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March 2010

Capital High School COUGAR CONNECTIONCOUGAR CONNECTIONCOUGAR CONNECTIONCOUGAR CONNECTION

Dear Parents, We are moving into a very busy time of the year for students and staff: State Testing – now called the High School Proficiency Tests (HSPT) March 16 - Reading March 17 and 18 - Writing April 13 – Math April 15 - Science Culminating Projects for our seniors Student-led Portfolio Conferences for 9th- 11th graders and their parents Registration for next year We are eager to involve more parents and community members on our panels for our senior Culminating Projects. A wide variety of students will be presenting their High School and Beyond Plan and some will be presenting a unique project that they have completed. If you would like to help out, please contact Ivy Marple at CHS. You can reach her via email at imarple@osd.wednet.edu. As our community struggles with issues around the economy, CHS’s poverty level continues to increase. Last year in February 18 % of our students qualified for free and reduced lunch. This February we are at 23%. We also have 57 CHS students who are considered homeless. We are thankful to our local food bank for providing bags of food for many of these students to pick up on Fridays. We know that kids who are hungry or who aren’t sure of where they will be sleeping often tend to struggle in school. As you may have heard, we are struggling with funding for our IB program. Shortly, we will have a survey on Survey Monkey to give you additional information and to gather your input. This information will be on our website. As always, we appreciate your continued support as we work together to educate our kids! Sincerely,

Nancy Faaren Principal

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CAPITAL HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

*Visit our website chs.wednet.edu for our school calendar and

other important information *

IMPORTANT DATES IMPORTANT DATES IMPORTANT DATES IMPORTANT DATES

March 23 Band Concert 7:30 p.m. March 26 G Schedule-Special Assembly March 27 Sadie Hawkins Dance, 9:00-midnight CHS Commons March 29 8th grade parent night-7:00p.m. CHS Theater April 5-9 NO SCHOOL-SPRING BREAK

April 13 High School Proficiency Exam-Math (schedule will be posted on CHS website) April 14 B schedule-9:00 a.m. start (buses run on regular schedule) April 15 High School Proficiency Exam-Science (schedule will be posted on CHS website) April 21 B schedule-9:00 a.m. start (buses run on regular schedule) April 22 Non Student Day (Culminating Projects & Student Led Conferences)

April 23 Non Student Day (Culminating Projects & Student Led Conferences)

April 28 B Schedule-9:00 a.m. start (buses run on regular schedule) April 28 Pops Concert-CHS Commons (see CHS website in April for more information) May 5 District wide late start- BUSES RUN 1 HOUR LATE IN A.M.

May 7 12:07 Early Release (Culminating Projects and Student Led Conferences)

May 7 & 8 Annual Horticulture club plant sale (Watch CHS website for details) May 14 Next CHS Newsletter published (last one of the school year) May 26 Data and Dessert-CHS Library 7:00 p.m. May 31 NO SCHOOL-MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY

June 1 Orchestra Concert 7:30 p.m. June 2 District wide late start-BUSES RUN 1 HOUR LATE IN A.M.

June 2 Choir Concert 7:30 p.m. June 3 Band Concert 7:30 p.m. June 10 Senior Awards Night 7p.m. June 11 All school BBQ and yearbook distribution June 14&15 Senior final exams June 17 Senior Breakfast 9:00 a.m.-mandatory graduation rehearsal @ 10:00 a.m. June 18 Mandatory Graduation rehearsal 8:00-10:00 a.m. –Saint Martin’s Marcus Pavilion June 19 C.H.S. Graduation 1:00 p.m.-St. Martin’s Marcus Pavilion June 17,18,21 Final Exams June 21 Last Day of School, 11:07 release ***********************************************************************************************************

Traffic SafetyTraffic SafetyTraffic SafetyTraffic Safety Looking for a driving class? The Summer Traffic Safety course for C.H.S. students will begin on May 18th and ends July 8th. We must have 25 students enrolled in order to run the class. Check out our CHS website (Capital.osd.wednet.edu) for prices and other information and to download the registration form. Contact Rachel Beard at (360)596-8015 with questions.

Mark your calendars for the annual C.H.S. C.H.S. C.H.S. C.H.S.

Horticulture ClubHorticulture ClubHorticulture ClubHorticulture Club Plant Sale onPlant Sale onPlant Sale onPlant Sale on May 7th and May 7th and May 7th and May 7th and

8th. 8th. 8th. 8th. Watch the CHS homepage for more

details.

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Page 3 CAPITAL HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

Choir News

Congratulations to all our vocal students who competed at their regional CMEA competition in February. They will compete at state in April. Gabriella Guilfoil - 1st place - Soprano Gordon Shaughnessy - 1st place - Tenor Brett Hartman - 1st Alternate - Tenor Philip Arbaugh, Brett Hartman, Jacob Hibbard, Chris Privette - 1st place Small Men's Ensemble Sarah Pete, Rachel Paquin - 2nd Alternate - Small Women's Ensemble Receiving superior ratings: CHS Chamber Choir, CHS Men's Quartet, CHS Women's Duet, Gabriella Guilfoil, Gordon Shaughnessy, Brett Hartman *************************************************************************************************

CHS DECA NEWS Once again we had a great State Conference and Capital High School was well represented. Out of the 11 students competing at state, 4 will move on to Nationals. Our Chapter Awards Project took 6th place out of 48 that is REALLY GREAT! Those who will compete at Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky in April are... Molly Kuntz - Capital Awards Project Matticen Cox - Capital Awards Project Scott Parnell - Capital Awards Project Emily Serdar - School Based Enterprise Jennifer Leach and Danica Wolfe also qualified for Nationals but will not be able to attend. Congratulations to Shelby Frazier, Molly Shatto, Andrew Davis, Cameron Costa, and Kui Hug for advancing from the DECA regional competition. These students will represent the school in the following categories: Hospitality and Tourism, Automotive Services Marketing, Food Service Marketing and Quick Serve Restaurant. More good news: Jennifer Leach, Danica Wolfe, and Emily Serdar have obtained Gold Certification for our student store (through DECA and School Based Enterprise) FOR THE THIRD YEAR IN A ROW! They are now qualified to attend Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky in May. Great job! And finally, congratulations to Monica Baumgarten, Hailey Weeks, and Cannon Milligan for their Community Service DECA project Dry Tears making it to the state level! They will attend state in March where they will present their project to judges. From there they could make it to the National Competition. Thank you to everyone who bought Dry Tears bracelets! Good luck to all of our DECA students in their competitions this spring!

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A word from the C.H.S. cafeteria:

Please check your lunch account balance as we have quite a few that have a negative balance. All negative

accounts need to be paid before the end of the school year. Do you have Family Access? From Family Access you can access your student’s lunch account, and make convenient on-line payments. Need to join Family Access? Fill out the application on page 6 of this newsletter and mail it to: C.H.S. Family Access

2707 Conger Ave. S.W.

Olympia, WA 98502

Thank you!

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CAPITAL HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

With warmer weather approaching, it’s time to review our dress code: The administration and staff at Capital High School are committed to providing a quality learning environment for all students and teachers. To help maintain this goal, the following dress expectations will be maintained.

• Shorts and skirts must be 4 inches above the center of the kneecap or longer.

• Shirts must cover the stomach, back, shoulders, and chest. Tube tops, halter-tops, spaghetti strap tank tops and only one shoulder strap are not appropriate for school.

• Cleavage must not be showing.

• “See-through” material is not appropriate for school.

• Undergarments or clothing worn as undergarments must not be showing. This includes pants worn so low that garments worn under the pants are showing.

• Shoes or sandals must be worn at all times. **********************************************************************************************************

Please Return 2010 Census Forms

Every ten years, the U.S. Census counts every resident in the United States. The 2010 Census helps communities like ours receive federal funds for things like schools, hospitals, job training centers and emergency services. Recently, 2010 Census forms were delivered to every residence in the United States. It includes a short, 10-question form asking you how many people live at your address, including the number of children in your residence. If you have not already done so, we encourage you to fill it out and return the form in the postage-paid envelope provided by the Census. Thank you.

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PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING

This Attendance Information Details the Requirements for Parents and Students.

To excuse a student:

A parent or guardian must call the attendance secretary to excuse a student’s absence or tardy. Calls must be received within 24

hours of a student’s absence or tardiness. The attendance secretary’s voice mail is available at any time to excuse a student’s absence or tardiness. The attendance secretary’s direct line is 360-596-8019. For attendance purposes a note will not be accepted. When arriving at voice mail please leave a clear, distinct message excusing the student’s absence. Please include the following information when leaving a message:

1. student name (please spell last name) 2. parent or guardian name 3. reason for absence 4. a phone number where the parent or guardian can be reached.

Parent Notification:

In an effort to keep parents informed, a computer generated call will be made to the parent of every student who misses one or more periods of any school day. This phone call will be made the same day of the absence. If a student believes that an absence was recorded in error the student is responsible to contact the teacher and bring a written note from the teacher to the attendance office to verify that an error was made.

Extended Absences:

If a student will be absent 3 or more days, due to vacation, etc, an extended absence form must be completed and

approved by an administrator prior to the absence. Forms may be picked up in the Attendance office.

Early Release: Call the attendance office before 9:00a.m. to notify them of the time your student needs to be excused early.

Please remember, you may leave a message on the attendance line (596-8019) 24 hours per day! The attendance office will write an early release slip and deliver it to your student. Then, at the appropriate time, your student will come to the attendance office and sign out. If students are returning to school that day, they must sign back in at the

attendance office.

Please check out the attendance policy in the student handbook on line at http://capital.osd.wednet.edu.

IMPORTANT ATTENDANCE INFORMATION Attendance Office 360-596-8019

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CAPITAL HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

Attention Parents- Do you want to know via email what is going on at CHS? Would you like to be

able to put $ in your child’s lunch account on-line or check their assignments and grades? If so, please become a member of Family Access (see application on page 6 of this newsletter). If you already are a member, please be sure we have your

correct email address. If your email has changed at all you need to pull up your account in Family Access and update your email address. This tool is used to inform families of upcoming events pertaining to your students.

CAREER CENTER .

Juniors “To Do” this summer! If you plan on applying for college, training programs, and/or scholarships next year you’re going to need letters of recommendation. So here’s what I want you to do this summer, it will only take a tiny bit of your time, but it will be so worth it in the long run: 1. Choose three people you want to ask for letters of recommendation. It’s recommended that at least one, if not two, be from school and may be teachers, counselors, coaches, or administrators. You may also choose someone from the community, or a supervisor with whom you’ve worked or volunteered. 2. Update your resume so it will be ready to give to each person who will write you a letter of recommendation. 3. Create a brief, bulleted, one page, bio listing, for each year of high school, all community and school activities, volunteer positions, awards, jobs, lessons, & (non-school) classes. You will also give this bio to each person who will write you a letter of recommendation. For a better idea of what a one page bio is ask me for a sample sheet. Being ready to ask for letters of rec. as soon as you get to school puts you ahead of the game, is one less “senior thing” to stress about,

and ensures that you’ll have the required letters in time to meet all application deadlines.

Seniors! Don’t forget that a resume, cover letter, and WOIS interest inventory are part of your graduation

requirements and must be in your advisory binders. If you haven’t completed them please see me for instructions and sample sheets.

Shannon Garrett Career Specialist 360.596.8041 ***********************************************************************************************************

Coping with Adolescent Stress, Depression & Substance Abuse:

Seminars for Parents and Guardians– presented by John Thompson, MA, M.Ed., CDP and Kelly Horn,

Youth Suicide Prevention Program of Washington State.

Of all Thurston County 10th grade students: • Around 30% report having felt so sad or hopeless for two weeks or more that they stopped doing some of their usual

activities.

• Over 25% are unlikely to seek help if they were feeling depressed or suicidal.

• Over 30% report drinking alcohol (beer, wine, wine coolers, hard alcohol) at least once in the last 30 days.

• Over 20% report using marijuana at least once in the last 30 days.

Come learn about ways to support your children through some of these tough issues.

March 24th at 7:00pm - Rainier High School Gym

RSVP by March 23rd

to Bonnie Zimmerman at (360)446-2215

*Please provide the number of people attending and the city you live in…no need to leave names.

April 21st at 7:00pm - Black Hills High School Library

RSVP by April 20th

to Todd Franklin at todd.franklin@tumwater.k12.wa.us

or (360)709-7822

*Please provide the number of people attending and the city you live in…no need to leave names.

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CAPITAL HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

Thank you for requesting access to your child’s educational record in Skyward Family Access. We welcome you and hope you will find this an important communication tool in our quest to provide the best education for your child.

Return this form to the school office. You should receive an e-mail advising you of your new user name and password within 3-5 busi-ness days. If you have any questions, please contact the Student Information Systems Office at 596-6150 , or Michelle Anderson, CHS Assistant Principal at 596-8012. . We look forward to working with you! Drop off form in C.H.S. main office, or mail to:

C.H.S. FAMILY ACCESS

2707 Conger Ave. N.W.

Olympia, WA 98502

DISCLAIMER: Please note: the Olympia School District does not support off-site technology. For equipment, system, or browser support, please consult your computer dealer or software vendor.

To activate your Family Access Account, please provide the following information: Your Name: _____________________________________________________

(Please Print Your Name Clearly) Student(s) Names Please list all children who live with you (or have lived with you), and have or are attending any schools

in the Olympia School District. Please describe the relationship of the child to you.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Your e-mail Address: ___________________________________________ (Please Print Clearly) Signature _____________________________________________ Date___________

Family Access Registration FormFamily Access Registration FormFamily Access Registration FormFamily Access Registration Form

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CAPITAL HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

Capital High School to present LES MISERABLES Capital High School to present LES MISERABLES Capital High School to present LES MISERABLES Capital High School to present LES MISERABLES The epic saga of social injustice, nominated for 12 Tony awards and winner of 8, including Best Musical, hits the Capital Performing Arts Center on May 6. Set during the French Revolution, Les Miserables follows the life of Jean Valjean, imprisoned for 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread. After his release, Valjean is hounded relentlessly by the fanatic police inspector Javert for breaking his parole. In the end, Javert's obsession leads the two men to a confrontation in the sewers of Paris, a confrontation in which only one of them will walk away. With such musical favorites as I DREAMED A DREAM, ON MY OWN, DO YOU HEAR THE PEOPLE SING, and BRING HIM HOME be assured that the Capital music and theatre departments will do America's favorite musical justice! 40 students on stage, another 20 in the orchestra, over 150 costumes and the largest stage set CHS audiences have seen, Les Miserables promises to be the epic Victor Hugo wrote in 1862. Secure your tickets NOW by calling the box office at 360-596-8053 or by emailing smriley@osd.wednet with your request. Prices are $10 for adults and $7 for students under 18 and senior citizens. The dates of the production are May 6, 7, 8, and 13, 14, 15. The curtain time for all performances is 7:30 pm Don't delay ... "Join in our crusade ..." to make Les Miserables the most talked about event of the spring!********************************************************************************************

Important News from the Counseling Center The second semester is a very busy time of year! Seniors are planning for life after high school and

many await their acceptance letters from colleges across the country. Juniors are eagerly waiting to move to the top of the totem pole. Sophomores and freshman are looking forward to moving up the ladder and many are looking forward to being involved with the 8th transition this spring and helping incoming freshman acclimate to Capital High School.

Over the last month, counselors met with 11th graders to complete the junior credit check and 12th grade registration. 9th & 10th grader have received appointment times to meet with their counselor in order to complete their credit check and register for next year. During the last week of March, incoming 8th graders will also have an opportunity to meet with their counselors individually. It is important that students fill forms out completely, including a parent signature, and bring all forms to their scheduled appointments. Students may not receive their desired classes if the appointment is missed. Important Dates: March 15-30 9th & 10th grade credit check and registration with counselors (appointments distributed on March 11th)

March 22 (8am) Counselors visit Nova to distribute registration materials. March 23 (8:30) Counselors visit St. Mike’s to distribute registration materials. **Nova & St. Mike’s completed registration materials must be returned to CHS by March 31

March 24-26 Counselors visit middle schools to explain registration process and distribute registration packets.

