Staff

Connie Domenech, Office Manager
Fred Woods, Principal
Luna Wylde, Certificated Teacher
Ben Troutman, Certificated Teacher
Amara Zee, Counselor
Maude Cumming, Paraeducator
Mandy Baker, Paraeducator
Dr. Becky Bell, Special Services Director

Contact Information

85 Blair Avenue
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Main Office: (360) 378-3292 
Text: (360) 298-6025

Griffin Bay School (GBS) is a "brick and mortar" school that offers K-12  instruction using online and/or paper-pencil curricula. Griffin Bay School provides an Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) program for students  and families of Washington state who have unique needs. We partner with Odysseyware and Imagine learning’s Edgenuity program (among others) to connect with families who may benefit from an online curriculum to meet their children’s individual needs.

Griffin Bay School is a multi-district program serving both non-residents and San Juan Island's public-school students as an Alternative Learning Experience for grades K-12. Established in 2003, Griffin Bay School provides appropriate and flexible educational opportunities designed to meet individual needs and offering a high level of personalized academic, social, and emotional support to help high school students recover credits, explore alternative classes, and pursue their high school and beyond plans.  Our experienced teachers inspire students to work hard and help them succeed. Griffin Bay School uses OSPI-approved course providers that gives students and Griffin Bay School staff access to high-quality curriculum, support, and services.

As a safe and supportive learning environment, Griffin Bay School gives a diverse student population the opportunity to achieve personal and academic success. We strive to know where our students come from and what their lives are like. Griffin Bay School helps all students learn by providing an alternative means for acquiring coursework credit so graduation may occur on time. The curriculum is organized so that students can progress at their own pace - depending on their ability, interests, and preferences - through a sequence of increasingly difficult courses. Staff at Griffin Bay School listen to the students' views, experiences, concerns, life circumstances and ideas for change so we can help them and others in the future. That is why at Griffin Bay School, students may come into the school for coursework or may have all their learning needs met online in their own home environment. Our teachers ensure each student's needs are met by delivering personalized instruction and attention. 

Here's why families choose Griffin Bay School for their children:

• Our experienced, Washington state-licensed teachers give students the attention they need to succeed.
• The online curriculum from our online partners is rooted in decades of research that harnesses powerful learning tools, such as video, audio, and integrated materials to engage and inspire students.
• Individualized Written Student Learning Plans (WSLP) place students in appropriate courses, identify strengths and areas for improvement, and create a plan to chart their progress.
• Exceptional programs help struggling students not only catch up but excel.
• Smart and sensible ideas, including Credit Recovery courses when needed help students cope and succeed.

Griffin Bay School brings students, parents, and teachers together to form a powerful, collaborative team to help students thrive.

ALE students enrolled as a Griffin Bay student (not including FHHS students taking an online course during a high school period) will have a Written Student Learning Plan (WSLP) to create a plan for the Griffin Bay student’s education, delineate curriculum and materials, designate FTE and hours of instruction, and establish how best to evaluate progress. An intervention plan will be developed if the student does not make adequate progress.

At Griffin Bay School, students are invited to attend in person for support, or as written in their student learning plans. There are also staff available to supervise FHHS students who participate in an online course. The schedule is organized to facilitate flexibility and variety in instructional activities. Middle school and elementary school students follow the middle school and elementary school schedule.

High School (Mon - Fri)
Period 1 8:15 - 9:10
Period 2 9:15-10:10
Break 10:10-10:25
Per 3 10: 25 - 11:20
Per 4 11:25 - 12:20
Lunch 12:20-12:55
Per 5 1:00-1:55
Per 6 2:00-2:55

*There is no student supervision at Griffin Bay School before 7:45 and after 3:30 pm

Vision
Griffin Bay School provides a safe, productive and supportive learning environment in which students can "take risks" in their learning to  improve. The curriculum is organized so that students progress at their own rates - depending on their ability, interests, and preferences - through a sequence of increasingly difficult courses. The school’s aim is to prepare students for their transition into post-high school activities (e.g., college, vocational  education, employment, independent living).

