Community Relations

Renton School District News 2009-2010

 

90% graduation rate for Renton high schools
86% report they will attend college or university. Millions earned in scholarships
June 28, 2010 - Ninety percent of high school seniors in Renton School District’s three comprehensive high schools earned diplomas earlier this month. Students met rigorous state requirements to graduate, including earning the prescribed number of high school class credits, passing state assessments, completing a culminating project and preparing a plan for life beyond high school.

Black River High School and Sartori Education Center students recognized as Outstanding Seniors
June 9, 2010 - Six extraordinary students from both Black River High School and Sartori Education Center were recognized as Outstanding Seniors by Renton School Board members at tonight’s meeting.

Traffic Safety is now enrolling new students for Summer session
June 1, 2010 - The summer 2010 Traffic Safety class is currently enrolling new students.  This 6-week session will be held Monday – Thursday from 8:00 – 11:00 am beginning Wednesday, June 23rd.

Hazen High School students recognized as Outstanding Seniors
May 27, 2010 - Twelve extraordinary Hazen High School students were recognized as Outstanding Seniors by Renton School Board members at tonight’s meeting.

Renton High School students recognized as Outstanding Seniors
May 12, 2010 - Twelve extraordinary Renton High School students were recognized as Outstanding Seniors by Renton School Board members at tonight’s meeting.

District plans limited use of Honey Dew Elementary School next year
Board to also hear plan for preparation to fully open the school in fall 2011
May 7, 2010 - Renton School Board members will be presented a plan for the limited use of Honey Dew Elementary School next school year. The plan is to teach four classrooms up to seven classes of half-day kindergarten students from Highlands, Kennydale and Maplewood Heights elementary schools. The Board will also be presented a plan to use next school year to plan to fully open the school to neighborhood students in the 2011-2012 school year.

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.

District budget cuts start with administration
Despite nearly $4.3 million budget impact to Renton, district maintains teaching positions
April 28, 2010 - Renton School District will have to make cuts again to its budget next school year due to statewide reductions to education funding. This marks the fifth consecutive year the district’s budget has been reduced by the state due to declining state revenues brought on by the nationwide recession. Years of cuts by the state to district budgets now equal nearly $15 million.

Lindbergh High School students recognized as Outstanding Seniors
April 28, 2010 - Twelve extraordinary Lindbergh High School students were recognized as Outstanding Seniors by Renton School Board members at tonight’s meeting.

Black River High School to be rebuilt, new secondary learning center to combine programs from Sartori Education Center
Voter approval of bond in May 2008 allows for rebuilding of school facilities
April 19, 2010 - This summer construction will begin to rebuild Black River High School with a new facility that will also combine programs from Sartori Education Center. The new secondary learning center site will take about two years to complete and will provide students with fundamental education-mathematics, reading, writing, science-along with new, innovative classes-Web-based programs, culinary arts and more-for high school students.

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.

School Board honors Outstanding Employees
April 14, 2010 - Renton School Board members at tonight's meeting honored this year's recipients of the Outstanding Employee Awards.

Legislature's cuts to district's budget less than expected
Community budget meetings moved to mid-May
April 14, 2010 - Renton School's budget next year will not be as negatively impacted by state cuts as first proposed in the governor's initial budget, released in December, 2009.

Renton teachers recognized for Excellence in Education
Annual Renton Chamber of Commerce Ahead of the Class Award honors teachers for commitment to children and teaching
April 1, 2010 - Eight Renton teachers have been selected as winners of this year’s Renton Chamber of Commerce Ahead of the Class Excellence in Education Awards.
The teachers were recently surprised with news of their win in their classroom by a group of Renton Chamber members, Renton Schools Superintendent Dr. Mary Alice Heuschel and Blitz, the Seattle Seahawks mascot. The Seahawks are main sponsors of the event.

Work on bond-supported Secondary Learning Center to begin soon at Black River High campus
March 30, 2010 - Work to build the new Secondary Learning Center on the Black River High School site will begin in the coming school year.

