Handbook

STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING

In accordance with the Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) rule (WAC 392-500), parent(s) or guardian shall, prior to enrollment, be provided with documentation attesting to the understanding of the difference between home-based instruction and enrollment in an alternative learning experience.

Summary Description

Home-Based Instruction

• Is provided by the parent or guardian as authorized under RCW 28A.200 and 28A.225.010.
• The parent has filed an annual Declaration of Intent with the district.
• Students are not enrolled in public education.
• Students are not subject to the rules and regulations governing public schools, including course, graduation, and assessment requirements.
• The public school is under no obligation to provide instruction or instructional materials, or otherwise supervise the student’s education.

Alternative Learning Experience

The H.O.M.E. Program

•  Is authorized under WAC 392-550.
• Students are enrolled in public education either full-time or part-time.
• Students are subject to the rules and regulations governing public school students including course, graduation, and assessment requirements for all portions of the ALE.
• Learning experiences are:
  • Supervised, monitored, assessed, and evaluated by certificated teachers.
  • May be planned in collaboration with the student, parent and teacher.
  • Provided via a written student learning plan (WSLP).
  •  Provided in whole, or part outside the regular classroom.

Part-time Enrollment of Home-Based Instruction Students

Home-based instruction students may enroll in public school programs, including ALE programs, on a part-time basis (up to 79%) and retain their home-based instruction status. In the case of part-time enrollment in ALE, the student will need to comply with the requirements of the ALE written student learning plan.

The H.O.M.E. Program is a Renton School District Alternative Learning Experience for students in grades K-10. The program is designed to support families who desire an individualized, flexible course of study. HOME Program parents/guardians have extensive involvement in designing and implementing their student's Written Student Learning Plan (WSLP).  Families have the opportunity to engage with our diverse and supportive community while accessing academic enrichment and receiving support from the school district.

H.O.M.E. PROGRAM VISION

Inspiring and empowering students to identify, embrace, and develop their unique talents for building richer, stronger communities.

H.O.M.E. PROGRAM MISSION STATEMENT

H.O.M.E. Program provides families with guidance, resources, and a collaborative learning environment for their children’s individual, social, and academic success, while preserving their choice for a personalized education.

Students enrolled in an Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) are required to meet with a certificated teacher once per week and to review the Written Student Learning (WSLP) once per month.  The following teachers meet the HOME Program's weekly certificated check in requirement. These teachers also meet with students and guardians to discuss monthly progress and oversee our instructional support staff. 

Liz Solvang HOME Program Facilitator

Kristie Walker Elementary Generalist

Melissa Kochhar-Lindgren Science Teacher

Shawnette Fox Language Arts, History & Theater Arts 

Alayna Gagnier Language Arts & Social Studies

Maria Duque Secondary Math

Lara Randolph Art Teacher

All students enrolled in the HOME Program have a Written Student Learning Plan (WSLP).  These plans are overseen by certificated teacher consultants (CTC).  

School Data Solutions (SDS) is the H.O.M.E. Program’s online student management software. SDS allows parents to view their child(ren)’s schedules, update a Written Student Learning Plan (WSLP), and report and review progress. Each family has a unique USERNAME and PASSWORD. This information will be provided through email.  Contact the HOME Program Office Manager Lizbeth Loreto for assistance. 

Students must make weekly contact with a certificated teacher. This requirement is fulfilled through participating in a certificated teacher's class. Due to this requirement, absences must be reported to the office manager in order to stay in compliance with OSPI's ALE guidelines. 

First through tenth grade students require twenty eight hours on their WSLP. 

Kindergarteners are half time, so they only need fourteen hours documented on their WSLP. 

We subtract the onsite class hours from the twenty eight total hours.  So, if a student attends ten hours onsite, we document eighteen hours for their home-based coursework. 

Parents and/or guardians are required to update home-based progress monthly for the CTC to review. Failure to communicate home-based progress by the monthly due date (typically the 15th) will result in the student's progress being marked not satisfactory, which results in an intervention plan. 

Students are required to meet monthly to discuss their WSLP with their CTC. 

Students not making satisfactory overall progress are placed on an intervention plan, which may include altering the WSLP (changing the student's course-load).  If a student fails to make satisfactory progress for three consecutive months we are required to consider a change in educational setting and removal from the program. 

