Nov. 7, 2025 Newsletter

Capital High School Family Communication
November 7, 2025
Upcoming Events
- November 7 - Veterans Day Assembly
- November 11 - Veterans Day Observed - No School
- November 18 - CHSPO Meeting - 6:00 p.m.
- November 18 - Booster Club Meeting - 7:00 p.m.
- November 26-28 - Thanksgiving Break - No School
- December 9 - CHSPO Meeting
- December 16 - Winter Concert - 7:00 p.m.
- December 18 - Winter Concert - 7:00 p.m.
- December 22 - January 2nd - Winter Break - No School
CHS Food Pantry Now Open!
If your family is in need of food, please stop by the main office Monday through Friday between 9:00 and 3:00 p.m. to visit our new CHS Food Pantry!
CHS Booster Club
The next Booster Club meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 18th at 7:00 p.m. in the library.
IB Exam Deadline Approaching
Is your student taking an IB class?
IB exams are a great way for students to test themselves on an international stage and earn college credit! IB Test Registration is open now for all seniors and for juniors in Psychology; Environmental Systems and Societies; Sports, Exercise, Health Sciences; Calculus; Math Applications; IB Theatre; and IB Visual Arts.
- Students can get registration forms from their teachers or the main office.
- Fill out the registration and return it to the ASB Office by Friday, November 7th to avoid a late fee.
- Any questions? Contact Amelia Young, IB Coordinator at [email protected]
CHSPO News
Hello CHS Families,
CHSPO is reaching out with an urgent plea: we need parent volunteers!
Currently, only 5–8 parents regularly participate — and three of them have seniors graduating this year. Without new involvement, especially in board positions, CHSPO may not be able to continue after this school year.
CHSPO plays a vital role in supporting CHS staff, teachers, and students — but we can’t do it without your help!
What Does CHSPO Do?
We’re a 100% parent-run, non-profit group that relies entirely on the support of CHS families to make a meaningful impact.
Here are just a few ways we support our school community:
- Teacher & Staff Grants – for classroom supplies and essential materials (textbooks, PE supplies, safety equipment, calculators)
- Senior Grad Night Party – a safe and fun celebration for graduating seniors
- Teacher/Staff Appreciation Lunches – to recognize and thank our dedicated educators
“Many hands make light work!”
That’s certainly true! At the high school level, most of the work we do happens behind the scenes.
We:
- Meet once a month
- Host small fundraisers during school events (Open House, Curriculum Night, sporting events)
- Organize 1–2 larger fundraisers each year
- Communicate and coordinate primarily by email and phone
Every bit of help makes a difference!
Join Us at Our Next CHSPO Meeting
- Tuesday, November 18th
- 6:00 PM
- CHS Library (enter through the front doors)
We’d love to meet you, answer your questions, and share how you can get involved!
Save the Date!
CHSPO 2nd Annual Rummage Sale
Friday, April 18th | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Get ready for our 2nd Annual Rummage Sale, hosted by CHSPO!
Early Sign-Ups
- Students & Staff: $10 per spot
- Community Members: $25 per spot or 2 spots for $40
This is a great opportunity for your classes, sports teams, or clubs to:
- Fundraise
- Showcase creativity or crafts
- Declutter your home
- Connect with our amazing CHS community
Held outdoors, rain or shine!
More details coming soon!
Questions?
[email protected]
Senior 2026 Grad Night
Please see additional information regarding our Senior 2026 Grad Night
Warmly,
Capital High School Parent Organization (CHSPO)
“Together, we make CHS stronger!”
Attendance Reminders
To Excuse a Student
A parent or guardian must call the attendance secretary to excuse a student's absence or tardy. Calls must be received within 24 hours of a student's absence or tardiness. The attendance secretary's voicemail is available at any time to excuse a student's absence or tardiness. Please call the direct line 360-596-8019 . For attendance purposes a note will not be accepted.
