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Highlander Highlights - Hazen's Weekly Newsletter

The Weekly Highlander Highlights

 

 

 




 


November 10th through November 16th

Happy Week 12 of Tri 1!
Here's what you can look forward to for this next week and beyond, plus a recap from events last week.

Alternative Bell Schedule for November 24th

 

Alternative Bell Schedule for November 25th

 

Alternative Bell Schedule for November 26th


Important Reminders

  • PHOTOS ARE HERE! If you ordered a photo packet, please pick it up in the ASB Office
  • Late Start Fridays: 11/14
  • RSD Board Meeting Wed. Nov. 12th at 7pm in the District Board Room
  • Friday Nov. 21st - NO LATE START - SCHOOL WILL START AT 7:20AM
  • Finals Days: Monday Nov. 24th, Tuesday Nov. 25th, and Wednesday Nov. 26th
  • Wednesday November 26th - LAST DAY TRIMESTER 1
  • Monday Nov. 24th and Tuesday Nov. 25th - late start - School Starts at 10:15am both days
  • Wednesday Nov. 26th - Early Release - school will start at 7:20am and dismiss at 10:20am
  • NO SCHOOL - Thursday Nov. 27th, Friday Nov. 28th and Monday Dec. 1st.
  • Tuesday December 2nd - FIRST DAY TRIMESTER 2

Important Schedule Changes for November 2025

  • Friday November 21st - NO LATE START
    • School Starts 7:20am
      • 1st period: 7:20am - 8:24am
      • 2nd period: 8:29am - 10:06am
      • Homeroom: 9:36am - 10:06am
      • 3rd period: 10:11am - 11:15am
      • Lunch: 11:15am - 11:45am
      • 4th period: 11:50am - 12:54pm
      • 5th period: 12:59pm - 2:03pm

PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE ARE THREE DAYS OF FINALS THIS TRIMESTER - EACH WITH THEIR OWN SCHEDULE

  • Monday November 24th
    • First Trimester Finals Day 1
    • School Starts 10:15am
      • 2nd period Finals : 10:15am - 11:50am
      • Lunch: 11:50am - 12:23pm
      • 3rd period Finals: 12:28pm - 2:03pm
  • Tuesday November 25th
    • First Trimester Finals Day 2
    • School Starts 10:15am
      • 4th period Finals : 10:15am - 11:50am
      • Lunch: 11:50am - 12:23pm
      • 5th period Finals: 12:28pm - 2:03pm
  • Wednesday November 26th
    • First Trimester Finals Day 3
    • School Starts 7:20am (Dismissal 10:20am)
      • Study Hall : 7:20am - 8:40am
      • 1st period Finals: 8:45am - 10:20am
  • Thursday November 27th - Thanksgiving
    • NO SCHOOL
  • Friday November 28th - Day After Thanksgiving
    • NO SCHOOL
  • Monday December 1st - Staff Training Day
    • NO SCHOOL

Information About Tri 1 Finals
This year students will have a final assessments in every one of their academic classes. The finals will be given on the last three days of the trimester. (Please see the schedule above and at the top of the newsletter. You can also find the schedules on the Hazen Webpage.) The expectation is that all students are expected to be present on these days to take their finals.

If you know that your student will not be present during one or more of the final days, they must complete a prearranged absence form at least 48 hours before the absence. Forms can be picked up in the main office. Students with prearranged absences must meet with their teachers and create a plan to take their exams BEFORE the end of the trimester. 
If your student is absent on one or more final days for an excused reason, the expectation is that they reach out to their teachers immediately, to create a plan to make-up the missed final(s) during the week directly following the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend.  

Students with unexcused absences and/or those who do not make-up their finale, or take their finals (at all) will receive a grade of 0 on that assessment.

Renton Salvation Army Food Bank (and other resources)
We know that all communities are being impacted by the recent Federal government shutdown and its impact on many in our community, including furloughed federal employees and families experiencing disruptions to SNAP benefits. We understand these challenges may create uncertainty and added stresses for many households. We are working with our Hazen Boosters and other local partners to help brainstorm ways for families within the Hazen community to come together to help support each other and will keep sharing updates as more ideas come about.

