School Board considers plan to start school late on 30 Fridays next year
Families, staff have opportunity for input on proposal:

• Monday, June 4, 5:30 -7 p.m., Dimmitt Middle School
• Tuesday, June 5, 5:30-7 p.m. Nelsen Middle School

Proposed 2007-08 school year calendar (Not final)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

May 21, 2007—Community meetings are planned to hear from families, staff and community on a proposal to start school 90 minutes late on 30 Fridays next school year.
Renton School Board members recently heard the proposal from district staff and union representatives for the late starts to allow teachers and staff to work in partnership to better analyze the academic needs of students and prepare classroom teaching.
The late starts would replace current half-days and high school late starts. The School Board will soon vote on the proposal.

Two community meetings are planned to talk about the proposal:

• Monday, June 4, 5:30 -7 p.m.
Dimmitt Middle School, 12320 80th Ave S, Seattle
• Tuesday, June 5, 5:30-7 p.m.
Nelsen Middle School, 2403 Jones Ave S, Renton

The late starts will be used by teachers to collaborate by grade levels—and as an entire school—to share best practices in teaching strategies. Additionally, teachers and staff will come together for various training.

The plan will allow a common calendar for all schools, making it easier for families and students to keep up with school schedules. Currently, the district schedules different days for teacher training: some start late, others release students early. Using a common calendar, parents will be encouraged to set doctor visits or other appointments during these times.

The late starts would allow educators to come together to:

• Better analyze student work and achievement data
• Plan instruction based on best practices
• Learn new instructional and assessment strategies
• Learn new curriculum content
• Develop skills in collaborating
• Celebrate increased student learning

To learn more about the plan, call Kathleen Bailey, executive director for secondary programs at 425.204.2397. If you’d like to offer comments on the plan, e-mail them to communityrelations@renton.wednet.edu.