The Scoop: Levies are for Learning and Holiday Cheer

Oak Harbor Public Schools is asking voters to consider renewing a local levy on February 11 to provide funding for student programs and services not covered under "Basic Education" or underfunded by the state. The current OHPS levy expires at the end of 2025 and will need to be approved by a simple majority to maintain funding at every school for arts, music, athletics, health & safety, academic support, student programs, and learning technology

The Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL) and the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP) recently awarded Hillcrest Elementary with the 2024 Culture Kickoff Award, recognizing their efforts to foster positive school culture and community. 

Hillcrest's initiatives from therapy dogs to supporting student well-being to the implementation of small group interventions, illustrate their comprehensive approach to education. The commitment of adopting the Strategic Plan theme for Team Elementary as "Here We Grow" demonstrates their focus on continuous improvement and nurturing every student's talent to grow in their school. 

Congratulations, Hillcrest Elementary School staff, for your continued support of our students!

At this week's board meeting, Helping Hands Leadership students at Broad View Elementary were recognized for their community stewardship, problem-solving, professional development, time management, and accountability. These Explorers are empowered to use their voice through volunteerism, student jobs, project planning, timesheet tracking, and even resume building. Thank you to these students and to their families who help support them at home.

Also recognized were members of our Transportation team who consistently go above and beyond in service to our students by making sure they feel included and safe. These staff members also help contribute to a culture of comradery within the department that helps shape their strong team.

On December 4th, two FBI employees came to visit Oak Harbor High School. They presented to the Forensic Sciences classes about online safety, the different fields in the FBI, and the requirements needed for the many career paths. Special Agent Sara Liechty who is part of the Hazardous Evidence Response Team and who formerly worked in ballistics shared examples of the many cases she has worked on. Community Outreach Specialist Alhagie Manneh shared an encouraging message to students about self-worth and pursuing their dreams. Overall the experience was informative, memorable, and inspiring.

Oak Harbor Intermediate School (OHI) 5th grader Sadie Riepma and 6th Grader Jenna Jones were awarded Mr. Ackerman's "Artist of the Trimester."

OHI Panthers also participated in the First Lego League Robotics competition last weekend. And Mrs. Child's class completed posters for a science presentation.

If you have attended music program at our schools you've likely been impressed by the music as well as the spectacular backdrops that surround our student performers. Our art and music teachers work together to create a full production that showcases visual and performing arts for our families and the community.

"It is so important to have collaboration among the visual, theatrical, and musical arts," says Oak Harbor Elementary art teacher Mrs. Gmerek.

Our art and music programs are made possible through the community's support of our local levy.

Hand-in-Hand Early Learning Center and HomeConnection hosted their 3rd annual Winter Lights Drive-Thru event. Families were greeted by Santa, received hot cocoa and goodie bags, and viewed a colorful light display. Thank you to the staff and volunteers who stood in the rain to put smiles on many faces!

Mrs. Morrison's kindergarten students and their families gathered for a face painting and gingerbread decorating night at Olympic View Elementary.

Elf Deana continues to pop up all around Broad View Elementary, delighting students with her silly shenanigans!

Congratulations to our boys wrestling team for placing 11th out of 39 teams in a very competitive Edmonds Invite. Top placers for the Wildcats were senior Josiah Christopherson (5th place), senior Ethan Bazar (7th place), and junior Joel Christopherson (8th place).

The OHHS girls wrestlers put on a dominating performance last weekend at the Stanwood Spartan Winter Wrestlefest. The Wildcat girls placed 1st place out of 20 teams with an impressive 12 wrestlers who placed! Congratulations to all of the girls wrestlers and coaches and a special shout out to the following girls who placed: