserved for student learning.

Skyward Access

You can access information about your student on Skyward Family Access. This is where you can see your student’s attendance.

Dress Code

Students' dress and hygiene should contribute positively to the instructional atmosphere at Lakewood Elementary School (LES). Attire should be appropriate for the learning environment and in accordance with Lakewood School District Policy 3224, ensuring the following:

• Fosters a positive, safe, and healthy environment within the school.
• Ensures compliance with health and safety standards and adheres to municipal and state
• laws.
• Avoids any potential disruptions to the instructional program.

Clothing with profanity, suggestive comments and/or designs, weapons, or clothing advertising alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or gang affiliation is not acceptable. Students should wear clothing suitable for wet and/or cold days. Shirts should cover the belly, and all undergarments are to remain hidden. Tennis shoes or sneakers need to be worn on PE days. We also discourage sandals because it is difficult to play at recess in them. Flip-flops should not be worn at school. If a student is dressed inappropriately, parents will be contacted and asked to bring more appropriate clothing. If available, alternative clothing will be provided for the student to wear for the duration of the day. Please return those items to school after washing. For more information regarding appropriate dress at school, please see School Board Policy 3224.

PTA

The Lakewood Elementary PTA is chartered by and affiliated with the Washington State PTA. The PTA's purpose is to serve the needs and the desires of members in promoting the health, welfare, safety, and education of children. Through fundraising projects, the PTA provides financial assistance for assemblies, school materials, playground equipment, and student activities. We encourage you to join and support our PTA.

Please consider joining our PTA. To join the PTA complete the Online Membership Form.

Our PTA can be reached at lespta306@gmail.com or call the school line at 360.652.4520.

SWAG: You can order tee shirts/sweatshirts and other SWAG through our PTA.

Personal Items

To maintain a focused and productive learning environment at Lakewood Elementary School (LES), we ask that personal items, such as toys and electronic devices, remain at home. These items can be distracting and are at risk of being lost, broken, or stolen. We do not allow any type of sports balls, fidgets (that are not teacher approved), makeup, or toys in general to be brought to school.

Items that should remain home:

• Toys
• Any type of ball such as a football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, baseball or etc.
• Sunglass
• Headphones
• Cameras (we do not allow students to take pictures at school)
• Recording devices

Cell Phone Policy

At Lakewood Elementary, all personal telecommunication devices—including but not limited to, cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, headphones, tablets, and personal laptops—must be silenced and stored in backpacks upon arrival at school per district policy 3245.

• Backpacks will be stored away from the student’s desk in a location determined by the teacher and will remain there during the school day.
• Devices may not be used during school hours, including recess and lunch.
• Students are expected to use technology responsibly and respectfully to support a positive learning environment.

If a Device Is Out During the School Day

• The student will be reminded to return the device to their backpack.
• If the student is not able to follow this expectation, the device will be held in the office until the end of the day.
• A phone call or email home will be made to inform parents or guardians.

If a parent or guardian needs to reach a student during the school day, they may call the school office and leave a message. The message will be delivered to the student, who can return the call during a non-instructional time. In the event of a true emergency, the student will be brought to the office to speak directly with their parent or guardian.

Lost & Found

The Lost and Found cart is located in the main foyer near the playground doors. Please regularly check the Lost and Found for any missing items such as clothing, school supplies, and other personal belongings. Clearly labeling your child’s items—like clothing and lunch boxes—with their name makes it much easier to identify and return them. Unclaimed items are donated to Kids’ Kloset monthly throughout the school year.

Celebrations/Birthdays

To maintain sensitivity to the feelings and needs of all students and to respect the learning environment, please refrain from giving gifts or distributing invitations for parties or similar events at school. The only exception to this policy is when invitations are distributed to all students in the class. For special occasions, Lakewood Elementary School does not permit the delivery of gifts, balloons, or flowers to students during the school day. This policy is in place to maintain an uninterrupted learning environment, address allergy concerns, and manage space limitations. All such deliveries will be declined.

Other Food Items

We do not allow gum at school as it has become a distraction and an issue with littering. Students can bring snacks to school if their teacher has a designated snack time. Please check with your student’s teacher. Water is allowed in the classroom and all other drinks (such as juice, soda, etc.) can be consumed during your student’s lunchtime.

