Every student in Highline Public Schools is known by name, strength, and need, and graduates ready for college, career, and citizenship.

The New Start Mission is to provide students and families high-quality learning options in creative academic structures that are personalized and flexible to meet the academic needs and dreams of every child and family we serve

The Universal Values of New Start High School drive our expectations of all students and staff. Everyone on our campus is expected to be Respectful, act Responsibly and stay Dedicated.

• BE PRESENT: Students are expected to come to school every day prepared to learn in class or during their weekly Learning Center check-in. 

• ENGAGE: Students are expected engage in all; coursework and interact in positive and supportive ways with their teachers, adult staff and their peers.

• DO THE WORK: Students are expected to turn all assignments in on time and completed to the best of their ability.

• ASK FOR HELP: Students are expected to ask for help and support when they need it for academics, learning and their own social and emotional development.

• BE SAFE: Students are expected to be safe and abide by district Student’s Rights and Responsibilities, Student Conduct Rules, and follow polices as set forth by New Start High School.

Welcome to New Start. New Start High School was established in 2006 as a small alternative high school serving the students of Highline School District. New Start is a fully accredited, diploma granting high school situated in the communities of White Center, Salmon Creek and north Burien. New Start serves students in 9-12 grades from all over the district. 

Our small, safe and personalized learning environment offers online learning, seat-based classes, project based and hands-on learning with schedule flexibility for those who need. New Start is well connected to social services and has a focus on student social emotional learning with a goal of serving and educating the whole child. Go Sharks!

The Washington Association of Educational Service Districts, in partnership with the Association of Educational Service Agencies, hereby certifies that New Start High School has demonstrated an exceptional ongoing commitment to data-driven, student achievement -focused, research-based, and collaboratively developed school improvement planning and strategies, thereby earning Full Accreditation Status 2016 – 2022.

In 2021 New Start High School engaged with the Association of Educational Service Districts to begin the process of renewing accreditation in 2022.

ParentVUE offers a single sign-on access to student and classroom information for parents and students.  Parents are able to view attendance, schedules, grades, send and receive emails to teachers, view assignments. If your child’s school has an email address on file for you, Highline Public Schools will send you an email with your activation key.  Once you have received your activation key, please activate your account via the mobile app or web browser.   If you do not get the email, or need support please call the office at 206-631-6650.  Find more information on our ParentVUE & StudentVUE page.

Please visit our New Start Staff Directory to find contact information. 

Office Phone Number: 206.631.7750

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Monday – Thursday Schedule

Seat Based Classes		Learning Center Support Session
Breakfast	8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.	Breakfast	8:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Period 1	9:00 a.m. - 10:05 a.m.	Morning Session	9:00 a.m. - 12:25 p.m.
Period 2	10:10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Period 3	11:20 a.m. - 12:25 p.m.
Lunch	12: 25 p.m. - 12:55 p.m.	Lunch	12:25 p.m. - 12:55 p.m.
Period 4	1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.	Afternoon Session	1:00 p.m. - 3:25 p.m.
Period 5	2:20 p.m. - 3:25 p.m.
Afterschool Programs	3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.	Afterschool  Programs	3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

 

Friday Schedule - Early Release

Seat Based Classes		Learning Center Support Session
Breakfast	8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.	Breakfast	8:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Period 1	9:00 a.m. - 9:20 a.m.	Morning Session	9:00 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.
Period 2	9:25 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Period 3	9:50 a.m. - 10:10 a.m.
Period 4	12: 25 p.m. - 12:55 p.m.	Lunch	12:20 p.m. - 12:50 p.m.
Period 5	10:15 a.m. - 10:35 a.m.
Advisory	11:05 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Lunch	12:20 p.m. - 12:50 p.m.

Please call the New Start Office at 206-631-7750 if your student is not able to come to school. If you are facing challenges related to health care, unstable housing, transportation or lack of food, your school can help. We can connect you to services for the whole family. We want to help your child succeed at school.

Let’s Talk! We want to build a relationship with our students and families. We encourage you to contact teachers frequently. Any staff can be reached by phone or email, or a meeting can be set up through the main office at 206-631-7750.

New Start High School operates on a 6-Week Session Calendar which allows for grading and credit earning throughout the school year. Instructionally New Start uses a Trimester Calendar. School days, breaks and early dismissal days are the same as the rest of the district. The only difference is how we divide up the overall school year. The 6-Week Session Calendar is an effective evidence based practice for alternative schools to give students more time to earn credits in a shorter amount of time. 

