You’ll find a handful of helpful resources on this page to help you navigate the school day, including school supplies, uniform requirements, and other forms or policies you may need to reference.

Scholar Support Services

COVID-19 Resources
Academic & Scholar Well-Being Recovery Plan
School Supplies
Scholar Handbook & Forms​
Use of Technology
Technology is an important component of the instructional programming at RVLA. Scholars are expected to use school technology appropriately in class by following teacher directions and expectations at all times. Scholars who misuse technology in class may lose technology privileges. If you have questions about technology or need replacements please contact tech@myrvla.org.
​​RVLA Safe School Plan
Please see here for the most current versions of RVLA's Safety Plan
Promotion Requirements
  • Middle and high school scholars (grades 6 - 12) are required to participate in the educational and academic classes offered in the areas of English, Reading, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science, as well as electives.
  • High school scholars must fulfill the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Instruction’s 24-credit sequence, successful completion of the SAT or ACT, and completion of Senior Seminar, in order to graduate.
  • The RVLA promotion policy ensures that each child is prepared to progress successfully through grade levels in order to prepare for success in high school, college, leadership and life.
  • Attendance: In adherence with the RVLA Attendance Policy, any scholar who misses more than 15 days in a semester may not earn promotion ceremony/activity privileges.
  • Course Grades: Scholars who fail one or two courses per school year may be required to pass summer school to qualify for promotion.  The administration reserves the right to review special cases and allow consideration to be given.
  • English Learner Resources: We support all scholars who may need additional English resources and provide a multicultural curriculum to support scholars and families in this effort.
Health Services
Our school nurse works with our staff to promote the safety, health, and well-being of our scholars. If you have any health-related questions, concerns, or updates, please contact the nurse by phone or email:
 
Phone: 206-659-0956
Email: carri.abanes@myrvla.org
Sick Day Guidelines
In order to promote the health of all our scholars and staff, we ask that your scholar stay home if they have any of the following:
  • Fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
    • Your scholar needs to be fever free for 24 hours
  • Vomiting and/or diarrhea
    • Your scholar should not return to school for 24 hours following the last episode.
  • Cough, runny nose, and/or sore throat
  • Rash
  • Pink eye (conjunctivitis): eye redness, itchiness, or discharge
    • If your student requires antibiotics, please keep them home until they have taken the antibiotics for at least 24 hours. If your student does not require antibiotics, please submit a note from your healthcare provider when your student is cleared to return to school.
  • Taking antibiotics
    • If your scholar is taking antibiotics for any reason, please keep them home for at least 24 hours after their first antibiotic dose
Health Conditions
Please report any health issue your scholar has that could impact safety and learning at school during registration. You can also contact the nurse directly by phone or e-mail to report new health issues or  updates to existing ones. The school nurse will also ask you to fill out a health history survey specific to your student’s health condition. Examples include: Seizures, diabetes, asthma, life-threatening allergic reaction, cancer treatment, and anemia.
​Medication Policies
​If your scholar requires a medication at school, please submit a Medication Authorization form*, which must be completed by a healthcare provider and signed by a parent/guardian. Please turn in the form to the school nurse or front desk when bringing in your scholar’s medication. Note that one form must be submitted for each medication (i.e. if your scholar needs three medications at school, three separate forms should be completed).
 
Forms are also available at the front desk, which can be picked up any time or sent home with your scholar by request.
 
In Washington State, all prescription AND over-the counter medications taken at school must be accompanied by a signed authorization form by a healthcare provider. Medications must be in their original containers and will be kept in a locked cabinet in the nurse’s office. With healthcare provider permission indicated on the authorization form, epinephrine and/or albuterol inhalers may be carried by the scholar; no other medications may be carried by the scholar.
 
Scholars with life-threatening health conditions must have orders and medications in place before they can attend school.
 
