Olympia School District

Superintendent’s Message

 

Hello Olympia School District families and community,

There is an old saying that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. It seems obvious that this adage refers to the weather, as it’s still winter when March starts, and by the end of the month, spring has arrived. Some believe the saying is linked to the stars. At the start of March, apparently, Leo (the Lion) is rising in the east, and by the end of the month, the constellation Aries (the Ram/Lamb) takes over. I’ve always thought that it is a reminder that while hard times happen, they can build character and lead to better times in the future. 

There is a great deal happening across our district this time of year. Classrooms are full of learning; students are participating in performances, spring sports are starting up along with other seasonal clubs and activities; and our staff are already preparing for the 2026-27 school year. We are also looking forward to welcoming future students and families at our upcoming annual Countdown to Kindergarten event.

This is also the time of year when we take stock of the legislative session and its impact on our work, and finalize the budget for the coming year. Given a lackluster session and continued enrollment decline, we are making necessary reductions while remaining firmly committed to maintaining strong educational experiences and meaningful programs for our students. Our board and staff are working thoughtfully through these decisions, and we encourage you to share your input by completing our 2026-27 Budget Survey.

As Spring Break approaches, I hope your family is able to find time to rest, recharge and enjoy time together. Thank you for your continued support of Olympia School District and for being such an important part of our school community.

Warm regards,

Patrick Murphy

 

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2024-25 OSD Annual Report Now Available

The Olympia School District’s Annual Report for the 2024–25 school year is now available for families and community members to explore. The report highlights key district initiatives, student learning and progress over the past year.

School Performance Reports and School Improvement Plans are published annually by the Olympia School District. Much of the data on these pages may also be found on the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) Report Card.

We invite you to take a few minutes to learn more about our schools and the work happening across the district. Should you have any questions regarding these reports, plans or district policies, please contact the OSD Communications Office at [email protected] or (360) 596-6103.

 

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Camper-to-Counselor Students Come Full Circle at Cispus

Each spring, fifth-grade students across the Olympia School District head to Camp Cispus for an unforgettable Outdoor School experience.

 

Cispus is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for fifth-grade students. For many, it is their first taste of independence away from home and a chance to challenge themselves with new activities. Days are spent focus on outdoor learning by hiking, building survival skills and exploring the natural environment. Evenings bring students together around campfires to reflect, connect and share in the experience. The camp is built to be accessible to all students with ADA accessible entryways, showers and bathroom stalls.

 

When they return, students become part of a shared tradition that spans generations. For more than 30 years, Cispus has been woven into the fabric of the Olympia School District, serving as a rite of passage that creates meaningful learning experiences, opens new doors and leaves a lasting impact.
Behind the scenes, Outdoor School is a large-scale effort spanning nearly three weeks and requiring months of planning. “This experience truly takes a village,” said Winnie Merrill-Hicks, executive assistant of elementary education. “It involves nearly every department at the district office, along with transportation, food services, support services, technology, school leaders, building staff and of course our fifth-grade families.”

 

Camp Leaders in Action

Helping make the experience so meaningful are our high school student counselors. Avanti High School teacher Karen Adams explained, “Students spend more than 20 hours preparing for the experience, learning how to support younger students and create an environment where everyone feels included.”

 

During the second session of Cispus this year, students from Avanti High School joined fifth graders from Boston Harbor, Centennial, McLane and Madison elementary schools, guiding them through team-building activities, outdoor exploration and daily camp life. Counselors from Olympia and Capital high schools supported students during sessions one and three.

 

For many counselors, the experience comes full circle. “Cispus felt magical as a fifth grader. Coming back as a counselor, it’s different being the one helping everything run, but it’s just as fun and has been a highlight of the past three years for me,” said Huckleberry Smith, a senior at Avanti High School.

 

Not every counselor had the opportunity to attend as a fifth grader. “I never got to go to Cispus when I was a fifth grader because of COVID, so now I am making up for the time that I missed by coming back as a counselor each year,” said Juniper Hummel-Church, a junior at Avanti High School.

