Olympia School District

Superintendent’s Message

 

We had a great last few weeks of school.  All around the district, we celebrated how far students have come, recognized the people who helped them along the way, and looked ahead to future opportunities. As we close the 2025/26 school year, I wanted to express my gratitude to our students, families, staff and community, and for all you have done to support learning across our district.

This month, we are especially proud to celebrate the Class of 2026. At graduation ceremonies across our district, we honor their hard work, perseverance and growth, as well as the families, educators and community members who supported them along the way.

To the Class of 2026: Congratulations! Whether your next step is college, career, military service, travel or another path entirely, we are proud of you. You leave the Olympia School District with skills, experiences and relationships that will continue to serve you well, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact you will make.

Graduation is one milestone in a much broader preschool-through-12th-grade journey. Across our district, students have learned, grown, built friendships, tried new things and overcome challenges this year. None of that happens without the dedication of our teachers, paraeducators, counselors, office professionals, custodians, bus drivers, food service workers, support staff, administrators and many others who support students every day. Thank you for making this year possible.

As summer begins, we encourage students and families to rest, recharge and enjoy time for reading, exploration, connection and play. Learning continues in many forms beyond the classroom, and summer is a wonderful time for students to pursue interests and prepare for the year ahead.

Summer is also a busy season across our district. While students and many staff enjoy a well-earned break, our operations, maintenance, custodial, technology and support teams are already hard at work preparing buildings, classrooms, grounds and systems for the 2026/27 school year.

Families and staff will also notice a refreshed look online this summer. On July 1, we are launching our new district and school websites through ParentSquare Smart Sites. The new platform is designed to provide cleaner navigation, improved mobile access, enhanced accessibility features and stronger translation tools. As with any major website transition, we expect some items will need to be adjusted after launch, and our Communications team will be making refinements throughout the summer.

I wish all of you a joyful, restful and safe summer break. We look forward to welcoming students in grades 1–12 back to school on Thursday, September 3, our kindergarten students (Class of 2039!) on Wednesday, September 9 and our preschool students on Thursday, September 10.

Take care, and enjoy your summer.

 

Warm regards,

Patrick Murphy

 

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Scott Le Duc’s Student-Centered Approach Earns Regional Teacher of the Year Recognition

Capital High School Media Arts and Career and Technical Education Teacher Scott Le Duc has been named the 2027 Regional Teacher of the Year by Educational Service District 113.

 

Le Duc, who has taught at Capital High School for 28 years, was also recently selected as the Olympia School District’s Teacher of the Year. His regional recognition highlights his lasting impact on students, colleagues and the broader school community.

 

According to ESD 113, Le Duc is known for an instructional approach that centers student agency, real-world learning and preparation for creative industry pathways.

 

“Scott is an innovative educator whose systems-forward thinking helps students become the best versions of themselves,” said ESD 113 Superintendent Dr. Flip Herndon. “His leadership in CTE centers student-led learning and the sharing of knowledge to prepare students for the industry post-high school.”

 

Le Duc teaches courses such as Game Design, Film Cinematography and International Baccalaureate Film. In many of his classes, students across multiple levels learn during the same class period, creating a collaborative environment where students take ownership of their work, support one another and grow as artists, storytellers and creative problem-solvers.

 

At the center of Le Duc’s teaching philosophy is a belief that students should help direct their own learning. Students co-create rubrics, provide feedback on classroom culture, and help shape projects aligned with real-world industry standards. Industry professionals also serve on advisory boards for his courses, giving students access to authentic feedback and insight into future career pathways.

 

Le Duc describes this ongoing process of reflection, feedback and growth as a key part of his classroom culture.

 

“We call small improvements by their Japanese name: Kaizen, or small, incremental gains compounding into growth,” Le Duc said. “Every cycle makes the process better. Every student contributes.”

 

“Scott is widely respected by students, families, colleagues and industry partners,” said CHS Principal Condee Wood. “Students describe him as both demanding and deeply supportive, an educator who pushes them to achieve more than they believed possible.”

 

ESD 113 also highlighted the experience of Capital High School graduate Abby Dyck, who first entered Le Duc’s film class in 2014 as a freshman who described herself as “quiet, anxious, and unsure about myself.” Today, Dyck works as a full-time VFX coordinator in Vancouver, B.C., and has served on one of Le Duc’s advisory boards since 2018.

