Lydia Hawk goes green

Lydia Hawk students have been hard at work this year making their school community more environmentally-friendly – and green!

Komachin yearbook receives national award

For the third year in a row, KMS yearbook staff and advisor Kate Reece have received national honors for their 2010 edition of Verkana, volume 17, including a Silver Crown and a Gold Medal rating from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association.

NTPS track and field meet

This year was the 11th Annual 5th and 6th grade track and field meet held at the South Sound Stadium. On Thursday there were six Elementary schools that competed and Friday there were seven. Each school develops a track team and practices for the meet during April and May. There are 300 plus students that are at the event each day which is about 50-60 students from each school.

Multicultural Awards

Members of the Multicultural Advisory Committee recognized both staff and students for their work around diversity. Peggy Johnston (center), an 8th grader at Nisqually Middle School, received the Bonnie Evans Award for Student Multicultural Leadership.

NTHS assembly honors students and staff

It was a moment of suspense and North Thurston students rolled out a banner announcing the name of “Mrs. Rowell” as their 2010-11 “Teacher of the Year.” But while the rest of the gym broke into loud cheers, English teacher Sandra Rowell had her back to the banner and remained oblivious as to what all the fuss was about.

South Bay Elementary holds its annual kindergarten Olympics

There were bubbles to pop, baskets to shoot, scooters to ride and plenty of other kid-friendly activities last week at South Bay Elementary School’s fifth annual Kindergarten Motor Olympics.

Nisqually studies Puget Sound ecosystem

Oceanography students from Nisqually Middle School eagerly climbed aboard the 65-foot M/V Indigo last month as part of a hands-on “citizen science learning expedition” sponsored by SEA (Service Education Adventure) and a Russell Family Foundation Grant.

Chambers Prairie Teachers Recognized

Commitment to student involvement and dedication to plan, organize and facilitate has earned high remarks for these three teachers!

NTEA announces "Teachers of the Year"

Read on to see who they are...

PG Multicultural Night

Singing, dancing, an Islamic Fashion Show, wonderful food, and great conversation were highlights of the evening at Pleasant Glade Elementary's second annual multicultural night. Pleasant Glade staff and families celebrated the diversity of the school community and continued the tradition of learning from one another.

Stuff the Bus helps community

Thanks to Public School Employees of Washington (PSE) North Thurston Chapter who took part in the 4th annual “Stuff the Bus” community drive on May 7 at the Lacey Costco parking lot.

NTHS Field Study celebrates 20th year

Students in Ms. King's Biology class at North Thurston High School ventured out into the wilderness for her 20th annual Field Study on May 5. The 6-week Field Study is a great experience for the students to meet new friends and interact with nature. When King started this assignment 20 years ago her goal was to, “take biology outside the classroom and give students a hands-on learning experience.”

Lacey Chamber awards scholarships

Several students from our district recently received scholarships from the Lacey Chamber of Commerce. Read on to learn who they are...

SB Celebrates Culture

South Bay Elementary celebrated their cultures in a big way this spring. “Culture Night” was a new and successful CAN event that was held on April 13 in the South Bay library. Over 100 people including about 65 students and five staff volunteers attended. Students and family members shared artifacts from their cultures. Some shared books, pictures, language and greetings. Some wore cultural clothing from sombreros to German lederhosen! Onlookers were treated to two performances: Irish Dancing, and Taekwondo. Many community connections were made as people casually shared in the commonality or the diversity of their cultures.

Paws of Time: Lakes newspaper staff fill school leadership role

Lakes Elementary publication of The Paws of Time is gaining notice among younger readers.

Komachin principal recognized

Collaboration with her staff and positive leadership has made Joyce Ott shine!

Meadows staff recognized

Dedicated efforts and strong leadership makes the staff at Meadows invaluable to our district.

NTHS helps cancer fundraiser

Students in Dan McCracken’s Construction Skills class stepped up to fight cancer by creating “clue boxes” for a May 21 fundraiser “Punish Cancer Amazing Race.” North Thurston students Robby Clark, Cailegh Rosen, and Anthony Dahmen built the boxes which were used at check points all around Thurston County for the cancer fundraiser based on the hit TV show “The Amazing Race.”