Interpreter

Parent involvement is vital to every child’s education. Your input is welcome, and your participation is encouraged. If you need an interpreter, please contact our district office at 360-652-4500.

Interprete

La participación de los padres es vital para la educación de todos los niños. Su aporte es bienvenido y su participación es alentada. Si necesita un intérprete, comuníquese con nuestra oficina del distrito al 360-652-4500.

Устный переводчик

Участие родителей жизненно важно для образования каждого ребенка. Ваш вклад приветствуется, и ваше участие приветствуется. Если Вам нужен переводчик, обратитесь в наш районный офис по телефону 360-652-4500.

Перекладач

Залучення батьків є життєво важливим для навчання кожної дитини. Ваш внесок вітається, і ваша участь заохочується. Якщо Вам потрібен перекладач, зверніться до нашого районного офісу за номером 360-652-4500.

مترجم

مشاركة الوالدين أمر حيوي لتعليم كل طفل. نرحب بمدخالتكم ، ويتم تشجيع مشاركتكم. إذا كنت بحاجة إلى مترجم ، فيرجى االتصال بمكتب

المنطقة على الرقم 4500-652-360

Chromebook/Network Use Policy

The Chromebook Use Agreement can be found HERE. The board policy #2023 and #2022P outline the full expectations.

Expectations

• Must be held with two hands when transporting.
• Chromebooks to be treated with respect...no defacing, drawing, or putting stickers on them.
• Charging in the Computer on Wheels (COWS) when not in use.
• Students should keep their passwords private.
• At no time should the internet or Chromebook be used for illegal use, bullying, intimidation, or harassment.
• Keep food and drinks away from the Chromebook.
• Understand that all electronic communication, activities, and files accessed in the district-provided technology or networks are not private and may be viewed, monitored, and/or archived by the district at any time.

Doordash/Uber Eats – Outside Food 

We do not allow Door Dash, Uber Eats, or any professional food deliveries to come to the school. This is for safety reasons. Students who bring outside food or beverages to school will need to finish them before entering the classroom or put away for lunchtime. For instance, if a student has a Starbucks drink, they will be asked to finish it before joining their class.

Video Surveillance 

In the interest of the safety and security of students, staff, visitors, and property, video surveillance equipment is present and visible in many areas of the LES campus. It will be understood that there is no reasonable expectation of privacy in these areas. Students will be held responsible for any violations of school discipline rules caught by the cameras.

Video recordings shall be considered student education records, and any release or viewing of such records shall be in accordance with current law. Videos containing evidence of violation of student conduct rules and/or state or federal law shall be retained until the issue of the misconduct has been settled.

Feedback/Celebrations/Concerns

If at any time you would like to share feedback, celebrate successes, or express concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We value our partnership with families and want to work together to support every child’s success.

In addition to contacting the school directly, families can also connect with the Washington State Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO). The OEO is an independent state agency that works with families, schools, and communities to resolve concerns, improve communication, and ensure students have equitable access to education. Their services are free, confidential, and available in multiple languages.

The OEO can:

• Listen to your concerns and help you understand your rights and options.
• Answer questions about school policies, laws, and procedures.
• Support you in addressing issues such as attendance, discipline, special education, discrimination, or bullying.

OEO Contact Information:

• Website: www.oeo.wa.gov
• Phone: 1-866-297-2597 (interpretation available)
• Email: oeoinfo@gov.wa.gov

You are welcome to reach out to OEO at any time if you have questions or concerns about your child’s education. They operate independently from the school district and are here to support all Washington families in navigating the public school system.

Nondiscrimination

Lakewood School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, color, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, disability, neurodivergence, the use of a trained dog guide or service animal, age, and honorably discharged veteran or military status 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: Lakewood School District, 17110 16th Drive NE, Marysville, WA 98271, Attention: Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator, Timothy Haines, 360-652-4500, thaines@lwsd.wednet.edu or Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Lissan Wipfli, 360-652-4500, lwipfli@lwsd.wednet.edu. Title IX inquiries may also be directed toward the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Information about the nondiscrimination and sex-based discrimination policies and grievance procedures, and how to report a concern or complaint are at www.lwsd.wednet.edu.

Updated: 9/2/25