One local option right now includes visiting (if you need support) or donating money (if you can offer support) to our local Renton Salvation Army food bank. You can visit their donor page, or find the same page at this link: https://renton.salvationarmy.org/renton_corps/ (click on 'donate' at the top right corner of the page). 

On campus at Hazen, we also have storage bins for the collection of non-perishable food items (canned goods and other packaged/shelf-stable foods) that families/students are invited and encouraged to bring in to donate toward the Renton Salvation Army food bank, as well. We are placing bins by our main entrance and by our counseling reception area, and we invite anyone who can share during this time of need to please consider doing so. 

Additionally, there are several other programs available now for food resources:

Important Reminder about Free and Reduced Meal Program:
All families are also strongly encouraged to complete the Child Nutrition and Education Benefit form to allow the district to continue to apply for the program next year and to help students and families receive important resources like: before and after school academic and enrichment programs; resources for classrooms; guidance and college counselors; health and wellness services, and more.

  • Complete the form online in your Family Skyward Access account (look for the Food Service Application button), or
  • Download the form here, complete and sign it, and email it to RSD.mealform@rentonschools.us or drop off at our school.
  • We wish everyone a safe week and invite you to access these resources and encourage you to help wherever and however you can. 

 

Turkey Basket Drive 2025

Reminders About New Cell Phone Policy
As a reminder for students and families, No Cell Bell to Bell means that at no point in time should a student have their phone out during class time. This includes if the student leaves class to use the restroom, go to the nurse's office, go to the library, or go to visit another class. 

If students are seen out in the hallways during class time with their cell phones, staff will assign them a cell phone pouch for the remainder of the day, just like if they had their phone out in class. 

The following are approved times when students may have their phones:

  • during passing periods between class
  • at lunch
  • before school (prior to 7:20 bell)
  • after school (after 2:03 bell)
  • at the specific direction of their teacher (i.e. if there is a need to use a cell phone to translate, or to do a class activity)

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to your student's administrator, or you can go here to view the district's policy in it's complete form. 

Craig Cooper - Principal
Jody Shuman - Assistant Principal (last names A-F
Nate Meyer - Assistant Principal (last names G-M)
Kelly Jones - Assistant Principal (last names N-Z)

Attendance Matters
Regular school attendance is essential for your child’s success. Students who attend consistently feel better about school, stay on track academically, and are more likely to graduate and succeed after high school.

Why Attendance Matters: 

  • Absences (excused or unexcused) starting in kindergarten can cause students to fall behind.
  • Missing just 2 days per month (18+ days/year) greatly increases risk of academic struggles.
  • Consistent tardiness to school may lead to poor attendance.
  • Chronic absenteeism by 6th grade is a strong warning sign for dropping out.
  • By 9th grade, attendance predicts graduation better than test scores.

Our Promise: 
We know challenges may arise. If your student struggles with attendance, please contact us. Our staff (nurse, counselor, teachers, attendance office) are here to help identify barriers and provide support. We will track attendance and communicate with you as they happen.

What We Need From You: 

  • Call the school if your child will be absent. - Work with us to develop a plan if attendance becomes a concern.
  • Understand that state law (RCW 28A.225) requires children ages 8–17 to attend school (younger if enrolled). It requires us to get your signature to verify that you have received this letter. 

Key Policies: 

  • 3 unexcused absences in a month → required family conference.
  • 5 excused absences in a month or 10 in a year → school will contact you for a meeting (unless excused by doctor/notes).
  • 7 unexcused absences in a month or 15 in a year → school must file a petition with juvenile court. You and your student may need to appear in juvenile court if your student continues to be truant.

How You Can Help:

  • Talk with your child about the importance of attendance.
  • Keep routines consistent (bedtime, morning prep).
  • Schedule appointments outside school hours, when possible.
  • If possible, avoid extended trips when school is in session.
  • Monitor attendance—missing 9+ days risks falling behind. 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your student's attendance, please reach out to our Attendance Specialist or our Dean of Students.

hazen.attendance@rentonschools.us
425-204-4210
artise.burton@rentonschools.us
425-204-4343

School Picture Day Packets are Ready for Pick-Up
Just in time for the holiday season when all families want to exchange photos of their kids -- School Pictures Packets are HERE! 

