Two Renton school leaders named 2012-2013 Distinguished Principal, Assistant Principal of the Year
Damien Pattenaude, principal, Renton High School and Ed Crow, asst. principal, Hazen High School, recognized for hard work, commitment to students
December 19, 2012 - Renton High School principal Damien Pattenaude and Hazen High School assistant principal Ed Crow have been named 2012-2013 Distinguished Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year in the Seamount League by the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP).
Renton and six other King County school districts win $40 million Race to the Top grant
December 11, 2012—Renton School District and six other regional school districts today learned it had won $40 million in federal Race to the Top funds, the U.S. Department of Education.
Renton Schools Superintendent named co-chair of new governor’s transition team
November 14, 2012 - Washington state's next governor Jay Inslee today named the leaders of his transition team which includes Renton School District Superintendent Dr. Mary Alice Heuschel along with Microsoft General Counsel Brad Smith and WSU President Elson Floyd.
Hazen High girls cross-country team named Academic State Champions for highest team GPA
November 2, 2012—Hazen High School’s varsity girls cross-country team has been named Academic State Champions for maintaining a near-perfect combined grade-point average of 3.958 through the fall sports season.
Three Renton School District seniors named National Merit Scholar semifinalist
October 3, 2012 - Renton High School’s Jordon Bowens and Lindbergh High’s Jason Hennig and Monique Smith are among only 16,000 students nationwide to be named semifinalists for National Merit scholarships.
Renton School District again earns praise for excellence in financial management, reporting
Nearly a decade of recognition for high standards in managing taxpayer funds and open, transparent accounting
September 18, 2012 - For the ninth consecutive year Renton School District has been recognized for outstanding financial management and reporting.
Symetra and Seattle Seahawks celebrate Heroes in the Classroom
Dimmitt Middle School one of three area schools to receive Symetra $10,000 MVP award
May 18, 2012 - Symetra Financial and the Seattle Seahawks honored the 24 Puget Sound-area teachers who were recognized as “Symetra Heroes in the Classroom” during the 2011 NFL season, at a special celebration at CenturyLink Field.
Candidates in governor’s race use Renton Schools as example of what’s working in state education
April 11, 2012 — Both the Democratic and Republican candidates in the race for governor of Washington state have presented their education plans and each reference Renton Schools as an example of education that works. The two candidates are vying for the position to replace Governor Chris Gregoire who will not run for reelection.
Three Renton schools recognized by state for high achievement
Tiffany Park Elementary and Hazen and Lindbergh high schools win 2011 Washington Achievement Awards for graduation rates and overall excellence
February 2, 2012 - Three schools in the Renton School District have been awarded the 2011 Washington Achievement Award by the state education office and the State Board of Education for overall educational excellence and increasing graduation rates.
Renton School District again earns praise for excellence in financial management, reporting
Eight consecutive years of awards for high standars in managing taxpayer funds and open, tranparent accounting
January 30, 2012—For the eighth consecutive year Renton School District has been recognized for outstanding financial management and reporting.
Talbot Hill Elementary School named Washington State Innovative School
One of only 22 schools statewide to receive designation
January 10, 2012 - Talbot Hill Elementary School has been designated as a Washington State Innovative School for their bold, creative and innovative approach to educating students. The state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) recently announced Talbot Hill as one of only 22 schools statewide to receive the recognition.
Dimmitt Middle School wins $10,000 innovation award
Dimmitt one of three area schools recognized by Symetra and Seattle Seahawks for innovative programs leading to student success
January 6, 2012 - Dimmitt Middle School has received recognition and a $10,000 award for its Reading Workshop program that works to improve student reading and engage students in a love for literature. The award was presented by Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks as part of their Heroes in the Classroom recognition program.
21 Renton teachers achieve National Board Certification
December 15, 2011 - Twenty-one Renton School District teachers recently met the rigorous requirements to achieve National Board Certification for teachers, joining the 61 other district teachers already certified.
Maplewood Heights Elementary recognized as 2011 School of Distinction
School among the state’s top 5 percent improving on state math and reading tests over 5-year period
October 31, 2011 - Maplewood Heights Elementary School has been named a 2011 School of Distinction for their work to continuously improve student success on state standardized tests.
