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 parents. Spanish | 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