Frequently Asked Questions on:

• Tahoma Counselors
• Tahoma Administration
• Registrar
• Parking questions
• ASB / Sports
• Attendance
• Detention
• Student Parking
• Cashier / Fines
• Lunch Accounts

Tahoma Counselors

Marcey Anderson
Mike Hansen
Heidi Young
Michael McGraw

 

When is the counseling office open?
The counseling office is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Closed in July reopening the 2nd week of August.

 

How do I see a counselor?
Please set up an appointment with Ms. Jolk, the counseling secretary, located in the counseling office.  Appointments can be made by students at school during non-class time.  They can also be scheduled by phone by calling Ms. Jolk at 425-413-6204.

 

How do I change my schedule?
In the event that a student needs a schedule change, an appointment must be made with the appropriate grade level counselor to see that the student qualifies for a change.  Otherwise, schedule changes are only made during Bear Days.  Bear Days are held in late August for first semester and semester break day for second semester.  Semester break day this year is on January 28.

 

How do I sign up for the SAT?
Students can sign up for the SAT at www.collegeboard.com.  Registration materials are also located in the counseling office and are available during normal business hours.

 

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Tahoma Administration
Terry Duty // Principal / Grade 12
Julie Lee // Assistant Principal / Grade 11
Will Sarett // Assistant Principal / Career and Tech. ED. / Grade 10
Tony Davis // Assistant Principal and Athletic Director
Dave Peters // Activity Director

Office hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Fax #: 425-413-6333

How do I get a message to a student?
As stated in the student handbook, we “will not disturb classrooms during the school day to notify or retrieve students” during school hours due to the disruption it causes, unless it is a true emergency. We suggest parents set up an alternate form of communication with their student in order to relay important messages.

What if I need to drop something off for my student?
We do not notify students of - or deliver objects to students. While we understand that kids forget items at home, we must maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning. Parents are welcome to leave the objects at the front desk if their student expects them and will pick the items up. Please note we are not responsible for lost or stolen items left at the front desk.

How do I contact a teacher?
The best way to contact a teacher is via email. Please see the Staff page http://TSHS.TahomaSD.US/about/staff.html for a list of teachers and emails.

How do I contact the Principal?
While we acknowledge the importance of student and parent concerns and questions, many concerns are effectively addressed and resolved working with other school personnel. Examples follow;

Grade/Teacher Issue:
 If there is an issue regarding a grade or a teacher, please contact the teacher personally. All of our teachers are caring, competent individuals who want to help students succeed. If a parent feels they have exhausted this avenue, the next step is to contact the student’s counselor as listed. If the issue is still unresolved, the counselor will refer the parent to the Secretary to the Principals in the main office. She will be happy to assist in setting up an appointment with the appropriate Assistant Principal. If each of these steps is followed with no result, a meeting with the Principal may then be requested by contacting Mrs. Eller, Office Manager.

Discipline Issue:
 Should a discipline issue arise, please contact the person who issued the discipline (i.e. teacher, staff, office personnel). If a phone call from an administrator is received, please return the call and ask for the specific administrator indicating the administrator is expecting your call.

All other issues;
Any other issues will be directed to Mrs. Eller, Principal Duty’s secretary. She will either direct individuals to the appropriate school personnel, or when appropriate, schedule a meeting with the Principal.

How do I set up an appointment with an Administrator?
Please call (425) 413-6200 and ask for Mrs. Eller, the office manager. She may be able to answer your questions and an appointment may not be necessary. If an appointment is necessary she can schedule that appointment.

 

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Registrar

Where do I get transcripts?
Transcript requests must be made in writing.  Current students should come to the Counseling Center and fill out a Transcript Request Form.  If person has already graduated or is a former student, please mail or fax a request to the Counseling Center with the following information:  name, date of birth, year graduated/attended, where to send transcript, contact phone number, and signature.  Faxes can be sent to 425-413-6219.

 

How do I add a high school level math credit/grade taken in junior high to my high school transcript?
Forms for adding junior high math grade/credits can be found in the Counseling Center.  Once the request is approved and the adjustment is made to the transcript, no further adjustments will be made.  The decision to add these grades to a transcript is final.  Students and parents need to remember that class rank is based on GPA.

 

I’m moving into the Maple Valley area.  Where do I start?

Families that move into the Tahoma School District attendance area can see the Registrar, Sandy Tarli, for an enrollment packet.  An appointment to meet with the grade level counselor to enroll the student can be made by calling the Counseling Secretary, Jill Jolk, at 425-413-6204.  Families must provide proof of their address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement; as well as immunization records, birth certificate, unofficial transcript, withdrawal form from previous school and Custody and Control form (if applicable) for their student at the time of their appointment.

 

What if I move out of the district?
If a student moves out of the district, see the registrar, Sandy Tarli, for a withdrawal form and other records that will be needed to take to the new school.

