Student Handbook

MHS’s mission is to remove barriers for underrepresented communities and create access to jobs with livable wages through preparation for post-secondary options and by connecting students to opportunities in the maritime industry.

Maritime Staff is committed to relationships that acknowledge and build upon student resilience and preparedness to enter maritime related fields by creating a culture of belonging where each student is seen, heard, known and professionally equipped for the future of their choosing.

Student Centered
Equity Driven
Maritime Focused

At Maritime, we commit to following a shared set of values that guide our words and actions in our community.

• Welcoming - behaving in a way that creates an environment of acceptance
• Accountable - acknowledging the outcomes of our actions and words
• Visionary - thinking about or planning for the future with imagination and wisdom
• Equitable - treating everyone justly
• Supportive - offering genuine encouragement, empathy and compassion to others

School Year: 2026-2027

Monday - Thursday

Friday

Maritime High School follows a mastery-based learning model, which emphasizes demonstrated proficiency over traditional grading systems. This approach ensures that students not only acquire knowledge but also develop the skills necessary for long-term academic, professional, and personal success.

In this model, students are expected to show mastery across a range of competencies rather than simply progressing through seat time or course completion. Learning is designed to be interactive, interdisciplinary, and project-based, allowing students to:

• Deepen their understanding of academic concepts.
• Develop durable skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
• Apply their learning to authentic, real-world contexts within the maritime field.

To earn credit, students must demonstrate mastery of the Maritime High School Competencies through authentic assessments and project work. While what a student knows is important, the ability to apply knowledge in practice is considered essential.

The Crew Program is an essential component of Maritime High School’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). Each student is placed in a grade-level crew led by a dedicated faculty advisor. This structure is designed to foster meaningful connections, promote personal growth, and build a strong sense of belonging within the school community.

Crews serve as a consistent support system throughout a student’s educational journey at Maritime. Within this setting, students engage in:

• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Reflection and skill-building activities that strengthen self-awareness, resilience, and interpersonal skills.
• Career Exploration: Guidance and exploration opportunities to help students identify pathways aligned with their strengths, interests, and long-term goals.
• Personal Goal Setting: Structured time to reflect on academic and personal progress and to develop strategies for ongoing growth.
• Executive Functioning: Organization, time management, goal setting, self-monitoring, and task completion.

Students in the Explore Phase (grades 9–10) remain with their crew while moving through core classes, promoting continuity and stability in their learning. Students in the Launch Phase (grades 11–12) engage in specialized pathways and experiences, while still maintaining crew as a foundation of support and community.

Maritime establishes benchmarks for students’ progress in submitting artifacts (academic milestones or personal learning) for approval on Mastery Transcript. Maritime will provide quarterly progress reports monitoring students’ success. Students who consistently do not meet these benchmarks will be invited to participate in mandatory support meetings with family and the school counselor.

Grade 9

• End of Q2: 3 FCs submitted and approved
• End of Q3: 7 FCs submitted and approved
• End of Q4: 10 FCs submitted and approved

Grade 10

• End of Q2: 14 FCs submitted and approved
• End of Q3: 17 FCs submitted and approved
• End of Q4: 26 FCs submitted and approved to launch

Grade 11

• End of Q2: 2 ACs submitted and approved
• End of Q4: 4 ACs submitted and approved

Grade 12

• End of Q2: 6 ACs submitted and approved and presented in practice Portfolio Defense
• Before Graduation: 7 ACs submitted, approved, and presented in Portfolio Defense

Maritime maintains consistent, school-wide deadlines for late work.

• All milestones and daily classwork from Quarters 1 and 2 must be submitted by the Wednesday following the end of Quarter 2.
• All milestones and daily classwork from Quarter 3 must be submitted by the Wednesday following the end of Quarter 3.

Students who are not on track to meet these deadlines will be required to participate in a structured makeup process, which may include completing assigned independent work.

