Mar. 27, 2026 Newsletter
Capital High School Family Communication
March 27, 2026
Upcoming Events
- March 30 - CHSPO Graduation Night Planning Meeting - 5:30 p.m. Vic’s Pizzeria
- March 31 - CHS Booster Club Meeting - 6:00 p.m. Vic’s Pizzeria
- April 1 - Cap and gown distributions during lunches
- 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.
- April 30 - May 10 - CHS Booster Club spring auction online
- May 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 - CHS Spring Musical - Frozen
- May 7 - 8th Grade Athletic Sports Night - 6:00 p.m.
- May 12 and May 14 - SBA Testing
News from the CCRC
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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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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.
CHS PE Department Archery Curriculum
The Capital High School PE Department has made school history! The Physical Education Department has newly implemented the NASP Archery Curriculum in their 9th-12th grade classes. This has provided students an opportunity to experience a variety of activities during their PE classes. We are excited to continue to offer these new experiences for our students here at CHS. Our school already offers an Archery Club and Zero Hour for students who want to continue to explore the sport of Archery. This weekend CHS will be sending seven archers to the Washington State Tournament held at Central Washington University. There will be 800 students competing from 36 schools around the state! Go Cougs!
Speech and Debate State Competition Results
First-year debaters, and Capital High School Juniors, Henry Graunke and Donovan Jojola made an impressive run to the semifinals at the WIAA State Speech & Debate Tournament this past weekend. Graunke and Jojola also earned awards as fourth and fifth place top speakers, respectively. They were the only semifinalists to earn this award.
In addition to their team medals and individual plaques, Graunke and Jojola finished as the second top seed after six preliminary rounds, earning them a bye in the round of 16. In round five of the preliminary rounds, Graunke and Jojola became the only team at the tournament to beat the eventual state champions (Overlake High School’s Rijul Bhandari and Smaran Malakapalli). Granke and Jojola won on a 3-0 decision in the quarterfinals against Eastside Prep’s Mahika Bansal and Nehal Joshi. In the semifinals, Capital competed in a rematch with Overlake, where their tournament run ended.
This marks the end of the season for Capital’s first-year team. “It was just a few months ago they were learning how to construct an argument, and now they are one of the best teams in the state,” said coach Brendan Stanton. “Now that Capital has a reputation to uphold, the pressure is on. I can’t wait to live up to it next season.”
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.
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…
CHSPO Updates
Hello everyone! Can you believe it is already the 4th week of March? Graduation will be here before we know it! We have our next Grad Night 2026 planning meeting at Vic's Pizza on the Westside on Monday, March 30th at 5:30 pm. We continue to fine tune our plans for the 2026 Grad Night Party and would love for you to join us and find out all the fun details!!!
We hope to see you there and please share this with your senior parent friends.
Warmly,
Michelle Grippo
CHS Grad Night 2026 Parent Committee
CHSPO Rummage Sale
Please see information regarding the 2nd Annual CHSPO Rummage Sale on April 18th.
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.
IB 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 basically done! We are down to TOK IAs and Arts components and then Exams begin April 28th! This is also the time when juniors get started on their Core work (Extended essays and CAS). See note below.
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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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Thursday, April 16th (revised)
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TOK Exhibition
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Friday, April 17th
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Visual Arts Process Portfolio
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IB JUNIORS
There will be a mandatory meeting next week for current juniors who are prospective IB Diploma Candidates. osdThere are two time slots; you only need to come to one.
This meeting will provide information to get you going on the Extended Essay and on CAS.
- Option 1: Wednesday, April 1st at 2:40 - 3:40 in room B-6
- Option 2: Friday, April 3rd during both Coug Times in a location to be determined!
Donations Needed
Our food pantry is in need of the following items, if you are able to help restock these please drop off at the main office-
NEED:
- Canned Fruit
- Boxed cereal- NO oatmeal packets
- Granola/protein bars
- Shaving cream
- Razors
- Deodorant
DO NOT NEED at this time:
- Oatmeal packets
- Canned corn
- Canned green beans
- Peanut Butter
- Canned tuna
- Pasta
- Mac and Cheese
- Canned and dry beans
Thank you for your ongoing support of our food pantry! This directly supports our CHS students and families.
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
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