Hazelwood Elementary School
Return to In-Person Handbook

 

School Overview 

Welcome! 

Welcome to Hazelwood Elementary School. We are thrilled to be working in partnership with you to support your child’s academic, social and emotional growth this year. We take the commitment we have made to you and your child very seriously; we promise to provide all scholars with the foundational K-5 education necessary to graduate from college and succeed in the world beyond. Fulfilling this promise requires a meaningful collaboration between our school and you. This handbook outlines the key policies that will enable us all to best support your child during this unique time in history. While there may be changes to some of our operating procedures, we remain committed to fostering a learning environment where scholars seek knowledge, think creatively, and develop a global perspective. We thank you in advance for adhering to these newly updated procedures. Your support will allow us to keep learning and teaching, and of course safety, at the forefront of our work. 

Vision 

Hazelwood Elementary School: Influencing a rapidly changing world by empowering our scholars to seek knowledge, think creatively, and develop global perspective-achieving nothing less than excellence. 

Core Beliefs 

Our mission is to deliver on the promise of equal educational opportunity for all of America’s children. We will provide all of our scholars with the academic and character skills they need to graduate from top colleges, to succeed in a global society, and to serve as the next generation of leaders. We intend to create a culture with a strong sense of belonging, purpose, and ownership where all voices play a role in developing a healthy school environment where we inspire one another to pursue our dreams. 

In order to achieve our goals, we believe: 

❖ Everyone is capable of success 

❖ Everyone has unique skills, strengths, and talents 

❖ Everyone has a responsibility to participate in and contribute to our world 

❖ Strong partnership with the greater community is critical 

Core Values 

Hazelwood Elementary School is built around six core values (STRIVE): Self-Control, True Grit, Resilience, Integrity, Vision, and Empathy. After careful research, including reviewing Dr. Martin Seligman’s work from the University of Pennsylvania and the late Dr. Chris Peterson from the University of Michigan, we identified six character strengths that will serve as the foundation of our instruction. 

Why character strengths and not traits? Character strengths can change over time rather than maintaining a “fixed” disposition. For example, our scholars may act “gritty” in one circumstance and not in another. Character is fluid and there’s always an opportunity to learn. 

Self-Control- The ability to regulate one’s own responses so they align with short and long term goals; True Grit- Perseverance and passion for long-term goals;

Resilience- The ability to bounce back from set-backs; 

Integrity- Doing the right thing, even when no one is watching; 

Vision- Being optimistic; having confidence in a future full of positive possibilities; Having zest- being enthusiastic and energetic about learning and life; 

Empathy- Developing social intelligence- understanding the feelings of others and adapting actions accordingly 

We believe that relationships are built, sustained, and repaired by restorative practices that build empathy, restore dignity, enable healing, and strengthen the school community.

 

Hazelwood Scholar Commitment to Excellence 

At Hazelwood, our scholars work hard to show STRIVE each day. Some days (and moments) are easier than others and we believe that character is taught and practiced just like reading, writing, and other academic areas. With practice and feedback, we get better and better each day! 

Self-Control- School Work 

• Hazelwood scholars come to class prepared 

• Hazelwood scholars remain focused on learning and resist distractions 

• Hazelwood scholars remember and follow all directions 

• Hazelwood scholars get to work right away 

Self-Control- Interpersonal 

• Hazelwood scholars use shift strategies when provoked to help them maintain their “best self” 

• Hazelwood scholars take a meta-moment when needed 

• Hazelwood scholars take time to listen to their peers and allow others to speak without interruption 

• Hazelwood scholars are kind to adults and peers 

True Grit 

• Hazelwood scholars finish whatever he or she begins 

• Hazelwood scholars work independently with focus 

• Hazelwood scholars do their best work and avoid short-cuts 

• Hazelwood scholars eliminate “can’t” from their vocabulary. They remind themselves that all things are possible
  with diligence Resilience 

• Hazelwood scholars try hard even after experiencing failure 

• Hazelwood scholars believe that effort will improve his or her future 

• Hazelwood scholars never give up when they do not understand something or when they do not feel like completing
  an assignment- they ask for help 

