January 24, 2019
Superintendent's Message
Hello Olympia School District Families,
I hope the new year is off to a good start for all of you. You may already know, but the end of January marks the midpoint of the school year calendar. I can’t believe that the school year is already half completed. Our students in the Olympia School District continue to do remarkable things in the classroom, on performance stages and athletic fields, and in gyms. At a recent school board meeting we reported that our on-time graduation rate for the Class of 2018 was approximately 90% and the extended graduation rate (5 years) was just under 95%. While we will always strive for 100%, these results continue to be among the highest in the state for a district our size. You may remember in past articles, I‘ve mentioned how we are excited about our strategic planning work and the school board’s commitment to support our staff and families to better meet the needs of the “whole student.” Because of the feedback from students, families and staff, social-emotional learning and physical and mental wellness are key aspects of our new strategic goals that we believe will further strengthen our academic performance and help us reach our goal of 100%.
It is in the midst of this success and excitement about the future that we sadly once again face a significant budgetary predicament that can’t help but dampen enthusiasm. I mentioned in the November newsletter that like a “broken record” we once again face a substantial deficit going into the 2019-20 school year. The reasons for that deficit are multilayered, but the fact is that the legislative “fix’ to the McCleary Decision resulted in a disproportionate allocation of revenue to districts in the state creating winners and losers.
This is confusing for people because there was indeed a significant infusion of new dollars by the Legislature to public education since the 2017 session, but the methodology was flawed and as a result some got significantly more than others. Things like receiving zero “regionalization” dollars and the elimination of the “mix factor” particularly injured the Olympia School District. (Read more about regionalization and mix factor in the November Spotlight on Success newsletter). But Olympia was further damaged, and the inequity further exacerbated across districts, when the Legislature reduced the Olympia community’s ability to make up for state deficits through local levy funding. Instead of being able to collect up to 28% of a voter-approved levy to enhance and fill in gaps in state funding, the new state law imposes an arbitrary tax limit of $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed value on local levies. Subsequently, Olympia’s ability to backfill our state funding shortfall has been cut in half. This was not, however, the effect on all districts. More property-rich districts were already generating a 28% enhancement to their district budgets through a local levy of $1.50 or even less, so the net impact on their revenue was zero or negligible.
Because of this, our school board has adopted a resolution of legislative funding priorities that we are sharing with legislators. A list of these funding priorities is posted on our district website. The first request supports the Governor’s recent budget proposal to restore the ability of school districts statewide to raise levy lids to 28%. That change alone could reduce our projected deficit of at least $8.5 million by almost 80%.
But our board also calls out the need to fully pay for staff and teachers so as not to incentivize principals and school districts to hire the “cheapest” teacher as opposed to the “best.” We asked the Legislature to fully fund special education and pay the full cost for proposed increased health care benefits that would be a great thing for our employees. Lastly, in the board’s resolution directors ask the Legislature to support not just the academic but the mental and emotional health of our students by funding more counselors, social workers and nurses, just as our community and our school board call for in our newly adopted student outcomes.
While the Governor’s proposal is hopeful, we will not stop in our ceaseless advocacy for our students and staff until a viable, sustainable solution for the Olympia School District comes to fruition. We also know that the solution needs to be fair for the taxpayers and supporters of education in our community.
I believe we do the world’s most important work: educating the leaders of tomorrow. It is also, I believe, the most rewarding work one can do. But that said, we also know that teaching and mentoring and guiding our children can be challenging and requires great love, strength and stamina. Doing that work in an unstable and unpredictable financial environment makes it harder for all of us. We will keep close tabs on the legislative process and keep people up-to-date (see budget page on our district website) while we simultaneously prepare for potential cuts that we hope we will not have to make. Thank you, as always, for your steadfast support as we navigate an uncertain budget process yet again, with hopefully a predictable, maintainable outcome for Olympia at the conclusion.
Sincerely,
Patrick
Superintendent
Olympia School District
Olympia High School truly "Packs the Gym"
This year’s “Pack the Gym” unified basketball game between Olympia and Timberline River Ridge high schools was another great event highlighting the skills and talents of students with and without disabilities. Students in the stands cheered on their friends as athletes played with enthusiasm.
Karry Trout, the mother of a student who transferred to OHS, says, “The inclusion this school has brought has really warmed my heart.”
