Highlands Elementary School
Highlands Homepage School Information History of Highlands Mission Statement Highlands Staff Guidelines for Success Encouraging Highlands Students RSD Homepage




TABLE OF CONTENTS

Address, School
Animals on School grounds
Arrival
Attendance
Bicycle-Skateboard Policy
Colors, School
Communicable Diseases
Conference, ParentTeacher
Dress, School & District Policies
Emergency Preparation
Emergency School Closure
Entry Age
Free and Reduced Meals
Grading Practices
Health Services
Health Information
Hours
Illness
Immunizations
Insurance, Student
Library Media Center
Lost and Found
Mascot, School
Meal Programs
Medication at School
Mission Statement
Money and Valuables
Music Instruction
Parking Lot
Patrol Crossing
Physical Examinations
Pictures, Student
Psychologist
PTA
Release of Information, Permission
Renton School District Phone Numbers
Schedule, Student
Speech & Language Pathologist
Staff Web Page Link
Support Services
Telephone Use
Title 1 Program
Tutoring
Vision & Dental Screening
Visitation, Classroom
Visitors, Student
Volunteer Helpers

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HIGHLANDS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Grades K-5
Mascot: Husky
School Colors: Blue and White
School Address: 2720 NE 7th Street, Renton, WA 98056
School Telephone: 425-204-4600
School Fax: 425-204-4616



SELF STUDY MISSION STATEMENT

To create a safe and caring environment where all students experience success and realize their maximum potential for living.


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ENTRY AGE
A child entering Kindergarten must be five years of age on or before August 31 of the school year in which he/she enters. Completion of all state required immunizations and proof of age (a certified birth certificate) is required upon registration.

A child entering first grade must be six years of age on or before August 31 of the school year he enters, or have completed a successful year of kindergarten in a school accredited by the State Board of Education while residing in a district other than Renton.




DAILY SCHEDULE 2000-01

Office 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Teacher Day 8:00 am to 3:35 pm
Breakfast 8:35 am to 8:45 am
AM Kindergarten 8:45 am to 11:32 am
PM Kindergarten 12:30 pm to 3:05 pm
Grades 1 - 5 8:45 am to 3:05 pm

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ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE PROCEDURES

For safety purposes, students walking should time their arrival so that they are not at school any earlier than five minutes before their starting time. Students should also plan to leave school as soon as they are dismissed. There is NO supervision on the playground before or after school.
Students should arrive at 8:50 unless eating breakfast, on patrol or for a special staff request. Students will not be able to wait in the office before and/or after school on a regular basis, only in emergency situations. If you are late to pick up your student, please instruct them to come to the office to wait.

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PATROL CROSSING

Our school patrol is on duty to safely cross children on their way to and from school at these hours:
K - 5 Arrives 8:35 am to 8:40 am
AM Kinder Departs 11:30 am to 11:50 am
PM Kinder Arrives 12:25 pm to 12:30 pm
K - 5 Departs 3:05 pm to 3:15pm
The following intersections are patrolled:
• 7th and Harrington
• 8th and Harrington
• 8th Place and Harrington
• 9th and Harrington
• School Entrance to parking lot (but not across 9th)
This year we will have one adult patrol assistant helping with the crossings at 9th and Harrington and at the entrance to the parking lot. We hope these additions will allow increased safety for all students. We are looking forward to your continued support in following safe walking and driving practices.

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STUDENT MEAL PROGRAMS

Students may bring their lunch from home or purchase lunch and/or milk from our cafeteria. We are now using a computerized student account system which allows for better tracking of student meals and faster service to the lunch line! Each student is given a 4-digit account number. Lunch money is turned in to the teacher each morning and sent to the kitchen where it is deposited into the student's account. At lunchtime the student keys in their number on the computer keypad and the money balance in their account is shown on the computer screen. The cost of their meal is then deducted from the account and the student is served. For students receiving free meals, the computer simply notes that the student has been served that day. This system is also used at breakfast. Please be aware that any and all money turned in to the kitchen is deposited into your child's account, so be sure to have your child keeps money intended for ice cream, school store, etc. Separate from their lunch money!

LUNCH:
      • Student Lunch................................... $1.50 (includes milk )
      • Milk Only............................................... .35
      • Ice Cream............................................. .50
      • Juice..................................................... .60

Occasionally students forget or lose their lunch and/or money. In this situation the student is permitted to call parents to arrange for replacement of their lunch. If a parent cannot be contacted, or is unable to get lunch or money to the student, the child will receive a meal for that day,
and the cost will be deducted from their account. Students can then pay the next day. We do not loan lunch money to students.

