Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Sumner-Bonney Lake School District is in the process of reviewing its activities, services and programs to identify and eliminate any barriers to full participation by all otherwise qualified persons regardless of any disability. If you are aware, or become aware, of any such barriers to access or to communication associated with any of the District's programs, services or activities, please notify the district in writing at 1202 Wood Ave., Sumner, WA 98390, or by phone at (253) 891-6000.

ADA Accomodations

The Sumner-Bonney Lake School District provides reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities. We invite parents, guardians and community members with special needs to contact the ADA/504 coordinator at least seventy-two (72) hours before scheduled meetings, training, or events to discuss any special accommodations that may be necessary. Please contact the district in writing at 1202 Wood Ave., Sumner, WA 98390, or by phone at (253) 891-6000.

Equal Opportunity

The Sumner-Bonney Lake School District complies with all federal and state rules and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, or disability in education programs, services and activities. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the District’s Title IX/RCW 28A.640 Compliance Officer/ADA Coordinator and/or Section 504 Coordinator, in writing at 1202 Wood Ave., Sumner, WA 98390, or by phone (253) 891-6000.

Non-Discrimination Statement (School Board Policy 3210)

The Sumner-Bonney Lake School District does not discriminate in any programs, services or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, age honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, neurodivergence, or the use of a trained guide dog or serving animal by a person with a disability. The district provides equal access to the Scouting of America and other designated youth groups.

The Sumner-Bonney Lake School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment.

Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, TitleIXcoordinator@sumnersd.org, 253-891-6053, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, or both.  

The Sumner-Bonney Lake School District’s nondiscrimination policy may be located at Legal Notices. The Nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures can be located at Policy 3210: Nondiscrimination, Procedure 3210: Nondiscrimination. 

To report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, please refer to the District Title IX Coordinator at TitleIXcoordinator@sumnersd.org, 253-891-6053. 

You can report Sexual Harassment or complaints of alleged discrimination to any school staff member, or to any of the following designated officials:

The Principal (or designee) of your school

Sumner-Bonney Lake School District Title IX Coordinator
TitleIXcoordinator@sumnersd.org
253-891-6053

Sumner-Bonney Lake School District ADA Coordinator
ADAcoordinator@sumnersd.org
253-891-6000

Sumner-Bonney Lake School District Section 504 Coordinator
Section504coordinator@sumnersd.org
253-891-6000

By Mail: 
Program Title Coordinator
Sumner-Bonney Lake School District
1202 Wood Avenue, Sumner, WA 98390

Washington State OSPI Equity Civil Rights Office
360-725-6162
equity@k12.wa.us

U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights
206-607-1600
OCR.Seattle@ed.gov

The Sumner-Bonney Lake School District will also take steps to assure that persons without English language skills can participate in all education programs, services and activities. For information regarding translation services contact Communications at (253) 891-6083, communications@sumnersd.org or for transitional bilingual education programs contact Michelle Lewis at (253) 891-6143.

Attendance Policies and Procedures

Consistent attendance is essential for academic progress and is of great importance for a student’s academic and occupational success. Attendance will be taken daily and records kept in the office. Most classroom experiences cannot be duplicated on an individual basis; an absent student loses the experience of lecture, discussion and participation forever.

When a child must be home, please call the office to let the school know. A written excuse is requested on the child’s first day back.

Absence from school shall be classified as either an excused absence or an unexcused absence/truancy.
 

Excused absences

An absence is granted for personal illness or injury, serious family illness, quarantine, death in the family, or absences which are due to extraordinary or unusual circumstances, after the parent/guardian provides notification of the dates and reasons for the missed days. Suspension from school is an excused absence. Court appearance, religious observance and school-related field trips are also excused absences. It shall be the responsibility of the parent and/or student to schedule medical, dental, or legal appointments during non-school hours whenever possible. However, if attending a medical appointment, bring verification from the medical provider. Excused absences shall not be permitted if deemed to cause a serious adverse effect upon the student’s educational progress. (RCW 28A.225.010 (d))

Certain educational experiences are unique and it may not be possible to replicate them. An alternative assignment of equal value may be provided if possible. Make-up work will be provided by the teacher for an excused absence at the request of the student or parent/guardian.
Excused absences shall require notification from the parent or guardian by phone or written note within 48 hours of the student’s return to school.

