Dec. 8, 2023 Newsletter
Capital High School Family Communication
December 8, 2023
Upcoming Events
- December 12 - Winter Concert 1 - 7:00 p.m.
- December 14 - Winter Concert 2 - 7:00 p.m.
- December 15 - Winter Concert Assembly
- December 20 - January 2 - Winter Break - No School
- January 12 - MLK Assembly
- January 15 - MLK Jr. Day - No School
OSSEC - Olympia Schools Supportive Educational Council
- Please see the link regarding the OSSEC program for families of students who are receiving IEP and 504 support plans.
Conger’s Closet
Conger's Closet Holiday Open House
Place your order online by December 11th and pick it up on the 15th.
Orders placed after the 11th can be picked up at the Athletic Office, December 18 or 19th, 8-3:45.
European Travel Opportunity
Dear Interested Travelers and Parents,
It’s 2023, a year where the world has finally thrown open its doors after a long, pandemic-induced hiatus. Imagine standing under the Eiffel Tower, gazing up at its iron lattice work against the Parisian sky. Imagine yourself strolling through the quaint streets of Lucerne, feeling the pulse of history in the heart of Berlin, and breathing in the alpine air in Innsbruck. This is your call to an adventure, an invitation to join me on a journey that transcends textbooks and classrooms.
Since 2003, I have had the privilege of guiding students like you across Europe, a continent teeming with history, culture, and stories waiting to be discovered. Thirteen times we've embarked on this journey, each trip writing a new chapter in the lives of those who joined. Our last sojourn was in 2018, and though we had to put our wanderlust on hold in 2020, this year we are ready to make up for lost time.
Here's the plan: From June 25th to July 6th, we'll embark on a grand tour of France, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. We'll experience the night lights of Paris, the serene beauty of Lucerne, the historic allure of Innsbruck, the vibrant energy of Munich, and the undeniable spirit of Berlin. This isn’t just sightseeing; it's an immersive dive into different cultures, an opportunity to see the world through a new lens.
I am thrilled to announce a Parent Information Meeting on November 30th at 7pm in Pod A, Room A6. This evening will be about more than dates and destinations; it's about understanding the transformative power of travel. We'll discuss the practicalities – the costs, the logistics of group travel – but more importantly, we'll explore the intangible benefits: the growth, the learning, the memories that will shape your view of the world and your place in it.
To join this epic journey, visit www.explorica.com/hamilton-169 and click the “I’m interested” link. A simple form awaits – just your name and your parent's email address – and you'll be all set to receive reminders and updates.
This trip is more than a vacation; it’s a rite of passage, a chance to step out of the familiar and into a world of endless possibilities. I've seen firsthand the impact these experiences have on students: eyes opened, perspectives shifted, lives changed.
So, will you join us? Will you take the leap into a journey that promises to be as enlightening as it is exhilarating? Use the included QR code to see more information.
Warm regards,
Steve Hamilton
Parent Education Series
The Olympia Education Foundation is proud to present:
- 2023-2024 parent education series with Emily Mcmason
- For Middle and High School Families and their students
- Anxiety, stress & school: how to help at home.
The school year can be an exciting time filled with great moments. it can also come with sleep problems, procrastination, anger and lots of other symptoms of stress and anxiety. Come join us for a conversation about what’s going on–from the brain changes in middle school to the best approaches to take with students in high school. Tweens & teens are welcome to join us so the whole family can learn about the tools to use all year long.
- Wednesday, Dec. 13
- 7-8:30 p.m.
- Washington Middle School Library
- All OSD families are invited to attend at no cost!
- Click HERE for more information.
Community Connections
OSD Resources for Youth & Families
Looking for information about support groups, crisis lines, help with meals or bills, social and emotional wellness, or tips for taming toddler temper tantrums? You can find all that and much more in our Resources for Youth and Families webpage.
The Crisis Clinic of Thurston & Mason County
The clinic provides a 24-hour 7-day a week service to anyone who calls, offering crisis intervention and emotional support, as well as information.
360-586-2800
360-586-2777 Youth/Teen Helpline
NAMI Thurston-Mason
NAMI Thurston-Mason (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is an organization of families, friends and individuals whose lives have been affected by mental illness. NAMI serves residents across Thurston-Mason counties with free mental health support, online groups, resources and education.
