STATE OF WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON STATE SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND

2214 E. 13th St. · Vancouver, Washington 98661-4120 · (360) 696-6321 · FAX # (360) 737-2120

August 17, 2015

Dear families of residential students,

The residential department is looking forward to meeting the new fall students and their families. Our many residential life counselors (RLCs) and support staff come with decades of experience in teaching and supporting students towards independence.

We are creative, dedicated and motivated in supporting both students and their families during the school year. We encourage you to contact the department throughout the year with any questions you may have.

Below is some helpful information regarding the first day of school and other items.

What to expect on your first day as a residential student:

Check into cottages and get settled in from 12:00-2pm. Families will have an opportunity to meet Residential Life Counselors and receive contact information; ask questions and conversations about student and their individual needs. How and how often would you like the department to contact you about your student?

Students will:

Choose room and unpack, get settled

Dinner 5pmish

Cottage meeting: rules, expectations and cottage life

Spend time with other students

Irwin school building will be open to receive forms and hand out student schedules. Families will also get an opportunity to meet faculty.

Health Center: Please stop by the Health Center to meet nurses and drop off medication. The health center can be reached at 360 696 6321 x 3388 before August 31st if you have any questions.

We are sending out this as a reminder to students and families in order to maintain a safe and healthy environment where students can thrive. The following excerpt is from the WSSB policy located on page 28 of Student/Parent Handbook 2014‐2015.

MUSIC TAPES/VIDEOS

In order to promote an environment which encourages positive growth and self-esteem, WSSB believes certain forms of music and entertainment are not appropriate. Students who bring music considered to promote such things as alcohol, drugs, suicide, death, violence, racism, and/or sexual content will be required to take them home. Parents are asked to screen media prior to students bringing them to school. Material on campus found to be questionable may be referred to a committee made up of students and staff for a final determination. No rated R movies are allowed on campus.

Other helpful policies can be found on our website under our parents tab: http://www.wssb.wa.gov/Content/parents.asp

Additionally please remember that WSSB does not provide transportation on the first and last of school. If you have any questions about transportation by bus or flight please call Cindy Varley x 3309

Lastly, over the summer we put in a new phone system. Please take note of the following phone extension changes:

WSSB main number 360 696 6321

Chapman Cottage x3284

Hall Cottage x3283

Clarke Cottage x3282

Watson Cottage x3281

Health center x3388

Sincerely,

Lori Pulliam Residential Director x 3279

Tess Scholl Residential Life Dean (transportation) x 3280

Libby Pitts x 4114