High Quality Instruction and Learning for Every Child, Every Day in Every Classroom

Three district elementary schools named tops in state Benson Hill, Kennydale and Talbot Hill elementary schools are Washington state’s 2014 Schools of Distinction for outstanding improvement in student reading and mathematics, sustained over a five-year period. The schools represent the top 5 percent of school improvement state-wide. This is the second consecutive year that Benson Hill Elementary has won the award. To be eligible for the School of Distinction Award, a school must perform at or above the state median in state reading and math assessments. Each school was recently honored at the Puget Sound Educational Service District during a special ceremony.

High school students give back to community, help make winter easier for pets Hazen and Renton high school students recently spent their weekend helping out in their community by preparing the Cedar River Dog Park for winter. The students worked for hours at the large 3.5 acre offleash dog park cleaning and spreading more than 100 cubic yards of wood chips to reduce water puddles to allow dogs to have a place in the winter to run and play without leashes. The park is managed by community volunteers as part of the non-profit group RUFF (visit the website: http://www.rentonoffleash.org/).

Computers on Wheels puts the world right at student fingertips Teaching appropriate, responsible use of technology Renton School District students from kindergarten through 12th-grade use traditional learning methods along with technology in classrooms every day. Technology increases student engagement and motivation; infuses classrooms with digital learning tools; expands course offerings, experiences, and learning materials; and helps build 21st century skills. This year, at some schools, the district replaced traditional computer labs (spaces where computers would be housed until students made use of those classrooms) with

mobile computer labs called Computers on Wheels (COWs), a cart delivery system to take laptops to classrooms when teachers are ready to integrate technology into the lesson plan. The mobile system provides accessibility to a variety of learning experiences and offers flexibility, convenience, and ease of use for students and teachers. Renton students use the COWs in mathematics and reading lessons, and to take tests that provide quicker access to test results for teachers and students. The laptops are also used to teach students

hands-on appropriate and responsible use of the Internet. Soon, the district will also offer keyboarding classes (much like typing classes) for students

in kindergarten through 5thgrade to help them with writing skills and learn how best to compose and format documents.

Middle school students learn how to balance family budget Nelsen Middle School students recently attended a day-long program where they become an adult for the day and immersed themselves in realitybased decision-making processes including working with family budgeting, paying for housing, transportation, food, utilities, healthcare, investments, philanthropy and banking. The event, called the Junior Achievement Finance Park experience, helps students build a foundation for making intelligent, lifelong, personal financial decisions through a hands-on, realistic simulations.

High school students view options for hands-on careers High school students from all district schools recently had a chance to learn first-hand about the region's wide range of construction-related trades at the annual Construction Career Day at Magnuson Park in Seattle. Students had the opportunity to operate outdoor heavy equipment, read survey maps, run a crane simulator, operate excavators and Bobcats, assemble framed

interior walls, and more. The students also toured the University of Washington’s Virtual Construction Lab, and learned about local college career educational programs, industry associations, and apprenticeship training opportunities. The day is part of the district’s commitment to have all students college and career ready by graduation.

Renton business and civic leaders give dictionaries to every district 3rd-grader More than 1,200 district thirdgraders received the gift of words in the form of their very own dictionary thanks to members of the Rotary Club of Renton. This marks the ninth year Rotarians have provided a free student dictionary to every 3rd-grader in the district. Rotary members recently visited schools throughout the district to personally present the dictionaries to students who wrote their names in the books on a special sticker inside the front cover, and will use the book at home for homework, learning new words and facts, and sharing with family members. The total cost for the books is more than $10,000 and represents the community’s commitment to early childhood education and the importance of having students read at grade level by third grade.

Local business leaders mentor, train and hire high school students Renton School District partners with many local businesses to provide student internships, job shadowing and career opportunities. Through the district’s Career and Technical Education programs, the district has established strong partnerships and collaboration with community groups, local businesses and industries who open their businesses up to student employment opportunities and participate in classroom presentations, tutoring, and mentoring activities. If your business or company would like to help make a difference in the lives of local teens, contact the district’s Career and Technical Education Office at 425.204.2310 or email jay.leviton@rentonschools.us. Some of our business partners include:

Renton School District is hiring School districts throughout Washington, and right here in Renton, are looking for good people to fill great jobs. Renton School District is hiring substitute teaching and non-teaching positions. These are full-time or part-time positions, with hours that are set or flexible and some do not require a teaching degree. Current job openings include substitute teacher, school bus driver, custodian, food service/substitute cook, office

assistant, and others. Pay can range up to $17.36 per/hour. Substitute teachers are also in high demand. If you’re looking to spend some time helping local children achieve their dreams, you’re skills are needed. A substitute teacher in Renton can make up to $170 a day. Find your new job and apply online now at https://jobs.rentonschools.us/

Looking for a great job? Renton School District is hiring: Apply online now at

https://jobs.rentonschools.us

Teaching and non-teaching, full-time positions or part-time substitute positions, with hours that are set or flexible and many do not require a teaching degree. Pay can range $17.36 per/hour with great benefits. Current openings include: Bus Driver, Custodian, Food Service/Substitute Cook, Office Assistant, and more. Renton School District | 300 SW 7th Street, Renton WA 98057 | 425.204.2345 | www.rentonschools.us www.facebook.com/renton.schools | twitter.com/Renton_Schools | www.youtube.com/user/RentonSchoolDistrict