Jefferson (March 24th) Griffin (March 25th) Marshall (March 26th)

March 29 (8:15-10:15) Jefferson, Evergreen, Nova, St. Mike’s 8th graders visit CHS for tour & information March 30 (9:15-11:15) Griffin and Marshall 8th graders visit CHS for tour & information March 29 8th Grade Parent Night 7:00 pm in the CHS theater

Mar 31-Apr 2 Counselors visit middle schools to register 8th graders. All paperwork due with signatures!

Jefferson (March 31st) Griffin (April 1st) Marshall (April 2nd)

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CAPITAL HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

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News from the CHS Library Do you have another child who will be a freshman here at Capital next year?

Then you and your child need to come to the library’s Data and Dessert Night here at Capital on May 26th at 7:00

p.m.. This event is designed to familiarize incoming freshmen with the online databases from both the CHS Webpage and Timberland Regional Library’s Web page. The intent is to help improve freshmen student achievement,

especially in research skills. 8th grade students and their parents from Jefferson Middle School, Marshall Middle School and Griffin School as well as our private school community will join us for this evening of mini-lab exploration. Refreshments and door prizes will be provided. We hope to see you there. ****************************************************************************************************

C.H.S. Gen. TECH volunteers are great! Nnamdi Achebe, Rohin Agny, Salima Benkhalti, Nate Calkins, Jenny Lee, Mariko Ota, Amy Pavelchek, Vivek Sandhinti, Courtney Schneider-Mckinney, Hannah Smith, Kevin Teng, Ethan Voon, Joseph Woodland and Taisheng Yeager, all students from the Scott Le Duc's Generation TECH class, volunteered as student support agents for the Northwest Council for Computer Education or NCCE Conference on March 3rd and 4th in Seattle. The conference is the premier Northwest computer education conference. They made Capital proud. Numerous people commented how wonderful the students conducted themselves and helped the 2,500 participants at the conference.

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Perfect attendance for first semesterPerfect attendance for first semesterPerfect attendance for first semesterPerfect attendance for first semester: Abraham Anonuevo, Kelsey Antles, Vannessa Blea, Gwyn Browning, David Buchholz, Christopher Campbell, Kailyn Carter, Michael Chappell, Hanul Choi, Sol Ho Choi, Sarah Cobb, Danielle Cooper, Mathew Cox, Shweta Dixit, Benjamin Driver, Flora Espinoza, Sarah Fondaw, Gregory Hibbard, Tosha Hollingsworth, William House, Samatia Huntley, Jerry Jia, Austin Jones, Alexander Kent, Jacob Kesel, David Kim, Michael Kim, Colin Kirkmire, Joyce Le, James Lee, Kevin Lester, Wendi Li, Lauren McCann, Jin S. Nam, Jin O. Nam, Dalina Nguyen, Phong Nguyen, Bahar Oguzertem, Gunnar

Olson, Jesse Peterson, Jeremy Pogue, Brittany Russell, Michael Sadac, Kira Scharf, Meghan Schilling, Isaiah Scholes, Rachel Scholes, Dayton Sharp, Samang Than, Nhan Tran, Mary Agnes Villanueva, Katie White ********************************************************************************************************

Students in the news:

C.H.S. junior Josie Coury has been chosen for the 2010 Lakefair Court. She will go on to compete for the title of Lakefair Queen this summer. Good luck Josie!

CHS senior Rachel Scholes has been selected as a candidate for the Presidential Scholars Program due to her exceptional SAT scores. Only 57 candidates from the state of Washington were chosen. Program semifinalists will be announced in April. Great job Rachel!

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CAPITAL HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

SENIOR NEWSSENIOR NEWSSENIOR NEWSSENIOR NEWS

Graduation is June 19th at 1:00 p.m.!!Graduation is June 19th at 1:00 p.m.!!Graduation is June 19th at 1:00 p.m.!!Graduation is June 19th at 1:00 p.m.!!

