April 24, 2018

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April 24, 2018

 

Superintendent's Message

 

Hello Olympia School District Families and Community,
Patrick Murphy OSD Superintendent
It is hard to believe Spring has arrived and we are on the verge of the last couple months of the school year.  Where did the time go? Someone told me once that the years are no shorter now than when we were children; it’s just that a year makes up a smaller percentage of one’s lifetime with each year that we get older, and so in a way it feels shorter.

Whatever the reason, this year has been a bit of a whirlwind, and at the same time incredibly gratifying.  You might recall, as I started the school year as your new superintendent, I created an entry plan to better know and understand the district. I compiled a report at the end of that entry plan in which I mentioned the goals set by the Board of Directors this past summer. I put particular emphasis on the board’s goal #3 which states:

By June 2018, with the engagement of the local community, create a new Strategic Plan for the purpose of managing the future work of the district: That work will include establishing agreement among Olympia School District stakeholders around shared core beliefs and student outcomes, setting priorities, focusing resources, strengthening operations, and ensuring that all staff are working toward common goals.

The 2018-2023 Strategic Plan must include and embed:

  • The continued development of a district vision for equity and the organizational development required to enact the vision;
  • Attention to the social/emotional aspect of student mental health;
  • Initial steps based on recommendations from the 2017 Early Learning Report;
  • Actionable goals/objectives to close the achievement/opportunity gaps.

 

The work of bringing together stakeholders to establish core beliefs will begin in earnest on May 29 and 30 during an Olympia School District Educational Summit. More than 100 individuals consisting of students, staff, families and community members will meet for two days to build a foundation for our strategic planning. By establishing agreed-upon student outcomes, we will not only have a Strategic Direction in which to tether our plan, but we will then be able to identify and develop the appropriate metrics and benchmarks with which to measure the progress and eventual success of our plan. It’s an ambitious idea, and one I am excited to embark upon.

 
As we developed our list of invitees to the Summit, we placed an emphasis on ensuring strong representation from historically underrepresented groups like students and families of color, those impacted by poverty, English Learners, and our students with special needs and their supporters. A stronger presence in our planning process by these students, families and supporters is critical if we are to effectively address and eliminate the achievement and opportunity gaps that these students, in general, persistently experience year after year. We created a Summit Planning Committee with this in mind to ensure diverse representation on May 29 and 30. Ultimately, as stated previously, our goal is to reach consensus on student outcomes for our graduates. We want to get clear about those characteristics, skills and attributes that we want all of our graduates to possess upon leaving our system so they are adequately prepared for the challenges and opportunities they will face when leaving our system. That clarity will help us set clear strategic planning goals, action plans and metrics moving forward.

While there will be more than 100 people in the room at the two-day Summit, we would like input and ideas from our entire community to help inform the conversation those two days. Next week, we will email all OSD families and staff a link to a brief survey requesting input on the four board goals referenced above — equity, mental health, early learning and closing achievement and opportunity gaps. Our district Communications department will follow up the email with a call to all OSD families informing them that the survey has been sent. You will also be able to find the online survey posted on the district and all school webpages, as well as on district social media platforms. We hope you take time to fill out the brief survey and lend your voice to the important strategic planning process by the May 18 survey deadline. Please encourage your friends, neighbors, business colleagues, family members, and other members of the Olympia community to take the survey as well.

Thank you for your ongoing support of our schools. The Olympia School District is an incredible learning community. This Summit is part of our continuing efforts to look for the most effective ways to engage our community in order to ensure more diverse voices are heard.  Our goal is to continue the strong achievement in all areas that has been a hallmark of the OSD, while at the same time ensuring success is experienced by all students.

Thank you again.

Patrick Murphy
Superintendent


 

 

Madison Science Expo draws record participation

The Madison Elementary Parent Teacher Organization sponsored the school’s annual Science Expo on Thursday, April 19 boasting the most entries ever at a Madison science fair. There were a total of 164 entries out of the 250 students at the school.

