The Scoop: Outdoor Exploring, Mental Health Awareness

Posted Date: 5/03/24 (5:23 PM)

Apply Today for TK!
Oak Harbor Public Schools is now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year for the Transition to Kindergarten program! If your child will be four years old by August 31, 2024 and you believe they need additional preparation to be successful in Kindergarten, you are encouraged to apply today for TK! Applications are due by August 23, 2024. Apply and learn more at our Early Learning page.

#OneOakHarbor - Building a Vision for Student Success
Don't miss your opportunity to vote on the new Oak Harbor Public Schools' "Promise Statement," or tagline, to go with our Strategic Plan and vision for the future of our schools. A promise statement is a simple, short, and inspiring statement that captures the commitment of the Oak Harbor Public Schools community. This statement will be visible in all of our future messaging and marketing materials. The draft statements in the survey were developed by our Core Community Strategic Planning Committee, which includes students, staff, families, and community members.

Please place your vote here on your top choice by May 10, 2024

Thank you for being a part of this journey to develop a strategic plan to ensure all students in the Oak Harbor Public Schools are successful as #OneOakHarbor.

Embrace Neurodiversity, Celebrate Inclusivity

Community members, families, and staff celebrated Autism Acceptance Month on April 30 with a Pizza Party hosted by Oak Harbor Public Schools' Exceptional Academy. Students and staff wore t-shirts that were conceptualized by students. The message on the shirts reads "Embrace Neurodiversity, Celebrate Inclusivity." Thank you to all of those who attended to celebrate with us!

Oak Harbor Students Entertain at Holland Happening
We are so proud of our students and staff for representing Oak Harbor Public Schools with pride at Holland Happening this weekend! Our students and staff were part of most of the weekend's festivities with parade marching, art exhibits, and performances.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Current events, loneliness, technology, and social drivers can all impact your mental health. You can improve your mental health by finding support, setting boundaries, developing skills, and taking action.
Oak Harbor Public Schools has mental health resources that you can access online at any time.

Visit www.ohsd.net/mentalhealth for research, toolkits, help lines, and learning opportunities from multiple sources.

“So what do you say, don't you wanna just come along for the ride?”

Oak Harbor High School Choir Club presents The Musical Review performing hit songs like “Dance the Night” from Barbie, and other songs from classics like Rent. Come see what they have in store! The show's dates are May 2-4, 2024 and May 9-11, 2024 doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the door for $10. Photography by Linndsy Scheer ‘24 and Zoey Spanos ‘25, and reporting by Linndsy Scheer ‘24

High School Exchange Students Share Cultures at Hillcrest Elementary
On April 17th the Oak Harbor High School exchange students visited Hillcrest Elementary to share about their cultures. Activities included singing, dancing, and coloring.

“The kids were so sweet and it was so fun teaching them things from my culture!” said Maria Ortega Valero ‘24.

Thank you exchange students for sharing the cultures of the world!

Photography by Megan Gleissner ‘24, Olivia Hudson ‘25, Madison Yadon ‘25, and Zoey Spanos ‘25. Reporting by Rhy Brown ‘25 and Linndsy Scheer ‘24

Mr. Del Prete's class from Olympic View Elementary went on a field trip to Padilla Bay!

At Oak Harbor Elementary Mrs. Orbe's first-grade class met with their 4th-grade buddies from Ms. Hyneck’s. They read outside and then played sharks and minnows. Early in the week, Oak Harbor Elementary Kindergarten classes visited Deception Pass State Park.

OHHS Music Students Placed Third in State

Congratulations to Lola Chargualaf, Jake Bailey and Ethan Brady for placing third in the WMEA State Competition for Small Brass Ensemble at Central Washington University on Friday, April 26th!

These students, named the Screamy Bendy Slidey Trio, first competed in the February 3rd Solo and Ensemble hosted here at OHHS where they earned the opportunity to compete at State.

View Screamy Bendy Slidey Trio's Winning Performance

Congratulations to the North Whidbey Middle School Symphonic Band - led by Mr. Patrick Manuel - for earning a unanimous “Superior” rating at the 2024 San Juan Music Educators Junior Large Group Band Festival on April 25. A superior rating is the highest rating you can earn at a music festival. Congratulations, also, to the North Whidbey Middle School Concert Band for earning an “Excellent” rating,

View the symphonic band's performance

May 1 was Principal Appreciation Day!
Our principals were celebrated by students, staff, and community partners. We are thankful for our incredible school leaders who provide guidance and support to our students and staff every day.

It's School Lunch Hero Day!
Today our schools are recognizing our Nutrition Services team for not only serving year-round meals to our students but for also offering unique and fun opportunities for our students and families to explore new foods and share cooking skills! Thank you to our Nutrition Services team for all that you do! Learn about how they offer More Than a Meal at www.ohsd.net/MoreThanaMeal

Oak Harbor High School Student Accepted into the Do-It Scholars Program

Sophomore Ramona Southwick recently received acceptance into a the Do-It Scholars Program through the University of Washington, a comprehensive program that empowers students with disabilities to succeed in challenging fields of study and employment. Southwick is one of only 20 students across the state to receive acceptance into the program this year!

Read her full story: https://tinyurl.com/doitscholarstudent

There are several new volunteer opportunities posted on our Volunteer Website!

May has many opportunities for families to get involved, including music, art, comedy, and movie events, and PTA meetings. Check out details at www.ohsd.net/Calendars