 

Before camp, student counselors complete an application process and participate in training to prepare for their roles. At camp, they are assigned small groups of students and stay with them throughout the day, from meals and activities to campfire and cabin time, helping ensure each student feels safe, supported and included.

 

Throughout each day, fifth graders split their time between instruction with their teachers and activities led by their counselors.

 

“My favorite part about working with the fifth graders is how silly and goofy they are,” Hummel-Church said. “They never fail to make me smile and laugh, and I love how they are so confident being their goofy selves.”

 

“There was a student who was really homesick at first, but he stayed. By the end, he didn’t want to leave,” Smith said. “Seeing how much more comfortable and happy he became was really special.”

 

Beyond supporting younger students, the experience also leaves a lasting impact on the counselors themselves.

 

“Cispus helped me find my voice and become more confident as a leader. It’s shown me how much I enjoy working with students and has been a big part of why I want to be a teacher,” Smith said.

 

Memories That Last a Lifetime

Merrill-Hicks said the impact of Outdoor School extends far beyond the three days at camp. “We hope every student walks away with a greater appreciation for the outdoors, stronger social-emotional skills, more confidence and lasting memories.”

 

For both campers and counselors, those memories last long after they return home. Families are invited to view photos from the first two sessions and share their own Cispus experiences. Community members have already begun reflecting on trips from 20+ years ago, highlighting the lasting impact of Outdoor School across generations.

 

• Cispus Facebook Photos: Session 1, Session 2

 

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Share Your Budget Feedback, Explore the Budget FAQ

Families, staff, students and community members are invited to take Olympia School District’s 2026-27 Budget Priorities Survey. The survey takes about five minutes to complete and is open until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 3. Survey results will be shared with the Olympia School Board in April.

For those who would like more context, we encourage you to visit the OSD Budget page and, in particular, our Budget FAQ page. The Budget page includes current planning materials for 2026-27, and the FAQ provides answers to common questions about staffing, class size, state funding, levy revenue and where to find the most current budget information.

Families and community members are also invited to attend one of two budget listening sessions: 

• Tuesday, April 14: 6-7 p.m. in the cafeteria at Washington Middle School

• Thursday, April 16: 6-7 p.m. in the cafeteria at Jefferson Middle School

 

If the dates or times of these sessions do not work for your family’s schedule, you are welcome to email the Olympia School Board directly before or after the listening sessions so your thoughts can still be heard.

 

In addition, school board members will visit secondary schools during lunchtime to hear directly from students.

 

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Growing Minds & Friendships Through Chess at Hansen Elementary

At Hansen Elementary School, the Chess Club is more than just a place to play a game; it’s a space where students connect, learn and grow together. The club was started by parent volunteer Amanda Hughes, who saw an opportunity to bring students together through a shared interest.

“The Hansen Elementary Chess Club started when my son was looking for ways to get more involved and make new friends,” Hughes said. “I saw this as a wonderful opportunity to create a welcoming, inclusive space where students could build connections.”

Each week, about 20 students in grades 2-5 gather to play. Interest has grown quickly, and there is even a waitlist of students hoping to join.

During meetings, students work in pairs or small groups. They play games, try new strategies, and solve puzzles together. “Even though chess is often seen as an individual game, our meetings are full of collaboration,” Hughes shared. “Students talk through strategies, solve puzzles together and help each other think through different moves and possibilities.”

 

Learning Skills That Last a Lifetime

Chess Club helps students build important skills both on and off the board. Through regular play, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, strategic planning, a growth mindset, sportsmanship, respect and patience and mathematical thinking.

Hughes encourages students to learn from their mistakes. “The more you play the game, the more mistakes you will inevitably make, and the more opportunities you have to learn and become a stronger player,” she said.

Chess also connects to what students are learning in class. “Students are using algebraic notation, recognizing patterns, and developing strategic problem-solving skills, all of which connect directly to our state math standards,” Hughes explained.

Hansen Principal, Callie Jones, sees the benefits as well. “Learning a new skill gives all of us the chance to experience productive struggle, which is excellent for brain development, academic and social growth,” she said. “Students are making new friends, helping others learn, and exercising their brains in ways that will benefit them in multiple areas of life.”

