Principal's Back to School Welcome
August 1, 2024
Greetings Dimmitt Families,
Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year!
As we embark on a new school year, I am filled with enthusiasm and optimism for the journey ahead. This year, we are taking bold steps to enhance our educational experience, ensuring that every Dimmitt scholar feels connected, challenged, and inspired. Our goal is to create a learning environment that not only meets academic standards but also fosters a deep sense of belonging, curiosity, and real-world application.
I am excited to share some of the exciting developments and opportunities we have in store for your child this year.
1. Curriculum Redesign: Centering Community and Relevance This year, we are redesigning our curriculum to place the community at its heart, making learning more meaningful for our scholars. By integrating the community into our lessons, we aim to create a more relevant and engaging educational experience, allowing our scholars to see the direct connections between their schoolwork and the world around them.
2. Applying for IB MYP Accreditation We are proud to announce that we are in the process of applying for International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) accreditation. The IB MYP is a globally recognized educational framework that emphasizes critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and holistic learning. Achieving this accreditation will ensure that our scholars are receiving a high-quality, challenging education that prepares them for success in a rapidly changing world and opens doors for both high school and post-secondary options.
3. Strengthening Belonging Through Celebrations of Learning We believe that a strong sense of belonging is crucial for academic success. To strengthen this, we will be hosting regular celebrations of learning throughout the year. These events will give our scholars the opportunity to showcase their work, reflect on their growth, and celebrate their achievements with their peers, teachers, and families.
4. Learning Beyond the Classroom: Engaging in Learning Expeditions We are committed to bringing learning outside the classroom and into the real world. Our scholars will participate in learning expeditions that allow them to explore new environments, engage with the community, and apply their knowledge in practical, hands-on ways. These experiences will help our scholars develop a deeper understanding of the subjects they study and see the impact of their learning in real life.
5. Expanded Advisory and Science Classes We are excited to expand our advisory options this year! Every Friday, your child will have the opportunity to explore a variety of courses that connect learning with real-world skills and interests. From volunteering and student activism to gardening, chess, first aid and babysitting, these courses will allow scholars to discover new passions and apply their learning in creative ways. Additionally, we are expanding our science program to include 50 hours of engineering and design through our partnerships with career and technical education experts.
High Expectations for a Successful Year We have high expectations for your scholar this year, and we know they can rise to the challenge! We expect scholars to come to school on time, prepared with their charged Chromebook, and ready to push themselves to think critically and engage in meaningful conversations across lines of difference. Your support in reinforcing these expectations at home will be invaluable.
Partnering with You We are excited to partner with you in your child’s education. We would love to have you as a volunteer in our building, whether it’s helping with events, supporting classroom activities, or sharing your own expertise with our scholars. Together, we can make this a year of growth, discovery, and achievement for all of our scholars. We are also eager to continue our work establishing a Dimmitt PTSA. Please reach out to our Dean of Students, Daniela Driscoll, for more information. She can be reached at Daniela.Driscoll@rentonschools.us.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to your child’s education.
We hope you will join us on Thursday, August 22nd from 12:00pm-3:00pm for our annual Back to School Barbeque and Business Day! You can pick up your scholar’s schedule, meet the teaching staff, and connect with friends. You can also purchase a yearbook, pay the one-time fee for the 24/25 school supplies, get your scholar’s NEW lunch number and skyward ID, complete required back-to-school vaccinations, and purchase an ASB card.
If you are unable to attend, we will also have our Back to School Night on Thursday, September 12th from 5:30-7:30pm. More information to come!
First Day of School: Wednesday, August 28th.
No School/Labor Day: Monday, September 2nd
Back to School Night: Thursday, September 12th from 5:30-7:30pm
No School/Professional Day: Friday, October 4th
We look forward to a fantastic school year! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns!
Warm regards,
Tracey Tymczyszyn
Principal
Dimmitt Middle School
Tracey.Tymczyszyn@rentonschools.us
Dimmitt Updates
Assistant Principal Update
Mr. Pollard, Dimmitt Assistant Principal, will be on medical leave until February 2025. We are hopeful for Mr. Pollard’s swift recovery. In the meantime, Mr. Glyn Jenkins will serve as an interim Assistant Principal until Mr. Pollard’s return. Mr. Jenkins joins us from the Federal Way School District and we are grateful for his service in Mr. Pollard’s absence.
New Skyward
Our school district recently upgraded our skyward system. Your scholar will have a NEW ID number that will be used for lunch and skyward family access. You will receive your scholar’s NEW identification number at our Business Day and BBQ on Thursday, August 22nd from 12:00-3:00pm. We apologize but much of our communication has also been limited due to this transfer. Please give us a call or send us an email if you have any questions.
School Picture Day
School picture day will take place on Wednesday, September 11th. Information will be sent home in your scholar’s blue or yellow folder.
Blue or Yellow Folder
All scholars will receive a blue or yellow folder. This folder will be used for the entire school year and will contain important paperwork that should be reviewed by families at home. Please be sure to check this folder daily.
School Supplies
School supplies will be distributed by teachers as needed throughout the year. You can pay a one-time fee of $30.00; or, if you qualify for free or reduced lunch, the one-time fee is $10.00.
ASB Card
Our school plans to host a number of fun events this year! The annual ASB fee helps us cover the cost of these fun events (dances, assemblies, and pep rallies). Please plan to purchase an ASB card ($25.00) at our BBQ and Business Day on Thursday, August 22nd from 12:00-3:00. If you qualify for free and reduced price lunch, the ASB card is free.
Sports Physicals
Your scholar MUST have a sports physical prior to playing sports at Dimmitt Middle School. There is a FREE sports physical clinic on August 14th and 15th at Providence Swedish Performance Center and Clubhouse, 1901 Oakesdale Avenue, SW, Renton. You must make an appointment. Appointments can be found on the RSD website.
Weekly ASB Update
Beginning on Friday, August 30th, our ASB coordinator will send out a weekly ASB bulletin. Be sure to check the bulletin for important events at Dimmitt.
Parent Square
Beginning this school year, our district will change from REMIND to Parent Square. Please consider downloading the ParentSquare APP to receive communication and updates from the school.
Renton School District Chromebook Protection Plan
The Chromebook Protection Plan is an optional (but strongly recommended) annual plan that provides an inexpensive solution for families to lessen the financial burden if their child's Chromebook is significantly damaged, lost, or stolen.
- Chromebook Protection Plan - English pdf document
- Chromebook Protection Plan - Spanish pdf document
- Chromebook Protection Plan - Vietnamese pdf document
Home Hotspot Parent/Guardian Request
If you do not have internet access in the home the district will provide you with a wireless hotspot that provides free access to the internet at home.
This paperwork will be available during Viking Business Day and we will be happy to answer any questions families may have.
Please call the school if you have questions about this exciting opportunity for our students. 425-204-2801