While individual teachers may implement additional late work policies, such as requiring signed family acknowledgments or adjusting credit for late submissions, all classes adhere to these common school-wide deadlines. Students with repeated late milestone submissions will be referred for additional intervention and support involving both school staff and families.

Classes at Maritime High School include daily classwork, muti-day milestones, and multiple community-facing events throughout the year to present student learning.
To pass a class at Maritime, students must:

• Complete (and earn “Meeting” on) 70% of daily classwork
• Submit all milestones
• Earn “Approaching” or “Meeting” on 80% of milestones
• Present their work at all Presentation of Learning and Community Learning Showcase events
  • Students with an unavoidable scheduling conflict with these events must contact their crew teacher to reschedule their presentation at least one week before the event.

Maritime High School believes that meaningful learning happens in every corner of a student's life, not just within our walls. We honor the knowledge, skills, and growth you develop through sports, creative pursuits, faith communities, volunteer work, cultural practices, and personal passions. These experiences are valuable pathways to demonstrating mastery and deserve recognition in your learning journey. Students should use the following guidelines to ensure that all required components are included to enable students to demonstrate and document their learning and expertise within Mastery Transcript and that their work is authentic.

Guidelines: Students must submit a 2-4 sentence introduction to their learning in the “Description” section, 3-5 images in the “Image” section, and, in the “Attachment,” they must provide a 150-250 word reflection that does the following:

• Describes the learning, its personal significance to the student, and their changing relationship with its commitments and challenges
• Demonstrates the learning’s duration (minimum of 2 weeks’ time outside of school)
• Includes an affidavit from an adult (a signature or short signed note)
• Cites the language of “Meeting” and explains persuasively why the work satisfies “Meeting”

The purpose of the Launch Process is to ensure that students are prepared to take on the increased rigor, independence, and responsibility of the upper grades. Specifically, the Launch Process is designed to:

• Support academic rigor and a sophisticated understanding of the MHS competencies.
• Encourage authentic project work with real-world applications.
• Foster maturity, accountability, and personal responsibility.
• Strengthen a sense of accountability to both self and community.

Students who successfully complete the Launch Process are recognized in the annual Launch Ceremony and earn additional privileges, including:

• Off-Campus Lunch: Permission to leave campus during lunch, with the requirement to return on time.
• Internship Opportunities: Clearance to pursue internships aligned with career pathways.

Maritime High School upholds the highest standards of academic integrity. Honesty in learning is essential to building trust, demonstrating mastery, and preparing students for future academic and professional opportunities. Maritime High School considers integrity to be a cornerstone of both scholarship and community membership.
Academic dishonesty, including but not limited to the following, will not be tolerated:

• Cheating: Using another person’s work, ideas, or knowledge when independent effort is expected.
• Unauthorized Sharing: Providing one’s work (tasks, milestones, or final products) for others to copy or present as their own.
• Plagiarism: Presenting words, ideas, or creations of another without proper citation or acknowledgment.
• Improper Use of Technology: Using artificial intelligence programs, online translators, or other digital tools without teacher permission.
• Misrepresentation: Submitting work that does not authentically represent the student’s own learning or ability.

Violations of academic integrity compromise personal growth and undermine the culture of trust at Maritime High School. Students who engage in academic dishonesty will be required to complete an alternative assignment and may lose privileges, opportunities, or face additional consequences deemed appropriate by staff.

Field Work Experiences (FWEs) are a cornerstone of the Maritime High School curriculum. These carefully designed, real-world learning opportunities connect classroom instruction to authentic maritime and community-based contexts. FWEs provide students with hands-on experiences that deepen academic understanding, develop professional skills, and foster civic responsibility as well as provide students with the opportunity to develop a robust professional network.

Participation in FWEs is required for all students, and families are asked to review and sign a Field Work Experience Agreement at the beginning of each school year. This agreement ensures that students and guardians understand expectations for conduct, safety, and participation.

Students are expected to attend FWEs as they would any other school day. If students are consistently absent from FWEs, we will set up a meeting with students, families, and administration to discuss whether Maritime High School is a good fit.

