Community Handbook

The primary responsibility of the Highline School District is to ensure every student is known by name, strength and need, and graduates prepared for the future they choose. Eliminating racism, racial inequities, and institutional bias will increase achievement and graduation rates for all students, while narrowing the achievement and opportunity gaps between the highest and lowest performing students.  Our strategic plan is the district’s primary equity plan, and our foundation will enable us to meet our goals in every classroom and in every school:

EQUITY*

We will disrupt institutional biases and end inequitable practices so all students have an equal chance at success. *To learn more about Highline Public Schools’ commitment to equity, please refer to Policy 0010

 

INSTRUCTION

We will address opportunity gaps by using culturally responsive, inclusive, standards-based instruction.

 

RELATIONSHIPS

We will know our students by name, strength and need and have open, two-way communication with students, families, and community partners.

 

SUPPORT

We will increase student success by supporting their social-emotional and academic needs.

At Maritime, we commit to following a shared set of values that guides 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

 

Goals

Maritime students and staff have a shared understanding of behaviors that will keep our school a safe place for everyone to learn

Maritime students and staff act and communicate in ways that demonstrate the Way of the WAVES at school and in online interactions

Maritime staff clearly communicate behaviors that will keep our school a safe place for everyone to learn

Maritime staff help students make choices and evaluate and respond to choices that demonstrate the Way of the WAVES

MTSS is a framework that includes guidelines and interventions based on a student’s strength and needs. At Maritime, this starts with setting common expectations for academics, behaviors, attendance, and personal wellness identifying available supports for all students. One example is Maritime’s shared values, the Way of the Waves.

In addition to communicating expectations, our MTSS is driven by data that helps us identify individualized support or interventions for students. Some of these options may include referrals to mentorship and counseling opportunities and identifying tutoring or other academic support.

As part of our goal of building a caring, considerate community and addressing conflicts and concerns in our school, we utilize restorative practices. This means that we hold each other responsible for any words, actions, and behaviors that may harm our community. Thus, we work to create strong relationships and a sense of belonging at Maritime, and when issues occur, we work together to repair the harm in our school. 

Our staff and a team of students participate in ongoing training to ensure we are utilizing restorative practices with fidelity as we build a more compassionate, empathetic and integrous community. Some examples of restorative practices and activities include circles, peer or staff-led mediations, and student support panels.

The use of restorative practices does not mean that traditional discipline responses will not be used; both approaches are used in conjunction when addressing concerns or issues in our community. 

Students and their guardians are encouraged to communicate with our school staff about their personal needs. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted school adult if there is anything you need.

Maritime High School strives to prevent and respond to harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying. This includes cyber bullying or the use of student likeness or images on social media with undesirable intent and/or intent to harm. Community members have a right to report their concerns, and school and district staff will investigate and respond to and report in a timely manner. If the personal safety or wellness of a community member is at risk, steps will be taken to minimize or eliminate these risks until an investigation can be completed and a plan implemented.

More information about the district HIB policy (3207), procedures, and reporting process can be found here.

Office and Administrative Staff

Jamila Gordon, Principal 206-631-7400
Claudia Magaña Del Toro, Office Manager 206-631-7403
Natalie Robel, Bookkeeper and Registrar 206-631-7406

Student Support Staff

Jeffrey Ferry, School Counselor 206-631-7407
Jessi Traughber, Dean of Culture 206-631-7405
Allie Kelly, School Nurse 206-631-6491
Linda Anderson, SLP 206-631-7424
Danielle Jones, Paraeducator 206-631-7420=

Teaching Staff

Michael Stein-Ross, Humanities (9A) 206-631-7410
Amanda Adams, STEM (9B) 206-631-7422
Bev Pecoraro, Humanities (10A) 206-631-7417
Rosalind Echols, STEM (10B) 206-631-7413
Joanna Rodriguez, STEM (11A) 206-631-7418
Mia Mlekarov, Humanities (11B) 206-631-7411
Bridgett Cabiles, Spanish 206-631-7419
Maria Gross, Math 206-631-7421
Rebecca Grussgott, Special Education 206-631-7420

