Avanti Connections - October 12, 2026 - The Haunt Begins! Share why you chose Avanti, get the word out!

Monday (Oct 12) – Regular Schedule; Mathletes (rm. 213) @ Lunch (see Nikki for Details); FFA Meeting @ Lunch; Avanti D&D will start 9/28 from 1-3p; Western Washington University Visit @ lunch in Library

Tuesday (Oct 13) – Regular Schedule; Water Quality Monitoring; ASB/Stu.Co Meeting - @ Lunch 3rd Floor next to Sogn's ; FFA Meeting (2:30-3:30p)

Wednesday (Oct 14) –  Regular Schedule - Pizza Klatch (2D Art Rm.; Portland State University Visit @ Lunch in Library; Avanti Parent Workshop - Motivating Your Teen 6-7:30p Avanti Commons

Thursday (Oct 15) – ADVISORY SCHEDULE;  ASL Club @ Lunch - Rm 209 with Alex; Adventure Club @ Lunch - In Library with Sogn; Evergreen State College Visit @ Lunch in Library; Guest Speaker Ali Fuller (JEDI opportunity) - 3rd Period in Nikki's Rm

Friday (Oct 16) – Academic Support rm. 213 (8:30a – 2:30p); MAPS-Small Group/Make Up Testing 10:30a-1p in Rm 214; ASB Workshop Meeting @ 10:30am-12:00pm; Open Art Studio 3D (Annex) and 2D Art Room 11:30a-2:30p; Open Gym/Weightroom (1:00-2:30p); Music Listening Club - (1-2p in Hendrix's Rm.); Wood Shop (Annex) - 1:30-3:00p; Bike Class Ride 10:30a-12:30p; Bike Shop Work Party 12:30-2:30p

Avanti Staff Community Group is looking for video testimonials from our Avanti Community about why you chose Avanti. These videos will support our publicity on social media.

If you have questions, please check in with nwinkley@osd.wednet.edu 

Welcome to a spine-tingling experience based on Grimms’ Fairy Tales with a twisted question: Happily Ever After?… Maybe not!

This year’s Haunted School is more than just scares, it’s a fundraiser to send Avanti students to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Oregon, AND a celebration of community and creativity. So grab your courage, gather your crew, and help us make this spooktacular event a success!

Know Before You Go

When: October 16, 17, 22, 23, and 24

Time: Doors open 5:30–8:30 PM

Tickets: $15 each, online only

Where to Buy: GoFan – https://gofan.co/app/school/WA100658

Pro Tip: Days sell out fast! Buy your tickets in advance.

Arrival: Please arrive 10 minutes before your reservation time.

Before you enter, know what awaits:

To keep everyone safe and the haunt running smoothly:

Choose your fright level with our ticket color system—all are suggested levels, and groups can change their preference at check-in:

Questions? Email jhanby@osd.wednet.edu

See you in the dark! 

The Madison community is reaching out for your support during an important time. We're asking for volunteers and community members to help in several ways

Everyone is invited to food and fun at 5pm at First United Methodist Church, across the street from Madison. Food will be provided by New Bridge Community Church (lovingly called Old Madison).

If you'd like to provide public comment, here's the speaking order:

Sign up using this link for all hearing comments: https://forms.osd111.org/boardmeeting/publiccomments

Madison's sign-up opens at noon on Monday and runs until 7pm on the 19th. The hearing begins at 6pm.

Interested in volunteering? Email Erika Lari at erika917@gmail.com. Or simply show up to support Madison staff and students, no sign-up needed.

Thank you for standing with our Madison community.

Thanks to everyone who joined our first Teens in Thurston event! We hope you’ll join us for the next opportunity to help our local environment.

Volunteers will plant native trees and shrubs to restore habitat for endangered Southern Resident orcas and the salmon they depend on. The event will also include a guided shore walk and refreshments.

Students can earn Service Learning hours toward graduation, and families and volunteers of all ages are welcome. Please register here. Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle.

Questions? Contact Quasar Surprise at Avanti.

More Ways to Get Involved

Looking for more ways to help? Here are a few ways to connect with nature and your community.

Find more Capitol Land Trust events: capitollandtrust.org/events/

High school students can apply to both with one application. No prior language experience is needed; programs are merit-based, and FLEX participants receive scholarships. Staff make final placements. Some expenses, including passports and personal spending money, are not covered.

FLEX Global Abroad: www.discoverflexglobal.org/flex-global-abroad

NSLI-Y: www.nsliforyouth.org/

Deadlines (4 PM ET): NSLI-Y—November 12, 2026; FLEX—November 30, 2026.

ASB/Student Council is looking for adult chaperone interest for future events. 

The ASB would like to be able to reach out directly to those adults directly when activities come up throughout the 2026-2027 School Year. 

Here are some current options for the 2026-2027 school year:

The Gala (April 22, 2027 5:30-8pm. Date not confirmed)

Student night (5-7pm) (Dates undecided)

Adventure Day Trips

Please share your interest in being a part of the contact list for future events, by clicking this link to sign up.

Learn practical ways to encourage your teen, build confidence, and help them own their goals. Connect with other Avanti families. No RSVP needed—just come!