360-493-6021
After School Tutoring Now Available
After school tutoring/homework help is available every Wednesday from 2:40 to 3:25 in the library. Our paraeducators provide support in all subject areas!
Health Room Reminders
Now that cold, flu, and COVID season are in full swing, we wanted to remind everyone what the current guidelines are for students and staff.
- COVID: Stay home 5 days from the onset of symptoms. Onset day is day zero. If you do not have symptoms then stay home 5 days from the positive test date. You need to be fever free for 24 hours and your symptoms should be improving. You can return to work/school on day 6 but should wear a mask on days 6-10.
- Flu and all other illnesses: you need to be fever, vomit and diarrhea free for 24 hours without the use of medication.
Please contact Joy Fulling with any questions or concerns: 360-596-8008 or [email protected]
Staff and Student Yoga
- Staff and Student Yoga! Thursdays at 4:00 p.m. in B9 with Ms. House. Mats and props provided, but feel free to bring your own. Please contact Mrs. House at [email protected] for more information.
Parents on Deck at School (PoDS)
- Parents, please see the PoDS program flier. We would love to have you join our new parent volunteer program!
CHS Library News
Battle of the Books sign-ups have begun. Students need to send their team captain to the library to sign-up. While students usually create their own teams of 2-4 players, individual students who would like to be placed in a team should talk to Mrs. Bonds. Battles will not begin until late February or early March. We also have a Thurston County battle, which will take place April 22nd. For more information, email [email protected] or have your kiddo stop by the library.
The CHS Library and CHS Book Club are working with Browsers Books for a Book Fair Fundraiser this holiday season. If you plan to purchase a new read or book lover merchandise for a gift, please do so on December 16th either online or in person at Browsers Books! Tell them you are there to support the Capital High School Library and we'll get 20% of the proceeds for future purchases at Browsers! Store hours are 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. With online purchases made on Dec 16th only, add "Capital High School Library" to the comment section. Set a reminder on your device now and thank you in advance!
CCRC News
On Thursday December 14th, University of Washington Tacoma will be visiting students during lunches. If your student is interested in attending this university, please have them join us in the Career and College Readiness Center.
Senior Families: The CCRC and Counselors met with your senior student on Dec. 6th and gave them a lot of Senior Information. Please ask them about this information. We also have it posted on the CHS Counseling website under Senior Information.
Senior Families: Continue to look out for the FAFSA/WASFA information. The Free Application Federal Student Aid should be open by December 31st 2023. Save the Date: There will be a FAFSA/WASFA night at Capital High School on January 25th from 6pm-8pm in the CHS Library.
If you have any questions regarding the CCRC, please feel free to contact Mrs. Smith
[email protected]
CHS Theatre News
Capital High School's Improvisational Theatre Class is producing an improv show on Friday, December 8 in the CHS Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. Admission is free; however, donations will be accepted at the door.
Capital High School Parent Organization
GIVING TREE
This year's Giving Tree campaign ends in early December. Please consider donating to this effort, which has helped CHS families and students in need for the past 16 years. Funds are used to purchase gift cards which are distributed just before the holidays. Donate at https://givebutter.com/2023chsgivingtree. You may also bring $25 Target gift cards to the counseling center.
Many thanks to our first donors for supporting CHS students and families!
GRAD NIGHT TICKETS ON SALE NOW; EARLY SEASON PRICE $99
Grad Night tickets are on sale now. Lock in the early season savings at just $99. Attention grandparents -- This is a great holiday gift for CHS seniors. The 2024 Grad Night celebration is an outstanding special event for graduating seniors. Buy your ticket at https://chspo.org/gradnight/.
SIGN UP FOR SENIOR SIGNS WHILE YOU CAN
Senior signs sales are underway. You can choose a sign with photos or a generic CHS graduate sign. Learn more: https://chspo.org/product-category/graduation/
Questions? Contact the Capital High School Parent Organization at
[email protected].
Alternative Lunch Space
Capital High School has opened an alternative space during lunches for students who are seeking a quiet space to enjoy their lunch period. The “Alternative Space” will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, during both lunches, and located in E-1 next to the student store.