Integrity 

• Hazelwood scholars show STRIVE even when the classroom teacher isn’t present (i.e. at home, in the bathroom,
   at specials, during recess and lunch) 

• Hazelwood scholars take care of our school building, keeping it clean and welcoming at all times 

• Hazelwood scholars honor their own culture and respect the culture of others 

Vision 

• Hazelwood scholars actively participate in learning activities 

• Hazelwood scholars show enthusiasm and invigorate others 

• Hazelwood scholars are curious and eager to explore new things 

• Hazelwood scholars ask and answer questions to deepen understanding 

• Hazelwood scholars do not complain about things but rather offer constructive feedback and suggestions for
  improvement Empathy 

• Hazelwood scholars are able to find solutions during conflicts with others 

• Hazelwood scholars demonstrate respect for the feelings of others 

• Hazelwood scholars know when and how to include others 

• Hazelwood scholars recognize and show appreciation for others 

• Hazelwood scholars show gratitude and appreciation for his or her opportunities 

• Hazelwood scholars help their teammates when they need help and support them in their own journey to success

 

Hazelwood Parent Commitment to Excellence 

To build a strong partnership, it’s important for families to understand that STRIVE is the foundation of creating a positive learning environment. Please encourage your child to show STRIVE in all they do. 

Self-Control

• Hold your child accountable for being their “best-self;” 

True Grit 

• Ensure daily on-time attendance; 

Resilience 

• Remind your child that all things are possible with diligence; 

Integrity 

• Encourage your child to make choices that are based on the question: “Is this going to be good for myself,
  my family, my community and my school?” 

Vision 

• Help your child take advantage of every moment he/she has to learn something new; 

• Offer constructive feedback and suggestions for improving the school; 

Empathy 

• Encourage your child to consider the feelings and well-being of others before speaking and acting.

 

Hazelwood Staff Commitment to Excellence 

Hazelwood staff understand that STRIVE is the foundation of creating a positive learning environment and commit to operate with these values in mind at all times. 

Self-Control 

• Hazelwood staff believe that the end game is about our scholars and make decisions accordingly; 

• Everyone is deeply committed to helping develop the best prepared scholars in the world; True Grit 

• Hazelwood staff honor the unique talents and strengths of each scholar and prepare lessons to reach them all;

• Hazelwood staff relentlessly set and reach audacious goals; 

• Hazelwood staff are predisposed towards action; 

Resilience 

• Hazelwood staff seek continuous improvement for themselves, their scholars, and their colleagues and will
  make themselves available for feedback; 

• Hazelwood staff will be honest about challenges, yet dwell in solutions; • Hazelwood staff will remind scholars
  that all things are possible with diligence; 

Integrity 

• Hazelwood staff take pride in their role and hold themselves accountable for excellence; • Hazelwood staff will
  come to school prepared every day with all lessons and materials so they can be present in both mind and body; 

Vision 

• Hazelwood staff believe in possibility—in an inspiring future, the monumental potential inside all scholars and
  the endless possibilities that life should afford them; 

Empathy 

• Hazelwood staff love their scholars, colleagues and families in both words and actions at times of agreement
  and disagreement; 

• Hazelwood staff respect the culture of classroom by creating an open forum to discuss and appreciate all
  walks of life.

Hazelwood History 

Hazelwood School could have been Hazel Woods School. It was named for the bountiful hazel nut orchards that covered the hillsides surrounding the old site as well as the present school location and was called “Garden of Eden.” 

The tiny in-home school gave way to a two room school which became part of the Kennydale School District. When the number of scholars decreased, the old school was closed and the children were transported to Kennydale by a horse and wagon bus. Kennydale School District was organized on September 12, 1904. Several smaller districts consolidated to become the Renton School District #403 on January 31, 1942. 

Renton School District purchased sites for future schools in the 1950’s because enrollment of scholars in the district was increasing faster than new buildings could be constructed. 