Please see Ms. Dodson in the ASB office for your picture packet if you ordered one from Dorian Studios. 

The ASB Office is open before school, during lunch, and after school. 

Please Drive Safely in our Parking Lots and Neighborhoods
Dear Highlanders and Families, 

As the days are getting shorter, the mornings are getting darker, and the roads are getting more and more wet - it's time that we start thinking about our driving habits and making sure we are safe in our parking lots and neighborhoods. 

Here are some safety tips for driving during this time of year:

  • make sure your lights are fully on - sometimes with newer cars, the auto-light feature will turn on the lights in the front of the car, but not the rear lights. Please make sure your lights are fully on when you are driving (this is good practice even if it's bright and sunny outside)
  • pay attention to the speed limits - most parking lots have a speed limit of 10mph, and all school zones are 20mph. Slow down, when driving in parking lots and school zones.
  • give yourself extra room - remember to leave room between you and the car in front of you, you never know when someone is going to stop suddenly, and if you don't have enough time to react, you could end up bumping into them. 
  • a lot of times our parking lots are dark in the morning and even with de-icer they can still be super slick and it can be very hard to see ice and water on the road. PLEASE DRIVE SLOW AND CAREFUL in our parking lots. 

 

Senior Section The Road to Graduation

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior Yearbook Information

Submit Senior Portrait
Purchase Senior Ad

Graduation 2026 Canvas Page
To help keep all important graduation and senior information in one place for families, I have created the Graduation 2026 Canvas Page, which I will continue to update throughout the year.
 
All seniors and families are invited to join this course. Students can self-enroll using this URL: https://rentonschools.instructure.com/enroll/36J4HP. Alternatively, they can sign up at https://rentonschools.instructure.com/register and use the following join code: 36J4HP.

So far, we have posted the materials that were shared at Senior Meeting #1 and #2 and will add our 2026 Grad Handbook in January of 2026. We will also post information about Schoolinks, the new High School and Beyond Plan, very soon!

Registration is NOW OPEN for the Senior Grad Event (SGE26)
Early bird registration is just $125 during 1st trimester — prices increase each trimester, so sign up early to save!
The Grad Event is the ultimate end-of-year celebration, taking place right after graduation. Students will enjoy a fun-filled, safe, chaperoned, alcohol- and drug-free overnight party with their classmates — an experience they won’t forget!

Register today at www.hazenboosters.org/sge26
 
To be added to our email list, send an email to HazenSGE26@gmail.com. You can also follow along on Facebook at Hazen Parents Class of 2026 and Instagram at @hazen_gradnight2026.

To make this event affordable for all students, we’ve set a fundraising goal of $25,000-30,000. Here’s how you can help:

  • Now: Purchase a Booster membership and include SGE26 as one of your selections
  • September–November: Husky Concessions (volunteers needed!)
  • October: Poinsettia, wreath, and pie pre-orders
  • October-November: Knife sharpening event
  • November: Yard sign pre-orders
  • March: Plant sale pre-orders
  • April 25: Auction (got something to donate? An item or an experience is a great way to help contribute!)
  • May: Golf scramble

Your participation, whether by volunteering, spreading the word, or joining fundraisers, makes all the difference in creating a memorable graduation night for our seniors.
 

Opportunity Center Haze's College and Career Corner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hazen Athletics

 

 

 




 

Games This Week

  • Hazen Girls Swim and Dive going to State! 

