Handbook

DimmiTt Middle School 

12320 80th Ave S
Seattle, WA 98178

Main Office: (425) 204-2800
Attendance: (425) 204-2810
ASB Office: (425) 204-2817
Nurse: (425) 204-2802

School Administration

Principal: Tracey Tymczyszyn

Assistant Principal: Trenton Pollard

Assistant Principal: Baron You

Counselors

6^th Grade: Leslie Dominguez

7^th Grade: Sara Lawson

8^th Grade: Scott Sturdivan

Dean of Students

6^th – 8^th Grade: Daniela Driscoll

STUDENTS' SCHOOL HOURS       

The building opens for your use at 7:45 a.m.  You must leave promptly at 2:35 p.m. unless you are taking part in school-sponsored and supervised activities.

SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS

The office is open for public business from 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. on school days.                               

2023-24 SCHOOL YEAR SCHEDULE

HOMEROOM                           7:55 – 8:15
1ST PERIOD                            8:19 – 9:12
2ND PERIOD                           9:16 – 10:09
3RD PERIOD                           10:13 – 11:06
4TH PERIOD                           11:10 – 12:37
LUNCH 1:        10:13 – 10:43
LUNCH 2:        11:10 – 11:40
LUNCH 3:        12:07 – 12:37
5TH PERIOD                           12:41 - 1:35 
6TH PERIOD                           1:39 -  2:35

90 MINUTE LATE START SCHEDUle

DIMMITT PLANNER: $5.00

PE T-SHIRT: $15.00

PE SHORTS: $7.00

PE SET: $20.00

PE LOCK: $7.00

ART FEE: $10.00

 * Prices are subject to change

Dimmitt Middle School is proud of the wide variety of athletic programs & after school activities offered to students. Students’ participation in after school programming correlates with higher achievement and a more enjoyable middle school experience. 

In order to participate, students must have an ASB sticker* on their ID card. Activities are offered Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. An activity bus will be available for transportation home. Come and try out the activities!

*ASB Sticker - $25.00
If you’re not participating in an after school activity or sport, you need to be off campus by 2:45 p.m.

ACTIVITY BUS

An activity bus will be scheduled on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays to allow students to participate in supervised after school activities or to make up classroom work. This bus is not for students who missed their regular bus. Only those students engaged in after school activities or authorized after school intervention will be issued passes to ride the activity bus. If you leave campus for any reason you will not be issued a pass.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: Bus picks up at 4pm

Wednesday: Bus picks up at 5 pm

ATHLETICS                

At Dimmitt Middle School, we pride ourselves on developing student athletes. We expect our student athletes to excel in the following three areas; Academics, Attitude, and Athletic Ability (The Three A’s). Team members will be selected based on all three of these principles. In order to remain on the team and participate fully, coaches expect athletes to display The Three A’s at all times; on the field and in the classroom.

Athletic eligibility and requirements

Students must meet the following criteria to be eligible to participate in athletics in middle school in the Renton School District.

• Students must receive an academic grade higher than two (2) in a minimum of five (5) out of six (6) classes.
• Students must accumulate a minimum of 15 effort skills point (2.5 GPA in effort).
• An ASB card is required.
• Students must be in school for at least three full periods in order to participate in a game, meet, or practice.
• Students must register for athletics at familyid.com or at the Renton School District website (Middle School Online Athletic Registration).

Sports by Quarter

1^st quarter: Girls and Boys Soccer

2^nd quarter: Girls and Boys Basketball

3^rd quarter: Girls Volleyball, Co-ed Wrestling

4^th quarter: Co-ed Flag Football, Boys and Girls Track

ACTIVITES

We offer a wide range of after school activities for students to enhance their middle school experience. The following are some of the activities offered Spring Quarter:

• Dungeons & Dragons

• GAME 360 Sports

• Heart & Sole: Girls on the Run

• Literacy Tutoring

• Math Tutoring

• Lady Viking Basketball Drills & Skills

• Alphabet Soup

• Art Club

• Maker Space

• Taekwondo

• S.P.I.N Robotics

• Yearbook

• West African

• Dare 2Be QUEEN

• A.C.E Community Kitchen

• Group Piano

• Skyway Juneteenth Planning Committee

ASB / CORE COUNCIL / and REPRESENTATIVES

The ASB (Associated Student Body) is an organization through which all students have an opportunity to express their opinions and to participate in the management of certain school enterprises. Each spring a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer and representatives from each grade level are elected for the following year.