The evening began with the announcer’s introduction of each member of the four teams (two from each high school). Olympia High School’s cheerleaders and Pepper Bear mascot formed a tunnel for the athletes to pass through as they took the court. Some students “played it cool” with a walking pace. Others ran at full speed with broad smiles and a celebratory jump or two. The athletes chose nicknames for themselves such as “Jack Attack,” “Peter Parker Pan” and “Skittles.” The announcer’s voice frequently boomed out with, “Here comes the Angel!” Or, “And the Tiger sco-o-ores!”
The crowd responded with cheers whenever an athlete made a basket. The gym filled with a drawn out “Ohhh!” whenever a shot was missed. Principal Matt Grant says he enjoys seeing the students support each other. “Maybe 10 years ago, kids didn’t really know the students in the Life Skills program … Now, they’re some of the most well-known kids in school because they’re mentored and celebrated here,” Grant says.
Antonio McClinon, one of the organizers of this event, says he is “humbled by the testimonials from the parents as this event displays the behaviors and emotions that are important in our journey to becoming a more unified school and community.”
This was truly an “Oly Unified” event.
Students remember the life, legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is celebrated in a wide variety of ways. Community, service and honoring courage have been key themes this year in schools throughout our district.
Following are some of the many ways students remembered Dr. King:
“The Tacoma Arts Live” theater company visited Capital, Avanti and Olympia high schools to perform the story of “Ruby Bridges,” a 6-year-old African-American girl integrating into a white school in the 1960s. Students watched as a Federal Marshall escorts Ruby through the angry crowds, encouraging her “Don’t listen to them, Ruby.” Ruby also has the support of her white school teacher, Barbara Henry. With childlike friendliness, Ruby invites Henry to play “Miss Mary Mack,” a hand-clapping game.
After the performance, Capital High School students were encouraged to answer questions posed by the actors. “Put it in the context of now,” Jill Heinecke, the actor who played Barbara Henry, challenges Capital High School students. “What are some of the ways we can address segregation in our community and world now?” Heinecke asks the students. “We can incorporate people into our friend groups,” answers one student. “Yes. We can always learn from people who are different from us,” answered Heinecke
Garfield Elementary celebrated Dr. King through an evening of good food and a celebration of community. About 150 people attended a schoolwide dinner event. Pasta, salad and breadsticks were the main fare, supplemented by egg rolls and other food provided by a Garfield parent. Students also had the chance to play bingo and receive free books from the South Sound Reading Foundation.
Thurgood Marshall Middle School students spent the Friday before MLK Day honoring Dr. King by participating in roughly 30 service projects throughout the community:
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For one project, students recorded a Public Service Announcement (PSA) for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day through KAOS, a radio station out of Evergreen State College. Students were given a tour of the recording studio and an introduction to the equipment used in the studio prior to recording their PSA.
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Another group of Thurgood Marshall MS students partnered with the Olympia Coalition for Ecosystem Preservation to plant sword ferns and Douglas fir trees in a restorative project at a rookery. The land owned by Oly Ecosystems is home to about 16 Pacific great blue heron nests built high in the branches of alder trees. After a tour led by restorative director Sarah Hammon, the students were set loose to begin planting the native ferns and trees in the woods. Enthusiastic students spread out through the woods, totting shovels and plants in pots. “We’re teamworking. I dig, you plant,” one student told his friend.
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At the Transition Academy, a group of Thurgood Marshall MS students lent a hand with cleaning and maintenance projects at the Dee House. Students worked on a variety of tasks, from hedge trimming and ivy removal to washing windows and cleaning off the back porch. This was a wonderful collaboration of special and general education students working together with a common goal.
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Students also participated in several service projects on the middle school campus. For the second year in a row, students in Jo Badami’s classroom made no-sew fleece blankets for Joint Animal Services of Thurston County. Students learned math and sewing skills as they measured, cut and hand-tied soft blankets for adopted cats to snuggle in during the ride to their new home. Eighth grader Clara Ulvenes said the project reflects Dr. King’s message to “always serve in your community. I think he would be proud of us doing this kind of service on this day.”
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Another heart-warming project centered around creating stuffed bears for children in refugee camps and orphanages. Last year, Thurgood Marshall students made about 500 handmade dolls for “Dolls of Hope,” an organization that sends dolls and bears to refugee children and orphans. Students enjoyed cutting out, stuffing, sewing and decorating the dolls and bears, while recognizing the importance of their service work. “It’s fun to do, and we are helping kids in need,” said seventh grader Jacob Ruse. “I want them to know there is someone who wants them to be happy.”