General principles of Griffin Bay School

• To maintain high expectations for hard work and learning.
• To offer various and individualized ways to demonstrate mastery.
• To create a supportive learning environment intentionally planned specifically to meet student needs.
• To enable flexible deadlines and work schedules, giving students more control over their work.
• To ensure appropriate and flexible educational opportunities designed to meet individual needs.
• To provide a breadth of offerings
• To develop challenging curricula organized around essential themes.
• To uphold student expectations to follow the goals and plans in the student learning plan. This plan can be amended or updated as needed.
• To provide access to mental-health treatment or other personalized services as needed.
• To offer credit recovery opportunities for students to receive credits or improve grades for unsatisfactory coursework or to take courses for the first time to catch up with credit deficiencies.
• To promote a balance of autonomy and support.
• To encourage peer support as a positive influence.
• To provide opportunities for students to build confidence and develop productive relationships.

Griffin Bay School:

• offers challenging and engaging instruction through multiple curriculum options.
• provides secondary students academic skills instruction and high school equivalency certificate preparation course work.
• provides curriculum, assessment and instruction that are appropriate to each student’s academic achievement, ability, emotional development and academic goals rather than by age or grade level.
• assists high school students to acquire high school level skills and credits and be academically prepared for success in college and/or work.
• offers nontraditional courses that are taught on site, online, remotely or through independent study.
• allows students to take up to four online classes at once.
• may allow students to complete their requirements in a short period of time (depending on course).
• accomodates extensions, when possible, into the next semester or during summer to increase the time it takes to complete a course.
• offers courses through Odysseyware, Imagine Learning, Edgenuity, and a variety of other platforms.

Award of credit and course extension requests
High school credit will be awarded for all successfully completed course work in which students are enrolled, including high school equivalency certificate preparation. GBS determines credit on an ongoing basis with
rolling enrollment.

Extension requests should be made directly to the Griffin Bay teacher prior to the scheduled end date. If a GBS student does not complete credit work on time, s/he will receive an F. The maximum extension will be 10 school days.

The key to academic success

• Attend regularly
• Pursue your learning plan
• When in doubt, ask!
• Be independently driven
• Set a schedule

Unsatisfactory Progress Reviews 
If a student reaches three (3) consecutive unsatisfactory monthly progress review, there are two choices:

1. Transition the student to another educational program, or
2. Rewrite the WSLP to better meet the student's needs.

Listen to local radio stations beginning at 5 AM for school closures during inclement weather. Emergency information is also available on the SJISD website. All assignments will still be due once students return to school or on the original assignment due date, whichever date is applicable.

Transportation
Griffin Bay students may ride to and from school on San Juan Island School District school buses.

GBS Parking
Student parking is in the parking lot by the Griffin Bay building, along the streets near the school with overflow parking available near the track. Students (and vehicle owners) recognize that SJISD does not assume responsibility for property damage to any private vehicle parked on its property.

Neighborhood policy
Students are to respect our neighbors (the area within a quarter mile radius of the school).

• No littering, loitering, smoking or unruliness.
• Walk on sidewalks.

GBS Enrollment process
Enrollment is for one semester at a time. For student continuity, we require the student to commit to the full semester. GBS does accept partial enrollment or shared enrollment with other schools. We ask that Griffin Bay students enroll with us at least 60% of the time.

Students are invited to enroll by filling out the online application. Once the application is complete, you will receive a phone call from a Griffin Bay staff member who will help develop a Written Student Learning Plan (WSLP) and assist the student in selecting appropriate curriculum.

Online Enrollment Link

Students who are eligible to enroll are students who live in the district boundaries of San Juan Island School District and are age 5 by the first of September. GBS is an OSPI approved Multidistrict school and accepts remote students from anywhere in Washington State. Older students who have not met graduation requirements are eligible for enrollment if they are under the age of 21 at the start of the school year.