The ASB Officers form the core for the student council, whose task is to promote leadership, initiative, and self-control among the members of the entire student body. Representative members are elected each fall. In this way, student ideas and suggestions are brought before the student council and information is carried back to the student body.

ASB 2024 - 25 OFFICERS

ASB President:

ASB Vice-President: 

ASB Treasurer: 

ASB Secretary:

STUDENTs IN GOOD STANDING

To be able to participate in non-academic activities such as field trips, ASB and PTSA sponsored events (pep assemblies, dances, etc.,) students must be in “Good Standing”. Behavior:

Expectations and requirements will be clearly set and communicated prior to any activities.

Students are invited to stay afterschool to support their classmates in athletic matches and demonstrate positive sportsmanship. Students currently on suspension or who are participating in 7^th Period Intervention may not attend the event. If you leave campus, you may not return to watch the events. If you leave early, you may not re-enter. 

Regular attendance is important to every student's success at Dimmitt. Excessive absences, truancy and repeated tardiness will not be tolerated, and may lead to Becca Law procedures (explained in a later section).  
A parent or guardian needs to call the attendance office at (425) 204-2810 to report that you are absent that day. Or upon returning to school, you need to bring a note from your parent/guardian explaining your absences and get an admit slip from the attendance office. School work may be made up if an absence is excused.  

EXCUSED ABSENCES
1.    Medical Illness – after 5 absences in a row or 10 in a year a doctor’s note is required.
2.    Medical Appointment – the family may be required to provide a note from the provider that in fact the student was seen.
3.    Legal Appointment or Court Appearance – a note from an attorney or court paper-work should be given to the school.
4.    Funeral in the family – this will have to be handled by the principal or their designee as to how many days will be allowed as excused.
5.    Religious Observance

PRE-ARRANGED ABSENCES
Pre-arranged family related commitments, such as trips or vacations require contact from parent at least 3 days in advance as well as the completion of a pre-arranged absence form.  Pre-arranged absences may or may not be excused per administrator discretion. 

EARLY DISMISSALS
Students should submit parent requests for early dismissal to the attendance office no later than before school on the day needed. Excused early dismissals will be issued for pre-arranged dental or doctor appointments. Other requests by parents for students to leave school early will be granted but may be considered unexcused. Students who fail to properly clear with the attendance office before leaving the campus will be considered unexcused.

For appointments, please arrive early and allow 15 minutes for the office staff to process the early dismissal request and get your student to the office. ID is required to pick up any student. Only people listed on the student’s personal information will be allowed to pick him/her up for early dismissals.

HOMEWORK REQUESTS
It is the student's responsibility to contact his/her teachers upon return from an absence for missing assignments and due dates. If you are ill and out of school three or more days, your parent/guardian may call (425) 204-2810 to request homework for you. It may be picked up the following day. Be ready to tell the secretary:
1.    First day of absence.
2.    Anticipated day of return.
3.    You may also call/email your student's teachers for homework requests.
 
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES/TRUANCY
Absences for reasons other than outlined previously as excused are considered unexcused, including, but are not limited to: failed alarm clocks, missing the bus, oversleeping, car problems, babysitting, etc.  Missing more than 10 minutes of a class period without permission is considered an unexcused absence/truancy. Consequences for unexcused absences/truancies are as follows:
•    Repeated unexcused absences/truancies may result in assignment to 7th Period Intervention or Friday Morning School. 

BECCA LAW
Washington State’s Becca Law requires children to attend school between the ages of 8 and 18. If your student has unexcused absences, the following Becca Law steps will take place in addition to school consequences.
•    A conference (phone or in person) will take place after the second unexcused absence.
•    An additional conference (phone or in person) will take place after the fifth unexcused absence. An attendance contract will also be completed.
•    A Becca petition will be filed with the courts after seven unexcused absences in a month or ten unexcused absences in a school year.

LATE ARRIVALS & TARDIES
Students who arrive late to school shall report to the attendance office for admittance to school.  
•    It will be considered a tardy if the student arrives less than 10 minutes late to school/class.
•    It will be considered an unexcused absence/truancy if the student arrives more than 10 minutes late to school/class.
Late arrivals for reasons other than outlined previously as excused are considered unexcused tardies, including, but not limited to: failed alarm clocks, missing the bus, oversleeping, car problems, babysitting, etc.  

