Superintendent’s Message
Hello Olympia School District families and community,
I hope you’ve all had a wonderful summer and are beginning to find the groove of the new school year. We’ve had a fantastic start to the 2024-25 school year, due in no small part to the dedication and hard work of our staff, the enthusiasm of our students and the unwavering support of our community. The energy across our district is palpable. I’m pleased to report that enrollment across the district is up a little bit over projections this year, mainly at high school, which is always beneficial.
The school year began on an uplifting note on the first day with the School Board President and I taking a ride on Bus Route 31, guided by the exceptional skills of our bus driver, Susan Nussler. We had the pleasure of joining students from LP Brown Elementary School, Jefferson Middle School and Capital High School. It was the perfect way to kick off the school year, seeing first-hand the anticipation and excitement as students arrived for their first day with their families warmly seeing them off. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Susan and all of our dedicated bus drivers who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of our students on a daily basis.
One of the more exciting events marking our return to school this year was the Spaghetti Bowl — a time-honored tradition bringing together the spirited rivalry between Capital and Olympia High Schools that goes back decades. This year’s Spaghetti Bowl festivities were particularly special, as they featured thrilling football and volleyball games and showdowns in soccer and golf. All events were enjoyed by huge crowds of students, families and fans. A highlight for me was seeing the combined bands from both schools playing together including each other’s fight songs, showcasing the unity that makes our community so strong. It was a wonderful few days and nights, filled with camaraderie and friendly competition and I’m grateful for everyone who contributed to making it such a success.
Here are a few reminders of things to keep in mind in the days and weeks ahead:
Walk N Roll Initiative
I would like to highlight our district’s and county’s continued focus on promoting healthy and sustainable ways to get to school. The Walk N Roll initiative with InterCity Transit encourages students to walk or bike to school when possible. This not only promotes physical health but also reduces traffic congestion around our schools. We are seeing increased participation this year, and I want to thank our families for supporting this initiative. Check out the 2024-25 Walk N Roll Schedule to see participating schools, meet-up locations and dates.
Panorama Fall Climate Survey
Beginning Monday, September 23, 2024, through Monday, October 7, 2024, students, staff and families in grades 3-12 are invited to participate in our annual Panorama Fall Climate Survey. This survey is a critical tool for us as we work to better understand the needs and experiences of our school community. Your feedback helps guide our decision-making, so we encourage all who are eligible to participate.
Olympia School District Foundation Breakfast
Once again, don’t miss the Olympia Education Foundation ‘Rise and Shine for Students’ Breakfast, which will be held the morning of Friday, October 4, at Capital High School. This is an excellent opportunity to support programs that directly benefit our students. I encourage everyone to attend and be part of this impactful event.
Communications Review
Lastly, as part of our ongoing efforts to improve our processes, we will be conducting a district-wide communications review this fall. This process will begin with a district-wide survey at the end of the month, and I encourage all stakeholders to provide their input. We are always looking for ways to enhance communication to better serve our community and your insights and perspective are invaluable to this process.
Thank you all for your continued support and partnership as we embark on another exciting school year. Together, we can make this year one of growth, learning and achievement for every student in the Olympia School District.
Warm regards,
Patrick Murphy
Celebrate Walk to School Month in October
With fall now upon us, October beckons families to lace up their shoes or grab their bikes for Walk to School Month. This global event, which takes place in over 40 countries, encourages students and parents to leave their cars behind, explore their neighborhoods and embrace a new journey to school.
As part of Walk to School Month, the Olympia School District is taking part in Intercity Transit's Walk N Roll program that promotes walking, biking and rolling to school. These acts help foster community, boost physical activity, lessen traffic congestion and enhance air quality near schools. Families are geared up and ready to get involved, as Pioneer Elementary School parent Lindsey shared, "Our family participates in Walk N Roll because it's nice to have some movement before the school day. I'm grateful we have a neighborhood school close by, plus my kids love walking and riding with friends."
Olympia School Board Director, Jess Tourtellotte-Palumbo read the Walk to School proclamation at the September 12, 2024, OSD Board meeting, reminding folks that in October, people worldwide will participate in events to promote the health and environmental benefits of walking and biking to school. Pioneer student Alden agreed, noting, "It's really fun, and we get lots of exercise!"
Please remember to slow down and follow speed limits near schools. Help ensure safety by putting away your cell phone, reducing speed, watching pedestrian crossings, and being ready to stop. View a calendar of all the Walk N Roll events.
