Avanti Connections - September 9th, 2026 - PSAT Deadline to Sign Up; Avanti Potluck Friday Night

The following guide contains important “Back To School” information and resources. Have a look, print off i-tems for the refrigerator, and feel free to return to this guide throughout the school year. If you have any q-uestions feel free to reach out or check with your advisor during conferences. We are all looking forward to building connections with you this year

Monday (Sept 14) – Regular Schedule; Mathletes (rm. 213) starts 9/14 @ Lunch (see Nikki for Details); FFA Meeting starts 9/14 @ Lunch; Avanti D&D will start 9/28 from 1-3;

Tuesday (Sept 15) – Regular Schedule ; ASB/Stu.Co Meeting - Lunch 3rd Floor next to Sogn's ; FFA Meeting will start 9/15 (2:30-3:30p)

Wednesday (Sept 16) –  Regular Schedule - Pizza Klatch (2D Art Rm. Starting Date 9/23/2026, Officially);

Thursday (Sept 17) – ADVISORY SCHEDULE;

Friday (Sept 18) – Orientation (12:30-1:30p); Academic Support rm. 213 (8:30a – 2:30p); ASB Workshop Meeting @ 10:30am-12:00pm; Open Art Studio 3D (Annex) and 2D Art Room 11:30a-2:30p; Open Gym/Weightroom (12:30-2:30p); Garden Volunteer (Contact Quasar to participate) (2-3p); Music Listening Club - (1-2p in Hendrix's Rm.); Wood Shop (Annex) - 1:30-3:00p 

This is what learning on YOUR terms looks like! Every Friday at Avanti High School is packed with options to explore your interests, get support, and connect with your community.

Academic Support | 8:30am-2:30pm

Need help? Para support available all day in Room 213.

Friday Rides | 10:30am-12:30pm

Group bike rides (5+ miles) that earn PE credit! Need a bike or helmet? We've got you covered.

Open Art Studio | 11:30am-2:30pm

Dive into creative projects in our 3D Annex & 2D Art Room.

Open Gym & Weight Room | 12:30-2:30pm

Earn PE credit while getting fit! 75 hours = 0.5 credit.

Wood Shop | 1:30-3:00p starts 9/18/2026

Build something amazing. Open to everyone!

Music Listening Club | 1:00-2:00pm

Share your favorite songs and discover new ones together.

Garden Volunteer | 2:00-3:00pm

Get your hands dirty at our Satellite Garden.

ASB Workshop | 10:30am-12:00pm

Help plan events and build our community!

Come join Pizza Klatch, a peer support group where LGBTQ+ students & allies build community and enjoy free pizza! Stop by every Wednesday during lunch time in the art room. Our first meeting will be on Wednesday, September 23. See Steve for details. 

Hello Avanti Students (new and returning!).

We are looking for a small but committed team to help co-design an art installation that will be hung in the Washington Center for the Performing Arts in Spring 2027.

The installation will include artwork from hundreds of community members.  It’s called a Living Chrysalis and is fostered by local artist and activist Carrie Ziegler.  This installation will grow and travel internationally, inspiring people around the world to create positive change.

Candidates must commit to all 5 design meetings held on Fridays from 11:00-12:00 Sept. 11 - Oct 9th. Ideally, students on the design team will be a part of the Climate Action through Art class in Quarter 3, which will co-create the installation for the WA Center. 

Let us know if you want to be a part of our team!

/Quasar and Cecily

-Parent Workshops (3 - 4:30p)

-Community Potluck-BBQ (4:30 - 5:30p)

September 19: Free Elderberry Syrup & Tea Blends Workshop for Avanti Students! See info below.

September 23: Oregon State University Visit (rm. 213) - 6th Period

Get your photo taken in the Library before school, during passing time, during lunch, or after school. Students choosing to participate in student photos (not mandatory) will be provided a free Student I.D. card.

Join us for our Parent Orientation & Community Potluck (BBQ) on September 18th from 3-5:30 PM!

Workshops (3-4:30 PM): Learn the essentials—Skyward, ParentSquare, Schoology tutorials, our grading system, Mastery Based Learning, and how to get involved at Avanti.

Potluck (4:30-5:30 PM): Bring a favorite dish to share or donate to the BBQ! (BYOP—Bring Your Own Plate & utensils to help us stay green!)

This is a great opportunity to connect with our community, get the tools you need to support your student, and enjoy delicious food together. We can't wait to see you there!

We're excited to invite Avanti families to join us for Friday bike rides with Avanti High's Bike class! Your support helps keep our students safe while they practice real-world cycling skills on the road.

All volunteers must complete or renew their Olympia School District volunteer status annually. Start or renew your registration here:

When you arrive at Avanti, please check in at the volunteer kiosk in the front office. Remember to check out after class ends.

