At HRS, we believe knowledge should be shared, not contained. That’s why the school launched its HRS Learning Center more than a decade ago.

When students, families, or educators need to learn, connect, or find support services, the HRS Learning Center provides key resources, including:

• Tutoring and screening services for students
• Parent education opportunities
• Educator workshops
• Resources about dyslexia
• Student-centered initiatives
• Inspiring speaker series events

Rod Walton is currently in his third year at HRS and is actively expand ng the work of the Learning Center. We sat down with Rod to
learn more about his background, passion for education, and what excites him about serving the community inside and outside our walls.

Q: Tell us about yourself and your professional background.

Originally from Texas, I received my undergraduate degree from Baylor University before attending NYU for graduate studies. My career has spanned education, technology, and public service — including consulting work with global law firms, tech and telecom companies, and government agencies such as the U.S. Department of Education, FBI, SEC, and the European Union. I’ve also served on several boards, including Sitike Counseling Center, the Department of Housing for San Mateo County, Samaritan House,
and the Sierra Club of California.

I remain actively engaged in advocacy through my work on the board of People of Color in Independent Schools (POCISNW) and the Washington Poor People’s Campaign. My goal is to champion equity and meaningful change in every space I serve.

Q: What inspires you about the services and outreach work done through the HRS Learning Center?

Our vision in the HRS Learning Center is rooted in equity and access. We’re building a program where every student and family is seen, heard, and supported. We want to ensure that our services can reach those who need them most — not just those who can more easily find or afford them. I love that we’re committed to meeting every student, parent, and educator where they are in their
learning journey, helping them grow, thrive, and reach the next level. This is not just our mission – it’s our responsibility.

Q: What do you think people might be most surprised to learn about the HRS Learning Center?

Within the HRS community, there is high awareness of our tutoring program, including IEP/Service Plan support. I don’t know how
many people know that we offer online tutoring services to students through a regional and nationwide network of tutors. People might also be surprised to learn that the HRS Learning Center is teaming with the Benjamin Banneker Association, an equity affiliate of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), to open the first West Coast school site Math Room in the association in conjunction with the Hayden Hall Math Resource Center. This will be a monthly experience where the community can drop in for math support and engagement.

Q: What are your biggest projects for the coming year?

Thanks to a grant from Pitch Your Peers (Seattle), Literacy Quest connects King County families with free literacy screenings and reports, benefiting from the expertise of Hamlin Robinson School. In its pilot year, over 100 families participated in screenings — demonstrating the program’s impact and potential. We anticipate at least that many again this year. As part of the grant, we have also developed and offered a related (and highly attended) teacher workshop for King County educators. We will offer two additional workshops this year, helping educators statewide strengthen their literacy instruction and better support students with learning differences.

The Parents of Adolescents and Teens (PAT) Program, Next Steps Program (focused on supporting students with learning differences
as they transition to higher education and the workplace), and our expanding work around executive functioning support are three initiatives we’re focused on growing this year. Each program is designed to meet the evolving needs of students and families through targeted skill building, personalized support, and inclusive learning strategies. We deeply value the community’s participation and support of these programs as we continue to build impactful, equitable opportunities together.

Q: How can the HRS community best support the Learning Center?

Show up and share! The HRS Learning Center offers a variety of learning and engagement experiences for every family, teacher, and advocate. We need you to tell the story of the impact of HRS and the Learning Center — building awareness of the great work that is being done here and creating conversations that will reach the ears of those that need us most. Thank you!