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While craft projects took place inside classrooms, other students were busy outside serving as stewards of the environment by planting trees and shrubs on campus. The project, coordinated by Thurgood Marshall Citizen Science Institute (CSI) teacher Tom Condon, featured plants such as red osier dogwood, snowberry and Oregon grape donated by Thurston Conservation District.
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Parent volunteer Mark Bergeson, whose son was in the CSI program last year, helped students dig, plant and use cardboard to cover and protect the base of the newly planted trees and shrubs. He says the service project is “teaching them to work together and do something to benefit the community, not just today but tomorrow as well."
To keep the theme of a heart of service continuing even after MLK Day, this week McKenny Elementary School students are participating in the “McKenny Week of Service.” The school is combining fun dress-up themes with service projects, including a sock drive and used book drive.
Yesterday, January 23, students were encouraged to dress in red, white and blue or any combination of those colors. In class, they created valentines for local Veterans and First Responders, which will be delivered around Valentine’s Day. Tomorrow is “Kindness Day,” and students are encouraged to wear positive message shirts to school. They will work together throughout the day to provide acts of kindness for others in the school community.
We are proud of all our students for the heart and thoughtfulness they gave to the celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. and his impact on our nation.
“Mary Poppins” opens February 1 starring OSD staff and students
Tickets are on sale for Mary Poppins, this year’s annual musical presented by the OSD Players — a group of staff and students from throughout the school district.
This year’s production will run Friday, Feb. 1 through Sunday, February 3 at the Olympia High School Performing Arts Center. The performance is a fundraiser for the Olympia School District Education Foundation, which uses the funds to provide grants to the school district, schools and educators.
There will be four shows, all at the Olympia High School Performing Arts Center (1302 North St. SE, Olympia). Performance dates and times are as follows:
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Friday, Feb. 1; 7 p.m.
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Saturday, Feb. 2; 2 p.m.
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Saturday, Feb. 2; 7 p.m.
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Sunday, Feb. 3; 2 p.m.
General admission tickets are $12. Reserved seating for all performances is $15. Tickets may be purchased at the door or online on the OSDEF website or at SeatYourself. For more information or to request seating for those with special needs, please contact the OSDEF office at (360) 596-6110.
Avanti hosts Student Led-Ed Camp
The Avanti High School Student Led-Ed Camp is in its second year of what Avanti hopes will become an annual event. Last year, students from Aspire joined Avanti students for the camp. This year, NOVA students attended, adding diverse voice to the discussions. The camp is led by students, with guidance from teachers. Students live-updated a digital schedule throughout the day, served as “ambassadors” for the discussion rooms and designed the camp logo.
The main portion of the camp focused on seminar-type discussions. The theme for the camp was “Student Voice.” Principal Mike Velasquez says, “The camps have been a great opportunity for Avanti students to develop and demonstrate leadership skills and student voice.” Math and PE teacher Nikki Winkley added that the camp “creates people who can have conversation skills, social skills and emotional skills for out in the greater world.”
Winkley encouraged the motto, “Step up, step back.” During the introduction to the camp, she reminded students to step back to allow people to step forward, as well as for students to step forward when conversation space opened. Quasar Surprise, a career tech teacher at Avanti, observed one student show excellent leadership as an informal facilitator. The student asked critical questions, helped quieter voices to be heard and wrote down key pieces of the discussion on the chalkboard.
In other classrooms, laughter took precedence over discussion. “Name 5 stop-motion, animated movies,” one student asked his peers at their game table. “Chicken Run, Coraline, ParaNorman!” another student rattled off in quick succession. In the Zine Maker Space, a mini unit at the camp, students had access to a wide variety of magazines and art supplies. Quiet reigned as each student pieced together their own magazines from scratch.
What a fantastic way for students to hone their discussion skills, as well as explore creative outlets. As Nikki says so well: “This gives us the opportunity to try to step away from what we normally do every single day.” We look forward to Avanti’s Student Led-Ed Camp next year.
Student learning in the Olympia School District
Over the past few months, we have been making a point of getting out into classrooms with our video camera to take footage of student learning in the classroom and pushing it out on our district Facebook page.
What we’ve been trying to capture is what a classroom might look like on any given day in one of our buildings. We aren’t featuring special events, lessons or initiatives. This is strictly everyday activities happening in our buildings which highlight our amazing teachers and students.