This year 6-Week Sessions and Instructional Trimester dates are:

Sessions	Dates	Instructional Trimester Dates
1	09/02/21 - 10/14/21	Fall: 09/02/21 - 11/23/21
2	10/18/21 - 11/23/21
3	11/29/21 - 01/27/22	Winter: 11/29/21 - 03/10/22
4	01/31/22 - 03/10/22
5	03/14/22 - 04/29/22	Spring: 03/14/22 - 06/16/22
6	05/02/22 - 06/16/22

 

Basic Education

New Start High School offers a full master schedule of classes and online coursework that will satisfy the requirements of earning a high school diploma for graduation.

College Preparation

We offer limited high level college prep classes in math and language arts, and access to college level course work through Running Start programs at participating local colleges. 

Career and Technical Education

Courses are offered in career exploration, preparation in a pathway of outdoor recreational leadership and community services.

Inclusive Education

Students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) receive additional supports and case management from qualified special education teachers. Programs include Learning Resources Center (LRC) and Emotional Behavioral Center (EBC).

Online, Hybrid and Remote Learning

Learning Center Program at New Start High School offers students remote learning, in-person learning, or a hybrid of remote and in person learning schedules. Student schedules through the Learning Center are custom designed by the student, family, teacher, and school counselor based on academic goals and personal needs.

Alternative Learning Experiences

Students may engage in independent study or online learning under the supervision of a certificated teacher to build a flexible program schedule with learning experiences outside of the school and of particular interest to the student.

Advisory

Advisory is a non-academic period for every student and their Advisory Teacher that convenes on Fridays. The Purpose of Advisory is to strengthen the supportive relationships with students, teachers and our entire school community. Activities throughout the year include college or career planning, Social emotional Learning, Academic progress tracking, school community building, self-reflection and family connections.

Credit Requirements	Highline Public Schools
English	4
Mathematics	3 (Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, or other 3rd credit of math)
Science	3
Social Studies	3 (1, U.S. History, 1 Cont. Global Issues, 0.5 Civics and 0.5 Other Social Studies)
World Language	2 (Both Credits may be a Personalized Pathway Requirements)
Art	2
Health & Fitness	2 (0.5 Health and 1.5 Fitness - Students must earn credit for physical education unless excused per RCW 28A.230.050)
Career & Technical Education (CTE)	1
Electives	4
TOTAL CREDITS	24
Non-Credit Requirements	High School and Beyond Plan  Washington State History and Government course (7th grade)
Assessments	Smarter Balanced (SBA) English/Language Arts (ELA) test Smarter Balanced (SBA) Math test or State-approved Pathway Option (See the Counselor for available options)

 

The Learning Center

The Learning Center is a program at New Start High School that provides students an Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) through offering flexible school schedules, credit recovery, and thoughtful re-engagement support as an alternative to traditional seat-based school. Courses are offered online through Edgenuity Learning Software with support from a Highline Public Schools Certified Teacher. Students enrolled in the Learning Center have access to in-person academic support on campus at New Start High School. 

Student and Family Expectations for the Learning Center

• Students communicate with their Learning Center Teacher a minimum of once per week. This can be a phone call, in person discussion, email, or text. Consecutive weeks of no contact between students and teachers may put enrollment at-risk. 
• Students make weekly progress in their online Edgenuity classes. Teachers and students will collectively decide the minimum hours per week and credits per year that the student needs to complete to stay in good standing with the program.
• Your academic progress will be evaluated monthly by a certificated teacher. This is similar to a progress report. Your teacher along with support staff may schedule a conference with you if you receive ‘unsatisfactory’ with the goal of supporting you to get back on track. Consecutive unsatisfactory monthly progress reports may put your enrollment at-risk. 

Alternative Learning Experience (ALE)

ALE is a funding and instructional model for providing basic education. It is available to all public school districts and public charter schools in Washington State. The intent of ALE is to ensure that students have educational opportunities designed to meet their individualized needs. The Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) offers courses that take place independent from the regular classroom or school setting.

The New Start Care Team is made up of our School Social Worker, School Psychologist, School Para-educators, School Counselor, Campus Supervisor, and Learning Center Manager. We work closely with students and families to address any barriers in or outside of school that may be making it difficult for students to fully engage in their learning. 