Excused/Unexcused Absences and Tardies
Excused absences/tardies are acceptable for religious reasons, family emergency, illness, bereavement, pre-approved extended absences and professional appointment ( Appointments considered professional by nature are: doctor, dentist, orthodontist, attorney, and other licensed practitioners. Appointments not considered professional are: drivers testing, senior pictures, or long lunches). Unexcused absences/tardies are students/families running late due to traffic, car troubles, sleeping in, and transportation issues.
Other Absences
To facilitate a student who needs to leave for an appointment during the school day, please call before 9:00am. The student will be given a pass to leave class at the appropriate time. The student must then sign out at the attendance office BEFORE leaving campus and sign in UPON RETURN to school. Students who leave school without permission are deemed unexcused. If your student is feeling ill and needs to leave school early, they must first go to the Health Room to be checked out by the nurse.
Free Prevention Event: Screenagers Under the Influence
November 12th at 6pm the Thurston County Prevention Workgroup is hosting a viewing of Screenagers: Under the Influence on Zoom.
This film delves into the impact of the digital age on teens' decisions around vaping, drugs, and alcohol. It explores research and personal experiences, and discusses tools to empower teens in the choices they face. After the film, we will discuss local resources and best practices in supporting the young people in your life. You can watch a trailer about the film here: https://www.screenagersmovie.com/about-screenagers-under-the-influence
You can register for this event at: https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/events/screenagers-under-influence-community-presentation
Counseling Center News
SENIORS: If there are any seniors who have not yet met with your School Counselor to review your credits, discuss future options and review graduation details, please do so immediately!!
Capital High Theatre Presents: The Haunted Carnival: An Autumn Festival Fundraiser of Frights, Fun, and Theatre!
Are you sad that Halloween is almost over? Worry not! Thespian Troupe 4058 is pleased to present The Haunted Carnival, a family-friendly fall festival and fundraiser at Capital High School on November 7th from 7pm to 9pm. The event will feature a spooky combination of Halloween entertainment, games, food, and live performances directed and performed by students.
Visitors will be entering a haunted school area complete with all manner of Halloween decorations, interactive booths, and performances by students. The festival's novel ticket system permits visitors to enter using "Admit One" tickets, which can then be exchanged for food, activities, and games throughout the event. Ticket packs will be sold at the door: 5 tickets for $5, 12 tickets for $10, or 25 tickets for $20, making it convenient for families to spend the night out together as well as a booth in the commons if you would like to purchase even more tickets for all of the fun and exciting events.
Guests can also enjoy a range of activities for all ages. Activities feature Haunted Carnival Games like bean bag toss and ring toss; face painting and so much more. For those who enjoy being frightened, the Haunted Hallway, staffed by student "scare actors," will provide chilling entertainment in a safely guided tour experience.
Of course, no Capital High Theatre event would be complete without a show! Audiences can be entertained by short performances throughout the evening.
Funds raised from The Haunted Carnival will go directly toward Thespian Troupe 4058's efforts to enjoy theater to its full potential as well as to raise money for our upcoming State Thespian Festival in March.
The event is for all the public. It welcomes attendees to come in costume, bring their families, and enjoy a night of laughter, frights, and magic created by our theatre students.
Event Information
- Date: November 7th
- Time: 7-9 PM
- Location: Capital High School – 2707 Conger Ave NW, Olympia, WA 98502
- Tickets: Sold at the door – 5 for $5, 12 for $10, or 25 for $20
IB Exams
Is your student taking an IB class?
IB exams are a great way for students to test themselves on an international stage and earn college credit! IB Test Registration is open now for all seniors and for juniors in Psychology; Environmental Systems and Societies; Sports, Exercise, Health Sciences; Calculus; Math Applications; IB Theatre; and IB Visual Arts.
- Students can get registration forms from their teachers or the main office.
- Fill out the registration and return it to the ASB Office with payment by Friday, November 7th to avoid a late fee.
- Any questions? Contact Amelia Young, IB Coordinator at [email protected]
Winter Sports
You can register your student for Winter Sports, starting October 1, 2025.
