Capital High School

Superintendent’s Message

 

Hello Olympia School District families and community,

I want to start by extending immense gratitude to the Olympia community for its strong support in passing our Technology, Safety and Facility Improvement Replacement Levy. This replacement levy will help ensure our schools continue to have reliable technology, safe and secure learning environments, and well-maintained facilities that support student learning each day.

These funds will improve our playing fields and the efficiency of our lighting and HVAC systems. Your support also allows us to provide thoughtful, balanced training in the healthy use of technology—equipping students not only with essential digital skills, but also with the habits and awareness that promote balance and digital wellness. Together, we are ensuring that technology enhances learning without replacing it. 

A sincere thank you to our community for their continued support of Olympia’s students and schools and to our staff for their steadfast work on behalf of all of our students and families.

Sincerely,

Patrick Murphy

 

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Capital High School teacher named Olympia School District’s 2026 Teacher of the Year

Scott Le Duc, a career and technical education arts and technology teacher at Capital High School, has been selected as the 2026 Teacher of the Year for Olympia School District.

Le Duc was surprised by the announcement during a staff meeting at Capital High School, where colleagues gathered to celebrate the recognition.

“The first thought wasn’t really a thought,” Le Duc said. “I was speechless. I was leaning against the back wall, absolutely awestruck. Time stood still. I don’t think I was breathing.”

Then another thought crossed his mind.

“Keep it together, Scott,” he recalled thinking. “Don’t cry in front of everybody.”

After the initial shock, Le Duc said he quickly began thinking about the people around him. “I looked around the room, and I could see people who could replace me in this honor,” he said. “There are so many people at Capital worthy of this recognition, and I feel privileged and humbled to represent us.”

Le Duc teaches courses including Game Design, Film Cinematography, and Music Production, in which students work on collaborative, real-world projects that mirror industry expectations. His classes often include multiple course levels at the same time, requiring thoughtful planning and differentiation to support students with a wide range of interests, abilities and experience levels.

“Scott brings creativity, energy and purpose to everything he does,” said Paula Perryman, OSD’s director of Career and Technical Education. “Whether he’s guiding students through filmmaking, music or game design, he makes learning meaningful and engaging. His colleagues admire his collaborative mindset, and his students know they have a teacher who genuinely believes in their potential.”

Le Duc’s work also extends beyond the classroom through partnerships with industry professionals and postsecondary institutions that help students see clear pathways from school to future careers.

“Scott is an extraordinary educator whose expertise, innovation and leadership have a profound impact on students, colleagues and our broader community,” said Condee Wood, Capital High School Principal. “He creates learning experiences that challenge students to think creatively, collaborate and see themselves as professionals.”

Wood said the impact of Le Duc’s programs can also be seen in the opportunities students earn after leaving his classroom. Graduates of his Game Design Class have been so well prepared that DigiPen Institute of Technology has committed to covering 75% of tuition for students who earn an A in his class.

While students gain technical skills in filmmaking, music and design, Le Duc said the most important lessons go beyond the tools and technology.

“Life skills,” he said. “I want students to learn how to manage themselves, think critically and solve problems. I want them to organize their work, show evidence of growth and develop leadership and accountability. Most importantly, I want students to find their voice and embrace their uniqueness. They are powerful and incredibly capable.”

Le Duc often encourages students to think about storytelling as the foundation of creative work.

“Humans are storytelling animals,” he said. “Storytellers rule the world. I encourage students to explore the stories they love and ask why those stories resonate with them. Then start crafting their own stories and keep refining their craft.”

He encourages students interested in filmmaking, music or game design to start creating and learning through the process.

“As soon as you finish one story experience, craft another,” Le Duc said. “And another.”

Following the announcement on district social media platforms, parents and community members shared messages of congratulations, describing the recognition as well-deserved and praising the lasting impact Le Duc has had on students long after they graduate from Capital High School.

Community members are invited to celebrate Le Duc’s recognition during a special presentation before the Olympia School District Board of Directors meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, at the Knox Administrative Center, 111 Bethel St. N.E. in Olympia, or by Zoom. 

Congratulations to Scott Le Duc on this well-deserved recognition as Olympia School District’s 2026 Teacher of the Year…rock on!

 

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Enrollment Open for 2026-27 School Year

Enrollment for the 2026-27 school year is now open across the Olympia School District.

 

• New students who live within the district's attendance boundaries must complete the district’s online enrollment forms and submit the required documents to their neighborhood school.

• Families unsure which school their child should attend can use the district’s online boundary lookup tool. Enrollment is available for both the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years.

