Mar. 20, 2026 Newsletter

Capital High School Family Communication
March 20, 2026
Upcoming Events
- March 21 - Tolo Dance
- April 6-10 - Spring Break - No School
- April 18 - 2nd Annual CHSPO Rummage Sale
- April 21 - CHSPO Meeting - 6:00 p.m.
- April 21 - CHS Booster Club Meeting - 7:00 p.m.
Attendance Reminders
Attendance reminders regarding excused absences, unexcused absences and tardies.
Please refer to our OSD for questions regarding excused and unexcused absences
If your student will miss more than three days due to a vacation or planned absence, please fill out the "extended absence form" available in the attendance office and on our website. This will need to be approved by an administrator and given to our attendance secretary prior to vacation or extended absence. These absences may reflect unexcused if not done.
We know there are emergencies, but if at all possible, please call ahead of time to get your student out for an appointment. Sometimes it takes time to round them up depending where they are located when you call. You can always leave messages on our attendance line as it gets checked frequently throughout the day.
CHS Literary Magazine
The CHS Literary Magazine is in production! Pre-Order you copy today for $30 here. Our launch event is scheduled for Thursday, May 28th at Rhythms Coffee House. Save the date! Come here students read their published pieces from the book! You can find more information about how to donate to our cause, submit your work, or purchase prior issues on the website here. Any questions? Email [email protected].
Leadership Updates
Coug Exchange, our very own thrift shop here at CHS had a hugely successful Free Friday last week! We are now transitioning out of our winter clothing and starting to put out spring and summer items. If you have any spring/summer items that you would like to donate we would love to have them! We also are in need of semi formal dresses and mens wear for our upcoming Tolo dance. You can bring donations to the main office or E-1.
Tolo, our annual spring semi-formal dance, will be taking place on Saturday, March 21st. The dance will be in the main gym from 7pm-9:30pm. The Beach Bash will be a blast. Tickets will go on sale in the ASB office on Monday, March 2nd. They are $15 each for students with an ASB card and $20 without an ASB card. Students on free and reduced lunch can get their free ticket at the ASB office.
We need parent chaperones to help out at the event. Please email Katie Turcotte if you are able to help chaperone! [email protected]
Exciting Opportunity to Host Japanese Students in May!
Capital High School is excited to host forty 9th grade students from Shukutoku Sugamo Jr. High School, a private school in Tokyo, Japan. We’re looking for host families to welcome these students into their homes for a memorable cultural exchange experience!
Here are the details:
Dates
- From Friday, May 15th (pick-up at CHS after school) to Monday, May 18th (drop-off at CHS before school).
Hosting Requirements
- Families must host 2 students (either 2 boys or 2 girls).
- The students can share a room, but each must have a separate bed.
- Stipend: Families will receive a stipend of $30 per student per night (a total of $180 per family for the weekend).
No Language Requirements
- You don’t need to speak Japanese or have children attending Capital High School to participate. All families are welcome!
The students will be spending some time sightseeing in the Seattle area before visiting Capital High School.
This is a wonderful opportunity to engage in a cultural exchange and create lasting memories!
If your family is interested in hosting, please fill out the Google Form.
For more information, contact Mika Katzer at [email protected].
Thank you for considering hosting and helping make this exchange a success!
Capital Booster Club Updates
Capital Booster Club is meeting Tuesday, March 31, 6:00pm at - Vic's Pizzeria Westside (233 Division Street). The Booster Club supports all WIAA sports and activities through fundraising, services and community spirit! There are many exciting ways to get involved. Come find out how you can support our school programs and help our students to succeed. Go Cougs!
COMING SOON! Capital Booster Club Spring Online Auction
The CHS Booster Club is bringing back its annual auction this Spring - April 30th - May 10th. The auction has been the Booster's major fundraiser of the year, which helps supports all WIAA school teams and activities. Over the years, the Boosters have helped to pay for major equipment, uniforms, training resources, and other team needs. Community support is critical to promote the success of our programs!
This year, the auction will be online to encourage more people in the Cougar Community to participate and win some amazing items that have been donated so far, like professional golf lessons, estate planning gift card; and a year of free Botox, to name a few. We also are offering mini-internships with a local professional, such as esthetician; lawyer; ER doctor; nurse practitioner; barber; tattoo artist; architect; television news reporter; dentist; and elementary school teacher.
We are still accepting donations, and asking each team to donate a gift basket for the auction. Items will be on display at the school Spring Musical - Frozen. Please contact us for information about how to donate at [email protected]
Stay tuned for more details...