*This form is also available at the front desk, which can be picked up any time or sent home with your scholar by request.
Medical Treatments or Procedures
If your scholar needs a medical treatment or procedure during school areas, please have your scholar’s healthcare provider complete a Medical Procedure Authorization form*, which can be submitted to the school nurse or turned in at the front desk.
 
*This form is also available at the front desk, which can be picked up any time or sent home with your scholar by request
​Immunizations
​By law, all scholars must be up to date on required immunizations in order to attend school. At RVLA, we use the Washington State Immunization Information System (WAIIS) to assess scholar vaccination needs. WIIS is a state‐managed, lifetime registry where healthcare providers can add and manage vaccine records. This is a convenient and secure way for healthcare providers and schools to access immunization information. If your scholar’s record is incomplete, the school nurse will reach out to you to request records or ask that you schedule a vaccination appointment for your scholar.
 
To view your scholar’s immunization record or print a copy, you can set up a personal account for your family by going to https://wa.myir.net/login/. If your scholar was vaccinated in a different state, it may be possible to access your scholar’s record through the state’s own database: you search for your state here.
 
More information on specific immunization requirements can be found here.  For COVID related information please see here
Governance and Public Records
RVLA Public Schools Washington: Board of Directors & Meetings
Members of the public may direct requests for disclosure of public records to RVLA's Public Records Officer, who oversees RVLA's compliance within the public records disclosure requirements under RCW Chapter 42.56. Learn more about how to request Public Records here.
Inclement Weather Policy
Inclement Weather Policy for Families
INCLEMENT WEATHER & SCHOOL CLOSURE POLICY
Please check  www.myrvla.org  for Emergency Alert notices and the RVLA  facebook page at Facebook.com/RanierValleyLeadership

 for the most updated information.  
In the event of health and safety, snow, windstorms, earthquakes, or similar weather-related hazards, Rainier Valley Leadership Academy may change school start or dismissal times for  scholar safety. We will communicate school schedule changes through the following methods with a goal to communicate no later than 2 hours prior to the scheduled start of school:
  • Automated phone calls. Please ensure the main office  has a working phone number where you can be reached. You can update this phone number at any time by emailing info@myrvla.org. Include your scholar  first and last name, your first and last name and scholar grade. 
  • Announcements on  school website.
  • Announcements on local news stations under Rainier Valley Leadership Academy 
  • Announcements on email and/or text message
  • Announcements on social media. Please follow us on  Facebook. @Rainier Valley Leadership 

If you don't receive any of these notifications, you may also call the  Main Office at 206-659-0956, beginning no later than 2 hours prior to the scheduled start of school for school closure information. 

INCLEMENT WEATHER INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES
  • School schedule change announcements apply for that day only.
  • If no announcement is made by RVLA during a weather event, school is operating normally.
  • Rainier Valley Leadership Academy makes decisions independent of the local school district.
  • Continue to look for updated announcements throughout the day. If conditions change rapidly or unexpectedly, we may need to make a quick decision to cancel school or send scholars home early.
  • Keep in mind that some areas of the state experience more severe weather and driving conditions than others. School closures and schedule changes are based on the location of the school, even if your neighborhood or city is not severely impacted.

Our top priority is the safety of our scholars and staff. When emergency conditions result in school schedule changes, RVLA will use one of the following plans. The information below will help you understand the brief notifications you receive from Rainier Valley Leadership Academy. 

1. DELAYED START 2-Hour Late Start
This means staff and scholars will run on a late start schedule. Classes will follow a 2 hour late start schedule and school will begin at 10:45 AM. School will be dismissed at regular times.

2. SCHOOLS CLOSED
This means RVLA  is closed for ALL scholars online and in person. All scheduled after school programming and meetings are also canceled or postponed. 

3. EARLY DISMISSAL 
If travel conditions become hazardous and/or the school needs to be evacuated, scholars  will be released from school early. All after-school programs and meetings will be canceled or postponed.

4. AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMMING CANCELED
If travel conditions become hazardous, after school programming may be canceled while the school day dismisses at its regularly scheduled time.