 

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ASB / Sports

How can I get a new ID/ASB card?
Please see Mrs. Suchanek in the Cashiers office for a new ID/ASB card.

Where can I find information about clubs?
Information on clubs can be found in the main office and on the athletic/activity website (tshs.tahomasd.us). Mr. Peters is our Activities Director and in charge of clubs.
           
Where can I find the athletic paperwork I will need to clear for sports?
All athletic forms are available in the main office at THS, TJH, TMS & CRMS or on the athletic website.

How long is my sports physical good for?
Physicals are valid for 2 years. The physical must be done before the first day of practice.  Physical expiration dates must extend beyond the respective WIAA season ending date. Expiration dates occurring within a sport season require a new examination prior to that season.

Can the Athletic Secretary find the date of my last physical?
If the athlete’s paperwork is on file, we can certainly look up the date of their last physical.

Is the school providing physicals this year?
At this point in time, no school-provided physicals have been scheduled.

What if my family no longer has medical insurance?
All athletes must be covered by accident insurance. A wide variety of affordable school insurance plans are available, just stop by the main office for the forms.

Where can I find the sports schedules?
Sport Schedules can be found on the athletic website; http://swift.tahoma.wednet.edu/athletics/tathletics/index.php.  If the information listed is not what you are looking for, please contact the Athletic Office by phone (425) 413-6302.

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Attendance

What do I need to do if I have to leave school early?
Students must bring a note from a parent to the attendance office in the morning to get an early release slip. The student gives the slip to the teacher when it is time to be released. Then the student can meet their parent out front at the appointed time. Parents may call 425-413-6209 or email kmcghee@tahomasd.us a message to Kathy McGhee to get their student an early release.
           
What if I’m late for school?
If a student is within the first 15 minutes of class they go straight to class. Arrival after the first 15 minutes requires the student to check in at the attendance office to get an admit slip which is given to the teacher.

 

I’ve been absent from school. What do I do?
When students have been absent they are required to bring a note from a parent or guardian to the attendance office. The student is given an admit slip to take to their classes. Absences may also be excused by e-mail or a phone call from the parent or guardian. Students have 48 hours to excuse their absence, otherwise they will be considered truant and discipline will be enforced.

 

Can a parent call for my absence?
A parent can call  425-413-6209 or e-mail kmcghee@tahomasd.us or send a note to excuse their student’s absence. Only one form of notification is required. Messages are retrieved continually throughout the day.  

 

What if I know that I’m going to be absent in advance such as a vacation?
Send a note, e-mail or call prior to the absence to make it excused. You can also e-mail the teachers to get homework but make sure to cc to the attendance office.

 

What absences are excused?
According to state guidelines, excused absences are illness, medical, family emergency, weather, legal, late bus and field trips. Absences that are not excused by the state are vacations without being prearranged, car trouble, sleeping in, driving school or drive tests. These absences are called unexcused parental, which are excused by a parent but not the state. An unexcused parental absence is not considered a truancy but teachers have the option to not give homework.

 

What is a truancy?
A truancy is assessed when a parent does not excuse an absence or the absence is not excused within 48 hours. The discipline for a truancy is, after school detention, or Saturday school.

 

Any questions? Contact—
Mrs. Kathy McGhee
THS Attendance Secretary
425-413-6209 or e-mail at kmcghee@tahomasd.us
           
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Detention

What is detention? Why would I get assigned detention? Times?
 Detention is time assigned to students as part of our continuum of discipline. Students “serve” detention after school in 1 hour blocks of time. Occasionally students serve detentions on Saturdays during a four-hour time frame. Reasons for detention being issued include but are not limited to the following: tardies, unexcused absences, disruptive behavior, and failing to follow directions…

Can I reschedule my detention?
Should an unforeseeable situation arise that requires rescheduling of detention, student should see Mrs. Riess in the ISS room to reschedule their detention. Typically, students are given “open schedules” for detention and simply need to show up after school to serve. If the student doesn’t complete the detention by the completion date assigned, further discipline will be issued.

What if I forget about detention?
If a student forgets about their detention, they must contact Mrs. Riess as soon as possible. If they fail to do so, additional consequences occur.

Where is Saturday School? Dates & Times?
Saturday School is held from 7:30AM - 11:30 AM in room # 301 (Look for a Saturday school sign in front of school).

What if I forget about Saturday School or need to reschedule?
Parents only can reschedule Saturday School, rescheduling can be done one time only. Students that “forget” are assigned In-School Suspension. Call (425)-413-6200 ext.1030 to leave a message (24 hr a day) if an emergency occurs and your student can’t attend. Again, only parents can change issued discipline times.