We are also able to help connect students and families to resources such as mental health/drug and alcohol counseling, mentorship and youth advocates, college/career opportunities, rent/utility/food support and many other resources.

If your family, or student, is in crisis, or needs support, or resource information please call our front office at 206-631-7750, and ask to be connected with the Care Team.

New Start High School is committed to providing equitable language access to our students and families. We will provide an interpreter for any two-way communication whether that is a phone call, text message, in person conference or a meeting over Zoom. We have in-house interpreters for Spanish speaking families, and we can access interpreters through the district to provide interpretation for other languages. In addition, we are committed to translating any document that is sent home into the preferred home language. 

Study Buddies is New Start’s after school tutoring program. All students have access to after school support, Monday through Thursday, 3:30PM to 4:30PM in Room 8. Students can communicate with our Paraeducators to schedule a tutoring session or simply pop into room 8 at the above times. Snacks will be provided at this time. 

Highline School District Policies and Procedures are set by the superintendent of schools, and approved by the elected Highline School Board of directors. It is the responsibility of the principal to delegate, and oversee the equitable administration of all Highline School District Policies on the campus of New Start High School. See detailed District Policy. 

Student Conduct Policy 3240 

Student Conduct Procedure

Students Rights and Responsibilities for all schools can be found on the Highline School District website.

Equitable Review is an annual process whereas school leadership presents new or important policies to staff, students, parents and community partners.  Once a year, stakeholders are guided through a process to gather input and look at school policies through a lens of Equity.

New Start High School Leadership has identified the most important policies for student safety and school success at our school. These essential safety policies are highlighted for students and families. Essential policies communicated directly to students in classes, this handbook and the equitable review process with family and community.  and are aligned with Highline School District Policies. An exhaustive list of Student Conduct Policies are available at district links above.

Students are expected to be in class or advisory on time, and engaged in the learning activity as instructed by their teacher for the entirety of the period from start to end. Students late to class will be marked tardy. Students leaving class early will be marked Truant and students outside of class without a pass may be subject to school discipline or restorative action.

It is the policy of the Highline School Board, and New Start High School, that all students are expected to attend all assigned classes each day. The parent/guardian is expected to notify the school office on the morning of the absence by phone, e-mail or written note and to provide the excuse for the absence. If no excuse is provided with the notification, or no notification is provided, the parent/guardian will submit an excuse via phone, e-mail or written note upon the student’s return to school.

All New Start students should be in their assigned classes, on time, and focused for the entirety of the class period. Students who report to school, then leave, and then return to campus present a health and safety for the students and others. With the exception of a clearly defined lunch period in the daily schedule, New Start is a closed campus.

The policy is directed to students who intentionally leave, and then return to campus at irregular and non-approved times, especially during period class times. This is questionable activity by any student. If a student makes a personal, and unapproved, choice to leave campus during the school day, they may not return to campus that day. 

Personal technology can be an asset for students and learning, but it can also be a distraction. In order to ensure the learning environment at New Start High School is conducive to deep and focused learning, students are not allowed to use cell phones in class. 

It is expected that student personal electronics (cellphones, iPods, Air Pods, Ear Buds, Headphones, speakers, etc.) are out of sight and put away at all times during class time and advisory. Students may use personal technology, including phones, only when explicitly directed by the teacher. 

School appropriate dress can positively impact our school’s learning environment and contribute to an atmosphere of cleanliness and safety. Students should report to school each day neat and clean. Ethnic and cultural expression through dress is encouraged. 

New Start cannot allow for appearances which may cause a disruption or distraction of the educational process, or presents health or safety issues.

• Shoes are to be worn at all times.
• Clothing, jewelry or tattooing, with inappropriate language or any reference to tobacco, drugs, alcohol, violent acts or weapons are not allowed.
• Apparel that implies gang affiliation, including bandanas, or overall dress with predominating colors, is not allowed.
• Shorts, skirts and dresses are to be long enough to maintain modesty while standing or sitting. These items should reach mid-thigh.
• Shirts should meet the waistband of skirts or pants, even when students move or bend.
• Undergarments or underwear are to be covered at all times.
• Bandanas are not to be worn or visible at school.
• Piercings must not present health or safety issues to the individual or other students.

Smoking and vaping is not allowed on school district property including Salmon Creek campus, front walk way, the community garden, and the service road between the school and garden. The policy applies to all students, staff, guests, volunteers and general public. 