Monday and Tuesday

	9th Grade	10th Grade
8:30-9:30	Crew/SEL/Career Lessons	Crew/SEL/Career Lessons
9:35-10:35	Block 1 – Humanities/STEM	Block 1 – Math/Spanish
10:40-11:40	Block 2 – Humanities/STEM	Block 2 – Math/Spanish
11:40-12:10	LUNCH	LUNCH
12:15-1:15	Block 3 – Spanish/NWMC FWE Prep	Block 3 – STEM/Humanities
1:20-2:20	Block 4 – Spanish/NWMC FWE Prep	Block 4 – STEM/Humanities
2:25-3:00	Crew – Circles/Genius Hour	Crew – Circles/Genius Hour.

 

Wednesday and Thursday

	9th Grade	10th Grade
8:30-3:00	Crew/SEL/Career Lessons	FWE’S/Onsite Intensives (Weeks A & B)

 

Friday

	9th Grade	10th Grade
8:30-9:10	Executive Functioning/Circle.	Executive Functioning/Circle.
9:15-10:15	Block 1 – Humanities/Math Lab	Humanities/Spanish
10:20-11:20	Block 2 –STEM/Math Lab	STEM/Spanish
11:20-11:50	LUNCH	LUNCH
11:55-12:55	Electives	Electives
1:00-1:30	PMU (Pick Me Ups)	PMU (Pick Me Ups)

Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday

	Marine Resources	Vessel Operations
8:30-10:20	@PSSC Seahurst Park.	Study Hall (M)/Leaving 2 Learn (T/Th)
10:25-10:40	TRAVEL TIME
10:40-11:40	Crew	Crew
11:40-12:10	LUNCH	LUNCH
12:15-1:35	Humanities/Math	Humanities/Math
1:40-3:00	Humanities/Math	Humanities/Math

 

Wednesday 

	Marine Resources	Vessel Operations
8:30-10:20	@PSSC Seahurst Park	8:30-3:00  Onsite at Seattle Maritime Academy   (SMA)
10:25-10:40	TRAVEL TIME
10:40-11:40	Study Hall
11:40-12:10	LUNCH
12:15-1:35	Leaving 2 Learn
1:40-3:00	Internships or Independent   Projects

 

Friday

	Marine Resources	Vessel Operations
8:30-10:20	@PSSC Seahurst Park.	8:30-3:00  Onsite at Seattle Maritime Academy (SMA)
10:25-10:40	TRAVEL TIME
10:40-11:20	Crew
11:20-11:50	LUNCH
11:55-12:55	Electives
1:00-1:30	PMU (Pick Me Up)

A critical component of our MTSS is our crew program. Students at MHS are members of grade-level crews with a dedicated adult leader. Our Crew structure promotes the formation of deep relationships with one another as students learn about themselves and their strengths and needs. 

Crews are where instruction and reflection on social-emotional learning, career exploration, and personal goal-setting occur. Students in the Explore phase (9th and 10th grade) travel with their crew to classes while students in our Launch phase (11th and 12th) may engage in different pathways.

HEADRUSH is a learning management platform built specifically for learner-centered schools, project-based programs, and competency-based education. Students will use Headrush to access classroom resources and assignments, keep track of progress through projects, and collaborate with teachers and peers. Past due reports are always available through the Parent Portal. 

• Parent Headrush Guide 
• Parent/Guardian Frequently Asked Questions

At Maritime High School, we follow a mastery-based learning approach, which requires students to show proficiency in a range of skills. We believe this allows students to develop well-rounded knowledge and abilities that are critical for future success in the maritime industry.

Students engage in interactive, interdisciplinary (or cross curricular) projects to learn more deeply, foster durable skills, and strengthen their knowledge of the maritime field. To earn credit, they must demonstrate mastery of the Maritime High School Competencies. 

What students know is important, but what they can do is essential. 
To learn more about mastery-based learning at Maritime, click here

What does it mean to launch?

For students to move from the 9-10 Explore phase into the 11-12 Launch phase, they must demonstrate with concrete evidence that they are ready to take the next step in their education.