District proposes use for Honey Dew Elementary School and changes to elementary boundaries
March 30, 2010 - Renton School District recently presented the public with proposals on the use of Honey Dew Elementary School for next school year. The proposal also presented a plan to fully open Honey Dew as a K-5 elementary in 2011-2012, and changes to other elementary school boundaries if Honey Dew fully opens in 2011-2012.
The proposal did not address middle and high school boundaries as no discussions or work has been conducted to make changes to those school boundaries. The Enrollment Review Committee?which created the elementary school boundary changes?will reconvene next school year to review middle and high school boundaries.
The proposal will be presented to the School Board for their consideration and/or approval at a coming board meeting.

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.

Community members, students bring ideas to save pool at Lindbergh High School
Nearly 200 attend meeting to offer input on keeping pool open
March 17, 2010 - Nearly 200 community members, district staff and students attended a meeting Tuesday night to offer their insights into how to keep the pool at Lindbergh High School open through the 2010-2011 school year.

District presses on with budget work, though state Legislature misses deadline
State unready to release budget today, cuts to district could be as much as $4.3 million
March 11, 2010 - Renton Schools continues to work to balance next year’s budget, even though the state Legislature will miss today’s deadline to release its budget. The Legislature's 60-day regular session expires after today, though legislators are having difficulty reaching agreement on a supplemental budget, which will lead to a special (extended) session.

Conscience gets the better of student, 22 years later
Now a pastor, former student sends school a letter of contrition and a check to pay for food dishonestly taken from student store in 1988
March 8, 2010 - In 1988, David Grieve was a 7th-grader at Nelsen Middle School desperately navigating life as a bespeckled preteen and trying to fit in with the cool kids.

District looks at recommendation to open Honey Dew Elementary School
Boundary changes for some if school opens in fall
March 4, 2010 - Community meetings are planned for potential boundary changes, March 31 at Dimmitt Middle School and April 1 at Hazen High School.

District to hold another meeting regarding pool at Lindbergh High School
Work to bring funding for the pool into district’s budget continues
March 4, 2010 - Renton School District continues to look for funding to bring the responsibility of maintaining the pool at Lindbergh High School into next year’s budget responsibilities.

School District hears from parents, staff community on budget priorities
District returns to community in mid-April to report back and share preliminary budget
March 2, 2010 - Hundreds of Renton School District parents, community members and school district staff recently attended meetings and answered an online survey to give input on priorities for next year’s budget.

Renton School Board seeks nominations for annual Outstanding Employee Awards
Recognize the hard work of a teacher and staff member through Outstanding Employee Award
March 1, 2010 - Renton School Board members are seeking nominations for the annual Outstanding Employee Awards. Each year the Board recognizes the hard work and dedication of district staff through this award.
The process is simple! Click the attached nomination form, complete each box and e-mail it to Kayla Steckler in the Community Relations Office at kayla.steckler@rentonschools.us. Deadline for nominations is Friday, March 12.

Hazen High School senior named finalist in National Merit Scholar program
Julie Vaisarova one of few nationwide to move into prestigious ranks
February 11, 2010 - Hazen High School senior Julie Vaisarova has been named a finalist in the 2010 National Merit Scholarship Program. Julie is one of only 15,000 academically talented high school students nationwide to be named a finalist and have an opportunity for Merit Scholarship awards.

Governor’s budget plan means loss of $4.3 million for Renton Schools
State grapples with $2.6 billion shortfall; meaning further reductions for school district programs, staffing
February 8, 2010 - The Renton School District continues to look for reductions to next year’s budget based on Governor Chris Gregoire recently released 2010 budget to balance a projected state shortfall of $2.6 billion.

Nelsen Middle School students see the future
School’s ‘Impact Day’ gives students a chance to hear from professionals and ask questions about potential future employment, education
January 28, 2010 - Nelsen Middle School today hosted its annual Impact Day where local professionals present the school’s 1,050 6th- through 8th-graders with information on their profession and what it takes to be successful.