Signing In

Parents/Guardians/Visitors and Students 12 and over (without an adult present) must sign in and out daily, concurrent with the law. Visitors, including relatives and friends, must report to the main office to have your license scanned into the Raptor system and receive a visitor’s badge. You only have to do this one time. Then the next time you come you can just sign in on Raptor. Someone from the office can assist you the first time. Staff, parents and visitors must wear an ID badge at all times while on campus.

Parent Program Expectations

• Wear your ID sticker at all times when on campus.
• Volunteer on a regular basis.
• Participate in family room maintenance.
• Ensure that your students are in attendance and on time for all classes.
• Update off-site class progress in SDS by the due date each month.
• Meet monthly with the certificated teacher consultant to review student progress.
• Communicate with everyone in a polite/respectful manner.
• Supervise students’ school work completion, as necessary. For students in middle school and high school classes, parents can assist in students’ independence by helping students manage their assignments. Students ought to ask their teachers for help first, before supervising adults become involved.
• For high school credit classes, use Canvas to review classroom assignments and grades on a weekly basis with your student.
• If necessary, talk with teachers about assignments and grades outside of class time; never interrupt classes (you may need to schedule an appointment).  This also includes the time between class periods.  Teachers are preparing for students and need that time to transition between class periods
• Make an appointment with the Program Facilitator to address questions or concerns that are not resolved with the students’ teachers.
• Be actively involved with the PTSA
• Pick up students on time. Remember, school doors are locked at 4:00 PM. Students must be picked up immediately following classes. Core Support is now in the morning from 9 a.m.—10 a.m.

Parent Classroom Expectations

When adults are in the classroom, they need to follow certain guidelines to foster an academic environment for students and instructors.

• Adults present during class time are considered classroom guests unless actively assisting the teacher or their student as requested and/or required
• To support your child's learning, we ask that if you want to assist with the class, please check in with your child's teacher prior to the class so that they have planned ways for you to help. Please wait for the teacher to give you instructions before jumping in to help.
• If any of your children become a distraction to the learning environment, please remove them from the room so that learning can continue without disruption
• While we want to foster a strong community, we ask that you refrain from conversing with other parents during class time, as even whispered conversations can create a distraction to student learning.

Supervision

Children must be supervised by an adult at all times. Parents of children under 6th grade (or those of any age who must be supervised) must designate another adult to be responsible for their child if they leave the H.O.M.E. Program for any reason (staff cannot serve as designated adults). Depending on the age of the student or special situations, leaving a child at the H.O.M.E. Program during a class, between classes, or at lunch time without supervision may be grounds for removal from the program.

Community Playground Time

From 12:30-1:00 pm Monday through Thursday, the HOME Program and Renton Academy playground is open and available for HOME Program community use with parent/guardian supervision. The HOME Program staff does not monitor the playground during this community playground time.  Please notify the office with any questions or concerns regarding this playground use opportunity.  Shared playground balls and jump ropes are also available in the Family Room for community use outside. Please note that if you are not on campus, your student(s) (including secondary) cannot play at the playground independently.  They must be supervised by a prearranged designated adult volunteer. 

• You are expected to behave in a manner that creates a positive learning environment.
• Be respectful to your teacher, other adults, and fellow students. We are a Bully and Harassment-Free Zone!
• Behavior is considered inappropriate if it is disruptive to the educational environment or violates commonly accepted school or social standards of conduct. We follow all RSD guidelines, policies, and procedures. 
• Consistently attend classes. Be in class on time. Put forth your best effort.
• Stay engaged in your learning.
• Work on schoolwork throughout the week, not just when in classes.
• Come to class with completed homework. High school students consistently not completing homework may be dropped from the class.
• If you want to loiter outside beyond the courtyard (the playground, field, etc.) you must have an adult who is supervising you.
• Be prepared. Bring necessary supplies such as a pen & pencil, a three ring binder with dividers, notepaper, calculator, and Chromebook.
• When in class, computers are only to be used for school-related work.
• Students are expected to adhere to district guidelines regarding technology.
• Clean up after yourself. If you use any dishes, please wash or place in dishwasher (not the sink). Wipe the table and throw away your trash. Remember to recycle or compost. All food in the fridge should be properly labeled with name and date. Food without labels may be thrown away at any time.
• You should expect to spend a moment after class to help your teacher tidy up for the next class.
• Follow the no weapons or drugs on campus laws and report any violations.
• No horseplay. Play fighting is not tolerated on campus. Students must keep their hands to themselves at all times.
• Please familiarize yourself with and follow the district's new cell phone policy. 

