What students, parents and guardians need to know

At Jason Lee, we want every student to feel safe and welcome so that they can learn and thrive. Along with our culture and behavioral expectations, the following guidelines help make this possible.

Enter and depart the school building through the main doors in the front of the building. Students should not be on campus (including the park and playing fields) after 3:45 p.m., unless participating in or attending a school-sponsored event.

Personal safety to and from school

  • Always travel with a friend. Strangers usually pick one person, not two.
  • If a car follows you or beckons you while you are walking, do not approach the car. Instead, turn and quickly walk in the other direction.
  • If you think you are in danger, yell and run to the nearest store, home or back to school.
  • Avoid strangers who seem to be hanging around public restrooms or school campus. Tell your teacher or another adult you trust about it.
  • If you’re ever in a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable in any way, you have the right to say no, loud and clear, then leave.
  • Always stick to the safe route in going to and coming from school. Never hitchhike!
  • If you are approached inappropriately, be sure to report to an adult and/or call 911 immediately.

Evacuation drills

Evacuation drills (fire drills) are required periodically throughout the school year. The object of these drills is to clear the building as quickly as possible with no disorder. Fire drill regulations are posted in classrooms. Students are directed to walk quickly to the designated area for exit. Teachers will turn off the lights, close the doors and accompany their class as they leave the building. Students are expected to go at least 75 feet, facing away from the building, and wait quietly for the all-clear signal (i.e., bell ringing) before returning.

Shelter-in-place drills

Shelter-in-place drills (earthquake and lockdown) are required periodically throughout the school year. Everyone should drop and take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture or on the floor against an interior wall. Protect the head and neck with the arms. Stay away from windows, bookcases, file cabinets, tall furniture, heavy mirrors, hanging plants and other heavy objects that could fall. Watch out for falling plaster or ceiling tiles. If the object you are holding on to moves, move with it. Stay undercover until instructed to do otherwise. Once the earthquake has stopped, students and staff need to exit the building quickly and safely in order for the building to be checked for damage. During lockdown drills, the doors to the school and classrooms will be locked. Room blinds will be drawn and lights turned off. Students need to stay silent.

Health room and the school nurse

The health room is for students who are ill and/or need first-aid treatment. A student wishing to go to the health room must obtain a pass from his/her classroom teacher. No student will be admitted to the health room without a pass, except in emergencies. Students should not go to the health room between classes but should report to class first. Students should not expect to spend long periods of time in the health room. If a student doesn’t feel well, he/she will need to go home. No medications (including Tylenol or Motrin) can be given to a student without a doctor’s note. All medications must be checked in by an adult to the school’s staff. If you have questions about medications in school, you may contact the school nurse.

Students at Jason Lee are expected to complete all school assignments, projects, homework and tests in a manner that reflects their own work and learning.

Any of the following may be considered cheating and may result in loss of credit, parent notification and progressive discipline: copying another student’s work, copying word for word without stating the source or using unauthorized notes on a test.

Public displays of affection are discouraged at Jason Lee. Only brief hugs or hand-holding is permitted at school.

Disruptive behavior or other inappropriate behavior, especially when it interferes with the educational process, will not be tolerated.

Harassment, bullying and intimidation are defined as repeated threats or acts of physical, verbal (which includes oral, written and electronically transmitted) or emotional abuse, or attacks on the property of another, which have the effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive learning environment, or unreasonably interfering with an individual’s educational opportunities. Bullying may include, but is not limited to taunts, slurs, name-calling (even in play), drawings, cartoons, ostracism, extortion of money or damage/destruction of another’s possessions.

Students must obey the lawful instructions of school personnel. Following directions, cooperating with staff, identifying self immediately and complying with rules are expected of all students.

In order to keep safe orderly behavior in the hallways, the following are expectations for passing time and common area behaviors for students:

  • Walk at all times with hands and feet to self.
  • Leave others’ belongings alone.
  • Keep to the right in hallways and through entry and exit doors, and use quiet voices inside the building.
  • During breakfast and lunch, all food and drink must be consumed in the cafeteria.
  • No drinks, other than water, are allowed in the classroom.
  • Unsafe and/or uncooperative behavior in the hallways or common areas may result in progressive discipline.
No cutting or crowding in line. Clean up after yourself. Put away trays, silverware, composting, recycling and garbage. Don’t throw food or objects, and take only what you pay for. Keep all food and drink inside the cafeteria at all times. Due to litter concerns, no food or drink is allowed in the hallways or courtyard areas during breakfast or lunch. Health department guidelines prohibit sharing food with others. Stay in designated in-bounds lunch areas during the play time. No drinks, other than water, are allowed in the classroom.

Students who wish to ride a bus to/from school with another student must bring a signed note from a parent to Jason Lee’s office. The student will receive a form, signed by an administrator, that will allow the student to ride a bus that is not theirs.

Bus stops are to be treated like school property, and students should conduct themselves and their behavior within the limits of what is appropriate at school.