Additionally, smoking and vaping is illegal for anyone under the age of 21, which includes our students. Students cannot engage in smoking or vaping activity or possession, anywhere. Lighters are not illegal, but not allowed for students to possess on school grounds. Any tobacco or vaping materials or lighters and matches will be confiscated as a prohibited item if found on our students. 

Illegal and prohibited substances such as drugs and alcohol are a dangerous and unhealthy distraction to the learning environment. Students cannot effectively focus on their learning when they are under the influence of such substances. Drug and alcohol use is also a distraction to other students on campus, or nearby, who are trying their best to learn. 

New Start students may not possess, distribute or be under the influence of drugs, alcohol, other illegal substances, or possess paraphernalia on school property, on school transportation, or on school trips. Any related drug or alcohol activity is not allowed on, or adjacent to, the New Start High School campus.

Additionally, New Start Students are not allowed to sell, and/or distribute, or possess, with intent to sell/distribute illegal chemical substances, including alcoholic beverages, drug paraphernalia, medications/stimulants/depressants, or mood-altering compounds. 

COVID Safety and guidelines planning are directed by the Washington State Department of Health, and consistent with district protocols and procedures for all schools, including New Start High School. As specific guidance changes throughout the year, the general standing safety precautions are:

• Masks are to be worn at all times by students, staff and visitors.
• Safety distancing and room capacities are adhered to as best possible.
• Students, Staff and Visitors are not allowed on campus if exhibiting symptoms.
• Students on campus who exhibit symptoms are immediately isolated, and the family is required to take sick students home as soon as possible.
• All staff and partnering agencies are required to be vaccinated or have a legal exemption on file.
• Students, families and visitors are encouraged to be vaccinated when eligible.

More and updated details are available at the school and district safety plan links below. Please call the principal at 206-631-7750 if you have questions.

District Plans: Health & Safety  

School Plans: New Start COVID Safety Plan

Restorative approaches are the preferred method of resolving student conflict, conduct and misbehavior. Restorative practice can include, but are not limited to:

• Conferences
• Individual Check In
• Mediation
• Peer Mentorship
• Reflective activity
• Healing\talking Circles

In the event restorative approaches do not correct behavior or resolve conflict or harm, traditional discipline and consequences may be employed.

Standard district discipline and consequences are described in the Highline Public Schools Responsibilities and Rights Handbook.  

Failure to adhere to the expectations set forth in this Handbook, as well as those policies of the Highline School District, will result in a conference with New Start High School teachers or support staff, and possible referral to the administration.

Lunch Detention

If a restorative approach to solving student misconduct is not effective, students who are in violation of minor behavior expectations, may be assigned to serve a lunch detention as a consequence for their actions. Parents will be notified their student has been assigned a lunch detention and for which behavior. 

Students who do not serve the Lunch Detention they have been assigned will be given one warning and opportunity to complete the detention. After that, they will be referred to administration for further progressive discipline or other acceptable resolution.

Time Owed

If a student owes a teacher time for an unexcused absence, or ongoing tardiness, the teacher for that class will communicate to the student, Time Owed, before issuing a grade at the end of each grading session. Students may make up time through approved afterschool programing or individual arrangement with the teacher. 

Students who do not make up Time Owed to the teacher’s satisfaction will be referred to administration for further progressive discipline or other acceptable resolution.

In School Suspension

If a student commits a major violation of New Start High School student conduct rules, or Highline Public Schools’ policy, but not serious enough to be suspended, the administration can direct the student to be suspended in school.  The student will be at school during normal hours, but will do their lessons separately from the other students. Students will be supervised by an adult staff during in school detention. 

Send-Home

Send-Home can be, but is not always, an administrative level disciplinary consequence where a student is sent home and charged an excused absence for the day. Parents will be notified, and the student is not to return to school until a discussion by phone, or in person, has occurred between a parent/guardian and a designee of the principal.

Suspension

Suspension is a high-level disciplinary consequence which may be utilized with consideration of a student’s previous disciplinary history, and the time remaining in the session. If enforced/sanctioned, parents/guardian will be notified by phone and formal written letter from the district. 

Emergency Expulsion

When a student has created an immediate volatile disciplinary or safety risk situation the student may be emergency expelled from New Start High School and the entire Salmon Creek Campus.

The student is not to return until an appropriate consequence has been determined by New Start High School administration. Parents/Guardian will be notified by phone and formal written letter from the District.