The goals of the Launch process are:

1. To support academic rigor and a sophisticated understanding of the MHS competencies
2. To encourage authentic project work (i.e., real-world applications & solutions to real-world problems)
3. To foster maturity, responsibility, and personal growth
4. To foster accountability to self and the community.

What can you do after you launch?

• Participate in the Launch Ceremony in June 
• Ability to keep your phones all day– this privilege will require ongoing responsibility (ex. Students will be expected to use their phones appropriately, keep them out of sight during internships and instruction, etc.) 
• Off-campus lunch privileges– this privilege will also require ongoing responsibility (ex. Returning to campus on time from lunch, etc.) 
• Clearance to pursue internships

For more details about launch expectations, click here.

There are 3 components to the formula for graduating from Maritime High School, to be completed throughout the Launch phase in grades 11-12. 

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.

In the spring of 12th grade, students will complete the third component, a portfolio defense. Students will present their evidence and arguments of mastery to a public audience comprising 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.

FWEs are curated real-world learning opportunities that serve as an academic touchstone for our projects. They provide learning that is essential and are a required part of MHS curriculum. Students and parents/guardians will read and sign a FWE agreement at the beginning of each year prior to participating in their first FWE.

FWE Agreements

While in the field, we agree:

1. To abide by the WAY OF THE WAVES
2. During each FWE’s safety talk: stop moving, be silent, turn eyes towards instructor and listen attentively
   • Instructors commit to making short, simple, specific, impactful safety talk.
3. Seek support from an adult safety matter expert when struggling with attention or a specific safety requirement
4. Dress accordingly based on the weather and activities
5. Wear all required safety gear and equipment, including: closed-toed shoes, PFDs, hard hats, etc
6. Follow staff and teacher instructions
7. Stick with the group or get permission from a chaperone or adult to go somewhere else
8. Avoid touching others or items unless it’s in response to an immediate safety concern
9. To be mindful of others and the space around us
10. When the instructor calls out “all hands”, we respond “on deck” and prepare to listen for instructions
11. Abide by the school phone policy and any other guidelines provided by those leading the FWE

What happens if someone doesn’t follow the FWE expectations?

If a student does not demonstrate respect and thoughtfulness for FWE leaders, their peers, or the environment:

1. One-on-one discussion with staff/chaperone in the moment.
2. Group conversation with teacher/chaperone and Dean of Culture…review FWE Agreement.
3. Meeting with families, teachers/chaperones, and Dean of Culture…review FWE Agreement and develop a contract
4. Unable to participate in FWEs until a restorative justice process with students, teacher/chaperones, Dean. Next steps determined from that process
    

Steps if a student does not follow FWE expectations around safety (For minor safety concerns, start at step one. If a safety concern poses a risk to self or others, start at step two)

1. Discussion with teacher/chaperone in the moment…focus on why the behavior is important to safety
2. Group conversation with subject-matter expert, teacher/chaperone and Dean of Culture…review FWE Agreement.
3. Unable to participate in FWEs until meeting with families, subject-matter expert, teachers/chaperones, and Dean of Culture…review FWE Agreement and develop a contract
4. Unable to participate in FWEs until a restorative justice process with students, teacher/chaperones, and/or school leaders. Next steps are determined from that process.

Attendance

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

Students out of class must have a pass with their name, time, destination and teacher signature.

Tardy Policy

• A tardy is defined as entering a classroom after the bell rings.
• Students who miss less than 50% of a class will be considered tardy.
• Any student who arrives at school after the bell rings must sign in at designated key pads in the main OR attendance offices before heading to class.
• Excessive tardies will lead to a family meeting to problem solve attendance

Absence Policy

• Students who miss more than 50% of a class period will be marked absent.
• Any absences that total more than 50% percent of a school day will be considered a full-day unexcused absence.
• If a student is on campus, they are required to be in class and can be marked truant if not in their assigned location.
• Per Washington State law, after three unexcused absences, a parent meeting is required and a student may be subject to a truancy petition if attendance does not improve.

For more information, please refer to school board policy 3122.