• Families who live outside district boundaries and are interested in attending an OSD school must complete a transfer request. Application steps and requirements are available on the district’s Transfers webpage.

 

Please note: Do not complete the online enrollment steps until your transfer request has been accepted.

 

New and renewal transfer requests are now being accepted for the 2026-27 school year.

Any student wishing to attend an Olympia School District school outside of their assigned area, including new out-of-district applicants and those seeking renewals, must apply for a transfer. Parents or legal guardians can submit these requests through our transfer application.

Please note: Do not complete a transfer request at this time if you are interested in an Optional Program.
 

• Find additional information on our district transfers webpage

 

For assistance with enrollment or transfers, contact your school office or the district administration office at (360) 596-6113.

 

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Math Meets Shark Tank at Thurgood Marshall MS

Students in Heather Curry’s 8th-grade math class at Thurgood Marshall Middle School (TMMS) recently became entrepreneurs for a day, bringing their math skills with them.

After finishing a unit on systems of equations, students launched into a hands-on project inspired by the TV show Shark Tank. Their mission: create a product, calculate the costs, find the break-even point and pitch their idea to a panel of “sharks.”

What happened next made the project even more exciting.

 

From Systems of Equations to Start-Up Businesses

Before the big pitches, students learned how math connects to real-world business decisions.

In class, they studied how to find a break-even point. This is the moment when the money coming in (revenue) equals the money spent to make the product (cost). Students:

• Wrote equations for production costs, including one-time fees and per-item costs

• Wrote equations for revenue based on how many items they planned to sell

• Created tables and graphs

• Solved systems of equations to find their break-even point

 

“They learned that to find their ‘break-even’ point in a business is to find the solution to a system of equations,” explained 7th/8th-grade math teacher Heather Curry. “One equation calculates the cost to produce the product and the other calculates the revenue. The solution shows how many items need to be sold before the business starts making money.”

“One of my goals this year has been trying to design lessons that bring math to life to make it accessible to more students,” said Curry.

 

Real Entrepreneurs Join the Classroom

To kick off the project, students watched a pitch from Ice Chips Candy, a Washington-based company founded by Beverly Vines-Haines and Charlotte Clary. The pair, often called the “Shark Tank Grannies,” created a sugar-free candy made with xylitol, a sweetener derived from birch trees that is good for your teeth.

Their business gained national attention after appearing on Shark Tank, where they landed a deal with Mark Cuban and Barbara Corcoran.

Curry reached out to the founders, not expecting a response. Instead, the entrepreneurs enthusiastically agreed to visit TMMS in person. They brought Ice Chips for all 150 students and even donated grand prize and second-place gift baskets. “They were absolutely amazing,” Curry said. “The kids rose to the Shark Tank challenge. It was an absolute blast.”

 

Student Spotlight: Cuddle Companions

One standout project came from eighth grader Eve Henriquez and her partner, Gracie. Their company, Cuddle Companions, creates custom stuffed animals that look like a customer’s beloved pet who has passed away.

“We created Cuddle Companions, a stuffed animal company,” Eve explained. “The problem was some people have pets they truly love, and I feel like people deserve to have their loved pet back. I have lost a pet and I would love to get my pet back.”

Their product includes:

• Custom designs that look like the pet

• Real fur from the pet

• A secure pouch for small keepsakes like toys, blankets or ashes

 

“We add real fur from the pet who passed,” Eve said. “We can make custom pouches with toys, blankets, or ashes of a pet, so you know they are there when you hug them.”

The idea started as a stuffed animal concept, but the team worked to make it more meaningful. After presenting to their AVID class, another student suggested expanding the brand to include “Dream Pets.”

Throughout the project, Eve and her classmates applied their math skills in a real-world way. “We were learning about systems of equations and used our cost and income equations to find our break-even point,” Eve said. “I learned it takes money to make money.”

She also discovered a new confidence in herself. “I really enjoyed presenting in front of people, and it made me think about my future,” she said. “We are starting a college unit in AVID, and this made me think about my interest in clothing design and how it relates to business.”

By the end of the project, students weren’t just solving equations, they were solving problems, thinking creatively, collaborating with teammates and speaking confidently in front of an audience. 

At Thurgood Marshall Middle School, math isn’t just numbers on a page. Sometimes, it’s the start of the next big idea!

 

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CISPUS Outdoor Learning Center

The countdown is on! Students are packing their bags, loading the buses and getting ready for an unforgettable adventure at CISPUS!