If a guardian requests that their child drive themselves to a Field Work Experience, the Parent/Guardian Approval of Student Use of Private Car form, must be completed at least 24 hours before the event. At no time are students authorized to drive other students (except siblings) to a school sponsored field trip/activity.

Students may not be released from a Field Work Experience without a minimum of 24 hours’ advance notice. All requests must be submitted in writing to maritime@highlineschools.org.

Once a student has been formally excused by a staff member, they are expected to leave the fieldwork location immediately.

Because FWEs are an extension of the classroom, students are expected to model exemplary behavior. Specific expectations include:

• Active Listening and Cooperation: Follow directions carefully and remain engaged in learning activities.
• Supervision: Always remain with assigned groups and under adult supervision.
• Respect for Boundaries: Maintain appropriate personal space and avoid handling objects or equipment unless explicitly instructed to do so.
• Professional Conduct: Refrain from any behavior—whether overt or subtle—that could be perceived as disrespectful, disruptive, threatening, or inappropriate.
• Failure to meet behavioral expectations, particularly refusal to cooperate, may result in principal-level consequences and could affect eligibility for future FWEs.
• Through consistent participation in FWEs, students not only strengthen their academic and technical knowledge but also gain valuable experience in professionalism, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving.

To ensure the safety of all students during Boat FWEs, the following expectations must be followed at all times:

• Listen quietly and follow all directions from staff immediately.
• Wear your PFD (life jacket) at all times as required.
• No running or horseplay on the dock or on the boat.
• Keep two feet on the ground at all times.
• Keep all body parts inside the boat (no hands, arms, heads, or other body parts through windows or over the sides).
• Keep your hands and feet to yourself and respect others’ personal space.

These expectations are in place to maintain a safe environment on the dock and on the water. Failure to follow Boat FWE expectations may result in removal from the FWE and additional school consequences.

All fees associated with the Marine Construction and Vessel Operations pathways will be fully covered.

For students enrolled in college courses within the Marine Science pathway, fees will be covered for the following subject areas: Marine Science, World Language, English, and Mathematics. Any fees associated with courses outside of these specified areas will be the responsibility of the student and their family.

There are three components to the formula for graduating from Maritime High School along with two Highline School District requirements. 

• The first component is completing an instructional sequence in one of the focus area pathways: Marine Resources & Research; Vessel Design, Operations & Maintenance; Marine Construction & Engineering. Each of these instructional sequences will incorporate career-connected learning and opportunities for dual credit and/or industry certification. 
• The second component is compiling of 8-12 learning artifacts in the Mastery Transcript to show their mastery of the seven MHS competencies. Students compile artifacts including projects, classwork and other items that exemplify their learning experiences throughout their four years of high school.
• The third component is the completion of a portfolio defense in the spring of 12th grade. Students will present their evidence and arguments of mastery to a public audience composed of other students, family members, MHS staff, and maritime industry mentors/professionals from their chosen career pathway. Students will tailor their defense to narrate the story of their learning throughout their 2 years in 
  the Launch phase, and how the experiences they have had prepared them for the 
  path they plan to pursue after high school. This defense-style presentation will 
  include a formal presentation, public Q&A, and private discussion with school and 
  industry mentors.

• High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP)
• Graduation Pathway

Maritime High School is committed to fostering a compassionate, respectful, and inclusive community. Central to this commitment is our use of restorative practices, which 
emphasize accountability, relationship-building, and collective responsibility.
Restorative practices ensure that students and staff hold one another accountable for 
words, actions, and behaviors that may cause harm within the school community. Our 
goal is to cultivate meaningful relationships and a strong sense of belonging. When harm 
occurs, we focus on collaborative problem-solving to restore trust and repair the 
community.

• Community Circles – structured conversations that encourage listening, reflection, and shared understanding.
• Mediations – facilitated dialogues led by peers or staff to resolve conflicts constructively.
• Student Support Panels – collaborative sessions designed to identify needs and repair harm.

