2024-25 Accomplishments
The Olympia School District is proud of our students and staff who achieve amazing successes every day. In an effort to recognize and celebrate those achievements both inside and outside the classroom, we have compiled a list of academic and extracurricular accomplishments that involve members of the Olympia School District community.
This list is by no means comprehensive, so please let us know if there are additional accomplishments we have missed so we can add them! With your help, we will capture all of the amazing accomplishments in our district and celebrate student achievement, continuous improvement and 100 percent commitment to quality and excellence in all things!
August 2024
Garfield elementary class of 1968 stands the test of time
In late June we had the pleasure of being a part of a truly remarkable evening. The Garfield Elementary School sixth grade class from 1968 gathered for a heartwarming and memorable first-ever reunion. It had been some 56 years since these classmates had walked the halls of Garfield Elementary, at that time known as the Wolverines. The event brought old friends together, many of whom had not seen each other since their graduation. The “homecoming” took place at the Uptown Grill in downtown Olympia, bringing many familiar faces back to their old stomping grounds, with classmates coming from all over Washington State and beyond! The former classmates reflected on their school days, sharing stories of their life journeys and rekindling friendships that have stood the test of time.
OSD Summer Construction Projects: 2024
As is typically the case, summer has been a busy and productive time thanks to our dedicated crew in our Support Service Center and Capital Planning and Construction departments. As the days grew longer and warmer, our teams have been hard at work ensuring that our facilities remain top-notch for our students, staff and community. Here are some of the projects and updates:
Security Vestibules
Security vestibules are currently being installed in six of our schools (Garfield ES, Hansen ES, Jefferson MS, Thurgood Marshall MS, Reeves MS, Washington MS). These vestibules are located at the main entry of each school and will be used to route all visitors through the front office before gaining access to the rest of the building.
Access controls will be available on every door within the security vestibules and windows will have film applied for additional security. The security film is shatter-resistant and provides significant additional structural integrity to the windows. Access controls and cameras will also be installed in each vestibule. Video doorbells, which are currently in use in our buildings, may still be in use after construction is complete. That is building dependant.
Once the current vestibule construction has been completed there will be seven additional schools on the docket to have vestibules installed during the summer of 2025. Those vestibules are currently in the planning and design phase.
Reeves Middle School Gymnasium
The primary gymnasium at Reeves Middle School has undergone a significant makeover this summer. The floor has been sanded and re-striped (baselines and sidelines) and the new Reeves RAMS logo has been placed at center court. During this process, some old floorboards were replaced and noticeable dead spots in the floor were backfilled with an epoxy injection to provide a more even playing surface.
While this work was being completed the floor covers for the volleyball equipment were replaced and the new RMS logo was affixed to the gymnasium walls.
Thurgood Marshall Middle School
The athletic fields at Thurgood Marshall Middle School have been getting lots of attention this summer, specifically the upper field which has been aerated and top-dressed with soil. Throughout this process, irrigation was added to the field and it was laser-graded to provide a solid, consistent and level playing surface. A six-foot chain link fence with pass-throughs was added to both sides of the field to help prevent sports equipment from rolling away.
As this work was being completed the Gaga-Ball pit was moved off the field, one of the two baseball backstops were removed and the shot put pit in the lower field had all the grass removed and new sand was added.
Additional Projects:
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District: In the process of evaluating existing school buildings to prepare for the Long Range Facility Master Plan.
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Hansen ES: Permitting has been completed and additional playground equipment has been added (in partnership with Hansen Community Council).
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Hansen ES & LP Brown ES: Redundant power options are under design.
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Knox 111 District Offices: Lighting is being added to the upper parking lot.
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Olympia HS: Audio and lighting are being upgraded in the Performing Arts Center.
Summer Facebook photo albums from across the district
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Summer break feels it goes by in the blink of an eye and this year was no exception. One thing that summer does allow is an opportunity to review and organize the photo/video content we captured when we were out in buildings this past spring. As we celebrate and prepare for the future, it’s always refreshing to remember the past.
We hope you enjoy these social posts we pushed out over the summer and we look forward to what is to come over the next school year!
Summer ‘24 Photo Albums
September 2024
Celebrate Walk to School Month in October
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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.
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 eventsOpening in a new windowOpening in a new window.
The Spaghetti Bowl Filled Plates, Hearts and Ingersoll Stadium
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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.
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."
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 High School sporting events visit the GoFan website.
