Olympia School District

Superintendent’s Message

 

Hello Olympia School District Families,

Spring is coming into full swing and the longer days are returning. That often brings a renewed sense of energy throughout our schools as we enter the final stretch of the school year. This is always an exciting season, filled with culminating projects, commencements, performances and celebrations that mark the progress our students have made throughout the year.

I would like to provide an initial update on the recent Washington State Legislative session. Olympia and school districts around the state implored the legislature, yet again, to fully fund public education. Thanks to the advocacy and efforts of staff, parents, students and community members, there were some encouraging investments. There were minimal increases in funding for supplies and operations, which were sorely needed, as we have all been hit hard by inflation. The special education cap was eliminated and there was a nominal increase to the funding formula. This does not fully fund the services for our students with special needs, but it helps us move closer to our goal. Lastly, they restored some local levy authority, which will allow us to increase locally generated revenue that our voters have already approved. Significant work remains to be done to ensure schools are fully and sustainably funded to meet the needs of every student. Still, we are immensely grateful to everyone for their efforts this session. Considering the significant cuts many districts are facing across the state, we are especially thankful to be in our current position and we do not take it for granted. We will share more detailed information in the coming weeks.

I’m also excited to introduce a new feature in this edition of Spotlight on Success: a column from the Olympia Education Foundation. This column will spotlight the Foundation’s continuous efforts to support both students and educators, while also celebrating the invaluable community partnerships that enhance our schools and provide enriching educational experiences.

I’ll wrap up with some news that’s sure to bring a smile to many faces. Since we did not need to use any snow days this year, there will be no school on Friday, May 23. With Memorial Day on Monday, May 26, a well-deserved four-day weekend awaits students and staff, allowing them to relax and recharge!

 

Warmly,

 

Patrick Murphy

 

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A Powerful Partnership for a Greener Future

The Olympia School District (OSD) and Puget Sound Energy (PSE) have partnered to make a significant impact on the environment and our schools. Together, we’re leading the way in building a more sustainable future, one school at a time.

 

Through the Commercial Strategic Energy Management (CSEM) program, we’ve saved over 450,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity and 35,000 therms of gas in the past two years. That is like eliminating the yearly carbon footprint of 66 homes or planting 500 acres of forest! These improvements have resulted in over $125,000 in energy savings, thanks to smart, simple changes like fine-tuning building controls and reducing energy waste during walk-throughs.

 

“This has been a real focus of our overall district improvement plan,” said Superintendent Patrick Murphy. “It connects directly to Outcome 6, encouraging our students to help create a more sustainable Olympia School District.”

 

Leading the Way in Clean Buildings

Over the past two years, a dedicated team from the Olympia School District—including members of the Support Service Center, Capital Planning Department, and an OSD Climate Corps Fellow funded by a PSE grant—has been diligently preparing for Washington’s new Clean Buildings Performance Standards, which require reduced energy use starting in 2026. Rather than waiting, OSD took a proactive approach by joining a PSE-led cohort in 2022. This allowed the team to conduct hands-on building walk-throughs and implement strategic improvements ahead of schedule.

 

Their efforts paid off in 2024 when Capital High School and Olympia High School became the first schools in the entire state to meet compliance standards through PSE’s Clean Buildings Accelerator (CBA) program.

 

PSE Energy Management Engineer Diego Rojas praised the district as "the first customer in our program to achieve compliance," noting that OSD is "leading the pack" in sustainability innovation.

 

OSD Climate Corps Fellow Grace Yockey played a significant role in this success, submitting crucial documents that the team produced, such as the district Energy Maintenance Plan and the Operations and Maintenance Plan, which helped secure approval. Yockey’s work recently earned her the “Fellow of the Year” from PSE at the 2025 SEMmy Awards (Strategic Energy Management, SEM).

 

Beyond the Buildings

“Olympia School District’s Capital High School was the first building to submit and get approved,” Yockey said following the announcement in September 2024. “Our submission can now serve as a model and resource for others across the state.”

 

In recognition of these efforts, Puget Sound Energy named OSD their 2024 “Energy Champions of the Year,” an honor that celebrates our continued leadership in reducing electricity and natural gas use.

Our partnership with PSE doesn’t stop at building upgrades. It’s also about creating a culture of sustainability that reaches every part of district life.

 

• OSD is proudly expanding our reliance on renewable energy and growing our electric vehicle fleet, moving toward a cleaner future of transportation. Part of this expansion includes new bi-directional charging stations, which allow us to send energy back to the grid during peak usage times.

• Through our participation in a Demand Response System, we manage our energy use during peak times and earn extra funding each year for our efforts.

 

All of this supports a bigger goal of making sustainability real, tangible and impactful for students, staff and our wider community.

 

Hands-On Learning for the Next Generation

Student and staff engagement are vital parts of the journey. With support from PSE and the CSEM program, our district has welcomed two Climate Corps Fellows. Jenna Davidson and Grace Yockey worked closely with district teams to design and lead real-world sustainability projects.

 

Through this partnership, these fellows gain valuable professional experience, and our students get to see sustainability come to life right in their schools. The success of the OSD/PSE partnership is built on regular communication, shared goals and a deep commitment to continuous improvement. Monthly meetings help coordinate projects, identify building needs and ensure our energy-saving actions align with our educational mission.

 

From energy audits and building upgrades to student projects and community engagement, this collaboration with PSE extends far beyond the utility bill; it's also about building a greener, healthier future for everyone.

 

With a third year of collaboration underway, our team is not slowing down. More schools are preparing for Clean Buildings compliance, more students are stepping into leadership roles around sustainability and our district continues to raise the bar for what is possible.

 

“Together, we’re not only saving energy, we’re preparing students to lead in a world where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand,” said Frank Wilson, Executive Director of Operations.

