Over the past two years, Oak Harbor Public Schools has worked with a group of citizens to identify the physical and functional needs of its facilities. This Capitol Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC) was charged with developing a recommendation to the school board for future capital improvements. In addition to assessing the condition of buildings, CFAC also recognized the high importance of school safety to the district and community.

This week two students from Oak Harbor Intermediate School, Lincoln Bass and Zander Mitchell, assisted an elderly gentleman who fell in the school's parking lot. Their quick thinking and bravery modeled OHI's core values of being Respectful, Responsible, and Ready. The school recognized Lincoln and Zander with a school-wide PA announcement, Certificates of Excellence, and letters of commendation to their families.

At Oak Harbor Elementary Mrs. Martin’s TTK students explored clay in Mrs. Gmerek's art class! They learned to roll a smooth sphere, flattening with pressure and palms to make a slab, and experimented with texture by using patterned tools to create a fun keepsake plaque.

Girls' Flag Football is a brand-new sport introduced this year at Oak Harbor High School, and on January 7, the Girls Varsity Flag Football Team held their first-ever home games against the Everett Seagulls and the Cascade Bruins. With two wins, going 34-14 and 14-7, the girls continue to be undefeated early on in their season.

Senior Emilia McGaha scored 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions, and said she felt great after the team’s wins. “I was happy to contribute to our win, and I’m satisfied with how I played. It was really amazing to defend our home turf, and hopefully we can continue to have an undefeated season. We have been performing great as a team, and we are all really meshing together. There are definitely some things we need to clean up, but - all in all - I am very proud of us! We are all really lucky to be a part of this new sport!” she added.

With no more home games, the girls will be playing away for the rest of the 2025/26 season. The team’s next game is on January 14 at Lynden High School @ 4:30 pm.

Oak Harbor Public Schools is forming an Inclusionary Practices Task Force, dedicated to strengthening inclusive learning experiences for all students. This work will focus on district-wide practices, barriers, and the tools and supports necessary to ensure all students can access high-quality learning.

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Kuss-Cybula will be the Special Guest for the January 15 EDC Coffee Chat. EDC Coffee Chat is free to attend and open to anyone invested in Island County’s economic vitality.