In order to reduce the possibility of lost lunch money, we suggest that students carry their money in an envelope or change purse marked with their name. For students who buy their lunch frequently, you may pay for lunches in advance. Any amount of money may be deposited into the student account, allowing you to pay for as many lunches at a time as you would like.

Students may purchase only one ice cream each day.

Juice is available from our juice machine for 60¢. The money from juice sales goes directly into our ASB fund which is used to provide activities for students, such as assemblies, field trips, and playground equipment.


BREAKFAST

Breakfast is served at 8:40 each morning. It includes cold cereal, milk and juice. The cost is $1.00 per student ($.30 reduced price). Students are to line up outside the front door of the building, where an adult will meet them and escort them to the cafeteria.

FREE AND REDUCED PRICE MEALS

Under provisions of the National School Lunch Act, free or reduced price lunches ($.40) and breakfasts ($.30) are available to children of families who qualify. In certain cases, foster children are eligible for these benefits. Most families will receive a card from the state department which can be shown at school to qualify.

Because proper nutrition is essential to successful learning, we strongly encourage all families who qualify to participate in the free or reduced meal program. Free or reduced price meal application forms are made available to all families at the beginning of the school year, and are given to the parents of new students upon enrollment. A new application form must be submitted each school year. Occasionally, a change in family income or size during the school year may qualify youngsters who were earlier not eligible. Should this be your case, please contact the school office.

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DISTRICT GRADING PRACTICES

As required by law, students are informed that their attendance and completion of all assignments have a direct bearing on the grades they receive. If a student has an excused absence, he will be given a reasonable amount of time to make up the missed work. UNEXCUSED ABSENCES MAY AFFECT A STUDENT'S GRADES. Report cards are issued at the end of each grading period - November, March and June (November report cards are given to parents at their Parent/Teacher Conference; March and June report cards are sent home with students). Students owing fines for lost or damaged library materials, textbooks, or other fines will not receive their report card until all fines have been paid.

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PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

Parent-teacher conferences serve a two-fold purpose - a means of mutually sharing information about a child's development and a way of reporting student progress. A formal reporting conference is held in November in conjunction with the fall report card. Additional conferences may be requested by parents, teachers and/or the principal at any time during the year to exchange information or to set up a plan for improving student progress or success. Students may be included in these conferences.


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PARKING LOT

Our school parking lot is a very busy place, especially before and after school. In order to help us to maintain a smooth flow through the parking lot, we ask that you follow these guidelines:

1. Park in designated parking stalls ONLY. Avoid blocking cars which are parked in the stalls.

2. Remain in your car at all times in the loading zone along the curb. Police may ticket cars left unattended.

3.
Use courtesy and respect - be a positive role model for our students.

4.
Always move slowly and safely through the parking area. Watch for pedestrians (especially young children) who may step unexpectedly into your path.

Please park legally at all times. Renton Police traffic officers do monitor school parking lots on a regular basis; failure to obey traffic and parking rules may result in a citation.


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BICYCLE - SKATEBOARD POLICY

ONLY students in grades 4 and 5 are allowed to ride their bikes. A written permission slip is required for each student and the bicycle serial number must be provided. They should follow all traffic regulations while on the streets and once on the school grounds MUST dismount and walk their bikes to the rack provided in the front of the school building. We recommend that each bicycle be locked into the rack. Helmets are an essential safety item each child must wear. Please discuss bicycle safety with your child.

Each bike rider will be required to sign a pledge promising to obey the rules and ride safely. Noncompliance with safety rules will result in loss of bike privileges.

Skateboards are not allowed on school grounds.


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SCHOOL DRESS

Students should dress appropriately for the activities in which they will participate. Generally, clean, neat, comfortable clothing is best. Shoes must be worn at all times and tennis shoes are recommended for P.E. Clothing should not display tobacco or alcohol advertising or foul language. Sagging and baggy pants with the pants waist below the child's waist are not acceptable at school; if the pants are large in size, the student must wear a belt to keep them up around the waist. Hats are not to be worn inside the building. Baseball caps cannot be worn backwards. Also, bandanas of any kind cannot be worn at school. If a student's attire causes a disturbance or disruption of the educational program, parents will be notified and the student will be sent home to change.

Renton School District Policy 5405R
The type of behavior(s), activities, dress, accessories or manner of grooming displayed, reflected or participated in by the student SHALL NOT:

  1. Lead school employees to reasonably believe that such behavior(s), activities, apparel, acts, or other attributes are illegal or would disrupt or interfere with the school environment, activities, or educational objectives;
  2. Present a physical safety hazard to self, students, district employees, or other persons;
  3. Create an atmosphere in which a student, staff, or other person's well-being is hindered by undue pressure, behavior, intimidation, overt gesture, or threat of violence; or
  4. Imply gang membership or affiliation by written communication, hand signs, or through marks, drawings, paintings, designs, or emblems upon any school or personal property, or on one's person.