Lydia Hawk celebrates River of Words contest

Students from Lydia Hawk were honored at the Department of Ecology for their work submitted to the "Words and Images from the Watershed: Washington's River of Words" contest.

NTHS Girls Golf team recognized as academic state champs

North Thurston's girls golf team was recognized as the 2A Academic State Champions!

Adam Smith visits NTHS

North Thurston High School social studies students had a chance to question Congressman Adam Smith on everything from education funding to troops in Afghanistan during a classroom visit last month.

Skills USA State Winners

Congratulations to North Thurston & River Ridge High School students for placing at the 2011 Skills USA State Leadership Conference, held April 21st -23rd in Yakima, WA. Read on to learn who they are...

Cool Rides at the Ridge Car and Bike Show

Come out and support River Ridge, North Thurston and Timberline on May 14 from 10am-4pm at River Ridge High School, 350 River Ridge Drive. Free admission, kids events & RC cars!

NTPS Lake Fair Princesses

Congratulations to Timberline's Brandi Eadie and NTHS's Crizel Pineda for being chosen as 2011 Lake Fair Princesses! The ladies were chosen in February and are going to be princesses through July 2012. Lake Fair is July 13-17 and the Coronation of the princesses is July 14 at 7pm.

Ford AAA Auto Skills State Competition

North Thurston High School automotive students Jacob Sutter and Garrett Madden placed 2nd place at the 2011 Ford AAA Auto Skills State Competition held May 2nd and 3rd in Renton, WA.

Real estate agents take bus tour of North Thurston Public Schools

About 20 members of the South Sound real estate community took part Friday in a tour of North Thurston Public Schools, a chance for the agents and brokers to learn more about the district, its schools and future growth

South Bay "Bear Reading Program"

The South Bay Fire Department teamed with the South Bay PTA to run the annual “Bear Reading Program.

RRHS teacher gets recognized

Being organized, a hard worker and using unique teaching strategies in her passion for eduation has made Kelly O'Neil shine!

25 years enough for schools veteran

After serving on the North Thurston School Board for 25 years, Bill Williams has announced that he won’t seek another term

2011 Math Stars

More than 100 students were recognized at the April 19 school board meeting for exemplary comprehension of or leadership in math.

Sixth graders coached on making good CHOICES

If sixth grade seems a little young for students to be talking to the Thurston County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, think again.

Mini-grants bring new cultural opportunities to students

Having a little extra money can go a long way in the classroom, especially if you are a teacher! Earlier this year, 12 schools received mini- grants ranging from $200-$1000 from the Multicultural Advisory Committee.

NTPS Volunteer Coordinators get recognized

In honor of Public School Volunteer Week (April 17-23), NTPS Volunteer Coordinators were recognized on April 19 at the School Board meeting.

CTE staff gets recognized

Hard work and constant support to NTPS students and teachers has made the CTE staff invaluable to our district.

North Thurston junior named state FBLA President

Si Cave, Junior from North Thurston High School, was elected President of Washington State Future Business Leaders of America.

Chinook students host Japanese visitors, raise relief funds

Chinook Middle School hosted 26 exchange students from Japan during the month of March. The Japanese students attended classes with their CMS “buddies” and shared the Japanese culture with the school.

South Sound High School reaches out to help community

As the culminating activity for 3rd quarter at South Sound High School, the student body and staff took part in the first SSHS Community Service Day on April 15.

Timberline Blazer takes 5th in nation!

Timberline Blazer newsmagazine placed 5th in the nation last weekend at the National High School Journalism Convention in Anaheim, CA!

American Sign Language students perform throughout community

Some of the 82 students in Cathy Miller’s sign language classes at North Thurston and River Ridge High Schools have been busy this year performing at local events to help spread an understanding and appreciation for the beauty of sign language.

Transportation crew recognized

Determination and dedication to the North Thurston Public School District has made these three ladies shine!

NTPS Educators receive Learning Improvement Grants

Educators in North Thurston Public Schools were awarded mini-grants from the North Thurston Education Foundation for use in schools and classrooms to assist in the improvement of student learning. Read on to learn who these teachers are...

Science Fair Season

Schools encourage critical thinking, curiosity and creativity. Which diapers leak the most? Can you see through an egg? Which fruit will make the most electricity? These were just some of nearly 140 questions asked by South Bay students at their annual science fair on March 10.

