Handbook

 

Our Vision

Vision

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

Core Beliefs

 

v        Everyone is capable of success

v        Everyone has unique skills, strengths, and talents

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

v        Strong partnership with the greater community is critical

 

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 students 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 students in the northeastern section of the school district. During the first years after Hazelwood opened, more than 900 students 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. Kris Jaramillo 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. Brenda Gasaway became the principal in July 2023.

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, students, and parents are proud of Hazelwood Elementary School!!!!

Arrival

Upon arrival at school:

• Students eating breakfast may go directly to the café.
• Kinder and Ready K will enter through the vestibule and go to their assigned line
• 1st through 5th grader will enter the Mustang Entrance and go to their line on the playground

Students will be supervised until teachers meet their classes at 8:30 am. 

Buses typically arrive between 8:10 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. 

Please use your assigned bus route service if possible; there is very limited parking, and the parking lot is very congested.

Parents may drop off and pick up their children in the Parent & Visitors parking area in the front of our building after 8:10. Students who are brought to school by a parent or caregiver or walk/bike to school should arrive no earlier than 8:10 a.m. or 9:40 a.m. on Friday, unless on safety patrol. 

Dismissal

School is dismissed at 3:10 p.m. 

Parents picking up students should be here at 3:10 p.m.

Buses leave at approximately 3:17 p.m.   

Students will not be able to wait in the office before and/or after school on a regular basis, only in emergency situations.

Early Dismissal

 

If your child is to be dismissed before the regular time, please call or send a note of explanation.  We will call your child out of class when you arrive in the office to sign him/her out of school.  Dismissal after 2:45 p.m. is highly discouraged, as teachers are wrapping up the day with students and dismissal at this time can be very disruptive.

Late Pick-up Policy

Student safety is the highest priority of the Renton School District.  Therefore, we make every effort to ensure that all students are under appropriate supervision until they return to you at the end of their school day.

For that reason, we are concerned about students 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 students in these situations. When children are returned to school or not picked up within 15 minutes after school is dismissed, the child’s parent or guardian will receive a letter each time this occurs.  If a third incident occurs within 60 days, the parent or guardian will be charged a minimum of $20.00 per child payable to the Renton School District.  Time extending beyond the first hour will be billed at $40.00.

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.

Buses Riders

Bus service is available to students living one mile or more from our school.  Routing is set up by the district transportation department.  Bus riders will report to the playground via the bus drop off area by walking in a North East direction to the playground.  Riding the bus is highly encouraged!

Pets, balloons, glass containers, and over-sized objects are not allowed on the bus.

For questions regarding transportation and for lost and found, please reach out to our district transportation team: 425-204-4455

Parent Pick up and Drop off

Parking lot speed is 5 mph at all times.

If you are staying for any period of time, please park in the designated stalls.   

After the first week of school, students dropped off by their parents will enter the building by themselves through the north doors.  Parents are not allowed to enter these doors or walk their child to the classroom.  

Approaching Hazelwood parking lot, there are 2 traffic lanes.  The right side lane is for waiting to drop-off/pick-up.   

Children must exit and enter cars on the curbside when dropping off or picking up.

Students are to enter the front north doors by the Commons and proceed through the breezeway out to the playground. Drop off only in designated area, do not drop off or pickup in front of the main office doors. 

If you are picking up your child by car after school, the line starts forming around 2:45 p.m. Parent pickup is at the front doors near the Commons. Students will need to stand in line  for safety until their ride has come to a full stop. Please pull all the way forward and follow staff directions.

The Staff and Bus Parking lot is reserved for bus and staff traffic only.

Biking to School

With parental permission, students in grades 4 and 5 may ride their bikes to school.  Proper helmets and bike locks are required.  A bike rack is located in front of our building at the south end.  Bikes are the responsibility of the child and may not be ridden during the school day.  Bicycle riders are to observe the rules of the road at all times.  The Renton School District is not responsible for damage to or loss of personal property.

Transportation Changes

 Any changes, to a student's normal mode of transportation home, must be communicated by phone or by parent written note, to the Hazelwood office staff. You may reach us at 425-204-4550 and we will pass the information onto your child's teacher. Please do not email your wishes to the teacher, as they often do not have time to read their email during the instructional day.