Hazelwood Elementary School was constructed in 1963 and was ready in the fall for scholars in the northeastern section of the school district. During the first years after Hazelwood opened, more than 900 scholars crowded into the bulging school and 9 portable buildings. Four classrooms were added to the original building. Population during the school year (2018 2019) is projected at approximately 620. 

The first principal was Bob Box. The first secretary was Mary Daly, who remained in charge of the office under successive principals Bob Munson, George McPherson, and Bill Gladsjo. When Mary retired and Bill moved to the Highlands School, Vera Risdon took over as principal for six years with Pat Lamborn as her secretary. Marsha Hallett became principal in 1992, and Sandra Kendall became her secretary. In 1996, Cathie Rondeau took over as principal, and Maria Sams as secretary. In 1999 as we prepared for the new millennium, we welcomed Mary Ford as our new principal. Carolyn Thieme became secretary in August of 2001. 

In the fall of 2005, we moved into our current beautiful facility, one block south of the old Hazelwood School. In June 2006, Mary Ford retired and Cindy Farnsworth took over as principal. Carolyn Thieme retired in 2011. Julie Foster is the current Office Manager. Cindy Farnsworth moved to Meadow Crest Early Childhood Center in 2014. Tracey Tymczyszyn became the principal in January of 2015. 

The highlight of the 55 years at Hazelwood has been the Blue Ribbon Award earned in 1992. Vera Risdon, Marsha Hallett, Diane Rogers, and Linda DeCample represented the school community in Washington, D.C. in May of 1993 to receive the award at a special presentation for all schools from around the United States that earned the coveted award. 

Parents of the community have contributed greatly to the excellence and success of Hazelwood School. The school remains the “center of the community.” Several hundred parents volunteer in the classrooms, and in PTSA activities during the year. 

Principal, staff members, scholars, and parents are proud of Hazelwood School!!!!

 

 

Return to In-Person Procedures 

Classroom Environment 

Upon return to in -person, scholars will find that some procedures and the physical set up of the classroom may look different now in order to keep everyone healthy. What scholars and families will find to be the same as they have experienced in the past is a warm welcoming teacher who is eager to greet scholars each day, develop relationships, promote community building and social emotional learning and provide quality instruction. 

To keep everyone healthy, below are some of the COVID mitigation procedures scholars can expect to see, and be asked to follow, in their classroom: 

● Students and the teachers will wear masks at all times in the building. 

● The arrangement of student desks will look different than they may have experienced in the past to ensure
  the recommended guidance of 6 feet of physical distancing between scholars while seated at their desks. 

● If multiple scholars use a table, such as during a small reading group lesson, the table will be disinfected
  between uses. 

● ALL desks and tables will be disinfected daily. 

● Coats and backpacks and any other personal items will be housed in the scholars’ individual cubby.

● All supplies will be provided by the school and kept at school for safety purposes. 

● There will be no shared materials. 

● Handwashing and hand sanitizing will take place daily. 

● High touch points such as doorknobs and railings within the building will receive continuous cleaning
  throughout the day.

 

Health Attestations 

To keep each other healthy, families are required to take each scholar's temperature and fill out a health attestation for each scholar prior to arriving at school. All scholars will need to conduct daily health screenings before entering school. 

Before arriving at school, please use the QR code to access Skyward and complete your scholars daily required health attestation. If you are unable to access Skyward, you may complete a paper copy. Your scholar may give this to a school staff member, when they arrive at school. These health screenings, also known as attestations, can be done prior to leaving the house each morning using the Skyward Mobile App. 

Please watch this video showing how to download and use the app each day prior to entering school. When the app is downloaded on your phone, you'll only need three steps to complete the health screening each day: 

● open the app, 

● enter your pin number, 

● complete/submit the two-question health screening. 

Here are directions for those who may need assistance with your Skyward Family Access login and password. Families who cannot use the app will be provided a paper version of the health screening upon arrival at school. Scholars who arrive at school without a completed health attestation will not be allowed to join their class until the health attestation has been completed and the scholar is cleared to enter the classroom. If a scholar has a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit, is not feeling well, or answers Yes to any of the questions on the health attestation form (see form on next page) they will be required to stay home. We appreciate your honesty in completing this form. 