The HOME Program’s student dress code supports equitable educational access and is written in a manner that does not reinforce stereotypes. To ensure effective and equitable enforcement of this dress code, school staff shall enforce the dress code consistently and in a manner that does not reinforce or increase marginalization or oppression of any group based on race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income or body type/size.

Our values are:

• All students should be able to dress comfortably for school without fear of or actual unnecessary discipline or body shaming.
• All students and staff should understand that they are responsible for managing their own personal "distractions" without regulating individual students' clothing/self-expression.
• Teachers can focus on teaching without the additional and often uncomfortable burden of dress code enforcement.
• Students should not face unnecessary barriers to school attendance.
• Reasons for conflict and inconsistent discipline should be minimized whenever possible.

Our student dress code is designed to accomplish several goals:

•  Maintain a safe learning environment in classes where protective or supportive clothing is needed, such as in science (eye or body protection) or PE (athletic attire/shoes).
• Allow students to wear clothing of their choice that is comfortable.
• Allow students to wear clothing that expresses their self-identified gender.
• Allow students to wear religious attire without fear of discipline or discrimination.
• Prevent students from wearing clothing or accessories with offensive images or language, including profanity, hate speech, and pornography.
• Prevent students from wearing clothing or accessories that denote, suggest, display or reference alcohol, drugs or related paraphernalia or other illegal conduct or activities.
• Prevent students from wearing clothing or accessories that will interfere with the operation of the school, disrupt the educational process, invade the rights of others, or create a reasonably foreseeable risk of such interference or invasion of rights.
• Prevent students from wearing clothing or accessories that reasonably can be construed as being or including content that is racist, lewd, vulgar or obscene, or that reasonably can be construed as containing fighting words, speech that incites others to imminent lawless action, defamatory speech, or threats to others.
• Ensure that all students are treated equitably regardless of race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income, or body type/size.

1.    Basic Principle: Certain body parts must be covered for all students

Clothes must be worn in a way such that genitals, buttocks, and nipples are covered with opaque material. Cleavage does not have coverage requirements. All items listed in the “must wear” and “may wear” categories below must meet this basic principle.

2.    Students Must Wear:*

• Shirt (with fabric in the front, back, and on the sides under the arms), AND
• Bottom: pants/sweatpants/shorts/skirt/dress/leggings, AND
• Shoes

* Courses that include attire as part of the curriculum (for example, professionalism, public speaking, and job/career readiness) may include assignment-specific dress but should not focus on covering bodies in a particular way or promoting culturally-specific attire. Activity-specific shoes requirements are permitted with teacher communication (for example, for PE/sports).

3.    Students Cannot Wear:

• Violent language or images.
• Images or language depicting drugs or alcohol (or any illegal item or activity) or the use of same.
• Hate speech, profanity, pornography.
• Images or language that creates a hostile or intimidating environment based on any protected class.
• Visible underwear. Visible waistbands or straps on undergarments worn under other clothing are not a violation.
• Swimsuits.
• Helmets, sunglasses, or headgear that obscures the face (except as a religious observance).
•  Accessories that could be considered dangerous or could be used as a weapon.

Please Note:  The HOME Program Staff Adopted the Risdon Middle School Dress Code on March 17, 2025 in order to align with Renton School district standards. The Risdon dress Code was inspired by model dress code published as Oregon NOW Model Dress Code in 2016.

Office Hours

Please note that the school doors will open by 8:30 a.m. and close at 4:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday. The Office is closed on Fridays; please contact Liz Loreto at 425-204-2524 for an appointment, if needed.

