Olympia School District

Superintendent’s Message

 

Hello Olympia School District Families,

I hope everyone is enjoying the beauty of spring in full bloom—longer days, warm sunshine and a renewed sense of possibility that often accompanies this time of year. It really is hard to believe we’re entering the final few weeks of the 2024/25 school year. This is a special time for schools as students, staff, and families come together to celebrate learning, growth and community.

We’re also looking forward to a meaningful milestone this week: the raising of the Squaxin Island Tribe flag at both Capital and Olympia High Schools. While the ceremonies on Thursday, May 29, will take place at these two locations—one on each side of town—they represent a district-wide initiative. Every school and support building in the Olympia School District will receive a Squaxin Island Tribe flag to raise at their sites moving forward. These ceremonies are yet another milestone in the ongoing strengthening of the partnership between the Squaxin Tribe and the Olympia School District. We invite you to join us. Additional details can be found later in this newsletter.

Lastly, we will soon be celebrating the graduating class of 2025. Details regarding this fantastic group, including graduation dates and times, can be found in the graduation feature article below. In the meantime, as always, thank you for being a vital part of our school community. We look forward to a strong finish to this school year.

Warmly,

 

Patrick Murphy

 

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Capital HS Komakhuk Brothers Lead Cedar Weaving Project

Agugaluk and Aholagana Komakhuk are brothers (and students) at Capital High School who took part in a special project called the Cedar Weaving Project. Through this hands-on learning experience, the brothers explored the Indigenous knowledge of Chehalis basketry, as taught by “Hazel” Pete. They spent time gathering natural materials, learning from elders and sharing what they learned with others. 

The project connected school subjects like science, history, art, and more, all while meeting Washington State learning standards. Tribal leaders and educators from The Evergreen State College and Wa He Lut helped guide and support the students throughout the experience. The Cedar Weaving Project had three main components:

Learning About Basketry Materials
The brothers collected cedar bark, cattail and sweetgrass. They learned how to identify plants and understand the environmental conditions they require for growth. They even helped clear and maintain a trail to reach the sweetgrass mudflats. Reflecting on the experience, Agugaluk shared, "I learned how things are traditionally done and how to gather everything you need for weaving during this project."

Caring for the Environment
The project taught the boys about environmental stewardship. They learned about the Indigenous people's care for the land and how basketry is connected to these traditions. They were guided by tribal elders and learned how to respect and protect the places where materials are gathered. Aholagana shared, "It was relaxing because it was slow-paced and something I could more easily understand. They also talked about how it was done in the past compared to how it's done now." He added, "I enjoyed meeting everyone I got to work with because it made the experience feel more inclusive."

Sharing Knowledge
The Komakhuk brothers also practiced communication skills. They took photos of their work and created newsletters to share their journey. They passed on what they learned by teaching younger relatives who joined them over the summer. As Aholagana put it, "It felt nice to keep the tradition going." Agugaluk added, "and to show others what our culture is all about!"

To show what they learned, the brothers created videos, shared photos and presented their experiences. They also used books like Erna Gunther’s Ethnobotany of Western Washington to deepen their understanding. Their performance was assessed through traditional methods, including sitting beside master weavers and observing how the materials changed as they dried. Reflecting on the impact of the experience, Aholagana said, "It helped me grow more as a person because our weaving culture can be very time-consuming and it helps me with my patience, and I like that." His brother Agugaluk added, "It helped me better understand the Chehalis tribal culture and my own culture."

The Komakhuk brothers’ Cedar Weaving Project is a great example of how students can learn through their culture and environment. It was more than just a school assignment—it was a way to connect with the land, honor their heritage, and become leaders in their community.

 

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You’re Invited: OSD Squaxin Island Tribe Flag Raising Ceremonies – May 29

You are invited to join us on Thursday, May 29, 2025, for simultaneous Squaxin Island Tribe Flag Raising Ceremonies at Capital High School and Olympia High School, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

These ceremonies mark the first time the Squaxin Island Tribe flag will be raised at our high schools and signify the beginning of a new tradition across the district. Moving forward, the Squaxin flag will be flown at all 22 Olympia School District schools and support buildings.