But what is CISPUS exactly? Not just another acronym, it’s an incredible outdoor learning experience where Olympia School District students explore nature, build friendships, grow their confidence and make memories that last a lifetime.

As our newest group of students gets ready to head out, check out this behind-the-scenes look at the amazing CISPUS Outdoor Learning Center and see how OSD students bring it to life each year.

This footage was captured in March 2025 during the CISPUS trip with students from Centennial, McKenny, Pioneer and Roosevelt elementary schools, alongside student counselors from Olympia High School.

We can’t wait to see this year’s campers write their own CISPUS story. Have an amazing trip!

 

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Students across our district recently had the exciting opportunity to hear from 2026 Olympia Reads!! featured author Renée Watson, a New York Times bestselling author, Coretta Scott King Award recipient and Newbery Honor winner.

Her visit came just weeks after her young adult novel, All the Blues in the Sky, was named the 2026 John Newbery Award winner — making the experience even more meaningful for students and staff.

 

Connecting Students with Authors

A special part of Olympia Reads!! is giving students the chance to hear directly from a published author, and sometimes even meet them. 

For Morgan Opstedal, an eighth grader at Washington Middle School, that opportunity became an unforgettable moment. “After the author's talk was over, I got to meet her,” Morgan shared. “She was very excited about my writing journey and asked that once I become a published author, to email her so she could go to a book signing.”

During her presentations, Watson encouraged students to be proud of where they come from and to seek out mentors who support their goals. Many students said their favorite moment was hearing her read her poem, “Where I’m From,” and learning about her writing process.

Miriam Penrod, a 10th grader at Olympia High School, shared that she especially enjoyed learning about the behind-the-scenes work of writing. “I liked hearing about her writing process and how she goes on walks and makes playlists for her characters.”

Michael Powell, an 11th grader at Capital High School, said the live readings stood out most to him. “I think my favorite part was just the direct reads she did of her own writing… it helped illustrate the passion she puts into her works.”

For Ella Wickham, an eighth grader at Reeves Middle School, the impact went even deeper. “She was just an excellent speaker… she honestly opened up my eyes in a way about being kind and gracious to everyone.”

Watson closed each presentation with a powerful affirmation, inviting students to repeat:
“I have a voice. My voice is powerful. My voice can change the world.”

 

A Meaningful Experience for All

After her visit, Watson reflected on her time in Olympia:

“My heart is still full from the time I spent in Olympia. Being a part of a true culture of literacy coming to life in our young readers was nothing short of inspiring. I was so moved by the thoughtful questions students asked and I am so glad I was able to take in their art and poetry. What powerful reminders of why this work matters. The hospitality from the staff, librarians, and volunteers was truly exceptional, making me feel at home from the moment I arrived. In a world that often feels weighed down by difficult news, these events were a necessary balm for the soul. I left Olympia feeling encouraged, knowing our youth are being nurtured by mentors who champion diversity and ensure that every child feels truly seen and heard."

 

A Community Effort

The Olympia Reads Committee and OSD teacher-librarians were proud to bring Watson to students during the program’s third year.

The event was made possible through partnerships with Timberland Regional Library, Olympia Education Foundation, WEA-Chinook, Browsers Books and many dedicated school-based parent groups.

Through Olympia Reads!!, students not only discovered powerful stories, but they were reminded that their own voices matter.

 

 

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Save the Date: Countdown to Kindergarten!

Families with children entering kindergarten in the 2026–27 school year are invited to a fun and informative morning to help kickstart their child’s school journey.

 

Join us for hands-on activities, a chance to meet school staff, explore a school bus and connect with community partners. Families will also receive free children’s books thanks to the South Sound Reading Foundation and lunch will be provided.

 

Countdown to Kindergarten

Saturday, April 25, 2026
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Olympia High School (1302 North Street SE)

Parents/guardians and incoming kindergarteners are encouraged to attend. Feel free to invite friends and neighbors. This event is open to both in-district and out-of-district families. We cannot wait to meet the Class of 2039! 

For details on enrollment, visit our Student Enrollment page on the OSD website.

 

 

 

From the beginning, Coach Stanton emphasized long-term growth over trophies. “Our goal was to build solid foundations to ensure long-term success,” he said. “Having a core group of dedicated students was key. Awards were not a priority.”

Still, the team quickly earned recognition. 

At their first tournament of the season, Capital brought home three awards. Over the next four tournaments, that number grew to 27 additional awards. Because the team was small, they were not eligible for school-wide sweepstakes trophies. However, based on the student-to-award ratio, Capital ranked among the top schools, if not the top school in Western Washington, at several tournaments they attended.