Washington State University gives personal admissions interviews to Renton High School students
13 Renton High seniors meet with WSU admission director to discuss college acceptance, academic future
January 25, 2010 - Thirteen Renton High School seniors today were told to report to the principal's office, though not for the usual reasons. The students were being personally interviewed by the director of admissions for Washington State University.

Renton Community Foundation celebrates 10 years of community support by giving teachers and community organizations $42,000 in cash grants
January 21, 2010—The Renton Community Foundation today celebrated a decade of philanthropy by granting $42,000 in cash awards to Renton School District staff and community organizations through its 2010 Circle of Giving Campaign. The funds were awarded at a special celebration at the Renton Senior Activity Center.

Nominations sought for annual Ahead of the Class teacher appreciation awards
Renton Chamber of Commerce and Seattle Sehawks team up to honor local teachers
January 14, 2010—Local business leaders are looking for your help in recognizing Renton teachers as part of the annual Renton Chamber of Commerce "Ahead of the Class" awards.

Governor’s proposed 2010 budget cuts deeper into education, services
State’s estimated $2.6 billion shortfall means further reductions for school district programs, staffing
January 12, 2010 - Governor Chris Gregoire recently released her 2010 budget to balance a projected state shortfall of $2.6 billion. The governor is required by law to draft a balanced budget by the end of the calendar year using existing revenue.

County funding to operate pool at Lindbergh runs out this year
2010 is first year district would have to find funds to operate pool at Lindbergh High
January 8, 2010 - Funding the pool at Lindbergh High School will become the responsibility of the district this year. Even though the pool is located at Lindbergh High, it was, until recently, the property of King County. The pool at Hazen High School is district property, maintained and funded by the district.

Renton teachers achieve National Board Certification
January 4, 2010 - A dozen Renton teachers recently met the rigorous requirements to achieve National Teachers Board certification, joining the 30 district teachers already certified.

Traffic Safety is now enrolling students for 2nd semester class
January 4, 2010 - The 2nd semester Traffic Safety class is currently enrolling new students.  Classes will be held Saturday mornings, January 23 through June 12, from 8:00 am to approximately 12:00 pm. For more information please read the attached press release.

Renton service clubs come together to bring Christmas to children
Annual gift-giving event brings joy to more than 80 local children
Dec. 15, 2009 - Renton area service clubs have again joined together to brighten the holidays for local children.

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 Career and Technical Education (WACTE).

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.

Renton High School taken over by Washington State University
WSU staff, students, alumni give Renton High students a day-long taste of college life
Nov. 24, 2009 - Renton High School students today attended classes taught by professors, students and alumni from Washington State University as part of the university’s Imagine U @ WSU outreach program that provides high school students opportunities to engage with university faculty to experience college first-hand.

Hazen High School creates 200 Thanksgiving baskets for local families
Student-motivated annual drive to raise $10,000 worth of food to provide families with a complete Thanksgiving dinner
November 17, 2009—Students in Kerri Dowd’s leadership class at Hazen High School have an annual task that stirs the compassion and boosts the spirit of all of the school’s 1,433 students and 125 teachers and staff.

Governor Gregoire highlights improvements at Dimmitt Middle School
Gov. and state schools chief Randy Dorn to use Dimmitt success to apply for federal education grant
November 10, 2009—Washington Governor Chris Gregoire visited Dimmitt Middle School today to highlight the school’s effective teaching that has led to gains in student achievement.

Renton School District again recognized for excellence, transparency in accounting and finance
District acknowledged for financial management of taxpayer dollars
Nov. 6, 2009—The Renton School District has again been recognized for excellence in accounting and financial management and reporting.

Public invited to open house to see proposed plan for 12 additional classrooms at Hazen High School
Voter approval of 2008 bond measure allows additional class space
October 26, 2009?Thanks to voter approval of a school construction bond measure in May 2008, Hazen High School will soon see the addition of 12 classrooms.

Changes in Report Cards for 4th- and 5th-graders
October 19, 2009?Renton School District this year is piloting a new report card for 4th- and 5th-graders. This standards-based report card lists the most important skills students should learn in each subject at a particular grade level.  View a sample report card.

