The health and welfare of our students is paramount to our mission of seeing and serving each student. Please take a moment to read about our Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) protocols, how to access free or low-cost health insurance, our health services, and our Student Wellness Advisory Committee (SWAC).
Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying
The Camas School District is committed to providing a quality education for all students our community entrusts to us. As part of that commitment to quality education, the Camas School District will strive to provide a safe and respectful environment to all. School Board Policy 3207- Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) addresses one area of our commitment to quality education. This HIB policy explicitly defines harassment, intimidation, and bullying as ‘any intentionally’ written message or image, including but not limited to one shown to be motivated by race, skin color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, mental or physical ability, or other distinguishing characteristics when the act:
- Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property; or
- Has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s education; or
- Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment or
- It has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.
Policy 3207 explicitly addresses the steps that the school personnel and administration shall take to address the prevention, reporting, investigation, and outcome of any accusation of harassment, intimidation, or bullying in the school setting or at school-sponsored events. Click here for details on Steps for Addressing Bullying in the Camas School District.
If you suspect that your student is a victim of harassment, intimidation, or bullying, please contact the principal of your child’s school to discuss your concerns. You may complete (or be asked to complete) the Camas School District Alleged HIB Incident Report Form before meeting with the administration of your child’s school.
Things that you can do now for your children are essential for prevention and self-advocacy. First of all, encourage your child to talk about their day at school. If you suspect that your child is under stress from peers, encourage them to talk about it. Research supports that children are often reluctant to talk about bullying because they fear adults will not believe them. Assure them that their school has procedures to help end this stressful experience and that they can report what is happening to a counselor, teacher, or principal they most trust. All staff know and understand that there are steps in place to investigate and ultimately resolve these situations. More information on how to assist your child and increase your knowledge on this topic can be found in the resources section below.
The Camas School District is committed to your child’s quality education. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying have no place in their daily experiences. All of us have a stake in this, and your assistance will continue to ensure that our community continues to be a place where we are all safe. If you are concerned about student Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying, contact Human Resources Director/HIB Compliance Officer Marilyn Boerke at Marilyn.Boerke@camas.wednet.edu or 360-335-3000.
Board Policy
Internet Safety
Resources
Health Insurance for Eligible Students
In Washington State, Medicaid is called Apple Health. Provided free or at a low cost to families who meet the requirements, Apple Health delivers preventative care, like cancer screenings, diabetes treatment, and high blood pressure, as well as many other healthcare services. For more information, visit the Washington Apple Health website.
Healthy Youth Survey provides important information about adolescents
The Healthy Youth Survey (HYS) is a collaborative effort of the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Department of Health, the Department of Social and Health Service’s Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, the Department of Commerce, and the Liquor Control Board.
The survey provides important information about youth in Washington. County prevention coordinators, community mobilization coalitions, community public health and safety networks, and others use this information to guide policies and programs that serve youth. The information from the Healthy Youth Survey can be used to identify trends in the patterns of behavior over time. In October 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016, students in grades 6, 8, 10, and 12 answered questions about safety and violence, physical activity and diet, alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, and related risk and protective factors.
The Camas School District will administer the Healthy Youth Survey to sixth, eighth, tenth, and twelfth-grade students during mid-October in even-numbered years. Beginning in 2016, the HYS included optional questions regarding sexual behaviors, orientation, and abuse. Information about the survey can be found in this parent flyer.
The district uses the data collected from the survey to make informed decisions about safety and student growth. Parents who wish to opt-out of participation in this survey may do so by contacting your student’s school office. If you have questions, please contact Glenn Hartman, Intervention Specialist, at 360-335-3000 ext. 78407.
Health Services Staff Contact Information
The following notices are published with the intent of helping ensure the health and well-being of all our students. Please take a moment to review each document.
Notices
- Chickenpox Flyer
- Guidelines for Keeping Ill Students Home
- Guidelines for Students with Head Lice
- Guidelines for Students with Life-Threatening Allergies
- HPV and Meningococcal Notice to Parents
- Pertussis Flyer
- Vaccine Requirements in Washington State
- Tips for Keeping Your Child Flu-Free
Forms
Student Wellness Advisory Council (SWAC)
The Student Wellness Advisory Committee (SWAC) was created to assist with implementing the Nutrition and Fitness policy and procedures established by Washington State Legislation in August 2005. In cooperation with parents, staff, and community health professionals, the Committee promotes effective, comprehensive school health programs.
Program Components
- Physical education
- Health services
- Nutrition services
- Counseling and social services
- Healthy school environment
- Health promotion for staff
- Family and community involvement
Committee Functions
- Make recommendations to school staff concerning health issues, policies, and programs.
- When appropriate, make recommendations to school governance committees and the school board.
- Advocate for effective, coordinated, comprehensive health programs.
- Identify community health resources.
- Provide information to parents concerning health issues and programs.
- Promote collaboration among school community agencies in the area of comprehensive school health.
- Serve as a clearinghouse for health issues and concerns.
Membership
SWAC membership may be composed of one or more individuals from the following groups: district administration, school board, food services director, nursing supervisor, community members, parents, and teachers from the elementary, middle school, and high school levels. Members serve three-year terms. Open meetings are held quarterly.