If students need to ride a bus they usually do not ride, or if they are to get off at a different bus stop, a note of explanation signed by a parent must be brought to the office. The office will then issue a bus pass.

School Schedule

Monday-Thursday

8:30am-3:10pm (Supervision begins at 8:15am)

Breakfast is served from 8:15am-8:30 am

Late Start Fridays

10:00am-3:10pm (Supervision begins at 9:45am)

Breakfast is served from 9:45am -10:00am

Hazelwood is not responsible for students who are dropped off before the identified time at which supervision begins. Parent/guardians are expected to wait with their children until the doors are opened, as the children will be unsupervised at this time.

Early Release Days

November 21st- 8:30am-11:30am

November 22nd- 8:30am-11:30am

November 25th- 8:30am-11:30am

November 26th- 8:30am-11:30am

November 27th- 8:30am-11:30am

June 18th- 8:30am-11:30am

Breakfast will be available on all early release days. Hot lunch will be available on all early release days with the exception of the last day of school  in June.

 

Hazelwood Elementary PTSA

A PTSA- or PTA-unit is a local, self-governing membership association, which seeks to bring together the home, school and community on behalf of all children and youth.

WHY JOIN PTSA?

The number one reason to join is to benefit your child. In doing so, you also help your school, but there are many more advantages.

•       Get Connected. There’s no better way to know what’s happening in your school.


•       Discover Great Resources. PTSA offers a variety of programs designed for adults as well as children.

•       Tap into a Network. PTSA events provide opportunities to meet other families and teachers,
         build rapport, and discuss parenting issues that are on your mind.

•       Watch Yourself Grow. By volunteering with PTSA, you gain valuable experiences and personal confidence.
        It’s an opportunity to put your skills and hobbies to good use for a good cause.

•       Speak Up. Because PTSA is a forum for exchanging ideas, you are encouraged to make suggestions and
        more effectively suggest change at your child’s school.

•       Help Your Child Succeed. PTSA fosters family involvement. Family involvement has been proven by
        three decades of research to be the greatest predictor of scholar success.

•       Witness Improvement. By getting involved at your child’s school you’ll be part of the solution, helping to
        make positive changes. PTAs play an important role in fundraising to provide building improvements,
        curriculum-based programs, and social events—all vital to a school’s success.

•       Be a Role Model. By becoming a PTSA member, you’ll be demonstrating to your child the importance you
        place on education.

It’s easy to join Hazelwood Elementary PTSA! Join the nearly 500 million other people nationwide who share your interest in issues affecting children. Everyone is invited to join our non-profit organization—parents, family members, community supporters. All Mustang scholars are honorary members. Email membership@hazelwoodptsa.org to learn more.

HAZELWOOD PTSA GENERAL INFORMATION

Meetings

•       Be informed about PTSA events, share your ideas, and voice your opinions!

•       Meetings dates and times will be announced on the website, social media and digital communications
        and are generally held in the school library.

•       Free, fun childcare is provided for the children of those attending the meetings.

Communications

•       eBulletin: Be in the know with the weekly eBulletin sent directly to your inbox. Stay on top of PTSA events
        and news. Send your email address to ebulletin@hazelwoodptsa.org to be included.

•       Facebook: Get timely reminders and updates about upcoming events. Add us to your newsfeed by liking
        Hazelwood Elementary PTSA on Facebook.

•       Kidmail: Order forms and info sheets get sent home through the classroom in the communication folders.
        Don’t forget to check backpacks frequently!

•       Newsletter: Plan for upcoming PTSA events and hear PTSA news with our monthly Hoofbeats print newsletter.
        Comes home via Kidmail at the beginning of the month.

•       Website: Our website hazelwoodptsa.org is a good place to start when you need more information on
         PTSA events and programs.

PTSA Volunteers

Whether you have a little time or a lot of time, there’s a place for you in Hazelwood PTSA. We welcome all those who are interested in supporting our Mustangs in whatever capacity they are able to contribute. Volunteer opportunities are publicized regularly in our communications or email info@hazelwoodptsa.org to learn more.

Our fundraisers, events, and programs are listed in the following pages. All of these require many hands to plan and implement each year. We also coordinate volunteer support as requested by the school for events like School Photo Day and fall/spring School Garden work parties.