Renton High School teachers, parents have their voices heard on education reform
Obama administration sends Dept. of Education staff on ‘Listening and Learning’ tour to hear directly from teachers, families
October 16, 2009?Renton High School teachers and parents this week told representatives from President Barack Obama’s Education Department about the changes they would make to the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), which was signed into law in January 2002 by then-President George W. Bush.

District works with city, others to prepare for flooding along Green River
Work to stregthen reservoir wall and raise levees means a slightly lower chance of flooding in Green River Valley says Army Corps of Engineers
October 14, 2009 - Cities, school districts, families and businesses are preparing for possible flooding this fall and winter in the Green River Valley.

Renton Rotary gives the gift of words to more than 1,200 third-graders
September 29, 2009—More than 1,200 students in the Renton School District are receiving the gift of words thanks to members of the Rotary Club of Renton.

Elementary students become reading tutors for younger students
Renton’s new reading program gives fourth- and fifth-graders a chance at tutoring
September 21, 2009— More than 1,000 fourth- and fifth-graders throughout Renton schools are learning to be tutors and good role models through a new program called Reading Buddies.

New communication system allows district to quickly connect with families, students and staff SchoolMessenger system allows for emergency messages, student absent calls, and much more
September 17, 2009—When schools are delayed or closed due to inclement weather, parents, students and staff need to know about those decisions immediately.

Traffic Safety is now enrolling new students for 1st semester class
August 26, 2009 - The 1st semester Traffic Safety class is currently enrolling new students. Classes will be held Saturday mornings, September 12 through January 16, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Back-to-School Newsletter (PDF 362K) - featuring:
Message from Dr. Mary Alice Heuschel, Superintendent

School year calendar
Continuing to keep Schools safe: Weapons prohibited on school property
Law requires giving student information to military recruiters
School lunch prices

Renton Schools begins Sept. 2
For some students, though, the first day of school is Sept. 3
August 14, 2009—The first day of school for most Renton School District students is Wednesday, Sept. 2. Some students, however, will not report to school until Sept. 3.

Renton School District News 2008-2009

Renton Schools begins Sept. 2
For some students, though, the first day of school is Sept. 3
August 14, 2009—The first day of school for most Renton School District students is Wednesday, Sept. 2. Some students, however, will not report to school until Sept. 3.

District joins with Puget Sound Energy and Seattle City Light to perserve natural resources and realize savings
Hazen High and Dimmitt Middle School to receive solar panels
July 17, 2009— Renton School District is getting serious about energy conservation. The district has joined with Puget Sound Energy (PSE) and Seattle City Light to begin resource conservation programs to reduce consumption and costs of natural resources...

Hazen High School teacher’s decisive action likely saves student’s life
Use of a school defibrillator likely kept student’s heart beating
June 17, 2009—Hazen High School freshman Henry Flores was coming up on his second lap on the track during a one-mile run as part of his PE class finals, when he collapsed.

School Board votes to delay opening Honey Dew Elementary School for one year
The ability to teach students at current schools and the nearly $2 million in annual operating costs, cited as reasons for postponement
June 10, 2009 — Renton School Board members voted at tonight’s meeting to delay the opening of Honey Dew Elementary School for another school year.

Black River High School and Sartori Education Center students recognized as Outstanding Seniors
June 10, 2009 — Twelve extraordinary high school students from Black River High School and Sartori Education Center were recognized as Outstanding Seniors by Renton School Board members at tonight’s meeting.

Lindbergh High School students recognized as Outstanding Seniors
May 27, 2009 — Twelve extraordinary Lindbergh High School students were recognized as Outstanding Seniors by Renton School Board members at tonight’s meeting.

Improvements continue to fields at Honey Dew Elementary School
May 27, 2009 — Improvements to fields have begun at Honey Dew Elementary School, located at 800 Union Ave NE, Renton. The improvements are made possible thanks to voter approval of a May 2008 bond measure which also includes a new wing for 10 additional classrooms at Hazen High School and other improvements to schools and fields across the district.