School staff hosted two-and-a-half hour workshops after school every week for two months leading
Madison Elementary Science Expoup to the Expo to help facilitate accessibility for all students. At these workshops, parent volunteer and PTO member Aimee Pecan and fifth-grade teacher Jessica Duncan worked one-on-one with students to complete their projects. 
 
Unique to the Madison Science Expo is that the event is fully funded by the PTO and individual donors. All participating students wrote a “grant” to request supplies for their projects, and needed materials were hand-delivered to each student. “It’s awesome because it takes all financial stress away from families, allowing anyone to participate,” Duncan said.

Pecan and Duncan have facilitated the event for three years and have witnessed incredible growth in the students’ love for science. Duncan said, “This is one of the largest, most well-attended events of the year, and it brings so many families and students together.”


 

 

Join us at OSD Night at the Tacoma Rainiers May 31!

Tickets are available for the annual Olympia School District Night at the Tacoma Rainiers on Thursday, May 31.

The Rainiers will take on the Salt Lake Bees beginning at 7:05 p.m. The gates open at 5:30 p.m.OSD Night at the Rainiers

All students, families, teachers, staff and the Olympia School District community are invited to join us for this fun-filled district event. Invite your friends and neighbors to join us and show support for the Rainiers and our school community.

Last year we had more than 150 district attendees. Let’s surpass that this year with a great turnout! Arrive a little early to watch Superintendent Patrick Murphy throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Tickets are available by visiting www.wertacoma.com/OSDNight/ and entering the promo code OSD. Group Express tickets are $13.00 and include a reserved seat ticket and ballpark meal (hot dog, chips & bottled water). Double Play tickets are $19.00 and include Group Express items plus a limited-edition Rainiers hat.

Hope to see you there!


 


Capital High teacher instrumental in passage of new IB law

The journey began last February when Capital High School social studies teacher and International Baccalaureate (IB) Coordinator Ken Joling was listening to a local radio station in the parking lot before school. 

The “legislative report” was coming up next, and for some reason he decided to listen.  The topic that Capital High School IB Programmorning was about an Advanced Placement (AP) bill going through the Legislature regarding the granting of college credit for AP exams. Six hours later, Joling was giving public testimony about the IB program to the House Higher Ed Committee.

Last summer, Joling met with Rep. Laurie Dolan with the goal of crafting legislation that would provide similar benefits to IB students as their classmates in AP programs, and be heard in this year’s legislative session. Both the Senate and House bills that were crafted recommended system-wide credit policies for granting academic credit at institutions of higher education for IB examinations.

IB courses are rigorous and enable students to acquire, assimilate and apply the skills they will need in college.  The international program prepares students for the challenges of a university and provides a uniform, international assessment and curriculum recognized and valued globally. 

Joling credits the tireless work of Lt. Gov. Cyrus Habib, Sens. Mark Mullet and Kevin Ranker, and Reps. Gerry Pollet and Orwall for getting House Bill 2252 and Senate Bill 5917 to committee. 

Joling and his Edmonds-Woodway High School fellow IB Coordinator, David Quinn, spearheaded the campaign, but Joling said that official communication from the Olympia School Board and Superintendent Patrick Murphy — along with many emails and phone calls from IB students — kept the bill moving forward.

On March 21, 2018, the bill referred to by Joling as the “IB Equity Bill” was signed into law by Gov. Jay  Inslee! Joling and Quinn, along with several IB students, were on hand to witness the impactful event. 

An elated Joling said, “What's important about this law is that it exemplifies the principle of equity, finally provides the respect IB course and diploma students have earned, and offers the candidates the realistic opportunity to enter a Washington state university with sophomore standing.”

Congratulations to the many individuals who came together to make this bill possible. Your persistence and hard work will afford our graduates a meaningful outcome given the rigor and commitment required in the IB program.


