Olympia School District

Superintendent’s Message

 

Hello Olympia School District families and community,

 

As we move deeper into fall, hopefully you and your students are finding your stride. The school year is now in full swing and our classrooms are engaged. The brilliant color of the trees around Olympia reminds me of why the poet William Cullen Bryant once described autumn as “the year’s last, loveliest smile.”

Across our district, our equally brilliant students are learning, connecting and growing in inspiring ways. At Reeves Middle School, students recently joined community members at Squaxin Park to honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day—an experience filled with drumming, dancing and reflection on our connection to the land. Our youngest learners in the Infant-Toddler Program took a joyful trip to the Hands On Children’s Museum, where they explored, played and learned alongside their families. And later today, our Transition Services and Project SEARCH Team will host an Informational Night for families of students with disabilities, helping them explore pathways toward life after high school.

These are just a few examples of the powerful learning experiences and community outreach happening across Olympia School District every day. I am grateful to our students, staff, families and partners for their care and collaboration.

Wishing you a wonderful fall season,

Warm regards,

Patrick Murphy

 

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Honoring Loved Ones Through Día de los Muertos

With fall upon us, several schools are celebrating Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a vibrant Mexican tradition that honors the lives of those who have passed away. Through colorful art, storytelling and community collaboration, students are learning about remembrance, love and cultural appreciation.

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican tradition that began thousands of years ago with ancient Indigenous cultures such as the Olmecs, Maya and Aztecs. The holiday, celebrated on November 1 and 2, honors loved ones who have passed away and reminds people that death is a natural part of life. Families create colorful altars, or ofrendas, decorated with marigolds, candles, photos, papel picado (cut paper designs), and favorite foods and drinks of the deceased. Skulls, or calaveras, made from materials like sugar, clay, or paper, are also common decorations that celebrate life and memory with creativity and color.

 

Lincoln Elementary School: Art and Remembrance

At Lincoln Elementary, students in Spanish class created portraits of loved ones to add to the school’s ofrenda, a special altar honoring those who have died. Parent volunteers assisted with the initial setup, while students add their artwork and personal touches. “Our ofrenda is a beautiful way for students to express love and gratitude for people who have shaped their lives,” said Spanish teacher, Jimena Flor Mar. “It connects language, art and emotion in such a meaningful way.”

Kindergarten student Lucy shared, “I like drawing and thinking about the people I draw. I think giving art to my family is like giving them a hug. I like the altar at the school and my classroom because it makes me think about my family.”

Fifth grader Eliza added, “I like drawing and it is nice to remember the family that is now gone. I drew my great uncle Applejack and my great grandma Teny. I like having the ofrenda at the school.”

 

Roosevelt Elementary School: A Tradition of Healing and Connection

Four years ago at Roosevelt Elementary their ofrenda began as a way to honor those lost during the pandemic and has become a cherished annual tradition. Families, staff and students come together to design and build the ofrenda, grow marigolds in the school garden and share photos of loved ones.

“The ofrenda has become more than a display; it’s a space where our community pauses to reflect, remember and honor life,” said Nancy Swanson, Olympia School District Bilingual Family Engagement Specialist. “Every year, it reminds us of the love and connection that continue to unite our school.”

This thoughtful project, supported by the Roosevelt community, fills the hallways with color, reflection and heartfelt stories that spark curiosity and compassion among students.

 

Pioneer Elementary School: Celebrating Life Through Shared Stories

At Pioneer Elementary, the Día de los Muertos display provides students with a powerful opportunity to share memories and celebrate lives once lived.

“Seeing the kids’ faces the first time they see the ofrenda is one of the most special things,” shared Kristi Rutledge, Pioneer Elementary School Behavior Technician and coordinator of the event. “I love hearing their stories about each picture because it really brings focus to the life the person or pet lived.”

This tradition aligns closely with the school’s commitment to supporting emotional well-being. Rutledge explained, “After more than ten years working with children’s grief support groups, I see how important it is to normalize conversations about death and grief. Día de los Muertos is a perfect way to honor and celebrate loved ones while helping students feel safe sharing their feelings.”

Across the district, Día de los Muertos reminds us that remembrance can be both joyful and healing. These school celebrations not only teach cultural traditions but also foster empathy, connection and community. As bright marigolds and colorful portraits fill our school hallways, they serve as a powerful reminder: love endures through memory.