Our amazing volunteers make GRuB’s work possible! Ready to join the team?

October Open Hours

Work hands-on with the farm or help maintain the trail. No application or background check required, just show up and dig in!

Open volunteer hours pause until spring. Interested in fall and winter opportunities? Email volunteer@goodgrub.org to learn more.

We welcome volunteers of all abilities. Have accessibility questions? Reach out to Amanda at amanda@goodgrub.org.

This is a great way to earn Service Learning hours toward your graduation requirement! Questions or ready to sign up? Contact GRuB’s Volunteer Coordinators, Sade and Amanda, at volunteer@goodgrub.org.

Ali will share about ways Intercity Transit builds community through active transit and incentivizes active modes of transportation. Attendees will be invited to participate in several hands-on activities and dream of inventive ways to encourage people to walk and roll in their daily lives.

Ali has an educational background in environmental policy, and a smorgasbord of work experience ranging from building outdoor classrooms in the Minnesota Northwoods to teaching fourth graders 1800's logging techniques in Western Washington. Today, Ali is delighted to serve as a Representative of Intercity Transit's Walk N Roll program. She develops and facilitates programs and events centered on walking, biking, and transit education.

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 about accessing your students Monthly Progress Review, please contact Brenda at 360-596-7900.

Please reach out to your student's teacher(s) for questions regarding student's progress review results; we are happy to work together to better support your student.

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,

Where:

The Avanti Library

When:

Monday October 12th - Western Washington University 

Wednesday October 14th - Portland State University

Thursday, October 15th - Evergreen State College

During the Lunch period

If you have any interest or want to learn more about these schools, I highly encourage you to attend their information session about their school. Open to all grade levels. - Steve 

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. 

Hello Avanti community!

We are Avanti ASB, welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! 

We try to boost the Avanti community by planning events for the school, leading activities in advisory, and lots more! 

We meet in room 302 on Fridays at 10:30 until 12pm and Tuesdays during lunch.

We encourage you to come visit our meetings to see for yourself what it's like. If you attend two meetings and decide you're interested you can join the student council.

Things we do:

Want to build your own bike and take it home? Join us for the FREE Teens Biking to Destinations program!

What you'll earn: A brand-new bike (that YOU built!), plus a helmet, lock, and set of lights — all yours to keep!

Who can join? All students are welcome! People of all skills and abilities are encouraged to participate. 

(Mechanics Students from 2025 are unable to participate in the Build-a-Bike Program more than once) 

Don't know how to ride yet? No problem! Students who don't know how to ride must complete a FREE Learn to Ride class before the session begins. Email walknroll@intercitytransit.com(opens in new tab) to schedule yours.

Ready to sign up? Contact Nikki for more info and to reserve your spot!

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

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

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

 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.

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

Avanti Bikes! invite ALL Avanti Students to join us during 3rd period in Nikki's Classroom (Rm. 213). 

Take a look at who we are bringing to our Avanti Community:

Bike Polo - A grassroots DIY sport that brings the cycling community together.

 

I'm Andre Istari, a longtime member of  Seattle Bike Polo and a formerly competitive player. I've competed in three National Championship as well as the 2011 World Championship in Seattle.  Andre is also an owner at Big Stump Bikes on the westside in Olympia.

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.

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

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.

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

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

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, sexual violence, abuse,

stalking, or other related concerns, free and confidential support is available.

SafePlace provides free and confidential services to people who have experienced all forms of

sexual violence and abuse, as well as intimate partner domestic violence.

24-hour HelpLine: (360) 754-6300

Thurston County Family Justice Center serves survivors of domestic violence, sexual

assault, stalking, and human trafficking. Confidential advocates can provide safety planning, basic needs items, crisis support, shelter and housing search and placement, assistance with filing police reports and civil protection orders, court accompaniment, culturally responsive services, and connections to additional community resources.

Phone: (360) 754-9297 ext. 200

Crime Victims Advocacy Network provides free and confidential services for victims of crime.

Phone: (360) 786-5601

Monarch Children’s Justice and Advocacy Center supports children and families impacted

by child abuse and neglect. Children’s advocacy centers bring community partners together in a

coordinated, child-focused, and child-friendly approach.

Phone: (360) 923-1884

A resource from The Jed Foundation with information about intimate partner violence and how it can affect young people.

Avanti is partnering with 4 The Love Foundation to provide additional food support for families during the November break.

If your family would like to receive a food box, please complete this form: Avanti November 2026 Food Assistance

Choose one of the following:

Request deadline: October 30, 2026

Pickup: November 23, 2026, after 12:30 p.m. Specific pickup times will be provided in November.

One box per household: Each household may receive one food box. If your family has students attending more than one school, please submit only one request per household.

No dietary accommodations are available.

Questions?

Please contact Denise Hammer at dhammer@osd.wednet.edu or (360) 624-2930.

Join us for a NAMI Ending the Silence presentation for adults with middle- or high-school-aged youth. The presentation will cover mental health warning signs, facts and statistics, how to talk with your child about mental health, and how to work with school staff to support your child.

Date: October 27, 2026

Location: CHS

Time: 6:00–8:00 p.m.

Presentation begins: 6:30 p.m.