Naming The CHS Performing Arts Center
Capital High School is inviting students, staff, families, alumni, and community members to participate in an exciting opportunity: helping to name the CHS Performing Arts Center.
CHS is now accepting nominations for a name for the Performing Arts Center, accompanied by a written rationale explaining the significance of the proposed name.
This is an opportunity to honor individuals, groups, or concepts that reflect the spirit, history, and values of Capital High School and the broader Olympia community.
Nomination Period: Now through April 2
Submission Information: Please submit nominations and written rationales to Condee Wood at [email protected].
Naming Guidelines
When submitting a nomination, please consider the following criteria:
- The recommended name shall not duplicate the name of another public space or public site area within the District.
- The recommended name must not have any obvious negative connotations.
All submissions will be reviewed in accordance with district guidelines.
We encourage broad community participation in this process as we work together to select a name that reflects pride, excellence, and the strong tradition of performing arts at Capital High School.
I.B. News
IB exam scores derive from both spring exams AND in-class assignments that get submitted to IB. Often these are called Internal Assessments (IAs). Because these are weighty, teachers work together to create a schedule of strict deadlines to ensure students are not overwhelmed any one week. While these assignments often have process and draft deadlines, no student should have more than one final IB assignment due in a single week.
In the second semester specifically, there is some kind of major deadline almost every week. Stay tuned to this section to know when your student might have a major deadline or an exam.
You can find all of this information in the IB section of the CHS website, specifically, at BIG IB Deadlines and 2026 IB Exam Schedule.
If you have any questions about these assignments or deadlines, reach out to your student's teacher.
IA Season is starting to wind down. Then there is a brief break of sorts before exams begin at the end of April! A nasty cold has run rampant through school, so keep prioritizing staying healthy. Some dedicated down time, healthy food, and a good night of sleep go a long way during these stressful times.
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Friday, March 20th
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ALL Science IAs
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Mon. March 23rd - Wed. March 25th
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All World Language IAs (individual oral exams)
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Thursday April 2nd
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TOK Exhibition Draft
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Friday, April 3rd* (revised deadline)
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All Arts Classes Have a Component Due
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Donations Needed
We are still in need of non-perishable food items for our CHS pantry. Please drop off your donation to the main office. We appreciate your continued support of our pantry!
If your family is in need of food, please stop by the main office 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. to visit our pantry.
Community Connections
Together, We Build a Stronger Community
These March observances remind us of our shared commitment to equity, inclusion, and student success. Thank you for partnering with us to create a school environment where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered.
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the strengths, talents, and contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities. Our district is committed to creating inclusive spaces where every student feels valued and supported.
Learn more:
Gender Equality Month
March is also Gender Equality Month, a reminder of the importance of fairness, respect, and equal opportunities for all students, regardless of gender identity or expression. Throughout the month, we’ll highlight ways students can practice inclusion and challenge stereotypes in age‑appropriate ways.
Resources for families:
Developmental Disabilities Resource Fair
Families are invited to attend the Developmental Disabilities Resource Fair, a community event featuring local organizations, service providers, and support for children and youth with disabilities. This is a great opportunity to learn about services, advocacy tools, and community programs.
Community information:
Capital High School Theatre Proudly Presents Disney’s Frozen
Music and Lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez; Book by Jennifer Lee
Based on the Disney film written by Jennifer Lee and directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee.
Based on the hit Disney film, Capital Theatre is finding its one and only true love with the smash musical Disney’s FROZEN!
SUMMARY
Based on the Disney film, this staged production brings even more music and magic to the story of Princesses Elsa and Anna. When Princess Elsa is crowned queen of Arendelle, she can no longer contain her magical icy powers and sends the entire countryside into eternal winter. In an attempt to save the people, she makes a daring escape into the mountains. Her sister Anna treks off on a quest with intrepid explorer Kristoff, stoic reindeer Sven, and magical snowman Olaf to find her. Come and see this story of redemption, courage, and what it truly means to love, a fantastic time for the entire family!
SHOWTIMES
- May 1: 7 PM (Friday)
- May 2: 2 PM (Saturday)
- May 2: 7 PM (Saturday)
- May 7: 7 PM (Thursday) Sing Along!
- May 8: 7 PM (Friday)
- May 9: 2 PM (Saturday)
- May 9: 7 PM (Saturday)
Tickets can be bought at the door or online at https://olympiasd.booktix.com/dept/CapitalHS.