5. ONLINE REMOTE ONLY DAY 
Weather conditions necessitate that everyone stay home but all classes will be hosted online via zoom links populated on scholar google calendars. All attendance protocols apply. For tech support/log in help scholars can email tech@myrvla.org. For attendance notifications that your scholar will be unable to attend school please email info@myrvla.org

​
Attendance
Washington law requires that children ages 6 to 17 who are enrolled in public schools, attend school Monday through Friday, unless there is a justification for being absent. In this case the parent/guardian or legal guardian must excuse the absence by notifying the school. Attendance is a key factor in scholar achievement; therefore, scholars are expected to be present and on-time each day that school is in session. Scholars and parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring regular school attendance. Unexcused absences are prohibited by law and policy. School staff will keep a record of absences and tardiness, including a call log, tardy slips, and/or a record of excuse statements submitted by a parent/guardian/legal guardian. At RVLA, attendance is also mandatory for scholars who have been expelled and remanded to attend alternative education programs. 
RVLA will notify parents/guardians when scholars are absent or excessively tardy, provide opportunities to restore the scholar’s attendance, and offer access to resources to address truancy challenges. 
​
DEFINITION OF ABSENCE 
Absences will be defined according to the following criteria: 
1. A scholar is absent when they are: 
a. Not physically present on school grounds; and 
b. Not participating in the following activities at an approved location: 
i. Instruction; 
ii. Any instruction-related activity; or 
iii. Any other district or school approved activity that is regulated by an instructional/academic accountability system, such as participation in district-sponsored sports. 
2. Scholars shall not be absent if: 
a. They have been suspended, expelled, or emergency expelled pursuant to chapter 392-400 WAC; b. Are receiving educational services as required by RCW 28A. 600.015 and chapter 392-400 WAC; and 
c. The scholar is enrolled in qualifying "course of study" activities as defined in WAC 392-121-107. 3. A full day absence is when a scholar is absent for fifty percent or more of their scheduled day. 4. A school or district shall not convert or combine tardies into absences that contribute to a truancy petition. 

EXCUSED AND UNEXCUSED ABSENCES 
The principal or school administrator has the authority to determine if an absence qualifies as excused, according to the criteria described below. 

Excused absences shall include: 
  1. Illness, health condition or medical appointment (including, but not limited to, medical, counseling, dental, optometry, pregnancy, and in-patient or out-patient treatment for chemical dependency or mental health) for the scholar or person for whom the scholar is legally responsible; 
  2. Family emergency including, but not limited to, a death or illness in the family; 
  3. Religious or cultural purpose including observance of a religious or cultural holiday or participation in religious or cultural instruction; 
  4. Court, judicial proceeding, court-ordered activity, or jury service; 
  5. Post-secondary, technical school or apprenticeship program visitation, or scholarship interview; 
  6. State-recognized search and rescue activities consistent with RCW 28A.225.055; 
  7. Absence directly related to the scholar's homeless or foster care/dependency status; 
  8. Absences related to deployment activities of a parent/guardian or legal guardian who is an active duty member consistent with RCW 28A.705.010; 
  9.  Absences due to suspensions, expulsions or emergency expulsions imposed pursuant to chapter 392-400 WAC if the scholar is not receiving educational services and is not enrolled in qualifying "course of study" activities as defined in WAC 392-121-107; 
  10. Absences due to scholar safety concerns, including absences related to threats, assaults, or bullying; 11. Absences due to a scholar's migrant status; and 
  11. An approved activity that is consistent with district policy and is mutually agreed upon by the principal or designee and a parent/guardian, guardian, or emancipated youth. 

Unexcused Absences 
Any absence from school for the majority of hours or periods in an average school day is unexcused unless it meets one of the criteria listed on the previous page for an excused absence. 

