Parent/Student Handbook

Superintendent's Welcome Letter

Welcome to Walla Walla Public Schools

By Superintendent Dr. Wade Smith

Walla Walla Public Schools has a proud history dating back to 1857. The district educates a diverse population of over 5,300 students and employs nearly 800 staff members. Walla Walla Public Schools is comprised of two high schools, two middle schools, five elementary schools, the Walla Walla Center for Children and Families (Birth-to-Five services), the Opportunity Alternative Learning Program, the SEATech Skills and Technical Center, Walla Walla Online and Homelink (K-6).

Through an equity lens, our focus on academic performance and skill development ensures Walla Walla students graduate prepared for today’s competitive world, whether college or career bound. Our ambitious Strategic Plan utilizes four student-centered goals focusing on ambitious learning for all, relevant and rigorous experience, culture of equity and belonging, and partnership with family and community. Bold and courageous student success indicators guide district actions and investments to ensure academic achievement for all.

This Parent/Student handbook serves as a guide for understanding how to best maximize your experience with Walla Walla Public Schools. Please reach out to your child’s school if you need a printed copy of the handbook, access to a computer to review its contents or clarification on any of the information.

Thank you for supporting our vision of Developing Washington’s Most Sought-After Graduates!

Vision:
Developing Washington’s Most Sought-After Graduates

Mission:
In partnership with families and community, Walla Walla Public Schools ensures a culture of equity and belonging, where every student achieves ambitious levels of learning through relevant and rigorous educational experiences.

Belief Statement - We believe:

that diversity is our strength
in challenging and supporting all students
that quality instruction is critical to student success
in elevating student voice and agency
in investing in staff to ensure excellence
in maximizing the impact of our resources
in collaborative and transparent operation
in the importance of family and community

WALLA WALLA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
364 S Park Street
Walla Walla, WA 99362

Phone: 509.527.3000
Fax: 509.529.7713
Website: www.wwps.org

Superintendent: Dr. Wade Smith
Email: wsmith@wwps.org

Twitter: @wwschools
Facebook: @wwschools

Student/Parent/Guardian Agreement 2024-2025

I understand and consent to abide by the district and school rules and guidelines as outlined in my student’s agenda and/or Parent/Student handbook. Handbooks may be reviewed online by visiting the district’s website (www.wwps.org), are made available during the registration process, and may be requested through your student’s school. I also understand and agree that my student shall be held accountable for the behavior and consequences outlined in the Student Code of Conduct at school during the regular school day, at any school-related activity regardless of time or location, and while being transported on district-provided transportation. I understand that should my student violate the Student Code of Conduct my student shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion from school and/or referral to law enforcement officials, for violations of the law.

School District Authority, Jurisdiction & Transparency

This Parent/Student Handbook states guidelines for student rights and responsibilities and is not intended to provide legal advice. It does not create any contractual rights, and the school district has the discretion to modify the provisions of this handbook at any time. Each school's procedures supplement the Parent/Student Handbook and should be referred to for more specific guidelines. If a provision of an individual school's procedures is inconsistent with this Parent/Student Handbook, this handbook will supersede.

The provisions of the Parent/Student Handbook are in effect:

During regular school hours and/or on school property.
During transportation of students.
At times and places where appropriate school administrators and staff have jurisdiction including, but not limited to, school-sponsored events, field trips, athletic functions and other school-related activities.
On the way to or from school or a school-related event.

Additionally, the principal, any public school official or designated chaperone is authorized to take administrative action when a student's misconduct away from school during a school activity may have a detrimental effect on the student, other students, staff or on the orderly educational process.

The principal has the responsibility to take discretionary action any time the educational process is threatened with disruption. Nothing in the following is intended to prevent a staff member, teacher, principal or other administrator from using his/her best judgment with respect to a particular situation.

Walla Walla Public Schools is committed to transparency and equity and access. Parents, guardians and students may access the contents of the handbook on the school district's website in its entirety. Those who need assistance, printed materials, electronic devices and other support related to the handbook may request this by contacting your child's school or the Walla Walla Public Schools District Office.