Aspire helps Peru school

From flower bulb sales to talent shows, students and staff from Aspire Middle School hope to raise $7,000 to purchase computers for their “sister school” in Chincha Alta, Peru which was ravaged by an earthquake in 2007. A small group from Aspire traveled to Peru this summer to visit the Grocio Pado School and meet teachers and families.

NTPS Orchestra Faculty & Friends Benefit Concert

Free benefit concert for North Thurston Education Foundation. 7 p.m., Friday, March 25, at the Koval Center for the Performing Arts.

Maintenance crew recognized

Quality work and quick response earn high marks for this special team!

Lacey Chamber showcases NTPS arts and music programs

Student musicians and artists were the main event at at recently televised community event...

Special Olympic Stars

NTPS students take home medals from the Washington State Special Olympic Games in Wenatchee. Read on to find out who they are...

NTPS TOGETHER Champion: Robert Coit

Twenty-seven citizens were honored as Champions for Kids at the annual TOGETHER dinner on March 7. The champion for North Thurston Public Schools is Robert Coit, Executive Director of the Thurston County Food Bank.

Timberline theater student wins August Wilson monologue contest

Timberline Senior Aubrey Taylor put on a stellar performance doing a monologue from Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom playing the role of Ma Rainey,and ended up taking first place in the 1st annual August Wilson Monologue Contest for the city of Seattle.

Komachin Middle School receives $25,000 science grant

Stream testing. Compressed air dragsters. Salmon dissection. Wastewater treatment. These are just a few examples of projects that students are involved in during their two year rotation at the school.

Students respond to positive behavior interventions

Meadows Elementary, Chinook Middle School, Mt View Elementary and North Thurston High School were asked to join other schools around Washington State to speak about their implementation of Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support (PBIS) and the results it has brought to their schools.

NTPS Teachers Awarded Classroom Cash

TwinStar Credit Union awarded 16 teachers in the district a total of $2,250 in Classroom Cash awards. Read on to learn who the teachers were...

High School jazz bands meet the masters

Members of the North Thurston and Timberline High School Jazz Bands braved the elements last weekend to attend the prestigious Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival at the University of Idaho (http://www.uidaho.edu/jazzfest).

Sister City Polish students visit NTPS

Students from Minsk-Mazowiecki, Poland are visiting the North Thurston Public School District. The six students and two English Language teachers are here for one month and are doing their best to learn as much as they can about the American schools, culture, as well as family and teen life.

Timberline teacher honored by state

Kristina Wilkinson was selected as one of three Civic Educators of the Year for Washington by the Legislative Civic Education Group. She was honored last week at a ceremony at the Legislature.

Winter Sports Stars

Find out how NTPS athletes did at regionals and state...

Stop the blame game and meet the needs of all students

National Merit Finalists

Congratulations to Joonhae Ahn (left) from NTHS and Emerson Hardebeck (right) from Timberline who were named National Merit Finalists! Only 15,000 students in the nation achieve this honor.

South Sound Academic Stars

What do parallel lines, Forrest Gump and a star’s life cycle have in common? These were just some of the unique and varied project themes at South Sound High Schools end-of-semester academic fair last month.

Horizons "Wild about reading!"

What do NFL player Jonathan Stewart, Lacey Mayor Tom Nelson and Rhubarb, the mascot of the Tacoma Rainiers, have in common? They're among a long list of South Sound celebrities who are serving as guest readers throughout February for Horizons Elementary's

Eagles Flying High at Charles Wright Chess Challenge!

The Olympic View Eagles Tournament Chess Team kicked off 2011 with a great performance earning the 4th Place Team Trophy at the Charles Wright Chess Challenge.

Kids meet author on Skype

Lacey 6th graders in Dana Day's class had the chance to Skype with this year's Lacey Loves to Read author Kirby Larson.

RRHS School Store Gets Recognized

The School-Based Enterprise (SBE) at River Ridge High School was among 42 school stores that achieved Gold Level Certification and 112 school stores that achieved Gold Re-certification this year.