It is important that students are on time for every class. Students need to be in their classroom, ready to learn, when the bell rings to start each period. Consequences for tardies are as follows:
•    1st tardy: Warning/Conference w/ teacher
•    2nd tardy: Warning/Conference w/ teacher
•    3rd tardy: Phone call home by teacher
•    4+ tardies: Offense Report (discipline referral)

Further intervention may be assigned at Administrator’s discretion such as using attendance tracking sheets, losing passing privileges or having an escort during passing time.

Student drop off is in the front of the school.  Please do not park in the drop-off zone. 

Backpacks/large tote bags of any kind are allowed in the classroom. 

Bicycles ridden to school are to be locked up at the bike rack in front of the school. Skateboards and personal transportation devices are kept in lockers. Hover boards must be left at home.

Rules listed below are in effect in all Dimmitt classrooms.  Individual teachers may add rules specific to their classes.

1. Engage in classwork or activity to meet the learning target.
2. Be prepared for class (Chromebooks, textbooks, materials, binders, etc.)
3. Show mutual respect and courtesy toward each other.
4. Treat classroom property with respect, care and thoughtfulness.
5. Stay in your assigned area until dismissed by your teacher.
6. Cell phones and other electronic devices (except school provided Chromebooks) should be left  out of sight at all times.
7. Eating and drinking (except water) in hallways or classrooms are NOT PERMITTED. Items will be confiscated.
8. Backpacks are allowed in the classroom.

Dimmitt is a "closed campus." This means that students are not to leave once they have arrived. This applies even before classes start at 7:55 a.m. If, for example, your bus arrived at 7:50 a.m., you are not to leave campus. Students who do will be considered truant.

In order for us to keep an open line of communication between you and the school, please make sure the school has your most recent and working phone numbers, mailing address, email address, and emergency contacts.

All school rules and policies apply to dances. Students are expected to dance appropriately at all times. Any student removed from a dance will be sent home and may lose further activity privileges. If you leave early, you may not re-enter. 

If a student has any fines or is out of school suspended in the past 4 weeks they are not allowed to attend.

Cheating, copying, and plagiarism are not tolerated at Dimmitt. Consequences will be as follows: 
•    1st offense: Administrative Discretion
•    2nd offense: Administrative Discretion with assignment to Viking Academy
 

Student dress code is a reflection of educational, behavioral, and professional expectations. Students' behavior is often a reflection of what they wear.  
•    Hats and hoods must be removed when entering the building.  No headgear (i.e. Durags, headphones, bandanas, hats, etc.) is allowed unless for religious/cultural purposes. 
•    No bandanas (paisley print).
•    Pants must sit at the same level as underwear or shorts. Must be at waist level. 
•    Shoes must be worn at all times. Pajamas and house slippers are not allowed. 
•    Logos advertising sex, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, guns, or gangs are not allowed.  
•    Tank tops and sleeveless shirts must be as wide as the shortest side of an ID card (2 inches).
•    Shorts and skirts may be worn throughout the year but must be longer than the students’ fingertips when extended at the side, even with leggings underneath. 
•    For jeans with cutouts, the cutouts/rips must be below fingertips, unless leggings are worn underneath. 
•    Leggings and spandex need to be fabric appropriate for school; not sheer/hosiery (see through)
•    Shirts must cover the abdomen, cleavage, back and bra straps.  
•    Sunglasses must be taken off inside the building
•    Other clothing that may be deemed a disruption to the learning environment may be included. 

Students will develop a solution to correct the violation before returning to class. If the student does not correct the violation a parent will be contacted. 
 

All cell phones and other electronic devices, including headphones and Bluetooth speakers, must be out of sight. If it is determined by a staff member that the device is distracting from the learning environment, it is expected that students comply with requests to turn it over immediately.  All devices are here at the user’s own risk. The school is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.

 At ANY TIME on campus, the use of cameras and video recorders is strictly prohibited unless under the direct supervision of a staff member. If a student is found to be in violation of this expectation, the cell phone, camera, or video-recorder will be confiscated, secured in the office, and held for the duration of any investigation that may be initiated (which may include a search of the contents of the device for investigative purposes). Items will be returned to parents/guardians following any investigation.