It is important to note that restorative practices do not replace traditional disciplinary 
measures. Instead, they are used in conjunction with established policies to address 
concerns effectively and equitably.

Maritime High School encourages open communication between students, families, and 
staff. We welcome students and guardians to share personal needs or concerns with a 
trusted member of the school community at any time.
 

The Keel is a restorative initiative that provides structured after-school support for 
students. Coordinated by the Behavioral Re-Engagement Specialist, this program offers a safe and intentional environment where students can receive assistance with both 
behavioral and academic challenges.

The primary purpose of The Keel is to serve as a constructive alternative that helps 
students reflect, grow, and re-engage with their learning in a positive and supportive 
setting. Students may be referred to The Keel for a variety of reasons, but the overarching goal remains the same: to provide guidance and resources that foster personal responsibility and academic success.

Maritime High School provides a designated Calm Down Space for students who may 
need time to regulate their emotions, reset, or regain focus. This environment is designed 
to promote emotional well-being while ensuring students maintain access to instructional 
time.

Key features of the Calm Down Space include:

• A supportive atmosphere where students may practice grounding strategies and mindfulness.
• Regular staff check-ins every 5-10 minutes to ensure emotional safety and readiness to return to class.
• An emphasis on student responsibility for personal belongings and any refreshments brought into this space.

This space is not intended as a substitute for class time, but rather as a short-term support to help students return to learning in a calm, focused state. Before entering the space, every student will fill out an emotional check-in sheet.

The MHS School Counselor provides individualized support to address students’ 
academic, social, and emotional needs. Students are encouraged to connect with the 
counselor whenever they need guidance or support.

Maritime High School is firmly committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive 
learning environment. The school does not tolerate harassment, intimidation, or bullying 
(HIB) in any form, whether verbal, physical, written, or digital. This includes cyberbullying, 
such as the misuse of a student’s name, likeness, or images on social media for harmful or malicious purposes.
All members of the Maritime community have the right to report concerns regarding 
harassment, intimidation, or bullying. Reports will be taken seriously and addressed 
promptly in accordance with district policy. School and district staff will investigate all 
reports, respond appropriately, and communicate outcomes in a timely manner.
If at any point the personal safety or well-being of a student or staff member is at risk, 
immediate steps will be taken to reduce or eliminate the risk while a full investigation is 
conducted, and an action plan is implemented.

Read mor information about the district HIB policy (3207), procedures, and reporting process.

Maritime High School is committed to addressing any incident that may cause physical or 
emotional harm to members of our community. Students are strongly encouraged to report concerns promptly so that they can be addressed in a safe and constructive manner.

How to Report

• If an incident occurs, students should inform any trusted adult immediately. 
  Reports may be made directly to teachers, administrators, or support staff.

Important to Remember

• While reporting a concern can feel challenging, it plays a vital role in maintaining a 

safe and respectful community. Speaking up helps ensure that concerns are 
addressed promptly and handled with care.

To support a safe and well-supervised environment, students must remain under the 
supervision of a staff member at all times and may not leave their class or assigned group without permission. When moving between locations (i.e. classroom to lab), students are expected to stay with their class and follow staff directions. Students are to use only approved equipment, and students must receive proper instructions before using any materials or tools. Any unsafe conditions or broken equipment should be reported to a staff member immediately.

During lunch, students must remain in designated areas, including the cafeteria and the 
overhang in front of the cafeteria. Students may only visit a teacher’s classroom during 
lunch if they have obtained a hall pass prior to the start of lunch. Students are not 
permitted to sit in cars in the parking lot at any point during the school day. Use of the 
basketball court and field is allowed only when adequate staff supervision is present. 
Students may not return to the Maritime Village classroom area during lunch without 
permission and direct adult supervision.