 

Arrival to School 

When scholars arrive at school, Hazelwood staff will take all scholars’ temperatures and will verify that health attestations have been completed. 

ALL FAMILIES SHOULD REMAIN IN THEIR VEHICLE FOR THE
DURATION OF ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL

Building Entry 

Staff will be present to help scholars find their classrooms. Teachers will greet their scholars at the door and ensure scholars enter the classroom socially distanced, one at a time. Kindergartners will follow their classroom color dots that are placed on the floor which will lead to their classroom.

Scholar Drop-off 

• Hazelwood Staff will welcome your scholar to school. To ensure safety, families will not be permitted to walk their child to class. 
• Families fill out attestation PRIOR to arrival. A staff member will verify that the health attestation has been completed for each scholar. 
• Scholars will be dropped off alongside the curb of the main parking lot within the designated zone after verifying completion of the health attestation. 
• Temperature will be taken at the front entrance after scholars hand sanitize. 
•  If temperature is below 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, scholars will be dismissed to class by the adult supervisor. o If temperature is above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, family will be called to pick up the scholar. 
• Please do not park your vehicle and walk your scholar to the entrance. 

Buses 

• When scholars arrive at school they will be dismissed off the bus. 
• Scholars will come down to the courtyard area to get temperature checked. 
• If temperature is below 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, scholars will be dismissed to class by the adult supervisor. o If temperature is above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, family will be called to pick up the scholar. 
• Attestations will be verified prior to proceeding to class. 

Walkers 

• Daily attestation must be submitted prior to arriving to school. 
• Walkers will proceed to the Courtyard entrance or the Hazelwood entrance. 
• If temperature is normal, scholars will walk directly to their classroom. If temperature is high, scholars will be rechecked. If recheck is normal, scholars will go directly to the classroom. If scholar temp is still high, they will be escorted to the isolation room.

 

Dismissal Procedures 

(Please see map for dismissal exits) 

Parent pick-up 

• Teachers will be informed that the scholar's family has arrived and the released scholar heads directly to the dismissal zone (Mustang Exit). 
• Scholars will line up in designated spots until they see their car. Scholars will line up in two lines outside by the Mustang (common area) doors 6 feet apart. 
• Scholars may pick up “grab and go” lunch bags inside of the building in the foyer on Mondays and Wednesdays. 

Buses 

• Teachers will release scholars to go directly to buses. 
• Bus numbers are indicated by neon-colored tags. 

Walkers/Bikers 

• Teachers will release walkers. If a walker is meeting an adult, the adult will cue up by the Mustang door. Families must provide their scholar’s pick-up number to the HWE staff member for the cue. 
• Scholars may pick up “grab and go” lunch bags inside of the building in the foyer or by the buses, whichever is more convenient. 
• Please remain in your vehicle and make sure you depart campus immediately following arrival and dismissal.

 

13 

 

Transportation Form 

Please do not email your changes to the teacher, as they often do not have time to read their email during the instructional day. 

If scholars need to ride a bus they usually do not ride, or if they are to get off at a different bus stop, please complete the online transportation change form. You can also call the school at 425-204-4550. 

Late Pick-Up Policy: Scholar safety is the highest priority of the Renton School District. Therefore, we make every effort to ensure that all scholars are under appropriate supervision until they return to you at the end of their school day. 

For that reason, we are concerned about scholars who are left after dismissal time or who are brought back to school because no one is there to meet the bus. The school is not, and cannot be, staffed to provide supervision for scholars in these situations; hiring extra personnel to supervise is beyond our financial resources. In addition, children can feel confused and apprehensive when they are not picked up on time. 

When there are two occurrences of children being returned to school or not picked up within 15 minutes after dismissal, the child’s parent/guardian will receive a letter. If there is a third instance, an appointment will be scheduled for the parent/guardian to meet with either Mrs. Tymczyszyn or Mr. You to help formulate a solution. 

If you wish, we can provide you with day care information in the Hazelwood area. Please contact our school office at 425/204-4550 for a list of day care providers. 