Scores from Last Week

  • Wednesday Nov. 5th
    • C-Team Boys Football @ Lake Washington - cancelled
  • Thursday Nov. 6th
    • Girls Dive Districts
  • Friday Nov. 7th
    • Girls Swim Districts
  • Saturday Nov. 8th
    • Girls Swim Districts
    • Cross Country State Meet

 

Hazen Boosters

 

 

 





Thanksgiving Drive Donations 2025
The annual Thanksgiving Drive is on now. Help make an impact by contributing monetary donations to help provide Thanksgiving meals to members of our community. Donations are accepted through November 23, 2025. Make a pledge today: 
https://hazenboosters.sportngin.com/register/form/623708870

Save the Date: November Auction and Membership Meeting
Mark your calendars! Please join us for the November Auction and Membership Meeting on Wednesday, November 19, from 6:00-8:30 PM in the Hazen Commons. (Please note the new location—due to construction, we’ll be gathering in the Commons this year.)

This meeting is open to everyone, including parents, guardians, staff, and community members. It’s an excellent opportunity to:

  • Hear directly from this year’s Booster Board.
  • Connect with members of the Hazen administrative team.
  • Learn about exciting events, activities, and opportunities happening this year to support our students and build a strong Hazen community.

Join the conversation and see how you can be part of the energy that makes Hazen thrive!

Support Hazen Sports, Grad Events & Clubs – Join the Hazen Booster Club! 
Your membership helps fund student activities, athletics, and graduation events—plus, you can direct 50% of your dues to up to 3 programs of your choice!

  • It's a great way to support Hazen students and connect with other families.
  • Tax-deductible.

Join today: https://hazenboosters.sportngin.com/register/form/807385018 

Knife Sharpening
Support the 2026 Senior Graduation Event and get your knives sharpened any time prior to Thanksgiving! Any time is a great time to have your knives returned to that “just like new” level of sharpness!

Book time with Gabe Harris to have your knives sharpened and returned to you the next day. Here's how it works: We are asking for donations between $1-$2 per inch of steel sharpened. Once we measure all the cutting edges, we will provide you with the total amount and collect your donation when returning your knives.

It's straightforward, and your contribution will make a significant impact to the event. Email gabe.harris1@gmail.com or text 719-393-2407

Onsite date: November 20 from 2:15-5:30 in the Hazen Cafeteria. Bring your knives and have them sharpened while you wait.

Class of 2026 Senior Grad Event Update
Class of 2026 Yard Sign Presales Are LIVE!
Celebrate your graduating senior in style! 

Personalized ($25) or standard ($20) yard signs are now available for preorder.

Personalized orders are open now through March 31, 2026, with pickup in mid-April. Order here: https://hazenboosters.sportngin.com/register/form/349923894 

Don’t wait! Let’s make the neighborhood shine with Class of 2026 pride.

Registration is NOW OPEN for the Senior Grad Event (SGE26)
Early bird registration is just $125 during 1st trimester — prices increase each trimester, so sign up early to save!

The Grad Event is the ultimate end-of-year celebration, taking place right after graduation. Students will enjoy a fun-filled, safe, chaperoned, alcohol- and drug-free overnight party with their classmates — an experience they won’t forget!

Register today at www.hazenboosters.org/sge26 
To be added to our email list, send an email to HazenSGE26@gmail.com. You can also follow along on Facebook at Hazen Parents Class of 2026 and Instagram at @hazen_gradnight2026.

To make this event affordable for all students, we’ve set a fundraising goal of $25,000-30,000. Here’s how you can help:

  • Now: Purchase a Booster membership and include SGE26 as one of your selections
  • September–November: Husky Concessions (volunteers needed!)
  • October: Poinsettia, wreath, and pie pre-orders
  • October-November: Knife sharpening event
  • November: Yard sign pre-orders
  • March: Plant sale pre-orders
  • April 25: Auction (got something to donate? An item or an experience is a great way to help contribute!)
  • May: Golf scramble

Your participation, whether by volunteering, spreading the word, or joining fundraisers, makes all the difference in creating a memorable graduation night for our seniors.

Hazen Booster Board Needs You!
The Hazen Booster Board is seeking to fill several key positions for the upcoming school year, including President, Co-President, Social Media Coordinator, and Treasurer. This year is the perfect chance to shadow current board members and see which role might be the right fit for you. If you’re interested in supporting Hazen students and making a big impact in our school community, please reach out to copresident@hazenboosters.org for more details.
 

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