Renton High School
Week of March 11, 2024
From the Desk of our Principal
Dear Families,
As we guide your child through their academic journey, we are committed to ensuring their success in high school and future endeavors. A significant milestone in this journey is preparing for standardized tests like the SAT, which is crucial in some college admissions and scholarships. Last Wednesday, all our 11th graders took the SAT, a testament to their hard work and preparation. While this happened, the other grades engaged in meaningful activities tailored to their graduation and academic goals. These activities, designed to enrich their high school experience and foster essential skills and values, are a testament to our commitment to their holistic development. For instance, our 9th graders, preparing for finals and the end of the trimester, received additional support in math and ELA tutoring and guidance in completing their high school and beyond plan. Our dedicated intervention team is always here to assist every step of the way. Our 12th graders also had the opportunity to review the graduation guide, which outlines essential milestones and requirements for a successful transition to graduation. Together, we can help your child achieve their academic goals and pave the way for a bright future.
Last week, I supervised a fantastic evening event led by Mr. Jackson Bores, our music teacher. If you were in attendance, you would agree. We are delighted to share the incredible achievements of our students in the jazz band, band, and orchestra. At our recent concert, these talented musicians showcased their dedication, skill, and passion for music, mesmerizing the audience with their performances. Each piece was delivered with precision and artistry, from captivating melodies to intricate harmonies, reflecting our students and music educators' countless hours of practice and commitment. We are immensely proud of their accomplishments and the collaborative spirit they demonstrated on stage. Please join us in celebrating their success and recognizing music's invaluable role in our school community.
Also, I would like to let you know that at the regional band festival last week, the Renton High School combined Concert Bands earned a Superior Rating. A superior rating is the highest rank an ensemble can earn from WMEA state and regional events and indicates a score of between 90 and 100. This means our band was among the top-rated schools between the Renton, Highline, and Tukwila districts. As Mr. Bores wrote: If you have a Redhawk Band member in your home, class, club, or athletic team, please congratulate them on this tremendous accomplishment.
Finally, I would like to share that on March 13, RHS students will represent the school at the School Board meeting at 7 pm in the IPAC. About every four years, a school is included as part of the Board Agenda, and the principal provides opportunities for the Board members to observe the curriculum and instruction taking place at RHS briefly. For this occasion, students selected by their teachers, Mr. Booker, Ms. Hasson, Ms. Orbegozo, and Mr. Pemble, will participate in our Learning Through Action, Discovery, and Exploration—this Renton High School Student Performance Showcases IB Diploma, IB Career, and CTE Dual Credit courses.
A little more information about the program…
What is it? This is a student demonstration of academic/industry skills. It will be a 15-minute creative presentation showcasing RHS students’ acquired learning across multiple disciplines. The Board, Superintendent, and guests will see an experiential learning demonstration incorporating students/courses from our IB Diploma, IB Career, and CTE programs, which have operated since 2014 and 2023. These programs support our school mission of building graduation on time and with choices and teaching students to work in a pluralistic community.
Why Experiential Learning? These well-known maxims clearly define experiential learning: I hear, and I forget; I see, and I remember; I do, and I understand. We will focus on a spotlighted demonstration of student academic and industry skills, incorporating three to four students and demonstrating a four-minute mini-lesson/lab.
When is it? Wednesday, March 13 @7pm
Where is it? IPAC
Who is this for (audience)? In addition to the School Board and public during the live presentation, students will be videotaped to create promotional material for the RHS IB Diploma, IB Career, and CTE programs.
Our Marketing students produced the flyer under the direction of Ms. Julia Toone.
Have a fantastic week!
Warm Regards,
Dr. San Martin
Current Events
RHS UPCOMING EVENTS
MARCH 11 - Monday
"What It Means to Be a RedHawk" Essay due to aleta.konkol@rentonschools.us by 4:00pm
Spring sports parents meeting at 6:30pm in the RHS Main Gym.
MARCH 12 - Tuesday: CHOIR CONCERT – 6:30PM @ IPAC
MARCH 14th - FINALS SCHEDULE / LATE START
3/14 THURSDAY: 3HR LATE START – SCHOOL BEGINS AT 10:20AM!