Attendance

Regular attendance is required. If you will be absent or tardy, please call (425)204-2524 or email home.attendance@rentonschools.us so we can let the teachers know. If we do not receive a call or email, the absence will be marked unexcused. Please understand when you sign up for a class you are making a commitment to attend it. If you discontinue taking a class for any reason, you must promptly notify the office in writing using an add/drop form. New requirements from the state require us to begin an intervention process with your first missed weekly certificated contact without valid justification. Communication with us is essential! If you consistently miss your weekly certificated contact, this may result in your removal from the program.

Extended Absence

Please submit a vacation/extended absence form for each of your students if you have a planned absence of more than one week. Submitting forms as much in advance as possible is appreciated, but at least one week prior to travel is required. Absences longer than 2 weeks will need Program Facilitator approval in order to create a certificated Zoom check in.  

Inclement Weather

The H.O.M.E. Program is part of the Renton School District. Any closures or delays will be communicated by the district through phone and email and also posted on their website and Facebook page. If Renton Schools are closed, HOME is closed. If Renton is delayed, we will operate on a delayed schedule. Please do not call the school office for school closure/delayed start information. If school is closed or delayed, this also affects our office staff, and we will likely not be there to answer your call.

Delayed start schedule

• 1st Period (9:00 Classes): 10:30-11:10
• 2nd Period (10:00 Classes): 11:15-12:00
• Lunch: 12:00-12:45
• 3rd Period (11:00 Classes): 12:45-1:30
• 4th Period (12:30 or 1:00 Classes): 1:35-2:15
• 5th Period (2:00 Classes): 2:20-3:00
• 6th Period (3:00 Classes): 3:05-3:45

Emergency Preparedness

We hold monthly drills for fire, lockdown or earthquake. In preparation for an earthquake or similar emergency we maintain a small supply of emergency items. We suggest that each family assemble a family emergency kit to keep in your vehicle. Include nonperishable snacks (granola bars, tuna, dried fruit), juice boxes, bottled water, and any crucial medications.

Student Drop-Off

Supervising adults must remain on-site with K-5 students. 

Students 6th grade and older may be permitted to be on campus for classes without a parent after an initial 2-week probationary period during which a supervising adult must be present. This privilege is evaluated case by case and may be rescinded if poor judgment and behavior are shown by the student.

There must be a “Student Drop-Off Agreement” on file in the office in order to use this as a drop off program. Drop-off students must also sign in and out of campus and need to be in designated areas at all times. Students who consistently forget to sign in or out, do not abide by the HOME Program’s behavioral expectations, and/or endanger the safety of themselves or others will lose their drop-off privileges, and a supervising adult will be required to stay onsite with them.

If your child is in middle school or above and has been approved for drop off (exemplary behavior!) and/or you have been off-site during class, please pick your child up immediately following class dismissal. Repeatedly leaving a child at the H.O.M.E. Program after classes are over for extended periods may be grounds for removal from the program. We cannot provide child care at the H.O.M.E. Program.

Gaps in Schedule

When students have gaps in their schedule they should be focused on learning activities. They can do so in the library, the family room, individual teacher rooms (with teacher permission), and when weather is good, at the outdoor tables. While we support students in their social development, it should not be the primary activity of a student while on campus at the H.O.M.E. Program. Panda Parent Cooperative events are for socializing.  Secondary students that have a gap for more than one hour in their schedule must have a supervising adult on campus to ensure their student is focusing on their coursework. 

Course Fees

Some classes have materials or lab fees. These fees are for materials for in-class use and/or to keep class costs down so that we can continue to offer those classes to our students. All fees must be paid before the first day of class. If fees are not paid, students may not attend the class. Scholarships are available for families who qualify for free or reduced lunch; please see Lizbeth Loreto for more information.

Field Trips

Please understand if you sign up for a field trip you are making a commitment to attend. You will be added to the field trip list once you have filled out the necessary forms online and paid the fee/s. You are not considered signed up until the fees are paid.

Direct Field Trip questions to Jenny Haendeler, our Field Trip Coordinator.

Library

The Library is in Portable 3. This space is available for study and quiet conversation. Anyone creating a disruption may be asked to leave the area. K-2 grade students must have a supervising adult. 3-10th graders may use the library unattended so long as they adhere to library behavior expectations. Students who are disruptive will lose this privilege. If you are only perusing, please return books to the appropriate shelf. Use the shelf markers to help you.  If you are returning a checked out book, please place it in the correct “Check In” area.  Email Kathleen Warren with library related questions. 

