The Scoop: STEM and Farm Fun

Posted Date: 02/23/24 (03:57 PM)

Due to the two snow day closures in January, the new last day of school for Oak Harbor Public Schools will now be June 21, 2024. June 18 will now be a full day and June 21 will be a half day.

[Whidbey News Times] Photo by Luisa Loi. Interns from Exceptional Academy, Jonathan Shields (left) and Jonathan Brady (right) are learning construction skills that might help them secure a job in construction in the future.

The Whidbey News-Times recently highlighted the community service and vocational partnership between Habitat for Humanity Island County and Exceptional Academy!

“At the end of the day, yes, it may be hard and you know, it may be mentally draining, but you have to remember that you’re building housing for people that can’t afford it,” Shields said. “I really think that working for a nonprofit is a very beautiful thing.”
Great job representing the program, Jonathan S. and Jonathan B.! Thank you to our staff, families, and community members for supporting the academy.

Our transportation team had a fun time celebrating Bus Driver Appreciation Day! These are just some of the smiles that greet our students each day. See more photo

Former Astronaut and Oak Harbor resident Heidimarie Stefanyshyn-Piper surprised Ms. Fisken's math class at North Whidbey Middle School on Tuesday. Ms. Fisken organized the visit following a class assignment that was focused on solving an algebra problem for NASA. When Stefanyshyn-Piper arrived in class, the students exclaimed with excitement about the surprise visit.

Mr. Del Prete had all the 4th-grade science students at Olympic View Elementary build and launch water rockets.

Mrs. Rankin's class at Oak Harbor Virtual Academy joined the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture Kids to learn about our amazing planet. Students met with climber and CEO of Brown Girls Climb, Brittany Levitt. In 2018, Brittany was a member of the pioneering African American team to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro. Brittany has also been able to foster a passion for nature and outdoor exploration among her students as an educator at the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center.

Kindergarteners at Hillcrest Elementary had an amazing hands-on experience learning about farm animals this week! Oak Harbor High School juniors Hannah Bassett and Saxon Gluth turned Hillcrest's community garden into a mini farm!

The Pacific Science Center visited Oak Harbor Intermediate School this week with their Science on Wheels program! The STEM-focused program includes presentations, exhibits, and hands-on workshops.

This is the final weekend to catch our amazingly talented Oak Harbor High School drama club performing "Clue!" Come out and support the hard work of our students and directors Micki Gibson and Eric George. The remaining performances are tonight and tomorrow. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door.

Our schools need you!
There are many ways for families and the community to get involved with Oak Harbor Public Schools! Visit the Get Involved section of the district and individual school websites to see volunteer opportunities, open jobs, committees, and more. New volunteer opportunities are posted each month on the school district website. Volunteer opportunities can include helping with concessions, high-fiving elementary school students at drop-off time, or joining a PTA at your school.

Our volunteers are made up of enthusiastic parents, military personnel, senior citizens, businesses, and community members who are willing to dedicate their time and talents to the education of our children. If you believe volunteering is right for you, we invite you to complete a Volunteer Application.

If you have questions, reach out to our Community Resources Coordinator, Chris Frisby at chfrisby@ohsd.net or 360.279.5020.

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The Scoop: STEM and Farm Fun