October 2024
Squaxin Island Tribe Flag raised at District Office
The Olympia School District recently had the honor of raising the flag of the Squaxin Island Tribe at the district office in a ceremony that was accompanied by drums, songs, and words of connection and collaboration.
Nearly 100 community members from throughout the greater Olympia area celebrated in a light rain as Squaxin Island Tribal Council members, Tribal Elders, Squaxin Island Tribal Council Chair Kris Peters, Superintendent Patrick Murphy and OSD Board of Directors raised the official flag of the Squaxin Island TribeOpening in a new windowOpening in a new window in the first official acknowledgment of the deep history and ongoing connection between the tribe and the district. “The flag is an acknowledgment of the original inhabitants of this area who stewarded these lands and waters since time immemorial and who are still here today.” shared Kris Peters.
The Squaxin flag now flies proudly on the same flagpole as the U.S. and Washington State flags at the entrance to the Knox 111 Administrative Offices. The formal presence of the tribal flag reminds visitors of the Squaxin Island people, the original stewards of the land and waterways of this beautiful region.
Many thanks to the Squaxin Island Tribe, our tribal families, neighboring tribes and the greater Olympia community for joining us to share in celebration of this important partnership.
Beyond Boundaries: A Journey into Non-Objective Art at Reeves Middle School
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At Reeves Middle School (RMS), creativity blossomed as seventh and eighth-grade students dove into the vibrant world of non-objective art inspired by renowned artist Reginald LaurentOpening in a new windowOpening in a new window. With oil pastels in hand, the students embarked on an artistic journey that transcended traditional boundaries, exploring lines, shapes and the principles of unity and harmony.
As students learned about Laurent's philosophy, they discovered that non-objective art is a celebration of imagination rather than a reflection of reality. "My art represents the diversity and inclusion of every culture—the backbone of what makes the world such an interesting, complex and beautiful place to inhabit," Laurent states. His words resonated with the students as they prepared to create their own unique pieces.
Under the guidance of art teacher Stefanie Ramsay, the classroom transformed into a vibrant workshop. "Students can be intimidated by art, thinking all art has to look exactly like something," she explained. "But when that pressure is removed, they find their groove." With those words of affirmation fresh in their minds the students unleashed their creativity, experimenting freely with colors and forms, allowing their imaginations to take the lead.
Students Master Bike Skills Through Hands-On Learning
Avanti High School (AHS) offers a unique program called ‘Avanti Bikes’, where students gain valuable skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Through engaging, hands-on activities, they learn how to fix flat tires and properly fit helmets, all while enjoying the thrill of cycling. In addition, they are taught essential road safety practices, ensuring they can navigate traffic confidently and responsibly. This innovative class fosters a love for biking and equips students with knowledge and skills they will carry with them throughout their time at AHS and beyond.
Skills for Life
In the Avanti Bikes Program, students develop a diverse set of skills; from technical expertise in bike maintenance and repair to critical thinking and problem-solving, each lesson is designed to be applicable in the real world.
Building a Brighter Future
The Avanti Bikes program's impact extends far beyond the school year. The knowledge and certifications students earn open doors to future career opportunities in bike repair, engineering and other technical fields.
Daffodil Planting Tradition Flourishes at McLane Elementary
In early October, McLane Elementary School continued its time-honored tradition of planting daffodils, an event that has been bringing the community together for 26 years. With the support of the South Puget Sound Community College Women’s Volleyball TeamOpening in a new windowOpening in a new window, students, staff, families and volunteers came together to plant thousands of bulbs along the Ralph Munro TrailOpening in a new windowOpening in a new window.
The tradition was originally inspired by former Washington Secretary of State Ralph MunroOpening in a new windowOpening in a new window, who joined the students for this momentous occasion, beaming from ear to ear. Munro wanted to engage students in a hands-on experience that beautifies the neighborhood and teaches valuable lessons about nature, teamwork, and community responsibility.
Clark emphasized the importance of this event, stating, "It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to engage with nature and build a sense of community that extends beyond the school walls. I always look forward to this field trip.” She added, “Research shows how vital outdoor experiences are for children’s development, making this planting day particularly meaningful.”
As spring approaches, the sight of blooming daffodils along Evergreen Parkway will serve as a vivid reminder of the beauty that flourishes when a community unites for a common purpose. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who contributed to the success of this year’s planting. Come next spring, keep an eye out for the daffodils near McLane Elementary School and all along the McLane Elementary Trail!
Submissions
Please submit accomplishments to Maria Betts. Photos are welcomed and encourage