Academic Integrity

Cheating or any other form of academic dishonesty is not tolerated at MHS. Forms of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to:

• Using the knowledge, work, or skills of other people without their permission or when expected to do work independently
• Sharing one’s work (tasks, milestones, final products) to allow others to copy it or use your original ideas
• Using artificial intelligence technology or programs
• Accessing online translators
• Plagiarism from professional or other sources (using without citing or referencing the original source)

All of the above are forms of cheating in which another person’s work or ideas are presented as your own. Academic dishonesty is a serious academic offense and can even result in expulsion at the college level. Maritime High School holds academic honesty to be an essential component of our school culture; therefore, students who cheat or commit plagiarism will be required to complete an alternative assignment and may put them at risk for losing privileges and opportunities or facing other consequences as deemed appropriate. 

Closed Campus

Maritime High School is a closed campus with two exceptions: Launched 11th and 12th graders are allowed to leave campus during lunch and students attending learning pathways at the Marine Science Lab at Seahurst or Seattle Maritime Academy. In both cases, there must be a signed permission form from a parent/guardian on file with the main office.

Apart from the above exceptions, a parent or legal guardian is required to sign out their student in the Attendance Office if they are leaving campus for any reason. (Students 18 and over can sign themselves out.)

Transportation and Parking

All students have access to district-provided transportation and public transit free of charge, and those with licenses may drive themselves. Bicycles, skateboards, or other personal vehicles and transportation devices are permitted when entering or leaving campus but should only be used on appropriate surfaces and pathways, such as parking lots and sidewalks.

All drivers on the Olympic campus are required to display parking passes and must follow posted signs, avoid bus zones, and yield to district and emergency vehicles. Student parking is located in the back (southwest) parking lot; the front lot is reserved for Olympic site staff.

Maritime High School and Highline Public Schools are not responsible for the safety and security of any personal vehicles or devices that are parked or stored on our campus.

Phone Policy

Maritime staff are dedicated to using every moment of class and field work experiences for learning. To be successful at Maritime, students need to be present and productive. Cell phones are intrusive in the learning environment; in the interest of students’ education, we have the following cell phone policy:

• All student cell phones will be put into their assigned pocket number at the beginning of each class. Students will have the same assigned number in every class so it is easily remembered.
• Cell phones will remain in assigned pockets for the duration of class UNLESS instructed otherwise by the teacher.
• If students want to listen to music while working, during a time approved by the supervising teacher, they are allowed to use either bluetooth headphones or wired headphones which are to be connected to their school issued Chromebooks.
• Students who have accommodations for cell phone use will clear usage with teachers ahead of time. Teachers will validate this accommodation via case manager contact and/or reviewing student forms (IEP, 504, etc.).
• For Field Work Experiences (FWE), cell phones are to be checked in at the beginning of the day with Crew Teachers and will be returned at the end of the school day.

Students are only allowed to use their phones before school, during on-site lunch, passing times, and after school. If an emergency call needs to be made, students are to use the phone in the main office.

When students have cell phones out repeatedly, this protocol will be followed:

1. When students refuse to put their phone in their assigned pocket number, students will give their phone to the teacher for the rest of the class period. 

2. If students don’t give their phone to the teacher, they will be sent to the office where they will hand the phone in for the rest of the day and parents will be notified. 

3. If students don’t give their phone up in the office, students will receive Principal-level consequences and parent meetings will be required.

District Technology Policy 

The district provides all students with devices. Maritime students are expected to use their district assigned devices and adhere to district guidelines* for use. 

*To learn more about Highline Public Schools’ technology policies (2022 and 2026), please review this page.

Prohibited Substances and Items

Alcohol, tobacco products, drugs, and related paraphernalia are prohibited on any and all Highline Public School properties, including the Olympic campus. 

Violence, physical fighting, weapons, and any other items or activities that infringe upon the safety of others are prohibited on our campus.

All classrooms and common areas are equipped with emergency kits. Here are the instructions for specific emergencies.

Fires and Emergency Evacuations*:

1. Activate the nearest fire alarm and call 9-1-1.
2. Students and staff will evacuate the building, following our evacuation route maps, and go to assigned safety locations.
3. Students and staff will remain in these locations until the building has been cleared by the fire department, and it is safe to re-enter.
4. If an emergency evacuation takes place at the end of the school day, all students and faculty must remain on site until they have been accounted for and permitted to leave by emergency personnel.