Excused Absence Pattern Doctor’s notes may be required if a student does not attend school regularly. A parent conference with the student, counselor, and an administrator will be schedule to develop an Attendance Contract.  

Prearranged absences

In some cases, certain experiences may provide students with valuable educational exposure, which the school cannot duplicate and should not be denied the student. In all such cases, prior arrangements with the school, a minimum of 24 hours, are to be made for the length of the absence and the student is required to complete coursework for credit or grade.

It is the responsibility of the parent and student to request make-up work from the teacher regarding assignments missed during an excused absence. Students who need assignments due to a short-term absence should contact the office, which will request work from the student’s teachers. Assignments can be picked up 24 hours after the request. If a student becomes seriously ill or homebound, the parent/guardian must contact the school help the parent arrange for home tutoring. If a student is confined to home or hospital for an extended period, whenever practical, the school will arrange for the student to complete assignments off campus upon request.
 

Unexcused absences (Truancy)

Students are expected to attend assemblies, class meetings, and all scheduled classes or events each day. A student whose absence is not excused shall experience the school consequences of his/her unexcused absence, and teachers are not obligated to provide make-up work. A student is considered truant who misses any or all of a school day without the school’s permission and without the parent’s prior knowledge.  

BECCA Bill

After seven unexcused absences in one month or ten in one school year, we are required by the state to file a truancy petition with the Juvenile Court System. A pattern of truancy is considered a criminal offense by the courts and consequences can include time at Remann Hall, a fine of $25.00 for each absence, and/or required community service for both the parent and student.  

Late arrival/Early dismissal

Because schools are held liable for student safety, any time a student arrives late to school or leaves early from school, they must check in and out through the office. Students may not leave campus without prior approval.      

Tardies

It is vital to a good education that students are in class on time. A student will be marked as tardy if they arrive at the workstation after class begins. Excessive tardiness will be cause for disciplinary action. Teacher will notify parents/students if additional tardy expectations are in place. Tardiness may negatively affect the student’s grades.

2026-2027 Attendance Waiver Applications

The 2026-2027 Waiver Application window will open at 9 am on Monday, March 16, 2026.

2026-2027 Waiver and Choice Transfer Application Timeline

• March 16, 2026-April 27, 2026:  For first consideration, all waiver and Choice Transfer applications must be submitted during this timeframe. Families will be notified if applications have been approved or denied within 45 days of submitting their application and all required documents.
• August 1, 2026-September 11, 2026: Waiver applications submitted after August 1 will not be reviewed until after September 11.  At that time, the District will review grade level, program, and building capacity. Families will be notified if space is available at the requested school. Students should remain enrolled in their resident school until receipt of an approved waiver.  
• Waivers received after September 11, 2026:  Families will be notified if applications have been approved or denied within 45 days of submitting their application and all required documents. Students should remain enrolled at their resident school until receipt of an approved waiver. 

Online Waiver Application
Start Here

Residents of Sumner-Bonney Lake School District

Students who live in the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District and wish to attend a school other than their resident school in the 2025-2026 school year must complete and submit a Sumner-Bonney Lake Intra District waiver application. 

• Special Note for the TEHALEH community: As new homes within the Tehaleh community are built, the district verifies the resident school districts for each individual home. Find instructions on how to determine if your home is located in Sumner-Bonney Lake School District or Orting School District.
• For BLHS applications for AP Program: Applications for students applying to participate in Advanced Placement coursework at Bonney Lake High School must upload the BLHS AP Waiver Form into their Waiver Application.  

Bonney Lake High School AP Waiver Form

• For SHS applications for IB Programs: Applications for students applying to participate in International Baccalaureate coursework must upload the SHS IB Waiver Form into their Waiver Application.

Sumner High School IB Waiver Form

• Sumner Early Learning Center:  Applications for the Early Learning Center are for one year only.  Any in-district families wishing to have their child attend either Maple Lawn or Daffodil Valley Elementary Schools for grades 1-5, will need to resubmit a waiver application during their child’s kindergarten year. 
• Transportation is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.  

Students residing outside of the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District

Students who live outside the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District boundaries and wish to attend one of our schools must complete an Inter-district waiver and a Choice Transfer Request. The Inter-district Waiver Application and the Choice Transfer Request must be completed annually.