To ensure broad community participation, we are hosting one ceremony on each side of town. Administrators and student representatives from each of our 17 feeder schools will attend, receive a Squaxin Island Tribe flag, and bring it back to their own schools for individual school-based flag-raising ceremonies.

The Squaxin flag stands as a powerful symbol—honoring the first peoples of this region and reflecting our district’s commitment to our relationship with the Squaxin Island Tribe. This includes government-to-government training for all OSD principals and board members, as well as the district-wide implementation of the Since Time Immemorial tribal sovereignty curriculum.

Each ceremony will feature a presentation on the history of the Squaxin People, traditional drumming and singing, and remarks from Squaxin Island Tribal dignitaries, OSD Native Education Coordinator Sandra Gordon and Superintendent Patrick Murphy. The event will conclude with the presentation and raising of the flag, led by district tribal students and Squaxin Island Tribal members.

Following the ceremonies, a reception will be hosted at each high school, welcoming the Olympia community to gather, celebrate and connect.

Flag Raising Ceremonies Details:
Date: Thursday, May 29, 2025
Time: 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Locations:
Capital High School – 2707 Conger Avenue NW (Conger Avenue upper entrance)
Olympia High School – 1302 North Street SE (North Street entrance)

We hope you will join us for this meaningful celebration of culture, recognition and community.

 

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Students in Heather Matthews’ music class at McKenny Elementary earlier this year enjoy their new xylophones, made possible thanks to an Opportunity Grant from the Foundation.

 

Olympia Education Foundation FOCUS

Since our inception in 1998, the Olympia Education Foundation nonprofit has awarded nearly $3 million in funding, supporting students, staff and families in every school throughout the Olympia School District.

Following our first column in Spotlight on Success last month, we received inquiries from several community members asking how they could support our mission to cultivate student potential. Here are a few ways to support our work:

• One way is with your time! We are currently seeking a few individuals to join our volunteer Board of Trustees as we implement our new strategic plan. For more details, and to apply, please visit this link.

• Do you like to golf? Register for our Golf Scramble, being held Friday, July 11, at Capitol City Golf Club. All proceeds will benefit the Principal's Emergency Fund, a vital resource that helps students facing urgent basic needs, especially as we prepare for the new school year and continue our efforts to support all OSD schools.

• Shop at Olympia's Haggen between now and June 3, and you can support the Principal's Emergency Fund at any checkstand!

• Finally, a gift of $25 or more by May 30, 2025, will help support graduation apparel for a Class of 2025 senior who cannot afford this expense.

 

Your feedback and questions are always welcome! Please contact Olympia Education Foundation

Executive Director Katy Johansson at [email protected].

 

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Mark your calendars and grab your ball caps - it's time for the Olympia School District's 2025 Night at Cheney Stadium! Join us for an evening full of food, fun and baseball as the Tacoma Rainiers take on the Las Vegas Aviators.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, June 4

• Location: Cheney Stadium, Tacoma

• Gates Open: 5 p.m.

• On-Field Parade: 5:30 p.m. (all OSD students and families are invited!)
  First Pitch: 6:05 p.m.

 

Come early and be part of the Olympia School District’s pregame on-field parade! Walk the infield perimeter and proudly represent our amazing schools.

Then, find your seats and remove your hats for the National Anthem, performed by the Washington Middle School Choir. The ceremony continues with the first pitch thrown by upcoming retiree and OEA President Jodi Boe, a special tribute to her years of service.

Ticket Packages: (ticket fees not included)

Group Express – $15.50

• Reserved seat ticket

• Ballpark meal (hot dog, chips and water)

 

Double Play – $25.50

• Reserved seat ticket

• Limited-edition Rainiers hat

• Ballpark meal (hot dog, chips and water)

 

Group All-Star – $35.50

• Reserved seat ticket

• Limited-edition Rainiers hat

• Premium meal (entrée of choice, soda or water)

 

Get your tickets here: https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/osdnight

After selecting your seats, you’ll have the option to choose from the three different ticket packages.

Need ADA-accessible seating? Please email [email protected] for assistance.

Have questions? Check out the Rainiers FAQ page or contact the OSD Communications Department at (360) 596-6103 or email [email protected].

 

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We’re rounding up some of the best moments from our social media channels each month. This section highlights what’s trending and engaging, from top-performing posts to standout community interactions. Whether it’s exciting announcements, student/staff recognition or viral-worthy content, here’s a quick look at what had folks buzzing this month!