The class meets at the Avanti bike shop, located in the parking lot between Madison Elementary and Avanti High School.

Students are learning safe and legal road riding based on the League of American Bicyclists SMART Cycling curriculum. To prepare, please watch this overview video on riding safely with traffic:

Before your first ride, we'll review group ride guidelines with all volunteers. We'll also do a short practice session with the class before heading out each day.

Let us know which dates you're available to join us:

Please reach out to:

Community Bike Education / Walk N Roll Program Representative

Intercity Transit

Email: apuri@intercitytransit.com

or 

Avanti Secondary Educator 

Email: nwinkley@osd.wednet.edu

Click here for info about our three Student Teachers from Evergreen joining us for the 2026-2027 School Year. 

We're excited to introduce our amazing paraeducators who are here to support ALL students with academic help and guidance every Friday from 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM in Room 213!

Hello everyone! My name is Lauren Fisch, and I'm a proud Avanti High School alumna (Class of 2021). After graduating, I earned my AA and BA in Mathematics, and I joined the Avanti team as a Math paraeducator in 2025. I've loved my transition from student to faculty member!

I'm here to assist students with math and other academic subjects, and I'm excited to connect with both new and returning Avanti students.

A little about me: In my free time, I enjoy rock climbing, reading, spending time with friends, and collecting crystals (minerals... aka rocks!).

I look forward to working with you soon!

— Lauren Fisch

This is my fifth year working as a paraeducator here at Avanti, and I truly enjoy working with our students. Whether I'm helping in the school garden, providing extra academic support, or just being a strong shoulder to lean on, I'm here for you!

A little about me: When I'm not at work, I enjoy gardening during the warm months and quilting during our wet winters.

— Kelley Oletzke

Hello Avanti Community,

If you are interested in taking the PSAT/NMSQT (Practice SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) this October, come to the Counseling Office to sign up. We have 15 spots available. Priority goes towards 11th grade students. 10th and 12th grade students are able to sign up for this test (you would not be considered for the NMSQT). The PSAT does cost money. Its usually around $15.

Deadline to register for this test is September 15th. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. Below you will find some helpful links.

Steve

This fall, all students will participate in important assessments designed to support their academic growth and well-being. Below is a quick overview—click the link below for full details, dates, and what to bring.

All students, staff, and families are invited to complete the Panorama survey to help us assess school climate and student well-being. This survey provides valuable insights that directly support our Student Outcomes and allows us to better serve the Whole Child and Whole Educator.

MAPS Testing — Grades 9 & 10 Only

October 6, 7, and 8 during regularly scheduled Orientation

Important Reminder: MAPS is a no-stakes test. It does not affect grades! It simply helps us understand where each student is academically so we can provide the best support. No studying needed—just do your best.

Click here for complete testing information, schedules, and FAQs 

Questions? Contact kadams@osd.wednet.edu

ASVAB available Friday November 13, @12:00 PM. More Details to come soon! 

See Karen for Details.

Hello Avanti Community,

Each month, students receive a Monthly Review—a snapshot of their progress in every class. These reports are available on the last Friday of each month.

If you have questions, please contact Brenda at 360-596-7900.

Rainier Olympic Nurses Association is hosting an information session for students. If you have students interested in nursing, please share the following information with them:

Are you thinking about a career in nursing? Join us for a panel discussion with nurses from a variety of specialties. We'll also share information about our scholarships for nursing students.

Event details:

Registration Link:

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Please feel free to share our contact information with students who have questions.

Rainier Olympic Nurses Association | 253-572-7337 | office@rainierolympicnurses.org

Scholarship applications are available. Applications must be submitted by 

February 28, 2027.

To learn more about our scholarships and links to the 2027 applications, visit https://rainierolympicnurses.org/scholarships/

This is not just for Seniors!

Students can start applying for these scholarships starting their 9th grade year.

Don't wait until it is too late.

FREE MONEY SCAN ME!

DON'T WAIT! Click here for the list and see Steve with questions. 

Got an idea to help the environment? The City of Olympia wants to fund it!

GOOD NEWS: The September 15 deadline is flexible! The city will award grants on a rolling basis until funds run out – so apply soon!

Apply Now: www.olympiawa.gov/ycag(opens in new tab)

Questions? Contact Natalie Weiss

nweiss@ci.olympia.wa.us60.570.5828

Herbalist Sarah Hutchins is offering a FREE one-day class (grant-funded) on making elderberry syrup and tea blends! This hands-on workshop is open to students ages 13+ and includes lunch, free herbal goodies, and elderberry syrup to take home.

Sarah has been working as an herbalist with the Nisqually tribe for the past two years and is excited to extend this opportunity to the Avanti community!

Spaces are limited, so reach out soon!