Breakfast will be available in the Cafeteria beginning at 10:00am
10:20am - 10:53am ADVISORY
10:58am - 12:13pm 1st PERIOD
12:13pm – 12:43pm LUNCH
12:48pm - 2:03pm 2nd PERIOD
MARCH 15TH FINALS SCHEDULE / LATE START
3/15 FRIDAY: 90 MIN LATE START – SCHOOL BEGINS AT 8:50AM!
Breakfast will be available in the Cafeteria beginning at 8:30am
8:50am – 9:33am ADVISORY
9:38am – 10:53am 3rd PERIOD
10:53am -11:23am LUNCH
11:28am – 12:43pm 4th PERIOD
12:48pm – 2: 03pm 5th PERIOD
MARCH 18, Monday: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
MARCH 19: Tuesday: FAMILIAS LATINAS – 6:00PM *ZOOM MEETING*
MARCH 30: Saturday: SPRING DANCE – 7:00PM-10:00PM @ RHS CAFETERIA/GYM
Athletics
Registration for spring sports is open until Friday, March 15. We encourage all potential student–athletes to register and begin the clearing process now! To register for spring sports, please visit the registration on Final Forms.
Spring sports:
Baseball
Softball
Girls golf
Boys soccer
Girls Tennis
Boys & Girls track & field
Sports Events for Week of March 11, 2024
Sports Schedule: Week of March 11
March 11 - Monday: Spring Sports Parents Meeting at 6:30pm in the RHS Main Gym
March 12 - Tuesday
Baseball Varsity Away at Kent Meridian High School @ 4pm
Soccer JV @ Home vs. Foster at Renton Memorial Stadium @ 5:30pm
Soccer Varsity @ Home vs. Foster at Renton Memorial Stadium @ 7:30pm
Girls Tennis Varsity @ Home vs. Sammamish at RHS @ 3:30pm
March 13 - Wednesday - Baseball Varsity Away at Highline High School @ 3:30pm
March 14 - Thursday
Girls Tennis Varsity @ Evergreen Away at Highline High School @ 3:30pm
Girls JV Tennis @ Evergreen Away at Highline High School @ 4:30pm
March 15 - Friday Girls Fastpitch Softball @ Home vs. Foster @ Liberty Park @ 3:30pm
March 16 - Saturday
Soccer JV @ Home vs. Hazen at Renton Memorial Stadium @ 12:30pm
Soccer Varsity @ Home vs. Hazen at Renton Memorial Stadium @2:30pm
Diversity Calendar for Week of March 11, 2024
As a diverse, multicultural, internationally minded school, Renton High wants to acknowledge as many cultural celebrations in our community as possible. If you as a student, family, or staff member would like us to recognize an upcoming event, please contact Mr. Collie, our IB Coordinator.
In March, we are proud to recognize National Women’s History Month, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (this year’s theme is “A World of Opportunities”) and Irish-American History Month.
Other events to recognize this week include:
Many of our students and their families will begin their celebration of Ramadan, a holy month of fasting and reflection for Muslims worldwide. Ramadan mubarak.
March 17th, Irish communities and many others across the world celebrate Ireland’s patron saint, St. Patrick.
Announcements
From The Counseling Office
Beginning Tuesday, March 5, Counselors and IB Coordinators started meeting with individual students to review progress towards graduation and finalize course selection.
Here is our district course catalog if you would like information about the classes we offer:
Registration for the World Language Assessment for Spring 2024 is now open.
The test will be offered on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. The World Language Assessment is a wonderful opportunity for students to earn competency-based credits toward graduation for a language they already know. Students must demonstrate the ability to engage in conversation, understand written or spoken text, and present information through speech and in writing.
Based on a student’s level of proficiency, students can earn up to four high school credits. Students that earn four credit and complete their English requirements will earn the Seal of Biliteracy distinction on their high school diploma.
Encourage your student to sign up now! Sign up is due by Friday, April 5, 2024! https://forms.office.com/r/ZH79pZdUY6
Attention Parents of ELL/Multilingual Students
Dear Parent or Guardian,
This spring, Renton High School will be giving ELL students the World Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA) between February 26 and March 21. This annual test provides information on your student’s growth in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The WIDA also helps to inform teachers’ decisions about what kind of language services your student needs.
This test is required for all ELL students receiving in person instruction at Renton High School.
The test will be broken up over multiple days to test in all four domains. Students will receive passes on their respective days to go to alternate testing locations. Eligible ELL/multilingual students will be pulled from their classes for testing.
Your child does not need to study for this test, but you could support him/her by scheduling doctor and dental appointments outside of the testing window and by helping your child get to school on time.