• Out of District (Inter District) families must submit a Sumner-Bonney Lake Inter District waiver application and a Choice Transfer Request through the OSPI portal. The application is not considered complete until a Choice Transfer Request is submitted and approved by the releasing district. 
• For BLHS applications for AP Program: Applications for students applying to participate in Advanced Placement coursework at Bonney Lake High School must upload the BLHS AP Waiver Form into their Waiver Application.  

Bonney Lake High School AP Waiver Form

• For SHS applications for IB Programs: Applications for students applying to participate in International Baccalaureate coursework must upload the SHS IB Waiver Form into their Waiver Application.

Sumner High School IB Waiver Form

• Students should remain enrolled at their resident school until receipt of an approved waiver.
• Out of District Waiver applications are required yearly for continued attendance.
• Waiver applications will be considered incomplete and denied if a Choice Transfer Request has not been submitted and approved by the releasing school district.
• Transportation is the responsibility of the parent/guardian. Out of district students are not eligible to use Sumner-Bonney Lake School District bus services.
• Sumner-Bonney Lake School District Board Policy and Procedure 3141 Non-Resident Students outlines the procedure for accepting or denying Inter District waiver applications.

If you have questions regarding your waiver application, email district_waivers@sumnersd.org. 

Are in-district and out of district transfers closed at some schools?

Due to overcrowding and high enrollment, not every school or grade in the District is open for Inter and Intra-District transfers. Applications for enrollment in a closed school or grade will be denied unless the parent/guardian is a full time district employee, per RCW 28A.225.225.

Consent to share eligibility information for reduced fees

Families who qualify for free or reduced lunch may be eligible for waived fees to participate in extracurricular school programs and reduced fees for eligible curricular fees, such as:

• Sports/Athletic Fees
• ASB Cards
• Field Trips
• Club Fees
• Chromebook Assurance
• Choir/Band Activity Fees
• ASB Event Tickets
• Extra-Curricular Event Family Entry Fee 

By signing this form, you agree to the release of the student(s) Free & Reduced eligibility status and allow the district to waive
or reduce the school program fees indicated above.

FORM: Consent to Share Eligibility Information for other School Programs

English | Spanish | Russian | Ukrainian 

Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)

The Sumner-Bonney Lake School District provides students with access to various third-party websites, applications and other online resources to support student learning.  The use of these online resources may involve the collection of certain personally identifying information (e.g., the students first and last name, username, and district email address) from children under 13. As permitted under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), the district consents to this collection on behalf of parents of children under 13, unless the parent/guardian opts-out.  If you have a child under the age of 13 and wish to opt out of your child’s use of online resources, you must contact your child’s school.  A meeting will occur between the parent, principal, and district technology representative to discuss alternative learning solutions.  Find more information on COPPA.

In compliance with RCW 28a.642.080, SBLSD is committed to fostering an educational environment that is safe and free of discrimination for all students, regardless of gender expression, gender identity, or sex. To that end, the district recognizes the importance of an inclusive approach toward transgender and gender-expansive students with regard to key terms, communication and the use of names and pronouns, student records, confidential health and education information, communication, restroom and locker room use and accessibility, sports and physical education, dress codes, and other school activities, in order to provide these students with an equal opportunity for learning and achievement.

The state-required School Board Policy 3211 and 3211P are components of the district’s responsibility to create and maintain a safe, civil, respectful and inclusive learning community and will be implemented in conjunction with comprehensive training of staff and volunteers.

If you believe that you or your child have experienced unlawful discrimination or harassment at school based on gender expression, identity, or sex you can discuss your concerns with your child’s principal or with SBLSD’s Gender Inclusion Coordinator.

Gender Inclusion Coordinator

Sara O’Donnell, Executive Director for Leadership Development and Student Services
1202 Wood Ave
Sumner, WA 98390
(253) 891-6046

In compliance with RCW 28a.642.080, SBLSD is committed to fostering an educational environment that is safe and free of discrimination for all students, regardless of gender expression, gender identity, or sex. To that end, the district recognizes the importance of an inclusive approach toward transgender and gender-expansive students with regard to key terms, communication and the use of names and pronouns, student records, confidential health and education information, communication, restroom and locker room use and accessibility, sports and physical education, dress codes, and other school activities, in order to provide these students with an equal opportunity for learning and achievement.