Lindbergh High School students returning to school in large numbers
May 21, 2009—Many more Lindbergh High School students are at school today, compared to the past two days. Only 287 students are not at school today (compared to nearly 400 on Tuesday and Wednesday) due to varied levels of sickness, mild flu symptoms and seasonal allergies—along with a number who have appointments and other reasons to be away from school.

Large number of Lindbergh High students out sick
May 19, 2009—Lindbergh High School is experiencing a large number of students absent with flu-like symptoms. Nearly 400 of the school’s 1,150 students remained home today, or were sent home after coming to school sick.

School Board hears plan for balanced budget
None of the district’s 850 continuing-contract teachers to lose job; costsaving measures found elsewhere
May 13, 2009—Renton School Board members at tonight’s study session heard the district’s proposal for a balanced budget for the 2009-2010 school year. The budget includes cuts of more than $5.3 million, made necessary by the state’s elimination of funding from Initiative 728, the voter-approved measure to reduce class size.

Hazen High School students recognized as Outstanding Seniors
May 13, 2009 — Twelve extraordinary Hazen High School students were recognized as Outstanding Seniors by Renton School Board members at tonight’s meeting.

Renton High School students recognized as Outstanding Seniors
May 4, 2009 — Twelve extraordinary Renton High School seniors were recognized as Outstanding Seniors by Renton School Board members at their recent meeting.
Renton High principal Damien Pattenaude introduced the 12 students as an exceptionally talented group of young people who have received numerous individual honors, succeed in the classroom, served their community and represented Renton High School with poise and honor.

Federal and local Public Health officials change approach to H1N1 influenza (swine flu)    |  Spanish
May 5, 2009—Local and federal health authorities are reporting that the flu virus appears to be milder than first thought and are changing their approach in responding to the flu, including no longer closing schools if a student or staff member catches the virus. The front-line defense against the spread of the virus now is shifting to parents and keeping sick children and adults out of school.

District works through state budget cuts to maintain high level of student learning, preserve strong teaching core
April 30, 2009—The Renton School District is close to proposing a balanced budget to the School Board that includes the devastating state funding cuts to public education. Renton’s proposed budget for next year will be balanced without a teacher Reduction in Force (RiF) and layoffs.  Due to retirements, resignations, expiration of one-year contracts, and other attrition, no Renton classroom teacher will lose their jobs.

Renton Schools working closely with county health agencies to be prepared for Swine flu
April 30, 2009—There have been several probable cases of the H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu) reported in Washington state and across the United States. District staff are working closely with local and state health agencies to monitor illnesses and/or infections at schools and have plans in place for potential outbreaks.
Read the letter to parentsSpanish | Chinese | Korean | Russian | Vietnamese

Renton’s Outstanding Employee Award winners celebrated
School Board honors work of teachers and staff with this year’s awards
April 15, 2009—Renton School Board members at tonight’s meeting recognized winners of this year’s Outstanding Employee Awards. The annual awards recognize staff who demonstrate an extraordinary level of job performance, dynamic support for students, professionalism and dedication.
Renton School Board members have presented the awards to honor the hard work and accomplishments of teachers and district support staff for more than 30 years.

Renton teachers recognized for Excellence in Education
Annual Renton Chamber of Commerce Ahead of the Class Award honors teachers for commitment to children and teaching
April 1, 2009 — Six Renton teachers have been selected as winners of this year’s Renton Chamber of Commerce Ahead of the Class Excellence in Education Awards.

Education funding: How state cuts could affect Renton schools  NEW! Online survey offered!
April 7, 2009—The Renton School District is preparing its budget for next year with more than a $6 million reduction from the state, as Washington legislators announce plans to cut education funding in the wake of a $9 billion state revenue shortfall.
The district will present its proposed budget for next school year at several meetings throughout the community.

Renton mathematics teacher selected by Dept. of Energy to help set national education policy in mathematics, science and technology
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.

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.

Renton mathematics teacher finalist for prestigious Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program
March 10, 2009— Tracey Edou, a mathematics coach at Dimmitt Middle School and the district’s Mathematics Teacher On Special Assignment, is a finalist for the prestigious Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program, which offers public and private school teachers an opportunity to serve as advisors on creating national public education policy.