If the student's behavior is in violation of any of the above provisions, he/she will be requested to make the appropriate correction. If the student refuses, the principal or designee will take appropriate corrective and disciplinary action in accordance with District Policies which may include notification of parent or guardian.
Students in violation of any of these provisions may be encouraged to participate in school or other positive activities that may facilitate appropriate behavior.


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HEALTH SERVICES
A nurse is in our building on a part time basis and on call the rest of the time. We have a full time Health Aide who takes care of the first aid needs of the children. Because of limited facilities for the care of ill or injured children, it is important for the school to have up-to-date information about what parents would like us to do in case of an emergency.

PLEASE BE SURE we have an EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER where you or a person you designate may be reached. Emergencies do occur - PLEASE KEEP A CURRENT CONTACT PHONE NUMBER ON FILE AT THE SCHOOL.

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ILLNESS
If your children are ill to the extent that it will be difficult for them to participate in the activities of a
normal school day, it is best to keep them home. We have inadequate facilities to care for ill children, and no space for supervising students whose parents wish them to be kept in during recess. Please contact the school ahead of time so we can try to make special arrangements if an emergency situation exists.

A temperature of 100 degrees is our guideline for determining illness and sending a child home. Children may return to school when their temperature has remained normal for at least 24 hours without the use of Tylenol or other fever-reducing medication.

HEALTH INFORMATION
Each fall parents are requested to fill out forms alerting us to any health concerns of their children. Please keep us notified of any change in your child's health status. The classroom teacher as well as the health room staff should be well informed as to your child's needs.

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MEDICATION AT SCHOOL

Students may take oral medication at school if there is a valid health reason and it is necessary that the student take the medication during school hours. There must be a written request from the parent/guardian AND instructions from a physician or dentist for any medication to be taken at school. Medication includes both prescription and non-prescription (over the counter, such as cough drops and Tylenol). In addition to the required written request/instructions, the medication must be in the original container and properly labeled. However, most medication can be scheduled for administration before and after school, which avoids this problem, so please ask your doctor if this is possible.

HEARING, VISION AND DENTAL SCREENING

Hearing screening, vision screening for distance viewing problems and dental screening are done annually. Parents are advised if the results show a need for additional follow-up. Screening for scoliosis
(curvature of the spine) is done at 5th grade. These are screening services only, and do not take the place of regular examinations performed by your eye specialist, dentist, or family physician.

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PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS

Physical examinations by a medical practitioner are recommended, but not required, for all students on initial entry into school and at grades three, five, seven, and ten.

IMMUNIZATIONS

Washington State law requires that all student K through 12 must be immunized against diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus (DTP), polio, measles (rubeola) and rubella (three day/German measles). The law states that parents must fill out and sign a certificate of immunization status form giving the month, day and year of each dose of vaccine. When a student lacks full immunization we shall require evidence of initiation of the immunization schedule or a signed exemption for medical, personal or religious reasons.

Newer requirements to the immunization schedule are the Hepatitis B vaccine and MMR vaccine. The Hepatitis B vaccine is a series of three immunizations given over a six-month period. This year the vaccine
is a requirement for incoming Kindergartners, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade students only; in future years it will continue to be required for all students who entered Kindergarten in the 1997-98 school year, so that eventually every student enrolled in school will be immunized against Hepatitis B. Also beginning this year, incoming Kindergarten students must have a second MMR before beginning school. This requirement will also be carried on through each school year until all students have the second vaccination.

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COMMON COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

Please notify the school nurse/office staff if your student contracts any communicable disease (i.e. 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.


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STUDENT INSURANCE

The Renton School District does not carry medical, dental, or life insurance for students; however, arrangements have been made to provide theses services to parents. Information regarding the fees and company provider are sent home each year in September and must be mailed back directly to the insurance company.


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THINGS THAT NEED TO STAY HOME

Because of danger of loss, pupils are not to bring more money to school than is needed during the school day. Valuable jewelry, expensive fountain pens, cameras, radios, Gameboys, Walkmen, CD players, and playthings are not to be brought to school. If you have a question about an item your child would like to bring to school, please check with the school office or your child's teacher before sending the item with your child.