Maritime High School has developed a cell phone policy with the intent of providing 
distraction free classrooms and aims to provide safe and focused learning environments. 
MHS implements a “bell-to bell” ban prohibiting students from using personal electronic 
devices (cell phones, smartwatches, game systems, air-pods, iPods, tablets, and any 
other personal electronic devices not assigned by the school) during class. Students may 
bring devices to school, but they must be stored in dedicated classroom phone pockets. 
Each student at Maritime is provided with a school issued personal device and has access to assigned headphones in each classroom. 

If a student uses their device without permission during the school day, they may be 
subject to progressive discipline in accordance with Maritime High School policy and the 
Highline District Discipline Code. This includes a series of escalating interventions and 
consequences to address the behavior based on the nature and frequency of the violation. 

If a student is found to have a device during class, the following procedure will occur:

1. Teachers will give a verbal reminder to students that phones must be in the phone pocket, and all earphones and headphones must be removed.
2. If a student refuses, the student will be expected to hand the phone or device to staff to securely hold the device until the end of the school day. Staff will communicate this incident to the student’s family.
3. If a student refuses to let the Staff member collect their phone or device, it will be collected by the office, and the student will need to turn their devices into the office daily before school to be securely stored until the end of the school day.
   1. Teacher, student, and family will make a plan together to manage student’s phone use going forward.

Additionally,

• If a student is seen taking another person’s phone, this is considered theft and will lead to major discipline.
• If a student claims not to have a phone to avoid putting it into a pocket and is later found with a phone, the phone is immediately confiscated and held until the end of the day. 

Teachers may adapt these expectations to permit instructionally-relevant student use of 
devices at their individual discretion (for instance, cell phones for Kahoot, earphones 
permitted without phones during silent worktime).

Each student is provided with a district-issued device to support academic learning. 
Students are expected to use these devices responsibly and in alignment with district 
technology policies.
Maritime High School students must:

• Use only their assigned district device for academic purposes.
• Adhere to all district guidelines governing technology use, including expectations for security, digital citizenship, and proper care of equipment.
• Understand that inappropriate or unauthorized use of technology—including bypassing filters, accessing prohibited content, or misusing school accounts—will result in disciplinary action.
• Use of personal devices during instructional time is prohibited.

For full details, students and families should review Highline Public Schools’ Technology 
Policies (2022 and 2026), available on the district website.

When absent or late, students miss valuable learning experiences and opportunities. Data shows that absences of any type, even excused, can significantly impact a student's ability to graduate on time. 

Tardy Policy

• A student is considered tardy if they enter the classroom after the bell rings. 
• If a student arrives after the bell and within the first 15 minutes, they will be marked Tardy (TDY).
• If a student arrives more than 15 minutes late, they will be marked Excessive Tardy (UET).
• Repeated tardiness will prompt a family meeting and may result in additional interventions to support improved attendance.

Absence Policy
 

If a student will be absent, a parent or guardian must notify the main office and 
share the reason for the absence. Notification may be provided by sending a note 
with your student, emailing Maritime@highlineschools.org, or calling 206-631-
7400.

• If a student misses more than 50% of the instructional day, the absence will be considered a full-day unexcused absence unless verified.
• Students on campus are expected to remain in their assigned class; failure to do so may result in being marked truant.
• In accordance with Washington State law:
  • After three unexcused absences in one month or seven in a school year, a parent/guardian meeting is required.
  • Continued unexcused absences may result in a truancy petition being filed if attendance does not improve.

For additional details, please refer to school board policy 3122.

Maritime High School operates as a closed campus in order to maintain student safety 
and accountability. Students are expected to remain on school grounds for the duration of 
the instructional day, with two exceptions:

• Launched Students (Grades 11–12): Students who have successfully completed the Launch process may leave campus during lunch, provided they demonstrate ongoing responsibility (e.g., returning promptly for afternoon classes). There must be a verified parent/guardian permission form approved by the school administration on file in the office.
• Off-Site Learning Pathways: Students participating in approved learning pathways through Running Start or an internship may leave campus, with prior authorizationand signed consent from parent/guardian.

