The Scoop: Leadership, Advocacy, and Holiday Antics

Posted Date: 12/06/24 (1:08 PM)

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Oak Harbor Public Schools Hosts Annual Legislative Forum

Oak Harbor Public Schools leadership and school board members hosted a legislative forum on Thursday, December 5 with State Representative Clyde Shavers and State Senator Ron Muzzall.

The forum provides an opportunity for leadership to discuss priorities and challenges. Leaders advocated for fully funding special education, transportation services and Materials, Supplies and Operating Costs (MSOCs), which have all skyrocketed in expense leading to budget shortfalls.

Leadership also shared the unique challenges our schools are facing with funding and legislation. District administration hope to continue to advocate and work with legislators as they had into the legislative session next year.

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A man and two women stand together in a school hallway, smiling for a photo. The text 'Strategic Plan in Action' is visible in the foreground.

District Leaders Experience Being Students for a Day

Recently, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Kuss-Cybula and Assistant Superintendent Dwight Lundstrom immersed themselves in the student experience by shadowing two students - Emma at North Whidbey Middle School and Calum at Oak Harbor High School. Spending the entire day walking in their shoes gave these district leaders a powerful lens through which to see the incredible ways that the student vision of Oak Harbor Public Schools is lived out in our classrooms, hallways, and learning spaces.

On November 25 the school board recognized Emma and Calum for their willingness to be shadowed for a day and for their extensive work in helping to develop our strategic plan.

Read the Full Story

A graphic showing how levy funds support learning, technology, health and safety, and student programs in schools.

Our proposed educational programs and operations levy replaces an expiring levy to maintain the support of educational programs and operations expenses not funded by the State. Voters in our district will have an opportunity to vote on this resolution in the special election on February 11, 2025.

Learn About the Levy Renewal

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A group of people stand in a room, holding certificates of recognition. The text on the certificates reads 'Recognition' and includes the names of the recipients.

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School Board Recognizes Staff & Community Members

Last week our school board recognized staff and community members for outstanding service. District staff from the administrative service center were recognized for service to students, families, and staff through important behind-the-scenes work. North Whidbey Middle School teachers and counselors were recognized for their commitment to academic excellence and student success. The board also recognized the community coordinators of our highly successful first annual Trunk or Treat event. Congratulations to these hardworking staff members and community partners!

learning and fun happening in our schools

A person wearing a Santa hat and red blanket sleeps on a bench with a reindeer plush toy.

A group of children gather around a person dressed as Santa Claus, who is lying on a bench.

Elf Deanna is back to her annual antics at Broad View Elementary! Students were delighted to find her sleeping in the hall and and sledding with special guests.

Three people dressed in festive attire pose for a photo, laughing and having fun.

A group of students stand in a gymnasium, smiling for a photo. The banner behind them reads 'Welcome Cougars to the Pride is Right Assembly!'

A group of students stand together in a gymnasium, smiling for the camera.

North Whidbey Middle School leadership students created and ran a Pride is Right, an assembly celebrating Cougar PRIDE achievements for the first trimester. The students ran games, highlighted clubs and sports, and teacher-selected hard-working and best behaved students.

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Two young children play in a sensory bin filled with green and red pasta, colorful cups, and festive decorations.

At Hand-in-Hand Early Learning Center, Ms. Melanie’s class created a sensory art walk and students in all classes are getting ready for the upcoming holidays.

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Athletics Highlights

Congratulations to freshman All-American cheerleader Aubrey Woods! She walked in the Orlando Thanksgiving Tour parade at Disney World this past weekend!
Winter sports kicked off this past weekend as both boys and girls basketball teams had their season openers at Marysville Pilchuck. Congrats to both teams as they opened the season with big wins. The varsity girls won by a score of 55-13 while the boys varsity team won 80-57. Next up for both teams are games at Everett on Saturday, December 7. The boys tip off at 2:30, girls at 4:15.
The Oak Harbor girl wrestlers got off to a strong start to their season by dominating both Meridian (66 to 15) and Anacortes (78 to 6).

Thank you, Oak Harbor, for supporting athletics through levy funding!

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Upcoming Events

Dec. 6: NWMS Holiday Bazaar | 4 p.m.
Dec. 9: School Board Meeting | 6 p.m.
Dec. 10: CHE Grade 3 Music Program | 6 p.m.
Dec. 10: NWMS Band Concert @ OHHS | 7 p.m.
Dec. 12: OHE Grade 3 Music Program | 6 p.m.
Dec. 12: BVE Grade 3 Music Program | 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 12: OHHS Winter Band Concert | 7 p.m.
Dec. 18: OHHS Holiday Choir Concert | 7 p.m.

Thank you, Oak Harbor, for supporting music programs through levy funding!

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