Back to School 2026-2027 Family Information

Renton School District Families: 

Welcome our students, families, and staff back to another great year of learning. Here are some important reminders to prepare for the new school year.

Start of School

• Grades 1-12: Wednesday, Aug. 26
  • Late Start Friday, Aug. 28 (all schools start 90 minutes later than regular start time most Fridays through the school year for staff training)
• Kindergarten and Ready Kindergarten: Monday, October 31
• Preschool (Meadow Crest Early Learning Center): Tuesday, Sept. 1
• NO SCHOOL MONDAY, SEPT. 7 (Labor Day)

School Breakfast and Lunch Meals No Cost for Most Students

Thanks to ongoing special state and federal funding, Renton School District will again provide breakfast and lunch meals at no cost to most students in the 2026-2027 school year.

All students can eat school breakfast and lunches at no cost except at Risdon Middle School, Hazen High School, and the H.O.M.E. program. Unfortunately, the federal Community Eligibility Provision grant formula left our district unable to include students at those schools. Families in these schools can still complete a free/reduced meal application to receive free meals at school.

Please note: The first complete meal (breakfast and lunch) is provided at no cost each day. Additional servings may be available to students who request it at regular prices.

Important Note:

While not required for no cost school meals, all families are strongly encouraged to complete the Child Nutrition and Education Benefit form (CNEEB) to allow the district to continue to apply for the program next year and to help students and families receive important resources like: before and after school academic and enrichment programs; resources for classrooms; guidance and college counselors; health and wellness services, and more.

• Complete the form online in your Family Skyward Access account (look for the Food Service Application button), or
• For a printable version, download the CNEEB form, complete and sign it, and email it to RSD.mealform@rentonschools.us or drop off at your school.

Low-Cost School Supplies Provided to All Elementary and Middle School Students

Renton Schools provides school supplies for all elementary and middle school students right in classrooms at the start of the school year. Families pay a low, one-time fee of $30 per student ($10 per student for families on free/reduced lunch) for enough school supplies for the entire school year (backpacks and lunchboxes not included). Families who wish can continue to bring their own school supplies. High school students will continue to provide their own school supplies.

Families can pay the one-time fee of $30 per student through their Online Payment account or at their school.

School Bus Routes and Pick-Up/Drop-Off Times

Families can find their student's school bus routes and pick-up and drop-off times in several ways this school year. School bus routes will be ready to view on Monday, Aug. 17.

• Login to your Skyward Family Access account and click the Transportation button (remember to log into each student’s account to find their individual bus routes and pick-up/drop-off times)
  • NOTE: To determine your pick-up time for Friday morning, add 90 minutes to the Mon.-Thurs. pick-up time.
• Download the MyRideK-12 app to your phone (iPhone or Android) at https://myridek12.tylerapp.com/. This app will also allow families to review and receive messages about changes to their school bus routes through the school year.
• Contact Transportation Office at Transportation.Routing@rentonschools.us or call 425.204.4455

Important Rules for Riding a School Bus

• Students should be at designated stop location five (5) minutes prior to the scheduled arrival of the bus. School and transportation schedules will not allow drivers to remain at a stop location waiting for students to arrive.
• Kindergarten/preschool students will not be allowed off the bus without a parent/guardian present. To have your student dropped off with a sibling or other authorized adult, complete this release form and give it to your school bus driver.

Technology Updates:

Annual Password Reset

As part of our annual security updates, all student passwords will be reset to a default password on August 25, 2026. After this reset, students will need to use the default password to log in to their Chromebooks or the RSD Login Portal. Schools will share the default password with students when they return to school.

• Elementary students will have the option to change their password to a new secure password once they are back at school.
• Middle and high school students will be required to create a new secure password when they return.

Accessing GoGuardian Parent for Student Chromebooks

The district uses GoGuardian Parent to support families in setting restrictions outside of school hours on their student’s Chromebook (for students in grades 2-12). Learn more at Technology Safety Information for Families and review how to Get Started with GoGuardian Parent (mobile app) to view student activity and set other controls.

Continued District Cell Phone Guidance & Family Resources

Cell phones and personal devices are a regular part of daily life—but they can create challenges and distractions in the classroom. To help all students stay focused and ready to learn, Renton School District has developed districtwide guidance for the use of cell phones in schools. 

Since Fall 2025, student personal device use (including cell phones, smart glasses, earbuds, headphones, etc.) are not permitted during specified times. Note: Smart watches may be worn but not used for communication.

• Elementary: Full day restriction - no access during the entire school day
• Secondary: Class period restriction - no access during classes or “bell to bell”

Our goal is to create respectful, distraction-free learning environments while also helping students build lifelong digital habits that support their success in school and beyond.

Please visit our Cell Phone Guidance website for further details, frequently asked questions, and to explore helpful resources for families, including:

• Tips for setting parental controls and promoting online safety
• Guidance on creating a Family Media Plan or Media Use Agreement
• Resources on digital citizenship and responsible technology use
• Expert recommendations on screen time and social media

Annual Notices

Please see our Annual Notices webpage:

• Directory information to military recruiters
• Family Education Rights & Responsibilities (FERPA)
• Nondiscrimination Statement
• Student Insurance
• Weapons Prohibited on School Property
• Head Lice Notice
• Meningococcal and Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
• Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds