Monday (Oct 26) – Regular Schedule; Mathletes (rm. 213) @ Lunch (see Nikki for Details); FFA Meeting @ Lunch (see Quasar for Details); Avanti D&D in Conference Rm.1-3p
Tuesday (Oct 27) – Regular Schedule; ASB/Stu.Co Meeting - @ Lunch 3rd Floor next to Sogn's ; FFA Meeting (2:30-3:30p)
Wednesday (Oct 28) – Regular Schedule - Pizza Klatch (2D Art Rm.;
Thursday (Oct 29) – ADVISORY SCHEDULE; ASL Club @ Lunch - Rm 209 with Alex; Last JEDI Guest Speaker in Rm 213 3rd Period
Friday (Oct 30) – Academic Support rm. 213 (8:30a – 2:30p); D+D in Conference Rm 9-11a; ASB Workshop Meeting @ 10:30am-12:00pm; Open Art Studio 3D (Annex) and 2D Art Room 11:30a-2:30p; Open Gym/Weightroom 1-2:30p; Music Listening Club - (1-2p in Hendrix's Rm.); Wood Shop (Annex) - 1:30-3:00p; Haunted Last Friday Bike Class Ride (Costumes Encouraged) 10:30a-12:30p;
|
Week of October 26 – 30
Week of November 2 - 6
-
Nov 2: Avanti Community Group Meeting (6–7p)
-
Nov 4: Session #1 Exhibition Night, Student Art Market, and Bike Drive (4-p)
-
Nov 5: Last Day of the Session; All course work due
-
Nov 5: Veteran's Day Assembly
-
Nov 6: Teacher Grading Day; Only Academic Support Available this Day
Week of November 9 - 13
-
Nov 9: Session #2 Begins
-
Nov 11: Veteran's Day - No School
-
Nov 13: Adventure Day Foraging
-
Nov 13: Kennedy Creek Salmon Field Trip
-
Nov 13: ASVAB Testing (See Karen or Steve)
Week of November 16 - 20
-
Nov 18: Avanti Parent Workshop - Screen Time and Social Media (6-7:30p)
-
Nov 20: Monthly Review
|
Thank you to all of our visitors and guest for making these last 5 nights memorable in so many ways!
Most importantly thank you to our Crew of Students, Staff, Alumni, and Avanti Community Members for showing up like you do!
All of the proceeds are going towards taking our students on our annual Ashland Shakespeare Festival trip.
So much fun and another demonstration of doing hard things!
|
Our Avanti Community is invited and encourage you to invite others to see all of the hard work our students have put into 9 weeks of learning, celebrating our accomplishments, and bringing out community together.
Check out the Schedule and share with any interested/potential students and families you may know!
|
A friendly reminder to Avanti students and families:
Picture Retakes are Wednesday, November 4. O’Connor Photography Studio will photograph students for school records.
To purchase portraits, visit the photo ordering link. For questions or help, call the studio at 1-800-993-4929.
|
Join us for the final Guest Speakers Series session of the session and earn 1 JEDI hour, 3rd Period 10/29/2026.
Guest speaker Kathe Smith will share a 20-minute story about volunteering with the Peninsula Trails Coalition to help build the Olympic Discovery Trail, connecting Port Townsend to the Pacific Ocean.
A longtime bicycle traveler, Kathe has explored trails and routes across the country and beyond.
Students must check in with their current 3rd period teacher and get permission to attend. We hope to see you there!
|
You have something the school board needs to hear. As an Avanti student, you bring a unique perspective shaped by choice, mastery-based and project-based learning, personalized pathways, meaningful service learning, and a close-knit community that sets Avanti apart.
When you represent Avanti on the 2026–27 OSD Student-Led Advisory Council (SLAC), you’re not just giving your voice a seat at the table, you’re showing the school board and our broader community exactly why Avanti matters and what makes our school special.
What Is SLAC?
SLAC is your direct line to school decision-making. The mission is simple: ensure students have a voice in policies that affect us. You’ll bring student ideas and concerns straight to the school board, helping shape decisions that make our entire school community stronger.
This year, SLAC is tackling major issues, from AI policy and phone policy to student handbook updates and, working closely with Superintendent Murphy and student representatives, an improved safety policy and procedure. Your input will directly influence these decisions.
Key Dates
-
Applications open: October 19, 2026
-
Applications due: Midnight, October 30, 2026
-
Acceptance notifications: November 3, 2026
-
First meeting: November 9, 2026, 5–7 PM
-
Last meeting: May 3, 2027
-
Monthly meetings: First Monday of each month, 5–7 PM at Knox 111 Administration Building
What We’re Looking For
Members of the Olympia School Board will review your application, and they want to see you—regardless of your past activities, clubs, or background. They’re looking for a wide variety of voices. Be honest and authentic in your application. That’s what matters.
What’s Expected
As a SLAC member, you’ll be:
- Professional and actively engaged in discussions
- Kind and considerate to others
- Communicative—let your school’s student representative know if you’ll miss a meeting, be late, or leave early
- Prepared—read materials sent ahead of time and bring a computer to meetings
- Ready to engage and make a real difference
Who Can Apply?
All current 9th–12th graders at Avanti are eligible. This is an excellent opportunity if you’re aspiring to become a future student board representative, or if you simply want to have a direct say in decisions that affect your school.
Ready to Apply?
|
Save the Date: NAMI Ending the Silence
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.
|
Avanti is partnering with 4 The Love Foundation to provide additional food support for families during the November break.
Choose one of the following:
- Turkey Meal Box: Frozen, uncooked turkey, side dishes, rolls, and pie
- Grocery Box: Loaf of bread, bagels, rice, beans, cereal, spaghetti noodles and sauce, peanut butter, jelly, apples, and cookies
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?
|
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:
- November 2, 2026
- December 7, 2026
- January 4, 2027
- February 1, 2027
- March 1, 2027
- April 12, 2027
- May 3, 2027
We look forward to seeing you there!
Questions? Feel free to reach out to the Avanti Office. All are welcome!
|
I am reaching out to request donations for a few different projects happening. Reach out to me (Quasar) with any donations or questions! qsurprise@osd.wednet.edu
-
Anatomy texts / visuals (ex. Grays Anatomy // Anatomy Posters)
- Big sheets of (mostly) tape-free cardboard for sheet-mulching
-
Squash / pie pumpkins for an upcoming Pumpkin Bread Sale by the FFA
-
Canning jars of any size but especially 8 oz (lids are fine too but not as needed)
-
Flour: whole wheat / refined / GF
-
Ukulele strings (whole sets)
Any donations are greatly appreciated! Feel free to drop off cardboard in the garden whenever it is convenient (evenings/weekends are fine for that).
/Quasar
|
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
|
Donate a bike at Avanti High’s first-ever Student Led Bike Drive, with support from Walk-n-Roll! Session #1 Exhibition Night November 4th, 4–5:30pm at Avanti High School. Bikes will help OSD students build bike-shop and mechanical skills, and get repaired bikes of their own.
Donation requirements and questions?
|
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.
To view your student’s Monthly Progress Report, this FRIDAY 10/30 (posting date):
- Sign in to Skyward/Qmlativ Family Access
- Click Portfolio
- Find October Monthly Progress Review
- Click the eye icon to open it
Rubric Overview:
-
O – Outstanding: Exceeds expectations
-
S – Satisfactory: Meets expectations
-
E – Emerging: Partially meets expectations; students should plan extra time to catch up
-
U – Unsatisfactory: Not meeting expectations; students will work with teachers on an intervention plan
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.
|
ASVAB available Friday November 13, @12:00 PM.
See Karen for Details.
|
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!
|
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.
|
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. Any who wants to join is welcome, no experience needed and those with experience will see something definitely new.
|
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.
-
Second Saturday events at Bayshore Preserve: November 14, Fungi of Bayshore
-
Volunteer as a Salmon Docent: Salmon Docents help people of all ages understand salmon behavior and why salmon conservation matters, at the Bayshore Salmon events on Wednesday, November 11, Saturday, November 14, and Sunday, November 15.
|
Happy Fall!
Our ORLA PTA is hosting our 4th annual Fall Fest on Friday, October 30, and we are looking for high school student volunteers who are able to assist with a variety of tasks.
This is a fun opportunity for students who enjoy interacting with children of all ages, decorating, and those looking to earn community service hours. Dressing up (appropriate to our K+ student body) is highly recommended but not mandatory :) Pizza will be provided to those volunteering for set-up.