Pandemic/ required school closure 
In the event of a pandemic the school will look to the Governor and Washington state Superintendent. If no guidelines are given and scholars are not in school attendance will be based on engagement on school platforms and attendance during virtual sessions. 

MAKE UP WORK 
The scholar is excused for the day(s) of absence, not the material covered in class. Therefore, it is the scholar’s responsibility to request make-up work in all classes. If an absence is excused, the scholar will be permitted to make up missed assignments outside of class under reasonable conditions and time limits established by the designated teacher. In participation-type classes or assignments, a scholar's grade may be affected because of the scholar's inability to make up the activities conducted during a class period. If an absence is unexcused, a scholar’s grade may be affected if the graded activity or assignment occurs during the absence. 

REPORTING AN ABSENCE 
The parent/guardian or guardian must notify the school office by 8:30 am on the morning of the absence by phone, email, or written note and to provide the excuse for the absence. If the parent/guardian does not notify the school office by 9:00 am, the school will contact home in an effort to find out if the scholar has an excused absence. A scholar’s absence will default to unexcused until such time as an excused absence may be verified by a parent/guardian. 

Procedure for Returning to School Following an Absence 
After 10 excused absences in a school year, scholars will be required to provide written verification to prove the nature of each subsequent excused absence. Written verification must be provided by the parent/guardian within 48 hours after the scholar returns to school. If no documentation justifying the absence as excusable is submitted within 48 hours, then absence will be considered an unexcused absence until documentation is provided. For each scholar, after 10 absences, the school will keep on file documentation for each excused absence. Valid documentation should contain:   
          
  • Full name of the scholar 
  • Date(s) or time of absence 
  • Specific reason for absence 
  • Telephone numbers where both parent/guardians may be reached (home and work) 
  • Signature of parent/guardian or guardian and/or other authority providing      documentation 
  • Signed authorization from doctor, if applicable 

SCHOLAR PRIVACY RIGHTS 
If a scholar is to be released for health care related to family planning or abortion, the scholar may require that RVLA keep the information confidential. Scholars thirteen and older have the right to keep information about drug, alcohol or mental health treatment confidential. Scholars fourteen and older have the same confidentiality rights regarding HIV and sexually transmitted diseases. 

EARLY DISMISSAL 
After their arrival on campus in the morning, scholars may NOT leave campus until dismissal time. Scholars leaving campus without permission may face disciplinary action. If a scholar requests an early dismissal (for example, if a parent/guardian is picking him/her up for a doctor’s appointment), the parent/guardian must report to the office to sign out the scholar. If early dismissal results in absence from school for the majority of hours or periods in an average school day, it will be unexcused unless it meets one of the criteria for an excused absence. 

TARDIES 
A scholar is considered tardy if he/she is not in the appropriate seat when the bell rings signaling the start of class. If a scholar arrives late to school, he/she must first report to the school office to obtain a late-slip before reporting to class. If tardies result in the scholar not being present for 50% or more of the school day, it will be counted as an absence. Excessive tardies will result in disciplinary action. Scholars have an allotted time to travel from one classroom to another. Scholars who take longer than that time will receive an unexcused tardy from the teacher. 

TRUANCY 
When scholars miss school and their parent/guardians have not excused the absence, they can be considered truant. Truancy is defined as being absent from school or from the majority of a scholar’s classes without a valid excuse. If a scholar is absent without an excuse, RVLA will implement varying interim parent/guardian communications and school-based interventions to encourage regular school attendance. RVLA is committed to supporting scholars and families in meeting our attendance expectations. In accordance with Washington State’s Mandatory Attendance Law (Chapter 28A.225 RCW), we have outlined the following progression of support for scholars and families which will be monitored by our school administration. 
• For every absence, excused or unexcused, the family will receive a phone call home. 
• After one (1) unexcused absence in a month, the family will receive an attendance letter or phone call. If the parent/guardian is not fluent in English, the school must make reasonable efforts to provide this information in a language in which the parent/guardian is fluent. 
• After three (3) unexcused absences, the family will be invited to attend a conference to analyze the reasons for the scholar’s absences. If the scholar's family does not attend the scheduled conference, the conference may be conducted with the scholar and school officials. However, the parent/guardian shall be notified of the steps to be taken to eliminate or reduce the scholar’s absence. 
• Between two (2) and five (5) unexcused absences in a year, the school will take data-informed steps to eliminate or reduce the scholar’s absences, including administering the Washington Assessment of Risks and Needs of Scholars (WARNS). 
• Between two (2) and five (5) unexcused absences in a year, for any scholar with an existing Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Section 504 Plan, the school will convene the scholar’s IEP team or Section 504 team, including a behavior specialist or mental health specialist where appropriate, to consider the reasons for the scholar’s absences. For any scholar without an existing IEP or 504 Plan, if a disability is suspected, RVLA will inform the parent/guardian(s)/guardian(s) of their right to obtain an evaluation at no cost. • Not later than the fifth (5th) unexcused absence in a month, the family will be required to enter into a School/Scholar Attendance Contract. The school may also choose to refer the scholar to a community truancy board or file a petition to juvenile court. 
• Not later than the seventh (7th) unexcused absence in a month or tenth (10th) unexcused absence in a year, the school will file a petition for civil action in juvenile court. 

CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM 
RVLA is committed to ensuring our scholars are supported to learn and research shows that all absences, excused or unexcused, have an impact on scholar learning. A scholar is considered chronically absent if they miss 10% or more of their school days (more than 2 in a month or 18 in a year) for any reason: excused or unexcused. We expect our families to make it a priority to get their scholars to school on time every day a top priority. We encourage families to schedule meetings with school administration if there are any questions or concerns about attendance. 
The principal or the principal’s designee will enforce the school attendance policies and procedures. Because the full knowledge and cooperation of scholars and parent/guardians are necessary for the success of the policies and procedures, procedures will be disseminated broadly and made available to parent/guardians annually. 

​

​Resources for Families

Skyward Family Access
​skyward_family_access.pdfSkyward Family Access Instructions

In Skyward you will have access to your scholar’s:
Activities
Assignments
Attendance
Calendar
Grades
Schedule
Student Profile (student information)
Special Education
  • What is it?
Special education is the term for the federal law titled the Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act (IDEA). The law provides scholars with disabilities instructional services and other supports needed to ensure they are able to receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE).

  • Who is it for?
For scholars who have a disability that causes an adverse educational impact which requires specially designed instruction to remediate. Disabilities and eligibility requirements are defined in the Washington State Administrative Codes (WACs). All scholars must be evaluated and found eligible for and in need of special education services before they can receive support through this program.

  • Who do I contact for more information?
Special education teachers and speech language pathologists are the scholar's case managers. Contact your building principal, school psychologist, SLP, or special education teacher for more information about this program. You may also discuss scholar concerns with your school child study team.

  • Childfind
Please contact the scholar Support Department at 253.363.0248  if you would like to refer a scholar for an evaluation.

Multilingual Learners
  • The Transitional Bilingual Instructional Program (TBIP) provides English language instruction for eligible scholars. Eligible scholars who have a primary language other than English and have been determined eligible based the computer based English Language Proficiency Assessment 21 (ELPA21). TBIP staff members provide instruction in reading, writing, speaking, and listening to eligible school

  • El Programa de Instrucción Bilingüe de Transición (TBIP) ofrece cursos de idioma Inglés para los estudiantes elegibles. Los estudiantes elegibles tienen un idioma primario que no sea Inglés y se han determinado sobre la base del derecho TBIP funcionarios proveer instrucción en lectura, escritura, hablar, y escuchar a los estudiantes elegibles.
  ​
Americans with Disabilities Act (Section 504)
  • What is it?
Section 504 is a federal civil rights law that is designed to eliminate discrimination against scholars with disabilities in programs and activities that receive federal funds. Under Section 504, school districts are required to provide the accommodations that eligible scholars need in order to access district services.

