The OlyWay ... 10.09.2026

Welcome to this week’s OlyWay where I try to give you a little glimpse of what's been happening at school all week!

Last weekend’s Homecoming was one of the largest we’ve ever had—and looking at that dance floor, I think we had 100% attendance of our over 1,200 students and guests! Our students danced and danced all night long, and it was such a joy to see them having fun together watching movies, hanging out ... and having a great time! A huge thank-you to everyone who helped make the evening a success, from planning and decorating to chaperoning and cleaning up!

We’re really getting into the flow of these five-day school weeks, which also means that by Friday, we are TIRED! Thankfully, the sun is shining, and these crisp fall days give us a little extra reason to smile!

With a full month of school behind us, some students may be starting to feel the heavier workload. Bears, remember that our FREE before-or-after-school peer tutoring is here for you! We have tutors in almost every subject, ready and waiting to help—whether you’re stuck on an assignment, preparing for a test, or just need someone to work through a tricky concept with you. Come give it a try!  Monday and Wednesday after school and Tuesday and Thursday before school for an hour.

We’ve also received our first fall portrait order from Josie! Students will receive their portraits in their 1st period class on Monday. Students who don’t have a 1st period can pick theirs up in the ASB office. Picture Retakes are Thursday, October 22nd, so mark your calendar if you need another opportunity to smile for the camera!

This OlyWay has a FAT gob of information in it, so grab your favorite beverage, put your feet up and let me share all the things that you need to know .. now that you need to know them!

Enjoy the fall sunshine this weekend, FamOly, and take some time to rest and recharge!

~Wendy Rae, who is loving this fall weather!

wrae@osd.wednet.edu

360.596.7010

Olympia High School is partnering with 4 The Love Foundation to provide extra food support for families prior to the November Thanksgiving break.  

Families in need of this resource can select one of the following: Turkey Box or Grocery Box  

Sign up here or contact Jen Gould jgould@osd.wednet.edu or 360-596-7045

We know our phone lines are CLOGGED right now with all of the students coming/going/being out all day with sickness.  Your first option is always to call and talk to us - or leave a message - to let us know about your students absence.  However, another option is to request one via Skyward Qmlativ!  Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Open Skyward App or Login Online

2. Click on Attendance

3. Click on Absence Requests

4. Click on  + Add Absence Request

5. Select Date(s)

6. Select All Day or deselect to specify time

7. Select the Reason from the drop down menu

8. Add comments in Guardian Comment (i.e. sick, Dr appt pickup at 2:00)

9. Click Select File(s) to add a picture such as a Doctor's Note

10. Select Student(s) that apply to the same request

11. Click "Save" 

Homeroom this week: Panorama Survey

If your student has not yet completed the fall Panorama climate survey, please encourage them to do it prior to October 12, 2026. This survey asks students to reflect on their experiences in school; it is important for OHS to understand these thoughts and perspectives so we can best support students in all aspects of school. A direct link to the survey can be found at the top of the OSD Portal: https://portal.osd111.org/

Library: Olympia Reads!! Bookmark Contest

We are getting ready for our fourth annual Olympia Reads!! event. In preparation for that, we are asking students to submit original bookmark designs to the OHS Library on or before November 12, 2026. For contest rules and a bookmark template please see the links below or come to the OHS Library. 

1. Bookmark Slideshow

2. Bookmark Rules & Templates

This message is from your AP/CiHS Coordinator, Ms. Heikkila (and one of my besties!!) The 2027 Advanced Placement Exam Registration is now open until Monday November 2nd, 2026.   (If your course isn't until spring, you will register/pay then.)

1  Get your join code. Ask your AP teacher for the join code for your AP class. You will need it to register for the exam.

2  Register for your AP exam. Use your class join code and complete registration by the deadline above.

3  Pay $109 per exam. Choose one payment option:

•  Online through the OHS pay portal:

    https://wa-olympia.intouchreceipting.com/

•  In person at the ASB Office with cash/check/card/applepay.

•  By mail: Send a check to 1302 North Street SE, Olympia, WA 98501.

Late order fee: $40. An additional $40 fee applies to exams ordered after November 2, 2026, and before March 2, 2027, for regular testing administration.  (2nd semester courses register in spring and pay.)

Cancellation or unused exam fee: $50 per exam. If you decide after the November 2 ordering deadline not to take an exam ordered for you, tell Mrs. Heikkila. The $50 fee applies to unused or canceled exams, including exams ordered for students who qualify for a College Board fee reduction.

Exceptions: No fines apply when switching between AP Calculus BC and AP Calculus AB exams. This exception also applies to AP Art exams.