The state-required School Board Policy 3211 and 3211P are components of the district’s responsibility to create and maintain a safe, civil, respectful and inclusive learning community and will be implemented in conjunction with comprehensive training of staff and volunteers.

If you believe that you or your child have experienced unlawful discrimination or harassment at school based on gender expression, identity, or sex you can discuss your concerns with your child’s principal or with SBLSD’s Gender Inclusion Coordinator.

Gender Inclusion Coordinator

Sara O’Donnell, Executive Director for Leadership Development and Student Services
1202 Wood Ave
Sumner, WA 98390
(253) 891-6046

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Student records are private by law

Federal law prohibits school districts from releasing information found in student files without parent/guardian permission, except for what is called directory information. Directory information may be released under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). The District does not release directory information for commercial purposes.

Families can tell the school and district to keep directory information private

Parents/guardians of students under age 18 and students who are over 18 have the right to tell the District and its schools to keep directory information private. 

What is directory information? Directory information includes:

Name  
Home address  
Photographs
Telephone number(s)  
Birthdate 
Parent/guardian names  
Grade level
Dates of Enrollment (dates of attendance/recent or previous schools)
Student ID
Network User ID
Email addresses
Degrees and awards received
Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
Weight and height of members of athletic teams

Keeping directory information private

If you complete the SBLSD Directory Information Withholding Form, your child’s directory information will not be disclosed to outside organizations, the military, institutions of higher education or used in any communication that could reach the public or media.   For example:

• A press release or media story (newspaper, radio or television) on an award, play or class project
• District newsletter to all parents and/or staff
• Publications directed at district staff members
• Video shown to teachers from other schools within the district
• School video shown at a school board meeting open to the public
• Student or PTSA directory
• School yearbook
• Graduation program
• School newsletter
• The school’s website, district website or social media
• Military recruiters’ rosters
• Email mailing lists for PTSA communications

  If you do not want your student’s directory information released, please complete and sign the SBLSD Directory Information Withholding Form and return it to your child's school or District Office.

Depending on the scope of photo/video use, we may ask parents/guardians to sign a SBLSD Photo/Video Release Form. 

Public Records Requests 

Washington law requires state and local agencies, which includes public schools, to make public records available to the public. This law, the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW 42.56) and School Board Policy 4040/4040P supports the public’s right to be informed about what their government is doing.

Public Records

Public records requests may be made through the online portal or by email, letter or phone. The Public Records Officer processes public record requests. Public Records Officer: Rebecca Reid, 253-891-6077, publicrecords@sumnersd.org

Student Records

Records for general and special education students who are currently enrolled are available at the school.  Parent requests for education records are handled by the school with the support of District Office in the summertime.

Transcript Requests

Transcripts for students who are currently enrolled, or who graduated in the past year, are available at the school. For former students and alums who graduated more than one year ago, transcript requests are processed online.  Graduation verification information is available from the District Registrar’s Office.

Employee Records

Employee requests for their own personnel files are handled through Human Resources.

Parents Right to Know: Title I Schools

School districts are required to annually notify parents of students at Title I schools of their right to request the professional qualifications of their child's teacher. This includes licensing and certification for grade level and subject; emergency or other provisional status; B.A. major and graduate degrees; and paraprofessional qualifications. Districts are also required to notify parents if students have a teacher for four weeks or more who has not met applicable State certification or licensure requirements at the grade level and subject area in which the teacher has been assigned.

The requirement is defined at the federal level and may not reflect the teacher's abilities. This designation applies only to teachers at schools funded by Title I. Teachers must have a bachelor's degree, hold full state certification, and they must hold either national board certification in the assigned core academic subject(s) or be endorsed in the core academic subject(s) they teach.

To request qualifications of your child's teacher, contact the District's Human Resources Department.

The Sumner-Bonney Lake School District Title 1 schools: 

• Bonney Lake Elementary
• Crestwood Elementary
• Daffodil Valley Elementary
• Liberty Ridge Elementary
• Lakeridge Middle School
• Sumner Middle School 

We’re pleased our voter-approved Technology Levy allows us to provide all students with a Chromebook, especially vital during distance learning. With District-issued devices comes responsibility from both students and parents/guardians to honor proper and effective use of the Chromebook, abiding by SBLSD policies and procedures.