More information and a sign up form are available on the Fall Fest event post at orlapta.org/events, and I am attaching our event flyer below as well.
I appreciate you passing this on to any students or student groups who may be interested in lending a helping hand!
Warmly,
Anastasia Smith (she/her)
Outreach Chair
Olympia Regional Learning Academy PTA 4.5.100
|
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!
|
Our amazing volunteers make GRuB’s work possible! Ready to join the team?
October Open Hours
Wednesdays, 4:00–6:00 PM
Work hands-on with the farm or help maintain the trail. No application or background check required, just show up and dig in!
What Happens After October?
Open volunteer hours pause until spring. Interested in fall and winter opportunities? Email volunteer@goodgrub.org to learn more.
Accessibility
We welcome volunteers of all abilities. Have accessibility questions? Reach out to Amanda at amanda@goodgrub.org.
Get Involved
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.
|
Calling all current Avanti Students! Whether you're currently in 3rd Period Intro to Bike, a returning Avanti Bikes! student, or just curious about what we do, we have exciting volunteer opportunities coming up where you can earn Service Learning hours toward graduation!
Who should sign up?
- 3rd Period Avanti Bikes! students (6 hours required this session)
- Any returning Avanti Bikes! student
- Anyone interested in learning more about our bike program!
Upcoming Opportunities:
Saturday, October 31:
Learn to Ride Class at Tumwater Historical Park (9:30–11:30 AM & 11:30 AM–1:30 PM)
Monster Mash Bicycle Bash – 2pm- 3pm Ride volunteer – ride along with families from Tumwater Historical Park to downtown Olympia)
Monster Mash Bicycle Bash – 3pm-4pm Host Valet bike parking with WNR at Sylvester Park
How to sign up: Head to STUDENTSQUARE and scroll down to find all volunteer shifts. Talk with your family, pick times that work for you, and sign up by the end of the first week. Need help? Just ask!
Let's ride, serve, and make cycling accessible for everyone!
|
Earn JEDI hours and strengthen your social justice skills. See Steve for more info. Fridays 1-3p.
OCT 30th - See Steve for Permission Slip forms
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
|
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 |
Free workshops for Avanti families!
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM | Commons/Lunch Room
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.
2026-2027 Workshop Schedule
November 18, 2026 – Screen Time and Social Media
Develop tools and strategies to help your teen find a healthy balance in a digital world.
January 27, 2027 – Positive Communication with Your Teen
Discover ways to stay connected, listen openly, and have more positive and productive conversations with your teen.
February 24, 2027 – Healthy Boundaries & Respect
Learn how to guide and set healthy boundaries while giving your teen the space to grow, become more independent, and build mutual respect.
March 24, 2027 – Coping with Anxiety & Depression
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.
April 28, 2027 – Emotional Intelligence
Explore ways to help your teen recognize and manage their emotions, handle challenges, build empathy, and strengthen their relationships.
May 19, 2027 – Teens & Risk-Taking Behavior
Learn more about why teens take risks and how parents can support safer choices, open conversations, and healthy decision-making.
Why Attend?
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
All Avanti families are welcome! No registration required—just show up ready to learn and connect.
Location: Avanti Commons/Lunch Room
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Questions? Contact the Avanti office at (360) 596-7900
We look forward to seeing you there!
|
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
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
Phone: (360) 786-5601
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 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!
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
Pro Tip: Days sell out fast! Buy your tickets in advance.
Arrival: Please arrive 10 minutes before your reservation time.
Safety Warnings
Before you enter, know what awaits:
- Flashing lights and artificial fog
- Dark and tight spaces
- Loud noises and jump scares
- Numerous staircases (elevator available for about two-thirds of the haunt)
- Walking indoors and outdoors
- Monsters, bugs, blood, and gore
Rules & Expectations
To keep everyone safe and the haunt running smoothly:
- No running
- Do not touch props or actors
- Don’t speak to actors unless answering a question
- No smoking or drugs
- Stay on the path
- Follow your guide
Scare Levels
Choose your fright level with our ticket color system—all are suggested levels, and groups can change their preference at check-in:
-
Red: Full fright experience
-
Green: Just frightening
See you in the dark!
|
|
|