All other departures during the school day require a parent/guardian to sign the student out through the Attendance Office. (Students who are 18 or older may sign themselves out.)

Adult supervision is required at all times on campus.

Students may not have commercial deliveries (including food, beverages, gifts, or other 
purchased items) sent to the school. Any delivery addressed to a student will be refused.

All Maritime High School students are provided with district transportation services and 
have access to public transit free of charge. Students with a valid driver’s license may also drive themselves to school.

The following guidelines apply to all personal transportation devices, including cars, 
bicycles, and skateboards:

• Personal vehicles and devices are permitted only for travel to and from campus and must be used on designated pathways such as parking lots and sidewalks.
• Drivers must adhere to a 5 MPH speed limit in campus parking areas.
• Student parking is located in the southwest (rear) parking lot; the front lot is reserved exclusively for Olympic site staff.
•  All vehicles must display a valid parking pass and avoid restricted zones, including 
  bus and emergency vehicle lanes.

Maritime High School and Highline Public Schools assume no responsibility for the 
security of personal vehicles or devices brought onto campus. Failure to comply with 
transportation and parking guidelines may result in revoked parking privileges or restricted access to campus facilities.
 

To maintain a safe, healthy, and respectful learning environment, Maritime High School 
strictly prohibits the possession, use, or distribution of the following on all Highline Public 
School properties, including the Olympic campus:

• Alcohol
• Tobacco products (including e-cigarettes and vaping devices)
• Drugs and controlled substances (including paraphernalia)
• Weapons or dangerous items of any kind
• Objects or activities that compromise the safety or well-being of others

In addition, violence, fighting, or any physical aggression will not be tolerated. Any 
violation of these expectations will result in immediate administrative action and may also 
involve law enforcement in accordance with state and district policy.

These standards are in place to ensure that all members of the Maritime community can 
learn and work in a safe and supportive environment.
 

The safety of students and staff is a top priority at Maritime High School. To ensure 
preparedness for a variety of potential emergencies, the school conducts monthly safety drills. These exercises provide students and staff with the opportunity to practice 
response procedures in a calm, consistent, and effective manner.

All classrooms and common areas are equipped with emergency kits and posted 
instructions for specific scenarios. Drills may include, but are not limited to:

• Evacuations in response to fire or hazardous conditions.
• Shelter-in-Place procedures during environmental hazards.
• Lockdowns or Secure-and-Hold protocols in the event of a threat to campus safety.
• Earthquake or natural disaster preparedness drills.

By regularly practicing the Standard Response Protocol, Maritime High School ensures that every member of the community is equipped with the knowledge and confidence to 
respond effectively in the event of an emergency.

Read more information on or Emergency Procedures page. 

All students at Maritime High School are members of the Associated Student Body (ASB) and are encouraged to participate in its activities. The ASB exists to foster school spirit, build community, and ensure that student voices are represented in school decision-making.

• Maritime also elects a team of ASB Officers each year. These student leaders:
• Serve as role models for their peers.
• Plan and coordinate events such as spirit weeks, assemblies, and dances.
• Advocate on behalf of the student body.
  ASB officers are elected in accordance with the school constitution and are required to uphold all codes of conduct outlined therein.

Maritime students are eligible to participate in athletics through their neighborhood high 
school. Students wishing to participate should contact the athletic director at their 
assigned high school to complete registration.

Special considerations include:

• If a student must leave Maritime early for practice or a game, prior notification must be provided by a coach, athletic director, or parent/guardian. The student must check out through the main office and arrange their own transportation.
• Students are expected to inform teachers in advance and complete all missed coursework.
• Academic eligibility is determined in partnership with the school counselor and crew teacher. Students who fall below expectations will be placed on academic probation and may be temporarily ineligible to compete.
• Students must attend at least half of the school day, with absences properly excused, in order to participate in practices or competitions.
• Because Field Work Experiences (FWEs) are a core part of the curriculum, students who do not attend scheduled FWEs will be ineligible to participate in athletics on that day.