Not able to commit to particular events because your schedule is always changing? Still want to help when you can? Join our “Help As Needed” email list at hazelwoodptsa.org.

PTSA Fundraising:

Hazelwood PTSA is a non-profit, 501(3)c organization. All monetary donations are tax deductible. In addition to organizing events and programs for the school community, the Hazelwood PTSA supports and enhances our children’s education. Fundraising is accomplished through the following avenues:

•       ANNUAL FALL FUN RUN This pledge-based event kicks off the school year and is one of two major fundraising events. On the big day, every scholar receives a Hazelwood t-shirt to wear as they run/walk as many laps as they are able. Prizes are awarded for top runners and fundraisers. It’s a high-energy event for the entire school community.
•       BIENNIAL SPRING AUCTION This major fundraising event takes place every other year. The 2018-19 school year is not auction year. It’s an adults-only evening that includes dinner, games, and live and silent auction. We showcase original artwork from our scholars as well as valuable and exciting community experiences.

       BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP PTSA works with the community to raise money for our school while supporting local businesses. There are different levels of business sponsorship with varying benefits based on monetary contribution. All sponsors are featured in PTSA digital and print communications.

•       CORPORATE MATCHING and EMPLOYEE GIVING PROGRAMS Individuals with Employee Giving programs (where funds are withheld through payroll deduction) can donate funds to PTSA. Boeing, Microsoft, and United Way are some of the companies who participate. Arrange through your employer to designate Hazelwood Elementary PTSA as your recipient. A special thanks to all the families who use also use corporate matching when making cash donations to PTSA. Ask your employer about opportunities available in your workplace.

•       FREEBIE FUNDRAISING Amazon Smile, Box Tops, and community partners are all programs that require little or no effort by our families. They provide an important source of income for PTSA. To encourage freebie fundraising, PTSA runs an annual Box Tops challenge each winter.

•       MUSTANG MONEY Volunteers coordinate fun, community-building events such as Skate Night, Hazelwood at the Mariners, and Hazelwood at the Storm. New ideas are always welcomed.

PTSA Events
•        themed Scholastic Book Fair every winter. Check out the latest titles while also helping to fulfill classroom library wishes. Keep your cameras ready for your favorite literary characters. The Book Fair is held with the Pancake Breakfast.

•       HARVEST CARNIVAL Join us for this annual family event held at the end of October with a Harvest Festival theme. PTSA and area high school scholar volunteers coordinate games for all ages and harvest treats. Come in costume and play games for prizes or enjoy the DJ!

•       MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL This spring event celebrates the rich diversity of our school community with food tastings from around the world and live entertainment performed by Hazelwood scholars. Hazelwood families come together with various booths designed to share interesting and fun facts about their culture or cultures near and dear to their hearts.

•       PANCAKE BREAKFAST Teachers and parents flip pancakes and serve a terrific breakfast to the community. Scholars and volunteers help with set-up and clean up. The Pancake Breakfast is held in conjunction with the Book Fair.

•       REFLECTIONS National PTA encourages all scholars to pursue artistic expression through participation in its annual Reflections Program. The program offers scholars the opportunity to create works of art for fun and recognition. Art work will be displayed during the STEM Fair.

•       STEM FAIR An evening winter event celebrating Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Hazelwood scholars showcase individual or group exhibits and experiments. Parents and community members are invited to participate with demonstrations on their STEM interests or careers.

PTSA Programs

•       AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIIPS PTSA awards two scholarships each spring to former Hazelwood scholars pursuing a university degree. PTSA also recognizes outstanding service with the Golden Acorn, Outstanding Advocate, and Outstanding Educator awards.

•       COMMUNITY SERVICE PTSA works with school leadership and staff to identify needs within the school and community and implements appropriate programs.

•       FIFTH GRADE PTSA celebrates the accomplishments of our oldest scholars with an end-of-year pool party. The PTSA provides a thank you brunch for all the staff at Hazelwood that have contributed to our scholars’ successes. At the end of the school year, the PTSA works with Hazelwood to provide a fun celebration of the scholars’ promotion to middle school.

