The Scoop: Happy New Year!

Posted Date: 1/10/25 (4:07 PM)

Two students smile at the camera while working on a school project. The text reads 'The Scoop, Your OHPS News, Levy Supported.'

Oak Harbor Schools Levy is Based on Community Priorities

Election day is just around the corner! On February 11, our community will consider voting to renew the Oak Harbor school levy. Our current levy expires at the end of 2025.

Our local levy makes up approximately 12% of our overall budget and provides funding to maintain operations and essential student programs not funded or fully funded by the State of Washington. The OHPS educational programs and operations levy is locally controlled and directly goes to our school programs and services based on the community priorities outlined in our strategic plan and to fill critical budget gaps in school funding.

The local levy provides funding for every school and includes:

School nurses, mental health counselors, and school safety enhancements
Special education, paraeducators, academic counselors, and smaller class sizes
Student programs like athletics, intramurals, visual and performing arts
Classroom technology, Chromebooks, and curriculum software

Get More Levy Information

A graphic with a megaphone and the text 'School Board Recognition Month' in blue and green.

A smiling woman with blonde hair in a red shirt and white collar, featured in a circular frame with the text 'My Student Experience School Board Reflections'.

January is School Board Recognition Month!

School Board President Lynn Goebel is a 1976 graduate of Coronado High School in Lubbock, Texas. She recently shared about her experience as a student and how it impacted her future.

"My favorite school memories are being a high school athlete and working on the yearbook staff," said President Goebel. "Ms. Wells, my high school basketball coach, and Mrs. Wilson, my yearbook advisor were the teachers who believed in me and always encouraged me to be a leader. I will always be grateful for their confidence in me as a high school student."

Thank you to our dedicated volunteer school board for your leadership and for ensuring that Oak Harbor Public Schools upholds our commitment to provide a challenging, supportive, and innovative learning environment where all students are empowered to thrive and reach their fullest potential.

Learn About Our School Board

When to Keep Your Child Home from School

School attendance is important but sometimes it is necessary to keep your child home to ensure their health and the well-being of others. Here are some signs that it may be time for a sick day:

A chart with illustrations and text outlining when to stay home from school due to illness.

More Info From Our School Nurses

A blue winter jacket, hat, and gloves are ready for cold weather.

Don't Forget the Layers!

Winter weather on the island can fluctuate dramatically and our students spend time outside throughout the year. We recommend sending your child to school with layers, including a well-insulated jacket, hat, and gloves during winter months.

Missing items? Don't forget to check in with your school's Lost & Found!

Weather Related School Updates

A green and blue banner with the text 'LEARNING & FUN HAPPENING IN OUR SCHOOLS'.

A teacher shows students different animal furs in a classroom setting.

A young boy smiles while holding a stuffed otter in a classroom setting.

Matt Klope, accomplished Wildlife Biologist and owner of Whidbey Taxidermy, presented to Ms. Boswell and Ms. Scheepers classes at Oak Harbor Intermediate School. His presentation included local mammal skins, skulls, and live mounts. Through his interactive questioning, lecture, and hands-on experiences, students learned more about Whidbey Island's ecosystem.

A group of students participate in a classroom activity called 'Reader's Tea', with a teacher and a yellow table.

A police officer speaks to a group of children in a classroom setting.

Ms. Christenson's 4th-grade students at Crescent Harbor Elementary are working hard to increase their reading fluency and comprehension skills.

Each student recently reached their nightly reading goal and the entire class celebrated together with a Reader's Tea that included cookies, tea, hot cocoa, and special guests who discussed the importance of reading and how it applies to their careers and hobbies. They also received a certificate and a new book!

Guest speakers included Principal Mr. Weinsheimer, Dean Mr. Garcia, Food Services Staff Mrs. Lopez, School Resource Officer Mr. Adamson, and Occupational Therapist Assistant Ms. Brown. Thank you for sharing your stories!

Two golden retriever puppies interact with students in a classroom setting.

A young man sits on the floor with a golden retriever puppy, smiling and petting the dog.

Summit Assistance Dogs often visit our schools and brighten everyone's day. This week new service puppies-in-training had their first outing at Exceptional Academy to educate our students about the importance of service animals.

Upcoming Events

Jan. 13 | School Board Meeting | 6 p.m.
Jan. 15 | DPAC Meeting | 9:30 a.m.
Jan. 20 | NO SCHOOL | Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Jan. 27 | School Board Meeting & Recognition | 6 p.m.

View More Events

Upcoming Athletics Events & News

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Employment Opportunities

Visit the OHPS Newsroom