• Did you miss the Herff Jones representative visits in December? You may order items graduation items such as announcements and cards by phone or on-line at www.nwrecognition.com

• Baccalaureate is Sunday, June 6th from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the CHS Theatre. Seniors arrive at 1:40 in their caps and gowns. The theme is “Be the change you want to see in the world” -Majatma Ghandi. Admission is free, but a ticket will be needed to enter. Tickets will be distributed at school in May. Friends and family are invited to attend. The event is non-denominational, and as such encourages students of all faiths to participate. The goal of the event is to celebrate and encourage graduating seniors while recognizing and sharing those ways in which they and their classmates have been inspired. For more information contact: Paula Liechty at 866-5259

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A Message from your Class of 2010 Parent RepresentativesA Message from your Class of 2010 Parent RepresentativesA Message from your Class of 2010 Parent RepresentativesA Message from your Class of 2010 Parent Representatives::::

2010 “All Night” Graduation Party2010 “All Night” Graduation Party2010 “All Night” Graduation Party2010 “All Night” Graduation Party

When: Saturday, June 19th Who is invited: 2010 CHS Graduates ONLY

Load buses CHS 9:00 p.m.-return approx. 6:30 a.m. Sunday

Register now! You may register as follows:

• Credit/debit by calling Reunion’s Unlimited @ (360)866-8842 ($5.00 fee)

• Cash/check @ First Citizen’s Bank (Old Venture Bank) corner of Cooper Point & Harrison.

• Check by mail to: CHS Class of 2010 (Please make checks payable to CHS Class of 2010)

P.O. Box 4036

Tumwater, WA 98501

Cost: March 11, 2010-June 10, 2010 $180.00 (Oct. 1 2009-Jan. 10, 2010 was $145, Jan. 11, 2010 –March 10 $160)

Important Notes for parents: This event is totally sponsored by the Senior class parents. The purpose of this event is to

provide all our graduates with a safe, sober and fun way to celebrate their graduation.

Grad Nights Inc. has been hired to provide us with a trip that will be enjoyed by everyone.

Parents are encouraged to be involved. We hope to get as many graduates to attend as possible. Former students tell us the Graduation Party is a highlight of the year. Volunteers may contact Cori Mays @ mayesdc@comcast.net (866-0741), or Donna Monda @ dmonda@comcast.net (866-4901). Watch for mailings with more information. There will be parent and student requirements that must be met and understood before students are allowed to get on the buses the night of the event (i.e. no cell phones, cigarettes, alcohol, etc.)

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Capital High School 2707 Conger Ave NW Olympia WA 98502

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Find us on the web at chs.osd.wednet.edu

The COUGAR CONNECTION is published by Capital High School. Articles are compiled from information which is submitted from a variety of sources. If you want to see your club, activity, or department news featured be sure to submit a brief article to the editor.

Please call the attendance secretary at 596-8019 to report an absence by 9:00 a.m. each morning. For your convenience there is a 24-hour answering machine in the attendance office to report an absence for your student. Homework

assignments may be requested by 9:00 a. m. on the second day of an absence. After the first two day of

assignments are completed you may request additional days of work.

For information regarding counseling you may call your student’s counselor at the numbers listed below or call the counseling secretary, Sydni Weeks at 596-8027.

Capital High School (360) 596-8000

Principal Nancy Faaren 596-8005 Counselors Assistant Principals Larry Walsh (A-G) 596-8067 Jenny Morgan (A-E) 596-8022 Michelle Anderson (H-N) 596-8012 Norah Jensen (F-L) 596-8024 Dean of Students Daniel Grimm (O-Z) 596-8013 Kay Bloomdahl (M-R) 596-8020 Erin Johnson (S-Z) 596-8028 Athletic Director Steve Bellande 596-8070 Activities Director Angel Elam 596-8056 Cougar Connection Editor/Layout Amy Dreesbach, adreesbach@osd.wednet.edu

The CHS community inspires all learners to think, explore, and grow.