{"id":215114,"date":"2026-10-26T08:39:23","date_gmt":"2026-10-26T14:39:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/schools.graniteschools.org\/olympusjr\/?p=215114"},"modified":"2026-10-26T08:39:25","modified_gmt":"2026-10-26T14:39:25","slug":"principals-message-october-23-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/schools.graniteschools.org\/olympusjr\/2026\/10\/26\/principals-message-october-23-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Principal&#8217;s Message | October 23, 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don&#8217;t have time to read this email? Listen to the <a href=\"https:\/\/graniteschools-my.sharepoint.com\/:u:\/g\/personal\/mdouglas_graniteschools_org\/IQCWHGyckBoEQJ1W37waISwCAToPEZTO72F9uXYPxBD1tag?e=cyFkju&amp;xsdata=MDV8MDJ8am1vb2R5QGdyYW5pdGVzY2hvb2xzLm9yZ3wzNjNiMDY1YjUzMjI0OGJlZGY5YjA4ZGYzMTRkNWQ3MHwyYzQ1YjI0MzE0OGY0MzdkOTlkODYyNjA1YTMyYjg0MHwwfDB8NjM5MjgzODgwNDkzOTIzNTc1fFVua25vd258VFdGcGJHWnNiM2Q4ZXlKRmJYQjBlVTFoY0draU9uUnlkV1VzSWxZaU9pSXdMakF1TURBd01DSXNJbEFpT2lKWGFXNHpNaUlzSWtGT0lqb2lUV0ZwYkNJc0lsZFVJam95ZlE9PXwwfHx8&amp;sdata=TVRON2ptRXpmeVFqRWN4dmg2UXZ1dExRWVVBNVJBbTBRU09QNjQ1QVFpdz0%3d\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Oly Jr. Principal Podcast<\/a>&nbsp;<\/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\">What a great week to be a Bulldog! We have so much to celebrate at Olympus Junior High, and I want to begin by recognizing the amazing students and staff who continue to make our school such a special place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&nbsp;<strong>FOX 13 Cool School of the Week!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yesterday morning, Olympus Junior High had the opportunity to shine as FOX 13&#8217;s Cool School of the Week!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I could not have been prouder of our Bulldogs! Our students were fantastic! They were articulate, genuine, enthusiastic, and wonderful representatives of our school community. Whether sharing their talents, talking about their experiences, or demonstrating their talents, they reminded everyone watching what makes Olympus Junior High so special.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The FOX 13 team and representatives from Granite School District complimented our students and staff on how well prepared and impressive everyone was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A huge thank-you to our teachers, staff, student leaders, performers, and everyone who helped make this event such a success. You made Oly Jr. shine!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best part? Our students weren&#8217;t putting on a show about how great Olympus is. They were simply showing everyone who we are!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&nbsp;<strong>A Huge Thank-You to Granite Credit Union!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We also want to express our sincere gratitude to Granite Credit Union for its incredibly generous donation in support of our theater teacher and the upcoming production of <em>High School Musical<\/em>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Support like this makes a meaningful difference in the opportunities we can provide our students. The arts are an important part of a well-rounded education, helping students develop confidence, creativity, teamwork, and a sense of belonging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thank you, Granite Credit Union, for investing in our students and supporting the performing arts at Olympus Junior High. We can&#8217;t wait to see our Bulldogs take the stage!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&nbsp;<strong>Welcoming State Senator Stephanie Pitcher<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Next week, we are excited to welcome Utah State Senator Stephanie Pitcher to Olympus Junior High!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Senator Pitcher will be visiting our school and spending time in classrooms, providing an opportunity to see firsthand the outstanding teaching and learning taking place at Oly Jr.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We appreciate the opportunity to welcome an elected representative into our school and share the great things happening in our classrooms. We are proud of our students and teachers and look forward to highlighting their hard work!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>School Safety: Practicing Our Secure Protocol<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today, we conducted the first of two planned school safety drills, practicing our Secure protocol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Student safety is our highest priority, and practicing emergency procedures helps ensure that students and staff know what to do in the event of an actual emergency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What is a Secure protocol?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A Secure protocol is used when there is a potential safety threat outside the school, such as police activity in a nearby neighborhood or another hazard in the surrounding area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During a Secure protocol:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Students and staff are brought inside the school building.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>All exterior doors are locked to prevent entry.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Teaching and learning continue as normal inside the building.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Parents and visitors are generally not permitted to enter campus until the protocol is lifted.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A Secure is different from a Lockdown. A Secure is generally used for potential threats outside the school, while a Lockdown addresses a direct threat on campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today&#8217;s exercise was only a drill. There was no actual threat to our students or school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We appreciate the cooperation of our students and staff as we practice these important procedures. Our goal is not to create fear, but to build confidence, preparedness, and a culture of safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Families can learn more about Granite School District&#8217;s emergency procedures here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-emergency-management wp-block-embed-emergency-management\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"7e2Y2A04qX\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.graniteschools.org\/emergencymanagement\/\">Emergency Management<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"\u201cEmergency Management\u201d \u2014 Emergency Management\" src=\"https:\/\/www.graniteschools.org\/emergencymanagement\/embed\/#?secret=K4koF8z6jW#?secret=7e2Y2A04qX\" data-secret=\"7e2Y2A04qX\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x1f3c0; Basketball Season Is Almost Here!