FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I make an appointment with the counselor?
Appointments can be made by talking with the counseling secretary, Patty West or by talking directly with the counselor. Parents can call the secretary at 596-7004 or the appropriate counselor.
Staff phone numbers are on the homepage of this website.
How can I get a progress report?
Six-week progress reports are mailed home twice a semester. The dates are approximately October 31, December 14, March 27, and May 15 for progress reports.
Parents can e-mail or call teachers every few weeks in between the 6-weeks progress reports for the most current information or contact the counselor for a written progress check. Students can also take around the purple progress report form on a weekly basis. The form can be picked up in the Counseling Center whenever is convenient for the student.
Semester grades are posted at the end of each semester in February and June.
How can I find out what my student's homework is if s/he misses class?
Teachers have a website that lists the basics of what is occurring in their classes. You can find these websites in the Department Pages at http://olympia.osd.wednet.edu/departments. If you need more information, or want to contact your student's teachers directly, their emails and phone numbers are in the staff directory at http://kids.osd.wednet.edu/for_parents/staff_phone_directory?shortname=olympia
Where can I find out information about the PSAT or SAT test dates?
Go to: www.collegeboard.com for dates and registration information.
When do I apply for college?
Applications for four-year colleges are usually available starting in October of your senior year. Deadlines can be as early as November 15th (for early decision), so be sure to know the deadline and apply well in advance. We encourage students to get their applications done prior to Winter Break in December. Most college applications are online. You will usually get a quicker response to an online application and the schools are able to contact you more quickly with questions. Applications for two-year community and technical schools are also online and can be filed as early as December of your senior year. The earlier the community college application is turned in, the better chance to get into specific programs and classes in the Fall.
When do I apply for financial aid?
Students can apply for financial aid at their desired colleges at the same time they apply for admission. Colleges use the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form which should be filed online and is available beginning January 1 of your senior year at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Colleges use the information from that form to determine your student aid. You will usually get an offer of student aid at the same time you receive your acceptance from a school. Olympia High School counselors set up a Financial Aid Information Night in November for parents.
How and when do I get scholarships?
Scholarships are available from a variety of sources. The best source will be the financial aid office of the college attended, so be sure to contact them early and pay attention to their deadlines.
Another great source is Olympia High School’s Senior Notes. This lists all the local, state-wide and national scholarships we receive that are offered to current students. To request a scholarship list, contact Mrs. Williams in the Career Center. The current edition of Senior Notes is listed here: Senior notes
A third source is websites. These scholarships draw from a larger pool of students and can be harder to get. For a list of scholarship search websites, go to: Scholarships
How do I get my student's name off the military recruiter lists?
By law, the district must provide military services with student information unless the parent/guardian requests otherwise in writing. The form to request this is available in the Student Rights and Responsibilties Handbook given to each student at the beginning of each school year. Usually the deadline to do this is mid-October; check with the high school for the exact date. Signed forms should be returned to the school and must be redone each year. For questions, call Cathy Williams in the Career Center, 596-7034 or email at cawillia@osd.wednet.edu.