 

Stay tuned for more stories of progress as Olympia School District continues to model what’s possible when education and energy innovation unite!

 

• PSE Partnership Facebook Post

 

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OSD Night at the Rainiers: June 4, 2025

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 out by current 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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Future Friday Inspires Students at Hansen Elementary to Dream Big

 

Teacher Appreciation Week is Monday, May 5, through Friday, May 9, and we are excited to honor the incredible teachers across the Olympia School District.

At the April 24, 2025, school board meeting, the OSD Board of Directors officially proclaimed May 5-9, 2025, as Teacher Appreciation Week. The proclamation recognizes that teachers work in partnership with families to guide students, help them develop essential life skills, inspire big dreams and encourage them to reach their highest potential. Every day, our teachers spark curiosity, creativity and confidence in their students, helping them grow into the leaders and changemakers of tomorrow.

Teachers play a vital role in their students' lives, offering encouragement, creating safe and welcoming classrooms and helping each child see their fullest potential. Teacher Appreciation Week is our chance to celebrate everything they do! 

Honoring teachers goes back more than 70 years. In 1953, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt helped persuade Congress to set aside a day to recognize teachers. What started as a day of thanks evolved into a whole week of celebration by 1986, giving communities nationwide an opportunity to acknowledge the passion and hard work that teachers bring to their classrooms every day.

Here in Olympia, our educational traditions run deep. The first public school in Olympia opened in 1852, just three years after the city was founded. Classes were initially held in a small log cabin, with one teacher serving a group of students of all ages. From those humble beginnings, Olympia has evolved into a district comprising vibrant schools where dedicated educators continue the proud tradition of nurturing young minds, fostering community and shaping the future.

We're excited to highlight some of our outstanding educators on the Olympia School District's social media accounts throughout the week. We thank them for their dedication, kindness and passion, which leave a lasting impact on their students and the school community.

• 2024 Facebook Teacher Appreciation Album

 

 

 

Due to a mild winter, we will not need to use the snow make-up day originally penciled in for Friday, May 23, 2025. As a result, this day will now be a non-school day for all students and school staff, creating a four-day weekend (May 23-26).

Enjoy the extra day off! For details about the school year calendar, please visit the Olympia School District Calendar page.

 

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

Much of that support has come through Opportunity Grants, which are available to every Olympia School District employee who works directly with students. These grants can be funded at up to $2,000 for a project that enhances student learning, closes opportunity gaps or meets a need that an individual school cannot.

Requests range from musical instruments to library books, art supplies, field trips and additional academic support.

In recent years, the foundation has been especially proud to support projects such as establishing the bike shops at Reeves Middle School and Avanti High School and an adaptive tricycle for students with disabilities at Olympia High School.

These OSD staff grants are now open for the 2025-26 school year and will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 20. The application and additional information can be found here.

Your feedback and any questions you might have about our mission to cultivate student potential are always welcome! Don't hesitate to get in touch with Olympia Education Foundation Executive Director Katy Johansson at [email protected].

 

 

 

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Save the Date: Free Sports Physicals for the 2025-26 School Year

If your student plans to participate in athletics during the 2025-26 school year, don’t miss out on the free sports physicals available on Saturday, June 7, 2025! This is an excellent opportunity for all students entering grades 7-12 in the upcoming school year to complete their required physical exam and prepare for the sports season.

 

Event Details:

 

• Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025

• Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

• Location: Capital High School Gymnasium (2707 Conger Ave. N.W.)

 

All student-athletes are required to have a new physical on file each year. These free physicals are a convenient way to ensure your student is ready to participate in sports for the 2025-26 school year.

 

These physicals are not a substitute for the annual “well-child” check-ups conducted by your family healthcare provider.

 

What to Bring:
Completed and signed Athletic Physical Examination Form. You can pick up a printed version of this form from your school’s front or athletic office or print it at home.

Important Information:
Free sports physicals will not be offered at Olympia Orthopedic offices during the summer of 2025. After the physical, families must upload a photo or scanned copy of the completed form to Final Forms.

Please Note: This event is possible in partnership with Olympia Orthopedic Associates and local healthcare providers.

 

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Now Open: Enrollment and Transfers for the 2025-26 school year!

If you're interested in enrolling your student, please visit our Student Enrollment webpage for all the necessary information, including forms and step-by-step instructions on completing the online enrollment process.

You’ll also find helpful information about:

• Steps for enrollment

• Transfer Requests and Renewals

• Early Learning Programs Registration

• Kindergarten Enrollment

New and renewal transfer requests are now being accepted for the 2025-26 school year.

If your student resides within or outside the Olympia School District and wishes to attend a school other than their assigned neighborhood school, a parent or legal guardian must submit a transfer request for consideration.

Start the online enrollment or transfer process today and join the OSD family for another fantastic year of learning and growth!

 

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Your Voice Matters: Take the Spring 2025 Climate Survey Today!

The Olympia School District is currently conducting the Panorama Spring Climate Survey, open through Friday, May 2, 2025, for students in grades 3–12, families and staff. This survey aims to gather feedback on the overall well-being and experiences of the school community. It focuses on essential questions such as: Do students feel a sense of belonging? Do families feel heard? Do staff feel supported?

Insights from the survey help shape district decision-making and drive initiatives aimed at improving school climate. For example, previous results have revealed a need to strengthen students' sense of belonging, prompting staff and administrators to undergo training in inclusive practices. The Panorama survey is a key tool for assessing the district's progress and identifying where more support may be needed.

Survey Details:

 

Deadline: Friday, May 2, 2025

Who: Students (grades 3–12), families and staff

How to Participate:

• Students will take the survey during class (scheduled by each school)

• Families can complete the survey online via a shared link

• Available in multiple languages: English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Arabic