 

“He is without a doubt the most engaging and dynamic teacher I’ve ever had,” Dyck said. “But what made him the best teacher I’ve ever had is the deep, abiding care he has for his students and his sincere investment in their futures.”

 

Le Duc’s leadership also extends beyond his classroom. This year, he launched a staff AI committee and began producing monthly “AI-Minute” videos for staff meetings to help colleagues explore how emerging technology can support teaching and learning.

 

“Scott Le Duc exemplifies the innovation, expertise, and commitment that define Washington’s most impactful educators,” Wood said. “His influence extends far beyond his classroom, shaping our school’s learning culture and preparing students for meaningful futures.”

 

Please join us in congratulating Scott Le Duc on this well-deserved recognition as the 2027 Regional Teacher of the Year!

 

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Now Trending on District Socials

We're rounding up some of the most popular stories, celebrations and community moments from our social media channels. While school may be out for the summer, we'll continue sharing photos, highlights and memorable moments from the 2025/26 school year. Follow Olympia School District on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected with district news and celebrations all season long.

 

• 2026 Band Bash: More than 1,000 student musicians from across Olympia School District came together at Ingersoll Stadium for the 5th Annual OSD Band Bash. The evening celebrated music, community and the incredible talent of our students.

• Celebrating Principal Marcela Abadi: Lincoln Elementary recently honored Principal Marcela Abadi as she prepares to retire after more than 30 years in education, including 19 years leading the Lincoln community. The celebration was filled with music, stories, laughter and heartfelt appreciation.

• 2026 Laurie Dolan School Advocates of the Year: Known affectionately as "The Doleys," these awards recognize outstanding volunteers from each of our schools. This year's celebration honored the dedicated community members who make a difference for students, staff and families every day.

• Student Craftsmanship at Reeves Middle School: Eighth grader Bryce spent nearly two years designing and building a custom chessboard and handcrafted chess pieces in Wood Tech. The finished project showcases remarkable creativity, patience and skill.

• Disc Golf Comes to Pioneer Elementary: When third grader Henry Bell saw an opportunity to bring disc golf to Pioneer Elementary, he wrote a successful grant proposal to the Pioneer PTA. Thanks to his initiative, students and community members now have new disc golf baskets to enjoy.

• We're Hiring Bus Drivers: Join the Olympia School District team and help transport students safely each day. Competitive pay, training opportunities and a chance to make a difference in students' lives.

 

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Helping Students Stay Safe and Supported This Summer

 

Mental Health

As we head into summer break, we want to thank you for all you have done to support our schools, students and one another this year.

 

Summer can be a time for rest, connection and new routines. We also know that time away from school can bring added stress, isolation or uncertainty for some students and families. We want to make sure our community knows that support remains available throughout the summer.

 

The Olympia School District’s Resources for Youth and Families webpage includes local and national resources for mental health, crisis support, basic needs, food assistance, health care, family support and more. This is a helpful place to start if you or someone you know needs support during summer break.

 

Families may also review this youth mental health and suicide prevention information from Thurston County Public Health and Social Services: Youth Suicide Risk Health Advisory.

 

Students and families are also encouraged to continue speaking up when something does not feel right. If you are worried about yourself, a friend or someone in our school community, please tell a trusted adult. Safety concerns may also be reported through the district’s anonymous Vector Alert system.

 

Another resource available to young people in Washington is HearMeWA, a free, anonymous, 24/7 helpline for Washington youth up to age 25. Youth can use HearMeWA to share concerns about themselves or someone else and get connected with trained support.

 

For immediate danger or a life-safety emergency, call 911.

 

For mental health crisis support, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential and available 24/7. Teen Link is also available for youth and young adults at 1-866-833-6546 from 6-10 p.m. daily.

 

Please Note: District digital safety tools remain active on district-managed accounts and devices during summer break. When urgent safety concerns are identified, they are reviewed and routed for appropriate response.

 

Before the end of the school year, schools will continue to remind students about the importance of looking out for one another, telling a trusted adult about any concerns and knowing where to find help.

 

Recreation/Gun Safety

As students spend more time outdoors, traveling, gathering with friends and enjoying local parks, lakes and pools, we encourage families to keep these summer safety reminders in mind:

 

• Talk with children about water safety, including swimming with supervision, avoiding swimming alone and using properly fitted life jackets when appropriate.