•       STAFF APPRECIATION Volunteers organize tokens of appreciation for Hazelwood’s teachers and staff to let them know how much their hard work is valued. Typically, PTSA coordinates activities for Curriculum Night in September, Conference Week in November, and Staff Appreciation Week in May.

•       YEARBOOK PTSA records all of the fun events and precious moments of our children’s school year. We need volunteer photographers for classroom and school event photos. This committee works together to gather all of the material and uses a simple online program to put the book together in time for the end of the year!

These programs are in place to benefit every child at Hazelwood Elementary. They are powered by PTSA but can’t happen without the support of parents and families like you! Please email info@hazelwoodptsa.org to learn more or to let us know how you’d like to help support our organization.

Emergency Information (Skyward)

It is essential that emergency information on Skyward be on file at the school and that it be kept current. Please contact the office promptly with changes in home addresses, home and work phone, or names and phone numbers of emergency contact persons. This information is vital in the event of an accident, illness, early school closure or other emergency while the child is at school.

ParentSquare Communication Tool

ParentSquare is a district communication system used by teachers, staff, principals, and the district to notify families of school events, news, closures and other important information. ParentSquare is available for families to use by creating an account or downloading the app.

Inclement Weather Information

At times, school operating hours or school bus transportation services may be adjusted or canceled due to bad weather. If inclement weather—like snow or ice—makes a school schedule change necessary, the decision will be made by the Superintendent and communicated to families and staff by:

• Phone call/text/email to all parents and staff.
• Renton School District website and all school websites.
• Automated phone calls and email messages from the district to families
• The district's official social media sites: Facebook | Instagram | X
• Local media TV stations

Full-day school cancellation/closing
If inclement weather causes school closure, no students or staff are expected at schools (some essential personnel will report to work). All school, after-school, and community activities held in school buildings will be cancelled, including all home and away athletic events.

Delayed school opening/late start
If schools are delayed due to bad weather, all schools will open 2-hours late, unless the closure is on a Friday, then schools will run on a regular Friday 90-minute delayed-start schedule. The preschool program at Meadow Crest will be cancelled. There will be no out-of-district transportation. Depending on the severity of the weather, school buses may operate on Limited Transportation Routes and use only Emergency Bus Stops.

School Phones and Student Cell Phones/Electronic Devices

Cell phones and smart watches should not be at school. However, some families prefer their child to have one for safety reasons. In that case, cell phones/smart watches are to stay off and in their backpacks during the school day. Students assume all responsibility for their devices.

School Nurse
A registered nurse is available at Hazelwood two days per week. The nurse is responsible for conducting health screenings, assisting with individual medical concerns, and helping coordinate services between home and other health agencies. In an emergency, staff will call 911.

Illnesses
In general, your child should stay home from school when these symptoms are present: vomiting, diarrhea, elevated temperature, ear ache, sore throat (especially associated with fever), head lice, inflamed or draining eyes, sores or rash (not associated with an allergic reaction).

If your child's temperature is 100 degrees or higher OR they are vomiting, they may not remain at school.

Before sending your scholar to school, be sure your child is feeling well enough to participate in the full school program, including recess and physical education (unless we have a physician's note stating otherwise). When returning after an illness they should be free of a fever, without the use of fever reducing medication for at least 24 hours before returning.

Common Communicable Diseases
Please notify the school nurse/office if your child contracts any communicable disease (e.g. chicken pox, scabies, lice, ringworm, impetigo, hepatitis, measles, etc.). Confidentiality will be respected and we appreciate the opportunity to be able to control any further spread of the disease in the classroom.

Immunizations
Washington State law requires that all scholars, kindergarten through grade twelve, must be fully immunized before they can attend school. Current requirements can be found on the Renton School District website under Immunization Information. For a complete list of vaccine requirements and recommended immunization schedules, please visit the Washington Department of Health. The law states that parents must complete and sign a Certificate of Immunization Status giving the month, day and year of each dose of vaccine. When a scholar lacks full immunization, we require evidence of initiation of the immunization schedule or a properly completed Certificate of Exemption. Failure to provide this documentation could result in exclusion from school.

Medicine at School
Prescription and over-the-counter drugs are allowed at school only when they are in the original container in which they were purchased. All medication, even over the counter such as Tylenol and cough drops, must be registered with the school nurse and kept in the clinic. There must be a written and signed request from the parent/guardian and instructions from the physician or dentist for any medication to be taken at school.