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LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER

Our library media center is well equipped with books, magazines, filmstrips, film loops, educational models, pictures and a variety of reference materials. We encourage students to check out materials as long as they return them on time. We do not levy overdue fines; however, charges are made for lost or damaged books or materials. Students must clear up any charges before the final report card for the year will be issued.

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TELEPHONES

Since school telephones are constantly in use for business purposes, telephone use by students must be limited. Students are expected to make arrangements to visit friends or stay for after school activities before leaving home in the morning. Except in emergencies, parents are asked to send a note when early dismissal or alternate bus or babysitting arrangements are necessary. Calling the school interrupts classroom instruction and should only be used in case of emergencies.

Each classroom is equipped with a telephone and voice message system. Calls made directly to the classroom during instruction time will be forwarded to the voice mail; staff members check their messages at least once each day, but quite possibly not until after school is dismissed. If your message is urgent, please call the main office (425-204-4600) to talk to an adult in the office. Student use of classroom phones is left to the discretion of each teacher.

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STUDENT PICTURES

Each fall, arrangements are made with a private photographer to take individual pictures of boys and girls for student records. As a service to parents, these pictures may be purchased on a prepaid basis. Classroom group pictures are taken in the spring and may also be purchased on a prepaid basis.




PHOTO/STUDENT INFORMATION
RELEASE PERMISSION FORM

At the beginning of each school year our emergency form includes a section regarding release of student photos and information via the media (i.e., newspaper, television, district publications). Please read this sheet carefully when you receive it and fill in your preference regarding your child and publicity.

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LOST AND FOUND

Our lost and found rack is located on the first floor just outside the custodians' office for large items and in the office for small items. If your child has lost something, please have him/her check to see if it has been turned in. Articles not claimed at the end of the year are given to the clothing bank. PLEASE mark clothing and lunch boxes with your child's name.

CLASSROOM VISITATION

We welcome classroom visitations during school hours. The following are District guidelines for classroom visits:

-Contact the teacher ahead of time to choose a mutually agreeable day and time. A request must be made at least one day prior to the day the visit is desired, unless mutually agreeable to the classroom
teacher and/or principal.

-Choose a day that is not close to a school program or a holiday.

-EVERYONE IS REQUIRED TO STOP at the office for a visitor's pass before going to your child's classroom for any reason and before entering any other part of the building.

-Remain as unobtrusive as possible. Open the door and walk in. Sit where indicated by the teacher so you will have the best chance to see the class under normal circumstances.

- Electronic equipment or distracting procedures may not be used to record classroom activities.

- Please wait to talk to the teacher after instruction has been completed. If you wish to have a conference, please arrange to meet the teacher after students have been dismissed.

-During certain classroom activities, such as student presentations or testing, it may not be appropriate for visitation. We ask for your understanding if this is the case; please arrange to visit at another time.


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STUDENT VISITORS

Due to crowded conditions and insurance liability, students are not allowed to bring friends or relatives
to visit them at school. If special circumstances exist, please contact the principal to see if special arrangements can be made.


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DOGS AND ANIMALS ON THE SCHOOL GROUNDS

We sometimes have problems with dogs on the school yard, so we ask that parents take special precautions to be sure their animals do not follow children to school. Even the most gentle dog may become excited when surrounded by a group of children. Dog fights have occurred and there is always
the danger of a bite while trying to separate them. Many children are afraid of dogs and can become very upset seeing one running loose.

If we know whose dog is on the playground, we will try to contact the owner to come pick up their pet. However, this is not always practical or possible. Unclaimed animals are turned over to Animal Control authorities.

With teachers' permission, arrangements may be made to bring animals to school for show and tell.
Because of safety regulations, animals may not be transported on school buses. Thank you for your
support in keeping pets at home.


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EMERGENCY PREPARATION

Highlands has developed an emergency plan to be put into effect in the event of severe weather, earthquake, or other regional emergency/disaster. Emergency supplies are updated each year, and all staff have been involved in planning and organizing our Emergency Preparedness Plan on a yearly basis. Any volunteers interested in providing updated information or being part of our planning are welcome. Please contact the school office at 425-204-4600.

Several Safety and Emergency Preparedness drills are conducted throughout the school year. We conduct two Lockdown Drills each year, in September and February, as required by State law. These drills help prepare students for any situation requiring securing classrooms and the building for safety reasons
unknown intruder or other emergencies. We also conduct Fire Drills once a month and a number of Earthquake Drills.


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PTA INFORMATION

The Highlands PTA is an excellent opportunity to become involved with our students and staff. PTA provides invaluable support and assistance with many of our activities, funds to each classroom teacher to purchase teaching materials and sponsors many assemblies and special family activities. Your membership dues help support these events that enhance our educational program. We look forward to having you involved in PTA and in all aspects of our (your!) school. The membership information will be sent home with your child the first few days of school. Please support us and become a member right away!