Secondary students sign a Student Technology Agreement Form through their teachers. We ask families of secondary students to please log into Family Access to sign the Family Technology Agreement Form for each child in middle or high school. Families of elementary students should have already signed the agreement at the time Chromebooks were issued to their child. 

Family Technology Agreement Forms:

• English
• Spanish
• Russian
• Ukrainian
• Romanian
• Korean
• Chinese: Simplified | Traditional 
• Vietnamese

The Sumner-Bonney Lake School District (SBLSD) does not discriminate in any programs, services or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained guide dog or serving animal by a person with a disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status; or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal.

Title IX protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance. Title IX, which began with a focus on discrimination and ensuring equity in sports, includes a major focus on prevention of, and response to incidents of sexual harassment and sexual assault.

What is discrimination? 

Discrimination is unlawful treatment of a person or group because they are part of a defined group, known as a protected class. Discrimination may include treating a person differently or denying someone access to a program, service, or activity because they are part of a protected class, or failing to accommodate a person’s disability. Discriminatory harassment is verbal or physical harassment based on a protected class.

What is a Protected Class? 

A protected class is a group of people who share common characteristics and are protected from discrimination and harassment by federal, state, or local laws. Protected classes in the SBLSD are those groups identified in the Non-Discrimination Statement above, such as sex, race, etc.

How do I file a complaint about discrimination? 

If you believe that you or your student has experienced discrimination or discriminatory harassment at school, you have the right to file a formal complaint. While this form is not required, all formal complaints must: (a) be in writing and (b) set forth the specific acts, conditions, or circumstances alleged to have occurred that constitute discrimination. Before filing a complaint, you may want to discuss your concerns with your child’s principal or the SBLSD Title IX Coordinator.

If you are not sure whether you should make a formal complaint, you can consult the Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator can help you decide if any action should be taken and how best to address your situation. SBLSD has designated staff responsible for responding to, investigating, and resolving complaints.  

If you believe an SBLSD student or staff member has been Discriminated, Harassed based on a Protected Class, or Sexually Harassed, you can report the incident(s) to any school staff member or the district’s Title IX Coordinator at titleIXcoordinator@sumnersd.org, 253-891-6047. 

Instructions for submitting a Formal Written Complaint

Complete the form here: SBLSD Discrimination Complaint Form   Please note that the use of a specific form is optional and not required. An alternative to completing the form is to send an email or provide a written document to a school leader (principal or assistant principal) or to the Title IX Coordinator directly.   Be as specific as possible when describing the incident(s). Your complaint is not limited to the space provided in the form, if used. You are encouraged to attach additional materials, which may assist in the resolution of your complaint.   Please be sure to include, either on the form, an email, or other document, the following information:

• the date(s),
• the description of the incident(s) that occurred,
• the name(s) of the person(s) involved, and
• the name(s) of those who may have witnessed the incident(s).

Submit the written document or email to either the Title IX Coordinator or to any school leader (principal or assistant principal).

For more information, please refer to:

Policy 3205: Sexual Harassment of Students Prohibited (Spanish | Russian | Ukrainian)

Policy 5011: Sexual Harassment of District Staff Prohibited

Instructions for the Sumner Bonney Lake School District Tort Claim Form
RCW 4.96

COMPLETION

1. You will find the Tort claim form below. These instructions and the Tort claim form is available on the Sumner Bonney Lake School District website or by contacting the Legal Affairs Department located in the Administrative Services Building.
2. Tort claim form must be typed or printed clearly in ink.
3. If the requested information cannot be supplied in the space provided, please use additional blank sheets so your claim can be easily read and understood.
4. Provide all requested information and any available documents supporting your claim.
5. The authorized party must sign the form and have it notarized.

PRESENTATION

Presentation or delivery of the the properly completed and signed Tort claim may occur via:

A. Personal delivery, during the business hours of 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays.
B. Registered mail.
C. Certified mail (with return receipt) to registered agent.

The Sumner Bonney Lake School District is located at 1202 Wood Avenue, Sumner, WA. 98390.

Tort Claim Form