- The following sports are offered:
- Boys Basketball
- Girls Basketball
- Girls Bowling
- Girls Flag Football
- Gymnastics
- Boys Swim
- Boys Wrestling
- Girls Wrestling
Please follow ALL of the steps to ensure your student is registered correctly.
- Go to: www.finalforms.com
- Login into your account or create a new account.
- Provide all the required information. Both you and your student must sign the online forms.
- Upload a valid sports physical. A sports physical is valid for 13 months from the date of examination.
- Go to the OSD Payment Portal (https://wa-olympia.intouchreceipting.com/) and make payment.
- You must purchase an ASB Card (one time per year) and pay Pay to Play (except for boys basketball-payment is due within 3 days of making team).
- Once your student's registration has been reviewed, you will receive an email indicating they are cleared for Winter 2025 Sports.
If your student wants to participate on the first day of practice you must be registered by:
- Girls Bowling: November 3, noon
- Gymnastics: November 10, noon
- All remaining sports: November 17, noon
Community Connections
Thurston County Food Bank
- The mission of the Thurston County Food Bank is to eliminate hunger in our community. Thanksgiving Meal Distribution: November 24th, 25th, and 26th
- 360-352-8597
Stonewall Youth
JBLM Military and Family Support
- The Military and Family Support Center's programs and services are a key resource for you and your family.
- Highlighted:
- School Support Services
- Our JBLM School Liaison Officer (SLO) is:
- Antoinette Walker
- 253-967-7195
- and
- JBLM Rental Partnership Program.
News from the CCRC
We want to thank JC Penneys for participating in our first Career Spotlight of the year. Thank you for your help in teaching our students about Retail and Cosmetology.
Here are more Events below that you don't want to miss
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NOVEMBER
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EVENT
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LOCATION
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4th
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Oregon Tech and DigiPen
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CCRC During Lunches All students invited
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5th
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JCPENNEY (RETAIL AND COSMETOLOGY) CAREER SPOTLIGHT
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CCRC During Lunches All students invited
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10th
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The Evergreen State College
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CCRC During Lunches All students invited
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12th
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CIEE Exchange program info
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CCRC During Lunches All students invited
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13th
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ASVAB TESTING GRAD PATHWAY
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9am-12pm SENIORS ONLY EVENT MUST SIGN UP in SchooLinks 1 week before Event
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17th/18th
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WHITWORTH on the 17th & Seattle Pacific University on the 18th
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CCRC During Lunches All students invited
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20th
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Perry Technical Institution
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CCRC During Lunches All students invited
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21st
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Running Start Student extra help with Mrs. Smith
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CCRC 2pm Help with Adding Colleges in SchooLinks
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20th
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NW College of Art and Design
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CCRC During Lunches All students invited
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25th
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WESTPOINT
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CCRC during Lunches
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DECEMBER
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EVENT
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LOCATION
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4th
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Washington State University (WSU) Application Decision Day
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12-1pm SENIORS ONLY EVENT with cumulative 3.0 or Above GPA, COST $70. YOU WILL APPLY DIRECT TO This UNIVERSITY AND GET THEIR DECISION THAT DAY. You MUST Sign up with Mrs. Smith by stopping by or emailing her before the event so there will be space for you.
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11th
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Central Washington University (CWU) On the Spot Admissions Event
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10-11:30am in the CCRC SENIOR ONLY EVENT
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20th-31st
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WINTER BREAK
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WINTER BREAK ALL CHS
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FOR SENIORS ONLY: FAFSA and WASFA information
FINANCIAL AID COMPLETION NIGHT: was October 16th 2025 at CHS
- If you missed that event and would like more information, please feel free to contact Mrs. Smith at CHS in the CCRC. Other workshops can be arranged, if needed or check below at all of the resources provided, to see if this helps in your FAFSA/WASFA journey.
FOR ALL STUDENTS and FAMILIES
Here are Other Financial Aid Resources that you may want to check out!
Financial Aid Resources:
Materials & Tools
- Financial Aid Padlet for Students: This digital information board includes all the links to financial aid applications and where students can find support applying.
