By Merri Reiger,
Superintendent, Renton School District

In the Renton School District, we have an unwavering commitment to each and every student and a clear vision for quality instruction. We also know education goes well beyond the classroom. We honor and embrace the rich diversity of our families and communities, which provides us all with so many opportunities to learn from each other. We believe that all of our students can learn at high levels and we value enriched learning opportunities that embrace the whole child: academically, socially and emotionally.

Renton teachers and support staff are focused on providing high quality, standards-based instruction for every child, every day in every classroom and environment. In addition to academics, we support our students in developing 21st century skills of critical thinking, collaboration, communication, creativity and civic engagement. We take seriously our work to prepare students for the world in which they will live, learn and work.

Our teachers, principals and support staff have been working very hard over the summer months to prepare for the 2014-2015 school year. We continue to align our curriculum, assessments and classroom instruction to the Common Core, preparing students to be successful in college, career and life after graduation. Thanks to voter support of the technology levy, teachers and principals have been learning new software to help them manage student classwork, tests, grades and homework. These professionals have also committed personal time this summer in their ongoing commitment to continuously improve their craft as educators. Additionally, our school custodians, district maintenance staff and so many other support staff have been working hard to prepare safe, clean, well-run environments to learn.

Education is an investment in the future of our students, our families and our communities. We are fortunate to live in a community that values public education and shares a willingness to support schools that help our students reach their full potential.

We join together, as a learning community, energized and prepared to start the new school year, and continue the important work of educating all students, every day, in every classroom in the Renton School District.

Renton School Supt. Merri Rieger can be reached via email at merri.rieger@rentonschools.us.