Positive Behavior Intervention Support; Woodland Elementary

As part of the district’s approach to reinforcing positive behavior, Woodland Elementary is recognizing students for their efforts through its “Self Manager” program. Woodland expectations include being: “Respectful, Responsible and Safe.” Students who consistently meet these expectations receive a staff referral and a coveted blue self manager bracelet.

Brandon Pavlick named Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year

Brandon Pavlick, a freshman at Timberline High School, is a true example of an extraordinary teenager. At age 15, he has just been selected to compete against other Boys & Girls Club members for the Washington Youth of the Year title, a $1,000 scholarship and the chance to move on to the regional competition.

Horizons' Art Program Ranks #7 in the State!

Amada Lang, art teacher at Horizons Elementary, has been recognized for outstanding leadership in the area of arts education by Artsonia - the world's largest online kid's art museum. The school's online art gallery ranks #7 in the state, according to Artsonia.

Blazer Bowling Goes to State!

Congratulations to Timberline Woman's Bowling team for ranking 6th place at State!

South Bay Safety Patrol

There are currently 45 5th and 6th grade students who participate in South Bay Elementary's safety patrol.

Lacey Ethnic Celebration features student art and music

Students from several North Thurston Public Schools, including River Ridge’s Taiko Ensemble and Mountain View’s Marimba Ensemble, performed at the Ethnic Celebration on January 22 at St. Martin’s University.

SmileMobile Visits Lacey

The SmileMobile is a modern dental office on wheels that brings oral health services to children who dont have access to dental care. The 38 foot long, brightly colored mobile dental clinic is operated by the Washington Dental Service Foundation, the states largest foundation dedicated to improving oral health.

Terrance Krall named Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year

River Ridge Sophomore, Terrence Krall, has been selected as the Lacey Boys and Girls Club "2010 Youth of the Year."

Seatbelt Safety

North Thurston High School’s RAMS in Action club gave out tickets to fellow students who were “buckled up” before school on Monday as part of a public safety campaign. The group worked closely with Target Zero Thurston County and the Lacey Police Department to organize the event.

Day of Caring

Komachin Middle School students spent a day serving the community in honor of Martin Luther King. All of the students were dispatched to community-service projects throughout the region for their scheduled projects.

School Board Recognition Month

January is School Board Recogniton Month. We would like to recognize school board members Laurie Davies, Chuck Namit, Bill Williams, Aaron Owada, and Leah Wells. Thank you for all you do for the North Thurston Public Schools!

Meadows Hope Academy

Meadows Elementary School is implementing a cultural belief and framework this year called Kids at Hope. Kids at Hope is a cultural belief based in the research of hope. The research of hope shows that if you show people what is right about them, they are more likely to be successful.

NTHS Cheer Takes First Place at State!

The North Thurston High School Cheer Team took first place at the WIAA State Championship in the 2A/3A Coed Division on Saturday at the Comcast Arena in Everett.

Student Scholars

Congratulations to students from River Ridge, Timberline and North Thurston High School for achieving Academic Scholar Honors! Click on picture or bold headline to find out who they are.

Fulbright winner!

River Ridge High School teacher-librarian Sarah Applegate has received one of only 19 Distinguished Fulbright Awards in Teaching. She and her family depart later this month for the journey to Helsinki, Finland. Applegate, who is also a National Board Certified teacher, will be researching how Finland teaches Information Literacy Skills in their school system.

Timberline Staff "Express Themselves"

Timberline staff surprised students with a performance of a flash mob dance to “Don't Stop Believing” at a recent assembly. The video caught the attention of

Valerie Coats Visits London

London, Rome events will have local touch. New Year's: Two from area schools to perform in Europe.

Students put service above self

Students across the district are putting their service hats on this holiday season to collect food, clothing, cash and gift items for soldiers abroad as well as local families.

Aspire students selected for national production

Students at Aspire Middle School for the Performing Arts are cast in the national Broadway tour of the Wizard of Oz -- here in Olympia on Jan. 8!

Seven Oaks Performs Tom Sawyer

Seven Oaks Elementary held a school performance as well as two public performances of the play Tom Sawyer.

Principal pens school song

Every school needs a school song. That’s why Olympic View Principal Bob Richards, a former band and music teacher, took it upon himself to write one and rehearse it with students as a surprise to his staff.

Reading Tree donates 4,000 books to Pleasant Glade!

