The Scoop: Spirit, Recognitions, and Athletics Highlights

Hillcrest Elementary and Special Programs recognized Hillcrest's English Language Arts (ELA), Math, and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) teams at Monday's school board meeting.

These teams studied data and worked together to realign schedules and services with our new strategic plan's core values to better serve students with special needs. Director of Special Programs Rebecca Washington also acknowledged the leadership of Hillcrest's Principal Paula Seaman for encouraging her staff to try new things.

Oak Harbor Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michelle Kuss-Cybula and the Communications Department took home the top awards at the Annual Washington School Public Relations Conference (WSPRA) in Spokane on October 28. 

Dr. Kuss-Cybula received the 2025 Crystal Apple Award, which honors an individual who does not serve in a school communications role - such as a superintendent or school board member - but dedicates themselves to enhancing positive perceptions of K-12 public schools through communications and community engagement work. It is one of the highest awards provided by the WSPRA Board. 

In addition to Dr. Kuss-Cybula's award, the OHPS Communications Department secured three awards from the WSPRA annual communications awards ceremony including:

Families, please make sure you take a moment to review the updated School Bus Code of Conduct, which includes rules and expectations for our bus riders. Here are a few expectations:

For any questions, please contact our transportation team at 360.279.5570.

Thank you for your patience!

Thank you to all of the families who came out for our first annual community-wide Spook Harbor Trunk or Treat event on Saturday, Oct. 26. The event was hosted by Oak Harbor Public Schools, PTAs and Living Word Church and brought together families from across all of the schools for a night full of candy, games and community spirit!

A HUGE thank you to all our volunteers, families, and sponsors who made this event possible. We’re so lucky to be part of such a supportive #OneOakHarbor community!

Navy Region Northwest Fire and Emergency Services visited students at Hand-in-Hand Early Learning Center to show students fire trucks and equipment.

We look forward to seeing our retirees at noon on Nov. 7 at our annual Retiree Lunch! Please RSVP to kandrews@ohsd.net or 360.279.5010 and be sure to share the invite with your OHPS retiree friends.

Students in Mrs. Lee's 5th grade class at Oak Harbor Intermediate School made Native American dwellings out of Legos.

At Oak Harbor Elementary, Mrs. Ritter’s class got to make homemade applesauce. Students took turns peeling, coring and cutting apples. Then they cooked all day in the crockpot for a delicious treat at the end of the day. The apples came from 2nd grade teacher Mrs. Gore’s tree! 

The Oak Harbor High School NJROTC Marksmanship team took a break from practicing for their national qualifying match to carve pumpkins using their shooting skills. 

Ms. Laiza's class at Hand-in-Hand Early Learning Center worked on improving fine motor skills using pumpkins.

Here are a few of the great costumes that our students and staff wore for Halloween! Check out your school's Facebook pages for more.

On Thursday, October 24, the Girls Swim team hosted their last home meet. They celebrated seniors Kennedy Carlson, Harley Engle, and Indiana Whitley, who have been a part of the swim team since their freshman year! Seniors Margarita Litvachuk and Kaitlyn Eaton have been a part of the swim team since the start of this season. The girls have put in a lot of hard work and dedication – either swimming in the lanes or cheering each other on from the sidelines. We wish you all the best of luck in your future, Wildcats!

Oak Harbor High School's library displays recommended books to celebrate Dia de los Muertos!