• Remind students to wear bike helmets, use sunscreen, stay hydrated and take breaks during periods of high heat.

• Practice safe storage of firearms, medications and other potentially dangerous items. Firearms should be stored securely in a locked cabinet, safe, or lockbox, out of reach of children and unauthorized individuals. Gun locks are another important tool for helping prevent unauthorized access.

 

Thank you for helping support a safe, healthy and restful summer break for all Olympia School District students and families.

 

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Graduation season for the Class of 2026 has officially come to a close, and all of our senior classes have walked across their respective stages.

 

If you were unable to attend one of our five graduation ceremonies this year or didn’t catch the livestream, you can find all of our graduation livestream recordings linked below. You will also find photo albums capturing the smiles of this momentous milestone from all of our high school graduations. Congratulations to the Class of 2026. We wish you the best on your next adventure!

 

• Avanti High School: Live Stream & Photo Album

• Capital High School: Live Stream & Photo Album

• Olympia High School: Live Stream & Photo Album

• Olympia Regional Learning Academy: Live Stream & Photo Album

• Transition Academy: Live Stream Part 1, Part 2 & Photo Album

  

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Sun Bucks 2026: Expanding Summer Food Access

The SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) program is returning to support families during the summer months, when school meals are not available.

 

SUN Bucks provides a one-time $120 benefit per eligible child each year to help families purchase groceries. Last summer (2025), nearly 550,000 children in Washington received SUN Bucks, helping families stretch their food budgets and support local communities.

 

Benefits will begin arriving starting in June for eligible families.

 

Who Is Eligible?

Most children will be automatically enrolled if they meet one of the following anytime between July 1 of the previous year and the current summer:

 

• Approved for free or reduced-price meals at a school participating in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program

• Ages 8–18 and part of a household receiving SNAP or TANF benefits

 

If your family becomes eligible for free and reduced meals after June 5, school enrollment data will not be shared with the SUN Bucks program due to limited time. You can still receive the benefit by also completing a SUN Bucks Application on the DSHS website.

 

Families of automatically eligible children will receive a notification by mail.

 

Students attending schools that provide free meals to all students (Community Eligibility Provision or Provision 2 schools) must submit a meal application or SUN Bucks application to verify income.

 

Do I Need to Apply?

If your child is not automatically enrolled, you can still apply. To qualify by application, students must:

 

• Attend a school that participates in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program, and

• Live in a household that meets income guidelines for free or reduced-price meals

 

Applying online is the fastest option, but paper applications are also available.

 

Please Note: Additional languages search Sun Bucks (Electronic DSHS Forms)

 

What to Expect

 

• Families will receive an approval letter by mail, followed by a SUN Bucks card within 7–10 business days

• Cards are mailed to the address on file with DSHS, your child’s school, or your application

• Benefits can be used at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other EBT-approved retailers nationwide.

 

SUN Bucks can be used to purchase foods such as:

 

• Fruits and vegetables

• Meat and dairy products

• Bread, cereals, and snacks

• Non-alcoholic beverages

• Seeds and plants that produce food

 

Benefits expire 122 days after issuance, so families are encouraged to use them promptly.

 

Need Help?

 

• Sign up for text alerts to receive updates and reminders

• Call the SUN Bucks Contact Center: 833-543-3230 (TTY: 800-833-6348) Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

 

Learn More or Apply

 

• Visit the SUN Bucks website for full details, applications, and updates.

• More summer food options for kids

 

Check out the OSD Free Summer Lunch Program

 

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Olympia Education Foundation welcomes new Executive Director

The Olympia Education Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Kelly Hart as its new Executive Director.

 

Hart brings more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising and community engagement. Throughout her career, she has led programs that connect schools, educators and community partners to expand access to arts, education and enrichment opportunities for students.

 

“I’m honored to join the Olympia Education Foundation,” said Hart. “I look forward to working with the Board, the school district and our community to support students and educators.”

 

Annie Pocklington, Olympia Education Foundation Incoming President and Strategic Planning Co-Chair, said the OEF Board was impressed with Hart throughout the interview process.