Helpful Tips for Walk n’ Rollers
-
Use sidewalks when possible
-
Cross streets at intersections and crosswalks
-
Always look both ways before crossing the street
-
Pay attention and listen to crossing guards
-
Watch and listen carefully at driveways and other exits and entrances
-
Know your route and walk with others
-
Don’t talk to strangers
The Spaghetti Bowl Filled Plates, Hearts and Ingersoll Stadium
The atmosphere was simmering with excitement at Ingersoll Stadium as the 2024-25 football season kicked off the evening of September 6, 2024. Capital High School and Olympia High School once again took the field for their historic Spaghetti Bowl matchup. This long-standing rivalry began in 1976, and nearly 50 years later, the passion and support have not wavered. This time-honored tradition begins with a hearty Spaghetti dinner and equally robust entertainment. Capital and Olympia Cheer and Dance Teams performed in the OHS Commons as the food was being served and the evening kicked off. “The revived dinner brought back so many great memories from over a decade ago,” said OHS principal Matt Grant.
It was a scorcher with temperatures hitting 90 degrees, but that certainly did not hinder attendance. Chris Eagan and King 5 News documented the night as part of the Big Game of the Week series, and was it ever! Nearly 5,000 students, staff and community members filled Ingersoll Stadium. “Nights like tonight show the community that athletics create,” said a Bears alum who had just purchased their Spaghetti Bowl T-shirt. The youngest fans were excited to see the players and just as happy to see the Olympia Fire Department and Olympia Police Department crews there supporting the event.
Both student sections were loud and proud in navy/white and red/gold. There was no shortage of spirit from either side of the stadium as the student sections stood for the duration of the game, cheering and chanting to encourage their teams. The combined band from CHS and OHS truly rocked the stadium, performing throughout the game. At halftime the band even queued up some music that spanned generations, bringing back ‘remember when’ moments of games from the past. The Cougar and Bear Cheer and Dance Teams put on quite the show at halftime proving that you do not need wings to fly, wowing the crowd with high-flying stunts that only added to the energy in the stadium.
The lead was swapped back and forth throughout the game, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final seconds ticked off the clock. The Cougars struck first, but the Bears rallied back to score on consecutive possessions, taking the lead 14-7. The Cougars answered with a touchdown of their own, tying the game 14-14 with time running down in the fourth quarter. The Bears were able to battle back and score with less than a minute remaining on the game clock to earn the "W".
“The Spaghetti Bowl will likely go down as a highlight of my year," said Condee Wood, CHS Principal. "I was inspired by the collaboration of our bands, dance teams and cheerleaders, as well as the awesome sportsmanship displayed by our football teams, students and parents. Our students demonstrated class and spirit and made me very proud to be the principal of Capital High School."
Grant couldn’t agree more: “It was great to see our community celebrating our students throughout the district and starting the year with so much positive energy.” Fans, family, and community members for both teams commemorated the evening with postgame photos of their favorite players out on the field, showing their shared passion for this renewed rivalry.
With the season underway and heading into week four, we look forward to seeing the successes of both teams in their respective leagues (South Sound Conference 3A and South Puget Sound 4A). For ticketing information for Capital or Olympia High School sporting events visit the GoFan website.
Schools Kick Off the 2024-25 School Year in Style
Olympia School District families had a wonderful time connecting at back-to-school socials and orientations across the district. These fun events provided an excellent opportunity for parents, students and their building staff to engage with one another. The events featured various activities to foster community spirit, including games, informational booths and opportunities to meet teachers and staff.
Families appreciated the opportunity to come together with their neighbors and classmates, while students were thrilled to connect with old friends, check out classrooms and play on the playground. “It was great to see so many families excited to start the year off,” said Garfield paraeducator April Pigue.
At Garfield Elementary School families were invited to a back-to-school dinner. The air was filled with the aroma of a summer BBQ, and the food was sublime. GES staff hung out and shared a meal with current and former students and their families. Students were excited to see their friends and share hugs and laughter while reconnecting after a long summer. The Cheetah PTA was also on-site with bead crafts and bracelets (#GarfieldEra) and fun school swag for sale.
At McLane Elementary School, the PTSO welcomed their youngest owls (and families) with an inviting 'Java Jitters Coffee Connection' meet and mingle. Parents gathered in the school garden after dropoff to connect with their fellow nervous/excited McLane parents and enjoy the opportunity to talk, connect and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea.
Hansen Elementary School hosted a dual-purpose event, inviting families to celebrate back to school, while also unveiling their new playground equipment to the HES community. “The energy was high as our students returned to meet their teachers, enjoy free ice cream and try out our brand new playground equipment,” shared Callie Jones, Hansen's new Principal. The Hansen Community Council (HCC) was even nice enough to provide a wide variety of ice cream bars for all students and their families to enjoy. The evening concluded with a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the new playground equipment, with joint funding from HCC and OSD. "Our families had a great time and our Hansen Hawks are so excited to have new activities on the playground!” said Jones.
These are just a few of the events that took place across the district to get families excited about the 2024-25 school year, bringing our community together by celebrating learning and connection!