Students at Pleasant Glade Elementary got an extra literacy boost this fall when a nonprofit group donated more than 4,000 to the school. The books came from Reading Tree, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to providing the tools of literacy and education locally and nationally.

School store encourages PAWS-itive behavior

Students at Chambers Prairie Elementary know their PAWS: Pride and Respect, Achievement, Working Together and Safety.

Timberline’s Amburgy wins state thespian honor

Timberline drama teacher Brenda Amburgy was recently honored with the prestigious Van Kempen Award, given by several Seattle theater groups.

Wyat Taylor wins Canon Photography in the Parks Contest

River Ridge senior Wyat Taylor took 1st place in the teen division of the Canon Photography in the Parks contest. His prize includes a trip to the park of his choice and over $5000 in photography equipment.

Community group adopts Pleasant Glade

In support of a community partnership with Pleasant Glade Elementary school, the non-profit Omega Community Development Association sponsored a community 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament on December 11 at River Ridge High School.

Pleasant Glade students win coloring contest

During the month of November Sterling Savings Bank hosted a turkey coloring contest at Pleasant Glade Elementary. Congrats to the winners for their creativity!

Saint Martin Education Majors helping Lacey Elementary

Students working towards their degree in Education from Saint Martin’s University have been volunteering in the classrooms at Lacey Elementary and making a big impression!

Ecology Club gives Chinook landscape a fall makeover

While most students use a rainy Saturday to relax or sleep in, two dozen Chinook Middle School students (and a handful of supportive staff and parents) took the opportunity to pick up some shovels, dig in the dirt and beautify their school.

Timberline hosts German Student Convention

On November 20, the Timberline High School German Club hosted more than 400 high school students from 15 schools for the state German Student Convention. Click on the bold headline to learn more.

South Sound's Susan Larson receives "Cause for Applause" Award

Click on the bold headline to learn more about the wonderful work Susan Larson is contributing to the North Thurston School District.

INTERACT members build leadership skills

Students from all three comprehensive North Thurston High Schools attended the 2010 Annual Interact Leadership Conference held at Olympia High School on November 13.

Lacey Loves To Read Bookfair

Come check out the Lacey Loves to Read Bookfair, Sat. Nov. 20 at Barnes & Noble in west Olympia. This will be a all day event with special children's activities from 1-2:30 pm. A portion of the proceeds will go to North Thurston Public Schools! Use voucher when making purchase or order online.

Instructional Support: Learning at all Levels

Students in Linda Karamatic’s class at Horizons weren’t the only ones learning about writing last month. As part of an ongoing writing workshop, Karamatic works with Instructional Specialist Heather Rader to bring out the best in her students – and herself!

Chinook Pride Day Festivities

The energy was high last Friday at Chinook Middle School as the students and staff prepared for their monthly Pride Day Assembly. Click on the bold headline to learn more.

Library Makeover

River Ridge’s library got a new look this month, complete with a laptop bar, fiction area, rotating display and more space for student art. Click on the bold headline to learn more.

JEANome art project stands out at Timberline

Some sat on the water machine looking cool while others dangled precariously atop the railing over the commons. One wore a cross. Another celebrated a favorite cartoon character. They were all unique but had one thing in common: they were pants. Click on the bold headline to learn more.

NTHS Girls’ Swim and Dive Team take 4th Place at state meet!

Click on the bold headline to learn more.

NTHS ESL Parent Night

On November 4, the NTHS English as a Second Language department held an information night for parents of our English Language Learners from 6:30-7:30. Click on the bold headline to learn more.

Thespian Honors

Drama teachers Leslie Van Leishout (River Ridge High School) and Brenda Amburgy (Timberline High School) were recently inducted into the 2010 Washington State Thespians Hall of Fame. Click on the bold headline to learn more.

NTHS Recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month

North Thurston High School students and staff “stand up in pink” to bring awareness to breast cancer in support of October Breast Cancer Awareness month. Several activities took place at NTHS during October to help bring awareness to breast cancer research and finding a cure for breast cancer. Click on the bold headline to learn more.

Hear what's happening in Thurston County's Schools

Watch the Superintendent’s Roundtable on TCTV. Type in Superintendents Roundtable once you reach the website. Featuring local Superintendents including North Thurston’s Raj Manhas. Topics include Cyber Safety, Budget, Student Achievement and growth. Click on the bold headline to find the link.

