The Eagle's Nest
Graham-Kapowsin Newsletter - October 16, 2026
Principal's Message
Dear Eagle Families,
As we settle into the rhythm of autumn, October serves as a powerful checkpoint in our school year. This is the time when real learning data and behavioral patterns emerge. It gives us a clear, honest look at how our students are adjusting, where they are thriving, and where they need extra coaching and support to reach their full potential.
At Graham-Kapowsin, we hold our Eagles to the highest standards because we believe deeply in their capacity to achieve greatness. Belonging to the GK community means striving for your personal best every day, owning your future, and understanding that we are ONE. Holding high expectations requires strong partnership between home and school. Right now, we ask every family to take a few moments to do a comprehensive check-in:
Check Attendance & Punctuality: Being in class on time, every period, is essential for academic success. Please review your student’s attendance records in ParentVUE for any unexcused absences or tardies.
Review Grades & Academic Progress: Official progress reports are coming soon! Check StudentVUE/ParentVUE together with your student to look over recent assignments, priority standards, and upcoming retake opportunities.
Have a Personal Check-In: Ask your student how they are feeling about their classes, their workload, and their connection to our school community.
Mark Your Calendars: Fall Arena Conferences
When: Wednesday, October 28th
Where: Graham-Kapowsin High School
We invite you to join us for our Fall Arena Conferences! Teachers will be available in classrooms, and our campus will be full of energy showcasing what makes GK such a special place to learn and grow.
What to expect:
Higher Education & Career Pathways: Meet with representatives from higher education institutions to discuss post-secondary goals, including Washington State University (WSU), Pacific Lutheran University (PLU), and Pierce College.
Community & Military Partners: Connect with military recruiters, including the National Guard, as well as valued local community partners.
Student Clubs & Student Voice: See our incredible student-led clubs represented throughout the building.
Food & Community: We will have food trucks out front, so bring the family, grab dinner, and connect with our staff and community!
We believe in our students and are committed to pushing them toward academic excellence while supporting them every step of the way. Thank you for partnering with us to ensure every Eagle owns their future.
We look forward to seeing you on October 28th!
Kevin Zamira
Principal, Graham-Kapowsin High School
Important Dates
- October 19: No Late Start, 7:45am start time
- October 26: No Late Start, 7:45am start time
- October 27: Picture Retake/Make-up day
- October 28: Fall Conferences, 11am-3pm & 4-6pm
- October 28 - 30: Early Dismissal
- November 11: No School, Veterans' Day
- November 24: End Trimester 1 & Grad Prep/Early Dismissal
- November 25-27: No School, Thanksgiving Break
- December 21 - Jan 1: No School, Winter Break
You can find the full district calendar at https://www.bethelsd.org/about-our-district/district-calendar
Bell Schedule
Check out the schedule for the next two weeks. All schedules can be found on the GK Website under the schedules tab.
Upcoming Events
Fright Night is Saturday, October 17th!
The theme this year is Haunted Museum! Come be part of a heist at night where you will enter a haunted museum to look for the hidden treasure! It will be Saturday, October 17th from 6-9 pm. Tickets will be $5 with ASB and $7 without. There will be a costume contest where you can win prizes!
PIcture Retakes/Makeups
Picture Re-take Day is scheduled for 10/27 during lunches for students who have not yet taken their picture this school year or want to re-take their picture.
- Students who have not yet received their first ID card MUST get their ID picture taken on this date. They may also order school picture packets.
- Students wanting retakes must return their original picture package or photo proof statement to receive a FREE retake.
- Pictures are NOT retaken for ID card purposes. Lost ID cards can be reprinted using the original picture.
Direct link for school picture orders : https://www.prepaysystems.com/view/wY2EskA9/graham-kapowsin-high-school
Student Life at GKHS
SPEND TIME WITH FRIENDS AND SUPPORT YOUR SCHOOL TEAM!
See updated sporting event schedules at Arbiterlive.com
Home games are FREE w/ASB
Students without ASB $8.00
Visiting HS/JH/MS Students with ASB $6.00
Mi Gente Latino Club meets every other Thursday in room 170
Open to all GK students.
Next Group meetings: Nov 5, Nov 19
Academic Resources
Science Help
After school Science help is available on Mondays from 2:20 to 4:30 in room 249. Activity bus passes are available for students who attend the whole session.
Writing Center
The Writing Center is officially open during all three lunches and during RTI study support on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Any student who would like help with a writing assignment is welcome! During lunch students will need a pass from Mrs. Schmeil. (stop by Room 232 to pick one up.) During study support, you need to self-enroll into the Writing Center.
Math Lab
Opportunity to take PSAT
Attention 10th and 11th graders. GK is hosting the PSAT test on the morning of October 20th. This is a great way to practice for the SAT test and to compete for National Merit Scholarships. The cost is $18 and you would need to pay the ASB office. If you have any questions, please come to the counseling center
Get money to help pay for college
The 2027–28 FAFSA form is now open. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the single most important step to qualify for college, career school, or graduate school funding. Regardless of family income, submitting the form opens the door to federal, state, and school-based grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and low-interest loans. Most students and parents finish their portion of the form in under 12 minutes. Learn more at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
Senior Class of 2027
Class of 2027 Webpage
Be sure to check out the Class of 2027 information page on the GKHS website under the Career & Counseling Center tab for update information.
Parent Information - Action Required!
Every Family Needs to Complete the CNEEB!
It is important the ALL families complete the complete the Child Nutrition Eligibility and Education Benefit Application (CNEEB) to ensure all students can continue to receive the full amount of federal and state funding available. If you have not completed the CNEEB for 2026-27 yet, please take a moment to do so now.
For additional information visit: Child Nutrition
Family/Community Resources
Links to Community & Crisis Resources
Contact Information
Main Office: 253-800-6100
Attendance: 253-800-6192
ASB Office: 253-800-6182
Career Center: 253-800-6120
Counseling Center: 253-800-6176
Health Office: 253-800-6193
Library: 253-800-6195
Registrar's Office 253-800-6184
Teacher Contact
- Email is the best way to contact most teachers. Email addresses are accessible through ParentVue/StudentVue.
- During school hours, teachers can be contacted by leaving a message on their voice mail or with a receptionist in the office.
- Unless identified by the caller as an emergency, teachers are not disturbed during class.
- Please allow teachers a 24-hour period of time to return emails or calls.
Need to Contact your Counselor?
Reach out by email or scan the QR code in the counseling center to make an appointment.
Website: https://gkhs.bethelsd.org/
Location: Graham-Kapowsin High School, 108th Avenue East, Graham, WA, USA
Phone: 253-800-6100
Facebook: facebook.com/GKHSEagles