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February Paws Newsletter

Posted Date: 02/02/26 (03:49 PM)


Oak Harbor Intermediate School's PAWS Newsletter for February 2025, featuring the Panther mascot.
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DATES TO REMEMBER

February 4- Beginning Band Concert @ 6pm
February 5-6- Parent Teacher Conferences
February 13- PTA MOD Pizza Fundraiser
February 16- No School - President's Day
February 19- PTA Meeting @ 4pm
 

Core Values in Action: A Heroic Morning

At OHI, we strive to teach our students to be Respectful, Responsible, and Ready. After winter break, we saw those values come to life in a remarkable way.

During morning arrival, an elderly gentleman fell in the front parking lot. Lincoln Bass (from Ms. Nelson and Mr. Black’s team) and Zander Mitchell (from Ms. Scheepers and Ms. Squires’ team) immediately stepped up to help. The boys took the initiative to stop incoming traffic, ensuring the gentleman was safe and that staff could reach him quickly.

Mr. O’Toole, who witnessed the event, noted how their quick thinking and calm leadership prevented a dangerous situation. We recognized both boys with Certificates of Excellence.

Please join us in congratulating Lincoln and Zander for their heroic actions and for being such outstanding role models for their peers!

 
A smiling woman in a green sweatshirt holds a certificate for "Best Teacher" from the Whidbey News Group.
We are thrilled to share that our very own Ms. Amber Craven (Math Teacher at OHI / Head Girls Swim Coach at OHHS) has been named the 2025 Best of Whidbey Teacher!

This award is part of the annual Whidbey News-Times Readers' Choice contest, where winners are selected entirely by community nominations and public votes. This honor is a true testament to Ms. Craven’s dedication to her students, her passion for teaching, and the lasting impact she has made on our families.

Please join us in congratulating Ms. Craven on this well-deserved recognition of her hard work and heart for our school!

 
A stylized black and white graphic featuring a paw print above a heart with a heartbeat line.

Principal's Pulse

February: The Panther Service Spotlight 💖🐾

In January, our families did great work with the "Panther Power-Up Goal Huddle," setting clear intentions for the new year. Now, as we enter February, let's focus on strengthening the relationships that support those goals—at home and at school.

This month, we challenge your family to try the Panther Service Spotlight activity. This is a simple, daily challenge designed to encourage your child to notice and act on the needs of others.

How to Shine the Spotlight 
The goal is for your child to perform one simple, unnoticed act of kindness or service every day for a week. The actions should be focused on helping someone else without expecting a thank you or a reward.

Daily Challenge:
  • Pounce on an Opportunity: Each morning, prompt your child to think: "Who can I help today, and how can I do it without them asking?"

Examples of Acts of Service (The "Shine"):
  • At Home: Clearing the dinner table without being asked; refilling a sibling's water bottle; organizing a messy area in a common room; putting away their parent's shoes.
  • At School: Sharpening pencils for the whole table; picking up a piece of trash that isn't theirs; holding the door for someone; complimenting a classmate's hard work.

The Family Check-In (The "Roar"):
Instead of asking, "What did you get today?" at the end of the day, try asking, "Tell me about the kindest thing you did today."
This simple shift in questioning reinforces that giving is just as important as receiving. It allows your child to reflect on their empathy and service, which are essential skills for life and collaboration.

The Benefit: Building a Stronger Pride
Focusing on service builds empathy and a sense of community responsibility—key traits of a strong, caring citizen. By practicing daily kindness, your child is developing the character and confidence to be a true leader in our Panther community!


A yellow stethoscope, a blue medical mask, and two heart-shaped candies are arranged on a light green background, with a hand holding a red paper heart.

Nurse's Note

A MESSAGE FROM OUR NURSES

Flu Symptoms in Children

Flu symptoms in children are similar to those in teens and adults:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Body aches
  • Headache
  • Chills
  • Fatigue

Some children may also experience vomiting or diarrhea. Symptoms can last from one day to over a week.

Tip: Most children recover at home, but contact your healthcare provider if your child is under 5 or has underlying health conditions.

Health Room Expectations While at School
Due to the increased number of students experiencing flu-like symptoms, we want families to be aware of what students can expect if they visit the health room during the school day.

  • Students may have their temperature checked and receive a brief assessment by the nurse
  • If symptoms are mild and no fever is present, students will typically return to class
  • Resting in the health room for mild complaints (such as stomach aches) is not available at this time
  • This helps limit exposure, ensures space is available for students who are ill, and supports overall school health

If a student has a fever of 100.4°F or higher during the school day, families will be contacted and asked to pick up their child. Students with fevers must remain home until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.