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Student Parking  

Where can students park?
Student parking requires a pass. A parking pass allows student to park in the Front Lot, West Side Lot, new West Gravel Lot, and Lower Lot by the baseball field as designated by color coded parking passes.  Under no circumstances should students park in the Bus Lane, Staff, Visitor, Pool, or Handicapped areas.  Parking in the rear of the school is limited to the Auto Shop (Bullpen area).  Parking in any of these areas will incur fines.  Parking is also allowed on the “Strip”.  The Strip does not require a parking pass and this area if governed by the Covington Police Dept.

 

Where can Parents/Visitors Park?
Parents/Visitors can park in the area marked Visitor parking.  This is located on the left side of the Main entrance to the school.  Overflow parent/visitor parking may occur in any open student areas.  (Commonly occurs during Assembly’s).  Parent/Visitors must check in at the Main office and obtain a visitor pass.

 

How do I get a Parking Pass?
Parking passes are issued during Bears Days prior to the school year beginning.   Due to limited parking, passes are issued to seniors, juniors, then to sophomores if available.  The current fee is $40 for the school year.  Please see Mr. Fernandez or other staff members for questions.  Tahoma’s parking fees are very low compared to surrounding school districts.

 

Where is the student drop off area?
Routinely students are dropped off directly in front of the school in either the Bus Lane or Visitor areas when not occupied.

 

I’m a parent who received a parking ticket.  What do I do?
If a parent receives a parking ticket, please notify the Main office or Security office immediately.  Otherwise your student may incur a fine. Tickets must be brought into the Office within 2 days from the date issued to be reviewed.

 

I’m a student who received a parking ticket.  What do I do?
Students have 2 days to bring their ticket to the Security office for review if ticket was issued in error.  Otherwise a Fine card will be forwarded to the Cashier.

Here are a few main reasons student receive tickets:

• No permit; a permit is like a drivers license, if you don’t have it with you, you still get the ticket.
• Parking in the Staff, Visitor, Pool or Handicapped areas.
• Parking on lines, taking up two spots.  See photo’s on the security window.
• Blocking the fire lanes or hydrants.

What if I left my permit at home or switched cars with my parents?
If student realizes they do not have their permit in their vehicle notify the Security office with the appropriate information or leave a note under the Security Officer’s door.  Once verified that a
student has a valid permit, issuing a ticket can be avoided.  

 

What if my permit is lost or stolen?
Should a permit becomes lost or stolen, please notify the Security Office ASAP.  A new permit can be reissued to students with a new number for $10.  Should the pass disappear a second time, the cost is $20.00.

 

What if I drive a different car?
Please notify the Security Office or Main office if a different car other than the car the permit was issued to is driven. That way a ticket can be avoided. 

 

What if I get a new car?
Notify the Security office if you get a new car so the information on the pass application can be updated.

 

What if my car gets towed?
At least 3 tickets will be issued and the owner of the vehicle warned before a car will be towed.  Once a vehicle is towed retrieval information will be available in the Security and or Main offices.

 

Why is it so difficult to exit the high school parking lot and when will this issue be addressed?
Our current configuration is the result of King County regulations.

 

All other question may be directed to Mr. Ferrnandez in the security office.

 

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Cashier

Where do I pay my fines?
Fines are paid to our cashier, Mrs. Suchanek, located on “Main Street” near the commons.

How do I know if I have fines?
Students and parents can view any outstanding fines and fees online using Skyward Family Access or, you are welcome to visit Mrs. Suchanek to check on your fine status.

Where do I pay for my ASB sticker/card?
ASB sticker/card can be purchased from Mrs. Suchanek in the Cashier’s Office. She will put the sticker on your ID card.

Where do I pay for sports?
Sports fees are paid to Mrs. Suchanek, the cashier, in the Cashier’s office located on “Main Street” near the commons.

My textbook was turned in last year but it shows on my fine list as missing. What now?
Contact the teacher who issued the fine. If the teacher is no longer at Tahoma, please contact the department chair. If the student needs the fine cleared immediately, they will need to pay for the book. Once the book is located and properly turned in, the student will receive a refund check in the mail. Please note the student is responsible for requesting a refund.

I lost my receipt. Can I get another one?
If you need a copy of a receipt, please see Mrs. Suchanek in the Cashier’s office located on “Main Street” near the commons. She will be happy to assist you in obtaining a new one.

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Lunch Accounts
How do I pay for lunch? When?
Students can pay either cash or check in the Tahoma High School Kitchen between 7AM until 1:00 PM. or money can be added to a student’s account at any Tahoma School District School Kitchen.

What if I don’t bring money?
One emergency charge is allowed and must be paid back.

How long does it take for money to be credited?
All money is credited to a student’s account and available for use the same day.

I have other questions. Where do I direct my inquiries?
Parents can call Sheri Melewski at (425) 413-3450 for further inquiries on meal account transactions, transferring funds from one student’s account to another student within Tahoma School District, or account refunds. You may also view your student’s meal account anytime online using Skyward Family Access. Password is required.

 

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