School News | The JOLT News Organization, A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

O’Day will work with students to paint local landscapes and scenery. (Source: Shay O’Day)

Nisqually Middle School to create murals inspired by Nisqually tribal history

In honor of its tribal namesake, Lacey’s Nisqually Middle school plans to commission murals inspired by the people, landscape, and wildlife that reflect the tribal culture and history of this … more

6/11/21

Capital High School basketball fans burned their privilege to sit together and apart from supervisors during games for the rest of the 2021 season.

Capital High basketball games: Parents or guardians required

Capital High School announced the elimination of the students-only section in the gym during the remaining few home basketball games for the 2021 season last Tuesday. The decision to discontinue … more

By The JOLT Staff | 5/29/21 | 2 comments

This image shows the hybrid meeting of the Olympia School District board of directors on Thu., May 27, 2021.

Enrollment has dropped in Olympia schools

As the Olympia School Board looks towards the next school year, Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Priddy reported at the board meeting yesterday that local schools have experienced low … more

5/28/21

A driver deposits her ballot in the official drop box across the street from the U.S. Post Office in Lacey on Election Day last year.

Special Three-Day Filing Period for Offices Without Candidates

A special three-day filing period will be held Wednesday, June 2 through Friday, June 4 to allow citizens to run for elected office for positions without candidates. Open positions … more

5/26/21

North Thurston Public Schools is seeking responses from the general public to its annual survey, now through June 3.

No kids in Lacey schools? North Thurston Public Schools still wants to hear from you

Every year North Thurston Public Schools turns to the community to ask for feedback on academics, leadership, budget, student programs, and more through a short online … more

5/21/21

This is the hybrid live and online meeting of the Olympia School Board on May 13, 2021.

Olympia schools look towards fall re-opening, focus on students' emotional well-being

On Thursday, Olympia School District Superintendent Patrick Murphy shared with the board that the district will prioritize students' emotional well-being ahead of its fall reopening. The move is … more

By The JOLT Staff | 5/17/21

Tumwater school officials discussed students' mental health concerns and resources at their meeting on May 13, 2021.

Tumwater school board tackles mental health concerns ahead of school re-opening

Tumwater School District board’s student representatives presented the growing need for emotional support during its board meeting yesterday. At the May 13 meeting, student representatives … more

By The JOLT Staff | 5/14/21

Dr. Dimyana Abdelmalek, the Thurston County Health Officer.

County health officer offers guidance to school leaders

Dear Superintendents and Heads of School, Thurston County is experiencing higher levels of COVID-19 transmission in our county. This is reflected in the following metrics: Thurston … more

5/4/21

Considering running for office? Candidates workshop coming April 22

Thurston County Elections will hold a Candidate Filing Workshop online on Thursday, April 22 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The meeting is open to anyone interested in running for office this … more

4/8/21

A view of north Olympia from Budd Bay. For a point of reference, not KGY and KAYO Radio's studios, shown to the right edge of the photo.

Child-care needs complicate classroom return for Head Start

OLYMPIA - Head Start employees here want more flexibility as kids return to the classroom.Sophia Rychener, a teacher who heads the Federation of Head Start Employees, said some of her union members … more

By Eric Tegethoff | Washington News Service | 4/1/21

Jennifer S. Thomas appointed to North Thurston School Board

North Thurston Public Schools' Board of Directors has chosen Jennifer S. Thomas, PhD, to join them to represent Director District 3. Thomas replaces Director Melissa “Mel” Hartley, who … more

3/23/21

An array of solar panels is set to be installed on sections of Olympia High School's roof during the summer of 2021. A corner of the gymnasium is visible just to the right of the tree in the center of this image.

Olympia High School to be site of community solar project

Sometime over the summer, solar panels will likely be installed atop the roof of the gymnasium at Olympia High School as part of a partnership between the district and Puget Sound Energy to increase … more

By Cody Neuenschwander | 3/11/21

North Thurston Public Schools seeking candidates for director seat

North Thurston Public Schools’ District 3 Board Member Melissa “Mel” Hartley will be stepping down from the board after accepting a job offer on the east coast, school officials … more

The JOLT Staff | 3/10/21

North Thurston Schools announce return-to-school hybrid schedule

In a message to families yesterday, North Thurston Public schools announced the upcoming hybrid-learning schedule and Today we welcomed back our 3rd and 4th grade students to in-person hybrid … more

The JOLT Staff | 3/4/21

The Olympia School District board meets annually in a joint meeting with the Olympia City Council.

Oly School officials detail complex plan to balance in-person, remote learning

About one in three families in the Olympia School District say they aren’t comfortable with their students returning to school for a hybrid model of in-person and remote … more

By Cody Neuenschwander | 3/3/21

Tumwater School Board met in-person and via Zoom for a work session on Thu., Feb. 25 at 5:00 p.m.

Tumwater School Board discusses School Improvement Plan for Littlerock Elementary

The Tumwater School Board met for a work session Thursday, February 25 at 5:00 p.m. First up on the agenda was a meeting with Littlerock Elementary School Principal, Glenn Spinnie regarding the … more

By Olivia Alvord | 3/1/21

Olympia School District Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Priddy shares a financial update with the board at its meeting Thu., Feb. 11, 2021

Hybrid learning update at Olympia School District board meeting

The Olympia School District board met for a regular board meeting on last night via Zoom. Superintendent Patrick Murphy provided the board and the public with extensive updates concerning hybrid … more

By Olivia Alvord | 2/12/21

The North Thurston Public Schools board met via Zoom on Tue., Feb. 9, 2021.

North Thurston School Board announces name of new alternative learning school

The North Thurston Public Schools district board met via Zoom last night for a regular board meeting. Topics included student preparedness in terms of post-secondary success, the announcement of the … more

By Olivia Alvord | 2/10/21

This poster appears in every school in Olympia School District. These six "student outcomes" are the centerpiece of the "District Improvement Plan" that provides objectives for every teacher and administrator.

Olympia School Board reconfirmed plans for in-person learning

The Olympia School District held a regular meeting last Thu., Jan. 28 via Zoom. The board reconfirmed plans to resume in-person learning for pre-school and kindergarten students under a hybrid plan … more

By Danny Stusser and Ryne Oshiro | 2/2/21

Returning kids to school: County health officer answers top three questions

January 29, 2021 Dear Thurston County Superintendents and Heads of Schools, Since I released my recommendation to open schools to in-person instruction in a cautious phased in approach to … more

1/29/21