Education

Student Spotlight for May 19: Dayanara Rodriguez

Nominated by French teacher, Erin Feltman, who wrote: Already fluent in English and Spanish, Dayanara has worked very hard the past three years to master speaking French as her third language. She is always smiling and enthusiastic to learn. Dayanara is always looking for opportunities to use French — by speaking in French with me, joining French Club and even finding French speakers in the community.

Making school a favorite hangout

Twice a week, the library, playfield, hallways and some of the classrooms at Meadows Elementary School in Lacey transform into a different place: It’s called Clubhouse.

School cops build rapport with trust, not handcuffs

All 16-year-old Alfonso Vela had to do was take nine heel-to-toe steps down a white line, turn to the left, and return to his starting point. Easier said than done while wearing goggles that imitate what it’s like to have a blood alcohol content of 0.2 percent, more than twice the legal limit.

Tumwater hires a principal next door

School district officials didn’t have to look very far to find a new leader for Tumwater High School.

Olympia teen files civil rights complaints over alleged bullying

A teen who is filing a civil rights complaint about alleged bullying incidents at Olympia High said he's been expelled from the school.

Olympia School District budget restores some cuts

After several years of budget slashing, the Olympia School Board has been given a proposed spending plan that is filled with the “e” word: Enhancements. Superintendent Dick Cvitanich presented his proposed $93.5 million budget package for the 2013-14 school year during Monday night’s meeting.

New principals hired at two North Thurston schools

Two administrators from Seven Oaks Elementary School in Lacey will take the helm at other schools on July 1, according to North Thurston Public Schools spokeswoman Courtney Schrieve.

Student Spotlight for May 12: Talia Haller

Age: 16.

Evergreen union may strike

Student-services workers at The Evergreen State College voted 45-5 Wednesday to authorize actions “up to and including a strike” as they continue negotiating with college leaders on a two-year labor contract.

2013 Saint Martin's University graduates

Valedictorian: Rebeka Dach SantosSalutatorian: Joseph Peter Berger