Consequences for violating the electronics policy includes but are not limited to the following:

·        The student may pick it up from the teacher at the end of the period

·        The student may pick it up in the ASB/Main office at the end of the day. 

·        A parent must pick it up.

Additional consequences will be at administrator’s discretion.

If students lose or damage school equipment or materials, they will be fined a fair repair or replacement value. Even if an item is stolen the student is still responsible. Fines must be paid in order for students to receive their final report card or memory book. Fines will follow the student to other schools. Students will be excluded from school activities if they have an unpaid fine.

Food and drinks (except water) are to be consumed in the cafeteria. This includes breakfast in the morning. Students may not bring or consume energy drinks at school, nor may they bring large packages of food (chips, candy, etc.) or bottles of drinks (soda, juice, etc.) to share with other students. Students may carry a bottle of water with a re-closable cap.

Forgery including signatures on attendance notes, progress reports, discipline paperwork, etc. is not tolerated at Dimmitt. Consequences will be as follows:

·        1^st offense: Administrative discretion

·        2^nd offense: Administrative discretion with assignment to Viking Academy

1. Students must keep their hands to themselves and refrain from roughhousing or play-fighting.
2. Students need to use academic language and an appropriate voice level.
3. Food and drinks (except water) can only be consumed in the cafeteria.
4. Students need to walk on the right side of the hall and stairwells at all times.
5. Students need to follow the directions of all staff members.
6. Students need to go directly from one class to the next.
7. Students must be able to hear in the hallways at all times. Headphones cannot be worn on head or ears during school hours, between 7:45 a.m. and 2:35 p.m.

Failure to meet hallway expectations will result in consequences at the administrator’s discretion.

Dimmitt has a limited pass policy. In the event of extreme circumstances as determined by Dimmitt staff, students are expected to have one of the following:

·        Yellow pass or Planner pass: Written, timed passes are issued by the classroom teacher when students have permission to be out of class. The student is expected to go about his or her business quickly and quietly when out of class on a pass. Being able to leave class is a privilege.

·        Request to Report: This pass is issued by counselors, the office staff, attendance, administration, and security. When the pass is delivered, students are to go directly from class to the requested location. Once dismissed from the requested location, students must go directly to class.

·        Loss of Pass Privilege: Any students abusing pass privileges will be placed on the No Pass List and will not be allowed out of class except when requested by security, administration, and counselor or in the event of an emergency.

No Passes are given during the first and last 10 minutes of any class period.

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying is an intentional electronic, written, verbal or physical act that:

·        Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property; or

·        Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education; or

·        Is so severe, persistent or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or

·        Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school

Consequences will be determined by administrator in alignment with RSD protocol.

Students must meet the following criterion to be eligible to make honor roll in middle school in the Renton School District.

·        The student must accumulate a minimum of eighteen (18) academic grade points (3.0 GPA).

Students must identify themselves when asked by a staff member at any time. Failure to identify yourself will result in a follow up conversation with an administrator and possible discipline at the administrator’s discretion.

In order to be in compliance with Washington State Law, students without proper immunization or verification thereof will not be allowed to enter school.

Appropriate language and gestures are expected at all times. Consequences are determined by administrator based on the severity of the situation.

A brochure explaining the full time or school time insurance coverage and fees will be made available to students from the main office.

Students are to use only their assigned locker. We will not open lockers for students if they leave their belongings in another student’s locker. The school is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged goods belonging to students. It is advised that you do not give your combination away as this is what causes most of the personal loss from lockers. The lockers are school property and may be opened by school authorities at any time when it is necessary. If you are having locker problems, check with the ASB office.

1. Students will accept the responsibility for handling their own garbage and cleaning up their own spills, etc.
2. Students will behave in an orderly, reasonable manner.
3. Students must walk, use appropriate voice level, refrain from throwing anything or cut in lines.
4. Students must be respectful to staff and other students.
5. Students must stay seated until dismissed with their legs under the table.
6. Students will keep their hands to themselves and away from other students’ food.
7. All cafeteria food and drink must be eaten in the cafeteria. 
8. Additional lunch policies will be determined by administrators.

Failure to meet hallway expectations will result in consequences at the administrator’s discretion.

If you are required to take medication at school, you must register ALL medications with the school nurse.  The nurse can arrange a medication schedule in the clinic.  No medication will be given without a signed consent form from your doctor and parent on file in the clinic, including nonprescription over the counter medicines.  The medication must be properly labeled and in the original container.  Medication CANNOT be dispersed if this procedure is not followed.