• Retro Throwback Challenge: Can Gen Z Identify 80s & 90s Items?

• Roosevelt's Art Project Builds Belonging for Mental Health Awareness Month

• STEAM Night Sparks Curiosity and Creativity at McKenny!

• Orchestrating Excellence: OHS Sweeps State Solo & Ensemble!

• 2025 OSD Advocates of the Year

 

 

 

 “Golden Hour,” by Capital High School Junior Cole Pearson

 

Capital High School (CHS) is celebrating student voices in art and writing with the launch of this year’s edition of Cougar Yawp, its annual literary magazine. Volume Two was released in April 2025. This 200-page publication features a compelling collection of student writing and visual art that explores themes of identity, growth, creativity and the human experience.

 

To celebrate the release, the Cougar Yawp team is hosting a launch event at Rhythm’s Coffee on Thursday, May 30, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. The evening will feature live readings by student authors, followed by an open mic. All are welcome to attend and support these young artists and writers.

 

The magazine is a fully student-led project, compiled, edited, designed and promoted by students who dedicate countless hours during club meetings and after school throughout the school year. This year’s edition features the work of 35 student writers and artists, highlighting the incredible talent and diverse perspectives at CHS.

 

A limited number of print copies are still available for purchase online. So order your copy today!

Among the standout pieces featured in this year’s edition is the poem “Wings” by junior Victor Sims. The poem is a moving reflection on fear, freedom and the courage to leap into the unknown.

 

Wings

by Victor Sims

 

A bird
A simple creature
Yet one whose elegance challenges nature’s cruel fate

 

Wings
Elegance in a pure form
As a bird spreads its wings
More than a biological function
More than something basic or necessary
Something all desire
Freedom

 

Wings
As they open from their coddled embrace
They flap one, two, one, two flap

 

Noises surround the nest
The world is still and tiny
Small and held together with spit and sticks
Near the edge lies the unknown

 

Fear
Yet,
They flap one, two, one, two flap
Fear doesn't hold them back

 

Wings
The bird leaps into the unknown
They flap one, two, one, two flap
And take flight

 

“To see students realize the impact and power of their own literary and artistic expressions is the pinnacle of a language arts educator’s career. I am so impressed by the talent, diversity and strength of spirit embodied in this collection,” shared advisor Elizabeth House, who leads the Cougar Yawp team.

 

We hope you will join CHS in celebrating the work of these outstanding student creators on May 30 at Rhythm’s Coffee. Their voices, creativity and vision are truly something to be proud of!

 

 

 

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2025 Communications Audit Recap

During the 2024-25 school year, the Olympia School District partnered with the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) to conduct an audit process to help identify the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for improvement in our district and school communication programs through an extensive process that included:

• Nearly 650 responses to a community-wide survey of parents/guardians, faculty and staff, high school students and community members with and without students currently in the school system.

• Community Focus Groups with key district stakeholders.

• An analysis of district and school-level communications materials, the district website and social media.

A communications audit synthesizes this data to determine the effectiveness of current plans and practices, identify strengths and weaknesses and make recommendations necessary to improve communications across the District.

• Olympia School District: 2025 NSPRA Communication Audit Summary (PDF)
• Olympia School District: 2025 Communications Audit Recap Presentation to School Board (PDF)

Read the full article

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Board proclaims June 2025 Pride Month

The Olympia School District Board of Directors has proclaimed June 2025 Pride Month.

The board took turns reading aloud the one-page proclamation at the May 22, 2025, board meeting. Pride Month shows support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, (Questioning), Intersex, Asexual, and (Agender) (LGBTQIA+) students, families and staff.

In part, the proclamation states that Olympia School District “students, families and staff have the right to be treated consistent with their gender identity and sexual orientation at school.”

It also states that the district is committed to maintaining safe, healthy and welcoming learning environments for all members of our community including transgender and gender-expansive students.

The proclamation notes that the greater Olympia community has been honoring and celebrating Capital City Pride since 1991 and adds “by recognizing Pride Month we affirm that supportive school environments substantially improve the mental health and school engagement of LGBTQIA+ students.”

A copy of the proclamation will be displayed in June at all OSD schools and support buildings.

Read the full proclamation