The Mission of the Olympic High School Foundation is to attract, support and retain excellent teachers, improve the school's educational opportunities, and provide resources that will focus on increasing students' upward mobility and success after graduation.
Established in 2013, the Olympic High School Foundation is a non-profit organization that believes excellence in our education system starts with empowering teachers to provide the most impactful experiences in the classroom. Our board of directors, backed by the community of alumni, parents, teachers and more who support Olympic, is committed to supporting classroom teachers and their creative initiates through a variety of programs.
To ensure our teachers have the supplies and resources they need to enhance their classroom instruction, we offer grants throughout the school year. These open-ended requests are evaluated based on need and impact and typically involve resources that are not provided by CMS. Once purchased, they remain property of the school. Additionally, teachers can apply for study or travel grants to supplement classroom instruction.
Because the quality of our students’ education directly correlates with their teacher’s own education, each year we offer scholarships to help Olympic teachers get their National Board Certification. Not only does this certification mean a higher salary for the teacher but also gives them the latest in tools and instruction to better connect with their students and enrich the learning experience.
As part of our effort to impact every classroom, we provide annual stipends for every Olympic teacher to be used at their discretion to supplement and improve their course as needed. This includes out-of-pocket-expenses spent before the school year starts so each teacher can begin the year with less anxiety and more freedom to make the choices that can make a difference in their students’ education.
Finally, because our teachers work so hard and often express a sense of isolation, we provide appreciation opportunities and retreats to better support those who support our students. These outings encourage team building and networking among the faculty, understanding that these unofficial interactions are a crucial source of support – both emotionally and functionally – for the faculty. It’s essential that our educators have time as peers to share their best classroom practices with one another and offer constant guidance and encouragement.
It is our goal that through the programs we offer we can ultimately create a lasting, positive impact on the performance of current and future Olympic High School students.
Quotes from Olympic Teachers
“The Biology Handbooks purchased with grant funds help me implement close reading strategies and provided students an organizational tool to prepare for EOC. Student proficiency on the Biology EOC increased approximately 20% the past semester.”
“The foundation has been tremendous in allowing me to further my knowledge by going to seminars during the summer months. Without the foundation I would be unable to attend these seminars.”
“Thank you SO much for your help in getting the staff to the New York to chaperone our students. It would not be possible without you and the Foundation!”
“The foundation grants have allowed me to adequately prepare my students to be truly career and college ready providing 100% engagement, increased rigor, and overall academic success. Materials purchased with these funds often assist us as educators in placing students ahead of the curve not only with knowledge, but certifications, internship assistance, and the building of soft skills to be effective 21st century learners. Thank you for everything!”
“I see myself in the future and I like what I see, I do see myself in the future and things are looking a whole lot better. Thank you foundation for providing the resources to a brighter future for myself and my students. Through the foundation, I am about to bring international experiences into my classroom. Thank you!”
“The grants I have received have allowed me to get the needed tools to reach more of my students. I have been able to increase the engagement level in my classroom and is shown in every observation I have with 100% engagement.”Thank you for all that you do.”
“The support of the Olympic Foundation allows the Odyssey of the Mind Team to compete at a high level. We appreciate the funds to purchase supplies for team members to build sets!”