Student Representatives Amplify Student Voice
The Olympia School District Board of Directors welcomes our 2024-25 Student Representatives:
-
Declan Borden, 11th grade, Olympia Regional Learning Academy (ORLA)
-
Kellan Eggleston, 11th grade, Capital High School
-
Vy Le, 11th grade, Olympia High School
-
Sovana Roberts, 12th grade, Avanti High School
OSD's student representatives are crucial in bridging the gap between the student body and the board of directors and ensuring that the student perspective is included in the school district's decision-making processes.
"I became a student board representative because I saw a gap in how student concerns were being addressed," said school board representative Vy Le. "I want to make sure students have a real say in decisions about policies that affect them. That's why the other board representatives and I are starting a Student-Led Advisory Council (SLAC) to help guide us. It's a great way to bring in voices from all kinds of student demographics across our schools."
Are you a high school student who wants to share your thoughts and ideas to help shape policies that work for everyone and strengthen our school community? Olympia School District's Student-Led Advisory Council is accepting applications from current OSD sophomores, juniors and seniors.
Volunteer during the 2024-25 school year
Do you plan to help out at your students' school, chaperone field trips or provide classroom or recess support during the 2024-25 school year? Each year, volunteers must complete an online or paper volunteer application.
We are so fortunate to have had more than 4,400 registered volunteers during the 2023-24 school year, donating a remarkable 44,000-plus hours to help our students succeed.
Volunteers fill numerous roles across our district, including tutoring, mentoring, chaperoning field trips and assisting in the classroom. They also play a crucial role in supporting the success of our students and teachers.
If you are interested in volunteering, please visit the link below for more information and to complete the online application. Paper copies of volunteer applications are available at your school front office or the Knox 111 Administrative Center.
Community Resources for Youth and Families
The Olympia School District Resources for Youth and Families webpage offers access and connections to local resources that support families and students experiencing challenges.
Are you or your family looking for information about support groups, crisis lines, help with meals or bills, social and emotional wellness, or tips for taming toddler temper tantrums? Our Resources for Youth and Families webpage has all that and much more.
Whether you're a family new to the district, or just wondering where to go to find answers to specific questions you've never known how to answer, this is a great place to start.
3D Printed OSD Community Mosaic
Join us in contributing to the 3D-printed OSD Community Mosaic project, set to be displayed in the Knox 111 Administrative Center!
Designed by former Olympia High School student Orion Hoppe (class of 2024) in collaboration with the Maker's Den, this mosaic is inspired by the 'We the Builders' project. Andrew Woodbridge's Advanced 3D Design & Fabrication students at OHS will manage and assemble the project.
If you have access to a 3D printer, we invite staff, students, families, and community members to request a part to create!
To learn more about this creative collaboration and the timeline to submit a piece follow the link below:
October 2024
OSD Notice of Nondiscrimination
The Olympia School District will provide equal educational opportunity and treatment for all students in all aspects of the academic and activities program without discrimination based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. The district will provide equal access to school facilities to the Boy Scouts of America and all other designated youth groups listed in Title 36 of the United States Code as a patriotic society. District programs will be free from sexual harassment. Auxiliary aids and services will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities.
The Olympia School District offers many Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs/courses in the following areas: Skilled and Technical Sciences/STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics); Agriculture/Natural Resources; Business Marketing; Family and Consumer Sciences; and Health Sciences. For more information about CTE course offerings and admissions criteria, contact Paula Perryman, Director of College and Career Readiness, 111 Bethel St. N.E., Olympia, WA 98506, (360) 596-6102. Lack of English language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in CTE programs.
The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies, reports of alleged sexual harassment, concerns about compliance, and/or grievance procedures:
James Whitehead, Title IX Officer
Knox 111 Administrative Center, 111 Bethel St. N.E., Olympia, WA 98506
(360) 596-8545
[email protected]
Autumn Lara, Executive Director of Elementary Education
Knox 111 Administrative Center, 111 Bethel St. N.E., Olympia, WA 98506
(360) 596-8534
[email protected]
Ken Turcotte, Section 504 and ADA Coordinator (Students)
Knox 111 Administrative Center, 111 Bethel St. N.E., Olympia, WA 98506
(360) 596-7530
[email protected]
Starla Hoff, ADA Coordinator (Staff)
Knox 111 Administrative Center, 111 Bethel St. N.E., Olympia, WA 98506
(360) 596-6185
[email protected]
Scott Niemann, Affirmative Action Officer and Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator
Knox 111 Administrative Center, 111 Bethel St. N.E., Olympia, WA 98506
(360) 596-6185
[email protected]
Paula Perryman, Director of College and Career Readiness
Knox 111 Administrative Center, 111 Bethel St. N.E., Olympia, WA 98506
(360)-596-6102
[email protected]
All six individuals may also be contacted at 111 Bethel St. N.E., Olympia, WA, 98506.