You can view our five “Student Learning” videos on our Facebook page. Simply pull up our page, click on "Videos" in the left-hand navigation and you will see "Student Learning in the OSD" is the first playlist that is displayed. Select any you wish to view, hopefully, you enjoy this brief glimpse into our day-to-day!
Boston Harbor ES Parents share about STEAM-related professions
Guest presenters from the Boston Harbor Elementary School parent community shared with students this month about how their professions are connected to Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and/or Mathematics (STEAM).
The parent presentations kicked off three days of STEAM-related activities, which also included the school’s second annual STEAM night and a visit from the Pacific Science Center.
Parent Tony Messmer, a structural engineer, shared a presentation that included a hands-on activity. He talked with students about cables, anchors and towers before creating a human-powered suspension bridge. His goal was to provide an interactive presentation that would leave an impression on students, as well as allow them to “have fun goofing around being part of the bridge.” Two broad, yellow straps ran the length of the room over the shoulders of students who stood in two rows. “Keep pulling back, anchors!” Messmer encouraged the students. “Hold your positions! Hold your positions!” he reminded them as they squealed and pulled on the straps.
Tad Devitt, a former military mountaineer at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, enjoyed sharing with students about his passion for living and climbing in winter conditions. His presentation included a wide variety of climbing and hiking gear for the students to explore. Students traipsed around the room with hiking poles, blew in wind gauges and played with Lego figurines used to demonstrate lead climbing.
While Devitt focused on adventuring from the ground, Dan Krause, a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy who works with the Air Force, shared how important math is for flying an airplane. Krause talked about how airplane dials correspond to math, including how they are used to monitor air speed values and altitude. Students “ooh-ed” and “ahh-ed” as they watched a video of jets taking off and landing aboard aircraft carriers.
On the creative side, Jennifer Huntley combined math and art in a music presentation. Students sat on the floor with a wide variety of drums between them. Huntley talked with the students about the different types of beats, such as duple, triple and asymmetric. She encouraged students to “hold up my song” while she sang and helped them clap out an asymmetric meter.
The presentation that generated the most giggles was held in the gym. Ellen Greenaway and Oksana Skillings were the main presenters, or so it seemed. A large cardboard box titled “microbe” was at the front of the gym. When leaves were dropped into the box, a voice called out from the box, “Yummy!” The students in the audience burst into a fit of giggles. When a plastic bag was dropped in, Greenaway asked, “Are you choking?” “Yes,” answered the voice. Greenaway referred to the microbe as “that rascally microbe.” Rowan Greenaway, Ellen’s son, seemed to thoroughly enjoy his role as microbe. His black suit and red ski goggles made him a very realistic microbe.
What a thoroughly fun and fascinating event for the Boston Harbor students. As Greenaway says so well: “Anytime you have children making real world connections at school, I am a happy parent. So thrilled with Boston Harbor Elementary School for putting STEAM into our classrooms.”
Directors honored during School Board Recognition Month
Every January school districts across the state and nation honor their board of directors during School Board Recognition Month.
The Olympia School District recognized its school board with a special program near the start of the January 22 board meeting.
During the board recognition, Superintendent Patrick Murphy read a proclamation by Gov. Jay Inslee designating January as School Board Recognition Month in Washington state. This marks the 24th year of the annual observance initiated by the National School Boards Association in 1995. The proclamation reads in part that school directors “are directly accountable to the citizens in their districts and regions, serving as a vital link between members of the community and their schools.”
Each board member also received a certificate of recognition for their service, notecards featuring artwork created by elementary students in the school district’s Visual Arts Program, and personalized aprons signed by LP Brown Elementary students in kindergarten and first grade.
Countdown to Kindergarten set February 9
Countdown to Kindergarten is an informational event for parents and guardians who will have children in kindergarten in the 2019-20 school year. Parents and guardians of incoming kindergartners are encouraged to attend this event to learn about transitioning to kindergarten in the Olympia School District.
The event begins at 10 a.m. with a welcome and presentation by Superintendent Patrick Murphy. An information fair will follow in the Commons where parents can meet and greet school staff from throughout the district. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about registering children for kindergarten, options for before- and after-school child care, and how to use Skyward Family Access — the district’s student information system. The fair will also include information about alternative kindergarten program options, community partner services, riding the bus and more.