Renton School Board seeks nominations for annual Outstanding Employee Awards
Recognize the hard work of a teacher and staff member through Outstanding Employee Award
March 3, 2009—Renton School Board members are seeking nominations for the annual Outstanding Employee Awards. Each year the board recognizes the hard work and dedication of district staff.
The process is simple! Click the attached nomination form, complete each box and e-mail it to Kayla Burton in the Community Relations Office at kayla.burton@rentonschools.us by Friday, March 13.

Nickelsville homeless camp to set up at Bryn Mawr United Methodist Church
February 25, 2009 - Members of Bryn Mawr United Methodist Church voted recently to allow the homeless encampment known as Nickelsville to take up residence in the church's parking lot at 8016 South 116th Street, Seattle, located near Bryn Mawr and Lakeridge elementary schools.  The group of about 100 homeless men and women will move into the parking lot of the church on March 5 and remain till June 5.

Renton Memorial Stadium, high school track & fields closed during summer for renovations
Voter approval of bond in May 2008 allow for betterment of school facilities
February 25, 2009—Renton Memorial Stadium will be closed for renovations to the track and field from June through August. Additionally, restoration work will close the tracks and fields at Hazen and Lindbergh high schools from late May through the end of August.

No change to this year’s WASL testing
Newly-elected state schools chief calls for changes to WASL beginning in 2010
February 13, 2009 - There’s been a lot of talk lately about newly-elected Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn’s plan to replace the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) with other standardized tests.

State cancels option to take WASL for 9th-graders
February 5, 2009—The state’s education office announced today that ninth-graders will not be allowed to take this year’s high school Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL). The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) reports that the move will save the state nearly $500,000 in unfunded testing costs.

Renton School District keeps promise to taxpayers
School district tax rates do not increase, as pledged during levy and bond measures
Feb. 2, 2009—Taxpayers throughout Renton School District last year were promised that their tax rates would not increase as a result of approving school levy and bond measures in early 2008. The district upheld its promise, maintaining tax rates at the same rate today as in 2007.

Renton School District announces snow make-up days
Days added to the school year to make up for school closures in Dec.
January 29, 2009 — Students in the Renton School District will attend school this year for at least two more days than planned.

Renton School Board selects Pam Teal to fill vacant seat
Teal’s involvement in schools, district, and community wins her the job
January 28, 2009 —The Renton School District’s board of directors appointed Pam Teal tonight to fill a seat left vacant by Marcie Maxwell who in November was elected to the state’s House of Representatives.

Deadline nears to nominate teachers for annual Ahead of the Class awards
Nominate online by Friday, Feb. 6
The deadline to nominate a teacher—or team of teachers—for the annual Ahead of the Class recognition award is Friday, Feb. 6. Nomination form

Renton Community Foundation awards school district and community organizations nearly $41,000 in cash grants
‘Circle of Giving’ campaign awards 18 teachers $10,000
January 23, 2009—The Renton Community Foundation today granted nearly $41,000 in cash awards through its 2009 Circle of Giving Campaign. The funds were awarded at a special celebration at Renton High School.

Honey Dew Elementary School renovations continue
Future use and timeline to open school yet to be determined
January 20, 2009—Renovations at Honey Dew Elementary School continue as the school is modernized for future use.

Renton Community Foundation awards school district and community organizations nearly $40,000 in cash grants
January 21, 2009—The Renton Community Foundation will grant nearly $40,000 in cash awards through its 2009 Circle of Giving Campaign. The funds will be awarded at a special celebration on January 23, 4 p.m. in the commons at Renton High School, 400 S. 2nd St., Renton.

Nominations sought for annual Ahead of the Class teacher appreciation awards New this year: online nomination
January 14, 2009—Local business leaders are looking for your help in recognizing Renton teachers. Members of the Renton Chamber of Commerce will honor Renton teachers with the annual "Ahead of the Class" award.