Ways to Prevent the Flu

  • Flu vaccination is the best protection. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Healthy children age 2 and up may receive either the flu shot or the nasal spray—your child’s healthcare provider can help determine the best option.
  • Children 6 months–8 years may need two doses if it’s their first flu vaccine or they’ve only had one dose in the past
  • Children 9 and older, or those who have had two or more doses in prior years, only need one dose
  • While September or October is ideal, it’s never too late to get vaccinated
  • Vaccination not only protects your child but also helps protect classmates, staff, and the broader community
  • Wash hands often with soap and water (about 20 seconds)
  • Use hand sanitizer when handwashing isn’t available
  • Keep children home when they are sick
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow
  • Avoid touching the face with unwashed hands
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces and avoid sharing personal items
  • Wearing a mask when sick or around large groups can help reduce spread

Thank you for partnering with us to keep our school community healthy this flu season.
Infographic titled 'Helping Prevent the Flu in Children' with sections on symptoms, school policies, and prevention methods.
 
Two open hands gently hold a pink heart above them.

Counselor Corner

A MESSAGE FROM OUR COUNSELORS

The Character Strong Trait for the month of February: Honesty

One way to think about Honesty is “being truthful in what you say and do.” Practicing Honesty helps strengthen our relationships and reduce stress.

  • Character Strong Newsletter

5th grade students will be learning about stress and how dishonesty may impact their stress levels. They will also learn tools to help them navigate stressful situations.  

6th grade students will be learning about developing conflict resolution skills, building friendships and applying listening skills to strengthen friendships.  

February is Black History Month as well as International Boost Self-Esteem Month!

One simple way to increase self esteem is limiting self-critical talk and celebrating personal strengths.  For more information on the science behind self-esteem and action steps for improving self-esteem in a highly digital world, please visit the Dove Self-Esteem Project.
 
Coping through Current Events

Understanding Secondary Traumatic Stress and Compassion Fatigue
Secondary traumatic stress (STS) also known as Compassion Fatigue is the emotional duress that occurs when an individual is indirectly exposed to the firsthand trauma experiences of others, often through listening to graphic accounts or witnessing the aftermath of distressing events. While this often impacts first responders and health care workers most often it can affect anyone in a supportive role. Its symptoms often mirror those of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), including intrusive thoughts, hypervigilance, chronic exhaustion, and a sense of hopelessness or cynicism.  
SAMHSA has more information and support. While this resource is primarily focused on Crisis Responders, the principles are great for all of us.


 
Oak Harbor Intermediate school logo featuring a black panther mascot.

PTA News

📅 Save the Date!

 Mod Pizza Fundraiser
🗓 Tuesday, February 13
📍 Mod Pizza
🍕 Use code MODGIVES25 when ordering and a portion of your purchase will support OHI PTA!
Enjoy your favorite pizza while helping our school—it’s a win-win!

The OHI PTA Harlem Wizards Fundraiser is coming to town!
🗓 Wednesday, May 6
⏰ 7:00 PM tip-off (Doors open at 6:00 PM)
🎟 Tickets are on sale now!
Join us for an exciting night of fun, laughs, and school spirit—all in support of OHI PTA!
MOD Pizza fundraising flyer for Oak Harbor Intermediate PTA, titled 'Raise Some Dough'.
 
Event poster for a basketball game: 'Kick Off The New Year With A Slam Dunk!' featuring the Harlem Wizards.
 

Attendance

Attendance Matters!


Our district’s goal is to have more than 80% of students missing no more than two days per month! 

Currently, 80% of students are meeting this goal, every day matters!

We understand that obstacles like health concerns or transportation can impact attendance. Our school staff is here to help. Please contact us if you need support:

Perfect Attendance Awards! 

289 students with Perfect Attendance- For the month of December! This is the highest number of perfect attendance for a month so far!

43 students with Perfect Attendance- For the Whole School Year!
Each month, students have the opportunity to earn a perfect attendance award! Help your student get to school every day so they can be recognized in February!!

 
A rack of assorted clothing items hangs on hangers, with a "LOST & FOUND NOTICE" sign above.
This week is your last chance to claim any of your personal belongings from the lost & found. After conferences on Thursday & Friday, it will all be donated to charity. Be sure to check it while you can!
 
A sign reads 'FOOD SERVICES' above a collection of healthy food items.
 
FEBRUARY LUNCH & BREAKFAST MENUS
 
How to Make Lunch Payments

To make payments and monitor account balances online, please be sure to set up an e-Funds account. Lunch payments may also be made via our black lunch payment box in front of the attendance office window and must be labeled with your child’s name and lunch number.

Food Service Inquiries

For any food service related questions, including balance, please contact Katrina Winfrey at kwinfrey@ohsd.net