  • Who is it for?
scholars who have, have a record of having, or a regarded as having a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life function that impacts the scholar's ability to access district services.

  • Who do I contact for more information?
School counselors are Section 504 scholar case managers. Contact your building principal or school counselors for more information about Section 504 or to discuss a potential Section 504 referral.
​
Homeless Support (McKinney-Vento) Expand
  • What is it?
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Act provides services to scholars who are experiencing homelessness. The purpose of McKinney-Vento is to provide homeless scholars school stability, school access, and support for academic success.

  • Who is it for?
scholars eligible for McKinney-Vento services lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes scholars who are: sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason scholars who are living in hotels, motels, trailer parks or campgrounds due to lack of adequate alternative accommodations living in emergency or transitional shelters abandoned in hospitals living in a public or private place not designed for humans to live living in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, bus or train stations, etc. migratory children living in above circumstances

  • Who do I contact for more information?
Contact your building principal, school counselor, or the district homeless liaison at 206.659.0956 if you have or are a scholar who is currently homeless.

Contact
  • For more information about scholar support services available for Rainier Valley Leadership Academy scholars, please contact:
Principal David Watson 
Rainier Valley Leadership Academy

david.watson@myrvla.org

6020 Rainier Avenue S,
Seattle, WA 98118

Office:206.659.0956
SY 21/22 Performance Framework
Please see here to view data from school year 2021/22.

RVLA Programs

Meal Program
Breakfast and lunch are served daily for free to all scholars that would like to eat.

​In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:


  1. mail:
    U.S. Department of Agriculture
    Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
    1400 Independence Avenue, SW
    Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
  2. fax:
    (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
  3. email:
    Program.Intake@usda.gov

Do you have a complaint?  Follow this link to file:
Child Nutrition Services PROCEDURE FOR HANDLING COMPLAINTS of DISCRIMINATION
Scholar Leadership
We are currently developing our scholar leadership program. More info to come soon. If you are interested, speak with your teacher mentor.
Monthly Menu
Balanced Calendar Study
​Balanced Calendar Study
RVLA is taking part in an OSPI Grant funded program to explore different and alternative types of year round learning.  RVLA community members are invited to attend and share their thoughts. 
Please reach out to oruba.anthony@myrvla.org or chastity.catchings@myrvla.org for more information.

RVLA HS Programs

Running Start & Study Abroad
If a scholar is interested in participating in Running Start or Study Abroad speak to your Mentor teacher or the school counselor henry.jenkins@myrvla.org to learn more
Elective Offerings
Please reach out to RVLA school counselor Henry Jenkins for the most current list of RVLA's elective offerings.  henry.jenkins@myrvla.org

Enrichment Offerings (After School)
RVLA afterschool enrichment program is available for free to all scholars.  For more information and to sign up please contact the program manager marlon.shelton@myrvla.org.  The following are the current classes being offered.
​
Multicultural Cooking
Plant Based Cooking
Kutt N Up Dance Team
Dance with Chaffawn
Kickboxing
Hair Styling
Theater
World Languages & Cultures
Mentor
Career Exploration w/ Urban League & Project Girl
​Credit Recovery

HBCU Tour
​RVLA's 1st Yearly  HBCU Tour!!
February 20-24, 2023
Touring 5 HBCU Campus in Texas
  1. Prairie View University  
  2. Texas Southern University
  3. Paul Quinn College
  4. Jarvis College
  5. Wiley College

If your are interested in your scholar attending Please e-mail
Mr. Henry Jenkins
Academic Counselor at Henry.Jenkins@MYRVLA.org

Sign up for more details and information
​
Requirements:
Only RVLA Scholars grades 9-12
we only have 20 spots available.
 Sign up NOW!!.
Sign up closing date is Sept. 30

Rainier Valley Leadership Academy

6020 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA, 98118

(206) 659-0956
info@myrvla.org

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