{"id":215112,"date":"2026-10-12T08:58:35","date_gmt":"2026-10-12T14:58:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/schools.graniteschools.org\/olympusjr\/?p=215112"},"modified":"2026-10-12T08:58:37","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T14:58:37","slug":"principals-message-october-9-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/schools.graniteschools.org\/olympusjr\/2026\/10\/12\/principals-message-october-9-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Principal&#8217;s Message | October 9, 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Don&#8217;t have time to read this email? Listen to the Oly Junior Principal Podcast here.<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/graniteschools-my.sharepoint.com\/:u:\/g\/personal\/mdouglas_graniteschools_org\/IQCl43M2aT57SawAkbRmflC8ASVEaknS4TcVgYQ2Rlj0V1g?e=LPOQBF&amp;xsdata=MDV8MDJ8am1vb2R5QGdyYW5pdGVzY2hvb2xzLm9yZ3xkZTJjMGNhNTU0MTM0OTg5MDk2MjA4ZGYyNjRmNTljMXwyYzQ1YjI0MzE0OGY0MzdkOTlkODYyNjA1YTMyYjg0MHwwfDB8NjM5MjcxNzk0Mzk5NjY0NzA4fFVua25vd258VFdGcGJHWnNiM2Q4ZXlKRmJYQjBlVTFoY0draU9uUnlkV1VzSWxZaU9pSXdMakF1TURBd01DSXNJbEFpT2lKWGFXNHpNaUlzSWtGT0lqb2lUV0ZwYkNJc0lsZFVJam95ZlE9PXwwfHx8&amp;sdata=L29kMFZCNjVBWG51RExvK0IzcTY2Y1p0Nldhc1NabTFKMUZkM2d5ZzZZRT0%3d\">Oly Jr. Principal Podcast- October 9, 2026.mp3<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dear Olympus Junior High Families,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Happy Friday, Bulldogs!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We have some exciting things happening at Olympus Junior High! From our girls soccer team advancing to the District Championship to upcoming school activities and important student wellness initiatives, there is plenty to celebrate and look forward to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As we wrap up the first term and prepare for Fall Break, I want to thank our students, teachers, staff, and families for helping make Olympus Junior High such a wonderful place to learn and grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>&nbsp;Girls Soccer Advances to the District Championship!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Our Olympus Junior High Girls Soccer Team is headed to the District Championship!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Congratulations to our outstanding student-athletes and coaches for their hard work, determination, and teamwork throughout the season. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and excited to cheer them on in the championship game!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Championship Game Details:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Date:<\/strong> Monday, October 12<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Time:<\/strong> 3:00 PM<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Opponent:<\/strong> Evergreen Junior High<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Skyline High School \u2013 Grass Soccer Field<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We would love to see a big crowd of Bulldog families, students, and supporters cheering on our girls! Let&#8217;s show them what Bulldog pride is all about as they compete for the district title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Go Bulldogs! Bring home that championship!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Student Wellness: SOS Signs of Suicide Prevention Lesson<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On <strong>Monday, October 26<\/strong>, Olympus Junior High will participate in the <em>SOS Signs of Suicide<\/em> prevention program during students&#8217; advisory classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This important program helps students recognize warning signs of suicide and teaches them how to seek help for themselves or a friend using the ACT approach:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>A \u2013 Acknowledge:<\/strong> Recognize warning signs and take them seriously.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>C \u2013 Care:<\/strong> Show concern and support for someone who may be struggling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>T \u2013 Tell:<\/strong> Tell a trusted adult who can help.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During advisory, students will watch video clips, participate in guided discussions, and complete a brief exit slip indicating whether they would like to speak with someone in our Counseling Center. Our counseling staff will follow up with students who request additional support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We recognize that discussions about suicide prevention can be sensitive. Students who find the discussion difficult will not be required to participate and may take a break as needed. Counselors will be available to provide additional support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Parent Information and Opt-Out Procedures<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have questions, concerns, or would prefer that your student not participate in this lesson, please contact our school social worker, <strong>Mr. Dereck Robison<\/strong>, at <a href=\"mailto:darobison1@graniteschools.org\">darobison1@graniteschools.org<\/a> by <strong>Friday, October 23<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Families are encouraged to visit <a href=\"https:\/\/nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsossignsofsuicide.org%2Fparents&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cjmoody%40graniteschools.org%7Cde2c0ca554134989096208df264f59c1%7C2c45b243148f437d99d862605a32b840%7C0%7C0%7C639271794399681708%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=7fMTyLR8ktMVRZqVbRpeQ3mRfUcz1Lqo7ehwr15dRLo%3D&amp;reserved=0\">sossignsofsuicide.org\/parents<\/a> to learn more about the program, recognize warning signs, and access helpful resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As always, student safety and well-being remain among our highest priorities. If you are ever concerned about your student&#8217;s immediate emotional safety, support is available 24 hours a day by calling or texting <strong>988<\/strong>, the Suicide &amp; Crisis Lifeline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>8th Grade Parents \u2013 Schedule Your CCRP Meeting!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s time to schedule your student&#8217;s College and Career Readiness Plan (CCRP) meeting! Our counselors look forward to meeting with each 8th grader and their family to discuss high school planning, future educational opportunities, and career interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Please visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fschools.graniteschools.org%2Folympusjr%2Folympus-junior-high-counseling-center%2Fcollege-and-career-readiness-resources%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cjmoody%40graniteschools.org%7Cde2c0ca554134989096208df264f59c1%7C2c45b243148f437d99d862605a32b840%7C0%7C0%7C639271794399694718%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=0Tg4pC3Y2g%2BIZXVxDCWbnsjKUQE3bEdhdbqSHnlW8Ug%3D&amp;reserved=0\">Olympus Junior High Counseling Center CCRP Resources page<\/a> to sign up for your meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For questions, please contact our Counseling Center.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fall Break and the Beginning of Second Term<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As we approach the end of our first term, we want to remind families of several important dates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fall Break: October 15\u201316<\/strong><br>Students will not have school on Thursday and Friday, October 15\u201316.