Hazen High School senior Wendy Liang shares robotics insight with Tony Ventrella, Digital Media Host for Seahawks.com, at the Friends of Renton Schools Fundraising Breakfast, April 27.

The Renton business and school community got a peek at what the Renton School District has been up to with its science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs Monday during the sixth annual Friends of Renton Schools Fundraising Breakfast.

The audience got some insight on what students in the district have been learning with a snapshot of some of the gains the district has made in reading, math and STEM related programs.

From elementary students learning STEM concepts with LEGOs and worms to high schoolers winning robotics competitions, the district reported gains in these areas thanks in part to the added support of Friends of Renton Schools.

“Without your generosity we couldn’t go that extra mile,” said Superintendent Merri Rieger.

There has been significant growth in math and all elementary grades now exceed the state in the Measurements of Student Progress or MSP tests, Rieger said.

With another grant of $20,000 from First Financial Northwest Foundation and Friends of Renton Schools, all district elementary schools will have a robotics programs this spring and summer.

In Renton high schools, Rieger reported that there has been significant growth in math, biology and writing. Also according to the superintendent, the district now exceeds the state in students meeting the standard in biology.

Last year, Friends of Renton Schools was able to give the district $190,000 for after school STEM programs and summer science camps.