Students who are new to San Juan Island School District should contact Griffin Bay School Office Manager Connie Domenech at conniedomenech@sjisd.org or call the office at (360) 370-7801

Students wishing to transfer from FHHS, MS, or ES may do so at any time unless they are planning to be only partially enrolled in Griffin Bay with the majority of their time in one of the other buildings. In this case, contact Friday Harbor High School Guidance Counselor Hailey Henderson-Paul at haileyhendersonpaul@sjisd.org or call the high school office at (360) 378-5215.

GBS withdrawal process
Students who choose to withdraw from Griffin Bay School should complete the necessary paperwork with the Office Manager. Books and borrowed materials should be returned and fees, if any, should be paid. Finalized grades and student information will be sent to a receiving school upon request. If a student withdraws from GBS, they certainly may return! 

GBS Fee Schedule
Fees are associated with the following circumstances:

• Certain online courses may require a fee of $300-$350.
• Unreturned or damaged checked out or borrowed materials may incur a fee.

School grounds

Like Friday Harbor High School, Griffin Bay School is a closed campus except during the lunch period. 

Attendance policy, responsibility for attendance, absences and tardiness

Participation in classes is a critical part of the learning process. The school district’s attendance policy is intended to help students learn responsibility and increase their potential for success. For details, refer to the school district policies: Policy 3122. 

In the event of a pattern of regular, excessive, or unusual absences, the principal may require a doctor’s note or proof of the health condition or disability that may be causing the absences.

If a student falls ill with a severe illness or suffers from a debilitating injury during the semester, and consequently has to stay away from school for a period of up to three weeks, they will be required to make up for the missed work as soon as they are able. Students can obtain their homework from their teachers during this time. However, if a student is absent from school for more than three weeks due to a medical condition, their parents are advised to get in touch with the counselor or principal to explore additional options.

While Griffin Bay School is required to provide reasonable accommodations and modifications, it is not required to waive assignments altogether. The goal is to provide support to enable students to fully participate in and benefit from their education.

Weekly Contact & Truancy in ALE
Attendance in ALE means weekly contact: A minimum of once per week direct personal contact.

Definition of direct personal contact: Interactive connection between the teacher and the student related to the WSLP - course content and instruction, or development or evaluation of the WSLP.

Griffin Bay provides multiple opportunities for weekly contact and document efforts to contact students.

For extended or repeated missed contacts without valid justification: truancy rules apply.

Pre-arranged absences
Pre-arranged absences are absences that are arranged in advance.  Coursework will be required to be made up based on teachers’ professional judgment. Students must:

1. Ask for a Pre-Arranged Absence Form from GBS staff.
2. Obtain signature and information on what assignments will need to be completed from each teacher.
3. Have a parent or guardian sign the form.
4. Return the form to the Office Manager prior to your absence.

Parents and students are responsible for evaluating the effect of the absence on the student’s grade and progress. Students will receive zero credit for missed assignments, quizzes and tests if the absence is not approved through the pre-arranged absence process.

Semester finals
GBS will give early finals to any student with a valid reason.

Appointments during school
If a student must leave school for an appointment, s/he must have permission from parents before leaving campus. The student’s parent must speak directly with a faculty or staff member if the request for early dismissal is made by phone.

Visitors
Parents are welcome to visit Griffin Bay School. Students are permitted to have a visitor accompany them to school on a prearranged one-day basis only. It is expected that visitors will not create disturbances or interfere with learning. Visitors must be currently enrolled in a high school and be visiting during a school holiday from their school. A student who wishes to host a visitor is required to complete a “Visitor Request Form”, signed by all teachers, his or her parents or guardian, and then approved by the principal at least one day prior to the visit. Teachers and/or the Principal have the right to refuse student visitors in their classroom.

Home/school communication
Students have greater success when their parents are informed and involved in their education. Clear and accurate communication is important. Grades and assignments, along with other information and announcements, can be accessed by logging on to Skyward, a web-based tool to help parents and students stay informed and engaged.

Griffin Bay School has a page on the San Juan Island School District website. Parents and students can check the calendar and announcements for important dates and information. Griffin Bay also has a Facebook page.

On occassion, students will be responsible for taking messages/paperwork home and making sure that parents receive information from school.

Cell phones
Students may bring cellphones to school. The phones must be programmed to silent or mute settings. Cell phone use is allowed during non-instructional times. 