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Teacher Professional Development and Preparation: October 19\u201320<\/strong><br>Students will also not have school on Monday, October 19, or Tuesday, October 20, while our teachers participate in professional learning and prepare for the new term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Second Term Begins: Wednesday, October 21<\/strong><br>We look forward to welcoming students back and beginning another successful term!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We encourage families to review their student&#8217;s grades and missing assignments as the first term comes to a close. This is a great opportunity to celebrate progress, reflect on accomplishments, and establish goals for the next nine weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&nbsp;Olympus Junior High: FOX 13 Cool School of the Week!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We are excited to announce that <strong>Olympus Junior High will be featured as a FOX 13 Cool School of the Week on Thursday, October 22!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">FOX 13 will be at our school from approximately <strong>7:00\u201310:00 AM<\/strong> to highlight the wonderful students, staff, programs, and school spirit that make Olympus Junior High special.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is an exciting opportunity to showcase our Bulldog community, and we look forward to sharing more information about the visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Upcoming Student Activities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Students have several fun opportunities later this month!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Talent Show Auditions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tuesday, October 27, 3:00\u20135:00 PM<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wednesday, October 28, 3:00\u20135:00 PM<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We look forward to seeing our Bulldog students&#8217; many talents!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Basketball Intramurals Begin \u2013 Wednesday, October 28<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Students interested in basketball intramurals can start on October 28. Intramurals provide a great opportunity to stay active, build friendships, and enjoy friendly competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Important Upcoming Dates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>October 12:<\/strong> Girls Soccer District Championship vs. Evergreen, 3:00 PM at Skyline High School<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>October 15\u201316:<\/strong> Fall Break \u2013 No School<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>October 19\u201320:<\/strong> Professional Development and Teacher Preparation \u2013 No School for Students<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>October 21:<\/strong> First Day of Second Term<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>October 22:<\/strong> FOX 13 Cool School of the Week, 7:00\u201310:00 AM<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>October 23:<\/strong> Deadline to Request SOS Lesson Opt-Out<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>October 26:<\/strong> SOS Signs of Suicide Prevention Lesson During Advisory<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>October 27\u201328:<\/strong> Talent Show Auditions, 3:00\u20135:00 PM<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>October 28:<\/strong> Basketball Intramurals Begin<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Final Thought<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the things I appreciate most about Olympus Junior High is the sense of community that exists among our students, staff, and families. Whether our students represent Olympus on the soccer field, participate in school activities, support one another, or work hard in their classrooms, they continue to show what makes this school special. We had a guest in the building today: an Assistant Superintendent to the State Superintendent. He was amazed at how happy and polite our students are. He stated that Olympus Jr. has a great vibe!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I hope our families enjoy the upcoming Fall Break and find some time to relax, recharge, and spend time together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thank you for your continued support of Olympus Junior High. It is a privilege to serve as your principal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Go Bulldogs!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mike Douglas<br>Principal, Olympus Junior High School<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>The Student First and Always.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Don&#8217;t have time to read this email? Listen to the Oly Junior Principal Podcast here. Oly Jr. Principal Podcast- October 9, 2026.mp3 Dear Olympus Junior High Families, Happy Friday, Bulldogs! We have some exciting things happening at Olympus Junior High! From our girls soccer team advancing to the District Championship to upcoming school activities and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":120,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_cbd_carousel_blocks":"[]","inline_featured_image":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"coauthors":[87],"class_list":["post-215112","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","category-principals-message","entry"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"featured_image_src":null,"featured_image_src_square":null,"author_info":{"display_name":"Jessica Moody","author_link":"https:\/\/schools.graniteschools.org\/olympusjr\/author\/jmoody\/"},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p3kbIa-TXy","jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/schools.graniteschools.org\/olympusjr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/215112","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/schools.graniteschools.org\/olympusjr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/schools.graniteschools.org\/olympusjr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/schools.graniteschools.org\/olympusjr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/120"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/schools.graniteschools.org\/olympusjr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=215112"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/schools.graniteschools.org\/olympusjr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/215112\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":215113,"href":"https:\/\/schools.graniteschools.org\/olympusjr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/215112\/revisions\/215113"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/schools.graniteschools.org\/olympusjr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=215112"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/schools.graniteschools.org\/olympusjr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=215112"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/schools.graniteschools.org\/olympusjr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=215112"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/schools.graniteschools.org\/olympusjr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=215112"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}