Family Room/Preschool Room

• Hours: Mon/Wed 8:30 a.m.– 3:45 p.m.
• Tues/Thurs 12 p.m.– 1p.m.
• The Family Room and preschool/ play area are shared spaces. The families who use them are responsible for keeping them clean.
• If you store items in the fridge, please make sure your name is clearly marked on them, and that they are disposed of when necessary.
• Anyone who uses any kitchen item is responsible for cleaning up after themselves.
• Tables and other surfaces should be kept clean and wiped down after use.
• The dishwasher is run every day, and needs to be emptied each morning. Dishes should be rinsed before being placed in the dishwasher.
• Infants and toddlers have priority with the floor mat and toys in this area.
• Any children playing in the preschool area must be supervised by either an adult or an older (teenage) student volunteer. It must be clear who is supervising the area.
• Sofas are for sitting, chatting, doing homework, reading to small children, etc.
• Due to a persistent ant problem no food is permitted in the play area.
• Snacks should be eaten at the tables and away from the floor mat and sofas.
• Families using the play area are responsible for making sure all toys are returned and the area is left neat and tidy.
• Parents are responsible for sanitizing toys.

Lost and Found

A Lost and Found box is located in the Family Room; unclaimed lost items will be donated to charities throughout the year. Please claim your items in a timely manner. We take several trash bags worth of lost items to charity each year.

Parking Lot

The designated H.O.M.E. Program parking is behind our wing of the building and the small lot to the south of our building. Please use the walkway between the portables and our building to walk to the north entrance, rather than using the roadway. Please use extra caution while backing out or driving in the parking lot in an effort to keep all of our children and families safe. Parents are responsible for children walking through the parking lot. Children should not be playing in or near the parking lot at any time. 

Courtyard

Students are welcome to use the outdoor tables between the portables when there is good weather. Families may sit at tables/benches. Remind children to walk on the ramps to and from the portables. Remember that classes may be in session in the portables and be respectful of them. Throw away trash in the proper receptacle. Students K-5 must have a parent/guardian outside with them at all times.

Required State Assessments

The state assessments will give parents a lot of good information, and students will be encouraged to participate in all available assessments during the year. Students in grades 3-8 & 10 are required to take the Smarter Balanced Language Arts and Math assessments each spring. 5th and 8th grade students also take the science assessment. A parent must give written notice of refusal if an enrolled student will not be taking one of these exams. While the student is not penalized for such refusal, it will result in a score of zero which will be calculated into the total score published for the H.O.M.E. Program and the Renton School District. If a student is working toward a Renton School District diploma, he/she may use the Smarter Balanced scores to show proficiency in ELA and Math.

Hallways

We have “quiet hallways” during classes. Please speak quietly when visiting with others. The family room is an appropriate room for social time with inside voices. Remember to use walking feet in the building. Backpacks and other personal items need to be stored in lockers. Items left in the hallway may be removed and put in the lost and found.

We have a great program full of wonderful families. The H.O.M.E. Program depends on the volunteer efforts of parents and students. All families are required to volunteer. If for some reason you are unable to fulfill these responsibilities, you may assign a caregiver, relative or friend to volunteer on your behalf.  

Volunteers must fill out the Renton School District Volunteer and Visitor application online. 

Please note the level of parent involvement when enrolling students in classes. All classes for students in grades K-3 and various other classes for older students such as science, art and theater arts may require an above average level of parent involvement.  All teachers appreciate help (even the high school classes!)

Parent/guardian must volunteer to maintain the kitchen & family room clean up and monitoring. Please note that failure to maintain the Family Room poses health risks as well as inconveniences for staff and the community. If the Family Room cannot be adequately maintained, we may need to close it or restrict access until we can assure appropriate sanitation is being maintained.

We also request that students age 12 and over volunteer as well, especially if the parent is dropping him or her off at school. High School students can log these hours on their volunteer log sheet for graduation, which meets the Renton School District graduation requirements.

Be proactive. If you have some time, please check in with the teachers to see how you can help!