 

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School board approves Technology, Safety and Facility Improvement Replacement Levy election

The Olympia School Board has unanimously agreed to place a Technology, Safety and Facility Improvement Replacement Levy proposal before voters on the February 10, 2026, Special Election ballot.

The proposed replacement levy is not a new tax. It would replace an expiring four-year technology and safety levy approved by voters in February 2022. The levy would raise an estimated $72.9 million over a four-year period (2027-2030).

“The Technology, Safety and Facility Improvement Replacement Levy reflects our community’s ongoing commitment to student success and well-being,” said School Board Director Scott Clifthorne. “It ensures that every school has up-to-date technology, safe and welcoming spaces and the resources needed for high-quality learning.”

• Check out our Tech, Safety and Facility Replacement Levy 2026 website

 

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Reeves Honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day at Squaxin Park

On Monday, October 13, 2025, nearly 125 students from Reeves Middle School walked from their school to Squaxin Park to join the community celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. As they moved through the forest, the walk became part of the experience—an opportunity to reflect on the land and the towering trees around them. One speaker captured the feeling, noting they “sat amongst giants—the cedars, hemlocks, Douglas firs, and big leaf maple trees.”

The celebration carried special meaning for the Olympia School District, which rests on the ancestral territory of the Squaxin, Cowlitz, Coast Salish and Nisqually People. The district is committed to ongoing dialogue and partnership with Tribal neighbors and honors the elders, past and present, who have stewarded this land for generations.

At the park, members of the Squaxin Island Tribe welcomed the crowd and shared stories of their history, culture and deep connection to the land. They described themselves as the People of the Water to honor their long-standing relationship with the rivers, bays and surrounding waters. As students listened, they were invited to learn through experience by observing, reflecting and participating.

When the Tribe’s drummers began the traditional Frog Song, students were encouraged to join in the dance. Reeves MS Paraeducator and chaperone Stephanie Booth called it a highlight of the day. “Seeing the students step forward and take part in the Frog Song was wonderful,” she said. “They were learning through joy and movement.”

Several eighth grade students reflected on the experience and what stood out to them throughout the day. Kat Phillips shared that the celebration deepened her understanding of traditions she already knew. Classmate Kai Higgins said she enjoyed helping press apple cider and appreciated the sense of togetherness the event created. “It was special to see the community come together to learn about the people and cultures,” Kai said.

For Phoebe Kronland, the day left a lasting impression. “The speakers helped me feel connected to the nature that surrounded us. It was a really powerful day,” she said.

Jace Clark agreed. “It was inspiring to learn from the elders and witness the deep roots and culture of the Squaxin Tribe,” he said.

The celebration ended with shared food, conversation and song, a fitting close to a day centered on gratitude, learning and connection. For the Reeves Rams, it was more than a field trip. It was an opportunity to honor the stories and stewardship of the people who have long called this land home.

 

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Remember to vote in the November 4 General Election

Thurston County residents interested in voting in the November 4, 2025, General Election may register to vote in person through Election Day.

• November 4, 2025: General Election - Deposit your ballot in an official drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

 

Register to Vote

Registration is easy and secure, available online, by mail using a paper form or at a county elections office. Check your registration at VoteWA.gov.

 

Qualifications for Registering to Vote

To register to vote in the state of Washington, you must be:

• A citizen of the United States

• A legal resident of Washington state

• At least 18 years old

• If you are 16 or 17, you can sign up as a Future Voter and be automatically registered to vote when you qualify.

• A 17-year-old who will be 18 by the November Election can vote in the Primary Election.

• Not disqualified from voting due to a court order

• Not currently serving a sentence of total confinement in prison under the jurisdiction of the

• Department of Corrections for a Washington felony conviction

• Not currently incarcerated for a federal or out-of-state felony conviction

 

Olympia School Board Candidates

The Olympia School District has two school board director positions (District 3 and District 5) on the November 4, 2025, General Election ballot. Candidates for each seat are listed below in the order they will appear on the Thurston County Elections ballot:

• District 3: The two candidates currently vying for the District 3 position are Renee Fullerton and Rhyan Smith. The seat is currently held by Director Darcy Huffman.

