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.

Dr. Kuss-Cybula remarked on the profound impact of the district's systemic alignment of practices, emphasizing the inspirational nature of the observations. "What we observed reaffirmed the strength of our collective efforts as a district. From the intentional practice of warmly welcoming students at the door to the cultivation of positive relationships and the implementation of student-centered pedagogical approaches, it was evident how these strategies contribute to creating safe and supportive learning environments," she stated. "Such environments not only promote a sense of security and belonging but also empower students to extend beyond their comfort zones, embrace intellectual risks, and engage deeply in their educational journeys, fostering both personal and academic growth."

Mr. Lundstrom, who previously served as a teacher and principal at Oak Harbor High School, commented on how Oak Harbor students interact. “The thing about Oak Harbor kids that I always say is that they are kind, worldly, polite, and accepting of each other.”

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.