  • The driver is in full charge of the bus and students. Students must obey the driver promptly and willingly (administrators shall assist the driver in enforcing the transportation regulations).
  • Outside of ordinary conversation, classroom conduct must be observed.
  • Students are to assist in keeping the bus clean by keeping their waste paper off the floor. Students must also refrain from throwing trash out of the windows. Eating is not allowed.
  • No student will smoke or light a fire on the bus.
  • No student shall open a window on the school bus without first getting permission from the driver.
  • No student shall at any time extend his/her head, hands or arms out of the windows, whether the school bus is in motion or standing still.
  • Students must see that they have nothing in their possession that may cause injury to another, such as sticks, breakable containers, straps or pins extending from their clothing.
  • Students must see that their books and personal belongings are kept out of the aisle.
  • No student will be allowed to talk to the driver more than is necessary.
  • Students are to remain seated while the bus is in motion and are not to get on or off the bus until it has come to a full stop.
  • Students must leave the bus in an orderly manner. They must not cross the road until given consent by the school bus driver.
  • Self-discipline should be exercised by students at the bus loading area. Students should refrain from pushing and shoving other students.
  • Students’ misconduct on a bus will be sufficient reason to discontinue providing bus transportation to those students involved.
  • In the event of an actual emergency, emergency exit procedures, as established by the emergency exit drills, will be followed.
  • Parents of students damaging school buses will be responsible for proper reimbursement to the school district.

Modest and appropriate dress is an expectation at Jason Lee Middle School just as it is in a place of business. Inappropriate dress or appearance which causes disruption of the education process, or presents health/safety problems, is not permitted.

Apparel and accessories depicting and including (but not limited to) the following are not allowed at Jason Lee: weapons, violence, drug/alcohol/tobacco-related, vulgarities, insults directed to a particular group (e.g., ethnicity, culture), innuendo, gang-related and sexual suggestiveness.

Also not allowed on campus (except for documented medical conditions and religious requirements): chains, long belts or bandannas (any color); pajamas (including non-soled slippers); sagging pants; bare midriffs; short shorts/skirts (must be approximately below fingertips); less than one-inch-wide shoulder straps; halter tops; low necklines/armholes; and racer-back shirts. Shoes are to be worn at all times. Undergarments should never be visible.

Hats and hoods are not worn at school. Once the student enters into the school building, at the start of the school day, they may not wear any head apparel until they exit the building at the end of the school day. Sunglasses may be worn outside on sunny days but should not be worn inside the building. Gloves are allowed outside in the courtyard prior to school starting on cold days (two gloves worn at a time).

When in doubt about your attire, ask a teacher or principal for approval. Students inappropriately dressed will be asked to change or call home for a change of clothes. Repeat offenders will be subject to the steps of progressive discipline (e.g., phone calls home, detentions and suspension).

Computers are provided for educational use. Students who attempt to access inappropriate websites; disable filters; and/or download music, videos or pictures will be subject to the loss of computer privileges. Technology rules are posted for students to see and review each time they log in. Do not share passwords with others, or let them use your account!

Electronic devices

Students may use non-school-issued electronic devices before school and during lunch times. At all other times, personal electronic devices and accessories (e.g., headphones) will need to be put away and not visible. Electronic devices and headphones should be put away upon entering the classroom. Teachers may allow student use in the classroom for an educationally related activity/reason. The decision as to when it is appropriate will be dictated by the teacher, not the student. External speakers are not allowed on campus.

The student who possesses personal electronics assumes responsibility for its care and whereabouts. At no time is the school or district responsible for a theft, its recovery or damage to an electronic device.

At times, teachers may allow students to use a personal electronic device for educational purposes in the classroom. Use of such personal electronics is for facilitating learning and done only with teacher permission.

iPads and 1:1 devices

Jason Lee and Vancouver Public Schools will assign students an iPad or laptop computer for use both at school and home as a means to promote achievement and provide flexible learning opportunities.

Our expectation and belief is that students will responsibly use district technology and that they understand the appropriate and acceptable use of both the technology and district network resources. We also expect that students will make a good faith effort to keep their district-issued devices safe, secure and in good working order.

Learn more about district-issued iPads.

Families need to be aware that Jason Lee Middle School will not accept deliveries of flowers, balloons, gifts, etc. for students. Additionally, students are discouraged from bringing these items to school for other students. Having those items in class is a distraction to the learning environment.

We appreciate the desire to make a student’s day special but ask that families celebrate important events at home. These items are also not allowed on VPS buses.

Skating and bike-riding are not allowed on school grounds at any time. We are not able to store any skateboards during the school day. Students are asked that while they are on school property, they dismount their bikes in front of the building. Students are responsible for their own bikes and skateboards. Safety concerns will be addressed as needed.
Laws regulating ASB prohibit students from selling anything (e.g., fundraisers, playing cards, etc.) to other students at school unless the sale is an approved ASB activity.
All students need to be aware that the school is not (and cannot) be responsible for personal property that has been stolen. Students are responsible for their own belongings (including musical instruments) and need to have coats, electronic items including cellphones and iPods, book bags and backpacks in their possession or in a locked classroom.

The school district cannot purchase insurance to cover stolen items that have been left and/or lost at school. Students assume responsibility for district property that is checked out to them and are responsible for its replacement if lost or stolen. This includes (but is not limited to) textbooks, instruments and library books.

We want to keep Jason Lee Middle School safe for all students. It is very important that all students understand that the possession, use, selling, purchasing or displaying of a dangerous weapon shall result in an immediate emergency expulsion from school. Possible further disciplinary action may include either short or long-term suspension or expulsion from the school and/or school district.

Guns and look-alike guns such as soft pellet guns, any kind of knives or weapons are never to be brought to school by anyone. If a student brings any one of these items to school it could result in an emergency expulsion, expulsion from school and arrest of the student. Laser pointers can be considered weapons and will be confiscated immediately. Consequences may be provided by the administration.

Due to safety concerns and allergies, aerosol products/cans, including colognes, perfumes and deodorants also are not allowed at school.