 

“We are so excited to bring Kelly’s nonprofit leadership and community-building expertise to the Olympia Education Foundation,” said Pocklington. “Kelly has hit the ground running, and it has been great to see her insight and background shine through in her work already.”

 

The Olympia Education Foundation supports students and educators across the Olympia School District by partnering with the community to help expand opportunities and remove barriers to student success.

 

Olympia School District families, staff and community members are encouraged to reach out, introduce themselves and welcome Kelly to her new role. To learn more about the Olympia Education Foundation, visit their website or contact Kelly Hart at [email protected].

 

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“Fleeting” by Raegan Hoffman, a junior at Olympia High School, Winner of the Superintendent’s Choice Award at the OSPI 53rd Annual Superintendent’s High School Art Show.

 

School and district summer office hours 2026

All schools are closed for the summer. Middle and high school offices reopen on August 17, while elementary school offices reopen on August 24.

 

Summer hours for the Knox 111 Administrative Office, located at 111 Bethel St. N.E. in Olympia, will begin on Monday, June 29, and end on Friday, July 31, 2026. During that time, the building will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 

Please Note: From June 29 through July 31, Knox will be open to the public Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and by appointment only on Fridays.

 

Members of the public who need to meet with the Technology Department on the building’s lower level should knock on the door located near the parking lot next to the Knox building off Tullis Street. The door is at the top of an accessibility ramp with blue railings.

 

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FinalForms Now Open for Fall Sports Registration

Olympia School District middle and high school students planning to participate in athletics this fall can now complete their sports registration through FinalForms.

 

FinalForms allows families to:

 

• Complete and sign athletic participation forms online

• Update student and emergency information

• Upload current sports physicals

• Manage athletic registration information year to year

 

Families are encouraged to complete registration early to ensure students are cleared and ready for the start of fall sports practices.

 

A current sports physical is required annually for participation and is valid for 13 months from the exam date.

 

Visit the Olympia School District Sports Clearance Process page for sport-specific forms, handbook information, and school registration links.

 

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Olympia School District Summer School

 

High School Summer Program

Summer school registration for high school students entering grades 9-12 in the Fall of 2026 is now open!

 

• Classes begin on Monday, July 6th and are in session through August 13, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

• All courses utilize computer-based instruction, and students will work remotely but will have opportunities for in-person support and assessments. Tests must be completed in person at Olympia Regional Learning Academy.

• Students should plan to work approximately three hours per day.

• The registration deadline is Friday, June 26, 2026.

 

Please check with your counselor to verify which courses you will need to complete.

 

For additional information, visit the 2026 OSD Summer School. The registration form for the high school summer program will open on June 8, 2026.

 

• High School Summer Registration Form

• Summer School Course Catalog

 

Please Note: Olympia School District will not be offering an Elementary Summer School Program this year.

 

2026/27 Bus Transportation Registration Now Open

The Olympia School District Transportation Department is now accepting bus registration forms for the 2026/27 school year. If your student plans to ride the bus to and from school, please complete the transportation registration form as early as possible. Students must be registered in order to access district transportation services.

 

• Transportation Registration Form (English)

• Formulario de registro de transporte (Spanish)

 

To ensure transportation is available by the first day of school, please submit your registration by August 15, 2026. Forms received after this date may not be processed until late September, depending on demand.

 

Important Reminders:

 

• Students who are not registered but arrive at a bus stop (established through other families' registrations) will be transported to school in the morning. However, these students will not be transported home and must be picked up by a parent or guardian until they are registered and routed.

• Transportation services will begin only after registration is received and routing is completed, which may take several days depending on demand.

• Transportation information, including stop locations, pick-up and drop-off times, and route numbers, will be shared with families in late August.

 

Special Circumstances:

For students who qualify for special education (IEP) transportation or McKinney-Vento services, or who are enrolled in preschool, registration is handled through the Student Support Department. Do not complete the general form. Instead, contact your student’s teacher, IEP case manager, or the OSD Transportation Deptartment.

 

For all other transportation-related questions, contact the OSD Transportation Department at (360) 596-7700 or email Transportation directly.

 

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Looking Ahead to Back-to-School

While summer has just begun, we know some families like to plan ahead. Our Back-to-School Resource Page will be your go-to destination later this summer for important information, including school hours, supply lists and more.

 

We’ll share updates as the new school year approaches, so stay tuned and enjoy your summer break!