The show is performed at Capital High School's Performing Arts Center: 2707 Conger Ave NW, Olympia, WA 98502.
Earthcorp and Thespians
EARTHCORP and THESPIANS join together to save the planet by keeping plastic out of the landfills - see how you can help!
Hello Capital community,
We have the chance to keep plastic film out of landfills! This spring, aligned with Earth Month, the school is hosting a Ridwell recycling drive. You’re invited to bring plastic film (ziptop bags, grocery bags, bubble wrap, and lots more) to school between now and April 28th and Ridwell will make sure it stays out of landfills. Start collecting plastic film now so you have a bunch to bring during the drive!
This info sheet explains what plastic film is and why it’s hard to recycle, and this video shows a ton of examples. All the plastic film we collect during the drive will be turned into Trex decking!
Curious about recycling more from home, like the school is doing? Visit https://get.ridwell.com/chs to learn more about Ridwell—and share the page with family and friends nationwide! You can help the school earn plastic-film pickups for the entire ‘26/’27 school year if 10 new members join Ridwell Pickups or Mail-in through our school’s webpage by May 22.
Thank you!
CHS EarthCorp and Thespians
News from the CCRC
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MARCH
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19th
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University of Idaho
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12-1:30pm in the CCRC (During Lunches)
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16th-20th
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Mrs. Smith in Sophomore and Junior classes
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23rd
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College Planning Day (Sophomores and Juniors)
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Must have signed up for Field Trip
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APRIL
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3rd
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WSU Representative talk with 9th-11th graders
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12-1pm
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3rd
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WSU Admitted students Senior Admitted students only
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1-1:30pm
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6th-10th
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SPRING BREAK
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12th
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CHS Foundation Scholarship CLOSES at noon SENIORS ONLY
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Closes Online NOON
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15th
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Health and Social Services Career Spotlight
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11:45am-1pm in the CCRC (During Lunches)
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15th
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Senior Graduation Speeches Due
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CCRC: Turn into Mrs. Smith in CCRC
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16th
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8th Grade Information Night
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CHS 5:30-7:30pm
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20th
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Mrs. Smith in 9th grade classes
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22nd
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Mrs. Smith in 9th grade classes
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24th
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Mrs. Smith in 9th grade classes
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Seniors:
- If you haven't scheduled your Senior Exit interview yet with Mrs. Smith-Please schedule with her as soon as possible! Remember, you will need an updated Resume, all of your tasks completed in SchooLINKS, before you have your Interview.
- If you haven't updated your colleges in College Applications in SCHOOLINKS, please do so, otherwise your transcripts will NOT be sent to the correct place. Here is a users guide, if you lost yours in SchooLinks. SchooLinks_Student_College_Application_Guide_1_1.pptx.pdf
- If you would like more HELP with any SchooLinks tasks, adding your colleges into SCHOOLINKS please schedule a time with Mrs. Smith in the CCRC.
- Financial Aid-If you still need help with the FAFSA or WASFA, please schedule a time to meet with Mrs. Smith using this link: Schedule Appointment
Juniors: OSD Soon to be Senior Night will be May 21st from 6pm-8pm Hosted at Avanti this year.
- Now is the time to go through SCHOOLINKS tasks and search for COLLEGE and CAREER ideas. Remember to spend time Reflecting on yourself and understand what your strengths are. Review career ideas and see if your strengths match your career choices. Try to get on college campuses to see if you feel like that campus is a fit for you.
Sophomores:
- Now is the time for you to be exploring your interests. Get involved in clubs, extracurricular activities and find something valuable to do over the summer-maybe some volunteer work that you are passionate about.
- Review your list of activities in SchooLinks and update your resumes.
Freshman:
- Now is the time for you to be exploring your interests. Get involved in clubs, extracurricular activities and find something valuable to do over the summer-maybe some volunteer work that you are passionate about.
- Review your list of activities in SchooLinks and update your resumes.
THE CHS FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP is open and will close on APRIL 12th and noon.
The link is:
We have several Scholarships open at this time. Please refer to the CCRC Scholarship page https://capital.osd.wednet.edu/counseling/career_center/scholarship_information
Calling All Class of 2026 Seniors!
We’re looking for our Class of 2026 Senior Speaker!
If you’re interested in speaking at graduation, submit your 3-minute speech by:
This is your chance to represent the Class of 2026 and leave your mark on graduation day!
See Ms. Smith in the CCRC for more details.
OSD Notice of Non-discrimination