Open art studio is an opportunity for students to work on individual creative projects and/or spend more time working on projects from art class. You do not have to be enrolled in an art class to come to participate. Work time is primarily independent, with art teachers available for guidance with materials and techniques when needed. 

TIME: 11:30a-2:30p 

See Cecily or Hayley for more info

Do you like donuts?

Do you you like to solve puzzles?

Do you like to doodle on whiteboards?

Do you possibly tolerate math/love it? And if so, do you want to share those magical powers with your teammates, while checking out a rad college campus The Evergreen State College and grow your edges?

Would you like to waive your future math project (final) for your future math class?

Well if any of these items apply (seriously, including doodling) then Avanti Mathletes is for you!

Avanti morning and afternoon students, join us Mondays at lunch (11:15AM-11:45AM) in room 213 (Nikki's Room).

Bring your lunch, bring a Chromebook, make a friend or roll solo, and check out the fun that is Avanti Mathletes.

For more info, email: nwinkley@osd.wednet.edu

Hello Avanti Adventurers! This year the Avanti D&D group shall be headed on a new campaign dark and mysterious as we go into October and begin the festivities of Halloween. Our first session shall be on the 28th of September and will be a start for any who want to join, no experience needed and those with experience will see something definitely new.

-Xane Burns zburns1230@gmail.com

Hey everyone! I wanted to share a really cool volunteer opportunity happening this month through Teens in Thurston (TnT), a free high school volunteer program run by the Thurston Conservation District.

TnT hosts monthly volunteer events around Thurston County where you can get hands-on experience, meet community partners, and earn volunteer hours. There's no commitment—you can attend as many or as few events as you'd like!

September Event: Sorghum Festival at Haki Farm

Saturday, September 26th | 11 am – 4 pm (flexible, you can leave after 2 pm if needed)

Haki Farm (20 minutes south of Olympia)

You'll help out at a music and harvest festival celebrating African Indigenous foodways and culture. Sorghum is an African Indigenous cereal grain with rich food traditions for Black and Brown communities across the world. You can learn more by watching this video. 

The day includes:

Pizza and snacks at 11 am

A sorghum field tour and workshop at noon

Sorghum harvesting starting at 2 pm

FREE tickets to the music festival later that day!

For more details about the festival, check out the 

Sorghum Festival website.

.

No experience needed, just wear comfortable clothes and bring a water bottle.

For Avanti Students:

This event can count toward either Service Learning Hours or JEDI Hours!

Interested?

Let Sam Nadell know by Thursday, September 24th if you plan to attend: 360-972-0628 or email him directly, snadell@thurstoncd.com. 

Ask Quasar for more info.

Don't miss the last restoration work party of the 2026 season at McLane Creek Nature Trail! Join Stream Team and the Washington State University Extension Native Plant Salvage on Friday, September 18, from 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. 

Manage trailside vegetation while learning about our region’s native plants and the wildlife they support. Connect with fellow nature lovers and help care for one of Thurston County’s most beloved trails. 

Sign Up Now: 

https://streamteam.info/events/

When: Friday, September 19, 2026 | 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Where: Bordeaux Road, new parcel (contact for exact location)

Join us for a hands-on environmental restoration project at the Mima Oaks! This is a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours while making a real difference in our local ecosystem.

What we'll be doing: Removing invasive broom plants from Mima mounds and oak woodlands using weed wrenches to help native species thrive.

Bonus: Snacks will be provided throughout the day!

Important: Please leave dogs at home for this event.

Questions or RSVP? Contact Birdie at 360-791-5932 or biodiversity@friendsofsalishsea.org

This event is sponsored by Friends of the Salish Sea, Biodiversity Project. Learn more at friendsofsalishsea.org.

See Quasar for more info (qsurprise@osd.wednet.edu)

 Looking for a meaningful way to complete your service learning hours? Join Teens in Thurston (TnT), a volunteer program that combines conservation, sustainability, and hands-on outdoor work!

Through TnT, you'll attend monthly meetings where you can participate in conservation activities with local community partners. You'll explore topics like environmental education, farming and gardening, and team building—all while connecting with other students who share your interests and building relationships with conservation professionals in our community.

Interested? Fill out the interest form on the flyer or see Quasar Surprise at qsurprise@osd.wednet.edu for more information!

Earn JEDI hours and strengthen your social justice skills. See Steve for more info. Fridays 1-3p.

SEP 18th

OCT 30th

NOV 20th

DEC 11th

JAN 29th

FEB 26th

MAR 26

APR 23rd

MAY 21st 

Bored? Need service learning hours? Want to be outside and help grow food for our community?