More than 50 district high school students recognized as AP Scholars
Students demonstrate college-level achievement in AP classes and on tests
October 13, 2011 - More than 50 high school students in the Renton School District have earned the designation of AP Scholar or AP Scholar with Honors by The College Board, in recognition of their exceptional achievement in Advanced Placement Program (AP) courses and on the college-level AP exams
Highlands Elementary students named #1 readers in the state
Students log more than 3,200 hours in summer reading challenge
September 21, 2011 - Highlands Elementary School students read more books than any other school in Washington state as part of the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge. Highlands students logged more than 3,200 hours of summer reading making them top readers in the state and 52 out of the hundreds of thousands of schools that participated in the challenge worldwide. All Highlands Elementary students participated in the challenge.
For second consecutive year, Renton High senior named Gates Millennium Scholar
Rakib Mirza one of only 1,000 high school and college students worldwide to win prestigious award
May 2, 2011 - Renton High School senior Rakib Mirza has been named a 2011 Gates Millennium Scholar. He is one of only 1,000 high school and college students worldwide to win the prestigious award.
Lindbergh High robotics team wins big at regional event
Team looks for community help to pay for trip to Nationals
March 21, 2011 - Lindbergh High School Robotics Team has qualified to compete in the National Robotics Competition after winning the Rookie All-Star Award during the recent FIRST Robotics competition held at Seattle’s Qwest Field Events Center.
Lakeridge Elementary School one of three Puget Sound schools to win $10,000 ‘MVP Awards’
School’s innovative Scholars Club program stands out among 24 other regional programs
January 5, 2011 - Lakeridge Elementary School is one of only three Puget Sound-area schools to win the 2010 Symetra Heroes in the Classroom “MVP Award” from Symetra Financial and the Seattle Seahawks. The award comes with recognition and a $10,000 grant to fund an innovative student achievement program.
Renton Schools Superintendent Dr. Mary Alice Heuschel named finalist for nation’s Superintendent of the Year award
January 5, 2011 - Renton Schools Superintendent Dr. Mary Alice Heuschel has been named a finalist for the 2011 National Superintendent of the Year. Dr. Heuschel is one of only four school leaders throughout the U.S. being considered for the recognition by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), which selected Heuschel for her dedication to transforming schools, providing quality education for all students, and working with the school community to advance student success.
24 Renton teachers achieve National Board Certification
December 16, 2010 - Two dozen Renton School District teachers recently met the rigorous requirements to achieve National Board Certification for teachers, joining the 37 other district teachers already certified. Renton’s newly-certified teachers will be honored at the January 26 School Board meeting, being held at Kennydale Elementary School at 7 p.m. Washington ranks 4th in the country in the number of National Board Certified teachers with more than 5,200 certified teachers. Nearly 1,300 teachers throughout the state completed the meticulous process this year.
Renton School Board named 2011 School Board of Distinction
November 22, 2010 - The Renton School Board has been recognized as a Board of Distinction by the Washington State School Directors Association. Renton’s five-member Board was recognized as one of the state’s highest performing school boards for its work to improve student learning, its focus on equity and access for all students, and its effective governance practices.
Renton School District one of only eight in state to earn praise for excellence in financial management, reporting
September 17, 2010 - For the seventh-consecutive year the Renton School District has been recognized for outstanding financial management and reporting. The district recently received the “Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting” from the Association of School Business Officials International. The award is one of the highest forms of recognition in governmental budgeting and was presented to only eight of Washington state’s nearly 300 school districts. The award, presented by independent auditors, academics, and other finance professionals, recognizes the district’s high standards of excellence in managing taxpayer funds, and open and transparent accounting practices. Through the award, Renton is presented as a model to encourage other agencies to achieve and maintain high standards of excellence in financial reporting.
Hazen and Lindbergh high schools win state academic awards
Schools recognized for improvement in academic achievement, graduation rates
May 5, 2010 - Hazen and Lindbergh high schools were recognized today by the state’s education office for academic achievement and improved graduation rates. Hazen teachers and staff were recognized with two awards for graduation rates and overall academic excellence—an award given to only 20 state high schools. Lindbergh High School teachers and staff won an award for excellence in language arts. The Washington Achievement Awards for 2009, given by the State Education Board and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, was hosted at Hazen High School and recognized the top five percent of excelling Washington schools.
Renton High School senior named Gates Millennium Scholar
Lindsay Dacuan one of only 1,000 students nationwide to win prestigious award
April 22, 2010 - Renton High School senior Lindsay Dacuan has been named a 2010 Gates Millennium Scholar, one of only 1,000 students worldwide to win the prestigious award. The honor includes a full-ride college and graduate school scholarship awarded through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Lindsay, who will be a Bioengineer major at the University of California, San Diego, said winning the award helps her believe that she can do something extraordinary. “This award,” said Lindsay, “makes me think that I can really change something in the world for the better.