• District 5: The two candidates currently vying for the District 5 position are Emily Leddige and Gilbert Lamont. The seat is currently held by Director Scott Clifthorne.

 

Ballot Drop Box Locations

 

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Congratulations to Olympia School District’s fourteen Commended Scholars, as well as two Semifinalists, recognized in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. These students are being honored for their exceptional academic promise through this prestigious program, which began in 1955 and recognizes top-performing high school students across the country.

“The National Merit Scholarship is a prestigious academic award based on students’ performance on the PSAT/NMSQT, which they take in eleventh grade,” said Capital High School Counselor Nicole Sande. “Scoring well can open doors to college scholarships, recognition and opportunities for academic advancement. Participating in the PSAT shows initiative, prepares students for future testing and could lead to significant college and financial benefits.”

Each year, about 1.5 million students take the PSAT/NMSQT. From those entrants, about 34,000 are named Commended Scholars and about 16,000 (representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors) qualify as Semifinalists.

 

How the Selection Works

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) uses a student’s Selection Index score, calculated by doubling the Reading and Writing section score, adding the Math section score and dividing the total by 10. These scores are used to identify high scorers who meet entry requirements for recognition.

Commended Scholars are honored for their outstanding academic potential and receive Letters of Commendation through their schools. While they do not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships, some may be considered for special scholarships sponsored by corporations and organizations.

Semifinalists are the highest scorers in each state and have the opportunity to continue in the competition for Merit Scholarship awards. They will be notified through their schools and sent scholarship application materials in September 2026.

 

Next Steps

From Semifinalist to Finalist. To advance to Finalist standing, Semifinalists must meet several additional requirements. They must continue to meet all program entry rules, remain enrolled in high school with plans to attend college full-time the following fall and be endorsed by their high school principal. Finalists must maintain an excellent academic record, complete the National Merit Scholarship Application, including an essay, and take the SAT or ACT to confirm their earlier PSAT/NMSQT performance. About 95 percent of Semifinalists achieve Finalist standing.

As they celebrate this recognition, Olympia School District’s Commended Scholars and Semifinalists are looking forward to completing their senior year and pursuing their future aspirations, from earning specialized degrees to attending four-year universities.
Congratulations to all of our students being recognized for their hard work, dedication and academic excellence.

• Chloe Dang

• Chloe Eiswald

• Jasper Fot

• Phoebe Goh

• Noah Hagelberg (Semifinalist)

• Nathan Horowitz

• Vy Le

• Shruthi Lingam Nattamai

• Garrett Maresh

• Rowan Morgan-Pomush

• Anoova Sattar

• Maegan Shen

• Matthew Shen

• Verite Yanasak

• Eric Zhang (Semifinalist)

• Zion Zhao

 

To learn more about the PSAT/NMSQT, the qualification process and the 7,590 scholarships that will be awarded in 2027, students and families can connect with their school’s College and Career Readiness Center or visit the National Merit Scholarship Corporation website.

• OSD National Merit Scholarship Facebook Post

 

  

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Guaranteed Admissions Program available for qualifying students

Olympia School District has partnered with the Guaranteed Admissions Program (GAP) and several colleges and universities to provide qualifying students with increased access to higher education. Juniors will receive information about the program, while qualifying seniors may receive guaranteed admission letters from up to eight Washington state colleges and universities.

To participate, parents must grant permission for the release of their students' information for higher education through Qmlaltiv (Skyward) Family Access. Eligibility generally requires a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher and completion of all College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADRs). Students must still apply to their chosen schools and pay any required application fees to be fully accepted. Receiving a guaranteed admission letter does not automatically confirm that all college requirements have been met.

 

Participating colleges and universities (Qualifying Juniors and Seniors)

 

• Central Washington University (CWU)

• Eastern Washington University (EWU)

• The Evergreen State College

• University of Washington Tacoma (UW-T)

• Washington State University (WSU)

• Western Washington University (WWU)

 

Private Institutions (Qualifying Seniors)

 

• Pacific Lutheran University (PLU)

• Saint Martin’s University (SMU)

 

The Guaranteed Admissions Program is designed to help students connect early with higher education and plan their next steps with confidence. For students and families interested in learning more, visit the Guaranteed Admissions Program webpage for detailed information about eligibility, participating colleges and next steps to participate.