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The Scoop: A Lot to Celebrate

Posted Date: 01/30/26 (06:02 PM)


Four students stand behind dioramas depicting different ecosystems, with the Oak Harbor Public Schools logo and "THE SCOOP" text visible.

Upcoming Events

  • 2/4: OHI 6th Grade Band Concert @ 6 p.m.
  • 2/5-6: Parent-Teacher Conferences
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district updates. stay informed
Students in a classroom raise their hands, engaged in learning.
The Oak Harbor Public Schools 2026 Annual Report has been delivered to homes in Oak Harbor! We invite you to read through it and join us in celebrating the accomplishments of our students, staff, and schools as we continue building a bright future together.
 

Bus Driver David Greenwood is Building a Community of Belonging on Wheels

David Greenwood has been a bus driver with Oak Harbor Public Schools since 2019 after retiring from the US Navy. On his first day on the job, he shadowed a driver for the Choices program and immediately loved it. He covered the route temporarily and when it came up for bid, he grabbed it.

"I absolutely love those kids," said David. "I understand them and the challenges they face."

David said he gets joy from making connections with each of the students that ride his bus. A unique part of being a bus driver is that they may transport the same students over several years. Since 2019 he's seen kids transition from middle school to high school.

David knows how important first and last impressions are and he makes an extra effort to brighten the morning and afternoon of each student. It's not unusual to see him dressed as Santa before Winter Break or with a decorated green beard around St. Patrick's Day.

"We have a good time on my bus. On many buses, students will get on the bus and go straight to the back to be left alone. Most of my riders like to sit up front. I talk with them and we laugh a lot."
 
Infographic illustrating illness prevention tips, including handwashing, avoiding touching face, and social distancing.

A Message from our Nurses

It's flu season! Flu symptoms include fever, cough, body aches, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat, and chills. Most children recover from the flu at home. If your child is under age 5 or has previous health conditions and is experiencing flu-like conditions, please contact your health provider. Students with a fever of 100.4 degrees F or higher must stay home until they are fever-free without medication for 24 hours.

Ways to prevent the flu:
  • Get vaccinated with your doctor, pharmacy, or Health Department
  • Wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth
  • Avoid close contact with sick people
  • Cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
More From Our Nurses
community spirit oneoakharbor
Four individuals in uniform sit at tables, participating in a panel discussion with an audience in the foreground.
Law enforcement officers interact with students in a classroom setting with tables and chairs.
From OHHS Reporters Lisa Hill and Tyler Sika
The Law Enforcement Career Panel was hosted by OHHS College and Career Counselor Ms. Kellison on Wednesday, January 21. This event provided an opportunity for students to learn more about potential careers in the law enforcement field. There were eight presenters, each representing a different career path, including Naval Criminal Investigation Service, Island County Sheriff, Oak Harbor Police, US Customs & Border Patrol and Washington State Patrol.

All presenters discussed their work in detail, explaining how they reached their current positions and what their jobs look like on a day to day basis. Following the presentations, students had the opportunity to speak with presenters one-on-one to get answers to their questions. Thank you to panelists Kathleen Mandzy, Shantel Ricci, Michael Brydie, Noah Jones, Evan Tu’ua and Jeremy Soptich, Tim Davison, Johnny Howes, who are OHHS alumni, for all that you do and for sharing your experiences with our students!
 
Poster for 'Between the Lines' play, featuring an open book with letters flying out.
The Oak Harbor High School Choir, Drama, Band, AND Art clubs are joining forces to present "Between the Lines," a new musical about writing your own story!
  • Show dates are Feb. 12-14 and Feb. 19-21.
  • Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m.
  • Tickets are $15 at the door (cash/check) at Oak Harbor High School
learning and fun happening in our schools
A woman smiles warmly, embracing two young girls in a school hallway decorated with colorful artwork and bubble-like ornaments.
A young boy smiles while holding a book titled "Fighting Fires" at a table filled with children's books.
A young girl in glasses holds up a book titled "Sitka Rose" in a classroom setting.
A young child wears a handmade fly costume hat and a Tom and Jerry sweatshirt.
After a fun Family Reading Night at Oak Harbor Elementary, students and staff were invited to participate in a “Dress as Your Favorite Book Character” spirit day!
A textured, orange ceramic cat sculpture with black eyes and paws stands among other colorful art pieces.
A colorful painting of an owl perched on a branch under a large moon, titled 'Moonlit Owl'.
Oak Harbor Elementary also displays student art work, including an Artist of the Month. The most recent featured artwork is titled "Under the Winter Moon" from 2nd grade artist Eloise Miller and features an owl composed of oil pastel scraffito and tempera.
 
A diverse group of young people in formal attire, many wearing medals, pose for a photo outdoors.
Congratulations to the OHHS DECA students on their great achievements at the Area Conference on January 10 and 11! Their hard work and dedication to excellence really were evident in how well they represented the school. Grace Zhao placed first in Retail Merchandising, Sophia Bahner placed 2nd in Automative Services, and Annalise Wesley placed 3rd in Professional Selling.
See all Placements
 
A group of young athletes in purple uniforms and leis pose for a photo with coaches and staff.
Two wrestlers in athletic gear compete on a mat under dramatic lighting.
A referee raises the arm of a victorious wrestler in a dimly lit arena.

Athletics Highlights

From OHHS Student Reporters Levi Evans, Matthew Selsor, Cayson Evans, and Alan Mendoza

The OHHS Varsity Boys Wrestling team dominated the mat on January 22, defeating the Bellingham Bayhawks 58–12 in a memorable Senior Night celebration. The evening honored eight dedicated seniors: Malachi Ebai, Isaac Sampedro, Joseph Welch, Joel Christopherson, Austin Deater, Luke Shultz, Ayden Edejer, and Levi Eash, recognizing their years of grit and determination in the sport. The team's commanding performance provided a fitting tribute to these graduating athletes as they secured a decisive victory on their special night.
Oak Harbor Wildcats girls flag football team poses for a photo on the field with coaches.
Congratulations to the OHHS Girls Flag Football Team on an incredible historic first season! The Wildcats have gone 9–1 and earned the #1 seed in the 3A District Tournament!
A group of people, including young athletes in purple jackets, sit in bleachers, many holding up one finger.
Congratulations to the OHHS Wildcat Girls Wrestling Team who placed 1st out of 25 teams at the Athena Pageant Wrestling Tournament at Auburn High School!
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