- Financial Aid Calculator: Use Washington’s financial aid calculator to estimate your Washington College Grant and Federal Pell Grant awards.
- Otterbot: Otterbot is a free texting service created to support high school seniors who have signed up for the College Bound Scholarship. Otter sends financial aid info and reminders to College Bound seniors
- CSS Profile: The CSS Profile is a supplemental financial aid form from the College Board, that SOME colleges require in order to determine how much institutional, need-based scholarship money to award. Watch this short video for more information on what to expect when filling it out. Here is the list of Participating Institutions with CSS Profile
- Parent/Guardian Financial Aid Glossary: Helpful resource for understanding the language related to financial aid.
Websites
- How to Apply for Financial Aid: Applying for financial aid is a crucial first step toward an affordable degree or credential. This is especially true for students from low- and middle-income families. If students don’t apply for financial aid, they can’t get scholarships, grants, or loans from schools or state and federal financial aid programs. This web page provides information on both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA).
- Washington College Grant: The Washington College Grant is one of the most generous financial aid programs in the country. The grant gives more money to more people for more kinds of education and training beyond high school. Funding is guaranteed for eligible students. The guarantee of financial aid can help reduce the affordability barriers that currently prevent students from pursuing college and career education.
- Plan Your Future: The Plan Your Future page provides information on career exploration, applying to colleges, state financial aid programs, and more for high school juniors and seniors.
- College Bound Scholarship: The College Bound Scholarship is an early commitment of state financial aid to eligible students who sign up in middle school and fulfill the scholarship pledge. Visitors to the site can find information on College Bound eligibility and access. Counselors will also find a host of resources to help parents and students understand and access the program.
- Passport to Careers: The Passport to Careers program helps students who have experienced foster care or unaccompanied homelessness to prepare for and succeed in college, apprenticeships, or pre-apprenticeship programs.
- Visit the Federal Student Aid Resources site for downloadable resources in English and Spanish on a variety of topics from “Who’s my parent?” to “Understanding dependency”.
- WASFA information https://wsac.wa.gov/wasfa
College Information: Early Action: for some colleges this has passed but there are others that are still open for early action. Be careful to understand the difference between Early Action, Early Decision to make sure they are NOT binding. If they are binding, it is a good idea to know what you are bound to. Please check with your student's colleges to see when they need to apply. Remember, after you apply to your colleges, you must ADD your college in SchooLinks so your school information can be provided to your college. Here is the College Application guide: SchooLinks_Student_College_Application_Guide_1_1.pptx.pdf
Teacher RECOMMENDATION is also through SCHOOLINKS under each COLLEGE they apply for. If you are requesting any recommendations from any other people outside of an educator, you will do that either through Common App or the School Specific app, BUT all teacher recommendations will go through SchooLinks. You may refer to this SchooLinks_Student_College_Application_Guide_1_1.pptx.pdf or come into the CCRC to get help from Mrs. Smith.
SchooLinks: Remember to do your SchooLInks tasks that help with learning more about Financial Aid and your High School and Beyond Plans.
- Complete your BRAG Sheet in SchooLinks, yearly. This will help your teachers and counselors write informed recommendation letters for you later.
- Submit your SMART GOALS, Tasks and High School and Beyond Plans-yearly-This helps your teachers and counselors and guardians see what you are hoping to do after high school. It opens up communications and allows us to see how we can support your future decisions.
- Resumes-If you haven't already-you will want to upload your resume to your High School and Beyond Plan as a pdf document. (This is for ALL SENIORS-including Running Start students).
Scholarships: Remember to be accessing the CCRC Scholarship Website to see what Scholarships you might be eligible for:
https://capital.osd.wednet.edu/counseling/career_center/scholarship_information
All Students Families:
Scholarships for all grades: Remember to be accessing the CCRC Scholarship Website to see what Scholarships you might be eligible for:
https://capital.osd.wednet.edu/counseling/career_center/scholarship_information
OSD Notice of Non-discrimination