September 2026 Update: A Busy Start to the School Year!
From the Executive Director
September has been a wonderful reminder of what makes the Olympia community special.
The school year is underway, and the Oly Ed Foundation has been busy getting resources into schools, meeting with teachers, principals, district and community leaders, attending school events and celebrating a fantastic day with our community at the annual Golf Scramble.
Behind all of that activity is one goal: making sure Olympia students have what they need to learn, participate, explore and thrive.
There is lots to share this month. Thank you for being part of it!
Kelly Hart
Executive Director
What a Day! Golf Scramble 2026
The 2026 Oly Ed Foundation Golf Scramble was sold out, with 37 teams and a full roster of generous sponsors joining us for a beautiful fall day of golf, food, fun and support for Olympia students.
It was especially wonderful to see teachers, principals, community members and Oly Ed Foundation supporters together outside the school day—all helping make opportunities possible for students throughout the Olympia School District.
Tournament winners:
1st place: Steve McNelly, Chris Bryson, Mike Hensley, Jay Gayman
1st Place Mixed: Mark Rubadue, Noel Rubadue, Kendra Brandenberg, Marie Chase
Golfers enjoyed 28 raffle packages, a delicious beef brisket dinner, and absolutely perfect fall weather.
An event like this takes a tremendous team. Special thanks to Mike Bowen and Bryan Crew, who chaired the Golf Scramble Committee; our board members and volunteers; Francisco and the team at FireCreek Grill; and Steve McNelly and the team at Capitol City Golf Club for helping make the day such a success.
And, of course, a huge thank-you to every sponsor, golfer and community partner who supported this year's Scramble. Your participation makes much more than a great day of golf possible—it helps Oly Ed Foundation provide resources and opportunities for students across our district.
By the Numbers
37 teams • SOLD OUT • Full sponsor roster • 28 raffle packages • $35,000 raised for OSD students
1st Place Mixed: Mark Rubadue, Noel Rubadue, Kendra Brandenberg, Marie Chase
Supporting Students from the Start
The Oly Ed Foundation's Principal's Emergency Fund (PEF) is already at work this school year, putting resources in the hands of school staff so they can respond quickly when students and families face barriers that can interfere with learning.
For 2026–27, Oly Ed Foundation has currently allocated more than $81,800 in PEF resources across school and district programs. That includes school-based funds, housing assistance and grocery, gas and laundry vouchers.
PEF by the Numbers
$81,824 in PEF resources allocated for 2026–27
$23,700 in school/program account funds
$30,800 designated for housing assistance
770 grocery, gas and laundry vouchers issued
770 Vouchers — Everyday Needs, Immediate Help
315 Grocery Vouchers
376 Gas Vouchers
79 Laundry Vouchers
Need assistance? Families should connect with their student's school. School staff work directly with families to identify needs and access available PEF resources.
Big Ideas Are Taking Off!
What do bikes, native plants and watercolors, and student-built rockets have in common?
They're among the projects Oly Ed Foundation is helping bring to life through this year's Opportunity Grants!
Round 1 funded projects across the district, supporting everything from literacy and STEM to the arts, student belonging, accessibility and hands-on learning.
Other funded projects include expanded woodworking opportunities, a student literary magazine, interactive tools for reading success, a jazz collaboration, family engagement activities and much more.
Have an idea for your students?
Opportunity Grant Round 2 is open now!
OSD staff who work directly with students may apply for Opportunity Grants of up to $2,000.
Applications are due October 23 at 5 p.m.
The Battle for Books Is Back!
It's time to get reading!
Oly Ed Foundation's Battle of the Books (BOB) program is kicking off another year of getting great books into Olympia School District schools and into the hands of young readers.
A special thank-you to Browsers Books, sponsor of Battle of the Books! Their partnership helps Oly Ed Foundation support literacy, build school book collections and get students excited about reading.
OSD librarians: BOB requests are due October 15.
Connecting with Our Schools & Community
You may have seen the Oly Ed Foundation out and about this fall!
Executive Director Kelly Hart has been meeting with teachers, principals, Olympia School District leaders and community partners to learn more about the needs and opportunities throughout our schools and to make sure OSD staff know about the resources available through the Foundation.
Kelly also recently attended the District Team Leaders meeting, providing another opportunity to connect directly with leaders from across the district.
Oly Ed Foundation staff and board members have also enjoyed getting out into the community, including hosting information tables at Capital High School's Open House and the annual Spaghetti Bowl dinner and football game.
Have an event coming up at your school? Invite us!
We're happy to participate when we can—whether that's bringing an information table, sharing information about Foundation resources, or simply coming out and connecting with your school community.
From Our Board President
Welcome Rebecca & Tiffany!
Oly Ed Foundation is delighted to welcome Rebecca Cornelius and Tiffany Orozco to our Board of Trustees!
Rebecca Cornelius brings more than 12 years of volunteer involvement across the Olympia School District, from Garfield Elementary and Jefferson Middle School to Capital High School. Her experience includes PTO and parent-organization leadership, fundraising and community events, teacher grants and districtwide Transportation Appreciation efforts. She brings a deep commitment to connecting schools, families and community resources to help students succeed.
Tiffany Orozco brings experience in law, leadership and risk management, along with years of involvement in Olympia schools. She has served as treasurer of the Hansen Community Council, volunteered at Lincoln, and served on Marshall's Parent Board, helping raise funds to support the CSI program. Tiffany is especially interested in supporting educational programs that create meaningful opportunities for students and families.
Welcome, Rebecca and Tiffany! We're so glad to have you joining the work of Oly Ed Foundation.
Annie Pocklington
President, Oly Ed Foundation Board of Trustees
Save the Date — Rise & Shine!
Mark your calendar now for the annual Oly Ed Foundation Rise & Shine Breakfast:
Friday, March 5, 2027
More details will be coming, but we hope you'll plan to join us for one of our favorite opportunities to celebrate OSD students, educators and the impact our community can make together.
Want to Get Involved?
There are lots of ways to be part of the Oly Ed Foundation.
We're looking for volunteers and community members interested in helping with programs, events, committees, outreach and other Foundation activities. Whether you have a few hours to give or are looking for a longer-term way to support Olympia students, there may be a place for you.
Interested? Let's talk!
Thank You!
To our educators, principals, district partners, volunteers, donors, sponsors and community members: thank you.
Every student need met, classroom idea brought to life, book placed in a student's hands and new opportunity created is possible because our community chooses to invest in Olympia students.
Cultivating student potential.
Students belong. Everyone learns. Communities grow.