View the Renton School District Non-Discrimination Policy.

Dimmitt has a part-time school nurse.  If you become ill while at school, the student must get teacher's permission to report to the attendance office. Do not report directly to the nurse between classes.  Instead, go to your next class, get a pass and check in with an adult in the office.  Do not go directly home.  If you need to go home, your parent/guardian will be called. Students cannot be sent home without parent permission.  If you are sent home, you must check out through the attendance office before you leave school.

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

Read our full commitment to Gender-Inclusive Schools.

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. Our District Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) webpage defines HIB, explains what to do if you see or experience it, and our school and district process for responding to it.

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. Renton School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of any of these protected groups and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

Read more about Non-discrimination, including what it is and how to report it.

PBIS Schools emphasize a school-wide system of supports that include strategies for defining, teaching, and supporting appropriate behavior. The goal is to design the most effective learning community possible with the best outcomes for all students. Attention is focused on creating and sustaining school-wide, classroom, and individual systems of support. At Dimmitt, we encourage students to always be ACCOUNTABLE, ENGAGED, SAFE, AND KIND in all areas and during any school activities/events.

Being overly affectionate in school creates an environment that is not conducive to concentration and learning, therefore students should refrain from inappropriate, intimate behaviors on campus or at school related events and activities. Students must show good taste and conduct themselves respectfully at all times. Repeated overt displays of affection will result in parent contact and/or consequences.

Fighting, harassment/intimidation/bullying, drugs, alcohol, weapons or flammable materials are not allowed at Dimmitt. There is a no tolerance policy and consequences will ensue based on the discipline matrix (available online). *Additional languages beyond English available online.

Your teachers will use standards-based grading in your classes to provide you with feedback on your progress towards meeting the district-identified learning standards. In order to do this, you will be graded in three categories:  Academic Standards, Effort, and Community Skills.

 Academic standards

These learning standards represent the important knowledge and skills you will develop in each course.  You will get specific feedback in 4-6 areas per class, to identify your strengths and where you need to continue to focus your efforts.

Why is this important?  Measuring your learning against a set of standards will show what you know and are able to do at each grade level, to make sure you are prepared to move forward.

Effort

This will show how well you are prepared and follow class routines, homework completion, and your focus during class time.

Why is this important?  Working hard and putting forth effort will not only help you perform well on your assessments, but will also help you establish valuable work habits that will pay off for the rest of your lives.

Community Skills

This will show how well you are able to accept responsibility, show active listening skills, respect personal/public property and the voice of others, and how you value instructional time.

Why is this important?  Getting along with others, promoting a positive learning environment, and learning to work in diverse groups is critical to academic success and success in life.

What Do All These Numbers Mean?

Your goal should always be to earn a 3 and then push yourself to continue to grow as a learner.  You will have multiple chances to work towards earning a 3.  Learning is process.

 If you have met the middle school standards, you can be confident you will be prepared for high school.

Renton School District teachers and students use technology and internet-based tools in their classrooms on a regular basis to support student learning and prepare students to engage in the rapidly changing world. These technologies improve student communication and collaboration skills, provide an authentic audience, and extend learning beyond the classroom walls while building digital citizenship skills. Student access to technology requires responsible, courteous, efficient, and legal use. Our goal in providing access to these resources is to enhance learning experiences and to educate students in responsible and appropriate use.  It is important that students and parents recognize that information posted on the internet is public, permanent, and needs to be appropriate.

Dimmitt will continue to offer 1:1 Chromebooks to support student learning. Students are expected to stay focused on learning when using school issued Chromebooks or school computers. It is the student’s responsibility to use and carry the technology with respect and care at all times.

I understand that my use of any district technology (computer, network, internet, resources, etc.) will be monitored and is neither private nor confidential to district/authorized personnel.  I understand that if I violate this agreement or the district’s policies and procedures, I may not be allowed to continue to use technology or I may receive other consequences based on the severity of the violation.

Students should make arrangements for transportation, etc., with their parents in advance.  The office phones are for school use.  There is a phone in the Attendance Office available for student use.

All visitors to Dimmitt must register in the main office. This is to protect students on our campus. Students are not permitted to bring visitors or guests to school.