Countdown to Kindergarten will be held Saturday, February 9, 2019 from 10-11:30 a.m. Join us at Capital High School Commons, 2707 Conger Ave. NW in Olympia for this introduction to kindergarten.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Nominations due by February 15 for district Teacher of the Year
The Olympia School District is accepting nominations through Friday, February 15, for one or more staff members to be honored as OSD Teacher of the Year.
The program recognizes the work of teachers who have made a positive difference in their profession. Any Washington public school teacher who has a current certificate and works directly with students for at least 50 percent of his/her time is eligible to be nominated.
Please complete the online nomination form and submit by 4 p.m. on Friday, February 15, 2019. A committee will review the applications and select the individual(s) to be recognized based on who best exemplifies the following Teacher of the Year criteria (please include examples of the following in your nomination):
The teacher has the respect and admiration of their colleagues;
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The teacher is an expert in their field who guides students of all backgrounds and abilities to achieve excellence;
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The teacher collaborates with colleagues, students, and families to create a school culture of respect and success;
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The teacher deliberately connects the classroom and key stakeholders to foster a strong community at large;
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The teacher demonstrates leadership and innovation in and outside of the classroom walls that embodies lifelong learning;
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The teacher expresses themselves in an engaging and articulate way.
The individual(s) chosen will be eligible to be considered for the regional Teacher of the Year selection process. The winner at that level advances to the state Teacher of the Year selection process.
Second grade and above Highly Capable Information Meeting
Do you know a student who:
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Thinks up unusual ways to solve difficult problems?
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Generates and comprehends complex and abstract ideas?
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Exhibits feelings and opinions from multiple perspectives?
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Thinks logically and wants things to make sense?
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Prefers the company of intellectual peers?
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Is an expert who abstracts beyond the field?
If you answered “yes” to the questions above, please consider referring that student for identification for highly capable services. Referrals may come from the community, teachers and/or parents. The referral window is open beginning on January 28, 2019 for student identification for highly capable services. The referral window is open until 5 p.m. on Monday, February 11, 2019.
Interested parents/guardians of students in second grade or above are invited to an informational meeting on February 7, from 6 – 7 p.m., in the library at Washington Middle School. The address is: 3100 Cain Road, Olympia, WA 98501.
Please visit the Olympia School District’s Highly Capable Program webpage for complete information and to access the referral form.
If you have questions, please contact the Highly Capable Program Coordinator at: [email protected].
Upcoming Events
January:
February:
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February 1 – Half Day (Elementary/Middle/High Schools)
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February 1 – End of First Semester
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February 4 – Board Meeting: Knox Administrative Center at 6:30 p.m.
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February 6 – 50-Minute Early Release
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February 7 – Highly Capable: Parent Info Night, 6 - 7 p.m. @ Washington MS
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February 9 – Countdown to Kindergarten, 10 - 11:30 a.m. at Capital HS
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February 12 – Elementary School Parenting Workshop
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February 13 – 50-Minute Early Release
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February 18 – Presidents Day (No School)
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February 19 – Mid-Winter Break (No School)
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February 20 – 50-Minute Early Release
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February 25 – Board Meeting: Pioneer Elementary School at 6:30 p.m.
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February 26 – MS Optional Program Nights: 6:30 p.m. at Jefferson MS
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February 27 – 50-Minute Early Release
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February 28 – MS Optional Program Nights: 6:30 p.m. at Reeves MS
The Olympia School District will provide equal educational opportunity and treatment for all students in all aspects of the academic and activities program without discrimination based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. The district will provide equal access to school facilities to the Boy Scouts of America and all other designated youth groups listed in Title 36 of the United States Code as a patriotic society. District programs will be free from sexual harassment. Auxiliary aids and services will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities.
The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies, reports of alleged sexual harassment, concerns about compliance, and/or grievance procedures:
- Steve Rood, Title IX Officer, [email protected], (360) 596-8545 or Nancy Faaren, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning, [email protected], (360) 596-6117
- Ken Turcotte, Section 504 and ADA Coordinator, [email protected], (360) 596-7530
- Pat Cusack, Director of College and Career Readiness, [email protected], (360) 596-6102
- Scott Niemann, Affirmative Action Officer and Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator, [email protected], (360) 596-6185 or Nancy Faaren, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning, [email protected], (360) 596-6117
All four individuals may also be contacted at 1113 Legion Way S.E., Olympia, WA, 98501.