Attendance Information: 

Regular and punctual attendance is extremely important to your child’s success in school. We encourage you to help your child develop these good habits. However, when absences or late arrivals are necessary, please do the following: 

Call the attendance line (425-204-4560) before 9:00 a.m.or you can email: 

hazelwood.attendance@rentonschools.us, to let us know of the absence or late arrival or complete the attendance form.

 

Attendance Form 

This line is available to take your messages 24 hours a day. Please give your scholars’ name, the date(s) of the absence and the reason. You may also excuse the absence via e-mail. Please send your scholars’ name, teacher, date and reason for absence to hazelwood.attendance@rentonschools.us 

If we do not receive a morning call or e-mail, you will receive an automated call from School Messenger to verify your scholars whereabouts; this verification call is for your scholars protection. If a scholar is absent 50% of the day, they are absent the entire day.

Pre-Arranged Absences: 
To request approval of a leave of absence for any other reason, you must complete the Hazelwood Leave of Absence Request form available online at least 48 hours prior to the date of the absence. Leave of Absence requests will not be approved after the date of the absence. 

Leave of Absence requests are considered on a case by case basis and will not be approved if your scholar has missed more than 2 days in a given trimester (excused or unexcused).

 

Bus Service 

Bus service is available to scholars living one mile or more from our school. Routing is set up by the district transportation department. Riding the bus is highly encouraged! Pets, glass containers, and over-sized objects are not allowed on the bus 

 

School Phones and Scholar Cell Phones: 

Scholar use of school phones will be limited to emergencies. Arrangements for after-school activities should be made before coming to school. Scholars are not allowed to use personal cell phones during school hours. Scholar cell phones should remain off and in their backpack throughout the day. 

 

Visiting the School/Classroom

We appreciate your interest in your scholar’s progress and learning experiences. Before visiting the school, please schedule an appointment by calling the main office at 425-204-4550. For meetings that may extend beyond 15 minutes, we request that you meet via zoom in order to reduce exposure for our staff. 

At this time, we are not allowing visitors to the classroom, however, we will send pictures and updates frequently! 

Volunteers

In order to provide the safest environment possible, only Renton School District scholars and staff members will be allowed inside Hazelwood during Hybrid Instruction. 

If you need assistance, please contact the main office to schedule an appointment. 

We love our volunteers and appreciate our amazing and supportive family involvement and can’t wait to welcome families back into the building in the future. 

Restrooms

Grade levels will have assigned bathrooms based on the proximity to the bathrooms. Every other stall will be locked and closed to scholars in order to maintain social distancing. If there are no available stalls, scholars will wait outside of the bathroom on a circle dot. 

Families are encouraged to practice with scholars how to wash their hands at home. We will reinforce hand washing at school. 

Hallways

Scholars will walk on the right side of the hallway. Arrows on the floor will help scholars navigate the hallways and maintain social distancing. Colored dots will be used as socially distant standing spots for lining up. 

Water Fountain Use

Drinking fountains in the halls and classrooms will be closed. Please bring a filled water bottle if needed.

 

Classroom Rules

Rules will be developed in each classroom and shared with families. Depending upon the severity of the infraction and other factors, different consequences may occur. The rule in question will be reviewed with the scholar, making sure the scholar understands the rule and the reasons for it. If administrative intervention is needed, the assistant principal or designee will determine the appropriate action. All actions resulting in consequences will follow social and physical distancing rules. 

Snack 

Please ensure that your scholar eats before coming to school. Due to our limited in person learning schedule and along with our mask mandate, scholars will not be given a snack time while at school. Please leave all food items at home. 

Recess

Recess will not take place during our current Hybrid learning model. 

Birthday Celebrations

To ensure the safety of all scholars, please keep all birthday items at home. Teachers will identify COVID-safe ways to celebrate and acknowledge birthdays. 

Emergency Contacts

Please update your emergency contacts in Skyward as soon as possible. If you need assistance, please notify the main office. It is extremely important that we can reach a parent/guardian or an emergency contact if necessary. 

