The Scoop: New Ways to Get Involved

On Friday, March 7, students from across Northwest Washington met at the Northwest Educational Service District 189 headquarters in Anacortes for a student-led leadership conference, focused on empowering current and future student board representatives. This was the first conference of its kind in Washington and could serve as a blueprint for other regions.

The conference was organized and led by student school board representatives Gabby Lenssen and Harleen Malli of Ferndale School District, and Maggie Litvachuk and Allena Locklear of Oak Harbor Public Schools. Oak Harbor Superintendent Dr. Michelle Kuss-Cybula and Managing Director of the Washington School Principals Education Foundation Greg Barker championed the event.

“Bringing together some of our most influential student leaders has been a dream come true — one that we envisioned over two years ago. To witness the work, planning, and dedication that has gone into this event, and to see students leading students, is truly powerful," said Superintendent Dr. Michelle Kuss-Cybula. "Their passion and commitment to student voice will shape the future of our schools in meaningful ways, and we are honored to support and empower them as they step forward to lead."

Oak Harbor Public Schools is proud to recognize Oak Harbor Intermediate School Counselor Chandra Mays for being named a School Counselor of the Year Finalist for the Washington School Counselors Association (WSCA). This honor highlights her outstanding efforts to make a difference in the lives of students in Oak Harbor Public Schools. 

“Ms. Mays is a true asset to our school community,” said Raenette Wood, OHI Principal in her award submission. “Her passion and commitment to student success make her an exemplary school counselor, and we are incredibly proud of her achievement.”

The Oak Harbor High School English Department and Oak Harbor Schools Teaching and Learning Department invites you to a Community Information Meeting about the pilot (and potential adoption) of two prospective English curricula at Oak Harbor High School!

This is a fantastic opportunity for you to learn more about the program and share your thoughts, as community involvement plays a critical role in shaping the educational experience of all students.

Date: March 31, 2025

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Location: Oak Harbor High School Auditorium and SUB

Join us for the next School District Wellness Committee meeting! We'll be discussing important policies and initiatives to support the health and well-being of our students and staff. In the context of the federal nutrition program requirements, the wellness committee plays a crucial role in developing and implementing school wellness policies that promote healthy eating and physical activity. These policies may include things like offering nutritious meals and snacks, providing opportunities for physical activity, and creating a supportive environment for healthy behaviors.

Your input is valuable! We encourage all interested parents, staff, and community members to attend

Oak Harbor Educational Foundation is hosting a membership drive event on March 18 from 4:30-6:00 p.m. at China City! Join us to learn more about the important work of OHEF and how YOU can get involved with the board, committees, and more.

OHPS District Parent Advisory Committee, in collaboration with the Anxious Generation, will be hosting an in-person FREE forum on March 26, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:00 PM at Oak Harbor High School. Anyone who is interested is invited to attend!

The forum will cover a variety of topics and include a keynote and breakout sessions for families to ask questions and get more information to help them keep their kids safe online. Childcare (ages 4-12) and dinner will be provided! 

The Winter Guard is hosting their annual showcase in April and are looking for performers! All students are invited to share performance art forms in all genres, cultures and styles. The showcase is free and open to the public! We know we've got some talented students in Oak Harbor and we want the community to see it.

On Thursday, February 27, our foreign exchange students Zoé Salamin ‘25 from Switzerland and Barbora Nyklova ‘25 from the Czech Republic went to Hillcrest Elementary School to tell the students about their home countries. They visited several classrooms throughout the whole day explaining their culture, currency, hometowns, and traditions. They brought coloring pages and were able to connect with the students about all of the things they have in common. The kids were able to realize that the world is a lot smaller than they thought and that traveling can be really cool. “I was a little nervous at first, but it ended up being a really fun day. I am glad that the kids got to learn something about my home country,” said student Zoé Salamin ‘25.

If you or someone you know are interested in hosting a Foreign Exchange Student next school year, please reach out to the OHHS Exchange Student Coordinator Mrs. Kellison at ckellison@ohsd.net for more information.

In Mrs. Child's class at Oak Harbor Intermediate School, Mr. Sawhill from Oak Harbor High School gave a presentation on Antarctica! The students had just finished their ecosystems unit, so Mr. Sawhill spoke to them about the different food webs that exist there. He then challenged those students by extending their learning to include physical and behavioral adaptations of the animals that they had completed their research projects about!

Hillcrest Elementary students were dreaming BIG for our annual Career Day! From aspiring artists and veterinarians to future engineers, chefs, and ballerinas, these Herons were dressed for success!.

Oak Harbor Elementary's talented second-graders have been hard at work creating amazing action foil sculptures that truly come to life! Each piece is filled with energy and creativity, and the glowing platforms they’re displayed on make the artwork shine even brighter. The magic doesn’t stop there – the shadows these sculptures cast add a whole new dimension to the pieces!

The Seattle School Opera Tour visited schools this week to perform Earth to Kenzie, a one-act opera written for K-5 audiences with innovative and approachable tunes and memorable characters that showcase the story’s themes of empathy and finding strength despite adversity.