Three candidates file for vacant seat on Renton School Board School Board to interview applicants Tuesday, Jan. 20
January 16, 2009 - Three applicants for a seat on the Renton School Board will be
interviewed in a public meeting of the board on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 6 p.m. in the
commons at Renton High School, 400 S. 2nd Street, Renton.

Renton High School students nominated for Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Award
Students to be recognized at MLK celebration at Seattle Center
January 15, 2009 —Three Renton High School students are among few nominated for the Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Award, presented by Seattle Center.

Traffic Safety is now enrolling new students for 2nd semester class
January 6, 2009 - The 2nd semester Traffic Safety class is currently enrolling new students. Classes will be held Saturday mornings, January 24 through June 13, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Renton School Board member Marcie Maxwell elected to the state House of Representatives
School Board begins process to find candidate to fill Maxwell’s term
December 11, 2008—Renton School Board member—and community and business leader—Marcie Maxwell has been elected to the state House of Representatives in the 41st District, which includes Renton, Bellevue, Mercer Island, Beaux Arts, Newcastle, Issaquah, and unincorporated King County.
Maxwell offered the Renton School Board her letter of resignation at last night’s meeting to devote the needed time to her new position. She will resign her seat effective January 8, 2009.

Lindbergh High School 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.

Renton High School freshman chosen to attend Presidential Inauguration
Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference Inspires Tomorrow’s Leaders
December 10, 2008—Renton High School freshman Seth Jinka has been selected to take part in the Inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States.

Attention 9th Grade Parents
WASL Pre-registration is December 9 – January 13, 2009
November 2008 - Parents can register at www.k12.wa.us/waslregistration or by calling (866) 400-9275.

Hazen High School students contribute to the democratic process on Election Day
November 4, 2008—More than 140 Hazen High School seniors learned lessons of democracy today while working at polling places in Renton schools and throughout south King County.

Cascade Elementary School Principal Shannon Harvey wins Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award - Award brings national prestige and $25,000
October 29, 2008—Students and staff at Cascade Elementary School this morning filed anxiously into the cafeteria for an assembly. The place was abuzz with excitement; but no one knew exactly the purpose for the gathering.

Lindbergh High School students start club that links education with industry
October 27, 2008 - 40 students join together to make a world of difference, will soon build houses with Habitat for Humanity.

Renton High School students simultaneously prepare for college and the world of work
Students learn the value of education, hard work and hands-on skills
October 24, 2008—Renton High School’s construction technology teacher Geof Newing believes every student needs to know how to complete complicated mathematics problems, and how to swing a hammer.

Honey Dew Elementary School gets a facelift
October 14, 2008—Honey Dew Elementary School is currently undergoing modernization to upgrade all major building systems to meet the needs of a 21st century school and to be ready soon to use as an elementary school for neighborhood children.

Renton Rotary members give the gift of words to more than 1,200 district third-graders
October 22, 2007—More than 1,200 students in the Renton School District are receiving the gift of words thanks to members of the Rotary Club of Renton.

Discovery Program will soon be accepting referrals
October 20, 2008 - Each year the school district seeks to identify highly capable students who may qualify for the Discovery Program. The Discovery Program will begin accepting referrals November 3rd, with the forms available at each elementary and middle school. The deadline is December 19, 2008.

Sierra Heights Elementary School classroom bands together with goal to pass WASL at 100%
October 6, 2008 - A group of 4th/5th-graders carry each other to immense success on all sections of state tests.

School District unveils new logo
September 2008 - First time in recent memory district has changed symbol representing commitment to education.

Female candidates to make the difference at elementary school
September 26,2008 - Students at Highlands Elementary School will elect females as student body president and vice president. The election marks the first time in school history students will vote an all-female ticket.

Traffic Safety is now enrolling new students for Fall classes
August 1, 2008 - The next session of the Traffic Safety program are as follows: Saturday, September 13th and run through January 17th, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. There will be no weekday traffic safety classes this year.

Back-to-School Newsletter (PDF 135K) - featuring:
Message from Dr. Mary Alice Heuschel, Superintendent

School year calendar
Continuing to keep Schools safe: Weapons prohibited on school property
Law requires giving student information to military recruiters
School lunch prices