*If an emergency evacuation is required for any other reason, students and staff must follow steps 2 and 3. 

Earthquakes:

1. Students and staff should “drop, cover and hold” under a table or desk or against an inside wall (not in a doorway) for the duration of the earthquake.

• Take special care to protect your head, neck and back while waiting for the earthquake to stop.
• Earthquakes can last several minutes; remain in this safety position until it is safe to move.

1. After the shaking stops, check yourself and others for injuries and move towards the nearest exit.
2. Follow the evacuation procedures, and if necessary, seek medical attention.

Shelter in Place:

This emergency response is followed when there is a threat of atmospheric hazards (chemical, biological, etc.)

1. Close and lock all exterior windows and doors to reduce airflow into buildings and classrooms.
2. Staff will turn off all heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC).
3. Staff will take attendance and contact the main office if any student is unaccounted for.
4. All will remain in their locations until they are cleared to evacuate.

Lockdown:

If there is a clear threat to the safety of those at school, a lockdown process will be followed. In some cases, a “modified lockdown” procedure is used when a situation in the area may pose a risk to the safety of the school community.

1. All students and staff will enter a secure classroom or office immediately.
2. Close, lock, and cover all exterior windows and doors to prevent access to building, classroom, and offices.
3. Close blinds and cover all windows..
4. Everyone will move away from windows and doors and remain low to the ground.
5. All must remain silent for the duration of the lockdown. (Please ensure all phones and devices are silenced.)
6. No one is allowed to move or leave until an “all clear” signal has been announced or they have been evacuated by emergency personnel.

Associated Student Body (ASB):

All students are members of the Associated Student Body (ASB) and are invited to participate in any and all ASB activities. 

In addition, Maritime has a team of ASB officers who act as leaders and role models for their peers, plan activities and events (such as spirit weeks and dances), and advocate for the student body. ASB officers are elected each year according to the school constitution and must adhere to any codes of conduct outlined in the constitution. 

Extra-curricular Activities and Clubs: 

We strongly encourage students to participate in extracurricular activities, whether sponsored by school or pursued independently. Extracurricular activities are an important part of adolescent development and also can be used to fulfill our competency-based learning requirements. 

Currently MHS sponsors the following clubs: 

• ASB & Student Government
• ROV Club
• Yearbook Club
• Rainbow Friends
• Green Team
• If a student has an interest in forming a new club, they will need to find a staff advisor and members. Then, they will craft a club constitution that will be submitted to the ASB officers for final approval.

Student-led Electives

Every student has the opportunity to participate in student-led electives that occur Friday afternoons. Led by peers and monitored by a supporting adult, Electives give students the opportunity to share and explore a topic, activity, or interest of their choice during the school day. This is a great way for students to take leadership and ownership and to build community across the grade levels.

Students are eligible to participate in athletics at their neighborhood high school. Students interested should contact the athletic director at the school who will help with registration.

To the best of their abilities, students are expected to attend all practices, arrive on time, and stay for the entire length of practice. Practice and competition times may vary depending on the school, sport, or event. If a Maritime student is required to attend practice or a sporting event that begins prior to the end of the school day, the school must be notified ahead of time by a coach, athletic director, or the student’s parent or guardian. Should a student need to be dismissed early, they will need to be checked out by a parent or guardian and must secure their own transportation to and from their neighborhood high school. In the event of an early dismissal, the student is expected to inform their teachers and complete any missed classwork or assignments.

Students must be academically eligible to participate in athletics. The guidance counselor and crew teacher will determine if the student is eligible and up to date on all essential tasks, milestones and mastery transcript submissions. If a student athlete falls below the threshold established by the guidance counselor and crew teacher, they are considered academically ineligible and will be placed on suspension from competition for a probationary period.

In order to participate in practices or competitions, a student must attend at least half of the school day and have any absences excused. Because of the unique

In order to participate in practices or competitions, a student must attend at least half of the school day and have any absences excused. Because of the unique structure of our program, a student’s participation in off-campus Field Work Experiences (FWE) is mandatory. If a student does not participate in an off-campus FWE, they are not eligible to participate in sport practices or games for that day.