 

 

2018-19 school year calendar now availableOSD 2018-19 School Year Calendar

We are pleased to announce that the Olympia School District Board of Directors has approved the school year calendar for the 2018-2019 school year. This calendar includes only district-wide holidays and events.  School-specific events are not included, so be sure to check school websites/calendars for specific school-related events and activities.

View our school year calendar webpage and our interactive Google calendar for details.


 

 

Student’s video entry wins $10,000 top prize

Congratulations to Olympia High School senior Jonah Shin on winning the $10,000 Better Business Bureau (BBB) Students of Integrity Scholarship!

The BBB Foundation offers the Students of Integrity Scholarship to recognize high school juniors and Jonah Shin receives $10,000 scholarshipseniors who personify and communicate ethics in the real world, as demonstrated through community service, personal integrity and academic accomplishments. Applicants were asked to create a video that demonstrates how the BBB helps people become smart consumers.

Shin created a 90-second video that focuses on identity theft protection. His Lego-themed video provides simple, smart steps that consumers can take to prevent identity theft in an interactive, eye-catching presentation.

On April 12, representatives from the BBB Northwest & Pacific surprised Jonah at lunchtime in the high school Commons to award him the scholarship. They presented him with an oversized presentation check, balloons and a cake in front of the student body, teachers and his parents, who were informed of the award ahead of time.

In addition to making videos in his spare time, Shin plays the alto saxophone in the school’s wind Jonah Shin poses with check and family.ensemble and jazz band, is a member of the National Honor Society Club and is Co-President of the Earth Corps Club.

Outside of school, he works as a soccer referee and manages a non-profit organization named Sprouting a Healthier Community that grows and collects fresh produce to donate to local food banks.

Shin is seen as a leader at school, and his teachers describe him as clever, kind, funny, humble and a great student.

A senior this year, Shin will attend Grinnell College in Iowa next year and plans to major in computer science. He said he will use the scholarship money to help pay for housing and other college expenses. Congratulations Jonah!

View the winning video here.


 

 

Reeves Middle School hosts interactive STEAM Night

Reeves Middle School welcomed students and families earlier this month to its  “Cause and Effect” themed 2018 Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) Night! To start the night off
Steam Night at Reeves Middle Schoolright, attendees enjoyed delicious fresh-baked pies in the cafeteria before visiting several stations of experiential play based on the “Cause & Effect” theme.
 
Interactive activities included: completing robotics missions on this year’s FIRST Lego League challenge board; making solar cars; creating cause and effect watercolor paintings; making rubber band guitar creations with variables; making hexaflexagons; and working collaboratively to solve a series of critical thinking puzzles.
 
Lots of fun and learning was had by all. This event would not have been possible without the fabulous student and parent volunteers who helped at each station and made this year’s event a great success!


 

 

Head custodian named Regional Classified School Employee of the Year

Our very own Olympia High School head custodian Carolyn Poage has been named the Capital Region Educational Service District (ESD) 113 Classified School Employee of the Year!

Earlier this year, Poage learned she was one of three Olympia School District Classified School Carolyn Poage - Capital Regiona ESD Employee of the YearEmployees of the Year. As a regional winner, Poage is in the running for state Classified School Employee of the Year. The state winner will be announced later this spring.

As stated in an award nomination submitted by Olympia High School leaders Matt Grant, Lindsay Welsh, Mick Hart and Andra Kelly-Batsone, Poage “leads by example through hard work and dedication.” Not only does she assure the school campus is exceptionally maintained, she is “a building leader and respected colleague” who creates “a supportive atmosphere among her custodial team and throughout the school.”

We caught up with Poage this week to learn a little more about her and ask a few questions about her job and experiences here in the district.

Poage has worked in the Olympia School District since 2003. In those 14 years, she has been a substitute custodian, a swing custodian and a head custodian. Prior to working in the district, she said she was a stay-at-home mom. 