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VOLUNTEER HELPERS

We wish to extend an invitation to all parents to volunteer some of their time to assist us at school. In the past, we have been fortunate in that many mothers, fathers, and grandparents have helped us in our classrooms, health room, library, and office. If you are interested in being a volunteer, please contact your child's teacher or call our office (425-204-4600). You will need to complete a volunteer application form required by Washington State law.


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SUPPORT SERVICES AVAILABLE

Special Music Instruction
Twice weekly, band or orchestra instruction is available to fifth grade students. Although the lessons are free, students are generally required to provide their own instruments. Please contact our instrumental music instructors for information.

Speech and Language Pathologist
The Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP) serves Highlands on a part time basis. The hearing of all students is tested in the fall. Parents will be notified of any potential hearing problems. The SLP also provides individual and small group speech and language therapy for students who have difficulty pronouncing some speech sounds and/or correctly putting words together into sentences and qualify for these services. Parents who are concerned about their child's speech, language or hearing should contact the SLP or the child's teacher.

Title I and Learning Assistance Program (LAP)

The purpose of Highlands' Title I and LAP programs are to remediate the basic reading skills areas of Decoding, Vocabulary, Comprehension and Fluency. The students who participate are identified as being in greatest need according to rank order of all students, and who are not served by another program.
Special attention is given to preparing the students for mainstreaming into the regular reading program. To accomplish a smooth transition, the Title I and LAP programs incorporate appropriate program reading materials for a portion of the instructional time along with supplemental materials. Services may also be provided for assistance in math instruction.

School Psychologist

School psychologists work cooperatively with the elementary school to aid teachers and deal with social problems. Children are referred to the psychologist through the Multidisciplinary Assessment Team (MDT) which is managed by the building principal. The psychologist consults, observes, or tests individual children ONLY when written permission is obtained from the parents. Services are provided at least one day per week on a regular basis.

Home Tutoring Service
Students confined to their home for an extended period of time are entitled to the services of a visiting teacher. Arrangements for this service should be made through the principal.



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EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSURE

If operations of the Renton Schools are affected at any time due to snow, ice or thawing road conditions,
announcements will be made after 6:00 a.m. on the morning affected over the following radio stations:

FM Stations:
KLSY - 92.5, KUBE - 93, KMGI - 108,
KPLZ - 101.5, KMPS - 94.1, KZOK - 102.5,
KNBQ - 97, KCMS - 105.3, KRPM - 106.1

AM Stations:
KIRO - 710, KLSY - 1540, KING - 1090,
KMPS - 1300, KOMO - 1000, KITZ - 1400,
KVI - 570, KIXI - 880, KPLU - 80,
KEZS - 98.9,KJR - 950, KTAC - 850,
KCIS - 630, KJUN - 1450

There will be three possible announcements:
-Renton School are Closed Today
-Schools Open, Limited Transportation
-Schools Open _____ hour(s) Late, Limited Transportation

Bus drivers will have notified students riding their buses of possible change in routes and will explain what Limited Transportation means on the various routes.

The following special considerations regarding school operations should be noted:

-When schools are closed for the day, all community and school activities held in the public school buildings will be canceled. This includes all scheduled athletic events at home and away.

-When radio announcements indicate that school opening is delayed one hour or two hours, the following classes or out-of-district programs will be canceled:

One Hour Late
Therapy/Tutoring
Head Start & ECEAP
Individual Program Center
Breakfast Programs
Thomson/Hillcrest Morning Preschool
Work Program

Two Hours Late
All out-of-district schools
All Kindergarten
Therapy/Tutoring
Work Program
Breakfast Programs
Head Start & ECEAP
Thomson/Hillcrest Preschool (all)
Elementary Behaviorally Disabled (home school only)
All Middle School Behaviorally
Disabled

In addition, any divided reading classes are canceled and all students are requested to come at the same time.

Parents and students are advised to tune in to two or three radio stations because occasionally one station will make an error in the announcement, or omit the Renton announcement entirely.
PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE RADIO STATIONS, TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT OR THE SCHOOL DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION BUILDING.
Such calls reduce the efficiency of the overall program at these locations by flooding the switchboards and phones. All necessary information will be obtained by listening to the radio stations above.


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INFORMATION BY TELEPHONE

Call these people and ask - they welcome the opportunity to answer your questions. The following directory will help you reach the person associated with the subject in which you are interested.

Administration Building
Superintendent, Dr. Mary Alice Heuschel 204-2340