"In a rational society, the best individuals aspire to be teachers because passing civilization along from one generation to the next is the highest honor and the highest responsibility anyone can have." Author Unknown

About Us

Centennial is very fortunate to have a total quality teaching cadre and support staff that cares deeply for the academic, social, physical, and emotional well-being of all children. To that end, they endeavor each day to insure quality learning in a safe and caring environment for each child. In support of our teachers and staff is a strong community of actively engaged parents who freely give of their time and talents to ensure that Centennial continues to be a great school where great things happen every day for kids. Lead by a talented, compassionate, enthusiastic principal, Centennial is indeed a premier elementary school.

Centennial opened as a new school in January, 1989 to replace McKinley Elementary School. Centennial was named in recognition of Washington State's Centennial Celebration. It is located in the southeast corner of Olympia, in a growing area with many newer homes. There are approximately 484 students in grades kindergarten through 5th, organized into traditional grade level configurations. There are usually three or four classrooms at each grade level.

The community takes great pride in Centennial Elementary School, which is well known for its parent involvement, high volunteer rates, and an experienced, talented and caring staff. The staff and community have placed an emphasis on academics and skill development. The continuous improvement of reading, writing, and math skills remains a top priority goal at Centennial. This goal drives our school improvement plan as well as on-going professional development for our staff. Technology-enhanced classrooms with associated training are also a key focus at Centennial.

Parents become involved with the school through joining the Booster Club, or serving as a member of the Site Base Council. Parents and community are encouraged to come in and lend a hand. With over 100 regular volunteers, Centennial Elementary School relies on a partnership with the parents and community to provide a quality education.

Long Range Goals:

• To ensure each child experiences success each day;
• To value the growth of character and performance;
• To provide a learning environment that is active and hightlights the process of exploration and discovery;
• To be grounded in a belief that the priority is each child, not the program;
• To provide a diverse offering of programs including (but not limited to) cross-age tutoring, peer tutors, team teaching, and cooperative learning;
• To maintain an expansive and effective volunteer program;
• To establish a learning environment where people want to be, including children, adults, visitors, and volunteer.

The 2006 passage of the Olympia School District Technology Levy has provided each classroom with a teacher work station consisting of a laptop computer, document camera, and projector. Teachers have access to a myriad of software programs that are used to enhance instructions. The Pods are equipped with 12-student workstations that can be used for assessments (MAP, AR, STAR) as well as research and word-processing. In addition, Centennial is networked and has access to world-wide resources.

A variety of programs and opportunities are offered at Centennial in addition to the full academic program. These include:

• Passport Club, developed and operated in cooperation with parents, the Passport Club gives children the opportunity to learn the locations of countries and cities throughout the world.
• 100 Mile Club, an opportunity to kids to "run the track" during recess and work to collect miles toward their 100 mile goal and the school's goal to circumnavigate the globe.
• Reading Month, an event that is noted for helping children and families develop a habit of reading.
• Outdoor School, a 3 day environmental learning camp in Randle, Washington, for Centennial's 5th graders.
• Centennial Choirs: The Shooting Stars and the Sound Tracks perform in school assemblies and at special evening programs.
• Band and Orchestra
• Student Council, an active student group, meets monthly throughout the school year. Classrooms have two representatives on the Student Council.
• Battle of the Books is a before school activity for the intermediate grade students during the winter months.
• Patrol Duty

Very important things

Parking

Please consider not picking your child up after school as congested parking lots and buses make this very difficult. Students being picked up should wait quietly in front of the school only. No cars are allowed in the bus area by the playshed. Driving and/or parking in the fire lane around the school is not allowed.

Emergency Preparation

A committee of parents and staff has developed a school-wide emergency plan to be followed in the event of an emergency such as a major earthquake. Complete information, regarding preparation, plans and guidelines is available in the school office. Regular safety drills are held each month.

Emergency

On rare occasions, school may be closed before the regular dismissal time because of power failure, extreme weather conditions or other events that force school closure. Parents should prepare children for this possibility and have procedures worked out with their children in the event that school is closed unexpectedly.

An emergency form should be on file for all families. If you have not filled out an emergency closure form, please contact the school office.

For information or announcements regarding school closures, please listen to one of the following local radio stations: KGY (1240am), KGY FM (96.9), KCPL (920am), KMAS (1300am), KXXO (96.1 FM), and KAOS (89.3 FM).

Telephone Use

Messages for children should be limited to emergencies only. Students are not allowed to use the school telephone except in emergencies. Arrangements for transportation, visits to friends, etc, must be made before school or after arriving home.

Equipment from Home

Students are requested to leave their personal toys and games at home. The school provides sufficient equipment for playtime at school.