Blazers Save Season

Blazers save season with 4th-quarter rallyTIMBERLINE 29, MOUNTAIN VIEW 28: Timberline scores final 22 points to win 3A preliminary game. Click on the bold headline to read more.

Veterans Day Celebration

In celebration of Veterans Day, North Thurston employees and community members gathered at the district Service Center on October 22 to honor those who have served our country in the military. Click on bold headline to learn more.

T-Birds and Rams start swimmingly

State Swimming: North Thurston finds its way into seven finals and Tumwater into six at 2A meet.

Land of Many Drums

Evergreen Forest Elementary fourth grade student hand-crafted and decorated drums made from deer hide and cedar Thursday, October 29. The students will use them in a school holiday assembly later this year. Click on bold headline to learn more.

State Title Within Reach for Rams

North Thurston's girls swim team picked up a little more firepower Wednesday, qualifying another seven for next week's district meet. Please click on the bold headline to learn more.

Timberline ASB Recognition

The 2010-2011 Timberline High School ASB was recognized at the October 19 Board Meeting. Click on image or bold headline to learn more.

Cyber/Cell Student Safety Community Forum

An expert panel of legal, law enforcement and education officials will explore a variety of topics and provide resources on cyber and cell phone safety – specifically as it relates to teens today. This event will be held on October 14, 7-8:30pm at Chinook Middle School, 4301 Sixth Ave. NE, Lacey. Questions? Call Community Relations at 360-412-4418.

High School College & Career Fair a Huge Success

The North Thurston Public Schools District-wide College and Career Fair last month was a huge success!

Valerie Coats named All-American

This summer Valerie Coats was recognized with the top honor of "All-American Cheerleader" at NCA camp. Less than 10% of cheerleaders are chosen as NCA All-American. To qualify, cheerleaders must have all the qualities of an all around great cheerleader. Click the bold headline to learn more.

Poetry Contest Winner

Amber Granger, a student at Chinook Middle School captured first place in the 6-7 division of The American Library of Poetry Student Poetry Contest. (Click on the image or headline for the rest of the story)

Washington D.C. Visit

Nisqually Middle School Principal, Karen Owen, attended the National Principals of the Year Event in Washington DC. She traveled with Washington State's high school principal of the year, Jennifer Shaw from Franklin Pierce High School.

Mt. Rainier Visit

On Monday, September 27th, twenty-one Nisqually Middle School Students traveled to Mt. Rainier National Park to help make a difference in one of America’s national treasures. (click picture or headline for the rest of story)

Walkathon at Olympic View

Olympic View Elementary held a Walkathon on October 8, 2010 to help raise money for their PTA. The students first participate in the Walkathon held at the track at the school. Here they keep track of their total laps. Afterwards they ask their friends and family to pledge a certain amount depending on the total laps they completed or just a flat donation.

WatchDOGS at Seven Oaks

Seven Oaks Elementary School is now implementing the WATCH D.O.G.S. program. It’s a program through fathers.com aimed at increasing male involvement in children’s school lives. The Father’s job is to help supervise, eat with the kids, participate in the school day, tutor and overall just be a part of what takes place at Seven Oaks.

Staff Recognition

North Thurston Public School bus driver, Mr. Rob Shadle, was recognized by Board Member, Bill Williams, and Chief of Operations, John Bash, on October 1st for his “above and beyond” service to the students of the North Thurston Public Schools.

Operation Backpack

Community groups, businesses and churches donated a record number of school supplies and backpacks to students in North Thurston Public Schools this year. Thank you!

South Sound donates blood

With 44 students and staff participating, South Sound High School held a blood drive on September 24, 2010. The school holds two blood drives a year, one in the fall and one in the spring.

Student Enrollment Booms

Our district is welcoming a record 14,000 students this year -- 400 more than expected.

While some schools have reached classroom capacity, the district is collaborating to ensure that all students receive a quality educational experience in 2010-11

Student Recognition

Nathan Schmedake was recognized for his achievement at the September 21st Board Meeting. He was selected for the highly competitive and prestigious 2010 Washington Aerospace Scholar Summer Residency program this summer.