Volunteer with the Kiwanis FoodBank Gardens! Wed, Thurs, and Fri from 9-12 at 3 different locations (so pay attention to which one is on which day!). Sign up using the link below:

See Quasar for questions

This is a great opportunity for Avanti students, families, and community members to provide feedback on transit policies that affect our community. Successful candidates receive a monthly stipend.

Many of our students and families rely on public transit for school, work, Running Start, internships, and community events. Your perspective matters!

Intercity Transit especially seeks representation from: 

Youth (one-year term!)

Students

BIPOC

LGBTQ+ community

People living with disabilities

Fixed-income families

Get an application: intercitytransit.com or pick one up at the Olympia Transit Center (205 Franklin St.)

Submit: Online, email acollins@intercitytransit.com, or mail to Intercity Transit Attn: CAC, PO Box 659, Olympia, WA 98507

Interviews: Friday, November 6, 2026 (tentative)

Questions? 

media@intercitytransit.com | intercitytransit.com

Join the Peer Mentor Program at Explore ABA and support children and teens with developmental disabilities while building valuable skills for your future!

As a peer mentor, you'll serve as a positive role model and "buddy" for clients during their therapy sessions. You'll participate in supervised social activities like:

Service learning hours toward graduation requirements

Meaningful experience in a professional therapeutic environment

Leadership, teamwork, and communication skills

The chance to make a real impact in someone's life

Students (8th-12th grade) who are:

Students: Scan the QR code on the flyer or contact carley@exploreaba.com(opens in new tab) for more information

Teacher recommendations are required as part of the application process

Contact Jessica Dunn at Explore ABA: carley@exploreaba.com

Help create a positive and supportive learning environment while earning your service learning hours. This is an incredible opportunity to give back to the community and grow as a leader!

Hello Avanti Students and Families,

Here are two helpful resources for learning about how / where to earn the required JEDI and Service Learning Hours.

Reach out to the Advisors with questions. We are happy to help set up students with meaningful experiences. Students: be sure to fill out the reflection forms in Schoology (Passport page) to submit completed hours.

We invite all parents, guardians, students, staff, and friends of Avanti to join our Community Group meetings for the 2026-2027 school year. This is a space where we come together to discuss how we can best support our community events, initiatives, and most importantly, each other.

When: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM (first Monday of most months)

Where: Room location will be posted before each meeting

Your voice matters! Whether you can join us for one meeting or all nine, we'd love to have you at the table as we build and strengthen our Avanti community together.

2026-2027 Meeting Dates:

We look forward to seeing you there!

Hello Avanti Community,

As many of you know, we have a pantry at Avanti. It is located on the 2nd floor next to my office.

This pantry is a great resource for all of our students. It is a place for them to find toiletry items, grab and go snacks and food to take home.

At this time, I would like to ask you for donations. The list below is an example of items that have worked in the past with our students. If there is an item that is not on here that you would like to donate, please let me know.

Toiletry items: Menstrual Products, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush.

Grab and Go Snacks: Cup of Noodles, Doritos, Sunchips, Goldfish, PopCorners, Granola Bars, Fruit Snacks, and Fig Bars.

Our wonderful pantry would not be able to exist without the support of our community. Families should donate as much or as little as they are comfortable with. All donations are viewed as a gift rather than an expectation. I am truly grateful for all of your support.

Your donations make a difference. You can bring your donations to my office or leave them at the front office with Katy.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you,

Steve Aguirre

School Counselor

We're excited to offer a series of parent education workshops throughout the 2026-2027 school year, designed to support you in navigating the joys and challenges of raising teens. These workshops provide practical tools, open discussion, and a supportive community of Avanti families.

Get to know what's happening in your teen's developing brain and how it can shape their emotions, choices, behavior, and relationships.

Explore simple, practical ways to encourage your teen, build their confidence, and help them take ownership of their goals.

Develop tools and strategies to help your teen find a healthy balance in a digital world.

Discover ways to stay connected, listen openly, and have more positive and productive conversations with your teen.

Learn how to guide and set healthy boundaries while giving your teen the space to grow, become more independent, and build mutual respect.

Learn how to recognize when your teen may be struggling and discover ways to support their emotional well-being and help them build healthy coping skills.

Explore ways to help your teen recognize and manage their emotions, handle challenges, build empathy, and strengthen their relationships.

Learn more about why teens take risks and how parents can support safer choices, open conversations, and healthy decision-making.

Gain practical tools and strategies

Connect with other Avanti families

Learn from experienced parent educators

Support your teen's growth and well-being

Build stronger communication and trust

Location: Avanti Commons/Lunch Room

Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Questions? Contact the Avanti office at (360) 596-7900

(Provide supplies to the student’s advisor during conferences.  Families should donate as much or as little as they are comfortable with.  All donations are viewed as a gift rather than an expectation.)

(Some classes may require other course specific supplies)

Calculators are available for all students.