Hazen and Lindbergh High Schools win prestigious state academic awards
March 18, 2010 - Hazen and Lindbergh high schools have been recognized by the state education office for their profound effect on student learning.
Renton High School teacher named Teacher of the Year
Susan Johnson recognized by Washington Association for Career and Technical Education
December 7, 2009 - Renton High School’s audio/visual communications teacher Susan Johnson has been named Teacher of the Year by the Washington Association for Skilled and Technical Services (WASTS). Johnson was selected for the award by her colleagues, teachers and other members of WASTS, based on her passion and commitment to students and her work to ensure students develop skills and values that positively impact their lives and the communities where they live.
Boeing honors Renton High School with award for excellence
John Warner Excellence in Education Award recognizes the school’s achievements; comes with prestige and $25,000
December 4, 2009 - Renton High School today received the John D. Warner Excellence in Education Award for its work to prepare students for success in the 21st century. Officials from The Boeing Company, the creator of the award, surprised teachers at a staff meeting in the school’s library with the honor that includes a model of Boeing’s 777 jet airliner and an unrestricted $25,000 grant. Only one school in the U.S. is selected each year for the award which is given to a school that demonstrates excellence in leadership, teacher quality and student learning. Boeing selected Renton High based on several criteria including its commitment to:
• ensuring students achieve high academic standards;
• involving parents and community in improving student achievement; and,
• exceptional leadership for teachers and staff.
.Renton mathematics teacher selected by Dept. of Energy to help set national education policy in mathematics, science and technology
Tracey Edou wins prestigious Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship
March 31, 2009 - Renton mathematics teacher Tracey Edou has been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy for the prestigious Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program which places highly-qualified teachers in positions to serve as advisors to create national education policy. Edou, a math teacher at Dimmitt Middle School, is one of only 15 teachers selected from U.S. and international applicants to serve one year in a professional staff position at the U.S. Department of Energy, including: drafting legislation and influencing policy to improve K-16 education; designing and implementing national science, math, and technology education programs; creating Web-based science education programs; and, establishing and evaluating national and regional programs centered on school reform and teacher preparation in science, mathematics and technology.
Renton educator named Elementary Science Teacher of the Year
Brian Teppner recognized as best by state science teacher association
March 13, 2009 - Renton School District science teacher Brian Teppner has been named Elementary Science Teacher of the Year by the Washington Science Teachers Association. Teppner, who has taught in the Renton School District for 10 years, was selected based on his excitement and enthusiasm for teaching science, effective teaching methods, and his promotion of science education beyond the classroom. Teppner will receive his award at a state science conference later this month. Teppner is a national-board certified teacher, who this year is serving as a Science Teacher on Special Assignment, responsible for training district science teachers and leading professional development opportunities to improve classroom teaching and learning.
Renton High School students nominated for Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Award
Students to be recognized at MLK celebration at Seattle Center
January 6, 2009 - Three Renton High School students are among few nominated for the Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Award, presented by Seattle Center. The prestigious award is given to individuals who demonstrate a commitment to civil rights, nonviolent social change and involvement in their community. Winners will be announced at the celebration. Breann Benedictus, Stevie-Ray Walker and D'Andre Glaspy will be recognized for their work to continue the spirit of the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at a community celebration on Monday, Jan. 19 at noon at Seattle Center House. The three Renton High youth were nominated for their efforts to carry on the dream and ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by promoting peace, community leadership, and advocacy for all citizens.
Lindbergh High graduate recruited for government position by Prime Minister of Kurdistan
Dalia Amin’s grades and community service gets the attention of Kurdistan leader
December 10, 2008 - Recently-graduated Lindbergh High School student Dalia Amin’s dedication to her education and to her community is well known to many throughout Renton. Her commitment has also been noticed by the Prime Minister of Kurdistan. After graduation last school year, Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani asked Dalia to visit him at his headquarters to talk about her future. Dalia’s family is originally from Kurdistan, a country that boarders Syria, Turkey, Iraq and Iran. Her uncle, who still lives there, manages a television station and interviewed Dalia about her successful life in America.
Cascade Elementary School Principal Shannon Harvey wins Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award
Award brings national prestige and $25,000
October 29, 2008 - Cascade Elementary School principal Dr. Shannon Harvey was named winner of the prestigious Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award which recognizes educators who show exceptional talent and long-range leadership. The award, established by the Milken Family Foundation in 1982 to acknowledge educators' crucial contributions to the national well-being, was presented by Richard Sandler, Foundation executive vice president and included a check written directly to Harvey for $25,000.