- Everett Public Schools
- Overview
Student Release Guidelines
-
Parent/guardian guidelines for the release of a student for religious-related activities or instruction
Everett Public Schools does not partner with, endorse, nor oppose any religious organization or program. No religious programs operate out of our schools during the school day.
Parents and guardians may choose to seek the release of their students during the school day for religious-related activities or instruction that occur off school property for part of the school day pursuant to District Policy 2340 and Procedure 2340P. The policy and procedures align with both Washington State and federal law, with which the district is required to comply.
Families who choose to seek the release of their students from school for religious instruction must follow the guidelines below to ensure student safety and compliance with district policy and procedure.
-
Parent/Guardian Authorization
All requests for release of a student for any reason must come directly from the parent/guardian to the school. Requests submitted by an outside organization, or a person who is not the parent/guardian of the student, will not be accepted.
-
Submitting the Release Request
It must be a parent or guardian who makes the decision to request their child to be released to another adult, and it must be done through either a written note or an email at each of those occurrences. The request for each occurrence must be submitted no later than the morning of the requested release date.
The request must include:
-
Student’s full name.
-
Specific time and date of release.
-
The name of the adult who will pick up the student.
-
-
Limits on Release
Students may only be released for religious-related instruction during lunch and/or recess so as not to disrupt the student’s educational program.
-
Pick-Up and Return Procedures
The person named in the parent/guardian request must present identification and sign the student out and back in.
If a student does not report to the office at the scheduled time, staff time will not be used to locate them beyond what the school would do for any other parent-requested release of a student.
-
Transportation
When transportation (such as a bus or van) is used, the principal will determine the pick-up and drop-off location to minimize disruption to the school day.
-
Distribution of Materials
Students may not return to their classrooms with handouts or other items from the religious organization. Any distribution of materials by a student must comply with board policy and procedure regarding the distribution of religious materials.
If religious materials are distributed off-site by the organization to the students, they are to be sealed in an envelope and placed directly into the student’s backpack immediately upon their return to school.
-
Questions
Please see the FAQs below. Should you have any additional questions regarding this process, please contact your school principal.
-
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Religious-Related Activities and Practices during the school day
-
Does Everett Public Schools partner with Lifewise Academy or any religious organizations during the school day?
Everett Public Schools does not partner with Lifewise Academy and neither endorses nor opposes this or any religious program. Rather, the district complies with District Policy 2340, which governs Religious-Related Activities and Practices, and adheres to Procedure 2340P. These policies align with both Washington State and federal law, with which the district is required to comply.
-
Can students participate in religious instruction during the school day?
In accordance with state and federal law, District Policy 2340, Religious-Related activities and Practices, a parent or guardian may seek the release of their student during the school day to participate in religious instruction. The district allows students to be excused for a portion of the school day, provided the instruction is conducted off-site and does not disrupt their regular educational program.
-
Who is responsible for transportation to off-site religious instruction during the school day?
The parent or guardian is responsible for arranging transportation to and from the religious instruction. The district does not provide transportation, supervision, or support for any off-site religious activities.
-
Are students allowed to distribute religious materials, such as fliers, at school?
In compliance with state and federal law, our district procedures 3222P and 2340P allow students to distribute materials, including religious materials, before and after school. Non-students, however, are prohibited from distributing materials on campus, and students are not allowed to distribute materials on behalf of groups or individuals who are not students.
-
Does Everett Public Schools have a Release Time Religious Instruction policy?
Washington state does not have a specific statute governing Release Time for Religious Instruction (RTRI) and instead leaves decisions up to local school districts. Everett Public Schools does not have a specific RTRI policy but has adopted Policy 2340: Religious-Related Activities and Practices. This policy allows parents to seek the release of their students during the school day for off-campus religious instruction, as long as it does not disrupt their regular educational program. These policies align with both Washington State (RCW 28A.600.025) and federal law, with which the district is required to comply. The district does not partner with or endorse any religious organizations, including LifeWise Academy.
-
What do I do if I have a concern about something affecting my student?
Everett Public Schools takes all concerns affecting students seriously. Any activities, including religious-related practices, must comply with district policies and the law to ensure that no disruptions to the educational environment occur.
Everett Public Schools maintains a safe, respectful and secure learning environment for all students that is free from harassment, intimidation and bullying. Everett Public Schools core values include our commitment to value differences among people and treat one another respectfully. In accordance with Washington state RCW 28A.300.285, harassment, intimidation and bullying of students by other students, by staff members, by volunteers, by parents or by guardians is prohibited. Everett Public Schools will abide by district policy 3204 and procedure 3204P. Please visit our Guide to Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) Incident Reporting website for more information.
Please reach out to your school principal if you have further questions.
