School News | The JOLT News Organization, A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

Brian Cameron, pursued his bachelor's degree with the remote online program at WGU in business management and was able to stay at his home on the Oregon Coast near Oceanside and related that he would not have been able to pursue his degree without the online program.

Western Governors University offers new scholarship to students enrolling in rural areas

Western Governors University (WGU) is offering a new scholarship opportunity that would support learners in rural communities who wish to study in their hometown. The Learn Where You Live … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 6/6/23

Nashalee Velez (Army Volunteer) with Gracelynn Barnard, Age 5 playing big ball.

Kiwanis Day of Champions, special needs children track and field day, ‘Day of a million smiles’

Kiwanis Day of Champions , a track and field day celebration for special needs children, was hosted at the South Sound Stadium next to North Thurston High School (NTHS) on May 31. “Day of … more

By Gloria Townsend and Sage Hamilton | 6/5/23

Apprentices will be given opportunities to learn various media operations, such as assisting with TCMedia summer camps, working on TCMedia video productions, helping with general media center operations, or supporting communications and social media efforts.

Thurston Community Media seeking paid student apprentices for summer media program

Thurston Community Media (TCM) is welcoming students to apply for their Young Producers Network Digital Media Apprentice Cohort (YPN-DMAC) this summer. In a press release, TCM announced that … more

By Edwin Oscar Gutierrez, Jr. | 5/31/23

2021-22 Lacey Youth Council Recognition by the City of Lacey.

Lacey calling on local students to join youth council

Lacey is inviting community members to join its youth council to provide input and advocate for the city’s youth. According to the city’s website and social media , Lacey is … more

5/30/23

TSD President Scott Killough awards the certificate of recognition to James Kois from Black Hills High School.

Tumwater school board recognizes Music State Solo winners from city high schools

Tumwater School District (TSD) recognized students from local schools for participating and accomplishing several wins at a state music contest. TSD thanked James Kois from Black Hills High … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 5/29/23

The Olympia School District (OSD) held a meeting on May 25 to discuss the $2 million total improvement from the district’s April Deficit Estimate.

Olympia School District reports large improvement from April deficit estimate, adds back support roles

Olympia School District (OSD) Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Priddy reports a $2,599,009 total improvement from the district’s April Deficit Estimate. OSD is currently operating with a … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 5/26/23 | 1 comment

The team packed 500 bags for AKW on the first packing event in Lacey. Back row: Andrew Sullivan, Spencer Hall, Gracie Kuttel, Julie Stringfellow, Daejalynn Lenard, Paula Seann, Maria Kollin, Lane Kollin, Jalia Aboy, Erin Serder, Leo Koch, Riley Richards Front row: Jordan Kaye, Tiffany Lam, Lauren Bouwman, Kaylee Bennett

Komachin students in Lacey exceed their March of Dimes donation goals, QR code sharing strategy used

The Komachin Middle School chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) has raised $2,177.00 of its $500 goal starting in January 2023 for its national service partner, the March of Dimes. … more

Submitted by: Marcus McLeod, Komachin Middle School student | 5/18/23

Tumwater School Board held a hybrid meeting last Thursday, May 11 discussing TVA's potential suspension.

Tumwater Virtual Academy faces suspension from lack of students

Tumwater School District Interim Superintendent Carole Meyer moved to suspend Tumwater Virtual Academy (TVA)’s operations during a board meeting last Thursday, May 11, citing enrolment issues. … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 5/15/23 | 1 comment

Teachers gathered on Thursday, to voice their concern on job losses which were revealed to them during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Educators lambast OSD on giving unemployment notices during Teacher Appreciation Week

Teachers gathered on Thursday, May 11, to voice their sentiments on their job loss due to the Olympia School District (OSD)’s current reduction measures, which were revealed to them during … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 5/12/23 | 1 comment

Teacher helping students working at computers.

Thurston County Chamber Offers Digital Literacy Classes for Improved Digital Equity

Olympia, Wash. – As the world continues to move towards a more digital era, the importance of digital literacy has become increasingly apparent in communities worldwide. To address this need in … more

5/10/23

South Puget Sound Community College was recognized as a finalist for the 2023 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence on April 20, 2023.

South Puget Sound Community College is a finalist for the 2023 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence

On April 20, the Aspen Institute announced the winners and finalists of the 2023 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s premier award for two-year colleges. South Puget … more

By Mary Beth Harrington, CVA | 5/8/23

Sophia Bowton-Meade, student Senator for Legislative Affairs at SPSCC, has been recognized as part of the 2023 ALL IN Student Voting Honor Roll.

Sophia Bowton-Meade Recognized on 2023 ALL IN Student Voting Honor Roll

Today, South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) and the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) announced that Sophia Bowton-Meade, student Senator for Legislative Affairs at SPSCC, has been … more

4/26/23

Lacey Youth Council Mayor Justin Begley urged North Thurston Public Schools (NTPS) to revisit its safety protocols and hear student concerns following lockout incidents at Timberline High School.

Lacey Youth Council says local schools are not prepared to keep children safe

Lacey Youth Council Mayor Justin Begley urged North Thurston Public Schools (NTPS) to revisit its safety protocols and hear students’ concerns following lockout incidents at Timberline High … more

By JC Medina | 4/25/23 | 3 comments

The water resources department would rent three rooms with a combined floor space of 2,400 square feet in the natural sciences building of South Puget Sound Community College.

Tumwater’s water resources department moving to office in South Puget Sound Community College

Tumwater’s water resources and sustainability department is moving out of city hall and into a rental space at South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC), Department Director Dan Smith … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 4/24/23

Several students attended the meeting on Thursday, April 13 to thank the Olympia School Board for their extracurricular activity support.

Farming and robotics students laud Olympia School Board for extracurricular activity support

In the middle of discussions for the reduced educational plan, several students attended the meeting on Thursday, April 13 to thank the Olympia School Board. The students took their appreciation … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 4/17/23 | 1 comment

The Tumwater Tree Board convened last April 10 to discuss the proposed summer program with the school district and the recommendation of a heritage tree.

Tumwater summer forestry program for teens in the works, 60-foot Garry Oak nominated as heritage tree

The Tumwater Tree Board talked about the proposed summer program with the school district, along with the recommendation of a heritage tree, during its regular meeting last April 10. Tumwater … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 4/11/23 | 1 comment

Homeless youth in Lacey now included in recreation scholarship program

The Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation (LCPR) Board updated its existing scholarship program policy to consider better open access for youth experiencing homelessness. Executive Assistant Sarah … more

By JC Medina | 4/6/23

Ridge Hawks swoop Rams, 7-6 in varsity softball game

River Ridge High School edged off North Thurston High School in a softball game held last April 3. The Rams, under Coach Sam Harding, were on a constant lead over the Ridge and their team of … more

By Gloria Towne | 4/5/23

Rising River Farm vendor at the Olympia Farmers Market

Olympia Farmers Market high season has started with more vendors; Seniors Day on Thursdays

Olympia Farmers’ Market (OFM) will celebrate Senior’s Day tomorrow, April 5, offering discounts to shoppers aged 55 and above. Part of the market’s High Season that began on … more

4/4/23

OSD is in the process of specifying reduction activities for the 2023-2024 deficit.

Class sizes might increase in Olympia School District’s plan to balance budget

The Olympia School Board held a work session last Thursday, March 30, to deliberate on specific actions the board is considering how to balance the district’s budget for the upcoming school … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 4/3/23 | 1 comment