 

A Place to Belong

One of the most special parts of the Chess Club is the strong sense of community it creates. Students of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced players, learn and grow together. It’s common to see students pause their own games to help others or share strategies. Hughes says her main goal is for students to have fun while building confidence and meaningful friendships. 

“At the heart of Hansen is community and family involvement,” Jones said. “The chess club is a perfect example of what makes Hansen so special. These afterschool options provide a connection between students and their school community that increases their sense of belonging.”

Students agree that the club is a great place to connect. “I like the variety of kids I can play chess with and I like learning new chess skills,” said Ari Niederhauser, a third grader. “I like playing with my friends and meeting new ones,” added Alex Hughes, a second grader.

Through every match and move, Hansen’s Chess Club is helping students build friendships, confidence and skills that will last far beyond the game.

 

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Earlier this month, Olympia School District joined schools across the state in celebrating Education Support Professionals (ESP) Week, March 9-13, 2026, honoring more than 700 staff members who support students, staff and families every day.

 

At the February 26, 2026, school board meeting, a proclamation was read recognizing the vital role ESPs play in fulfilling the state’s responsibility to educate all students.

 

Often working behind the scenes and on the front lines, education support professionals help create safe, welcoming and effective learning environments. Their work spans transportation, nutrition services, maintenance, office support, classrooms, technology and more.

 

Throughout the week, schools and departments shared their appreciation with notes, treats and celebrations. PTOs also recognized the transportation team with a taco lunch, while students created heartfelt thank-you signs.

 

The dedication of our education support professionals makes a difference every day. Their care and commitment help ensure our schools remain safe, supportive and thriving places for all students.

 

 

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Countdown to Kindergarten – April 25!

Families of children entering kindergarten in fall 2026 are invited to the Olympia School District’s annual Countdown to Kindergarten event. This is an opportunity to learn about kindergarten, meet staff, ask questions and prepare for your child’s first day of school.

 

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Olympia High School (1302 North Street SE)

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Learn about transitioning to kindergarten in our district

• Begin the enrollment process

• Interact in a mock kindergarten classroom

• Enjoy activities in our P.E. and arts/music booths

• Talk with transportation and child nutrition staff

• Receive a free book from the South Sound Reading Foundation

• Find out about before and after-school programs from Y-Care

• Learn about transferring to the OSD for out-of-district families

• Speak with Student Support regarding special needs accommodations

 

Please Note: OSD online kindergarten enrollment is open. Students must be five years old by August 31, 2026, to enter kindergarten in the 2026-27 school year. Families can request an early entrance kindergarten assessment if the student turns five between September 1 and October 31, 2026.

If you have any questions, please contact our Pre K-12 Department at (360) 596-6113. We hope to see you on April 25!

 

 

 

  

Lincoln Options Elementary School will host a Zoom information night for interested families on April 22 at 6 p.m. 

 

Lincoln Elementary offers an alternative learning environment featuring multi-age classrooms, a developmentally appropriate curriculum, thematic learning and a high level of family participation. Cooperation, social justice and sustainability are emphasized. Students typically remain with the same teacher for two years to help build strong relationships between school and home. Families are encouraged to participate in both the classroom and school governance. Contact Marcela Abadi, principal, at [email protected]. 

 

Olympia Regional Learning Academy (ORLA): Montessori

ORLA Montessori will host an information night for interested families on April 27 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the ORLA Commons (2400, 15th Avenue, NW).

The Montessori philosophy values each child’s natural curiosity and ability to learn. Students develop responsibility, time management and social skills alongside academics in a structured, prepared environment. Instruction is individualized or provided in small groups, and students learn in multi-age classrooms where older students serve as role models and leaders. Contact Frank Reed, principal, at [email protected].

 

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Community Resources for Youth and Families

The Olympia School District Resources for Youth and Families webpage provides access to and connections with local resources that support families and students experiencing challenges.

Are you or your family looking for information about support groups, crisis lines, help with meals or bills, social and emotional wellness or tips for taming toddler temper tantrums? Our Resources for Youth and Families webpage has all that and much more.

Whether you're a family new to the district or just looking for answers to specific questions, this is a great place to start.