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Students interested in participating in basketball are invited to an informational meeting on Monday, October 26, at 2:50 p.m. in the auditorium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our basketball coaches will review the upcoming season&#8217;s schedule, explain important information about the program, and distribute the necessary paperwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Students interested in playing basketball are encouraged to attend!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u2014 Anthony Costales, Athletic Director&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><a href=\"mailto:abcostales@graniteschools.org\">Email Coach Costales<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&nbsp;<strong>Coming Up Next Week: October 26\u201330<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Monday, October 26 \u2013 Suicide Prevention Education<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Students will participate in our <em>Signs of Suicide<\/em> prevention lesson during an extended Advisory period. The lesson will be presented by teachers and focus on recognizing warning signs, supporting others, and knowing when and how to seek help from a trusted adult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We will follow a modified bell schedule, with Advisory taking place from 9:23\u201310:08 a.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tuesday, October 27 \u2013 GTI Field Trip and Talent Show Auditions<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our eighth-grade students participating in the GTI field trip will have the opportunity to explore educational and career pathways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Talent Show auditions will take place from 3:00\u20135:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wednesday, October 28 \u2013 Talent Show Auditions and Basketball<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Talent Show auditions continue from 3:00\u20135:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Basketball intramurals also begin! We look forward to seeing students participate, improve their skills, and enjoy some friendly competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Friday, October 30 \u2013 Halloween STOMP! &#x1f383;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We&#8217;re wrapping up October with our Halloween STOMP in the gym!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Students will be released from class at 12:20 p.m. for this fun schoolwide activity. It will be a great opportunity to celebrate, connect with friends, and enjoy some Bulldog spirit before the weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Looking Ahead to November<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>November 3: GTI Engineering Field Trip (morning); Talent Show rehearsals at 3:00 p.m.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>November 4: SHARP Survey for sixth- and eighth-grade students; Talent Show rehearsals at 3:00 p.m.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>November 5: Talent Show morning assembly; Junior High Dance Festival<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>November 11: Sixth-Grade STEM Field Trip, 8:00\u201311:30 a.m.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>November 18: Girls Basketball at Wasatch and Boys Basketball vs. Wasatch, both at 3:00 p.m.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&nbsp;<strong>The Bulldog Difference<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the things I appreciate most about serving as principal of Olympus Junior High is watching our students discover just how capable they are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yesterday&#8217;s FOX 13 event was another wonderful reminder that our school is filled with talented, thoughtful, kind, and remarkable young people. Our job as educators and parents is to continue providing opportunities for them to develop those talents and recognize their potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thank you for your continued support of our students, teachers, and school community. Together, we are working to make Olympus Junior High one of the best junior high schools in America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>It&#8217;s a great day to be a Bulldog!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Michael Douglas<\/strong><br><strong>Principal, Olympus Junior High School<\/strong><br><strong><em>The Student First and Always<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Don&#8217;t have time to read this email? Listen to the Oly Jr. Principal Podcast&nbsp; Dear Olympus Junior High Families, What a great week to be a Bulldog! We have so much to celebrate at Olympus Junior High, and I want to begin by recognizing the amazing students and staff who continue to make our school [&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-215114","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-TXA","jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/schools.graniteschools.org\/olympusjr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/215114","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=215114"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/schools.graniteschools.org\/olympusjr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/215114\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":215116,"href":"https:\/\/schools.graniteschools.org\/olympusjr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/215114\/revisions\/215116"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/schools.graniteschools.org\/olympusjr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=215114"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/schools.graniteschools.org\/olympusjr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=215114"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/schools.graniteschools.org\/olympusjr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=215114"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/schools.graniteschools.org\/olympusjr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=215114"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}