Thank you for working with us to ensure your child’s success. Please email our Assistant Principal and Assessment Coordinator, Aleta Konkol, at: aleta.konkol@rentonschools.us with any questions.
For Families of Seniors
THE RHS 2024 Grad Guide is Now Out
Here is the link for The RHS Grad Guide: RHS 2024 Grad Guide draft 3 10 24 update.docx
Please note that during the next three months, some dates may change. Students should continue to check their Renton Schools Outlook email at least weekly for the latest updates.
College Application and Financial Aid Application Support
Do you have a senior that needs support with starting or finishing college applications? Would you like support with financial aid applications or scholarships? Join Ms. Currie and the GEAR UP Team anytime on February 20th between the hours of 10am and 1pm at Renton High. Register here: https://bit.ly/MidWinterGU
For Families of Juniors
SAT Test - Make Up Test
The SAT test will be given to any 11th graders who missed the initial test. If you are a junior and for various reasons were unable to take the SAT but still want to, YOU MUST SIGN UP TO TAKE THE MAKE UP SAT by emailing aleta.konkol@rentonschools.us to let me know that you still want to take the SAT test.
We are looking at several different dates and are attempting to solidify proctors and location. All interested 11th graders should continue to check their emails for daily updates on a final date and location.. Students are reminded to plan on bringing their district distributed chromebooks and chargers. (Students will not be able to take their SAT test on their own computers.) Students will be asked to shut off all cell phones, ear buds, and smart watches and to place them in their backpacks. (Parents please talk to your students about how important it is for them to follow these directions. If they are caught turning on their phones or keeping their smart watches, they could cause other students in the testing location to not have their scores counted by College Board. Thank you for your support.) Feel free to check back here over the next few days for an update on the Make Up Date.
The Renton GEAR UP Team is hosting a 5-week workshop for the families of students in the Class of 2025. This workshop is your opportunity to learn more about how to best support your student going into their senior year. RSVP Now, space is limited. You will have the option to attend Spanish or English sessions. https://bit.ly/RSDGUparentAcademy
Confirme su asistencia ya, espacio es limitado. Tendrán la opción de asistir a los talleres en español o en inglés. https://bit.ly/RSDGUparentAcademy
Announcement for Parents of ELL/Multilingual Students
Attention Parents of ELL/Multilingual Students,
This spring, Renton High School will be giving ELL students the World Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA) between February 27 and March 21. This annual test provides information on your student’s growth in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The WIDA also helps to inform teachers’ decisions about what kind of language services your student needs.
This test is required for all ELL students receiving in person instruction at Renton High School. The test will be broken up over multiple days to test in all four domains. Students will receive passes on their respective days to go to alternate testing locations. Eligible ELL/multilingual students will be pulled from their classes for testing.
Your child does not need to study for this test, but you could support him/her by scheduling doctor and dental appointments outside of the testing window and by helping your child get to school on time. Please encourage students to bring their laptops charged every day and to remember to bring their chargers as well.
Thank you for working with us to ensure your child’s success. Please email Assistant Principal and Assessment Coordinator, Aleta Konkol, at aleta.konkol@rentonschools.us with any questions.
“What Does It Mean to Be a RedHawk”
This essay must consist of a minimum of five paragraphs and is due on Monday, March 11, 2024 at 4pm. It must contain your first and last name, your grade, and the date you submitted it. It must be submitted to aleta.konkol@rentonschools.us by 4:00PM. It is open to all 9th – 12th graders. We want your voice to be heard. Winning prize – 1 top prize - $75 Gift Card. 2nd prize -1 - $50 Gift card, and 1 - 3rd prize - $25 gift card.
Internships, Apprenticeships and Job Opportunities
Have your students check out the Upcoming Opportunities page on the Renton High School Website weekly for internship, apprenticeship and job opportunities. This page is constantly being updated and there are already many opportunities for the summer of 2024. https://rentonhs.rentonschools.us/career-center/opportunities
Check out the RHS Digital Newspaper Link
Recently, Journalism students from Ms. Lisa Richards class updated our digital school newsletter known as the Hawk Eye. Have some article ideas you would like to share with her students? Email Ms. Richards. She and her students would love to hear from you.
Please mark this link as a favorite and check it out this from time to time to see what is being presented on the RHS website from our students’ perspective. https://rhshawkeye.com/