Headlice Management in the Renton School District
https://www.rentonschools.us/learning-and-teaching/health-services/head-lice

Head lice are an occasional annoyance for children in schools. Please check your child’s head every few weeks for signs of lice. It is easier to tackle the issue when lice are found early.

Inspect your child’s head and hair, particularly around the ears and at the nape of the neck. Look for:
•       Intense itching, red marks on the scalp
•       Tiny oval whitish eggs (nits). Nits are tightly attached to the hair and will not flake off like dandruff or hair product.

To prevent lice, instruct your children not to use anyone else’s combs, brushes, or clothing. Lice do not jump from one person to another and are transmitted only by close contact with persons or articles such as hats, brushes, combs, pillows, coats, etc. which contain the lice or nits on them.

If you find nits or lice on your child’s head, several steps need to be taken to get rid of them including special hair treatment and washing all articles in hot water.

Please inform the office staff at school and request further instructions from the school or your health care provider. It is required that you bring your child to the school office to be checked prior to returning to the classroom. It is also helpful to inform the adults in charge of other children with whom your child has close contact, such as close friends, daycare, and sports teams or youth groups.

For more information, visit:
http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/communicable/diseases/headlice/facts.aspx http://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Pests/Lice.aspx

Hearing, Vision, and Dental Screening
Hearing screening, vision screening for distance viewing problems and dental screening are done annually. If your child is in need of a medical referral, the school nurse will contact you and provided assistance if needed.

Cold Weather Dress

We have a covered play area for students so they may be outside even if it is raining.  Be sure your child has warm outer clothing for recess time when the weather begins to cool.  If at all possible, we like the children to be outside in the fresh air for recess.

Unsafe Clothing

As per School District Policy #3224 Prohibited apparel includes that which features drug, tobacco, or alcohol-related messages, gang-related messages, or lewd, sexual messages.

Please Label Belongings

Please take time to label coats, hats, lunch boxes and other belongings.  Many costly items are left and cause unnecessary expenses for your family.  A "Lost and Found" area is maintained in the building in the event your child has misplaced an item.

Meal Payment

FREE MEAL SERVICE FOR MOST STUDENTS

School breakfast and lunch meals free to most students

Thanks to new state and federal funding, Renton School District will provide breakfast and lunch meals free to most students this school year. All students can eat school breakfast and lunches free 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 those schools. Families at these schools can complete the Free/Reduced Meal applicationpdf document and email it to RSD.mealform@rentonschools.us or drop off your school cafeteria to receive free meals.

While not required for free school meals, families are strongly encouraged to complete this Family Income Surveypdf document. It takes less than 10 minutes and can help students receive important school resources like: before and after school academic and enrichment programs; resources for classrooms; guidance and college counselors; health and wellness services; and more. Submit your completed form to RSD.mealform@rentonschools.us or drop off at your school cafeteria.

---

Parents may also pay online and check your balances at https://payments.rentonschools.us/

User name is your child's ID number and password is your child's last name in ALL CAPS. For questions about online payments, please call Nutrition Services at 425-204-3545.

Free and Reduced Meals

Free and reduced meals are available to qualifying scholars. Applications for Free and Reduced Price Meals are sent home in the first week of school envelope and must be filled out each year. ONE completed application is needed, per household, listing all Renton District scholars. Call (425) 204-3545 with questions regarding your application.

Lunches from home

Students may also bring a lunch from home. Please do not send soda pop or breakable containers to school. Microwaves are not available to warm lunches. It is helpful to send items in packages/containers that scholars are able to open easily.

Delivery Services

Meals or items delivered by a delivery service is not allowed for students. 

Homework

Homework is not required nor provided for students to complete at home. Students to complete at home. Students may complete assignments they have nor completed in class at home, byt they will have ample time to complete assignments at school. Teachers may offer home learning activities to extend their learning, practice valuable skills, and participate in family-team efforts. Contact your student’s teacher for home learning resources.