Poage said she values caring for students, staff and her school building. She enjoys “watching students grow from children into adults, making people happy and putting smiles on their faces.” She added that she “strives to give 110% of herself in every job and interaction.”

In her spare time, Poage enjoys bicycling, shopping and her two grandbabies. Especially shopping for those grandbabies. When asked if she had one day to spend doing anything she wanted, all expenses paid, she said she would love to fly to Paris to have dinner! 

If you happen to see Carolyn around the district, please take a moment to congratulate her on winning this well-deserved honor!


 

 

Creativity on display at annual “Avanti Showcase”

An abundance of talent was on display at the “Avanti Showcase” on March 28. This annual event is a social exhibition of art and academics at Avanti High School. 

The showcase is a wonderful opportunity for the community and families to meet teachers and administrators, tour the school, view student projects and get a feel for the culture of

Student displaying artwork at Avanti Showcase

this award-winning school. Visitors can view student artwork, projects and classroom displays while learning more about the project-based learning style that makes Avanti so unique. 

 


This year art displays ranged from military model aircraft, to sculptures, to oil and pastel painting and student photography exhibits. Live musical presentations and a robotics demonstration added interest and showcased the talent and diversity of Avanti.

To learn more about Avanti High School, please visit the school webpage.


 

 

Roosevelt classroom mini-building ribbon cutting is Monday, April 30

The newly constructed two-story Roosevelt Elementary classroom mini-building opened its doors to students Friday, April 20, and will be the site of a dedication ceremony on Monday, April 30.

The community is welcome to join Roosevelt Elementary students and staff, Superintendent Patrick Roosevelt Elementary's new Mini-BuildingMurphy, school board members, district staff, and the architect and contractor in a ribbon-cutting ceremony starting at 4 p.m. on April 30. Guests are welcome to walk through the new classroom building following the ribbon cutting.

Roosevelt Elementary is the third of five two-story classroom mini-buildings to open its doors. Construction continues on the McLane and Centennial elementary school mini-buildings, approved by voters as part of the 2016 school bond. Pioneer Elementary School’s mini-building opened in January, followed by Hansen Elementary’s two-story classroom addition in March.

Each of the mini-buildings has eight classrooms, a music room, a commons/general classroom space for multiple uses, small learning areas between classrooms for small-group teaching and learning, a musical instrument storage area, and an administrative office and storage area. Each building also has a covered walkway connecting it to the main school building at each site, an elevator, two sets of stairs, and restrooms on each floor.

Exterior finishes and colors are designed to coordinate with the main one-story school buildings on the same campus.

 


 

Upcoming OSD Events

 

April

April 25: 50-Minute Early Release Wednesday
April 30: Roosevelt Elementary School Ribbon Cutting at 4 p.m.

May

May 2: 50-Minute Early Release Wednesday
May 7: Board Meeting, Knox Administrative Center, at 6:30 p.m.
May 7-11: Teacher Appreciation Week
May 9: 50-Minute Early Release Wednesday
May 16: 50-Minute Early Release Wednesday
May 21: Board Meeting, McLane ES, at 6:30 p.m.
May 23: 50-Minute Early Release Wednesday


 

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 following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies, reports of alleged sexual harassment, concerns about compliance, and/or grievance procedures: 

  • Jeff Carpenter, Title IX Officer, [email protected], (360) 596-8544 or Nancy Faaren, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning, [email protected], (360) 596-8534
  • Ken Turcotte, Section 504 and ADA Coordinator, [email protected](360) 596-7542
  • Steve Rood, Director of Career and Technical Education, [email protected], (360) 596-6109
  • Scott Niemann, Affirmative Action Officer and Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator, [email protected], (360) 596-6193 or Nancy Faaren, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning, [email protected], (360) 596-8534


All four individuals may also be contacted at 1113 Legion Way S.E., Olympia, WA, 98501.