Lost and Found

Please make sure that you label your scholars clothing/belongings. Also, encourage your child to bring their coats home each day to reduce exposure to others. Due to COVID safety, we will not have a lost and found area. 

Belongings

We highly encourage you to add a Ziplock to your scholar's backpack to hold extra masks and a change of clothes to use if necessary. (please label with your scholar’s name) 

Materials Distribution

Please do not bring school supply materials from home. All materials will be provided by the school.

 

Health and Safety Protocols 

Hazelwood Elementary and the Renton School District will follow the guidance outlined in the King County COVID-19 Response Toolkit. The toolkit outlines procedures and protocols to utilize when and if a scholar and/or their family tests positive for COVID-19 or becomes symptomatic. The toolkit can be found by accessing the link below: 

King County Schools Covid-19 Response Toolkit 

Additionally, the Return to In-Person Learning Handbook also contains additional information which outlines our district specific procedures and protocols: 

Renton School District Return to In Person Learning Handbook 

If your scholar becomes symptomatic, tests positive for COVID-19 and/or has close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, please contact the COVID-19 Site Supervisor immediately. See below for additional information. 

COVID-19 Site Supervisor 

Hazelwood Elementary has an on-site COVID-19 Site Supervisor. Please notify the COVID-19 site supervisor immediately if you or your immediate family tests positive for COVID-19, becomes symptomatic, and/or has close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19. The COVID-19 Site Supervisor monitors staff and scholars’ daily health attestations, oversees the isolation space, oversees Covid mitigation throughout the building, and communicates with staff and families as needed around Covid protocols. The health and safety of scholars, families, and staff is a high priority. If you have questions or concerns about how health and safety protocols are being followed, please contact the Site COVID-19 Coordinator. 

Site COVID-19 Coordinator 

Tracey Tymczyszyn, Principal 

tracey.tymczyszyn@rentonschools.us 

425-204-4550 

Alternate Site COVID-19 Coordinator 

In the event that the COVID-19 Site Supervisor is unavailable, the school has a backup site supervisor.

Baron You, Assistant Principal 

baron.you@rentonschools.us 

(425) 204-4555 

If after speaking with the Site Coordinator, your questions/concerns are unresolved, please contact the following people:

District COVID-19 Coordinator 

Laura Widdice, Director of Health Services 

Laura.widdice@rentonschools.us 

(425) 204-2320 

Chief of Elementary Schools 

John Schmitz 

h.schmitz@rentonschools.us 

(425) 204-2398 

Deputy Superintendent 

Dr. Shannon Harvey 

Shannon.harvey@rentonschools.us 

(425) 204-2318 

 

GUIDANCE FOR WHEN TO STAY HOME & WHEN TO GO TO SCHOOL 

The Renton School District will follow guidance from Public Health- Seattle & King County (PHSKC) with regards to when staff or scholars with symptoms of COVID-19 or close contact with a person with COVID-19 can return to school. PHSKC’s Screening Flow Chart provides clear recommendations about when staff, scholars, and visitors must stay home from school.

Isolation Room 

As soon as a person is identified as showing signs or symptoms of COVID-19, they will be 

immediately taken to an isolation room. Every school/facility has identified a space for isolating ill persons until they can be sent home. The space used as an isolation room incorporates these principles and considers the facilities available at each school. 

• The isolation unit has a private bathroom for use only by people with COVID symptoms.

• If a scholar or staff member develops signs of COVID-19, they will be supervised in the isolation room from a
  safe distance until the sick person can leave. 

• A sign will be placed on the door of the isolation room and nearest restroom to identify the space as an isolation
   space. The sign will not be removed until the room has been disinfected by a Custodian using the Pandemic Kit. 

• Staff caring for ill persons will use appropriate PPE. 

• While waiting to leave school, the individual with symptoms should wear a face covering or mask if tolerated. 

• The isolation room will be aired out, cleaned, and disinfected after the ill person leaves following current guidance.

 

Mask Wearing 

Masks are required to be worn while in the school building. A mask helps to protect the person wearing it as well as those around them. See below for the correct way to wear a mask.