The Scoop: Arts, Jobs, and a Caring Community

This week we celebrated the official construction kickoff of our TWO new grant-funded schools with groundbreaking ceremonies at each site. Each event included remarks from superintendent Dr. Michelle Kuss-Cybula and NAS Whidbey Island Captain Nathan J. Gammache. We were honored to have Captain Gammache and NASWI personnel and retirees at both events.

Oak Harbor High School NJROTC Color Guard presented the flag for each ceremony and were accompanied by students from each school who sang our national anthem.

Student representatives Maggie Litvachuk and Sophia Burkick also spoke at the Hand-in-Hand/HomeConnection event.

Thank you to the city and state officials and retirees who led us to this historic moment for Oak Harbor, the State of Washington and the United States.

As we celebrate this historic moment, we also want to acknowledge the loss of two incredible navy aviators this week who have, like many other veterans, sacrificed their lives to protect our freedoms. Our thoughts and hearts are with Team Whidbey during this difficult time.

We are currently experiencing a bus driver shortage that will temporarily impact our transportation services. Beginning this week, you may notice longer bus routes and, in some cases, combined routes to ensure all students are safely transported to and from school. We understand that this may cause some inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through this challenge. 

To help alleviate the situation, we are actively hiring substitute bus drivers. Join #TEAMOneOakHarbor! We provide paid training, competitive pay and you get to support our students each and every day.

Learn more about what makes Oak Harbor Public Schools a special place to grow in your career through the eyes of one of our bus drivers, Tyler Ginez by watching the video below!

On Saturday, Oct. 26 from 4-7 p.m. families are invited to attend a FREE community trunk or treat event organized by Oak Harbor Public Schools, School PTAs, and Living Word Church at Oak Harbor High School. Several local organizations are joining the #OneOakHarbor fun. This is also a great opportunity to connect with your local PTA organizations and learn about volunteer opportunities in our schools.

Rain or shine! You won't want to miss this event for the whole family.

Calling all Oak Harbor Public Schools Retirees! You're invited to our annual Retiree Lunch at Noon on Thursday, November 7 at the district office. Hear from Superintendent Dr. Michelle Kuss-Cybula, enjoy a meal, and reconnect with colleagues.

Please RSVP to kandrews@ohsd.net or 360.279.5010 and be sure to share this invitation with your OHPS retiree friends.

Thank you to Knights of Columbus, Catholic Daughters of America, and the parishioners of St. Augustine Church for donating coats to our students as the chilly weather approaches.

Students at Exceptional Academy have started internships throughout our community. Thank you to our #OneOakHarbor partners like Hand-in-Hand Early Learning Center and the North Whidbey Help House for offering opportunities for our interns to serve, learn and grow.

Broad View Elementary student artists in Ms. Marcus' class are exploring a variety of mediums. Our art program is supported by the community through our local levy. Thank you, Oak Harbor!

This week our schools embraced literacy with family nights and more!

At Oak Harbor Elementary, Transition to Kindergarten students in Mrs. Hughes's class had a special reading session with the principal and Mrs. Sandefur's 4th-grade book club invites young readers dive into exciting adventures and explore new worlds! And Ms. Frost's 3rd-grade class won the pumkin decorating contest with the book theme of "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" by Mo Willems!

On Friday, October 18th, our Football team won an amazing game against Snohomish the final score being 33-7! Go 'Cats!

It was Senior Night, showcasing our 19 seniors: Carson Lang, Dylan Comly, Alexander Smith, Jayson Champignon, Gabriel Salisbury, Nickalas Hummel, Hunter Kelly, Brayden Rupp, Owen Novak, Jake Rientjes, Carter Jack, Isaac Kitchen, Jayden Price, Connor Cash, Nathan Bates, Xander Leiss, William Hartman, Carlos Hernandez, and Cayden Hartman.

Most of the seniors have played football for their entire high school career. "it was a great game, I love everybody that's a part of the team," said Hunter Kelly '25 . Our seniors are well loved and will be missed dearly as they go off to pursue bigger and better futures.

And the appreciation for our cheerleaders is unmatched! They put in so much work to keep up the school spirit at sports games and school event. Seniors: Natalie Schneider, Emily Murphy, Sakura Elaine Delacruz, Alyssa Stone, and Olivia Pacqutte have contributed to the cheer community immensely throughout the years.

Attend with your family & contact your school if you are interested in volunteering!