As we gear up for the start of the new school year, we want to share a few important annual updates with your family!

State and federal laws require school districts to notify families of specific rights, safety policies, and guidelines each year. While the full list is available in our Student Rights & Responsibilities Handbook, we have highlighted several essential notifications below.

• Students who attend regularly are more likely to stay on track with reading, math, and other essential skills.

• Being on time helps students start the day with confidence and reduces stress.

• Attending every day builds positive habits that carry into college, careers, and life.

• Daily attendance creates opportunities for students to connect with teachers, make friends, and feel part of our school community.

We know that sometimes challenges—such as illness, transportation, or family needs—can make getting to school difficult. Please know that we are here to help. If your child is absent, call your school right away to let us know. Together, we can problem-solve and ensure your student stays engaged and successful.

We promise to:

• Track attendance daily and notice right away when your student is missing.

• Communicate with you if absences occur, so we can understand the reason and provide support.

• Work with you to remove barriers and connect your student with resources.

Washington State Attendance Law

Washington State’s Becca Bill (RCW 28A.225) requires students ages 8–17 to attend school regularly. If parents choose to enroll a 6- or 7-year-old, that student must also attend full-time.

• Schools must notify families of any unexcused absence.

• After 3 unexcused absences in a month, schools must schedule a family conference.

• After 7 unexcused absences in a month or 15 in a year, schools are required to file a truancy petition, which may involve a Community Truancy Board or Juvenile Court.

• For elementary students, after 5 excused absences in a month or 10 in a year, schools will contact families to schedule a conference to support regular attendance, unless absences are excused with a doctor’s note or pre-arranged in writing.

• Set consistent routines for bedtime and mornings.

• Schedule appointments outside of school hours when possible.

• Encourage your student to stay in school unless they are truly ill.

• Talk to your child about the importance of being present every day.

• Reach out to teachers or staff if your student seems worried about school or if family challenges are affecting attendance.

We are grateful for your partnership in helping your child thrive. Thank you for making attendance a priority; it truly makes a difference.

Sincerely,

Dr. Slade McSheehy
Superintendent
Bremerton School District

• Download/print this letter (Spanish)
• District Policy 3122: Attendance
• Student Rights & Responsibilities Handbook
• BPresent (BSD’s attendance resource webpage)

All Bremerton School District schools participate in the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allows all students to receive free breakfast and lunch every school day—no application required!

However, to maintain critical state funding for essential education programs, we ask all families to complete the Child Nutrition Eligibility & Education Benefit (CNEEB) application each year. 

While traditional free and reduced-price meal applications are no longer collected annually, the CNEEB form provides required household data that keeps state funding in our schools. Families seeking Summer EBT (S-EBT) benefits must have a current CNEEB form on file.

How to complete the CNEEB form:

• Schools will be distributing ORANGE CNEEB forms in September. Please complete and return this form to school ASAP. 

• Download: Download the electronic form and return it to school. 

We appreciate your support in completing this form. If you have questions, please contact:

• CNS@BremertonSchools.org

• Alexis Esquivel-Sawyer: 360-473-4717

• Ashley Guerrero: 360-473-4716

The Bremerton School District may disclose student directory information for various purposes unless parents or eligible students opt-out using this form. FERPA defines “directory information” as information contained in a student’s education record that generally would not be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed.

The elections on this form are valid for the remainder of the current school year, and must be completed annually. If no documentation is on file, we will assume that the parent or eligible student does not opt-out of the release of student information. Please complete this form only if you choose to opt-out of the release of directory information in any of the respective categories.

In the Bremerton School District, we believe families are essential partners in student success. Our schools receive Title I, Part A funds to provide additional resources and supports that help students learn and thrive.

Because our schools operate Title I programs schoolwide, Title I resources can support students and families throughout the school. Here are some important things you have a right to know.

You have the right to:

• Share ideas and feedback about Title I programs and family engagement.

• Participate in opportunities to help plan and improve family engagement activities.

• Ask how Title I resources are being used to support students.

• Receive information about your child's academic progress and available supports.

• Communicate with school staff and participate in your child's education.

• Receive important information about your child and their education in a language and format that is easy for you to understand.

We invite you to learn more about our Title 1 program and read our full Title 1 back-to-school letter here. In addition, your school will be information about its Parent & Family Engagement Plan and information about the school's annual Title I meeting. We hope you'll join us, ask questions, and share your ideas!

Parents/guardians must agree to and sign the District's Educational Technology Use Agreement when they register their student for school in the Bremerton School District. These guidelines are being provided as a reminder of the District's Educational Technology Use Guidelines. 

• Scope and Purpose: This guidelines apply to all student use of the Bremerton School District Electronic Information Resources, including District-provided computers, networks, internet, email accounts, and e-learning platforms. These guidelines govern tech use on District property as well as off-campus use connected to District activities. All technology use must be responsible and support student learning.
• Content Filter Disclaimer: The District utilizes a Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA) compliant filter and provides staff supervision, but it is impossible to restrict access to all materials. Users and parents must understand that some available information may be controversial or offensive.
• No Right to Privacy: Users have no right to privacy when utilizing District technology. All electronic data, including internet history, emails, texts, and voicemails, can be monitored, logged, and accessed by District administration.
• Legal Disclosures: Under the Washington State Public Records Act, electronic files are legally treated the same as paper files. The District Information Technology Infrastructure Administrator has access to all user accounts and emails. The District will cooperate with law enforcement during criminal investigations and may release information without the user’s knowledge or consent. Personal or confidential information should never be sent or stored on these resources.

• Change passwords frequently; do not share or reuse passwords or District login details.
• Do not share personally identifiable information–such as full names, home addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, or Social Security numbers–unless instructed by school staff.

Users must strictly not engage in the following activities:

• Any illegal activities or practices that violate state, federal, or Board rules.
• Accessing, sending, or publishing threatening, obscene, sexually explicit, disruptive, or discriminatory content.
• Cyberbullying, sexting, or harassment.
• Conducting commercial actions, political activities, or seeking personal or financial gain.
• Promoting drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or unethical activities like cheating.
• Violating copyright laws or copying commercial software.
• Hacking, uploading viruses, or maliciously destroying District equipment and data.
• Impersonating other people, stealing identities, or unauthorized data access.
• Using unapproved social media, unapproved chat rooms, instant messaging, or unauthorized software.
• Bypassing internet filters using proxies or Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

All issued electronic communication devices and accessories remain the property of the District and are distributed at its sole discretion. Students and parents are fully responsible for keeping devices in good working condition and handling them with care. Any damage, defects, or malfunctions must be reported to a teacher or District official immediately.

The school principal or a designee makes all final decisions regarding agreement violations. Irresponsible use can result in the revocation of technology privileges, student disciplinary action, and potential legal action. Law enforcement will be notified of any criminal violations.

Email: communications@bremertonschools.org
Website: www.BremertonSchools.org
Phone: 360-473-1000
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