Typical Volunteer Jobs • Clean kitchen, refrigerator, dishes, tables, etc. • Help teachers grade papers • Decorate a bulletin board, cut things out, etc. • PTSA activities, such as food donation, set up or clean up for events, selling items for fundraisers, etc. • Make copies for teachers • Take photos for the yearbook • Clean the preschool area • Classroom support • Monitor Family Room • Theatre class productions • Lab set up for science • Field Day • Multicultural Night •Movie Night

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.

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.

HOME Program Emergency (Safety) Situations

In emergency safety situations there are 4 potential stances that a school might take.

Normal Operations

Often there are emergent safety events that do not necessitate any building wide response. In these situations students, families and staff continue with their daily activities while other staff members (building administrators, security staff, healthcare staff) attend to those in need.

Hold

Teachers lock their classroom doors and continue with instruction inside of the room.

Secure

Secure occurs when there is a potential danger outside of the building. There may be police activity in the area, an animal control issue or something else entirely. During a secure protocol all the perimeter doors will be locked and students, families and staff will be brought inside of the building or portables if they are outside. Inside of the classrooms activities can continue as usual.

Lockdown

A lockdown is initiated when there is a threat or hazard inside the school building. You will hear “LOCKDOWN! LOCKS, LIGHTS, OUT OF SIGHT!” Doors are locked, turn off the lights, move away from windows, maintain silence, DO NOT open door. 

Run/Hide/Fight

This occurs when the threat is no longer contained outside of the campus. In this situation each classroom may need to make their own decision to keep everyone safe.

Procedures For Emergency Situations

An emergency situation may be called in any of the following ways:

• Called over the PA to the entire campus from either the HOME or RA offices.
•  A phone call between the RA and HOME offices.
• HOME may call classrooms individually on the phone, walk door to door (depending on circumstance), or call over the PA system.
• As soon as possible, the HOME Facilitator will send a Parent Square notification when the emergency situation begins and ends.

The H.O.M.E. Program aligns with RSD policies and procedures regarding medications and supporting students with life threatening health conditions. Students with life-threatening health conditions must be accompanied by their supervising adult unless or until they have completed the required paperwork.

The only people who can administer medication are:

1. Legal Guardians can administer medication to their children
2. Trained RSD staff members who are on shift can administer medication with the appropriate orders and documentation. Healthcare forms and more information on supporting students with life threatening medical conditions are available on the district's website. 

Health Information

Students who become ill at school should be taken home as soon as possible. Children with an elevated temperature (over 100 degrees) must be taken home immediately. For students over 12, if we are unable to reach parents, the person designated by parents as an emergency contact will be called to arrange care until a parent is available. Injuries are handled in a similar manner. The school will administer basic first aid if a parent is not available, but if there is any question as to the seriousness of an injury, parents will be notified immediately. School personnel are not allowed to administer medication without written authorization from a physician. For severe injuries or illnesses, 911 may be called. 

Illnesses

If you and/or your child have a fever (over 99 degrees ), are coughing, sneezing, vomiting, or have diarrhea, stay at home until you have been well for 48 hours prior to returning to school. If your family is ill (including babies who would be cared for in the family room), please stay home.  Consult the Renton School District guidelines to know when to stay home. 

While cell phones and other personal devices are a regular part of our modern world, they present challenges and distractions in the classroom, particularly when not used appropriately or responsibly.

In alignment with the District Mission, "Each student graduating with options and prepared to participate fully in our democracy," the Renton School District has developed guidance outlining clear expectations for the use of electronic devices at school in order to maximize instructional time, minimize disruptions, and support a focused and respectful learning environment. The H.O.M.E. Program aligns with the Renton School District's cell phone policy.

Personal communication devices cannot be used during class periods.  Personal communication devices must be "out of sight and silent" during class. Personal communication devices include cell phones, earbuds, and smart watches.

Enforcement and Consequences

If a student uses their cell phone during class time, the following progressive discipline steps will take place on each offense. 

1. Teacher will redirect student and ask them to put the phone away.
2. Phone will be stored in the HOME Program office for one class period.
3. Parent Conference will be scheduled with the HOME Program Facilitator and the phone will remain in the office for the whole school day.
4. Phone will stay in the office for the school day and the parent will need to pick it up at the end of the day.