Renton High School
Week of March 4, 2024
From the Desk of our Principal
Families/Student Connections
Navigating High School: A Transition Presentation from Principal to Community
We stand at the threshold of a significant transition: middle school to high school. This period marks a shift in academic rigor and a time of personal growth and exploration. To ensure a smooth transition, we organized and completed a comprehensive presentation to equip our Dimmitt 8th-grade students with the knowledge to navigate the registration process.
Our counselors and Career Specialist advised on the significant shift in academic expectations, course selection, graduation requirements, and educational support services available to ensure success. Additionally, some current high school students shared their experiences and offered advice on getting involved and embracing extracurricular Activities.
Preparing for the Future is another topic to be covered in May with our incoming 9th graders at RHS. Our presentation will emphasize the importance of setting goals, exploring career pathways, and taking advantage of academics and college and career readiness opportunities. We will discuss the importance of Social Emotional Learning (SEL), building strong support networks, fostering positive relationships with peers and mentors, and seeking assistance when facing challenges.
I commend you for supporting me in this process, particularly Ms. Pike, who ensured communication with the middle schools and supported our plans.
Completed 9th grade Multilingual Intervention on March 1st.
As we continue our commitment to providing equitable education and supporting the diverse needs of our students, I am writing to share information regarding our approach to running multilingual academic interventions for students completing assignments.
At our school, we recognize the invaluable richness that multilingualism brings to our community. We understand that students acquiring proficiency in English and those fluent in multiple languages may require additional support to excel academically. Therefore, as our school improvement plan supports our teachers continued professional development, we also promote all students having access to the resources and assistance they need to succeed.
Last Friday, 28 of 32 students were scheduled to attend the ML intervention day (Three and a half hours) hosted by the Principal, Dr. San Martin, and our 9GST Coordinator, Ms. Brienna Agapov. We were supported by several 9th-grade teachers, Ms. Chauhan and Mr. Parrelli (Science), Ms. Nguyen (math), Mr. Oliver and Ms. Hubert (ELA), Ms. Rich (Health), and Ms. Szulkowski, AAC.
Students worked arduously to complete the missing work and were tutored by the above teachers. It was very satisfactory work. Students learned about self-accountability and using tools to be successful. During the SAT, on March 6, all 9th graders will have a last opportunity to complete missing assignments or assessments for another 3 hours. I look forward to supporting the students and getting to know them more through this process. These interventions are scheduled for the third trimester every two weeks and closer to the end of finals, as they are being done now.
We recommend that families communicate openly with their student's teachers and academic support staff to stay informed about their progress and any challenges they may be facing, and encourage them to take advantage of available resources, such as after-school teacher support, after-school homework, language support services: tutoring via Tutor.com., this tool is available online 24/7 at no cost.
By working together as a collaborative community of learners, we can ensure that all students reach their full potential and achieve academic success. With the continued support and dedication of this caring community, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students.
I appreciate your partnership and commitment to excellence in education.
Dr. San Martin, RHS Principal
Current Events
RHS UPCOMING EVENTS
MARCH 5: BAND ORCHESTRA CONCERT – 6:30PM @ IPAC
MARCH 6: SAT TESTING (11TH GRADE)
MARCH 8: SPRING PLAY AUDITIONS – 2:30PM @ IPAC
MARCH 12: CHOIR CONCERT – 6:30PM @ IPAC
MARCH 14 – MARCH 15: FINALS / LATE START *SEE BELL SCHEDULE BELOW!*
MARCH 18: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
MARCH 19: FAMILIAS LATINAS – 6:00PM *ZOOM MEETING*
MARCH 30: SPRING DANCE – 7:00PM-10:00PM @ RHS CAFETERIA/GYM
MARCH 6th: SAT TESTING SCHEDULE for the Entire School
Bell Schedule:
7:20am – 11:25am – Testing window
11:25am – 11:55am – Lunch
12:00 pm– 12:20 pm– Period 1
12:25pm – 12:45pm – Period 2
12:50pm – 1:13pm – Period 3 (with time for announcements)
1:18pm – 1:38pm – Period 4
1:43pm – 2:03pm – Period 5
MARCH 14th + MARCH 15TH FINALS SCHEDULE
THURSDAY 3/14: 3HR LATE START – SCHOOL BEGINS AT 10:20AM!
10:20am - 10:53am ADVISORY
10:58am - 12:13pm 1st PERIOD
12:13pm – 12:43pm LUNCH
12:48pm - 2:03pm 2nd PERIOD
FRIDAY 3/15: 90 MIN LATE START – SCHOOL BEGINS AT 8:50AM!
8:50am – 9:33am ADVISORY
Registration for spring sports is still open! 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.
Athletic Events for Week of March 4, 2024
Registration for spring sport tryouts begab February 26th and registration is still open! 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
Renton High Boys Basketball Team takes 6th place in STATE.
RHS BBB vs. Prosser at State
Principal Dr. San Martin with BBB Team
Coach Powell strategizing with the BBB Team
Under the exceptional leadership of Coach Powell and all Assistant Coaches, our team has demonstrated extraordinary teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship throughout the season. Their commitment to excellence truly paid off. This achievement is a testament to their hard work, talent, and resilience—they faced formidable opponents with grace and skill, showcasing the true spirit of athletics. Their success inspires us all and reaffirms the importance of discipline, passion, and teamwork in achieving our goals. I am proud to be their principal.
Diversity Calendar for Week of March 4, 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:
1st Wear a daffodil or leek for St. David’s Day, to celebrate of the patron saint of Wales
1st Employee Appreciation Day was created to focus the attention of employers in all industries on employee recognition.
2nd 10 Ways to Support Your Child on World Teen Mental Wellness Day
8th International Women’s day is marked this year with the theme ”Invest in women: Accelerate progress.”
8th Maha Shivaratri the Great Night of Shiva is a Hindu festival for devotees of Shiva, The God of Transformation.
Announcements
From The Counseling Office
Beginning Tuesday, March 5, Counselors and IB Coordinators will meet 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
For Families of Seniors
THE GRAD GUIDE WILL BE COMING OUT THIS WEEK
The RHS Grad Guide will be coming out this week - no later than March 7. It will be shared with all seniors and their families via email. It will contain important info regarding senior activities and deadlines leading up to Graduation. Be sure to be on the lookout for this all important email.
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 - This Wednesday, March 6th
The SAT test will be given to all 11th graders this Wednesday, March 6th for free. Students should report to their advisories. If you are a junior and currently taking Running Start classes, please be sure to email aleta.konkol@rentonschools.us to let her know if you will be taking the SAT test. All 11th graders should continue to check their emails for daily updates. Students are reminded to bring 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 class to not have their scores counted by College Board. Thank you for your support.)
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.
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
Great Things are Happening at RHS
Renton School District Students Visit HBCUs during Mid-Winter Break
Three dozen students from our district high schools (8 students from Renton High School) spent mid-winter break touring Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the southeastern area of the U.S.
This experience is part of a year-long comprehensive mentorship program that emphasizes academic excellence, attendance, self-advocacy, and post-secondary readiness. While touring campuses, students were able to learn about the different program offerings of each school, the unique culture that each campus provides, and engage and ask meaningful questions to determine if their futures will potentially lead them to these colleges/universities.
As students explored the campuses, they immediately felt part of a community, a confidence boost that made college feel even more possible. The presence of individuals with the same skin tone and appearance as oneself in environments that students aspire to be in holds immense power for our Black and Brown students.
The trip was in partnership with F.I.G.G Mentoring and was fully funded by the Renton School District’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) and various private donors, alleviating costs to our students and families.
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/