Emergency Notification Information

It is essential that emergency notification be on file at the school and that it be kept current. Be sure to designate other individuals who can be contacted in case of emergencies. Although staff are trained to provide first aid, 911 will be called and parents will be notified in case of serious injury or medical emergency. Please note: Scholars will NOT be released to anyone other than individuals listed as primary caregivers or emergency contacts. Any temporary change in transportation should be confirmed with the main office.

Earthquake, Lockdown, and Fire Drills

Drills for earthquake, fire, and lockdown are held periodically in order to assure a continued state of readiness. We have a strong partnership with local law enforcement personnel along with a well-supported Renton School District security team. In the event of severe disaster, we have a plan to ensure that all scholars are released to an authorized adult. Scholars will not be allowed to walk home due to the unknown impact on the surroundings. An adult listed on the emergency sheet will need to pick up your child. The emergency information sheet you fill out at the beginning of the year will be used to release your child. Please make sure this information is kept up to date and contact the main office with any changes.

In the event of an emergency, there will be a designated checkout center through which scholars must be released. Please follow all directions outlined by staff or safety personnel. It is imperative that we have the cooperation of the community to ensure that we know the whereabouts of all our scholars.

Strangers

Please review with your child the importance of not talking to strangers or accepting rides with anyone other than a person approved by you.

Help Us Protect Our School

If you see or suspect vandalism or any potential threat to the school, please call the Renton School District TIP Line: Renton School District Security (425) 204-2468

Renton School District Safety and Security Team

John Holbrook

Director of Safety & Security

425.204.3725

Birthday Celebrations/Class Parties 

Our school will be restricting outside food items that are not approved as part of a classroom's snack item list. The number of food sensitivities and allergies in our community are greater than past and we must continue to implement measures that keep our students safe and healthy.

We request that families avoid sending food items (ex: cake, cupcakes, desserts, etc.) to celebrate birthday parties or other celebrations. Teachers will be limiting outside foods during class parties to pre-approved snacks that are deemed safe (for example-popcorn during a harvest party).

Our objective is not to limit opportunities for family members and class peers to celebrate birthdays or other special events, so we recommend the following ideas instead:

• Parents can join their child for lunch on their birthday.
• Parents may send a special game to play in class with teacher and peers (a favorite of the student, but doesn't take up alot of time to play).
• Parents may come facilitate a popular kid game and sing happy birthday.
• Parents may send in goodie bags (only including snacks that are pre-approved).
• Parents may send materials to do a special craft for the day.

Teachers are happy collaborate with you to come up with fun ways to celebrate!

 Party invitations should not be brought to school unless the entire class is invited.

 

Guidelines for Shared Classroom Snack

1.     Foods must be individually prepackaged and commercially wrapped with a visible ingredient label

2.     The ingredient list may not contain peanuts, or tree nuts

3.     The food may not be processed in a facility or on equipment that is also used to process peanuts, or tree nuts

4.     Contact the teacher prior to bringing shared snacks to school

5.     Deliver the food to the front office, not the classroom

6.     Recommendations for shared classroom snacks:

·       Fruit snacks (individually prepackaged and commercially wrapped)

·       Popcorn (individually prepackaged and commercially wrapped)

·       Pretzels (individually prepackaged and commercially wrapped)

·       Whole grain cereal bars (individually prepackaged and commercially wrapped)

·       Baked whole grain tortilla chips (individually prepackaged and commercially wrapped)

·       Graham Crackers (individually prepackaged and commercially wrapped)

·       Fruit cups (individually prepackaged and commercially wrapped)

·       Applesauce cups (individually prepackaged and commercially wrapped)

Recess Policy

Our policy is that a student well enough to attend school, is also well enough to go to recess.  If parents are concerned about their child’s level of activity during recess, this is a reminder that we have benches for students to use during recess, if limited activity is necessary.

We encourage your child to bring in a change of clothes to keep in their backpack or their cubby in case of weather related instances, accidents, etc.  We do have a very limited supply of clothing to loan students; we ask that you return the loaned school items washed and ready for another student to use. 

Money, Valuables And Classroom Sharing

Students come to school to learn and therefore should leave any items which may distract learning at home. Toys, trading cards, electronics, stuffed animals, money, and other personal items of value need to remain at home, so they are not misplaced, lost, or broken. If a child wishes to bring a special item to share with the class, they must first get permission from the teacher.