Educational materials & textbooks
Students are responsible for textbooks assigned to them and will be required to pay for any loss or damage. Except for consumable textbooks, students must not write on any page or mark any part of textbooks in any way. Adjusting for a textbook’s condition, if the book is returned with damage (eg, torn pages, writing in book, etc.), the student will be required to pay in full for the textbook. 

Lockers
There are no lockers at GBS.

Lunch

GBS students may participate in the SJISD Food for Thought Program. GBS students may pick up lunch in the cafeteria on FHHS campus during scheduled lunch breaks. 

Guests of FHHS dances
Griffin Bay School students must be a guest of a Friday Harbor High School student, having completed a Guest Pass 24 hours in advance of the dance including the principal’s approval and signature. Guests must follow FHHS rules regarding Dances.

Freedom of expression
Freedom of expression is a constitutional right and part of the educational process at GBS. However, this freedom is subject to reasonable regulation and may not be used to prevent the educational program from continuing in its usual way by causing problems or interfering with the rights of others.

Students must wear appropriate clothing at school and while attending school-sponsored functions (eg, field trips). Appropriate clothing will be free of advertising or promotion of drugs, alcohol, cigarettes or any product that does not align with a safe and drug-free school environment. Clothing will not have crude messages, sexual innuendo or offensive language. Students wearing inappropriate clothes will be required to change clothes. 

Grading scale
All students, grades 9-12, will receive semester grades with the following grade marks:

A 94 - 100

A-  90 - 93.99

B+ 87 - 89.99

B 84 - 86.99

B- 80 - 83.99

C+ 77 - 79.99

C 74 - 76.99 

C- 70 - 73.99

D+ 67 - 69.99 

D 60 - 66.99 

F 0 - 59.99

P 60 - 100

Student participation
Meaningful involvement by students in their own education is necessary and extremely important. Students taking Tutorial and/or Study Hall classes will be graded on indicators that may include:

• Active participation in instruction and other class activities
• A desire to succeed
• Willingness to expend effort to achieve
• Persistence in the face of obstacles

Report cards
GBS report cards with teacher comments will be issued at the conclusion of each quarter (ie, at the end of midterm and semester).

GBS graduation requirements
All program requirements (described below) must be met for a student to receive a GBS diploma. Students must receive a semester grade of “D” or above or “P” to earn credit for a class.

Students must fulfill the following three requirements:

1. Earn 24 high school credits.
2. Complete a High School and Beyond Plan
   1. Slideshow presentation
   2. Personal essay
   3. Career interest inventory
   4. Resume
      
3. Pass one of the multiple graduation pathway options

Clarification of “on-track” graduation
Students are responsible for taking the necessary steps to ensure that they graduate with the minimum number of required credits. In some cases, students who are deficient in credits may make up those credits in an alternative method that does not result in a delay of graduation (eg, minimum competency testing).

If we apply the required credits needed to graduate high school, to Washington State criteria, the term "significantly behind in credits" is represented by:

• 9th grade student with less than 3.25 - 4 credits by the end of their freshman year (less than approximately 65% of 6 credits)
• 10th grade student with less than 6.75 - 8 credits (less than 65% of 12 credits)
• 11th grade student with less than 10.75 - 13 credits (less than 70% of 18)
• 12th grade student with less than 15.5 - 18 credits (less than 75% of 24 Alternative methods to earn credit)

GBS students may make up deficient credits in an alternative method that does not require a delay of graduation.

• A student passes one or more GED pretests (0.5 credit maximum per quarter)
• A student makes a statistically significant post-test gain at the high school level in math, reading or writing on the WIAT-II (Wechsler Individual Achievement Test) during the quarter (0.5 credit per subject gain with a maximum of 1.0 credit for such subject gains in a quarter)
• Completion of high school level work readiness or college readiness curriculum (no more than 0.25 credits per multigraded lessons) 
• The course, Independent Physical Education, enables students to meet required health and fitness credits.  Griffin Bay School requires 300 minutes per week of physical (aerobic) activity for secondary students.