Skip to main content

The Scoop: Happy Holidays from Oak Harbor Public Schools

Posted Date: 12/19/25 (04:09 PM)


A diverse group of children in festive attire sing together, with "THE SCOOP WHAT'S HAPPENING AT OHPS" text below.

Dear #OneOakHarbor Families,

As we head into winter break, I want to share some encouraging news about the heart and hard work happening across our schools. Just as important, I want to recognize the partnership we share and the collective care you bring to our students every day. Our progress is not happening in isolation; it is happening because of the trust and support you extend to our schools.

This fall, 80 percent of our students shared that they have an adult at school who truly cares about them. That number speaks loudly. It reflects the deep relationships our staff build with students, and it also reflects the foundation you create at home. When students feel cared for and safe, they are more ready to learn, more willing to take academic risks, and more confident in themselves. That sense of security begins with you and continues in the classrooms where they spend their days.

Your partnership means more than you know. Thank you for supporting your children, for collaborating with our schools, and for being an essential part of what makes Oak Harbor such a caring and resilient community.
Read the Full Message
Holiday Community Spirit graphic with festive lights and #ONE OAK HARBOR hashtag.
A diverse group of musicians in festive attire performs in a concert hall.
A diverse group of children in festive holiday attire stand on risers, performing in a school gymnasium.
A group of children in festive holiday attire stand on risers, facing a director.
Our schools brought the joy of the holidays to the community this week with musical performances!
Children and adults in a school cafeteria are making pizzas, spreading sauce on crusts.
A long table is set with red and white checkered tablecloths and lit candles for a festive gathering.
Olympic View Elementary students and staff worked together to host a community holiday dinner!
A young boy proudly displays a colorful, handmade artwork featuring a house, tree, and moon.
Two children in a classroom proudly display colorful, handmade house crafts.
Mrs. Root’s kindergarten students at Oak Harbor Elementary created holiday houses.
A group of young people in black shirts stand in a line, singing into a microphone in a decorated room.
A speaker presents "Vision of the Student Experience" to an audience, with text quotes on the screen.
Superintendent Dr. Kuss-Cybula and Assistant Superintendent Mr. Lundstrom shared a State of the Schools update at this week's Oak Harbor Chamber Lunch which was followed by a holiday music performance from Oak Harbor High School choir students.
Four people stand in front of a "MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS" sign, two wearing festive sweaters.
A diverse group of students and two adults pose for a photo in a classroom decorated with student artwork.
Oak Harbor High School and Oak Harbor Intermediate students brought the holiday spirit this week!
Four smiling women pose together, two wearing festive holiday sweaters.
Four people stand in front of a purple fringe backdrop, holding large silver balloons shaped like the numbers 6 and 7.
... and district staff enjoyed some holiday fun, too!
 
Three people, two young adults and an older man, are clapping and smiling in front of a festive backdrop.
A diverse group of ten individuals, including adults and young people, stand together outdoors in front of a building and trees.
Senator Ron Muzzall toured Oak Harbor High School’s award-winning CTE programs and spoke with students on Friday. He even got to be a part of Wildcat Media’s production of morning announcements!
Read the Full Story
 
A diverse group of musicians poses with brass instruments, including French horns and a trombone.
On Saturday, Dec. 13, several sonorous students took to the stage with Whidbey's Saratoga Orchestra for their holiday program!

Students Philip Esterdahl, Jake Bailey, Sophie Mayne, Cedar Allen were featured as a part of the orchestra's Student Artists program. Our star students an opportunity to sit in with our local professional orchestra, observing professional musicians at work and joining in for a few tunes.

The students had to pass an audition and come ready to play every note at the very first practice, where they then learned lessons about how to keep up with professionals. They were assisted by teachers Brandon Nelson, Zach Petty, Mary Petty, and Holly Brown who also play in the orchestra. Bravo!
 
A person wearing purple gloves and a white apron stirs a mixture in a pot with a wooden spoon.
Three people wearing purple gloves work with orange dough on a flour-dusted table.
Every few weeks the Exceptional Academy makes playdough for the youngest students in the school district.
 
Large blue text reads 'WINTER BREAK' over a snowy background.
There will be no school and the district office lobby will be closed Monday, Dec. 22 through Friday, Jan. 2. Enjoy the break and we will see you when school resumes in the new year on Monday, Jan. 5! 
Visit the OHPS Newsroom
follow us on facebook or instagram