Lost And Found

Articles of clothing left on the playground are brought to our lost and found area near the cafeteria. At the end of each month, items from Lost and Found will be donated to Goodwill, so please claim missing items promptly, please label all lunch boxes, coats, etc., with the student’s name.

Student Placement

One of the most important responsibilities of the staff each year is to work in teams and assign students to balanced classes for the upcoming school year. Many factors are considered when placing students; academic strengths, needs, social emotional characteristics, as well as parental input are thoughtfully considered. Should a parent feel that a child’s placement is inappropriate, a request in writing should be made to the principal. Do note that no changes will be made to class placements based on placing friends in the same classroom, unless there are extenuating circumstances to be discussed with the principal.

Teachers do their best to establish a positive learning environment. However, from time to time, a change in class placement of a student or group of students may be needed to adjust imbalances that present after the school year has begun. In such cases, families will be notified, and students will be provided at least 48 hours to transition into their new classroom.

Solicitation on Campus

Students with off campus activities such as boy scouts, sports, or girl scouts, should refrain from solicitation of goods, or events during school hours. 

Directory Information

Federal law and school district regulations allow schools to release directory-type information (scholar name, address, phone, date/place of birth, dates of attendance, awards received and previous schools) to such agencies as schools or PTSA unless parents notify the school of their wishes to the contrary. Information other than Directory Information is considered

 

District information

Kohlwes Education Center

300 S.W. 7^th Street, Renton 98055

Dr. Damien Pattenaude, Superintendent

(425) 204-4455

 

Renton School District

Transportation Department

(425) 204-4455

District Policies and Procedures

Renton School District Policies and Procedures can be located on the district's website http://www.rentonschools.us/Page/129

School Board Meetings

Meetings are usually held the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 7:00 p.m. These meetings are usually held in the Board Room at the Renton School District Administration Building, 300 SW 7^th Street, Renton. Visit the RSD website at http://www.rentonschools.us/ for more details.

Visiting The School/Classroom

Parents are always welcome to visit our school and their child’s classroom.  However, to avoid classroom disruption, please call the teacher 24 hours in advance, to schedule a specific visitation time.  (See district Policy #4200 on pages 30-31). Individual conferences with a teacher must be prearranged with the teacher to ensure that the teacher can have a quality conversation with you and not take away from his/her primary responsibility, the children.  Conferences must be scheduled before or after the school day. 

All visitors/volunteers must sign in at the school office, wear a visitor badge, and remain in the area where visiting.  All visitors must sign out in the office before leaving. 

Volunteers

Yes, you are needed and very much appreciated!  At Hazelwood we have many parents and community members who contribute to the educational programs we offer.  Contact your child’s teacher, the PTSA coordinator, or the office to let us know you can help.   

All volunteers must submit to a Washington State Patrol background check (valid for two years). 

Volunteer expectations:

•        Sign in and out at the office and wears a nametag.

•        Be prompt, dependable, and regular in attendance.

•        Remain in the area where volunteering is needed.

•        Honor the confidentiality of information.

•        Communicate any concerns directly with the teacher or principal.

•        Know emergency procedures and school or classroom rules.

In Washington, all students have the right to be treated consistent with their gender identity at school. Our school will:

• Address students by their requested name and pronouns, with or without a legal name change
• Change a student’s gender designation and have their gender accurately reflected in school records
• Allow students to use restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity
• Allow students to participate in sports, physical education courses, field trips, and overnight trips in accordance with their gender identity
• Keep health and education information confidential and private
• Allow students to wear clothing that reflects their gender identity and apply dress codes without regard to a student’s gender or perceived gender
• Protect students from teasing, bullying, or harassment based on their gender or gender identity

Read our full commitment to Gender-Inclusive Schools.

Schools are meant to be safe and inclusive environments where all students are protected from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB), including in the classroom, on the school bus, in school sports, and during other school activities. Our District Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) webpage defines HIB, explains what to do if you see or experience it, and our school and district process for responding to it.

Discrimination can happen when someone is treated differently or unfairly because they are part of a protected class, including their race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, creed, disability, use of a service animal, or veteran or military status. Renton School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of any of these protected groups and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

Read more about Non-discrimination, including what it is and how to report it.