Can I pray at school? Can I choose my pronouns? Bellingham school rules you should know
Students who went back to school in Bellingham this week, and their parents, likely face more rules than past generations. Here is what the Bellingham Public Schools’ Family Handbook says about students’ rights and the rules they are asked to follow:
When can I use my cellphone on school grounds?
Students are allowed to use cell phones or telecommunications devices only before and after school, during lunch and passing periods, if instructed by a teacher or administrator or in emergency situations.
Can I pray at school?
Bellingham Public Schools “accepts the declaration of the State Board of Education that ‘all students . . . possess the constitutional right to the free exercise of religion and to have their schools free from sectarian control or influence,’” according to its Religious-Related Activities and Practices policy.
Students are allowed to pray at any time that does not conflict with learning activities. Prayer must be non-disruptive and private, and cannot be encouraged or discouraged by school staff.
Students are also allowed to wear non-disruptive religious attire and symbols, be excused from school for religious observances and decline to participate in a school activity if it goes against their religious convictions.
Am I allowed to leave campus during lunchtime?
Bellingham Public Schools have closed campuses. Students must remain on school grounds from the time they arrive until school ends, unless they are officially excused.
Only high school students may be allowed to leave campus during lunchtime.
Can I choose which pronouns I would like to identify with?
Bellingham Public Schools have put inclusive practices in place to foster an “educational environment that is safe and free of discrimination for all students, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.”
The school’s gender inclusive policy enforces inclusive approaches for students within communication, official records, restroom and locker room use, dress codes and other school activities.
What is the dress code?
Student’s attire will be managed if the school administration believes their attire or appearance:
▪ Presents a health or safety hazard.
▪ Will cause damage to school property.
▪ Will cause a material and substantial disruption of the educational process.
Students whose attire is deemed inappropriate for school will be asked to change attire or go home to get different clothes.
How much school can I miss? What if my family is going on a trip?
The Bellingham Public Schools are currently reviewing and updating this policy according to Dana Smith, assistant director of communications, wrote in an email, so families should watch for any changes made in the policy.
Currently, the policy states that students are expected to attend all assigned classes.
Students can be excused from classes without consequences, such as in cases of illness, school activities, family emergencies, religious observations, judicial proceedings, post-secondary school or opportunity interviews, state-recognized search and rescue activities, absence related to a student’s homeless status, absence from disciplinary action or am activity approved by the parents and administration.
The school principal or administrator has the authority to decide if an absence qualifies as an excused or unexcused absence.