“I am most proud of each team member for their dedication and commitment,” Stanton said. “They understood building a program was much bigger than any individual award, but that every individual effort was going to help. They outperformed anyone’s expectations.”

He also noted how coachable the team was. “When they received feedback for improvement, they accepted it graciously and implemented it immediately.”

 

Standout Moments and Major Milestones

Because this was a rebuilding year, most students competed in the novice division. That meant they were not eligible to qualify for state. However, at their final regional tournament, the team decided to compete in the open division, where they faced more experienced competitors.

The results were remarkable.

Henry Graunke earned the 2nd Top Speaker in Public Forum Debate, beating out nearly every debater heading to state. This later qualified him and his teammate, Donovan Jojol, for a “wild card” entry at the WIAA State Tournament. Jojola also advanced to the finals in Original Oratory and qualified for the State Tournament with his speech titled A Seat at the Table: The Importance of Equitable Representation in Student Government.

Another major highlight came when the team competed at Stanford University’s 40th Annual Tournament after receiving a grant valued at over $1,000. More than 380 schools representing 39 states and several international programs participated.

Seven Capital students competed, and six advanced to elimination rounds across 12 events. Many students also stepped outside their comfort zones by trying new events at this tournament, showing their range and versatility as speakers.

 

Confidence, Growth, and Finding Their Voice

Beyond trophies and rankings, the greatest impact has been personal growth.

“At the start of the year, I was not that confident,” said Jacob Aubry (Class of 2028). “I would often second-guess myself, sometimes in the middle of rounds. But over the course of the season, I’ve learned to work past that fear and speak more confidently.”

Sierra Newell (Class of 2028) shared a similar experience. “I remember being really nervous to do Public Forum Debate. The more I went up to speak, the more confident I got and the less I cared about what others thought of me.”

Students also found academic growth.

“It made me remember I was smart,” said Isla Morgan (Class of 2028). “It helped me think critically and be in touch with my intellectual abilities that can be applied to school and life.”

For Donovan Jojola (Class of 2027), Speech & Debate became something even more meaningful. “This was the first thing I found that I love and that I want to do for the rest of my life,” he said. “It taught me my voice has value and showed me how I can use it.”

 

Looking Ahead

Coach Stanton hopes to grow the team next season by recruiting more students and attending additional tournaments. Financial support will also help cover entry fees and travel costs, so even more students can compete.

Speech & Debate teaches skills that go far beyond competition, including critical thinking, confidence, collaboration and the ability to consider multiple perspectives. “Being able to communicate effectively, expanding your worldview and considering multiple perspectives are critical in society today,” Stanton said.

For students thinking about joining next year, the team has simple advice: “Take the leap. Give it a shot,” said Lynne Johnson. “Just give it a go,” added Jojola. “It is worse to regret not trying it out than to have tried it and failed.”

With a strong first season underway, Capital High School’s Speech & Debate team is not just back, it’s building a lasting legacy.

• See how Capital High School’s Speech & Debate Team shined at the University of Puget Sound tournament

 

Getting started is easy:

1. Apply online by completing the OSD Volunteer Application

2. Complete a background check (required for all volunteers)

3. Receive approval notification once your application is processed

Volunteer approval is valid for the current active school year, making it easy to sign up for opportunities throughout the school year.

 

Ways to Volunteer

There’s something for everyone! Volunteer opportunities may include:

• Classroom support and small-group help

• Chaperoning field trips

• Assisting with school events, assemblies, or family nights

• Helping with book fairs, art shows, or literacy activities

• Supporting PTAs/PTOs and school fundraisers

• Sharing special skills or career expertise with students

 

Ready to Help?

Visit the OSD Volunteer webpage to apply and explore current opportunities. Thank you for being a valued partner in our schools. Our students are stronger because of you!

 

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OSD Middle School Information Nights 2026

Below you will find information about all middle school information nights hosted by Olympia School District schools. You can visit the district website for additional school-specific information or details on some of our Choice Programs that live within these schools.

 

Middle School Information Nights:

 

• Jefferson Middle School: Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 6 - 7 p.m.

• Olympia Regional Learning Academy: Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 6 p.m.

• Reeves Middle School: Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 6-7 p.m.

• Thurgood Marshall Middle School: Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 6 - 7 p.m.

• Washington Middle School: Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 6-7 p.m.

 

If you live outside the service area of any of our middle schools and are considering transferring, please visit the Olympia School District website to complete the necessary transfer request form.

Please Note: The transfer request form for the 2026-27 school year is now available.